Summer 2016 SPRING 2015
Experience the charisma and charm
BLAYNEY AND VILLAGES, CARCOAR & MILLTHORPE town feature
NOSTALGIC
RECIPES
to delight
A regal welcome to WOODSTOCK SHOW
PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM THE BEAUTIFUL CENTRAL WEST REGION
capturing the best in the west
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
trading as Central West Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418 ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 FAX 02 6867 9895 WEBSITE www.centralwestmagazine.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/CentralWestLifestyle PUBLISHERS, ACCOUNTS & ADVERTISING Elizabeth & Alex Tickle info@centralwestmagazine.com.au EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@centralwestmagazine.com.au CHIEF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Jake Lindsay shotbyjake@hotmail.com ART DIRECTOR Zora Regulic artdirector@centralwestmagazine.com.au
DISTRIBUTION Central West Lifestyle magazine is published quarterly (available at the beginning of each season) and distributed to selected newsagents and retail outlets within the Central West and in the bordering regions of the Far West, North West, Southern Highlands, Canberra, Goulburn, Northern and Eastern suburbs of Sydney, in addition to a selection of other rural and coastal areas of New South Wales.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE To order a subscription or back issue (mailed or online), visit www.centralwestmagazine.com.au. Š Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2016
All Rights Reserved
Subscriptions and back issues are also available to read online, on desktop and mobile devices.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
While every care is taken in the publication of Central West Lifestyle magazine, the publishers will not be held responsible for omissions, errors or their subsequent effects.
Environmentally responsible, Titan Plus Gloss, produced in an ISO 14001 accredited facility ensures all processes involved in production are of the highest environmental standards. FSC Mixed Sources Chain of Custody (CoC) certification ensures fibre is sourced from certified & well managed forests. 2 CWL
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CONTENTS SUMMER 2016
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100-PAGE TOWN FEATURE: BLAYNEY, CARCOAR & MILLTHORPE Hitch a ride with us through these delightful country villages, overflowing with hearty hospitality and strong community spirit, rich in heritage and culture, and full of charismatic country characters with stories to tell.
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IT’S SHOWTIME
TONS OF TICKER
COSTUME CAPERS
TINY DANCERS
Record crowds flock to the 70th Woodstock Memorial Show.
At age 101, Jeff Perry could well be the country’s oldest driver.
Red hats mean fun and friendship for these lively Dubbo women.
Running her own dance studio is a dream come true for Kristen Woods.
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GARDEN VARIETY
COUNTRY CHARM
FASHION PHILOSOPHY
Ann and Mark Olson’s plentiful Parkes garden is a glorious sight to behold.
Even contemporary homes can benefit from clever country styling.
Maree Statham says true style is more than just the clothes you wear.
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174 RUN TO PARADISE
OH SO SWEET
ABBA ARRIVAL
Jake Lindsay discovers the magic of Bali – its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, relaxed attitude and its focus on life’s simple pleasures.
Lorraine Hills shares some old-fashioned dessert recipes.
Trundle’s bundle of joy: the annual ABBA Festival.
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EVENTS IN THE WEST
WEDDINGS
THE LAST WORD
Pictures from the 34th Cowra Wine Show plus plenty more.
The Central West's blushing brides and gallant grooms tie the knot in true country style.
Julia Boag is proof that bowerbirds have a beautiful song.
ON THE COVER 2016 r 2015 Summe SPRING
Experience the charisma
and charm
, BLAYNEY AND VILLAGES RPE CARCOAR & MILLTHO re featu town
NOSTALGIC
RECIPES to delight
$11.00
inc GST
608002
>
Summer 2016 VOLUME 15
772201
The magazine could not exist without them, and their loyalty shows their commitment to the communities of the Central West.
Photography: Robert Bruce A regal welcome to WOODSTOCK SHOW
• EVENTS • TRAVEL AGRICU LTURE • STYLE GARDEN S • FOOD • L WEST REGION PEOPLE • HOMES • THE BEAUTI FUL CENTRA • AND MORE FROM CULTUR E • BUSINE SS
in the west capt uring the best
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WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS.
The historic Athol Gardens homestead is featured on page 20 in the Blayney and villages Town Feature.
CWL 5
SECTION
From the Publishers Welcome to summer in the Central West! After consistent and very substantial spring rainfall, we are experiencing a magnificent season here in the Central West and the adjoining regions. We hope you enjoyed our Spring edition, featuring the unique towns of Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and West Wyalong. We have never before seen such a rush on magazines! The sales skyrocketed in the first few weeks after release and we have been restocking many newsagencies on a regular basis ever since. Our Spring launch, held at the beautiful Royal Hotel at West Wyalong, was enjoyed by almost 90 guests. It was indeed a celebration of the strength and diversity of these welcoming Central West communities. We were thrilled to be invited to attend the recent Woodstock Annual Show. This remarkable community paid homage to very special guests Sir Peter Cosgrove (who opened the show) and Lady Cosgrove. The dedicated and hardworking committee can be truly proud of such a well-supported event reflecting true country community spirit. It was such an honour to be able to present Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove with the Third Anniversary Collection of Central West Lifestyle. We would like to farewell and thank Pip Teys, CWL Travel Writer and Home and Style Writer, for her dedicated and creative efforts over the past 14 editions. We know that many readers enjoyed her inspiring contributions. We will be continuing to provide high-quality travel stories submitted by a number of writers sharing their travel adventures across the globe. Amanda O’Sullivan will continue in her role as Home and Style Writer, together with several other talented contributors whom we will introduce over upcoming editions. This year has been one to remember for many reasons. On a personal note, our daughter Jane married Justin Sanderson on April 2 at the historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dubbo. A wedding is always a lovely reason to celebrate with family and friends. We were fortunate to experience the most glorious autumn weather for this very special occasion.
Family wedding: Kate Boshammer, Richie Tickle, Elizabeth Tickle, Justin and Jane Sanderson, Alex Tickle, Anna Tickle.
To cap off the year, our eldest daughter Kate and her husband Justin Boshammer rejoiced in the birth of son Theo Alexander Boshammer (our first grandchild) on September 28. Kate has been a significant guiding force in the establishment of the magazine and designed the first 10 editions. Kate now enjoys the role of Business Strategist with CWL. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our many local councils, advertisers, newsagencies and readers for their loyalty and support over the past 15 editions. Our Feature Town for Autumn 2017 is Temora. What an impressive welcome we received from this gorgeous town as we began our research and exploration in recent months. Watch out for 100 pages of captivating content on Temora and its local area in edition number 16! The team at CWL would like to wish you all a happy and fulfilling Christmas and trust that 2017 brings you joy, good health and quality time with those you love. Until next time, stay safe and enjoy the 15th edition of Central West Lifestyle. Warm regards,
Elizabeth and Alex Tickle 6 CWL
Enjoying Woodstock Show: Cowra Deputy Mayor Judi Smith, Cowra Mayor Bill West, Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle.
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GOLDEN moments A BIG HEARTY WELCOME and Merry Christmas to all our dear readers. Faithful followers would know that we have unearthed some pretty ripping yarns from throughout the Central West over the years but our latest little escapade to Blayney, Millthorpe and Carcoar was the icing on the cake! These three little dots on the map deserve to have their praises sung from the top echelons. They have everything you’d expect – history, charm and appeal – and a whole lot more. In Blayney the locals quietly go about their business, be it at the saleyards or on the farm, at work in the garden, home or shop, or making dog food at the factory! Blayney is on the go, much like the neighbouring villages of Millthorpe and Carcoar. Visiting these historic villages is an absolute must. Cross it off your bucket list and get out there! There is so much more bubbling under the surface than meets the eye. Where else can you catch up with kings in grass castles (I kid you not), blokes who make amazing one-off art pieces from discarded farm relics or beautiful homes made out of, well, very old buildings that were begging for help! I’ve met talented musicians, potters and painters (you’ll love catching up with Ada), first-time authors (Nick, you have a remarkable gift) and friendly publicans (I’ll bet you a beer that it’s cold at Reggie’s Commercial Hotel in Millthorpe). I’ve visited museums (even one that features pianos), stunning B&Bs (everybody deserves at least one night at Stoke House) and imposing backyards (love is in the air at the spectacular “Athol Gardens”). I’ve even stumbled upon my dream home – a magnificent, spacious homestead built within a historic woolshed (don’t let the rams in, Mrs Green). I’ve sat in French restaurants and fumbled with my French, and spent many enjoyable hours just chatting to the locals. But it’s not just people! These places are full of magnificent structures, each oozing old world mystery and charm. I mean, how many courthouses in this country can stand up to the one in Carcoar? 8 CWL
It’s little wonder that places like Carcoar have featured in so many fine Australian period films. I’ve even met blokes who shone, for a few seconds, in said films (John, and you’ll meet him on the very last page, is normally pretty quiet but once he gets started look out). If you scratch underneath the surface, you will find that every dwelling and every person has a unique, and often compelling, story to tell. Not every story, however, is ready to be told. It takes the right time and place (and energy) to open up to total strangers about your life and times. That is why I take my hat off to everybody featured in this magazine. You allowed your amazing stories to be shared with our most trusted readers! You (and you know who you are) are what this magazine is all about! In this bumper Summer issue get ready for a wild ride as I take you to the world’s biggest ABBA festival – right here in downtown Trundle, the little community with the big heart. Dancing Queens were strutting their stuff in NSW’s widest street and it’s all in the can (damn, I’m plucking an old photographer’s expression from All This In 60 Minutes). It’s a fabulous new read. Do yourself a favour and get one. In the end, however, it’s life’s “little moments” you tend to remember. These are the times you feel naturally good about connecting with a total stranger or just being somewhere special. Or both. Hearing a country girl sing an emotional Italian opera, right there in the middle of her timber workshop, was one such moment. Fittingly, she will be the last person you meet in this magazine, and, for me, that is a good thing, because people like Julia and John Boag demonstrate, every day, the true “joie de vivre” of life. Till next time, keep your hat on and don’t forget to live your life and be free!
Shot by Jake
SUMMER 2016 CONTRIBUTORS
Meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
ALEX TICKLE
JAKE LINDSAY
GINA CRANSON
Publisher & Editor
Publisher & Advertising
Chief Writer & Photographer
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
KATE BOSHAMMER
ZORA REGULIC
MITCH BRAKENRIDGE
CATHERINE PLAYER
ANNA TICKLE
ELIZABETH SWANE
ANGUS WADDELL
JANE SANDERSON
AMANDA O’SULLIVAN
HAYLEY MAUDSLEY
ALI WANCHAP WOOD
DAYNA TIERNEY
EMILY MITCHELL
HEATHER CROSBY
ROBERT I BRUCE
LORRAINE HILLS
PAUL & ANNE LOVERIDGE
Business Strategist
Writer & Social Media Manager
Home & Style Writer, Photographer
Writer & Photographer
Art Director
Garden Writer
Household Hints Writer
Writer
Country Cuisine Writer
Advertising Designer
Photographer
Fashion Writer
Photographer
Seasonal Food Writers
Writer
Wedding Writer
Writer
SUE MEIKLE
Social Photographer
SECTION
As readers from the very first CWL magazine we took time in September to look at towns featured in the magazines. From Maitland to Mudgee to Orange to Cowra to Parkes to Dubbo and all the little townships in between (Sorry Forbes, you were on our list but the floods stopped us from visiting you). Throughout our travels we stayed at the accommodation, ate at the cafes and coffee shops, and visited the interesting shops and places that have been featured in the magazine. A day at the Cowra show was a real highlight, as were the Japanese Gardens and POW camp. This is an outstanding magazine of the highest quality and townsfolk from each town featured must be extremely proud of the showcase you are receiving from some very talented journos and photographers. Chris Osmond and Harold Mayo, East Maitland Congratulations to Central West Lifestyle on a fantastic Spring 2016 edition. The feature on Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and West Wyalong has been a great boost to the Lachlan Shire with the exposure of tourist attractions and local characters. This boost has seen an increase in retail sales and visitors to the areas and many visitors and locals have purchased the magazine for gifts for family and friends within Australia and overseas. The quality of the photography is amazing and displays the subject material in the best possible aspect. The advertisements also provide a great snapshot of what is available in the featured areas. We loved having Jake stay with us and appreciate the support that Alex and Elizabeth have given us for the sale of their magnificent magazine. Thank you and well done to everybody involved. Mick and Vicki Hanlon, Condobolin Newsagency
your letters The Spring 2016 issue of Central West Lifestyle featured the beautiful towns of Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo in the Lachlan Shire. It has been a pleasure to read about the many residents included in the articles and the businesses showcased. This has been a great opportunity for the region as the magazine has captured what small communities are about in the Central West; full of hard working individuals with a picturesque landscape to call home. On behalf of Lachlan Shire Council I would like to congratulate Central West Lifestyle on what has been a very successful edition. We wish you all the best in the future. John Medcalf Mayor, Lachlan Shire Council
Gordon and I had the pleasure of meeting you and Alex recently at the Mudgee Field Days. We wanted to congratulate you both again on your fabulous magazine. We thoroughly enjoy each publication. The quality of the articles, photography and set-up is outstanding. Before we moved to the Central West we were able to use your magazine to gain a wonderful insight into the various towns and areas showcased, learn more about the history of the region as well as the inspiring people who live and farm in the district. Now living here, we have found your magazine to be an invaluable source of information enabling us to discover new shops and businesses and also read about various local activities and events. Loads of copies have been sent to family and friends and through their comments we know you have a growing and appreciative audience throughout Sydney and beyond. Your magazine is doing an incredible job promoting this beautiful region and is certainly “capturing the best in the west”. Keep up the great work!
Your Spring publication that focuses on the Bland and Lachlan shires is a credit to you and your team. The quality of the photography and the way you have captured the essence of our region makes the magazine a wonderful read. Please accept our congratulations for producing a magazine that will create great interest among our towns and people. It has already received considerable acclaim from right across our local community and from the businesses featured. This has been a very successful partnership between Bland Shire and CWL. We wish you well for the future and look forward to the day when we may be able to feature our shire once again. Cr Neil Pokoney Former Mayor, Bland Shire Council My husband Len and I and the staff at newsXpress West Wyalong would like to congratulate Central West Lifestyle on the release of their 14th edition of their stunning magazine featuring West Wyalong, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received with regard to sales, selling in excess of 600 copies. On a more personal note, having our own home featured was a highlight and created a lot of interest within our local community. Writer/photographer Jake Lindsay is to be congratulated for the professional manner in which he conducted himself and making the day an absolute pleasure to be a part of. The launch of the Spring edition was a wonderful experience in a delightful, relaxing atmosphere at the Royal Hotel, West Wyalong. Customers are now asking when the next edition is being released and are all looking forward to it. Congratulations, CWL, on a job well done! Joanne Lynch, newsXpress West Wyalong
Gordon and Anne West Alstonefield Farm, Oberon
Share your feedback Email: info@centralwestmagazine.com.au
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BLAYNEY
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BLAYNEY
Welcome to
BLAYNEY & VILLAGES TOWN FEATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
BLAYNEY CWL 13
BLAYNEY
FROM THE MAYOR Nestled in the Central Tablelands of NSW is the unique Blayney Shire. Even though we have a reputation of having cold winters, we are a very warm and welcoming community . . . and proud of it. While it’s not unusual to see snowfall in winter, we have beautiful springs that bring a real English feel to our countryside. Our summers are pleasantly warm, with cool nights. And autumns are spectacular, with our altitude allowing for European trees to show off their amazing colours. We enjoy four very distinct seasons throughout the year as demonstrated by the beautiful gardens and fresh produce on offer. The Blayney Shire sits comfortably between the large vibrant centres of Orange, Bathurst and Cowra, and has strong links back to Australia’s early colonial history of agriculture and mining. The Wiradjuri people are the original inhabitants of these areas, and we share a mutual respect for this beautiful countryside that we live in. Our Shire has the reputation of producing some of the best prime lambs and cattle throughout the country and we are home to Cadia, the largest underground gold mine in Australia. Blayney is fortunate to have large rural enterprises and manufacturing businesses supporting employment and economic growth for our entire region. We are a growing area and provide an affordable and supportive community that is attracting young families to live and work here. 14 CWL BLAYNEY
We love our sport in the Blayney Shire and have many sporting clubs and organisations that work closely with Council to improve their facilities and venues. We are very proud of our indoor swimming and gymnasium facility, CentrePoint Sport & Leisure, which promotes healthy lifestyles and social activities. These modern facilities and excellent health services also support older residents to enjoy retirement in our safe rural community. Blayney is surrounded by many beautifully distinct villages – a main attraction for visitors to our area. Blayney Shire Council has recently rebranded to be “The Shire of Villages”. Our Visitor Information Centre, known as “The Cottage”, is in the main street of Blayney, where our volunteers are guaranteed to offer you a warm welcome. Carcoar, a heritage-listed village, was the third established settlement over the mountains. Preserved in time, Carcoar’s historic streetscape and buildings will easily immerse you in our Australian early colonial story. Millthorpe, with charm and a unique setting, has developed into a major tourist destination to enjoy food, wine and boutique shopping. Throughout the year, people flock to our villages to enjoy the rural atmosphere and historic feel with family history groups and individuals exploring the many museums and cemeteries. Our local agricultural shows in Blayney, Carcoar and Neville are wonderful annual events that attract many participants and visitors. As Mayor, I hope everyone enjoys this edition of Central West Lifestyle, learning more about the beautiful part of NSW that we are lucky to call home. Cr Scott Ferguson, Mayor of Blayney Shire Council
BLAYNEY
The best of BLAYNEY
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layney Shire Council and locals are thrilled the Blayney region is the focus of the Central West Lifestyle Summer edition. Within these pages, you’ll discover many hidden treasures located in the historic villages of Carcoar, Millthorpe, Lyndhurst, Mandurama, Barry and Neville along with other localities, such as Kings Plains, Hobbys Yards, Errowanbang and Forest Reefs. This is just a small window into what the region has to offer. Together, we encourage you to come and experience first-hand the wealth of what we have here nestled between the regional centres of Cowra, Bathurst and Orange in the heart of Wiradjuri country and just a short drive from Sydney and Canberra. Visitors are welcomed by local hospitality built on a strong community spirit, which is shared by generations of about 7400 locals who call the region home. Well known for its thriving agricultural industry, fresh food and cool-climate wines, the landscape is simply spectacular. Expect big, open skies filled with bright stars, rolling green pastures, colourful native flora and fauna, picturesque landscape and waterways, like Carcoar Dam and the Belubula River, which winds its way through Blayney, west to Carcoar and beyond. Heritage abounds with a rich culture and intriguing stories from the days of early Australian settlement. Founded by pioneers exploring west of the Blue Mountains, Blayney was first proclaimed in 1843 and the villages soon flourished in the gold rush of the 1850s. This was a time that brought growth in commercial enterprise to Blayney, and the rail network soon followed in 1876. Experience the vivid history of the first bushrangers, like Ben Hall and his gang who attempted the first ever daylight robbery at the Commercial Bank in Carcoar. Trek the route of Cobb & Co. horse wagons, explore historical architecture preserved for over a century in the heritage-listed towns of Carcoar and Millthorpe.
Blayney and its villages are fast becoming known for the many attractions and events that bring together the community and visitors.
Alive in history, there are many museums to explore including Australia’s only piano museum in Neville, Carcoar’s hospital museum, a 20th century toy museum in Carcoar and the Millthorpe Golden Memories Museum. Blayney and its villages are fast becoming known for the many attractions and events that bring together the community and visitors such as the monthly Farmers’ Markets, biannual Millthorpe Markets, B2B cycling festival (Blayney to Bathurst), Millthorpe Garden Ramble held in December, some of the best little country shows at Neville, Blayney and Carcoar and the Australia Day celebrations in Carcoar. Art and culture is in abundance with many local artists displaying their works at exhibitions and galleries throughout the year. Come for a short trip, stay longer and return once again to indulge, unwind and relax in all that Blayney and villages have to offer. Make sure you tell your friends and family about all of the great experiences you have had during your stay. You never know, you and your family and friends may just want to stay. Find us on Facebook @BlayneyShireCouncil #warmwelcome #historicvillages and visit www.visitblayney.com.au. CWL BLAYNEY CWL 15
Solid foundations HERITAGE-RICH BLAYNEY CONTINUES TO STAND THE TEST OF TIME. BOLSTERED BY A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
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BLAYNEY
BLAYNEY & VILLAGES • Barry • Carcoar • Hobbys Yards
• Kings Plains • Lyndhurst • Mandurama • Millthorpe • Neville • Newbridge
Indulge your senses ...Share our history #historicvillages #warmwelcome
www.visitblayney.com.au www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/VisitorGuide
Blayney Shire Visitor Information Centre 97 Adelaide Street, Blayney • Ph 02 6368 3534 • Fx 02 6368 4360
BLAYNEY CWL 17
BLAYNEY
Days gone by
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BLAYNEY
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Wedded bliss THE ENCHANTING “ATHOL GARDENS”, BLAYNEY, PROVIDES A UNIQUE COUNTRY WEDDING VENUE THAT GUESTS FALL IN LOVE WITH AND REMEMBER FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
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t “Athol Gardens” congenial hosts David and Karen Somervaille are passionate about every aspect of weddings and are genuinely excited to be part of such special events. “I love socialising and enjoy creating a personal and unique experience for what is a very special day in a person’s life – something I get to do at the 20 or so weddings booked in each year,” Karen says. Guests can expect a unique garden party atmosphere with chic country style and attention to detail. Romantic couples can even design and decorate their own dream garden wedding in a private parkland setting. The gardens have to be seen to be truly appreciated. Karen suggests a garden is an autobiography of the person who created or nurtures it. “To tend a garden is to give an expression of yourself. Our garden is a retreat not just for us but for others,” she says. “It’s a place where we can relax and enjoy the fruits of our labours. It is a real privilege to share our garden and ourselves with others.”
David and Karen welcome guests from all over the world, but their core clientele come from the Central West, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and sometimes Sydney. Getting to this stage didn’t happen overnight. The Somervailles began making plans to move into the historic property in 2003, becoming only the fourth family since 1875 to live in the magnificent old homestead. (The 350-acre estate formerly belonged to David’s parents, who used it as their weekender for nearly 30 years. Bob Somervaille AO was a prominent lawyer, and at one point, chairman of Telstra, GIO and the ABC). Their first wedding was staged in 2004, and was a real family affair with Karen, on that occasion, carrying out cooking duties, David at the bar and daughters Veronica, Hannah and Gabriella waitressing. It was a resounding success but the pair still had their home in Five Ways, Paddington, and hadn’t completely committed to their country weekender. > BLAYNEY CWL 21
The Somervailles BEGAN MAKING PLANS TO MOVE INTO THE historic property IN 2003.
A year later Rotary asked them to host a black-tie fundraising dinner and everybody suggested they move into functions. After the first few they built a garden terrace to accommodate 100 guests, which doubles as their playground and is the perfect spot for relaxing family barbecues.
While most of the family are away leading their own lives on the South Coast or Sydney (you may have seen their son-in-law on the Lifestyle Channel program Village Vets), one daughter, Mia, lives nearby and helps set up on wedding weekends.
Their new country lifestyle seemed to be pulling them from Sydney, where Karen was an events manager and David a former managing partner and chairman of the international law firm now known as Ashurst. He was a partner in the firm for 35 years, and although officially retired, still acts as a consultant.
Karen is the gardener, wedding planner and runs the vineyard, having completed a wine business management course through Curtin University.
“Although we lived in Sydney for the bulk of our lives we weren’t your typical beach goers, always preferring weekend escapes to the country,” Karen says. Thirty years ago the family established a two-acre vineyard on an idyllic block between Carcoar and Mandurama. Located on the Belubula River, Somervaille Estate Wines became one of the first wineries in the Central West, producing mostly shiraz, which goes down rather well at their weddings and functions. “We still love escaping there, even though it’s only 20 minutes away. We have a house there and often stay for weekends. It’s a magical spot for our four daughters (and their children) and closest friends,” David says. The fun-loving pair love revisiting France where they were married, although these days they are just as content sitting on their verandah at sunset, enjoying a fine wine with their favourite pooch, Chilli, for company. David has been a councillor for the past four years and is also chair of the regional water authority, Central Tablelands Water. 22 CWL BLAYNEY
“I aspire to the Hugh Mackay AO philosophy: we are social creatures and to reach our potential, must engage with each other and our community. We need to work for a society that sustains and nurtures the many, not just the fortunate few.” A few years ago David and Karen both received a “Paul Harris Fellow” from the local Rotary Club, in recognition of their outstanding fundraising activities (the gardens and function centre are used for such events at least twice yearly, with over $100,000 raised over the past five years). “It was quite an honour to receive it as neither of us were Rotarians, although David has since joined the fold,” Karen says. Hard work, love of the garden and a passion for people have given David and Karen a fortunate life. “Living our life at the heart of the thriving community of Blayney among people we trust and within an environment of mutual respect is a treasure we both embrace,” David says. With their usual joie de vivre, the Somervailles have fully immersed themselves in the Central West lifestyle. Their pace may be slower but it’s lost none of its richness. CWL
A tranquil setting for a special occasion A unique function centre in a 350 acre estate near Blayney in the picturesque Central Tablelands of NSW.
84 Newbridge Road Blayney NSW 02 6368 2639 www.atholgardens.com.au
Don’t just drive by, come on in... 107 Adelaide Street, Blayney NSW 2799 T: (02) 6368 3355 rb@bcm.net.au
www.blayneycentralmotel.com.au BLAYNEY CWL 23
BLAYNEY
RUSTIC romance NEWBRIDGE BLACKSMITH TOM MILLER AND WIFE MONIKA HAVE FOUND THEIR PLACE IN THE SUN.
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reating inspiring metal pieces has become a life’s dream for talented blacksmith Tom Miller, who runs his “Metal as Anything” studio with his masseuse wife Monika from their farm at Newbridge.
Raised on a small farm near Denmark, WA, Tom spent two decades in the building game in Darwin where he and Monika met and romance blossomed, but tiring of the Top End’s debilitating humidity, the couple was keen for an exciting tree change. They were hoping to raise chickens, grow their own vegetables and enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by nature. In essence, they were looking for a Central West lifestyle! “We had both previously been through this area,” Monika says. “Bathurst was on the cards but when we found this 50-acre block near Newbridge, we knew we’d struck gold.” Since moving to “Timberline” in 2007, the industrious pair has developed a whole new outlook and appreciation of life. After tidying up the block, Tom was looking for something to do. Both he and Monika had been captivated by a blacksmith at a local market so Tom completed a short blacksmithing course over two weekends at Orange TAFE. Tom knew he’d found his calling, and spent a further three years finishing a Certificate 3 course in blacksmithing, metal fabrication and engineering at Richmond TAFE. The study fired up his imagination. During the course Tom and Monika created an open-air gallery in an Elm grove on their property, which today features many of his bigger sculptures and ornamental garden pieces. The latest instalment is the Smithy (a shed where a blacksmith plies his trade) and Tom conducts demonstrations on their open days, particularly during the warmer days in spring and autumn. Some of his sculptures can take weeks to complete and typically feature discarded pieces of rustic farm machinery. Rusty old cogs, springs, running boards, plough discs and shearing blades are all brought back to life with some bashing from Tom’s hammer and anvil. Yellow Box and Stringybark tree stumps are also perfect for some of his one-off pieces. Monika works a few days a week in nearby Blayney but thoroughly enjoys coming home to the little village of Newbridge, where the social life revolves around the local pub, the Gladstone Hotel. “Working the metal in the forge fire and then on the anvil, is for me, the most satisfying aspect of the creative process,” says Tom, an easy-going fellow with talent to burn. “The hours disappear in an instant, until I get a call from Monika who informs me that it’s dark outside and time for dinner.” Tom’s the new captain of the Newbridge Rural Fire Service and enjoys being part of the local community but the couple also relishes the secluded life. “It’s magical out here, even more so when it snows, which happens a few times each winter. On those days, Tom just moves closer to the forge,” Monika laughs. CWL
Facing page, clockwise from left: Tom Miller in his open air gallery; Scrap-Yard Blitz - The Rings sculpture; Tom and Monika with Tom’s guitar sculpture; one of the Running Stumps sculptures. This page from top: The open air gallery; Tom working on the anvil; sculpture titled Planet Fracked By The Hand Of Man. BLAYNEY CWL 25
BLAYNEY
Something to write
HOME ABOUT
BLAYNEY’S NEWEST B&B HAS JUST OPENED ITS DOORS AT THE OLD POST OFFICE, AND NEW OWNER RACHEL BURKE COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED, IF NOT A TAD NERVOUS.
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er new venture, the Post Office B&B, will provide another accommodation venue for the town, right in Blayney’s main street. Rachel has plenty to celebrate, having recently clocked up 30 years with Australia Post, including 26 years as a corporate employee. “I’ve only ever had one job,” she says. “My mother saw an ad in the paper, and having just finished school at Kelso High, I thought I’d give it a go.” She started as a “young and naive” country girl from Vittoria, population 20, before moving to Sydney when she was 18. For the next decade she gained valuable experience at the Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo Post Offices before becoming the youngest female country postal manager at Young, and finally returning to Orange.
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“IT’S MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IN TOWN AND HAS BEEN OPERATING AS A POST OFFICE FOR 134 YEARS.”
After her 26-year career, she resigned from Australia Post and purchased the Blayney Post Office, including the upstairs residence, in 2013. For the first 18 months she carried out the demanding postal duties on her own, accompanied by her faithful dog Nudge, but is now capably assisted on the front counter by three local ladies. “It’s my favourite building in town and has been operating as a post office for 134 years,” she says. “Although it was a big investment, I firmly believe Blayney will benefit from this style of accommodation.” The grand building was opened in 1882 with a new post office and telegraph station, including a post master’s residence on the first floor. In the early days there was an upstairs balcony, complete with wroughtiron balustrade. A few years later saw further additions to the building, including an arcaded loggia, sheltering the northern side of the building. In 1997 Australia Post sold the building and it became a licensed post office, with Rachel becoming the third owner. The upstairs section, formerly used as a private residence, has been turned into a B&B with three lavishly appointed bedrooms, including one room with a queen bed, a second with a queen bed and single and a third with two single double bunks, making it ideal for a family or group. Rachel likes to sew and has made all the curtains and soft furnishings like cushions and table runners. Her primary focus will always be providing the exceptional service that her postal customers have learnt to expect. No doubt Rachel’s professionalism and attention to detail will extend to her clients upstairs. CWL Images: Shot by Jake and Robert I Bruce
Blayney Post Office B&B
6368 2466 60 Adelaide St Blayney NSW 2799 BLAYNEY CWL 27
BLAYNEY
Grand DESIGNS TEASDALE PARK IS WELL AND TRULY IN ITS HAY DAY.
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hird-generation Blayney beef producer Tim Mendham is a man used to thinking big, but constructing a mansion out of hay bales was the final straw.
For two months the grand edifice stretched across a hillside on the family property, “Teasdale Park”, between Barry and Hobbys Yards, drawing gasps from passing motorists who must have felt they were in Disneyland. It had everything from towers, turrets, moat and drawbridge, but Tim never stayed there because the massive eight-metre-high edifice was built entirely from 278 home-grown round and square hay bales over three weekends (and with a little help from a front-end loader and telehandler). The realistic-looking castle romped home to collect first prize in Blayney’s inaugural Hay Bale Art Challenge, staged earlier this year. It was lucky Tim changed his mind from his original concept of a pushbike. “The bales were a bit brown and it would’ve been lost against the brown countryside. I went for the castle, which was more visible,” he says with his trademark grin. Judges had a difficult task scoring the 11 creative and often humorous displays lining the NAB B2B (Blayney to Bathurst) cycling route from Blayney, through Barry, Hobbys Yards and out to Newbridge.
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Ranging from brides and grooms to bees and sheep, the artworks were judged for originality, design and effort. The “Every Man Needs A Castle” exhibit couldn’t be beaten for its sheer size. Although the Mendhams pocketed $250 for their fairytale effort, the real winner on the day was the Blayney community. The amount of effort, fun and dedication local farmers put into their displays was astounding and demonstrates the strong community spirit so evident in these villages. Proudly supported by Blayney Shire Council and the Blayney Town Association, the concept was about making the ride for nearly 1000 cyclists something to remember. Tim, wife Shannon and three children grow plenty of hay for their 500-strong Angus cattle herd, and are well known for their creative hay-bale displays, having built a swimming pool for their son’s birthday (using a huge tarp to keep the water in) and a monstrous Santa Claus and Christmas tree. But the family is not just using hay bales for art’s sake. Tim and Blayney owner/driver Matt Bird donated and transported 66 bales for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runner project, where 280 trucks delivered more than 21,000 hay bales to drought-stricken farmers throughout Central Queensland. “We had a relatively good season so wanted to get involved and help where we could,” Tim says. Who knew hay bales could become an expression of art? The Blayney Hay Bale Art Challenge is expected to become part of the landscape for years to come, with the locals already suggesting the bike ride is Blayney’s answer to the famed Tour de France. Footnote: The castle, and all it stood for, was later devoured by a mob of thankful steers. CWL Facing page: Shannon and Tim Mendham with their children Sam and Ollie (daughter Lucy was away at school).; Silage, wheat, hay and straw is mixed up in the tub grinder and fed to the steers. Only problem is the ground is so wet. After the heaviest monthly rainfall ever, Tim has been forced to resort to the tractor to get through the boggy conditions. Right: The “Every Man Needs A Castle” exhibit was the standout entry on the day. BLAYNEY CWL 29
BLAYNEY
The essence of country MILLAMOLONG POLO CLUB IS OPENING THE CLUBHOUSE AS A BESPOKE VENUE FOR WEDDINGS AND PREMIUM EVENTS.
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he name Millamolong is steeped in Australian history from the gold rush in the 1800s, and needs little introduction to anyone familiar with the great game of polo. Today it is a name synonymous with country Australian values and sporting grit.
Millamolong is understood to mean “healing waters” or “magic waters” in the local Wiradjuri language. Aboriginal people have, for thousands of years, travelled there to drink the healing waters. The original cattle and sheep station has been well known since the 1800s and became home to the legendary polo-playing Ashton family. Today Millamolong Polo Club continues to be a favourite on the country polo circuit and continues to showcase great polo at events each year. The late James Ashton, a farmer and a polo player who represented Australia in two World Cups, established Millamolong Polo Club in 1990. Since 1995 the club has hosted some of the best players and teams from around the globe. Between Bathurst, Orange and Cowra and a four-hour drive west of Sydney, Millamolong’s polo field and clubhouse are cradled by the beautiful rolling hills of Mandurama in the NSW Central Tablelands. Millamolong Polo Club was established with charity and community at its heart. There has been over $250,000 raised for charity over the past 25 years by the members and volunteers involved in the running of the club. This year Millamolong Polo Club is opening the clubhouse as a bespoke and elegant venue for wedding and premium event hire (on application). Millamolong Polo Club also has a range of fabulous furniture, soft furnishings and stylish decorative items for hire to dress your event – from chandeliers, to iron bar counters, Persian floor rugs and hay bale covers. Whether you are a proud country Australian or a city dweller who loves the romance and authenticity of the bush, Millamolong is a brand that actively promotes country Australia and gives back to the community. Whether it’s for a small getaway or a larger event, the team can help create a unique party, event or wedding. Visit www.millamolong.com.au/partyevent-hire, and you can also sign up for the newsletter to keep in touch. To inquire about hiring the Millamolong Clubhouse for your special event, email office@millamolongpoloclub.com or telephone (02) 6361 4461. CWL
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BLAYNEY BLAYNEY
Millamolong IS A BRAND THAT ACTIVELY PROMOTES COUNTRY
Australia AND
GIVES BACK TO THE
community.
Make your event memorable with Millamolong Choose from one or all of our unique range of event options, and bring the Australian bush to your next event: • •
Venue hire Event styling
•
Furniture, furnishings, rugs & styling items
contact our team today on 02 6361 4461 or email office@millamolongpoloclub.com www.millamolong.com.au/party-event-hire BLAYNEY CWL 31
Local Aaron Bathe from Dapper Chocolates tempts the crowd with hand-crafted delights.
Cherrilyn Smith and Paul Golder saw a gap in the market – herbs – and grow them all in their Blayney backyard.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Blayney Farmers Market in beautiful Carrington Park, keen to bag all manner of delicious fresh foods and produce.
Blayney FARMERS MARKET
Toni Watt from White Milk Soap and Candles displays her soaps made from all natural ingredients.
Lochlan Atkinson serenades the crowds with his tunes.
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Two-year-old Blayney local Macey Claypole paints the elephant in the room raising awareness of Mental Health Month.
Sam and Diba Samimi from Traditional Grower in Spring Hill grow pesticide free produce.
Janet Treweek from Thornbrook Orchards with her freshly picked apples and dried fruit.
Libby Ringrose, from Morish Morsels, with children Bella, Matthew, Olivia and Luke and friends Melanie and Ryan Clarke.
BLAYNEY
Elizabeth Russ and Loretta Kervin, Blayney Farmers Market volunteers, man the community stall where anyone can sell their backyard produce.
Owner of All Natural Dog Treats Wendy Smith with happy customer Lizzie, the pure-bred Kelpie and owner Debbie Higham.
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tallholders from the region and wider areas create a market of wide variety, selling an extensive range of produce including fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, not to mention preserves, honey, relish, bread, cheese, pesto, jams and dressings. And if you are looking for a tasty snack to enjoy while wandering through the market, there are plenty of cakes, baked treats and savouries on offer.
