SPRING
Southern Stars
Coolamon & Junee town feature
The haunting history of
MONTE CRISTO HOMESTEAD
A hidden gem
HISTORIC HILL END PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL REGIONAL AREAS
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
• Selling in every auction sale week • Leading wooltrade broker • Forward contract with Riemann • Offering Auctions Plus wool • Accredited & modern rehandle • Cash settlement on small lots • Merchandise • Shearing finance • Web access to client account • One competitive flat rate for all bales • Comprehensive market reporting • Detailed clip analysis
Since taking over our family farm I have been using Jemalong wool exclusively to market our annual woolclip. Using a combination of the traditional auction system and the internet based Wool Trade™ we have been able to take advantage of any upward movements of wool prices. This is due to personalised attention to detail and flexibility due mainly to Jemalong understanding our needs as a business. - Simon Squire-Wilson, Tiverton, Harden, NSW
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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. Subscriptions and back issues are also available to read online, on desktop and mobile devices. Unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
Central West Lifestyle showcases authentic content from across rural and regional New South Wales. The heart of the magazine is in the Central West of the state, but a great story knows no boundaries. We are continually amazed by the innovation, inspiration and spirit that we find time and time again in communities both within the Central West and further afield. It is our passion and privilege to bring these stories to you.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE To order a subscription or back issue (mailed or online), visit www.centralwestmagazine.com.au. © Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2017 All Rights Reserved No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the publisher. 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.
Pegasus Print Group, is an environmentally responsible printing company that is committed to helping achieve a sustainable environment. To underscore our commitment to environmental sustainability, Pegasus Print Group has achieved FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditation as well as being ISO 14001 accredited. Paper and paper-based materials carrying the FSC symbol can be tracked back to their source, guaranteeing they come from forests which are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Pegasus Print Group is also an accredited ISO 9001:2008 supplier, which ensures each step of our production process is aligned with world’s best practice to deliver the finest quality possible. Together, these accreditations offered by Pegasus Print Group, offer our clients a guarantee that their printed products are produced by world’s best practice environmental and finest quality standards.
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spring 2017 132
TOWN FEATURE
12 COOLAMON Coolamon Shire is a hidden gem, offering many surprises along the way. 66 JUNEE Junee and its surrounding villages offer a cornucopia of experiences, sights, sounds, smells and tastes.
GARDENS
144 HOME ON THE HILL Past and present combine delightfully in Bobbie and Colin Macaulay’s Junee oasis. 150 TEMPERED BEAUTY Bruce and Michelle Hutcheon’s Coolamon property has developed from a bare paddock into a showpiece landscape.
174 144
STYLE
156 BY THE BOOK Learn how to style your bookshelf into a functional work of art. 158 SUZIE HOPE DESIGNS We meet ironing board cover queen Suzie Hope. 160 SHOPPERS’ PARADISE Lucknow Skin Shop & Boot Barn just keeps getting bigger and better. 162 OUT OF THE ORDINARY Clothes shopping is an adventure at Lucknow’s 2 Fat Ladies.
FOOD
182 COUNTRY COOKING Spring weather calls for some old-fashioned favourites that are light and lovely.
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TRAVEL
178 I GO TO RIO Brazil is a marvel to behold and is a must for any traveller.
EXPERIENCE
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198 WEDDINGS Meet the Central West’s dashing newlyweds.
REGULAR FEATURES
198 UPCOMING EVENTS 206 OUR ADVERTISERS 208 ONE-TRACK MIND Look no further than Peter Neve’s backyard for proof of his lifelong obsession with rail.
ON THE COVER SPRING
MONTE CRISTO HOMESTEAD, JUNEE Renowned as the most haunted house in Australia and a must-see tourist destination. (Page 72 Junee Town Feature)
Southern Stars
Coolamon & Junee town feature
$12.00 inc GST >
SPRING 2017 VOLUME 18
608002
188 CWL LAUNCH CWL celebrates a fantastic Winter 2017 launch at the Cooee Heritage Centre, Gilgandra. 194 BLAYNEY ART SHOW Pictorial from Blayney’s Textures of One Art Exhibition.
WEDDINGS
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EVENTS
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124 BUSHRANGER SERIES Author and bushranger historian Gregory Powell takes a look at Ben Hall and his gang. 128 THE GIFT OF TOMORROW Bali bombing victim Adrian Acheson makes the most of his second chance. 132 CREMA OF THE CROP Fish River Roasters are meeting the demand for excellent coffee in the Central West. 138 QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE The Scots School’s belief in its students is validated time and time again. 142 ACCORDING TO PLAN Hugh and Amanda Rasmussen have a vision splendid for the Central West. 148 GARDEN GLORY Perennialle’s Chris Cuddy deals in plants that survive and flourish. 154 THRIVING BUSINESS Sarah and Josh Curry are growing their garden business with tender loving care. 136 REDEFINING RETIREMENT The Oak Tree Group is committed to quality accommodation for retirees. 168 OPEN AND SHUT CASE Western Plains Windows and Glass is a class act. 174 THAT’S GOLD Hill End is bursting with historical significance and haunting beauty. 184 HEADS TOGETHER Garian Food Wholesalers has a reputation for quality and a commitment to future growth.
The haunting history of
MONTE CRISTO HOMESTEAD
A hidden gem
HISTORIC HILL END
PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL REGIONAL AREAS
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
Photography: Zenio Lapka
Goondiwindi Cotton Summer 17 available at... BERRIMA - Berrimas Natural Aust, BLAXLAND - Clothing Natural Fibres, BOWRAL - Lorraines of Bowral, COONABARABRAN - Chalkies COWRA - The Closet Cowra, DUBBO - Country Chique, FORBES - Allure on Main, FORSTER - Addictive Fashion, GLOUCESTER - Town & Country GOONDIWINDI - Stage One, GRENFELL - Louisa’s Locker, GUNNEDAH - Pursegloves Clothing, KATOOMBA - Kent and Lane, LEURA - The Shirt Lady LITHGOW - Signature, MERRIWA - Di’s Clothing Patch MOREE - Assefs, MUDGEE - Honey Pot Boutique, NARRABRI - McInnes Clothing, NYNGAN - Bradswear ORANGE - Kendal, QUIRINDI - Goodness & Gracious, SPRINGWOOD - Arabesque Springwood, TAMWORTH - Pursegloves Clothing TAREE - Addictive Fashion, TEMORA - Peony Boutique, TRANGIE - Ewe Two Clothing, WARREN - Bradswear, WAUCHOPE - Hastings River Co-op Dept Store WEST WYALONG - House of Fashion, WINGHAM - Ashlea Road Boutique, YOUNG - The Loft, YASS - Boots & Buckles
www.goondiwindicotton.com.au Enquiries phone - (07) 4671 5611
S P R I N G publisher’s letter
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
welcome to spring “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have but rather from recognising and appreciating what we do have.” – Frederick Koenig
Welcome to spring, the wonderful season that breathes new life into the world around us! It was a chilly winter, and we trust you stayed warm, enjoyed the sparkle of a wood fire and the magic of family, friends and great conversations. The Winter edition featuring Coonabarabran and Gilgandra was a huge seller, well beyond our expectations. We received a vast amount of positive feedback, especially about the cover showcasing the iconic rock formation the Breadknife, nestled in the heritagelisted Warrumbungle National Park. The Winter launch with over 110 guests was a memorable event. It was so special to feel the pride and sense of community at the Art Gallery within the Cooee Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, Gilgandra. With great excitement we present to you our 120-page feature on the towns of Coolamon and Junee. This feature is our largest ever and reflects not only the unique stories coming from these areas but the unparalleled support we have gained from businesses. Thank you to both these councils for their loyal support and enthusiastic collaboration. We would like to farewell and thank a popular team member, Mitch Brakenridge, CWL advertising designer, who has shared his expertise with us over the past year. He will be now dedicating his time to the growth of his new design business, Next Level Digital, in Orange. We enjoy taking Central West Lifestyle to the regional field days and our yearly calendar includes attendance at the Mudgee Small Farms Field Days and National Field Days at Borenore, Orange. We have now added AgQuip to our field day experience and thoroughly enjoyed exhibiting over the three days at AgQuip in August this year. Being the nation’s biggest agricultural event attracting over 100,000 visitors from across the nation and overseas, AgQuip provided a wonderful opportunity for CWL to showcase our product and network with many visitors from near and far. The Collector’s Edition Volume 1 has “grown wings” and is flying! We had tremendous advertising support from many regional councils and from a significant group of committed advertisers. This exciting new publication, featuring 50 of our best stories over the past 18 editions, will be for sale early October in our regular outlets across the state including newsagencies and selected retailers (see our website for further details). Additionally, copies will be able to be purchased (either online or by phone) and posted as Christmas gifts. We enjoyed attending the recent National Party Dinner here in Dubbo and were honoured to sit at the Premier’s table. A great thrill for us was watching the Hon Gladys Berejiklian being presented with the Fourth Anniversary Collection of CWL by the Hon Troy Grant, Member for Dubbo and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The town of Gunnedah will grace our pages as the Summer 2017 Feature and we are looking forward to sharing with you the untold stories coming from this highly progressive north-west community. Facebook “f ” Logo
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Winter CWL Launch at Gilgandra; Mayor Cr Doug Batten, Cheryl Batten, Alex and Elizabeth Tickle, Julie Shinton and Warrumbungle Mayor Cr Peter Shinton.
Meeting the Premier. Image courtesy of Peter Bartley.
Time has passed so quickly (it always seems to when you are doing something you love) and our Autumn 2018 edition will represent our 20th edition of CWL and five years in business. Our journey has been a joyful one, allowing us the privilege of exploring special parts of the state, one edition at a time, and meeting some of the most memorable and inspiring people possible. The Yass Valley will be the focus of our Autumn edition, an intriguing and interesting part of the world. We trust you will enjoy this beautiful season and keep safe, happy and healthy.
