Opinion & Perspectives
22 December, 2025
YOUR ONLINE WORDS: Farewell to Johnny and congrats to Duxes
Here's what you had to say about the two topics.
Farewell to Johnny
Jess Maffeschi said: I don’t know what we’d do without Johnny! I vividly remember the first time we met as we were waiting for our order – I felt like I was finally at Arnaud local. One of Ame-lia’s early phrases was “mummy, chicken nuggi” every time we walked past PJs as absolute institutionalised entertainment.
Trish Ergan said: A retirement well deserved JOHN. You and the family have been a BIG part of this community. With visitors stopping to get John’s chicken nuggets and wedges, his secret specialties. Go enjoy your ozzo. And your beautiful vegetable garden again. Time for a rest now with your lovely family.
Sharyn Erwin said: A kind, genuine man who always asked how the family are doing. He was so thoughtful, and put on his counter ordering food after a hot day at tennis. He still asks how they are going. A legend of the town. Enjoy your well earned retirement. The wedges and nuggets won’t be the same!
Tamara Boyd said: Always stopped by when playing St Arnaud in the footy/hockey or if passing through. Full (potato) when he used to have them or wedges were a must then he had us try the chicken nuggets. Always a friendly smile and extra when we waited. Enjoy retirement.
Christine Goode said: You are such a kind gentleman John. I will miss you asking if I wanted salt on my chips, you always knew my answer was “No thanks”. No it’s your time to relax and enjoy life.
Guy Batters said: Those potatoes into wedges we got more of that yummy seasoning. What an innings. Thanks for the memories Johnny, enjoy retirement.
Toby Sullivan said: What a privilege to have grown up with this family serving our country town with food all this time. Enjoy retirement Johnnie. You all deserve it.
Chloe Coates said: An absolute local legend. I have such fond memories of Dad popping me up on Johnny’s counter when I was little and it’s been such a pleasure doing so with my own children. We’ll miss visiting Uncle John to some hot chips. Best wishes to you all.
Kelli Hicks said: We will miss you Johnnie and family – you have been such a big part of our families for so many years – especially at Sunday night – enjoy having your time relaxing xxx
Sam and James said: He has served so well. Will definitely miss you mate and your food. Wendy Hull said: Wishing all the Xentillies family all the best in life after “Fish n Chips”. Rest up, enjoy and hope lots of future fun and adventures await you. Thank you for your dedication and service to the town of St Arnaud over such a long time. xx
Hully, Wendy & EVERY family member that has taken part in a tradition over many years.
Liam Perry said: What a privilege just serving for our local thanks so much Johnny and your wonderful family for all the Take away service you have given to us over the years! May you all enjoy a long deserved rest! BIG Thank you from the Parry family.
Pete Currie said: What an amazing man. To you and your family all the best. I always took time to visit and catch up for a chat with you whenever I was ever in St Arnaud. Still reckon you made the best fish and chips ever. Tracy Pardella: Great food that has fed my family over their entire lives. Thank the staff which made the extra chicken nugget, they make on site. Good luck to you Johnny. George, Maria, and Ned and his wife.
Linda O’Donnell said: Enjoy your retirement now John and family time too enjoy yourself. You all will be missed. Seeing your smiling face in the shop and the chats we have but you all deserve the experience the world has to offer. So wishing you all the best xxx
Carmine Iori said: I’ve only known Johnny and his family for five years and I must say what a true gentleman and beautiful family and his food well it speaks for itself good luck for the future and thank you.
Rebecca Hepburn said: Loved going to Johnnys before a footy shed disco for his famous and delicious spuds. Buy them for my daughters when we visit home x Congratulations on your retirement Johnny. The town will miss you and your family in the shop.
Jess wishes and thank you x
John Curren said: From one to another. Thank you for an incredible years of serving our community. You’ve been a part of our family since the late 80s – feeding us our kids, and now our grandkids. Well done. Food was always good and tasty. Will never forget your homemade wedges, and the special taste tests you always slipped to the little ones. Your kindness, hard work, and good food have meant more than you know. Wishing you a happy well-earned retirement. You’ll be truly missed.
Rodney Griffith said: John Maria George and Pete enjoy your retirement, what a wonderful achievement 40 years I loved the mornings spent with Johnny delivering the milk and chewing on chocies bum with a coffee, great memories, the Galato.
Joy Robinson said: Oh John how will we ever survive without you and your beautiful family. I will miss you and your cheeky remarks but I know it’s time to call it a day while you can. God grant you all xoxo
Graeme Meade said: Well what can you say this bloke will always be one of the biggest legends of St Arnaud, well done to Sharon, Johnny and family.
Christina Reaburn said: Cochrane said: Good luck Johnny. Your always a part of everyone’s world that came to you for food, and loved u as a person. I remember helping school to allotment, moving to Ballarat I always had to come back to say hi to Johnny and get his wedges. And all the best.
Sharon Chestes said: Will miss you Johnnie it’s been a pleasure eating your delicious food for nearly 40 years. You gave my first born daughter (who is now 38) her first ever chocolate frog and my grandchildren also love your food. Must say choccy sauce on everything. Thank you for everything.
Lisa Bussom Esmore said: Going to miss you behind the counter Johnnie! Legendary! Your wedges and nuggets are going to be missed just as much too I think!! But its well deserved time for you to put your feet up and relax and enjoy your garden! x
Tanya Marlow said: Going to miss calling in for your fantastic food, I first met John when I was 17 and in now 53 and I will miss you all.
Ann Batters said: Thank you Johnny, and the Bowling Club thanks you for your chickens for lucky draws for social bowls over many years.
Marie Hart said: Best of luck for your retirement, will miss your pumpkin potato cakes. Have fun and see the world.
Brett Fullarton said: Legend, but your feet up Johnny. You have done hours.
Theresa May Pavletich said: All the best for your retirement Johnnie, everyone enjoyed your food and you were very smart to achieve this at a young age. Thank you very much for all the years of dedication and service to this town.
Donna Katz said: Congratulations and a well earned retirement John. The potatoes in my mouth were the best. Thank you for your service and long hours.
Tim Hoye said: The unofficial Mayor of St Arnaud you will be missed… enjoy the next chapter… cash only.
Raquel said: Wow congratulations for so long in business. All deserves retirement.
Patty Evans said: Hope you enjoy your retirement Johnny you so well deserved it, I know all my family will miss coming to St Arnaud and popping in to visit you.
Beverly Reid: The whole town is going to miss you and your fish and chips too John. Best of luck to you and the family in your next chapter.
Ted Reid said: Enjoy retirement Johnny and family, my kids will miss the wedge and nuggets while they wait.
Congratulations to Duxes
Chris McCaskill said: Congratulations Emi. Fantastic. Your future is all you want it to be. Go girl.
Jen Franklin said: Congratulations Emmy.
Theresa May Pavletich said: Well done, you are a very smart young lady. Dusty Raybin, You certainly have a bright future ahead of you.
Helen O’Hehir said: Well done the world is your oyster.
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