COUNTRY AUSTRALIAN
JULY/AUGUST 2018
YOUR CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PLANT P LANT PARADISE PARADISE In tthe In he
DANDENONG DANDENONG RANGES RANGES
On tthe On he
FLEURIEU FLEURIEU PENINSULA PENINSULA
A bbed ed ooff ROSES ROSES IIN N MUDGEE MUDGEE
NO. 128 VOL. 21 NO. 4 AUS $8.95* NZ $8.90 (both incl. GST)
IT'S COLD OUTSIDE IN VICTORIA'S HIGH COUNTRY
Colour and motion LORD HOWE ISLAND HIDEAWAY A NEW ENGLAND FARM AN ARTIST'S TROPICAL RETREAT
SYDNEY Unit 29, 69 O’Riordan Street Alexandria NSW 2015 02 9906 3686
BRISBANE 8 Wandoo Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 07 3252 8488
MITTAGONG 221 Old Hume Highway Mittagong NSW 2575 0466 383038 by appointment only
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In this issue ... in each issue 6 8 12 138 140 142 144
Editor’s letter Diary notes Baker’s dozen You beauty Out and about Off the shelf Mailbag
profiles 14
The bargain farmhouse A resourceful ex footballer and his style-savvy wife transform a
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demountable office building into a bright and breezy family farmhouse 24 Naturally gifted The McFadyen family enjoys nature on the doorstep of their clifftop home on Lord Howe Island 38 A bed of roses Carol Kennedy finds her expansive garden in Mudgee the perfect antidote to a hectic life 56 A spirited conversation There’s nothing like a nip of Manly Spirits’ finest to warm the cockles on a winter’s day. Or a classic cocktail to start the party at the end of the week 68 Zeil for life Art and life fuse in a kaleidoscope of colour and enthusiasm in a creative corner of coastal Queensland 76 Clear thinking On a clear day you can see forever from this award-winning abode perched in the Fleurieu Hills 84 A labour of love From upcycling old furniture to
restoring an almost derelict cottage, Lisa Post says her work is a pleasure as it allows her to be creative 116 Mind over matter Students from Brisbane Grammar School will represent Australia at an International physics tournament
travel 94
High Country superlatives From skiing, cycling and hiking to fine local food, wine, beer and spirits Victoria’s High Country offers a total package for visitors
gardening 106 Grand-scale gardening Wayne and Diane Keating have created a park-like garden in a spectacular setting in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges
product news 120 Winter warmers product guide 137 Store strolling 146 Stockists
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Choose a great-value subscription to Australian Country: Three issues for $20, six issues for $45 or 12 issues for $89. See page 104 for more details of this fantastic offer.
COUNTRY JULY/AUGUST 2018
AUSTRALIAN
YOUR CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
/A 2018
56
LANT PLANT P ISE ARADISE PARAD P he Inn tthe I
NG ONG ANDENO DANDEN D ANGES RANGES R
he Onn tthe O
LEURIEU FLEURIEU F A LA ENINSUL PENINSU P
ed ooff A bbed
N OSES IIN ROSES R UDGEE MUDGEE M
NO. 128 VOL. 21 NO. 4 AUS $8.95* NZ $8.90 (both incl. GST)
IT'S COLD OUTSIDE
IN VICTORIA'S HIGH COUNTRY
Colour and motion
NO. 128
AY LORD HOWE ISLAND HIDEAW A NEW ENGLAND FARM T AN ARTIST'S TROPICAL RETREA
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EDITOR'S LETTER
There are always many people to thank as each issue goes to press, from the people who so generously open their homes and hearts to share their stories with us to our talented writers, photographers and stylists and the back-room peeps — our designers, proofreaders, editors and prepress. But once in a while, there are people who really go the extra mile and, in this case, it’s the good folk from Manly Spirits Co who let us take over their distillery for an entire day for our fashion shoot. When I say take over, I mean more like a military invasion, as we infiltrated the entire premises from the distillery floor to the cocktail bar with our cameras, lights and all the paraphernalia that goes on behind the scenes to create a fashion story. Founders David Whittaker and Vanessa Wilton stood by benignly as we blitzkrieged their offices with suitcases full of garments and bags of accessories, while our hair and make-up team rolled out their arsenal of heated rollers, brushes and make-up and requisitioned any spare desks as workspace. While head distiller Tim Stones made sure everything was shipshape on the factory floor, T2 (Tim Gray) was at the ready mixing cocktails as the story shifted from the workplace to party time. If explanation were needed for why the Manly Spirits team were so happy to help us realise our Spirited Conversation story it would go something like this: David and Vanessa know what it is to dream big. Three years ago, they came up with the notion of starting their own distillery that would blend the carefree beach life and urban sophistication for which Manly is famed with genuinely artisanal methods to capture nature in a bottle. They enlisted the support of chef and forager Elijah Holland to sustainably source local marine botanicals to give their gins, whiskies and vodkas a truly coastal Australian flavour. And once they had perfected their product, they opened a bar, which you can visit on weekends. So a big shout out to everyone at Manly Spirits. Thanks for making us so welcome and the shoot so easy. Elsewhere in the magazine we’ve lots of fascinating people and places for your reading pleasure, plus our regular features. We look forward to seeing you for the next issue, on sale September 6.
KIRSTY MCKENZIE, EDITOR kmckenzie@umco.com.au
helping out on this issue are ... TAMARA SIMONEAU WRITER & STYLIST Tamara has fallen in love with her homeland again after almost a decade living in Canada where she worked in TV, running the prime-time program, Entertainment Tonight Canada. She’s produced live shows, been on the red carpet for the Academy Awards, travelled the globe and worked with some of the world’s biggest celebrities. These days, she’d like to say she’s living a quieter life as a writer, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast but, with three young kids, it’s anything but. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
JOHN DOWNS PHOTOGRAPHER Four generations of John Downs’ family have been photographers, starting with his great-greatgrandfather in Wales in 1868. John started as a staff photographer at London’s Natural History Museum and his varied career has seen him shoot everything from fluffy cushions in the studio to Formula 1 cars screaming around the track.
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Australian Country cover photography by KEN BRASS
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SEE THE WORLD BY TRAIN TOURS OF CULTURE CHARACTER AND HISTORY ON THE WORLD’S GREAT TRAINS TOURS IN FOCUS
“This trip is so packed with superlatives it ’s hard to believe they all happened.” Kirsty McKenzie, editor Australian Country
VIETNAM By PRIVATE train
TASMANIA By Rail, Road & River
ICONS OF ENGLAND
16 days: with hayley anderson
18-29 october: with bob daniel
TO THE FAMOUS DUXFORD AIRSHOW
ho chi minh city - dalat - hoi an - hue - dong hoi - hanoi - ha long bay - sapa
launceston - cradle mountain - strahan - bothwell - hobart
• Enjoy Railway Adventures’ special private train • 6 train trips, including the Reunification Express • Special trip on the Dalat Mountain Railway • Fully escorted by your tour leader & local guide • Optional extension to Sapa in sleeper carriages • Two night luxury cruise on Ha Long Bay • Guided sightseeing and six World Heritage sites
• 12 lovely lunches and delicious dinners • Vintage train rides in Sheffield, Tullah & Ida Bay • Degustation menu at legendary Stillwater in Launceston • Stay at Iconic Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge • West Coast Wilderness railway adventure in Balcony Car • Special excursion by ferry to MONA in the ‘Posh Pit’ • Boat cruises on the Derwent, Tamar and Franklin rivers • Distilleries, wineries, museums, markets, nature tours
18 days: with bob daniel london - potsmouth - bath - bristol - north wales - liverpool - york - cambridge • Welsh Highland, Great Central, North Yorkshire Railways • Boat tours in Portsmouth, Bristol, Liverpool and Foxton • Fleet Air Arm Museum and renowned DUXFORD AIRSHOW • The Isle of Wight, Greenwich and Stonehenge • Great cities of Bath, Bristol, York, Liverpool, London • Imperial War Museums, iconic castles and mansions • Exclusive private coach & expert guide throughout
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND By Train, boat & plane longreach -winton - mt isa - the gulf country - Queensland savannah - cairns and the tropics • Overnight on the Spirit of the Outback with Dinner in the Diner • Ride the Gulflander, Savannalander & Bally Hooley heritage trains • Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Qantas Founder’s Museum in Longreach • Age of Dinosaurs and Lark Quarry museums in Winton • Mail-plane flight over the Gulf Country to Normanton • Boat trip into the Gulf for a private sand island sunset soiree • Fascinating Cobbold Gorge & the unique Undara Lava Tubes
new catalogue of tours for 2019 - out now
1300 733 323 - www.railwayadventures.com This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours and the STC travel group in conjunction with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures. ATAS Accredited.
don't miss ...
DIARY NOTES
c omp i l e d by k i r s t y mc k e nz i e
Make a date to celebrate these diverse events around the country.
J U LY 7 - 2 2 ( N SW )
WINTERFEST AT MAYFIELD As a European-designed garden, the grounds of Mayfield at Oberon in the NSW central tablelands come into their own during the cooler months. On weekends, there will be live musical entertainment and a s’mores (toasted marshmallows sandwiched in chocolate biscuits) station and, if the weather gods are kind, perhaps even a dusting of snow. mayfieldgarden.com.au
N OW — J A N U A RY 2 01 9 ( V i c)
A MODERN LIFE The changes in domestic life from the 1930s to the 1980s are traced through this extraordinary exhibition of tablewares at the National Gallery of Victoria International. The collection is displayed chronologically and includes dinner services, pitchers, teapots, mugs and plates from leading manufacturers including Wedgwood, Rosenthal and Poole Pottery as well as designers Russel Wright, Keith Murray, Ulla Procopé, Eva Striker Zeisel, Stig Lindberg, Kaj Franck and Jens Quistgaard. ngv.vic.gov.au
J U N E 8 – AU G U ST 26 ( V I C)
SCARF FESTIVAL The National Wool Museum’s annual celebration of all things scarf unfurls this winter at Geelong with a showcase of handcrafted scarves made by people ranging in skill level from school-aged beginners to accomplished artisans. This year’s theme of Living on the Land has attracted hundreds of woven, knitted, felted and crocheted entries for both men and women. All are eligible for the festival’s most prestigious accolades, the Scarf of the Year and the People’s Choice Award. geelongaustralia.com.au/scarffestival
J U LY 1 3 - 1 5 ( Q L D )
QUEENSLAND GARDEN EXPO More than 40,000 visitors are expected to converge on the Sunshine Coast’s Nambour Showgrounds for the 34th annual Queensland Garden Expo. Garden experts 8
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Costa Georgiadis, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Sophie Thomson will join the speakers at the event, which will feature 360 exhibitors including 55 nurseries as well as a cook’s garden stage, an organic food court, lectures, demonstrations, problem-solving sessions and plant propagating and growing workshops. qldgardenexpo.com.au
Clockwise from above: Mayfield hosts Winterfest; stilt walkers at the Queensland Garden Expo; the National Wool Museum’s Scarf Festival; A Modern Life chronicles tablewares at the National Gallery of Victoria.
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don't miss ... J U LY 27 & 29
nATIONAL TREE dAY
Clockwise from above: Planet Ark’s National Tree Day; the Gympie Music Muster; celebrate going Back to the Bush at the Miles Historical Village; crafters converge on Candelo in the Bega Valley for the Spring Festival; country music comes to the Gold Coast with Groundwater.
Prepare to get your hands dirty with Australia’s largest tree-planting events, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day. Since the events’ inception in 1996, more than 24 million trees have been planted by almost four million people. Last year, more than 217,000 students from 2600 schools participated in Schools Tree Day, which encourages tree planting and garden tending on campus. treeday.planetark.org
AU G U ST 2 3 - 26 ( Q L D )
GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER With Troy Cassar-Daley as this year’s ambassador, Gympie’s 37th annual celebration of country music will once again draw huge crowds with a lineup including Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Ian Moss, Beccy Cole, Sara Storer and The Wolfe Brothers. Songwriter sessions, an all-star, guitar-shredding jam, rock ’n’ roll dancing and
instrument workshops add to the non-stop program at the event, which is held in the Amamoor Creek State Forest in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. muster.com.au
S E PTE M B ER 6 - 9 ( Q L D )
MILES BACK TO THE BUSH FESTIVAL Residents of the Miles district on the western edge of Queensland’s Darling Downs have issued an open invitation to their city cousins to come and share a backyard view of the bush with their biennial spring festival. With paddocks brimming with wildflowers, tag-along creekside fishing and local farm tours, the Back to the Bush Festival organisers hope to give visitors an insight into the many attractions of their town, which has a population of just 1200. The Miles Historical Village will be the festival hub, with activities including boiling the quart pot, tossing a Condamine bell and a guest antiques expert appraising people’s treasures. backtothebushfestival.com.au
S E PTE M B ER 1 0 ( N SW )
SPRING FESTIVAL
J U LY 27 - 29
GROUNDWATER (QLD) Australia’s fastest growing country music festival descends on Broadbeach on Queensland’s Gold Coast with a lineup that includes The McClymonts, Granger Smith, Suzanne Vega, Amber Lawrence, Lillie Mae and Joshua Hedley. Among a host of highlights James Blundell will take to the stage supported by friends and admirers performing tribute songs from his portfolio. And the best thing about this long weekend of board shorts and banjos, surfboards and steel guitars? It’s free. groundwatercmf.com
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The crafters of Candelo in the Bega Valley on the NSW south coast will welcome visitors to their historic hall for their craft fair, which will be open from 10am to 2pm. Items on display will include tea cosies and quilts and there will be crafted, sewn and knitted creations on sale along with morning tea and a light lunch. For more information, call (02) 6493 2151. Let us know about your forthcoming event by writing to us a Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670 or emailing kmckenzie@ universalmagazines.com.au.
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BAKER'S DOZEN Beat the winter chill with these warm and cosy cover-ups. 3
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1 COAT Isabella moleskin coat, $189.95, rbsellars.com.au 2 UMBRELLA Classic umbrella, $109, bluntumbrellas.com.au 3 GUMBOOTS Bobbi bb gumboot b in Beetroot, $139.95, merrypeople.com 4 SCARF Wingdings scarf in Aqua Marle/Sherbert, $85, ottoandspike.com.au 5 BEANIE Charcoal cable beanie, $59, smittenmerino. com 6 GLOVES Piper knitted gloves, $24.95, myer.com.au 7 PYJAMAS Merino jacquard floral PJ set, $270, smittenmerino.com 8 UGGS Classic rawhide Ugg boots, $239, ableather.com.au 9 HAT Akubra Traveller hat in Rodeo Red, $200, akubra.com.au 10 DRIZABONE Riding coat, $319, rbsellars.com.au 11 BOOTS Dubarry Galway boots, $599.95, dubarry.com.au 12 VEST Ariat Terrace vest in Malbec, $179.95, ariat.com.au 13 SOCKS Kitty socks in Grey Marle, $17.50, ottoandspike.com.au
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OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
The bargain farmhouse A resourceful ex-footballer and his style-savvy wife transform a demountable office building into a bright and breezy family farmhouse in the gentle hills of Queensland’s old gold-rush country. By Ta mar a Simone au, photogr a phy J ohn D owns
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OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY Michelle Roper was a city girl when she met Kris Kahler — a rising football star who was drafted by the Brisbane Broncos as a teenager. Marrying him meant living life on the move, as they traded a brief stay in Canberra, where Kris played for the Raiders, for the more temperate climes of the Gold Coast when Kris signed up to be on the inaugural Titans squad. Then there were stints in France and England. “We moved to Gateshead in the UK when the season in France ended,” Michelle recalls. “Kris played for the football team Gateshead Thunder. It was the first day of summer the day we arrived and it was like our winters over here. I was super sad.”
