General News
18 February, 2025
MISTER FIXIT — There in your hour of need
Jesse Wright was for many years an indispensable part of Maryborough’s home maintenance. He was irreplaceable.
Any electrical appliance ranging from a stove, a washing machine, to a refrigerator were his domain — in the age of inbuilt obsolescence, he saved the day for most, as often an appliance only needed a small part which can’t be obtained.
I am aware that Jesse’s generosity is extended to those in need, especially in an industry that can be exploitive.
He could charge what he likes, but he doesn’t — improvisation is essential and an ability to adapt requires great skill.
Jess has also given a “lifetime” of service to the State Emergency Service.
This is an often forgotten group of volunteers who can be called on at any time to face the most horrendous circumstances.
His contribution to the Maryborough community was recognised with the rewarding of “Citizen of the Year” in 2021.
On a personal level, his beloved wife, Marianne was inflicted with the hideous disease of motor neurone and Jesse attended to her every need before her passing after a battle of two and a half years.
Jesse’s mum and dad (Gordon and Lorna) are highly regarded members of the community as well.
Lorna was much loved for her care of the children at A.G. Leech Kindergarten, and her time at John Ritchie’s Pharmacy. Gordon, a carpenter and general handyman, was a share farmer before his talents were utilised by the Dellavedova’s as a bus driver, and then at Maryborough Hire Services (a business later acquired by Peter Vine).
Meanwhile Jesse harboured his ambitions to become an engineer, completing his first year of a degree at Bendigo.
During the Christmas holidays he was employed at Midlands TV, run by Stan Trengove and Max Brown.
In 1975 with the introduction of colour television, there was a boom in antennae installation and young Jess was in demand. After things died down, Midland’s quietened and Jesse’s employment ceased.
Jess took on a course in “white goods” at RMIT and he commenced a career which lasted for nearly 50 years.
In 1981 he became self-employed having worked on people’s essential white goods with a minimum of fuss and a deal of success.
Jess is not a “one trick pony”. In 1978 he joined the local branch of the State Emergency Service (SES).
Forty seven years later, he is still often at the helm.
Through “fire, drought and flood”, Jess and his team of volunteers are there.
During the great bushfire which destroyed thousands of hectares of forest and farm land and threatened Talbot, Carisbrook and Maryborough, they were there.
They faced possible death as they became stuck between the fires at Talbot.
Because of the extreme heat their high frequency radio failed. Fortunately they were saved by a wind change.
The crew also assisted in the fire fighting at the Mount Macedon bushfires.
During the Carisbrook floods they worked tirelessly on sandbagging.
Over several heavy storms in the district they removed fallen trees and debris and provided temporary shelter.
Unfortunately the local SES is depleted in numbers and of the 12 remaining members, age is catching up.
Jess makes the plea for any locals to consider joining up. To quote a wartime call “your country needs you!”
Jess has two sons, Leon and Craig, and a daughter, Amy.
He was also a keen member of the Scouts. Many of those he helped became adaptable citizens.
We, the citizens of Maryborough, will always be in your debt.