Warm regards, Elizabeth & Alex
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S P R I N G Jake’s message
EVERY FACE TELLS A STORY Greetings and salutations, can you believe we are still going gangbusters 18 editions after first entertaining this crazy notion of uncovering the best towns, businesses and characters in country NSW? Many loyal readers have followed our journey from the start, discovering so many hidden gems along the way. As our dear faithful would know by now, I love photographing old-timers, particularly those old codgers with a lifetime of exposure to the elements etched on their furrowed brows. When you get the trifecta of good lighting, two days of stubble and an old battered Akubra, I’m in photographic heaven! I’ve documented some beautiful old faces in nursing and retirement homes but it’s out in the bush where you find the real deal – especially at rodeos, Anzac Day memorials and the local saleyards. During one of my Junee interviews I met a vibrant 93-year-old who spent over 70 years on the land. Albert Boyton left school at age 11 to start his farming career. With huge, gnarled old hands that have known the meaning of hard yakka, this delightful old fella was always going to make a great subject. Much the same as Bill Lynch, whom I met on his 82nd birthday in Wyong. He was finally retiring after 68 years in the workforce, including the last two decades as a yardman/cleaner at the Top Town Tavern. After a lifetime of shearing and timber cutting, Bill says he is looking forward to “backing some winners” and chilling out on fishing trips to Hillston with his son and grandson. It’s these fair-dinkum old timers like Albert and Bill that helped build this great country of ours. But I digress. I’m here to talk about the feature towns of Coolamon and Junee. Coolamon is one of the prettiest little country towns I’ve come across, with plenty of old buildings and a wealth of local history. As soon as I arrived I knew I was in for a Coolamon-good time. From my comfy lodgings on top of the hill, I was able to watch life pass by as a picturesque country town went about its daily duties. Staying at the Sweet Briar B&B was one of the best experiences in memory. With fun-loving hosts like Andre and Keryl and a beautiful dog like Obi, it was hard to say goodbye. My next stop, Junee, was another eye opener. The railway town has many attractions, including the Monte Cristo ghost house and the Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Both had become derelict buildings before the Ryan and Druce families stepped up to the plate. The historic pubs in Junee are breath-taking in their design and size but I was fortunate to stay in my own manor – Belmore Manor, to be precise – and highly recommend a visit. I laughed till I almost cried talking to Irish family matriarch Norma Higginson and her love of all things royal.
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For those who can’t resist a good love story, we have Betty Crowley, the remarkable woman who married her battle-weary husband after not seeing him for five years, and former priest Matt Austin who gave it all up for love. For the farmers we have unearthed some scorchers, including the Curry brothers who have spent a lifetime working alongside each other, a great prime lamb story involving three living generations, an inspiring story on snags and a thriving business that still makes chaff the old-fashioned way. I hope you enjoy burying yourself in this edition on Coolamon and Junee. They are all stories of hope, love and survival, with a bit of entrepreneurial dash thrown in. After I recover from writing this feature I’m off to Gunnedah to do it all again. Never a dull moment in this line of work! Have fun, chase your dreams, whatever they be, and never give up. There is no time like the present.
Cheers, Jake
ABOVE: Albert Boyton (top), 93 years young, is still living life to the full; Bill Lynch is enjoying his retirement after nearly seven decades in the workforce.
SPRING 2017 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
GINA CRANSON
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
AMANDA O’SULLIVAN
KATE BOSHAMMER
Art Director & Travel Writer
ZORA REGULIC
CATHERINE PLAYER Writer
Writer & Social Media Manager
JANE MUNRO
ROBERT I BRUCE
JANE SANDERSON
ELIZABETH SWANE
LORRAINE HILLS
ELIZABETH GRANT
HEATHER CROSBY
Writer & Photographer
SUE MEIKLE
ZENIO LAPKA
Photographer
Photographer
Country Cuisine Writer
JOHN CURLEY
EMILY MITCHELL
Accountant
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JAKE LINDSAY
Chief Writer & Photographer
Advertising Designer & Business Strategist
Home & Style Writer, Photographer
Social Photographer
ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
Writer
Wedding Writer
Writer
GREGORY POWELL
Bushranger Series Writer
ANNA TICKLE
Garden Writer
Writer
In a day and age of instant news and sensationalised reporting, it is a pleasure to have access and input to a publication of the quality of Central West Lifestyle. To have Gilgandra Shire featured in your Winter 2017 edition has provided a positive boost for the entire community. Not only has the magazine provided a snapshot of the region that has already attracted comments from visitors near and far, it has greatly enhanced the “sense of place” of local residents, many of whom have purchased copies as gifts for family and friends. It has in effect become somewhat of a grandparents’ brag book for Gilgandra. Gilgandra Shire Council was thrilled to have an opportunity to partner with the CWL team and I am sure that we have gained a lot from our association with such a professional group that is truly genuine in their attempt to promote regional communities. To our Economic Development Manager, Randall Medd, our acknowledgement for a job well done in co-ordinating the local input. Looking forward to future issues and features as they reveal the diverse environment and amazing people who make up our special part of NSW.
YOUR LETTERS
Doug Batten, Mayor, Gilgandra Shire Council
The Winter 2016 edition highlighting Crookwell captured the heart of the district and portrayed the area unlike no publication or tourist brochure has before. Central West Lifestyle displayed Crookwell to readers all around the readership area and I believe this has led to an increase in the number of visitors to the district. As a result, we at Davies News sold over 1200 copies within the three-month selling period and are still continuing to sell that particular issue. The feedback from customers was incredible and apart from the obvious pro Crookwell comments the main discussion point was the superior quality and presentation of the magazine. In subsequent issues of Central West Lifestyle, the reader interest has been consistently maintained and we are regularly selling over 150 copies per quarterly edition. Congratulations to Elizabeth, Alex and the team at CWL. It remains a pleasure to be associated with such a professional group of people, whose aim is not just to sell but to produce a high quality magazine with a difference. Central West Lifestyle is one of our largest selling magazines and we look forward to its continual growth.
Thinking back, I’m proud of the fact that when you visited us some months ago, we took the opportunity to partner with Gilgandra Shire to present our towns and our lifestyle to your readers. The passionate way that you presented our fellow citizens, showing the warts and all stories of how they came to be what they are in our community, makes me lament the untold stories of our forefathers and heroes, lost forever. The front cover, showing the iconic Breadknife formation, is the best photograph that I have ever seen of that structure. I’ve always been proud of the Coonabarabran community, and am thankful that our stories and the unsurpassed beauty of our landscape have been well captured by Jake Lindsay. Jake, as a Coonabarabran local, has put his own bent on our story as only a local can, and I am sure that as time goes on this publication will take pride of place on the coffee table or on the bookshelves of not only Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle Shire residents but also of those who are envious of the incredible natural wonders and glorious lifestyle in our part of heaven.
Floyd Davies, Davies News Crookwell
Cr Peter Shinton, Mayor of Warrumbungle Council
#CentralWestLifestyle
Two months ago I lent my Editions 1 and 2 of Central West Lifestyle to a neighbour but they were never returned. Thanks for your endeavours in locating replacements for us. I realise that Editions 1 and 2 are in very short supply. We have all your issues and treasure each one, as they promote memories of areas where we have lived. My wife and I have been long-time members of the NSW National Trust and have visited all of the areas that you have featured. Each magazine, with such interesting articles, is read from front to back. Even the advertisements create interest. Many thanks for your efforts, and we look forward to future issues, which we will also treasure.
Thanks for sharing the love @littlebluewren1
Roger Lindsay, Warrawee
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Coolamon TOWN FE ATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
COOLAMON CWL 13
people power from the Mayor of Coolamon Shire It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the Coolamon Shire. My role as mayor has many fulfilling commitments, but by far the proudest and most rewarding is to introduce people to our region. My wife Margaret and I have become regular readers of Central West Lifestyle magazine, enjoying the articles about our important regional towns and communities. As a country person I believe they are the backbone of our nation and provide the productivity to keep our nation ticking. As our most recent Australia Day Ambassador, Rick Timperi, said: “Sydney, Melbourne – that’s just the skin. If you visit the country areas, that’s where the heart and veins of Australia are. The real people.” We therefore were delighted when Elizabeth and Alex approached us with an offer to showcase our region. As you can probably tell, we are proud of where we live and believe that it has lots to offer. Coolamon Shire is made up of the towns of Coolamon, Ganmain and Ardlethan and the villages of Beckom, Matong and Marrar – all supported by a rich and prosperous agricultural region. And I personally vouch for the fact that all residents are passionate about their communities. As a born and bred person of the Coolamon district, I have watched our communities grow and offer opportunities to all those who live, work and play here. It is my belief that this is based on a history of
long, stable, local governance by people who are truly invested and have a real interest in the outcomes that support their towns. But we all know that it is the people who really make a place and I can speak first-hand when I say that we are welcoming, friendly, innovative, passionate and entrepreneurial. An idyllic country lifestyle awaits those tempted away from the hustle and bustle of larger population centres to any one of our communities within the Coolamon Shire. But it is not only a relaxed lifestyle that’s on offer. Our close proximity to Wagga gives easy access to the largest inland regional centre in NSW and therefore quality education, superior health facilities and a strong economy offering numerous job opportunities. We are on the cusp of great opportunities. Our location within easy access to the regional airport, Bomen Industrial Estate and the NBN rollout, will see us perfectly placed to take advantage of our affordable land and house prices that, together with excellent services and facilities, make a much soughtafter family and community-focused lifestyle. Please read through the articles about the people and places within the Coolamon Shire. I hope that they tempt you to come and visit, or even move to our area and see for yourself the wonderful district that is our home and we believe a treasure of regional NSW. Cr John Seymour OAM, Coolamon Shire Mayor
ABOVE: The Coolamon Council Chambers 50 years ago; the current look of the Coolamon Council Chambers.
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An idyllic country lifestyle awaits those tempted away from the hustle and bustle of larger population centres.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
time to shine
Coolamon Shire is a hidden gem offering many surprises along the way. Boasting a picturesque heritage main street and manicured gardens, Coolamon is nestled among rich farming and grazing land. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds – the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of rural living and the close proximity to the services and facilities of a large regional centre. Wiradjuri people were the first inhabitants of the region. The town is named after the local indigenous vessel for carrying goods, children or water – “Coolamon”. The reliable conditions and rich soil produced strong farming communities that saw the railway arrive, and the services and infrastructure to support them followed. The town of Coolamon was established around the time the railway arrived in 1881. The shire was proclaimed on March 3, 1906. Coolamon Shire is located in the Riverina region of NSW, just a short detour off the Olympic, Sturt or Newell highways. Coolamon is the largest town within the shire, which also includes the smaller towns of Ardlethan and Ganmain and villages of Beckom, Matong and Marrar. Towns and villages are supported by proud and passionate communities boasting their own charm and unique qualities. To immerse yourself in local history, the State Heritage-listed building the Up-to-Date Store in Coolamon is the perfect starting point. This beautiful building is an elegant and rare example of a country general store. The store is home to the original and operational gravity-fed Lamson cash-carrying machine. The store hosts a number of wonderful displays including the Garth Jones, Mavis Furner and
Reg Goode collections and nearby RSL Museum. Step across the road and you’ll find yourself inside the impressive Fire Museum. Wander along the wide main street to capture many of the heritage buildings and lovely park spaces. Stop by the local eateries, pubs and boutique giftware stores to experience local shopping and produce at its best. Must-see attractions are showcased throughout the Coolamon Shire. Taste local cheeses at the newly opened Coolamon Cheese, visit the Kelpie Statue in Ardlethan and the striking Hay Display Centre in Ganmain. Short trips to towns and villages will not disappoint. Together with our neighbours, an exciting tourism opportunity has been launched, the Canola Trail. This initiative promotes day trips or for those with the time, a more relaxed journey through our region including the shires of Junee and Temora. The Canola Trail is an opportunity to explore and discover at your own pace. Take a moment to enjoy the walking and mountain bike tracks and trails within the shire, providing an excellent opportunity to observe the many birds, wildlife and plant species. These include the Coolamon Kindra State Forest and Murrumbang Nature Walk in Ganmain. Visitors to the area can be assured that friendly community members and businesses will take the wonderful opportunity to showcase our area and what the shire has to offer. This is an exciting time for the shire as it continues to grow. CWL Images: Capture Coolamon Shire Photography Competition entrants, clockwise from top left, Aimee Fox, Kathy Maslin, Mark Slater, and Amy Curran.
