Her lens and pen have been instrumental in capturing the essence of her community since her journey began in 1982 in Avenel, alongside her husband Ian Laverie and their three children.
Diane's love affair with photography was kindled in her formative years, courtesy of a Kodak-employed neighbour who introduced her to the rudiments of studio photography.
This early fascination persisted into her adolescence, with her mother’s 1910 concertina camera serving as her trusted companion.
Following her father’s untimely demise when she had just turned nine, Diane had to leave school at 14, embarking on a series of jobs, including stints at Moore’s in Prahran and Brashs music store to help her family income.
It was her then-beau, Ian Laverie, who gifted her an Instamatic camera in 1966, marking a significant milestone in her photographic journey.
The couple tied the knot in March 1967, just before Ian was deployed to South Vietnam. The couple relocated to Seymour in 1968.
They welcomed their first son in 1969 and were later posted to Singapore, where Diane received a Canonette camera from Ian, igniting her serious pursuit of photography.
Their family blossomed with the arrival of a daughter in Singapore in 1970 and another son in Sydney in 1973.
Diane's community involvement has been a constant since the 1960s, participating in various groups across Sydney, Seymour, Ingleburn, Windsor, Avenel, and Nagambie.
Her columnist career took flight in 1984 with the Activities in Avenel column for the Seymour Telegraph, armed with her portable Olivetti typewriter and Canonette camera.
Throughout her tenure, Diane has documented countless personal stories, community and significant events; earning her a Life Membership from the Victorian Association of Youth in Communities and recognition for her volunteer service from Hazel Hawke at the Victorian Government House.
For her first 10 years as a social writer she was presented with a pewter goblet for 10 years of service to McPherson Newspapers in 2001.
Her dedication as a volunteer has been lauded with several awards, including a Seymour Shire Australia Day award in 1994.
In 2000, Diane married John Grant, who has been her pillar of support. She was bestowed with the Australia Day Strathbogie Shire Citizen of the Year award in 2015, among other accolades for her volunteer work in the district.
Diane’s writing horizons broadened in 1991 with the Seymour Telegraph’s Social Scene column, and she began full-time work at the same time at the Puckapunyal army camp in February 1992.
She was able to work on the Telegraph’s cybergraphic computer system on Saturday afternoons in their office until she bought her own personal computer and has given thanks for the email system ever since; SLR automatic cameras and finally digital ones.
From 1997, she did professional wedding photos for couples and debutante ball photos at the local church Deb Balls from 2000 until 2017.
Post her full-time army work retirement in 2004; Diane continued her association with local newspapers and helmed the Puckapunyal Boomerang magazine for nine years.
She has crossed paths with notable figures, including former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and John Howard.
Diane has also been a marriage and funeral celebrant since 2006 and still conducts both weddings and funerals.
Her writings about Nagambie in local papers for the past 22 years comes to a close at the end of the month.
Reflecting on her career, she expresses gratitude for the privilege of being a part of many lives.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of many people’s lives for four decades,” she said.
“Thanks to all my readers for their loyalty and faith, and to the newspaper staff for their trust and support.”
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