Clockwise from opposite: Olivia enjoys a moment of quiet reflection on the dam’s jetty; the family congregates on an old truck Kris bought for $50 and parked at the entrance; the family’s menagerie includes ducks, geese and a few rescue horses.
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The sun did come out in time of course, and Kris and Michelle, now with three young kids, managed to make the most of the spare time they had. “Due to the football schedule, we didn’t see much of the UK,” Michelle says. “We did get to go for local scenic drives, though, and one of our favourite places we would go to regularly was Whitley Bay.” But when the club went into receivership, Michelle wasted no time packing for home and the promise of a more settled existence near Kris’s hometown in Queensland. “Kris grew up on a dairy farm in Gympie and we wanted our kids to have a life of enjoying the outdoors,” Michelle adds. “We loved the idea of the kids having lots of animals and space to run around. We could enjoy farm life but not be too far away from the coast and the city.” They sold a canal-front home they’d owned on the Gold Coast and purchased 15 acres (six hectares) outside Gympie, 170 kilometres north of Brisbane. That’s when Kris bravely suggested something out of the box, a long way out of the box — buying a demountable office building via eBay to convert to a house. “As soon as I saw the front aspect of the house on eBay, I thought it would work,” he says. “I was working close by, so thought I would have a look and loved it.” Michelle admits she was not sold so easily. “A demountable office building as a house, who does that?” she says. “I couldn’t visualise it at first and Kris had promised me a Queenslander, so when he suggested the office building, I was picturing desks and chairs everywhere and those dividing walls.” In time, Michelle started to come around to the idea. “Although we owned a lovely home on the Gold
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OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
“We are a good team. Michelle is always finding ideas and I am not afraid to take them on. Everything has turned out well so far, so we will continue to experiment with different things and in the process hopefully continue to save money.” Coast, we knew that we could never get ahead in life with a large mortgage,” she says. “We also wanted to be able to travel back overseas when the kids were older and having a smaller mortgage makes that seem much more possible.” Their home was delivered in six pieces on the back of a truck, and a small army of helpful and handy family members has slowly but surely helped Kris and Michelle dramatically transform their unusual delivery. “Kris’s uncle was our builder and got us to lock-up stage,” Michelle says. “My dad built the bedrooms and wardrobes and timber front deck for us. There was a kitchen already in there and up until last Easter, that was my kitchen until my mum found a nicer one on Gumtree for $500 and we bought new countertops from Bunnings to finish it off.” They added a pool bought from a defunct pool company at a bargain price and upcycled anything they could along the way. “We try to use as many recycled and repurposed items as possible and I’m always on the hunt for exciting new bargains,” Michelle says. “We are a good team,”
Clockwise from opposite: Corrugated iron makes a statement on the balcony with an upcycled table and rug from magnolialane.biz; the kitchen was a Gumtree find; the new benchtops came from Bunnings; a rustic vignette; utensils at the ready in the kitchen.
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OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
“We try to use as many recycled and repurposed items as possible and I’m always on the hunt for exciting new bargains.” Kris adds. “Michelle is always finding ideas and I am not afraid to take them on. Everything has turned out well so far, so we will continue to experiment with different things and in the process hopefully continue to save money.” They’re so delighted with the home they’re building that Michelle proudly documents it on her ever-growing Instagram account @thebargainfarmhouse. Followers from here and abroad love her practical DIY tips and glimpses into Aussie farm life. “My advice is that you can get your dream home without spending a fortune,” she says. “Look on Gumtree, eBay and auction sites and upcycle. Not only are you saving money but you’re also helping the environment with landfill.” As light and lovely as the farmhouse has become, the real charm lies beyond its walls — a pretty dam with a rustic dock attracts wild birds and the resident ducks and geese. Rescue horses amble around the paddocks grazing in the Queensland sun with two Shetland ponies and two scruffy mini horses for company. A pair of bouncing Border Collies and cute calves, along with a galah Kris saved from the roadside, a beloved old pug and two spoiled Ragdoll cats complete the menagerie. “The kids love it, especially our eldest, Isabelle, who looks
Clockwise from opposite: A Ragdoll cat seems content in her domain; barn doors at the entrance; an upcycled timber bench makes a great display space; afternoon tea on the deck; with a keen eye for an attractive grouping Michelle has turned the office building into a home.
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OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
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OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
Clockwise from below: The entire house has been furnished with a tight eye on the budget; stencilled cushions in the bedroom; recycled floorbards are reborn as a bedhead.
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after the calves,” Michelle says. “She hopes when she’s older she will have a property and be a vet.” Kris now runs his own earth-moving business, and is relishing in his new passion off the field. “I do miss footy when I watch big games but the majority of the time, I have no regrets,” he says. “I have a nice house, a lovely family and we are now settled in one place. I’m not a fan of city life and always wanted a little farm.” As for the city girl turned country in a most unconventional journey, she couldn’t be happier in her nest. “My favourite part about our home is walking out onto the verandah and looking out to see the animals walking about and the kids running around,” Michelle says. “Every time I look out, I know we made the right choice escaping to the country.”
COUNTRY BY THE SEA
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COUNTRY BY THE SEA
Naturally gifted The McFadyen family enjoys nature on the doorstep of their clifftop home on Lord Howe Island. By Kirst y McKenzi e, photogr a phy Ken Br a s s
Rachael and Jim added a big entertaining deck to maximise the views.
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COUNTRY BY THE SEA
Clockwise from above: The home is one of the island’s first prefabs; cool blues and a tropical vibe are signature notes; there’s a chic ’60s vibe in the spacious living area.
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For most of the year, Jim and Rachael McFadyen’s home is the most peaceful place on earth. Perched on top of a cliff on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, their low-slung bungalow looks out to an endless vista of the Pacific Ocean. Apart from approaching showers and the occasional storm, there’s nothing between them and the next landfall, some 11,000 kilometres away in Chile. But for four months of the year, this peace is shattered, as a colony of sooty terns takes up residence and the family’s front yard becomes a nursery for the thousands of birds that nest there. Jim and Rachael’s children, Hayley, 10 years, Zoe, eight, and Max, five, are well versed in the habits of their noisy visitors, one of 14 species of seabirds that nest on Lord Howe and part of a wider population of more than 130 permanent and migratory species living there at different times. Among the fun facts the children share are the terns’ nickname of “wideawake”, due to the cacophony that accompanies the nesting season and the information that because terns can’t float, they have evolved to be able to take restorative mini naps while flying. From having such an intimate insight into the wonders of life on earth to the joys of attending their little three-teacher barefoot school, the McFadyen kids appear blissfully unaware of the privileges they enjoy on their island paradise. Rachael and Jim, on the
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Clockwise from above: A ship’s mast doubles duty as a support post; a gallery of family photos in the dining area; local artists’ works and souvenirs from travels lend colour and character.
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other hand, have not forgotten the pressures of life on the mainland and give thanks on a daily basis for the lifestyle they now enjoy. The former police officers became part of the island’s permanent population of about 350 in 2010, when they gave up their careers in Sydney to run a resort on Lord Howe. “Jim’s auntie is fifth-generation islander,” Rachael explains. “So he has been visiting since childhood. As a teenager, he spent school holidays here doing various hospitality jobs. I first came here when I met him in 2001 and I was hooked pretty well immediately. It’s a very hard place to get out of your system. Something like 70 per cent of the visitors are repeat customers. The beautiful landscape, the crystal-clear waters, the beaches, the wildlife and the fishing are all world-class. But it’s the lifestyle that gets you hooked. Lord Howe is basically a little country town, with a laid-back lifestyle and some very civilised amenities attached. There’s negligible crime, not many cars, the speed limit is 25 kilometres per hour and most people walk or cycle to get around. It’s a wonderful place to bring up children and we couldn’t be happier.” These days, Jim works as the manager of assets and infrastructure for the island board and Rachael works for the Australian Border Force, checking arriving planes and boats for anything that might impinge the island’s strict biosecurity regulations. Shortly after they arrived, the couple bought their home, one of the
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‘‘The beautiful landscape, the crystal-clear waters, the beaches, the wildlife and the fishing are all world-class.’’
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Clockwise from above: Sooty terns and their young take sanctuary near the clifftop home; the McFadyens at home; the twin peaks of Mounts Gower and Lidgbird dominate the Lord Howe landscape.
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first prefab houses on the island, and they have been gradually doing it up ever since. Their first task was to clear the property of the dense scrub that had enveloped the house during years of being unoccupied. “It was so overgrown you couldn’t even get up the front stairs,” Rachael explains. “To see it now, it’s hard to believe you couldn’t even see the ocean for the trees.” Having opened up to the view, the McFadyens added a deck to one side and christened it with a significant decade party, the first of many celebrations that combine the good fortunes of a spectacular location with a preference for home-based entertaining. “The bulk of our groceries comes from the mainland,” Rachael says. “So you become accustomed to doing a three-monthly shop. We supplement with purchases from island suppliers, but it does tend to generate a self-sufficient mentality. We are all accustomed to baking our own cakes, making things like curry pastes and pasta from scratch and that in turn encourages the country custom of having people over
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rather than going out. Though, of course, there is fine dining available at some of the resorts.” Although Jim and Rachael are hard-pressed to name any downsides to living on Lord Howe, they do admit that the island’s small population means organising team sport is difficult. “Swimming lessons are another thing the children miss out on,” Rachael says. “They can always touch the bottom in the lagoon.” She hastens to point out that these skills will come when the children head to boarding school on the mainland. “Most go away for high school,” she says. “There is an option for them to stay home for the early years and do distance ed classes at the school, but it’s part of island life to board as they get older.” The freedom to play and roam with no fears for their safety is one of many privileges Lord Howe children enjoy. “We feel completely comfortable leaving the children at home in bed while we go for an early morning walk,” Rachael says. “We have an amazing lifestyle and I can’t imagine ever going back to city life.”
DISCOVER ADMIRALTY APARTMENTS Two private self-contained apartments with ocean views through a tropical palm forest. A private track from your apartment takes you on a one minute walk to Neds Beach. Admiralty Apartments is Lord Howe Island’s newest luxury accommodation offering two spacious private self-contained apartments adjacent to the spectacular Neds Beach. Surrounded by spacious gardens and with luxurious styling and fittings, Admiralty Apartments has everything you need to enjoy a fabulous Lord Howe Island experience.
Phone 02 6563 2307
E krick7@bigpond.com
W www.admiraltyapartments.com.au
Leanda Lei Apartments Lord Howe Island
Centrally located off Middle Beach Road our family owned and operated accommodation is the ideal location to enjoy the island. The main grocery store is across the road; Visitor Information Centre, cafe/restaurant and Museum are 150m away; Lagoon Beach and Middle Beach are both 200m away; most other restaurants are within easy walking distance. We offer accommodation to suit all visitors – Superior Studio Apartments (king or twin beds), One Bedroom Apartments (king or twin beds) and Two Bedroom Apartments (queen and single beds, or queen and king bed). All apartments have kitchens and private veranda or balcony. We have a large meeting room, swap library, free phone for local calls, roaming Wi Fi (credit charge direct to provider applies) Set amid spacious lawns and gardens with BBQ areas for your outdoor dining. Cars (advisable to pre book) and push bikes available for hire on the premises. Complimentary airport transfers and transport to restaurants of an evening are provided. Guests at Leanda Lei have priority booking with Marine Adventures Tours (www.marineadventures.com.au) for North Bay Turtle and Nature Tours and Snorkelling Tours
Waimarie have two, one bedroom apartments, with magnificent views of the mountains, lagoon and ocean. Our apartments are spacious, comfortable and quiet. King beds with French linen sheets complimentary sparkling wine and wifi and other extras add to the value .
02 6563 2304 bookings@waimarielordhoweisland.com.au waimarielordhoweisland.com.au
For All Inclusive Package (airfare, accommodation, most meals and a tour each day) contact holidays@oxleytravel.com.au For further information visit www.leandalei.com.au or phone 02 65632195
We look forward to welcoming you to Leanda Lei.
Somerset is perfectly situated between Neds Beach and the Lagoon, on a level area of Lord Howe Island, allowing easy walking and biking to nearby shops, restaurants and the Visitor Centre.
Stylish self catering apartments suited to the natural beauty of the Island, accommodating 10 guests, located in a subtropical hideaway close to Neds Beach. Orientation tour with your hosts on arrival.
E: stay@ebbtide-lhi.com.au P: 02 6563 2023
www.ebbtide-lhi.com.au
The accommodation units are nestled in subtropical palm groves alive with splashes of colour from Hawaiian hibiscus and fragrant frangipani flowers. The grounds are well planned, with tracks meandering through the palms and gardens, giving a sense of seclusion and tropical mystery. Somerset Apartments is the ideal Lord Howe accommodation location for visitors wanting to explore and discover the natural attractions that have made Lord Howe Island famous
Mention Australian country magazine to receive a 10% discount on aÙ direct bÛkings only.
P (02) 6563 2061 F (02) 6563 2110 reservations@somersetlordhowe.com.au www.somersetlordhowe.com.au Neds Beach Road Lord Howe Island NSW 2898
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COMFORT, WARMTH, LUXURY 100% AUSTRALIAN MADE WOOLLEN QUILT
The Heritage quilt is perfect for all year round. Designed to retain warmth without the added weight. Made in Australia with 100% Australian wool. Well suited for both cold and warm nights.
Available online www.woolstar.com.au and instore at Spotlight
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A bed of roses Carol Kennedy finds her expansive garden the perfect antidote to a hectic life. By Ki rst y McKenzi e, photogr a phy Ken Br a s s
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Clockwise from left: Carol regards the garden as respite from a hectic worklife; early morning light on the tennis court; roses abound; scultpure with resting blue wren; climbing roses on the fences add colour and fragrance to the garden.