Lorne Ryan from Flambée Woodfire Pizza with a freshly cooked French-style tart flambée.
Tim Salmon from Down to Earth Produce with some meat straight from the farm, ready for your fridge.
Leisa Newnham and John Borchard with their local Allandale pastured free-range eggs.
Doug and Elizabeth Dagg from Farmer Doug Gourmet Potatoes and Janelli Nursery with their local produce.
A true paddock-to-plate experience is guaranteed with multiple meat vendors who grow and process their meats to sell at the market, ranging from beef, lamb, chicken, duck, goat and pork. Every market features free children’s activities and regular live music.
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Words: Rebecca Price Images: Emily Mitchell
Borenore Brew House’s Marty Oliver showcases a new lager and year-round favourite pale ale.
Morgan and Hayley Shiels from Fairydust Facepainting.
Joanne Howarth, owner/manager of Ironbark, hard at work at the coffee machine.
Max “the honey man” Schoenmaker shows off his local honey.
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SHEAR MAGIC CONVERTING AN OLD WOOLSHED INTO A SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME HAD ITS FAIR SHARE OF CHALLENGES, BUT FARMING COUPLE STUART AND GEMMA GREEN, OF "CHESNEY", MANDURAMA, WERE MORE THAN UP TO THE TASK.
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or several years the Greens lived in a nearby shack that was transported out to the property on a bullock dray from Carcoar in the 1890s. “It used to belong to the town’s Lady of the Night,” Gemma confesses with a hearty laugh. “So we have moved from the shack to a shed!” The “shed” was the property’s 16-stand woolshed, built around 1906. The last shearing took place in the 1960s and it was used as a storage facility until Stuart and Gemma came up with a grand scheme to transform it into a unique home for themselves and their three children Hugo, 12, Eva, 9, and Sasha, 7. “The hardest part was getting started, which meant finding a builder willing to work on a 100-year-old building. We were looking for somebody willing to share our vision and fortunately found Gerd Wolf and David Chase, from Forest Reefs and Orange, who undertook the bulk of the restoration,” Stuart says. The entire woolshed was restumped before celebrated artist/draftsman Tim Winters, from Stuart Town, lent his considerable skills to the project. “They were amazing and we all had a blast turning our plans into reality,” says Gemma, a spirited businesswoman who thrives in her new environment. The work was finished within two years and the results are nothing short of spectacular, and more importantly, under budget.
Left: the glorious view of the “Old Shed” section. Facing page, clockwise from top: The sprawling timber deck is still a work in progress; Stuart and Gemma Green; The “middle section” of the family home is a big space featuring loads of sunlight; the open-plan kitchen. 34 CWL BLAYNEY
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THE natural
light SPILLING THROUGHOUT THE HOME IS A definite feature.
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“The key challenge was to spend no more than building a conventional home. Naturally we had the shell but we still had to fix up the wiring, plumbing, floors and walls.” Gemma says she doesn’t have a favourite room but concedes the bathroom, surrounded by serene farmland is a great spot to “reconnect and get grounded”. The natural light spilling throughout the home is a definite feature, especially welcome after years in the dimly lit shack. The strapping old wool press is another great talking point. Taking pride of place in the family room, where it has stood for generations, the Ferrier wool press was shipped from Geelong to Sydney before making its way here. It’s built into the floor and the Greens simply worked around it. “Probably the hardest thing is cooling the place in summer but it’s not a real problem,” says Gemma, a former nurse and midwife who now runs her own business called “Creating Resilience”. She is a certified practitioner in the Lifeline Technique, this being a philosophy, science and quantum technology that bridges gaps between the conscious and subconscious mind. “It helps people to process subconscious patterns, reactions, behaviour and emotions,” she says. Today the delightful home is neatly divided into three sections. The “old shed”, complete with the original timber gratings on the floor, the middle section for lounge and dining, and the family area, comprising bedrooms in the top section. It’s ideal for the odd gathering of the clans and has proved a glorious setting for dinner parties under the stars. “It’s a big and loud house with plenty of space for everybody,” Gemma says. “We love that we have reinvented what was ‘the shed’ into a fun family home!” CWL Above left: The old wool press takes pride of place in the lounge room.
A warm welcome awaits in beautiful
BLAYNEY & HERITAGE VILLAGES Blayney S
Indulge... Unwind & Relax Blayney Shire Visitor Information Centre 97 Adelaide Street, Blayney, P: 02 6368 3534 E: tourism@blayney.nsw.gov.au
#historicvillages 36 CWL BLAYNEY
#warmwelcome
h
Grand reiroe Visitor Informatio n pening in early 20C1entre 7
Explore
‘The Cotta Visitor Info ge’– the home of o ur Take a bre rmation Centre and ak and enjo café. y a cuppa.
new-look Find us on Facebook and Twitter
www.visitblayney.com.au
Food for Thought: Our Nutrition Philosophy We believe pets and people are better together, and it’s this belief that has driven us to push pet nutrition forward for decades. It’s what inspires our global team of over 400 scientists, including nutritionists to develop industry-leading pet foods, and to make those products accessible for more pets everywhere. That’s why we’re on a mission to raise the standards for pet nutrition for decades to come.
www.Purina.com.au BLAYNEY CWL 37
PET PROJECT
NESTLÉ PURINA PETCARE IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYERS IN THE REGION.
I Above: An aerial view of the 72ha site of Nestlé Purina PetCare; Interior of the factory; Huge warehouses of pet food ready to be distributed. Facing page, clockwise from top left: Packaging operator Andrew Maguire; Beaming Volpak operator Katie Abbot; Robert Hoskins inspects the robot operations; Lou Hawker oversees the tray packing; Operations manager Alan Giumelli with some of the famous pet food brands produced by the factory; Craig England on the forklift; Site hygienist Bec Meenahan at work; David Wright sampling for quality. 38 CWL BLAYNEY
t’s not easy getting into Nestlé Purina PetCare, owned by Nestlé, the largest food company in the world.
The staff perform a wide range of jobs from operating forklifts and packaging machines to purchasing ingredients and planning production.
After watching the obligatory safety video, answering the question sheet, removing rings and watches and donning the special glasses, work boots, gloves, vest, ear plugs and helmet, I was ready to see where our pet food comes from.
“This makes us one of the most significant employers in the region, with great options for development in lots of different careers,” factory manager Karl Nealon says.
After one final hand wash, I was inside Blayney’s biggest factory, which operates around the clock while providing work for 300 staff.
“We provide a great work environment with a strong emphasis on safety and compliance, which means our average length of service is about 15 years.”
Huge, heavy robots do most of the packaging work and the scale is phenomenal. Each year the factory produces more than 100,000 tonnes of “dry” and “wet” pet food.
Karl started with Nestlé on the Blayney site as a food technologist in 1997, formulating the products in both the canning plant and the dry plant.
All perfectly bagged up, these trusted treats will feed millions of happy cats and dogs in Australia and Asian markets like Japan, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Since then he has worked in other Nestlé factories before returning to Blayney in 2013 as project manager, helping to complete the latest factory extensions.
The factory, established in 1989, has a proud history. Some of its famous brands include Friskies, ProPlan, Supercoat, ONE and Felix. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally.
“I’ve been in the role as factory manager for nearly two years now and thoroughly enjoy working with and leading the team,” he says. CWL
BLAYNEY
“The staff perform a wide range of jobs from operating forklifts and packaging machines to purchasing ingredients and planning production.�
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To market, to market BERNARDI’S MARKETPLACE IN BLAYNEY OFFERS BIG-TOWN VARIETY WITH SMALL-TOWN WARMTH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE.
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ollowing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Bernardi family has good reason to be proud of its new Blayney supermarket, Bernardi’s Marketplace, housed within the stylishly refurbished and renamed Farm Lane Village Markets.
Improvements have included the introduction of an extensive range of “Grab and Go” freshly made sandwiches, salads and wraps, an expanded health food offering, new refrigeration cabinets, an upgrade to the service area and an increase in the Discount Dave’s range. The shopping centre has also undergone an extensive facelift with the installation of heating, cooling, lighting and new flooring, as well as external painting and improvements to the car park. The first Bernardi’s store was established in Forbes in 1969 as a fruit market run by Tony Bernardi. Now run by his three sons, David, Peter and Joseph, the group operates three other supermarkets in the Central West including Bernardi’s Marketplace Forbes, West Wyalong and Bathurst. The Bernardi Group employs more than 400 staff and offers a unique shopping experience for customers, supporting the local suppliers and communities in each town they operate in. Bernardi Group Director Joe Bernardi says the supermarket marks the beginning of a new era for Blayney shoppers. “Shoppers can now enjoy a marketplace atmosphere with fresh bread baked daily, the expertise of an instore chef, hand-cut and wrapped cheese and bulk meat range from the butchery,” he says. The market-style fresh produce department comes with the best quality and value from local growers including Little Big Dairy Co, Dubbo; Manildra Flour; Fresh Fodder, Orange; Angullong Wines, Millthorpe; Small Acres Cider, Borenor; Brangayne, Orange; and Borenore Brewhouse. When in season, oranges are sourced from Griffith, apples from Orange, cherries from Young and peaches from Forbes. Joe says his family wanted to give Blayney residents and surrounding communities every reason to shop locally, and believes the latest upgrade will help achieve that. He also believes if more of the community grocery-shop locally it will have a positive flow-on effect for other small businesses in the town. Store manager Michael Ross brings with him 36 years’ experience in the supermarket business, starting as a junior shop assistant before working his way up the ladder to a national role within Woolies. Michael and wife Karen were thrilled to move to Blayney, where they can watch their grandchildren grow up. “We have a strong connection to the Central West, with Karen growing up in Molong and her family coming from Tallwood and Millthorpe,” he says. After his first year in the store, in charge of nearly 100 employees, Michael says he is enjoying the experience. “Our team of workers really makes the store,” he says. “It’s a great place to work and a very exciting place to shop.” Michael says their primary goal is all about offering customers a wide range of the freshest foods that will match any offer you’d expect from a larger centre. “I’ve worked in many supermarkets and can say that it’s very rare to find such a modern and comprehensive supermarket of this size in a town the size of Blayney,” he says. “It’s definitely one of their flagship stores and a real credit to the Bernardi Group.” CWL
Facing page: Members of the working team at Bernardi’s Marketplace. Clockwise from top: Fresh fruit and veg on sale at Bernardi’s; Roxanne Muzik-Smith with a fresh tray of seafood; Nathan Donlan with a leg of lamb outside the meat department; Michael Ross in the fresh fruit and vegetable department; Deb Christoff with fresh bread loaves; Liz Anderson with a leg of ham. BLAYNEY CWL 41
CROWD
pleaser
IRONBARK CAFE IS JUST WHAT THE CUSTOMERS ORDERED.
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ot a single seat is spare, conversations float through the air and the coffee is hot and flowing.
Fresh flowers catch your eye as you walk in and country landscapes cover the walls. Shelves around the shop boast goodies and giftware ranging from jewellery to honey, and the best part is that everything is local. Ironbark, a cafe on the main street of Blayney, is more of a community than a coffee shop. Owner and manager of Ironbark Joanne Howarth opened the doors to her shop almost four years ago because at the time there wasn’t anywhere in town to get a coffee. Originally an espresso coffee bar, Ironbark has expanded its business each year since opening and now offers a catering service and has a mobile coffee cart used at events. “When I opened Ironbark I thought it would be more takeaway based, mainly coffee, but you get steered in the direction of what your customers want,” Joanne says.
They opened an extra seating area next door that features a blackboard wall for the kids (and maybe the big kids too), but Ironbank continues to go from strength to strength and attract both locals and people passing through.
“We’ve grown so much because of the local support, it’s been amazing.”
To accommodate the growing crowds, Ironbark will be moving right across the road to a bigger space inside the Blayney Visitor Information Centre in early 2017.
Ironbark now offers fresh juices, smoothies, hot drinks, food and much more. The cafe is so popular that they have actually started to outgrow their shopfront.
The new cafe will have a full kitchen, more dining options and a coffee window for quick and easy takeaway options. Ironbark will also be open seven days a week and various public holidays.
Opening Hours
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The name Ironbark was inspired by the decor of the shop, which has a natural country but industrial feel featuring wooden furniture. CWL Words: Emily Mitchell Images: Robert I Bruce
Above: Meaghan Delaney, Danielle Stonestreet, Joanne Howarth and Courtney Simmons.
IRONBARK ESPRESSO BAR
MON, TUES, WED, FRI 8-3
THURS 6-4 SAT 8-12
“We are very excited about the move and will be able to offer a lot more in the new space,” Joanne says.
BLAYNEY
RM LANE A F
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Everything you'll need for your weekly shop!
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$10 voucher!* We’re passionate about fresh, wholesome food and we’d love to share our range with you. SImply spend $50 in store, scan your Smart Shopper card (or sign up at check-out), present this voucher and we’ll give you an extra $10! We can’t wait to see you soon! *T&C Apply.
CODE: 1005 * Promotion valid until 30th December 2016. Shopper must spend $50 to receive voucher. Limit 1 voucher per person. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. In-store: PLU 1005.
BLAYNEY CWL 43
Inescapable truths NYREE REYNOLDS TELLS POIGNANT STORIES WITH HER PAINTBRUSH.
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elebrated Wiradjuri artist Nyree Reynolds is standing in front of her easel in her small Caminka gallery in Blayney like she does almost every day. Nestled on her shoulder and scrutinising her every move is Ra, a relaxed Siamese cat. Finn, a big Collie Rough dog, sits faithfully at her feet. When she picks up her brushes she shifts into a different world, painting thin-armed Koori girls and boys who cautiously inhabit the canvas, their faces upturned to the sky, the moon or a bird in the hope of return. The Stolen Generations are a familiar theme and she pours her heart and soul into each painting, often channeling those she depicts. In other works her figures seem to float across the vivid Australian countryside. The use of red ochre from Mudgee features strongly and some of her paintings contain sand from the Illawarra, connecting her with her birthplace.
She won the Mil-Pra Aboriginal Art Award at Casula Powerhouse three times and the collaborative work she painted in conjunction with Joy Engelman was a finalist for the 2007 Drawing Together Art Award in Canberra (this painting now hangs in the Prime Minister’s building). Others can be found in public and private collections throughout Australia and in countless overseas countries. One of Nyree’s proudest moments was travelling to Hamburg, Germany, in 2013 for the city’s first Aboriginal art exhibition called Dreamings, which featured three of her paintings. Nyree only discovered the truth about her Aboriginal heritage 22 years earlier. “Even though Mum and her brothers had darker skin than us, I grew up not being fully aware I was Aboriginal. It wasn’t until my sister researched our family tree and discovered my great-great-grandmother Yebomel that we finally unearthed the truth,” she explains.
Most paintings evoke a sense of loss and heartbreak. “All the harrowing stories and sadness often fill me up and exhaust me,” she says quietly.
“Mum thought we’d be ashamed but the opposite was true. I’m proud of my heritage and it explains a lot of things, like the spirituality I feel in relation to the earth and animals. It also explains why I like to walk barefoot.”
A natural and gifted storyteller, Nyree has the ability to deliver strong messages with her works selected as finalists in the NSW Parliamentary Aboriginal Art Award on five occasions.
The animals she refers to have become integral to her existence. Her home is a mini version of Noah’s ark, with two sheep, four chooks, two horses, two Siamese cats, three noisy Chihuahuas and Finn all vying for her attention.
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There is an artwork Nyree painted in her gallery of her ancestors Edward Jerry and Yebomel. This painting was adapted from a fading sepia photo of Edward and his Caucasian wife.
“There are no geographical boundaries when removed children are hurting, the pain is universal. It should be the right of every child to have a family and a home, even though that home may be thought of as inadequate in the eyes of those in authority,” she says.
Nyree is not one of the Stolen Generations but knows plenty who are. Her poignant paintings depicting the child victims of forced removal policies bear witness to the trauma endured and give voice to many unheard stories. Born in Wollongong, her love of art was nurtured as a child. “I loved creating stories on paper from a young age,” she says. She later studied art at a tertiary level and worked in a survey drafting position before raising a family with English husband Peter, who spent his working life in the British and Australian Merchant Navy. They have two grown children, Simon, an IT Consultant in Bathurst, and Bindi, an Occupational Therapist. Nyree keeps three easels for the grandkids, who are frequent visitors and love to paint. Nyree recently graduated with a Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage from Charles Sturt University, which enables her to teach the Wiradjuri language. “It’s an extremely difficult language to learn. One of the reasons I wanted to learn was when I go into the bush I’d know some of the words my Ancestors used, and that’s important to me,” she says. Education is a vital part of her work. For many years Nyree has been a community artist, working with people with mental health issues, Aboriginal and non Aboriginal children in schools and TAFE, with Aboriginal offenders in correctional centres, in preschools, aged care centres as well as with local councils. Nyree lobbied for 10 years for the Aboriginal flag to be flown in Blayney and is very proud that one of her paintings has been reproduced on a billboard to welcome all travellers to traditional Wiradjuri country. “If my paintings have made people think more deeply about what happened to the Stolen Generations, that is good – because this should never happen again.” CWL
“Lack of material possessions does not necessarily make for a bad home. Love of family and extended family transcends perceived poverty and the need for shoes and new clothes.”
The colours of the Central West inspire Nyree and feature in all her works. “This is land between Nyngan and Cobar, a dreaming place for the original Wongaibon inhabitants for 60,000 years.”
Many years before the photo was taken, the Englishman, who had been transported for seven years, was assigned to James Walker, the owner of “Barton Park” at Wallerawang. He had a relationship with Nyree’s beloved Yebomel, who was from the Wallerawang clan group of the Wiradjuri nation, resulting in the birth of a child they called Margaret. Their story continued to Gilgandra where Edward married a white woman and had a further 13 children. “Yebomel was left to fend for herself and I have painted that feeling of trepidation she must have felt. She is my ancestor, my proud Aboriginal woman,” she says. As a descendant of the Wiradjuri people from NSW and as a visual artist, Nyree feels very strongly for the Aboriginal children taken from their homes, family and country. “I like to paint stories of the Stolen Generations and Aboriginal stories about people in general, some that have been untold. I try to put this feeling into my paintings so these emotions can be expressed in a visual way,” she continues. Over many years, Nyree has listened with great sadness and anger to accounts from Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people about how children felt when they were forcibly removed from their homes and how the hurt remained with them.
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ideas QUIRKY HANDMADE FINDS ABOUND AT WHITE ROCK SILVER.
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ebecca Price is a busy woman. She has just dropped one of her four children off to band practice and is about to help her husband mark lambs on the family farm just out of Blayney. In between her commitments, the queen of multi-tasking is thrilled to discuss what’s going down at White Rock Silver, her country shop full of quirky pieces sourced from throughout the district. This place is where to go when you want something special. Having a passion for handcrafted products, Rebecca’s studio naturally includes plenty of hand-made products and gifts from talented people both in her local area and further afield. Some of these include cotton spindles, bread boards, produce, olive oil soaps, old lanterns, timber trunks, suitcases, children’s gifts and kitchenalia. In the back corner sits a cluttered desk – the business engine where Rebecca designs and makes her beautiful sterling silver jewellery. Her silversmithing started with a night course in Dubbo in 1997, learning the intricacies of the trade from a Mendooran woman who sparked her imagination and passion. Apart from that, Rebecca is basically self-taught. “My designs don’t have to be quite as well thought out as working with gold, which is a ton more expensive,” she laughs. Rebecca’s also mastered the art of making exquisite resin jewellery, including colourful bangles and earrings. “I researched it thoroughly but it was, at the time, a well-guarded secret and nobody wanted to share the process. It’s a finicky business, which creates bubbles when you make it. I used trial and error until I finally worked it out.”
REBECCA REGULARLY helps
out on the farm BUT IS JUST AS
happy in the shop.
Originally from Cudal, she moved to Blayney after marrying cattle and sheep grazier David Price in 1999. She regularly helps out on the farm but is just as happy in the shop she has occupied for the past five years. Working alongside her is loyal staff member Donna Broekhuizen, who styles everything in the shop when Rebecca is away. “She is my saviour in the shop – everybody needs a Donna in their lives.”
The first thing Rebecca did was share it on her blog. It’s all about helping others achieve their potential, which is one of the reasons she recently introduced her one-day classes, held monthly, for about eight people.
The pair recently installed a coffee machine, providing a more relaxed environment for people to stay in their shop a tad longer. Shopping should never be rushed! Over a cuppa, the ladies tell me about their trendy little shop.
“A lot of the attendees aspire to do something for themselves. It’s very rewarding and they walk away with big smiles and a wonderful piece of jewellery,” Rebecca says.
“We tend to do things a little differently and have a unique following traipsing through the door looking for something new – or old for that matter,” Rebecca says.
/whiterocksilver
So how did she acquire such a name? “My eldest son collected white rocks in the paddock and told me they would look great in my jewellery, so White Rock Silver was born.” Rebecca doesn’t like sitting still for long. She was one of the instigators of the Blayney Farmers Markets, now entering their second year, and is actively involved in many community projects. The locals here, she says, are very supportive and always get behind you. Rebecca is glad she has managed to turn her hobby into a thriving profession with a new shop/studio where she can tinker with her exquisite jewellery all day long. CWL
Above: Donna and Rebecca at White Rock Silver; David and Rebecca Price with some of the Dohne Merinos.
@whiterocksilver
Ph 0419 482 449 118 Adelaide St Blayney NSW 2799 www.whiterocksilver.com.au BLAYNEY CWL 47
The piano man THE TINY VILLAGE OF NEVILLE IS ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THANKS TO RAYMOND DAY-HAKKER.
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t’s hard to believe that the country’s only piano collection open to the public lies in one of NSW’s smallest villages, but such is the case with the Golden Era Piano Museum.
Located in Neville, a quaint rural community south of Blayney, the one-of-a-kind museum is the brainchild of Raymond Day-Hakker, a man with unrivalled enthusiasm for the humble piano. The district that Raymond now calls home enjoys the enviable reputation as one of the “safest” agricultural areas in NSW. In its heyday, Neville was also home to one of the state’s biggest lamb shows. Today the village is acquiring a name as the home of a priceless piano collection from England, Australia, France and Germany, including one nearly 200 years old. Raymond is a passionate piano historian, and says our first piano, a John Broadwood, came out with the ship’s surgeon on board the Sirius when the colony was first settled. The golden era of pianos lasted from about 1815 through to 1915, long before the days of radio. The piano had become a status symbol, often standing as the centrepiece in the family home. “Their breathtaking craftsmanship reflects a climactic time in piano making and they stand as monuments to the position of the piano in Australia’s social history,” Raymond says. Raymond shares a close affinity to his beloved pianos, thanks largely to his Dutch father, who had a 30-piece band that played throughout Europe during and after WW2. In 1950 his parents immigrated to Australia and it was only natural that Raymond was brought up with the sound of music in their Sydney home. He started strumming the mandolin and guitar before he was three, before graduating to the piano at age nine. It wasn’t long before young Raymond was composing melodies and he’s been consumed with writing and playing music ever since. By his mid 20s, he opened Australia’s first museum of stringed instruments (including the piano) in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains. The collection was put into storage while Raymond spent decades fine-tuning pianos from different bases at Mt Victoria, Portland and Bathurst before finally setting up shop in Neville. “I inspected dozens of villages throughout the Central West before finding this place,” he says enthusiastically. “This building ticked all the boxes and was big enough to hold a concert (which he’s done) without upsetting the neighbours.” The cool climate, he says, is similar to the conditions in which the pianos were manufactured. Being away from the coast is better for the instruments and helps reduce rust. The shop and adjoining home were originally purchased by the Commonwealth Bank in 1897 to incorporate the post office and telephone exchange. The exchange ceased in the mid 1980s and the place once again reverted to a general store before Raymond arrived on the scene. His first chore – and it was a big one – was moving all his pianos from storage plus the 18 or so left for decades in various homes in South Australia, NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
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It was a massive undertaking but Raymond had waited all his life to get his collection under the one roof. With assistance from his three daughters he finally managed to squeeze 30 heavy pianos into his remarkable showroom. There are still several more under repair and another five “incredible pianos” residing in people’s homes but, at this stage, space is a critical issue. “I do, however, have a barrel piano with 10 songs on its way from Queensland,” he says. “I’m very excited about this, because it will be the first Italian instrument to join my collection. You literally wind them up and in the old days they provided entertainment at fairs, balls and markets.” To help pay the bills, Raymond continues his job as a piano technician, restoring and tuning old pianos at schools and residences. It’s something he loves, and with 46 years’ experience, you could say what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing. “A piano needs tuning every couple of years and my clients come from all over the place, from Warren to Coolah, Forbes, Crookwell and Elong Elong,” he says. Over a lifetime, Raymond has learnt the intricacies of piano construction and tuning, and is always on hand to talk about each piano’s unique history and properties.
The real highlight for visitors to the Golden Era Piano Museum, however, is hearing this musical maestro tickle the ivories. Each piano emits a different sound and the patient Raymond can talk for hours on each one. Although almost blind in one eye, this accomplished musician and composer plays like a concert pianist. His mannerisms and undoubted ability remind me of the famed pianist David Helfgott. “For me, nothing beats the journey of the melody,” he says with an unassuming smile. Raymond is unsure what will happen to his unique collection and is open to the idea of one day donating the lot to an organisation that can keep his lifetime’s work alive for generations to come. CWL
Facing page: Raymond Day-Hakker, resplendent in tie, loves each and every piano at the Golden Era Piano Museum. Above: The enthusiastic hands of Raymond Day-Hakker strike a chord with all those who hear him. BLAYNEY CWL 49
GOING
native
“CLOUDY HILL” IS A GARDEN DESIGNED TO SHOWCASE AN EXTENSIVE AND VARIED COLLECTION OF AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. DESPITE TOUGH CONDITIONS, EXPOSURE TO EXTREMES OF HEAT, COLD AND STRONG WIND, THIS STRIKING GARDEN HAS THRIVED, THANKS TO GOOD DESIGN AND CLEVER PLANT SELECTION.
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his garden defies the common misconception that native gardens can appear a bit scrubby and unkempt, or lack colour and seasonal impact. At Cloudy Hill Fiona and Alex have championed native plants from all over Australia, and their roots are firmly at home high on a hill near Blayney. It’s an incredibly diverse, inspirational and surprising garden, and a harmonious fit within the surrounding country landscape. The resounding take-home lesson is that a garden can be sustainable and very beautiful year round. Traditionally mid summer and winter are low points in the country gardening calendar, when harsh weather has an adverse effect on many gardens (and gardeners!). Yet at Cloudy Hill during late summer the garden was brimming with colour from flowers, foliage and looked as fresh as a daisy. And the native daisies here are plentiful including showy paper daisy, everlastings, sunrays and billy buttons (Xerochrysum bracteatum; Rodanthe; Leucochrysum albicans; Craspedia variabilis). The garden is alive with bird song, and Fiona says scrub and fairy wrens are a permanent fixture with honeyeaters, spinebills and thornbills among the array of seasonal avian visitors. Pruning is often interrupted by the discovery of bird nests among the dense twiggy foliage of bottlebrush (Callistemon) and prostrate tea trees (Leptospermum). There are plenty of bird baths throughout the garden, freshened frequently so there’s a constant water supply to support feathered visitors. Alex says a zero tolerance to rabbits and consistent control measures have made a huge difference to the property. Other visiting fauna include grazing kangaroos, nibbling wallabies, many Jacky Lizards (a local type of bearded dragon), which enjoy paper daisies in their diet. Fiona says the copper head snakes tend to be unbothered by her presence, but the occasional tiger or eastern brown snake spotted sunbaking on the granite pathway are treated with respect and retreat. > Facing page: This architect designed house is strategically positioned to capture the sun and take advantage of the superb view. Clockwise from left: Colourful kangaroo paws; long flowering yellow buttons (Chrysocephalum); orange everlasting daisies; hand crafted by Alex this sculpture also offers a water source for visiting birds; inviting curved pathways feature prominently at “Cloudy Hill”. BLAYNEY CWL 51
Fiona’s ethos is “nature over nurture”, relying on natural rainfall to water plants once established. Beginning with hardened off young plants or small tube stock, Fiona initially hand waters using a watering can, delivering just enough to keep the new plantings from drying out, and once they have settled in most plants are left to nature. A loop line of water piping with taps at regular spacing is considered more for bush fire protection than irrigation. Designed to encourage thoughts, many of the outlet taps have inspirational inscribed plaques rather than hoses attached. Alex is a talented sculptor and metalworker and has created many of the varied pieces throughout the garden including his “lifesavers” fashioned on memories of the childhood sweet, a large replica “Jacky Dragon” on a post in the bush, and a fabulous clematis seat that combines both timber and twirling metal. Fiona’s favourite piece is the striking wrought “Rising Sun” on the boundary fence, while another features a large lump of molten glass from the old Pilkington beer bottle factory supported by metal arms. Nature has sculpted many of the “planted” stumps and hollowed logs displayed throughout the garden, one in particular thought to be the result of a lightning strike. For a plant lover the variety and range of plants at Cloudy Hill is astounding. There are more than 3500 different plants, and Fiona is ruthless when things get too big or block the stunning view, so there’s always something new. A plant enthusiast, she can’t go past an opportunity and returns from trips with different, unusual or new plants to try here near Blayney. Although there are very few native plant specialist nurseries in NSW, Fiona always finds some native plants at regional garden centres. Collectors or rare plant fairs are another valuable source of unusual or new-release plants. Fiona used to propagate many of her own plants in her purpose-built propagation bench, and utilising the green house and shade house had great success. Now, however, she prefers to grow just a few treasures to share with friends. In raised corrugated iron planters, Fiona maintains what she calls “seasonal flower pots” displaying flowering Western Australian species and other ephemeral natives, which require perfectly drained soils. They provide a burst of pretty garden colour, and satisfaction for this plant collector, but rarely survive Blayney’s freezing winters, so are replanted each spring. Asking Fiona to name her “top 10 plants” was unfair when there are so many to choose from! Staples or foundation plants include bottlebrush (Callistemon), tea trees (Leptospermum), banksias, kangaroo paws, native wax (Philotheca, formerly Eriostemon), Correa and coast rosemary (Westringea). Foliage is a strong design element so many of the plants feature fine or small rounded leaves, which naturally lend themselves to clipping and mounding. 52 CWL BLAYNEY
Native swamp foxtail grasses Pennisetum ‘Nafray’ and Pennisetum ‘Purple Lea’ are mass planted for practicality, soaking up excess water from a natural drainage area, and Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’ and Lomandra ‘Tanika’ have been used in groups for accent and elsewhere in rows as borders and low hedging. As CWL admires the purple-flowered native hibiscus (Alyogyne) Fiona announces: “Oh, that’s coming out as soon as you leave, it’s become too big and dense and swamping surrounding foliage”. In the nursery a few replacements are spotted, so they’ll be used in a different spot next planting. Although Australian native plants predominate, Fiona is not a purist. There’s a mix of ornamental, deciduous and Australian trees in the “tree grove”. Within the garden there’s ornamental birch trees, a very pretty cottage garden pairs with the utility area, and hardy Rugosa roses surround Alex’s shed. A magnificent row of espaliered apple trees is housed in an arched tunnel covered in chicken wire preventing foxes and parrots from stealing the ripening fruit. To promote a long-lasting floral display the kangaroo paws are given a dose of controlled-release fertiliser for native plants in spring. However, other than for fruiting or potted plants or on vegetables, Fiona doesn’t apply fertiliser to her garden. The visiting birds control insects while compost and thick mulch break down to supply nutrients. Most plants are given frequent light pruning to encourage a bushy habit and remove spent flower heads. Kangaroo paws are deadheaded in late summer and cut to ground level in late winter. Likewise, the ornamental grasses are bunched and cut to ground level just before spring. What’s Fiona and Alex’s top landscape tip? “Getting the garden designed in the first instance was worth every dollar spent. We had an architect design the house, so it made sense to continue that planning outside. A garden designer is responsible for the flow, the two-metre-wide meandering pathways, walling and some of the initial planting schemes. ” There are plenty of spots to take a seat and enjoy this tranquil space, so several glasses of sundowner wine or morning coffee pot refills are in order. Fiona says she’d rather be in the garden than almost anywhere, and there’s always something to see and do. Alex and Fiona will stay here as long as they are physically able to enjoy this space, and then plan a move into town when they really retire. CWL Words: Elizabeth Swane Images Robert I Bruce
Facing page: Gardens facing the hills are maintained at a low height for an uninterrupted view; pink everlasting daisies (Xerochrysum); plants featuring small or rounded foliage and delicate flowers include Correa; curved stone retaining walls, meandering wide pathways and dense planting are strong design elements; striking kangaroo paw flowers. Above: A paved area under a pergola offers a place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds; nectar-rich banksia flowers are bee magnets; brilliant yellow kangaroo paws; this crushed granite pathway leads through the garden towards the tree grove.
FURTHER INFORMATION If you are keen to learn more about growing Australian native plants, contact the Australian Plants Society Central West Group through www.austplants.com.au. The Australian Native Garden – A Practical Guide by Angus Stewart and AB Bishop is a fabulous book with loads of information about growing native plants.
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CARCOAR
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Welcome to
LAKE CARGELLIGO CARCOAR
CARCOAR TOWN FEATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
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CARCOAR
Chequered history
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HISTORIC CARCOAR, THE TOWN THAT TIME FORGOT, IS THE THIRD OLDEST SETTLEMENT WEST OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS AND REMAINS A MUST-SEE FOR ALL VISITORS TO THE BLAYNEY SHIRE.
he birth of the village is inextricably linked to Thomas Icely, who had two large titles of land, including a land grant on “Coombing Creek” in 1831. He had the benefit of a large number of assigned convicts to develop the property generally known in Icely’s time as “Coombing,” and later as “Coombing Park”.
These were the days of the early bushrangers, who were mostly transported convicts. John Peisley became one of the first true “Wild Colonial Boys” along with Frank Gardiner and Johnny Gilbert. He was captured in 1862 and committed for trial by the Carcoar bench for first degree murder. Within two months he was convicted and hanged at Bathurst.
Carcoar was surveyed in 1838 and gazetted a year later to become the Central Place, or “Mother Town” of the Lachlan Valley from the 1840s through to the 1880s.
Two local lads from the Mount Macquarie area (now Neville), Mickey Burke and Johnny Vane, attempted to steal a racehorse from the “Coombing Park” stables. When stablehand German Charley tried to stop them, Burke shot him in the mouth. Charley recovered while Burke went on to join Ben Hall’s gang.
As the town grew it provided services of all kinds for the expanding population, especially after the gold rush of the early 1850s. As well as a centre for policing and justice, the town boasted a brewery, brickworks, flour mill, inns and hotels, stores and emporia of all kinds, a mining warden, tradespeople, hospital, medical and other professional services. Along with the pastoral industry and gold mining, the Carcoar district also had commercial deposits of copper, iron ore, cobalt and a show of uranium. The Coombing iron mine produced around one million tons of iron ore for the Hoskins steelworks at Lithgow from 1900-1925. Churches were built for Anglican, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian denominations, and Wesleyan services were also held in the town. There were regular coach journeys between Carcoar, Bathurst and Sydney, and by the late 1880s railway services had reached Carcoar on the Blayney to Demondrille branch line. Carcoar was clearly a centre of law and order. From 1838 there were police barracks for mounted constables on Icely’s land near Stoke Cottage. As the town developed, a police magistrate and a chief constable were appointed, and a police station, lock-up and temporary courthouse established to service the extensive Carcoar police district. A permanent courthouse was completed under the supervision of Edmund Blacket in 1850.
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In 1863 the gang held up Carcoar’s Commercial Bank. A brave teller fired a shot into the ceiling of the bank, thwarting the robbery. Amid all the commotion the gang fled without seizing anything. This was significant as it was Australia’s first bank robbery, and in broad daylight. Two years later Hall was shot dead in a hail of gunfire near Forbes and was buried in the local cemetery. In Ben Hall’s three-year reign of terror the gang robbed 10 mail coaches, held up towns and stations 21 times and stole 23 racehorses. By the late 1870s the courthouse was considered inadequate and was replaced by a new courthouse, which opened in 1882. The building was designed by the celebrated colonial architect James Barnet, and reflects the grand style of late Victorian public architecture. There is a strong Italianate influence with classical elements such as pillars, corbels and a belvedere tower. The clock was never installed in the tower. It has been suggested the mechanism was lost at sea in a shipping accident on the way out from Britain and was never replaced. Alternatively, the budget may have been exceeded and the clock acquisition put on hold indefinitely.
CARCOAR
In 1882 new courthouses opened at Orange and Blayney, reducing Carcoar’s pre-eminence as the centre of justice in the Lachlan Valley area. Also, Cowra Courthouse was opened in 1879 in response to increased population and economic activity in that area. In September 1893 Carcoar Courthouse was the venue for one of the most tragic cases in Australia’s criminal history. Midnight intruder Bertie Glasson was the subject of a five-day coronial inquest into the axe murders of bank manager John Phillips and a guest, Fannie Cavanagh, at the City Bank in Belubula Street.
Today the courthouse is a historical attraction and one of Carcoar’s popular museums. It is also a venue for cultural and educational events.