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days gone by Coolamon
Pictures courtesy of the Max Robertson Collection.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
a town full of history
Its buildings exude old-world charm but the community of Coolamon has its sights firmly set on a bright future.
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a timely link to the past A visit to Coolamon’s Up-To-Date Store is like stepping into a time machine.
Built in 1909 with freestyle Federation architecture, the Up-To-Date Store continues to play a crucial role for the people of Coolamon. With its magnificent facade and verandah, it offers a rare glimpse of how country general stores looked and functioned a century ago. Back in the early days, customers could find anything from a needle to a haystack. Whether you needed building materials, horse harnesses, castor oil or the finest silk stockings, you were sure to find it at the Up-To-Date Store. Offering the best quality and lowest prices, the store presented its customers with a range of goods not often seen outside the big stores of the metropolitan area. It had a wide range of goods, including grocery, ironmongery, crockery, drapery, mercery, millinery, haberdashery, clothing and footwear. Sturdy wooden counters, shelves, benches and floors bear the physical imprint of the many thousands of customers and staff who moved through the interior over the years. The elegantly vaulted, wood-lined ceilings seem to echo with the countless voices of generations of Coolamon locals. The cellar was used as cool storage for cheese, eggs, hams and fish. It is amazing to read that as early as 1907, fresh seafood could be purchased at the Up-To-Date store. The store still has its original fittings, including the impressive Lamson Cash Railway, the only known ball-style cash railway system in the world still in its original location.
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This early form of cash carrier is gravity operated, with timber balls holding money and dockets rolled from counters to the cashier’s office along little tracks. The Up-To-Date-Store continued as a general store until 1932 before taking on a variety of uses from fruit vendor to roller skating rink. After nearly 80 years of ownership, the Mutton family sold the store in 1987 to Robert and Margaret Miles, who operated a second-hand and antiques business. Through the urgings of a far-sighted and dedicated community, the Coolamon Shire Council purchased the property in 1997. Today it operates as a cultural facility incorporating the Mavis Furner collection, town library and museum. The Up-to-Date Store’s social and historical significance was acknowledged with its listing on the State Heritage Register in 2006. The store is a reminder of the ingenuity and skill of local architects, builders, retail traders and their staff. It also remains as a focus for the collective memories of the people who, over the years, have called Coolamon home. CWL FACING PAGE: Coolamon’s historic Up-To-Date Store looks visually appealing from both inside and out. BELOW: Laura Higgins, Community Development Officer for the Coolamon Shire Council, in front of the unique Lamson Cash Railway; a close-up of the cash carrier reminds many older shoppers of their youth.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
The Up-to-Date Store’s social and historical significance was acknowledged with its listing on the State Heritage Register in 2006.
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sartorial splendour With the Mavis Furner Collection comes a wealth of stories about the social life of the Coolamon community.
Mavis Furner devoted equal doses of energy to her husband George as she did to her sporting pursuits and pastimes of tennis, golf, bowls and dancing. In between, she created her own wardrobe of eye-catching garments that are marvelled at today, housed in the Up-To-Date Store, as they were during the mid 20th century. Mavis was a country girl, born at “Oakleigh”, Coolamon, in 1918, the youngest and only girl in a family of six children. The daughters and wives of farmers in her era were expected to perform domestic duties and sometimes assist on the farm. Rarely did they have jobs or professions. WW2 brought many changes for women. Mavis enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service in early 1943, serving at the 113th Military Hospital in Concorde until late 1945. She returned home and in 1947 married neighbour George Furner and moved to “Hopewell”. Mavis was a committed and active member of many community groups including the Country Women’s Association, where she was a proud member for 60 years. As she wrote before her death in 2006, aged 88, she continued with many forms of handiwork during her early years of marriage until a Manly holiday in 1959 changed her way of thinking. “One day while shopping I noticed three coats in a boutique window and discovered they were hand-made in Italy – handcrocheted in fine wool but, oh the price! I was tempted, then I thought, why couldn’t I do that? Why not! “Home I came, working out what I could do. I bought five pounds (about $10) of 4 ply Crepetta wool from Coles and set about with crochet hook and tape measure to create a replica of the coat I’d seen.” Before long she was designing her own colourful patterns.
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“Times were hard so we made sure we got value for money.”
“It was a challenge,” she wrote. “When I was young, people had to economise. The Depression taught us respect for economy. Times were hard so we made sure we got value for money.” Mavis was a true citizen of Coolamon, bequeathing her collection to her trustees for the benefit of the people. The garments link the private stories of their owner and designer and the social and cultural events in the community where they were worn. Many costumes were made to be worn at particular events and all are carefully documented, including photos of Mavis wearing some of the clothes, making the collection even more significant. The Mavis Furner Collection serves as a superb reminder of the design talents of country women and their outstanding skills with a needle. CWL
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Mavis Furner always dressed for the occasion, pictured with husband George; a selection of her gowns; an attractive nurse during WW2; Mavis’s niece, Jan.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Coolamon
A LOYAL CONSTITUENT Community-minded Coolamon solicitor Bill Thompson knows how to get things done. Bill Thompson OAM has been sitting in the same chair in the same office for 32 years. “I’m actually in my father’s old office where he would have sat for 50 years,” he declares proudly. It’s not hard to feel the nostalgia. “The huge old safe, which holds our important documents, leads me to believe the building was one of the town’s early banks,” he says. As one of the six partners of Riverina legal firm Commins Hendriks (and in charge of the Coolamon and Ganmain branches), Bill has walked in the footsteps of his family predecessors. His grandfather Arthur Thompson took over the office in 1911, having realised there was no room for him on the family farm. In a proud family tradition, he was followed by son Arthur James (known as Jim) and grandson William, known as Bill. Bill Thompson is well known throughout southern NSW for his leading edge work in succession planning. Considered by many as an “instrument for change”, he was actively involved in lobbying for the Intergenerational Stamp Duty Exemption and changes to the Centrelink assets and income test to benefit farmers. Apart from schooling in Kilmore, ANU in Canberra and a year in Mt Isa with the legal service, Bill has been a Coolamon man all his life. “Mt Isa was a real eye opener,” he says. “The first weekend there I was put on the white legal-aid roster and ended up playing AFL football with them, a sport I’ve loved since I was a little tacker.” Bill later played 10 seasons with the Coolamon Grasshoppers and is a big supporter. The highlights of his life have been family and the way his legal firm helps out with community long-term goals. “I love the teamwork between people of different skills in our town and the willingness to roll up their sleeves and have a go before waiting for government funding,” he says. Just recently the Coolamon Sport and Recreation Club was in the red and the town got right behind it through contributions – just one example of good country folk getting together to ensure that another service is not lost.” Along the way Bill says he learnt to not judge others on their wealth or where they went to school. “We are all equal with the same rights, and everybody should have the same access to justice,” he says.
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He’s a strong campaigner on many issues, particularly keeping a legal presence in the town. “We have two young lawyers here and although legal practice advisors encourage us to centralise, I and my fellow partners feel it’s imperative we maintain our staff in smaller communities.” Family has always played a big role in Bill’s life. Married to Gabrielle with three grown children, they enjoyed a multicultural family experience growing up in a small country town. “We adopted an Indonesian boy, Alexander, and Jack from a Chinese/Vietnamese family, when both were only six weeks old,” he says. Alexander now works as an assistant to the cheese maker at the Coolamon Cheese Factory while Jack has just finished a law degree and works in Canberra. Then there is red-haired Charlie, who is studying for a degree in industrial design in Melbourne but secretly dreams of being a barista. The final piece of the puzzle is community. Bill and his parents all received OAMs for service to the community. “The lesson they taught was to give as much as possible, particularly if you had a certain talent,” he says. “I do the paper work for the new Kindra Park, which is our revamped oval. A lot of others have also contributed their time and knowledge. We’ve just had a corporate box installed that fits eight – a classic example of getting things done.
“We fought the amalgamation of councils. One reason we wanted to stay as an independent council was because we felt that the locals are more likely to get behind projects.” Bill suggests Coolamon has moved forward thanks to the enormous support from the locals. “As an example, my father was approached by a long-standing client for a free will back in the 1980s. My father questioned the fairness of this transaction, only to be told that if he prepared the will he would hand over $100,000 to the local Allawah Lodge.” Bill is also a long-term member of the Rural Issues Committee of the Law Society of NSW and has been a supporter of NERRCS, Southern Agventure, Coolamon Lions Club, football, local schools, the arts, youth events and the Coolamon Shire Community Fund. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease five years ago, Bill fears he may not get to spend as long in business as his father, who was still working as a consultant at age 80. Bill says he is particularly proud to be working from the very same building in Coolamon as his forebears, where for 106 years they’ve shared their professional skills with the district. CWL
ABOVE: Bill Thompson OAM believes the success of smaller towns like Coolamon is largely due to the commitment of its locals.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
war stories
The Coolamon RSL Memorial Museum houses a comprehensive history of Coolamon’s involvement in Australia’s military forces from the Boer War to the present day.
