QCWA Ruth magazine #43 - Winter 2023

Cover

Dallas Davidson of Towri Sheep Cheeses launching the Scenic Rim Eat Local Month.

GENERAL MANAGER: Erika Brayshaw

EDITOR: Jessica Kramer

DESIGN: Jeff Brown

SUB EDITOR: Alice Williams

FEATURE

6 Queensland’s foodie regions

12 Ray Martin chasing the outback spirit

FOOD

15 Hearty winter dishes

24 Meet the facilitator

26 Artisan breads and flours INSPIRING PEOPLE

30 ‘Sharing with Friends’

FASHION

32 Home-grown iconic Australian fashion

34 ‘Thread Together and Uniforms 4 Kids’

36 Getting your men to see their doctor

38 Essential health checks for every age

ART & CRAFTS

40 DIY project: knitted beanies

42 DIY project: crocheted bag and scarf

44 Jill Dyer: Outback jeweller

46 Milynda Rogers: A steely resolve

48 Herbs for different times of the year

50 Queensland garden competitions

52 The new country kitchen trend

60

PUBLISHED BY:

News Corp Australia, Level 1/5 Keefe St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 in conjunction with Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), 11 Cleveland Street, Stones Corner, QLD 4120.

Ruth magazine is published by News Corp Australia. 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.

Dear readers

This edition of Ruth magazine marks 11 years since the first edition hit newsstands around Queensland and northern NSW. In the past six-and-a-half years that I’ve been involved, I have met many of you who have faithfully collected every issue, shared them with friends and family, read and reread editions, and even sent in ideas for articles.

It is this passionate reader base and community that makes Ruth unique and has made the magazine into what it is today, more than a decade down the track.

So it is with a heavy heart that I let you know this edition of Ruth will be the last. You’ll find an official statement from our publishers below, but I would like to thank each of you for your support over the years in buying, sharing and loving this magazine.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the myriad people who have helped put together this magazine including Ruth’s past editors, Helen Hawkes and Ally Martell. I’d also like to share our appreciation to past and present contributors Alison Alexander, Avril Priem, Jan Ross, Roy O’Reilly, Suzie van Laarhoven and the Country Kitchens team, Dianne McKean and the State Library of Queensland team, Jill and Ian Brown, Jane Milburn and Julia Matusik.

Finally, I hope these past 11 years of Ruth magazine have helped you ‘live an inspired life’ and that you have found enjoyment within the pages. Thank you again for your passion and support, and I hope you enjoy this edition.

We regret to inform our loyal readers that Ruth magazine will cease being published by News Corp Australia after the current issue.

Ruth magazine was created to empower, encourage and inspire the country women of Queensland and Australia.

For 11 years, we have been grateful to have the opportunity to share the stories of country women.

We are proud of the work we have done and are excited to see what the next chapter of Ruth looks like.

To our loyal subscribers, thank you.

Please know that all subscriptions will be refunded by iSubscribe. If you have any issues with your refund, please contact iSubscribe on 1300 303 619.

If you have any questions about Ruth magazine going forward please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Davis by email lisa.davis@qcwa.org.au or phone 07 3236 6419.

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND

Special finds to brighten your life and home this winter.

What is the QCWA?

A gathering of incredible ladies, the Queensland Country Women’s Association was founded by Ruth Fairfax OBE (after whom this magazine is named) in 1922. So much more than a ladies’ chat and scones, the Association advocates and raises funds for vulnerable people, towns and important causes as well as providing a social outlet for members across the branches in regional areas, towns, and cities across the state.

Hampers for all

Who doesn’t love receiving a hamper? Whether it’s a gift from a loved one, or a gift to yourself, hampers are a classic present and perfect for when you can’t decide what to buy. Aussie brand Hamilton Hampers stocks local products and aims to encapsulate a country experience for each customer. In addition to the pre-designed hampers, you can also create a DIY hamper or buy individual luxe items.

hamiltonhampers.com.au

Beautiful homewares

The Store Room represents the very essence of a leap of faith. When two Queensland friends, Jill and Inky, met up for coffee after the Covid lockdowns in 2020, they came up with an idea of opening their own homewares, art, furniture and gift business. A mere three months later, the shop doors opened. Stocking a vast collection of wares from small Australian businesses, The Store Room sells a plethora of stylish pieces not often seen anywhere else. the-storeroom.com.au

Glorious gumboots

t was frustration with having her nice work shoes consistently ruined by Melbourne’s unreliable weather that gave Merry People founder, Dani, the idea for her business. The brand’s unique gumboots are just as suited to the office or shopping trips as they are messy outside work. Added bonus? They come in a variety of pretty colours and styles, as well as kids sizes.

Classic headwear

Can you imagine a one-off idea to protect your child from the harsh Aussie sun still being around 40 years later?

That’s what happened with Helen Kaminski when she created a handcrafted raffia hat, which then became a global trend — even being featured in Vogue magazine. These days the brand also creates bags and footwear, all with the same delightful classic look. helenkaminski.com.au

Queensland’s cornucopia: The producers behind Australia’s most exciting foodie trails

It might be famous for its sugar-white sandy beaches, but Queensland has become a food and wine hotspot in its own right, from the fertile soils of the Scenic Rim and the burgeoning beverage scene of Bundaberg, to the world-class produce of the Sunshine Coast and Tropics.

The Scenic Rim

No round-up of the Sunshine State’s best kept foodie secrets is complete without exploring this premier food bowl, an hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Many believe the magic of the Scenic Rim lies in its rich red soil. This mountainous region where the rainforest meets an ancient volcanic caldera is home to six national parks, World Heritage-listed rainforests and a swathe of paddock-to-plate experiences, which all come

Words by Mariam Digges

Pictures Supplied

together every winter for the lauded Scenic Rim Eat Local Month celebration.

“The Scenic Rim is a series of valleys and micro-regions bordered by ancient volcanoes, and the remnants of these are the most beautiful, rich soils where you can grow just about anything,” says Gen Windley, owner of the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Café

“Eat Local Month is in winter, which is our most abundant time in terms of produce — the perfect time to come and meet the farmers, connect with where your food comes from and physically walk on the farms, see, feel, touch and, of course, eat.”

This year’s Scenic Rim Eat Local Month (June 1 to July 2) is headlined by 37 long lunches, degustations and dinners, as well as 43 workshops, and 37 tours and experiences. Visit eatlocalmonth. com.au for tickets and more details.

Summer Land Camels | 8 Charles Chauvel Dr, Harrisville

Nestled in the Scenic Rim’s volcanic crater, you’ll find the largest camel-training centre in the southern hemisphere. Founded by Paul Martin who hopes to change public sentiment about the humped mammals by connecting individuals and communities with Australian camels — Summer Land sells everything from camel-milk gelato to vodka.

“We have around 300 milking camels,” Martin says. “We milk them in the morning, pasteurise the milk — which we then decide whether to make into cheese, Persian feta, milk or gelato — then we take the whey and make a vodka out of it using some local honey.”

With the rise in dairy intolerance, Martin believes camel milk is a natural, healthy and environmentally sustainable milk alternative that should be embraced by more Australians.

“Somali and African communities have been using it to treat gut issues for years. It’s extremely high in vitamin C and lactoferrin, which are the two elements that have been isolated as building immunity.”

Summer Land also offers camel rides, farm tours and hands-on

GAVIN SCURR — PIÑATA FARMS

DALLAS DAVIDSON — TOWRI SHEEP CHEESES

cameleer experiences, with the Homestead Café and General Store on hand to power you with camelcinos, slow-cooked camel meat pies, and their popular camel-milk skincare range.

“We’ve just opened up our two-year barrel-aged vodka, which we’ve been aging in a shiraz barrel for the Scenic Rim Eat Local Month,” says Martin. “And in the last couple of days, we’ve been putting out a rum.”

The Overflow Estate 1895 | 1660 Beaudesert-Boonah Rd, Wyaralong

Each of The Overflow Estate’s 2500 vines has a name, a personality, and has been planted by hand. Expect to find vermentino, fiano, montepulciano and tempranillo varietals at this boutique vineyard overlooking Lake Wyaralong, surrounded by 500 head of cattle, a sand mine for the construction industry, a sandstone quarry and a cellar door. The onsite Two French Chefs Restaurant has live music every Saturday and Sunday, to further sweeten the deal.

Towri Sheep Cheeses | 206 Saville Rd, Allenview

Every regional foodie hotspot should have an award-winning

dairy or two, and the Scenic Rim doesn’t disappoint. Run by mother and daughter duo Carolyn and Dallas Davidson, this artisanal dairy and cheese room is home to 350 sheep that happily roam the 300 acres (about 120ha) of scenic rural land.

“Mum started the business in 2005 — she needed a hobby while I was at school and my sister was in the police force,” says Dallas. “I came on four years ago during the drought and never left.”

Open to the public on the first Saturday of each month, visitors to Towri Sheep Cheeses are treated to a cheesemaking demo, then they can stock up on cheesy goodies, wines and other artisanal foods from the Scenic Rim from the farm shop to enjoy in the French-inspired gardens.

“We love to create different, never-been-done-before cheeses,” says Dallas, “like our Ewe Plus 3 — Australia’s first cheese that combines sheep, cow, camel and goat [milk].”

It was developed during the floods when the Davidsons couldn’t milk their sheep, so they called on other local dairies, including Summer Land Camels, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm and Naughty Little Kids, requesting some milk for a little experiment.

“We managed to make it work and didn’t realise no one had done it before,” says Dallas. “It was a great way to help out other dairies during a challenging time.”

Tamborine Mountain Distillery | 10 MacDonnell Rd, Tamborine Mountain

With more than 300 international awards under its belt, this Harry Potter-evoking Tudor-style property is home to both the Tamborine Mountain Distillery and cellar door. Stop by and taste vodka, gin, schnapps and eau de vie before taking a guided tour of the museum and working distillery, which has been in operation since 1993.

Bundaberg

Hill of Promise Winery | 8 Mango Hill Dr, Childers

For the full grape-to-glass experience, head to the familyowned and operated Hill of Promise and taste your way through whites, reds, fortifieds and sparklings, all made with love by winemakers Terry and Mary Byrne. Terry’s Sicilian heritage is evident in their Nonna Gelso range of reds — rich with ripe plum, currant and almond notes.

Bundaberg

Rum Distillery | Hills St, Bundaberg East

The distillery that put this city on the map deserves a special mention, but you don’t have to be a rum aficionado to enjoy a tour of the historic grounds. It was launched in 1888 when seven locals decided to take the by-product from the growing

sugar industry and create a rum distillery. You can even blend your own rum and take it home to enjoy later.

Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing | 22 Commercial St, Svensson Heights

Bundaberg’s first gin and vodka distillery is run by Rick Prosser, who happens to be a former Master Distiller for Bundaberg Rum. Expect to find small-batch gins handcrafted using the tradtional method — that is — in a 100L copper pot, infused with premium, local botanicals, including lemon and cinnamon myrtle, ginger and native finger limes.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Piñata Farms | 382 Scurr Rd, Wamuran

Chances are you’ve already tasted the sweet spoils of this family-run farm in the lush Sunshine Coast Hinterland. What began as a pineapple farm has grown into one of the country’s leading pineapple, mango, strawberry and berry farms, supplying to major supermarkets nationwide. Third-generation farmers Gavin and Stephen Scurr head up Piñata today, but it was their grandfather who kicked things off with a single pineapple farm in the 1960s.

“We pride ourselves on growing really tasty fruit — good eating fruit,” Gavin says. “We grow it at scale, but our fruit tastes better than the average pineapple or raspberry.”

Piñata Farms isn’t open to the public but does allow guided groups through on occasion.

SHELBY ACKERMAN & PAUL MARTIN — SUMMER LAND CAMELS

Brouhaha Brewery | 6/39 Coral St, Maleny

This hip brewpub in stunning Maleny in the hinterland was born in 2016 when four Sunny Coast locals decided to fuse their love of beer and the local community. The result is a topnotch brewery where you can enjoy craft sours, pales, lagers and specialty beers, alongside produce-driven plates. They’ve since expanded, with Sunshine Coast and New Farm outposts, too.

Kenilworth Dairies | 45 Charles St, Kenilworth

Flanked by the Mary Valley and Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this award-winning dairy is owned by local sixth-generation dairy farmers, the Cochrane family, who took the reins in 2017. Visitors can sample their cheese, mousse and yoghurt, made fresh from milk sourced from local Mary Valley farms. Their onsite café serves cheese-forward plates, and the cellar door is stocked with treats made by local artisans.

Tropical Queensland and Atherton Tablelands

Skybury Café & Roastery | 136 Ivicevic Rd, Paddys Green

The sandy soils and subtropical climate of the Atherton Tablelands offers the perfect growing conditions for coffee and

papaya, which is how Skybury produces about 40 tonnes of green coffee each year and more than two million kilograms of red papaya. Located 10 minutes west of Mareeba, this familyowned plantation is believed to be Australia’s oldest roastery. Sample their coffee, locally distilled liqueurs and light meals at their onsite café.

Mungalli Creek Dairy | 254 Brooks Rd, Ellinjaa

Queensland’s first biodynamic dairy, Mungalli Creek, does things a little differently. One hundred years ago, the region was thick with rainforest, so they’ve consciously allowed 30 per cent of their farms to revert back to forest and cultivated wetlands, rich with birdlife, dingoes, wallabies and cassowaries. The owners, brothers Rob and Danny Watson, are committed to protecting the region for future generations while producing excellent milk, yoghurt, cheese and ice-cream. A cheeseboard or dessert platter from their Farmhouse Café is a must.

Mt Uncle Distillery | 1819 Chewko Rd, Walkamin

Alpacas, peacocks and goats roam freely at this distillery, situated at the foot of Mount Uncle in the Atherton Tablelands among banana, avocado and macadamia trees. Mt Uncle’s dramatic scenery alone is a drawcard, but you’ll want to linger a while for the award-winning spirits and liqueurs, like their famous marshmallow liquor, which you can sample at the cellar door. If you’re after something more soothing, there are over 50 teas and a selection of homemade desserts on offer at the café

BLUME CHEF JACK STUART — NEW REGIONAL AMBASSADOR CHEF FOR EAT LOCAL MONTH

Ray Martin’s Journey of Discovery

On a routine business trip from Sydney to Darwin almost a decade ago, Ray Martin spied something remarkable out of the plane window.

“I never close the blind when I’m on a plane,” he says. “I’m a mad cameraman and I’ve always got my camera at the ready, because you never know what you’re going to see.”

In this case, it was a magnificent rock formation 40,000 feet below, somewhere in the Queensland outback. “I called it ‘Running Man Rock’, because it looked like a giant man from the Dreamtime bursting out of the desert and racing away,” Martin says. When you see it from above, it’s extraordinary… it stretches about

10km wide, and was all built by Mother Nature, 500 million years ago, and no-one seemed to know it was there.”

So began Martin’s ten-year obsession with finding the exact location of the rocks and seeing them up close, wondering what other secrets lay in this wild, Queensland landscape of gidgees and saltbushes. His quest became the subject of a new special on SBS, Ray Martin: Mysteries of the Outback

The outback spirit

Accompanying Martin on the journey was his

great friend, landscape photographer Ken Duncan. Together, the pair set off on a 3000km adventure from Birdsville through

Words by Jenna Martin Images by Ray Martin

towns like Bedourie, Mount Isa and Winton, the birthplace of Qantas and Waltzing Matilda.

“I grew up in the New South Wales bush, but I love the outback more than anywhere else in Australia,” Martin says. “The blackest of skies at night, the friendliest of towns and the best people you’ll ever meet.”

While Martin and Duncan were on a quest to find the Running Man, it was the men — and women — they met along the way who made the journey even more memorable.

“Outback women are especially remarkable,” says Martin. “It’s nothing to do with toughness, or the bush being ‘a bloke’s world’... it’s that the women are out here doing the same unbelievably tough work as the men, but also doing most of the raising (of) their kids at the same time.”

There was the woman he met in Mount Isa who spends every day working in the mines, more than a kilometre underground, and the mum-of-five who runs the astronomy tours at the dinosaur museum in Winton. There’s the sole teacher and principal of the public school in Dajarra, and the ex-journalist with a PhD in agricultural science who joined her husband on the family cattle farm on the Queensland/Northern Territory border. “She’s out here every day, counting the cattle in the heat and the dust, with a new baby strapped to her in the carrier,” Martin says. “She said she wanted to work and raise her kids on the land, (and) said she’d sooner be out here than anywhere else on earth.”

Martin believes that while people are drawn to the outback for its vast open spaces and simpler lifestyle, the sense of community is unbeatable. “I would talk to people, asking them why they’re out there and time and again it was because of the people — and they’re right, the people are special,” he says. “It’s partly because survival out here truly depends on looking after each other, but there’s just a real sense of community. Obviously folks help out when there’s flood or famine or drought, but even on an ordinary day, if you need someone at 6am to help you out, you know that Fred or Mary will be there. It’s not something you get in the city.”

A pub somewhere

“The best meals in the outback are always in pubs,” Martin declares. “And they’re often the best places to stay and to really get a sense of the place, and everywhere we went —

from Winton to Boulia to Urandangi — the pub is the centre of town. Pubs become the churches or the meeting halls for communities.”

Martin loves how people in the bush go to the pubs not (just) to drink, but to meet their mates, pour out their problems, hear the latest news and have their own story heard. “The Birdsville Pub is arguably the most iconic pub in the country,” says Martin. “People drive across the Simpson Desert and finish up at the Birdsville pub. And it’s got cold beer and good food and lots of characters — but half the journey

is getting there, which is what makes it such a great place to meet people and hear their story.”

The grub is pretty good too. “I had probably the best steak of my life at the Birdsville Pub, alongside a blizzardly cold beer,” he says. “It’s a meal you’d pay $100 for in a fancy city restaurant, but here it’s affordable and it’s delicious.”