The sun is barely up when we arrive at the home Carol Kennedy shares with her publican husband, Des, on the northern outskirts of Mudgee in centralwestern NSW. But already, pocket-rocket Carol has been out for her morning run and is busy hauling hoses around the substantial garden she has created around the brick homestead that was built in the 1850s for Mudgee’s pioneering Mogg family. Des is nowhere to be seen as he heads into town early most days to do the tills at their landmark Oriental Hotel before he gets diverted to deal with council business that constitutes his other job as Mudgee’s mayor. Carol puts in a couple of early hours in the garden before she too heads off to the Ori, as the pub is affectionately called, where she supervises a team of five chefs and personally makes the 10 or so cakes, tarts and puddings that fill the pub’s popular dessert bar every day. And then there are the social engagements that pepper every weekend in the winegrowing, agricultural and mining centre and keep the 18,000 people who live in Mudgee and its surrounding towns on the go pretty much year round. There are charity race meetings and balls, football matches, wine
launches and dinners, food and readers’ festivals, Days on the Green at Robert Oatley Vineyards and chamber music events at Huntington Estate to name just a few of the dates that fill the events calendar. While Carol concedes that life is busy, she adds that she’s never known any different since the late ’70s, when she arrived as a new-grad home economics teacher in Tottenham, in the geographic centre of NSW, and fell in love with the dashing young publican’s son. “I was horrified when I got the posting,” Carol admits. “I grew up in Tweed Heads and went to college in australiancountry.net.au
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INSIDE & OUT Clockwise from left: The entrance frames a fountain; a conservatory extension connects indoors with out; lamps add ambience; a striking cobalt corner; high ceilings and French doors opening to the garden create a spacious atmosphere.
Newcastle, so I’d never lived anywhere so remote. But in the end, I loved it. Des and I lived on a property and we had great times there until we moved to Newcastle so he could play rugby league for Charlestown. Then Des got a job as a club manager in Wellington and we moved there in 1980. In the end, we spent 12 years there and I kept teaching and taking aerobics classes in between having six kids. We lived out of town on a beef cattle and sheep property and the children were able to ride motorbikes and horses and we had a pool. Somewhat understandably, they weren’t too impressed when we bought the Lawson Park Hotel in Mudgee in 1992 and then the whole family lived upstairs for five years.” Never ones to shirk a challenge, Des and Carol took the decision to open seven days a week with lunch and dinner service every day. “I was the chef, so it was kind of handy that we lived on-site,” Carol says. “We finally moved out to Bombira in 1997 and I think everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we had space for everyone to spread out in and through the years, we’ve added bits onto the house.” In the intervening years, Des also ran pubs in Singleton and Newcastle and Carol remained involved with the
catering side of those businesses. In 2003, they sold the Lawson Park and bought the Oriental but, rather than slowing things down, life became more hectic, when Des successfully ran for council and then became mayor. Carol says the garden is her respite, the place where she truly relaxes and takes a break from the demands of her many hats, which now also include being grandmother to 10 grandchildren. “I’ve always loved plants and even when we lived above the pub, I had hanging pots all around the australiancountry.net.au
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INSIDE & OUT Clockwise from left: A bull sculpture surrounded by box hedging; Carol uses roses to visually break up the garden expanse; ducks and guinea fowl forage around the property; the brick homestead was built in the 1850s for Mudgee’s pioneering Mogg family.
verandahs,” she says. “But I had to take it up a notch when we moved out here, because the house came with sixand-a-half acres (two-and-a-half hectares). It was mainly natives when we arrived, with a lot of gum trees. But I’m a big fan of Paul Bangay and I wanted something more formal so I introduced Japanese and box hedges. We also introduced loads of hydrangeas, added a tennis court, planted crab apples and snow pears along the drive as well as hundreds of rose bushes at the front and side. My favourites are icebergs and Pierre de Ronsards, but I’ve planted bolder colours as well.” There are chickens for eggs and ducks and guinea fowl roam about the park-like expanse. Carol says she has the help of a gardener one day a week, but the rest of the time, she manages most of the maintenance on her own. A conservatory-style extension with a pizza oven becomes party central when the family gathers and it connects the house with the garden. 46
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“The garden is a wonderful place to be in the early morning and late afternoon,” she says. “If we all get together at times such as Christmas, we can easily number 25, so it’s lovely to have space to play and relax and not be on top of each other. It’s also a constant joy to watch the passage of the seasons.”
Country Creative Promotion
Home comforts The Comfort Inn Aden Mudgee offers everything you’d expect at home with the added bonus of staff to take care of every whim. udgee’s reputation for fine wine was uppermost in Patrick Brennan’s mind when the opportunity to move to town to run the Comfort Inn Aden Mudgee motel presented itself. While the lure of ready access to labels such as Poet’s Corner, Wild Oats and Huntington Estate may have been what brought Patrick and his wife, Sonya, to town just over a year ago, he says closer inspection has revealed many more reasons for wanting to stay there. “I have been amazed by the way the community works together,” the veteran of more than 30 years in the hospitality industry adds. “Mudgee really is an object lesson in how the resources sector can gel with tourism. The town offers benchmark food and wine experiences, fantastic festivals, every conceivable outdoor activity and one of Australia’s best country sports venues in the Glen Willow Stadium. It truly has something for everyone, from the mine worker, winery hand and local business owner to the sales rep, wedding guest, tourist and traveller passing through.” At the Comfort Inn Aden, visitors have the option of motel accommodation in 46 motel rooms, most of them
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recently upgraded, and seven fully self-catering two-bedroom townhouses. The venue also boasts a function centre, an outdoor pool in landscaped surrounds with an undercover barbecue area and breakfast and dinner served in the Palate restaurant. Alongside traditional favourites including duck risotto, lamb shanks and chicken parmigiana, Palate’s menu offers a nod to the motel’s South African owners, with a specials list that includes chicken sosaties, boerewors sausage, lamb bredie and braaied pork ribs. “A local butcher makes the boerewors and we smoke the pork ribs on the premises before finishing them on the char grill,” Patrick explains. “While we use authentic South African spices and chutneys, we try to source all our fresh produce locally. We’ve been mindful of thinking beyond the motel restaurant mindset to offer a casual family dining experience that will attract locals as well as house guests.” The drinks list in the restaurant and bar follows the home-grown philosophy, with all wines sourced within a 10-kilometre radius of town, locally made Goose cider, beers from the Mudgee Brewing Company and spirits and liqueurs from local distillers Baker Williams. “One of our hashtags is ‘there really is a place like home’,” Patrick adds. “We try on every level to live up to that experience. From free wifi and complimentary membership at a local gym to ensuring return visitors get their room of choice, we aim to provide all of the comforts of home, with a few extras. Sonya and I live on site, so this is our home, and we aim to treat all comers as family guests.”
For more information on the Comfort Inn Aden Mudgee visit adenmudgee.com.au or phone (02) 6372 1122 australiancountry.net.au
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‘THE MOST ELEGANT EXPRESSION OF THE MUDGEE STYLE’ GOURMET WINE TRAVELLER
$100 OFF PURCHASES OF A DOZEN OR MORE USING PROMO CODE “AUSCOUNTRY”
TAKE
AT OUR WEBSITE OR WHEN VISITING CELLAR DOOR!
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CUDGEGONG VALLEY, HUNTINGTON ESTATE OFFERS AWARD WINNING WINES CULTIVATED WITH LOVE FROM 50-YEAR VINES.
5 STAR WINERY JAMES HALLIDAY 2012 - 2017
‘Possibly Australia's best small winery' BAREFOOT DRINKER 1800 995 931 WWW.HUNTINGTONESTATE.COM.AU
Just 2 minutes from town THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE.
8+ AWARD-WINNING MUDGEE WINERIES
in a
Taste BUBBLES, WINES and LOTS OF PORTS from all areas of Mudgee. Our cellar door is a TASTE SENSATION on your palate! Being boutique wineries, they have no cellar door of their own, and won’t be found in bottle shops. The best wines you have probably never tasted!
“ONE STOP TASTING SHOP”
for TWO FURLONGS QUILTY WINES BLACK WINES FINDLEY ESTATE WESTCOURT WINES FURLONG WINES ROSEBANK WINES
and more...
Cnr Henry Lawson Drive & Ulan Road, Mudgee NSW 2850 P. 02 6372 2133 | E. furlongwines@bigpond.com
oriental hotel Boutique beers & ciders on tap, plus a large selection of local wines
LIVE LI VE ENTERTAINMENT ENTE R TAI NMENT S ATURDAY NIGHTNIGHTS S FRIDAY & SATURDAY Sports bar, TAB & outdoor smoking lounge
PU B S T Y LE ACCOMMODATION 3 Bedroom self contained cottage accommodation next door
I N DOOR & OU TDOOR DI N I N G & B AR SPACES Functions rooms & function menus
THE ORI KITCHEN Famous for its food the ‘Ori Kitchen’ features Aussie Grass Fed steaks & burgers, classic pizzas, fish & chips plus a wide range of Modern Australia fare Don’t miss our homemade desserts!
Corner of Lewis & Mortimer Streets, Mudgee NSW 2850 | t 02 6372 1074 | enquiries@orientalhotel.com.au
BE A PART OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT Hangar House is a one of a kind sharing the buzz of the aviation industry with the relaxation of luxury. Each one of the 6 bedrooms and suites at Hangar House has an air of sophistication. The design combines the adaptation of the new and bespoke rooms with the touch of old. P: 02 6372 9926 E: hangarhouse@bigpond.com
WWW.HANGARHOUSE.COM.AU
www.orientalhotel.com.au
nestled among the
famous Mudgee Hills 100% natural and
organic certified come visit
Vinifera Wines www.viniferawines.com.au
479 Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee NSW | phone 02 6372 2461 | email sales@viniferawines.com.au
Escape Beauty Spa and wellbeing
An uplifting coastal inspired Escape, boasting a full service salon Menu and a mudgee to coast Day spa experience.ƤƤOwner Karina holds strong beliefs and core values of delivering both result driven treatments and achieving relaxing Escapes for her clientele. Whether you visit for a Skin concern, brow wax or some much needed R&R you will Ānd your self everytime in caring, knowledged and professional hands, immersed into a vacation from life within the beautiful oasis that is Escape.Ƥ
Oýering an array of beauty treatments, wellbeing andƤadvanced MediSpa treatments,Ƥincluding: Waxing, manicure and pedicures, spray tans, makeup, facials, lash and brow treatments, massage and body treatments, infrared sauna, dental grade teeth whitening, injectables, IPL hair reduction and skin rejuvenation, LEDƤlight therapy, and body contouring.
SKIN • BODY • DAY SPA • MEDI SPA • ESCAPE Call | 6372 6169
Email | escapebeautyspa@bigpond.com
SMS | 0413339620
| By appointment only
Mudgee’s Parkview Hotel is one of the area’s most distinguished heritage-listed buildings, built c. 1870.
Transformed into modern luxury Delivering the true meaning of Modern Country Elegance. BOOKINGS www.parkviewhotelmudgee.com.au 02 6372 7584 | info@parkviewhotelmudgee.com.au 99 Market Street, Mudgee, NSW 2850
Stay on a working olive grove just 15 minutes from Mudgee
A taste of Tuscany in MudgÖ
Luxury country accomodation and farm gate store and coffee shop. Experience Karrabool’s award winning extra virgin olive oil at their boutique store and coffee shop or stay in luxury country accommodation at Blue Shed Retreat with a spa under the stars.
KARRABOOL OLIVES
0439 361 447 info@karraboololives.com.au 408 botobolar rd karraboololives.com.au
P R E M I U M I TA L I A N VA R I E TA L W I N E S
Vibrant wines that evoke the senses, stand out in a crowd and bring together friends and family on any occasion and with any cuisine. VISIT US IN MUDGEE OR ONLINE | 577 Burrundulla Rd, Mudgee NSW | 0418 161 132 or 0407 701 014 | firstridge.com.au
Parklands Resort is the ideal place for your next getaway - set on 30 acres of land and beautiful manicured gardens with a serene outlook, right on the gateway to the Mudgee wine trail where you can sample the best food and wine the region has to offer. Our rooms are very spacious and well equipped with all of the modern conveniences you need for a great stay, all rooms feature a private verandah overlooking the property where you can relax with a view. We have lots of facilities and activities to keep you busy including tennis court, swimming pool and Útness centre.
Parklands Resort & Conference Centre 121 Ulan Road, Mudgee NSW 2850 02 6372 4500 | sales@parklandsresort.com.au
For all your soapy needs
WWW P WWW.PARKLANDSRESORT.COM.AU
Mudgee's Oldest Pub
A real country pub with loads of good old fashioned timeless charm dating back to the 1860's, with 60 great Mudgee Wines, 18 Top Beers & an award winning bistro (The Red Heifer) made famous for its man-size steaks and delicious roasts. Part of Qantas Travel Insiders Best Country Pubs in NSW Pub Crawl.
& MUDGEE SOAPS
• Handmade Medal Winning Natural Olive Oil Soaps • Locally Sourced Olive Oil (including our own) • All Natural Colours & Scents (unscented also available) • For all types of Skin and Hair • Free from Palm Oil For more information please contact
www.feirmlee.com.au info@feirmlee.com.au | 0429 200 959
• Charming Country Hospitality & Service • Diverse Gastropub Dishes • Award Winning Steaks • Open Fireplaces • Beer Garden • Kids Playground • Live Music 1 CHURCH ST. MUDGEE | 6372 2183 | WWW.LAWSONPARKHOTEL.COM.AU
COME TO MUDGEE & STOP BY THE
SLOWFOX CELLAR DOOR TRY OUR HAND CRAFTED WINES INCLUDING OUR CRISP VIOGNIER MOUTH FILLING MALBEC & COMFORTING SHIRAZ
SLOWFOX WINES
TRANQUILITY AND LUXURY IN BEAUTIFULLY ARCHITECTURED ACCOMMODATION Surrounded by vineyards and offering lovely countryside views, Owl Head Lodge features a selection of cottage and apartment accommodation close to the historic township of Gulgong and a scenic drive to the wineries of Mudgee.
196 BLACK SPRINGS ROAD MUDGEE
02 6373 3087 SLOWFOXWINES@GMAIL.COM
WWW.SLOWFOXWINES.COM
OWLHEADLODGE.COM.AU 241 Bergalin Road, Gulgong, New South Wales info@owlheadlodge.com.au | 0418 675 555
Fresh, Luxurious, Peaceful Three beautiful guest rooms, bath tubs, open ямБre and salt water pool.Delicious breakfasts. An acre of gardens just an easy stroll to town.
Relax, unwind, enjoy. 1 Bombira Ave, Mudgee NSW 2850 Telephone: (02) 6372 9005 Mobile: 0438 940 398 stay@birchesmudgee.com.au www.birchesmudgee.com.au
Luxury Knitwear
Fel l a H am ilton is th e d es ti n ati on f or in s pi r ed f a s hions th at dr es s wom en beautifully for life’s every o ccas ion.