Mrs Phillips was also seriously injured and a child lost two fingers in the attack. The Phillips family were within a day of transferring to a bank branch in Young. Glasson wanted money from the safe and when that was not forthcoming he went berserk. The court committed him to trial before a judge and jury in Bathurst. Although he claimed insanity, the jury returned a guilty verdict and he was executed on the gallows at Bathurst gaol two months later. Petty Sessions were discontinued at Carcoar Courthouse in 1942 but the building remained a courthouse until the mid 1960s. The final hearing was a coronial inquest into a traffic fatality at Garland in late 1966. The courthouse was subsequently decommissioned and became a depot for various government departments, including the office of the Carcoar Pasture Protection Board. For a number of years it also housed a branch of the National Australia Bank. In the late 1980s the Department of Lands sought a manager for the Carcoar Historic Reserve, which included the old courthouse. The Carcoar and District Historical Society accepted responsibility for conserving and utilising this historic building in the public interest. Today the courthouse is a historical attraction and one of Carcoar’s popular museums. It is also a venue for cultural and educational events. In 2009 the conservation of the building was made possible as a result of a $200,000 plus heritage grant from the Australian Government along with $15,000 raised by the Historical Society. One year later, the courthouse restoration was complete. An ongoing conservation management plan is now in place, ensuring a secure future for the iconic building. CWL
Facing page: The Carcoar Courthouse has seen it all. Above: Carcoar street scene; Secretary and archivist for the Carcoar and District Historical Society Carl Purcell is passionate about Carcoar’s history and community. His grandfather was born in the Carcoar district in 1874, the son of a gold miner who came out direct from the Crimean War in the mid 1850s. When Carl and wife Louise initially came for a visit they decided within half an hour they would make Carcoar their new home.
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On the banks of the
BELUBULA
THE PAST AND PRESENT COLLIDE IN THE CHARISMATIC COUNTRY TOWN OF CARCOAR.
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Above: The Stoke Stable Museum, the oldest in the village, was built by convict labour in 1849. Transportation to NSW had ceased from 1840, but there were still assigned convicts serving their time in the late 1840s. The historic stables were originally used for the nearby Stoke Hotel, which poured its last beer in 1952 and is now a B&B. The small block of land including the stables was sold to the Historical Society for one dollar in 1967. The heavy-duty rusty tractor on display was washed down the river during a big flood in the 1970s while the remains of a big old dray serve as a reminder of how folk travelled in the 1840s when Carcoar was first being settled. According to rumour, it was the first vehicle to bring a family over the mountains to settle on the Bathurst plains. The dray made three trips carrying household goods before it was rendered incapable of handling the arduous trip up and down Victoria Pass.
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Days gone by
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COMMUNITY
& culture
CARCOAR’S SCHOOL OF ARTS BUILDING WAS DESIGNED IN THE VICTORIAN CLASSICAL STYLE, LIKE THE COURTHOUSE, RAILWAY STATION AND CBC BANK. IT HAS BEEN USED AS A COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE SINCE 1901.
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olunteer Linda Williams, who has lived in the village most of her life, remembers her father going to the movies in the 1930s and ’40s, courtesy of WW1 veteran Matt Bamgarten, who was often referred to as The Travelling Picture Show Man. “The Victory Theatre was the place to be in those days. There were notices featuring his upcoming movies plastered over the hall’s front door and up the street,” she says. Western Cinemas later set up shop from the 1940s through to the 1960s. The projection room is still upstairs, next to a military museum, established in 1990 and home of the Lyndhurst RSL Sub-Branch. The Carmanhurst Room – named after Carcoar, Mandurama and Lyndhurst – opens a few days
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each week and is a good spot to reflect on previous generations who gave so much in the name of freedom. “The School of Arts has always been an important part of this community, part of its history, with many debutante balls, dances and fundraisers held over the years,” Linda says. “Even though it may not be used as much, it is still a building that is loved and used by so many of us.” CWL Clockwise from above left: Linda Williams holds many fond memories of the School of Arts building in Carcoar; the School of Arts building; local artist Liz Darmody painted this 20-foot mural of Carcoar for the community in 2001, 100 years after the original picture was taken by noted photographer Evan Lumme; the museum.
CARCOAR
Simply irresistible TAKING ON THE CHALLENGE OF RENOVATING A HISTORIC HOME IN CARCOAR HAPPENED QUITE BY ACCIDENT FOR SYDNEY’S DAVID AND LIBBY PICKETT.
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n 2005 the Picketts embarked on a leisurely holiday through the Central West. On their drive through the countryside they stayed in a lovely old B&B in Wellington and were advised to visit Millthorpe.
Again they stayed in a comfortable B&B but this time their cordial hosts suggested a trip to the historic village of Carcoar was in order. They were doing the normal tourist thing when Libby froze in her tracks. She had spotted an old house for sale in Naylor Street. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” she says of the time she first set eyes on the home, which clearly required some substantial work. After a quick peak through the windows, she tried coming to her senses. The couple, by that stage in their mid 50s, really had no plans to buy anything, being very happy in Avalon, where they had been firmly ensconced for 35 years.
“It took considerable effort to find this place,” laughs David, who felt Carcoar was a better option than other locations, including an old schoolhouse in Widden Valley (too isolated) and even Tasmania (even further from their children and grandchildren). “Something was calling me to have it,” Libby says. “The house was extremely run down but in 2005 we paid land value of $95,000, which to Northern Beaches people sounded pretty amazing.” What they didn’t fully realise was that they had unwittingly opened a giant “Pandora’s Box”. Thanks to rising damp, there was plenty of structural engineering and drainage work to attend to before any visible restoration to the house could proceed. “In fact, the Heritage representative mentioned we were totally within our rights to knock the entire house down as it was so far gone,” explains David, who was born in Cardiff, Wales, lived in Hong Kong and Uganda and attended boarding school at Clifton College, Bristol, before immigrating to Australia prior to his 19th birthday. > CARCOAR CWL 63
MOST OF THE Carcoar locals, WHO KNEW THE HOUSE FROM EARLIER TIMES, REFERRED TO “Kentucky” AS BEING A grand old house IN THE VILLAGE.
Thanks to rising damp, there was plenty of structural engineering and drainage work to attend to before any visible restoration to the house could proceed.
The Picketts were undeterred. The kitchen/laundry/storage rooms were pulled down and rebuilt due to huge cracks and faulty foundations and later transformed into a combined kitchen and living area.
The Blazeley family, who lived there from 1930-1965 made alterations, such as a large sleep-out for their boys on the driveway side and the beautiful bay window, which was in the lounge room.
Existing windows were refurbished with three new ones added to increase light and improve the view of the surrounding garden.
David and Libby replaced this with the facade as in the old photograph they chanced upon while scrolling through nearly 3000 glass plates from photographer Edward Lumme’s massive Mandurama collection at the National Library.
“Libby always wanted a country cottage with a babbling brook close by. Well now she lives her dream with right-of-way access to the Belubula River,” David says. “I also had to consider the transfer of my home-office IT-related business from Sydney to a place most people had never heard of. But the advent of the internet and email, both standard tools for doing my sort of business, made it easy to achieve. Have laptop, can travel. “In the end, having several computers where loads of floorboards were missing in the lounge (before it was renovated), was just a small inconvenience that affected me but not my clients.” Most of the Carcoar locals, who knew the house from earlier times, referred to “Kentucky” as being a grand old house in the village. 64 CWL CARCOAR
“We still don’t have the names of the original owners or builders that were in the original photo. It is believed the home was built for the engineer of the railway,” Libby says. During the 1970s “Kentucky” was occupied but had various alterations with an “unsympathetic style”, like the solid concrete and pebblecrete around the verandah, which affected the structure with dampness. The Picketts also discovered a cellar that had been filled in, probably due to dampness and water. It was rebuilt and they like to tell the story that it was perhaps, for a brief time, used as a mortuary (the old Dalebrook hospital lies next door, now operating as a guest stay).
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“Tablelands Builders from Bathurst performed the majority of the restoration, as we’d heard they were experts in Heritage architecture,” Libby says. “We were very pleased with their thorough attention to detail and personal interest in our old building.”
The Picketts say you can do as little as you like or as much as you want, with various committees and groups in and around the villages. The local agricultural show is in October and on Australia Day the village swells with thousands of visitors to enjoy the festivities.
The house was restored in stages when funds became available. The Picketts still lived at Avalon before moving in permanently six years ago.
“Our tree change resulted in more bang for our real estate buck, heaps of new friends and a much busier social life,” David says.
“There are certainly no regrets about our tree change,” Libby says. “We love waking up to the beautiful hills with cattle and sometimes kangaroos peacefully grazing on them.
“Carcoar is a great place for friends to visit with some tourism on the side, and access to all amenities within the same distance and time as it was in Sydney – and there are no traffic jams or impatient drivers to contend with.”
“It’s a very peaceful, English-atmosphere-style old village, with plenty of beautiful, and active, old buildings. I love seeing new families come to settle, as our dear little school needs more students.
New projects for their home include an enclosed patio/conservatory out the back of the house and a cottage on the back block.
“Newcomers are keen to restore the old homes and bring creative ideas into the village. There are quite a few pretty homes for sale and the Historic Railway Station was recently up for lease. “Carcoar is a quiet little village from Monday to Wednesday, then the shops open from Thursday to Sunday. Thankfully the pub recently reopened, which will complement our own social ‘happy hour’ at various residents’ homes.”
“We still have two storage units full of lovely furniture in Blayney with enough to furnish three houses,” Libby sighs. “One day we may even venture into a B&B, but for now we are happy to enjoy our completed restoration, which has taken the best part of a decade.” CWL Above: David and Libby with an old photograph from Edward Lumme’s Mandurama collection from the National Library. CARCOAR CWL 65
WOOL AWAY!
THE “OLD ERROWANBANG” WOOLSHED IS AN EXTRAORDINARY PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE BOASTING A COLOURFUL AND CHARACTER-FILLED HISTORY.
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fter the homestead, the most treasured building on any family farm is generally the woolshed, the scene of so much backbreaking work from tough, wiry old blokes we call shearers.
Clad in faded blue singlets and wearing soft moccasins on their feet, these men and the woolsheds they toiled in are steeped in our history and folklore. Many of the grand old sheds have survived fire, flood, white ants and blistering hot winds to remain as silent monuments to the days when the country rode to prosperity on the sheep’s back. In every district there will be one or two stand-out sheds. Then, there will be one so different in design, so unique in its grandeur and scale, that it’s almost impossible to comprehend. “Old Errowanbang” woolshed is clearly one of these. Sitting quietly on a hill, the woolshed is one of the largest ever built in the Central West. In its heyday there were 40 blade stands and the capacity to house 3000 sheep undercover. In 1886 owner Francis Hopkins oversaw the shearing of 90,000 sheep in a single season, including those from neighbouring stations. The district was one of the first areas settled after Governor Darling opened country up west of the Macquarie River between 1823 and 1826. At one stage the property was estimated to cover 100,000 acres – that’s a serious-sized operation and the shed needed to be big. Very big.
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Apart from its sheer size, however, the really fascinating aspect of this woolshed is its four levels, creating a complex but highly functional structure where each stage of the shearing – from penning the sheep to sorting, baling and storing the wool – has its own space. Designed by architect Watts and built for £5000 in 1886, the quality of workmanship was first class. It’s said that five tonnes of nails went into the roof. The massive stone piers supporting the trusses of white cypress pine over the sorting area have contributed to the long-term stability of the shed. The penning wings and unique plunge dip are undercover, forming large wings off the centre of the shed. Of the original stands, 26 have never been adapted for mechanical shearing, providing clear evidence of two major phases of shearing practices in Australia. Proud grandmother, horse lover and new woolshed custodian Jann Harries signed on the dotted line to the title deeds on a very special day, 11/11/2011, after living in the district for nearly 30 years. The woolshed Open Day was held a year later, meaning there were plenty of regular working bees with neighbours, family and friends. All thoughts were with John Harries, who devoted 50 years of maintaining the shed and doing “what had to be done”. >
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Designed by architect Watts and built for £5000 in 1886, the quality of workmanship was first class. It’s said that five tonnes of nails went into the roof.
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History aside, “Old Errowanbang” is a property with rich country ranging from highly fertile Flyers Creek flats, gently rolling clear pasture improved grazing or cultivation country through to higher hill, grazing land. Water is extremely secure via the permanent Flyers Creek, seven dams and multiple springs and soaks.
Jann and her team have done an excellent job bringing “Old Errowanbang” into the 21st century. The farmstay is as good as any in the land. A perfect place to escape the rigours of life and feel history in the making, all in a beautiful and historic property far from anywhere.
Which is exactly why Jann recently opened her doors to the Old Errowanbang Farmstay, akin to spending time in an upmarket mini resort, complete with all the trappings of home while being surrounded by Mother Nature.
Coach groups are invited to tour the woolshed, including morning tea and lunch, if required. Ring Jann on 0400 667231 for further details. CWL
Since opening in 2015, the unique space is proving popular with big families (there are six bedrooms and three bathrooms), corporate bodies and even travellers hoping for a unique country experience. The good news is that you don’t have to go far to discover history in this place (the original part of the homestead dates back to 1826, built long before the woolshed). If you love the quiet, fresh country air, this place is made for you. With amazing views of the creek and surrounding hills, there’s plenty to take in. A guided tour through the woolshed in an absolute must, followed up by sunset drinks in the great outdoor area. Jann loves her Australian stockhorses and is stud principal of the Bullwaddy stud, currently running about 40 horses. She is an avid supporter of the campdraft scene, and although doesn’t compete, takes great delight in watching her family compete at events throughout NSW, Queensland and especially the Northern Territory. Son Jack and daughter-in-law Kimberley are mad campdrafters whenever they get time off from running the Daly Waters Hi-Way Inn. Their son, Mac, now four, has been competing since he was three, recently winning his first “All Round Cowboy Buckle” for the under 6’s at Borroloola. Daughter Kellie and husband Robbie McGaw, and their two children live in Goulburn and are partners in McGaw’s Building and Construction.
If you love the quiet, fresh country air, this place is made for you.
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HOUSE PROUD STOKE HOUSE B&B HAS A RICH HISTORY DATING ALMOST BACK TO THE BEGINNINGS OF CARCOAR, ONE OF THE OLDEST SETTLEMENTS IN NSW.
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he two-storey building began as the Victoria Hotel in 1846. Within 30 years the hotel doubled in size and was renamed the Stoke Hotel. Charles Heavener took over in 1937 and converted the pub into a private dwelling before Thomas Jones temporarily relicensed it in 1944, after the nearby Royal Hotel burnt down. In 1952 the hotel was sold yet again, this time to the Healey sisters who renamed it Stoke House and lived there happily for the next 50 years. In 2001 the building was converted to its current format of a B&B and café by John and Liz Campbell before current owners Philip and Ellen Cram took up the reins in late 2013. Glasgow-born Ellen arrived on our shores in 1981 to join her two sisters in Sydney. The 24-year-old with the charming Scottish accent
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was quick to find work as a barmaid at the Sylvania Hotel, starting a career in hospitality and later finance that would one day take her to the far side of the world. In the meantime, Philip was raised in Sydney’s outer suburbs, where his father was a doctor, before taking up work as a naval architect at Garden Island Dock Yards, learning skills he would utilise in the years ahead. He later worked as chief engineer at Peppers Fairmont, in Leura, a position later expanded to look after other top-class hotels in Port Stephens, Mt Broughton and the Hunter Valley. Philip and Ellen’s paths collided at a Sydney party in 1987. Both were single parents with three children between them. It was love at first sight. Within three months Ellen had moved in with her beau and 30 years later they are still a formidable team.
Philip went on to become the facilities manager for the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, a conservation-based six-plus star resort, or as Ellen likes to say, “luxury with a conscience”. He was there when they turned the first sod and stayed for almost five years after opening. It was a busy and exciting time for the Crams. “Emirates were very inclusive and allowed Phil to take me with him when he went to functions and hosted many events, lunches and dinners,” Ellen says. “We met the most fabulous people.” Under the guidance of Philip and the management team, the resort won the 2012 World Tourism and Travellers Committee (WTTC) Conservation Award, considered the Oscars of Tourism. >
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“STOKE HOUSE TICKED all
the boxes FOR US.”
The following year Emirates Wolgan Valley was again nominated and the group’s general manager asked Phil and Ellen to attend the awards being staged in Abu Dhabi. The itinerary was as spectacular as it was intense, with keynote speakers including former American President Bill Clinton and Sir David Frost. “We were hosted at dinners and lunches with these very influential people and were privileged to be among them,” Philip says. “We felt they could make real changes in conservation worldwide.” “After the conference we had to get back down to earth,” Ellen recalls. “There’s no better way than having the family up for Sunday lunch to get back to reality. When you achieve so much in such a short time it is very hard to top it off. Phil’s answer was ‘let’s retire’ but that was never going to happen.”
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Any retirement plans were shelved after visiting Stoke House, which was up for sale. Neither was familiar with the area but with nothing to lose Ellen and Philip took the 90-minute drive from their existing home near the Zig Zag Railway to the quaint little village of Carcoar.
Their B&B has two guest rooms, a large lounge room and a private dining room downstairs, while upstairs there are a further two guest rooms, lounge room and large balcony with magnificent views of the village. All four guest rooms have en suite bathrooms and central heating.
“We said no for over a year,” Philip says. “We were unsure about running the Teapots Café, as we were more accustomed to providing high-end accommodation.”
Attached to the rear of the main building you’ll find Teapots Café, with dining available within the tranquil setting. Philip is the chief cook, responsible for his famous big country breakfasts, while Ellen is the barista, wellknown for her Arabica dark-roasted coffee and big variety of black and green teas.
But his time at Emirates Wolgan Valley was coming to an end and the village’s central position from Bathurst, Cowra and Orange finally tipped the scales in their favour. “We could see the potential in the burgeoning food and wine industries in the area and decided that Stoke House ticked all the boxes for us,” Ellen says.
Stoke House Carcoar evolved from developments initiated by Thomas Icely in the late 1820s and expanded by his family from the 1850s. It has played an important role in the development of Carcoar and once again provides accommodation and food in historic Carcoar. CWL
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POTTED HISTORY C ARCOAR POTTERY IS ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING BUSINESSES IN THE VILLAGE, AND IT ALL HAPPENED BY CHANCE.
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ouise Purcell and husband Carl were living in the Southern Highlands when they saw an advertisement in the paper for a Carcoar property. “In 1992 we came out for a drive and within half an hour we’d made the decision to move,” Louise says. Determined to follow their dream, the couple moved into the old Chronicle building – the local newspaper closed in 1943. Carcoar Pottery was established in the same year. “At first I was manning our shop in the front room of our building while still making my pottery,” Louise says. “It was rather difficult for us while renovating our home and building up our clientele, but now Carl runs our shop and the information desk at the Courthouse, in line with his role there as secretary and archivist for the Carcoar and District Historical Society.” After several years Louise designed a custombuilt studio/home on a beautiful block on the outskirts of neighbouring village Mandurama. Louise makes all her creations in her new studio and sells her wares in the east wing of the historic Carcoar Courthouse. They have been at the Courthouse for nearly two decades and love the contact with visitors to the village. After more than 30 years as a potter, Louise has lost none of her enthusiasm.
“WHAT REALLY FLOATS MY BOAT IS GLAZING, WHERE I AM ABLE TO STAMP MY OWN UNIQUE STYLE ON MY WORK.”
“It’s been a great journey,” she says. “I like to capture a little bit of humour in my pieces but what really floats my boat is glazing, where I am able to stamp my own unique style on my work.” Louise has undertaken some big commissions, including making a 150-piece dinner setting for a Victorian monastery, comprising plates, bowls, butter dishes, wine goblets and mugs. This was followed by a range of ecclesiastical vessels, including chalice and paten, pyx and baptismal font, and under way is a commission for an outdoor installation of six totems reflecting Australian landscape and fauna. Carcoar’s Catholic Church and the associated Shalom House of Prayer have been strong supporters of Louise’s ceramic art over many years. The online side of her business has taken off, with demand for personalised items such as mugs and figurines and corporate orders including trophies for the annual Carcoar Cup Running Festival. “Social media has transformed my business in recent years, but the Courthouse remains the showcase of my work.” CWL CARCOAR CWL 73
SHOOTING STAR NICK LEE’S WORKING LIFE WAS FILLED WITH ACTION APLENTY.
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or 30 years Nick Lee was a cameraman on 60 Minutes, Australia’s most respected and watched current affairs program, alongside household names like Ray Martin, George Negus, Ian Leslie, Richard Carleton, Mike Munro, Jennifer Byrne, Liz Hayes and Tara Brown.
Nick travelled extensively, filming the world’s major news stories, before retiring in 2009 to write his memoirs. His tell-all book, All This In 60 Minutes, reveals the extravagance and perks of life on the road in the 1980s for the 60 Minutes team, where the world’s biggest stories came along with equally big expense accounts. “I wouldn’t say we had an open cheque book but everything in the 1980s was big – and luckily so was my expense account. It was an extraordinary job,” Nick says from his new home in Carcoar. The book is often a hilarious and thought-provoking account of his time with the show – of late nights and bleary mornings, the fun and fear on the road, and life in the refugee camps and war zones. Readers will glean inside information on the IRA, Idi Amin’s torture cells, and be taken into palaces as well as mud huts. The book recounts unforgettable trips on B-52s, ultra-lights and the Orient Express, and there are behind the scenes interviews with the famous and infamous – from presidents, rock stars, despots, kings, pygmies and manic gurus. The result is a book that is compelling, funny and utterly eye-opening. “I’m not a journalist but a pictures man,” he says humbly. “I simply put down my thoughts, the way I’d tell it to my mates in the pub.” The first paragraph offers some indication of what readers might expect to find in the 398-page book. “I’m only 32 and about to die in a plane crash. I’ve survived snipers in Beirut, artillery fire in Israel, an exploding grenade in Rhodesia, and been ripped to shreds by an irate executive producer for having lost not one but two passports in less than six months – and now I’m about to plummet to earth in a fireball. I should have been an accountant!” Nick’s intention was to grab the reader’s attention in the first few paragraphs. “That’s the way 60 Minutes works, you hit ‘em right between the eyes at the start and hook the viewer in.” Nick’s memoirs were beautifully penned over a four-year period, but it actually took 30 years to realise his overseas adventures might be of interest to others. “Many people assumed I was going to dish up some scandalous gossip on the show’s reporters, but why would I?” he asks. “They are all close personal friends and besides, I don’t like those tell-all books. You bet there was a lot I could have told, but it was never going to happen.” Nick no longer dreams of his encounters and jaunts in far-flung corners of the globe. It’s all in the book. The catchy name came to him at 3 o’clock one morning, an improvement on his original working title: Cut! The bombs are too loud! “I knew I was a complete unknown and figured that if I wanted to sell more copies than to just friends and family I would have to incorporate 60 Minutes into the name,” he says wisely. Legendary reporter Ray Martin, who launched the book in Manly, described the book as “hilariously funny” and suggested Nick could well be Wellington’s answer to Mark Twain. Nick is left-handed and, by his own admission, not the most legible writer. Nevertheless, he still managed to sign 60 copies at the launch. “No one could read a thing I wrote, for which I blame my father!” (a GP in Wellington, where he grew up).
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NEW DIGS Nick and wife Sue have just driven home to their recently acquired old homestead in the rolling hills of Carcoar – a four-hour trip – only to be woken at 2am for a planned interview with 2GB. “My 15 minutes of fame will last for just that, so I may as well make the most of it,” Nick jokes. “Once it’s all done I can relax for the next 20 years.” We watch his recent interview on 60 Minutes. “Can you believe my luck?” he says incredulously. “Liz Hayes did a 12-minute story on me on national television. You just can’t buy that sort of publicity.” While most may not be familiar with his name, the brilliant cameraman was one of the first recruits on the show when it commenced back in 1979. Indeed, he shot the first story on the very first program. “We copped a hiding from the critics and thought we’d totally blown it. It was a disaster and I was sure we’d all be soon looking for a new job.” Within six months, however, 60 Minutes was the highest rating show in the country, at its peak attracting four million viewers (without competition from Foxtel, SBS and Netflix). For three decades, Nick shot 35 stories a year, capturing the best and worst of the world and mankind. Some stories, like Schapelle Corby, took considerable effort and risk. “I had a secret camera in my bag and reporter Liz Hayes and I got into her cell masquerading as her aunt and uncle. I didn’t think it would work but we managed to get the most amazing footage. Nobody could believe we scored a coup with Schapelle inside the prison.” “We were also there for Lindy Chamberlain, who I firmly believe was totally innocent. It was a travesty of justice sending her to jail.” Slain Egyptian president Anwar Sadat was the most charismatic man he’s ever met while South African Eugène Terre’Blanche scored the gong for scariest. “He was a nasty piece of work – a full-on racist, with a contempt for blacks and journalists.” Some stories were incredibly sad, like the refugee camps where the children had nothing, while others were just plain frightening, like when a massive polar bear attacked their car bogged in the snow. But the job wasn’t all about being in hairy situations surrounded by danger. On many occasions he got up close and personal with big screen stars, including Clint Eastwood, and his favourite, Katharine Hepburn. “I made sure I sat next to her at lunch and asked her about working in Hollywood. I’ve always been fascinated with the movie-making process and movies in general and she was the Meryl Streep of her day – feisty, intelligent and couldn’t give a damn! “There’s always that camera between me and the subject,” he says thoughtfully. And not just any old camera. Some of his cameras cost in excess of $100,000 with a lens. These days the quality is superior but a quarter of the price. “I was 60kg at school and my weight is still the same today. I say this because for most of my career I was lumping a 10kg camera on my shoulder, sometimes for 14 hours a day. My right shoulder is twice the size of my left,” he laughs. Nick shot film for 25 years before the transition to video camera. “I didn’t get this electronic stuff, it drove me mad and I panicked every time I did a story. It took me two years to really feel confident with digital. Then I was converted and thought, yep, this is good technology. But I do miss my old film days.” >
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EARLY DAYS IN WELLINGTON Nick enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Wellington, growing up on 15 acres with his three siblings. Each had their own horse and the boys spent countless hours shooting at tin cans on the creek. The Lees turned out to be a pretty smart bunch. Brothers Christopher (the highly respected script writer) and Jonathon (who designs artificial hearts and pacemakers in America) were great role models while sister Katie, a mother and grandmother, spent 30 years in Rio, Hong Kong and Singapore before settling in Sydney. Their father was the local doctor and almost “treated like a God” during the 1950s and 1960s. “I remember the days before television when the family would go to the movies and a slide would mysteriously appear over Humphrey Bogart’s face saying ‘Dr Lee, you are required’. He seldom saw the end of a movie.” From an early age, all Nick ever wanted to do was become a photographer or cameraman. At the age of eight he bought his first camera for 18 shillings and six pence, roughly $1.85. As a teenager at the local pool he experienced what he calls “a light bulb moment” when he spotted a chap filming with a movie camera. Within a few years he acquired his first camera and with his brothers made countless home movies. After completing his schooling at Newington College, his first job was as mail boy at an advertising agency, delivering advertisements to the newspapers and magazines in the city. After two years of television production at tech, he badgered every TV station and production studio in town, pleading for a job. Finally the chief cameraman at Channel Nine agreed to an interview and a stellar career was launched. Nick worked as a cameraman for 10 years across a variety of news programs before joining Nine’s 60 Minutes in 1979. Just months earlier he’d met Suzie at a barbecue but was forced to settle for a long-distance romance as work took him to Paris, London and New York. Leaving home for sometimes up to eight weeks at a time would later put a huge strain on family life. “We have two beautiful daughters but I only got to see them a few months each year. Suzie lived like a single mother and it was perhaps selfish and unfair of me,” he says with a cringe. “I remember once ringing Suzie, saying how romantic Paris was and it’s such a shame you’re not here. I casually asked her what she’s been up to and she replied in a rather curt tone: ‘changing nappies’. I still feel guilty just talking about it.” Working overseas, however, had plenty of advantages for this country lad who had scored the gig of a lifetime. “For the first few years we stayed in some of the world’s finest hotels. Our team would then track down the best restaurant in town and we’d hit it, drinking French bubbles like there was no tomorrow,” he says. “It was something that someone with my background and income would never get to do in a million years,” he says. “We were on Packer’s expense account, living as if each of us was Kerry, just as long as he didn’t find out!” Gerald Stone, the program’s original executive producer, gave a mostly free rein to the spending, believing it was worth it for crews who often worked 20-hour days. “They were the halcyon days of the 1980s – everything was in excess, just like shoulder pads and hair. We made good use of our Amex card. Every now and then Kerry would complain but it wasn’t long before we reverted to our wicked ways.” The 60 Minutes team certainly lived an extravagant life on the road. “The budget was fantastic because what we were doing was all completely new. Nothing had been done in Australia like this before. The world was our blank canvas and we went hard.” The honeymoon ride finally came crashing down when a sudden illness forced Nick to retire, closing one chapter but opening another. “I was shooting in Melbourne and flew to Sydney to visit Suzie and the kids before I was due to fly to Los Angeles. On that day I had a brain haemorrhage. My career was over and I never picked up a camera again. “I call myself fortunate because if this had happened in a war zone, in the middle of Africa, or even on a plane I may not have been here to tell the story.” 76 CWL MILLTHORPE
It was time to consider a quieter life. “Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet but I was so sick of the congestion, the lack of parking and road rage. Suzie and I wanted a tree change.” When the Lees witnessed the beauty of Carcoar, and in particular, their new home, their mind was quickly made up. Nick misses the ocean, his girls and new grandson but has quickly adjusted to the slower pace of village life after a lifetime on the road. He now has plenty of quality time to spend with Sue, making up for all those years gallivanting around the world. Sue is still getting used to having him around. “I must admit it was really hard and often lonely having my husband away for long, extended periods,” she says. “The 60 Minutes gig was a major part of Nicky’s life but I wasn’t part of it. Our married life was far from normal and I’m so thankful for our fresh beginnings in Carcoar.” CWL All This In 60 Minutes is published by Allen & Unwin, and available in all good bookstores. Above: Nick and Sue; preparing for a day at the office in the Massai Mara national reserve Kenya (Image: Micky Breen).
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Central tablelands
LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
WHEN CWL DROPPED IN AT THE CTLX IN CARCOAR, 2000 HEAD OF CATTLE WERE GOING UNDER THE HAMMER.
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he new $20 million saleyards, centrally located between Orange, Bathurst and Cowra, attracts buyers from Victoria and Queensland as well as throughout NSW.
One of the most advanced livestock facilities in Australia today, CTLX is the premier livestock selling centre in the district, with cattle sales conducted every Tuesday and prime lamb and sheep sales on Wednesdays.
The new complex, located 10 kilometres from Blayney on the Mid Western Highway (nearly halfway between Bathurst and Cowra), was built after the closure of the Bathurst, Orange and Blayney sheep yards. The 93ha saleyard complex can house up to 4000 cattle and 24,000 lambs as well as featuring state-of-the-art flooring and administration blocks. > CARCOAR CWL 77
Buyers John Murphy, Bathurst, and Luke Mitchell, Geurie.
Don Wright, Forest Reefs, and agent Ray Mullen, Bathurst.
Badger Babbage and Ian Stewart, Orange.
Buyer Warren Watts, Millthorpe.
The 93ha saleyard complex can house up to 4000 cattle and 24,000 lambs.
Vendors Graham Toohey and Bob Stanbridge, Blayney.
The sale gets underway.
David Mendham, Sydney, Pat Cosgrove, Rockley, and Ray Mullen, Bathurst.
Livestock agents Jim Maher, Blayney, and Michael Anderson, Woodstock.
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Todd Clements, B&L, Bathurst.
Former agent Bob Russ, Kings Plains.
Buyer David Neil and Tony Honeyman, Orange.
Liam Murphy, KMWL, and Scott Johnston, Masters Stephens & Co, Bathurst.
Livestock carrier Laurie Sinclair.
Chris Cummins, Breakout River Meats, Cowra.
Selling livestock at CTLX CARCOAR & CWLE FORBES Darren Connick: 0439 663 732 Lindsay Fryer: 0428 104 132
Outstanding service & advice to our clients in all aspects of livestock, rural property & real estate sales 119 Peisley St Orange (02) 6362 4775
View our current listings at www.mccarrons.com.au CARCOAR CWL 79
Agents of CHANGE McCARRON CULLINANE IS THE OLDEST PRIVATELY OWNED STOCK & STATION AGENCY IN ORANGE.
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ounded by Ken McCarron and Brian Cullinane in 1972, the well-respected business is now owned by current directors Lindsay and Heather Fryer and Darren and Vanessa Connick. Darren and Lindsay bring 60 years of combined livestock and property experience to the business, which has expanded to offices in Orange and Forbes and a committed staff of 15 locals. Orange’s premier auctioneers and leading livestock marketers are kept on their toes during the weekly livestock market auctions. When CWL caught up with them at the weekly fat sales at the CTLX (Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange) in Carcoar, 2000 head of cattle were going under the hammer. “You can double that number during the summer and autumn months, when we usually average between 3000 and 4000 head,” Darren says. Darren and his wife Vanessa have been with the agency for 10 years following two decades in Coonamble. The pair moved to the area for better educational opportunities for their four children. “As soon as Vanessa found her bluestone house in Millthorpe it was all over,” Darren laughs. “The new yards hadn’t been built at that stage, but we knew they were coming. I miss the people out west but not the long, hot summers,” he quips, as he assembles his team for their part in the auction. McCarron Cullinane is one of 10 agencies competing for business, with rival teams from Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Forbes and Cowra. Lindsay and Heather Fryer believe they owe much of their success to the agency’s founders. “Ken is now retired but Brian, with his innate knowledge of the industry, still works with us,” Lindsay says. “They built a very reputable business and without this history we wouldn’t be what we are today.” The men agree that farmers are enjoying a terrific season with a great lift in livestock prices. “The cattle industry has seen prices double what they were receiving two years ago, with light restocker steers going from $2 to $4 a kilo liveweight. They could even nudge $5 a kilo,” Lindsay says. “Selling livestock online through AuctionsPlus has become an important marketing tool in our business,” explains Darren, a level one professional assessor. “I have been kept very busy in recent years as more clients utilise AuctionsPlus to sell their livestock on-farm.” The team at McCarron Cullinane also direct sell to feedlots or the abattoir. “It’s all about supply and demand,” Lindsay says. “The national herd numbers are the lowest I have ever seen, creating skyrocketing prices. In the end, though, the livestock agency is all about people, seasons and changing markets.”
McCarron Cullinane is one of 10 agencies competing for business, with rival teams from Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Forbes and Cowra.
Heather admits she gains tremendous satisfaction in helping people and puts a lot of emphasis on getting the paperwork correct. “I’m there to support the boys and make them look good. As a result of my rural upbringing I can relate to the issues faced by rural communities,” she says. “In this industry our customers are not only just clients but friends that need support through the ups and downs caused by the one thing we can’t control – namely the weather.” Lindsay is celebrating his 30th year in the livestock industry, working in both Dubbo and Orange. “I enjoy meeting and talking to different kinds of people. I am very conscious of the fact that we support a range of families from our
employees to first home buyers, to farmers making that difficult decision to retire and sell not only their business but their lifestyle,” he says. “We have to be constantly improving our marketing techniques and embrace new technology such as iPads, smartphones and digital marketing. The days of utilising newspapers and radio to get your message out appear to be fading.” CWL
Facing page: Directors of McCarron Cullinane Lindsay Fryer and Darren Connick. Top: Heather Fryer, Lance Masters, Brian Cullinane, Jim Oates, Catilin Dwyer. Above: The selling team from McCarron Cullinane: Dennis Tyson, Shaun Kirby, Lindsay Fryer, Darren Connick, Tony Ash and Jacob Ahern. CARCOAR CWL 81
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Welcome to
MILLTHORPE TOWN FEATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
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Days gone by
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STEP BACK in time ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE MUSEUMS IN THE CENTRAL WEST IS THE GOLDEN MEMORIES MUSEUM, OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE MILLTHORPE AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
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he museum, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, includes nine buildings crammed with interesting artefacts, interactive displays, machines of every type and even enormous works of art, all manned by a diligent band of volunteers.
The museum commenced operations within the former Good Templars Hall, erected in 1881 to house the Millthorpe branch of the Good Templars Society, a movement started in the US in 1850 before spreading throughout the British Empire. Membership was predominantly Protestant and a pledge of total abstinence was required. When the branch ceased to function, a legal battle with the head office in Sydney ensued over the hall’s ownership. The court eventually ruled in favour of the hall remaining with the good people of Millthorpe. Over the years the hall was used for court hearings, public and political meetings, social gatherings, public lectures, dramatic productions and as a meeting place for the Druids, Oddfellows and Masonic Lodge members.
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In 1943 the hall became the property of the Methodist Church for use as a Sunday School before being purchased in 1965 by the Millthorpe and District Historical Society to become the Golden Memories Museum. Today the hall houses many treasures, including recreations of rooms from the early pioneering days. The St Joseph’s Convent School was closed in 1969 and was quickly snapped up by the Historical Society to become the Pioneers Gallery. Here you will find a nun leading children in song, along with the old telephone exchange, pioneer portraits and war memorabilia. The Museum of Rural Technology houses an amazing collection of mining and orchard equipment, hay and chaff cutting gear, potato and pea harvesting machinery (important crops in the early days of Millthorpe) as well as shearing gear, monstrous old wool presses and a vast array of farming tools. For lovers of old tractors and stationary engines, the Spring Grove Pavilion is the spot to immerse yourself, with famous names like Ronaldson Tippett, Field Marshall, Allis Chalmers, Fordson and Ferguson, as well as the huge Clayton & Shuttleworth steam traction engine.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the museum is the new Trevor Pascoe Pavilion, which showcases a unique collection of Australian inventions, including the first harvester, stump-jump plough, G-Well Bag Loader, Victor lawn mowers and the Hills Hoist. To cap it all off there is the Blacksmith Shop and the Craft Cottage, containing a wide selection of locally made hand-crafted items. It’s history at its best and well worth a visit.
