Mac Jenkins' smiling face will be recognised by almost every BAIK member joining before 2006, and no doubt by many, many visitors as well. He was a tireless worker for our group for nearly twenty five years and present at most meetings held between 1982 and 2005
Mac and his wife Irene joined BAIK only one year after the club was formed. He held the offices of President (1989 and 1990) Secretary (from 1991 to 2001) and also edited the BAIK newsletter. After he resigned from the position of secretary at the beginning of 2002 he continued editing that newsletter.
Many of our members were born in Indonesia, are married to an
Indonesian, or are/ were teachers of the Indonesian language. Their reasons for joining the club are obvious. But how did a Bendigo electrician become involved in our club?
Mac and Irene were travellers. After their children grew up they began touring overseas. They first visited Indonesia in 1981 They enjoyed it immensely and returned eight more times, visiting Java and Madura, Bali and Sumatra. They had many memorable experiences.
The enthusiasm they developed through visits to the country extended to our group.
Mac was a keen and talented photographer. His photographs of Indonesia are stunning. We also appreciated the photographic record he kept of our club activities and its people.
It became a tradition to have our Christmas party in Mac and Irene's lovely garden. Many of us have happy memories of sitting there in the summer evening eating Indonesian food, singing Christmas carols and enjoying Irene's Christmas cake.
Mac's January 2006 newsletter concluded with:You will be receiving this newsletter a little early ... because I will be entering hospital on the 3rd of January for an operation and will be out of action for some weeks
The operation was to remove a cancer. It was a success but several days later members were shocked and distressed to learn that Mac had died of complications during his recovery.
Mac will long be remembered with respect and affection by those who were privileged to be in BAIK with him.
Mac Jenkins
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A familiar pair
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Mac, proud of Irene 
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Mac and his camera
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Mac sharing a story with Steve
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