Martin believes that part of what makes outback pubs so special is their isolation, and their location. “In Winton we went to the pub for a chicken dish and it was terrific, but because it’s out things, like life itself, to the little things, like a bloody good roast chook.”

One of Martin’s favourite pubs was in the tiny town of Urandangi. “It is the most isolated pub I’ve ever visited anywhere in the world,” says Martin. Sadly, the recent record-breaking floods put the town — and the 100-yearold building under water. “The publican was the last man standing,” Martin says. “I spoke to him not long ago (and) the floods came in almost eight metres high. It was the lifeblood of the town — not to mention the grocery store, the post office and the Centrelink building… I hope they can get it back again.”

Chasing the Running Man

Martin and Duncan’s outback adventure culminates at Running Man, a 100km drive and a half-hour helicopter flight west of Boulia, an outback post known for its isolation, its annual camel races and the mysterious Min Min lights that dance across the night sky. Accompanied by local elder Leanne Parker and renowned Indigenous musician (and 2023 Queensland Australian of the Year) William Barton, the pair finally get their chance to not only fly over Running Man, but see him up close. “We landed on his sandy head and

photographed the wildflowers that spread across his belly… we marvelled at the mysterious figure-eights to his side, and

tracked the ridges of outstretched arms. He is amazing from the air, but at ground level you get a feel for just how ancient and how magical this place really is,”

and Virgin pilots who had flown over him a thousand times

— local elders had never seen him either. It was a very emotional experience. It’s a very special place.”

Anyone who has spent any time travelling across our incredible, vast country wouldn’t be surprised to find so many untouched sites out there, just waiting to be explored. But Martin believes that Running Man is special, and deserves to be better known. “I seriously think that Running Man could kick-start a whole tourism bonanza out here in outback Queensland,” he says. “It’s isolated, but no more so than The Bungle Bungles or Lake Eyre, which are household names that draw in the tourists, for good reason. But this is just as special. It takes your breath away.”

Winter... what winter?

Each year the QCWA select a Country of Study. For 2023, the Country of Study is Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinbagonian (aka Trini) cuisine is unique from other Caribbean nations due to historical influences from a multitude of cultures. Trinbagonian food today capitalises on the island’s fresh seafood in soups and curries and has a popular street food culture. Most dishes incorporate chilli and spices, and are served with a selection of sauces and relishes.

The Country Kitchen team have developed a collection of recipes from Trinidad and Tobago that meet the QCWA Country Kitchens’ nutrition criteria.

This means the recipes highlighted as ‘everyday foods’ contain at least one serve of fruits and/or vegetables per portion, and no added sugar or salt.

Recipes highlighted as ‘discretionary foods’ contain at least half a serve of fruit and/or vegetables per portion and should be consumed only sometimes and in small amounts.

We hope these recipes will inspire you to get into your kitchen to prepare and serve healthy, delicious recipes from Trinidad and Tobago, known as Trinbagonian cuisine.

All recipes courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Product of the Year

Recipe Collection — Trinidad and Tobago

Caribbean Green Seasoning

Makes: 500ml

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

Salad:

 1 bunch thyme, thick stems removed

 1 bunch coriander, roughly chopped

 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

 2 tablespoons tarragon leaves

 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves

 4 spring onions, chopped

 12 large garlic cloves, peeled

 1 large brown onion, chopped

 1 celery stalk, chopped

 1 small green capsicum, deseeded and chopped

 1 hot chilli, such as Habanero (optional)

Method

ADD all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blitz until fine, adding just enough water to moisten the mixture, as required. SCRAPE sides and pulse again until combined. STORE in airtight jars in the refrigerator, or pour into ice cube trays and freeze.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

Cassava Pone

Serves: 20

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Fruit & Veg: ½ serve per portion

Ingredients

Base:

 1 cup desiccated coconut

 ½ cup brown sugar

 ½ cup raisins

 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

 2 teaspoons allspice

 ½ cup light coconut milk

 1 cup light milk

 2 tablespoons margarine, softened

 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

 3 cups cassava, grated

 1 cup grated pumpkin

 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Method

PREHEAT oven to 180°C (350°F).

COMBINE coconut, brown sugar, raisins, ground cardamom and allspice in a large bowl.

COMBINE coconut milk, milk, margarine and vanilla essence in a small bowl.

ADD cassava, pumpkin and fresh ginger to dry ingredients. Stir until combined.

ADD coconut milk mixture to the vegetable and spice mixture and stir until combined.

POUR mixture into a lined baking tray. Bake in the oven for one hour or until golden and firm.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

DISCRETIONARY FOOD

Chicken and Vegetable Pelau

Serves: 6

Prep time: 35 minutes + overnight soak and 1 hour marinating

Cook time: 45 minutes

Fruit & Veg: 2 serves per portion

Ingredients

 2 cups dried black-eyed peas

 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved

 4 tablespoons green seasoning (see page 16)

 1 tablespoon grated garlic

 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

 1 tablespoon reduced-salt soy sauce

 1 tablespoon tomato sauce

 Black pepper, to taste

 1 small brown onion, roughly chopped

 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

 3 tablespoons brown sugar

 3 sprigs thyme, chopped

 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and drained

 1 red capsicum, roughly chopped

 1 green capsicum, roughly chopped

 1 medium carrot, diced

 1 cup peeled and cubed pumpkin

 2 cups light coconut milk

 2 cups reduced salt chicken stock

 1 whole chilli (habanero or jalapeño) (optional)

 1 bay leaf

 ½ cup spring onions, thinly sliced

Method

SOAK black-eyed peas in a large bowl of water overnight. Drain and set aside.

ADD chicken, 2 tablespoons of green seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato sauce, black pepper and half the onion to a large bowl. Toss to combine. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least one hour.

HEAT oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

SPRINKLE the brown sugar evenly over the oil and allow to melt until it begins to bubble and froth and turn slightly darker. Immediately add marinated chicken and mix to coat. Cook for 5 minutes. Take care with this step.

STIR in pre-soaked black-eyed peas, thyme, and remaining onion and green seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

ADD rice to pot and mix to combine. Cook for a further few minutes.

STIR in capsicums, carrot and pumpkin.

POUR in coconut milk and chicken stock. Add the whole chilli (optional) and bay leaf.

BRING to the boil and then cover pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.

SPRINKLE with spring onions and serve.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

Doubles

Serves: 4

Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Fruit & Veg: 1 serve per portion

Ingredients

Flatbread:

 ⅓ cup warm water

 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

 2 cups plain flour

 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 1 teaspoon curry powder OR turmeric

 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

 1 tablespoon olive oil

Chickpea filling:

 1 tablespoon olive oil

 1 medium onion, finely chopped

 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

 1 tablespoon curry powder

 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

 2 teaspoons ground cumin

 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

 ½ cup water

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

Method

FLATBREAD:

MIX water and yeast. Set aside for about 5 minutes, until foamy.

COMBINE flour, cumin, curry powder and pepper. ADD yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. Add more water if needed to form a slightly firm dough.

COVER dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, until doubled in volume.

PUNCH down on the dough and then let it rest again for 10 minutes.

RUB water or olive oil on your hands to handle the dough. CUT dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into thin circles.

HEAT one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet.

FRY the flatbread for 60 seconds on each side, until puffed and golden.

REPEAT this process for each flatbread.

CHICKPEA filling:

WARM one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

SAUTE onion, garlic, and curry powder for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

ADD chickpeas and stir to coat with the spice mixture. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes.

STIR in cumin, pepper, and ½ cup of water.

SIMMER on reduced heat for about 30 minutes or until the chickpeas are very soft.

ADD more water as needed to form a medium-thick sauce.

ADD red pepper flakes and stir to combine (optional).

SERVE two flatbread on a plate with chickpea mixture on top of each. Top with additional condiments as desired.

EVERYDAY FOOD

Macaroni Pie

Serves: 8

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Fruit & Veg: 1 serve per portion

Ingredients

 1 ½ cups dried elbow macaroni

 2 tablespoons margarine

 1 small brown onion, finely chopped

 1 zucchini, grated

 ½ head cauliflower, grated

 2 eggs

 680ml light evaporated milk

 ¼ teaspoon stock powder

 ¼ teaspoon white pepper

 1 teaspoon garlic powder

 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder

 ½ teaspoon dried thyme

 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

 3 ½ cups grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Method

COOK macaroni according to package directions. Drain when cooked and set aside to cool.

MELT margarine in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and caramelise for 5-10 minutes.

SQUEEZE excess moisture from grated zucchini and cauliflower using a tea towel. Add to pot with onion and cook until soft.

ADD cooked macaroni to pot and stir to combine with vegetables.

BEAT eggs in medium bowl and stir in evaporated milk, stock powder, pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, dried thyme, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper (optional).

POUR egg mixture over macaroni and stir until well coated. STIR three cups of grated cheese into pot, reserving ½ cup cheese for topping.

POUR mixture into baking dish and top with reserved cheese.

BAKE for 40 minutes or until the pie is firm and golden brown.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

Trini Corn Soup

Serves: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 60 minutes

Fruit & Veg: 3 serve per portion

Ingredients

 2 tablespoon olive oil

 1 onion, diced

 2 chives, sliced

 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

 2 celery stalks, diced

 ¾ cup split peas

 1 capsicum, diced

 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

 ¼ cup coriander, chopped (optional)

 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground

 300ml reduced salt vegetable stock

 300ml water

 400ml can light coconut milk

 5 cobs of corn, sliced into 4 pieces

 400g can corn kernels, drained

 1 carrot, diced

 1 cup peeled and diced pumpkin

 1 habanero chilli, whole (optional)

Method

HEAT olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat.

FRY onion, chives, garlic, and celery until soft and translucent.

ADD split peas, capsicum, sweet potato, coriander, black pepper, vegetable stock and water and stir to combine.

BRING to the boil, then reduce to simmer for 30 minutes or until the split peas are soft.

BLEND the soup mixture with a stick mixer.

ADD coconut milk, cobs of corn, corn kernels, carrots, pumpkin, and whole habanero chilli (optional). Simmer for another 20 minutes on low heat.

REMOVE the habanero chilli before serving.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidadian Callaloo

Serves: 8

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Fruit & Veg: 2 serves per portion

Ingredients

 1 tablespoon olive oil

 1 large onion, diced

 1 large bunch coriander, roots and stems finely chopped

 1 large red or green chilli, deseeded and chopped

 4 garlic cloves, minced

 1 cup peeled and diced butternut pumpkin

 1 small sweet potato, diced

 400ml light coconut milk

 200g spinach leaves, roughly chopped

 1 tablespoon dried thyme

 1 teaspoon black pepper

 3 cups brown basmati rice

Method

HEAT olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

FRY onion, coriander roots and stems, chilli and garlic for 3 minutes.

ADD pumpkin, sweet potato, coconut milk and 400ml water to the pot.

SIMMER for 15 minutes, until vegetables soften. ADD spinach and coriander leaves, thyme and pepper. Wilt for 5 minutes.

COOL mixture for one hour, removing from heat or separating into smaller bowls to cool.

BLEND contents of pot with a stick mixer. The callaloo should be thick and slimy.

SERVE with cooked brown basmati rice or wholemeal bread. Season to taste.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Collection — Trinidad & Tobago

Walk Trinidad and Tobago

you’ll be visiting, and to track how far you have walked around the country. Be sure to have your team captain share the fun facts about each stop on your journey as your team reaches the destinations.

To complete the walk around Trinidad and Tobago, your team must reach a total of 444,600 steps (approximately 342km). There are 11 stops on the trip, and you will take a ferry between the islands to rest your legs and travel to and from Tobago.

Check the map for the list of attractions

Beach

Escape to Cairns

for a truly memorable holiday that won’t break your 8 Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve 9 Englishmans Bay 10 Pigeon Point

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

QCWA HOLIDAY UNITS, CAIRNS 258 Grafton Street, Cairns

2023 Winter | 23

San Fernando

Lyn Tucker

“Ihave been with Country Kitchens for two years and am from the Bundaberg branch, Burnett Division. I am in an a cappella singing group and also enjoy gardening. I became a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator because I loved the idea of being able to make much-loved recipes healthier with just a few modifications. I love to use fresh fruit and vegetables in my meals and think Country Kitchens makes it easy to ‘health-a-size’ meals,” said Lyn.

The QCWA’s Country Kitchens program is a healthpromotion program supporting communities across Queensland to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours.

It is a partnership between the QCWA and Health and Wellbeing Queensland and the flagship program of the Association.

The Country Kitchens program supports QCWA volunteer Supporter and Branch members, like Lyn, who already have a wealth of cooking knowledge and skills, with training and support to help improve the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders, particularly those living in rural, regional and

remote locations.

“Last year, I facilitated a Country Kitchens interactive showcase in my local community at the Taste of Bundaberg event. We made different cake, muffin and slice recipes from the Country Kitchens recipe book to hand out as taste testers. The recipes used dried fruit to give them their sweet flavour and had added fruit or vegetables for a boost of fibre.”

Events like these are how the Country Kitchens program is improving food and nutrition literacy, and importantly, influencing behaviour change at a local community level.

“Other people should get involved with the QCWA Country Kitchens program because I think it’s a great way to get hooked on healthy food and have more energy. I have certainly enjoyed making a difference in the health of my community and am looking forward to working with Country Kitchens in 2023,” said Lyn.

Lyn Tucker, Country Kitchens Facilitator, QCWA Bundaberg branch, Burnett Division.

Bake your own loaves artisan

Put on your apron, and get your hands stuck into some dough.

Words by Emily Roberts Images Contributed

Winter is a wild and cold season for all. We all like to be curled up in front of the fire with a good book, but what better way to stay warm than with some homemade bread in our bellies?

Everyone loves walking into a house and being greeted by the smell of homemade bread cooking. It's comforting and gives us a warm feeling inside.

In this edition of Ruth magazine, you'll see how to make a few different breads and learn about different grains. So get ready for some baking!

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian bread that’s commonly found in bakeries. It’s shaped like a slipper, after which it is named — ciabatta means ‘slipper’ in Italian.

The bread has a golden crust and is light and fluffy inside with little air pockets. Ciabatta is unique because, unlike most breads, it is unusually young, being invented in the 1980s. Its said its creator, Arnaldo Cavallari, was looking for a substitute to the French baguette. Three years later, it hit the shelves of bakeries and supermarkets throughout the world. Here’s how to make ciabatta

Ingredients:

 1 ½ tsp instant dry yeast

 1 ½ cups water

 1 ½ tsp salt

 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

STEP 1: Dissolve the dry yeast in lukewarm water, then stir until well mixed.

STEP 2: Add salt and flour to a large bowl. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl and use a whisk to combine the flour mixture and yeast mixture.

STEP 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow dough to sit in the bowl for one hour at room temperature. Every 30 minutes, stretch and fold the ciabatta dough. After about 1.5 hours, the dough will have risen and doubled in size.

CIABATTA

STEP 4: Once the dough has risen, shape it into a log. Leave the dough to rest for about 40 minutes.

STEP 5: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 215C (420F) and add a second pan to the oven with a little water in it — this will add steam while the ciabatta is baking. Sprinkle a baking tray with flour. Place dough on the tray, and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown.

Challah

This brioche-like bread of Jewish origin is pale yellow in colour and has a rich flavour.

It is typically eaten for ceremonial occasions and major Jewish holidays. Challah is typically a braided loaf, but it does come in various sizes and shapes, which have symbolism attached to them. The most common shape is a braid with three, four or six strands. Here's how to make challah.

Ingredients:

 2 1/2 (625ml) cups warm water

 1 tbsp dry yeast

 1/2 cup honey

 4 tbsp vegetable oil

 2 eggs, plus 1 extra egg, beaten

 1 tbsp salt

 8 cups flour, plus extra for kneading

 1 tbsp poppy seeds

STEP 1: Pour warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle yeast over water. Let stand for five minutes.

STEP 2: Beat in honey, oil, two eggs, and salt. Add flour, one cup at a time, beating after each addition.

STEP 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.

STEP 4: Place dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and leave it to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume.

STEP 5: Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half and knead each half for five minutes, adding flour as needed to stop it sticking.

STEP 6: Divide each half into thirds, then roll each third into a long strand about 4cm in diameter. Firmly pinch the ends of the three strands together, and braid from the middle strand.

STEP 7: Grease a baking tray and place the finished braid on it. Leave it to rise for about one hour.

STEP 8: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190C (375F).

STEP 9: Brush the beaten egg over the braid; sprinkle with poppy seeds.

STEP 10: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown. Leave to cool for 15-20 minutes.

Sourdough

Sourdough is known for its crusty yet airy texture. Unlike other yeast bread recipes that use baker’s yeast as the leavening agent, traditional sourdough recipes use a starter made of water and flour. The starter ferments over time, producing natural yeast and the slightly acidic flavour that sets sourdough apart.

This bread got its start long before commercial yeasts. The method of grain fermentation is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt and remained the main method of leavening bread until baker’s yeast replaced it a few hundred years ago. Here's how you can make your own starter and sourdough.

Starter:

Day 1: To begin your starter, mix 50g flour with 50g tepid water in a jar. Leave, partly covered, at room temperature for 24 hours.

For the next three days, continue feeding it by mixing 50g flour and 50g tepid water in a jar and mixing that with the original starter.

Day 5: The mixture should be very active now and ready for making your bread. If it’s not bubbling, continue to feed it on a daily basis until it does.

Twenty-four hours before you want to use your starter, pour half of it off and feed it with 100g flour and 100g water. Leave it at room temperature and it should become active again.

You will use part of your starter to make the bread and save the rest for future use, feeding it at least once a week.

