Recent retiree Kevin Keating’s life has been all about the Macedon Ranges. Besides bringing up his family in the area, he spent 35 years working for the local council. He talks with Serena Seyfort.
What is your connection to the Macedon Ranges?
I’ve been in the area all my life. I was born in Woodend, but I moved to Gisborne when I married a Gisborne girl. I played footy for Woodend. My two children, who are now grown up, were born in Kyneton Hospital and went to Sacred Heart College. I began at the council doing a six-month fill-in job and finished up 35 years later. I started at the bottom, learning to drive machines, then I became a foreman. I ended up as the council’s co-ordinator of road maintenance.
What do you love most about the area?
It’s a very family-friendly area and it has all the facilities you could want, including magnificent football ovals. My favourite spot would have to be Kerrie Valley, between Riddells Creek and Woodend. It’s an amazing little area.
What would you change about the area?
I don’t like the way that larger parts of land are getting cut up into smaller developments. It’s destroying the culture of the old town. Also, when we replace trees I think we need to replant the same species, particularly the elms and the oaks. They’re a real source of pleasure at this time of year.
What’s the plan now that you’ve retired?
More golf, more fishing and travelling Australia with my wife.
