QCWA Ruth magazine #31 - Winter 2020

L I V E

AN

INSPIR ED

LIFE

Supporting the work of the Queensland Country Women’s Association

Rapt in Wool the gift of sheep products

Bush life

What it’s like working on a cattle station

Rediscovering art deco

Learn about the incredible artist Erté RUTH WINTER 2020 ISSUE 31 • AU$8.95 INC GST

Make your own crocheted plant

Feast on lamb prepared in delicious ways with QCWA Country Kitchens

Overcoming Overcoming Isolation Isolation - the the OakOak TreeTree WayWay

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Call 1300Call 3671300 155 367 155 oaktreegroup.com.au oaktreegroup.com.au

connect in new ways via technology, allowing you to stay in touch even when you can’t physically be together.

And with all the regular maintenance taken care of, you’ll have more time to correspond with your nearest and dearest than ever before.

While you concentrate on what’s important, staying safe in your villa, all the village operations are being taken care of around you by the village manager, while the gardener looks after all the lawns and landscaping so you don’t need to worry.

Safety first Oak Tree Retirement Villages are committed to continuing our highservice standards for current and future residents, whilst also keeping our extended community safe. Our Village Managers are available to talk you through any questions or queries you have during this time and are hosting virtual property tours, private inspections and phone/video call meetings with interested buyers.

Speak to our friendly team today, about the best solution for you.

To find out more about Oak Tree Retirement Villages, call 1300 367 155 or visit oaktreegroup.com.au

CONTENTS Look What We Found FEATURE: 8 The beauty of milk sheep FOOD: 15 Delicious lamb recipes 21 Eating for your brain with QCWA Country Kitchens INSPIRING PEOPLE: 24 Jessie Hockings: the woman behind the award 27 Operation Blankie 28 Mary Reid and her amazing cakes FASHION: 30 Textile Beat with Merino Country CRAFT: 34 Getting wool from fleece to yarn 38 Crochet your own funky fern 40 The Black Gold Tapestry COLLECTORS: 42 Buttons galore 46 Beautiful dolls HEALTH: 48 Mental health through the generations HOUSE & GARDEN: 50 Artwork from the incredible Erte 52 Sculptures for the garden 56 Greta Keene on bush life 60 Birdwatching during social isolation 62 Potted plants to add to your space TRAVEL & EVENTS: 66 Events for winter 69 Enjoy the beautiful Bunyas 70 Discover history with Outback Pioneers BUSINESS: 72 The Churchill Fellowship goes virtual BOOKS: 76 Brisbane’s GI occupation blues 78 Great winter reads 82 Jordana Grace — an English Aussie girl HISTORY: 84 State Library of Queensland 86 Five generations at Pittsworth Show QCWA: 89 QCWA President’s Blog 90 Quiz with Roy O’Reilly 6

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editor’s welcome

EDITORS ALLY MARTELL AND JESSICA KRAMER

L

ike most of the country, the Ruth team has been working from home. It’s been a funny old time but we are proud of this very memorable winter 2020 edition.

For many of you, especially our readers who live in rural and remote locations, the COVID-19 lockdowns will have made little difference to your lives. We know our readers and we know they are busy with crafts, gardening, reading, cooking and supporting their communities. So with that in mind we have filled our winter edition with even more inspirational ideas to keep you busy at home.

Our theme is sheep. It’s the QCWA’s “primary product” for 2020 and we love how it translates into food, craft and stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

We think you’ll enjoy our recipes from QCWA’s Country Kitchens team, the story behind art deco-era artist Erté and a look at what it’s like collecting buttons, as well as an

e v a h e W s! new MAGAZINE MANAGER: Deb Hanfeld EDITOR: Ally Martell DEPUTY EDITOR: Jessica Kramer DESIGN: Jeff Brown COVER IMAGE: Roger Whiteway EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: 07 4690 9481 ADVERTISING ENQUIRES: 07 4690 9490 SUBSCRIPTIONS: 07 4690 9302 EMAIL: ruth.editorial@thechronicle.com.au

introduction to the Black Gold Tapestry.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all frontline health workers and those in essential service areas for soldiering on throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We hold you in the highest esteem. To all our readers, please follow the guidelines to stay safe and well.

Now, put the kettle on, sit back and relax with your winter edition of Ruth.

From the editorial team Ally and Jess

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e’re excited to share with you that Ruth is getting its very own website. Our IT team have been busy behind-the-scenes, and the sneak peeks look fantastic: more inspiring stories, recipes, and special glances at upcoming editions to tide you over between magazines.

There’s also a newsletter in the making, with monthly ideas, tips, and stories from the areas you love in Ruth magazine. We can’t wait to share it with you! There will be extra recipes and healthy eating ideas, art and craft projects, inspiring people and pastimes we’ve found, books to read and films to watch.

Follow our social media for updates and how to subscribe to the newsletter once it’s live: @RUTHmagazineAustralia on Facebook; @ruthmagazine on Instagram.

You can also find us on Pinterest for more inspiring fun by searching @qcwaruthmagazine

PUBLISHED BY:

Toowoomba Newspapers Pty Ltd; 109 Neil Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 in conjunction with Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), 1st Floor, Ruth Fairfax House, 89-95 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000.

Ruth magazine is published by News Regional Media. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Ruth magazine undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the trade practices act or other laws, regulation or statutes. Further to the abovementioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher.

2020 Winter | 5

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND

special finds for winter and the latest QCWA news

MADAME TREACLE MIDNIGHT BOTANICALS

HONORING MILITARY

WORKING DOGS

A collection of beautiful yet functional tins by Madame Treacle shows off the lush flora and fauna that comes out at night. Belle Fleur Store has the full range, plus matching cards and other wonderful home and garden goodies.

facebook.com/bellefleurstore

The Australian War Memorial has unveiled a new memorial dedicated to, and created by, military working dogs and their handlers. Circling into sleep was created by renowned artist Steven Holland, with help from an Explosive Detection Dog called Billie and her handler. Billie was trained to walk in a tight circle on a bed of soft clay to create the paw-print track which spirals into the memorial, representing the steps of a dog as it circles into sleep.

awm.gov.au

WHO WAS RUTH? Ruth Fairfax OBE was the founding president of the QCWA. She was also a founding member of the CWAA. Her work to address issues affecting country women was tireless — we are proud to name this magazine in her honour.

6 | Winter 2020

STAY IN STYLE Motel on Gregory (previously RFH on Gregory) is once again leased by QCWA, which means a portion of your booking cost goes towards the Association.

The Brisbane motel offers bright, contemporary apartments in a great location at 89 Gregory Terrace.

motelongregory.com.au

EARTH GREETINGS CARDS AND STATIONERY Heide Hackworth founded Earth Greetings from a love of Australian nature and a passion for ‘earthfriendly’ products. The idea behind the business was to produce greeting cards and stationery using 100% recycled paper and non-toxic printing, as well as running the office in a green way. Not only do you know you’re supporting the earth when you buy stationery from the business, they also donate 5% of profits back to Trees for Life each year and support many other great causes. Earth Greetings collaborates on designs with many fantastic artists, so there’s sure to be the perfect stationery for you.

www.earthgreetings.com.au

BUY FROM THE BUSH In mid-2018, Darling Downs rural woman Kerri Brennan saw the need to support women doing it tough on the land, and started an online community of bush businesses, creatives and family-run ‘side hustles’ across rural Queensland. These days, there’s a website as well with a full directory of businesses to buy from and support, as well as events that Kerri goes to to support rural women and small businesses.

It’s like a fantastic online marketplace for unique creations made by rural folk to supplement their income.

www.buyfromthebushqld.com.au

HENDRIK CLOTHING CO Sunshine Coast mum Brooke came up with this popular label during an all-too-common clothing argument with her tween daughter. Made from quality, 100% linen and with all other materials sourced in Australia (except the cotton labels which are handmade in the US), Hendrik aims for fashion that is great to wear for both tween and parent! Each piece is also individually made by Brooke, who also designed the patterns. If you’d rather read up on slow living and ethical fashion instead of going shopping, the Hendrik website also has a handy blog with information and stories.

hendrikclothingcompany.com

2020 Winter | 7

feature

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8 | Winter 2020

hidden

treasure

2020 Winter | 9

Nestled out the back of Grantham in the Lockyer Valley, Awassi Cheesery is a bespoke homestead farm that specialises in old country hospitality, delicious cheese, and beautiful sheep

Words by Jessica Kramer Pictures courtesy of Awassi Queensland

Y

ou can tell Di Piggott genuinely loves her Awassi sheep.

Affectionately referring to them as ‘the girls’, she points them out to me as one of the very first things when I arrive at the farm in Grantham.

“They will wander around as you do your thing; it’s the nature of the Awassi to be like that,” she adds.

Awassi Cheesery is an easy hour-and-a-half drive west from Brisbane, with the last section of the trip going through farmland and bush.

Coming down the driveway, you’re greeted by a beautiful grove of avocado trees that provide shade to an eclectic mix of tables and chairs beside a grassed area.

Di and her husband David

10 | Winter 2020

always wanted their cheesery to be relaxing and home-like, so keeping the grassed area green was part of this — using only their personal water, of course.

It’s a particularly pleasant surprise for guests who had come from droughtstricken areas and hadn’t seen a green patch in a long time, though the Piggotts themselves are remarkably positive about the recent dry.

“You’ll never find us having a complaint; there’s no point,” Di chuckles while David nods along in agreement.

They had engaged a practical approach: leaving the orchards to fend for themselves and reducing the number of sheep in the herd.

“We were down to our last 32 in the milking mob, and they finished up in February with the next lambing starting in March,” Di says.

“Earlier in the season we sent some of our oldest ewes to the abbotair and banked the meat, because was better to have a smaller, healthier herd during drought.”

Di adds that she can’t be around when the sheep are loaded onto the truck.

“I have to walk away; I can’t watch because I’ve had to choose who will go.”

Because the Awassi breed is allegedly the oldest sheep in the world, Di and David name each of their sheep with Biblical names.

“They’re desert sheep, so the Awassi is a good industry for Australia with the changing weather.

“Awassi are disease resistant and multi-purpose, and their milk yield is greater with a higher fat content.”

It’s this aspect, as well as the A2 which makes the milk ideal for lactose intolerant people, that means Awassi milk is perfect for making cheese.

Nestled in the valley alongside the green and the avocado orchard (one of several across the farm, which made up over 500 trees back in the day), two buildings are situated.

One is the main kitchen and store area with seating and the coffee jug, which is always on.

“We wanted our place to be an experience, but also have that old country hospitality,” Di comments.

The other building is the all-important cold-room.

As someone almost as passionate about good cheese as Di and David Piggott themselves, this cold-room seems like a cave of treasures.

While the farm uses every part of the sheep — from the meat for sausages and lamb, to the

2020 Winter | 11

milk for cheese and their beauty range, to the coarse wool for garden mulch, to the tail fat for body wash — it’s the cheese that is the main feature.

“We make labneh with local oils, and last year we made frozen labneh with local fruit like mango and dragonfruit,” Di says.

“One of the cheeses we do here, our farmhouse cheddar, we call ‘Grantham’ because we don’t live in Cheddar.

“But our pride and joy is our Ubriaco, which is our most popular cheese alongside the pepper pecorino.”

The word ‘ubriaco’ is Italian for drunken cheese, which references the technique of tossing a wheel of cheese into the barrel of grape skins leftover from wine-making.

Awassi Cheesery’s version of the cheese has a unique difference though: there’s a ring of bare cheese in the center of the wheel.

“We have a little vineyard, but the vines aren’t producing at the moment, so I thought ‘I’ll just buy a bottle of wine and soak the whole wheel of the cheese’,” Di says.

“When we went to make the first Ubriaco, I had to taste the wine to see if it was a good one,” she laughs.

“But I drank too much of it and didn’t have enough to cover the whole wheel... So I thought I’d just cover half the wheel, but there still wasn’t enough. I ended up placing what I could in the wine for a couple of days and then flipped it over, and that’s how we get the ring.”

12 | Winter 2020

This story is just one example of the creativity and ingenuity Di brings to the table at Awassi.

“We’re forever playing with our cheese and our food,” she explains.

“It’s a bespoke homestead farm, so we have small batches of self-created products and I love it. I love making up new ideas.”

Try their beautiful cheeses and beauty products from the online store by visiting the website at www.awassiqueensland.com.au

2020 Winter | 13

WINTER HARVEST

LAMB

Each year the QCWA chooses a primary product for members to study and in 2020 that product is sheep. We think you’ll enjoy these delicious and healthy lamb recipes brought to you by the members of QCWA. Remember to buy local lamb at every opportunity.

Recipes by QCWA Country Kitchens Team Pictures supplied 2020 Winter | 15

Greek Lamb Souvlaki Sticks with Salad Serves 4 Prep time – 30 minutes Cook time – 15 minutes Includes two serves of fruit and veg per portion Ingredients

500g lamb mince 1 small onion 1 garlic clove, crushed Large handful flat leaf parsley and fresh mint, chopped Black pepper 20ml lemon juice 10g olive oil 40ml live oil ½ cup Greek yoghurt 3 tbsp chopped dill 2 small cucumbers, chopped ¼ head of iceberg lettuce, chopped 200g feta, crumbled Cracked black pepper 4 small pita breads, grilled 2 large tomatoes, diced ¼ bunch parsley and mint for garnish

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Instructions SOAK eight wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the lamb, onion, garlic, herbs and seasoning in a large bowl. Using wet hands, shape the lamb mixture around the soaked skewers and sit them in the fridge for 20 minutes.

COMBINE the lemon juice, olive oil, yoghurt and dill, stir in cucumber, lettuce and feta, season with black pepper and set aside.

HEAT pan over a moderate temperature and toast the pita breads. Keep them warm.

FRY the lamb souvlaki in a small amount of olive oil for three to four minutes on each side, until cooked and slightly charred.

SPREAD some of the feta yoghurt and cucumber salad onto the pita, top with the lamb and garnish with tomato and herbs.

Dominique Rizzo – Putia Pure Food Kitchen, School and Pantry

Lamb and Sweet Potato Bakes Serves 4 Prep time – 15 minutes Cook time – 25 minutes Includes two serves of fruit and veg per portion Ingredients

500g sweet potato, scrubbed clean and diced 5 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely diced 2 cloves of garlic, finely sliced 1 tbsp ginger, grated 2 tsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 cup coriander, chopped 2 cups of lamb, cooked and shredded Pepper ½ cup plain flour for dusting Sweet chilli sauce to serve

Instructions BOIL sweet potato for 10 minutes. Mash with a fork and cool.

HEAT one tablespoon olive oil in a pan and add onion and garlic. Cook for three minutes and add ginger.

MIX sweet potato, onion mix, soy sauce, oyster sauce and coriander in a bowl and combine well.

FOLD in the lamb.

DIVIDE into eight patties, dust with flour.

HEAT remaining olive oil in pan and fry for three to four minutes on each side.

SERVE with green salad and chilli sauce.

Beverly Jones – Middle Ridge Branch

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Lamb Kebabs with salad Serves 4: makes eight kebabs Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Includes one serve of fruit and two serves of veg per portion. Gluten free.

Ingredients Lamb kebabs:

500g lamb steak, fat trimmed ¼ cup red wine 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbsp dried rosemary 1 apple 1 pear 1 cup mushrooms ½ red capsicum ½ green capsicum

Mint dressing:

1 cup chopped mint 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp honey 2/3 cup boiling water

Side Salad:

200g cos lettuce, shredded 2 tomatoes, quartered 1 carrot, grated 1 cup purple grapes, halved 1 cup strawberries, halved

Instructions MIX red wine, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and rosemary in a bowl.

ADD lamb and marinate for at least one hour.

CUBE fruit and vegetables for kebabs.

ALTERNATE marinated lamb cubes, vegetables and fruit.

COMBINE mint dressing ingredients in a bowl, drizzle on kebabs and cook on barbecue.

COMBINE side salad ingredients and serve with hot kebabs.

Kerry Hampstead – Wallangarra Branch

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Lamb Tacos and Eggplant Salsa Serves 6 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes, plus 8 hours slow cooker Includes one serve of fruit and veg per portion Ingredients

1kg lamb shoulder 2 sprigs rosemary ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp black pepper 1 packet taco shells 1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup reduced fat sour cream

Salsa:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 eggplant, diced small cubes 1 red capsicum, diced 1 red chilli, finely diced ½ tsp ground cumin

¼ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped 1 tin crushed tomatoes

Instructions PLACE lamb into a slow cooker on low heat; sprinkle rosemary, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric and pepper over lamb.

ADD 1cm of water to slow cooker, place lid on and cook for eight hours.

HEAT oil in medium saucepan over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for two minutes.

ADD eggplant, capsicum, chilli, cumin and coriander and cook for six to eight minutes, until eggplant starts to soften.

ADD tomatoes and gently simmer for 30 minutes.

REMOVE lamb from slow cooker and gently pull apart to place on a serving dish.