Freecall 1800 800 866 for our new catalogue, mail order & enquiries. Shops located in VIC, NSW, SA & ACT Gift cards available. www.fellahamilton.com.au
fashion
A spirited conversation there’s nothing like a nip of Manly spirits’ finest to warm the cockles on a winter’s day. Or a classic cocktail to start the party at the end of a hard week at work. P h oto g r a p hy K e n Br a s s, h a i r & m a k e- u p Mi r i a m Va n C o ot e n a s s i s t e d by K a y l a G r e e n
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Untouched World Fjord Crevasse jacket in felted possum, Merino and silk blend, $669, from Eco Haven, with Sacha Drake black wide-legged jersey pants, $149, from Birdsnest.
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Above : Paula Ryan knife-pleat skirt, $490, off-shoulder top, $395, and adjustable belt, $230, with oriental red necklace, $169, all from The Soleilo Store. Opposite : Thomas Cook Wonder Jean, $119.95, Zig Zag knit poncho in Pebble, $139.95, and Merino skivvy, $79.95, with She Wear mid-calf wellies, $99. australiancountry.net.au
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Above: Thomas Cook slim-leg Wonder Jean, $119.95, with stirrup-buckle belt, $64.95, Trentham boots, $299.95, Goondiwindi Cotton navy rose print shirt, $159, and Akubra Speakeasy hat, $210. Opposite: Smitten Merino palazzo pants, $259, with sleeveless cowl-neck top, $169, and Flame Red scarf, $139. 60
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Above : Smitten Merino black palazzo pants, $259, with limited-edition Grey Herringbone long coat, $795, and black round-neck, long-sleeved top, $149. Opposite : Thomas Cook scarf, $29.95, Jagger felt hat, $69.95, Moleskin Wonder Jean, $99.95, Merino skivvy, $79.95, and Tarndanya boot, $299.95. australiancountry.net.au
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Above : Bohemian Traders Desert Rose kimono, $179, and indigo wide-legged jeans, $159, with FRANKiE4 Naomi ankle boot in Cognac, $299.95. 64
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Sup∞rfin∞ m∞rino wool fashion
Alpaca Throw Rug
Cream Ellie Swing Dress with Black Kimono Coat
Violet Purple Audrey Shift Dress
Tasmanian own∞d and Tasmanian mad∞
www.smittenmerino.com Phon∞: 03 6212 0197 | Fr∞∞ Shipping Australia Wid∞
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Inspired by ... They say the accessories maketh the man (OR woman) and these divine details prove the point. c omp i l e d by k i r s t y mc k e nz i e
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11 1 Thomas Cook Tarndanya boots, $299.95, thomascook.com.au 2 Smitten Merino scarf, $139, smittenmerino.com 3 Paula Ryan belt, $230, soleilo.com.au 4 She Wear wellies, $99, shewear.com.au 5 Glamwrap Traveller scarf in Cadmium Red, $129, glamwrap.com.au, & Bird Keepers wrap dress, $109.95, birdsnest.com.au 6 Oriental necklace, $169, soleilo.com.au 7 Thomas Cook Jagger hat, $69.95, thomascook.com.au 8 Akubra Speakeasy hat, $210, akubra.com.au 9 Thomas Cook scarf, $29.95, thomascook.com.au 10 FRANKiE4 Naomi boots, $299.95, frankie4.com.au 11 Thomas Cook stirrup-buckle belt, $64.95, thomascook.com.au
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162 Bungaree Road, Pendle Hill NSW 2145 Phone: (02) 9896 0109 Email: info@antiquebaths.com.au
Visit our website
www.antiquebaths.com.au
QUE BATH I T S AN SYDNEY
Traditional restorers of cast iron items in authentic Vitreous enamel Antique baths is the only company in Australia today restoring old cast iron baths and manufacturing using the traditional Vitreous (porcelain) enamel method, which has stood the test of time for over a century. The only company in Australia that can restore Heritage Listed cast iron items. With over twenty seven years in the business, this family run company prides itself on the personalised and friendly service it offers and
on the quality of its product. Clients can choose from a huge selection of baths and basins, some dating back to the 19th Century, including the rare and unusual. Antique Baths have a wide range of clientele, ranging from families with small children that love to have toys while bathing, to celebrities and professional people, from Sydney to Perth, Darwin to Melbourne, and everywhere in between.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Zeil for life Art and life fuse in a kaleidoscope of colour and enthusiasm in a creative corner of coastal Queensland. By Ki rst y McKenzi e, photogr a phy Ken Br a s s
If it stands still, it will probably be covered in mosaics at the home artist Veronika Zeil shares with her husband, John Rolfe and their young adult offspring, Isabel, Larissa and Marius, in the bush not far from Rockhampton in central Queensland. From the lampshades and the mailbox to the windowsills, the garden furniture and even the tankstand, Veronika has applied her trademark mosaics with her whirlwind enthusiasm for colour and creativity. The rest of the family are no slouches either when it comes to making their mark on the block of land they have transformed from a bare paddock to a subtropical paradise. John, who in his day job is a resource economist at Central Queensland University, loves welding and makes seats, sculptures and gates from branding irons, and engineering and physics student Marius also tinkers with metalwork. Law and economics student Larissa is alsoE an artist and plant pathologist Isabel likes nothing better than getting her hands dirty in the garden. The adventure began in 1986 when John literally picked Veronika up as he was driving back from a cattle sale in Emerald to the family farm where he had grown up at Springsure. She had left her home in the ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps and was hitching around Australia with a girlfriend when he saw their sign on the side of a XXXX carton and stopped to give them a lift. “My cousin was a biologist who was working on Hinchinbrook Island and he had shown me pictures of Australia,” Veronika recalls. “My friend and I worked in a factory to raise the money for the flights to Perth and we hitch-hiked from there. We had a map and a rough idea of where we wanted to go, but I was rather stopped in my tracks once I met John.” For the next 15 years, John, who had completed his degree by correspondence, divided his time between the farm and a teaching and research career, while Veronika devoted herself to working on the land
Clockwise from left: Fencing wire and cables take on new life; a barbed-wire cockatoo perches on a fence post; car park lamp shades get Veronika’s attention; if it stands still, it will be covered in mosaics.
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and raising a young family. Remote and isolated though the life was, Veronika says she loved the central west and made many lifelong friends there including Bloss Hickson, whose story we ran in Australian Country 21.2. “We were frequent visitors to Huntly and involved in a reconciliation project together,” she recalls. “The children were eager participants in Bloss’s moviemaking projects and she has also been very supportive of my art and has bought a number of my works.” While Veronika adds that the family enjoyed wild and beautiful times in the bush, she found farm work extremely demanding. Somehow, in between fencing, mustering and looking after the livestock and the children, she found the time to complete a Bachelor of Science in biology. ‘‘While we had a deep connection to the land, at the end of the day, it was empire building and it almost killed me intellectually,” she recalls. Respite came in the form of an arts retreat at McGregor College, now part of the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. “I enrolled in a lead-lighting course with glass artist Norman Birrell,” Veronika says. “I hadn’t realised how much I needed a creative outlet until I started. In fact, it changed my life as it got me back to art and gave me back my self-confidence.” Countless courses and classes down the track, Veronika has established herself as a painter and mosaic artist in her own right and these days works from a large, open studio beside the house. Although they still own the cattle station, they made the decision to move to the coast when the children were entering high school, and it’s one Veronika has not regretted for an instant. “My parents followed me to Australia and it was good to be closer to them,” she says. “My mother still lives in Yeppoon and while she is fiercely independent, it’s nice to be able to see her regularly. Besides, here I am free to be exactly who I want to be.” In a stroke of serendipity, soon after the move, she met artist neighbour Ainslie McMahon at a local fire brigade meeting. “She mainly works in acrylics on canvas, but the fact is she can do anything from painting to sculpture and pottery,” Veronika says. “When we met, we were
Clockwise from left: Marius, Larissa, Veronika and John on a tree trunk from their Springsure property; even the letterbox has been madeover; colourful armchairs provide focus in the front garden.
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“I’ve taught mosaics all over the west, but now I prefer to focus on my home, studio, family and whatever the next exhibition is. We both hold workshops at home and that keeps me afloat and frees me up to follow my own way.” both at a similar stage with our art careers and we were ready to experiment and trial different things. We’ve been working together for 13 years now and we’re both taking workshops at home as well as exhibiting together at joint exhibitions.” Veronika and Ainslie have exhibited at regional galleries all over Queensland and toured to teach in regional areas. However, after a recent brush with ill health, Veronika has scaled back her travels, to focus on working and teaching from her home studio. “I’ve taught mosaics all over the west, but now I prefer to focus on my home, studio and family and whatever the next exhibition is,” she says. “We both hold workshops at home and that keeps me afloat and frees me up to follow my own way. However, the true secret to my business model is that I married my benefactor, as John supports me every step of the way.” Having said that, Veronika believes that it’s important to step out of her comfort zone on a regular basis. She completed a Master of Visal Arts by correspondence through Monash University and found the intensive residencies both challenging and encouraging. “There was no hierarchy there and it was a great learning environment,” she says. “You need that stimulation to keep growing. Even great artists produce crap at times and that’s OK because, if you don’t, where will the work that is extraordinary come from? I love being here
Clockwise from left: Bold colours in every room make a great foil for artworks; a hybrid creature called a wolperdinger on the dresser is a nod to Veronika’s Bavarian heritage; a bold palette in the sitting room.
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and working hard in my studio but four or five times a year, I have to take myself out of my tiny pond and see if I can swim with the big fish.” In Veronika’s world that means every couple of years attending the travelling symposiums organised by the Society of American Mosaic Artists, which always introduces her to new products that provide inspiration. As well, she attends workshops at the Cooee Bay Studios, which have introduced her to artists as diverse as Idris Murphy, Victor Mayzner, Peter Sharpe, David Fairburn and Zoe Turlonger. But being at home on their 25 acres (10 hectares) between Rockhampton and Yeppoon is her default mode. Veronika, John and the children have created a beautiful garden strewn with sculptures. “There was nothing when we started, so we put in two dams and took it from there,’’ Veronika says. ‘‘We’ve shifted tonnes of rocks, planted trees and a vegie garden and put in a hobbit track to all the interesting spots. John wanted a tennis court, but I don’t like chasing balls so I made a garden room with two armchairs that I mosaiced. There’s also a pair of brolgas that I made from barbed wire from Springsure. It was left behind by American soldiers after WWII.” Inside the house, bold is beautiful, with every room a different colour, the walls adorned with her own and friends’ works and the floors covered with rag rugs handcrafted by her mother from old mountain jackets. The adjacent studio is filled with works in progress and found objects that might one day become sculpture. When Australian Country visited, Veronika was deep into a work that included a discarded satellite dish and some lights that once illuminated a McDonalds’ car park. “I like using found objects and glass people give me,” she explains. “I don’t like waste so it’s a constant challenge to find ways to use things up.” Equally, Veronika says she has no intention of slowing down any time soon and adds that she plans to keep working well into her dotage. “Art and life are inseparable,” she says. “The concept of retirement is bizarre to me. Why would you stop doing the things that are the most rewarding?” Clockwise from left: Found objects make a whimsical sculpture; Veronika has a keen eye for a grouping; batik and bold colours in a bedroom; the home is filled with works by Veronika and her many artistic friends; a stark self portrait demands attention in the studio at her home, which is near Rockhampton in tropical Queensland.
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on the Peninsula
Santa’s Place on the Peninsula has been operating for 17 years, so they must be doing something right. Comments from customers who have travelled around the world comment they are just as good as any Christmas Shop anywhere. Everything you could want to celebrate Christmas can be found at Santa’s Place you can even cut your own Christmas Tree from Mistletoe Farm at Santa’s Place. Decorations of every kind, from Tree to Table, can also be found at Santa’s Place. Ideas to decorate your Home or Shop inside & out are on display. When Christmas Shopping and you just want to relax for a while, Mrs Claus Kitchen at Santa’s Place provides light Lunches, Coffee, as well as Beer & Wine. Friendly Staff are always ready to assist with ideas for decorating with Lighting, Tableware, Animated Products, Tree Decorations etc. If It’s Christmas it’s at Santa’s Place.
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TRAVELLERS’ REST
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TRAVELLERS’ REST
Clear thinking On a clear day you can see forever … or at least to Sellicks Beach and across Gulf St Vincent from this award-winning abode perched in the Fleurieu hills. By Ki rst y McKenzi e, photogr a phy Ros s Willi a ms, st yling Br ont e Ca milleri
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Clockwise from right: Shirley and Arthur enjoy time with their Poodle; the house is splendidly located with views to the sea; the outdoor setting is great for entertaining.
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“Small, but perfectly formed” is how Shirley Robertson describes the home she shares with her husband, Arthur, at Myponga on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The elongated three-bedroom house has one side of floor-to-ceiling glazing to capture views to the beach and beyond. A hallway “wide enough to ride bikes down”, sizeable laundry with loads of cupboards and a large, open-plan living, dining and kitchen area were other components of the brief the Robertsons gave to Adelaide architect Max Pritchard. His response earned him the Australian Institute of Archictects 2015 award for residential architecture and builder Rob Hocking Housing Institute of Australia accolades. At one end of the pavilion, the suspended living area appears to leap towards the ocean views, while the other end is embedded into an earth berm, which visually anchors it into the hillside and serves the practical purpose of added insulation. Double glazing, a concrete floor for thermal mass, correct orientation and multiple sliding doors for cross ventilation add up to a house that rarely requires air conditioning and is adequately heated by a single, extremely efficient fireplace fed with logs collected from dead trees on the property. The whole house is wrapped in splendid stone walls, constructed from rocks which Shirley and Arthur back-breakingly harvested from the surrounding paddocks.
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Above: A single, efficient fireplace in the living room heats the entire building. Right: Travel souvenirs and artworks add character throughout.
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“We bought the block 10 years before we built,” Shirley explains. “We collected rocks for years whenever we were down on weekends. I was the one with a crowbar and Arthur drove the wheelbarrow. Even the dog used to help out by keeping us company.” Solar panels on the roof, which is also used to catch rainwater stored in tanks, further contribute to a house that is both energy efficient and extremely comfortable to live in. “A recent electricity bill was $60 for three months, so we are very happy with the way the house performs,” Shirley says. “We are also in the process of re-establishing an orchard and vegetable garden. It all fits with our intention of touching the earth as lightly as possible.” A showpiece though the building unquestionably is, it’s first and foremost a family home. “It was very important that friends and family feel comfortable here,” Shirley says. “We did install blinds on the windows, but that was mainly for visitors who might feel uncomfortable sleeping or showering in full view of the landscape. When we’re here on our own, they are never closed.” For the Robertsons, retirement on the Fleurieu Peninsula brings a sense of permanence that was absent for most of their working lives. Arthur left his hometown of Echuca on the Murray River to pursue a future in banking and met Melbourne-raised Shirley, who had her own career in fashion sales. They married 40 years ago and commenced a peripatetic life with Westpac
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TRAVELLERS’ REST
Above: The Robertsons installed blinds in deference to visitors, but rarely need to close them. Right: A brass bed in the master bedroom.
