Our People
13 July, 2026
Steve’s journey with cancer
A few weeks ago we received word that well known Stawell identity Steve Gliese had passed away after a battle with cancer. Steve was a remarkable man. Many would have known him for his organic produce which was often sold at local markets. Others would remember the alpacas he raised and sold. Just a few weeks before his passing, he and wife Glenda opened their Pomonal Road property to the public to raise funds for the oncology unit at Stawell Hospital. While unusual for a garden to be open in winter, Steve knew he wouldn’t be around in spring. Before his passing, Steve wrote his story.
Living the cancer
By Steve Gliese.
AN insight to my journey and how I am coping.
I’d like to share my experience with the intention to encourage and give hope to everyone who may have started their journey and especially to anyone about to begin theirs.
I was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer back in early September 2025, and began my chemo journey in mid-November.
To be honest, it was a little tough at first, but the expertise of the doctors and oncology nurses were a huge help, not to mention the wonderful support and encouragement from close friends.
It took a fair few fortnightly sessions until I could get my body and mind to accept the loss of energy and the side effects. This has improved positively with each and every visit since.
Those who may know me and my wife would know we are keen gardeners, growing organic vegetables for over thirty years, supplying local businesses and markets during that time.
A long-term dream was to establish native gardens in the existing vegetable gardens once we retired. That began back in early March, 2025.
So we started weeding, cleared the whole site and pushed up the soil to shape and landscape the plot.
Pathways were shaped, winding through the area. A long ,dry creek bed was added and then we started on our frog ponds. A huge plant-out of our assorted home-grown plants and purchases from our local nurseries and other growers.
As we progressed, it gave me great pleasure and increased energy levels. Life is great, I do what I can, when I can and when I can’t, I have a rest.
This has kept me going, happy in mind and soul.
We have now landscaped the entire area, now filled with seven frog ponds, many rocks of all sizes – from large boulders to medium-small rocks. Logs and fallen timber have been scattered to encourage our lizards, skinks and geckos , providing them with a home.
We now have hundreds of plants to help increase our bird numbers. Currently 68 species visit and we are hoping that others will come and stay.
Butterflies and dragonflies have moved in with the support of a large number of water plants in the ponds. The waterlilies have provided so much colour, we are both thrilled with the results.
To top it all off, we have scattered many rustic sculptures throughout the garden, including magnificent grass trees with flowering spikes.
Amongst all of this there are little creatures of all sorts including ants, spiders, lizards, turtles, centipedes etc. The native spotted quoll, numbat, bilby, hopping mice etc. all have a spot.
I wanted to put pen to paper, not to make it about myself, but to hopefully encourage and give hope to anyone who may be going through a difficult time.
Please remember the doctors and nurses here are well experienced and passionate in what they provide. I thank them all dearly.
A positive attitude and keeping busy when you can, will leave you feeling much better and much happier within yourself and the wider world.
We all have our own passions and bucket lists. Maybe take up a new hobby or even learn a new language, take up a craft project, learn a musical instrument. Keep your mind active with positive thoughts. It really is the difference to help with your journey.
Open garden success
After the open garden in early June, Steve wrote of his pleasure seeing so many people visiting and enjoying his garden.
Wow, what a wonderful day! The response we had to the open garden day last Sunday was exceptional.
Many thanks to those who attended and made your generous donations.
We reached our target for the day, over $11,000, plus money raised before and after the event, bringing the total up to $13,500.
The day certainly would not have been so successful without the help from many volunteers and generous donations of equipment.
Special thanks to:-
• Jarryd and Maddi Wilson from “The Snack Shack” for supplying the food on the day.
• Vannessa Beckitt from “Innerji Sound and Massage” for a marathon of playing the amazing crystal singing bowls.
• Stawell Club for the loan of the tables and chairs.
• Project Platypus for the loan of the gazebos.
• Jon Parkin from “Westway Civil and Earthmoving”.
• Grampians Equipment Hire for the portable toilet.
• The scone makers – yum!!
• Friends and family for helping move mountains and, of course, everyone who travelled from near and far to be a part of this wonderful day.
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