John (Blue) Cutler

I first met the currant king, Blue Cutler, a few days after his birthday. He had just turned ninety-nine and was with his daughter Libby, her husband Barry and Pickles, John’s ageing, but very playful Australian Terrier. We were meeting to discuss the Mallee’s Living Histories project and check out his interest. Chatting with this spritely gentleman, with a quick wit and big laugh, I was quickly forgiven for mistaking his birthday as his 89th. He had celebrated his birthday lunching with family and friends at the RSL Club – something he has done regularly for countless years. A quick fifteenminute trip on his gopher there and back, for a good lunch and conversation with mates he has befriended over the years – he has his own table I’m told. Kim Archibald, General Manager of the RSL Mildura nominates John as “One of the most highly respected members of the Club.