Its registration number was M.932. It was a fantastic white in colour Holden utility that my father bought for me to use and later gifted to me when I left the family farm.

The utility gave me mobility as a young man

I was finally able to move independently and without having to rely upon my father giving me rides to places I wanted to be. It meant that I could go to cricket, to other activities, visiting, and to places away from home without having to trouble anybody for a ride. It also meant that I could carry out activities without other people within my family knowing what I was doing. Not that I really had anything to hide; it was just nice to be able to act and to be independent.

So is the 19 to 21-year-old man, the freedom of my own transport was quite exhilarating and most certainly appreciated.

May be the story of the Ute and the place is it went my best to be told at another time. Suffice to say that it lasted many years and drove many a mile – kilometres these days.

In 1972, I traded it for we needed the car accommodating family. What happened to that utility I do not know. What I do know is that it was a tremendous vehicle and served us well.