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Facing page: Volunteers Michael Burrell and Bill Kingham with museum secretary Jacki Irvine. Above: The museum houses various exhibits, one of which includes a Coolgardie Safe and a Furphy Water Cart as part of the collection of Australian inventions. MILLTHORPE CWL 87
Community STALWART GOLDEN MEMORIES MUSEUM PRESIDENT PETER WHILEY HAS STRONG LINKS TO THE MILLTHORPE DISTRICT, DATING RIGHT BACK TO THE EARLY PIONEERING DAYS.
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eter’s great grandfather settled on a property called “Hectorville” in 1863, a few years before the village was even established. Gold had been discovered at nearby Ophir, Forest Reefs, Browns Creek and Kings Plains in the 1850s and the fledging Millthorpe developed as a food-producing area to feed the hungry miners. In those early days the settlement underwent several name changes. It was originally known as The Forest, due to the abundance of huge trees in the area. Later it became known as the Crossroads, for its location between Orange and Kings Plains and Bathurst down to Flyers Creek. Then it became known as Spring Grove, but there were so many settlements with the Spring prefix that the postal service went into meltdown. Finally, Peter says, it was changed to Millthorpe in 1884, after the massive five-storey-high flour mill, which had been recently constructed. Like the town, Peter’s family farm also had a change of name. Now known as “Lochlea”, the farm is now home to Peter and wife Joan’s only son Michael and wife Alison, whose children are sixth generation on the farm.
NED, BUILT BY PETER, IS A LIFE-SIZE
Like his forebears, Peter has lived here all his life and remembers walking 1.5 kilometres to school with his two sisters in the 1940s.
metal horse
He was instrumental in getting the museum started in 1965 and, remarkably, is still there 50 years later. After retiring into town a few years ago, Peter started dabbling with old pieces of farm machinery to create one-off art pieces.
CONSTRUCTED FROM PARTS OF ALMOST
One of his best known pieces is Ned, a life-size metal horse constructed from parts of almost 60 different farm machines, including bulldozers, headers, ploughs and cultivators. Ned was built in less than a month and today takes pride of place on the front lawn of the museum. Peter is also responsible for many of the old benches found scattered throughout the streets of Millthorpe, using binder and peacutter wheels for the edges. Peter and Joan are keen travellers, having just completed another trip around Australia, visiting numerous museums along the way. “I am constantly looking at the latest technologies available in audio visual displays,” he says. “Our museum has a dozen TV screens at the moment but they all work differently. We want to standardise them so they all work automatically. 88 CWL MILLTHORPE
60 different
FARM MACHINES.
“We need to preserve these old machines and systems so that kids in the future can fully appreciate how tough it was for our pioneering farmers.” Peter says his family originally grew peas, potatoes and wheat. They also cut chaff to feed all the draught horses and the lighter cart horses that played such an integral role in society with the milk, bread and butcher’s carts all delivering their produce direct to the customer in the larger towns and cities.
One of Millthorpe’s favourite sons has plenty of reasons to rejoice in the coming months, with the village and school both celebrating their 150th anniversaries, along with Peter’s 50th wedding anniversary and his OBE party (over bloody eighty!). “I love the place and have never known anything different,” he says. “Perhaps I no longer recognise all the inhabitants, like in the old days, but the atmosphere is still there and the friendly locals are always up for a wave and a smile.” CWL
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MILLTHORPE milestone approaches PRESIDENT OF THE MILLTHORPE VILLAGE COMMITTEE JOHN MASON HAS LIVED IN THE DISTRICT FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT HISTORY.
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bout two decades ago John and wife Marnie moved into the former Gentleman’s Club in Pym Street, which once featured a barber, billiard hall and “interesting possibilities” upstairs! Today it is a beautiful home where a lot of the thinking takes place. The former schoolteacher and NSW Health worker is excited about Millthorpe’s forthcoming 150th anniversary. “Our sesquicentary project has been all mapped out,” he enthuses. “We are a proud little community and are looking forward, with the Millthorpe Public School, to celebrating this important milestone in our village’s history.” The Masons have a daughter and three sons, including one who teaches at the school. “History is a big part of our village and it’s going to be great seeing the children involved,” he says. “They are currently working on their own project at what they think Millthorpe may look like in a further 150 years.” John feels that the success of the village comes from mutual respect for each other and the ability to pull together when necessary. “We have been blessed to have plenty of artists, musicians and volunteers within our village, which helps when we stage special events,” he says.
The Millthorpe Markets, held on the first Sunday of April and December, attract thousands to the village to soak up the atmosphere and snare a bargain from some of the 300 stallholders from near and far. The Millthorpe Garden Ramble is held during the first weekend in November and attracts up to 1500 green thumbs from all over the state. Now in its 13th year, the event promises a range of garden experiences from historic gardens to beautiful town gardens. Ten gardens are open each year, with five from the village and a further five from the surrounding district.
Millfest, held in the second week of December, provides the ideal opportunity for locals to celebrate in the main street. With all these celebrations Millthorpe will be certainly thrown under the media spotlight in 2017 and the locals can’t wait. CWL Clockwise from top left: Millthorpe Markets are run by Millthorpe Public School’s P&C committee (Image: Sally Sharp); passionate supporters of Millthorpe Marnie and John Mason in front of their electric jug collection; Millthorpe Public School students are in for a big year. MILLTHORPE CWL 89
guest
BE MY
EYE CANDY ABOUNDS IN THIS GORGEOUS HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
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iterally steps from the main street in Millthorpe, you will find a unique and indulgent accommodation option in RedAgape Guesthouse. Deceptively humble from the front, with its compact facade and basic brickwork, the old 1890s bluestone foundation home surprises visitors as it opens up into a large and inviting home at the rear. Owner and operator Amanda O’Sullivan says she fell in love with the town, and the house, when she spent a relaxing weekend away with her husband four years ago. The “for sale” sign caught their eye as they wandered the quiet streets of Millthorpe, discovering boutique stores and cafes along the way. The red door drew Amanda in, and after a call to the local real estate agent and a quick wander through, she was completely head over heels in love. “There was something about the house that excited me, as we walked through each door we were surprised to discover unexpected space and well-executed design. It was really a case of not judging a book by its cover!” Amanda, an avid crafter and designer, was keen to take a new career direction and follow her dreams of indulging in her creative side, so after a week of negotiations the house was put under contract and plans to open a different style of accommodation in Millthorpe began. A born-and-bred country girl, Amanda started scouring the Central West for items that would find a home at RedAgape Guesthouse. Driven by both budget and her love of quirky, antique and second-hand objects, she began to collect and curate pieces to make the house into a home away from home for her guests. “I wanted the house to be decorated in such a way that my guests would feel at home when they entered, but not so homely that there wasn’t a little thrill of excitement in staying somewhere unique and unexpected. I hope I have accomplished that by providing comfortable furnishing and curious decor.” > MILLTHORPE CWL 91
The house is curious indeed,
WITH A WELL-BALANCED MIX OF OLD AND NEW. The house is curious indeed, with a well-balanced mix of old and new put together in such a way as to complement one another. A large collection of the decor found in the house was sourced locally from Millthorpe, including the cinema chairs, old frames and paintings, a gramophone, vintage ladders, typewriters and mirrors – more than enough history to take you back in time. Amanda’s flair for interiors and styling makes even the most unusual pieces work well within the house. A vintage mannequin sourced from Orange is used to hold “borrow me” necklaces that guests are welcome to use while staying at the house. “I’m always adding and subtracting from the house,” Amanda says. “As I think it’s important to keep things fresh for repeat visitors. I tend to get bored easily, so switching things up in the house is fun for me. My latest re-do meant removing a wall of styled plates and creating a wall of vintage mirrors instead. I’m convinced the house is improving with each new makeover.” Amanda has certainly achieved her goal of creating unique accommodation with all the creature comforts of home. A Nepresso coffee machine, a welcome hamper on arrival, Angullong wine and cakes from The Old Mill are all part of the package. The house is practical as much as it is fascinating. There’s even a survival kit for guests in the vintage phone box in the parlour, containing a first-aid kit, torch, insect repellent and more. You will be hard pressed to find anything lacking. Amanda is clearly passionate about playing the perfect hostess to her guests. 92 CWL MILLTHORPE
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The house is ideally suited TO LARGE GROUPS OF UP TO 11 GUESTS.
The guesthouse is eclectic to say the least and each guestroom has varied styling to suit the tastes of all visitors. “I’ve had visitors describe to me that mad dash to pick rooms as they’ve entered the house, while other smart guests arrive early and allocate rooms before the rest of the group arrive,” Amanda laughs. With six beautifully styled and individual rooms, all featuring plump comfortable beds and quality linen, it is hard to imagine any of Amanda’s guests would be left feeling disappointed. The house is ideally suited to large groups of up to 11 guests, making it perfect for a girls’ weekend away or bigger family groups. It consists of six bedrooms, two living areas, two bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen, although there’s no need to spend your weekend cooking when there are many great dining options just steps from RedAgape. Enjoy dinner and wine without having to worry about driving; just walk the 20 or so steps back to the house in the fresh country air. Enjoy watching the local birdlife from the back patio, soak in the claw-foot tub or play roulette in the parlour on the games table. At RedAgape, you choose how you spend your weekend, and there are lots of options. CWL
Enjoy boutique accommodation in the heart of historic Millthorpe. Perfect for larger groups looking for an indulgent and relaxing weekend away.
RedAgape Guesthouse 4 Blake St, Millthorpe www.redagape.com.au follow us on Instagram: @redagape MILLTHORPE CWL 93
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The French
CONNECTION IF YOU LOVE SHOPPING FOR UNUSUAL FRENCH-INSPIRED HOMEWARES, CAN’T RESIST FRENCH CUISINE AND ENJOY TESTING YOUR FRENCH LANGUAGE SKILLS, THEN A VISIT TO LE BILLOT DE BOUCHER IS IN ORDER.
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ocated at the lower end of Millthorpe’s main street, this cosy shop offers a unique French experience that is the next best thing to flying to the other side of the world.
Gregarious proprietor Joey Cunningham is often asked how she came up with the unusual business name. The answer can be traced back to her carefree childhood days in Carcoar, where her best friend’s father ran the old butcher’s shop. Years later she was hoping to lease it for her cafe and call it the Butcher’s Block. She didn’t end up in that building but still hoped to use the name. Alas, even that couldn’t happen, after Joey discovered the name was already in use. Undeterred, Mademoiselle opted for the French equivalent, Le Billot de Boucher, a beautiful-sounding name, especially when you have her grasp of the lingo. Joey spent five years in France, kicking off with a relationship before well and truly falling in love with the French lifestyle. On her return to Australian shores she decided to enter the retail game, having spent years as a hospitality teacher at TAFE and a restaurateur in Glebe. After nearly three years in Carcoar she moved shop to Millthorpe in 2014 where there was more scope for her French-themed cafe. The team at Le Billot de Boucher specialise in traditional French foods, such as baguettes, croissants, beef burgundy, coq au vin and her famous French onion soup. The homemade preserves and chutneys are just as popular as her tarte tatin dessert (an upside down apple tart). Things are never rushed here, just like in France where the entire country, including banks and shops, traditionally shut down for two hours to have lunch. Spring and summer are ideal for al fresco dining, with room for 70 diners outside. It’s an ideal spot in the warmer months, with free range chickens and a stunning fruit tree garden. High tea is a popular menu choice, with diners bringing their own alcohol. During winter, diners can sit inside next to a fire while indulging in the chic French ambience. After a meal diners can browse through Joey’s high-end replica furniture, ranging in price from $5000 down to cute gifts for $5. There is something for everyone. “I try to specialise in unique gifts and homewares that are generally hard to find,” she says.
Facing page: Joey Cunningham is your gracious host at Le Billot de Boucher.
There are no “au revoirs” at Le Billot de Boucher. Patrons and visitors like the place so much they always come back for more! CWL
Above: Jennifer MacCallum has been with Le Billot de Boucher for over a year and loves the quirky atmosphere. MILLTHORPE CWL 95
TO THE LETTER AS A LONGTIME POSTAL OFFICER JOHN SLOANE WITNESSED WITH INTEREST MILLTHORPE’S MANY COMINGS AND GOINGS.
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ne man who knows his way around town better than most is former post master John Sloane, who recently retired after a staggering 57 years with Australia Post. That’s a long time in any business, and virtually unheard of these days. John has never held any other job, starting in Blayney as a cherub-faced 15-year-old in 1955. Back then he was a junior postal officer, delivering important telegrams to homes and businesses throughout the town. He then graduated to night duties at the manual telephone exchange, before moving to Millthorpe two years later. He has been a permanent fixture on the scene for the past 60 years, becoming the official post master in 1979 and becoming familiar with every address in town. In 1994 some of Australia Post’s retail facilities became privatised and with wife Irene, John purchased the business. In 2011 they sold up and moved into retirement but still live in the 120-year-old post master’s residence. “I used to know everyone in town, but now with all the new arrivals and increased population I feel the need to visit the cemetery to visit most of my family and old pals from the 1950s and ’60s,” he says with a laugh.
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Over many decades, John has lived through enormous changes in Millthorpe. “During the 1960s the railways closed, as did the bank, flour mill and lots of little shops,” he says. “The town was fairly quiet and slipping into a gradual decline.” Then with the advent of the motor car and the relocation of the Department of Agriculture from Sydney to Orange in the 1970s, the revival started.
“It was like the rise of the Phoenix, and a whole new crop of professional workers descended on the town, bringing with them a new culture, which continues to the present day. “The new arrivals are as passionate about Millthorpe as we old-timers are.” CWL Above: John & Irene’s home, the 120-year-old post master’s residence.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE THE OLDEST BUSINESS OWNER IN MILLTHORPE AND ONE OF THE TOWN’S MOST COLOURFUL CHARACTERS, ADA CLARK IS A FREE SPIRIT WHO ANSWERS TO NOBODY.
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s I make my way to Ada’s Place, two blocks from the main street, I remember the words of a local who informed she doesn’t tolerate fools or time-wasters, is knowledgeable in history, music and the arts, and enjoys sharing this love with her steady stream of customers. With this in mind, I ring the old Cambodian temple bell at the door. Moments later I am greeted by the diminutive artist herself, who quickly sizes me up before letting me inside her cosy Federation home, which doubles as her painting studio and gallery. Although slight in stature, this much-loved artist belies her 86 years. With a strong voice and commanding presence, she declares that today is my lucky day. “Before we start, I’ll tell you something,” she says, as she lowers her voice. “I love your hat. It’s a vast improvement on those stupid caps people tend to wear these days.” With a dramatic pause and twinkle in her eye she adds: “I don’t normally open mid-week and that’s the reason why I let you in!” The ambience of the place is immediately apparent. There are paintings on display everywhere and dozens of beautifully decorated ceramic mugs, jugs and bowls on the shelves. As she puts the billy on and brings out a homemade almond cake, I casually mention she is a dead ringer for celebrated artist Margaret Olley. “Don’t call me Margaret Olley,” she shrills back. “I get it so many times and it drives me mad. People think I’m like her because I’m old and use colour but that’s where the similarities end. Besides, she’s famous and I’m not!” Sitting quietly in the corner, with a smile on her face as she tends to her needle work is Ada’s camera-shy sister, Kathleen. Now a sprightly 89, she moved in with Ada five years ago and is the much quieter version of her younger sibling.
For the past decade she has worked from home, opening her gallery on Saturdays to art lovers who arrive from all over the world to meet the dynamo that is Ada. Most leave with something, be it one of her postcards, place mats, limited-edition framed artworks or one of her Portuguese-themed pottery pieces, all beautifully gift-wrapped by Kathleen. “I love the fact that there are few distractions here, so I can get along with my work,” she says. “And of course I love the village atmosphere.” Ada loves meeting people but nothing stops her once she picks up her palette and brushes. She paints feverishly, with her finished work often nothing like the scene before her. “Once I start painting I don’t stop until I’m finished, even if it’s freezing cold,” she gushes. “I very rarely go back to a work – you’re just not in the same mood.” Ada was born into a farming family of seven kids in Nelson, New Zealand, where she learnt to understand human nature from an early age. She took up sketching in the back paddocks and never doubted she would one day become a painter. Doing things differently was both a challenge and a curse. Her father was a WW1 veteran, who dedicated his life to helping other veterans on the land, while her great-grandfather started the Inman shipping line, taking migrants from Liverpool to Boston in the early 1800s.
“I paint because I have to paint. The language of art is something dictated by the soul.”
Serene, classical music wafts throughout the house and I’m informed it’s the work of Ada’s late husband, the composer Clifford Abbott. With gentle prompting, Ada steps back 60 years in time when the budding artist fell in love with her suave-looking musician. She had just quit her gruelling job as a prison warden for young delinquents in New Zealand to pursue her painting career. “One day there was a knock on the door and I was greeted by a rather tall chap who asked me if I did commissions,” she says fondly. “He wanted a card of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and that’s how our romance started.” The pair spent the next 40 years together, moving between Australia and New Zealand, Sydney and the Blue Mountains. They had a son, Hector (named after a French composer), now a successful property developer who lives with his family in Coogee.
Her great aunt Ethel Inman once painted a portrait of US president Theodore Roosevelt, which for a while hung in the White House. Travel is in Ada’s blood and even now she dreams of far-flung overseas destinations. Her first big trip was in 1949, when she arrived in London with three pounds to her name. Always frugal, she managed to study art and hitchhike through Europe before featuring in a group exhibition in London, all by age 19. Since then, she has enjoyed dozens of trips to exotic places like Turkey, South America, Morocco, Italy, the Silk Route, Botswana and her favourite destination, Greece, which she has visited 11 times.
Ada moved to Millthorpe in 1994 following the death of her beloved husband. At an age when most are contemplating retirement, Ada was just warming up for the next exciting chapter in her very active, no-nonsense life.
“I love painting there. The Greek people are so generous and there is art everywhere you look. I was fortunate to have an exhibition in Athens, opened by the Australian ambassador to Greece,” she says.
Her first studio in town was located in the historic bluestone stables near the Commercial Hotel, reputedly the oldest dwelling in town.
Selling paintings on her return always funded her next trip but things didn’t always work out as planned.
“I did it up, put windows in, removed all the horse dung and worked from there for 12 years before loud rock music from the pub eventually drove me away,” she says with a laugh.
Two years ago, on one of her jaunts, Ada fell ill and ended up in a hospital in Dubai. She made it back to Sydney where an operation was performed on her back.
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“I came home with a walking stick and offered all my paintings for half price. Everyone thought that was the end of my career and I sold 50 of my works,” she says with a grin.
Kathleen, who makes beautiful jewellery and embroidery, is the last surviving sibling. “We’re the last two and we’re going to hold each other up like bookends,” Ada quips.
But it wasn’t the end. She concedes she’s had more comebacks than Dame Nellie Melba, with her last exhibition in Molong at age 81.
“It’s been an interesting life, full of variety,” she continues. “I recommend it to anyone if they are talented and committed to their career.
She cites French painters Rouault and Derain as the major inspiration for her expressionist works, which are as colourful as herself.
“There’s a great satisfaction being self-employed, particularly when you are my age. You answer to no one but you have to be self motivated.”
“I never know how long a painting takes . . . It takes 86 years,” she adds thoughtfully. “Whatever you do is the sum total of your life.
Ada Clark is adamant she’ll be painting into the foreseeable future, citing her mother, who was still going strong at 96.
“I’m mad on colour and I like to think my work gives people hope and positiveness.”
This gifted painter and potter, inspirational speaker, interior designer, journalist, intrepid traveller and lover of humanity, hopes, when her time finally comes, to go out with a big colourful splash, preferably with a paintbrush in her hand. CWL
As for advice to young artists, Ada draws on the words of Picasso. “You have to first learn to draw because you can’t paint a thing how it isn’t until you can paint it how it is. In other words, you must paint imaginatively. “I paint because I have to paint. The language of art is something dictated by the soul.” Time is running out and I ask Kathleen to sum up her sister in one word. “Volatile,” she says, as the sisters burst into raucous laughter.
Above: Ada at her easle; one of Ada’s colourful paintings; Ada’s hand-painted ceramic jugs and jewellery. MILLTHORPE CWL 99
A tranquil ESCAPE ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC COTTAGES IN THE DISTRICT IS WITHOUT DOUBT MILLTHORPE’S HOCKEY’S ACCOMMODATION, WHICH SUCCESSFULLY FUSES INDULGENT LUXURY WITH PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY.
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Mr Hockey ARRIVED IN 1900 TO ESTABLISH THE TOWN’S
first chemist IN A QUAINT LITTLE BUILDING AT THE
crossroads.
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he unusual name is derived from the man who owned the building over a century ago. Mr Hockey arrived in 1900 to establish the town’s first chemist in a quaint little building at the crossroads, now adjacent to the town’s doctor’s surgery and post office.
The university-educated scholar sold fancy goods and stationery as well as several of his own concoctions, including Hockey’s Bon-Ton Rabbit Poison and Hockey’s Ointment, which allegedly cured most common ailments of the day. Today it’s a cosy, upmarket and romantic hideaway for guests who enjoy the finer things in life. Many of Mr Hockey’s old potions are preserved in the cottage for visitors to marvel at. With a beautiful spa bath (boasting peaceful views over the back garden), bedroom and sitting room, Hockey’s is the perfect spot to unwind and explore the historic town.
“We come under the B&B umbrella but in reality we are more of a self-contained cottage, located within a short stroll from Millthorpe’s high quality restaurants/cafes, winery cellar doors and a range of eclectic and boutique shopping options.” Brad is a miner and helps Michelle out when he’s not spending time as a training supervisor with the mines in Egypt. The pair spent their teenage years together before hooking up again nearly 20 years ago. Michelle fondly remembers him as a youth riding a car bonnet down Millthorpe’s main street at the height of a snow storm, when his family owned the Commercial Hotel. Brad and Michelle will ensure your stay at Hockey’s Accommodation is memorable. Mr Hockey, no doubt, would have been chuffed seeing his old chemist still utilised for the benefit of others. CWL
Your host is Michelle Spicer, who lives with husband Brad Mitchell a few houses down the street. The mother-of-three adult children knows how to create a unique atmosphere you won’t generally find at home. Cowra-born Michelle has strong family connections with the local area. Her father Reg was a farm manager for properties at Panuara and the Millthorpe area and has family living in Blayney, Orange, Narromine and Byng, where Spicers have been living for nearly a century.
INDULGENT | ROMANTIC | EXCLUSIVE
Having lived in the area all her life, Michelle can’t imagine living anywhere else. She has a natural flair for styling, which shows in the attention to detail at Hockey’s, from the delicious cheese platter and local wine on arrival, through to luxury linen, beautifully scented candles and soaps, fluffy bath robes and sensual Sukin organic bath products. Visitors will even find a chocolate on their bed. The many pleasing comments she receives in the guest book, including a wedding proposal, reinforce her faith in the business. “This place is a romantic hideaway, ideally suited to couples who like to experience all the modern day comforts of home in a charming old building,” she says.
Your Host: Michelle Spicer M 0421 121 937 28 Park Street Millthorpe NSW 2798 www.hockeysaccommodation.com.au /HockeysAccommodationMillthorpe MILLTHORPE CWL 101
HEAVENLY FOOD THE OLD MILL’S DARREN TRACEY AND STACEY EWIN HAVE THEIR HANDS FULL, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.
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t’s a busy Saturday session at Millthorpe’s The Old Mill, but owner Darren Tracey has more than his famous lemon meringue pies on his mind. His partner in life and business, Stacey Ewin, is days away from delivering a set of twins.
The pair met in Sydney where Stacey worked for a master pastry chef while Darren, who came to Australia from Ireland in 2005, spent six years brushing up his skills in a seafood restaurant. The Old Mill came up for sale in 2011 and the pair jumped at the opportunity to combine their culinary skills in a country village making a name for itself as a popular weekend destination for tourists. “We did a renovation to boost the room size and put our own stamp on the place,” he says. The cafe is closed Tuesday and Wednesday with morning tea and lunches on every other day. The busiest times are Friday through to Sunday when the place becomes a hive of activity as up to 70 diners settle down for a special treat. With five casual chefs on duty and a host of friendly wait staff, there is never a shortage of delicacies to be had in a relaxed and engaging environment. Darren is used to the early 5am starts, when he makes his pies. Stacey is in charge of the pastries, which have become synonymous with the cafe.
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AMAZING FOOD, DELECTABLE TREATS AND A WARM FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
Big Al’s beef and Shiraz pies are the most popular, along with Darren’s seafood salads, fish and chips and prawn cutlets. The lemon meringue pies always go down well, as do the carrot cakes, chocolate nut tarts, apple pies and vanilla brulees. The pair have built a great relationship with all their suppliers, including meat from Blayney Hi-Grade Meats and coffee from Fish River Roasted in Bathurst. They have also been using the same fresh fish supplier from Sydney for over a decade. Darren thrives on being busy. He and Stacey also run the Sugar Mill Cafe in Orange and recently opened their third business, a charcoal chicken shop next door. With 19 people on the payroll, there is plenty of pressure but it’s nothing compared with welcoming two new additions to the family. CWL FOOTNOTE. We are pleased to announce that twins Molly and Zoe made it safely into the world and the proud parents are said to be doing well.
02 6366 3188 12 Pym Street, Millthorpe NSW www.theoldmillcafe.com.au
Facing page: Darren Tracey loves the atmosphere of The Old Mill; the busy cafe; Red Velvet cake. Above: Apple pie; chocolate nut tarts; Shannon Pond with a plate of flourless orange cakes. MILLTHORPE CWL 103
WINES OF distinction THE ANGULLONG CELLAR DOOR IS ATTRACTING WINE LOVERS FROM NEAR AND FAR.
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he Angullong Cellar Door is housed in the historic bluestone stables adjoining Millthorpe’s Commercial Hotel. Built in 1877, it is one of the oldest buildings in the district, and thanks to a major restoration job by the Crossing family in 2010, is now one of the most visited. “The building just lent itself to being a cellar door,” Angullong general manager Ben Crossing says. “It was perfect. Cosy enough that the open fire warms you in winter, yet big enough that we can host small groups for tastings. You can only imagine the stories that this old building could tell.” Ben explains that the family vineyard is located at Panuara, which is a bit of a trek for customers looking to taste their wines. “We thought that Millthorpe would be the perfect spot for a tasting room, as it’s close to Orange and there’s other great attractions in the village.”
For visitors to Millthorpe, the ANGULLONG CELLAR DOOR offers a chance to TASTE and purchase a BEAUTIFUL range of wines.
The old stables were gutted and renovated with a careful eye to maintain the bucolic charm that held the initial attraction. The original stonework is a key feature, with the old timber beams still holding up the loft. The Angullong Cellar Door, which opens seven days a week, has become a must-visit destination in Millthorpe. The wines have won much acclaim since the brand was established in 1998. From the favourite Sauvignon Blanc through to the alternative varieties of the Angullong “Fossil Hill” range and the new super premium Crossing Reserve Shiraz, the wines have helped establish Orange as one of Australia’s leading cool-climate winegrowing regions. For visitors to Millthorpe, the Angullong Cellar Door offers a chance to taste and purchase a beautiful range of wines. Orange has built an enviable reputation for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Angullong has added to this with Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Barbera and the new Sagrantino. Along with their sparkling wines, there is a wine for most occasions, whether it be celebrating Christmas, stocking the cellar or looking for that special gift. For more about Angullong, their wines and the bluestone cellar door, visit their website at www.angullong.com.au. CWL
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4.5 STAR WINERY 2015 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion Visit our cellar door in the historic bluestone stables in Millthorpe for wine tasting and sales. Cnr. Park & Victoria Streets, Millthorpe / phone 02 6366 3444 11am to 5pm Friday to Monday / angullong.com.au
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The perfect gift for those who seem to have it all! Orders can also be made by contacting us PHONE: 0429 441 086 EMAIL: info@centralwestmagazine.com.au
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My brother, Brett TO SAY THAT BRETT WHITELEY’S ONLY SIBLING, FRANNIE HOPKIRK, HAS LED A COLOURFUL LIFE IS QUITE THE UNDERSTATEMENT.
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MILLTHORPE
F
rannie Hopkirk is a gifted wordsmith and poet, and although she has been interviewed hundreds of times and travelled the world more often than she cares to remember, she has found contentment living the quiet life in Millthorpe.
She’s been here 25 years and the spirit of her beloved brother, who died in 1992 aged 52 years, is still very much alive in her cosy cottage. “He was a genius, my best friend and confidant and the sweetest and funniest man I’ve ever met,” she says quietly. “He possessed a rare radiance, which was compelling and hugely attractive. Anyone who made contact with him never forgot him.” Throughout their lives and despite the sometimes vast geographical distances that separated them, brother and sister maintained a strong spiritual connection, an unbreakable bond. They were born two years and one week apart into an average yet extraordinary middle-class Sydney family. Brett was a streetwise larrikin from the very beginning, both a leader and a loner, spending hours drawing the harbour from his bedroom window in their Longueville home or plotting all kinds of mischief for his gang. Frannie adored her brother and was a willing participant in his chaotic adventures. After Brett was awarded his travelling art scholarship and left for Europe, Frannie married and moved to New Zealand. Five years later, she was the mother of five as Brett stepped into the international art scene. Staying with Brett and his wife Wendy in New York, Frannie enjoyed her first taste of the rock’n’roll generation that held such fascination for Brett, and her writing captured the essence of the hip1960s. The lives of brother and sister seemed to run on parallel lines and often intersected. When the Whiteleys and Frannie returned to Australia in the 1970s, Frannie became part of Sydney’s Lavender Bay scene. Over the decades she experienced her own joys and tragedies as she moved between three continents before finally settling down in Millthorpe. I ask Frannie about her favourite destination. “London is hard to beat,” she says with a smile. “I adore the English. They are gentle, wonderful people with a massive culture behind them. I lived there for years. The countryside reeks of beauty and style.”
Brett became the first Australian to combine a pop star’s persona with that of a visual artist, working across the mediums of painting, sculpture and graphic work. On several occasions he was awarded the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes. It was only natural that Frannie herself developed a deep reverence for art, which she still lives and breathes. Her house is full of art, including a few of Brett’s sketches. “Every room is full of art and magic. The artworks talk to me all the time. They feed and nourish me. Yes, of course I’m an art lover.” I ask Frannie if she paints and she breaks into laughter. “You can’t paint when your Brett Whiteley’s sister!” After a long pause she speaks again. “You can’t take art for granted – it’s a living, breathing thing, like a husband or a lover.” Frannie says it’s been magic from day one, being Brett’s sister. “I nursed him through 25 years as a heroin addict, an addiction that finally defeated him. In later years his work output began a steep decline but his market value continued to spiral. “Even 25 years after his passing, his celebrity continues to grow. His art speaks to everyone and will soon be made into a mini-series, a documentary and even a ballet. It just gets bigger.”
With Brett she spent countless hours in Europe’s great art galleries and museums. Frannie suggests it was one of the many ways her brother honed his craft.
There’s yet another biography coming out on Brett called simply “Art, Life and the Other Thing”, by Ashleigh Wilson, which Frannie expects will be a best seller.
In the last three years of his life, the two spent a lot of time together in the country and their friendship became stronger than ever. As his addiction to heroin deepened and ultimately controlled him, she offered him unconditional love.
Frannie wrote a weekly art column for the Central Western Daily from wherever she was in the world, featuring interviews with some of the famous people she mingled with.
I ask her about the Whiteley connection to the Central West. “When we were young he went to Scots and I went to PLC, so the Central West was always part of our DNA,” she says. “Brett was a big admirer of this region and frequently painted around the country towns of Bathurst, Hill End and Sofala.” Throughout Brett’s life Frannie watched and celebrated his success, and shared his disappointments. Brett always exploited his prodigious talents by living life to the full, depending on a heady mix of alcohol, heroin and sex for inspiration.
It’s a very different life now. “Like my brother, I’m a loner. I’m not social or part of the community and rarely venture out the door. I keep to myself and enjoy my own company, listening to classical music, reading and writing poetry.” I ask who has inspired her the most. “My father was an incredible influence on my life with his humour and panache. I could think of many composers but they are all dead. The works of American poet Sylvia Plath, who suicided, inspires me. She was a poet of sorrow, pain and madness. “I also admire the intellect, great genius and madness of New Zealand writer Janet Frame.”
His international fame had preceded him, and he revelled in the rock star status he was afforded in the popular media as well as in artistic circles. In Sydney, in the early 1970s, his excesses were seen as legitimate behaviour for a great artist.
Our time is at an end and Frannie has a big project to attend to. By week’s end, she will pack up her belongings and two cats, Bella and Billy, and move with daughter Virginia, who helps take care of family business, into a newer home.
After his untimely passing, Frannie penned a poignant book about his life, from birth to death. The book, called Brett - A portrait of Brett Whiteley by his Sister, provides a vivid and moving personal insight into his life and work.
“It’s not the most beautiful place but offers great views of the village with Mt Canobolas in the background,” she says. “But don’t worry, I will make it beautiful.” CWL
Frannie examined the relationship between her brother’s life and art as his work became highly desired by collectors, especially his large-scale, brilliantly coloured interiors and landscapes strongly influenced by French artist Henri Matisse – such as Big orange sunset and Self portrait in the studio.
Facing page: Frannie relaxes with her dog Bella. Above: Frannie Hopkirk in front of Brett’s work, The Soldier. MILLTHORPE CWL 107
How does your garden grow? IAN AND SUE ROGAN ARE PROUD OWNERS OF THE MILLTHORPE GARDEN NURSERY, SPECIALISING IN COOL-CLIMATE PLANTS.
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he first trees (deodar cedars, blue cedar and spruce) were planted in 1994 by the Jeffree family, who built the house and established the nursery on site.
A wide range of maple trees are featured in the garden, some of which are quite rare and include a few sourced from the original Sorenson family nursery in Leura. Scarlet oak trees provide structure and shade and were grown from seedlings sourced from the beautiful garden surrounding Hoskins Uniting Church in Lithgow. An avenue of tortured willows lead into the garden and other features include a birch grove, mass plantings of Mollis azalea and a Wollemi Pine, which was one of the first cuttings taken after the discovery of the rare Australian native pine in the Blue Mountains in 1994.
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“We stock an extensive range of plants suited to high altitudes and changing seasons, both for small and large gardens,” Ian says. The garden stock is acclimatised in an open nursery. Customers often comment on the Rogans’ “old-fashioned” approach to the layout. Ian comes to the nursery with a background in rural research and development after living out west for 31 years. As an agricultural scientist, he spent years working at the Trangie Research Centre until the early 1990s when he joined rural consultancy company Hassall and Associates. “Six years ago we were looking for a new business and the nursery came up on the radar,” he says. “We were attracted to this region as a lifestyle change.”
Despite no background in the business, the Rogans were always keen gardeners, with a significant garden on the banks of the Macquarie River at Narromine. They have revelled in their new enterprise and don’t miss the long, hot summers that made gardening often frustrating in their former address. Ian is on the state Nursery and Gardening Industry Board and enjoys his involvement in the industry. “Our selling point is cool-climate plants,” he says. “We stock thousands of trees, shrubs, flowering plants and seedlings – all suited to this region’s soil types and climate. Our point of difference is that we are a nursery with a garden. It’s nothing like buying from the “big box” stores.
MILLTHORPE
Every year Ian and Sue and their team sell hundreds of roses, camellias and many other flowering shrubs. They supply plants to town and city gardeners throughout the region as well as farmers, councils and various businesses. “Our biggest sales are deciduous trees, both ornamental (think crab apple and plane trees as well as elms and oaks) and fruiting trees (such as plums, apples, pears and figs),” Ian says. “We also sell hedging plants (such as cherry laurels, photinia and box hedges) for privacy or screens for windy weather.” The nursery attracts plenty of gardening club visitors who appreciate seeing how a cool-climate garden works. CWL
Facing page: Ian Rogan is relishing his role at the Millthorpe Garden Nursery; a very rare Wollemi Pine. Many visitors have said it’s the best specimen they have seen in a private garden.
MILLTHORPE CWL 109
THE PEOPLE’S PUB
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he hotel business runs through Reggie Henderson’s blood and he happens to be very good at it. His father ran Moree’s Royal Hotel in the 1960s and it was only a matter of time before he ventured into pubs himself.
As the new owner of Millthorpe’s Commercial Hotel (often called the “top” pub), Reggie is full of new ideas to make his 130-year-old pub a regular meeting place for both locals and tourists to the town. Despite only taking over the reins in early 2016, Reggie has some grand plans, including building an outside deck on Victoria Street for patrons to dine and enjoy a drink during the warmer months. Drawing on his eight years’ experience of running the Brisbane Waters Hotel in Brisbane, Reggie is delighted his historic pub has no gaming or gambling machines. “My aim is to supply good old-fashioned service, where the publican owns the joint and provides one-on-one hospitality,” he says with a friendly smile. The Commercial is becoming well known for its beautiful pub-style meals, cooked by Tongan-born Ota Lolo, who joined Reggie the day he commenced operations. The Cork ‘n Fork Brassiere is open six days a week, with live entertainment on Friday nights. On the weekend, patrons can relax to guitar maestro Tony Hunt, who gets everybody in the mood with his laid-back country tunes. Reggie is the perfect host for a diverse range of clientele, from local farmers, labourers and builders, through to families and white-collar executives. “This pub is one that trades around conversation,” he says. “You can come and have a drink and a meal without the distracting noise of pokies or horse races in the background.” CWL For more information, visit www.commercialhotelmillthorpe.com.au. 110 CWL MILLTHORPE
MILLTHORPE
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Frank Smith
Work Clothing and Shoe repairS
Shoe Repairs • Work Clothing Casual Country Clothing
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SOFT ROCK PHOSPHATE Full season phosphate supply without the lockups. This exceptional fertiliser includes Phosphorous, Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and Copper T +61 2 6382 2165 E info@yladlivingsoils.com.au www.yladlivingsoils.com.au www.yladlivingcompost.com.au CWL 113
WOODSTOCK
wows the crowds G overnor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove officially opened the 70th Woodstock Memorial Show in September. The show, which is the largest community event on this tiny village’s social calendar, recognised individuals for their distinguished service. The presentation of medals was followed by the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the attendance of their Excellencies.
