VALE MICK WOIWOD

(31 March 1929 – 26 August 2020)

It is with a heavy heart that the community of Nillumbik bids a final farewell to author and historian Mick Woiwod.

Born 31 March 1929, Mick Woiwod first commenced his writing career in 1991 while he and his wife Margaret were enjoying what he called the ‘good life’ in their mud-brick home in the Bend of Islands on the north bank of the Yarra.

State MPs Vicki Ward and Danielle Green acknowledged Mick for his contribution to the electorates of Eltham and Yan Yean.

Recognising Mick’s involvement in local history, conservation and Reconciliation for the past 40 years, Ms Ward and Ms Green said that Mick has left a legacy for future generations.

Mick researched, wrote and published 25 books with a focus on the Yarra Valley and on Victoria’s Indigenous history. Mick had a passion to tell the truth about the indigenous history of the area and of the Wurundjeri – the traditional custodians of Nillumbik land. His interest in the ‘Australian Story’ first ignited by a remark made by his grandfather in 1935.

A dedicated champion of Reconciliation, and to the history and the people of Nillumbik, Coranderrk and Woiwurrung Country, Mick served as the founding President of the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group between 1997 and 2005. He was also co-founder of the Andrew Ross Museum in Kangaroo Ground and a valued past member of the Eltham District Historical Society.

Mick leaves behind his children Louise, Christine, Graeme, Deborah, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He will be sadly missed by the many who knew him. Vale Mick Woiwod.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward

“Mick was extraordinarily generous with his time and his knowledge and has been invaluable in helping our community understand our Indigenous history.”

“We are so much the richer - and very lucky - to have had someone so dedicated to knowledge and truth. Vale Mick, we will miss you. Very much.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“I owe Mick a debt of gratitude. He took me aside as a young political candidate in 2002 to ensure that I knew the rich, diverse and ancient history of the land I sought to represent. Now together with his warm, funny and intelligent Marg. Vale Mick Woiwod.”