SERVE lamb with tacos, salsa, cheese and sour cream.

What’s Great About It A new way to use roast lamb! Leave the lamb to slow cook while you are at work for an easy-to-assemble meal when you arrive home. Each taco gives you one full serve of veggies and kids are sure to love this messy but delicious handheld favourite.

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Lamb, Feta and Sweet Potato Quiche Serves 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 55-65 minutes Includes one serve of fruit and veg per portion Ingredients 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 2cm slices Spray olive oil ½ cup onions, sliced 140g baby spinach ½ cup reduced fat milk 4 large eggs 2 large egg whites ½ cup cold lamb, chopped ¼ tsp black ground pepper 75g reduced fat feta cheese

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Instructions PREHEAT oven to 170oC and grease a 9” pie dish.

PUT sweet potatoes in layers, covering the bottom, then the sides, completely and overlapping about 4cm.

SPRAY with oil and bake for about 20 mins, until tender.

TURN oven up to 200 oC and put dish on wire rack for about 15mins.

SAUTÉ onions and spinach.

WHISK milk, eggs, egg whites together, then add lamb and pepper.

PLACE spinach mix onto crust and pour egg mixture over, then sprinkle with feta cheese.

BAKE at 180 oC for 35 mins, until eggs are set.

STAND for a few minutes before serving.

Trish Doherty - Tannum Sands Branch

Eating for Mental Wellbeing Words by Lindsey Nash, Health Promotion team leader at QCWA Country Kitchens Images contributed

W

hen we think of the relationship between food and our bodies, we often think of the physical impact.

We know eating a well-balanced diet helps us to maintain a healthy weight and lowers our risk of common lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, and overall helps our bodies to function at peak physical performance. However, we often forget the crucial role that food and diet plays in our mental and emotional wellbeing.

In Australia, one in five people between the ages of 16-85 years’ experience a mental illness in any year (ABS, 2009).

Women experience mental health conditions at a higher rate than men. Around one in six women will experience depression and one in three will experience anxiety. Major life transitions such as pregnancy, motherhood and menopause can create physical and emotional stresses for women. Negative life experiences — infertility and perinatal loss, poverty, discrimination, violence, unemployment and isolation — also impact on women’s mental health and wellbeing. Unequal economic and social conditions also contribute to women’s higher risk of depression (Beyond Blue, 2020).

There is no singular reason behind most mental health issues, making it a complex and multi-faceted disease. While there is no one size fits all cure for mental health conditions, we can make lifestyle changes to support healthy brain function and our mood. In recent years there has been a focus on the connection between mental health and the food we eat. In order for your brain to decide how to interact with the world around you, elicit appropriate behaviours, improve your chances of survival and make you happy, it has to communicate with your body (Wenk, 2019). It does this through brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The food we use to fuel our bodies has a direct impact on how these transmitters, or brain communicators, work. The essential vitamins and minerals found in healthy, whole, unprocessed foods are essential to keeping our brain communicating properly, contributing to good mental health.

Our gut is particularly important to our brain health as many of those neurotransmitters we talked about, such as serotonin which contributes to feelings of happiness, are produced in our gut! While you may see a lot of marketing for supplements that promote good gut health, the best way to achieve a healthy gut balance is to eat more fruit and vegetables, up our fibre, incorporate food based pre- and pro-biotics, cook at home (as we tend to eat more fibre, fruit and vegetables at home) and to be aware of the amount of sugar in our drinks and manage to

reduce our consumption of these sweetened beverages.

Just as the nutrients in fruit and vegetables help your brain thrive, consuming a diet high in saturated fats and added sugars can have a negative effect on mental health (Lim et al., 2016). This is demonstrated through the higher rates of mental illness found in patients with cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes, two lifestyle disease with direct links to diets high in saturated fat and added sugar.

Combining a healthy balanced diet with exercise will give your body an extra boost of endorphins, which help contribute to increased energy levels and a positive mood (Powers et al., 2015). Aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day; this might include hiking, walking, dancing, yoga, running or catch and kick with the kids. You will get the most out of physical activities that you enjoy, so get creative!

At QCWA Country Kitchens we would like to support you and your family’s mental wellbeing. We have developed a suite of resources that highlight some ways to help you stay mentally fit, from providing recipe inspiration to chair yoga that you can easily do from work or home. Visit qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/free-resources/ for these, and for more inspiration follow our Facebook page @qcwacountrykitchens.

Let’s stay connected, persevere, and empower those around us to take control of their health – both inside and out.

References Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 4326.0, 2007. ABS: Canberra.

Beyond Blue (2020). Who Does it affect: Women. Retrieved from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women Lim, S. Y., Kim, E. J., Kim, A., Lee, H. J., Choi, H. J., & Yang, S. J. (2016).

Nutritional factors affecting mental health. Clinical nutrition research, 5(3), 143-152.

Powers, M. B., Asmundson, G. J., & Smits, J. A. (2015). Exercise for mood and anxiety disorders: the state-of-the science.

Wenk, G. L. (2019). Your brain on food: How chemicals control your thoughts and feelings. Oxford University Press.

2020 Winter | 21

VEGESORB PROMOTION

Protecting your skin Words and images by Neale Scott, director of Vegesorb Australia

s the balmy autumn turns into winter, many of us start noticing dry, flaky, or itchy skin.

Between the harsh wind, cold air, and artificial heating we’re exposed to, our largest organ gets a beating over the cold months.

And that’s just for people without sensitive skin or a condition like eczema or psoriasis, where winter can bring a whole new world of pain and hassles.

This is where Vegesorb moisturiser comes in. Its natural ingredients and lack of fragrance means it is perfect for those with sensitive skin, while the light and non-greasy nature of it means it’s ideal for everyone.

What makes Vegesorb different to other moisturisers? Well, in the first place it’s more rapidly absorbed by the skin due to the natural physical and chemical properties of apricot and almond oils, which it’s made from. These oil molecules are smaller than those used in sorbelene creams — meaning that

while sorbelene simply creates a barrier between the elements and your skin, Vegesorb actually is absorbed and hydrates the skin.

No fragrances, colours or foaming agents are added, which makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin or those just seeking a genuine moisturiser, and with allnatural ingredients you can use it with peace-of-mind.

What’s also exciting about Vegesorb is that it can be used as a soap alternative as well, simply by creating a half-anhalf mix of the moisturiser and water. People have used it as an aftershave alternative, on their dog for clipper rash after grooming, as shampoo to treat dry scalp, and for massages — so it’s truly versatile.

Available at most pharmacies and chemists, you can also get more information by visiting vegesorb.com.au or calling Neale Scott on (07) 3885 2882.

Natural

SKIN FOOD

• Australian owned & made • Apricot & Almond based • Absorbs quickly • Hydrates skin • Light, non-greasy • Compatible all skin types • Safe for all ages • Protects against elements • No petrochemicals • No fragrances or colours • No animal content or testing • Alternative to petrochemical sorbolenes

Vegesorb Australia Pty Ltd

7036518ab

A

www.vegesorb.com.au • Ph 07 3885 2882

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2020 Winter | 23

inspiring people

ROBYN KEENE, PRESIDENT SPRINGBROOK -MUDGEERABA BRANCH, AND JACK, THE 2019 JESSIE HOCKINGS ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

THE LADY AND THE LEGACY For 27 years, Springbrook-Mudgeeraba CWA has presented a local primary school student with the Jessie Hockings Encouragement Award. The bursary aims to help a family ease the financial burden of their child transitioning to high school.

Words by Avril Priem

Pictures Contributed

Who was Jessie Hockings?

J

essie Hockings was a founding member of the Springbrook CWA in 1957 and a three-time president during the 60s to 80s. Well-respected and much-loved in the district, her belief in supporting education prevails through her legacy.

Jessie’s granddaughter, Lorraine Mitchell, says her grandmother did not attend school while growing up on the western Downs.

“Instead, she had lessons at home because there was no money for boarding school.

“We affectionately called her Grandy. She was eloquent, well-read, an accomplished pianist and singer who held her audiences spellbound. She could quote Shakespeare, whip

24 | Winter 2020

JESSIE HOCKINGS

up a delicious strawberry mousse or make luscious brandied cumquats.”

Prickly pear, pearly shells and dairying

As a young girl of nine, Jessie Miller emigrated with her family from England in 1909 to the Dulacca district, west of Miles. In contrast to ‘England’s green and pleasant land’, their

SPRINGBROOK CWA 1982, THE YEAR IT MERGED WITH MUDGEERABA CWA L-R Olive Hicks (Charles Hicks’ grandmother) Yvonne Price, Lola Hicks (Charles’ mother), Jessie Hockings, Muriel (surname unknown) and Dorothy Ross — Courtesy Charles Hicks new country was hot, dry and peppered with prickly pear.

Lorraine recollects the family story: “When they first arrived from Brisbane with a month’s supply of groceries, a 7-pound billy of golden syrup had burst over everything and there was no water to wash it off. Water had to be carted in barrels from a waterhole three miles away.

“The family lived in bush tents for 14 months while greatgrandpa Miller built a house, a dam with pick and shovel, and tried to clear the land of prickly pear by hand — an impossible task. They eventually left that grant of land and developed Myalla, their wheat and beef property.”

At 23, Jessie married Frank Hockings and moved to Thursday Island — to stay for 18 years. Frank and his brother Norman ran the Wanetta Pearling Co. When Japan entered the war in 1941, Thursday Island became an Australian military zone. The armed services requisitioned the luggers and pearling came to a standstill.

Lorraine explains what happened next: “In 1942, Australian civilians were ordered to leave within 24 hours. Grandy and her three children — my mother Robin, Peg, and David — were evacuated to Brisbane. Leaving her home and life on TI was very stressful for her. Grandpa Frank joined his family later and for a time worked in the Rocklea munitions factory that made hand grenades.”

In 1944, the Hockings took up a dairy farm at Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland, and began the hard work of milking twice a day for 20 years.

Lorraine’s childhood memories are of lush paddocks, spectacular scenery, banana passionfruit growing under the verandah, and finger limes growing in tree stumps.

And inside the farmhouse: “the woodstove, Grandy’s roasts and home-baked pies, a sweet cordial made from finger limes, and hot porridge for breakfast served with brown sugar and fresh cream from the dairy.”

In the CWA

Being in the CWA ran in the family. Jessie’s mother was president of Dulacca CWA and a younger sister, the secretarytreasurer. On Thursday Island, Jessie was the branch secretarytreasurer.

“As a Springbrook CWA member, she was often on

SPRINGBROOK CWA 1959 Jessie Hockings 6th from left (behind lady in black hat) — Courtesy Charles Hicks the phone organising events, or chatting with members, supporting them and their families,” remembers Lorraine.

“Grandy was gifted with a wonderful kind heart. Her positive energy and enthusiasm enveloped those around her.”

After Frank died of a heart attack in 1952, Jessie and family kept the farm going until 1965. She then moved from mountain to coast but continued to attend Springbrook meetings, getting a lift with her friend, Lola Hicks, who had also been a president over the years. Lola would motor up in her 1965 Humber Super Snipe.

As well as the CWA, Jessie volunteered at the Red Cross, an aged care residence, and the local hospital ladies’ auxiliary.

“She was a hospital ‘flower lady’ for 15 years and used to say that a bit of flower power helps cheer up the day for both patients and staff,” smiles Lorraine.

Jessie was also renowned for her jams, pickles and chutneys, all made from garden produce given to her by family, friends and neighbours. A local newspaper reported that in one year she cooked up 491lbs or 222kg!

Her jars of tasty home-mades were given away for fundraising or entered into shows and CWA competitions. Her Madras chutney won the CWA state final two years in a row in the 70s.

In 1982, a British Empire Medal for Meritorious Civil Service acknowledged Jessie’s community work, which she continued

2020 Winter | 25

SPRINGBROOK CWA 1969 to do until well into her 80s.

“She was thrilled to receive a BEM,” says Lorraine.

“It coincided with her 82nd birthday, so it was a double celebration.”

Jessie Hockings passed away in 1991 at the age of 91. She was a quintessential CWA lady and true to the CWA Creed was always giving — and looking up, laughing, loving and lifting.

L-R Mrs Cameron, Norma Audsley, Mrs Stille, Estelle Perry, Dorothy Hall, Olive Hicks, Jessie Hockings, Lola Hicks; Christopher Hicks (left) and Charles Hicks (right) — Courtesy Charles Hicks

A family recipe comes home While researching for this story, Charles Hicks mentioned that he had Jessie’s Madras chutney recipe.

Charles explains: “When Mrs Hockings shared her special recipe with me, I felt privileged but was sworn to secrecy! Nearly 30 years later, I’m pleased and proud to give it to the family who thought the recipe was lost forever.”

Mrs Hockings’ award-winning Madras chutney

A place of belonging, opportunity and connection.

Clayfield College

26 | Winter 2020

clayfield.qld.edu.au

> Peel, core and chop 1½ lbs Granny Smith apples > Skin and chop ½ lb tomatoes > Place in a pan with 1¼ lbs white sugar and cook until the consistency of jam — about 30 to 35 mins > Add ½ lb sultanas or raisins, 2 oz finely chopped garlic, 2 oz green or preserved ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper — boil for 10 minutes > Add one pint of white vinegar and salt to taste; cook gently another 10 minutes stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick > Stand in a glass or earthenware bowl for two days, stirring occasionally > Bottle — it will improve with keeping

Blankie Rug made by Margaret Plant (Project Manager Operation Blankie) and Janet Lewis Coyle (Yungaburra Knitters and Hookers) was presented by L to R: Pauline Lawrence (Op Blankie, Regional Co-Ord WVNA Tablelands FNQ & VP Malanda RSL Sub-Branch), and Rhonda Vanzella (NSW War Widows Guild President) to Her Excellency Linda Hurley (Governer General’s wife). Pauline’s daughter Private Larissa Lawrence, of the Federation Guard ADF Canberra joined her mother at the Honouring Women and Families United by Defence Conference, 14th August 2019 in Canberra.

inspiring people

Operation Blankie

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n initiative started in April last year by military veteran Margaret Plant, the Tablelands Region-based operation is a great example of ‘from little things, big things grow’.

The idea came about when two members of the Tablelands FNQ Women Veterans Hub tragically lost a brother and close friend, and found a handmade blanket warm and comforting during the difficult time.

Now, a team of about 42 women — mostly from the Atherton Tablelands, but also based in Mission Beach, Brisbane, Innisfail, NSW’s Tumbaruma and Port Germein in South Australia — are busy knitting and crocheting items to be donated to veterans and others in need of comfort.

The group makes beanies, wrist warmers, fingerless gloves and scarves as well as blankies, and gives this “permanent hug from someone who cares” to veterans and partners having chemo treatment, homeless people, those grieving or in need of comforting, and other veterans.

2020 Winter | 27

inspiring people

WEDDING CAKE on board Toowoomba has an extraordinarily bright and successful cake decorating community. It can be attributed to ten years of mentoring by Mary Reid, one of the industry’s most lauded, most enthusiastic and most loved decorators.

Words by Ally Martell Pictures Contributed

M

ary Reid’s recently published book, Caution Wedding Cake on Board, gives us a peek into the close-knit, very sweet community of cake decorators. It is somewhat autobiographical (from a cake perspective); trade secrets are revealed (occasionally) and there are sensational recipes to follow (in a separate booklet). But mostly, it is highly entertaining, informative and educational account of Mary’s 50 years in the cake business.

How it all began:

Mary Reid knew what she wanted to do with her ‘cake’ life from the age of six! When most of us were making mud pies Mary was triple sifting flour to make cake batter for the family

28 | Winter 2020

business, Reid’s Store in Ingham. Mary’s Mum was her first teacher, she then did an 18-hour course at the Ingham TAFE and from there has been mentored by some talented and respected decorators including Mrs Fulton in Ingham and the late Heather Mills in Brisbane.

The Scary Side:

Mary’s stories include the good, the bad and the terrifying side of cake decorating. Some of her most compelling yarns tell of the near misses, the cake catastrophes that make your heart beat faster until a hero saves the day.

There are awkward moments when cakes are left on tables and devoured by pets; when cakes are damaged during

delivery on rough roads and of course there are the last minute cakes when grooms forget to place their order until the day before the wedding. In all cases, Mary comes to the rescue (I think she might have a cape).

The Business:

Being passionate about a craft is one thing, turning it into a successful business is another. Mary Reid certainly managed both and between 2004 and 2018 she attended 60 wedding expos, hosted 900 free cake tastings and delivered 1200 wedding cakes. For her efforts she was an Australian Bridal Industry Awards (ABIA) finalist for 12 years and was the state winner in 2012.

Giving back:

Creatives tend to be a generous lot and that includes cake decorators. Mary continues to give back to the community and will donate a percentage from the proceeds of her book to Blush Cancer Care in Toowoomba. Purchase Mary’s book online or in person at The Party Hut Toowoomba.