You can now make your own sourdough bread:

Ingredients:

 Sourdough starter

 500ml (2 cups) water

 700g (4 2/3 cups) flour

 2 1/2 tsp salt

STEP 1: Mix part of your starter with the water and flour, and allow this mixture to rest for a few hours. Then add salt.

STEP 2: Fold the dough a few times before letting it rest again for 10–30 minutes. Repeat the folding and resting steps a few times, until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

STEP 3: On the final rest, let the dough rise at room temperature until it grows to about 1.5 times its original volume.

STEP 4: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190C (356F).

STEP 5: Shape your bread loaf, and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown.

CHALLAH

Focaccia

The perfect focaccia should be moist but airy with a thick crunchy crust. Today, you’ll often find it topped with rosemary, sage, cheese, onions and much more.

When it was first created, it’s thought it was a type of flatbread and the 'missing link' between flatbread and pizza. The name 'focaccia' derives from the Roman words ‘panis focacious’, which means hearth bread; in Roman times, focaccia was traditionally baked in the coals of a fire. Back then, it was a very simple bread and although it has changed over the years, it's still easy for anyone to make.

Flours and grains

Most of the breads we’ve featured here use plain, all-purpose flour, which is what most people are familiar with. However, you can use many different types of flour to make bread.

Here's how to make focaccia

Ingredients:

 500g strong bread flour

 7g dry yeast

 2 tsp salt

 5-6 tbsp olive oil

 350-400ml lukewarm water

 1 tsp sea salt flakes

 1/4 small bunch of rosemary, sprigs picked

STEP 1: Place flour into a large mixing bowl. Mix the yeast into one side of the flour, and the fine salt into the other side. Mix everything together; this initial separation prevents the salt from killing the yeast.

STEP 2: Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, then add 2 tbsp of the oil and gradually add enough lukewarm water to make a slightly sticky dough.

STEP 3: Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip the dough onto it. Knead for 5-10 mins or until the dough is soft and less sticky. Put the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to rise for one hour until it has doubled in size.

STEP 3: Oil a shallow tin. Tip the dough onto the work surface, then stretch it to fill the tin. Cover with a tea towel and leave to rise for a further 35-45 mins.

STEP 4: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220C (430F). Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples.

STEP 5: Mix 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp water and salt flakes, and drizzle over the bread. Push sprigs of rosemary into the dimples in the dough.

STEP 6: Bake for 20 mins in the preheated oven until golden. While the bread is still hot, drizzle 1-2 tbsp olive oil over the top.

Many of these flours are better for us, and you can choose to either buy them or grind them yourself. For example, whole wheat flour is more nutritious and has all the good stuff in it that often is taken out of white flour. Wheat flour is very easy to find as most shops sell it or, even better, you can grind it yourself. A lot of local produce stores stock different grains so you can grind your own flour.

Wheat is very high in gluten, which is difficult for some people to process. However, there are a couple of grains that are just as good as wheat and have lower gluten. Spelt is one of these and can be used just as easily as wheat. Again, most shops sell flour made from it and, if spelt is not available there is the alternative of teff flour, which is completely gluten-free. Both of these grains can also be found at produce stores and are a great substitute for white flour.

There are a lot of different grains to use in your baking, most of which you can find at a local produce store. They are a great way to mix up your bread recipes and try your hand at something new.

FOCACCIA

105 Years of Girls’ education at PGC

Ever since 1918, young girls have had the opportunity to be educated at PGC, both as Presbyterian Girls College (PGC) and after amalgamation as SCOTS PGC College. Although we current girls think of PGC as our home away from home, for many of you it was classrooms and school as well.

When originally commissioned in 1918, by founders Mr R J Shilliday and Mr B T de Conlay, with support from Mr W R Black, Presbyterian Girls’ College was a place for girls to undertake a quality education. This was a time of great change and development in Australia, 18 years after Federation and at the end of WWI. Secondary schooling was not compulsory and the Southern Downs was a centre of agricultural production and processing as well as a transport hub.

For country people, transport links, most notably rail improved during this time, and it was possible to travel to Warwick by train from almost anywhere in Queensland. Presbyterian Girls College, under the guidance of Miss Mackness, its first Principal, began with 53 students, including eleven boarders and thirteen kindergarten students.

The initial trend of day students outnumbering boarders lasted until 1920, when boarders became the predominant group of students.

Over the last 20 years day students have been in the majority at SCOTS PGC College, however boarding students are a key part of SCOTS PGC and make up 30 per cent of the current student population from Years 7 – 12.

Currently there are almost 60 girls residing at the Locke St campus,

fondly still known as PGC. Over the past ten years, most of the dormitories have been refurbished to create modern, air-conditioned, single room accommodation for girls across all age groups and beautiful common spaces.

This August 19 we are inviting you all to return to our majestic gardens to celebrate 105 years of Girls’ Education at PGC.

We have planned a mid-morning brunch in the gardens and have organised some of the College bands and choir to help create the atmosphere. All of our dormitories will be open for you to stroll through and reminisce about your days at Locke St. We are really looking forward to hearing all of your stories.

Please let us know if you can join us and invite all of your friends as well.

Scan the QR code to register your interest for this event or phone the College 07 4666 9811 for more details.

A message from our 2023 Girls’ Boarding Captain, Makybe Edwards

More than just ‘Sharing with Friends’

Words by Kate Salemme

The homelessness crisis facing women aged 55 and over is growing, as the impact of rising rental prices, housing affordability and cost of living pressure continues.

The number of homeless people in Queensland has gone up by 22 per cent in five years, while it’s up by 29 per cent in regional Queensland, according to a report by the University of New South Wales.

Women aged 55 and over are at extreme risk, with the Housing for the Aged Action Group estimating approximately 240,000 women around the country are facing the threat, while a report by Anglicare found single women over 55 were eight times more likely to be homeless.

Sharing with Friends Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers in Queensland, is stepping up amid the crisis.

The initiative, which is aimed at women aged 55 and over, is breaking new ground, providing women the opportunity to live together under one roof but in their own private units.

“We think older women being at risk of homelessness in Australia is a human rights issue. It’s appalling and so not their fault, and it’s something that’s systemically wrong in this country,” says Sharing With Friends Foundation president Susan Davies.

“We set up Sharing with Friends to devise an affordable home ownership model — it’s not social housing, it’s not rental, it’s affordable home ownership.

“It’s for five older women who want to live in dignity, safety

and security and affordability in their retirement years.”

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, on average women retire with 23 per cent less superannuation than men.

That means as rental costs and the housing affordability crisis worsen, women are at greater risk.

“So many older women live in gentile poverty and are paying up to 80 per cent of their pension in rent, so they can’t even afford a cup of coffee basically, after they run their car (costs),” Susan says.

Sharing with Friends, which is beginning construction on its first home, offered units for purchase for $120,000, with that money to be returned to the buyer should she leave, or to her estate in the event she passes away.

“We’ve got lots of legal backing from law firm MinterEllison. They’ve developed unique tenure documents — the women contracting with us, contracting with each other — so we’ve done all our homework as far as legal goes,” Susan says.

The first home, located in Darra, south-west of central Brisbane, is due for completion early next year. The location has been strategically chosen for its close proximity to local shopping, public transport and medical facilities.

The units feature a bedroom, bathroom, living area, kitchen and private courtyard, and are fully lockable.

The home also features a central garden, a communal unit where residents can cook large meals and spend quality time together, plus a shared car.

The Sharing with Friends teapot that symbolises friendship and connection.

“It’s a bit like a retirement village, but it’s a mini retirement village of five women,” Susan says.

“There’s a sixth unit on the block and that’s where they have a laundry, a shared kitchen, some meeting area, home theatre and that sort of thing — it’s a communal place.

“Everyone is very excited about the shared car because it’s cost-saving.”

Women interested in the program go through an application and vetting process before attending 12 workshops that detail the Sharing with Friends model and the specifics, including house design in consultation with the foundation’s architect, responsibilities for shared expenses and having pets.

The workshops also provide the opportunity to meet and form friendships with the other women interested, resulting in them choosing the group of five they’d like to live with.

“We call it choosing your own neighbours and it’s a big selling point because it’s different from any other sort of housing,” Susan says.

Affordability and security are the two main benefits, while being surrounded by friends is also a key element that sets Sharing with Friends apart from other housing options.

“Apart from affordability — we estimate it will cost about $120 a week in running costs per person — they’ll have autonomy, dignity, self-management, safety and security,” she says.

“(Because) even if a woman qualifies for social housing, often it’s not a very safe place for an older person to live. A lot of older women living in social housing live behind locked doors, they’re afraid to open their doors to anyone.

“But this is very safe and it’s financially safe — the worry, that fear of being turfed out by a landlord goes away.

“It doesn’t suit everyone. Some people would shudder at the thought of living with four other people and they’re very happy to live behind locked doors, but for those who want (the benefits), it’s an affordable option.”

Susan hopes the Sharing with Friends model will become a key player in helping at-risk women find an affordable and safe place to live, and reduce the risk of homelessness.

“With rising rentals, it’s the perfect storm for older women in Australia today. It’s a systemic problem,” Susan says.

“25 per cent of women over 55 are financially vulnerable in Australia, they live below the poverty line and that’s extraordinary.

“You don’t see them, they’re a hidden people because they’ll still wear nice clothes and present quite well out the door, but they haven’t had breakfast or can’t afford a coffee, and they can’t pay the bills.”

Sharing with Friends founding members Ian Mackie, Susan Davies, Susan Hocking, Anne Landsberg, Ross Landsberg with architect Eloise Atkinson.

Sharing with Friends president Susan Davies showing the new Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon the Sharing with Friends plans.

Sharing With Friends workshop group participants.

The fabric of rural life

Pip Courtney’s fiercely feminine shirts have attracted a following of their own. Here’s how you can recreate her style.

Words by Rosie Double

Known for her reporting that gets to the guts and heart of regional and rural stories, ABC’s Landline presenter Pip Courtney is used to asking questions. But there is one particular question she often gets asked back: “Where do you get your shirts?”

Search for “Pip Courtney style” online and you’ll discover plenty of people who are eager to know where they can find that elusive blend of beautiful, durable workwear. And while women in the media might understandably want to steer away from commentary on their clothing — it shouldn’t detract from their work — we can also celebrate the sense of self that good clothes can instil in us all.

Pip has graciously engaged in these conversations with her audience over the years. Her social media accounts are a time capsule of the fabulous fashion she’s worn and spotted on her travels across the country. It’s a distinct style: gorgeously tailored shirts in bright colours and bold patterns.

So if you, too, have ever wondered where you can find something similar, please enjoy this round-up of regional designers that are turning out shirts in Pip’s style.

Nettie’s Country Creations

Based in Greenmount, just 30 minutes south of Toowoomba, Annette ‘Nettie’ Bradshaw has been making shirts for 29 years. She started out selling at local markets and fairs and while she still goes to country shows, she also now has an online store.

“They’re all Australian-made by myself and another lady, and she’s been sewing with me for nearly 20 years now,” Nettie says. “We always use natural fibres, so we always have a cotton or linen or a blend of cotton and linen shirts. And usually lots of bright colours.”

Nettie’s signature shirts feature detailed contrast trims, are available in four fits and are custom made to order, with a choice of sleeve length as well. Over her three decades of designing, she’s seen trends come and go, but none so endearing as the classic navy gingham, included in each of her collections in some shape or form. Florals also fly out the door, and Nettie especially enjoys creating these unique designs.

“There might only ever be between 10 and 20 shirts made up of the one type of standout fabric,” she shares. “And once it’s gone, it’s gone. It’s not something that I repeat, to just give people a little bit more individuality. You know, it’s nice, because a lot of my customers live in small communities, so they don’t want to be seeing themselves everywhere when they go.”

nettiescountrycreations.bigcartel.com

Antola Trading

Established in 2015 by Alicia McClymont, Antola Trading was born out of a desire to create a fashionable solution to uninspiring workwear.

Today, Antola Trading has an online store and is slowly expanding its presence into rural retailers around the country. A few years ago, Pip wore one of their shirts — the ‘Jessica’ — on an episode of ABC’s Landline, which generated welcome publicity for the brand.

“There is a story behind every shirt we design at Antola, and they are all named after the men, women and kids we believe are doing inspirational and exciting things in rural Australia,” Alicia says.

“The ‘Jessica’ shirt was named after Jessica Fealy who started Blue Sky Produce with her husband on the Atherton Tablelands. We actually have a ‘Pip’ shirt named after Pip Courtney and it is one of our bestsellers.

“Empowering women through the workwear we create is essentially about power dressing. It’s allowing women to feel confident enough to not be pigeonholed into what they think they should do, be, look like, or wear to fill each of the varied roles we all play in our busy lives,” she says.

“It’s providing clothing that makes them feel something special — whether that’s a connection with the story of who the shirt was named after, or the feeling of truly expressing themselves when they put it on and knowing they can look good, feel good, and not sacrifice their ability to do a kick-arse job that day.” antolatrading.com

Readers can enjoy 10% off with the discount code RUTH10.

Buy from the bush

Launched in 2019 as an Instagram account by Grace Brennan, Buy From The Bush has grown into an online marketplace that showcases a range of beautiful products from rural communities.

On it you’ll find any number of Pip-worthy shirts, from brands that are committed to keeping business in the regions. Dust N Boots is one such company, with a colourful workwear offering that grew out of the shearers’ quarters of the family farm and has since moved into its own bricks and mortar store in Toowoomba.

It’s fashion that goes beyond flannel and shows that you can be work-ready and be yourself at the same time — in whatever pattern and print that takes your fancy. buyfromthebush.com.au

Thread Together and Uniforms 4 Kids

Organisations tackling clothing waste and inequality.

Words by Savaira Ratukula

Fashion is one of the biggest industries in the world, valued at $1.7 trillion as of 2022. Yet it’s also one of the biggest contributors to waste producing an estimated 9.2 million tons of textile waste annually.

To try to combat this unbelievable waste, a few Australian organisations are coming up with solutions to redirect clothing from ending up in landfill, and have found solutions through helping clothe those in need. Two such projects are Queensland’s Thread Together and Uniforms 4 Kids, who are tackling the issues of clothing waste and inequality head on.

Thread Together

Offering ‘the highest ethical response to fashion excess’, Thread Together partners directly with the fashion industry. The registered charity diverts end-of-line brand-new clothes destined for landfill and provides them to more than 2000 people each week.

The clothes are donated by thousands of fashion brands and retailers, and distributed via agencies in one of four ways: clothing hubs, online wardrobe, mobile wardrobes and built-in wardrobes.

Clothing is provided to those in need, including women escaping domestic violence, homeless persons, those who have arrived in the country seeking refuge and those who are rebuilding their lives after being devastated by crises.

One in eight adults and one in six children in Australia don’t have adequate access to essential clothing. Thread Together

offers a “global first solution” to balancing out clothing waste and empowering people in need, said Thread Together CEO, Anthony Chesler.

"Thread Together believes that circumstances and disadvantage should not prevent people from accessing clothing to allow them to realise their full potential," he said.

Over the last 10 years, more than 5.5 million units of unsold clothes have been diverted from landfill, while also providing new wardrobes to more than 750,000 vulnerable Australians. Founded in 2012 by Andie Halas, Thread Together was based on the simple idea to donate rather than dispose of unsold clothing.

Ms Halas was donating towels to asylum seekers, when she witnessed a woman and child rummaging through a second hand box of clothing and thought that the industry could do better.

“When we give clothes to people, we provide choice to them in the same way that we choose what we want to wear,” Mr Chesler said.

“This is very important to empower people and restore dignity and hope for a better tomorrow.” Of the many

highlights Thread Together has achieved collectively, there is one memorable experience that stands out for Mr Chesler in his four years with the organisation. “I visited Lismore during the devastating floods,” he said. “Being on the ground and witnessing firsthand the support we provided to those in need was incredibly touching.

“Hearing the stories of individuals impacted by the floods and seeing the joy and smiles on their faces as they selected new, clean clothing reminded me of the positive difference we were making in people's lives.”

Heading into winter, Thread Together typically sees an increase in clothing supply and demand for their service. “As the colder months approach, there is a higher demand for warm clothing, such as sweaters, trackpants, long-sleeve tops, jackets and pants,” Mr Chesler said. “These categories are often in high demand and are quickly distributed to individuals in need.”

Uniforms 4 Kids

Uniforms for Kids (U4K) has helped provide clothing to children in need, saving over 43,000 items from ending up in landfill.

Around nine years ago, founder Yvonne Pattinson OAM was cleaning out her cupboard of materials, which she decided to make into children’s clothing rather than waste. Those clothes ended up in an orphanage in Asia, but her daughter Debbie, a police officer at the time, saw the potential to help children who needed clothing in Australia by repurposing unwanted police uniforms.

Although they started with police uniforms, U4K now repurposes donated uniforms from law enforcement, various emergency services and even Australia Zoo into clothes for children.

Their experienced team of volunteers create unique clothing from the donated uniforms, which are then distributed through their partners, or any organisation, charity or group, including domestic violence shelters and remote communities.

U4K director and operations coordinator for Australia, Anne Macdonald has been involved since the program’s inception. “The main reason

we started U4K is we wanted to bridge the gap between young children and law enforcement,” she said. “Many children are living in poverty and so many people don't realise that.

“We want children to have the opportunity to go to school, to get an education and hopefully move away from poverty. If you don’t have clothing you can’t do that, but if you have clothes you will go to school.” According to Ms Macdonald, a pair of cargo pants sourced from a discarded law enforcement uniform can take about 100 years to break down in landfill.

“We are helping the environment in that we are not throwing away good clothes, (with) 90% of the clothes still in really good condition,” she said.

Additionally, during return visits, some kids give their clothes to their siblings.

“It’s gone to another generation because the kiddies don’t look at them as being hand-me-downs or second hand because no other child has worn them so they are brand new,” Ms Macdonald said.

