On the Road: Rainbow locals are just as colourful as their far west Victorian town’s name

IN A town called Rainbow — an idyllic town in Victoria’s far west — locals have a lot to live up to. Lucky then, they are just as colourful.

Millie Ough, 85, is just one of the colourful residents of Rainbow, in Victoria's far west. Picture: Mark Stewart

• Father and son’s unique retro collection
• Bellarine Peninsula surfer Heather Peck at ease on Victorian coast
• Saving lives is Bill Johnson’s calling
• Best camping spots along the Great Ocean Road

IN A town called Rainbow, locals have a lot to live up to.

Lucky then, they are just as colourful.

There’s Millie Ough, who at 85, is still partial to a cool ice block on the kind of summer scorcher that’s regularly delivered to this idyllic town in Victoria’s far west.

She’s the town matriarch whose quick wit belies her slowing feet. Some would crown her the unofficial mayor if they could — but this living gem would prefer a tiara.

Though, she has no interest in small town politics, just the names and faces that have helped shape this community she has called home since 1955.

‘’I’m a blow in,’’ she says. ‘’ ... a bit of a newcomer. But Rainbow is a very special place. The people here always look out for you. I have no intention to ever leave.’’

Reporter Aaron Langmaid and photographer Mark Stewart are travelling across Victoria discovering people and places.

For years Millie ran the local takeaway store, was a regular bowls club member, and secretary of the cemetery trust where, funnily enough, her clients never complained.

In winter, you’ll find her on the sidelines cheering on the local footy lads and she’s still a regular at the local primary school where she sits and listens as the youngest residents of Rainbow read.

Weather-permitting, you’ll still find Millie perched on the main street fundraising for a worthy cause.

‘’I can’t do all the things I used to because I’m too old and buggered but I do love selling raffle tickets. I can sit on my bum and have a good yak.’’

Around the corner Hindmarsh councillor and hardware store owner Ronnie Ismay is another resident who’s love for the town is only marginally outweighed by his appreciation for a carefully restored classic.

Hindmarsh councillor Ronnie Ismay dusts off his 1933 Cadillac V12 in his back shed in the town of Rainbow in Victoria's west. Picture: Mark Stewart

He has a few collecting dust in the wings of his back shed but a 1933 Cadillac V12 has earned a special place in his rumbling heart.

‘’When we first got television in Rainbow I used to watch The Untouchables,’’ he said. ‘’I have always loved that era — those guys with their Tommy guns going sideways in their T-Model Fords.’’

He has worn many hats in this community through the years. A member of the CFA and Masonic Lodge, chair of the school council and 200 gamer for the local footy club. But his favourite remains an old feathered fedora that he borrowed from a mate.

He never did give it back.

It looks a little ‘’Al Capone’’ sitting on the head of a man who acts nothing like it.

‘’It fits me well, don’t you think?’’

— Follow reporter Aaron Langmaid and photographer Mark Stewart as they discover the people and places that make our state so great this summer.

If you know a true blue local or a place we should visit email [e-mail]