The Next Generation:

In 2004, after many years as a decorator, Mary established a cake decorating school in Highfields where she taught 270 classes to 400 students and hosted 10 international tutors. She also conducted five international cake decorating tours so that her students could expand their knowledge even more.

It’s through her students that Mary’s legacy continues. Many students now have their own cake decorating businesses and, like Mary, they make our lives a little brighter.

2020 Winter | 29

fashion

30 | Winter 2020

NICHE, NIMBLE AND NATURAL Coronavirus is a catalyst for change. The world has shrunk and supply chains are under threat at this time of global disruption. Local manufacturing is coming into its own, and being niche, nimble and natural are key ingredients for success, says Kerrie Richards from Merino County.

Words by Jane Milburn

“W

e are people of action, and actions speak louder than words.

It is not who you are, it is what you do and how you make a difference in the world,” Kerrie says.

For 27 years, Merino Country has been a small but sustainable Queensland natural-fibre clothing manufacturing business kicking big goals after being set up in 1993 as an outcome of the Future Search Program designed to develop innovative regional businesses.

Now suddenly, with abrupt and indefinite upheaval in global supply chains, all eyes are on local production and manufacture to fill basic requirements for our health and wellbeing. Essential services and simple requirements for everyday health and wellbeing are all that matters for survival in the face of this coronavirus pandemic.

Kerrie and partner Mal, and their factory team at Shailer Park just south of Brisbane, just got a whole lot busier but their routine is the same — they go to work and they go home.

A country upbringing means they are used to lockdown and being prepared for anything, as well as applying skills for problem-solving, resilience and out-of-box thinking. This is a time when preparation meets opportunity, when their online business systems and protocols are coming into their own.

Merino Country is a diversified local business that thrives on niche product development. In addition to their world-renowned wool Wundies, they produce protective clothing for employees, health products for people with special requirements, easy-care travel wear and active wear.

They’re using what they have to make things happen at this time of need, pivoting to produce Merino Country wool face masks for personal (non-medical) protection. The style of their masks took just three days from development to sample trialling before being in production the following week.

2020 Winter | 31

Kerrie says more manufacturing is coming back onshore and the number of clothing businesses manufacturing locally has increased in the past two years. Wearer attitudes are shifting to a smaller wardrobe of better quality, the buy once buy well approach, which is not exploitative or wasteful.

“We are working with a fibre that we grow here in Australia Kerrie has been working with the Queensland Government and Dr John Fraser from Prince Charles Hospital who is leading an international team of medical specialists fighting COVID-19 and has been getting fabric tested at The University of Queensland.

“Mal and I are can-do country people and we don’t see that you ‘’can’t do” something. We love it when we have a problem and work backwards to find a solution. When people come to us looking for something we don’t already offer, we say what is it you need?’’

Kerrie grew up at ‘Clareborough’ in Richmond, north Queensland, in a family which makes things and makes things happen too. They are a family of leaders in their respective fields, with brother Glen Richards, founder of Green Cross Vets, entrepreneur and mentor on Channel 10’s Shark Tank and mother Sandra Richards nearly 80 and still innovating.

“Mum makes me tired with what she does! Her recent wood plastics project is amazing and it came about by solving problems. She’s creating a new product at the same time as reducing waste from her African mahogany tree plantation and agricultural plastics on local farms. She’s chair and founder of the QPlas business based in Bowen which will produce hardwood-based composite for building, flooring, fire-resistant products and railway sleepers.

“In business, we get where we are because we actually do things. We step up and give them a go. A lot of people don’t do that because they are too afraid to fail. We look at the worst possible scenario of what can go wrong, do a risk analysis and then do it. I love that saying — some people watch what happens, some make things happen, and some just wonder what happened.”

32 | Winter 2020

and works for Australian conditions. In a bushfire, drought, flood, or virus outbreak, a wool t-shirt will get you through all those. The properties of merino are so versatile and it’s a homegrown product so we should be doing more processing here.”

Early stage processing through to yarn stage went offshore in the mid to late 90s, and Kerrie was forced to travel to Europe and Japan to find alternative factories. But now she has a long-term goal to bring it back onshore and has spent the past 18 months looking at what can be done locally.

“Although our processing is still done offshore, our knitting and dyeing is done here and we are investigating options to have mobile processing done here so farmers can shear wool

Everyone knows us for these iconic globe-conquering

UGG BOOTS and clean it on-farm using an innovative bio-cleaning process.

This is a first step towards self-sufficiency in fully local manufacturing,” Kerrie said.

“The wool supply chain is long and complex, the equipment involved at each stage is expensive at big scale. We are doing niche production at a micro level, but the bio-cleaning processing could be replicable if we can make it work for our business. The next stage to look at is local spinning, then we would be fully onshore.

Although there’s very traditional thinking in wool industry and things have not changed in a long time, we have to think and do differently. We don’t have to do what’s always been done.

“We work with growers who want to have more control over their marketing and do more value-adding here in Australia, so we can be self-contained. We always looking for alternatives, different products, production methods and animal husbandry.

We use all non-mulesed wool because it is ethical and in demand from conscious customers. “Ï recently re-read my Nuffield report from 1998 about the potential for industry and individuals to value-add through provenance, where our product is from and its natural attributes. Queensland can grow wool that is naturally chemical-free, running animals in big open spaces without the problems of cold, wet weather down south. There is a marketing opportunity for Queensland product.’’

Economies of scale are the problem and bigger contracts are needed to make change happen. When contracts go offshore, supply chains can be fragile and vulnerable to interrupted availability.

“Like any small business, farming or manufacturing, you put in many hours that you never see a return on. It has taken a long time to get to where we are now and with the daily grind in the business, it is hard to get out of the business which is what you’ve got to do to innovate.”

Kerrie says one of their strategies for success is to treat big customers the same way as small customers, the same as they themselves want to be treated – responding promptly and providing quality product at a fair price.

As a community-building initiative, Kerrie makes offcuts available for artists and craft groups and with 2020 being QCWA’s Year of Sheep she can dispatch bundles of wool offcut for upcycling into creative products if branches are able to cover the postage cost.

The natural properties of wool are many: antimicrobial, easy care and quick dry, naturally elastic, locally made, machine washable, moisture wicking, 100% natural and safe, no colour, plastic free, fire retardant, recyclable and biodegradable, SPF50+ protection, thermo-regulating, can be worn all year round.

Kerrie is also introducing a naturals range, made with cotton label and thread, and with the rubber elastic fully encased.

but did you know we are also famous for...

Why Freeze?

super comfy sheepskin seat covers

Custom made in Qld, with a great range of colours.

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wide range of baby-care products, and much more.

Akubras and other hats

cute cuddly plush toys and lots of souvenirs

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comfort of your home visit our website for all your Skinnys favourites

Level 2 Grand Central Shopping Centre ~ TOOWOOMBA Opposite Food Court SHOP ONLINE: www.skinnys.com.au 07 4659 5500

2020 Winter | 33

craft

Wialndd y l l o o W Wool is an incredibly versatile medium, especially for craft!

In the following pages, you’ll be able to crochet your own funky fern thanks to the Warwick ‘Yarntopians’ group, and discover the amazing Black Gold Tapestry.

Learn how to take wool from fleece, fresh from the sheep, to a ball of yarn as well.

Happy crafting!

34 | Winter 2020

MAKING YARN FROM SCRATCH

Whether you’ve always wanted to try your hand at spinning or are just curious, getting a ball of wool from a fleece is a fascinating process of several stages. Here, our resident wool expert takes us through washing the fleece, carding, dyeing, and spinning.

Words by Bethany Roberts Pictures Contributed Washing your fleece A raw fleece is full of dirt, lanolin (grease) and other stuff you don’t want. To wash it you will need warm water and a sink or bath tub.

Start by filling your sink with warm water; be careful to make sure your water is ‘not hot’, else your wool will felt. However, you still want it lukewarm to melt the lanolin.

Place your fleece (you can divide for washing ease) in the sink, then gently press it down repeatedly.

Once your water is a filthy orange colour, let out the water, refill the sink and start again. Keep this up until your water is more or less clear (it doesn’t have to be perfect).

Once you are done, carefully squeeze out the water and leave to dry.

Note: You may want to pull off any twigs and bits of straw or particularly dirty patches of wool first; it will help your resulting fleece to be cleaner.

THE DYEING PROCESS

Dyeing your fleece Dyeing is optional, but I personally love to work with colour.

I’ve only ever used one method of dyeing, and that is using

2020 Winter | 35

SPINNING USING A DROP SPINDLE

are separate. Then turn your staple and repeat the process.

Once you have several ‘flicked’ staples of wool, lay them evenly on one of your paddle carders, then holding the full carder firmly, brush away from the handle with your empty carder.

Continue doing this till all the fibres are separate; you can put more ‘flicked’ staples on the paddle carder till it’s full.

Once you’re done, take a knitting needle and place it under the wool extending from your carder, and place the other one on top then, holding firmly, roll the wool up the carder. Make sure you roll it tightly, else it will just come undone.

Once your wool is off the carder pull out the needles. Now you have a rolag. This will make spinning easier.

Ashford Wool Dyes.

You will need: dishwashing liquid, a sink, Ashford Wool Dyes, a stainless steel pot, a tablespoon, white vinegar, a stirrer, a teaspoon, and a small jar.

I love these dyes, they give good vibrant colours. This is the Ashford method.

In a sink or basin, thoroughly wet the wool — soaking it in warm water containing ¼ tsp of dishwashing liquid for 20 minutes.

Fill dye pot with enough water to cover the wool to be dyed and allow circulation (do not add wool at this stage).

Mix the dye powder to a paste in a small jar with a little cold water, then add sufficient warm water to dissolve it. Add this dye concentrate to the water in the dye pot.

Add two tbsp of white vinegar to the dye CARDING THE FLEECE pot for every 200g of wool and stir.

Add the wool to the liquid in the dye pot.

Turn gently so the wool soaks up the dye evenly.

Spinning your fleece Slowly raise the temperature of the dye pot liquid to boiling I use two methods to spin: drop spindle spinning and wheel point. Turn the wool gently from time to time to avoid uneven spinning.

Drop spindles were tools used to teach young girls to colour. spin.

It’s relatively simple; there are two styles of spindle, Top Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Whorl and Bottom Whorl. Mine is a Top Whorl, so I’ll show you If dye liquid remains highly coloured, add a little extra white how to use that. vinegar five minutes before the end of dyeing.

You will need: A piece of scrap yarn, rolags, and spindle.

Allow the dye bath to cool before handling, then remove the Start by taking piece of scrap yarn and, making a slip knot, wool and rinse in warm water. attach this beneath the whorl, take the long end of the yarn Rinse in cool water and dry. and thread through the hook, then make a loop at the end.

Note: About 9.5g of dye powder with 10 tbsp of white Now take a rolag and draft out the end (drafting: gently pull vinegar will dye 1kg of wool to full shade. For smaller quantities out the end of your fibre to a spinnable thickness, don’t yank!) one level tsp of dye powder with 2 tbsp of white vinegar will then fold your drafted fibre through the loop. dye 200g of wool. For lighter colour add less dye powder.

Standing up, start your spindle spinning in an anti-clockwise Tip: I started with small quantities, so if I made a mistake I motion; this is “spinning” your fibre. Continue to draft out your still had dye left. fibre, when your spindle hits the floor wind the yarn onto your Carding your fleece spindle.

Before you can begin spinning, you need to card. Carding is Continue this till your spindle is full. just brushing your wool to separate the fibres so you can draft.

Note: Your spindle will wobble when it’s getting too full.

You will need: A flick carder, a pair of paddle carders, a pair PLYING: For plying I use a method called ‘Andean Plying’, of thick knitting needles. and to do this you will need a hair band, spindle, and single Start by taking a staple of wool and your flick carder, then “ thread yarn. flick “ one end of the staple with your carder, until all the fibres Start by putting the band on your wrist and, taking the end

36 | Winter 2020

THE TWISTED YARN

of your single thread yarn, fasten it to the USING SPINDLES band, then take the thread up and around FOR SPINNING your middle finger, down behind your thumb, across the back of your hand, then up around your middle finger again, and down around the back of your hand in the opposite direction. Keep doing this till your hand is full then, lowering your middle finger, slip the loop off and push the “bracelet” onto your wrist, then repeat the process till you have two “bracelet’s” of similar size.

Now you are ready to ply.

Take your two ends and fold them through the loop from before, then spinning your spindle in a clock-wise direction, spin the two strands together. Now you are plying!

When your spindle is full, you’re ready to make a skein.

Tip: When you first start spinning, place a pillow on the floor – this way, if your spindle drops, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged.

MAKING A SKEIN: You will need a special tool called a niddy noddy.

Fill a sink with warm water (once again making sure it’s not Start by taking your plied yarn and making a slip knot. Place too hot) and once your skein is thoroughly wet, take it out and it on one of the horizontal arms of your niddy noddy, take the gently squeeze the water out. yarn down, under, up, over, down, under, and so on, till your Go outside and find a clean piece of wall and bash the skein bobbin is empty. against it till most of the water is out. This might sound weird, Then take four pieces of scrap yarn and tie securely around but it really does relieve the tension. the yarn between each of the arms before slipping the yarn off Once your skein is dry, you can wind it into a ball and — well your niddy noddy. done! — you now have yarn ready to use.

Now it’s time to wash your skein — you do this because, Most of the tools I use can be bought at www.ashford.co.nz while you’ve been spinning, the wool becomes tense and washing it relieves that tension.

Happy spinning!

2020 Winter | 37

craft

Make your own crocheted fern What’s better than an ordinary fake plant? A crocheted one, of course!

Words and pictures by Loretta Grayson

W

arwick Art Gallery’s yarnbombing team, the ‘Yarntopians’, meet regularly at the gallery throughout the year.

Our large-scale yarnbombing projects naturally involve the participation of many willing hands using their knitting needles and crochet hooks, dreaming up quirky ideas and clever objects to transform.

The team always have a project on the go, and crafters of all skill levels are welcome to join in. We are currently working on many items (including crochet houseplants) for our next installation, “The Front Room”, for the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival, to be held in Warwick in July 2021.

You can get involved by reading the yarnbombing team newsletters on our website www.warwickartgallery.com.au or by emailing the team coordinator Loretta Grayson at loretta.grayson@sdrc.qld.gov.au

Fern Leaf Crochet Pattern Pattern notes: Adapted from a vintage crochet pattern. The

38 | Winter 2020

fern leaves can be made in any weight of yarn (or doubledup yarn), depending on the size of the fern plant you wish to make. Use a hook of an appropriate size to ensure that the crocheting is fairly tight.

Small Fern Leaf Chain 30 (this will be referred to as the foundation chain in this pattern).

Working in top loops only, slip stitch (sl st) in the second chain (ch) from the hook, sl st in each of the next 3 ch, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook.

Sl st in the same ch of the foundation ch at the base of the leaf extension just worked, sl st in each of the next 2 ch, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch.

Sl st in the same ch of foundation ch at base of leaf extension just worked, sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 2 ch.

Sl st in the same ch of the foundation ch at base of leaf

extension just worked, sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 3 ch.

Sl st in the same ch of the foundation ch at base of leaf extension just worked, sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 4 ch.

Sl st in the same ch of the foundation ch at base of leaf extension just worked, sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 5 ch.

Sl st in the same ch of the foundation ch at base of leaf extension just worked, ***sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 6 ch. Sl st in same ch of foundation ch at base of leaf extension just worked.

Repeat from *** 5 more times.

Sl st in each of the remaining ch to the end of the leaf, ch 1.

Working in the other side of the foundation ch, crochet the other side of the leaf to correspond with the first side.

This pattern can now be adapted to make leaves of various sizes. Make several of each size to create a realistic looking

plant.

To create a medium size fern leaf, begin with ch 40 and work from *** 10 times instead of 5. To create a large fern leaf, begin with ch 50 and work from *** 14 times instead of 5.

Assembling the plant Make several leaves of each size, depending on how large and full you would like your fern plant to be. Thread green florist wire through the loops at the back of the spine of each leaf, securing the tip of the leaf by bending the wire.

Use a purchased pot or crochet a bowl shape to act as a pot. Place a piece of Styrofoam or florist foam in the pot and pack in place with fibre fill. Crochet a brown circle to act as the “soil”, and stitch or glue the edges to keep it in place. Arrange the leaves in the pot, poking the wire end into the foam and stitching the base of the leaf in place on the brown circle. To create a natural looking plant, arrange the large and medium leaves on the outside, and the small leaves in the centre.

2020 Winter | 39

craft

The Black Gold Tapestry Detailing the history of oil, with inspiration taken from the renowned Bayeux Tapestry, this glorious embroidery was discovered by QCWA Gin Gin branch member Pam Rebbeck during her Canada holiday in 2017.

Words by Jessica Kramer Pictures courtesy of Glenbow Museum

T

he Black Gold Tapestry was on exhibition in Glenbow Museum, and by happy chance Pam was able to meet creator Sandra Sawatzky.

