Melville Johnson shears one of a short run of sheep at his last stand at the Bainger family s Old Brimbago Station on Sunday, with Mary (left), Bill and Laura Bainger. Melville shore at the property for a staggering 38 years without a miss.
LIFELONG local resident Melville Johnson was never out of work in his long working life, even though he was born in Naracoorte at the height of the Great Depression on August 18, 1932.
Melville is perhaps best known locally for his longevity in the arduous task of shearing as his career in the sheds began at the age of 18 and lasted more than 50 years.
Even now, there are plans for Melville to take the fleeces off eight sheep as part of his celebrations for his upcoming 80th birthday.
"I hope they don't make me shear eight Merino rams!," joked Melville as a reference to the most difficult of a shearer's task.
Raised in Kybybolite, this has been his home for his entire life.
Full story in this week's Herald.