The museum was established by the Coolamon Sub Branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL) with the aim of preserving an important slice of the town’s history for future generations. Formed in late 1919, the Sub Branch provided relief for ex-servicemen and their families who had fallen on hard times. A number of records and documents from those desperate days form part of the museum’s collection today. When the depression eased, meetings were resumed. After WW2 there was a swell in numbers, necessitating the need for larger premises. After the acquisition of the RSL Hall, considerable voluntary work was carried out on the building. In the following years, as smaller communities in the district declined, the Coolamon RSL received a number of honour boards that had hung in halls and churches. In 2001, under the direction of president Bill Levy, the museum project began developing into the attraction it is today. While the photographs remain the focal point of the collection, the donation and loans of many uniforms and memorabilia from the locals saw the collection grow. Sub Branch member David McCann, a graduate of Deacon University (Museum
Studies), was the curator responsible for much of the great work. “The aim of the collection is to provide a facility to house items of local military interest and to provide a means to educate the wider community on the service to the nation of the men and women from the Coolamon district,” he says. The emphasis is on items of local history. Among a number of significant items is the diary of Sergeant Horrie Fosse, a local man who landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, and was among one of the first Australians ashore that day. The diary provides a tremendous insight into the events and personal feelings of Sergeant Fosse as he experienced life in the Dardanelles. “In much the same way that the Australian War Memorial in Canberra displays its collection, this museum does not glorify war but tries to show the way in which members of the armed services lived,” David says. One of the more popular displays is a depiction of life in an Officers Mess, showing a lighter side of the war. No entry fee is charged to view the collection, however gold coin donations are always welcome. All funds raised help to further improve the collection. CWL
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SAY
cheese A tasty new venture is putting a smile on the faces of visitors to Coolamon.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
Since opening a year ago, a cheese factory designed to be a tourist attraction is ticking all the right boxes. Visitors to Coolamon Cheese can enjoy cheese tasting and cheese-inspired meals, watch cheese being handcrafted and matured, learn the history of cheese and even take a course on making it. Eminent cheesemaker Barry Lillywhite, aka “The Big Cheese”, has a background in science and microbiology coupled with more than 30 years’ experience in cheesemaking. The job has taken him all over Australia, including 13 years at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, where he managed the cheese factory. Barry is renowned for his use of Indigenous Australian ingredients that complement a range of traditional cheese styles. Cheeses can take up to 12 months to mature and over two years to become a good-tasting vintage. “I love all my cheeses but have a tendency to really appreciate the very aged Cheddar cheese,” he says. “The complexity of the flavours is enormous – but it must be accompanied by a good red!” When the original factory closed in 2011, there was a community outcry to re-establish the Riverina icon. Barry was approached by several local councils to set up a similar factory and found the Coolamon Shire Council most accommodating. It was at this time that Barry called upon the support of son Anton Green, who spent 15 years working in five-star hotels and resorts both here and overseas. Armed with a Bachelor of Business in International Hotel Management from Southern Cross University, Anton has proved up to the challenge. “This new venture was always going to be a ‘cellar door’ experience, showcasing Barry’s cheese-making talent, offering workshops and highlighting dairy and produce from across the region,” he says. “Coming here was an exciting opportunity to work alongside Dad. The first three years involved planning and putting together a creditable business proposal before securing the finance.” Coolamon Cheese, he says, is a privately owned company, with shareholders from the local community helping make the dream a reality. The factory is located in the 90-year-old Coolamon Co-op store, which became an IGA supermarket and second-hand store before its latest facelift. A clever design gives visitors an excellent view of the various stages of cheese-making, with 30-minute tours conducted by either The Big Cheese himself or cheese-maker supremo Adam Papprill. Always close by is Anton’s partner, venue and brand manager Kate Mitchell, who has worked in hotels, a two-hat restaurant and the airline industry while completing a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration. Chris Galvin-Moule heads up the kitchen. The seasoned chef has been tasked with matching Coolamon Cheese with the best produce the Riverina has to offer in an inventive and delectable all-day menu. Visitors have been coming in droves since the new factory was opened in September 2016. “We can see the impact the business is having on town, especially over the weekends,” Barry says. “Sundays in Coolamon are now very different to the days of old when you could fire a cannon down the main street. “The town is humming. Feedback has been exceptional and we couldn’t have done it without overwhelming support from council and the locals.” Barry says the business has created five full-time jobs and 13 part-time jobs.
“I’m one of the lucky people who come to work to make cheese. It doesn’t get much better. Although Anton is technically my boss, it’s nevertheless immensely satisfying working with him and partner Kate, who designed the look of our place,” he says. After five years of research, planning and hard work, Anton is just grateful the vision has finally become a reality. They visited more than 50 cheese factories in the process. “It’s a sensational feeling finally to be up and running after so much planning and building,” Anton says. They have more to come, including sparking up the original 1912 Scotch oven bakery and creating an edible native outdoor garden venue for visitors to relax in and enjoy their cheese. Evening events such as wine and cheese matching dinners, accompanied by live music, are also part of the plan to make cheese and crackers the new cool combination in Coolamon. CWL FACING PAGE: “The Big Cheese”, Barry Lillywhite, is delighted with progress of the town’s latest tourist attraction, Coolamon Cheese. ABOVE: Partners in life and business: Anton Green and Kate Mitchell are bringing a new, creative flair to Coolamon Cheese; Coolamon Cheese head chef Chris Galvin-Moule and apprentice chef James Morgan prepare cheese-inspired meals.
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all fired up A lovingly compiled collection of fire-fighting equipment is drawing visitors like moths to a flame.
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Coolamon’s Fire Museum is a monument to one man’s love of all things red, old and anything to do with putting out fires. It all started when a former fireman and local carpenter, Chris Berry, noticed an old brass fireman’s helmet while installing a new kitchen in West Wyalong. After forking out $500, Chris became the proud new owner of not just the helmet but a belt, axe and spanner. The collection had begun. Over the next three decades, Chris was always on the lookout for anything associated with fire-fighting, buying items from throughout Australia and all over the world. He attended clearance sales, garage sales, markets, swap meets and in recent years advanced to ebay. “What a smorgasbord ebay turned out,” he laughs. “My son-in-law was buying items for me. After six months I asked him what I owed and he quietly said ‘hang on a minute and I’ll add it up’. It was well into five figures.” Many other items have been generously donated. The collection is still growing despite the limited space. “You can always squeeze in a bit more,” says Chris, who always knows what he is getting for his birthday, Father’s Day and Christmas. His collection numbers in the thousands, including 160 helmets stretching back to the early 1900s, fire hydrants, hose reels, uniforms, medals and paraphernalia. Chris and wife Joanne moved to Coolamon in 1976 with three young children. They had been living in Emu Plains, where they had a joinery, and were attending a builder’s party at Ardlethan after finishing a big job. “We came through Coolamon and instantly fell in love with place,” Chris says. They had a furniture factory and within a few years Chris had joined the Coolamon Fire Brigade. For 22 years he was a dedicated fireman and an enthusiastic engine keeper in Coolamon and Temora. Chris was going to establish the museum in the main street but by 2013 the old fire station was too small for the new and larger fire trucks and was closed. Hardly believing his luck, Chris was able to move into the old building, which overlooks the main street. The Commissioner of NSW Fire and Rescue, Greg Mullins, opened the museum in October 2015.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
In early 2016, a Visitors Centre was added to the museum and the 1932 Coolamon Fire Brigade bell, which had been missing for 30 years, was reinstated. Thousands have visited the museum since opening, and Chris never tires of discussing the history of the old fire station. “The old pit in the middle of the floor was used to work on engine maintenance. Oil stains on the floor have accumulated over the past 80 years,” he says. Grey markings on the ceilings show where the exhaust fumes hit the ceiling every time the engine started up. The window blinds are original, as are many of the old glass panels in the windows. The cast iron fire place is still in the communication room, and the original flag pole has been restored. The history lesson extends to the backyard, where a large square brick trough was used to wash the hoses after use. Close by is a tall timber pole called a hose whip for drying them. Although having just turned 70, Chris loves going to his museum seven days a week. “My wife is happy to see me so content, and I’m just happy to share my collection with others,” he says. CWL FACING PAGE: Some of the 160 helmets used by firemen over the past century; the Coolamon Fire Museum has developed into a popular tourist attraction. THIS PAGE: Chris Berry has been collecting old brass firemen’s helmets for over 30 years; the fire museum is located in the old fire station; there is something to see for people of all ages, including the collection of antique miniature models.
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sweet spot
A Sydney couple literally stumbled upon a new life in Coolamon.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
Sweet Briar B&B, housed in Coolamon’s former Bank of NSW building, captures the grandeur, style and romance of a bygone era. While keeping the features like pressed-metal ceilings, claw-foot baths and classic furnishings, the three beautiful bedrooms and en suites have luxurious modern fit-outs. In addition, there’s a guest lounge room, breakfast room and two beautifully appointed country cottages, which overlook manicured lawns and gardens. Current owners Andre and Keryl de Haan discovered the place quite by accident in 2008. It all started with a trip from Sydney to visit school-teaching friends who had moved to Coolamon. “We’ve always been drawn to the country,” Keryl says. “On our trips between Sydney and Melbourne we took the road less travelled, finding hidden little treasures in the towns along the way. “What a shock when we got here,” Andre says. “The town was just coming out of a long, debilitating drought and although it looked a bit tired there was still something there.” Then a strange thing happened. “Our son Daniel tripped over in the driveway of a place on the corner called Nanna Maloney’s B&B. Our friends knew the owners so we went in to clean him up,” Andre says. They were gobsmacked by the amazing character of the historic property and knew they had found their dream home. Although they felt a tree change coming on strong, it took three years and some luck on the internet before finally acquiring the keys to the front door. The Bank of NSW building has been around nearly as long as the town. Built in 1887 for just over a thousand pounds, it came with a bank, manager’s office, strongroom and residence. During the winter of 1908, the front half of the building was replaced with a stunning new brick facade to give a more commercial appearance. In 1998, the bank closed its doors for the final time. New owners John and Maryanne Haslam had a bold vision and in 2004 established their B&B and built the cottages, garage and house extension. “When we became the new owners in 2011 we had a magnificent kitchen and living area the size of our first small cottage in the Blue Mountains,” Keryl laughs. With no experience in the hospitality industry, the pair jumped in boots and all into their “Sweet Briar”. >
ABOVE: Keryl and Andre de Haan with their delightful sons Daniel and Aaron, and Obi, their mischievous Bichon Frise dog; The family love outdoor activities like bike riding in the Kindra State Forest.
With no experience in the hospitality industry, the pair jumped in boots and all into their “Sweet Briar”. COOLAMON CWL 29
Old money The Bank of NSW building has been around nearly as long as the town. Built in 1887 for just over a thousand pounds, it came with a bank, manager’s office, strongroom and residence.