Sandra said the creation took up to 14 hours a day over nine years, with the final piece being made up of eight panels, each a metre tall.

“Setting out on such a long-term project, one needs confidence that one can go the distance,” Sandra says further in Glenbow Museum’s book detailing the tapestry.

“I knew I had practice: a marriage of 40 years; parenting for 20; decades of daily running, writing and drawing; scores of detailed couture sewing creations; and completion of six films all schooled in me a commitment to ‘small steps’ — daily actor that builds resilience, dependability, patience and puts skin in the game,” she writes.

“That discipline enabled me to complete The Black Gold Tapestry.”

The entire work of 67-metres uses only four stitches — stem stitch for outlines and satin stitch, couching and stab-stitch for fillings – as homage to the process medieval women would have used for the Bayeux Tapestry.

40 | Winter 2020

2020 Winter | 41

craft

42 | Winter 2020

BUTTON COLLECTING AS A HOBBY

Buttons are part of our everyday life. Most of us remember family button boxes and jars containing ‘saved’ buttons; they were fun to play with — and still are! But do we think of them as being a hobby?

Words by Robyn Pictures courtesy of Buttons Collector Club 2020 Winter | 43

W

ell they are — and many collectors meet like-minded folks through button collector clubs.

According to button collector, Robyn, buttons most commonly found today are from the 19th and 20th Century and provide a wide range of ‘collectable’ buttons. There are still buttons to be found from the 18th Century but these are rare and generally expensive, but wonderful.

Buttons were important to an outfit in the 18th and 19th Centuries. They were a talking point.

Cherished and valuable buttons were passed down through families. Boxed sets of buttons were given as special gifts.

During the 1930’s Depression, an American woman came up with the idea of an ‘affordable’ hobby: collecting buttons. England followed shortly after but Australia was a little slower with The Victorian Button Collectors Club starting in Melbourne in 1996.

The Victorian Button Collectors Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, except for January.

A different button topic is discussed at each meeting and written up, with accompanying photographs, in the club’s quarterly journal, Australian Button Collector.

Buttonfest is held in Melbourne on the second Saturday in October and Country

44 | Winter 2020

Buttonfest is held every second year. These events are terrific for learning about buttons as the focus is on sharing knowledge and looking at button displays.

If you think button collecting might be for you, take another look in a button tin or jar. What button appeals?

What is the button made from?

Is it from the Art Deco period or was it made just after the war?

Australian military and uniform buttons are particularly interesting to collect, and there are many to find.

Many collectors start by linking buttons to something they find interesting such as animals, sports, theatre, mythology and famous people. Others focus on materials such as glass, pearl or wood buttons. Collecting buttons will fit any budget.

Buttons can be displayed in picture frames, on cards or in boxes, according to age, topic, design or material – there are no restrictions.

If you love history, collecting and researching then you will find that old buttons can bring unexpected rewards.

The Victorian Button Collectors Club – www.vicbuttonclub.com.au The National Button Society – www.nationalbuttonsociety.org The British Button Society – www.britishbuttonsociety.com

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craft

Dolly Daydreams Ailsa enjoyed various crafts her entire life, but it wasn’t until a friend invited her to a porcelain doll-making class that she discovered her true passion and started collecting.

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Words by Ailsa Hall Pictures courtesy of Lauren Alsemgeest

ven as a child I loved to sew on my mother’s machine and create things.

I loved crochet, sewing and art while at school.

After marriage to my husband Glen in 1968, we moved to our property at Mirani West to grow sugar cane. Over the years I sewed to dress our children until they didn’t want to wear homemade anymore.

I also sewed for a lady who designed her own casual and sports wear in Mackay.

Over the many years spent on the farm, I enjoyed patchwork, embroidery and folk art crafts in my spare time.

In 1998 a friend asked me to enrol with her in a porcelain doll making class.

The first doll we made was Baby Carol. I still have her today in my collection.

Our doll making career began, and we didn’t know how addicted we would become.

With a thirst to know how to fire porcelain, and become a tutor, I started an apprenticeship with Seeleys in 1999.

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Having completed many workshops in various capital cities, I earned my D.A.G. Master of Doll Making certificate, in September 2003.

My husband retired from the farm and we moved to Mackay where I conducted doll making classes, for a few interested friends in my own workshop at home.

My main interest was in antique reproduction dolls in porcelain, and the costumes they wore in their era.

Over the years I have enjoyed making and selling many dolls, and also collecting some antiques as well.

In recent years, dolls are not so popular as they used to be.

However I still do have a request for a certain doll, mainly for baby christening gifts for grandchildren.

My collection have taken over our house now and I still have 68 smaller dolls to dress in my spare time.

Dolls are popular and rewarding to collect and will increase in value over time.

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health

Each year QCWA branches study a health issue and in 2020 that area of study is “women’s mental health”.

The Bittersweet Balance of the Mind Words by Cassandra Hudson

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ofia* was intelligent, artistic and a storyteller. Her stories were often brilliant: and fictional. She didn't know the difference, and often, neither did we.

You see, my grandmother might have had Paranoid Schizophrenia and she might have had Bipolar Disorder; it depends who you ask. Over the decades, the story changed depending on her physician and the symptoms displayed. At times she was delusional with multiple personality traits and severe mood swings. I remember turning up at her house when I was just a little girl with my Mum; she was the Queen and we needed to bow. It terrified me.

However, even recently, when bringing up with my sister how

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Pictures Contributed

travelling with Grandma impacted me personally, we started to realise we saw the situations she faced differently. What I experienced wasn't the full picture — neither was what she had experienced. As we talked, for the first time we started to put together a more accurate picture of what it was like to journey with someone who was, for the most part, unwell; yet brilliant.

I always thought that it was probably more comfortable for me not to write about mental health in our family: to 'sweep it under the rug'. Afterall, some of us try and face mental health and talk about things, while others keep it secret; a horror never to be mentioned.

Fast forward a few decades, I think of Grandma with a

bizarre mix of pride, fear and disappointment. In many regards, I inherited much of who I am from her: and I'm proud of it. I love having that box-smashing creativity in my wheelhouse! Yet I remember as a kid my mum looking at my messy (masterpiece) of a room and with great exasperation saying ‘Oh! You're just like my mother!’ She meant well, but I was fearful. “Will I become like her? Am I always going to be in control of my feelings, emotions and mind?”

Now, mostly I feel disappointment. The disappointment in myself; could I have done things differently had I not been so afraid? This can't change how I am with my grandmother, but it can change how I am with others.

The older I get, the more I know we all have to deal with our mental health in one way or another.

Often it is fear that denies mental illness. Fear of what ‘others’ will say and fear of what I might say. I grew up afraid of my grandmother and that fear translated to a fear of others. If someone showed a moment of instability, I'd panic. When I showed weakness, I was petrified.

There's a children's book by Michael Rosen And Helen Oxenbury called We're Going on a Bear Hunt in which the children in the book declare ‘I’m not scared — it's a beautiful day!’ and then they, together as a family, find a way forward. The lesson in the book is simple: sometimes you have to go over it, under it or through it — but you can't avoid it. Every challenge should be faced, and a solution found. Declaring ‘I’m not scared’ is setting yourself up to meet the challenge head-on whether it be for your loved one or yourself. You don't endure it independently; you experience it with your tribe, your family, your circle of friends.

Whoever it is that you have in your circle. Together you face questions looking for solutions instead of looking for an escape.

We shouldn't always be afraid of what we don't know until we understand it.

As I've grown older, I see fear of mental illness as similar to ‘fear of the dark’. How

do you beat a fear of the dark?

Simply turn the light on.

I remember watching A Beautiful Mind, the 2001 American film based on the life of mathematician John Nash (played by Russell Crowe). John Nash was a brilliant mind who battled Schizophrenia while also being a Nobel Laureate in Economics and Abel Prize winner. It’s a brilliant depiction of how some of the most beautiful and bright people can also be so haunted. I remember my friends saying at the time how they felt the movie was a little ‘unbelievable’. From my experience with my grandmother I knew it was as realistic as a movie can be.

Exposing our fears, bringing them to light, is the first step in overcoming them. Whether it’s a chat to a friend, counsellor or psychologist, we all benefit from switching the light on.

These days, I see different aspects of mental health weaving its way through the lives of family and friends. I have stood with friends during their darkest battles and they have stood with me. I couldn't live without my tribe.

And then there are the conversations we should have had. I've sat on church pews farewelling lives gone too soon without the slightest hint anything was wrong.

That's why I am writing this and asking the question: “how do we respond to mental health?”

Perhaps by talking about it we'll find a little camaraderie somewhere. Perhaps we’ll become a little more game to talk about all of our mental health. *Names have been changed.

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house

ERTÉ ~ Father of Art Deco ~ Romain de Tirtoff Words by Kimberley Joseph Pictures Contributed

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s I padded the eclectic aisles of a well-travelled antique store, the owner was unloading new found treasures from a deceased estate. My eye was immediately drawn to a collection of magnificent bronze sculptures he placed carefully on the counter.

These beautifully slim Egyptian-esque women were adorned with detailed headdresses and flowing robes, each with their own unmistakable art deco style. Then I spotted “The Diva” leaning up against the counter, patiently waiting in her turquoise frame.

The serigraph (181/300) reminded me so much of Josephine Baker, in a flapper style dress and bejewelled headdress, a red and blue parrot positioned as if holding up the costume by a bead over her left shoulder.

The parrot’s colourful tail was almost as long as the subject was tall and the stamped foil detail caught the light like an abalone shell. Her elegance and simplicity against the white background was perfect, I had to have her. So, who was this “Erté” whose signature I could make out in the lower right hand side of the serigraph?

Often referenced as one of the founders of Art Deco, Romain de Tirtoff was a Russian-born, French artist and designer who had a spectacularly colourful life.

This man’s talents knew no bounds and he seemed to always follow his bliss, working in many fields including

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fashion, jewellery, graphic arts, interior decor. He also found success in costume and set design for film, theatre and opera.

Born in 1892, Romain was passionate about dance, painting and drawing from a young age, shaping his love of the female form and the performing arts. Also fascinated by the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, Rome, India and China, he absorbed book after book. This early interest in other cultures is obvious in his graphic art and sculptures.

When he visited Paris in 1900 to attend the Paris Exhibition with his mother and sister, he was just seven years old. The bustling vibrant city left a lasting impression on him and in 1912 at age 19 he left Russia forever and moved to Paris to pursue his dreams.

Tirtoff was soon offered a job in the famous fashion house of Paul Poiret and started creating sketches of dresses, coats, hats and accessories. It was during this time that he assumed the pseudonym Erté, which combines the initials of his name R and T, pronounced AIR-TEY in French.

During this period Erté worked with famous painter José Zamora, perfecting his drawing style and technique. His elegant and colourful style was full of imagination and originality and his designs captured the essence of Parisian life during the art deco period. A style that would bring him fame and fortune for the rest of his vibrant life.

Erté loved mixing styles and was inspired by both ancient and modern. From Greek, Egyptian and Roman influences to the decadence of modern life in Paris, his art, like his life, is bursting with vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics, patterns and crazy colour combinations that leave his audience wanting more.

Erté drew his first Harper’s Bazaar cover in 1915 and would create over 250 unique covers for the publication over the next twenty years.

In the 1920s, drawing on his childhood love of dance, Erté choreographed many numbers for Anna Pavlova’s dance company and made scenography for “Folies Berger” and its main attraction Josephine Baker, as well as The London Opera and Paris Grand Opera.

From 1923 Erté worked in America creating incredible costumes for all the famous Broadway reviews. His creations were adored because of the combination of Parisian high fashion and Parisian cabaret, incorporating fine lines and stunning colours. An invitation from Louis B. Mayer, owner of MGM in 1925 saw Erté creating costumes for films such as “Ben-Hur,” “La Boheme,” “Time, The Comedian” and “Madness Dance.”

Then in the 1960s he became interested in sculpture, creating works in metal and then bronze, in the ancient technique of “lost Wax.” With this new medium he had found a way to bring his friends and girlfriends, costumes and graphic works to life.

When some might have expected Erté to be slowing down somewhat in his 70s, he started designing mansions and country homes and villas for the rich and famous.

In the late 1960s and early 70s Erté enjoyed a revival of his already successful career as there was a resurgence of 20s and 30s art. Indeed, interest in him was at an all time high with books being published about his life and works and in 1975 he even published his memoirs.

Erté died after a sudden illness in 1990. His funeral was a vibrant as he was.

There was something that drew me in immediately to Erté’s work. His pieces are both elegant and bright, with a timelessness, that may be attributed to both the respect he had for ancient cultures and the glamour of Parisian life.

He certainly had a passion for beauty and the female form.

Needless to say, I walked out with “The Diva.” The lady beside me snapped up the bronze beauties on the counter faster than you could say “I saw them first!” Clearly she knew more about the life and work of Erté than I did at the time.

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garden

SCULPTED IN STEEL

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Plants and steel weld together beautifully

Words and pictures by Avril Priem

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n the local Gubbi Gubbi language, Kin Kin, about a 30-minute drive southeast of Gympie, means ‘red soil’ or ‘small black ants’. The hamlet is home to an enchanting garden gallery of steel sculptures. The curves and angles of the sculptural forms harmonise with the contours of the natural landscape or mirror the spikiness of succulents and grasses; all have the rich autumn tones of rusting steel.

is so strong,” says Natalia.

A few years ago, the couple set up a stall at the Eumundi Market selling laser cut metal garden art — chookies and kookies, flowers and fairy wrens — but wanted to expand

Bold and beautiful

Natalia and Duncan of Broadcroft Design are the metal artists behind these striking pieces. Both are passionate about working creatively with weathering steel, which contains alloying elements that naturally oxidise the surface of the steel, or can be treated to accelerate the rusting.

“The thing I love about metal is that it looks so delicate, yet

2020 Winter | 53

into “big, bold sculptures.” They went on to establish The Croft Garden Gallery, planting an arbour of tropical birches, a mango, a mulberry and a tropical apple, and reviving a dam to be the gallery’s focal point and a haven for wildlife.

From a sheet of steel

From Natalia’s sketches, Duncan uses a computer program to refine the designs. “You can have great ideas but it isn’t worth anything unless you have the skills to make it come alive,” says Natalia about Duncan’s expertise.

Their designs are sent to Noosa where steel is laser-cut into shapes, or to Gympie for fabrication into the semi-finished product. Natalia then begins welding.

“For me, welding pieces of steel together is like sewing pieces of fabric together. I make notches to match pieces perfectly and I finish edges like a smooth, even hem. My parents were in the rag trade in Melbourne and I was a cutter, so working with patterns, designing and assembling is second nature to me.”

On Wednesdays when the gallery is open, Natalia chats to visitors or rides on the mower while contemplating new creations or a section of the garden to work on.

“I love sitting in various locations to catch different aspects of the garden. It is ever-changing and growing.”

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garden: bush life

An Unforgettable Journey as a Ringer from Up North

GRETA RIDING MURPHY

56 | Winter 2020

Greta Keene is a university student from Injune, south-west Queensland, who spent 18 months working as a station hand on Barkly Downs Station for the Australian Cattle and Beef Holdings company. She enjoys campdrafting, working her horses, taking photos and spending time with family and friends.

Greta previously wrote a story for Ruth magazine in summer 2016/17.

Words and pictures by Greta Keene

T

he Toyota dual cab ute idled to a stop in front of the Barkly half years.

Downs Station kitchen building, and I stepped out of the I’m currently trying to revive the excitement that I had once vehicle, knowing that this was my last time of doing such a felt for the idea of me working on a cattle station after high thing. I had worked as a ringer on Barkly Downs for one and a school because it is currently fading as fast as the bitumen is half years and today was my final day. behind us.

Time had definitely taken its toll on my dirty Dust N Boots I have never travelled this far into North West Queensland work shirt, my oil-stained Cinch jeans and my battered before. I have never worked on a station as large as Barkly Blundstones. As my glance took in the station buildings, I before. And I have certainly never gone somewhere where I reflected on my Barkly journey. It had surely been an eyeknow not a single soul on the place before. Although I believe opening experience. what we have been told by many people, that I will be well Being just under two and a half million acres, spread across looked after on the station and that I will be working for really downs country, red ridges and sandy channels, Barkly was a lovely people, I am still nervous about going somewhere new. mammoth compared to the forty-odd-thousand-acre grazing I quickly glance into the back seat to my twin sister Anna. and fattening operation that my father worked on. When I We have been stuck together from our first days of life, school first arrived on Barkly I thought that I had an adequate and College and now we are going to be separated. We understanding of station life; however, I quickly are both going to be working on different stations realised that I had much to learn. The experiences that are hours from one another. To make and life lessons that I gained during my first real matters worse about not being able to see my job, would stay with me forever. doppelganger every day, I know that after While I glanced across the vast green bidding Mum and Anna farewell tomorrow, lawn, a pang of dread suddenly hit me.

