GOODBYE POSSUMS: Locals remember Australian icon

The Strathalbyn community has poured tributes to beloved comedian Barry Humphries who had a special connection to the region.

Humphries died at Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital on Saturday, aged 89, following recent health issues caused by a broken hip.

The Melbourne-born entertainer was an Australian icon, largely by playing the eccentric character Dame Edna Everage, known for her lilac-coloured hair and glittery glasses, with a catchphrase “hello, possums”.

Over the years, many Strathalbyn residents ran into Humphries on local streets as the entertainer regularly visited one of his closest friends, David Dridan.

Dridan is a renowned landscape artist who took several painting trips around Australia with Humphries, who lived a creative career, also as a painter and author.

Humphries visited Dridan about once a year, and even had his own dedicated spare room in Dridan’s home gallery.

Dridan previously told The Southern Argus about their relationship, describing his “best friend” with much warmth and admiration.

“He’s a brilliant artist… he’s very kind and generous to people,” Dridan said.

“He’s good to travel with because you get a laugh.”

Their fun banter extended into the community, including visits to Hammer ‘N’ Tongs.

“We had the pleasure a few months back, he came and had lunch with our local famous artist David Dridan, and became friends of H&T regulars,” Hammer ‘N’ Tongs posted on Facebook.

“Legends – the pair of them were like a pair of teenagers.

“Barry dropped a $20 tip in the jar and asked for change with a serious face… stirring the staff.

“(It) was such a privilege to have him as a guest.

“Inspirational game-changer comedian… good bloke.”

Collectable Classic Cars owner Ben Finnis was also lucky to have an encounter with the “Australian icon, a legend, true inspiration and a genius”.

“I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live and treasure meeting him only 12 months ago when he accidentally came into the garage looking for the local book shop,” Mr Finnis said.

“Such a loss… RIP Barry Humphries.”

Baile Books farewelled Humphries as a “friend of the shop”.

“The last time he visited, he had a great time with the store supervisor during a remote schooling day,” a Facebook post read.

“(He was) doing her art homework for her and insisting she pick out a book for him.”