Producing these quality clothing items is U4K’s dedicated team of volunteers. “Most of our volunteers are retirees and it's given them a new lease of life, and their creative juices are flowing again," Ms Macdonald said.

“You walk into a room and the laughter is infectious. They’re making friends and so many have said they don’t know what they would have done if U4K hadn’t been around because they are new to the area and wanted to give back to the

As U4K continues to grow, the work has been rewarding for Ms Macdonald, who retired from her policing career back in 2013.

“Knowing that we are giving to children who need clothing is so important, and the fact that we’ve seen such a change in our volunteers because they’ve found a new niche in life — it’s amazing to see the transformation," she said.

“I always wondered what I would do when I finished my policing career. I never thought I would do anything like this and it's the greatest thing I’ve ever

To get involved in Thread Together and U4K, head to threadtogether.org and uniforms4kids.com.au.

How to get the men in your life to go to the doctor

Our rural men aren’t getting the healthcare they need. But those that love them can help.

Words by Lisa Fitzgerald

Let me know if you’ve heard this one?

Aussie mum with a two-day-a-week job in town, the washing machine smells like a wet kelpie and her 44-year-

old husband hasn’t been to the doctor in eight years. They own an avocado farm and have three kids under five, so without their health, they’re cactus. Surely there’s a punchline in there somewhere?

The reality is life just gets in the way, and across Queensland,

And while we shouldn’t expect the men in our lives to head to the doctor every time they get a sniffle, we do need them to take their health seriously. Doctors across Australia are seeing the effects of men putting off their GP visits, with men having higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and lung cancer. Sadly, they’re even less likely to see a doctor for mental health, which has resulted in too many men struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

The men in our lives

While finding an available doctor at a time we can actually see them isn’t that easy for any of us, most women don’t feel a stigma about booking an appointment with a GP. But thousands of men around the country avoid seeing a doctor not only because an appointment can be hard to get to, but they feel a burden of shame.

It’s important women recognise this and don’t resort to nagging their partners to get a health checkup. (I don’t know about you, but no man I know has ever responded positively to pleas to ‘just do the thing I’ve asked’.)

Instead, we need to find ways to help men get over their reluctance to see a GP. We need to make them more aware of the kinds of issues and ailments that are most likely to affect them now and as they get older.

That doesn’t mean we should be looking up Wikipedia and spouting facts about prostate cancer. But we can take inspiration from the health messages we have heard ourselves. Remember ‘Slip Slop Slap?’ Of course you do. It was memorable and it worked. We all slapped that zinc cream on as kids. We can extend that message at home by keeping an eye on any dodgy moles, on yourself or your partner,

or better yet, booking in a skin check for you

We also need to recognise that some topics will be harder for men to talk about than others. If he is constantly pushing the “I’m too busy” excuse, step back and realise it might not just be a busy schedule preventing him from seeing the GP, it might

While it seems as though men will more often seek help for a condition they can see, they sometimes ignore some of the most serious problems. They might not want to undergo an invasive test, while others might be scared of opening up about their mental health (that’s a common one — across Australia, 72 per cent of our blokes don’t seek help for mental health issues).

If this is your partner, understand that pushing him to seek help without empathy is unlikely to yield results. He is an adult and can make decisions about his own healthcare. If an honest conversation about why you are worried about him doesn’t cut it, it might be worth chatting with your own doctor or psychologist about how you can move forward.

Another thing to remember is that some men prefer to speak to male doctors. That can be hard in a regional area if there aren’t many local doctors to choose from, but it is something to keep in mind, especially if he is visibly uncomfortable at the thought of discussing personal issues.

Back at my place, I’m having some success just casually chatting about health. We can talk about booking an appointment sans the pressure, and I know giving my husband space to process is going to be much better than nagging. When it comes to healthcare at least. Leaving old tea bags in the sink? You better bet I’ll be raising that one again.

Stay healthy

Words by Kate Salemme

Undergoing regular health checks and screenings can make a big difference when it comes to the early detection and management of a range of health issues. Depending on your age and risk factors, there are a variety of different health checks to prioritise, including mammograms, bone density, vision and hearing. Here are the important tests that can help you to stay healthy and thrive at every age.

Regular health checks for all women

Melanoma/Skin Cancer

WHO: Everyone.

WHEN: Check your skin regularly for moles, freckles and abnormalities such as bleeding and flaking. If you notice any changes, contact your GP.

WHAT TO EXPECT: With your clothes removed, a full body check will be completed by your GP or dermatologist, including your scalp, palms and feet.

Breast Cancer

WHO: Women should regularly check their breasts for lumps. Women aged 50-74 get a free mammogram, and it’s free for women aged 40-49 or over 74 on request.

WHEN: Every two years or more often, depending on family history and health risks.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Mammograms can detect small lumps and abnormalities. During the screening, each breast is pressed between two X-ray plates so clear pictures can be taken of the breast tissue.

Blood pressure

WHO: Women aged 20 or over.

WHEN: Every two years.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Your GP will place an inflatable cuff over your arm to read your blood pressure and, using a stethoscope, will listen to blood flow and pulse.

Health checks for women 30+ Cervical Cancer

WHO: Women aged 25-74, as well as women who are or have been sexually active.

WHEN: Every five years.

WHAT TO EXPECT: A doctor or nurse will take a sample of cervical cells for the cervical screening test using a long, thin swab. The sample is sent to a lab to look for signs of the human papillomavirus infection.

program is free for those aged 50-74).

WHEN: Every two years.

WHAT TO EXPECT: You’ll take two or three samples from your bowel movements using a faecal blood test (FOBT) kit. Samples are sent to the lab to check for evidence of blood.

Bone Density

WHO: Women aged 50 and over. Those under 50 should get a scan if they have risk factors including premature menopause.

WHEN: As recommended by your GP.

WHAT TO EXPECT: While lying flat, the scan will pass over your body, usually at the hips and spine, to measure bone density. The scan takes about 10-15 minutes.

Health checks for women 40+

Heart Disease

WHO: Women aged 45 or older, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 30.

WHEN: Every two years.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Your GP will check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar through a blood test and assess your heart health by asking about your diet, exercise, family history and other lifestyle habits such as smoking.

Type 2 Diabetes

WHO: Women aged 45 or older, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 18.

WHEN: Every three years.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Diabetes is tested through a blood glucose test, while the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) questionnaire assesses your risk.

Health checks for women 50+

Bowel Cancer

WHO: Women aged 50 and over (the Australian screening

Health checks for women 60+

Visual and hearing

WHO: Women aged 65 and over.

WHEN: Every year.

WHAT TO EXPECT: To check your eyes/vision, your GP will ask a series of questions and complete an assessment using the Snellen chart (chart with different-sized letters). They may refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye specialist) for further assessment.

They will check if your hearing is declining by asking a series of questions and could send you to an audiologist for a pure tone audiometry test, which involves playing different sounds through headphones and asking when you can hear them.

Make your own cosy beanies

Grab your needles and yarn, and knit some nifty head warmers.

Words by Emily Roberts and Jessica Kramer

Images by Emily Roberts

Winter is well and truly here, and with it has come the need to rug up — especially when venturing outside. There’s little better for keeping the head warm than a classic beanie, and even more so when you’ve made it yourself from scratch.

Here Ruth magazine writer Emily Roberts shares two of her patterns for knitted beanies. One uses 8 ply yarn, while the other is made with a thicker wool at 14 ply, so take your pick — or, better yet, make both.

Knitting pattern for adult beanie in thick yarn (14 ply)

With No.3 knitting needles, cast on 64 stitches.

Knit two, purl two, and repeat to end. Repeat for 26 rows.

Then decrease as follows:

Row 27: Knit two together, purl

two together, and repeat to end.

Row 28: Purl two together, knit one, and repeat to end.

Row 29: Knit two together to end and thread remaining stitches onto a sewing needle. Sew up the side seam and turn your beanie the right way out.

Knitting pattern for adult beanie in 8 ply yarn

With No.4.5 needles, cast on 120 stitches for a men’s beanie or 100 stitches for a women’s beanie.

Knit two, purl two to end. Repeat this row until knitting measures 9 inches/23cm (men’s) or 8 inches/21 cm

Then decrease as follows:

Row 1: Knit two, purl two, knit two, purl two together; repeat to end.

Row 2: Knit all knit stitches and purl all purl

Row 3: Knit two, *purl two together, knit two, purl one, knit two. Repeat from * to end.

Row 4: Knit one, purl two to end.

Row 5: Knit two together, purl one to end.

Row 6: Knit one, *knit two together; repeat from * to end.

Row 7: Purl two together to end

Row 8: Knit two together to end

Row 9: Purl two together to end and thread stitches onto a size 7 sewing needle. Sew up the side seam and turn your beanie the right way out.

A little crochet bag

Words by Bethany Roberts and Jessica Kramer

Images by Bethany Roberts

Whether you’re just popping down to the local corner store or travelling and don’t want a large handbag or chunky backpack weighing you down, sometimes all you need is a little bag for the essentials.

Ruth writer Bethany was faced with this problem when a customer came into the local arts and crafts market store, asking for a small bag to store her phone while out and about. With no products on hand, the store owner commissioned Bethany to create a crochet pattern.

The finished product is the perfect size to fit most phones and a few extra essentials such as lip balm, tissues or a pen, and features an adjustable strap as well.

Here is her pattern.

You will need:

 100g ball of 8 ply wool

 4.50mm crochet hook

 1 wooden button

 Wool needle

 Scissors

How to make it:

First side

Row 1: ch 22

Row 2: ch 1, miss 1 ch, dc in every ch to end.

Row 3: ch 3, trb in next 2 sts, *ch 1, trb in next 3 sts* repeat to end.

Row 4: ch 3, work 3 trb in ch space, *work 3 trb in ch space* repeat to end.

Row 5: ch 3, work 3 trb in ch space *ch 1, work 3 trb in ch space* repeat to end.

Repeat rows 4 and 5 until you have 16 rows from the beginning.

Cut wool and tie off.

Second side

Turn your worked piece upside down.

Row 1: Work 1 ch into loop, dc in next loop, and every loop across row. Make sure you have 22 sts.

Row 2: Same as row 3

Row 3: Same as row 4

Row 4: Same as row 5

Repeat rows 4 and 5 till you have 16 rows from the beginning.

Cut wool and tie off.

Now that you have completed both sides of your bag, it’s time to sew it together. Fold the bag in half widthways and match up the edges. Sew both sides with a running stitch and leave the top open. Thread away ends.

Now it’s time to make the bag’s top.

Bag top

Row 1: Starting at seam, work a row of dc across one side of the bag top, ending at opposite seam.

end.

Row 3: ch 1, dc to end. Repeat rows 2 and 3 one more time.

Row 6: ch 3, trb in next 2 sts, *ch 1, miss 1, trb in next 3 sts* repeat to end.

Row 7: ch 3, *3 trb in ch space* repeat to end.

Row 8: ch 3, miss 1, trb to the centre (I tend to just eyeball this) then ch 2, miss 2 sts and trb to end of row. This is your button hole.

Row 9: Work a row of crab st. Cut wool and tie off.

Now it’s time to work the edging for your bag top. I find this just tidies up those edges.

Edging

Along one edge of the top you have just worked, do a row of shell st. Repeat for the other side. Thread away ends. Now we need a handle.

Bag handle

Row 1: Make a chain. To work out how big you want your handle, form a loop from your chain with a slip stitch. Then put the loop over your shoulder and see if the bag will sit where you want it once it’s attached (bear in mind some of your handle will be threaded through the bag and this will take some length from your chain).

Row 2: Once you have your chain to the desired length, thread it through the row closest to the top of your bag, on the back. Then join the two ends of your chain with a slip stitch to form a loop.

Row 3: ch 1, dc in every stitch of your ch. Thread the chain along as you do dc and once you get back to the beginning of your row, join with a slip stitch. Thread away ends, then attach button to bag front. As something extra, I knot the top of the handle so the length is adjustable.

And that’s it: you now have a lovely crochet bag.

Sometimes you just need a small bag for the essentials — here’s how to make one yourself at home.

Cosyscarfcrochet

Keep warm this winter with a scarf you’ve made yourself.

Words by Bethany Roberts and Jessica Kramer

Images by Bethany Roberts

You’d be forgiven for associating handmade scarves with knitting, but have you ever tried your hand at crocheting a scarf?

A friend of Ruth writer Bethany had a pattern handed down through the generations and was keen to adapt it to be a little wider than the original scarf. Here’s the pattern for you to try at home.

You will need:

 2 x 100g ball of 8 ply wool

 4.50mm crochet hook

 Wool needle

 Scissors

 Tape measure

How to make it:

Row 1: ch 25

Row 2: ch 1, miss 1 ch, dc in every ch to end.

Row 3-5: ch 3, trb in 4th ch, trb in every ch to end.

Row 6: ch 1, dc in 2nd ch, dc in every ch to end.

Row 7: ch 3, 2 trb in 4th ch, *miss 2 sts, 3 trb in next sts*, repeat from * to end.

Row 8: ch 3, miss 1 st, trb in every st to end.

Repeat rows 7 and 8 once more.

Row 11: ch 3, miss 1 st, trb in every st to end.

Row 12: ch 1, dc in 2nd ch, dc in every ch to end.

Repeat row 3 for 10 rows.

Row 23: ch 5, miss 1 st, dbl trb in next st *ch 1, miss 1 st, dbl trb in next st* repeat to end.

Repeat row 23 another four times, working the dbl trb into the ch 1 spaces.

Row 28: ch 3, trb across row. Make sure you have 25 sts.

Leave this piece for a moment and take your second ball of wool.

Scarf end

It will be easier to work out the length of the scarf if you do this first.

Pull the loop long and turn your worked piece upside down.

Row 1: Work 1 ch into the first loop, dc in next loop and every loop to end of row.

Row 2: ch 1, dc in next st, *ch 3, miss 2 sts, dc in next st* repeat to end.

Row 3: ch 2, wrap wool around hook, go into ch space and pull up a loop, hook wool and pull through three loops on hook, *ch 1, wrap wool around hook and go into ch space and pull up loop,

hook wool and pull through two loops on hook; repeat step and when you have three loops on hook, hook wool and pull through all three loops*, repeat to end.

Row 4: ch 1, dc in next st, *ch 1, dc in ch 1 spaces* repeat to end.

Row 5: ch 2, wrap wool around hook go into ch space and pull up a loop, hook wool and pull through three loops on hook, *ch 1, wrap wool around hook and go into ch space and pull up loop, hook wool and pull through two loops on hook; repeat step and when you have three loops on hook, hook wool and pull through all three loops*, repeat to end.

Row 6: ch 1, dc in next st, *ch 1, dc in ch 1 spaces* repeat to end.

Row 7: Rep row 3 omitting ch 1.

Stitch index

ST: stitch

STS: stitches

CH: chain

DC: double crochet

HLF trb: half treble

TRB: treble

DBL trb: double treble

Shell stitch

Row 1: ch 1, *dc in next st, work hlf trb and trb in next st, work hlf trb and dc in next st* repeat to end.

Cut thread and tie off.

Now that you have finished the scarf end, you will need to measure it. This will help you work out the scarf centre length.

I measure in inches. So, measure your worked piece and right down the measurement. Now double that number. Subtract your answer from 56. Whatever that number is, is how long you need to make the scarf centre.

Alternatively, if you don’t mind how long or short your scarf is, just make it to whatever length you like.

After you have completed your measurements, work the scarf centre row (same as row 3) until your scarf centre is that length.

The outback jeweller of Aramac

“My location provides so much. I just find stuff when I’m walking around. I’m quite tactile, so I’ll pick things up and feel them and you know it’s just going to polish up and become something gorgeous. Even if it might sit on my workbench for years first!” she laughs.

Words by Amanda Dardanis

There are country folk who forage their properties for edibles, like fennel or flatweed, to help line their pantries. Central Queensland jewellery designer and silversmith Jill Dyer scours her 16,000 hectare cattle farm for cows’ horns, horse hair and anything else that snags her artist’s eye, so she can feed her creative passion.

Back in her workshop, at the historic homestead she shares with grazier husband Chris, 20km north-west of Aramac, Jill then skillfully forges her finds into expressive, sought-after pieces with a quintessentially Australian appeal. Perhaps a horse hair and silver bangle; a set of ram’s horn cufflinks; a snake skin agate pendant.

“I’m not much of a cowgirl — I’m scared of cows and I don’t like riding horses, but I’m really fortunate in where I live,” says Jill of their bucolic property with its late 19th century farmhouse, once briefly home to Australia’s most famous poet, Banjo Paterson.

“I even used roo bones once. It was during a drought and they were everywhere.”

Or she might take a different direction entirely. A smart white-opal and gold dress ring, perfect for picnic race days. Delicate mother of pearl carved leaf earrings for a country wedding. A Grecian-style forged cuff or sharp geometric earrings to make a splash at a city gallery event. Trying to pin down a Jill Dyer signature style is a bit like trying to wrestle one of Banjo’s mountainbred, mountain-broke steers.

“I couldn’t bear to make the same stuff all the time,” she says. “Because you change.”

The jewellery bug bit this warm and engaging mum-of-two hard in her twenties, when she attended a weekend silversmithing course in Cloncurry “as a lark” with girlfriends.

“Before that I was just blundering around,” confesses Jill, now 52. “Even though I was quite creative and arty at school, I didn’t think I wanted to be an artist. But that workshop was it for me. I made my first bangle and hammered away for hours — I drove everyone nuts!

Central Queensland silversmith Jill Dyer is reclaiming her art after a year of loss.

“Afterwards, I immediately found and bought second-hand tools from a lovely old lady whose husband had passed away in Toowoomba, and then I just taught myself.