I won’t see any of my family members for Although I was eager to commence months. A quick weekend home is definitely university the following year, the not on the cards considering the seventeenfact that I was now leaving my hour distance. job, a place that had become It only feels like we have been driving for my home, my work colleagues a few minutes, but suddenly Mum turns who had become my friends and my left onto a new road. As flecks of red dirt station horses who I loved unconditionally, whirl into the vast blue sky and as every was now unimaginable. As I thought about mile continues to pass us, my heart beats my time up north, memories flooded my a little faster. Goosebumps begin to mind... cascade down my forearms and I know I’m perched in my parents’ Toyota Landcruiser that they are not only from the brisk airWagon absentmindedly peering out at the con, which seemingly cold-blooded mountains that are all around me. If it was any Mum fondly appreciates, but they other day I would probably be appreciating are also from my nerves. To the rich reds and burnt oranges adorning relieve the butterflies which the rocks, but not now. We’re currently are buzzing like berserk in on the Barkly Highway, the main my belly, my ears strain to highway, that leads to Barkly grasp the conversation Downs Station — my new home coming from the radio and job for the next one and a GRETA WITH BEN THE STEER

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STANDING UNDERNEATH THE “BARKLY DOWNS STATION” SIGN

announcer. I usually intentionally and successfully block out his continuous bland prattle, but today I’m trying to find something to think about that isn’t related to my new job. However, I am ultimately failing. He is talking about an interest of mine, of the results of the local campdraft and this information instantly makes me associate it with horses, cattle and Barkly.

We reach a sign that reads Barkly Downs and Mum calculates the kilometre reading. I know that there isn’t long to go now. After rounding a few bends, we come face to face with the station compound. Mum states something like “you’re here now Gret, the real work will begin”. My worries seem to subside slightly, as I observe the rugged horses in the paddocks, the buildings, the machinery and the prosperous garden.

I know that I am beyond nervous to start my new job, meet new people and become adjusted to the unfamiliar lifestyle, but I know that I have to tackle them head on, because we have made it to our destination.

I remember Mum parking the Wagon in front of the kitchen, in the same position where I was standing now, on my last day of work. A booming bang of a door suddenly erupted from the girls’ quarters, followed by an equally earth shattering “Gret, Gret” from my two sisters. They had finished work out west on their own cattle stations for the year and had travelled to Barkly so that we could drive home together. After Nina and Anna galloped over to embrace me in a hug, they began chattering on about

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their long drive from the Territory into Queensland.

They indicated that they wanted to quickly hit the road again, so I instructed them on what luggage to pack into the same old Toyota Wagon, that I had arrived at Barkly in. I then started walking towards the horse yards.

It was the longest stroll that I had ever completed.

As my eyes focussed on the horse paddock, my mind drifted to all of my station horses: Manny, Murphy and Blue Jeans. But my heart ached a little more when I pondered on Miss Marble and Stoney, especially Stoney.

I couldn’t have asked for a more quiet and goodnatured brown-eyed best mate, who gave me onehundred and twenty percent every time I sat in the saddle. Stoney was a handy horse who had done plenty of mustering in his thirteen years; however, he hadn’t done any this year. A few months ago, he came into the horse paddock to complete a few flatwork sessions, before being loaded onto the truck which was headed for the Dajarra Campdraft.

That weekend we ended up winning the Maiden Draft. It was my most exciting moment to date, as I had beaten so many renowned stockmen and stockwomen on a station horse who had next to no work all year. This placing reiterated my original beliefs about Stoney, that he was and would always be a winner.

GRETA STANDING WITH MISS MARBLE AND STONEY

I was greeted by the familiar smell of hay and pellets when I entered the horse shed. My feet stopped in front of a saddleless rack that had a full gear-bag on the ground in front of it. I recalled the first time that I lifted a saddle from that position. Even in the current fortydegree heat, I could still feel the vicious breeze that had embraced me on my first day of work.

Although it’s after six o’clock, it seems like the sun won’t be rising to defrost my jumper and jean-clad body anytime soon. While I scoff down a banquet of bacon and eggs, one of the managers informs me that “you’ll be riding Gwen today, she’s a good old mare, but she pulls like a freight train”. I nod my head nervously wondering what the day will be like.

As the breeze continues to blow a gale down at the horse yards, the head stockman points between the station horses to an older-looking brown mare, Gwen. I guess that she’s a beginner’s horse because I understand that the managers will instruct me to ride a reliable horse, before gaining an insight into my horsemanship ability. The old mare has a kind eye and stands steadily while I saddle her. After loading her onto the truck, I hug Mum and Anna goodbye.

There is no time to let my emotions get the better of me because I am soon bustled into the dual cab horse truck, with my fellow unfamiliar work colleagues. Although the other ringers seem welcoming, their banter with one another makes me realise that they are close mates. If there is any time in my life that I feel like a real newbie, it is in this moment. I wonder if I will ever become a part of their group.

During the drive out to the paddock, I gather that we will have a big day of mustering ahead of us. When we pull up at the dam there is already a large mob of cattle surrounding it, so we unload and mount the horses. We begin to block up the mob, who are now all on their feet, looking at us curiously.

I have never mustered with a helicopter before and as the buzzing draws nearer, my hands clutch Gwen’s long mane inbetween my reins. My heart picks up a beat as the pilot’s voice crackles through my two-way, instructing my crew that the last mob is coming in now. My head stockman informs my fellow colleagues and I on our mustering positions. I gulp, this is it, my first muster on Barkly is about to begin.

The last few beasts arrive at the dam and I begin riding Gwen on the tail of the mob. Although she is a little strong, she really can watch cattle and I know that back in her day, she would have been a bonzer young mare. A smile finds my lips as the continuous bellowing of cows and calves, the purring of motorbikes and the crashing of stockwhips fill my ears, while the smell of manure wafts my nostrils. Although I am nervous that I have never mustered such large mobs of cattle with this many horse and bike riders before, I am looking forward to the challenge.

CAMPDRAFTING AT THE 2018 MOUNT ISA CAMPDRAFT, RIDING BLUE JEANS

The thought of swinging off the branding cradle, sidestepping cattle in the round-yard and working the race pregnancy testing cows, also fills me with excitement. There are so many new experiences to be had. I know that my job here on Barkly will be full-on, but I am adamant about learning and working as hard as I can.

And looking back, I did just that. There was no way that I would let my five-foot build affect my work. Even when I was unsure of my ability in the new environment, I always believed in having a go. A sigh escaped my lips as I lugged my gear-bag onto my shoulder and began ambling back towards the Wagon. After hauling my bag into the boot, I began my farewells.

Although we had been unfamiliar acquaintances at first, my work colleagues in the stock camp and I had become best mates. They were all around my age and had similar interests to me, definitely a great bunch of people who I would dearly miss. We had shared many good times together from joking about while working hard on the branding cradle, to devouring chicken kievs at the local servo and partying a little too hard at campdrafts. It was also sad to farewell my managers, cook and other station work colleagues – they had all been extremely kind to me. But I knew that my time to leave the station had come.

As the Wagon bumped over the Barkly Downs grid for the last time, my eyes squinted through tears. Although I had experienced some ups and downs during my time on the station, it would always have a special place in my heart. While the idea of swapping my saddle and spurs for a laptop and textbooks next year was nerve-racking, I knew that I would cope. Just like I had on Barkly.

2020 Winter | 59

! s d r i b e h t y o

En jo

garden

Zebra Finches

Words and pictures by Jill and Ian Brown of Birds Queensland

Zebra Finches are found over most of Queensland except the top of Cape York and coastal areas. They prefer drier inland environments where fallen seeds are easier to find in more open country. They are usually seen in pairs or in flocks and can be abundant in good seasons. They are charming little birds, the male more colourful with his spots, stripes and orange cheeks. This pair were part of a small flock near Inglewood and seemed absorbed in looking at each other.

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hree months ago, it would have been inconceivable that our lives would change so much. For some of us, these changes involve isolation from family and friends and shortages of some very basic grocery items. For others, the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic have been much more severe. At the time of writing, Australia is in a much better position than many other countries and we can only hope that with the advice of epidemiologists and other specialists we can avoid the disasters unfolding elsewhere.

Birdwatching is now constrained to our own backyards.

For some, that will mean farms and properties which provide ample room to move about, while others may be confined to small gardens and units in towns and cities. For us, there are always birds in our wild inner-city garden, but the range of species is very limited. Recently, we have had hundreds of butterflies of many types – a welcome addition to the view from the veranda – though the inevitable crop of caterpillars which will follow sooner or later may not be so amusing!

The photos included here are some which have given us great pleasure, both when they were taken and when we have reviewed them since. We are sharing them in the hope that they will brighten up what may be an anxious winter for many, and may encourage people to enjoy the birds they see from their tractors, verandas, high-rise balconies or whatever other vantage points are available.

If you would like further information about Birds Queensland, please visit our website www.birdsqueensland.org.au/ or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BirdsQueensland.

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Little Corellas Little Corellas can be seen all over Queensland, from huge flocks raiding grain bins or gathering spillage to smaller flocks foraging in urban parks. They are perhaps the most playful of all Australian birds. This pair was part of a flock of about 100 playing in a park, rolling on the soft lawn and tossing pieces of fallen bark, or tugging at runners of grass. They were a delight to watch as they wrestled companionably, clearly enjoying the warm summer afternoon. For Little Corellas, they were unusually quiet except for soft chattering and the occasional screech if play became a little out of hand.

Pale-yellow Robin This photo demonstrates the bird photographers’ axiom “always take the camera”. I was sitting on a few bricks outside the laundry in our North Queensland accommodation waiting for the washing machine to finish. This little Pale-yellow Robin approached quietly, and eventually sat so close that it was within my minimum focus range. Birdwatchers often refer to species as “confiding”, which perfectly describes this little bird.

Pale-yellow Robins occur only in rainforests around Cairns and in south-east Queensland. They are tiny, perhaps 12 cm long — smaller than a House Sparrow. They perch low to watch for prey on the ground then dive down to catch it. This one was as entranced by the click of the camera shutter as I was by him!

Plumed Whistling-Duck Plumed Whistling-Ducks can be seen almost anywhere in Queensland, with the possible exception of the extreme south-west. During the day, they are often seen in large flocks loafing around lakes and wetlands. They stand upright, showing their barred bellies and the upright fan of plumes that cover the edge of their wings when they are resting. They feed at night on vegetation. Their shrill un-duck-like whistles are often heard before the birds themselves are seen. This bird was resting on a lake in North Queensland with one eye on the photographer. A small dragonfly had taken advantage of the convenient perch it’s back provided!

Scaly-breasted Lorikeets Like most parrots and related species, Scaly-breasted Lorikeets can often be found in pairs or small flocks. They are smaller than the more familiar and raucous Rainbow Lorikeets and occupy the same range in the eastern half of Queensland. They are a rich bright green with red bills and red underwings, obvious when they fly. Like all Lorikeets, they are predominantly nectar feeders and are often found in flowering native trees and shrubs, including palms. Their voice is slightly higher-pitched than that of Rainbow Lorikeets. The two species are sometimes found in mixed flocks, since their food preferences are very similar. This pair were loafing in one of our trees, snuggled together preening.

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garden

The Expert’s Guide to Styling with Plants Words by Belinda Mullineaux and Georgina McBride Pictures by Hannah Blackmore

How we love to arrange pot plants on our balconies, patios and verandas. Greenery breathes life into a space, creating texture, colour and shape. Belinda Mullineaux of The Balcony Garden and Georgina McBride from Green Features both make a living out of styling with potted plants and their social media pages are gorgeous! The ladies are happy to share their top tips with Ruth readers.

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Balcony Statement Plants

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avourite statement plants for a balcony are Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicoli) or Dragon trees (Dracaena draco).

“Their tall features stand the test of time, can tolerate the harsh sun and look great on their own or in a cluster,” Georgina said.

“Team an Olive Tree with a white pot and it always looks elegant. Olive Trees love the sun, so this plant is perfect for an exposed balcony space.”

Belinda recommends at least a 45 litre pot size for a feature plant (it holds about two bags of potting mix). “It’s a good height and large enough to cater for a well-established plant,” she said.

Outdoor Feature Plants for Front Patio Welcome your guests with a gorgeous Magnolia grandiflora (Teddy Bear) or Rubber Tree (Ficus elastic burgundy) at the front door. The perfect cluster for an entrance is large Magnolia Teddy Bear with a slightly smaller Rubber Tree (250ml or 300ml pot) and a Jade Plant (Crassula ovate).

Indoor Feature Plants Favourite indoor feature plants are the Rubber Tree and Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate). “Team with a basket or a sleek pot and shazam!” said Belinda.

“Plant perfection right there - they require less maintenance than most indoor plants too.”

Other fuss-free indoor plants include Aloe, Snake Plant (Sanseviera), The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamifolia) Pothos, Dieffenbachia and Dracaenas.

Green Features Guide to Getting the Look: 1. Determine how you use the space and what it means to you. Greenery should accompany the space, not take over 2. How much space do you have in terms of height and depth – do you have room for a large plant? If you have a small balcony one large feature pot in a corner works well and provides height which gives the illusion of more space. If width is an issue, choose a tall pot that has some character such as the The Balcony Garden’s JITT pot range 3. Plant survival: Find out if the space sunny — all day sun or just morning or afternoon? Is it shady for most of the day? What plant would survive best in this environment? Research plant care.

4. Choosing Plants: Firstly look at the style of your existing garden, unit block or house.

Is it tropical, formal, bold and industrial or maybe it’s rustic with native plants? Is there something in your present garden or surroundings that you love that you can link to the balcony or patio? Maybe a colour or shape.

5. When selecting indoor plants, look at your style of furniture. If you have quite an eclectic style or furniture, pick a few statement plants that have a simple glossy leaf structure and accent them with smaller more interesting plants.

6. Create a cluster: for areas with more space a cluster of three matching large, medium and small pots is always a winner. The Balcony Garden pots come in sizes from small to enormous. Think about balance; if the biggest plant of the trio is large and wide, the medium should be a little more tall/slim and the smallest of the pots low and wide. Pot cluster perfection right there!

Georgina is frequently asked “Why does my newly purchased plant look amazing at the nursery but wilt and die when I get it home?”

“I find larger plants are more established so tend to survive transition to a new home better than smaller plants,” she says. “But keep new plants away from windows that get a lot of sun as glass magnifies sunlight which can burn the plant. This is a really common problem for Fiddle Leaf’s.”

“Make sure your pot has good drainage too, water sitting in the bottom of the pot can cause root rot which will kill your plants.”

For more tips on potting, plant varieties and pot types go to Green Features and The Balcony Garden All images by Hannah Blackmore for The Balcony Garden www. thebalconygarden.com.au With thanks to Green Features www.greenfeatures.com.au Plants by Exotic Nurseries www.exoticnurseries.com.au

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THE BARN AT MT HOPE PROMOTION

Unforgettable

Outback Weddings

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rides and grooms from all over the country are heading to Outback Queensland to soak in the atmosphere and glam it up country style as they tie the knot in an unforgettable location.

Destination weddings are huge right now as couples ensure their special day is captivating and memorable for everyone.

One of these unforgettable locations is The Barn at Mt Hope, a 13,759 hectare beef property, 28 kilometres from Wallumbilla and 40 minutes from Roma.

Beef producers and owners of Mt Hope, Leon and Ree Price, originally created The Barn for their daughter’s wedding.

Using recycled timber from outbuildings and an abandoned homestead the picture-perfect barn was purpose built for events. It sits comfortably in sprawling country gardens complete with pretty gazebo and water features.

Ree says ceremonies are usually held in the garden with refreshments served nearby at “The Pad” before the main reception in The Barn itself.

“We are happy to help couples organise their big day,” Ree said. “We can source local photographers, catering, hair, makeup and celebrant so all the wedding party has to do is arrive with their clothing.”

But that’s weddings: The Price’s also cater for Christenings, art retreats, craft workshops, cookery classes, horsemanship clinics and working dog schools. Then there’s the regular social get-togethers; the fish and chip or pizza nights with local entertainers.

The Barn offers limited accommodation onsite: just eight queen rooms. Most guests stay in Roma and arrange bus transfer to the property just 40 minutes away.

For your perfectly

rustic country

wedding, Think The Barn at Mt Hope..

The Barn at Mt Hope 339 Mt Hope Road WALLUMBILLA QLD 4428 thebarnatmthope@outlook.com

7129033aa

Ph: 0428 634 933 2020 Winter | 65

EVENTS WINTER 2020

It’s been a strange year so far, with the unprecedented closure and postponing of events and facilities due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this situation has revealed the creativity of humanity and the incredible usefulness of technology — meaning some events aren’t cancelled altogether; merely happening in a different format. Here are just a few we found!