After a satisfying 30-year career with Telstra, Andre finally found time to develop his gardening skills while spending quality time with sons Daniel, 13, and Aaron, 9. Keryl enjoys working as a registered nurse with Murrumbidgee Local Health District. “Moving to a small country town was slightly daunting in the first few months,” she says, “but we were lucky our friends were still here at that stage.” Those friends have since moved back to Sydney, but in the B&B business there has never been a shortage of new friends. “Once we got to know the guests, a large percentage of whom had families in the district, we soon got to know different families and various other business owners,” Keryl says. “We enjoy meeting people and love hosting. The B&B has proved a wonderful introduction into the workings of a small country town. We moved here because of this place and couldn’t be happier. “Andre was never a keen gardener but since coming here he has transformed the gardens into a district showpiece.” Andre takes great pride in his lawn, rose gardens and various plants and greenery. With the aid of a landscape designer, the area is functional, lush and ideal for outdoor entertaining. The fun-loving pair are now in their sixth year operating the B&B and still look forward to receiving guests from all over the country. “It really is a lifestyle choice,” Keryl says. “We love our regular guests who come back time and time again. Some have become almost like family.” Recently Mike Whitney from the Sydney Weekender program visited for a night, shooting a story on Sweet Briar and Coolamon Cheese. “Coolamon has a great everyday feel,” Andre says. “When we cross the road to the butcher or to the supermarket, library, school or newsagents we are always rubbing shoulders with like-minded friends. “We are all connected and we love the sense of community that this brings to our everyday lives. “We may have arrived here by accident but, now that we are part of the strong local community, I can say it’s the best choice we ever could have made.” CWL
LEFT: One of Coolamon’s most iconic buildings, the former Bank of NSW, built in 1887 and now a premier B&B in the district; the spacious bedrooms are beautifully appointed; the self-contained Sweet Briar cottages are conveniently located at the top of the main street.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
the pride of Merrin Finding the perfect “studio” was a godsend for this Coolamon dressmaker. Coolamon’s historic Methodist Church is proving to be the perfect setting for Merrin Glasgow to work on an enterprising project that combines lifelong passions of design and dressmaking. Here in her studio, Merrin is repurposing fabric, lace and textiles that already have a story of their own, to create something special and unique to be woven into another life. Until recently, marrying her talents as an accomplished artist and dressmaker in her business Classic Couture Vintage and Bridal, was a part-time pursuit. But now, having enjoyed a long career in education, including as Visual Arts teacher at nearby Junee High School, Merrin is moving to casual teaching as she embarks on this new journey. “It is a bit of a leap of faith, but I feel energised. It is wonderfully exciting,” she says. Her focus is on creating a collection of diverse and exclusive vintage and bridal wear, including veils and headpieces. She loves the creative process, from concept to final, elegant product, combining the classic glamour of a bygone era with stylish individuality. Growing interest in her work led to a recent photo shoot in conjunction with several other regional businesses, receiving excellent coverage via popular wedding print and social media sites. Merrin’s love of sewing was nurtured as a child in Queensland at the side of her mother, grandmother and great grandmother. By her early teens she was drafting patterns and making costumes for school productions. She studied Visual and Performing Arts, then worked for the Queensland Theatre Company, before travelling overseas, returning to complete a Graduate Diploma in Education. With her husband, Philip Schulz, also a Visual Arts teacher, they settled in the Riverina, and in 2005 purchased the old Methodist Church and adjacent hall.
“It was serendipitous,” Merrin says. “We were waiting on a building permit elsewhere, then saw it advertised. Coolamon has a wonderful sense of community.” It is also close to their children, India and Khail, who live in the region. The splendid brick church of Gothic design was consecrated in 1925 and served the district for 50 years, while the adjacent weatherboard hall, the residence, dates back even further. Merrin and Philip are proud and caring custodians of this important piece of local history, sharing the church for special occasions. Surrounded by a charming cottage garden, another of Merrin’s passions, the near century-old church and its grounds invite peaceful contemplation. The sun streams through leadlight windows onto the old floorboards and pews, shining on the mix of gorgeous fabrics, patterns and textiles from years gone by. It is a perfect fit. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Merrin Glasgow loves creating in her studio. LEFT: The old Methodist Church is surrounded by much-loved gardens. COOLAMON CWL 31
PRIME OF LIFE
The Clemson family is farming its way into the future.
Many a fine country marriage has followed a few tentative steps on the dance floor of the Cootamundra B&S Ball. That’s where Charlie Clemson met his wife Lou in the early 1990s, in similar fashion to Charlie’s parents a generation earlier. It was an interesting mix. On one side was Charlie, a sixthgeneration farmer starting out on his own at “Wongajong”, Ardlethan. Lou was the petite, eye-catching Sydney real estate agent, more accustomed to catching Bondi waves than chasing heifers around a paddock. A quick learner and always ready to try new things, Lou has learnt a lot in her 25 years on the land, helping Charlie develop Wongajong Ag into a dynamic enterprise. Over the years they have expanded locally to make up their 2430ha dry land cropping and livestock property, always keeping an eye on the “big picture”. Never afraid of doing things differently, the Clemsons recently purchased 10,500ha of country north-west of Condobolin, where they aim to run about 800 breeders with the calves sent back to “Wongajong” for fattening. “It will essentially be a cow factory for breeding purposes only,” Charlie says. “It’s all about setting up a future for the boys.” The boys are twins Tom and Will, 16, along with younger brother Sam, 15, who are acquiring an education at the prestigious The King’s School, Parramatta. They are all part of the family’s bold expansion plans and will one day assist with the cattle, farming and contracting obligations.
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Although Charlie is typically optimistic, resilient and strong, the relentless 10-year drought forced him to reassess his farming strategies. “In the drought we were losing money year after year,” he says. “It was becoming fairly depressing. After the last drought we promised ourselves we’d never leave ourselves without options.” Part of the change means diversifying and utilising the red clay loam country, on which they grow canola, wheat, barley and legumes, to its best potential. With four kilometres of laneways and electric fences running through the property, Charlie can handle most of the stock work on his own. “On a really good day I can even muster with my new drone from home,” he laughs. After a quarter of a century on “Wongajong”, Charlie is now hitting his straps. Long before cattle prices skyrocketed he predicted a bright longterm future for cattle. Starting with a modest seven heifers, the herd now comprises 350 Blond d’Aquitaine-Blue-E cross cattle. In 2014 the pair introduced their hugely popular Wag Snags to the dining table – their trademark premium beef sausage using the choice cuts. > ABOVE: The Clemson family are building up cattle numbers on “Wongajong”, Ardlethan. FACING PAGE: Charlie and Lou Clemson with their sons Will, Sam and Tom.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
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“The agents and butchers were horrified we were making sausages using the best cuts.”
wag snag Riverina Bred and Fed Grass fed and pesticide free 100% Premium beef sausage locally produced from paddock to plate
www.w-ag.com.au
“Everybody said it wouldn’t work,” Lou laughs. “The agents and butchers were horrified we were making sausages using the best cuts but we found it an excellent way to value-add to our grass-fed beef, free of hormones, antibiotics and pesticides.” Each month, a carcass is sent to the local butcher in Coolamon, averaging 290kg or 4000 sausages. The in-demand super snags are sold throughout the Riverina, at local community events and in Sydney. “We thought Sydney and the Southern Highlands would be our target market but the support from the locals has been overwhelming,” Lou says. With Wongajong as a sponsor, school-age rugby enthusiasts attending Camp Wallaby, run in the holidays, are guaranteed a great feed of Wag Snags. Charlie is forever optimistic and believes you have to create your own opportunities and back your own abilities and knowledge. It’s not just about using the latest technology in cropping machinery, it’s about “going hard” while the energy and belief is still there. Perhaps one day over a family barbecue (featuring Wag Snags), this enterprising and committed farming family will discuss the rituals of the Cootamundra B&S. When the Clemson sons are old enough they will understand and learn for themselves what true passion is all about. CWL
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Charlie and Lou Clemson believe you have to create your own opportunities; Coolamon butcher Paul “Snow” Maloney with Lou and some of her Wag Snags; steers are finished on “Wongajong”.
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old values shine through It is said that you can judge a community by how it looks after its elderly, and in this regard Coolamon appears particularly healthy. In 1991, Coolamon Shire Council embarked on a far-sighted plan to develop a dedicated health services precinct with the opening of the 12-bed Allawah Aged Persons Hostel. “It all started because the local community were finding that their aged members were not being appropriately looked after and required to move away from their homes,” Council General Manager Tony Donoghue says. “This meant disjointed families with ageing couples being separated in the later years of their life. It also meant an exodus of an important part of the community to Wagga Wagga to receive appropriate aged care. “The facilities now available in the Coolamon Shire mean that people now stay within their family and friends network, which makes for a more balanced community. Employment opportunities also encourage new families to move to town.” A 10-bed extension named the Chauncy Wing was opened at Allawah Lodge in 1997, and an 11-bed dementia wing was finished in 2004. Around this time, the Coolamon-Ganmain Hospital relocated to the same area and Council constructed the Allawah Community Centre. From the Centre Council operates Allawah Community Care providing Commonwealth Home Support Services and Community Transport. This building also houses visiting allied professionals to support the health needs of the community.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
This building also houses visiting allied professionals to support the health needs of the community. In 2003, the Council went a step further and built a Medical and Dental Centre that houses two dental rooms and four rooms for consulting doctors. Also on the seven-acre site are 24 self-care units for retirement living in close proximity to all the health services. While Council investment and government funding has been sourced to develop the precinct, there has also been $2 million in community donations and contributions. The residents of the Allawah Retirement Village are able to utilise the facilities within the precinct and are within 150 metres of the hospital, a doctor and dental surgery. Tony says that numerous couples have utilised the retirement village. “When the health of one of the partners deteriorates, there’s an opportunity for the person who is deteriorating to be a resident in Allawah Lodge while still remain in close contact with their partner,” he says. “While this may seem a small observation, it is a very important issue in rural life and builds the success of the entire precinct. “Not only are these services provided in the township of Coolamon but a point of contact and pathway to full medical services has been provided to the outer lying areas of the shire.” In addition, a new ambulance station is being built on land donated by Council adjacent to the retirement village, which will add significantly to the health precinct and the safety of the community. CWL
FACING PAGE: Resident Norma Tevlin plays from memory and has a big repertoire. ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Resident Una O’Keefe; Florence Rose Wassell with carer Karly Robinson; Olive Jennings; Nurses Ava Elvitigala and Amanda Cain with residents Norma Tevlin and Marie Booth.
a fulfilling role Aged care services manager Simone Fuller is a busy woman with 33 residents, many of them more than 90 years of age, and 30 staff to keep happy, healthy and motivated. Although new to the industry, the former high school teacher and adult education manager says she is enjoying the “steep learning curve” of a new industry and keeping the operation running smoothly. “It’s been a pleasure being part of such a close-knit community, caring for people and mentoring and developing staff members,” she says. Simone is married to Mark Leary, a team leader in conservation and land management, and they have four children. The family moved from Leeton three years ago and are settling into the warm-hearted Coolamon community. ABOVE: Aged care services manager Simone Fuller with Coolamon Shire Council general manager Tony Donoghue.