The “Royal Woody” captivated audiences with action aplenty at the traditional woodchopping event, speed shearing, chainsaw racing, vintage tractor pull, ring events, heavy horses, cattle, sheep, wool, working dogs and pavilion exhibits.
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While this year’s show was muddy underfoot, record entries in the arts, flowers and the ute, car and bike sections were witnessed. Road closures and weather conditions deterred horses for ring events but did not deter patrons. Some 1700 visitors made sure the previous gate record of 2015 was broken. The show’s success has been recognised by an Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Innovation Award.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE RECIPIENTS Alan Baker has served as a steward in the ring, the prime lambs and as the ground steward for varying periods since 1963. He also served a short term as vice president. He has been a long-time exhibitor in both the wool and prime lamb sections. John Cooley is a strong advocate for the Woodstock Memorial Show. A steward in the prime lambs for 25 years, he was the instigator of both the tractor pull and ute show sections in the late 1990s. John served as vice president for five years and president from 2006 to 2008. He has tirelessly sought community sponsorship on behalf of the show body.
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Paul Dresser is synonymous with the Woodstock Memorial Show. Paul introduced the wool section to the show in 1969 and was steward for the section in its early years. He also instigated the prime lamb section in 1976 and has a longstanding association as steward. Paul served as treasurer from 1971-1988 and served a term both as vice president and president. The Dresser family has had a lifelong association with the show. Stuart Daley was an active steward during the 1980s and ’90s. He has served as a marshalling steward in the ring, steward in the prime lambs and sheaf tossing. Stuart served a term as president and a long term from 2000-2012 as treasurer. John Quilter has been an active member of the show organisation since 1980 and a steward of the prime lambs for 33 years. John has served for several years (1984-1991 and 1997-2004) as vice president and president from 1994-1996.
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Words: Alison Rutledge Images: Elizabeth Tickle
1. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove formally opening the Woodstock Show. 2. Sandra and Mike Yeo, Acacia Gardens, admiring the Champion Fleece exhibited by Waugoola Pastoral Company. 3. Robert Grant, “Glenorine”, Canowindra, Alan Pope, Cowra, Ian Ogilvy, “Corumbene”, Woodstock, and Arthur Hogan, Wattamondara. 4. Champion whipcracker Emiliqua East, from Bairnsdale, Victoria. 5. Katelyn Rutledge and Natalie Mallon with Pippy the sheep.
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COUNTRY SECTION SHOW
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6. Robyn and Blayney Councillor David Kingham, “Rebindee”, Lyndhurst. 7. Three Blokes Forging, Steve Evans, Colin Fenn (Absent: Andrew Kennedy). 8. Holly Picker, Cowra, with Mick Flint and Monica Blazeley, “Glenview”, Woodstock. 9. Distinguished Award recipients being presented with their awards by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove were John Cooley, John Quilter, Alan Baker, Stuart Daley and Paul Dresser. 10. Lady Cosgrove and Sir Peter Cosgrove with Jack Mallon, Brett Johnstone and Paul Dresser, all from Woodstock. Paul won the Lionel Goodacre Memorial Award, donated by Jack Mallon, Most Successful Exhibitor, Prime Lamb Section.
11. Treasurer Stephen Rutledge with wife, secretary and publicity officer Alison Rutledge, president Sandy Morrison and show day secretary Patsy Daggett. 12. Woodchopper Dylan Smith, Bathurst, who won the 300mm underhand handicap. 13. Cattle steward Kristie Kennedy and chief cattle steward Peter Larson. Kristie exhibited Black Diamond Lingerie, a 12-month-old Angus heifer that was the Supreme Exhibit. 14. Horticultural judge Dorothy McKeon. 15. Alan Baker, Cowra, the recipient of the Distinguished Award for 25 years’ service to the show (as side show steward) catching up with Bill Birrell, Woodstock. 16. Grain and produce head steward and hall steward Ben Johnstone with art and craft steward Sumara Brown.
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At Lucknow Skin Shop and Boot Barn we stock Thomas Cook and Wrangler Clothing for all ages, Moda Immagine ladies fashion and RM Williams Stockyard. We have a wide range of boots and leather accessories for the colts and fillies too, in all the latest styles and colours to keep you looking great.
4601 Mitchell Highway, Lucknow 2800 OPEN 7 days 9:00 to 5:30 Phone orders welcome 02 6365 5330 Visit www.lucknowskinshop.com.au if you just can’t make it in-store.
LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE CATTLE HAULAGE (02) 6362 2099 | 0428 636 283 CWL 117
Living & learning ON THE LAND PLENTY OF CONSIDERATION GOES INTO BUILDING A RESILIENT AND PROFITABLE LIVESTOCK ENTERPRISE.
“Y
ou will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read.” So said motivational speaker Charles ‘’Tremendous’’ Jones.
Grahame Rees has adapted this quote to read: “You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the people you meet and the innovative training you seek.” Growing up at Ivanhoe where his grandfather and father were always seeking new and innovative ways, it was natural that Grahame would go straight from school to Longreach Pastoral College. LPC was well known at the time as the premium training facility for young people seeking a career in the pastoral industry. It was here that Grahame realised learning does not stop when you leave school. In fact, he claims this is when the real learning begins. Returning home to the family operation in 1978 allowed him to implement much of his learning. Grahame and his wife Ros, daughter Ashley and son Brad lived on Peneena Station near Ivanhoe until 2002, when they moved to Bathurst for the children’s education. The first fork in the road happened when they met Rod and Isobel Knight through the very popular Grazing for Profit program taught by RCS. They were trading cattle together in 1999, when another fork in the road appeared. Bud Williams had been brought out to Australia from the US by RCS to teach his popular Stockmanship school. Grahame and Ros hosted Bud and his wife Eunice for a few days. “My life was never the same,” he says. “Other than my Dad, Bud has had more influence on my life today than anyone else.” Implementing Bud’s Stockmanship training led Rod and Grahame to meet Jim Lindsay, who had developed the Low Stress Stock Handling School in 2002. Along with three other trainers, they joined with Jim to teach the two-day LSS school. It was on Bud’s return in 2002 that he mentioned to all three he had a “Marketing School” for livestock producers and he thought his principles would work really well in Australia. The following year they all travelled to the US to learn Bud’s marketing methods for themselves and while there he suggested they teach his marketing principles in Australia. Grahame and Rod stayed on with Bud to develop the foundation of what is today the KLR Marketing School. The KLR school taught by Rod, Jim and Grahame has been honed and developed over the past 12 years, yet Bud’s key principles remain as sound as they were in 2003. Jim and Rod both run extensive livestock operations and use KLR in their own businesses every day. Grahame also keeps his hand in managing the marketing for a local Bathurst livestock producer. This means they all get to experience the same challenges and emotions as their clients. They developed the KLR Mastermind, a positive environment for graduates where they can get the support and tools they need to implement sound marketing principles.
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KLR MASTERMIND IS A positive ENVIRONMENT FOR graduates WHERE THEY CAN GET THE
support AND TOOLS THEY NEED TO IMPLEMENT sound marketing PRINCIPLES.
KLR Marketing provides training and support to livestock producers who want to build resilient, profitable businesses. Among the 2500 livestock producers and their families who have benefitted from the KLR school are Mandurama graziers Stuart and Gemma Green, who are focused on building their family enterprise, Chesney Pastoral, into a business that inspires perpetual success, creates win-win relationships and promotes prosperity within their community. The KLR marketing workshop was of interest after they decided to move from running all breeders to incorporating a trading enterprise within their business. “Being new to trading we wanted to explore a different approach to trading livestock,” Stuart says. “KLR has given us a framework to work with. It has not only provided the tools to work with, but just as importantly it has imparted knowledge on how to use those tools and make effective trading decisions for both our trading and breeding enterprises.” Gemma agrees a big part of making effective decisions is being able to remove the emotion from the decision-making process. “Having used KLR in our business for a period of time now, we have come to realise the importance of the KLR principles. The figures on trading will change but the principles always remain steadfast,” she says. In particular the principle “Know and Understand Yourself” is one that has gone beyond the trading enterprise to influence their entire business, both in and beyond agriculture, to ultimately shape their business and lives today. CWL Words and images: Shot by Jake
Facing page: Grahame Rees says Bud Williams has had a huge impact on his life. Above: Stuart and Gemma Green, Chesney Pastoral, Mandurama, with Ros and Grahame Rees from KLR. CWL 119
GOLDEN oldie HE COULD WELL BE AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST DRIVER ON OUR ROADS BUT YOU’D NEVER GUESS. NOR COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW HE WAS A LEGENDARY MEMBER OF THE FAMED BOMBER COMMAND, FARMED ALL HIS LIFE IN THE COLLIE DISTRICT OR ENJOYED A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS WITH HIS ONE TRUE SWEETHEART.
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s the dapper gentleman shuffled quietly past me in my favourite Dubbo eatery, The Grapevine, all I thought was that he’d make an interesting portrait.
Suddenly his female dining companions urged me to take care, after all, here was a “101-year-old national treasure” making his way through the throng. I had to find out more and with a little prompting, Jeff Perry, the quiet and unassuming resident of the Orana Gardens Retirement Village, was discussing segments of his long and fruitful life. Farming, he says, was always in the blood. His grandfather was a farmer in England before taking up land in the Narromine district in the 1880s.
“THERE WERE very
few planes AROUND AS a child, AND HERE I WAS, YEARS LATER, HAVING
the honour OF flying THESE WELLINGTON BOMBERS.”
His father farmed at “Gunningbar”, Warren, and in 1915, while WW1 raged over Europe, Jeff came quietly into the world at the Dubbo Hospital. “I remember going to the Warren Show in a horse and buggy. My father later became one of the first to own a car in the district,” he says with amazing clarity. After years of being taught by a governess he ended up boarding at the exclusive King’s School, Parramatta. The Depression hit and Jeff remembers many boarders had to leave because their parents could no longer afford the fees. He, too, was called home by age 15 to do his bit on the farm. The family moved to “Merrigal”, Collie, and when WW2 commenced, Jeff was determined to serve. He started off as a fighter pilot and soon mastered all forms of aerobatics. “I could see better than most at night and easily passed the night vision tests so they put me on night bombers,” he says. “We lost many of our finest pilots, including a bloke I shared a room with. Once he made a forced landing at sea after copping a bullet in the fuselage. “After sending off a number of flares he was picked up by a Norwegian vessel. He was dead scared when these foreign-looking blokes peered over the side to rescue him. I eventually saw him again but he didn’t survive the war.” Jeff says he never really expected to survive either but after two years became an instructor, with one of his students later partaking in the famous Dam Busters raid. Jeff was finally discharged and able to get back to his Collie farm to resume Merino breeding with his wife Sybil for the next 50 years. Sybil died about 15 years ago but there are two sons and a daughter, four grandchildren and even great grandchildren to keep an eye on him, along with the daily visits from the Dubbo Area Nursing Service. They have to get up early to catch him. He walks every day to the nearby Orana Mall to buy his daily groceries and on Fridays you’ll find him at the DMC Meat & Seafood collecting his Sydney Rock Oysters. 120 CWL
Jeff was an avid golfer in his day and only recently gave up bowls. He still holds a current driving licence and enjoys regular outings to the local races (especially when his horse, Danish Lace, is racing) or the Macquarie Inn to watch the city races. “I got my licence at about 17 and have been driving for over 80 years without any major accidents,” he says proudly. “I got bogged a few times and had a few punctures but that’s about it.” These days he occupies his mind with crosswords while enjoying a nip of Johnny Walker Double Black each evening before his meal (he’s adamant it’s his secret recipe for longevity). “Dad chain-smoked cigars and lived till 90. After a lifetime of smoking, I gave away the ‘tubes’ (cigarettes) at 80 and am still going strong.” After a few moments Jeff closes his eyes and his face takes on a contented look. His mind is drifting back to the days when an Aussie sheep farmer was flying the “big bird” over German skies. “It was one big adventure really,” he says quietly. “There were very few planes around as a child, and here I was, years later, having the honour of flying these Wellington bombers.” After the war, Jeff had no desire to ever fly a plane again, although he hasn’t minded being a passenger on flights to Sydney (to visit family or the Royal Easter Show) or London, for the commemoration of the Bomber Command several years ago. The Queen attended the ceremony, and Jeff can’t believe he is now among the very last of the legendary force left to tell their heroic story. Jeff Perry has outlived his brother and three of his four sisters (his elder sister is still soldiering on in a Sydney nursing home) but this amazing “old timer”, so full of life and winning so many hearts, still has a few years to beat the record of Australia’s oldest man, Alfred Powell, who turned 107 in Tamworth a few months back. CWL
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Burrowa House in Boorowa
• A 12-bed aged care facility. • All rooms have just been modernised with new carpet and curtains and a re-paint. • All rooms have an ensuite bathroom. • There are sizeable community dining facilities. • Modern television room with comfortable new chairs.
• An activities room is for bingo and card players and other activities. • There are “Broadband for Seniors” computers available. • Wireless broadband is available for all residents. • Excellent, homely, country cooked meals.
Boorowa is situated on the Lachlan Valley Way between Yass and Cowra. We are only 35 minutes to Young, 50 minutes to Cowra, 40 minutes to Yass and 1 hour 20 minutes to Canberra. For further information on our facilities please call our Manager, Judy Ann on 6385 3773. 79 Ford Street Boorowa NSW 2586
The village has 14 self-care one or two bedroom villas. • All villas have a garage built under the same roof with an internal entry and an automatic door. • All villas have “vital call” facilities. • All rooms are spacious with a pleasant outlook. • Villas are affordable on a “lend lease” basis with entry fees from $180,000 depending on vacancies. • Fortnightly charge for recurrent charges is $145 to $160. • Recurrent charges cover: - All Council rates and charges including garbage charges. - Electricity charges for street lighting and community services. - All water rates and usage charges. - Building insurance. - Building maintenance. - Basic gardening and lawn mowing. • Plenty of room for expansion with space for another 70 villas. Boorowa is situated on the Lachlan Valley Way between Yass and Cowra. We are only 35 minutes to Young, 50 minutes to Cowra, 40 minutes to Yass and 1 hour 20 minutes to Canberra. We can send you a disclosure statement on our villas and a floor plan. Contact details: For further information on our facilities please call our Manager, Judy Ann on 6385 3773, 79 Ford Street Boorowa NSW 2586 122 CWL
WE CARE ABOUT YOUR EYECARE Our commitment to providing the highest standard of eyecare is reflected in our eye examinations which focus on eye health and the detection of eye diseases, as well as vision assessment. World class technology is used to assist in the diagnosis and management of eye
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Searching for a better health solution? Macquarie Health Collective brings together specialists from a variety of disciplines with the aim of giving each person who visits our practice comprehensive and holistic care.
Our practitioners work together to treat a variety of health and psychological concerns with a whole of body approach. We pride ourselves on the delivery of evidence based and individually tailored services. • PSYCHOLOGY
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A holistic APPROACH MACQUARIE HEALTH COLLECTIVE IS COVERING UNCHARTED TERRITORY FOR HEALTH SERVICES IN THE CENTRAL WEST WITH A COMPLETELY FRESH AND COLLABORATIVE APPROACH.
F
ounded by director and psychologist Tanya Forster, the collective brings together specialists from a variety of disciplines, with the aim of providing each person with comprehensive and holistic care. Its unique multidisciplinary framework is a welcome concept for the region, giving both individuals and families a whole range of health services at their fingertips. Travelling beyond the Blue Mountains was the norm for those requiring the services of a range of medical specialists – until now. In collaboration with Royal Far West, improving accessibility has been far more achievable. “It has long been a dream of mine to be able to create and develop a truly impactful service like Macquarie Health Collective,” Tanya says. “To provide a multidisciplinary approach to health services is the golden standard, and it’s pleasing that it’s now available in our community. “It’s also very rewarding to see the kind of positive outcomes we can achieve by working collaboratively, which is a new approach for healthcare in our region.” Tanya has built on her extensive background and experience as a psychologist, and has fostered strong networks and a team of local professionals to bolster the collective.
“The collective has a particular focus on assessment for developmental delays, learning difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” “The collective has a particular focus on assessment for developmental delays, learning difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Tanya completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science, as well as a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Psychology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle, and has a strong paediatric background. She has also spent time working in research and teaching for the University of Sydney’s School of Rural Health.
“Currently, there are very few services in the area for families that are dealing with those issues.”
Now based on a farm with her husband near Wellington, she has an appreciation for the rural way of life, but acknowledges it should not limit healthcare access.
“I work with three other professionals – Hannah Jeffery, who is a speech pathologist, Charlotte Gray, an occupational therapist, and Karen Wallace, a psychologist. All are from the Dubbo area and have rural backgrounds,” Tanya says.
“Families in the area truly appreciate being able to engage with us for assessment or therapy, and to not have to travel to a major city,” Tanya says. “We visit patients at schools, as well as in the comfort of their own home, with the ability to have multiple specialists in one room at one time.
The collective centres in Dubbo and Narromine, both of which provide support to surrounding towns as well. And it will soon be expanding its outreach, offering an increased number of services to other surrounding communities.
“A particular focus of mine has been to employ staff from the Central West, allowing the team to have a strong understanding of local issues, and importantly, an intrinsic connection with the region.
“I am also recruiting for another psychologist, as well as a dietitian and exercise physiologist, all of which will provide an invaluable foundation for the future of the collective.” Tanya says she has always believed in a team approach, and has enjoyed seeing the collective grow. “I’m excited to see what the years ahead hold for Macquarie Health Collective,” she says. “Healthcare services for rural areas have always been close to my heart, so being able to collaborate and develop the business philosophy around this has been very enjoyable.” CWL Words: Anna Tickle Images: Amanda O’Sullivan
Facing page: Tanya Forster. Above: The Macquarie Health Collective team: Hannah Jeffery, Charlotte Gray, Tanya Forster and Karen Wallace. CWL 125
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t was raining the day Doris Shillingsworth was born prematurely by the banks of the Barwon River, Brewarrina, 62 years ago.
Elders waited patiently downstream. Old aunties gathered in the dirt-floor tinned dwelling, preparing bush medicine for the young mother’s pain. Little ones were ushered away as they delivered forth the child, so eager to be born. As the tiny babe, weighing barely one pound, took her first breaths, a gust of sulphur-crested cockatoos rose in unison, high above the red river gum, echoing her arrival across the Brewarrina plains. How easy it is to romanticise the birth of Aboriginal elder Doris Shillingsworth, when a longing resides within this writer, yet to be realised. I cannot claim to have lived this culture, breathed smoky ceremony or sung sacred songs of ancient knowing. I stand before Aunty Doris of Dubbo, seeking to reconcile the feeling that something has been left behind and I’d best go back to fetch it. My own experience of discovery was breathed of in whispers, hidden photographs, and half-truths unspoken. Growing up, this culminated in the suspicion that a dark unknown resided within my grandmother’s cabinet. As her health deteriorated, so too, did her ability to conceal the truth. It spilt over in conversation while pouring tea one afternoon, and like the slosh of milk quickly wiped away, she breezed over her slip of tongue and fell awkwardly into small talk. I, however, remained entranced by the photograph of my great-great-grandmother. Dark skinned and far removed from the English ancestors I had envisaged, her eyes pierced the divide of time. “I see you,” I whispered to her forgotten face.
PURPOSE and PASSION DUBBO’S AUNTY DORIS IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING.
Doris confirms this occurrence is not uncommon. It is part of the aboriginal experience of an identity fragmented after colonisation, due to inter-racial relations or forced movement off country. “NSW was colonised first. Our languages and tribal ways were lost first. A lot of aboriginal people today don’t know who their families are, because if they were fair they were taken away,” Doris says. Doris’s passion and commitment to increase cultural understanding is the inspiration behind her first book: Childhood Memories – Doris Shillingsworth. It recounts her childhood experience of living culture: totems, yarning, dreaming stories, spirituality, ceremonial practice and living off the land. Growing up on Goodooga Reserve, Goodooga, is wistfully remembered by Doris, as the happiest time in her life. Ten one- to two-bedroom homes accommodated up to 25 extended family members of mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers, sisters and cousins. Shared living in close quarters fostered strong family bonds and a community where families shared responsibility for each other. “We all grew up around a camp fire, which taught us about respect,” she says. “We couldn’t even cast a shadow over an elder. We learnt to listen, to respect yourself and to never talk over anyone.” Despite the remote location of Goodooga Reserve, Doris did not experience true isolation until her senior education at St Vincent’s College Sydney as an arts scholarship recipient. It was during this time she suffered severe culture shock as the sole Aboriginal student in the school. “I often spent my lunch break sitting alone. Groups of overseas students were speaking their own language, and here was I in my own country, and I didn’t know mine,” Doris recalls.
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The experience challenged Doris’s sense of identity and initiated a lifelong passion to reconnect indigenous people with family, identity and culture. Doris’s 38 years of dedicated service in Aboriginal education has afforded her an invaluable understanding of the unique challenges facing Aboriginal students. Her contribution to programs furthering opportunities for Aboriginal youth and continued service in Aboriginal education was formally recognised in 2014, when she received the Women Out West Outstanding Aboriginal Leadership Award in Dubbo. At the 2015 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference in Melbourne, Doris lectured on the necessity for culture and traditional law to return as a means of creating respect, healing and understanding. “A respect for identity and culture is vital for Aboriginal youth to learn effectively, and for the future of our people,” Doris says. Doris’s legacy is perhaps best described in the words of Mark Twain: “The two most important days in your life, are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” The baby born on the banks of the Barwon River, and the girl who called Goodooga Reserve home, is certain of both her passion and purpose. Her eyes gaze to a distant tomorrow as her voice drops in quiet conviction: “Culture must come back. If you don’t know who you are, and where you’ve come from, how do you know where you are going?” A joint project of Charles Sturt University and Dubbo Lands Council, Childhood Memories – Doris Shillingsworth and additional teaching resources are available by emailing doris.shillingsworth@det.nsw.edu.au or calling Dubbo West Public School on (02) 6882 3086. CWL Words: Dayna Tierney Images: Shot by Jake
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Fun RAISERS WHERE THERE ARE RED HATS, THERE IS LAUGHTER AND FRIENDSHIP.
T
he sisterhood is strong in Dubbo where a group of fun-loving women gad about in brightly coloured purple clothes, distinctive red hats, sequins, feather boas and dazzling jewellery. The members of the Dubbo chapter of the Red Hat Society gather for coffee every week and lunch once a month. There are laughs, hugs and sometimes tears as they keep each other strong in the pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom and fulfillment.
“The camaraderie of the girls is just amazing. The week just wouldn’t be the same without the vibrancy, fun and excitement of Red Hats.” The Dubbo group is in its 12th year and follows international guidelines set down by founder Sue Ellen Cooper, who formed the first Red Hat Society in the American state of California in 1998.
Group figurehead Pam Ridley – affectionately known as the Queen – leads the happy throng, flanked by Court Jester Sue Hazell and Lady of the Garter Bett Sharman.
Members aged over 50 wear purple clothing and red hats while under 50s, known as Pinkies, don pink hats and lilac or mauve apparel. During their birthday month the ladies reverse the colours of their hats and clothes.
“We have a wonderful time and love getting together for a catch-up,” Pam says.
“Each member is encouraged to display creativity and play dress-ups to her heart’s content,” Queen Pam says.
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“We have gatherings, not meetings, and traditions instead of rules. Our official instrument is the equal-opportunity kazoo because it is eminently portable, affordable and easy to play. “We are all about fun-raising not fundraising so there are no raffles, street stalls or meeting formalities. Many of our members are very involved in community organisations in other aspects of their lives, and some have received awards for their community service. But when we gather for Red Hats it is all about simple good fun, networking, caring and sharing. “The age range of the Dubbo chapter is mostly mid-60s to early-80s and we come from all walks of life. “Some members have husbands or partners; others are divorced, widowed or on their own. Most are no longer working and have no wish to become isolated in retirement. With more than 40 members in our group there are always lots of things occurring and people having their ups and downs. “Coming together for Red Hats keeps us connected, and that’s a wonderful thing.” Annie Green, who joined Red Hats five years ago, shares that sentiment. “I love the friendship,” Annie says. Lorraine Merriman has a collection of about 15 red hats and thrives on the laughter and talking. Keen line dancers Jeanette Daly and Faye Orlando enjoy the opportunity to dress up and go out “to a bright, happy group that talks about everything and anything”. Fay Grabau joined about five months ago and had no trouble settling in. “The group is very welcoming and I love the company of the other women,” she says.
“Coming together FOR RED HATS keeps us connected, AND THAT’S A wonderful thing.” Rhonda Walters has amassed an impressive array of hats, jewellery and outfits since joining Red Hats in December last year. Anne Skillen is more likely to wear a flower in her hair while Helen Smith prefers fascinators. Like Cheryl Tonkin and Robyn Newton, they enjoy dressing up and heading out for a good laugh. The Red Hat Society is the main form of entertainment for Betty Bruce, who has been a member of the Dubbo chapter for six years. “It is a friendly, supportive group that is just like a family,” she says. “I never wore a hat before joining the society and now I have a real collection.” Pam Treloar has a full program of activities to keep her busy, including tai chi, swimming, walking, needlework, drawing and painting. She loves the friendliness and fellowship of Red Hats and joined the first year the group started in Dubbo. Having a good talk is the best thing about Red Hats for Val Smith, who enjoys dining out and travelling. Elaine Henry is out and about “just about every day” but still looks forward to dressing up to meet the Red Hat ladies.
Hats off to Lorraine
“It’s a highlight of my week,” she says. Red Hat Society members are united by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes them next. CWL Words: Heather Crosby Images: Elizabeth Tickle
Facing page: (sitting) Fay Orlando, Jeanette Daly, Lorraine Scoble, Fay Grabau, Helen Smith, Lorraine Merriman, Pam Ridley, Annie Green, Bett Sharman, Carol Brett and Elaine Healy. Standing: Cheryl Tonkin, Robyn Newton, Val Smith, Anne Skillen, Pam Treloar, Sue Hazell, Betty Bruce, Rhonda Walters and Ailsa Dyball.
A new member of the Red Hat Society is Lorraine Scoble, who was named Dubbo’s 2016 Senior Citizen of the Year. Lorraine has been involved in charity work for 25 years. Her involvements range from delivering Meals on Wheels to supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Dubbo Arthritis Support Group. Lorraine is a member of the Dubbo Mixed Probus Club and is the social secretary of the Dubbo Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association.
Above: Pam Ridley who is affectionately known as the Queen. CWL 129
At Countryman Motor Inn our service is paramount, ensuring your stay is an enjoyable one. Relax after your journey at the Lions Pride Cafe and Restaurant, the perfect setting to catch up with family and friends. The Lions Pride will make all your occasions special with friendly service and a wide variety of tantalising meals. The Lions Pride Restaurant is open 7 nights a week, cooking from 5.30pm till late. 47 Cobra St, Dubbo Countryman Ph. (02) 6882 7422 The Lions Pride Ph (02) 6884 3333 countrymandubbo@bigpond.com
www.countrymandubbo.com.au
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www.thelionspride.com.au
CLARE’S GIFT A
little girl who had a big impact on a wide community will be remembered and celebrated when a black tie charity ball is held at a country hall near Dubbo on New Year’s Eve.
Clare Diffey lived life to the fullest despite the significant impacts of Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic postnatal neurological disorder that left her unable to talk or walk independently. She was an inspiration to many in her short five years thanks to her equally inspiring parents, Jane and Angus Diffey, a loving extended family, and a wonderful group of fundraising friends known as Clare’s Angels. In the past four years two charity balls and other events have allowed more than $100,000 to be distributed to Rett Syndrome research and Orana Early Childhood Intervention, a Dubbo-based not-for-profit service providing assistance for children with disabilities and developmental delays. Now a purpose-built special needs school is on the horizon for Dubbo, thanks largely to Jane Diffey’s ongoing campaign for improved services and a submission to government she wrote at the behest of Member for Dubbo and NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant. Jane received a Dubbo Day Award in November 2013 and was named 2016 Dubbo Local Woman of the Year. The awards recognised extensive community involvement, including many hours spent in her capacity as vice-chair of Orana Early Childhood Intervention, president of the management committee of Dubbo and District Preschool, president of Clare’s Angels and chief steward of the Dubbo Showgirl Committee. A licensed real estate agent who works in strata management, Jane is also kept busy as the mother of Lucy, soon to turn six, and Maggie, aged three. Afternoons are spent in a busy routine of ballet, music, gymnastics and swimming lessons. Before Clare’s unexpected death in August 2014, a typical week also involved trips to multiple therapy sessions. “I don’t see myself as any sort of super woman,” Jane says. “Angus and I are like a great many parents who are keen to be involved in their children’s lives.
CLARE'S ANGELS
“What we did for Clare is no different to what we do for Lucy and Maggie.” Clare touched countless lives with her charming smile, sunny disposition and eagerness to be involved in whatever was happening around her. “We feel so very blessed to have known and loved her,” Jane says. “She loved a good party and would want everyone to have a great time at the third Clare’s Angels ball to be held at the Rawsonville Hall on December 31.” Tickets ($165 per person, including food, drink and entertainment provided by band The Legless Pedestrians) are available at online ticketing service Tix123.com. The ball will assist Orana Early Childhood Intervention and the Rett Syndrome research clinic at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Donations can be made by emailing claresangels01@gmail.com. CWL Words: Heather Crosby
Jane Diffey receiving her award from Pru Goward, Australia’s first Minister for Women and Troy Grant, Member for Dubbo.
NEW YEARS EVE BALL 31ST DECEMBER 2016, RECEPTION AT 6.30PM
RAWSONVILLE HALL DUBBO TICKETS $165 PER PERSON AVAILABLE AT WWW.123TIX.COM.AU
INCLUDES DINNER AND DRINKS, TRANSPORT FROM DUBBO & NARROMINE TO & FROM THE EVENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ORANA EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION AND NSW CENTRE FOR RETT SYNDROME RESEARCH, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL @ WESTMEAD
ENTERTAINMENT BY “AT T H E BA R”
CHARITY AUCTIONS & RAFFLES TO BE HELD ON THE NIGHT C O N TAC T: C L A R E S A N G E L S 0 5 @ G M A I L . C O M W W W. C L A R E S A N G E L S . C O M . A U
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Right at HOME ON ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE BATHURST HEADMASTER STEVEN O’CONNOR’S LIST OF PRIORITIES IS MAINTAINING AND FOSTERING THE SCHOOL’S STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
Co-Educational
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Anglican
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P r e - K t o Ye a r 1 2
All Saints’ College Bathurst A heritage of educational excellence For more information call 6331 3911 or admin@saints.nsw.edu.au
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ll Saints’ College Bathurst has a long and illustrious history as a leading independent school in regional NSW, and Steven O’Connor is relishing his return to the school in his new role as Head of College.
All Saints’, founded in 1874, is a coeducational day and boarding school for students form Pre-Kinder to Year 12, noted for its outstanding academic results and its commitment to its students. Steven and his family have returned to Bathurst and All Saints’ College, where he had worked as a housemaster earlier in his teaching career. He was most recently Head of Trinity Anglican College in Albury-Wodonga, and has also held senior leadership roles in independent boarding schools in Victoria, Queensland and in Sydney. Steven sees a large part of his role at All Saints’ as maintaining the college’s strong sense of community and its focus on educating the whole person. “All Saints’ College is a unique place because of its genuine sense of community and connection. As a school, we are absolutely committed to educating the whole person – body and mind, heart and spirit – and witnessing our students grow in this context is one of the great rewards of my work as an educator,” he says. “All Saints’ has a very proud tradition. Yet despite its long and rich history, the college remains a forward-looking school”. One of the greatest strengths of All Saints’ is the supportive relationship between teachers and students. “The teachers here are dedicated professionals who share the aspirations of parents, that is, they instinctively want their students to do well,” Steven says. “All Saints’ is consistently ranked among the top performing schools in the state for its HSC and NAPLAN results. This is a great endorsement of the All Saints’ approach and its commitment to educational excellence.
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“It is a great school and my family and I are excited to be back in Bathurst. I’m very honoured to be the Headmaster of All Saints’ and am really looking forward to many years ahead in the role.” CWL
A PRE-SCHOOL, A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND A BOARDING SCHOOL ALL IN ONE! Dubbo Christian School was established in 1983 and offers Bible-based and Christ centred schooling for children from 3 years of age to Year 12. Five-day boarding is also now available for students in Years 7-12 from rural and remote areas. Call us today to see why DCS would be a great choice for YOUR family.
DUBBO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 141 Sheraton Road PO Box 1216 Dubbo NSW 2830 enrolments@dubbocs.edu.au | www.dubbocs.edu.au | 6882 0044
SCOTS262_Central West Lifestyle Mag HP_MAY_145x216mm.indd 2
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TRADITIONAL BY NAME,
innovative by nature
T
he PLC Armidale community is celebrating. The all-girls’ school will turn 130 years old in 2017, and has been governed by the Presbyterian Church for 75 of those years. Despite increased competition in the education sector, PLC Armidale is flourishing under the inspired leadership of Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor and its alliance with PLC Sydney. “I wonder what Mrs Spachett, the founder of the college in 1887, would say?” says Nicola, now in her second year at the college. “Turning 130 is a significant milestone. I think she would be very proud of the college’s success over the years and its commitment to providing girls with a balanced, innovative education. She certainly was forward thinking, an educational visionary.” In its 130th milestone year, PLC Armidale will embark upon a global project, opening its doors to the first cohort of girls (up to two classes) enrolled in a one-year residential intensive English language centre and cultural familiarisation program, PLC Pathways. “PLC Pathways is unique and shows the school’s innovative approach to 21st century education and life preparation. It also demonstrates PLC Armidale’s capacity to take the lead in the education sector and respond to community need,” Nicola says.
SCHOLARSHIPS for 2018 APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 December 2016 EXAMINATION DATE 27 February 2017
PLC ARMIDALE prides ITSELF ON OFFERING
personalised ATTENTION AND PASTORAL care. Initially, PLC Pathways students will come from mainland China, however, the program will also welcome students from other countries in future years, providing a diversity that reflects Australian society today. “I met with Chinese families earlier this year and was struck by their commitment to educating their daughters for a 21st century connected world, where success as a global citizen requires strength of character and quality of person, not just high examination marks,” Nicola says.
girls
“Their values align closely with those of the college and I’m excited at the opportunity to also prepare our Australian students for their future lives in higher education and work – as part of an increasingly globally connected world, where real understanding of cultural diversity is an essential skill.” The all-girls’ educational context is as relevant today as it was in 1887. As an all-girls’ school from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, PLC Armidale remains all-girls for many reasons and this certainly appealed to the international market. PLC Armidale prides itself on offering personalised attention and pastoral care. The college grounds are spacious, the gardens stunning, and surrounds quiet, providing the perfect environment for girls of any age, but particularly in their senior years where the focus is on them, their study, application and future directions.
In alliance with PLC SYDNEY
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PLC Pathways will open its doors on January 30, 2017, heralding a new chapter in the history of PLC Armidale. CWL
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Dancing QUEEN KRISTEN WOODS HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES WHEN IT COMES TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL DANCE STUDIO.
A
s a little girl growing up in Forbes, Kristen got her “groove on” to the Back Street Boys and the Spice Girls before teaching several classes as a senior student under Lia DeVries. After completing her HSC at Forbes High School in 2007, Kristen joined the Happy Feet Dance Factory in partnership with Samantha Phillips.
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After training in classical ballet and completing her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management through Australian Dance Vision, she established Kristen’s Dance Studio in 2012. There are now 75 weekly classes for the 250 budding dancers on her books, teaching jazz, hip hop and modern dance.
“I have a wonderful teaching staff plus a few keen senior students who all share my passion and dedication to my studio,” she says. The studio has been performing very well at eisteddfods throughout the Central West. The KDS Performance Troupe received the team award at SOYA (sportsperson of the year awards) and travelled to the US in 2015 with a group of 68 students and families to perform at Disneyland, California Adventure Park on Hollywood Boulevard and at Universal Studios. “It was a great opportunity for our students, many of whom hadn’t travelled overseas before,” says Kristen, a young woman from a family of high achievers. Rhys, 26, has just finished a double degree in law and engineering, and Aimee, 23, lives in Osaka, Japan, and devotes her time as a singer/dancer at Universal Studios. Eliza, 20, lives in Melbourne, studying musical theatre at the Ministry of Dance and Georgia, 18, attends Sydney’s Australian Performing Arts Grammar School.