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when they headed to the Solomon Islands with their children, Nathan and Imogen (Mim), aged three and four. From there, they hopped all over the Pacific from Port Moresby to Fiji with stints in Melbourne and Brisbane in between. When they finally came home to roost in 2001, it was in Adelaide and Shirley says the 15 years she spent there were the longest she lived anywhere in her adult life. The house is filled with souvenirs from their many exotic homes, though Shirley admits, these days, she tries to give things away rather than accumulate them. A wine cellar at the berm end of the house has been transformed into a stockroom for an online linen business called Mim and Mae, which Shirley runs with Imogen. “Immy was living in Vietnam when we started,” she explains. “We specialise in doona covers and sheets made from French linen, and it keeps me busy with orders most days. Imogen, her husband and their baby have recently moved to the Gold Coast, so our travels tend to be focused on Queensland these days.” With so much expat history, it’s probably not surprising that Shirley says they settled swiftly into the Myponga home when they moved down. “We have wonderful neighbours who have made us very welcome,” she says. “We’re still in touch with Adelaide because it’s less than an hour’s drive and quite a pleasant one. We have a choice of beautiful beaches at our doorstep yet, because we’re up on the hill, we don’t have to worry about holiday crowds. I truly believe we have the best of both worlds.”
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OUR COUNTRY LIFE
A labour of love From upcycling old furniture to restoring an almost derelict cottage, Lisa Post says her work is a pleasure as it allows her to be creative. By Ki rst y McKenzi e, photogr a phy Ken Br a s s
Lisa Post can trace her love of restoration and renovation back to her school days in her home country, England. Inspired by the transformation of some chairs her parents inherited and then restored, at the age of 15, she signed up for woodworking classes. Her teacher helped her build the frame, she sourced the upholstery fabric from a John Lewis sale and earned herself an A-grade result as well as a crash course in the rewards of DIY. It was the start of a long career as a fixer-upper and now Lisa and her husband, Nathan, have recently completed 84
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a massive renovation on their cottage on a farm near Armidale in the NSW New England Tablelands. As well, Lisa is in the process of turning her hobby into a business called the House of Delapré, with a workshop at the back of the house where she upholsters furniture and makes accessories such as cushions, curtins, blinds and lampshades. “I was an 18-year-old backpacker when I first came to Australia,” she explains. “It was 2003 and meant to be a gap-year adventure, but my return ticket went out the window when I met Nathan who was working in a bar where I got a job. It turned out to be three years before I went back to the UK.”
OUR COUNTRY LIFE
This page: Boots and all for the country life with flowers from Thea Flora’s Eve Flower Farm. Opposite: Lisa and Nathan were hands-on in the restoration process.
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OUR COUNTRY LIFE Clockwise from left: Lisa and Nathan with Freddie and baby Henry; they support local businesses including buying plants from Cedar Nursery in Armidale; upcycled furniture adds a rustic ambience.
While Lisa is a relative newcomer, Nathan’s roots go back to 1854 when his ancestors arrived in the country from Germany. They gained employment as shepherds for surveyor and pastoralist Henry Dangar and eventually bought land of their own in the New England region. While Nathan grew up on his family’s fine Merino property at Gostwyck, he has forged a career off farm and now runs tenders in Armidale. In 2007 Nathan and Lisa, by this stage engaged, headed to the UK and Northamptonshire, where Lisa studied art history and their son, Freddie, was born. “Once again, that was meant to be three years but it turned into seven,” Lisa recalls. “Nathan wanted to come back to a farming environment and we couldn’t afford to do it in the UK. When he got the job in Armidale, we started our search for a bit of land with a house we could do up.” They got a little more than they bargained for when they found a dream block with a run-down cottage
“Anyone else would have said the house was a write-off, but I felt an emotional attachment to it as soon as we drove in ... but, I must admit, there were times when I feared we’d bitten off more than we could chew.” perched on a hill just 15 minutes from Armidale. “Anyone else would have said the house was a writeoff,” Lisa says. “But I felt an emotional attachment to it as soon as we drove in. I worked for a building company in the UK and I’ve lived through a few renovations but, I must admit, there were times when I feared we’d bitten off more than we could chew. To start with, you australiancountry.net.au
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OUR COUNTRY LIFE Clockwise from this page: Furnishings are a mix of family pieces and new purchases; a wool stencil in the kitchen references Nathan’s onfarm childhood; Freddie enjoys some quiet time.
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couldn’t see the views for the overgrowth. We had to get a bulldozer in to clear it away before we could even think about starting work.” With a close eye on the budget, Lisa and Nathan were determined to do as much of the work as possible themselves and they lived in a caravan on-site until the cottage was waterproof and habitable. “Most of the timber was rotten,” Lisa recalls. “So we had to take it back to the frame and we were hands-on for the demolition and tasks including installing the membrane and the insulation. It took 10 weeks to get a new roof on and then we were able to start filling in the details. I must admit living in a caravan with a baby was a pretty big incentive to get the job done quickly and, in the end, Nathan and I did much of the painting at night wearing head lamps so we could see what we were doing.” The end, however, justified the means and three years down the track, the family, with baby Henry a recent addition, can finally enjoy the fruits of their considerable labours. Nathan has introduced a herd of cattle to the farm, a mix of a Canadian breed called Speckle Park and Angus. Although Lisa continues to work part-time in Armidale, she can now enjoy putting the finishing australiancountry.net.au
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Freddie’s bedroom features an Indigo Love throw from Jumbled and rugs and a quilt from local homewares store Frank & Bernie.
touches to the house and developing a garden. Her upholstering hobby is quietly consuming more and more of her spare time, and she hopes to turn it into a full-time business before too long. “I started out just doing odd things up for friends,” Lisa explains. “I’d always upholstered and upcycled old wares for myself, but just before I had Freddie I did a course in the UK. Three years ago I did a class with David Barrone of Furniture Runway in Sydney. I worked up the courage to tell him I had the idea of taking it more seriously and he was most encouraging. ‘‘I’ve been doing monthly classes with him and gradually I’ve built things up and I now have 90
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connections with fabric houses and a few local businesses that use my services.” Appropriately called the House of Delapré, which is both the name of a landmark abbey in Northamptonshire and a French suffix meaning “of the meadow or fields”, Lisa is growing both a following and commissions via Instagram. “I pretty much work seven days a week,” she confesses. “But it’s creative so it doesn’t feel like work. It’s hard to believe it all started with that school project. I guess you could say I’m living proof that you never know what’s around the corner.” Follow Lisa on Instagram @house_of_delapre.
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High country superlatives Is it possible for a region to have it all? From downhill and cross-country skiing to cycling, hiking and hang-gliding, Victoria’s High Country offers the gamut of outdoor challenges. Benchmark wines, a raft of distilleries and breweries and a thriving local-produce-driven food scene add up to a complete package for visitors. By Ki r s t y Mc K e nz i e , p h oto g r a p hy K e n Br a s s
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Escape routes Left: The High Country turned on its snow-laden best following the ‘‘the dump of the decade’’. Below: While the cattlemen’s huts that dot the landscape may appear quaint, they meant the difference between life and death for stockmen stranded in harsh weather conditions.
Patience, they say, is a virtue. Certainly it is when it comes to making crumpets. As Beechworth Honey’s CEO Sara Quon explains, the secret to cooking a great crumpet is low and slow. If you want those amazing little tunnels to soak up the gooey, buttery, honey-laden deliciousness that elevates a crumpet into a culinary masterpiece, you can’t rush it. You need the little air bubbles to work their way up through the batter until eventually they pop. It takes a good four to five minutes for that to happen. Anything less and you’ll just have a ring of batter that’s burnt on one side and gloopy in the middle. Sara takes the time to impart this homespun wisdom at the Bee School, an education centre and cooking school at Beechworth Honey HQ in a former bank building in the centre of the remarkably well-preserved goldrush town. As well as providing visitors with a venue for learning about the inner workings of a hive and the
importance of pollinators to the future of agriculture and bio-security, the Bee School is home to the Lost Arts series of cooking and craft classes, where you can learn everything from the fundamentals of beekeeping and making candles from beeswax to pickling, drawing with charcoal and how to pimp up a pavlova. Plus, of course, old-school crumpet making. A few hundred metres up the road at the Beechworth Honey Experience, visitors can taste the difference between delicate, fruity and warm-flavoured honeys and learn how fourth-generation beekeepers Jodie and Steven Goldsworthy bought their own bees in 1999 and started their label shortly afterwards. Today, they are not just a national brand with more than 40 different eucalypt and floral honeys in the range, they are also passionate educators on the diverse uses for honey and the fact that 65 per cent of Australia’s agricultural produce is pollinated by honey bees. There has been a decline in Australia’s mainstream beekeepers since 2008, which means australiancountry.net.au
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Beechworth Honey’s housemade crumpets 375g plain flour ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 tablespooon baking powder 7g dried yeast 2 teaspoons caster sugar 500ml water, warm, not hot Sift flour, carb soda and baking powder into a mediumsized bowl. Add yeast and sugar and stir to combine. Add warm water and stir well until free from lumps. Cover bowl and rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Cook in greased, non-stick rings on low heat in a non-stick frying pan until fine holes appear on the top. When the crumpet looks nearly entirely cooked, remove the ring and turn the crumpet. Cook briefly to seal the top. Clockwise from opposite: Red Ramia Trading is a vast emporium with a cafe attached; crumpets made at the Bee School; Beechworth Honey’s Sara Quon demonstrates.
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that 60 per cent of Australia’s honey is produced by 250 beekeepers and Australia’s future food security and agricultural prosperity lies in the hands of around 1400 barely viable, ageing beekeepers. All of which sounds like a very good reason to master the art of crumpet making and spoon on some honey. Beechworth, population approximately 4000, is one of the major towns in the Victorian High Country, which extends south-east from Albury-Wodonga on the Hume Highway and encompasses the alpine regions of the lower reaches of the Great Dividing Range. The region may have gained fame for the ski fields of Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain, Mount Buffalo and Mount Buller, but these days, it’s summer, rather than winter that attracts the lion’s share of visitors. Several rail trails along disused tracks make cycle touring a popular pursuit and of course the mountains are popular with bikers and bushwalkers. The gold rushes populated the region in the 1850s, but today the major industry is agriculture, with honey just the start of a cornucopia of produce that ranges from apples, pears, berries and cherries to asparagus, olives, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant. Nuts, including chestnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, and dairy products (with famous by-products including Milawa cheeses and Gundowring ice creams) add to this larder, and free-range pork, lamb, beef, goat, trout, yabbies and Murray Cod further encourage a culture of fine dining. Beechworth’s Provenance restaurant boasts two chefs’ hats, while The Terrace Restaurant at All Saints Estate and Patricia’s Table at Brown Brothers also have a hat each. Then there’s a plethora of cafes — from The Pickled Sisters at Wahgunyah and Saint Monday in Yackandandah to Coral Lee and Ginger Baker in Bright — further spreading the produce word. Add a smattering of gastro pubs, including the Snowline in Harrietville, the Happy Valley Hotel in Myrtleford and the Wandi Pub in Wandiligong, and there’s no risk you’ll go hungry in this neck of the woods. Nor will you want for a drink as the wine scene is thriving, with the High Country divided into subregions including the King Valley, which has a strong Italian accent and is noted for its Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Prosecco. With its warmer climate and lower-lying vineyards, Rutherglen is known for its rich reds including Durif and Shiraz and liquid-sunshine fortifieds such as Muscat and Topaque. The cooler-growing seasons of the Alpine Valleys (of the Ovens, Buffalo, Buckland and Kiewa Rivers) are famed for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
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Clockwise from opposite: Shelter in the snow; skiers at Hotham Central; Alex Williams talks gin at the Hurdle Creek Still; Bright Brewery offers tastings and tours; panfried gnocchi with broccolini, roasted tomatoes, pesto and bacon at Amulet Vineyard.
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as well as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s also a paddle of microbreweries in the region, including Beechworth’s Bridge Road Brewers, Dinner Plain’s Blizzard Brewing Company and the Bright Brewery, where beer lovers can take a tour and tasting on Friday, Saturday or Monday and enjoy live music on Sundays. Groups of a maximum of four can book in for a Brewer for a Day experience, a full day of hands-on brewing and tasting. Food and drinks merge 10 kilometres west of Beechworth at Amulet Vineyard where Sue and Eric Thornton and their son, Ben Clifton, make Italian-style wines and Beechworth cider. They serve lunch at the cellar door on weekends, just the perfect length of time to top up your Tesla at the charging station that runs on electricity harvested by solar panels on the winery roof. A winter menu might include Barbera-braised beef cheeks or pan-fried gnocchi with broccolini, pesto and smoked bacon and a regional tasting plate including cheeses from Boosey Creek, locally cured meats and olives. Continue south to Milawa and past the HQs for Milawa mustard and cheese and the legendary Brown Brothers winery to Hurdle Creek Still at Bobinawarrah where Wendy Williams and Simon Brooke-Taylor create gin from a grain spirit they make from local barley and oats and infuse with botanicals grown in their front garden. Son Alex Williams mans the cellar door shed and guides tasters through their range, which includes their signature Yardarm gin infused with hops (Simon was a master brewer in a former life), Evolution Aniseed gin, Powder Monkey Navy Strength Dutch-style gin, Pastis and a limited-edition cherry gin. After rejoining the Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford is a good spot to grab a coffee thanks to an Italian heritage that dates from the hop and tobacco farmers who originally farmed in the area. For a completely different cultural experience, drop into Cafe Fez, a little outpost of Morocco in a vast barn bazaar called Red Ramia Trading. It would be a travel-weary shopper indeed who failed to find something tempting in the immense array of wares. From Moroccan tea glasses, lanterns and teapots to Indian throws and furniture, Chinese antiques and Japanese kimonos, there’s truly something for everyone in the riot of colour on display. The Ramia family also offers accommodation at Panoramia Villas, selfcontained apartments with views of the Ovens Valley four kilometres out of town. You can enjoy views and a private tour of a
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Clockwise from opposite: Howling Huskys provides an exhilarating experience; Simeon Crawley at Bright Chocolate; cacao beans ready for processing; Bushies Love Shack; a hot swim in the snow at the Onsen Retreat and Spa at Dinner Plain.