JUNE 2020 AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIALS THE HOLOCAUST: WITNESSES AND SURVIVORS EXHIBITION

Earlier in the year, the Australian War Memorial announced a number of significant new objects were to go on display in their The Holocaust: Witnesses and Survivors exhibition. The items further highlight the Australian connection to these events, and many are on display for the first time. Notably is the dress owned by Henryka Shaw (nee Schermant), a Jewish survivor of five concentration camps. The dress was made by fellow camp inmates upon liberation in 1945, and was brought to Australia when Henryka immigrated in 1953. The Australian War Memorial itself is currently closed, however there are virtual tours available online at awm.gov.au/learn/learning-from-home/virtualvisit

VISION SPLENDID OUTBACK FILM FESTIVAL June 26 to July 4 The sixth year of this film celebration in Winton is still going ahead as of April. Check the event’s updates at visionsplendidfilmfest.com

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IMAGE: John Elliott

EVENTS WINTER 2020

July

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JUMPERS AND JAZZ IN JULY July 16 to 26

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This funky festival of music, yarn and jumper-dressed trees in Warwick has sadly been postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you can still celebrate by creating and donating for next year’s festival — or why not yarn-bomb the tree in your own backyard in the meantime?

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August QUEENSLAND COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION 98TH BIRTHDAY August 11

AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC July 31 to August 9 This 30th anniversary festival will be held in Townsville, as is proceeding as planned as of April. Updates will be published on the Facebook page Australian Festival of Chamber Music.

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To celebrate the 98th year of QCWA, branches throughout the state are holding Scone Days during the month of August. These tasty and enjoyable events also aim to start the conversation around women’s mental health. Contact your local branch to check how their Scone Day is running in light of COVID-19, or why not hold a Scone Day in your own home with your family or via video conferencing?

2020 Winter | 67

EVENTS WINTER 2020

Show Holidays Our agricultural shows may have been postponed, but the local holidays are still going ahead!

JUNE 03 05 08 11 12 12 12 12 18 19 19 23 24

26 Emerald and District Agricultural Show Normanton Show Day Weipa Fishing Classic Rockhampton Agricultural Show – Isaac and Rockhampton regions Rockhampton Agricultural Show – Banana, Livingstone and Woorabinda shires Cloncurry and District Annual Show Richmond Annual Field Day Sunshine Coast (Nambour) Show Mackay Agricultural Show Mount Isa Agricultural Show Whitsunday Show Bowen Annual Show Burdekin Annual Show

JULY 06 07 10 17 20 24 28

Ingham Annual Show Townsville Annual Show Atherton Annual Show Innisfail and District Annual Show Cairns Annual Show Mossman Annual Show Tully and District Annual Show Charters Towers Annual Show

AUGUST 10 12 21 28

Royal Queensland Show Royal Queensland Show – City of Brisbane Northern Peninsula Area Show Gold Coast Annual Show

Escape to Cairns

Tropical North Queensland for a truly memorable holiday that won’t break your budget QCWA Holiday Units offers 1 and 2 Bedroom fully self-contained units catering for singles, couples and families — plus we have everything you need to make your Cairns holiday enjoyable and stress free.

Our Cairns Units are located just two blocks from the Cairns Esplanade and easy walking distance to the Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Business District.

Restaurants, entertainment and shops are just a stroll away.

Fully Air-Conditioned QCWA HOLIDAY UNITS, CAIRNS 258 Grafton Street, Cairns Phone: 0740 312 557 enquiries@qcwaholidayunits.com

www.qcwaholidayunits.com

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travel

Pure magic at the Bunya Mountains Experience all the seasons in this beautiful part of Queensland Words and pictures by Bunya Mountains Accommodation

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ecause of the altitude (1100 metres above sea level) you’re enjoying rarified air and an unparalleled seat at the nightly star show. Recline under a vast blanket of twinkling lights scattered across an inky black universe. The Milky Way and Southern Cross are easy to see and it’s quite breathtaking, especially for children who have seldom been out of the city.

The flora and fauna are mesmerising. There’s a remarkable variety of birds and animals to see, flying and scampering through rainforest that is home to trees dating back to when the dinosaurs roamed.

The air is crisp and bracing during winter at Bunya. Mornings are brisk, days are sunny and the vibe is always one of pure relaxation. It’s always cold so bring your warm clothes (you may even be lucky enough to see snow!).

As summer begins it’s a time of new growth, so the walks are glorious with the pinks, pale greens and various other hues

emanating from the tree tops down to the rainforest floor.

February sees the Bunya nuts begin to fall with native birds and animals enjoying the feast.

The Bunya walking tracks offer crystal clear mountain streams, soaring pines, rainforest, creeks, waterfalls and rolling hills of white beauty if there’s been a heavy frost. Break up your exercise with a visit to Poppies coffee shop for hot chocolate, coffee, or a Bunya Mountains treat such as scones with jam and cream or carrot and nut cake.

Any time of the year you can enjoy a relaxing ride on a Clydesdale horse-drawn cart, engage in bird watching, or just come for the sunrises and sunsets which alone are worthy of a visit.

There are over 100 Bunya Mountains holiday homes all situated adjacent to the National Park with options to suit couples and families and even larger chalets for groups up to 100. You can choose to be nestled amongst the rainforest or perched on a striking escarpment overlooking Darling Downs or South Burnett.

Book your Bunya Mountains holiday by visiting bunyamountains.com.au where you can see all of the accommodation options. The accommodation centre can be reached on 07 4668 3126. Speak to one of the friendly, knowledgeable team members for ideas on how to make the most of your Bunya Mountains holiday.

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travel

A woman passionate about sharing her outback world

ABIGAIL MICKAN AND MARISSE KINNON

Working mostly behind the scenes, Marisse Kinnon brings an inspired vision to the Outback Pioneers experiences.

Words and pictures by Outback Pioneers

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t’s hard to find anyone more enthusiastic about the outback and its lifestyle than Marisse, who founded Longreach’s Outback Pioneers with her husband Richard in 2006.

While Richard and their sons Jeremy and Lane are the face of the company for visitors, Marisse has quietly managed the increasingly complex back-office needs, while nurturing the shared vision of immersing guests in a genuine outback experience. Her knowledge of pioneering times and interest in the remote homestead way-of-life has been the inspiration behind much that the company has achieved.

From their modest early days, running a single tour as a way to diversify in times of drought, to winning Gold awards for Cultural Tourism at the Queensland Tourism Awards and the coveted Outback Queensland Tourism Awards Visitors Choice Award in 2019, Marisse’s creativity has been in evidence everywhere — from vintage costume details to the interior of the restored The Welcome Home booking office.

For someone whose previous experience had been running a homestead and raising her family, Marisse adapted quickly and discovered new skills. For her it was just one more example of using the ingenuity you need in the outback.

“Living alone in the homestead while the men were away — for sometimes days at time — you learn to manage things and fix everything, from the water pump to the chook run,” Marisse says.

In 2020, we find her dealing with the devastating blow that

70 | Winter 2020

COVID-19 has dealt outback tourism in its peak winter season. It is not the first setback she’s overcome and it’s unlikely to be the last.

Resilience is second nature to those who live here.

“It’s been really tough as we were all ready for the season with new crew members getting settled in and then suddenly everything was on hold,” Marisse says.

But her attention is already on creating something even better for 2021.

Outback Pioneers has recently merged with Longreach Tourist Park and Marisse is bringing her eye for pioneer style to upgrading the accommodation and restaurant.

“We’ve always wanted to create a place where guests could live, breathe, eat and sleep a uniquely outback experience,” Marisse says.

“This is going to be the best place to stay to get into the spirit from the moment you arrive.”

She’s recently been out searching around the station for old items to add some finishing touches to the Shearing Shed

“Resilience is second nature to those who live here.”

restaurant. It’s amazing what can be reused or upcycled to create a wonderful atmosphere.

Once visitors are settled at the accommodation, they have a treat in store enjoying the Outback Pioneers experiences including the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience, the Starlight’s Cruise Experience on the Thomson River at sunset and the signature Nogo Station Experience — a working sheep station and home of Marisse’s and Richard’s daughter Abigail and her family. Each experience is memorably entertaining as well as giving real insight into our pioneering heritage.

For Marisse, plague on top of drought is tough but her quiet determination is tougher.

“We’ll still be here next year.

And we’ll be really looking forward to seeing all our winter visitors again,” she says.

See the website www.outbackpioneers.com.au for bookings and times of experiences.

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business

CLYTIE BINDER

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ARISING FROM DISRUPTION This unique season of life during the coronavirus pandemic has revealed the creativity and ability to adapt that people around the world are tapping into, with the Churchill Fellowship a perfect example.

Words by Jane Milburn and Sasha Davenport Pictures contributed

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s the world faces profound change and travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, everyone’s life, work and study has been disrupted, and we are sheltering in place unless required on the frontline.

This means only a handful of the 2019 Churchill Fellows have been able to complete their overseas investigations and the Churchill Trust has extended their timeframe by an additional 12 months.

Churchill Trust CEO Adam Davey said that as the COVID-19 pandemic started to unfold, the focus was on ensuring the safety of Churchill Fellows who were already travelling and providing a quick response for those who had not yet travelled.

“We made the decision in early March to give all of our untravelled Fellows an JANE MILBURN additional 12-month window to undertake their Churchill Fellowship as a way to take PHOTO BY CHARMAINE LYONS the pressure off them, give them certainty and keep the focus on their health and wellbeing,” Mr Davey said. ‘’Meeting with people around the world, building new understandings, taking in cultural perspectives and self-sufficiency. This virtual preparation for Jane’s and other international contexts of the issues being explored Fellowship will complement her overseas investigations, which is at the heart of a Churchill Fellowship and what makes the are now rescheduled for 2021. experience life changing. For that opportunity to be delayed “In true Churchill spirit, people like Jane are demonstrating is obviously a huge let down for many of our Churchill Fellows drive, determination and innovation to keep moving towards who had planned to be on their journey overseas now.’’ their goals. Turning what could be seen as a setback into an In a creative response to that delay, Queensland Fellow Jane opportunity to establish deeper connections with people Milburn decided to undertake a Virtual Fellowship during this now. Using the advanced technology we have at hand to have mandatory ‘down-time’, and utilise technology to meet people ‘virtual’ meetings will more than likely strengthen the benefits online and share their stories of adaptation, resourcefulness of meeting face-to-face when that is possible again. It may

2020 Winter | 73

business

PETAH CHAPMAN

well be a way that Churchill Fellows choose to prepare for their Fellowships in the future,” Mr Davey said.

Necessity is the mother of invention and Jane’s ARISING from Disruption video interview series is highlighting creative responses from makers and entrepreneurial people about how they are innovating in the way they source, use and reuse resources, and continue to earn a living at this time of transformative change.

“It is not what happens, it is how we respond that makes the difference. We humans are adaptive and resourceful, and sharing how others are being more hands-on and self-reliant in these changed circumstances will sow seeds of hope and inspiration,’’ Jane said.

There were 115 Churchill Fellowships awarded to Australians by the Churchill Trust in 2019 and the selection process for 2020 Fellowships will begin again after applications close at the end of April.

Brisbane-based Clytie Binder had already commenced her Fellowship to study community composting in United States, Canada and Cuba, when the gravity of the pandemic suddenly erupted.

When the Zero Waste Week conference on her agenda was cancelled and San Francisco shutdown, she realised the need to return home immediately – just 10 days after she left Australia.

“We had no idea of how drastically everything would change and suddenly, overnight, everything was shut down, police were everywhere and the streets were eerie,” Clytie said.

Now that she’s home and emerged from the mandatory fortnight of quarantine, Clytie has returned to her job with Brisbane City Council and working from home as the council’s community composting hubs are shut down until the virus threat passes.

“I felt I dipped my toe in America, even in the short time I was there. Now I’m reassessing how we can improve the composting program here, and building momentum for

74 | Winter 2020

completing my Churchill when travel becomes possible again.”

Social change advocate Dr Amanda Cahill was looking towards a May departure date to Europe and the United Kingdom to study how climate action can build regional economies that are more resilient, just and prosperous.

The travel disruption was a windfall opportunity for her in some ways. Amanda can now study how things have worked out for those communities that were already preparing for a disaster of some kind, in this case the global pandemic. And she’s also using the eight weeks earmarked for travel time to instead focus on a book she has in the pipeline.

Opera singer Petah Chapman, from Tarzali in far north Queensland, was scheduled to head off on her Churchill Fellowship to London and Demark for eight weeks in May. As a freelance performing artist and teacher, she felt grief and frustration that what was to have been a secure year of performing and professional development unraveled due to the pandemic. “Ï was on my first contract with Opera Australia in Sydney, preparing to perform Verdi’s La Traviata, when everything was cancelled. It was a weird feeling, to build and build, and then not get to the final show,” Petah said.

As well as her Churchill Fellowship, Petah had also won an Arts Queensland individual professional development grant to travel to Italy, and had a solo concert tour planned with her debut album Trio Cavallaro due for release in June.

“I was able to travel from Sydney to Canberra and am now bunkered here with my boyfriend. It took a while to pick myself up, after a week or two of frustration and sadness. Now I’ve picked up my teaching of singing, violin and guitar, language and theory classes online at petahchapman.com and am using the time to get other grant applications in.”

Petah was home-schooled at Tarzali in a musical family and has always lived for music and theatre. She discovered opera while studying at Griffith University’s The Conservatorium of Music, from which she graduated five years ago.

AMANDA CAHILL

“

It is not what happens, it is how we respond that makes the difference.

We humans are adaptive and resourceful, and sharing how others are being more hands-on and self-reliant in these changed circumstances will sow seeds of hope and inspiration.”

— Jane Milburn

Located at 1100 metres above sea level, the Bunya Mountains are typically 5-7 degrees cooler than the surrounding plains. The flora and fauna are mesmerising, and include incredibly rare species - some of which date back 150 million years. The sunsets (and sunrises) alone make the trip worthwhile, plus each night you’ll see a sparkling array of stars painted large across an inky black universe.

So if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a family holiday, the Bunya Mountains is the perfect destination. Just 60 minutes from Dalby and under 3 hours from Brisbane it’s easy to get to. There are 41 klms of walking tracks, clear mountain skies, soaring pines, rainforest, creeks, waterfalls and rolling hills of white beauty when there’s been a heavy frost. There’s a market on the last Sunday of every month and Poppies coffee shop is always busy. So lock up the car, breath in the crisp mountain air and wander amongst the wallabies as everything is within walking distance.

Book your trip today. There are 100 Bunya Mountains holiday homes all situated adjacent to the National Park. Jump onto bunyamountains.com.au or phone the Accommodation Centre on 4668 3126.

2020 Winter | 75

WINTER READING Winter: time for a cosy curl up in front of the fire with ...

a Good Book

Two Queensland authors capture a darker side of wartime Brisbane when American servicemen were in town.

Words by Avril Priem Images Contributed

Meet Me At Lennon’s Melanie Myers

‘Isn’t this beautiful? It’s fox.’ The girl held it out for Alice to stroke. It was creamier than silk. Alice wanted to run the buttery filaments against her face.

Oh Alice, you didn’t know that wearing a fur coat — the symbol of a woman ‘favoured’ by Yankee officers — would cast you from ‘decent’ to ‘decadent’.

Your roommate Val was surprised: ‘Well, I never. Alice Parker from Kingaroy bought herself a swanky fur coat fit for Vivian bloody Leigh.’

Alice and Val are characters in Meet Me At Lennon’s by Melanie Myers, a dual storyline that alternates between present-day and wartime Brisbane.

The past: vignettes of young women in 1942 when Brisbane is heaving with thousands of American GIs, thrilling gals but riling Diggers.

The present: a cameo of PhD student Olivia Wells whose research reveals a darker side of the presence of American servicemen.

Brisbane’s wartime milieu is captivating, and the minutiae of social life vivid — Alice innocently buying a fur coat at McWhirter’s in the Valley, Val jitterbugging at a City Hall dance, Edith peeking through a window to a street brawl below, the Battle of Brisbane, where a mix of Yanks and Diggers, beer and braggadocio culminated in the November 1942 riots.

The present-day story becomes more absorbing yet disquieting when crimes against young women by American servicemen are revealed.

Too often assaults were hushed up, brushed under the carpet, or the victims blamed.

Olivia’s investigation mirrors the research Melanie did for her book: “Looking through original wartime police files and reports in the Queensland State Archives and learning what happened to real victims was deeply affecting — so much so that I wrote that experience as a scene in the contemporary narrative,” the author says.

“I hope my novel gives victims some kind of voice all these years later.”

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Crossing the line Judy Powell

With around 80,000 Americans servicemen based in Brisbane during the war, things sometimes got out of hand and crossed the line into crime.

Historian and writer Judy Powell delves into the world of petty crims, contraband and vice in her compelling first novel The Brisbane Line.

“Wartime Brisbane has always interested me,” says Judy.

“Betty Churcher (the late Brisbane-born artist and director of the National Gallery of Australia) once said that Brisbane after the war was like a rock pool after the tide had gone out. I wanted to know what it was like when the tide was in!

