General News
27 February, 2025
The power of the written word, local media telling local stories
Graeme Bailey's story touches a community
The power of the written word can change lives, move mountains or even transport you to another time and place, but for Graeme Bailey, it created an understanding of his circumstances and the reason behind his desire to spread cheer in his community with a wave and a smile.
On Friday, February 14, the Ararat Advertiser printed a story about Graeme Bailey, the man on the corner.
You may remember this story or have seen Graeme sitting alone in his chair on the corner of his street in Ararat, waving and smiling at passersby.
By telling Graeme's story, the community now understands the reason behind his daily activity
Graeme was diagnosed with a neurological condition that has impacted his life for the past five years, and to find an escape from isolation, he decided to interact with strangers by waving and smiling at them.
Little did he know in doing so, he'd be spreading cheer to others.
People stop and thank him for the only smile they received that day, and others toot and wave regularly.
Graeme and his wife Marianne were overcome by the interest the community of Ararat showed in Graeme's story after the story was printed.
Graeme can now walk into a coffee shop and be recognised for the person he is, not what people may have wondered about due to his condition.
On social media, people said they'd often wondered why he sat and waved to strangers; others said they would wave back now; others wanted to know where he does this so they, too, could take a trip down that street and wave to Graeme.
Graeme's story captured the audience's attention so much that the Ararat Advertiser shared the story nationally.
One of the most wonderful things that happened was a neighbour, now with knowledge and understanding, came and sat with Graeme with his piano accordion; they sat and sang together.
The Ararat Advertiser story has now been laminated and framed and has pride of place in their home.