Rob McIntyre has always called Bolinda home. He’s been involved in local sport in just about every way possible. He chats with Serena Seyfort.
What’s your connection to the Macedon Ranges?
I’ve lived here all my life. My family’s been in the Bolinda area since 1851, when my great, great-grandfather came from Tasmania, so we’ve got a long history of being in the area. All my family went to school at Bolinda Primary School and then to Salesian College in
Sunbury.
Tell us about your involvement with the local community.
I’ve played cricket and football at Romsey and been involved on committees there for a long time. I have coached football and cricket there – I’ve done pretty much the whole lot. I’m president of Romsey Sporting Association, a group that manages the Romsey sporting facilities on behalf of the council, and I’m president of the Gisborne Cricket Association at the moment. I’ve been on the executive there for about 10 years. I’m also vice-president of the Central Highlands Region for cricket and a board member with the Victorian Country Cricket League, as well as a selector for the Victorian state country team. And when I was a carpenter for 40 years, I worked at Sacred Heart College in Kyneton for five years as a maintenance worker.
What do you like about the area?
Probably the history more than anything. And being involved with sport, meeting a lot of new friends through sport and also through community groups. It’s a friendly atmosphere, especially around the Romsey area.
Do you have a favourite local place?
I’d have to say the Romsey Recreation Reserve because I’ve spent so much time working up there in a voluntary capacity over the years.
If you change anything about the area, what would it be?
I’d go back to 1956 and stop the removal of the rail line from Clarkefield to Lancefield. If we still had a rail line, it would certainly open up the area and give people an opportunity for better public transport. It was more of a goods service, but now it would certainly be a big boom as transport for a fast-growing area.
Have you noticed much change in your 57 years in the Macedon Ranges?
It’s just amazing how quickly the area’s changed. It used to be big farming communities and now most farms have all been sold off and cut up. There are a lot of new people moving to the area. And it’s great to get these new people come in with all their different ideas and working and getting involved in the community. But it would be good to see a bit more community involvement from people moving from Melbourne. It’s getting harder and harder to find volunteers for any organisations these days.