“When I discovered a series of case files kept by an American MP — now housed in the State Library of Queensland — where a Frank Bischof had investigated one case, I knew then I had my first novel.”

The story revolves around an American soldier’s body found on the south side.

Sergeant Joe Washington US Military Police investigates in tandem with ‘Big Fella’ Detective Frank Bischof from Brisbane CIB. Joe is astute, methodical and at ease in his job and is not put off by heavy-handed Frank who has a whiff of oiliness about him, as smelly as spilt gasoline.

Following Joe’s investigation trail is like going on a guided tour of “a tin pot town straddling the khaki river … wooden houses slumped sideways like soldier amputees … saloons and cat houses of South Brisbane … sailors and soldiers crammed into the Ship Inn, jostling to get to the bar, elbowing each other and shouting insults.”

A familiar setting adds an appealing element to a good read; both Melanie Myers and Judy Powell have meticulously researched the era to create history mysteries that are an eye-opener to happenings in wartime Brisbane.

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Winter Reading Words by Avril Priem and Jessica Kramer Images Contributed

Fauna

Donna Mazza Fauna is a poignant tale for what our world could become in the near future.

Stacey and her husband Isak are recruited to become part of a new experimental IVF program called LifeBLOOD after losing their last child during pregnancy.

The program, which offers amazing financial support as well, blends Stacey and Isak’s embryo with edited cells – but no-one knows just how edited these cells are, or how human the resulting child will actually be.

The book follows Stacey’s journey from successful implantation until her daughter Asta is eight years old, covering her experiences with pregnancy and motherhood, the change Asta brings to her relationships with her other children and her husband, and the protectiveness Stacey feels for her daughter.

The writing style for Fauna is unique – sentences are short and choppy, sometimes even seeming abrupt, but vivid in their description.

It almost reads more like a science-fiction short story than a contemporary novel in this regard, but it works.

The format draws the reader in, engaging them completely with the story and deepening the relationship between them and point-of-view character Stacey.

The portrayal of motherhood is so poignant and real, the reader feels they are also experiencing pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

It is an entertaining read, but also one that gets the reader thinking deeply about what it means to be human, our future and technology and those ramifications, motherhood, and family.

The Vanishing Deep Astrid Scholte

Last year, Australian Astrid Scholte burst onto the novel scene.

With an impressive portfolio in film, animation and television, the author’s debut novel, Four Dead Queens, was met with international success.

Now, Schotle returns with another young adult mystery, The Vanishing Deep.

In what appears to be a post-apocalyptic Earth, people can pay corporation Palindromena to revive a loved one for 24 hours.

Since her sister Elysea drowned two years ago, Tempest has been diving for oldworld relics that she can sell for Notes to pay for her sister’s reviving – and discover what her sister was hiding about their parents’ death five years ago.

However, a revived Elysea quickly figures out she’s dead and convinces Tempest to break her out of the Palindromena facility – leading to a dangerous voyage across the watery world to uncover the secrets of their parents and Palindromena.

The mystery is thrilling and the characters interesting, but for The Vanishing Deep, it’s the world-building that makes it fantastic.

While the reader is never directly told it’s set on Earth, the narrative takes time to set up the lore of ‘the Great Waves’ that submerged almost all land across the planet, and how humanity survives in this new, wet world.

In regards to the plot alone, this book could be considered long, but Scholte uses this to her advantage by building depth and complexity in the three main characters.

It’s a mystery to be read for the world and the characters, rather than the thrill of a surprise – though, Scholte also turns this on its head for the last, unexpected plot twist – and it will be intriguing how the author next uses her impressive fiction skills.

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Fast Asleep Dr Michael Mosley

The author of such popular books as The Fast 800 and The Clever Guts Diet, Dr Michael Mosley now turns his attention from body weight and diet to our allimportant shut-eye.

In Fast Asleep, Mosley explains the process and nature of sleep in interesting and easy-to-understand language, before turning his focus to common sleep problems and what triggers them.

He provides practical advice for these issues, backed up by experts in the field and scientists, in what becomes a ‘radical, four-week programme’ to help you achieve great sleep health.

There’s advice for shift workers and for jet lag as well – even tips for your moody teenager – as well as practical tips and recipes that claim to improve your sleep by using food that helps your gut microbiome.

It’s truly a book that will send it’s readers ‘fast asleep’.

Growing Pineapples in the Outback Rebecca Lister and Tony Kelly

When Rebecca and Tony return to Rebecca’s childhood home of Mount Isa to care for her ageing mum, both capture their experiences and perspectives in this heartwarming, engaging story.

Over two years, all three develop a relationship that is surprisingly easy-going and far more enriching and positive than what they first imagined.

Tony makes wry observations about life in Mount Isa and Diana’s whip-like wit adds humour. Rebecca reflects on growing up in the 70s — tight-lipped family silences about her dad’s drinking, a brother’s tragic life, a 37-year falling out between her mum and aunt. This prevailing ‘what’s done is done’ attitude will resonate with many readers.

Towards the end, Rebecca and Diana chat about singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen; the chapter closes with Diana humming Cohen’s Dance Me to the End of Love. A poignant song and moment in this loving tribute.

Neither Mischievous nor Meddlesome Trisha Fielding

This year is International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife so it’s an ideal time to honour the midwives of our past. And that’s exactly what Townsville author and historian Trisha Fielding has done.

Trisha traces the changing role of North Queensland’s independent midwives from 1890 to 1940, and takes a glimpse into the personal lives of those hardy, dedicated women: from ‘grannies’ with birthing wisdom to certified nurse-midwives who enterprisingly set up lying-in hospitals and maternity homes.

A testimony to the competence of those early midwives was Nurse Sarah Wheelhouse of Kia Ora Lying-In Hospital in Bowen who estimated she “brought 500 children into the world, most of them without the assistance of a doctor and never lost a case.”

Trisha’s great-grandmother, a midwife in the Torrens Creek district, would have been proud of this legacy to Australian midwifery.

2020 Winter | 79

Budgerigar

Sarah Harris and Don Baker Who’s a pretty boy then?

This book with its endearing front cover is not a guide to keeping pet budgies but more a social history of these smart, mischievous wee birds.

‘Budgerigar’ derives from gidjirrigaa in Gamilaraay/Kamilaroi Aboriginal language.

Anecdotes are as entertaining as a budgie’s antics. Did you know that the Queen’s household had a Keeper of the Royal Budgerigars? Or that Winston Churchill let Toby dart around his desk while he was writing letters and Marilyn Monroe had talkative duo, Butch and Bobo? And then there’s a snippet about an English woman who, during the war, trained her budgie to say, ‘Got your gas mask, Mum?’ when she was about to leave the house.

Budgies — clever, cheeky, cute.

Back on Track

Bernie Shakeshaft with James Knight Bernie Shakeshaft is a yarn-spinner from the bush and this story about his life and work is a good yarn.

You may have heard of Bernie — he runs a program for troubled rural youth in Armidale NSW called BackTrack, and he was awarded Australian Local Hero of the Year 2020. There’s also a documentary about the program called Backtrack Boys.

As a wild young fella, Bernie worked on properties in the Northern Territory but luckily was reined in by blokes from the bush who taught him skills, put opportunities in front of him and backed him — something he never forgot. These days, Bernie is tenacious as a border collie herding a mob of sheep when it comes to keeping kids “alive, out of jail, and chasing their hopes and dreams.”

BackTrack — Bernie and the team, the young people and the dogs — is the stuff of legends.

The Lost Boy

Tales of a Child Soldier by Ayik Chut Deng with Craig Henderson A harrowing yet extraordinary memoir of a refugee who moved from civil war turmoil to Toowoomba.

The first half is Ayik’s boyhood in South Sudan and his brutal experiences as a child soldier. Life in the army was so appalling he escaped time and time again. Visceral descriptions and candid language are flinch-worthy, but that was reality.

The second half is Ayik’s life after he and his family migrated to Toowoomba in 1996. His Australian ‘firsts’ are funny.

A move to the coast, mental ill-health, pot-smoking, binge-drinking and dopeselling soon turned his lifestyle ugly.

Finally, he wrenched himself away and resolutely began a new life, which included meeting his former prison torturer.

At book’s end, I sighed and gave thanks — that Ayik had made it, and for living in Australia. Ditto Ayik.

“I’m thankful for what Australia has done for me,” he says.

80 | Winter 2020

The Temple House Vanishing Rachel Donohue

You would never guess this powerful story is a debut novel. At its base form, The Temple House Vanishing is a mystery, but it’s so literary in nature that the reader can easily forgo the suspense and sink into the masterful writing.

Told in differing points-of-view, the story follows a 16-year-old schoolgirl’s experiences starting at Temple House school in the past, and the investigations of a present-time journalist into her disappearance.

Temple House was a prestigious Catholic girls’ boarding school 25 years ago, where Louisa struggled to fit in as a scholarship student among the elite and wealthy girls. Then she meets Victoria, a fellow student wanting to break out of the suffocating environment, and both become infatuated with their young art teacher.

But then, he and Louisa vanish without a trace.

Due to the elaborate descriptions and meandering pace, this story isn’t so much suspenseful as it is a discussion of jealousy, desire and power — with incredible results. However, readers will still enjoy the unforeseen twist towards the conclusion.

The Little Library Cookbook Kate Young

This is the perfect cookbook for people who like to read and spend time in the kitchen. Australian-born, England-resident Kate Young loves both, and so her blog The Little Library Cafe was born. In this accompanying cookbook, Kate shares recipes inspired by her favourite books and dishes contained therein, alongside beautiful stories of her reading experiences and life.

It is a charming cookbook, both for using in the kitchen and for a leisurely read with a cuppa on the couch, and the accompanying images make for a complete, ideal package.

If you can’t get enough, the sequel The Little Library Year is also available, with a bookish recipe jaunt through the seasons.

Among the Beasts & Briars Ashley Poston

Every so often, you find yourself unable to put down a book that you’re reading — and recently, that was Among the Beasts and Briars. As is the case with many books, it’s not without its faults, but the delightful plot, world-building and characters made for a story that is unforgettable.

The kingdom of Aloriya is a haven of safety and peace — no drought, famine, disease — thanks to a magical crown the king was gifted by the ruler of the woods next door about 300 years ago. But while Aloriya enjoyed prosperity, the woods became cursed and dark, and it’s only the power of the crown that keeps this curse from seeping into the kingdom. …That is, until a new queen is about to be crowned and the woodland beasts descend upon the kingdom with curses and death. Young Cerys ends up on the run, protecting the crown from the beasts, accompanied only by a friendly fox and a strange bear as they race through the dangerous woods.

Early on in the book, there is a ‘surprise reveal’ that is very obvious; however it does not detract from enjoyment of the book in any way. It is still an exciting, twisting and fast-paced narrative with characters both delightful and creepy, fantastic world-building through history and character experiences/dialogue, and an adorable budding romance.

2020 Winter | 81

ON BEING AUSTRALIAN, AGAIN Australian born, British raised

Words and picture by Jordana Grace I am Australian born, British raised, and have always considered myself both equally. Which is very convenient when it comes to any sporting event when these titan teams play against each other as either way, I win.

But in reality, I have lived in Britain since I was three years old, and whilst I have come to Australia frequently over the years and even been to school a few times in my youth, I don’t know what it’s like to truly live in Australia or live as an Australian — until now. A loss of job and burn out from London motivated me to dust off my Australian passport and just go for it and I have been living here now for several months.

Most British people assume living in Australia will make your life infinitely better because its sunnier. Although short-lived as you will be eaten by a shark whilst you sleep.

That’s simply not true. There are many ways you can in fact die in Australia, not just from sharks. There are the incredible deadly spiders. The crocodiles that can be in any pool of water. There are biting ants, poisonous snakes — you can be swallowed by fire. By I have been assured that I will be safe, as long as I don’t do any of the following: Go for a walk Swim in the ocean Drive in the outback Pick up shells Go near the wildlife.

Put on my shoes without looking.

So, with that in mind, I feel totally at ease.

To be fair — it is sunnier. Something unique about Queensland if that there is no daylight savings. I believe they just decided no — they don’t want it. Queensland has light between 6am – 6pm. In Britain we live for those long summer days, sitting outside the pub with the warm breeze until nearly 10pm. But our winters are long; months will go by where you go to and from work in the dreary darkness and life can feel grey. But Queensland is nothing if not consistent. I do miss those long summer evenings, but it’s refreshing to know even in winter I can see the sun when I wake up. In Britain our bodies don’t understand how it can be 7:30am and jet-black outside!

So, apart from the fact that most Australian words end in ‘o’, the first difference I noticed is the air. The moment I stepped out of the airport, I was hit by this wave of warm air, which feels almost tangible. It’s not the same in England, when it’s hot, it’s just hot. But here, the warmth is all around you, it envelopes you, and it’s lovely. Not to say it’s always easy. I mean I know woman don’t sweat, they ‘glow’, but at times I feel like I am constantly glowing.

Despite this, I have found that since living here, I spend most of my days outdoors. I slap on the sunscreen and bug-spray (do NOT forget the bug-spray) and I spend my days on the deck, working on my laptop, listening to the birds and insects.

That’s another thing, it’s so noisy here in comparison; the birds are always laughing, and the bugs are singing along in a loud, joyous chorus. It has weirdly become a soothing melody to

82 | Winter 2020

me. It’s just in the background, but it makes me feel rooted to nature. I have seen Frogmouths, Kookaburras — I live in a normal suburb, but I am surrounded by wildlife. I haven’t experienced this before. Maybe that’s because in the UK our wildlife has learnt to fear us and doesn’t come close. Whereas in Australia the animals know we should fear them.

You probably don’t notice as working outside is part of your daily lives, but to me it’s just amazing. I see so many people doing odd jobs outside, actually using your shed on a weekly basis, (whereas in the UK we tend to throw things in there and forget about them).

People here just live more active and outdoor lifestyles, it’s just natural to you. Neighbours know each other, you go for runs, walk the dog, go for picnic on the beaches, even in the winter. You just feel like you are living more here.

Although it’s not like you can walk anyway, you really do need a car to get anywhere here. It may not even be a long drive, but the shops are just too far on foot in the heat and humidity. Plus, in the UK I can go to one local store and buy my salad, underwear and wine all in one go. And on those dark winter days, it’s even acceptable to wear your pjs. But Australians like to categorise and simplify. You have one store for food, one for clothes and one for wine. Aptly named Bottleo’s. Most likely owned by someone called Johnno.

It has also taken time for me to sometimes even understand what someone is saying. ‘On the way to the servo, I’ll go to the bottleo.’ Or you may get rid of a redback spider with just a broom (I would be wearing an armoured suit), and when I try to inject health and safety I’m met with ‘She’ll be alright’. Who is she? Why do people keep on referencing her!

I do love England. I love that I can drive 40 minutes and be in a different city. You can get the train to Belgium for midmorning tea. There is so much history and culture, and I can wear oversized and forgiving jumpers in the winter whilst I can pile on the hibernation weight. But I have found myself at home in Australia. I love nature’s noise, the outdoor and active lifestyle. I like the trees — yes, the trees. They are so different to ours; they look like they have their own personalities. And the houses — every one is so different.

I have even started to write about my Australian adventures on my blog, which you can find at www.averagetuesday.com.

Featuring many stories about how I bravely survived putting on my shoes. On the next page is a recent, London one.

Who knows how long I will live in Australia, but I look forward to adding many more stories. Australia is not where I grew up, but it is a place where I feel like I can grow.

BLOG: www.averagetuesday.com

I am a hero. Honest.

N

ow, before I tell you what happened, I need to you to keep an open mind, and to remember — my intentions were noble. Some might even call me a hero. I would prefer that to the alternative of deviant harasser. Let us begin.

It all started on my normal daily commute aboard the District line in London (the green one). Most days you can barely move for the throngs of people. One time, it was so hot, I watched in horror as my own lip-sweat slowly made its way onto this woman’s jacket — neither one of us able to move to stop it. Only watch.

As I was going into work a little later on the day in question, it was a little less crowded and I managed to have a whole foot of space around me. It’s the little things.

Then, the tube halts to a stop. Again. I love the District line as it’s mainly above ground, but it is a normal occurrence for it to break down or stop for no apparent reason — frequently.

Whilst waiting for what felt like forever (8 minutes — but in London that is an eternity. If I have to wait more than four minutes for a bus, I am outraged). I was standing by the doors, near a young woman and older gentleman who were facing each other, both holding onto the middle rail. These long waits can lead to these awkward moments when you just try not make eye contact with anyone, but if you do it’s the self-conscious shrug that implies ‘what ya gunna do’.

Then a voice breaks over the silence through the speaker, “Ladies and gentlemen, we apologise for the delay, but we will need to do an emergency restart to get going again. Now this is going to be intense, we urge you to hold onto something and brace yourselves. This will be extreme, please make sure you are holding onto a rail and be ready for the restart”.