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winery and vineyard by booking into the apartment accommodation above the cellar door at Feathertop Winery, where tastings and platters are available on weekends. Or detour a bit further up the road to Bushies Love Shack, where Fay and Robert Bushby have turned a forestry hut into a self-contained apartment with an outdoor bath that comfortably holds two. Australian Country, however, headed on to Bright where we stayed in luxuriously appointed digs right on the rail trail courtesy of Bright Luxury Apartments. Next morning we dropped into Bright Chocolate, where Simeon and Shannon Crawley are one of the few chocolate makers in the country to produce the delicious treat from bean to bar. From their factory in a historic brick stable building they guide visitors through the process from fermentation, roasting and husking to refining, conching, tempering, moulding and, of course, tasting. In a stroke of sheer serendipity, we chose the week of the “dump of the decade” to head up to ski country at Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain. It’s only 56km from Bright to Mount Hotham, but the altitude rises more than 1300 metres and, during the season, all vehicles, even 4WDs, must carry diamond-pattern chains when travelling (one-way hire is available). We’re newbies to this snow bunny business, so the prospect of fitting chains and driving on the steep and winding road with heavy snow cover and fresh falls swirling around is daunting to say the least. Fortunately, when we pull up at the chain-fitting bay, a rosy-cheeked, lumber-jacketed young man takes pity on us and takes care of the macramé of chains in a matter of minutes. From there on, it’s a matter of taking it slow and steady. By the time we get to Mount Hotham, there’s a virtual white out on the road. Having driven on alpine roads during summer, I’ve always wondered why the red and yellow poles are so tall. But now it’s bleeding obvious, as the tops are just peeking out through the cliffs of snow and in the dense fog, they are the only indicator of where the road actually is. By the time we reach Dinner Plain, Australia’s only freehold land above the snow line and a popular destination for families and cross-country skiers, the skies have cleared and we find ourselves in an absolute winter wonderland. Dinner Plain village is architecturally remarkable, as the designers decreed that all buildings must take their inspiration from the High Country cattlemen’s huts. So there are strict rules governing
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Clockwise from above: Jean-François Rupp serves fondue in his Alpine Nature Experiences tipi in the bush; a welcome fire in the snow; an even more welcome glass of glühwein on arrival; an intoxicating amalgam of cheese and wine is the feast’s highlight.
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the materials — stone, timber and corrugated iron — and even the colours, which must blend with the alpine landscape. It was a truly inspired piece of 1980s master planning and to see it under snowy conditions is a privilege. Dinner Plain also offers a truly bucket-list experience at the Onsen Retreat and Spa where, alongside the usual menu of massages and beauty treatments, patrons can enjoy a dip in the outdoor onsen, a Japanesestyle thermally heated pool, with the curiously Australian accent of snow-laden eucalypts all around. The treats don’t stop there though as that afternoon we have a date with Howling Huskys. Dog sledding may be commonplace in the northern hemisphere, but here it’s a relative novelty and the folk at Howling Huskys take visitors on 30-minute tours through the snow. We meet our musher (Husky handler) and don helmets for a truly exhilarating spin through the snow gums. As if that weren’t enough, there’s yet more magic in store when our sledding experience ends at the tipi expat Frenchman Jean-François Rupp has as the HQ for his Alpine Nature Experience. JF, as he’s known, grew up in Tignes near the ski slopes of Grande Motte, in the French Alps, and fondue was a staple on his family’s winter menu. When he met and married his Australian wife, who happens to be an Albury girl, they decided to introduce his childhood experiences of coming in from the cold to a supper of molten Gruyère and Emmenthal to the High Country. Guests arriving at the off-the-grid outpost by Skidoo, snow shoe or dog sled are greeted with a glass of glühwein (mulled wine) around a roaring fire. Then they head into the tipi for a hands-on fondue cooking class as a precursor to a three-course dinner. Eight lucky guests who succumb to a cheese coma or are so utterly bewitched by the combination of fine food, wine and schnapps around a blazing fire that they never want to leave, can opt to stay overnight in one of four snow domes dotted around the site, which is based on the ethos of simplicity being the ultimate luxury. Trying to describe the magic of walking out on a starstudded night to a cosy dome complete with a woodfired heater and a bed equipped with a real mattress and pillow, faux-fur blanket, fleece liner and minus-10degree sleeping bag seems an insurmountable task. But then again, after a few days in this utterly beguiling part of the world, we are totally accustomed to the daily struggle for superlatives.
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GLOBETROTTER’S
Emporium...
...with an array of delights from all over the world.
Red Ramia Trading and Café Fez | 145 Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford Vic 3737 | SHOP 03 5752 1944 | CAFÉ 03 5751 1155 | info@redramia.com.au | redramia.com.au Offering an array of home furnishings, architectural and garden design products, tiles, pottery, exotic fabrics and indoor and outdoor furniture, Red Ramia Trading caters to all your home design needs and more. Once you’ve finished exploring the expansive homewares emporium, relax at the attached Café Fez, which serves authentic home-style Middle Eastern cuisine. Then, to top off the perfect day, Panoramia Villas overlooks the beautiful Ovens Valley and offers private luxury accommodation for you to simply indulge and enjoy the breathtaking surrounds. Bliss.
Panoramia Villas | 124 Clemens Lane, Myrtleford Vic 3737 | PHONE 0418 521 944 | info@panoramiavillas.com.au | panoramiavillas.com.au
HURDLE CREEK STILL Small Batch Spirits Stillhouse open for Gin tastings and sales daily (excluding Wednesdays)
216 Whorouly Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa VIC 3678 Phone: 0411 156 773 or (03) 5727 9106 Email: sales@hurdlecreekstill.com.au
www.hurdlecreekstill.com.au
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GARDEN PROFILE
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GARDEN PROFILE
Grand-scale gardening Wayne and Diane Keating have created a park-like garden in a spectacular setting in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. By Ki rst y McKenzi e, photogr a phy Kim S elby
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GARDEN PROFILE Clockwise from left: The garden now frames views to Mount Donna Buang; Wayne and Diana with their Cocker Spaniels; the stream cascades over five retaining walls to a pond at the bottom; leafy detail; roses are a favourite feature.
Wayne Keating spent his childhood holidays accompanying his father on work trips building concrete bridges. So he felt right at home when it came to the large-scale structural works required for the garden he and his wife, Diane, have transformed at Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges. “A typical trip with Dad would be spent living in tents or Masonite huts on a construction camp,” he recalls. “If he were alive to see what we have done, I think he might have been a bit jealous as we brought in a concrete truck while he did it all by hand and shifted all the materials with a wheelbarrow.” Wayne adds that during his long career travelling the world and Australia as a consultant for Shell, Diane was always the gardener at their home base at Balwyn in Melbourne’s inner east. Then he retired and took on a consultancy, which involved shifting a low-performing city golf club to the Yarra Valley. “In the process, we became conscious of how close the Dandenongs are to Melbourne and how good the soil and climate is for gardening there,” Wayne says. “About the same time, Diane fell out of love with Balwyn, which was becoming increasingly busy and noisy and we gradually came to the conclusion that life 108
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could be more pleasant if we moved away from the city.” They found what they were looking for in 2010 when they bought an eight-acre (three-hectare) block of land with views across a valley to a ridge a few kilometres away and 40 or 50km further away to Mount Donna Buang in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Problem was they couldn’t see the view for the radiata pines and weeds that covered about five acres (two hectares) of the site. “In spite of the fact that the pines were number six on the Yarra Ranges weed list, it took us the best part
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GARDEN PROFILE Clockwise from left: Rhododendrons add spring colour; the Keatings call the garden a work in progress; they worked with a steeply sloping site; Wayne estimates that the planting is about 20 per cent complete; snowball close-up.
of a year to get permission to clear them,” Wayne says. “Then we had to find someone who found enough value in the timber to cut it down. That in itself was a major task and the site slopes 15 to 20 degrees so you couldn’t have trees falling over the boundaries. Then finally we had to get permits to burn the piles of scrap that were left when the logs were stripped. So in all, it took us about two years and at times it felt like it would never be done.” But finally the Keatings could start on the structural components of their garden plan. Rainwater harvested from the driveway and roof of the house at the top of the block was collected in a big underground tank. Then a set of steps terminating in a large circular pond was added and a stream, which appears to spring from the hillside, but is in fact pumped from the tank, completed the major works. The stream runs down to a mediumsized pond, then cascades over five small retaining walls to the big pond at the bottom to form one of the strongest features of the garden. “I must admit we were influenced by Mawarra in the Yarra Ranges, which has as its central axis a set of steps leading to an octagonal pool,” Wayne says. “If we were going to cheat, it didn’t seem a bad idea to take our lead 110
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from Edna Walling. The logistics were significant as the big pond is six metres in diameter. It holds about 20 tonnes of water so it had to be well anchored or it could have ended up in Monbulk. The same went for the steps, which are 2.5m wide, so we had to make the footings go down to the natural clay level, which is about 3m deep. Fortunately, with my concreting experience, I was able to do most of the work myself, though I did get a neighbour to help with some of the blockwork.” Wayne adds that while the structural works are
GARDEN PROFILE
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GARDEN PROFILE Clockwise from left: The Keatings have added a 15m-long rose arbour; the stream is central to the garden’s design; considerable earthworks made way for the plantings; ripening figs; a broad set of steps leads from the house to a central pond, which feeds to another pond below.
almost complete, the planting is only about 20 per cent done. The stairs, stream and paths that radiate from the pond divide the garden into sections and while the long-term plan is not to have big expanses of lawn, the sheer scale of the project means it will take some years to fill in the spaces. Already, however, they have added a 15m-long rose arbour on one side of the pond and an alleyway of crab apples on the other, while swathes of rhododendrons will add more spring colour. Another feature of the project has been the removal of boundary fences, which means the garden now flows into the neighbouring properties. “The view is truly spectacular,” Wayne adds. ‘‘We have a floor-to-ceiling window in the house and it stops everyone in their tracks. Even the Cocker Spaniels seem mesmerised by it. It’s even more amazing in winter. At 450m, we often sit above the fog level, so we look down on a lake of fog. We’ve still got a way to go, but people do 112
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seem to like to visit. But in order to see what Diane and I envisage, I tell them they will just have to come back in 15 years.” The garden will be open in October as part of the Secret Gardens of the Dandenong Ranges. For more information about tours, visit secretgardensofthedandenongranges.com.au.
Mulching made us who we are, now get to know who we’ve become.
Partner with us and Keep growing rockypoint.com.au
NATURE IN A B OT TLE
Minds over matter Three students from Brisbane Grammar School will represent australia at an International physics tournament in beijing. By Kirsty McKenzi e
The burning question goes something like this: If you are walking with a cup of coffee in your hand, how fast can you go without spilling it? For a trio of year 12 physics students from Brisbane Grammar School (BGS), problems of this nature have been occupying the lion’s share of their brain power and spare time for the past year. The boys are part of a five-member team representing Australia in the International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) in Beijing this July. 116
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Colloquially known as the Physics World Cup, the team will present and defend its solutions against teams from approximately 30 other countries. Brisbane Grammar’s Mukund Ghantala, Lavien Premraj and William Power will be joined by year 11 students, Daniel Rutherford from South Coast Baptist School in Perth and Raiden Lemon from Hutchins School in Hobart. As Noël Chan, head of BGS’s physics department explains, the team was selected at the end of last year following a national competition. “Each school sends two teams of three students to a two-day competition in Brisbane, hosted by the Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School, which is the Australian International Member Organisation of IYPT,” she explains. “The Australian team is made up of the team with the highest score and the two competitors who scored the highest individual scores. This year they happen to be all boys, but in 2007, the only year that Australia won the IYPT, there were two girls in the team.”
spotlight on education
Noël adds that the teams are presented with 17 problems at the beginning of IYPT preparation at the start of the school year. The Australian team has divided the problems between every member to spread the workload. She adds that the problems are experiment-based and open-ended — not the sort of challenges for which answers can be found in textbooks. “The other challenge is that the students have to defend their answers verbally,” she says. “So they not only have to be academically gifted, they also need to be highly articulate. It just doesn’t suit students who need a pen and paper to demonstrate their thinking.” Noël explains that BGS has a proud tradition of academic excellence and is ranked among the highest performers in the state. Established in 1868, the school now caters for 1700 students from years five to 12 and about 10 per cent of them are boarders. As well as a comprehensive academic curriculum the students are offered a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities including a host of sports as part of the Great Public
Schools Association of Queensland’s competitions, art, drama and music. BGS also provides students with many opportunities to extend themselves. Physics topics are introduced in year five and as well as the opportunity for senior students to compete in IYPT, younger pupils can compete in a junior version of the tournament (JYPT), in which students from Australia and New Zealand vie for honours. They can also participate in the national qualifying exam for the Physics Olympiad, the first step to selection into the national team to compete at the International Physics Olympiad with teams from 36 countries. During the IYPT, the teams compete in rounds that take about two and a half hours to complete. In each round, one team reports, another opposes and the other reviews and the roles are rotated as the competition progresses. First of all, the reporting team presents its solution to a panel of jurors and the other two teams in a 12-minute presentation. Then the opponent team has three
Clockwise from above: The boys meet up every week; (from left) Mukund, Will and Lavien are part of the five-member team; Brisbane Grammar has a proud tradition dating back to 1868; Lavien makes a point to his team mates.
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spotlight on education
Clockwise from above: The school has 1700 students; the boys are living up to the school’s motto, Nothing Without Labour; the students range from years five to 12 and about 10 per cent of them board.
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minutes to ask questions, followed by five minutes of critiquing. Then the floor opens to 10 minutes of free-forall discussion, followed by three minutes of questions from the reviewer and a five-minute review of both the reporter and the opponent. Finally, the jurors (teachers not associated with any teams in that round) ask questions of all three teams and the scores are posted. “Yes, it is stressful, but the students are working as a team and can pass the reporter notes if they seem to be getting bogged down on a particular point,” Noël explains. From the students’ point of view, it’s all part of the challenge of the competition. “It does get heated at times,” William says. “But that’s where debating skills come in handy. And we have to remember that the problem is difficult and the other teams have spent as much time on it as we have, so they have every right to present their opinions.” While the prospect of spending countless hours pondering problems that have no direct solution and for which there may be no correct or discernable answer may sound like torture to the uninitiated, the boys insist it’s fun. “Of course it’s frustrating knowing you may never nail an absolute answer,” Lavien says. “But we appreciate the problems and it wouldn’t be so much fun without the frustration,” Mukund adds. So, to address the elephant in the room, how many
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hours would each student spend in total on a problem? Silence. Just FYI, the day Australian Country caught up with the team was in the middle of school holidays. More silence. “It’s not that we have no idea,” a measured voice eventually offers. “It’s just that if we told you, it might sound as though we have nothing else to do with our lives.” In fact, little could be further from the truth. Every team member has a jam-packed program of extracurricular activities ranging from sports to mentoring younger students with an academic support group in the library. All three boys represent their school in debating and spend many hours training and preparing for those competitions. When pressed, however, the boys volunteer that they matched their timetables at the beginning of this year and found the only slots when they were all free. These were Thursdays from 6.30am to 8.20am and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm. They communicate with their remote team mates via Skype, email and Facebook Messenger. “Plus we catch up at lunch times and whenever we run into each other,” Lavien says. “In truth, the problems are always in the back of your mind and you’re always thinking about them. And we do lots of individual work as well as the team work.” “It’s just that we really like investigating things,” Will adds. “I think we all see it as a valuable opportunity and something that will eventually help us get into our uni courses, whatever they turn out to be.”
