By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Former Casey mayor Mick Morland’s legacy loomed large, months after his tragic death.
There was a 1000-strong gathering to farewell the popular, larger-than-life figure at a funeral service at Berwick Church of Christ.
None could believe the esteemed councillor, OAM recipient, Liberal Party member, Rotarian and football clubman’s sudden passing – after being struck by a car on an evening walk in June.
Mourning friends, family and colleagues were determined to aptly pay lasting tribute.
So the Mick Morland Memorial Grant was created – funded from money donated at the funeral as well as by City of Casey and the Casey-Cardinia Foundation.
The grant’s first recipient was Casey Basketball Association to start a wheelchair basketball competition at Casey Stadium.
It seemed a perfect project to receive Mick’s blessing, his wife Kay said.
“Mick loved and cared about people,” she said.
“He was never happier than when he was helping someone.”
That was a common theme in the many tributes that flowed for Mr Morland from family, sport, politics, council and Rotary this year.
Reveren Ineke Giles told of Mr Morland’s message to a Narre Warren North Christmas service in 2016.
Christmas was about love, Mr Morland said.
“It’s about giving someone a hug.
“It’s about telling your partner, children, grandchildren and your friends that you love them.”
A fanatical Richmond Tigers supporter, Mr Morland’s coffin was draped with a Tigers scarf. It was carried out to the rousing anthem We’re From Tigerland.
Who knows what role Mick played in the Tigers’ Grand Final win three months later?
