My name: Gail Butt
My place and date of birth: Melbourne, 9th September ?
My family: 2 sons – Brendan 23yo & Daniel16yo
I have lived in Bendigo: 4 ½ years
I came to Bendigo: from Maryborough, Vic (and previously Research, Melb)
My most enjoyable moments are spent: With my family and friends
I would describe myself as being: Friendly, motivated, social
My earliest memory is: Starting school in Eltham, Vic
The music I love is: Most (no heavy stuff )
The defining moment of my life has been: Having my boys and seeing them grow in to fine young men, which makes me extremely proud.
I wish I had never: Picked up our Jack Russell. (He is so demanding and boisterous).
If I could meet anyone in history: Mother Teresa
The most memorable book I have read: Angela’s Ashes – I was amazed with the poverty they lived.
The best place I’ve visited: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
My biggest achievement: Receiving the “Pride of Workmanship” Rotary award. while working in HR at Nestle.
If I could wish for anything at all I would wish for: World peace, no poverty.

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My name: Jenny Bazley
My place and date of birth: Yallourn, Vic DOB Classified
My family: Husband Kevin, 4 great adult children, Amanda, Megan, Tim & David, one OK in-law Troy and 2 even greater grandchildren, Paul & James
I have lived in Bendigo: for 14 months
I came to Bendigo: from Melbourne
My most enjoyable moments are spent: with friends, family – anyone who will listen to me
I would describe myself as being: reasonably outgoing and friendly
My earliest memory is: moving from Moe to Melbourne in the furniture van. I was four years old and sitting on my mums lap in the front seat with our border collie at our feet.
The music I love is: anything but heavy metal
The defining moment of my life (so far) has been: marriage and family
I wish I had never: gone to the snow. I hate the cold.
If I could meet anyone in history: Johann Strauss
The most memorable book I have read: All of Mauve Binchy
The best place I’ve visited: Cape York Peninsula
My biggest achievement: being a Mum
If I could wish for anything at all I would wish for: peace and harmony for all.

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My name: Judith Long
My place and date of birth: Wudinna (SA), 7/11/1948

My name: Michelle Scott
My date and place of birth: March 1977 – Victoria
My family (partner/parents/any kids?):Two sons – plus the special people I have adopted as family here in Bendigo
I have lived in Bendigo for (how long): 4 years
I have come to Bendigo from (town/place): Camden, NSW
I have come to Bendigo because:Fantastic lifestyle
One of my favourite things about Bendigo is: Heritage Buildings
My most enjoyable moments are spent:Spending quality time with my gorgeous boys, enjoying the company of my friends, meeting and helping people and making the most out of life.
I would describe myself as being:Passionate, very determined, positive and a person who loves to have fun.
My earliest memory is: Moving to West Gippsland – Aged 2
The music I love is: Variety – depending on what I'm doing and where I am at the time.
The best movie I've ever seen was:The DVD of 'The Secret' (very life changing)
The defining moment of my life (so far) has been: Becoming a mum.
I really admire:People who don't have a chip on their shoulders and have a go in life, creating their own destiny.
I wish I could be better at:Saying “No” sometimes
The most memorable book I have read:'Between Two Worlds'. I have a few amazing books I'm reading at the moment - 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and 'The E Myth Revisited'. 'He's Just Not That Into You' was a great read also.
I have very strong views about: Abuse in any form.
My biggest achievement:My two boys and Co-founding Bendigo Newcomers
If I could wish for anything at all I would wish for:Health and happiness for everyone in the Universe 

My name: Kevin Bazley
My place and date of birth: Melbourne, Vic - May Day
My Family: wife (Jenny) four adult children, two grandchildren
I have lived in Bendigo: approximately 20 months from North Ringwood,     
I came to Bendigo from: Melbourne
My most enjoyable moments are spent: travelling with Jenny
I would describe myself as being: outgoing & friendly
My earliest memory is: starting kindergarten in Elwood
The music I love is: country and rock
The defining moment of my life has been: starting my own business
I wish I had never: become a fanatical Saints supporter – have endured many disappointments
If I could meet anyone in history: Elvis Presley
The most memorable book I have read: Beneath the Southern Cross (Judy Nunn)
The best place I’ve visited: Cape York Peninsula
My biggest achievement: reducing golf handicap – at last
If I could wish for anything at all I would wish for:  My family to achieve their personal goals

Alan and Helen Gobbe

Tree change is what Alan and Helen Gobbe call their move to Bendigo.

"We just wanted to spend less time in traffic, play some golf and enjoy our lives" said Helen when asked why they had made the move from Cheltenham (Melbourne). 

" We had been coming to Bendigo for about seven years to visit friends and love the country feel of Bendigo" said Alan.

Alan has now retired as Facilities Manager for a large Melbourne College.  Helen has spent her life in the finance world and currently runs a small business from home.

Bendigo Barbie

When I moved to Bendigo and I did not know one soul. It wasn’t long until I made a new best friend commonly known as “The Television” or “TV” to those who are on more affectionate terms. My best friend and I were hitting it off well, however stimulation was scarce and boredom soon set in as each night we spent together filled with reruns.

Like Ken and Barbie a few years ago who decided to spend some time apart, we decided to take things a bit slower. After their break-up Barbie found a new source of entertainment with her Australian surfer friend Blaine. Blaine is blond, tanned and cost $14.95 US dollars. I couldn’t find a “Blaine” in Bendigo so instead I spent $15 on my Newcomers membership.

I hear on the grapevine that Ken is keen to have Barbie back, however this Bendigo Barbie is determined to keep living it up with the Newcomers who are much more fun and interesting. Since joining Newcomers I have made friends, joined a netball team, seen live music, played golf, been to the movies and regularly go out for dinner and drinks.
 
I am looking forward to seeing more live music and participating in plenty of activities in 2009.