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a breed apart The life of a successful sheep stud breeder leaves little time for resting on one’s laurels. The Armstrong family at “Armdale Park”, Marrar, is gearing up to celebrate in 2018 a significant milestone in their family history: 80 years of breeding stud Dorset and Poll Dorset sheep. Before the celebrations kick off, however, there are a few matters to tend to. First is the annual stud and flock ram sale held on the last Friday of September, with 220 high performance rams going under the hammer. And in November the family starts preparing its show team, followed by a ram and mated ewe sale in the last week of January. Stud breeders Garry and Catherine Armstrong are familiar with the drill, as is son Sam, the fifth generation of Armstrongs in the Winchendon Vale district. Sam left school at Year 10 and has spent the past five years learning what it takes to become a successful stud master. Having completed a Diploma in Agriculture at the Primary Industries Centre, Wagga Wagga, in 2015, Sam, now 21, is keen to see what he can do with his own small selection of stud ewes. When not immersed in sheep duties, Sam is an avid AFL player, having snared a premiership with the East Wagga Hawks in 2016. He’s been playing since he was six but is having this year off to concentrate on work.
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“Everywhere you go, people know the name and there are big shoes to fill,” he admits. “I’m proud of what the family has achieved and am determined to learn as much as I can about the business,” he says before mustering a mob of next season’s rams. There’s a lot to be proud of. “Armdale” was established in 1938 when the founder, the late J. W. Armstrong, selected a small number of Dorset Horn stud ewes and began the long-held tradition to produce quality stock. The next generation saw Alby, Garry’s grandfather, further secure the stud’s progression when the entire stud transferred to the polled stud in 1957 to form the Armdale Poll Dorset Stud. Alby’s son Noel continued the tradition and with wife Shirley stamped their own influence on the stud during a long and successful association with the show ring. Right now Shirley has a broken leg, courtesy of a run-in with a ewe, and is holed up on her neighbouring property, where she has lived since marrying Noel in 1960. Although she lost her husband nine years ago, Shirley still maintains an active interest in the sheep-breeding program. > ABOVE: Sam and Garry Armstrong with their Armdale Park Poll Dorset sheep. FACING PAGE: Sam, Chloe, Catherine and Garry Armstrong will soon celebrate 80 years of breeding stud Dorsets.
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Today the combined studs of Armdale and Armdale Park have a breeding strength of over 1000 stud ewes.
These days the family exhibits at the Gundagai, Canberra and Sydney Royal Easter shows, the NSW Dorset championships in Cowra, along with the two big outings in Bendigo – the Australian Sheep and Wool Show and the Australian Dorset National Championships. “The show circuit provides us with the opportunity to showcase our latest drop of rams while providing a benchmark as to where we stand in the breed as we compete against the best of the best,” Garry says. Having just returned from judging at the Sydney Royal, where the Poll Dorsets took the interbreed award, Garry says he is not surprised the breed holds such a dominant position in the prime lamb industry. “Judging not only keeps me up to date with what others are doing but it is also a great opportunity to sit down and talk with other breeders about our industry.” Garry was raised in the business, taking his own prefix Armdale Park in 1981. In 1988 the family bought the Austeco stud from the Dury family in South Australia. “We bought a complete flock of quality sheep – one of the biggest studs in SA at the time, enabling us to quickly build up numbers,” he says. Today the combined studs of Armdale and Armdale Park have a breeding strength of over 1000 stud ewes. It’s become one of the largest and most successful studs in an industry with over 500 registered flocks, setting benchmarks for both stud and commercial breeders. “Our aim has always been to produce big, fast-growing, well-muscled sheep that are structurally correct with balanced figures. We work hard at maximising the returns of our clients and always strive to keep relevant in the market,” he says. “In recent years we have seen many of our neighbours and clients swing into broad broad-acre, creating a challenge for all seed-stock producers. With unparalleled prime lamb prices, thankfully many are coming back.” It’s easy to understand the enthusiasm for his four-legged friends. “We’ve had great seasons for the last couple of years but the six-year drought before that was pretty testing. Being a closed stud, there was no option but to handfeed and retain the genetics that we’ve carefully built up over a lifetime.” Aside from Sam, there are also two younger team members. Georgia, 17, is in Year 11 at The Riverina Anglican College in Wagga Wagga and is a promising netballer. Also showing potential is Chloe, 11, who attends Coolamon Central School, plays netball and touch football and loves her chooks, ponies and poddy lambs. The family works to a busy schedule. Aside from his normal farming duties, Garry is one of the 12 directors of the Australian Poll Dorset Association and a former president of the Albury Wagga region. “I’ve been involved with the prime lamb industry for nearly 40 years and have seen the industry develop from fat lambs into faster-growing and leaner prime lambs,” he says. Garry admits it’s been a fabulous run. Having worked on the farm all his life, he’s seen the stud win supreme interbreed classes at every major show in the country, he’s sold rams to $21,000 and judged at every Royal Show in Australia. “We are fortunate to have been in business so long but there is also hefty pressure to maintain our position,” he says. “Our clients have been built up over generations but as any man will tell you, it’s a fiercely competitive and economy-driven business. We are all in the business to generate an income and can’t afford to put our blinkers on as to what is happening around us.” CWL
LEFT: Sam Armstrong sees a big future in the Poll Dorset breed; Sam and his father Garry have enjoyed great success in the show ring; Chloe with two of her poddy lambs.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
calming and charming Lesley Jarrett’s Little Rustic Pantry is a treat for the senses.
A visit to the Little Rustic Pantry in Coolamon is an experience to savour. Cosy surroundings are enhanced by mellow music and the delicious aroma of home baking, and there is a stylish collection of thoughtfully selected homewares and gifts, with homemade candles a special feature. This charming store is the pride and joy of owner Lesley Jarrett, who has created a delightful place to relax and unwind, while sharing her passion for beautiful items to enhance any home. “It is very important people feel welcome and comfortable,” says Lesley, who has been involved in hospitality and customer service throughout her life. Combining a love of cooking, retail and country hospitality, she has added a little gem to the town she holds dear.
Combining a love of cooking, retail and country hospitality, she has added a little gem to the town she holds dear. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the Little Rustic Pantry boasts excellent coffee, a delicious selection of home-baked goods, and tasty breakfasts, with a house specialty being French toast with crispy bacon, banana and maple syrup. The tempting lunch menu and blackboard specials offer country-style soups, gourmet focaccias, quiches, pies and tarts, changing daily according to Lesley’s creative whims and clever techniques. Lose yourself in the giftware range, including rustic French Provincial homewares, exciting, all natural Urban Rituelle bath, body and fragrance lines, large selection of gourmet food products, as well as Lesley’s own handmade, modern and vintage pure soy candles. She can customise candles as special orders. It all sits perfectly in the store’s unique setting, originally the town’s butcher shop, which features century-old tiled walls. Lesley and husband Greg have thoughtfully added to and enhanced its country charm. Timber highlights combine with rustic furniture, quaint stools, garden benches and comfortable ottomans, complemented by tasteful soft furnishings. Staff Jacqui Prior and Jodie Mitchell add to the cafe’s growing reputation of great service with a warm welcome. “We have our regular customers together with many visitors, and compliments on the food and atmosphere are rewarding. I love to sit down and have a chat with customers when I can,” Lesley says. “Coolamon has a great community spirit, with people very willing to support local businesses. It has a good feel about it.” CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Lesley Jarrett from the Little Rustic Pantry loves providing her customers with the best coffee and home-baked delicacies.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
favourite things Everything old is new again in this delightful store. William Arnott, the founder of the famous Arnott’s Biscuits in 1865, is a man gone but never forgotten in Coolamon’s Treats and Treasures store. His colourful biscuit tins have become an Aussie icon that Grahame and Sharon Miles sell to keen collectors from all over the country. Arnott is Sharon’s distant relative, which was the catalyst for this particular collection, which numbers in the hundreds. One of their prized possessions is an illuminated round Arnott’s advertising sign of the type given to businesses by sales-promoting reps. “There are only a few in existence. I’ve been offered several thousand for it, but at this point it’s not for sale,” Grahame says. As well as the tins, there are colourful Arnott’s chairs and catalogues from the 1950s and other classic Australian favourites. “Everybody is familiar with Arnott’s biscuits. Most of us grew up with them – Aussie icons like Arnott’s, Bushels and Holden are all very popular,” he continues. “We probably sell half a dozen model cars each weekend, and surprisingly, they seem to be favoured by older men who connect the cars with their childhood.” Thanks to modern technology, the collectables can now be viewed all over the globe. “It’s really quite amazing. Just yesterday we sent a parcel containing two sets of kitchen canisters to England.” When they visited England a few years ago, they came home with some Clarice Cliff pottery, which they have always admired. Some of her pieces are on their mantelpiece at home. Grahame and Sharon have strong sentimental feelings for the shop they have owned for 32 years – the same number of years Grahame devoted to teaching industrial arts and later design and technology at Coolamon Central. When they purchased it back in 1985, it was an old tile shop before they renovated and opened up the popular Treats Restaurant. Sharon was the cook and Grahame the chief bottlewasher. They closed their gourmet eatery a decade later, and the building was prepared for its next life as an antique store. Antique furniture was sourced from auctions, clearing sales and deceased estates. “Back then, you could always come home with a truckload of furniture to restore. We did that for about a decade while we slowly built up our collection of memorabilia,” Grahame explains. “I’ve always been a bit nostalgic with old things and before long had quite a collection of art deco and retro pieces from the 1940-60s.” The collectables have kept them busy since 2005. In the early days they sourced their stock from markets, swap meets, garage sales and clearing sales, but these days Grahame purchases mostly from part-time dealers.