“I was always a fixer when I was a kid, whenever someone’s jewellery would break. And I was always making tiny, fiddly things. I had the patience and persistence.”

Since that fateful silversmith workshop, Jill has gone on to study under master craftsmen from Sydney, Brisbane and England and held over 200 workshops of her own in more than 25 towns across central and regional Queensland. She receives commissions from all over Australia and the world, while her bold and lyrical work was showcased as part of an “Australian Expressions” contemporary art and design exhibition in Singapore.

Over the years, as any countrywoman will attest, Jill’s had to be resourceful. “Jewellery tools can be very expensive, so I’d go off to my husband’s shed and pinch some steel and make my own tools into whatever shape I needed,” she says. “When you run workshops in remote towns, you can’t just pop down to a jewellery supply shop. There wasn’t even a hardware store within 200km.”

Jill, who grew up on a cattle farm outside of Westbrook, Toowoomba, is quick to dispel the urban myth that rural women “don’t wear jewels”. Her clientele is half city, half country, she estimates.

“My girlfriends here love wearing jewellery and we’ve got a

petticoat army of women musterers at our property who often turn up wearing big pearls. One of the ladies today has on big, big earrings,” she says.

The talented silversmith is now returning to her beloved forge and the “mind-maddening, all-consuming” process of making jewellery, after taking a lengthy pause last year to spend precious time with her seriously-ill mother, Joan.

“Mum got breast cancer seven years ago,” confides Jill. “She fought the fight and she died last July. She was such a beautiful lady, so it just laid me flat. But thank God for the wonderful friends I have around me. Small towns are great for that. You’re never alone.”

Jill’s comeback comes not a moment too soon for prestige clients such as The Lodge on Hawthorn in Blackall, who’ve put her on notice for more of her popular one-of-a-kind creations.

“I develop strong feelings for each of my pieces; they consume my every waking moment, because I want them to be perfect,” states Jill. “And I want them to last forever. Even as a teenager, I loved antique jewellery and ran around wearing vintage fob necklaces that were already very old. I never throw anything out.

“When I was going through Mum’s jewellery box, it was like a timeline, because, being the lovely supportive mum that she was, she had kept hold of so much of my work. She’d come to my exhibitions and buy the cow horn salt and pepper shakers or the ram’s horn cheese knife,” recollects Jill fondly.

So which cherished “Jill Dyer original” would make it out with her in the event of a fire?

“It would be a piece that I made for Mum from pig tusk, lapis and silver that I forgot all about, until I found it in her jewellery box the other day,” she answers immediately. “I’ve started wearing it again. That, and the very first bangle I made at that workshop back in Cloncurry 30 years ago. I still love it.”

Discover Jill’s wearable art at Jill Dyer Jewellery or on Facebook.

One woman’s steely resolve

Words by Kirrily Schwarz

Australian women are a lot like steel, says Milynda Rogers.

The Barcaldine-based artist is making a name for herself as the “Scrap Metal Sheila”. She’s the creator of the impressive 205km Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, which features 41 works.

“Steel is tough, but it’s adaptable, and it can be made into beautiful things,” she explains.

Rogers carefully curates pieces of scrap steel, including everything from old fencing wire to rusty farm implements, meticulously piecing it together to create some enormous works. One of her biggest is a sevenmetre-long Muttaburrasaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur that lived in north-eastern Australia about 100 million years ago. But they didn’t start that way.

She was inspired by the works of Andrew Whitehead, a sculptor from NSW, who creates works from scrap metal. One of his most notable works is Our Shearer, also at Muttaburra, in Central Queensland, which features a

blade shearer and two sheep made from old tools.

“I absolutely loved it, but at that stage I couldn’t weld, so basically I just looked at it with longing,” the mother-of-two recalls. “I was so inspired, but I didn’t know what to do about it.”

However, when Rogers visited the Blackall Sculpture Trail, about 110km south of Barcaldine, she stumbled upon Roly Poly by Richard Moffat. He created a large sphere that resembles a massive tumbleweed, refracting light from wire layers that make it appear in motion.

“When I saw that, I thought, ‘Wow!’ I knew I could make something like it,” she says.

She went home and started sculpting with barbed wire, beginning with spheres and working up to larger natural forms such as a goanna. A pile of sculptures began accumulating in the shed. At the time, she and her family were managing a property out of town, so she decided to put one out the front to give the local kids something to look at on the way to school.

Then some neighbours suggested she put one on their

property, and then another, and then another. The Sculpture Trail was born, although it took 15 years to reach its current point.

As Rogers became more prolific, she became a member of the Red Ridge (Interior Queensland) organisation, a non-profit group that supports up-and-coming local artists (discover more at redridgeinteriorqueensland.com).

That’s how the giant Muttaburrasaurus came to be. She was commissioned to create a life-sized sculpture, but she didn’t realise how huge it was until after she agreed to the project. The seven-metre-long structure was crafted from barbed wire, but it needed a large internal frame, so her husband took care of the welding, teaching her as they went.

“I do get more enjoyment from making big things,” she admits. “I don’t know why, it’s bad for me. My back doesn’t love lifting heavy things — I’m actually booked in for surgery soon. But you really do get a lot of satisfaction when you take a few steps back and look up at it.”

Rogers has always been creative, which she attributes largely to her late grandmother, Pearl. She spent a lot of time at her grandparents’ dairy farm during the school holidays. Pearl was always making things from items found in the local op shops and the pair spent many hours together, making things, baking, and talking about anything and everything.

“No matter what I said, she would support me,” she says. “If I said I was going to be a truck driver, she would say I’d be good at it. If I said I was going to design a rocket and fly to the moon, she would have said I was the one who could do it. She inspired me to always have a go — it’s why I didn’t refuse the Muttaburrasaurus even though I didn’t have the experience.”

Though her confidence has grown with time, she’s always had a have-a-go philosophy.

“If you just say yes, you can work out the details later,” she laughs. “If you wait too long, and think too hard, you’re more likely to say no. But if you say yes, you’re committed, you have to do it. Luckily for me, things have generally worked out. But it’s interesting to think about.”

Given her time again, she says she might consider a trade such as boilermaking. It wasn’t presented as an option when she was in school, or even when she first began making art. Sculpting — and then welding — was simply a hobby. But when she and her husband were made redundant and moved into Barcaldine in 2020, she decided to make it a business.

They landed on a 15-acre block with a shed that she can build in and she got a business advisor. Rogers now takes on private commissions and runs workshops around the state, travelling everywhere from Wallumbilla, east of Roma, to

Normanton, near the Gulf. She’s also planning a video series — or even an online course — to help others get into sculpting.

“Commissions are interesting, when they come through my own projects have to be put on the backburner, that’s the toughest thing for me moving from a hobby to a business,” she says. “The commissions can push me out of my comfort zone, but I always learn something. There have been a few where I wondered if I’d make it — they always come together.”

One of her favourite works is a commission from Mt Isa City Council, depicting a miner and a child holding hands, located on the site of a bridge where children used to wait for their dads to come home. The structure was demolished and the sculpture was made from the parts.

“That one was a challenge, but it means a lot to me,” she says. “One of my daughters has a child, the other works in mining, and the thought that the workers can come home safely to their families has a lot of meaning. I really enjoyed making it and I love seeing it there.”

Cultivating flavour

Your herb garden doesn’t have to hibernate this winter. With these tips, you can create a thriving oasis of aromatic herbs that will bring warmth and versatility to your cooking all season long.

Feel that chill on the morning breeze? It means it’s time to don your gardening gloves, grab your trowel and plant an array of hardy, warming herbs and spices for a delicious and nourishing winter. When you pick the right plants and give them just a little love, you can keep them blooming and bountiful, even through the cooler months.

The first thing to consider is your location. While some areas throughout Queensland will remain quite warm through winter, others will experience night frost and in those places, plants like sweet basil are off the menu for a little while. In their place, there are plenty of herbs that will continue to thrive.

Toowoomba-based Brian Sams of Wattletree Horticultural Services says it’s best to stick with Mediterranean herbs. “Avoid tropical plants like basil and ginger, they can’t survive in the frost,” he said. “Go for herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano or parsley. I really like cooking Italian cuisine, and these

plants are great for that. The key is to chop them fresh.”

Queensland Herb Society treasurer Debbie Aitcheson says thanks to its culinary reputation, one plant many people overlook for winter is coriander. “Most people try to grow it all year, but it doesn’t like the heat and humidity as it will bolt to seed or just die,” she says. “Normally it should be grown from autumn to early spring, all depending on how fast the heat starts.”

Just as important as choosing the appropriate plants for your climate, caring for them correctly will make all the difference between sad-looking pots of wilted stems and a flourishing botanical set-up. And your particular set-up can be customised to suit your space, whether you have a sprawling garden or a petite balcony.

“These plants don’t need to be in a separate herb garden. They’re beautiful as they are, I have some scattered about my ornamental garden as well,” Brian says. “But you

Words by Tiffany Pilcher

don’t need a huge space and you can use pots. Just choose a larger pot, the roots need the space and they won’t dry out as quickly in the warmer weather so they’re lower maintenance.”

Brian says avoiding overwatering while feeding your herbs well will ensure they thrive. “For outdoor gardens you can use chicken manure pellets, and there’s good fertiliser for both indoor and outdoor gardens from brands like Osmocote and Troforte,” he says.

When growing in pots, Debbie suggests a good quality potting mix and liquid fertilising once a month with a “smelly” liquid fertiliser. “Mum always used to tell me if medicine didn’t taste or smell good, it was going to help me. It’s the same with herbs. The smellier the liquid fertiliser, the more active probiotics it has in it, and that’s a huge benefit.”

If you’d like tailored advice or have any questions, Brian suggests speaking to your local independent nursery or the people at your local community garden. “They’re great resources and always really welcoming,” he says. Big-box garden centres are also an option, but Brian advises speaking to the staff about what’s best for you and your particular needs. “You have to be careful at the big stores because they have a lot of out-of-season stock. Just because it’s on the shelf, doesn’t mean it’s the right time to plant it, so just make sure you talk to someone to work out the best species to choose and how to maintain it.”

It’s a little effort for a big pay-off. Debbie says even if you

don’t love using a lot of herbs in your cooking, growing them will keep you learning, you can use them medicinally, and you can snip off a small bunch, tie them together and share them with family and friends. “Sharing them with friends can also be done through a catch-up cuppa with a special cake. The cake can be made using herbs you’ve grown in the garden. Banana and rosemary is a favourite combination for our members. Rosemary is a great herb for someone to start with as it doesn’t need much care. Water it to establish it, and then neglect is the key.”

ROSEMARY PARSLEY

SAGE

THYME

OREGANO CORIANDER

Bloomingwonderful

For green thumbs and non-gardeners alike, garden competitions are a true delight. Whether you want to enter or simply want to gaze at the flora, here is a guide to some of Queensland’s garden competitions.

The Chronicle Garden Competition

Now in its 74th year, this competition, which takes place alongside the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, attracts visitors from around the country and the world. Residents across the Toowoomba Regional Council area are eligible to enter in a wide range of categories, such as best Floral Garden, First Time Entry, Footpath Garden, and Small Space — just to name a few.

Each year, categories are also updated, with 2023 seeing the introduction of Floral Garden, as well as Budding Gardener for entrants under 18 years of age.

Applications are now open and close on August 11 at 2pm, with judging to take place September 1-7. Gardens will be open to the public from 9am-5pm daily on September 15-17 and 22-24.

See the full list of categories or enter at: thechronicle.com.au/news/2023-garden-competitioneverything-you-need-to-know

2023 Laidley Spring Festival Open Garden Competition

Each year, Laidley Spring Festival hosts open gardens around the Lockyer Valley area as part of its program of events. The owners of the region’s loveliest gardens have a chat and share their passion with all their visitors, while opening their grounds for viewing. There are four categories in the competition this year, with further details to come in August.

The final list of open gardens will be announced ahead of the event on September 8-9.

For more information or to register, visit: laidleyspringfestival.com

Longreach Regional Council “My Garden” Competition 2023

Longreach Regional Council’s My Garden Competition is open to residents across the region, which includes Ilfracombe, Isisford, Longreach and Yaraka.

The competition has five categories, with one winner for each category, plus an overall region

Words by Jessica Kramer Images Contributed

GREG WILKES IN HIS GARDEN AT ‘BRAEMAR’

winner. The categories are Best Use of Native Plants, Best Corporate/Community Garden, Best Rural Garden, Best Town Garden, and Best Flower Garden. For each category, the judges will be also considering the overall impression of the garden, including footpaths.

Entries close on July 31, with judging to commence in August. The final awards will be announced at Ilfracombe Nursery on September 9 at 10am.

Visit: longreach.qld.gov.au/events for more information.

Pittsworth Open Gardens

While not technically a competition, the Pittsworth Open Gardens are a sight to see. Run by Gardens of the Downs in April each year and taking place alongside Showcasing Pittsworth & Surrounds, the gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm during the event.

Mareeba District Garden Awards

Now in its 55th year, these awards cover gardens across the entire Mareeba Shire and aim to encourage locals to take pride in their properties.

There are 12 categories this year, covering areas from rural residential garden to town garden and everything in between. There is also a Champion Garden award, Encouragement Award, and a People’s

Choice Award that is open for votes via the competition’s Facebook page.

Judges will be looking for good planning, a pleasing first impression, complementary paving and garden structures, a tidy appearance, and compost bins.

Nominations close on June 28, with judging taking place from July 3-7. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on July 10 at 3pm.

Discover more at mareebarodeo.com.au or by visiting the Mareeba District Garden Awards Facebook page.

Wondai Garden Expo

Attracting visitors from across Queensland, the Wondai Garden Expo has a longstanding history.

In addition to stalls, key guest speakers and exhibitors, the expo hosts photographic and horticulture competitions with support from the Wondai and District Garden Club.

Classes vary from potted plants and various cut flowers to fruit and vegetables.

The Spring Expo will be held on September 23 and 24.

For more information closer to the date visit: wondaigardenexpo.com.au

FRANK VITTORI IN HIS MAREEBA CHAMPION GARDEN

PITTSWORTH GARDEN

LAIDLEY GARDEN

Why “nuevo rustic” is here to stay

Words by Scarlett Keddie

Mudrooms. Deep, porcelain butler sinks. Traditional cabinetry. Simple splashbacks. Natural flooring.

As design trends go, modern country or farmhouse kitchens are making a comeback, and they’re here to stay. Where once we opted for sleek minimalist lines and shiny, sometimes characterless interiors, now we want lived-in, connected kitchens and homes.

Warm, earthy tones, wood with gnarls and unique grooves, well-used ceramic oven dishes and favourite, food-splotched oven mitts. It takes a few steps to create an inviting haven, but making the change will leave you feeling cosy and inspired. Start with your sink

Back and forth, back and forth. Like a magnet, we’re constantly drawn to our kitchen sink. If the kitchen is the heart

of the home, undoubtedly the sink is the hub of the kitchen. We prep and spruce and ready our wares here, and at the end of the day, it helps us to get everything back in order, too. So it’s no surprise that this central spoke should be wellconsidered.

The country kitchen often has a beautiful porcelain sink. Not only charming, and crisp white, it is also incredibly durable. Knock it about and you’ll barely see any fallout. Due to its size, entertaining is a breeze — there’s no issue when it comes to soaking your pots and pans, and the enviable double-bowl model means you can even rinse your guests’ plates at the same time. Lastly, these sinks don’t show water marks as clearly as stainless steel, and they’re simple to clean.

Focus on your flooring

The luxury of bare feet on natural wooden flooring feels, well, luxurious, as does the cool calmness of slate tiles

Everything old is new again:

underfoot. There’s a multitude of options to choose from when it comes to what you tread on.

For a traditional style, go for barn-board planking, or wide-planked timber. It scuffs and gives personality, and is undeniably beautiful in a rustic way. At the other end of the spectrum, polished concrete is easy to clean, cost-effective, slip-resistant and, of course, very chic. Perhaps somewhere in the middle is what you’d prefer? Try herringbone brick or slate for a crisper finish that’s durable and will go the distance.

Play up your produce

There are a few options to ruminate over when it comes to placing your produce. On the one hand, displaying your fruit and veggies on exposed beams or in ceramic bowls entirely fits the brief. It heralds the natural beauty of produce, and can even aid in providing inspiration.

On the other hand, creating an enviable pantry with plenty of cupboard space is something we go bananas for. Brassy handles, richly painted doors, pull-out shelves — the storage world is your beautiful, organised oyster. Luckily, both options can be costeffective. Exposed beams are relatively inexpensive to install; it’s all

about speaking with your handyman or builder about the best position and wood for the job. As for the cabinetry, IKEA often has lowcost, customisable options, along with a swathe of other affordable suppliers.

Spotlight

your splashback

Texture is the often overlooked component when it comes to decorating. By adding a smooth, and sometimes vibrant, glass splashback, it helps to even out the woods, fabrics, weaves, tiles and ceramics. Not to mention it adds a fabulous pop of colour. So apart from the aesthetic benefit, what else does a splashback bring to your kitchen? They’re hygienic, in that they’re easy to clean; they’re heat-resistant and durable; and they’re inexpensive.

Add an extra few for good measure

Then there are those extra bits that we fantasise about. Who wouldn’t love a big, beautiful AGA range cooker (originally a Swedish invention, but now mainly produced in Telford, England) sitting in the corner, crisping up roast chicken and perfecting golden roast potatoes? Or maybe an island bench could allow you to gossip as you glaze, chat as you confit, or exclaim as you espresso. And finally, not-quite-kitchen but too fabulous not to be included if your budget allows, a mudroom — complete with shoehorns, Driza-Bones and emerald gumboots — is a must-have. It would all be almost too good to actually use. Almost.

Kindness of strangers

Words by Josephine Sargent

When our news headlines and social media feeds are bombarded with stories and pictures as a natural disaster unfolds it can be distressing and overwhelming.

