Remember that old saying, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl”?
Peta Credlin AO, host of the “Credlin” program on Sky News Australia, columnist with News Corp, and former Australian Liberal Party dynamo, amongst many other accolades, made a flying visit to Wycheproof over the recent long weekend. Peta grew up in Wycheproof, attending St. Michael’s Primary School and the Wycheproof Education Centre (now known as Wycheproof P-12 College), before the Credlin family relocated to the Geelong region, where Peta continued her education and set off on her renowned career journey.
Merv’s book launch
Peta, together with her mother, Brenda, attended a book-launch at the impressively renovated Keane family farming property, hosted by another famous Wycheproof export, former Australian Football League (AFL) player, Mervyn Keane. Merv, as he is more affectionately known, launched his most recent book titled “You Don’t Understand” – a fascinating read detailing his journey alongside Essendon cult hero, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.
The occasion, held on Saturday evening, was an overwhelming success, the heatwave across The Mallee certainly not dampening the patronage.
Many were in town to partake in a hit of tennis at the tournament, family get togethers, local hotel entertainment, viewing of the Show & Shine vehicle display event and enjoy a myriad of other activities scheduled across Buloke. Merv and his siblings grew up at the property and continue to maintain a strong local community presence.
Meeting with Mancel – “The Maestro”
Within the book Merv mentions his hometown hero Mancel “Mick” Giddings – quote, “He was my King as a kid and remains an elder statesman today. I wanted to be like him – the famous number 2 for the Wycheproof-Narraport Demons. He was tough, courageous and fast. The ultimate professional.”
Mick has a solid fan-base extending far and wide across the district and beyond. He was delighted to be in attendance on the evening and earn a mention within the pages of the book. He not only caught up with Merv and sourced his very own autographed copy; he also met up with another close associate in Peta. Mick presented her with his “Wycheproof T-Shirt” and a black texta – for her to officially sign.
Mick affords this honour to identified personalities, and the t-shirt is displayed with acclaim at his local Willandra Museum in Wycheproof, alongside an array of Peta media tribute items too.
Peta promotes Wyche
Peta was proud to play her part at the launch, being available for photographs with Mick and his family, alongside many others. Further, Peta acknowledged her visit via her official social media channels, and her “Credlin” program on Sky News.
The accolades for Mick (and his Willandra Museum), Merv (and his new book), and the wide-spread Wycheproof community were premium examples of money-can’t-buy, homegrown organic media, profoundly positioning the half-way-stop on the Calder Highway between Melbourne and Mildura in the media spotlight over the course of 48 hours.
Peta specifically highlighted how proud she was to have grown up in Wycheproof, and of the longstanding Credlin family heritage relevant to the district, her late father Len sharing a wise adage with her which she recalls fondly – quote, “Never forget where you are from…”
Those transmission towers
Finally, in a nod to her professional news reporting, Peta made a subtle call to action over giant transmission tower plans and the impact of these across local privately owned farms.
Her closing line via her popular Sky News program was a powerful one: “Locals said to me, they’ve only just got started…” – Peta referencing the strong opposition towards the towers going ahead and the contest that lies ahead.
Social accolades significant
The following content has been re-supplied via the Mt. Wycheproof & District Racing Club Facebook page with appropriate copyright acknowledgments to Peta and the Giddings family, the public response being overwhelming.
Not only did Peta pose for a photograph at the renowned Wycheproof town entry sign promoting the “World’s Smallest Mountain” on the Calder Highway, opposite the Willandra Museum; she managed to incorporate promotion of Mt. Wycheproof Cup Day too.
Peta has previously highlighted her love of country racing and fond memories of attending Cup Day with her family. Peta’s father was a former committee member, and her recollections of him, the Credlin family history, and growing up in Wycheproof clearly remain profoundly important to her, making that old saying a very relevant reflection for many: “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl”. A reminder of all the good things which country life and living in a vibrant rural community provides.
Footnote/s; further information regarding how to source a copy of Merv’s new book will be made available to this masthead when known. To view Peta’s “shout-out” to Wycheproof and more, visit www.skynews.com.au
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 22 March 2024.
