General News
10 August, 2025
Michael Sluggett: 'Rainbow will do me'
The Rainbow community mourned the sudden passing of local identity Michael Anthony ‘Spike’ Sluggett, who died on Saturday, June 25, at the age of 85.
Born on June 7, 1940, in Rainbow to Syd and Norma Sluggett, Michael spent his early years on the family farm east of town on Kenmare Road.
As a child, he endured the turbulence of World War II alongside his sister Judith, often staying with family in Melbourne while their father served in the military.
A severe childhood concussion briefly threatened his health, but Michael made a full recovery.
He later recalled the moment he met his father again, returning from war and stepping off the bus in Rainbow, a stranger at first sight.
After completing the minimum years of schooling, Michael eagerly joined his father on the farm, working alongside long-time farmhand and close family friend Ian ‘Frizz’ Robertson, affectionately known as "Joe."
The trio formed a close bond, with Joe often playing the peacemaker between father and son.
Michael’s path to lifelong love began in Jeparit, when as a teenager he asked a young woman named June to a local dance.
The couple later married on March 25, 1961, and honeymooned in South Australia before settling on the family farm.
Together they raised four children: Toni, Kent, Mark and Stuart.
While farming was Michael’s livelihood, sport was his passion and his outlet.
He played football, tennis, badminton, lawn bowls, and even competed in fire brigade running teams.
He had a reputation for balancing hard work with active involvement in the district’s sporting culture.
He helped construct Rainbow’s original night tennis courts, mixing concrete with local policeman Stan Wright, years after the same officer once kicked him in the pants for cheeky bike riding on the main street of the town.
Michael’s commitment to community extended beyond sport.
He held positions on local football committees from a young age and was also guided by respected Rainbow identities.
His service became a lifelong contribution, which he began documenting in his final years after being encouraged by June to write his memories.
Friday afternoons held a special place in Michael’s weekly routine.
At 5.30pm sharp, he would gather with fellow locals to catch up, share stories, and offer support.
It was a tradition he cherished and not just for the company of old friends, but for watching the next generation of Rainbow’s farmers, many of them sons of his lifelong mates, take up the mantle.
Despite suggestions of retirement elsewhere, Michael never wavered in his love for Rainbow.
“Rainbow will do me,” he would say with a grin.
That sentiment reflected a lifelong loyalty to the town he served and loved so deeply.
A memorial service was held in Rainbow Recreation Reserve on Friday, July 11, to honour his life and contributions, and the family expressed their sincere thanks to all who gathered to remember and celebrate Michael’s enduring legacy.
His grandson, Andrew, read his eulogy to the attendees at the memorial service.