While it’s an all-consuming business, he doesn’t mind occasionally sitting outside the store to watch the world go by. “Coolamon is a wonderful town with so many attractions for tourists,” he says. Having just turned 70, he and Sharon are now looking at selling the business and store. “We’re keen to give some fresh newcomers a chance to walk into an established business to enable us to tick a few other boxes from our bucket list,” he says. Grahame and Sharon are keen travellers and look forward to several extended trips here and overseas. CWL
FACING PAGE: Grahame Miles has always loved his time at Treats and Treasures; the tin collections have always been a big hit with ardent collectors
ABOVE: Lester with some of his beloved cacti. COOLAMON CWL 43
SOUND FINANCIAL MOVE Buying an old bank has proved a wise investment for Wayne and Cheryl Pearse.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
Living in Coolamon’s 107-year-old former Commercial Bank has given a retired farming couple the rare opportunity to witness life in a country town from their balcony in the main street. One of the most substantial buildings in town, the double brick Edwardian residence has a long and rich association with Coolamon. Proud owners Wayne and Cheryl Pearse have known each other their entire lives, having attended primary school in Quandialla, a village about half an hour east of West Wyalong. After finishing school in Temora, Wayne returned to the family farm on The Bland. He and Cheryl married in 1968, bought “Sandridge” and settled down to farming life. Wayne joined the federal police in Canberra before returning to the farm with Cheryl and their three sons. After a few bad years of drought and low commodity prices, he spent a further decade as a prison correction officer at the Junee Correctional Centre. The farm was sold around the turn of the century and the couple moved into Coolamon, primarily thanks to the majestic old bank coming on the market. The front section of the building is rented to Beyond Bank, while the back of the building and upstairs is devoted to residential living. “We love being able to sit out on our balcony and watch the world go by. Some may think it’s a pretty slow pace, but it’s our pace,” a contented Cheryl says.
“We particularly enjoy watching the Anzac Day service and the New Year’s fireworks celebrations.” A major feature of their home is the ornate timber stairwell, which Wayne stripped of white paint to reveal the original cedar. “Banks are generally well-maintained buildings, but they tended to paint everything,” he says with a grin. Although many years retired, Cheryl still volunteers at Vinnies after a career as a driving instructor and beauty consultant. She enjoys scrapbooking, photography and making exquisite porcelain dolls. Wayne also loves taking pictures, lawn bowls and restoring furniture for their home, which comes in handy when their children and grandchildren visit. No doubt they will gather the clan for two big milestones in 2018. Cheryl’s parents Clive and Beryl Hazell celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary, and Wayne and Cheryl celebrate their own golden wedding anniversary. The old bank will be rocking to the rafters. CWL
ABOVE: The former Commercial Bank now houses the Beyond Bank downstairs and a beautiful residence above. FACING PAGE: The elegant cedar staircase; Cheryl and Wayne Pearse; the sun-room and the formal dining room.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
leap of faith Restoring a 1920s convent has been a challenging but rewarding experience for its current owners.
St Michael’s Convent was built on sturdy faith, which the new owners are drawing on as they breathe new life into the near century-old building. The story starts in 1887 with the arrival of three Sisters of St Joseph in the tiny settlement of Coolamon. The Riverina was in the throes of drought, but Coolamon’s pioneers saw the reward for their perseverance in the rising wheat lands around them. Strong in deed and in faith, the Catholic settlers shared their increasing prosperity with the Sisters. In 1920, they replaced the original convent with a spacious brick building to accommodate six nuns, a chapel, sitting rooms and large dining room. It’s likely the building was made through the generosity of the community. For current owners Howard Atkinson and Ann Baker, restoring the old convent to its former glory has been a challenging project. The convent’s single bathroom had been used for decades by up to six nuns, who lived in individual “cells” opening into one large common room. “We knocked down one wall between two cells to make a master bedroom and built an en suite and office in what was part of the enclosed verandah,’’ says Howard, an experienced renovator. “Next we installed a wood-fired heater in the common room and a pot belly in the kitchen.” The 1970s carpets were ripped up in the chapel to reveal beautiful Cypress pine floorboards. The serene room, with wonderful leadlight windows, will be used for weddings, the first test of faith being Ann’s daughter Erin, who ties the knot this spring. Aside from a new slab recently laid for an outside carport with workshop and guest amenities, Howard and Ann have maintained the integrity of the convent. Exterior and interior paintwork has been refreshed, using a colour scheme sympathetic to the original structure and design of the building. With further work to be conducted in the rose gardens, which feature 220 rose bushes planted by a former owner after the nuns’ departure, the duo aim to restore the grotto as a place for quiet reflection. When the work is completed, they anticipate the convent will once again become a significant building in the community. “The availability of rooms for weddings or meetings will open the premises to all and sundry, acknowledging the work and generosity of our forefathers, and to some extent, giving a little back to their descendants,” Ann says. Taking on the project was a big step for Howard, a former sheep and wheat farmer from Berrigan. In his mid-30s, he decided to try something different and spent the next eight years conducting 4WD tours up to the Coloured Sands north of Noosa. Next he moved to Gympie, where a planned three-month stint as a truckie turned into years. Howard delivered high-end shop fittings from Maroochydore to shops all over Australia, involving 23 trips across the Nullarbor.
It was at a Wagga Wagga truck stop that he met Ann five years ago. Once again his life was thrown into beautiful chaos. Ann has worked in the community welfare sector for the past 20 years, raising her two children, Erin and Matthew, while nursing her parents in Lockhart until their passing. Doing up the old convent has been a daunting and characterbuilding experience for both of them. “With a building of 440 square metres, the sheer size of the undertaking was massive,” Ann says. “We got through all the miserable wet weather and doubtful moments and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.” CWL
FACING PAGE: The old convent will soon once more become a significant building within the Coolamon community; restoring the convent has proved a challenging experience for Howard Atkinson and Ann Baker; all rooms have been beautifully painted and restored.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Coolamon
ABOVE AND BEYOND A new way of banking is helping people achieve their goals.
We’re a bank that is 100% owned by our customers. We exist to create better products and services, and return value to the communities in which we live and operate. We go beyond in everything we do, and that means doing more for our customers than they ever expected. It’s part of what makes us the other way to bank. This is exactly what we have done at Coolamon Cheese. Anton Green and his dad Barry were after a financial kickstart to turn their dreams of running a world-class cheese-making business into a reality. Our $10,000 Community Entrepreneur grant helped get things rolling and in the two years since, Coolamon Cheese has transformed a historic building in the main street into a sensational cheese factory with a café/deli that has become a tourist hot spot. Coolamon Cheese is an outstanding example of going beyond, enthusiasm and a determination to succeed. To find out more about Go Beyond visit www.beyondbank.com.au, call 13 25 85 or drop into the Coolamon branch.
MATTHEW KANCK, Regional Manager
New to Beyond Bank, Matthew brings over 20 years’ experience in the retail environment in both private enterprise and the not-for-profit sectors. Based in Wagga, Matthew’s role is focused on improving member benefits and delivering responsible and sustainable financial services to Beyond Bank customers in the region. Matthew enjoys camping, fishing and spending time with family and friends and is looking forward to volunteering at the many community events that we support in the Coolamon Shire.
PATRICK KNAGGE,
JUDITH WHYTE,
Patrick is focused on providing specialist lending advice to Beyond Bank customers across the region. His areas of expertise include housing finance, construction loans, parent equity home loans and mobile banking. Patrick is an active member of the Marrar Football Club, as well as a keen cyclist and runner.
With over 25 years’ experience in the finance sector, Judith prides herself on her excellent customer service and enjoys creating meaningful relationships with her customers. Judith takes an active role in supporting the many fundraising activities of local community organisations and you will always find her on the sidelines enthusiastically encouraging her local teams.
Mobile Relationship Manager
Member Relationship Consultant
KAREN GARROD,
Community Development Manager
With over 30 years’ experience in the finance sector, Karen is passionate about working within the community and is committed to supporting local organisations and events in Wagga, Coolamon and Ganmain. She brings considerable expertise in the area of community engagement and firmly believes that Beyond Bank can offer value to our local community organisations through our range of community banking products. CWL
ABOVE: Relationship Consultants Judith Whyte, Rhiannon Rutland and Lesley Fairweather. LEFT: Judith Whyte, Relationship Advisor, Matt Kanck, Regional Manager, Patrick Knagge, Mobile Relationship Manager, Barry Lillywhite, Coolamon Cheese, Karen Garrod, Community Development Manager.
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“You want to achieve something.� Call 02 6927 2452, drop into 120 Cowabbie Street Coolamon or visit beyondbank.com.au
The other way to bank. Beyond Bank Australia is a trading name of Community CPS Australia Ltd ABN 15 087 651 143 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237 856.
T O W N F E A T U R E Coolamon
keeping it real
Karen Pollard is a matchmaker of sorts – teaming country folk with the homes that best suit their needs, wants and budgets.
“Keeping it Local, Keeping it Real” is the motto of Coolamon Rural & Residential Real Estate, which has been proudly owned and operated by Karen Pollard for seven years. Karen is passionate about real estate, and has been in the industry on and off for more than 30 years, starting in Queensland, selling properties on Stradbroke and Bribie islands in her early 20s. Having seen many changes in the industry since her humble beginnings, one thing that has never changed for Karen is her commitment to helping as many people as possible realise the great Australian dream of owning their own home. She has built her successful agency concentrating on the principles of being genuine with people, and having a strong service and work ethic. Karen is focused on matching the client with the property, resulting in many satisfied customers.
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Karen is focused on matching the client with the property, resulting in many satisfied customers.
The agency’s consistent results reflect this, maintaining on average four property sales a month since it was established – a fantastic result, particularly for a country town. “We ask questions and listen – what are your needs, wants and budget? We don’t want to waste anyone’s time. We are honest and down to earth and I think people appreciate that,” Karen says. Karen, husband Steve and their children moved to Coolamon eight years ago after searching for the “right home” for more than a year. “Coolamon was the last place we drove into and first place we fell in love with,” says Karen, who hasn’t looked back. Coolamon has enjoyed tremendous success and growth and Karen believes this is due to several factors. “The town has continued to grow due to its many unique shops and services, as well as a forward-thinking council who are supportive and committed to the district’s growth.
“Coolamon is totally self sufficient with a hospital, medical centre, schools, supermarket, only 20 minutes to Charles Sturt University and 25 minutes to Wagga Wagga. “Real estate is a huge drawcard as properties in Coolamon are very affordable compared to surrounding areas, and rentals yield a higher than average return. “Many people move here for the country lifestyle, and with many sporting facilities, too, there is plenty for all to do.” Shantelle Carey, Karen’s property manager for almost three years, lends professionalism and efficiency to the business, and is a staff member Karen could not do without. “This area is continuing to grow and we are very proud to be part of that,” Karen says. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Coolamon Rural & Residential licensee Karen Pollard is confident about the town’s future. LEFT: Property manager Shantelle Carey loves her work.
all aboard
Third-generation family business Allens Coaches just keeps rolling along.
