Hundreds gather in Daylesford for Rod May memorial

Guests were handed organic apples grown from the Blampied soil upon arrival at the memorial service for Rod May, who was most well known for his role as a councillor and mayor of the Hepburn Shire.  

A swathe of well known state and national politicians were among the crowd, including Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber, Ballarat MP Catherine King and federal Greens leader Richard Di Natale, who was among the speakers at the emotional ceremony.  

“Rod was an innovator, a disruptor, a pioneer, somebody who put ecology at the heart of everything,” Dr Di Natale said of the former Greens candidate for the state seat of Ripon.  “He was a big bloke with an even bigger presence, but he had a really easy manner and always made you feel at home.” 

Daughters Steph and Carla remembered a father of exceptional knowledge and passion who would take their call at any time of the day.  

“He took his job as an educator, an organic farmer and father seriously and never wasted an opportunity to share his vast knowledge on anyone who would listen,” Steph Hodgins-May said.   “We bragged about dad constantly to anyone who would listen and there was many who would and will.”  

Among the others to pay tribute to the organic farmer and permaculture specialist was brother and sitting Hepburn Shire councillor Greg May, who detailed the pair’s life growing up on the farm as well as Rod’s trips to the United States.  

Friend and environmental author David Holmgren detailed Rod’s contribution to the Landcare movement in Central Victoria, while partner Anne E Stewart also paid tribute to the man she first met more than 30 years ago. 

Hepburn Shire mayor Sebastian Klein, who MC’d the memorial, concluded the service by remarking how in the current age the world “needs more Rod Mays”.  

The 63-year-old tragically died in late May after being involved in a motorcycle crash at Gong Gong.