The King’s Birthday long weekend provided the perfect opportunity for a special family reunion in Birchip as members of the Neville family gathered to celebrate the recently completed Ray Neville silo murals.
The visit was sparked by Ray’s daughter, Lyn Dumesny of Rockhampton, who was travelling to Victoria and was keen to see the impressive artwork honouring her father on the Birchip silos. What began as a simple visit quickly turned into an impromptu family gathering, with family members travelling from across Australia to share the occasion.
Special cakes and slices made from family recipes passed down through the generations provided the backdrop for family members to reminisce about their childhood, share stories from years gone by, and reflect on Ray’s remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy he left in the racing world and the local district.
Ray’s daughter Christine Neville Currie said the reunion was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family and celebrate their father’s legacy.
“Mum and Dad had eight children, 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, so it was a very big family growing up and lovely to get many of us back together in Birchip, including members of the Hatcher family from Woomelang, ” she said.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, the family brought along Ray Neville’s Melbourne Cup trophy. The trophy holds a unique place in racing history, having been presented by General Motors Holden when it first became a sponsor of the Melbourne Cup. Only three trophies were produced and presented to the owner, trainer and jockey, making it a treasured family keepsake.
The family gathered for photographs at the Birchip Silo Art before enjoying a meal together at the Birchip Hotel.
Among those attending were four of Ray’s children: Kenny Neville from Adelaide, Christine Neville Currie from Elmhurst, Lyn Neville Dumesny from Rockhampton and Barry Neville from Yarraville. Sadly, sisters Rosee and Viv were unable to attend on the day.
A chance meeting at the hotel with local resident Maurice Hogan proved to be another highlight of the visit. Maurice invited the family to his home, where they viewed a striking wall image of Ray Neville riding Rimfire in the Melbourne Cup.
The mural had been created by Michael Hogan during the renovation of Maurice’s home for the Channel 9 television program “Budget Battlers”, which aired in 2025. The wall display also features the story of Ray’s famous Melbourne Cup ride.
For the Neville family, the visit was far more than a chance to view the artwork. It became an opportunity to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the life and achievements of a man whose story continues to resonate throughout the Mallee and beyond.
With the magnificent silo murals now standing proudly in Birchip, Ray Neville’s legacy has found a fitting and enduring tribute, ensuring future generations can learn about one of the district’s most celebrated sporting occasions.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 25 June 2026.
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