Proud parents Rowan and Suzanne Woods try to keep pace with their family’s bourgeoning careers. Rowan is well known around the district as one of the driving forces of Jemalong Wool, while Suzanne works as a radiographer at the hospital. “I knew I wanted to be involved with dance from the very start and along the way fell in love with teaching, which was very different to my initial dream of having a performing career,” Kristen says. “Having my own dance studio means the world to me. Dance provides many benefits to young children growing up. It’s naturally good for fitness but also helps with coordination and discipline. Most importantly, it’s loads of fun.” After nine years of teaching classical jazz, modern and hip hop, Kristen Woods is hitting her straps and couldn’t be happier. Her enthusiastic coaching skills and positive demeanour have already taken her to great heights and given students from the Forbes district an institution to be proud of. CWL Words and images: Shot by Jake
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Plainsman Motel 22 Sheriff Street, Forbes NSW 2871 Ph 02 6852 2466 | Fax 02 6852 3237 comforbes@exemail.com.au Reception Hours: Mon to Fri 7am - 9pm | Sat to Sun 8am - 9pm
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www.outscape.net.au 138 CWL
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“Come up to Oberon for some fresh air”
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Casual Dining Experience
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in pine forests
Mountain Biking Lake Oberon
in National Parks open for recreational boats and State Forests – canoeing and kayaking
Bushwalking and hiking in world heritage national parks
Oberon Visitor Information Centre Cnr Ross Street and Edith Road Oberon NSW 2787 02 6329 8210
oberonaustralia.com
Secure A Blue Ribbon Property “The Folly” Oberon 460* acres of excellent pastures and rich fertile soils 11 good dams and bore Quality infrastructure, sheep and cattle yards Two stand shearing shed and machinery shed Charming 3/4 bedroom, 2 bathroom homestead Owner advised property will run 160 breeding cows comfortably View by appointment Sam D’Arcy 0401 612 996 Patrick Bird 0429 360 222 For further sale details or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Ray White Emms Mooney. T (02) 6336 1109 F (02) 6336 1860 W http://raywhiteemc.com A 106 Oberon Street, Oberon 2787
...will take you there!
B&B of beauty, space and serenity A wonderful discovery...The original Brewery Manor at Oakey Park, Lithgow is an 1880’s historic house lovingly restored to a majestic residence and offered as a B&B by Stasia and Gabe Very as your hosts. 1 Brewery Lane Oakey Park NSW 2790 | 02 6352 2805 | 0425 286 649 | stasiavery@gmail.com
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glorious ABUNDANCE A GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT AND A PASSION FOR PLANTS ARE REFLECTED IN ANN AND MARK OLSON’S PLENTIFUL PARKES GARDEN.
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GARDEN
A
rriving outside Ann and Mark Olson’s home in the township of Parkes, the first impression is of a large Federation-style home surrounded by cooling shade trees. On a day when spring temperatures were set to climb to 34 degrees before noon, shade is a welcome attribute.
Anticipating a garden filled with shade-loving plants, it was surprising to find an array of glorious roses growing quite happily under the shadowing trees. So much for the old adage about roses requiring a minimum of six hours’ sun to bloom. Ann’s roses are delightful, plentiful and varied. “Mark loves reds and I enjoy pinks, so our rose collection is predominantly those colours,” says Ann, adding that “scent is a must”. Old favourites like Mister Lincoln, Black Beauty, Princesse De Monaco and Double Delight are among the long list of varieties grown for garden display and picking. Clearly a favourite flower, there are more roses throughout the rest of the garden, out the back, up the sides, and even sprawling over the hedges. Moving to Parkes around 27 years ago, Mark and Ann were attracted by the grace and history of the 1902 Federation house, which in its heyday would have been surrounded by grazed paddocks. In the double town block they saw potential to turn the bare dirt yard into a country-style garden reminiscent of their upbringings in country NSW. Beginning with a “truckload of trees” they planted out the yard, including a pair of massive Deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara), Liquidambar formosana and Chinese elms. In hindsight there were perhaps a few too many trees for the size of the block, so some have been removed over the ensuing years, or replaced with smaller growers such as red sugar maple. Ann describes her garden as comfortable and relaxed; she says it’s not perfect, but achievable. Her mother gardened, and used to take great bunches of flowers and fruit to the hospital staff and patients on her midwife rounds. These fond memories have great influence on the way Ann gardens today. “The garden evolves because of our climate. We lose things in drought and frost, and I think I have overcompensated because I like glorious abundance in a garden,” she says. The garden beds are crammed full, a reflection of Ann’s enthusiasm and generous spirit. “Hedges are a must, making the garden livable in summer, and offer protection from hot dust-laden winds. They hide the fences and create a backdrop of dense green cover,” Ann says. >
Facing page: Clockwise from top left: Favourite pink and red toned roses include Oriana, Mother’s Love and Fragrant Cloud; screened by dense windbreak planting the sunny rear garden features generous gardens beds, fruit trees, perennials, flowering shrubs and roses. Clockwise from above: Framed by neat hedging, the front garden features dense tree and shrub plantings including deodar cedar and burgundy leafed flowering plum; this pear sculpture was crafted by Ann’s brother; bearded iris; roses and perennials thrive in well mulched raised garden beds; rose beds in the partly shaded front garden; son Will with Mark and Ann enjoy the wide cool verandahs surrounding their Federation-style home.
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The artist and milliner in Ann is evident throughout the garden WITH GREAT COLOUR AND TEXTURE COMBINATIONS.
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GARDEN Tough and hardy hedge selections include: bottlebrush, viburnum, bay tree and Abelia. Orange jessamine (Murraya panniculata) is somewhat out of its climatic comfort zone here in Parkes, but is protected from frost among the other hedging plants. The back garden has the feel of a farm garden and fruiting plants are plentiful, including pecans, almonds, figs, feijoa, apricot, pear, mulberry, pomegranate and silvery foliaged olive trees. There are also lots of lovely citrus trees such as Seville orange, cumquats, lemon, lime, which are practical, edible and highly decorative plants. The carob tree with unusual divided foliage is another plant that evokes fond memories of her mother’s farm garden. Hanging among the fruit trees are many milk bottles reused as fruit fly traps filled with a teaspoon of vegemite mixed with a cup of water. “We try not to spray too much. There’s enough fruit for us and some to share with the birds,” Ann says. A plentiful supply of homemade preserves in the kitchen pantry indicates there have been abundant harvests. In front of this evergreen backdrop created by hedging and fruiting plants are hardy and pretty flowering shrubs such as butterfly bush (Buddleia), Syrian hibiscus, lavender star (Grewia), mauve to purple Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow (Brunfelsia) and scented Fairy Magnolia. Silver- and grey-foliaged plants are used for highlight and contrast, and they are also heat- and drought-tolerant mainstays of the summer garden. Some of Ann’s favourites include silver wormwood (Artemesia), cotton lavender (Santolina), lamb’s ears (Stachys) and silver box (Teucrium). Most grow readily from cuttings, and are repeated throughout the garden. The artist and milliner in Ann is evident throughout the garden with great colour and texture combinations. Perennials including hardy salvias, indigo blue ‘Black Night’, bearded iris, Cranesbill geraniums, dahlias, valerian and Easter daisy add seasonal colour and flowers for picking. Delphiniums and columbines are allowed to self seed and pop up randomly with spires of spring blooms. A mature Kurrajong tree (Brachychiton populeneus) is the centerpiece of the brick-paved courtyard garden and was the only tree here when they arrived. It’s around 80 years old, and over the years has hosted many kids on swings. It’s been played and picnicked under, and now the Olsons sit here to enjoy a gin and tonic in the early evening. Ann’s brother John is a local garlic farmer (Ganmain Garlic) and also creates wonderful sculptures, such as the decorative pear made from old horseshoes. A lovely farm gate was a wedding present, which separates the gravel drive from the rear garden, and is flanked by roses and pretty flowering perennials. Off to one side, in a sunny corner is a herb wheel, divided into sections using paving bricks reclaimed from the old Cookamidgera railway station. This garden provides plenty of fresh herbs and leafy greens to harvest for the table. The secret to Ann’s garden success (and the resultant lush growth) is loads of sheep manure, which enriches the soil with organic matter, helps improve the heavy clay soils and acts as a regular gentle fertiliser. Loads are delivered frequently by a retired maths teacher, who also tutors Ann and Mark’s son, Will. Mulch is a key ingredient, too. Ann makes light work of at least a big round straw bale every year as well as recycling lawn clippings. Among the garden beds there’s little evidence of bare soil. Ann and Mark regularly open their garden for charitable events. Stalls are set up along with tables and chairs so visitors can enjoy this wonderful relaxed garden. CWL Words: Elizabeth Swane Images: Angus Waddell
Facing page: clockwise from top; a large Kurrajong tree is a focal point in the back garden; fruitful lemon; Ann among her favorite pink roses; a cool sanctuary under the trees; recycled red bricks used for paving among the circular rose beds; pretty viola heartsease; hardy weeping bottlebrush along the driveway. This page: clockwise from top: Well mulched beds, textural silver foliage; a section of the herb wheel; self sown spires of larkspur among the roses; functional and decorative, the farm gate is adorned with roses; the front entry. CWL 145
NARELLAN POOLS WESTERN PLAINS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP Locally operated since 1989 Large range of great shapes and sizes of fibreglass inground swimming pools and spas. Fully installed or Kit options
GIVE US A CALL SO WE CAN HAVE YOU SWIMMING THIS SUMMER!
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Monday- Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-12pm Shop 1/ 31 Bultje Street Dubbo 146 CWL
FOR GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY CALL US
02 6884 3117
Ph: (02) 6332 1738 Fax: (02) 6332 1896 Email: amanda@pressedtinpanels.com 22 Vale Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795
www.pressedtinpanels.com
Perennialle Plants in Canowindra is a unique nursery offering a rare collection of frost and drought tolerant shrubs, perennials, and other garden plants. Alongside the nursery, the inspirational garden is a delight to visit and showcases the plants offered for sale. The garden is designed to display the plants through the seasons and changes throughout the year. The gorgeous garden shop stocks high quality garden tools, giftware and designer homewares; all sourced for their beauty and practicality. The nursery, garden and shop are open Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and at other times by appointment. Perennialle Plants is also an online nursery. The website, www.perennialle.com.au offers plants and garden tools for mail order delivery. Plants are carefully packaged and posted weekly.
52 Rodd St, Canowindra NSW
p: 0427 077 798
e: plants@perennialle.com.au
131 - 141 Clarinda St, Parkes P: 6862 4002 E: haysgifts@bigpond.com CWL 147
HOME & STYLE
Country COMFORT
CLEVER COUNTRY STYLING CAN WORK BEAUTIFULLY IN A CONTEMPORARY SETTING.
C
ountry interiors are functional, calming, down to earth and comfortable. It is a style many are drawn to for its simple, unfussy nature and focus on natural elements. However, it is no longer limited to charming country cottages, as country styling can work well in sleek contemporary homes too. Traditional country style features neutral colours, worn furniture, fabric lounges, wooden touches and other elements from nature – like flowers, cane, leather or animal skins. Injecting some of these key features into a sleek contemporary home can help add warmth and charm, but it needs to be done carefully. Ideally, country and contemporary should merge together to complement one another, not fight for dominance. It is important to find the right balance.
Second-hand pieces can look right at home in
new houses.
TABLE TALK
Nothing says country style more than a large wooden dining table. Combine with a mix of upholstered chairs and a bench seat and you will have plenty of seating for extended family members. Pop a white sheepskin on the bench to soften the seating. Keep the table clean and uncluttered, so that the centrepiece is the focal point. Vary textures with antlers, flowers to add height and a concrete candle for a contemporary twist. You can still have your teacups on display in the dining room, but try to keep your collection small and well curated. 148 CWL
OVERTLY UNDERSTATED Stick to naturals or soft tones when choosing colours for contemporary country styling. Combine white, cream, beige and other natural shades with contemporary greys, and limit or remove bright colours. Neutral or natural colours are instantly calming and don’t have to be boring as interest can be created by varying texture or adding pattern. Muted patterns with stripes or flowers are best when trying to create interest in a natural or country colour scheme.
KITCHEN WARMTH When introducing country elements into a contemporary setting, styling needs to be kept clean and uncluttered, unlike traditional country where collections of objects can fill spaces to the brim. Keep surfaces clean so that key decor items, such as flowers, lamps in the living area or canisters in the kitchen become the focal points. A cold and clinical kitchen can easily be warmed up with the right country styling accents. Lighting pendants made from cane, wicker or wrought iron add a lovely contrast to a stark white contemporary kitchen, as do decor items featuring white, marble or wood.
The little extras Contemporary bathrooms often have floor to ceiling tiles, so warming up the space visually and physically is key. In the bathroom, the addition of a rustic wooden stool will instantly break up the coldness of tiles and also provide practical seating, or use it to hold your soaps, scrubbing brushes, fresh white towels and glass of wine, while you soak in the tub.
Neutral or natural colours are instantly calming. Old soul Don’t be afraid to mix some old with new in your sleek contemporary home. Try furniture or decor items that feature old timber, or furniture that has been repurposed in a new way, like railway sleepers made into a coffee table. Older items will instantly add soul and character to your home, or you could try injecting your personality into your home by hanging your hat on the wall and leaving your boots by the door.
Sitting pretty Just as in traditional country interiors, fabric lounges work best in
contemporary country styling, especially if they are tufted. Sumptuous fabric lounges, coupled with soft textured throws and cushions will make everyone feel welcome to sit down. Hand-knitted blankets are very at home in country styling and will work in contemporary country interiors too, especially in grey and chunky yarn. Warm up your cold flooring with a jute or cowhide rug. Fill a nearby basket with cushions and blankets so they are easily accessible.
THE SANCTUARY Last but certainly not least, the bedroom. Country styling is ideal when creating a calming sanctuary to retire to at the end of the day. This is the most important room to keep clean, uncluttered and calm. Fresh white linen bedclothes not only look divine but also are a dream to sleep in. Keep your cushions tidy and uncluttered, but add a tassel or shaggy throw for texture and fun. Basic muted striped or floral cushions will sit prettily on white covers and provide a little more comfort when indulging in night-time reading. Fill an old enamel water jug with fresh or dried flowers and your contemporary country bedroom will be perfect. CWL Words and images : Amanda O’Sullivan
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Bellisimo is filled with creative ideas, products and giftware sourced from around the world. The range includes superb homewares, candles, lighting, furniture, prints and rugs to allow your home to become a reflection of your personality. We also focus on décor and furniture for outdoor living spaces. Our retail space houses a beautiful selection of women’s clothes, jewellery, handbags, and a quality collection of eclectic giftware for the new baby. Bellisimo also sells Josophans’ Fine Chocolates, created and produced in Leura in the Blue Mountains. 27 Main St, Lithgow NSW 2790 | Phone: 02 6352 1881 Bellisimo.com.au
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At Choices Flooring we know that good interior decorating starts
from the floor up
Choices Flooring by Brights 61 George Street, Bathurst (next to Dan Murphy’s) 6331 4866 choicesflooring.com.au
Be Inspired....
100 Byng St, Orange, 02 6363 1160 thewhiteplace.com.au Open Mon - Fri 10 am - 5.30 pm Sat 10 am - 3 pm now online
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Built to LAST THE KUBOWICZ BROTHERS ARE BUILDING ON A STRONG FAMILY TRADITION.
“We want to give you a result that in 10 years’ time you’ll look at and say: ‘I’m really pleased with the way that turned out.’ You may not remember all the details of your project, but you will certainly know if you are happy with the outcome.” Such is the philosophy of Kubowicz Building, a third-generation, familyrun business that has been successfully operating in the Central West for more than 60 years. Based in Dunedoo and Mudgee, the business services an area including Mendooran, Tooraweenah, Binnaway, Coolah, Cassilis, Rylstone, Pyramul, Goolma and beyond. Building is in the blood. It all started with Witold Kubowicz, who fled war-torn Europe in 1949 to establish himself as a carpenter at Hannah’s Bridge, near Coolah. His son, John, who arrived in Australia as a toddler, continued in his father’s footsteps and established John Kubowicz Builders, a highly respected Mudgee business he now runs with his sons Ian and Ben. Throughout the generations, building has remained the family’s livelihood and passion. “Our family have worked on a range of older and historic buildings that characterise the local area,” Ian says.
“Over the years we have done maintenance and extensions on significant sandstone and timber slab homesteads around the area, some dating back as far as 1835. Using that local knowledge has allowed us to have a significant impact in preserving some of our district’s unique country heritage.” Some of the bigger jobs include the Coolah Catholic Church, extensions to the aged care facility, library and local sporting hall in Dunedoo and a new period-style homestead worth over a million dollars. “A couple of us have also done some overseas volunteer work, building a school dormitory in PNG and classrooms in Thailand – it makes you glad to live where we do,” he says.
Don’t let a butcher put the chop on your next renovation or building project. He might do good steaks, but we craft GREAT homes and renovations! Do you have an unusual or difficult job that is beyond other builders? We love coming along side you, our customer, grasping your vision and creating your masterpiece.
Call us NOW to discuss your next project Phone: 02 6372 4200
John still plays an important role from his base in Dunedoo but is starting to leave the bigger jobs to his sons. Ian, the elder of his two sons, left for Sydney the day his HSC results came out but after a gap year in the “Big Smoke” returned home to work in the family business, undertaking an apprenticeship and a three-year course at TAFE, finishing with a Certificate 3 in Carpentry. In 2008 he was joined by Ben, who originally wanted to be an architect but felt there were greater rewards to be had from building rather than designing “I didn’t like the prospect of seven years at uni so undertook the same course as Ian at TAFE before completing my Certificate 4 in Building and Construction,” he says. The brothers are both married – Ian to Diana (with two teenage children) while Ben recently tied the knot with Anna. They grew up in Dunedoo, and still work there, particularly on farms, building new homes or renovating older ones. The bulk of their work, however, takes place in the Mudgee region. “As fully licensed builders we can take on, or advise you on, nearly any project large or small,” Ian says. “We understand as time changes, so does your family and what you need from your home. We have often been invited back years later to do more work for the next generation, like when the ‘fabulous’ 1980s kitchen Mum and Dad installed has lost its shine.”
Family owned and operated since 1954 Servicing Mudgee and surrounding districts
www.jkbuilders.com.au
The men are proud of their heritage and cannot speak highly enough of their father. “Nobody has a bad thing to say about him,” concedes Ben, a young man with a bright future in the building game. Kubowicz Builders are tried and tested and ready to help you with your next renovation or building project. CWL Above: Ian and Ben Kubowicz are ready to help with all your building requirements.
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We are a
personal. professional.
boutique
agency Personal and Professional Service in pride Property Management andand Sales ourselves on
nearly 40 years ago.
delivering Bob Berry Real Estate offers personal and professional management services
Crampton’s bring the store to your door For almost 30 years we’ve offered a free measure and quote service with our home service van. Call us today to have one of our consultants arrange an appointment within your home FREE of charge. Servicing Dubbo and the Western area. Or call in and visit our showroom and friendly sales team.
superior, personal customer
repeat business.
service ~ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SMALL AND BOUTIQUE IS IN THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE.
Property Management Property Management Shayna Chapman Shayna Chapman Gibbs 0417Fiona 226 059
EACH AND EVERY TIME.
Sales Sales Graeme Board Karen Chant Jane Donald 0448 191 167
Sales Sales Karen Chant Graeme Board Bob Berry 0408 636 273
Talbragar Street DubboI |Tel: Tel:0202 6882 6822I |www.bobberry.com.au www.bobberry.com.au 5656 Talbragar Street Dubbo 6882 6822
62 Hawthorn St, Dubbo | Tel: 02 6882 8911 www.cramptonscarpets.com.au CWL 153
HOME & STYLE
HANDY HOUSEHOLD WITH HAYLEY MAUDSLEY
hints
Off the scent Now that winter is over, machine-wash or dry-clean everything you plan to store before packing it up for the season. Moths and insects are naturally attracted to our everyday scents, such as perfume, food, deodorant and smoke, even if the scents are imperceptible to you.
Sweetly soothing
Some people seem to attract bees more readily than others, and a sting from this insect is always painful. For immediate relief, dab honey over the affected area. If you are one of the people to whom bees are attracted, it is a wise precaution to always keep a jar of honey at the ready.
your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.�
“Have nothing in
In good shape Believe it or not, coat storage is much more effective when each piece is gently folded, as opposed to hung, if the coats are wool, leather, faux fur or down. First, remove everything from pockets and fasten all snaps, buttons or zippers and gently fold the coat. From there, loosely stack them into boxes, storage bags or plastic bins. This will help retain the shape of your coats.
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FIZZ FACTOR Because baking soda can become stale and lose its potency it is always best to test before using. Put a little into some cold water. If it fizzes well, the baking soda is fine to use. If not, discard it and open a new tin.
Celebrating 70 years as Dubbo’s printer
Design Print Paper Gifts
Corporate stationery and promotional material. Trade compliance and record books. Personal printing from invitations to family histories. Experienced graphic designers in-house.
Visit our boutique gift shop... Specialty Paper, Envelopes. Invitations & Party Accessories. Children’s Toys for Creative Development. Boxed Stationery & Cards. Greeting Cards, Wrapping Paper & Ribbons. Christmas Decorations.
Visit our Christmas
POP-UP SHOP
166 Brisbane Street DUBBO NSW 2830
214 Macquarie Street, Dubbo
P: 02 6882 1233
admin@printingworks.com www.printingworks.com
(next to the NAB)
Like us for all your gift ideas and new stock arrivals
Suzie Hope Designs Australia’s original and best quality made to measure padded ironing board covers.
Enjoy the ease and comfort of using the best fitting and most durable, washable and attractive padded ironing board covers and ironing accessories. • made in NSW from 100% cotton. • available in a full range of sizes. 0438 423 824 | suziehopedesigns@gmail.com Check our website for season markets www.suziehopedesigns.com CWL 155
Fine COTTON GOONDIWINDI COTTON IS A FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY BUILT ON THE OLD-FASHIONED AND HONEST PRINCIPLES ASSOCIATED WITH RURAL AUSTRALIA.
T
he Coulton family, cotton farmers for more than 30 years and one of the first families to grow cotton in the district, invested in a small garment manufacturing company in 1992.
They incorporated the Goondiwindi name into the brand to link the product to the area and make it unique. Sam Coulton’s philosophy has always been to support local retailers and local business. It is of utmost importance to him to ensure communities, especially in the bush, keep growing. As well as the Goondiwindi Cotton brand, Sam and his team run Cotton & Town tours in Goondiwindi, where visitors are taken to see local attractions, visit a cotton farm and cotton gin and learn some interesting facts about the town, cotton farming and the industry. Goondiwindi Cotton is proud of its reputation as a company that produces comfortable and stylish quality garments. Through working with only the highest quality cotton yarn, they are able to ensure that their garments are softer and more durable. As a cotton grower, Sam works closely with his design team and is involved in every aspect of the business. Goondiwindi Cotton produces around 50,000 garments per year, and offers comprehensive summer and winter ranges, interpreting global fashion trends to best suit the handwriting and look of their brand.
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The Goondiwindi Cotton brand has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months, and while still selling largely to country stores, the brand has gained momentum and recognition, and has also been successfully positioned into urban stores in all states, where it has been performing very well. It can now be found in 180 stores throughout Australia. Goondiwindi Cotton’s attention to detail positions its label at the premium end of the market. They truly want you to love the garment you buy.
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Images: Melissa Gladman
Top: Sam Coulton, the man behind the Goondiwindi Cotton brand. Above: Sam chats to Jamie Deshon at Sam’s property “Alcheringa” about getting ready to plant for next season.
Beautiful Homewares and Furniture at Affordable Prices Furniture • Homewares • Lighting Chandelliers • Lamps • Cushions Throws • Coverlets
For ever changing trends while keeping a classic touch
7 Main St, Lithgow NSW • (02) 6352 3383
NEW SUMMER ARRIVALS Audrey Avenue MARIA b/w splash, misty $169
clothing for the real woman www.respectfully.com.au
Audrey Avenue REGGIE blue, black, beige $169
Range of casual and after 5 wear for the real woman - sizes 10 - 30 We also stock a range of bags, Sakroot, Cobb & Co, Cenzoni and Journey to name a few.
Easy Living COMO floral, silver, taupe $139
Hats, fascinators and jewellery.
Call into your nearest store to see the full range of styles!
Extensive range of shoes including Hinako, Isabella, Florance and Cabello. Great range of boots for all shapes and sizes for winter.
Bathurst 94 William Street ● Dubbo 174 Macquarie Street *NEW STORE* Junction Fair 200 Union Street, The Junction Tamworth 284 Peel Street ● Wagga Wagga 56 Baylis Street Call in store for a copy of our new catalogue or phone 02 6332 3822
www.easylivingfootwear.com.au
*Conditions apply
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Respectfully | 104 Main Street, Lithgow | 02 6351 4337
karyn@respectfully.com.au | www.respectfully.com.au
Homewares, gifts, accessories and clothing.
We stock: Rugged Hide, Mavi, Splosh, Stitch + Hide, Lee Garrett, Threadz, Jendi, Jump, Mossimo, EOS, Peppermint Grove and lots more. 176 Main St, West Wyalong P 02 69723 963
/Kristys-Cottage CWL 157
Style counsel MAREE STATHAM MAREE STATHAM OF LITHGOW SHARES HER FASHIONABLE INSIGHTS, WISELY STATING THAT TRUE STYLE IS MORE THAN JUST THE CLOTHES YOU WEAR.
A
fter the unexpected death of my husband Bob in 2007 I found it difficult to concentrate on anything. Bob’s death certainly had a devastating effect. In 2009, I decided to reinvent my life and launch Maree Statham’s Absolute Edge. Etiquette, general manners and respect seem to be lacking somewhat these days. Courtesy opens doors and costs nothing. Self-esteem, body image and confidence are the focus of workshops I run with Absolute Edge. I have also owned three hairdressing salons in the past 47 years. I now have a salon at my home and I have wonderful loyal clients who work in with my duties on Lithgow City Council.
My can’t-live-without summer fashion item. SCARF Vivien Haley Agate Print Silk Georgette Scarf $185 (www.vivienhaley.com)
SHOES Audrey Avenue Rain Shoe in black/white $169 Exclusive to Easy Living Footwear (www.easylivingfootwear.com.au) HAT Studio ANISS Arcadia Hat (Natural/Black) $199 (www.studioaniss.com)
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FASHION STYLE FILE
Tried and true My go-to summer outfit Smart casual: you cannot go wrong with white pants or white jeans with a smart casual jacket or white linen shirt with lightweight scarf. Elegant daywear: I personally love a stylish suit with pearls, timeless and easy.
What I cannot live without Definitely scarves. You can now wear a lovely lightweight scarf in summer, not just in the colder weather. A scarf can add so much to an outfit; it can dress up a pair of jeans or dress down a little black dress.
My go-to summer outfit.
Best summer style advice From an early age I have been interested in fashion. I have a motto: “KISS” – keep it stylishly simple! Through my business Absolute Edge, I run one-on-one or group sessions styling ladies, giving them a new look, selecting their right colours and working out what suits their shape. Once your colours are right and you know what shape you are, shopping is made easier and less stressful. Think before you select any outfit. If you are in the younger age group, not too tight, too low or too short and you will get it right. For the more mature-age ladies, think about investment dressing, work out your best colours, and choose a colour palette that you love and feel great in.
PANT Threadz Shutter Pant White $79.95 2 Fat Ladies (02) 6365 5437
My favourite thing about summer in the Central West
JACKET Pretty Little Thing Finni Sleeveless Longline Jacket $56 (www.prettylittlething.com.au)
CARDIGAN Goondiwindi Cotton Navy Cardigan $159 SLEEVELESS TOP Navy Sleeveless Top $109 JEANS Tapestry Jean $159 (07) 4671 5611 (www.goondiwindicotton.com.au)
Judging Fashions On The Field at different race meetings and the Gold Crown. The incredible style, individuality and originality never ceases to amaze me.
My style icons Without a doubt, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn. Many Central West ladies would remember Joan Linnane. Joan was a true style icon and certainly the most elegant and stylish lady I have ever known. She certainly taught me everything I know about fashion, such as never go to the races without hat and gloves, never be seen without lipstick and always wear hosiery when you get older. CWL Compiled by Ali Wood
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A wonderful ADVENTURE H
elping people look their best and feel great is part of every working day for Dubbo beauty therapist Melissa Swain. The bubbly 30-year-old has been involved in the beauty industry for more than a decade. Two years ago she established her own business, Absolut Beauty at 251 Fitzroy Street, South Dubbo.
“My career in beauty therapy has been a wonderful adventure,” Melissa says.
“I love what I do,” Melissa says.
“At the end of Year 12 I was encouraged to enrol in beauty therapy full-time.”
“It’s always interesting and I have developed some lovely friendships with clients.” Melissa works from Tuesday to Saturday organising appointments, making product recommendations and assessing skin types to prescribe the perfect salon treatments. Her work involves everything from facials, massage, spray tanning and waxing to manicures, pedicures, eyebrow shaping, and make-up application and advice.
Australian owned brands & products
“It started with a TVET vocational educational training program through the Western Institute of TAFE when I was a senior student at Dubbo Christian School.
Two years later Melissa was helping to establish a new salon in the Sydney suburb of Balmain. Over the next few years she gained more experience at salons at Surry Hills and Lane Cove. In 2009 Melissa decided the time had come to return to Dubbo. She was part of the team at a local salon for five years before stepping out on her own. “I wanted to see where working for myself would lead me,” Melissa says. “Running the business takes up a lot of each week and when I am not working I like to spend as much time as possible with my husband Jack.” The couple were married on September 10 at the beautiful Lilianfels resort in the Blue Mountains. “I feel blessed to have such a wonderful husband,” Melissa says. “We first met as children and our paths crossed again later in life. I was smitten from our first dinner date.” To arrange an appointment at Absolut Beauty phone or text Melissa on 0439 064 230 or call the salon on 6885 5001. Bookings can also be made online through the Absolut Beauty website. CWL Words: Heather Crosby Images: Elizabeth Tickle
Schedule an appointment today 6885 5001 or 0439 064 230 251 Fitzroy St, Dubbo NSW 2830 160 CWL
Melissa Swain brings a wealth of experience to her Dubbo salon, Absolut Beauty.
Country store, Country values, Country service…. That’s what Crookwell Footwear is all about
We stock iconic brands, coats for men and women, special items such as wallets, braces, handbags and much more! Crookwell Footwear at 97 Goulburn Street Crookwell | Ph/Fax (02) 4832 1636 | It’s ‘The sole of the town’
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Lithgow
Surprisingly diverse
For a free copy of the
Lithgow Visitor Guide
Lithgow Visitor Information Centre 1137 Great Western Highway, (PO Box 19 Lithgow NSW 2790) T: 1300 760 276 or (02) 6350 3230, F: (02) 6350 3239 E: tourism@lithgow.com
www.tourism.lithgow.com august.indd 1
Lithgow Tourism 11/05/15 10:32 AM
Bridge View Inn 28 - 30 Louee St, Rylstone NSW 0409 564 747 Open Friday to Monday 10am - 4pm conventandchapel@gmail.com conventandchapelwool.com
Artisan yarns for discerning knitters
An unanticipated pleasure for knitters - premium yarns, accessories and hand knits.
162 CWL
The store for babies and little kids
94 Main St Lithgow Ph: 6346 2520
Baby and children's wear, toys, books, baby and nursery essentials, christening wear, reconditioned prams, cots, bassinets and more...
SLEEP WITH US!
luxury in
BATHURST SHORT-TERM • LONG-TERM James
Sharyn
Brand new rooms Gymnasium Spa suites
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Join our many regulars who are in the know for the best place to stay in Bathurst
Easy two block walk to the centre of Bathurst to enjoy fine dining restaurants and award winning hotels
BATHURST HERITAGE MOTOR INN
102 Stewart Street, Bathurst Tel. 02 6334 3433 www.heritagemotorinn.com.au
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GETTING SICK OF WORK AND NEED TO RECHARGE? DO WHAT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF AUSSIES DO EACH YEAR AND RUN TO PARADISE. NO, NOT BEAUTIFUL QUEENSLAND BUT A WEE BIT FURTHER NORTH TOWARDS THE SUNNY EQUATOR.
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bali, too I’VE BEEN TO
TRAVEL
F
irst-timers to Bali will discover this place is no longer the domain of hippies and surfers out to catch impossible wave breaks.
Over the past few decades, Bali, with just over four million friendly inhabitants, has acquired an international reputation as party central for cash-strapped tourists who find it a fun, affordable and memorable escape. Aussies, especially those from WA, can’t seem to get enough of the Bali magic. Return flights from Sydney to Denpasar, Bali’s capital, take less than seven hours and cost as little as $600. You don’t need to pack much – in my case, a wide-angle lens attached to my Nikon, a few summer clothes and a simple determination to discover why travellers consistently vote this enchanting island one of the top travel and holiday destinations in the world. Yes, Bali has beaches, temples and resorts great and small, but it’s the essence of Bali – and the Balinese – that makes it so much more than just a fun-in-the-sun retreat. It’s possible to take the cliché of the smiling Balinese too far but, in reality, the inhabitants of this small island are indeed a genuinely warm people.
Everywhere I went, there were always happy folk ready to share a smile, from kids drinking cola and playing guitar at their grandmother’s stall, to people playing chess under a shady tree near the beach, or enjoying a feast on the back streets. Photographing the sacrificial slaughtering of a pig was one thing, but I just couldn’t agree to eating the hooves, even if it was considered a fair offering to a stranger who had strayed off the traditional tourist path! Bali provides a constant reminder of the importance of kindness and generosity and how quickly they can change one’s perceptions – especially in a country so vastly different from ours. As recently as 30 years ago, the Balinese economy was largely agriculture-based, both in terms of output and employment, before tourism kicked in. Tourism now accounts for about 80 per cent of the economy and has thankfully recovered from the economic turbulence following the 2002 and 2005 terrorist bombings. Today Bali is steaming ahead with change, while maintaining its uniqueness, beauty and magic. >
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Hotels and resorts are beautifully decorated, as are restaurants and shops, reflecting Bali’s love for art and all things serene. Bali, with its wonderful year-long even climate, attracts many types, from the backpackers travelling on a shoestring budget to super luxury holiday seekers looking for a private villa with cook, driver and spectacular views. Yoga and meditation retreats have attracted thousands of Aussie women over the years, which is how I came to be there on my latest trip.
After shooting the obligatory promo photos, I spent an eventful week traversing the island from coast to coast. There are endless things to see and do. It was in the mountains, way off the beaten track, that I was able to spend time with the locals without the usual throng of camera-wielding tourists competing for attention. With great assistance from Gusti, my trusted guide and driver, I was able to venture into the more remote homes of the Balinese, often being the first westerner to do so.
My brief was to photograph a yoga school run by my sister, Madi Simmons, a farmer’s wife from Nevertire. Like most yoga enthusiasts, she conducts retreats in beautiful Ubud, the second most popular tourist area made famous by the book Eat, Pray, Love.
Few spoke English, making Gusti’s translations an invaluable part of my journey. Without his personable approach, I doubt I would have got even close to these beautiful people with such a rich understanding of life (which might help explain their colourful street processions after they lose somebody).
Ubud has long been considered the island’s cultural capital and there is always plenty to see and experience, including beautiful temples, historical sites, dancing exhibitions, a monkey sanctuary and some of the best food on the island.
It’s always hot and many of the older folk don’t bother with shirts, regardless of sex. Many have lost teeth but their smiles are sincere and almost bursting with joy, no matter what they are doing. And there’s always something to make, bake, create or do, whatever the age.
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“The Balinese, living in a third-world country with little wealth, are a race shaped by religion, family and the simpler things in life.” As Gusti’s immaculately kept car traversed the narrow, winding roads, it became obvious that farming – in the form of planting and harvesting rice – is the traditional mainstay for many Balinese, as it has been for hundreds of years. It is still back-breaking work but nobody seems to mind toiling in the rice paddies. In some areas, oxen are used to plough the fields but this sight is becoming increasingly rare as Bali begins to modernise. One day the scene of these wonderful old beasts of burden will be nothing more than a memory. The preferred method of transport is motorbike and an entire family perfectly balanced on a standard bike has to be seen to be believed. The cost of fuel is about half that in Australia and accidents are surprisingly few, considering there are no speed limits and few traffic lights. Drivers use their horn constantly but not in an aggressive manner, mainly to let other users of the road know where they are.
I was constantly amazed by the locals’ ability to locate their transport from carparks often bursting at the seams. Bali is a land of contrasts but one thing remains true: the Balinese, living in a third-world country with little wealth, are a race shaped by religion, family and the simpler things in life. It’s much more than just a place – it’s a mood. Bali’s rich and diverse culture plays out at all levels of life, from the exquisite flower-petal offerings to the processions of joyfully garbed locals, shutting down major roads as they march to one of the myriad temple ceremonies. Bali is a tropical state of mind. It’s a great place to clear the cobwebs, enjoy a vibrant new culture and take in the stunning scenery in perhaps the ultimate holiday destination. CWL Words and images: Shot by Jake
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SPECIAL AGENT DUBBO BUSINESSWOMAN KERIN STONESTREET WAS ALWAYS DESTINED TO HAVE A ROLE MANAGING PEOPLE.
B
orn and raised in Dubbo, Kerin was imbued with confidence and the gift of the gab from childhood, thanks to parents Howard and Wenda Lees. “Mum and Dad were active in the community and great communicators,” Kerin says. “They encouraged my brothers and myself to use our voices and our minds. “Every evening after dinner we were required to stand up and talk about our day. That ability to think and speak clearly has been a great benefit throughout our lives.” Kerin became involved in the travel industry 19 years ago following a successful career as a technical aid in hospital sterilising departments. Keen to expand her horizons, she completed travel qualifications at TAFE and started volunteering at a local travel agency on her days off from Dubbo Private Hospital.
