Final journey

By Casey Neill
HUNDREDS of mourners packed the Lilydale Memorial Park to farewell local community figure and motorcycle enthusiast Donna Peacock.
More than 100 people stood outside for the duration of the ceremony in sweltering conditions, the parlour unable to accommodate all of those wanting to pay their respects.
Several of those who were forced to stand in the blazing sun were overcome by the 40-plus degree heat.
Ms Peacock’s sister Denise Broxam, niece Kylie Broxam, brother-in-law Fred Broxam and brother Larry Peacock all spoke at the service.
A number of friends also recounted times they had shared with Ms Peacock.
A photo montage of Ms Peacock was shown while the song Stand By Me played and those gathered paused in quiet reflection.
A rock‘n’roll medley and Ritchie Valens’s Oh Donna were played as the crowd made its way outside.
Ms Peacock’s friends and family then travelled to Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre in Gladysdale in a police-led convoy of motorcycles and old style cars.
The procession travelled down the Maroondah Highway to the centre at Riverview Farm as the police closed roads leading to the highway as the group passed.
More than 400 people gathered at the farm to celebrate Ms Peacock’s life with a rock‘n’roll party.
As many as 800 signatures and messages were left in a book placed out by Ms Peacock’s family with many more missing out on the chance to express their condolences.
Her friends said she would be “fondly remembered as a fun loving person”.
One said “her free spirit and generous nature will be missed”.
Another said “no one could wish more of a true mate, loyal, sincere and loving”.
They described her as “a great dancer, now in rock‘n’roll heaven”, “tragically taken…doing what she enjoyed – riding her beloved Harley Davidson”.
“There is a big gap left in the community because of Donna’s passing,” Ms Peacock’s sister said.
Ms Broxam said Ms Peacock’s contribution to the community started many years ago as a hairdresser in Yarra Junction.
Later she taught equestrian and managed the Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre in Gladysdale.
Ms Peacock also taught horse riding to the handicapped and teenagers from the Upper Yarra Community House outreach program.
She was a member of the Ringwood chapter of the HOG motorcycle club and had travelled to almost every corner of Australia on her Harley, Betty Boop.
“Betty Boop incognito. That’s Donna,” Ms Broxam said at the memorial service.
Ms Broxam said her sister loved all animals, classic cars, rockabilly dancing, music and gardening.
She said her sister’s philosophy on life was simple.
“Life is not a dress rehearsal, we get one chance, make the most of it,” she said.
“Do what you do today properly and tomorrow will take care of itself. Live life to the fullest.”
On behalf of her family Ms Broxam said she would like to thank all of their relatives and Donna’s relatives and friends for the loving support shown to them.