Minyip
RURAL TOWNS FIGHTING BACK series by Kerry Anderson
For a tiny rural town, Minyip has a lot of interesting stories to tell. 22 years ago, the very first Community Branch of the Bendigo Bank opened in Rupanyup Minyip. The original Eureka Flag was discovered at a local property. The Flying Doctors, The Dressmaker, and The Dry have all been filmed in and around Minyip. And rumour has it that the ABC’s Heather Ewart is the next celebrity coming to town!
Minyip Progress Association President Don Orr, Secretary Marie Milgate, and Treasurer, Peter Haney
Despite these many claims to fame, as always it is the local people that make this rural town with a population of 524 (according to the 2016 Census) so interesting. Minyip has an eclectic mix of multi-generation farmers, retirees and families escaping the city, and a steady stream of visitors travelling the Silo Art Trail.
Like many rural towns, Minyip has had a Progress Association since the late 19th Century. Recently I enjoyed a catch up with members to learn more about their various projects and enterprises. Whatever is going on in town, the Association is usually involved in some way and Secretary Marie Milgate filled me in on some of the details. Her memories go back to the 1970’s when her father-in-law was active in the Association.
While I always maintain that community and business go hand in hand, perhaps the biggest surprise to me is that the Association owns the Emma’s Café building.
‘Yes, we have stepped a bit beyond the role of town improvement,’ she agrees. ‘We are a land-lord which is a bit different.’
Another section of the same building is currently being developed as the new library to be leased to the Yarriambiack Shire Council, so their role continues to grow.
In addition to being a landlord, the Association also receives regular income from the Saddlers Second Chance store, on average $1,000 a month, which is managed by one of their members and former President, Keith Daniells.
Another role is to manage the local Caravan Park. ‘Don, our President, mows the lawns and others clean the facilities. An honesty box is checked every day and most people are very good. It has been a tidy income for us when travel is allowed.’
Through grants sought in conjunction with the Shire, the Progress Association has been able to take on some major projects. In 1997 they purchased the iconic building that was used as part of The Flying Doctor’s film set for Emma’s Café and the Garage. Along with a number of locals, the Rupanyup Minyip Community Bank kicked in funds. Since the purchase they have also undertaken works to ensure that the building stands for another 135 years, with a further $90,000 invested. The annual Show ‘n Shine event and donations from fans of The Flying Doctors have helped to support the works.
Not shy of taking on another big project, Marie reports that they are about to bring a brand-new fuel outlet to Minyip at an estimated total cost of $180,000. When the previous site was deemed unsuitable for a fuel outlet, the community came together to find a solution aided by the project management skills of one of their new Association members, Ray White. He was also helping out with the new library renovations when I visited.
‘Ray is a retired architect who came to Minyip from Melbourne a couple of years ago. He’s been incredibly valuable and has guided us through soil tests and drawing up plans; he has taken control of the project management’ explains Marie. ‘In a way, like us all, he’s doing it for himself and his wife, but it’s for the whole community that need fuel for their cars.’
After two years of negotiation Marie is excited that they are getting closer with the assistance of a $101,000 drought funding grant obtained through the Shire and funds raised through various events and their ongoing enterprises.
‘We have the title at the solicitor’s office after buying a small piece of land at a nominal price from GrainCorp. The Civil works will be going out to tender any day now. A company has come on board. Equipment made to order is being imported from Germany. Hopefully it will be all agreed to by late this year or early next year. Maybe. Possibly. Hopefully!’
The beauty of the new fuel outlet is that it will be managed by a company with a small percentage per litre coming back to the community. With some big employers in the area, an independent living hostel, seed grading company, local agricultural engineering business, plus tourists, there will be additional fuel sales.
‘And, if we get a few big farmer accounts it will also help.’
Marie acknowledges that the challenge for Minyip’s community is its ageing demographics. Having worked full time for many years, she is only just returning as a volunteer herself and understands that the few young ones that do live in town are working or busy with children.
She is still optimistic for the future.
‘A young couple bought the IGA Supermarket 12 months ago and have really lifted its appearance and increased trade. Our only pub is managed by a local girl who has returned with her young family. We also have one of the best butcher shops in Victoria. It would be lovely for our community and schools if more young people start escaping from Melbourne.’
With our capital city currently in lock down I suspect that many people are thinking the same thing. It is no surprise to learn that the few houses on the market have recently sold.
Until the next generation are ready to step up, the Minyip Progress Association has a dedicated membership with a wide range of knowledge and skills, contributing to some impressive project work.
‘People have a lot of passion for our community. We strive to hold it together and build it. There are so many friendships.’
I ask one last question. If you could wave your magic wand, what would you want to achieve for Minyip?
As any good farmer would, Marie starts with the wish to have five years drought free, ‘with good to above average yields and better than good prices for commodities.’ Then she starts drilling down to specifics for the township. ‘No vacant homes in Minyip. Six new young families , with school age children , of course.’
Reinvigorated shop fronts and a new bakery, and the transformation of the now vacant Club Hotel (aka Coopers Crossing Hotel ) into a Bed & Breakfast, are her next thoughts. ‘Serious investors with $$$$ invited to contact us.’
AND, then the really big one. ‘Minyip Murtoa Burra's go back to back in the Wimmera League Senior Football & A Grade Netball.’
‘I don't want much!’ she laughs.
Minyip Progress Association Website
Minyip Progress Association Facebook
Minyip Show and Shine Facebook
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KERRY ANDERSON: Founder of the Operation Next Gen program and author of ‘Entrepreneurship: It’s Everybody’s Business,’ Kerry works with small businesses and rural communities to help them embrace new opportunities. In 2018 she was named as one of Australia’s Top 50 Regional Agents of Change. READ MORE