Burketown residents recently were forced to evacuate, not only to avoid the rising water, but also the crocodiles and bull sharks that can come with it. And hearing victims’ stories can make us feel helpless.

But, the good news is, there is plenty that fellow Queenslanders can do to step up and lend a hand — even from afar — from the minute an emergency begins to unfold.

“After a major event — like flooding — takes place, there’s an overwhelming need for people to assist in one way or another,” says Collin Sivalingum, Queensland’s State Disaster Manager for Red Cross. “It’s about neighbours helping neighbours — but also community helping community.”

And that means there is something you can do even when you’re hundreds of kilometres away from ground zero.

Here is a guide on what actions you can take to help those impacted by floods — and which good intentions can actually be a hindrance to those providing in-person aid.

GET SHARING

The first thing people can do is use their social networks to share critical information that might be missed as those impacted are faced with the stressful reality of beginning to prepare to evacuate and leave their homes behind.

“One of the easiest things people can do is pass on information about where they can get support or where evacuation centres are,” says Collin. “People who are stressed may not be listening to the TV or the radio and may miss critical information. There is a log of support in Australia during a flood event, but the Red Cross has found that often people are just not aware of where they can go for immediate help and support.

CASH IS KING

Another sure-fire way Queenslanders can provide immediate help from afar is by donating online to those charities and organisations providing on-the-ground assistance.

“I don’t mind where people donate,” says Collin. “Just do your due diligence and know where your hard-earned dollars are going to be spent.”

Cash donations are powerful because they allow for the right needs to be met — and they also support the local economy as it recovers as goods are being bought locally.

“Through funding and financial mechanisms, cash donations mean flood victims have a choice about what to purchase,” says Collin. “Every home is different and has different needs. For example, some people may need to buy a new mobile phone so they have communication — or need something for their kids.”

JOIN THE ARMY

You don’t need to join the actual army to help on the ground — rather, you can sign up to join the army of volunteers who are needed immediately after a flood unfolds. While emergency services are there to get people to safety, there are so many hands needed in the days, weeks and even months after a flooding event. There is everything from providing food and help to those in evacuation centres, to helping with the daunting tasks of cleaning up and rebuilding when the waters recede.

“We have to mobilise a lot of people to the community during disasters, and volunteer organisations like the Red Cross are always looking for assistance and support,” says Collin. “Being a part of a volunteer organisation is how you can assist really quickly — especially if you live close to affected areas and can get there fast.”

Red Cross emergency service volunteers are deployed to lots of different areas. They may greet people at evacuation centres or go door to door in communities following a flood or fire to check in on people.

When Queensland towns are hit by floods or natural disasters, they dominate news headlines. But what can people do to help… that is actually helpful?

for people who are struggling through disasters.”

Volunteers are trained to offer psychological first aid in the form of providing information, linking people to services and being a listening ear to those processing the trauma of possibly losing loved ones, homes or possessions in a flooding event.

“We all use psychological first aid in our everyday lives, like when you take care of children, look out for neighbours or there’s a traumatic event, like a death in the family,” says Collin. “These are important life skills to have.”

TRANSPORT

Often during an emergency, people are forced to leave cars behind and are left with no way to get to medical appointments or even to work.

You can consider volunteering for a community service that

offers transport, or help by donating cash to organisations that offer this service.

The families are sometimes given a voucher to help with transport costs (like taxis) or fuel costs — or are linked with agencies that provide a transport service.

THE BIG NO-NO

“Please avoid physically donating food or clothes by turning up to evacuation centres,” says Collin. Although these intentions are good, coordinating the delivery of them is an operational nightmare for volunteer organisations and we can’t guarantee the logistics of moving the goods to the people in

Collin says that if you really do want to make a physical donation, head along to your local shops — often shopping centres or even some charity shops collect items to be sent in

Also you can go online to charities such as GIVIT (givit. org.au) to list items, especially large ones like fridges or beds, which can be matched with someone who needs them. Similarly, you can browse what is needed and assist where you

Even before an emergency folds, there is plenty that Queenslanders can do to help fellow Queenslanders, even if you live at opposite ends of the State. And some of it is free, such as sharing information on social media or giving up your

And it’s never too early to join a volunteer organisation and be ready to spring into action when disaster strikes.

Find out more at redcross.org.au, or to learn about the QCWA’s own Public Rural Crisis Fund. Established in 1990, the fund provides support for Queensland women and families

suffering from natural disasters or other crises. Every dollar raised by QCWA members goes directly to those in need.

To apply for funding or donate, head to qcwa.org.au/PublicRural-Crisis-Fund or contact the QCWA State Office on (07) 3236 6419.

Events

From ocean swims over the Great Barrier Reef to outback rodeo action, world-class seafood, river cruises and a kaleidoscope of flowers. Queensland’s colourful event calendar promises something for everyone in our golden state.

August GREAT BARRIER REEF FESTIVAL

August 3-6

Airlie Beach

The biggest celebration of our world famous Reef and its Whitsunday community is on again in August, with this year’s theme centred on whales. Expect a raft of free and ticketed family-friendly events, from environmentforward workshops to carnival fun, art, food, fireworks, live music, and more.

TASTE BUNDABERG FESTIVAL

August 4-13

Bundaberg Region

Experience the best of Bundaberg over 10 actionpacked days flaunting the region’s rich food and drink experiences. See how the local farmers, graziers, brewers, fishermen and distillers work to create Bundaberg’s world-class drinks and culinary magic.

MORETON BAY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

August 4-6

Various locations around

Moreton Bay

Over three delicious days, this seaside town comes alive with cooking demonstrations, pop-up bars, local produce, live entertainment, and fireworks each night at 8pm. Sample homegrown goodies, local brews, wines and Moreton Bay’s famous produce and seafood at the Festival Precinct.

LAKE DUNN SCULPTURE TRAIL ADVENTURE TREK

August 5-11

Aramac

Equal parts spiritual and physical journey, the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail is one of the biggest permanent outdoor

sculpture exhibitions in the world. Witness more than 40 sculptures along the 200km journey while learning about the land of our First Nations from Custodians of the Iningai People.

ISA STREET FESTIVAL

Mount Isa

Get ready for food stalls, games, fireworks, a dedicated kids corner, rides, a street parade and entertainment at this free community event, which happens on the Wednesday of the week of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. This year, Aussie music favourite Daryl Braithwaite will be headlining.

MOUNT ISA MINES INDIGENOUS RODEO CHAMPIONSHIPS

August 10

George St, Pioneer

The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships shine a light on Indigenous rodeo athletes, sharing their skills and the stories behind how they were taught through the generations. Aussie superstar singersongwriter Jessica Mauboy will headline this year’s event.

HERVEY BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

August 13

Seafront Oval, Pialba

The 2023 instalment of this glorious festival - home to the legendary Hervey Bay scallops - offers seafood lovers a rare glimpse into the history behind the famous catch. Indulge in live entertainment, wholesale fresh seafood, street food, craft beer and wine, and cooking demonstrations all while relaxing by the calm waters of Hervey Bay.

BETTER

IN BLACKALL FESTIVAL

August 17-20

Various locations around Blackall

Experience the best of Blackall across four days of fun in the outback, from grazing plates of local produce and drink tastings, to live music and entertainment, art and photography workshops, billy cart races, barbeque competitions, masterclasses and skateboarding workshops.

ROLLINGSTONE PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL

August 26

Pace Park, Rollingstone

Celebrating the start of the pineapple harvest, the Rollingstone Pineapple Festival takes place each August in Balgal Beach, and invites festival-goers to meet the

Events

farmers behind the world’s best pineapples. An ever evolving format of markets, food, workshops and music throughout the day, you can also try your luck at the many festival games and events, including the famous de-topping contest.

September

TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

September 1-30

Toowoomba and surrounds

Australia’s longest-running flower event sees flavours, sounds and food unite in Toowoomba each September. Experience a jaw-dropping display of spring flowers, award-winning parks, spectacular private gardens, a street parade, world-famous musical acts, and some of the state’s best food and wine at this sensory feast.

BIRDSVILLE RACES

September 1

Birdsville

Dubbed as the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, these iconic country races on the edge of the Simpson Desert draw crowds of 6000 racegoers each year who enjoy two days of quality outback racing and entertainment. Celebrating 141 years this year, the Birdsville Races are a highlight of the social calendar.

CAPRICORN FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

September 7-10

Rockhampton

Taking place on the banks of the Fitzroy River, this famous Central Queensland festival has something for everyone — from foodies and wine lovers to music fans and more. Experience the region’s burgeoning foodie scene via chef demonstrations, dining experiences and food and wine masterclasses.

QUILPIE AND DISTRICT SHOW

September 8-9

Quilpie

There’s thrills, spills and rodeo action aplenty at this outback favourite. Two days of family fun in between, with festival stalls, an all-day bar and canteen, a show pavilion, and live entertainment. Enjoy the best fireworks display in the west as it goes dark then dance long into the night with great music til late.

SIP UNDER THE STARS

September 9

St George

Grab your friends, throw on your finest finery and dancing shoes and head to this cocktail soiree under the stars at the St George Showgrounds. You’ll be treated to wine tastings, local food and live music as you dance the night away.

OUTBACK FESTIVAL

September 23

Winton

Forget everything you know about festivals at this popular Outback Queensland event. Expect a swag of novelty fun, plus outback ironman and ironwoman, live bands, bush poets, roving artists and kids events, building up to the festival’s signature event, the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby.

OUTBACK BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

September 25

Karumba

Celebrate at this week-long festival where the outback meets the sea and experience the region’s famous barramundi along with live music, Indigenous culture and arts and crafts. In 2023, alt-country artists Luke Geiger, Linc Phelps, Brooke Schubert and Karumba local artist Bianca Shaw will all be performing under the stars.

CELTICFEST WARWICK

September 30 - October 1

Warwick

The Southern Downs’ rich Scottish and Irish heritage is celebrated over two days of Celtic-themed markets, where you’ll get to meet artisans of lost trades, such as blacksmithing. The Celtic-themed village will also be home to Celtic food, culture and music.

October

MAKE YOUR OWN POTTERY

October 3

Redcliffe

Ever wanted to create your own piece of pottery? With a glass of wine in hand and a gourmet meal included, you’ll be treated to one of Sip n Dip’s art instructors guiding you through creating a functional pottery piece. Everyone is welcome, from experienced potters to absolute beginners.

SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND

October 6-8

Mareeba

Camping and live music: are there two greater festival mates? Be treated to some of the best country,

Events August - October 2023

roots, rock and pop artists (Kasey Chambers, The Black Sorrows, Kate Ceberano), alongside cultural demonstrations, paddock-to-plate market vendors, and a fun fair for the littles.

OKTOBERFEST RIVER CRUISE

October 7

Hamilton

Feast on wurst, pretzels, German beer, or the signature Strudel-tini (apple schnapps, cinnamon and whipped cream) on this German-themed cruise on board the Lady Brisbane before dancing it all off with the help of some live music.

OKTOBERWEST

October 13-14

Winton

It’s a German beer festival, outback Queensland-style. Yes, there’s German sausages, ham hock, sauerkraut and steins of beer, but it’s all delivered with an outback Queensland twist. Celebrating the history of German immigrants to Winton and their role in the local sheep and opal mining industries, Octoberwest has something for everyone.

NAMBOUR GEM FEST 2023

October 14

Nambour

Cutting and polishing rocks and gems has long been a part of Nambour’s history and at Gemfest, visitors can meet the fossickers, miners, jewellers and traders behind the ancient artform, while buying their own gems and wares. Workshops are also available to those who want to try it for themselves.

GREAT BARRIER REEF OCEAN SWIM SERIES

October 21

Cairns City

Arguably the most picturesque ocean race in the world, swimmers from all corners flock to Cairns for a chance to swim over the aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef and its stunning coral and sea life. 2023’s swims will be from Sunlover Pontoons on Moore Reef and boats will depart from Cairns marina.

ISISFORD ROSS CUP RACES

October 21

Isisford

Western Queensland’s premiere racing event happens in the small outback town of Isisford, south of Longreach on the Barcoo Way. Expect all the regular hats, heels and

hooves with races, fashions on the field, cocktails at the Vintage Wine Bar, and Corinne Ballard behind the mic.

GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

October 20-22

Broadbeach

Returning to Broadbeach in 2023, Groundwater CMF sees the best country artists in the biz converge for three days of free live music on the Gold Coast.

The first lineup features favourites like Lee Kernaghan, Casey Barnes and Amber Lawrence, as well as plenty of international stars like Jackson Dean, Asleep At The Wheel and The Dungarees.

TOOWOOMBA GEMFEST

October 21-22

Centenary Heights

All items are for sale during this two-day festival, so you can bag yourself cut and uncut gemstones, jewellery, semi-precious gemstones, beads, pearls, fossils, opals, crystal and mineral specimens from all over. Gemstone testing/identification service is also available for a gold coin donation.

GOODNA JACARANDA FESTIVAL

October 27-29

Goodna

This iconic event started 55 years ago, and this year’s event will be bigger than ever, with rides, market stalls, stage entertainment, fabulous competitions including the quest for talent, dance spectacular and school band competition. Take home your own festival wares and collectables from the festival market place.

Travel Celebrate craft, colour and creativity

Warwick’s unique winter event has returned for 2023, and the organisers have outdone themselves yet again.

Words by Bette Bonney and Jessica Kramer

Images Contributed

Taking place over 10 days from July 20-30, and bookended by two full weekends, Jumpers and Jazz in July is a community and volunteer-led celebration of all things woolly and wonderful.

Warwick Art Gallery director Karina Devine says the success of the festival can be attributed to its ability to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds around a common passion for art and creativity.

“It is a testament to the power of community spirit, and the importance of preserving traditional crafts and skills in a world that is becoming increasingly digital and automated.”

“Along with ‘get up and dance’ jazz, markets, and free street events, one of the festival’s main highlights is the yarnbombing

competition, where artists and crafters of all levels are invited to register to dress a tree in woollen artwork,” Karina says.

“The results are always stunning, as 100 trees are transformed into colourful and whimsical art installations that brighten up the town’s CBD.”

Yarntopians convener Loretta Grayson is looking forward to welcoming all the visitors during Jumpers & Jazz in July. The Yarntopians, a group of local and out-of-town crafters, also collaborate to create a large-scale knitted and crocheted art installation, with a different theme featured each year.

“Proving a crowd favourite, this year’s theme — ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’ — will transform the foyer of Warwick RSL’s historic Kings Theatre into a yarn-bombed wonderland,” Loretta adds.

“We will bring Lewis Carroll’s beloved Alice in Wonderland novel to life in a unique, delightful, and very Yarntopian way.”

smorgasbord of visual and tactile delight at the Jazzy Crafters Pop-up Emporium.

during the 10 days, including this year’s new addition of guided walking tours available at various locations to showcase the Ateliers precinct.

www.jumpersandjazz.com.au

Tree (Oak Tree Retirement

Mother Earth (Granite Belt She Hive)

Atherton Tablelands Short getaways:

Words by Kirrily Schwarz

The breathtaking and diverse scenery of the Atherton Tablelands provides transformative experiences. Located about 90 km from Cairns, it’s set on a plateau that ascends rapidly as you drive away from the coast, reaching elevations up to 1100 metres.

Once you reach the top, you’ll find water everywhere, from thundering waterfalls to relaxing hot springs. It’s a vivid contrast to the open plains that make up much of the rest of Queensland, and the lush greenery and rolling hills fill you with energy.

In addition to its natural beauty, you’ll find some of Australia’s best farm-to-table dining, along with buzzing markets, geological wonders, and endless things to see and do. Where to stay

No matter how old you are, something about sleeping in a treehouse immediately captures the imagination. The fourstar Canopy Treehouses, near Malanda, offer a chance to do just that, giving you and your special someone a chance to disappear into the rainforest with luxuries such as a fully selfcontained kitchen and a spa. The property is also home to a wildlife sanctuary, so you might even spot a cassowary from your balcony.

If you prefer more expansive views, you’ll find Mt Quincan

Crater Retreat on the other side of town, which overlooks the spectacular peaks and valleys of the Tablelands, as well as the crater of a dormant volcano. Highlights include the chocolates and decanter of port waiting for you on your arrival, and the sumptuous, locally sourced breakfast hampers.

But the Atherton Tablelands offers unique stays around every corner. Undara Experience, for example, is unlike any other resort. This is where you’ll find the area’s famous ancient lava tubes, as well as the resort’s signature railway carriage accommodation. When you step into the beautifully restored trains, you’ll immediately understand why it’s an award-winning stay.

Naturally, there are also lots of great motels within easy striking range, which makes the region perfect for road-tripping. Plus, you’ll find excellent caravan parks and campsites if you are bringing the kids and want the space to spread out and do your own thing. Where to eat

World-class food requires fertile soil, good rainfall, plenty of sunshine, and passionate producers. The

VIEW OVER MILLAA MILLAA TO MT BARTLE FRERE

of these in abundance, which makes the local Food Trail a great place to start. It winds its way lazily through the verdant hills from Mareeba to all the best local farm gates, cafés, restaurants and distilleries.

You’ll get to visit the oldest coffee plantation in the country at Skybury Farms, sample the craft gins at Mt Uncle Distillery at Walkamin, stock up on rich and creamy cheese at Gallo Dairyland, and try a cooking class while learning about the regenerative farming practices at Rainforest Bounty in Malanda. The climate is perfect for fruit, which means you’ll find avocados, mangoes, limes, bananas, and even macadamias. With that in mind, Shaylee Strawberries is a must for its homemade jam, gelato and refreshing sorbet.