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Ten weeks later she was offered a full-time job in travel. Kerin became a business owner in 2001 and now has four travel agencies, two in Dubbo, one in Orange and one in Parkes. Operating under her own brand of We Know Travel, the businesses are part of the Express Travel Group, made up of more than 3500 independent travel agencies with farreaching buying power. It is a family affair, with Kerin’s son Matthew working alongside his mother as business development manager. A lover of people and places, Kerin thrives on helping clients of all ages plan and enjoy the best possible travel experiences. “There is so much to see and do in our great country and around the world,” she says.
“Dealing with a trained consultant in a professional agency makes travelling so much easier. We have all the resources and contacts at our fingertips so there are no problems working out time zones, visa requirements, connecting flights, hire cars, tour options and accommodation choices to best suit individual needs. “Travel has changed so much and the internet has allowed the world to become accessible to everyone, however it is not without its down side. “People don’t always realise exactly what they are booking. They can get lost in the maze of sites and with the lack of security they can and do get caught. They then seek our assistance but unfortunately it is difficult for any travel professional to assist when the spend is made offshore.” Kerin is a great believer in supporting local business and “putting back” into the community where possible. She and her ambulance officer husband John have four children and five grandchildren. Kerin has been a stalwart of the Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie for the past 14 years and was president in 2007/2008. CWL Words: Heather Crosby Images: Shot by Jake
Above: Kerin and her son Matthew.
Join our dogs and us for a Saturday truffle hunt and hamper or Sunday truffle hunt and lunch in June, July and August. Bookings are essential.
Fresh truffle and truffle products are available for purchase.
The place to stop on the way to Jenolan Caves since the 1920’s Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4.30pm Mondays for groups by prior arrangement Old Bathurst Road, Hartley Contact 02 6355 2117 www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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Recipes and images: Anne & Paul Loveridge
I
n July this year we celebrated 30 years of owning and operating The Quarry Restaurant. With a daughter and her partner living in London and a son and his partner planning to head to Europe for July we thought it would be lovely to celebrate this milestone with them on a summer holiday. The six of us spent a sublime week in Provence together and then Paul and I spent a couple of weeks travelling through France, northern Italy and Switzerland. We then headed over to the UK for two weeks to spend more time with our daughter. We dined at some amazing restaurants on our trip and thought it would be lovely to share some of the dishes we sampled along the way.
Holiday TREATS
Pork Wellington with Summer Greens Serves 4
Chipping Campden, the Cotswold
s.
WHILE IN THE COTSWOLDS we stayed in a little village called Chipping Campden. This is a lovely typical Cotswold village, where we enjoyed walks along many bridle trails through fields of wheat and stands of oak trees. A restaurant called the Chef’s Dozen was just across the street from our cute little mews house. The Chef’s Dozen offers 12 similarly sized dishes, from which you choose four. The menu is designed to allow you to experience a cross-section of the best seasonal ingredients of the area. This was the pick of the dishes we tasted and probably the best dish I had on the whole trip. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are ever in the area.
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INGREDIENTS
Summer Greens
METHOD
½ cup fresh green peas ½ cup finely diced zucchini 2 shallots, finely chopped 80g pancetta, diced 2 tbsp chicken stock Snow pea sprouts for garnish
2 trimmed pork fillets 1 small brown onion, finely diced 400g small mushrooms, finely diced 100g pate 2 slices prosciutto 2 sheets frozen puff pastry Heat oven to 180°c. Sear pork in pan to colour, and then roast in oven for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Sauté onion over low heat until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Combine to form a spreadable consistency. Place softened pastry sheets on bench and top this with prosciutto slices. Spread each with 50g of pate, then spread the onion and mushroom mix over the top. When pork fillet is cool, place on top of mix and roll up, brush with a little water where pastry joins to seal and squeeze ends together to fully encase. Brush with a little beaten egg and cook on oven tray in 180° oven for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown.
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Steam peas, zucchini and shallots until soft. Sauté diced pancetta till crisp, then add the vegetable mix and chicken stock and heat through. TO SERVE Divide the vegetable mix onto four warm plates. Trim ends of Pork Wellington and gently slice into 3cm slices with serrated knife. Place two pieces on plate next to vegetable mix and garnish with snow pea sprouts.
SEASONAL RECIPES
Notting Hill, London.
Char-Grilled Chicken Supreme with Anchovy Sauce & Parmesan Croquettes WE WERE STAYING with our daughter, Samantha, and her partner in London and had dinner at a popular English pub called The Ladbroke Arms in Notting Hill to catch up with some of their friends. Sam’s partner, Jon, had tasted this chicken dish previously and was raving about it, so I just had to try it. The chicken was cooked to perfection, moist and tender, and the sauce, although simple, worked beautifully with the chicken. The Parmesan croquettes were a very tasty addition.
Serves 4
Parmesan Croquettes INGREDIENTS
1kg potatoes for mashing ½ tsp nutmeg 2 egg yolks 100g Parmesan salt and pepper oil for frying breadcrumbs METHOD
Cook the peeled potatoes in cold salty water, drain then mash them in a bowl. Add salt and pepper, Parmesan, nutmeg and mix well. Mould them into little balls. Beat the egg yolks, dip the croquettes in, and then roll them in the breadcrumbs. Put aside until ready to cook while the chicken is in the oven. Heat plenty of oil in a large pan and when hot fry the croquettes until golden, turning them on both sides. When cooked, put them on paper towel so that the excess oil will be absorbed.
Chicken Supremes INGREDIENTS
4 x 250g fresh chicken supremes (with skin and wing bone in) 2 tbsp canola oil 8 green shallots 2 bok choy ½ cup thickened cream 100ml dry white wine 40ml mirin 2 washed anchovy fillets METHOD
Preheat oven to 190°c. Sear chicken breasts skin side down to colour for a few minutes then turn heat down and cook for a further five minutes. Place on oven tray and cook in moderate oven for 15 minutes.
Reheat the chicken pan and deglaze with the wine. Add the cream, mirin and anchovy fillets, mashing the fillets as they cook. Stir all together, scraping all the crusty bits from the pan and reduce sauce till slightly thickened. Remove the ends of the shallots and sauté in a little butter in a pan. Reduce heat and simmer until soft. Cut the bok choy lengthwise and steam until tender. TO SERVE:
Cut each breast into three pieces. Divide bok choy between four warm plates and top with the three chicken slices. Pop three croquettes on each plate. Spoon over the sauce and garnish with shallots.
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SEASONAL RECIPES
Paul & Samantha on the
terrace at La Bastide
de Gordes, France
Poached Strawberries with Semifreddo & Meringue Kisses
PAUL, OUR DAUGHTER SAMANTHA and I enjoyed this dessert sitting under the most beautiful old standard mulberry trees looking out from the hills of Gordes in France on the terrace of La Bastide de Gordes. We discovered the restaurant completely by accident and, oh, what a find it was. The view over the valley was stunning and the setting under the shade of the mulberry trees was perfection.
Serves 4
Semifreddo INGREDIENTS
3 eggs 2 egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla paste 1 cup caster sugar 100ml passionfruit juice 2 cups cream METHOD
Line a two-litre loaf pan with foil. Place the eggs, extra yolks, vanilla paste, passionfruit juice and sugar in a heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan of simmering water and, using a hand-held electric mixer, beat for eight to 10 minutes or until thick and pale. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Whisk the cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold through the egg mixture until just combined. Gently pour the mix into the lined loaf pan and freeze overnight.
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Meringue Kisses INGREDIENTS
4 egg whites 1 cup caster sugar 2 tsp cornflour 1 tsp white vinegar Food colouring METHOD
Whisk egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one heaped spoon at a time, while still beating. Once all the sugar is added continue to whisk for five minutes. Divide meringue mix into three bowls. Add a couple of drops of different food colouring into two of the bowls. Spoon the meringue mix into piping bags and pipe onto a parchmentlined baking sheet. Bake at 120°c for 30 to 40 minutes until the kisses can easily be lifted off the parchment paper with bases intact. Let cool completely. Meringues stored in an airtight container will keep for up to two weeks.
Poached Strawberries INGREDIENTS
2 cups water 2 cups caster sugar 1 vanilla bean, split, scraped 1 cinnamon stick 2 punnets of strawberries, hulled METHOD
In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir over a low heat, without boiling, until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil over a high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, without stirring, for two minutes. Place strawberries in a bowl and pour over the hot syrup. Allow to cool. TO SERVE
Remove semifreddo from freezer and turn out onto a cold board. Cut into 1.5cm slices. Divide strawberries between four bowl-shaped plates. Top with the slice of semifreddo. Top with a mix of coloured meringue kisses.
Restaurant & Cellar Door Lunch Thu - Sun from noon Dinner Fri & Sat from 6.30 Cellar Door Thu - Sun, 10 - 4 7191 Boorowa Rd, Cowra 02 6342 3650 quarry@bigpond.net.au www.thequarryrestaurant.com.au
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FOOD
Spoonful of nostalgia CONJURE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES WITH THESE DELICATE AND DELICIOUS DESSERTS FROM DAYS GONE BY.
PA S S I O N F R U I T F L U M M E R Y This is a lovely sweet for a special dinner or even a Christmas dinner party. It is so delicious, presents beautifully and is a great talking point among guests. INGREDIENTS 3 tsp gelatin powder 300ml thickened cream 2 eggs Âź cup caster sugar 8 passionfruits plus extra passionfruit to place on top at serving time
METHOD Put two tablespoons of warm water in a heat-proof bowl, and add the gelatin. Stir till gelatin is dissolved. Beat thickened cream until soft peaks form. Use clean beaters to beat eggs and caster sugar until pale and thick and a ribbon trail forms when the beaters are lifted. Fold egg mixture through cream, fold in gelatin and pulp from the eight passionfruits. Spoon into six wine glasses and chill for four to five hours. Serve with extra passionfruit pulp on top.
BL A NCM A NGE This old-fashioned recipe is a favourite in our family. It is so simple and looks so pretty on the table.
INGREDIENTS 2 cups milk 2 tbsp sugar (heaped) 2 tbsp cornflour ½ cup milk to dissolve cornflour 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond essence 1 tsp pink colouring Small amount of coconut METHOD Bring milk (full cream is richer) to near boiling. Add sugar and the vanilla. Then add cornflour mixed with half cup of milk and add to the warm milk to make a custardlike consistency. Dip a blancmange mould in cold water. Divide mixture into two parts. Into one half put the almond essence and place in the mould first. Then add pink colouring to the other half and place on top of the white. Leave to set overnight. Put mould in a little warm water for a few seconds to soften the blancmange mixture. Tip out carefully. Sprinkle with coconut. Recipes and images: Lorraine Hills
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Honey Mustard DRESSING Rosie’s Honey Mustard Dressing is more than just a dressing Gluten and preservative free, handmade with all natural ingredients. 100% Australian owned and made.
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Fabulous facelift THIS MUDGEE PUB SCRUBS UP BEAUTIFULLY.
A
fter 140 odd years of continual service, the Oriental Hotel in Mudgee has undergone a massive two million dollar renovation that’s proving a big hit with both the locals and visiting tourists.
Mudgee Mayor and owner of the historic hotel Des Kennedy says the pub simply outgrew itself. “It was built back in 1876 and back in those days there would have been maybe 20 or 30 blokes coming in for a beer several times a week,” he says. “It really needed a major revamp if we were going to continue to move forward.” The refurbishments, including new plumbing and wiring throughout, as well as building an entirely new section of the pub, took one year to complete. It was an often difficult and stressful time for staff. 176 CWL
The exterior walls and windows were about the only things that weren’t given the full treatment, in order to retain the heritage look of the hotel. Now that it’s all done, patrons couldn’t be happier. Des and wife Carol have been running the pub since 2003, after 30 years of managing hotels in the Hunter Valley and Central West regions. Emma, one of their brood of four daughters and two sons, is the current licensee, managing about 35 casual and full-time staff. Some of the features of the new premises include a larger and fully modernised kitchen, allowing the hotel to produce more meals while maintaining the high quality that diners have come to expect. On a busy weekend night there are 10 staff in the kitchen with another eight or nine behind the bar.
The “Ori”, as the locals call it, is a popular place to meet and relax with friends.
The “Ori”, as the locals call it, is a popular place to meet and relax with friends, with lunch and dinner available seven days a week. For those who enjoy a nice drop to complement their meals, there is a variety of fine Mudgee wines to choose from. “The increased dining space allows for larger groups and function bookings. A new feature are the modern and larger bar areas to cater for our ever-growing number of both local and visiting patrons,” Emma says. For those seeking a bed for the night there are seven bright, simple rooms with shared bathrooms and tea- and coffee-making facilities. In addition, there is a fully self-contained red brick cottage next door to the hotel with three bedrooms. All guests receive a complimentary continental breakfast. A children’s play area has also been installed to cater for a large number of young families. A new disabled amenities block is another important addition to the hotel.
The Ori now caters for a broad range of events including engagement parties, christenings, milestone birthdays, fundraising events, workshops for local businesses and functions for a large number of sponsored sporting teams. “We now have a new and highly improved hotel. With all this growth comes pressure to perform to the highest level now and into the future, and that is what we face and welcome at the Ori,” Emma says. Des has the last word. “You can have all the bells and whistles and spend all the money in the world but unless you have committed and loyal staff you’ve got nothing. Thankfully we have the best team under the sun.” CWL Words and images: Shot by Jake
Top: Emma, Ali and Helen looking the part behind one of the new bars. Above right: Head chef at the Oriental Hotel Dave Daniels. CWL 177
O R I E N TA L H O T E L & O R I K I T C H E N • Fantastic NEW RENOVATIONS incorporating various INDOOR & OUTDOOR dining & bar spaces
• BOUTIQUE BEERS & ciders on tap, plus a large selection of LOCAL WINES
• FUNCTION ROOMS & function menus
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Saturday nights
• Famous for its food the “ORI KITCHEN” features Aussie Grass Fed steaks & burgers, classic pizzas, fish & chips plus a wide range of Modern Australian fare. Don’t miss our homemade desserts
• SPORTS BAR, TAB & outdoor smoking lounge • Pub Style ACCOMMODATION • 3 Bedroom SELF CONTAINED COTTAGE accommodation next door
Corner of Lewis & Mortimer Streets Mudgee P: 02 6372 1074 E: enquiries@orientalhotel.com.au W: www.orientalhotel.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER FOR CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE READERS Book two nights during Dec, Feb or March and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. Bookings by phone only.
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 178 CWL
Top 1%
QUEST for QUALITY T
he rich red earth of historic Canowindra plays host to a modern celebration of food, wine and culture.
But before the first clod was turned on what is now a culinary and cultural revolution, Margaret and Anthony Wallington had a vision. With no previous experience on the land, the Cremorne couple packed up their goods and chattels and headed to the unknown for a tree change. “It was a bit wild,” Margaret admits. Anthony, a general practitioner, had dreams of a country practice while Margaret saw her place managing a practice of another kind. Their business model was simple. “We liked to drink wine,” Margaret says. This raw passion proved a robust driving force in business momentum. The risk has paid off and the Wallington brand has developed from its days of youth into a thoroughly considered science. Certified organic, Wallington wines are chemical free, hand pruned, hand picked and hand made. Only the best grapes are chosen. Premium-quality fruit, crushed on site within 20 minutes of harvesting, delivers an evident vibrancy. With a diverse spread of quality reds, whites and fortified wines on offer, Wallington has more recently developed a strong following in the premium-blend market. Margaret’s signature blend, Rockdell, is created from the unique marriage of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre. So highly considered is Rockdell that sales are limited to a six-bottle buy. It confirms what locals already know about the vineyard: it’s quality over quantity.
Taste wines in our unusual strawbale winery. Tasting platters and meals available if booked, or bring a picnic.
The winery evokes a strong sense of community, hosting food and wine functions several times a year coinciding with Taste Canowindra events. Farm stay-style accommodation is also available for those who wish to enjoy a holistic farm and vineyard experience. Margaret’s quest for quality is refreshing and her techniques are akin to another time. In a world where economy of scale generally wins over product, Wallington is still upholding the quality of the craft, one nurtured batch at a time. CWL Words: Catherine Player Image: Elizabeth Tickle
82 Lawrences Rd, Canowindra 0427 936 054 wallingtonwines@gmail.com www.wallingtonwines.com.au
Stay in the newly renovated Winery Cottage, a beautifully restored pise farm house overlooking the farm, vineyard and olive grove.
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TAKE YOUR BRANDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Our talented creative team of graphic designers and sign-writers come up with design solutions that will make your business stand out. UNIT 2, 57, DOUGLAS MAWSON DR, DUBBO, NSW, 2830 - 02 6884 5949 www.ultimatedigital.com.au
MEAT & SEAFOOD • • • • • • •
Home grown grass fed “Cambjarah” lamb Personalized Customer service Orders packed in foam eskies if required Local and surrounding districts delivery service Fortnightly Specials Fresh Seafood direct from markets twice a week Private service kills cut to your requirements
Unit 8/55 Wheelers Lane, Dubbo 2830 P: 02 6881 8255 F: 02 6882 1504 E: contact@dubbomeatcentre.com.au W: www.dubbomeatcentre.com.au
Trading Hours: Monday- Wednesday: 7.00am-5.30pm Thursday- Friday: 7.00am-6.00pm Saturday: 7.00am-3.00pm
144 Brisbane Street Dubbo NSW 2830
Phone: (02) 6884 7354 www.grapevinecafe.com.au OPEN 7 DAYS
The Grapevine Cafe has great coffee and great food. We offer an indoor or outdoor dining experience with full table service. Situated in a beautiful heritage listed building with a spacious courtyard.
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GALLERY MUSUEM CAFÉ COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE 76 WINGEWARRA STREET DUBBO NSW 2830 westernplainsculturalcentre.org 02 6801 4444
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SECTION
Thank you for the music “ABBA AHEAD,” WARNED THE ROAD SIGN, AS THOUSANDS OF TRUE BELIEVERS FLOCKED TO TRUNDLE, POPULATION 700, FOR THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR.
W
e’re talking about Trundle’s annual ABBA Festival, traditionally held in May each year. By the time CWL hit the scene, the party faithful had already donned their sequins, wigs and lycra. Before the sun hit the halfway mark there was an army of them. A sea of outlandish colour! Wearing bell bottoms and psychedelic clothes is de rigueur for these fans who simply love ABBA’s music and clearly enjoy partaking in this most outrageous event. During the afternoon there were wedding vows exchanged, a fashion show (featuring platform shoes and flares) and a dancing exhibition (or how to “wow” on the dance floor). The beer flowed freely at the Trundle Hotel, owned by event organisers Gary and Ruth Crowley, as the ABBA adventurers belted out their favourite songs on the stage at the back of the pub. Later they had a crack at the world record for most people dancing on the main street. In 2016 they again smashed the record (as they appear to do every year!) and the normally sleepy little Trundle went into meltdown as ABBA fever gripped town!
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Thousands sat down for a memorable evening under the stars with the world’s number one ABBA tribute show, Bjorn Again. The show was a sell-out and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM, in his element on main stage, warmly welcomed all the Dancing Queens, Fernandos and Super Troupers to the colourful town. “You are all attending the world’s only ABBA festival,” he told the spellbound throng. “It was started in 2012 by a group of hard-working and fun-loving community members who pull the whole town together for this magical event.” Bjorn Again has been wooing audiences for 25 years in over 100 countries and had no problems impressing the large gathering in Trundle. With all the glitzy 1970s costumes and their antics on stage, it’s easy to understand why Russell Crowe booked them for his wedding and why they performed a private show in Vladimir Putin’s mansion (with only six guests in attendance). Trundle says: Thank you for the music! CWL Above: Trundle smashes another world record in the main street. Right: There is no age limit to being an ABBA fan.
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Thousands
sat down fo r a memora ble evening the world ’s under the s number one tars with A BBA tr ibute show, Bjorn Aga in.
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1. Rod and Jenny Threlfell, Bendigo, with Gean James and Arthur Samuel, Melbourne.
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6. Parkes Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM in fine form.
2. Mandy Byrne didn’t find this outfit at Byrne Clothing!
7. Event organiser and local publican Gary Crowley enjoyed the ABBA invasion.
3. Central West blushing brides Bronwyn Finley, Belinda Bell, Trace O’Hara and Lee Porter (standing) and Deidre Andrew, Kim Learmouth and Vicki Battye.
8. Anna Wyllie and Natalie Caldwell, from Parkes Council, were in the ABBA spirit.
4. Donna Boyd, Julie Shaw, Linda Bendall and Lisa Jones made the trip from Sydney. 5. Karen McKenna, Sharon Knight, Annette Welch, Letiticia Tiffen, Gaye Withers and Leonie Brown arrived from Bathurst and Bourke. 11
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9. The magic of ABBA lives on through the extraordinary talents of Bjorn Again. 10 & 11. Dressing up for the fashion parade. 12. Megan Tremain with the Feher girls, Gizella, Linda and Marial, from Wollongong. 12
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Upcoming Events BLAYNEY LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENING
1 December Adelaide Street, Blayney Sharron Kearney / Rebecca Price (02) 6368 2311 / 0419 482 449 whiterocksiler@dodo.com.au www.blayney.nsw.gov.au
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
1 – 5 December St John ‘s Church, Cloete Street, Young St John’s Parish Office (02) 6382 1811 vic@hilltops.nsw.gov.au www.visithilltopsregion.com.au ANOTHER NIGHT BY THE BILLABONG WITH SARA AND GREG STORER
2 December Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre Bill Phillips 0438 817 470 ceoriversmart@gmail.com www.riversmart.org.au
COMMUNITY CAROLS IN THE PARK
2 December Oberon Recreation Ground Kristy (02) 6336 1626 tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au www.oberonaustralia.com
67TH NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL
2, 3 & 4 December Various locations in Young Young Visitor Information Centre (02) 6382 3394 vic@hilltops.nsw.gov.au www.visithilltopsregion.com.au YOUNG NATIONAL CAPITAL CHERRY FESTIVAL MOTOR VEHICLE DISPLAY
3 December Young Town Hall car park off Lovell Street, Young Young Visitor Information Centre (02) 6382 3394 vic@hilltops.nsw.gov.au www.visithilltopsregion.com.au AIRCRAFT SHOWCASE – PEARL HARBOR
3 December Temora Aviation Museum Peter Harper (02) 6977 1088 info@aviationmuseum.com.au www.aviationmuseum.com.au MICHAEL CLARKE MEMORIAL FISHING COMP
3 and 4 December Wyangala Dam and Wyangala Country Club Pat Morgan (02) 6345 0855 wyangalacc@activ8.net.au www.wyangalacountryclub.com.au MILLTHORPE MARKETS
4 December Redmond Oval and Millthorpe Public School, Park Street, Millthorpe Johannah Francis 0476 972 432 millthorpemarkets@gmail.com www.millthorpemarkets.com
CAROLS BY CHOIRS
4 December St Mary’s Church, Campbell Street, Young Young Regional School of Music’s Choir of the Southern Cross 0408 488 749 rodney.clancy@yrsm.org.au www.visithilltopsregion.com.au WELCOME TO OBERON FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
7 December Robert Hooper Community Centre, Oberon Kathy Beesley (02) 6329 8156 tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au www.oberonaustralia.com
MILLFEST
2016 ARCHIBALD PRIZE
17 Saturday Pym Street, Millthorpe Elwyn Lang (02) 6366 3253 www.blayney.nsw.gov.au COMMUNITY CAROLS
CAROLS AT CARRINGTON
LIGHT UP CHRISTMAS STREET FAIR
18 December Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre (02) 6341 2233 info@cowragarden.com.au www.cowragarden.com.au
9 December 2016, Carrington Park, Blayney Olwen Hoadley (02) 6368 3509 dhoh@bigpond.com www.blayneybaptist.org.au
CAROLS IN THE GARDEN
9 December Hoskins Street, Temora Marlo Brown 0408 362 388 tbeg@temora.nsw.gov.au www.temora.com.au/events
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
MACQUARIE RIVER FISHING CLASSIC CARP MUSTER AND RIVER CLEANUP
9 – 11 December Macquarie River, Warren Bill Phillips 0438 817 470 ceoriversmart@gmail.com www.riversmart.org.au
10 December Rosnay Farm, Canowindra Amy Erbacher 0423 222 422 amy@amyerbacher.com.au www.amyerbacher.com.au
EUAN MACLEOD PRINTS 1991-2016
31 December Wyangala Country Club Kirsten Silman & Jack Meany (02) 6345 0855 wyangalacc@activ8.net.au www.wyangalacountryclub.com.au
COWRA JOCKEY CLUB – COWRA CUP
11 December Historic O’Connell Hotel, O’Connell Sandra (02) 6337 5745 tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au www.oberonaustralia.com
INDIGO BLUE BY MAUREEN LOCKE-MACLEAN
11 December Lazy River Estate, Dubbo Kelly Reynolds (02) 6882 2111 lazyriverestate.com.au www.lazyriverestate.com.au/events/ pop-up-markets TWILIGHT RACES
TEMORA NYE CELEBRATIONS 2016
31 December Temora Railway Precinct Rhonda Casey 0429 772 122 rhonda_casey@hotmail.com www.temora.com.au/events
8 January Cowra Racecourse Craig Hyeronimus (02) 63421143 cowrajockeyclub@bigpond.com www.cowrajockeyclub.com.au
FISH RIVER FESTIVAL
16 December Warren Racecourse Bek McKay (02) 6847 3749 Bekbbk@bigpond.com www.warrenjockeyclub.com.au
BLAYNEY FARMERS MARKETS
WYANGALA NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
10 December – 5 February Orange Regional Gallery Staff at Orange Regional Gallery (02) 6393 8136 www.org.nsw.gov.au
LAZY RIVER ESTATE POP-UP MARKETS
18 December Carrington Park, Young Combined Churches of Young (02) 6382 6312 psjames@mac.com www.visithhilltopsregion.com.au 19 December Carrington Park, Blayney info@blayneyfarmersmarket.com blayneyfarmersmarket.com.au
OLIVE OIL COUNTRY EXPERIENCE WORKSHOP
MUSIC IN BETWEEN FESTIVAL
16 – 22 January Various locations, Wellington Danielle Anderson 0428 417 548 arts@wellington2820.org.au www.wellingtonarts.org.au
18 December St Thomas’ Church, Beaconsfield Road, O’Connell Rev Tim Sogo (02) 6332 4606 tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au www.oberonaustralia.com
Do you have an event that you would like included in our magazine? 184 CWL
CHRISTMAS STREET FESTIVAL
16 December Kendal Street, Cowra Elizabeth Picker (02) 6342 4333 events@cowratourism.com www.cowratourism.com.au
10 January – 19 February Grenfell Art Gallery, 88 Main Street, Grenfell Claire Myers (02) 6343 2059 info@grenfell.org.au www.grenfell.org.au/attractions/ grenfell-art-gallery TEMORA HOT TO TROT CARNIVAL OF CUPS
14 January Temora Showground Jane Walker 0401 832 995 temoratrottingclub@hotmail.com www.temoratrottingclub.com.au
21 January to 19 March Cowra Regional Art Gallery Brian Langer (02) 63402102 blanger@cowra.nsw.gov.au www.cowraartgallery.com.au AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS
26 January Carrington Park, Young Young Visitor Information Centre (02) 6382 3394 vic@hilltops.nsw.gov.au www.visithilltopsregion.com.au CASSILIS RODEO
4 February Cassilis Vanessa Nash 0428 314 703 www.facebook.com/CassRodeo AIRCRAFT SHOWCASE – FIGHTERS
4 February Temora Aviation Museum Peter Harper (02) 6977 1088 info@aviationmuseum.com.au www.aviationmuseum.com.au LAZY RIVER ESTATE WEDDING OPEN DAY
5 February Lazy River Estate, Dubbo Kelly Reynolds (02) 6882 2111 events@lazyriverestate.com.au www.lazyriverestate.com.au HIGHLANDS STEAM AND VINTAGE FAIR
11 February Oberon Rugby Leagues Club, Lowes Mount Road, Oberon Jim Hawkes (02) 6336 1934 tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au www.oberonaustralia.com BANJO PATTERSON AUSTRALIAN POETRY FESTIVAL
16 – 26 February Various locations in Orange and surrounding villages Rhonda Sear & Justin Byrne (02) 6360 1990 rhonda@brandorange.com.au & justin@brandorange.com.au www.brandorange.com.au/orangensw/banjo-paterson-festival/ COWRA COMMUNITY MARKETS
18 February Cowra Showground Pavilion, Grenfell Road, Cowra Adrian 0428 462 837 cowracommunitychest@gmail.com OBERON SHOW
18 February Oberon Showgrounds, Ross Street, Oberon Oberon Visitor Information Centre (02) 6329 8210 tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au www.oberonaustralia.com
Email: events@centralwestmagazine.com.au Compiled by Heather Crosby All events are subject to change and we recommend contacting the organisers to confirm details.
GILGANDRA HOME OF THE COO-EE MARCH
• Magazines • Papers • Cards • Gifts • Stationery • Darrell Lea
www.parkesnewsagency.com 284 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870 Phone: 6862 2296
Stop for a coffee or stay for the night. Museums | Art gallery | Boutique shopping | Southern gateway to the magnificent Warrumungle National Park
gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
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TELLING TALES
THE NEW ORANGE REGIONAL MUSEUM IS SET TO SHARE THE STORIES OF THE CENTRAL WEST.
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he construction phase of the new $8.2 million project was completed earlier this year, and the landmark building’s grass roof has become a key talking point around Orange.
Museum Manager Alison Russell says: “The first temporary exhibition titled Journeys: people place stories aims to tell the stories of Orange and its region by examining the journeys of the people and the place through time.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Ron Gander says the grass sloping roof has become a drawcard for local children and their families during school holidays.
“Beginning with the region’s first inhabitants, the Wiradjuri people, Journeys explores the connection to country told through stories, places and artefacts. The exhibition also follows the stories of the people who travelled to make their fortunes and, eventually, their homes here.
“It’s fantastic to see a community space like this one attracting dozens of local youngsters. Everyone wants to see what it feels like to roll down the roof,” he says. “We believe the Orange Regional Museum will be a contemporary museum and cultural centre for sharing stories and collections, where the rich history and heritage of the region can be valued and interpreted through exhibitions, activities and regional programs. “The vision for the museum is to be a vibrant cultural hub, sharing the distinctive stories of the city and encouraging exploration of the villages in the region. The museum aims to reach diverse audiences through exhibitions, regional programs, collections projects, public programs, education activities and digital initiatives.” 186 CWL
“Without giving too much away, we can tell you that the exhibition will include some old favourites, along with some never-seen-before objects.” At the time of writing, Cr Gander was excited that staff were in the final stages of preparation for the exhibition. “Work is under way bringing in the many objects sourced from the region,” he says. “It’s a collaboration between regional museums throughout central NSW.” Cr Gander says one of the main reasons council chose to build a museum was to ensure local children had a place close by where they could go and learn about the region’s history.
“WORK IS UNDER WAY BRINGING IN THE MANY OBJECTS SOURCED FROM THE REGION.” “Children will be going through the door during school excursions and if they have a great experience then they’ll encourage their parents to take them back again,” he says. “This will be a great opportunity for lifelong learning.” The Orange Regional Museum will host changing exhibitions, each based around a theme and telling stories from the region’s past. “This gives people a reason to keep coming back,” Cr Gander says. The museum at 151 Byng Street, Orange will be open from 9am to 5pm daily. Email museum@orange.nsw.gov.au, phone (02) 63938 4444, visit www.orangemuseum.com.au. CWL
we invite you to come, relax, unwind and indulge in the orange region.
TOP SIX FOR SUMMER FUN 1
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1 Millthorpe Markets Sun 4 Dec www.millthorpemarkets.com
4 Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival Fri 17 to Sun 26 Feb www.brandorange.com.au
2 T20 Cricket - Sydney Thunder v Hong Kong Sun 11 Dec www.visitorange.com.au
5 Gnoo Blas Car Classic Sat 18 Feb www.gnooblas.com
3 New Year’s Eve Party Under the Stars Sat 31 Dec www.visitorange.com.au
6 Colour City Running Festival Sat 25 and Sun 26 Feb orangerunningfestival.com.au
6 www.visitorange.com.au /visitorange
/visit_orange
Orange Visitor Information Centre FREE CALL 1800 069 466 Brought to you by Orange City Council
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EDITION LAUNCH WEST WYALONG
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he launch of the 14th edition of Central West Lifestyle, featuring Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and West Wyalong, set the scene for a jubilant celebration. Almost 90 guests enjoyed drinks and fine food prepared by Brad Shaw and Jodie Kellett, owners of the magnificent Royal Hotel, West Wyalong. Special guests Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries and wife Lindy joined mayors, senior council staff, advertisers and local identities for the special evening. The 110-page feature highlighted the history, culture, innovative businesses and charismatic characters of these inspiring communities. Guests were thrilled to be given a complimentary copy of the Spring magazine at the conclusion of the evening. Word quickly spread about the release of the magazine and local newsagents recorded massive sales of the publication in the following weeks. Words: Elizabeth Tickle Images: Sue Meikle
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1. Ray Smith, General Manager of Bland Shire Council with wife Donna, Alex and Elizabeth Tickle, Publishers of Central West Lifestyle, Robert Hunt, General Manager of Lachlan Shire Council, John Medcalf, Mayor of Lachlan Shire Council, Lindy Humphries with Kevin Humphries MP, State Member for Barwon and Neil Pokoney, Mayor of Bland Shire Council. 2. Alex Tickle with Steve and Jan Johnson, Lake Cargelligo. 3. Tony and Jill Broadley, Condobolin. 4. Phillipa Hunt with Robert Hunt, Lachlan Shire Council General Manager. 5. Peter and Barbara Nilsson, Lake Cargelligo. 6. Mark and Vicki Hanlon, Condobolin Newsagency. 7. Hunter Anderson with parents Natalie and Rodney Anderson, West Wyalong. 8. Greg Sheens, Principal, West Wyalong High School, Lynne Helyer with Sarah and Josh Curry, Majors Mulch, West Wyalong. 9. Janette Manwaring and Cr Des Manwaring, Condobolin with Betty Breese, Lake Cargelligo.
10. Irene and Garry Pearson, Evolution Mining, West Wyalong. 11. Cr Neil Pokoney, Mayor, Bland Shire Council, with Liz McGlynn, Deputy Mayor, Bland Shire Council. 12. Lisa Dangerfield, Leonie Campbell, Claire Wishart and Lorraine Williams, all from West Wyalong. 13. Blue Reardon, Cassandra Spiteri and Sue Henley from the Royal Hotel and JR Straney and Son, Condobolin. 14. Hosts for the evening and owners of the Royal Hotel, West Wyalong, Brad and Jodie Kellett. 15. Kate Hallahan, Pink Velvet, Naomi Nicholson and Pam Clarke, Thom, Dick and Harry’s, all from West Wyalong. 16. Elizabeth Tickle with Natalie and Peter Snare, Snare’s Newsagency, Dubbo. 17. Fran and Tim Charge, Rosebank, Oberon with Gemma Wald and Nicholas Gelling, West Wyalong. 18. Len and Jo Lynch, newsXpress West Wyalong with their nephew, Hunter Anderson, West Wyalong.
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Fully licensed restaurant located in historic Laggan Village, great for all seasons. Dine amongst the established gardens of the former police barracks circa 1837. Enjoy the true local seasonal produce, stroll the kitchen garden and stay in Laggan Cottage, a superbly appointed B&B. CALL EVAN & SALLY WITH ANY ENQUIRIES FROM A TABLE FOR TWO, OR FUNCTIONS & WEDDINGS 02 4837 3039
/LAGGANPANTRY
THEPANTRY@LAGGAN.COM.AU WWW.LAGGANPANTRY.COM.AU
ARCADIA CROOKWELL Our unique business brings to you multiple shops all contained in a beautifully restored building in the centre of Crookwell
Antiques & collectables, ladies clothing and jewellery, alpaca products, hand dyed wools, patchwork items, handmade candles and soaps, organic teas, giftware & homeware, vintage wear & jewellery.
OPEN 10AM - 4PM Thu to Mon • 77 Goulburn St Crookwell 2538 0407 254 954 • arcadia.crookwell@yahoo.com.au
Pinn Cottage Bed and Breakfast is a beautifully restored 19th century bluestone cottage in the township of Crookwell.
A perfect country retreat or romantic getaway. Enjoy your own private gardens. The accommodation is located within walking distance to Crookwell town centre, shops, golf, squash and tennis courts. Contact Terry to make a reservation: 0421 457 135 / info@pinncottage.com.au www.pinncottage.com.au
THE COURT HOUSE HOTEL OFFERS ECONOMICAL COUNTRY STYLE ACCOMMODATION WITH 12 SPACIOUS ROOMS. AIR CONDITIONED IN SUMMER, OPEN FIRES IN WINTER • A CHOICE OF REFRESHING BEERS ON TAP • BISTRO / RESTAURANT OPEN 7 DAYS • BEST SCHNITZELS IN THE AREA
12 MARSDEN ST BOOROWA • PHONE: (02) 6385 3005 • WWW.COURTHOUSEHOTELBOOROWA.COM.AU 190 CWL
69 Goulburn Street Crookwell, NSW (02) 4832 2319
Unique country style gifts, homewares, accessories & clothing
STOCKIST FOR Clothing: Betty Basics, Elm, Fate, LTB Jeans, Sass, Wish. Billie Shoes. Handbags & Wallets: Black Caviar, Journie, Pratten, Status Anxiety, 00Z00 watches.
