Maurice Gee turns 95: Bendigo mechanic slams modern cars as 'too bloody fast'
Bendigo mechanic Maurice Gee turned 95. He shared his direct views on modern cars.
Maurice Gee worked with V8 engines for decades. He founded his own garage in 1958.
He marked his 95th birthday at Kangaroo Flat Bowling Green with family and friends. The sprightly Bendigo character said today's cars are the problem.
"They're too bloody fast and people can't handle it," he said. Gee grew up on Lockwood Road and attended Kangaroo Flat State School.
He learned his trade as an apprentice mechanic working on Fords, Holdens and Valiants. KMG Motors was named after his initials.
It was the first business to open in the area when he established it on the Calder Highway. Gee retired around age 60 and took up golf.
His only apprentice Alan Stewart still jokes that Gee "sacked him" after 10 years. Gee defends this decision as necessary for Stewart to learn new methods.
- November 2
- Birthday
- 95
- Age
- 1958
- Garage opened
- Only Bradmill cotton mills existed before
- Years as first business
Why it mattersLocal characters like Gee show us how Australian communities have changed. They show how craft skills have shifted over seven decades.
AustraliaFor Bendigo locals and regional Victorians, Gee's milestone represents the passing of an era when independent mechanics built their own businesses and shaped their communities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