Celebrating 150 Years
AC0518
CRICOS No: 00489C
Since our foundation in 1868, Brisbane Grammar School has supporting and educating boys to become thoughtful, conďŹ dent men who contribute to their community. There’s never been a better time to explore the BGS Journey. Throughout July, we will be celebrating with our past, present and future community in Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Warwick and Goodiwindi. We would be delighted if you could join us. Visit www.brisbanegrammar.com to register your interest. For more information contact Community Relations Manager Carla Hardy at communications@brisbanegrammar.com or phone +64 7 3834 5322.
be part of the history
PRODUCT GUIDE St Albans
St Albans Stirling mohair throw is a traditional large check blanket made from fibres sourced from the most-respected Angora goat farms in Australia and South Africa. The throw measures 122cm x 183cm and is priced at $235. stalbans.com.au
Winter Warmers Uralla Wool Room
The Uralla Wool Room stocks an impressive range of Australian fine woollen, quality knitwear, including the popular Uimi range that’s designed and made in Australia from 100 per cent Merino wool. urallawoolroom.com.au
Brace yourself against the cold with these wonderful products. c omp i l e d by fi c ol l i n s
Gintonica
Warm the winter months with Australian craft gin tasters from Gintonica. How about Gin-a-Month — four 50ml mini gins delivered to your door? Or gin flights of varying themes, such as Tassie gins? Go crazy with Christmas in July as Gintonica has a few advent calendars left from last Christmas with 24 gins. gintonica.com.au
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Glamwrap Traveller
BAMBI
This luxuriously soft, lightweight 100 per cent superfine Merino wool wrap folds into its own protective travel pouch. It measures approximately 1.6 metres long and 60cm wide at the centre back and is priced at $129. glamwrap.com.au
Soft and wonderfully warm, these luxury handcrafted quilts are made from the finest Alpaca fleece. Normally priced from $289, as a special for AC readers, Bambi is offering 20 per cent off any quilt on its website. Enter the code: ACM20. bambi.com.au
PRODUCT GUIDE
Clementine Design Sleepwear
The limited-edition Olivia Pyjama set is only available through the Clementine Design website. Made from 100 per cent cotton, this bright and vibrant pyjama set will have you wanting to sleep well into the afternoon. Available in sizes from small to extra large and priced at $94. clementinedesign.com.au
Onkaparinga Reversible Wool Underlay
Miss Amara
This waterproof Australian wool reversible underlay provides year-round comfort with an added protective layer. Made from the finest Australian wool with a cotton backing, this underlay will have you sleeping in complete comfort in all seasons. Priced from $319.95. onkaparinga.com.au
Tomsk is a multicoloured transitional rug featuring an ornate traditional medallion motif in warm brown, pink, burgundy, grey and a splash of lavender. This rug has an abrash look — intentional colour variations that mimic the distressed or faded effect of age on antique oriental rugs. Priced from $419 for a 230cm x 160cm rug. missamara.com.au
Onkaparinga Wool Quilt
Belle Couleur
This luxurious wool quilt is made using washable Australian wool filling and provides the ultimate in warmth and superior comfort for year-round use. Made in Australia from the finest materials, this quilt is perfect for those who demand the best. Priced from $459.95. onkaparinga.com.au
Make a style statement with Australian luxe leather and hide accessories label Belle Couleur. For an exclusive Australian Country reader offer, use the code AC15 at checkout for a 15 per cent discount on the online prices of $130 for the Collette wallet and $35 for the Annabelle purse. bellecouleur.com.au
Glow firepit
Distributed by Northcote Pottery, Glow firepits offer quality and stylish outdoor heating at affordable prices. Designed with aesthetics in mind, not only do Glow heaters take the chill out of outdoor entertaining, they are a feature piece in their own right. The range is available exclusively through Bunnings stores nationwide. northcotepottery.com/glow
Woolstar Soft Merino Wool Throw
Woolstar’s stylish waffle throw, $189, is made from 100 per cent Tasmanian Merino wool for pure softness and comfort. Whether you want to dress your couch, your bed or use it as a decorative feature in any room, this elegant throw will suit any living space with its generous size of 130cm x 175cm. Australian Merino wool is a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre, making it the perfect choice for the environmentally conscious consumer. woolstar.com.au
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◊ MARKETPLACE
Coastal Furnishings specialises in helping you achieve a relaxed Coastal inspired home. Discover a selection of furniture and home decor in Coastal Chic, Hamptons and Beachy Boho styles from our online store. We believe in affordable quality furniture and home décor. We offer a vast array of furniture including, Headboards, Bedside Tables, Occasional Chairs, Ottomans, Coffee Tables and Consoles. Rattan and timber are our specialty as the Coastal style is synonymous with natures natural beauty. Shop delightful cotton hand printed cushions, outdoor lanterns, lighting, and of course both indoor and outdoor furniture for your Beach House or Coastal themed home.
www.coastalfurnishings.com.au www.facebook.com/ coastal.furnishing
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Enjoy ultimate luxury and relaxation, allow yourself to be pampered with delectable treats and stunning wines from our region and breathe in the aroma of utter peace. It’s the little things that count at Bishop’s Court Estate. Bishop’s Court Estate 226 Seymour Street Bathurst NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6332 4447
www.bishopscourtestate.com.au
2016
MARKETPLACE ◊ Hobart’s leading eco-boutique, specialists in beautiful, ethical and sustainable fashion
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EST. 2011
Wherever your travels are taking you in Australia or around the world our advisors will help you plan the most unique & unforgettable journey.
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MMARKETPLACE A R K E T PL AC E ◊ Barefoot Springs B&B Treat yourself, relax and unwind in this luxurious and peaceful rural retreat. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views across the Shoalhaven coastline as far as Jervis Bay. Close to Kangaroo Valley, Berry and beaches, yet only a couple of hours drive from Canberra and Sydney. Studio Spa Cottages have double spa bathroom, log fire, TV/DVD, AC, well-equipped kitchenette and balcony/patio and Queen or King bed. Set in lovely gardens and paddocks abounding with wombats, wallabies, echidnas and magnificent birdlife.
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Spa Cottages $225 per couple per midweek night & $560 per couple for 2 weekend nights. INCLUDES BREAKFAST
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Established in 2011, Pure Country has grown into a fantastic local retail store supplying the surrounding urban and rural communities with their Country & Western clothing and accessories. Stocking brands such as Thomas Cook, Akubra, Wrangler, Pure Western, Outback, Bisley, Corfu, Orientique and more.
Shop 1/34 James Street Malanda QLD 4885 (07) 4096 6297 info@purecountryaustralia.com.au
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GATEWAY TO LAKE ST CLAIR - CRADLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK AND THE WESTERN WILDERNESS QUALITY ACCOMMODATION IN A WILDERNESS SETTING 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM & SPAS AVAILABLE 15478 Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge TAS 7140 Tel: 03 6289 1000 www.derwent-bridge.com
Bo cardigan (curry), 100% Merino wool
Persia Jacket (ginger), 100% Merino wool
Tatiana Kimono (aniseed), 100% Merino wool
The Uralla Wool Room stocks an impressive range of Australian fine woollen, quality knitwear, including the popular label uimi (pictured), designed and made in Australia.
urallawoolroom.com.au
38 Bridge St, Uralla 2358 | 02 6778 4226
Love your leather like it’s your second best friend. Use Howard Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner.
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By Debbie Shore RRP: $26.99 Bursting with 20 gorgeous projects for babies, mums and dads, this book contains a mix of fun play items and must-have practical projects. The book contains everyday necessaries, such as bibs, burp cloths, a hooded towel, a portable high chair, a baby nest and nursery storage, as well as items to stimulate baby: a balloon mobile, a play mat and a quiet cube. These gorgeous, practical items are an absolute must-have for new parents, or for friends or family looking to make a perfect, memorable baby gift.
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Cris’s Creations Unique, U i vintage, i couture clothing made using upcycled doilies. Create a themed vintage wedding with bunting and table runners using doilies. Use sentimental doilies in the garment for a special touch. ALSO EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF VINTAGE CHENILLE GARMENTS AND FURNISHINGS AND UNIQUE HAND KNITTED FASHION ACCESSORIES TRAVELLING AUSTRALIA, CHECKOUT WHEN WE COULD BE NEAR YOU. Contact Chris: m. 0416 003 281 e. wcmc@outlook.com.au
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RITZYROCKS VENETIAN GLASS JEWELLERY BY RENATA
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MAKE A STATEMENT! phone 0419 649 634 email admin@coolacozzies.com www.facebook.com/coolacozzies To help you get the sizing right we have a flexible returns and refund policy. Order multiple sizes and return unwanted items.
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bellecouleur_accessories
bellecouleur.com.au
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THIS PEN HOLDS THE KEY TO BOARDING SUCCESS ST HILDA’S READY TO BOARD
We understand that the transition to boarding school can seem intimidating. That’s why we have created St Hilda’s Ready to Board, where our penpal program lets your daughter make friends, even before she has started boarding. Making life-long friends is just the beginning, with our Pre-Boarding online learning program, recommended reading list, and study tips, Ready to Board will prepare students for senior school and boarding life.
ST HILDA’S
READY TO BOARD
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT READY TO BOARD ON 9285 4100
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION •
Established as a boarding school in 1897, Loreto Normanhurst develops independent, articulate and compassionate women of the 21st Century. >ŽƌĞƚŽ EŽƌŵĂŶŚƵƌƐƚ ŶŽǁ ŽīĞƌƐ ŇĞdžŝďůĞ ďŽĂƌĚŝŶŐ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƵŶƚƌLJ ĂŶĚ ŝƚLJ ŽĂƌĚĞƌƐ͘
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Visit us at *one of our upcoming Open Days.
Thursday 9 August 9AM – 11AM Thursday 18 October 4PM – 7PM REGISTER NOW Visit www.johnpaulcollege.com.au or email enquiries@jpc.qld.edu.au Daisy Hill Queensland 4127 Australia Phone: +61 7 3826 3333
www.johnpaulcollege.com.au
CRICOS 00500B
All I can be
• EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CRAFT PAT T ERNS AND CLASSES DELIVERED ST R AIGH T TO YO U R I N B OX
Teaching boys to be independent, responsible and m]e^ϒ[ihƄ\]hn Cranbrook is an Anglican independent boys school, located in Sydney’s eastern moZolZmή iƂ]lbh` ZiXl\bh` from Year 7.
Free Pattern!
Enrolling for 2020 now www.cranbrook.nsw.edu.au Cranbrook School
Bright Blooms Crochet Blanket
A Day In The Park Quilt
Sugar Plum Kitty Softie
Choose your pattern and enter the code
HOMESPUN
My Recipe Journal
at checkout
cranbrook_sydney
cosyproject.com New customers only ButterǼying Colours Handbag
Stringing It Softly Fabric Necklace
Q UI LT I N G | S E W I N G E M BR O I D E RY | K N I T T I N G C R O C H E T I N G | T UTO R I A L S
Crochet-Joined Fabric Blanket
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION • St Scholastica’s College is a wonderful place for boarders. Ideally located in Glebe, it offers a safe, beautiful and peaceful environment. The College with its Good Samaritan and Benedictine heritage instils the values of Hospitality, Compassion and Justice, Stewardship, Harmony and Wisdom to develop young women who will make a difference in the world. 2018 BOARDING CAPTAINS
A school like no other
Challenge today. Inspire tomorrow. Sydney based coeducational boarding for Years 10 - 12.
Boarding at Scotch College
Boarders at Scotch enjoy high quality accommodation in a caring ‘homely’ environment. Within the College’s extensive 27 hectare grounds, boys participate in an unequalled range of activities including music, drama, outdoor programs and more than 20 different sports.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Scotch College 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone (03) 9810 4203 / Fax: (03) 9810 4333 Email admissions@scotch.vic.edu.au
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Based upon Christian principles, Scotch College has a proud tradition of academic excellence, an extensive sporting and co-curricular program and outstanding facilities in a convenient location.
in the shops
11 Horses
Photographer Polly Epov’s latest collection of images focuses on race horses resting after a season at the track. The collection was created at her family’s farm in the Hunter Valley. The images are priced from $390. 11horses.com
griffin+row The griffin+row skincare range is designed for dry, sensitive skin. Transform your complexion in just two minutes, morning and night. Enter the code COUNTRY for $10 off your purchase (and receive a free gift). griffinandrow.com
Howard Products
Restor-A-Finish penetrates lacquer, shellac and varnish deeper than temporary scratch-cover products, bringing back the original colour and lustre of the finish and blending away most blemishes. howardproducts.com.au
store strolling Things we love that you are bound to want in your life. c omp i l e d by fi c ol l i n s
Akubra
Jetmaster
Rocky Point Mulching
Federation Blue is the latest colour to be added to Akubra’s popular unisex Avalon style. Guaranteed to turn heads, the Avalon is relaxed, classy and perfect for all seasons. Made of soft felt, it features a plaited leather band. akubra.com.au
New for 2018, the Heat & Glo 5X is the successor to the incredibly popular 550 model. With the option of two new fronts — a classic firescreen or a clean-faced front — this fire suits any space. jetmaster.com.au or call 1300 538 627
Natives & Shrubs fertiliser is a high-performing 100 per cent organic pelletised product developed to cater for the requirements of native plants, trees and grasses as well as palms, fruit trees and your vegie garden. rpmulching.com.au
Woolstar
Gilly Stephenson
Pins of hope
There is nothing better to give you comfort as you sleep than a fully fitted pure-wool reversible under blanket. It features three layers of comfort, softness and warmth and a soft cotton sateen backing. In the warmer months, reverse and sleep on the sateen side. woolstar.com.au
Gilly’s three-step waxing process is a beautiful, natural way to enhance the timber of your freshly sanded or new wooden furniture. More information is available on the new website. Gilly’s products are available in Bunnings stores. gillyswaxesandpolishes.com.au
As part of a new fundraising initiative launched by Akubra, the first pin in the collection raises funds for Dolly’s Dream, an organisation dedicated to educating and working to prevent bullying among children. All profits from the sale of the pin go to Dolly’s Dream. akubra.com.au
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you beauty
Natio Smooth & Rich lip colour palettes in Primrose & Berry, $12.95, natio.com.au
Deluxe Shea Butter 100g skincare tub, $14.30 , deluxesheabutter. com
Aspect probio tic hydrating sle ep mask, $59, aspectskin.c om.au
Winter solace Cold, dry weather takes its toll on hair and skin. Here’s a roundup of ways to restore the balance. c omp i l e d by Ki r s t y Mc K e nz i e p h oto g r a p hy K e n Br a s s Ocinium Ecdysis bio ferment enzyme cle anse, $70, ocinium.com
Ocinium Ecdysis Luminosity vitamin C serum, $90, ocinium.com
Feirmlee Natura ls Mudgee olive oil soap, $3.50, feirmlee .com.au
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Kester Black Rouge nail polish, $20, birdsnest.com.au
thing Resibo smoo 99, 9. $5 , m ru se face om .c bo si re
Scout Cosmetics Pure Colour Illuminate, $39.95, scoutcosmetics.com
Scout Cosmetics pressed mineral powder foundation with vitamin B & jojoba, $49.95, scoutco smetics.com
Cosmedix Restore moisture-rich mask, $85, cosmedix.com
Glow Lab mini pac k of cleanser, serum, mo isturiser, night cream and bo dy lotion, $24.99, glowlab.co .nz
australiancountry.net.au
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scene & heard
Out & about By Ki r s t y Mc K e nz i e
COURSES FOR HORSES Guests at the launch event for Sofitel’s William Inglis Hotel were treated to a moveable feast as they rotated through the five-star hotel’s hospitality venues. The 144-room establishment belongs to Sofitel’s MGallery collection of boutique hotels and is part of a $140 million precinct called Riverside Stables, developed by the thoroughbred horses sales giant, William Inglis & Son Ltd. Located in Sydney’s outer west at Warwick Farm, with sweeping views of the racecourse, the equine-themed hotel is part of a broader development that includes more than 800 horse stables, extensive parade space and a sales arena. The spacious, state-of-theart complex was designed to replace the William Inglis Newmarket facility in Randwick, which had served as the company’s HQ and primary auction house for 112 years. The launch party kicked off with Champagne and cocktails at the Chiltern pool deck and bar and a welcome speech from Inglis managing director Mark Webster. Guests then proceeded to the Big Barn, where they were seated at a rustic long table for the main course. The feasting concluded in the 1867 Lounge, with cheese, petit fours and a tasting of rare whiskies and boutique wines. The partygoers ended the night by retiring to the hotel’s rooms, each themed around a champion thoroughbred, to celebrate the Inglis family’s 150-year racing and thoroughbred history.
