JASON DOOLEY

Owner at Oz-Tranz

Long time local

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I owner operate OZ TRANS DAYLESFORD, we are a locally based general transport and removal company. We service destinations in Melbourne & country Victoria and also do Australia wide distribution using our network of fellow carriers. Its a great little business employing 7 or 8 local people. Former publican, Dad of 3 of the most amazing people in the world, my daughters.

2. Did you grow up here or move to the region?

I was born in Daylesford hospital! I have pretty much always lived here apart from a short stint in Melbourne as a kid. It was a great place to grow up, lots of stu to keep a growing boy active but i especially liked motorbike riding, fishing, cricket, footy and basketball. Lots of kids these days spend too much time on devices. We were out and about every night after school and chores were done doing something with our mates!

3. What do you love (or not love) about Daylesford and our community?

Ive been involved with Hepburn football netball club for many years and was president for eight, so clearly I love that! But I love how the community comes together in a crisis, its one of the things that living in a small town is all about. I also encourage new people to town to get involved with one of our many amazing volunteer organisations. What dont I love? Small town gossip and people who don't mind their own business. Its the scourge of most small towns.

4. How are the roads at the moment?

Im glad you ask! They are bloody terrible. We are expected to pay massive amounts of money in registration as transport operators (and the general public) to drive our "roadworthy" vehicles on roads that are not vehicle worthy. The state government continues to spend huge amounts of borrowed money on making sure those in Melbourne can save 5 or 10 minutes on their commute to work whilst the country people are risking their lives daily, driving on absolute goat tracks.

5. I guess you have had some interesting jobs in the area - any you care to share with us?

Haha, most of them are interesting in hilly country like we have around here. A baby grand piano out of a second story entrance with the help of a crane truck comes to mind. Our guys are challenged most days, but they do a great job and never complain, they just get on with the job.

We do a lot of work for David & Yuge Bromley too and some of their sculptures and installations require a bit of thinking outside the box.

6. If you were to be a tourist in our town, what would your weekend itinerary look like?

Lots of rest, Plenty of dining out at our plethora of amazing eateries, Walks around Jubilee & Daylesford lakes, Horse rides at Boomerang ranch, watching the Mighty Burra's play footy & netball at Laurie Sullivan reserve Hepburn.