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Cathy and Jack Holbrook
As this article comes from the Bairnsdale Advertiser it is with gratitude that we acknowledge the importance of this paper in our lives .It would be is easy to dismiss their contribution as just a commercial operation, but over time the staff and management continuously prove that they are committed to balancing their commercial needs with serving the community in our best interest. They do this well !  May The ADVERTISER and the staff be around forever because we need them .
as it appeared in the Advertiser 25th Sept '09
Paynesville real estate agent John Waller, of Ann Waller Real Estate, was the agent to show  Cathy and Jack Holbrooktheir property on Raymond Island.
“Ann and John were marvellous, so welcoming and helpful but to be truthful, in a way we found this house ourselves,” said Cathy Holbrook.
Although she is a new resident, it would be unfair to refer to the vivacious Cathy as a newcomer. Her appreciation of her home equals that of an old-time Islander.
Describing how they found their delightful hexagonal sun- filled home echoes the words of many who refer to the chance nature of the search. They say it’s a quest not only for a house, but a lifestyle. “We came up to Lakes Entrance for a holiday and heard about Raymond Island so went for a drive to investigate. “We found this almost by accident but as soon as we set foot on the Island we thought,’ oh what an oasis’, we both just loved it.
“I’d seen this house on the net” Cathy said,” and remembered the street name. I said let’s just have a look. “As soon as we drove into the court, Jack said,” I reckon I could live here ‘and we acted pretty well straightaway.
Both Cathy and Jack have lived and worked in the eastern suburbs , Torquay, Ocean Grove area and both have extended family in that area so it was quite a jump to move to East Gippsland. Jack recently retired from the Victorian Police force after 30 years of service. “I started in Melbourne, went to the dog squad for 12 years, accepted promotion to general duties in Corio and spent the last six years in liquor licensing.” he said.
“As for retirement, I‘ve never worked so hard in my life- by that I mean there is so much to do.”
Shortly after moving in, they heard the Raymond Island Ferry needed a casual driver; Jack took over the role for five months. “What better way could there be to get to know the locals?” he asked.
The first person Jack met was Maggie Jones, who along with husband Peter became best friends. We’ve made more friends here then we‘ve ever had.” said Jack.
“The ferry’s a real meeting place. After having a stressful job before retirement it has been very nice to meet and make new friends,” he said.
When Cathy and Maggie met and started to get to know each other, they realised that it was likely that years ago they may have played netball against each other in the Basin. These days the pair are not adversaries but firm friends who do Tai Chi together, go garage sale’ing and walking, go to the movies and dinner and have lots of coffees.
“After we moved in, a lady heard I wanted to do craft, she came and knocked on the door and said would I like to join a group. Anything that interests you is available locally.” Cathy said. “Look out there “Cathy said, pointing towards the Strait,” although the waterway is busy and always changing, it is still so peaceful.”
“We don’t find the ferry a problem, it’s suits us, we walk more because of it, lots of people ride their bikes and we are pleased the ferry doesn’t run too late because the Island doesn’t get the yahoos.“ In some ways it reminds me of what Torquay was like when we went there 21 years ago, it is a sort of heaven. It can get busy in holiday time but it doesn’t get as busy as Torquay or Barwon Heads or even Lakes Entrance.” Cathy said.
Raymond Island is known for its healthy population of koalas but wildlife of all kinds co-exists with the Islanders. Birdlife and dolphins, all happily traverse McMillan Strait. “The other day I was talking on the phone to relatives and I found myself saying 'it’s beautiful here today, there’s a kangaroo just jumped through the garden, a koala in the tree and a echidna waddling down the street .” Cathy said.
Jack has an interest in fishing and power boating. He’s brought a bit of Australian television history with him in the shape of his speed boat. Jack said when he saw it come up for sale he couldn’t resist the boat that was built in America in the 1960s for quiz show legends Bob and Dolly Dyer.
“Combine this clean environment with the lovely friendly people and good friends what more could we ask? “ Jack said.
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Island Identities