Bush Champions: How 86yo has become the heartbeat of the Victorian Mallee town of Wycheproof

The tight-knit feel of his Victorian town explains Mick Giddings’ enduring love for the place he has always called home. Now he’s being recognised for his decades of community service.

Mick Giddings has dedicated his life to serving the community in Wycheproof. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Every day is a good day to wake up in Wycheproof, according to Mick Giddings.

For the 86-year-old, it is the tight-knit feel of the Victorian Mallee town – population 610 – that explains his enduring love for the place he has always called home.

Walking down the street, there is always someone to chat to, Mick says, reflecting on friendships forged through decades of community service – from volunteering with the Country Fire Authority and Meals on Wheels, to playing and coaching footy and preserving the district’s pioneering history in the local museum.

To say Mick loves Wycheproof is an understatement.

He’s fiercely proud of the town’s achievements — from the park in the centre of town that draws travellers off the highway, to the bakery resurrected by locals, and community events like race meetings as well as the famously quirky King of the Mountain — where competitors carry 64kg wheat bags up the world’s smallest registered mountain, Mt Wycheproof.

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But his greatest passion lies in preserving the stories of the past. Mick has spent years collecting historical memorabilia, including a plough used at the 1895 Wycheproof Agricultural Show and personal documents from his grandparents, who were among the original landholders in the district.

“(These things are) all part of history,” said Mick, who has been nominated for News Corp’s inaugural Bush Champions awards.

The awards, supported by Woolworths, recognise innovation, leadership and service across rural and regional Australia, with categories including Community Champion, Ag Champion and Young Champion.

Winners will be announced at August’s National Bush Summit in Ballarat, Victoria, to be attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Category winners will receive $2000, with the overall Bush Champion awarded an additional $10,000.

To say Mick loves Wycheproof is an understatement. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Mick believes a country upbringing instils a hard work ethic and strong community values in kids from a young age.

“You work hard all week but it’s good to have a bit of a break from the farm on the weekend and get involved with other things, whether it’s sport or a local club or jumping on the back of a fire truck,” he said.

“You only get one trip (through life) and you have to make the most of it.”

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Originally published as Bush Champions: How 86yo has become the heartbeat of the Victorian Mallee town of Wycheproof