Let us know about your upcoming event. Email the Editor, Kirsty McKenzie, on kmckenzie@umco.com.au This page: The hotel launch started with Champagne and canapés by the rooftop pool, progressed to a long table for the main course and concluded with dessert and cheese in the whisky bar.
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readers' letters readers letters
thanks for being in touch. we welcome your feedback.
Win a Prize
Closer inspection
Last issue generated lots of feedback from our readers. Below: An update from the Irsics who were featured in our March/April issue.
As a regular reader of your magazine, I have been aware of many changes and I agree with most of them. However, one I am having difficulty with is the size of the print in the general articles. It is too light in colour and small in size. The first paragraph is fine but then it becomes a blur. I have tried sitting in different positions and near windows but with no success. I can assure you it is not that I have eye problems. I recently had an eye test and my eyes have not deteriorated in more than two years. Delsie Potts, Toormina NSW Ed’s note: We are listening Delsie, and you are not the first reader to have made this observation. We have increased the font size for this issue and we hope that this fixes any readability issues.
On the road again We just picked up the Australian Country containing our story and we wanted to thank you for doing such a
OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
OUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY
Naturally inspired By Kirst y McKenzi e, photogr aphy Ken Br a s s
They say you have to travel to better appreciate what you have at home. For Victorian couple Max and Tania Irsic the adage proved true after an extended period travelling around Australia. “We’d lived in some amazing places including the Daintree and Airlie Beach,” Tania recalls. “But eventually we missed our family in Melbourne too much, so it just made sense to move closer to them.” As life-long nature lovers, they weren’t prepared to dive back into the full-on hurly burly of the city, so they settled on a property at Hepburn Springs in the heart of Victoria’s spa country. ”We used to come up here as kids to collect mineral water from the spring pumps,” Tania recalls. “The Swiss Italian migrants who came here during the goldrush brought with them a tradition of taking the waters, so the springs have been an attraction ever since. The Hepburn Springs Bathhouse was built in 1895 so bathing in, and drinking the mineral-rich waters, are tourist drawcards. The water from each spring tastes slightly different, so people either have a favourite, or walk from spring to spring collecting from each of them.” The Irsics add that the founding migrants also brought a rich food culture to the district. These days Alla and Alan Wolf-Taskers Lake House restaurant and accommodation and Sault restaurant are beacons on any food lover’s map of the region and there are many other bistros, pub
Clockwise from right: Nem nonsedita solum am iniminctum iumquam et dictota temporit fugia con et unturLiqui reritiore iliquunt volorum in nihilib ustiis eiunt. Liqui reritiore iliquunt volorum in nihilib ustiis eiunt Liqui reritiore iliquunt volorum in nihilib ustiis .
australiancountry.net.au
australiancountry.net.au
And the winner is ...
wonderful job. Ironically, we are back travelling again. We sold our place just before Christmas and are looking for our next project, somewhere in northern NSW or Queensland. We must admit, after seeing the beautiful pictures in your magazine, we did for a while miss our place in Hepburn Springs. Tania & Max Irsic, from the road, Qld Ed’s note: Please keep us posted. We look forward to catching up when you’ve a new place for us to feature.
Reluctant ripper
A much travelled couple has put down roots in a beautiful bushland setting in the heart of Victoria’s spa country..
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Thanks for being in touch. We welcome your feedback. We appreciate your thoughts and in each issue, one correspondent wins a prize. Simply email Kirsty at kmckenzie@universalmagazines. com.au or write to us at Australian Country, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde NSW 1670. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters before publication. Our favourite correspondent next issue will win a Glow Rust outdoor firepit, perfect for garden get-togethers and toasting marshmallows, from our friends at Vivo. Just tell us about your favourite story or feature to be in the running to win this wonderful prize.
35
In order to fill out your subscription form, I found that it meant I would destroy a wonderful picture of lavender with hills in the background. It’s a page I would like to have been able to enjoy for a period of time. Can you please consider putting these forms at the back of the book, so I don’t have to destroy the magazine to renew my subscription? Jan Underwood, York WA Ed’s note: Thanks for your thoughts, Jan. If you don’t want to cut upp the issue, yyou can always y subscribe online at universalshop.com.au versalshop.com.au or by phoning 1300 303 414.
Delsie Potts, of Toormina NSW who wins a set off er. four Amelie mugs from the lovely folk at Salt & Pepper.
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don't miss ... AUSTRALIAN
YOUR CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Editor Kirsty McKenzie email kmckenzie@umco.com.au Design Rachel Henderson Contributors Bronte Camilleri, Kayla Green, Tamara Simoneau, Miriam Van Cooten Photography Ken Brass, John Downs, Kim Selby, Ross Williams Advertising NSW Fiona Collins mobile 0410 977 365 email fcollins@umco.com.au Advertising Victoria Angelos Tzovlas ph (03) 9694 6404; mobile 0433 567 071 email atzovlas@umco.com.au Directory & Travel Angela Jevdich ph (02) 9887 0641; mobile 0431 092 095 email ajevdich@umco.com.au
Advertising Production Co-ordinator Anna Cindric Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz Publisher Janice Williams Subscriptions and Mail Orders phone 1300 303 414 Circulation Enquiries to our Sydney Head Office (02) 9805 0399
Chairman/CEO Publisher Chief Financial Officer Associate Publisher Finance & Administration Manager Circulation Business Development Manager Creative Director Editorial & Production Manager Marketing & Acquisitions Manager
Prema Perera Janice Williams Vicky Mahadeva Emma Perera James Perera Mark McTaggart Kate Podger Anastasia Casey Chelsea Peters
Australian Country Vol. 21.4 (No 128) is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6-8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714. Melbourne office, Suite 4, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South Melbourne Vic 3205. Phone (03) 9694 6444 Fax: (03) 9699 7890. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers, timesprinters.com. Distributed by Gordon and Gotch, Australia. Singapore — Car Kit Pte Ph 65 6 282 1960 magazines1source. com NZ Distributors: Needlecraft: (06) 356 4793, fax: (06) 355 4594, needlecraft. co.nz. Gordon and Gotch New Zealand, (09) 979 3018. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publisher believes all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Trade Practices Act, 1974. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. * Recommended retail price ISSN 1323-9708 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXVIII ACN 003 026 944 umco.com.au Please pass on or recycle this magazine. This magazine is printed on paper produced in a mill that meets Environmental Management System ISO 9001.
WE ARE A MEMBER OF
FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE
we travel from Tewantin on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to Ascot in central Victoria where still-life artist Criss Canning lives with her plantsman husband, David Glenn. En route, we detour to World Heritagelisted Lord Howe Island to profile an artist with a fishy tale and visit the historic home of Widge and Peter Curtin. We also catch up with artist Jill Barber Richardson, her husband, Rob, and their children, who are the sixth generation of Richardsons to have called Gorrinn station near Ararat in south-western Victoria home. Then we drop in on ex-farmer Wendy Williams and former brewer Simon Brooke-Taylor and their son, Alex Williams, at their Hurdle Creek Distillery in Victoria’s north-east. Our travel stories take us from Hobart to Tassie’s west coast and the monastery brewers of Lower Bavaria in Germany to a fabulous villa in Tuscany owned by Canadian TV design guru Debbie Travis. There’s a spring in our steps and loads of decorating and gardening inspiration on every page. So please join us for Australian Country 21.5, which goes on sale September 6. australiancountry.net.au
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where to buy
STOCKISTS & CONTACTS Akubra ph: (02) 6562 6177, e: salesenquiries@akubra.com.au, w: akubra.com.au Antique Baths 162 Bungaree Rd, Pendle Hill NSW 2145. ph: (02) 9896 0109, e: info@antiquebaths.com.au, w: antiquebaths.com.au Belle Couleur ph: 0417 913 192, e: melissa@bellecouleur.com.au, w: bellecouleur.com.au Birdsnest ph: 1300 696 378, w: birdsnest.com.au Bohemian Traders 2A, 490 Central Coast Hwy, Erina Heights NSW 2260. ph: (02) 4367 8126, e: customerservice@bohemian traders.com, w: bohemiantraders.com Chatterton Lacework 43 Beverage Dr, Tullarmarine Vic 3043. ph: (03) 9330 4466, e: info@chatterton.com.au; w: chatterton.com.au Cheminee ph: (02) 9564 2694, e: sales@cheminee.com.au, w: cheminee.com.au Colonial Castings 95-97 Market St, Smithfield NSW 2164. ph: (02) 9604 8222, e: info@colonialcastings.com.au, w: colonialcastings.com.au Coomber Bros Jewellery 78 McDowell St, Roma Qld 4455. ph: (07) 4622 1145, e: sales@coomberbros.com.au, w: coomberbros.com.au Eco Haven 27 Murray St, Hobart Tas 7000 ph: (03) 6223 7620, e: shop@ecohaven.com.au, w: ecohaven.com.au Emu Wire Industries 2/25 Encore Ave, Somerton Vic 3062. ph: (03) 9308 5599, e: sales@emuwire.com.au; w: emuwire.com.au Fella Hamilton 306 Chesterville Rd, Moorabbin Vic 3189. ph: 1800 800 866, e: sales@fellahamilton.com.au, w: fellahamilton.com.au
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Gilly’s Waxes & Polishes PO Box 279, Mundaring WA 6073. ph: (08) 9295 1973, e: info@ gillyswaxesandpolishes.com.au, w: gillyswaxesandpolishes.com.au Glamwrap ph: (08) 8431 6315, e: linda@glamwrap.com.au, w: glamwrap.com.au Goondiwindi Cotton PO Box 288, Goondiwindi Qld 4390. ph: (07) 4671 5611, e: info@goondiwindicotton.com.au, w: goondiwindicotton.com.au griffin+row ph 1300 802 080, e: info@griffinandrow.com.au, w: griffinandrow.com.au Harkaway Homes 57 National Ave, Pakenham Vicc 3810. ph: (03) 5943 2388, e: steve@harkawayhomes.com.au, au, w: harkawayhomes.com.au Howard Products 33 Griffin Ave, Tamworth NSW W 2340. ph: 1800 672 646, w: howardproducts.com.au Inner Space Furniture 144 The Mall, Leura NSW 2043. ph: (02) 4784 1143, w: innerspacefurniture.com.au Jetmaster ph: 1300 538 627, e: sales@jetmaster.com.au, w: jetmaster.com.au John W Thompson & Son Suite 1, Level 4, The Dymocks Building, 428 George St, Sydney NSW 2000. ph: (02) 9233 3520, e: enquire@johnwthompson.net, t, w: johnwthompson.net Railway Adventures 46 View St, Annandale NSW 2038. ph: 1300 733 323, e: scott@railwayadventures.com, w: railwayadventures.travel Rocky Point Mulching 709 Stapylton-Jacobs Well Rd, Woongoolba Qld 4207. ph: (07) 5670 4800, e: baled@rpmulching.com.au, w: rpmulching.com.au She Wear 269 Earnshaw Rd, Northgate Qld 4013. ph: (07) 3607 0521, e: info@shewear.com.au, w: shewear.com.au
Fashion, page 56
Winter Warmers page 120
Baker’s Dozen page 12
Smitten Merino PO Box 199, Battery Point Tas 7004. ph: (03) 6212 0197, e: admin@smittenmerino.com, w: smittenmerino.com St Albans 40 Hargreaves St, Huntingdale Vic 3166. ph: (03) 9544 7533, e: info@stalbans. com.au, w: stalbans.com.au The Original Lamp Shop 84A Duncan St Braidwood NSW 2622. ph: 0408483 255, e: robert@kero-lamps.com.au, w: kerolamps.com
The Soleilo Store ph: 0418 591 021, e: info@soleilo.com.au, w: soleilo.com.au Thomas Cook Boot & Clothing Co 8/100 Station St, Nunawading Vic 3131. ph: (03) 8872 7272, e: enquiries@tcbac.com, w: thomascook.com.au Woolstar 6 Shaw Rd, Ingleburn NSW 2565. ph: (02) 9829 6199, e: sales@woolproducts.com.au, w: woolstar.com.au
Chelsea Park
…a boutique bed and breakfast with a difference difference
Chelsea Park is a glamorously restored Art Deco mansion, painted in a mellow, period cream to highlight the classic Deco lines and dramatic curves. When you arrive at this Bowral gem, you soon appreciate why Chelsea Park is called Hollywood in the Highlands. nd ds. Sweeping up the driveway to Chelsea Park, you feel transported back in time and the mood continues inside as you are welcomed into a 1930s environment.
Arcadia House Arcadia House is a country-style home located close to the heart of Bowral. Fully self-contained accommodation for families and groups. Five comfortable bedrooms, two spacious bathrooms and all linen provided. Your home in the country, child friendly and close to all the attractions. Savour the lifestyle, sit and relax in a little bit of heaven known as the Southern Highlands.
More information at www.chelseaparkbnb.com.au or www.arcadia-house.com 589 Moss Vale Road Burradoo NSW 2576 T: (02) 4861 7046 E: chelsea@hinet.net.au