Thursday, July 12th .....

Every town has its characters and I heard yesterday about Kenny Gee who is well-known in Deloraine and the subject of many conversations. I’m not sure if that’s how he spells his name but there are lots of Gees in Tasmania.  The only other Kenny G I know of plays the saxophone.

The Deloraine Kenny lived with his Mum until she died.  Then he surprised everybody by selling her house and buying an enormous caravan and a Land Cruiser to pull it.  He went off to the mainland for a while but, a bit later, he was back in town.  The caravan was too big for the free camping spot in town so he parked it just outside the Council Works Depot, clearly there for the long-term.  Eventually, he was moved on and he was next heard of at a picnic area under the Batman Bridge on the East Tamar.  Before long, he had bought some chooks and was settling in. 

There are No Camping signs all over the place but the Council usually turns a blind eye to the occasional overnighter but chooks are a bit much, so he was moved on again.  His next move was to a picnic ground mid-way between Deloraine and Devonport.  Again, No Camping, so the Council heavies had to move him on again.  By this stage, he had three separate Councils off-side.

After another stint in Deloraine, he tried the Batman Bridge again but this time he tried to clear some scrub by setting fire to it and the police moved in.  He’s back in Deloraine again and causing the Council no end of trouble.  His 4WD is at the Auto Electrician’s who won’t give it back to Kenny until he pays the bill.  And, without a 4WD, he can’t move his caravan.  Stalemate!

The Council man is tearing his hair out, especially as he’s been saddled with the job of evicting Kenny because the man who should be doing it is on leave.  I reckon Kenny is winning this one. He certainly hasn’t paid rent to anyone in years.