Oh, sounds so dangerous. I feel like James Bond. I poise my body, ready for impact, keeping my core strong. My fellow commuters all exchange looks of bravery. We are all in this together now. We’re ready.

We wait. We keep waiting. Ten minutes go by and nothing exciting has happened. Boring. We’ve all stopped bracing and gone back to looking at our phones. And then — the tiniest of jolts occur. The tube moves slightly forward and then back again. Was that it? Was that what I needed to prepare myself for? Pah. I laugh to myself. How feeble.

Oh, that wasn’t the restart.

The next thing I know we are all thrown violently forward, like when you do an emergency brake in a car — it’s the severe thrust forward and then you are thrown backwards until you are at equilibrium again. Whilst I was startled, I managed to keep myself on my feet and move with the lurch. All those times I spent tube surfing as a nanny to keep the kids entertained has finally paid off. But then as I look directly in front of me, I see in horror as the older gentleman’s head is careening towards that poor young woman’s beautiful face.

This is going to end very badly for them both. I heroically (remember — hero) reach out my arm and with all my strength, hold his chest against the force and stop him within an inch of headbutting this girl, and steady him as he moves back to his normal standing position.

So, I am a hero.

I moved without hesitation and stopped what would have been a bloody mess. The story ends here.

Oh, how I wish that was the end of this story.

However, I am me, and apparently cannot do anything without a certain flare. So, when I reached my hand forward to stop him hitting this girl, I managed to slide my hand, not only under his lovely suit jacket, but in-between his shirt buttons, until I was firmly cupping his man breast.

So, there I am, holding onto what I can only guess is a B-cup, and for SIX-LONG-SECONDS, hold him whilst he jolts forward, and back. Whilst making extreme-eye-contact.

Once I have balanced him, it is now the matter of the dismount. I un-cup my hand, delicately and slowly remove myself from his shirt and bring my hand back to my side.

Mentally yelling at myself not to wipe the sweat off in front of him, as it might be deemed rude.

Now all three of us are just standing there, in silence. The woman is looking relieved, and horrified. The man is looking relieved, and horrified. I am just plain horrified. He mumbles a thank you. She mumbles a thank you.

I cannot handle awkward silences. Jordi don’t say it. Don’t do it. Don’t try and cut the tension.

I smile at him. “So, dinner?”

Why Jordi.

2020 Winter | 83

history

GUMAHAH HOMESTEAD TENNIS COURT BEHIND

Memories of a Cunnamulla sheep station I dreaded the long, hot trips to boarding school.

Words and pictures by Ruth Gardiner, specialist librarian at State Library of Queensland

M

y childhood home, Gumahah homesickness was already setting in Station, was about 80 kilometres as we jostled for space in the family out of Cunnamulla and about the car. same to Eulo, further west. I was Mum met Dad when she came born in the mid-1950s and have from Bathurst to work at the four siblings. My Dad and his three Cunnamulla Hospital, and later brothers ran sheep and cattle introduced her little sister to Dad’s properties next to each other, with 16 little brother and the rest is history. cousins between us.

Many years later, my sister, also a CONVENT OF THE SACRED HEART My early schooling was by nurse at the Cunnamulla Hospital, correspondence, with governesses met her husband-to-be, the coming and going over the years. government dentist. I am sure this a When I was 9 years old, I began boarding at Kerever Park, a story repeated in many country towns.

Catholic preparatory school west of Sydney run by the Sacred As well as running a property over 250 square kilometres Heart nuns. After it closed, we were relocated to Rose Bay in size, Dad also documented our outback childhoods (from Convent, in Sydney where my brothers were ensconced at the 1950s to 1970s) through his interest in amateur filmmaking.

Riverview College.

He died over 30 years ago now and his precious home Getting to Sydney wasn’t easy. Before the start of the movies were packed away in a shed at my brother’s home school term we had to take a long drive to Bourke to catch a in Bundaberg before they were rescued by State Library of plane (a Fokker Friendship) or the train, with my cousins all Queensland. squashed into a hot car. No seatbelts and no air conditioning, In 2018, the Queensland Library Foundation, which supports and we couldn’t even wind down the windows because we’d State Library’s fundraising efforts, launched a campaign to let in the bull dust! We usually had a flat tyre, or worse; a assist with the digitisation of vulnerable films. I was thrilled run-in with a kangaroo. School uniforms clung to our skin and to donate our collection of films to the Reel Rescue program,

84 | Winter 2020

HUGE VEGETABLE GARDEN BEYOND THE FENCE

THE WOOLSHED AT GUMAHAH

MY NEPHEW MATT! allowing State Library to digitise Dad’s legacy, helping to preserve a slice of outback history for future generations.

These wonderful digitised memories provide people all over the world with a rare visual record of life on an Australian sheep and cattle station.

There is also plenty of footage of our school life, filmed by Dad whenever he and Mum could make the long trip to Sydney.

It must have been tough with five children away at boarding schools, with droughts and wool prices creating so much uncertainty in their lives.

Our home movies show social events as well as recording our daily lives. You will see Dad, and a labourer called Arthur, building a swimming pool in the backyard. There was also horse riding, wool carting, dust storms and pushing scrub with the front-end loader to feed the stock – what could be more Australian?

Christmas and birthdays with the cousins feature regularly.

Pony clubs and shows are also a prominent part of the films.

Of course, in the earlier days we mustered on horseback, so riding was a way of life. Governesses usually had to be competent horsewomen to help train us in the finer points of horsemanship.

And as kids we loved the animals of course; we had a cow called Ruth, a poddy lamb called Mary, Chirpy the chicken and horses Snip, Snap and Scissors. But it was always best not to get too attached.

Many people in the district would go to the Gold Coast for

holidays, another arduous journey with seven of us in the car, leaving in the dark, and reciting the rosary as we drove along.

First stop, the Toowoomba Range Hotel, with a coin operated television – amazing to think of such a thing now. Once we were at the coast there was water skiing, surfing and the beautiful Currumbin coastline – all recorded for posterity.

In good times, Gumahah could run around 10,000 sheep.

Shearing, lamb marking, and crutching were the big events of the year, especially shearing, when as many as 13 extra men had to be employed. This included shearers, wool pressers, a cook, roustabouts and extra hands for mustering. Some of the film footage shows the road-trains carting wool from the station to their destination at the Brisbane Wool Stores.

Sadly, the station is no longer Australian owned, and the homestead has been left to become yet another abandoned building. Preserving the film footage through State Library’s Reel Rescue program ensures future generations have access to a long-gone country way of life.

You can find the Gumahah Station home movies on the State Library of Queensland’s website slq.qld.gov.au.

2020 Winter | 85

history

ALLAN AND KERRI DENNING, WITH SHARON DENNING AND COOPER & KASSIDY HUTLEY IN 2014

All in the family For the long-standing Pittsworth Show, pulling it off is certainly a family affair.

Many involved are third-generation volunteers, but the longest-standing group is the Denning family — with five generations and a remarkable history.

Words by Jessica Kramer

M

Pictures courtesy of Pittsworth Show Society

y first impression of the 2020 Pittsworth of whom have been active with the Show Show was that of genuine friendliness for generations — like the Krieg and Elsden and community from everyone we met families, for example.

— from the Show Society president Jack Betty Denning, current Pittsworth Show Murphy and his wife Kait, who showed me patron, is the matriarch of one such family around with much enthusiasm for Ruth — though she herself is actually secondmagazine, to the showgirls and competition generation, following in the footstep of entrants, to the many guests and their her beloved father-in-law, Stanley Beecher families.

Denning.

This was no impersonal, ‘just here for Stanley joined the Show Society in 1929 the rides’ type show that so many seem to and devoted much time and love to the have become in looking up to their bigsociety, show and grounds, with his wife city counterparts like the Ekka and Sydney Mary forever at his side. He had a successful Royal Easter Show. This was an agricultural term as secretary (1951-1964), and was also show the way they were originally created: groundsman for a time according to the to showcase the incredible produce and historical minutes of Show Society meetings.

Stan and Mary Denning, growth in a region with a communityHis son and Betty’s late husband, Tom, circa 1956 minded celebration. followed in his father’s footsteps and was Jack and Kait are quick to attribute the success and involved as committee member, vice president, chairman of enjoyment of the show to the enthusiastic volunteers, some the Ball Committee, and patron — making a total of 35 years of

86 | Winter 2020

BETTY DENNING WITH VICKY AND ANGUS LANE TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF SHOW ANNOUNCING FOR ANGUS IN 2018

Tom and Betty Denning at Pittsworth Show, date unknown. service. Betty carries on the torch as patron and Horticultural section steward, with a total of 56 years’ involvement … and counting!

The moment you set eyes on Betty, you know her passion for the Show runs deep. Her eyes twinkle, spritely attitude never once belying her age, and you somehow feel that if Betty gave you a role to fulfil at the Show, you would follow her leadership without hesitation.

Kait introduces me to Betty and her daughter-in-law Kerri, who fills me in on a little of the Denning’s history with the Pittsworth Show while Betty catches up with her eager greatgrandchildren.

“When you marry a Denning, it’s almost like you marry the Show too,” Kerri laughs.

Kerri has been involved since marrying Allan in 1973, from volunteering in the cut flowers section to becoming chief steward in the horticultural section. She fairly shines with pride when she explains her granddaughter Kassidy has been a steward in the horticultural section for a few years now — the fifth generation of Denning’s to be involved with the Show. All

Jenny Denning with her grandfather Tom Denning in 1996 up, it makes roughly 90 years involvement for them.

Between all these years and the rich history of Pittsworth Show as a whole, the society asked Kerri to create a history book for the 110th show in March 2017.

“There was a lot of history to be found,” Kerri writes in the acknowledgements of the finished tome Pittsworth Show History 1899-2018. “It has taken us [Kerri and Kaye O’Connell] over two years to compile 111 years of history.”

“The show all started with some really dedicated volunteers, and is still going with volunteers — the committee who work tirelessly every day through the year from one show to the next.

“I commend the many Pittsworth families who put their hand up to bring the town a Show. There has been a lot of well know(sic) families on the committee and volunteers list, many with descendants still involved,” she says.

“We now look to the next generation of young volunteers who have the passion to keep going.”

2020 Winter | 87

THE QUEENSLAND

COUNTRY WOME N’S ASSOCIATIO N

Love Baking?

What better treasured gift for yourself or someone special than this fabulous reprint of the original 1959 QCWA Cookery Book?

180 pages of the same cherished Australian recipes, with many of the original homely hints, methods and comments.

JUST

19

$

95

Recipes from the

original 195 9 QCWA Coo kery Book

1

Postage Extra

These ‘collector edition’ copies are available from your local newspaper office, or call them to arrange postal delivery.

QCWA STATE PRESIDENT’S BLOG Words by Christine King

Friends,

A

t this time of writing we are still with restrictions with the Coronavirus on our movements outside our homes, including all our CWA Halls around the State. We hope they will be open soon for our members to come together to share a cuppa, hold a meeting, enjoy craft days and reopening to renters.

It is a challenging time for all, however CWA is very organized and ready to invite ladies to join a Branch close to them as soon as the restrictions are lifted and discover the friendship and the opportunities offered by QCWA Country Kitchens project supported by trained facilitators, members who are keen to share the story of Health and Well Being. This is an important focus, as we have not had personal connections with the virus rules, meeting face to face is most important, we need to invite women to come and share their skills and knowledge with other ladies from all walks of life at our Branches.

Winter seems to have come early this year, and we instantly start looking for our winter clothes in the wardrobe. This year our CWA year has a special ‘primary focus´ on sheep and we know that wool is what keeps us warm the best. Knitting and crochet are hugely popular across all ages and a most relaxing craft, great yarns and colours are available to create individual projects. Why not also try felting, great bags can be made that are very individual? Knit wonderful scarves and beanies in amazing wool yarns, they will be valued for years to come. Branch Members will be exploring all the different breeds of sheep and their special fleece, some Branches will hold special events

including a sheep shearing demonstration, spinning demonstrations, and dying workshops. CWA members have a great imagination and present very interesting programs across all the branches.

Membership is the ‘bread and butter’ of the Association and we extend a very big welcome and invitation to all ladies wherever you live to come and join us as we move on closer to our Centenary in 2022.

Joining is through your local branch and forms can be downloaded from our web site www.qcwa.org.au to complete and take with you to the branch. If you are remote or unable to have the time in your busy life to be a Branch Member then we appreciate a Supporter Membership which can be organized by a telephone call to our State Office or email admin@qcwa.org.au. Once again forms are on our web site.

It has been a very different time in our lives over Autumn taking care of our families and following health directives, but it has given us time to slow down and maybe catch up on all the crafts or hobbies that has been just thoughts up until now. I do hope you have achieved your goals and everyone is safe and healthy.

We look forward as an Association to the future this year, no matter what may change, CWA will always be there to welcome ladies to come and engage with our members and make new friends.

‘It is OK to be CWA’ Christine King State President

2020 Winter | 89

WINTER QUIZ

by Quiz Master Roy O’Reilly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Queen Elizabeth II’s code name used by security protection officers is (a) Sharon (b) Gladys (c) Myrtle?

Commemorating Brexit, the inscription on a new British 50p coin was widely criticised recently for omitting which punctuation mark?

In 2013, Belgium issued postage stamps with glue tasting of (a) beer (b) chocolate (c) mint?

From 12 nominations, how many Oscars were won by the Harry Potter movie series (a) zero (b) six (c) 12?

Name the character played by Jodie Foster in the 1991 movie The Silence of the Lambs.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially started their lives separate from the royal family on (a) April Fool’s Day (b) Good Friday (c) Queen’s Birthday?

Of the seven James Bond movies with one-word titles, which one is last alphabetically?

Which song character is “the baddest man in the whole damned town, badder than old King Kong and meaner than a junkyard dog”?

In 2009, members of which country’s parliament, in a mini-submarine, planted their national flag four kilometres below the North Pole in a bid to advance claims to the region’s mineral riches?

The blue worker’s singlet is named after which champion shearer?

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

What was unusual about Usain Bolt’s left shoelace when he won the 100m final in world record time at the Beijing 2008 Olympics?

At the Popcorn Club in New York in 1973, an audience of three attended which US rock band’s first performance (a) Fleetwood Mac (b) Guns N’ Roses (c) Kiss ?

Last year, 34-year-old Sanna Marin became prime minister of (a) Canada (b) Finland (c) New Zealand During the War of the Five Kings in Game of Thrones, what was the term for the massacre caused by the breaking of a marriage pact?

Which cartoon sheep lives with his flock at Mossy Bottom Farm?

The computer abbreviation “app” stands for what?

Which term for “single” as a relationship status was popularised by Emma Watson in a 2019 interview with Vogue magazine?

The fine for not voting in an Australian federal election is (a) $20 (b) $50 (c) $100?

The stage name of Hollywood star Rock Hudson was created by combining which two geographical features?

Born in 1996 and named after a US country singing star, what was the name of the world’s first cloned sheep?

1. (a) Sharon. 2. Oxford comma. 3. (b) chocolate. 4. (a) zero. 5. Clarice Starling. 6. (a) April Fool’s Day. 7. Thunderball. 8.

Leroy Brown. 9. Russia. 10. John Robert “Jacky” Howe. 11. It was untied. 12. Kiss. 13. (b) Finland. 14. The Red Wedding. 15.

Shaun the Sheep. 16. Application. 17. Self-partnered. 18. (a) $20. 19. Rock of Gibraltar, Hudson River. 20. Dolly. (Dolly Parton).

ANSWERS

90 | Winter 2020

! s u n Joi

Photo courtesy of Antola Trading

What we do:

Members of the Queensland Country Women’s Association have been coming together since 1922 to provide friendship, inspiration and a voice on issues that affect communities, women and families.

• Advocacy – QCWA provides a voice for women on serious issues relevant to families, communities, rural life and education.

• Distributing Public Rural Crisis Fund – hands-on help to Queenslanders affected by floods, droughts and fires.

• Fundraising for good causes – local, national and international.

You can make a difference too.

There’s sure to be a QCWA branch near you.

For fun, friendship, inspiration and joy

Become a

• Workshops and classes to upskill and inspire – arts and crafts, music, cookery, public speaking, meetings.

• Improving the health of Queenslanders through Country Kitchens – a joint project with Queensland Health.

• Holiday accommodation – we own and manage holiday accommodation throughout the state.

member now!

You can become a full member or a supprter member (Supporter membership is for those women who want to support the QCWA but can’t commit to regular meetings) There’s sure to be a QCWA branch near you.

QCWA MEMBERSHIPS Branch Membership One year Supporter and Friend Membership One year

Fee

Membership period

$74.25

1 July 2019 — 30 June 2020

Fee

Membership period

$95.00

One calendar year from date of joining

Contact us today for more information on becoming a Branch Member or Supporter and Friend Member.

QCWA State Office: secretary@qcwa.org.au | www.qcwa.org.au | (07) 3026 1220

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