It’s well worth timing your visit to coincide with the Yungaburra Markets, which will give you a chance to taste the best of what the region has to offer in a single day. The biggest market in the area, it runs on the fourth Saturday of the month, with food trucks as well as market stalls, which means you can snack on everything from flaky croissants to fresh fruit.

Serious foodies should also consider enlisting a guide, such as Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures, who specialises in tracking down the best food and wine experiences.

What to do

The topography of the Atherton

Tablelands makes it cooler and less humid than many destinations in Far North Queensland. That means the climate is perfect for adventuring, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors, with beautiful scenery to explore..

Waterfalls should top your list. The region is home to the Waterfall Circuit within the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics area. Don’t miss Millstream Falls at Ravenshoe, Ellinjaa Falls near Millaa Millaa, Tchupala Falls, and the thundering waterways at Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda. Speaking of Kuranda, this pretty mountain town is home to the Scenic Rail, Koala Gardens, Butterfly Sanctuary, and fantastic markets.

However, the entire region is richly endowed with things to do. If you’re interested in culture, don’t miss the meticulously preserved Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum at Mareeba; if you’re interested in nature, don’t miss the enormous Curtain Fig Tree at Yungaburra; and if you’re interested in trying new activities, explore the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park.

Of course, there are also plenty of options to relax and unwind, and when you’ve reached that point, make a beeline for the healing pools of Talaroo Hot Springs. Take a guided tour, learn the stories of the Ewamian people, and let the immersion into nature transform you.

MILLAA MILLAA FALLS

TREEHOUSE

Words by Kirrily Schwarz

Pictures by Alan and Sue Smith

Mention legendary Australian rail journeys, and a few immediately spring to mind.

Number one is The Ghan, which runs between Adelaide and Darwin, followed by the Indian Pacific, which travels from Sydney or Adelaide to Perth. Victoria’s much loved Puffing Billy also offers an unforgettable experience. However, there are also famous train rides much closer to home.

Every Queenslander should experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway and ride the Savannahlander, in the state’s Far North, at least once. Meanwhile, travelling aboard the Mary Valley Rattler is the perfect way to experience the magic of a lovingly restored heritage steam train.

Alan Smith, better known as “Smithy”, fell in love with rail travel as a schoolboy. He grew up in Blackall, in Central Western Queensland, and went to boarding school in Rockhampton. During the school holidays, he’d ride the old Midlander (which no longer exists) almost 500km to Jericho, before switching to a mixed goods train that would take him home.

“There’s something about the movement of a train, particularly if you can open the window and bring the outside in,” Alan says. “You can smell the bush as the country changes.”

Alan runs Outback Aussie Tours, a Longreach-based travel company, with his wife Sue. Their business offers a diverse range of experiences, with trips stretching all the way to Birdsville, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York, and just about everywhere in between.

“My inspiration is the changes in the landscape,” he says.

Queensland’s iconic outback rail journeys

“Queensland has this vastness with so many stories to tell. The more you find, the more you want to show people.”

The company offers a number of outback rail adventures, designed to help visitors reconnect with the romance of rail travel while exploring the country in an entirely new way. The best part is that it has leased its own heritage railmotors, which means the train can stop and allow guests to walk through mulga scrub, boil the billy for tea, or visit lagoons along the way.

Top of the list is the Silver-Tails Rail Sunset, which takes guests out to the Thomson River floodplains, where they can enjoy canapés and drinks as the sun sinks into the horizon.

The four-hour Great Darr River Run is another popular trip, immersing guests in the stories of the local Iningai people, as well as the region’s pioneering history, as they take in the

SAVANNAHLANDER

MARY VALLEY RATTLER

changing landscape, travelling through floodplains, gidgee scrubland, sandy ridges, and the mulga country.

Last but not least is the Old Bluey Flyer, a short and enchanting experience ideal for families.

The railmotors are 2000 Class Silver Bullets. Built in 1971, they were essentially the link between heritage steam trains and modern, fully sealed air-conditioned carriages. The fully refurbished timber interiors also feature leather-look seats, creating a very comfortable ride.

Critically, guests can still open the windows and breathe in that beautiful fresh air.

“The railmotors were designed and built at the Ipswich workshops,” Alan explains. “We’ve got the last of the rolling stock that’s still operational, there are 104 seats. If you want to learn about the geology, the plants, the Indigenous history, the pioneers, come on my train.”

It’s a remarkable thing to be able to say — “come on my train” — but he’s that sort of bloke.

Alan has always been an out-of-the-box thinker and he jokes as he admits that even back in his boarding-school days, he managed to have the haircut he wanted. But he was brought up in the hospitality industry (his parents used to run a softdrink factory at Blackall), so he’s always known that sometimes you have to get creative to make a business work.

“One of my main drivers is to get sustainable development in rural communities,” he says. “I care a lot about the community, honestly that drives me more than the business side… I want to develop the assets of Western Queensland into amazing experiences for visitors, and for locals as well, so they can dig deeper. If we can get people to see things through the eyes of our team, and to see their backyard in a different way, that’s the aim.”

The truth is there's a huge amount for visitors to see and do once you arrive in Longreach. In addition to scenic train rides, you can enjoy a guided tour of a Boeing 747 at the Qantas Founders Museum, catch a live show at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, take a ride on a Cobb & Co stagecoach, enjoy the views from Captain Starlight’s Lookout, and even tour one of the local stations.

Visitation peaks around the winter school holidays, so bookings are definitely recommended, but there’s more than enough experiences here to create a memorable family

Outback Aussie Tours rail adventures are available from June. outbackaussietours.com.au

KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

SAVANNAHLANDER

ALAN AND SUE SMITH Pic: Hannah Puechmarin

WINTER Reading

Curl up in front of a cosy fire and enjoy a great book.

Words by Jessica Kramer and Alyssa Welke Images Contributed

Hokey Pokey

KATE MASCARENHAS

HEAD OF ZEUS

Kate Mascarenhas does it again. Her debut novel The Psychology of Time Travel was one of my favourite reads of 2018 and a story that has stayed with me ever since. When you consume as much fiction as I do in a year, a novel staying with you for more than five years is quite rare. And yet, it looks like we have a repeat event with this year’s book, Hokey Pokey. It’s a little different to Mascarenhas’s previous two novels – a thriller with a touch of horror, for one; and set in the late 1920s.

Flowerheart

CATHERINE BAKEWELL HARPERTEEN

A truly impressive debut, Flowerheart is a cosy yet simultaneously exciting young adult fantasy romance. As a standalone novel — unusual for the fantasy genre — it’s perfect for readers who don’t like the commitment of multiple books in a series but still want some light fantasy in their reading.

Clara’s magic has always been wild and uncontrollable, but never dangerous — until the day it poisons her father. The only way to heal him is to perform a spell that can only be done if you have full mastery of your magic, and the only person willing to help Clara is her ex-best friend, Xavier. But Xavier is a different person to the one Clara knew

With Art Deco Britain providing an atmospheric backdrop, the story plays out in Birmingham, in and around the Regent Hotel. The author sets the scene well to keep the reader engaged for the first few chapters of the book where the characters aren’t yet developed and the story is not clear-cut. After a little while, however, the story becomes clear and, thereafter, the novel is consuming and very difficult to put down. While the characters never become completely likeable, they are intriguing enough that the reader can connect with them regardless. Overall, Hokey Pokey is a thrilling and engaging read, and yet another testament to the writing prowess of this author.

as a child, and asks for the ultimate price in return for help. Add to this terrible secrets and a darkness spreading throughout their kingdom, and it’s a race against time to not only heal Clara’s father, but also stop everything coming to ruin.

What impressed me most about this story was the portrayal of mental wellbeing, mental illness, addiction, and tools for managing strong emotions. Readers familiar with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy will recognise some reflections in the techniques Clara uses on her magic, which is tied closely to emotions in the book’s world.

The story itself brings a unique twist on the ‘witch goes on mission to heal loved one’ plot with intriguing characters, the language of flowers incorporated into magic, and a poignant discussion of mental health in a magical world.

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

S. A. CHAKRABORTY HARPER VOYAGER

The bestselling author of The Daevabad Trilogy is back with the start of a new series, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Our tale follows Amina al-Sirafi, a retired pirate with a legendary and scandalous career behind her on the Indian Ocean’s seas. Amina has survived several husbands, a demon, vengeful merchant princes and backstabbing rogues, and is now peacefully experiencing motherhood and family life.

That’s until the exceedingly rich mother of one of Amina’s former crew tracks her down with one final mission: rescue

her kidnapped granddaughter for a sizeable sum. One last adventure, help out an old friend, and get a fortune that will set her and her family up for the rest of their lives?

It’s an offer Amina can’t refuse. But the further she and her crew go on their adventure, the more she starts to realise that nothing is as it seems and that the stakes are even higher than she knew.

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi is a fantastic tale with all the elements I love: heists, magic, pirates, forbidden artefacts, historical mysteries, high stakes and danger. It’s a welcome second introduction to Chakraborty’s work, and has the reader hooked until the very last page.

It will be interesting to see what the other two books of this trilogy hold for Amina and her crew.

Vanished

NICOLE MORRIS

BIG SKY PUBLISHING

Intriguing and devastating all at once, this non-fiction title features 10 Australian missing persons cases from as long ago as 1979 to as recently as just a few years ago.

In sharing their stories, the author has spoken to family and friends of the missing people and compiled detailed accounts of who they were, what happened in the days before they went missing, what investigations took place, and the impact of their disappearance on loved ones.

The cases include a young Tasmanian man who vanished from the lobby of a casino, a woman who was last seen entering a clubhouse in a remote Western Australian mining town, two teens who might be early victims of the

Minnie

MARIANNE VAN VELZEN ALLEN & UNWIN

Minnie Berrington was a force to be reckoned with, and it’s astounding that this feisty pioneer — and the first female opal miner in Australia — isn’t more wellknown throughout our country.

The author mentioned Minnie briefly in her book Call of the Outback, and it was this that prompted stamp-collector Stuart Wattison to contact Van Velzen. He asked her to write a book about Minnie, as Stuart’s wife had looked after a lady in a nursing home in 2001 whom she suspected to be Minnie.

notorious Ivan Milat, and a man who disappeared in the outback after a few very strange and out-of-character days. It’s clear from the outset that this book is different from the standard ‘true crime’ books produced for entertainment; the author cares for the subject matter and finding these missing persons, and has developed relationships with some of the family and friends of these people over time. As the founder of the Australian Missing Persons Register, Morris wrote the book to raise awareness of these cases and others like them, and to foster understanding in the general public of what the loved ones of missing people go through.

It’s a heart-wrenching read but ultimately eye-opening, and almost hopeful in a way, as each chapter closes with an encouragement to contact Crime Stoppers if the reader has any details on the case mentioned therein.

It’s an incredible introduction to an incredible story, following Minnie from her childhood in England and early career as a typist in London, to the harsh conditions of the Australian opal fields. Minnie arrived at Coober Pedy in a time when water was so scarce that people rarely showered and supplies were still coming in via camel — but she soon gained a reputation for being able to match any man in stamina, perseverance and strength, despite being such a small woman. Overall, it’s an inspiring story of the power of determined people, freedom and adventure; an eye-opening account into the lives of 1920s people in the Australian mining fields.

A spirited trailblazer

Catie Fry was 35 when she had her aha moment.

“It was 2016 and we were in Sydney. My husband Warren was working in banking and I was wrangling two kids under three and working part-time, and we just felt trapped,” Catie recalls. “We drank a bunch of wine and made a pinky promise to hit the road in a caravan. The next day my husband quit his job… he takes pinky promises seriously!”

The couple soon embarked on a lap of Australia, hopping from one small coastal town to another until they arrived in Rockhampton to visit Warren’s parents.

“We drove into town and passed this monstrosity of a pub with a ‘For Sale’ sign out the front” Catie says. “ I thought to myself, ‘Who would ever buy that?’ My husband, that’s who.”

Warren sold Catie on the dream of a family-run pub and distillery, and their planned two-week stopover turned into a years-long hiatus. “We were going to make rum, but it takes a while, so gin was the obvious choice. With gin, it’s all about botanicals, something I was very familiar with.”

Distilling in her DNA

Catie grew up on a farm in Western Australia. “As a kid, I was always down by the creek making potions… I was fascinated with plants and herbs and I loved mixing flavours together. I used to pretend I was a witch,” she laughs. “Distilling is just an extension of that.”

But despite being part of the original team working on their gin recipe, Catie felt like she was always on the sidelines. “I was a co-owner of the business but constantly felt shut out,” she explains. “It’s a very male-dominated industry, and when people came to the distillery for tours or tastings, they wanted to meet the distiller, not his wife.”

Catie wanted to learn and practise, so she bought a small still and got to work every night after the kids had gone to bed. Soon, an idea was born.

With two small children, Catie was well aware of the gap in the market when it came to low- and zero alcohol spirits aimed at women. “I’d spent five years pregnant or breastfeeding,” she says, “and I didn’t want sparkling water every time I went out.”

Passion becomes business

Catie started offering her low- and zero-proof spirits to people on their distillery tours. “Our pub was right on the Bruce Highway. There was always

a designated driver, and they deserved a decent drink,” she says. “I knew I was onto a good thing, but I felt like the focus was on Warren’s business and my spirits were side offerings — that needed to change.”

A move to the Gold Coast gave her the space — and the time — to commit fully to her business, and Clovendoe Distilling Co was born. Australia’s first female-owned and -operated distillery, the range includes three distinct flavours, Seed, Stem and Sprout, available in both non-alcoholic and 24 proof bottlings.

“Seed is my Australian childhood,” Catie says. “There are hints of lemon, rosemary, lavender… It’s like hanging out in your nanna’s backyard under the Hills Hoist.”

Sprout is inspired by travels to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. “Sprout is my gin inspiration. It’s spicy and exotic. Stem is my favourite. South-East Asian inspired, it’s like sipping a vodka in a hammock in Koh Samui,” she says.

Catie says she wanted to offer a new drinking experience. “Most non-alcoholic spirits are mimicking a flavour profile, but not everyone wants that,” she says. “Some people might be in recovery — they don’t want to remember the taste of alcohol. Others have never drunk before and they don’t care if it tastes like gin, they just want something sophisticated. I want to offer a different journey for the palate.”

Accolades aplenty

While the initial drive behind Clovendoe was to create a drink that Catie herself would enjoy, she’s thrilled that so many

others love her collection, too.

“All six products have been awarded globally,” she says.

“Sprout Zero recently took out silver at the World Alcohol-Free Awards, and it’s won gold at the Global Spirit Awards.”

She’s particularly proud of her midstrength offerings. “In blind-tasting competitions they come out above some of the best-known full-strength vodka brands,” she says, adding, “I won the same award as Archie Rose, which is double the strength. It’s a testament to the product: it has half the calories and half the alcohol, but it’s still complex in flavour.”

These days, the range is stocked at Dan Murphy’s and is available via the Qantas Wine Club, as well as on her own website, www.clovendoe.com.

“It’s taken seven years to get to this point and the recognition definitely makes a difference, but mostly I’m proud that I’ve been able to prove people wrong. People said products with a feminine feel wouldn’t work, they said I’d alienate half my market. But it was important to me.”

When it comes to advice to others, Catie is direct. “Back yourself,” she says, “especially as a woman. There’s a perception that if you’re female and say you are going to start a business, then it’s a side hustle. Men say they’re starting a business and it’s taken seriously. That needs to change, but it will only change if we women back ourselves.”

Bountiful Bowen-Burdekin: The North Queensland region that feeds Australia

Words by Kirrily Schwarz

Vegetable growers around Bowen and the Burdekin region have pulled out the stops for a busy season. Together they form one of Australia’s most productive horticulture regions, which has two seasonal peaks. Vegetables are being harvested now, which will keep growers flat out until about September. Meanwhile, mango growers will kick into high gear heading into summer.

The area around Bowen and Burdekin plays a vital role when it comes to food security, supplying tomatoes, capsicums, beans, corn, melons and cucurbits — aka the gourd family — which includes squash, pumpkin and zucchini. The massive quantity supplied by growers is crucial to keeping supermarket shelves stocked year-round and, of course, the quality is renowned. After all, this is the region that introduced juicy and delicious Kensington Pride mangoes to the world.

It’s big business. Ry Collins, CEO of the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, says the farm gate value hovers around $650 million annually. The industry employs about 1500 people throughout the year,

with an additional 2000 seasonal workers in the mix during harvest.

“The value does fluctuate quite wildly,” Collins says. “The last 12 months, some commodities have had price increases of 200-300 per cent, but that’s not all at the farm gate. The cost of trucking is going up significantly, retail costs are going up, and it does depend on supply.

“But if I look into my crystal ball, crops are looking good. There seems to be good supply across Australia, there have been no major weather disasters in growing regions, everyone has fared well. We expect the market to be oversupplied, which will bring prices down.”

North Queensland is best known as being the gateway to the idyllic Whitsunday islands. However, Collins says horticulture is a bigger story, thanks to a particular pocket of sublime climatic conditions. Bowen and the Burdekin sit within the Dry Tropics, which means mild and warm winters without the heavy rain and humidity of the Wet Tropics further north.

Innovation is also critical to the region’s success.

The Jurgens family farms more

RY COLLINS

JACOB, JAMIE, MELITA AND JESS JURGENS

than 900ha near Bowen and runs VJK Produce, a vegetable wholesale business and joint venture. In February, they were named Horticulture Farmer of the Year at the Weekly Times Coles 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards.

A sustainable farming philosophy is at the core of their business. It’s run by Jamie and Melita Jurgens, as well as their adult children Jess and Jacob, and the whole operation revolves around soil health, meaning they prioritise natural fertilisers over chemical alternatives.

They started a composting program to remineralise the soil about 15 years ago, mixing locally sourced sugar cane pulp and chicken manure. It’s heated, watered, turned, cured, and cooled before being applied to crops, creating a brew of bacteria and fungi.

