Our People
30 May, 2026
One mil at a time
FOR close to two decades, Angus McIntosh has been quietly recording the rainfall at Snake Valley, helping locals and farmers keep track of the region’s ever-changing weather patterns.
Born and raised at Mortchup near Snake Valley, Mr McIntosh left the district for Melbourne at 16 before eventually returning home in retirement in 2005.
Since then, he has become deeply involved in community life, contributing to a wide range of local groups and organisations.
Over the years he has been involved with the Friends of the RSL in the Snake Valley-Carngham branch, the Snake Valley Historical Society, renewable energy and zero emissions groups, senior commuting initiatives and many other community organisations.
But it is his rainfall records that many locals know him best for.
“I’ve been interested in the rainfall for 20 years, but another chap was on it when I first came there, but he passed away so I’ve probably been doing it for 18 years,” Mr McIntosh said.
“I just like doing it, it’s no big deal in reality.”
He said Snake Valley’s unique geography meant rainfall in the area could differ significantly from neighbouring districts.
“With Snake Valley in a hollow, we don’t get the same weather as what they do around us because of the ranges,” he said.
The long-term rainfall records have become valuable for local farmers trying to understand changing weather conditions.
“Farmers like to know what the rainfall is doing,” he said.
“We are not getting much drizzly weather that lasts two or three days, we get short heavy showers.”
Away from the rain gauge, Mr McIntosh has also begun working on his autobiography, reflecting on a lifetime of unusual experiences, travel and community involvement.
“I’ve had an interesting life,” he said.
Among his favourite stories is one he enjoys saving until the end of a conversation.
“I had a warrant on me for 10 years,” he laughed.
In 1957 he moved to Melbourne, originally planning to work at the Commonwealth Aircraft Factory at Fisherman’s Bend before taking a role with Paton Brakes, working a range of equipment, even some unreleased concept cars.
The company’s social club also helped spark another lifelong passion, table tennis, with Mr McIntosh still holding onto trophies from workplace competitions decades later.
Travel also became a major part of his life.
“You know that song ‘I’ve Been Everywhere Man’, I’ve been everywhere that’s mentioned in that song,” he said.
His interests eventually extended to astronomy, becoming involved with the Snake Valley Astronomical Association and even travelling to the United States to visit NASA facilities.
“I was in my element,” he said. “I sat in a shuttle, touched the big rockets that sent people into orbit. Not many people have sat in a space shuttle, I bet there’s no one in Snake Valley, except me.”
As for the mysterious warrant, Mr McIntosh said it turned out to be far less dramatic than people expect.
He had unknowingly failed to pay a speeding fine years earlier before police eventually tracked him down.
“It wasn’t very much, I think it was like $30 or something.”
While he continues working on his autobiography, Mr McIntosh says he also plans to keep recording the rainfall for as long as he can.
“If they can find someone, I’m happy to let someone else do it.”
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