For your FREE Visitor Guide Ph: 02 4832 1988
CROOKWELL GUNNING - TARALGA Binda - Bigga - Collector - Dalton - Grabben Gullen - Laggan - Tuena
• • • •
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So close but a world away
www.visitupperlachlan.com.au
Boorowa Community Bank® Branch
Wantana Cottage Farm Stay Relax, unwind and enjoy this 3 bedroom self-contained cottage just outside Boorowa. Sleeps 8, minimum one night stay, located on a working sheep farm
For bookings contact Sharee & Bill on 0427 200 981 | wantana@bigpond.com or www.stayz.com.au CWL 191
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AUTUMN GARDEN RAMBLE DUBBO
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s the rain clouds dissipated and the sun broke through, the crowds appeared for the first Autumn Garden Ramble in Dubbo. Four glorious gardens were opened to benefit the Dubbo and District branch of Can Assist. Due to the mild season till May, roses were still flowering prolifically, borders were still vibrant, but the Virginia creeper, particularly at “Wiluna”, and deciduous trees were beginning to show their glorious colours. Dubbo’s largest pine tree, in the garden at “Thorverton”, drew much attention. The recently restored “Regand Park Dairy” homestead, with its mass plantings of soft pink roses and red geraniums, was a feature. Guests enjoyed lunch at “Holmwood” amid the colourful borders and original crepe myrtles. Can Assist raises funds to help local cancer patients access appropriate treatment in Orange or Sydney. The charity subsidises accommodation and transport costs for people in the region. Words: Prue Thompson Images: Elizabeth Tickle 1. Jim O’Brien, Peter Chandler and Alec Caroll, all from Dubbo. 2. Alison Dent, Gulargambone with Cecily Brazier, Euchareena. 3. Anne Burns, Trangie, Kerri Ricardson and Jean Richardson, both
from Narromine. 4. Laurie Donoghue, Margaret Hughes, Meryl Usbank, Kay Carolan and Craig Carolan, all from Dubbo. 5. Maureen and Ritchie McKay, Dubbo. 6. Phyllis Carthy and Pam Clarke, Trangie. 7. Hon Mark Coulton, Member for Parkes with wife, Robyn. 8. Rosie and David Gavel, owners of “Holmwood”, Dubbo. 9. Jan Rees, Sue Clark, Adorie Tink and Cathie Rees, all from Dubbo. 10. Alan Clarke, Fran Ellis, President of Dubbo and District Can Assist, Sally Coddington, owner of “Regand Park Dairy” homestead. 11. Jackie Walker, Vice President Can Assist, Judy Poole and Virginia Barlow, all from Dubbo. 192 CWL
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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SINGLE VINEYARD WINE SHOW AND COWRA WINE SHOW 2016 COWRA
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owra held the second Australian National Single Vineyard Wine Show and 34th Cowra Wine Show in August. Chief judge Russell Cody, senior commercial/export winemaker with McWilliam’s, was impressed with the range and quality of wines presented for judging. Half of the wines entered were awarded medals. A 2015 wine produced by Calabria Family Wines made from Montepulciano fruit was the Best Single Vineyard Red Table Wine. Australian Vintage’s McGuigan Personal Reserve Hunter Ridge 2014 Chardonnay received trophies for Best Single Vineyard Chardonnay and Best Single Vineyard Dry White Wine. The viticulturists responsible for these two wines each received Riedel Trophies, recognising that good wines require high-quality grapes. Words: Peter Jeffery Images: Anna Tickle
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1. Adrian and Sue Stack, Louth Park with Anne and
Paul McDougall, Sydney. 2. Charlie Buckmaster, Yass with Andrew Stuart and Trevor Fosdyke, Wagga Wagga. 3. Hannah Olsen, Gunnedah, Belle Roche, Exeter, and Maddy Roche, Sydney. 4. Tom Scardifield and Tristan Pixley, Sydney. 5. Jack Brisby, Sydney, Troy Jeffery, Cowra, Mitch Daniel and Tom Chesters, Sydney. 6. Christine Cuddihy, Grenfell, and Angela McCann, Canberra. 7. Gemma Sewell, Orange, and Josh White, Bathurst. 8. Mary and Vincent O’Connor, Bowral, with Jenny Armstrong, Cowra. 9. Charlie Coles, Will Gay, Lachlan McGuiness, all from Boorowa. 10. Sam Parker, Bribbaree, Gemma Ward, Orange, Jessie Plant, Muswellbrook, and Ella Wilkinson, Bathurst.
the
closet cowra clothes and and accessories fullfullof ofclothes accessories
Fish River Roasters provides speciality coffee from around the world to cafes and restaurants in the Central West, Blue Mountains and around Australia. Our award winning coffee is supported by barista training and espresso machine repairs and maintenance. We would like to thank the cafes and restaurants that stock our coffee and the coffee drinkers of the region for their support.
NOW I N BOO R OWA Yarra Trail • Namastai • Foil • Frank Lyman • Goondiwindi Cotton Gordon Smith • Laura K • Ping Pong • Hammock and Vine Jump • Corfu • See Saw • Philosophy
Now stocking After 5 and Special Occasion Wear
OPEN Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm
fish river roasters 67 corporation avenue bathurst 2795 02 6331 7171
Shop 2 / 37 Macquarie St, Cowra 2794 02 6342 2478, thecloset@bigpond.com
Country Gardens MOTOR INN
Cowra’s little gem
Rooms:
Facilities:
Located at the edge of town on an acreage, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are 18 luxurious, clean, comfortable, ground floor units to choose from. Park at your door, off street parking for coaches and trucks. Heated pool and BBQ in Australian native gardens.
• Family Suites (2 Bedrooms) • Spa Suites • Executive Suites (King beds & bath/shower) • Deluxe Queen Suites • Disabled Suite • Some Smoking Suites available
• • • • • • •
Breakfast Room Service Free Unlimited Wireless Broadband R/C Air Con & Elec. Blankets Direct Dial Telephone Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate Facilities Wide Screen TV’s (16 Channels) Mini Snack Bar
a. 75 Grenfell Road (Mid Western Highway), Cowra p. 02 6341 1100 e. cgmcowra@bigpond.net.au w. www.countrygardensmotel.com.au CWL 195
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CWA STATE CONFERENCE COWRA
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he CWA held its 2016 State Conference in Cowra in May. Preparation for the big event began two years beforehand but all the hard work paid off, with visitors to Cowra speaking glowingly of their time in the town, local businesses delighted with the financial boost, and organisers thrilled that all events associated with the conference ran smoothly. Local farmer Ian Ousby piped the official party, including the Governor of NSW His Excellency The Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley, co-patrons of CWA of NSW, and Cowra Shire Mayor Cr Bill West into the Cowra Showground Pavilion for the official opening. Local Aboriginal Elder Esther Cutmore gave the “Welcome to Country” and the Cowra Public School Primary Choir, conducted by Gay Hilton, entertained the gathering with two songs, which received a standing ovation. Some 629 members registered as delegates and approximately 100 people attended as observers. Words: Rowena Casey Images: Elizabeth Tickle and Cliff Dykes Photography 1. Councillor Bill West, Mayor, Cowra Shire Council,
Mrs Lorraine Sewell, State Agricultural and Environmental Officer, Ms Stephanie Stanhope, State Vice President Ms Annie Kiefer, State Honorary Secretary, Mrs Colleen Yates, State Vice President, Ms Danica Leys, Chief Executive Officer, CWA of NSW, Mrs Tanya Cameron, State President His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of NSW, Mrs Linda Hurley, Ms Ruth Cargill, State Honorary Treasurer, Mrs Joy Granger, State International Officer, Mrs Beryl Brain, State Vice President, Mrs Annette Turner, State Vice President and The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson, Member for Cootamundra, Parliamentary Secretary for Southern NSW. 196 CWL
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2. Jenny Thompson South West Group President,
Rowena Casey, Committee Chairman of Organising Committee, Linda Willding, South West Group Representative, Joanne Chambers, Organising Committee Member and Judy Houghton, Organising Committee Member. 3. Tonya Valentino, Sydney City Branch, Annie Kiefer, State Honorary Secretary CWA, Sydney City Branch, Annette Turner, State Vice President, White Cliffs Branch and Margie Ryan, Secretary Canimbla Branch, South West Group Publicity. 4. Geoff Pascoe, Millthorpe (husband of Joyce Pascoe AM, who is The Land Cookery judge), Gail Hayden, Central West Group Vice President, Orange Millthorpe Branch and Nancy Plant, Patron, Lyndhurst Branch. Nancy turned 90 years old this year. 5. Josie Kilpatrick, Albury Branch Cookery Officer, Handicraft Officer, Land Cookery Officer, Trish Stabback, Woolgoolga Branch, North Coast Group Secretary and Emma Tucker, Carcoar Mindaurama Branch Publicity and Cultural Officer.
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6. Heather Starr, President, Guyra Branch, Northern
Tablelands Group with Noreen Williams, delegate and member, Guyra Branch. 7. Leith Colledge, Castlereagh Group International Officer, Branch Handicraft Officer, Ilford-Running Stream Branch with Jan Evelyn, Bellarwi Branch, Hume Group. 8. Audrey Hardman OAM, Central West Group, Carcoar Mindaurama Branch, Past State President with Helena Donaldson, Bathurst Branch, Group President, Central West Group. 9. Marcia Noble, Oura Branch, Riverina Group Land Cookery Officer, Oura Branch, Riverina Group Vice President with Elsie Kimball, Oura Branch, Riverina Group Vice President. 10. Sally Norrie, Grenfell Branch, Coral Mitton, long serving member, Grenfell Branch with Ruth McKellar, Grenfell Branch. 11. Marcia Horburn, President, Wallenbeen Branch, Carol Vincent, Nelson Bay Evening Branch and Margaret Breust, President, Mid North Coast Group.
ASTON HOUSE
Newly renovated Federation home centrally located on Boorowa St, Young
Every comfort and luxury you require in a home away from home
P 0418 975 965 E astonhouse@bigpond.com
Boasting 2 king bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully ducted air conditioning and centrally heated.
The Heart of NSW...
Your Ultimate Bush Experience! The Heart of NSW is well known for its natural beauty, friendly and welcoming locals and relaxed bush lifestyle. Stay a while and enjoy our towns and villages, local events and unique attractions. Whether you are an action packed adrenaline seeker or simply love to relax to the sounds of our amazing birdlife while trying your luck fishing along the Lachlan River. The Heart of NSW is a unique destination that will warm your heart. For a free copy of our Visitor Guide please email council@lachlan.nsw.gov.au
www.heartofnsw.com.au ”
BOOROWA COURT HOUSE ARTS & CRAFTS CO-OP Quality Arts And Craft, Magistrate’s Tea Room OPEN 10.00 TO 5.00 Daily COURT WA H O
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PO BOX 65, Marsden St, Boorowa NSW 2856 Phone 02 6385 3885 CWL 197
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LADIES DAY OUT WEST WYALONG
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mood of excitement prevailed over West Wyalong on April 29 and 30 as locals and visitors alike celebrated Ladies Day Out. The annual event celebrates and showcases everything West Wyalong has to offer.
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Women from West Wyalong and surrounding areas converged on the town to browse through shops and boutiques, participate in demonstrations and even enter a cake bake-off! Guests thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural Ladies Night Out Progressive Dinner on the Friday night. The beautifully restored Royal Hotel hosted a traditional High Tea on the Saturday in the dining room where guest speakers Sophie Henley from Henley’s Wholefoods and Betina Walker of Whispering Pines Organics kept interest levels high. Words: Kate Hallahan Images: Caroline Shaw
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1. Colleen Dore, Wendy Goodwin, Michelle Lanyon and Cathy Davidson. 2. Debbie Dean, Sue Lowe, Dinah Staniforth and Caroline Shaw. 3. Vicki Barber, Jessica Melmoth and Annabel Cleary. 4. Betina Walker, Whispering Pines Organics, Kate Hallahan,
Chairperson, Business West Wyalong and owner of Pink Velvet Boutique with Jodie Kellet, Royal Hotel. 5. Allison Kelly and Margaret Stone. 6. Will Dean, Lucy Buttenshaw and Pam Clarke. 7. Suzi Boal, Ros Weir, Rita Gelling and Lynn Ramsay. 8. Kate Hallahan, Sophie Henley, Henleys Wholefoods, Valerie Burgess, Executive, Business West Wyalong and owner of West Wyalong Jewellers. 9. Bradley Shaw of the Royal Hotel. 198 CWL
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XERO Gold Partner
Unit 12/36 Darling Street Dubbo, NSW 2830 Phone: 02 6885 5594 E: admin@peacockeaccountants.com.au www.peacockeaccountants.com.au
Combining the knowledge of your business with our expertise – growing your small business or farming operation is our passion.
For more information about what West Wyalong has to offer and upcoming events visit
AUTUMN ISSUE SPRING 2015
AVAILABLE MARCH 2017 Temora SUBSCRIBE TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGAZINE IN PRINT OR ONLINE: WWW.CENTRALWESTMAGAZINE.COM.AU
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132 Main Street West Wyalong 7 days 9am-9pm 02 6972 2187 brent@theparagoncafe.com.au
02 6972 2187 132/136 Main St, West Wyalong NSW 2671 bookings@mentorchambers.com.au
132 Main Street West Wyalong, 7 days 9am-9pm 02 6972 2187 tonya@pilonspress.com.au HEALTH SAUNA AND COLONIC THERAPIST AVAILABLE
A N D H E A LT H P R O D U C T S
www.pilonspress.com.au CWL 199
WEDDINGS
Tic kle *1 Sa nderson Jane Tickle and Justin Sanderson were married at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Dubbo, on April 2, 2016. Jane’s attendants were sisters Kate Boshammer and Anna Tickle and friends from university Cassandra Hawke and Jen Wood, with the bride’s brother, Richie Tickle, acting as the ring bearer. Justin’s groomsmen were mates Alex Beazley, James Beazley, Luke Turner and Brent Barwick. The reception was held at Lazy River Estate, Dubbo, where the couple enjoyed celebrating their love and commitment with close family and friends, overlooking the stunning vineyard. Jane is a secondary teacher at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Dubbo, and Justin is a stock and station agent and the manager of Richardson and Sinclair, Warren. The couple met through a mutual love of the land and beef cattle. Justin and Jane honeymooned in the Whitsundays, before touring cattle properties in the Northern Territory. They have made their home at their new property at Collie. Photographer: Heidi Rookyard Photography
Above: Brent Barwick, Luke Turner, James Beazley, Alex Beazley, Justin and Jane Sanderson, Kate Boshammer, Anna Tickle, Cassandra Hawke and Jen Wood. 200 CWL
DISH CATERING CO Specialising in catering on-site at your event Covering the Central West & surrounds DCC can cater to any event— corporate, conferences, meetings, weddings and any special celebration We offer personalised service— We pride ourselves on working with the customer to create a truly memorable event.
Fantastic parking • Blonde specialist Barkly Belle Jewellery • Milli and Gert Candles OPEN: Tues to Sat, Late Wed and Thurs
Call or SMS 0438 645 656 85 Jubilee Street Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
Specialising in offering a diverse service—we can plan, cater, organise and co-ordinate your event - with 50 years combined experience in the industry Email:
enquiries@dcc.com.au
Mobile:
0425 209 138
DCC—dishing up a truly memorable experience
Whitneys Jewellers create more than timeless & elegant jewellery. Whitneys create family heirlooms & precious memories.
Whitneys Jewellers have been hand crafting diamond engagement rings for 4 generations. Their master jeweller can delicately restore, repair or resize your precious jewellery on site in a minimum time. Visit Whitneys Jewellers at 149 Talbragar Street Dubbo | P: 02 6882 4620 | whitneysjewellers.com.au
CWL 201
WEDDINGS
St evens *1 Gr ecian Chontelle Stevens and Matthew Grecian were married in Orange on November 7, 2015. Having met at age 14 when they both attended school in Sydney, the couple reconnected through a mutual friend four years ago and romance blossomed. The couple’s wedding was a relaxed, country-style event with 80 of their nearest and dearest gathering at the Orange Botanic Gardens. The ceremony was held down by the water, followed by a beautiful reception catered for by Botanic (Byng Street Local Store). Millamolong Event Hire created the reception area, where guests could enjoy a drink, a chat and a dance. Melanie from Millamolong Event Hire also provided the flowers – an array of stunning roses and lavender, fresh from her own garden. The couple honeymooned at Moreton Island and have returned to their home in Orange. Photographer: RJH Photography
Above left: Julie Grufstedt, Gretchen Masters, Matthew Grecian, Tara de Andrade and Charmion Taylor. 202 CWL
Here, there or anywhere... We can cater for all your celebrations. Our function centre is the perfect location for garden wedding ceremonies. Our modern cuisine ranges from flowing finger food to a lavish banquette of several courses. With years of experience in catering at your location, Eat Your Greens catering handles all events, private or corporate, in a professional manner every time.
www.eatyourgreens.com.au
phone 6859 2386
mobile 0428 595 259
find us on
CWL 203
WEDDINGS
*1 n a h g u a V Sallustio Lauren Vaughan and Zac Sallustio were married at “Redbank”, Obley, on October 3, 2015. Lauren’s attendants were sister Michaela Vaughan and childhood friend Michelle Howarth, while Zac’s groomsmen were brother Mason Sallustio and friend Mick Doughan. The reception was held in the garden underneath a large marquee from Adors Party Hire in Dubbo. Fairy lighting, chandeliers and an abundance of candles added sparkling elegance to the evening. Eat Your Greens from Eugowra served the 140 guests a delicious meal and the four-tier cake was made by Cakes by Kay and Lauren’s grandmother, Helen Magner. Guests were also able to sample sweet Italian delicacies made by Zac’s nonna, Giuseppina D’Addario. Celebrations continued the next day with refreshments and a barbecue for family and friends. Photographer: MMG Photography & Cinema
Left: Mick Doughan, Michelle Howarth, Zac and Lauren Sallustio, Michaela Vaughan and Mason Sallustio. 204 CWL
“A new and unique function space created for the people of Parkes and the Central West to celebrate and be entertained.”
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS • www.therailwayhotelparkes.com.au
Parkes
‘The Wedding Suit Specialists’ CWL 205
Our Advertisers SUMMER 2016 2 FAT LADIES Lucknow, 6365 5437 www.2fatladies.com.au
CHAMENS SUPA IGA Condobolin, 6895 2055 www.chamensiga.com.au
GOONDIWINDI COTTON Goondiwindi, (07) 4671 5611 www.goondiwindicotton.com.au
A COUNTRY WEDDING BINDA Binda, 0419 234 890 www.acountryweddingbinda.com.au
CHILL-RITE Dubbo, 6885 2254 & Orange, 6361 4442 www.chill-rite.com.au
GRAPEVINE CAFE Dubbo, 6884 7354 www.grapevinecafe.com.au
ABSOLUT BEAUTY Dubbo, 6885 5001
CHOICES FLOORING BY BRIGHTS Bathurst, 6331 4866 choicesflooring.com.au/store/bathurst
GREENTREES PRESERVES Orange, 6361 4546 www.greentreeshouse.com.au
OBERON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Oberon, 6329 8210 www.oberonaustralia.com
CLARE’S ANGELS Dubbo www.claresangels.com.au
HARTLEY HISTORIC VILLAGE Hartley, 6355 2117 www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
OLD ERROWANBANG FARMSTAY Carcoar, 0400 667 231 www.olderrowanbangwoolshed.com
CONVENT & CHAPEL WOOL SHOP Rylstone, 0409 564 747 www.conventandchapelwool.com
HAY’S GIFT AND GARDENWARE Parkes, 6862 4002
OLD GANARRIN GARDEN CENTRE Dubbo, 6884 5157
THE LITHGOW TIN SHED Lithgow, 6352 1740
HOCKEY’S ACCOMMODATION Millthorpe, 0421 121 937 www.hockeysaccommodation.com.au
ORANGE CITY COUNCIL Orange, 6393 8250 www.orange.nsw.gov.au
THE OLD MILL CAFE Millthorpe, 6366 3188 www.theoldmillcafe.com.au
IRONBARK ESPRESSO BAR Blayney, 0408 461 937 www.ironbarkespressobar.com
ORIENTAL HOTEL Mudgee, 6372 1074 www.orientalhotel.com.au
THE OUTLOOK CAFE Dubbo, 6884 7977
JEMALONG WOOL Forbes, 6851 4000 www.jemalongwool.com.au
OUTSCAPE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Grenfell, 6343 8288 www.outscape.net.au
ADAGIO MILLS Orange, 0422 425 424 www.adagiomills.com.au ALEX&RIA DIGITAL Dubbo, 0449 570 961 www.alexandria.digital ALL OCCASIONS West Wyalong, 0427 722 373 ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE Bathurst, 6331 3911 www.saints.nsw.edu.au ALLURE ON MAIN Forbes, 6851 4778 www.allureonmain.com.au ANGULLONG WINES Panuara, 6366 4300 www.angullong.com.au
COUNTRY GARDENS MOTOR INN Cowra, 6341 1100 www.cowracountrygardensmotel.com.au COUNTRYMAN MOTOR INN Dubbo, 6882 7422 www.countrymandubbo.com.au COURTYARD ARCHITECTURAL Bathurst, 6332 5299 www.courtyarddecor.com.au
JENNY’S CLASSROOM & TOYS 2 Orange, 6362 6078 www.jennysclassroomtoys2.com.au
ARCADIA CROOKWELL Crookwell, 0407 254 954
CRAMPTON’S CARPETS Dubbo, 6882 8911 www.cramptonscarpets.com.au
ASTON HOUSE Young, 0418 975 965
CROOKWELL FOOTWEAR Crookwell, 4832 1636
ATHOL GARDENS Blayney, 6368 2639 www.atholgardens.com.au
CULTIVATE ADVISORY Narromine, 0428 890 151 www.cultivateadvisory.com.au
KATE JONES @ ONE NINETEEN Orange, 6361 4390 www.katejonesatonenineteen.com.au
BATHURST HERITAGE MOTOR INN Bathurst, 6334 3433 www.heritagemotorinn.com.au
DISH CATERING CO Parkes, 0425 209 138
KIDDINGABOUT Lithgow, 6346 2520
BATHURST REAL ESTATE Bathurst, 6331 5555 www.bathurstrealestate.com.au BELL RIVER HOMES Orange, 6391 1888 www.bellriverhomes.com.au BELLISIMO Lithgow, 6352 1881 www.bellisimo.com.au BERNARDI’S MARKETPLACE Blayney, 6850 1000 www.bernardisiga.com.au BETTAFRAME AND TRUSS Dubbo, 6881 8544 www.dubborooftrusses.websyte.com.au BIANCA VILLA Lithgow, 6352 3383 BILLABONG COTTAGE Oberon, 6336 5144 www.bluemts.com.au/billabongcottage BISHOP’S COURT ESTATE Bathurst, 6332 4447 www.bishopscourtestate.com.au BLACK GOLD MOTEL Wallerawang, 6355 7305 BLAND SHIRE COUNCIL West Wyalong, 6972 2266 www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au BLAYNEY CENTRAL MOTEL Blayney, 6368 3355 www.blayneycentralmotel.com.au BLAYNEY POST OFFICE B&B Blayney, 6368 2466 BLAYNEY SHIRE COUNCIL Blayney, 6368 3534 www.visitblayney.com.au BOB BERRY REAL ESTATE Dubbo, 6882 6822 www.bobberry.com.au BOOROWA COUNCIL Boorowa, 6380 2000 www.boorowa.nsw.gov.au BOOROWA COURT HOUSE ARTS & CRAFTS CO-OP Boorowa, 6385 3885 BUDDENS B&B Rockley, 6337 9279 www.buddens.com.au
DMC MEAT & SEAFOOD Dubbo, 6881 8255 www.dubbomeatcentre.com.au DRAYSHED NURSERY Blayney, 6368 2140 DUBBO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Dubbo, 6882 0044 www.dubbocs.edu.au DUBBO PRINTING WORKS Dubbo, 6882 1233 www.printingworks.com DUNK INSURANCE Young, 1800 219 496 www.dunkinsurance.com.au EARLY RISE BAKING CO Dubbo, 6884 6878 www.earlyrisebaking.com.au EASY LIVING FOOTWEAR Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, 6332 3822 www.elfshoes.com.au EAT YOUR GREENS Eugowra, 0428 595 259 www.eatyourgreens.com.au ECLECTOPIA GIFTS Taralga, 0468 934 483 ELK FILMS Parkes, 0431 275 011 www.elkfilms.com EVOLUTION MINING West Wyalong, 9696 2900 www.evolutionmining.com.au EWE TWO ON DANDALOO Trangie, 6888 8268 www.ewetwo.com.au
FISH RIVER ROASTERS Bathurst, 6331 7171
JN STRANEY & SON Condobolin, 6895 2501 www.jnstraney.com.au
KLR MARKETING Bathurst, 0428 953 925 www.klrmarketing.com.au
NARELLAN POOLS WESTERN PLAINS Dubbo, 6884 3117 NESTLÉ PURINA PETCARE Blayney www.purina.com.au
OWENS RURAL SUPPLIES & CONDOBOLIN LEADING APPLIANCES Condobolin, 6895 2066, 6895 2771
PERENNIALLE PLANTS Canowindra, 0427 077 798 www.perennialle.com.au
LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL Condobolin & Lake Cargelligo, 6895 1900 www.heartofnsw.com.au
PINN COTTAGE Crookwell, 0421 457 135 www.pinncottage.com.au
LAGGAN PANTRY Laggan, 4837 3039 www.lagganpantry.com.au
PLAINSMAN MOTEL Forbes, 6852 2466
LITHGOW WORKIES Lithgow, 6350 7777 www.workies.com.au LOWES MOUNT TRUFFIERE Oberon, 6336 3148 www.lowesmounttruffles.com.au LUCKNOW SKIN SHOP & BOOT BARN Lucknow, 6365 5330 www.lucknowskinshop.com.au McCARRON CULLINANE Orange, 6362 4775 www.mccarrons.com.au
FLORIST LA FLEUR Condobolin, 6895 4231
MACQUARIE HEALTH COLLECTIVE Dubbo & Narromine, 6815 9900 www.macquariehealthcollective.com.au
FLOWERS HERE Wellington & Dubbo, 0410 363 429 www.flowershere.com.au
MAJOR’S MULCH GARDEN CENTRE West Wyalong, 6972 4052 www.majorsmulch.com.au
FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL Forbes, 6852 4155 www.forbes.nsw.gov.au
MATERIAL WORLD Mudgee & Orange, 6372 2914 www.materialworld.com.au
FRANK SMITH WORK CLOTHING & SHOE REPAIRS Bathurst, 6331 7544 www.gottheboot.com.au
MAX ASTRI OPTOMETRISTS Dubbo, Wellington & Cobar, 6884 4077 www.maxastrioptometrists.com
THE QUARRY RESTAURANT & CELLAR DOOR Cowra, 6342 3650 www.thequarryrestaurant.com.au THE RAILWAY HOTEL Parkes, 6862 1553 www.therailwayhotelparkes.com.au
THE TANGLED VINE CAFE Taralga, 4840 2929
PINK VELVET West Wyalong, 6972 3273 www.pinkvelvetboutique.com.au
LITHGOW TOURISM Lithgow, 1300 760 276 www.tourism.lithgow.com
THE LION’S PRIDE Dubbo, 6884 3333 www.thelionspride.com.au
PEACOCKE ACCOUNTANTS Dubbo, 6882 3933 www.peacockeaccountants.com.au
KUBOWICZ BUILDERS Mudgee, 6372 4200 www.jkbuilders.com.au
LINDNER QUALITY SOCKS Crookwell, 4832 0202 www.lindnersocks.com.au
THE HUB Bathurst, 6332 1565
THE SCOTS SCHOOL Bathurst, 6333 4702 www.scots.edu.au
KRISTY’S COTTAGE West Wyalong, 6972 3963
LINDEN TREE MANOR Oakey Park, 6352 2805
THE COURT HOUSE HOTEL Boorowa, 6385 3005 www.courthousehotelboorowa.com.au
PARKES NEWSAGENCY Parkes, 6862 2296 www.parkesnewsagency.com
PILONS PRESS JUICES, PARAGON CAFE, MENTOR CHAMBERS APARTMENTS West Wyalong, 6972 2187
LE BILLOT DE BOUCHER Millthorpe, 6366 3640
THE CLOSET Cowra, 6342 2478 www.theclosetcowra.com
PLC ARMIDALE Armidale, 6770 1700 www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au POISED West Wyalong, 0427 757 141 www.poised.net.au PRESSED TIN PANELS Bathurst, 6332 1738 www.pressedtinpanels.com QUALITY INN DUBBO INTERNATIONAL Dubbo, 6882 4777 www.qualityinndubbo.com.au RAY WHITE EMMS MOONEY Oberon, 6336 1109 www.raywhiteemc.com
REDAGAPE GUESTHOUSE Millthorpe, 0448 626 391 www.redagape.com.au RESPECTFULLY Lithgow, 6351 4337 www.respectfully.com.au ROSIE’S HONEY MUSTARD Warren, 6824 2055 www.rosies.net.au ROYAL HOTEL CONDOBOLIN Condobolin, 6895 2009 ROYAL HOTEL WEST WYALONG West Wyalong, 6972 4337 www.royalhotelww.com.au
SADDLER & CO Dubbo, 0419 496 834 www.saddlerandco.com.au
THE WHITE PLACE Orange, 6363 1160 www.thewhiteplace.com.au THE WOOD BLINDS FACTORY Millthorpe, 6366 3699 www.woodblinds.com.au THOM, DICK AND HARRY’S West Wyalong, 6972 0393 www.tdhww.com.au TOP PADDOCK Crookwell, 4832 2319 TOYOTA CENTRAL WEST GROUP Central West, 6882 1511 www.toyota.com.au ULTIMATE DIGITAL Dubbo, 6884 5949 www.ultimatedigital.com.au UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL Crookwell, 4832 1988 www.visitupperlachlan.com.au WALLINGTON WINES Canowindra, 0427 936 054 www.wallingtonwines.com.au WANTANA COTTAGE FARM STAY Boorowa, 0427 200 981 www.stayz.com.au/181676 WE KNOW TRAVEL Parkes, Dubbo & Orange, 6862 2466 www.weknowtravel.com.au WEST ORANGE MOTORS Orange, 6361 1000 www.mbwestorangemotors.com.au WESTERN PLAINS CULTURAL CENTRE Dubbo, 6801 4444 www.westernplainsculturalcentre.org WESTERN PLAINS WINDOWS & GLASS PTY LTD Dubbo, 6884 8818 www.wpwg.com.au WHITE’S STOCK TRANSPORT Orange, 6362 2099 WHITE ROCK SILVER Blayney, 0419 482 449 www.whiterocksilver.com.au
SERENDIPITY HAIR Dubbo, 0438 645 656
WHITNEYS JEWELLERS Dubbo, 6882 4620 www.whitneysjewellers.com.au
GARIAN WHOLESALERS PTY LTD Dubbo, 6884 1166
MAYFIELD MEWS Bowning, 0413 476 255 www.mayfieldmews.com.au
STOKE HOUSE CARCOAR Carcoar, 6367 3235 www.stokehousecarcoar.com
WOMBEYAN & ABERCROMBIE CAVES Wombeyan via Taralga, 4843 5976
BURROWA RETIREMENT VILLAGE Boorowa, 6385 3773
GILGANDRA SHIRE COUNCIL Gilgandra, 6817 8800 www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
MILLAMOLONG Mandurama, 6361 4461 www.millamolong.com.au
SUZIE HOPE DESIGNS Mittagong, 0438 423 824 www.suziehopedesigns.com
YLAD LIVING SOILS Young, 1300 811 681 www.yladlivingsoils.com.au
BYRNE CLOTHING Parkes, 6862 1408 www.byrneclothing.com.au
GLASSPLACE Parkes, 6862 2346 www.glassplace.com.au
MILLTHORPE GARDEN NURSERY Millthorpe, 6366 3131 www.millthorpegardennursery.com.au
TATTYKEEL Oberon, 6335 8116 www.tattykeel.com.au
YOUNG EYES Young, 6382 4000 www.youngeyes.com.au
BURROWA HOUSE Boorowa, 6385 3773
We encourage our readers to support our advertisers. The magazine could not exist without them, and their loyalty shows their commitment to the communities of the Central West.
CWL 207
THE LAST WORD
Hidden treasure M
illthorpe is full of surprises and one of them is Julia Boag, who at 26 has the voice of an opera singer. For the time being, however, she’s perfectly content buying, restoring and selling old wares from the family’s renovated family garage. Her business is called Bowerbird Old Wares. “I chose that name because that’s me, I’m a bowerbird. I find things to sell – from beautiful old boxes, antique tools and meat safes – but then can’t bear to part with them.” Helping her from the ground up is her father John, a dab hand with furniture, as he is with most things. As a farmer, he’s tended sheep as far away as New Zealand, built beautiful stone fences (and even a stone house) and is so knowledgeable about health that he is currently writing a book on the subject. John’s a long-time furniture restorer. His speciality is old wooden ladders, while Julia has a penchant for old boxes. “I love the workmanship, the timber, the dovetailed joints and their personal history. Sometimes there’s even an engraved name on them. “They are such useful objects, which can be used as coffee tables, alternatives to a linen press or even as a free-standing piece of furniture.” Julia has always loved dealing with antiques. “Dad used to take us (Julia and her sister Jane, who organises events at Sydney’s Parliament House) to clearing sales when we were knee-high to a grasshopper.” She is enthusiastic about Millthorpe, as she is about most things – including singing (she frequently performs at weddings and on other social occasions). “Millthorpe is so full of tourists on weekends, I don’t need to open every day. That means I have the week to source antiques and restore them, opening Bowerbird only on Fridays and on weekends.” When times for buying and selling clash – clearing sales are invariably held on weekends – John shares duties. Julia doesn’t burst into song at the drop of a hat. In fact you get the impression that singing – while she clearly enjoys it – is a very serious matter. But over a cup of tea, John manages to persuade her to render an aria. “Many people cry when they hear her,” he declares proudly. I find it hard to believe but the next thing I know this incredible voice, with background music from nothing more than a small speaker, fills the room. Julia has chosen a haunting love song, O Mio Babbino Caro, from Giacomo Puccini’s opera Gianni Schicchi, which she sings in faultless Italian.
208 CWL
“Dad used to take us to clearing sales when we were knee-high to a grasshopper.” It is absolutely beautiful. John was right. Shivers go up and down my spine and I am rendered speechless. Words are inadequate to describe the sheer power and beauty of her voice. As the last notes echo about the room, Julia says: “My grandad was a singer, although we never met – he died long before I was born – so maybe I got it from him. “Classical music has always been played at home but I always felt that my sister (who is more cabaret style) was the singer in the family, and I was always too shy to enter competitions.”
But John and Marnie Mason, good Millthorpe friends of the Boags, encouraged Julia to take singing lessons and she’s now training with Graham Sattler, executive director of the Bathurst Conservatorium of Music, while learning enough Italian to perform arias, as well as how to read music. I leave shaking my head in disbelief. I’d come to talk antiques but leave on the wings of a song. Beautiful music and fine old wares. If you don’t believe me, visit Bowerbird at 15 Victoria Street, Millthorpe. You’re sure to find something to your taste. It might even be opera. CWL Words and image: Shot by Jake
Pre-Production Model Shown
Stunning Interior Climb inside the C-HR and you’re greeted by stylish design that’s a match for the striking exterior. The sophisticated cabin offers a high-riding position, commanding superior visibility of the road, and a driverorientated dashboard putting you very much in control. Next Level Style C-HR combines the slim and sleek profile of a coupe with the lifted proportions and strong lower body of an SUV. Virtually unchanged from its original concept, the C-HR’s distinctive diamond design gives the illusion of movement even at a standstill. Daringly Innovative The daringly innovative C-HR is a compact SUV that combines the best of both worlds between a hatch and a full-sized SUV, arriving in Australia early 2017. See more at toyota.com.au/c-hr
Contact your local Central West Dealer for more information. Armstrong Toyota (West Wyalong) 02 6972 2400 armstrongtoyota.com.au Bathurst Toyota 02 6334 2224 bathursttoyota.com.au Cobar Toyota 02 6836 4007 parkestoyota.com.au
Cowra Toyota 02 6342 1988 cowratoyota.com.au
Lean & Bennett (Lithgow) 02 6352 2211 leanandbennetttoyota.net.au
Orange Toyota 02 6362 2988 orangetoyota.com.au
Dubbo City Toyota 02 6882 1511 dubbocitytoyota.com.au
Macquarie Toyota (Warren) 02 6847 4266 macquarietoyota.com.au
Parkes Toyota 02 6862 9777 parkestoyota.com.au
Forbes Toyota 02 6851 1644 forbestoyota.com.au
Mudgee Toyota 02 6372 1799 mudgeetoyota.com.au
Gilgandra Toyota 02 6847 2106 gilgandratoyota.com.au
Nyngan Toyota 02 6832 1477 nyngantoyota.com.au
Ron Stubberfield Toyota (Wellington) 02 6845 2522 ronstubberfieldtoyota.com.au
TOYOTA T OYOTA ACCESS A SMARTER WAY TO BUY