“We were very focused on sustainable farming and ensuring the health of our farm was there for further generations,” Jamie Jurgens told the Weekly Times. “Not destroying our soil by overcultivating and using lots of chemicals. We’ve spent lots of time and energy on that.”

About 20 per cent of their harvests is certified organic.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. While North Queensland is incredibly productive, it has faced criticism over sediments that have entered the Lower Burdekin, Herbert River and Fitzroy River catchments and flowed to the Great Barrier Reef.

The Queensland government has invested $6 million into fixing river banks and restoring lost vegetation, and the works are expected to be completed in June 2026. Former Minister

for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Meaghan Scanlon, said the project responds to calls for “ambitious, rapid, and sustained” action to protect this remarkable natural asset.

“Sediment run-off is one of the biggest pressures on the Great Barrier Reef, smothering corals, seagrasses and other plants, affecting their growth and survival as well as the survival of turtles, dugongs, fish and other animals that depend on them,” she said.

“We have taken ambitious action on climate with a $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan, we’re scaling up land restoration, supporting farmers to improve runoff, banning more single-use plastics and driving sustainability with a $1.1 billion Recycling and Jobs Fund.”

According to Ry Collins, the Bowen area is making big strides towards a sustainable future.

“There’s obviously a very strong movement towards net zero and decarbonisation. That’s something we can continue to do more of, especially when it comes to building the narrative that we supply the world’s best produce: it’s clean and green. Highvalue markets will pay a premium for that, especially in Asia, where a lot of fresh produce is imported,” he says.

“One challenge we have is that we’re in the Whitsundays, which is a holiday destination, but we’re telling a food story. We are a big producer of food, we do believe it’s up with the best in the world, and we know there are lots of new opportunities. We want people to know that.”

JAMIE AND MELITA JURGENS

BGGA CEO RY COLLINS AND BGGA PRESIDENT CARL WALKER

Words by Janine Lucas, State Library of Queensland

Anatomy of a storyteller

Karen Foxlee has carved a path to bestselling middle-grade fiction writer with her fantastical, feel-good adventures.

The Queensland nurse was in her 30s when she reignited the writing spark from her childhood in the outback town of Mount Isa.

“My mum was a great storyteller and she always read to us,” Karen says. “I became obsessed quite early with stories that made me feel something, whether that was sadness or fear or joy, and I started trying to write my own stories from about Grade 2.

“I used to cut artwork from the back covers of Mum’s Reader’s Digests and use them as illustrations in the corny, sweeping sagas I wrote about orphaned sisters.

“I dropped out of university to become a nurse, but I always had my trusty typewriter with me. I never gave up on a dream to one day write a novel. In my 30s, I made the decision to go back to university and completed a Bachelor of Arts with a Creative Writing major.

“University was brilliant for me because I was very good at starting projects but terrible at finishing them. I actually had to complete stories and hand them in.”

A large part of her first novel, The Anatomy of Wings, was written as a student at University of the Sunshine Coast. Set in a desert mining town similar to where Karen grew up, it won best unpublished manuscript in 2006 at what was then the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards.

Karen’s novels for children and young adults have gone on to earn her many accolades, including a Queensland Writers Fellowship. The $15,000 fellowships are awarded as part of the Queensland Literary Awards (QLA), which are managed by State Library of Queensland in collaboration with industry partners and the writing community.

“It was life-changing for me,” Karen

A VIBRANT READING AND WRITING CULTURE

PIC: SHANTANU STARICK

says of the 2015 fellowship. “I made my application so I could focus on a story I wanted to write about an encyclopedia set, sibling love, and saying goodbye. It was such a mess in my head but, through the fellowship, I was able to focus on this work at home a few days a week and, eventually, it became Lenny’s Book of Everything

“Apart from the funds that allowed me to stay at home to write, the fellowship award was important for my self-esteem as a writer. I felt validated. Just the idea that I was given a grant to bring a shaky, wobbly idea to beautiful fruition was wonderful for me and I’m always so grateful for that.”

Finding their wings

For Raynee Dewar and her Reading, Writing and Ideas team at State Library, seeing homegrown storytellers shine is one of the best parts of the job.

As well as the QLA, held every September, State Library manages the Young Writers Award for 18- to 25-year-olds, and black&write!, an Indigenous-led national project that supports First Nations writers and editors.

“Our programs champion Queensland stories and storytellers, and nurture a vibrant reading culture,” Raynee says.

“We collaborate with the literary sector to connect readers and writers, develop emerging voices, and share inspiring conversations. State Library is also home of the annual Brisbane Writers Festival, and the Queensland Writers Centre.” First Nations voices

Senior editor at black&write! Grace Lucas-Pennington is passionate about First Nations storytelling.

QUEENSLAND AUTHOR KARENFOXLEE

“At black&write! we believe Indigenous stories should be written by Indigenous writers and those writers should work with an Indigenous editor,” says Grace, a Bundjalung person. “We’ve got an editor training program and a writing fellowship program.

“Historically, First Nations people have been underrepresented in the national literature. People can go through 12 years of schooling and not read a single book by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writer, which is just shameful. How can you understand the story of this continent without our voices?

STATE LIBRARY NURTURES

“An Indigenous editor brings a collaborative ethic that upholds the writer's sovereignty as the story owner.”

black&write! has played a key role in publishing cracking Australian reads, such as The Upwelling by Lystra Rose (Hachette Australia, 2022), Song of the Crocodile by Nardi Simpson (Hachette Australia, 2020) and Lemons in the Chicken Wire by Alison Whittaker (Magabala Books, 2016) which was shortlisted for the Mary Gilmore Award.

Where the magic starts

So you want to be a writer? Karen Foxlee says the first step is turning up regularly to “wrangle that feral first draft down onto the page”.

“Writing really is mostly persistence,” she says. “Most days, it feels horrible and nothing makes sense, but it is through the turning up and persevering that magical things begin to

Laura Elvery

Trick of the Light author Laura Elvery won a Queensland Writers Fellowship in 2018 for ‘Medallion’, a project about the women who have won Nobel Prizes in the sciences.

‘Medallion’ became her luminous second collection of short stories, Ordinary Matter, published in 2020. “With short stories, I’m inspired by all sorts of media I consume, people I know or see or can imagine existing, as well as my own internal fears and frustrations,” says Laura, who is now part of the State Library team.

“I’m slowly working on a story now that came from a brief anecdote my mother told me about some family members in the 1950s. To turn that anecdote into fiction that is compelling for others to read takes time, research — I use Wikipedia and Trove a lot, for example — character building, and space for

Tylissa Elisara

Tylissa Elisara’s bedtime story for her son Jaxon blossomed into a middle-grade novel when she took a chance on her writing.

“I would read each of the completed chapters to him as I wrote them, and each time he would insist I get the story published,” says Tylissa, who has Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha heritage.

The deadline for black&write!’s 2021 Writing Fellowship was the impetus she needed to finish the story. Her fellowship win came with prize money of $10,000, manuscript development with the black&write! editing team, and a publication opportunity with Hachette Australia.

‘Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky’, to be published in April 2024, is all about friendship and facing your

Sarah Holland-Batt

Sarah Holland-Batt set the literary world alight with The Jaguar, a poetry collection that laid bare the impact of Parkinson’s disease on her late father, Tony.

Amid the whirlwind of winning the 2023 Stella Prize, the Brisbane author is thinking of her “brilliant and larger-than-life” dad, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two decades before his death in 2020.

“There’s a poignancy to receiving an award for a work that is about a loss and someone who’s not there to be part of the celebration,” Sarah says.

Sarah, a 2019 Queensland Writers Fellow, is a Professor of Creative Writing and Literary Studies at Queensland University of Technology. She says poetry appeals to writers who love the minutiae of language.

“Poetry is a form that’s all about being concise and shaping

happen.

“If you feel there is something good in a story, if you feel like you’re on a journey to get to the heart of a story, then trust that and keep going. It’s easy to give up when things take a long while, because that’s the other thing about writing: it involves a lot of patience.”

Find out more about State Library’s awards, fellowships and the Reading, Writing and Ideas community at slq.qld.gov.au/ discover/readers-and-writers.

others to give me feedback on what’s working in a draft and what isn’t.”

Laura’s top tip: “Always keep a paper notebook on you. When I’m out and about, I use my notebook to jot down lines I overhear, descriptions of strangers, and scenarios that pop into my head. I also keep an ‘Ideas’ folder on my computer with dozens of links to stories I read online. Don’t question why you think you might one day need to copy and paste that random story into the document, just paste it!”

fears.

“Often, we are our own biggest critics and it’s hard to read your own writing as a reader,” Tylissa says. “You would be surprised by the feedback you’ll receive once you finally allow others to read your work.”

Tylissa’s top tip: “Keep going when your story gets messy or isn’t reading the way that you’d like it to. I would have given up, and convinced myself I couldn’t write, if I’d attempted to edit my manuscript without the black&write! team who offered their continual reassurance.”

language in every sense,” she says. “You shape it visually … poets pay attention to the number of lines in a stanza, the shape of a stanza, the length of the line, where the human breath falls as you read the poem out loud.

“There are also aural qualities in that a poem should work a little bit like a piece of music. It’s got patterns of emphasis and rhythm and silence.”

Sarah’s top tip: “The act of reading — reading closely and reading well — is the core critical skill that makes a good writer. The other critical thing is for a writer to have an open mindset and a willingness to engage with a range of ideas and perspectives and vantage points.”

PIC: JOE RUCKLI

QCWA STATE PRESIDENT’S BLOG

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) is a member society of ACWW, the Associated Country Women’s Association of the World, as members of this association QCWA supports the work of ACWW in identifying grassroots projects in underdeveloped countries and promoting international understanding. The QCWA focus is supporting the smaller island nations in the South Pacific.

ACWW is an association that represents over 10 million women in more than eighty countries around the world celebrating its 30th Triennial Conference in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in May 2023. The last conference was held in Melbourne 2019 but due to Covid-19 the 2022 Conference was rescheduled for the same venue in 2023. Members submitted and voted on several resolutions that were passed for adoption for action by all member societies, in 2023 the following resolutions have been put forward.

• Establishment of Rural Women’s Employment Action Plans, moved by Rural Women New Zealand.

• Rural Gender Impact Analysis, moved Rural Women New Zealand.

• Addressing Food Waste, moved National Association for Family and Community Education. These motions are discussed and voted on by each delegation.

ACWW member society, the Women’s Institute of Pahang, and their patron Her Majesty Queen Azizah of Malaysia are the hosts of the 2023 conference.

Twenty members of the Queensland Country Women’s Association are attending the conference, the delegation consisting of State President Sheila Campbell, State International Officer Barb McMillan, ACWW Co-Ordinator Sara Faddy, Lyn Kelman AM, Christine Reghenzani OAM, reserves Maria Keys, Frances Tilly.

Whilst in Malaysia those attending have the choice of a day trip to the Indigenous Peoples Complex. The Rain Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, The National Craft Institute, Multimedia University.

I chose the Indigenous Peoples Complex and what an experience that was — these people do the most magnificent wood carvings measuring 10cm to 10 metres tall, they weave intricate articles out of palm leaves, everything from bracelets to head dresses.

It is with sadness that I submit this last President’s Blog for RUTH, its been an amazing partnership with NewsCorp and it will be sad to see the last magazine on the newsstands in July.

Sheila Campbell

“Isn’t joining the QCWA an odd thing for a feminist to do?”

Jo Williams has been a member of QCWA Boonah Branch for three years. She is a social worker who has worked in the fields of health and domestic violence, and she continues to work casually in the university sector, equipping social work students with the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice. Jo loves cooking, gardening and craft, and she is a hobbyist blogger at http://www.josimplywill.org/. Here, she writes about living more simply and thoughtfully; growing, making and baking things; and country life.

The QCWA, Feminism, and Sustainable Living

Ialways knew that eventually I would join the QCWA. My father’s cousin was a foundation member of the QCWA in the little town of El Arish in North Queensland in 1928, where I spent my childhood. The distinctive QCWA Hall is a strong part of my memories of growing up in El Arish. The Hall was host to a range of community events, including the traditional ‘shower tea’ held prior to weddings. Several of my aunts were QCWA members. Somehow it got embedded into my psyche that this was an organisation that served the needs of women.

When I moved to a casual position in 2020, I finally had the time and flexibility to become involved myself. I joined the Boonah Branch and stepped almost straight into the role of secretary (as you do!). I have been secretary ever since. But it wasn’t until we cleaned out my parents’ home of 50 years recently that I realised I had a much earlier connection to the QCWA.

One of the treasures unearthed was an essay that I wrote for a competition in 1971 at the age of 12. The topic was ‘Norway’, which was QCWA’s Country of Study that year. The competition was an initiative of the El Arish Branch, and they awarded the prizes at an evening event. The newspaper reported on the event, and my mother had kept the newspaper clipping, as well as the essay. What a find! All the more so because I had forgotten all about it.

But isn’t joining the QCWA an odd thing for a feminist to do?

The role and treatment of women in society have been an interest of mine since my teenage years. Whenever we had a choice of topics for Ancient History in high school, I always chose ‘Family Life and Role of Women’. My university studies and professional roles augmented my feminist philosophy. Some might question my involvement in the QCWA — it is after all a very traditional, conservative organisation with a membership of mostly older women. When people think of the QCWA they think ‘tea and scones’. Many branches have a strong focus on cooking, handcrafts and other traditionally ‘feminine’ domestic activities.

In my view, feminism is not just about gender equality, equal pay and opportunity. It’s also about having choices. Some sectors of the feminist movement in the 1970s diminished women for making choices to marry a man, have children, and

(God forbid!) stay home with those children. To criticise and shame women for their choices is to use the same methods of the patriarchal and misogynistic systems that feminists are fighting against! To be a feminist, I don’t have to distance myself from craft, cooking or other ‘traditional’ activities. I enjoy these activities and can make the choice to do them while still holding feminist beliefs.

Links with sustainability

There is a definite movement in our society back toward traditional homemaking and homesteading activities. We are all becoming more aware that cooking at home saves money, growing a few veggies reduces your grocery bill, and that it’s a better environmental choice to repair or make an item of clothing than to buy fast fashion. These are the sorts of skills we need to develop to increase our self-reliance and to live more sustainably. These are some of the skills that the QCWA teaches and celebrates. Therefore, the links with sustainable living principles are well evident in the QCWA. But, of course, the QCWA does so much more than this.

Addressing the needs of women and families

QCWA was created 100 years ago primarily to address the social isolation experienced by so many country women. It has been a lifeline for thousands of women since. Country-wide, the QCWA has been strong in its advocacy, and instrumental in influencing positive changes that benefit women, families and the whole community. For instance, baby health clinics, rest rooms in rural towns, seatbelts in cars, and free mobile breastscreen services are all thanks to the advocacy of the QCWA. As an organisation, QCWA has always had the advancement of women’s rights and wellbeing at its heart. Across the country, local branch activities reflect this.

Like in so many other branches, at Boonah we hold events, fundraise, and engage with our local community to identify and respond to local needs. For example, we donated $3000 worth of Christmas hampers for families experiencing food insecurity. We have donated period products to Share the Dignity, money to a social enterprise hair salon, dresses for indigenous grandmothers in the Kimberley, DV bags for women and children leaving unsafe situations, and birthing kits for women in Pacific Island nations. The process of fundraising and working with the community also contributes to our members’ wellbeing. Members have a stronger sense of purpose, friendships are formed, and we all learn new skills. I see feminist principles strongly demonstrated in all of our activities.

Alignment with my values

The QCWA aligns really well with my values as a feminist, and also as a person who is seeking to live a little more sustainably. This makes me proud to be a member, as I’m sure you are! As members, let’s tell the community that there is a lot going on behind the door of that distinctive QCWA Hall with its signature blue trim. Let them know that while we may be drinking tea and eating scones, we are also identifying and addressing the needs of women and families in our community, and we are teaching skills to help people live more sustainably.

Marinya Garden Party

On Saturday, March 25, QCWA Darling Downs and others in the community celebrated the QCWA Centenary with a garden party

Images by Salt Studios

When the Queensland Country Women’s Association was first founded by Ruth Fairfax, regular meetings and garden parties were held at Ruth’s property, Marinya, on the Darling Downs. A hundred years later, the Darling Downs Division put together a centenary committee to host another garden party at the property to commemorate the association and its history.

Many people from throughout the region and further afield arrived at the Cambooya property on Saturday, March 25, to enjoy historic photo displays, the planting of a Ruth Fairfax rose, unveiling of a special plaque, fashion through the ages parades, classic cars and much more.

WINTER PUZZLE

5 Slim (7)

9 Transactions (5)

10 Blizzard (9)

1 Traditions (7)

2 Synthetic fabric (9)

3 Expenses (5)

4 Profession of belief (9)

5 Range (5)

6. Safely settled (9)

7 Unmanned aircraft (5)

8 Out of control (7)

14 Recall the past (9)

16 Prohibited (9)

17. Deport (9)

18 Accolade (7)

20 Supervise (7)

22 Take place (5)

23 Daring skilful act (5)

24 Propeller (5)

ANSWERS

Across: 1. Copycat, 5. Slender, 9. Sales, 10. Snowstorm, 11. Overstate, 12. Omega, 13. Satyr, 15. Efficient, 18. Parameter, 19. Ditto, 21. Adorn, 23. Shipshape, 25. Dachshund, 26. Reins, 27. Torment, 28. Nowhere.

Down: 1. Customs,

Forbidden,

2. Polyester, 3. Costs, 4. Testament, 5. Scope, 6. Ensconced, 7. Drone, 8. Rampant, 14. Reminisce, 16.

17. Extradite, 18. Plaudit, 20. Oversee, 22. Occur, 23. Stunt, 24. Screw.