Located only two blocks from the centre of Coolamon, the Allens Coaches depot is a hive of activity, particularly in the early mornings and mid-afternoons during school runs. The family enterprise will next year celebrate 70 years in business – a milestone that can be traced back to plucky Englishman Amos Allen, who left his family in Cambridge at the turn of the 20th century to set off for a new life in the colonies. His journey took him half-way round the world to a farm on the outskirts of Coolamon, a town he called home for the rest of his life, never to see his parents or siblings again.
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During WW1, he served in Gallipoli and the Middle East and could well have gone back to England after hostilities ended. Instead, he returned to Australia, where he had developed strong farming connections. He bought a truck and began a general carting business for local farmers, taking wool, wheat and oil to and from the railway station. By then he was married to local lass, Daphne Kelly, and had one child, a son, Bob. Many years later Bob and his wife, Dorothy, joined forces with Amos to establish A. Allen & Son.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
They started with a single bus. Nearly six decades later it is still a family-run business with Bob and Dorothy’s son Brett, his wife Debbie and the family matriarch running a fleet of 11 school buses and four luxury coaches for charter work. They have 15 drivers and a full-time mechanic, with Debbie and Dorothy in charge of administration. Having been in the business since it started, Dorothy, now 78, has seen it all. This indomitable powerhouse started driving buses as a young woman after Amos suffered a heart attack and still gets behind the wheel when required. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to spend my working life surrounded by family,” she says. “We’ve also enjoyed great connections with many other families throughout the district for generations.” Brett remembers catching the school bus, driven by his father, to nearby Wagga Wagga. “In those days there were no seatbelts or security cameras and kids did as they were told – otherwise you were put off and had to walk home,” he says with a grin. Kids these days, he says, are generally well behaved on the bus run. “Living in a small community, we develop a special rapport with most of the students we carry,” he says. “We don’t have too much grief and a phone call usually fixes most problems.” At 15, Brett left school and began a diesel mechanic’s apprenticeship. By 18 he was driving school buses and honing his mechanical skills in the workshop. Forty years later he is still there. “I never left the building,” he laughs. “It’s like living on a farm. For better or worse, it’s all I’ve ever known.” When Brett started, there were seven buses mainly for the school run, but that number has since doubled to service 11 school and route services. “Coolamon, although a great town, is still very much dependent on its city neighbour Wagga Wagga for employment and services,” Brett says. In the 1980s, Bob was smart enough to start a daily service between the towns, with a depot in Wagga, where Brett spends much of his time. A major part of their business involves taking school, sporting and social groups on trips all over the country. Brett was usually the one behind the wheel in the early years, but these days he gets to choose which trips best fit into his tight schedule. In the office and backing him all the way is wife Debbie, a Temora girl who was hairdressing in Wagga Wagga when they met. Debbie books itineraries and accommodation for groups, helps with the driver rostering and is also the paymaster. The pair live in the home that once belonged to Amos, with their children Ryan, 16, Claire, 14 and Joshua, nine. Dorothy lives next door, where she has resided since her marriage to Bob in 1958. The memories of Amos and Bob, who died in 1999, are still felt throughout the depot. The wheels from Amos’s first delivery truck sit idle against a wall. In 1993, Brett and his family visited the village where Amos lived a century earlier, knowing his grandfather still had one relative left there. “We pulled up and I was talking to this bloke. All I had was a photo of my grandfather in a soccer team and unbelievably, this Pommy bloke’s father was in the same photo. After that we were treated like royalty and learnt a lot about our ancestry.” Allens Coaches have progressed a lot since Amos’s day with his one truck. Many miles have been conquered and still the show goes on. Josh, their youngest child, is showing the most interest in continuing the family business but Brett and Debbie just want the kids to be happy and chase their own dreams. CWL
FACING PAGE: Three generations of the Allen family: Matriarch Dorothy Allen, Brett and Debbie and their children Ryan, Claire and young Joshua. ABOVE: The man responsible for establishing the business, Amos Allen, in the early days of the freighting business; Dorothy’s late husband Bob; Brett knows his way around the workshop; Dorothy still drives the bus when necessary; Brett and his mechanic Buster Noble fine-tune the bus engines.
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world at his feet From the Central West to Western Australia, Brent Rollins’s dancing journey has just begun.
He’s a fifth-generation farmer but Brent Rollins prefers the pirouette to the plough any day of the week. The fit and lean Coolamon bornand-bred dancer, who is in his first year at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in Perth, has the world at his feet. “The TV show So You Think You Can Dance best portrays what I do with my contemporary dancing,” he says during a flying visit home. The quietly confident 18-year-old started dancing as a young tacker growing up on “Maydale”, the family property settled by his greatgrandfather Bob Freer in 1938. He was destined to break the family mould. “I can remember first watching Brent walking on his toes down the hallway at the age of four or five,” says dad Bruce, a strapping hulk who played 396 games for the Marrar Bombers. He was still a fiercely competitive AFL player in his late-30s when his leg snapped in half in an awkward landing. During one footy presentation night, Brent was busting a few moves on the dance floor while the trophies were being handed out. “He was only eight or nine and going hell for leather, having an absolute ball,” Bruce recalls. “It was about this time we realised we may just have a dancer in the family.” Soon after, Brent enrolled for ballet classes with tutor Christie Manuel. “His fifth class teacher warned us it was only a matter of time before he got bullied, but Brent kept at it,” Bruce says. Throughout high school, his performances improved with every opportunity. During a school talent night, he decided to put on a show.
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“He can jump. He can do the splits. He can dance. He’s getting all the girls, who were watching with their mouths on the floor,” Bruce says. “After that, they embraced what he was doing, with some of the boys even lining up for private lessons.” Having studied dance as an HSC subject at Temora High and adding contemporary and jazz to his repertoire, Brent finished 2016 by being accepted to perform at Callback in Sydney, which featured the top 30 dancers from the state’s leaving year. He was the only one west of the Blue Mountains to make the cut. “As a kid, the movie Billy Elliot motivated me to follow my dreams,” Brent says. “To be a good dancer you need to be physically fit and have mountains of self belief. Only a few dancers make it, and there are no substitutes for discipline and selfmotivation.” After his three-year course, Brent plans to join a professional dance company here or overseas. Meanwhile, his sister Kate, 24, has completed a diploma of primary industries and is continuing the family farming connection. CWL LEFT: Dancer Brent Rollins leaps for joy in Coolamon’s main street. ABOVE: Proud farmer Bruce Rollins and his talented son Brent.
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collective good
A mixed business with a difference is showcasing the delights of the district’s produce. Combining the efforts of 32 talented members has proved a winning combination for shoppers at Coolamon’s Country Goodies store. For nearly two years the shop has supplied a smorgasbord of products and fresh condiments from cheese boards, tomato relish, teapot cosies and milk jug covers to tea towels and postcards. There is even a photographic book, Coolamon, Through The Eye Of The Camera, compiled by the late photographer Max Robertson.
President Mary Robertson said the initial idea was to combine all their different products under the one roof with a monthly roster system to manage the business. The concept works well. Members enjoy one-on-one talks with their customers on a regular basis. ABOVE: Gail Edyvean, Colin and Brenda Patterson, Mary Robertson, Karen Buchegger and Lee Furnell have combined forces to make Country Goodies an innovative Coolamon store.
Coolamon Jams & Chutneys Colin Patterson has been making jams, pickles and chutneys for over 40 years. With that sort of experience, expect something tasty from the 22 different lines of products under the Coolamon Jams & Chutneys banner. “The tomato relish is great with cold meats and is easily our number one seller,” Colin says. The jams are a must-have on any breakfast table. Tomato, pineapple and passionfruit is a great mix, along with marmalade, to go on your toast. Products are all sourced within a 100km radius of Coolamon and are made
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with a certain blend of love that only comes from a life spent working with vegetables. Colin started work in the grocery department of the old Coolamon Co-op in 1950 and remembers pedalling his bike around town collecting the weekly orders from local homes. Those were the days of paper bags and good old-fashioned service, something Colin has never forgotten.
RIGHT: Brenda and Colin with samples of their produce.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
Coolamon Olives With over 1000 trees, Coolamon Olives is producing between 400-500 litres of extra virgin olive oil each year. “The olives respond amazingly well to our Coolamon climate and are processed at a factory near Wagga Wagga,” says Lee Furnell, who runs the olive operation with husband Phil on “Aldersyde”, Coolamon. In 2003, the couple established their own label, which is now sold through the Coolamon Cheese Factory, at Country Goodies, select retail outlets in Wagga Wagga and a few special markets in the district. It’s a great product, as shown by the gold and silver medals they’ve picked up from the Australian Golden Olive Awards, which celebrate the diversity and delight of the Australian olive. ABOVE: Lee Furnell with some of her olive products.
Garden party During the past five years have you noticed anything different growing in Coolamon gardens? We’re not talking weeds taking over but quirky little garden ornaments that personalise each and every garden. Long-term local Gail Edyvean has been supplying kangaroos, emus, chooks, life-size dogs, huge turtles and frogs sourced from suppliers in Melbourne and Brisbane. ‘It’s great seeing all these friendly farmyard animals sitting quietly in one’s garden,” Gail says. “They don’t hurt anyone and are known to bring tremendous joy and colour to the owner of any garden.” Gail invites everybody to inspect their next garden addition at Country Goodies, where there is something for everybody. CWL
“It’s great seeing all these friendly farmyard animals sitting quietly in one’s garden.” RIGHT: Gail Edyvean likes all creatures, big and small.
Snowgum Honey Honey runs through the veins of Karen Buchegger, of “Clifton Hills”, Coolamon. Her grandfather and uncle produced honey in the Coolamon district. Karen’s husband, Michael, has been collecting the amber liquid for 30 years, learning the trade from his Austrian father. “Honey is a great natural product, coming directly from the bees with no additives,” says Karen. “It not only tastes great but has many nutritional benefits.” You can buy fresh honey at Country Goodies or at the Coolamon Cheese Factory. ABOVE: Karen Buchegger with children Summer, Emmerson and Lawson and some of their Snowgum Honey products.
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say g’day to Gus
The tag of local legend is one that sits easily with Coolamon’s Greg “Gus” Guthrie.
Every town seems blessed with at least one fair dinkum character – typically a bloke who has an answer for everything and can stretch the truth by a country mile. Coolamon has Greg “Gus” Guthrie, who owns the local newsagency and knows just about everybody in town. Born into a farming family in 1952, Gus has packed a lot into his eventful life and lives every day as though it were his last. He greets his regulars with a smile and a barrage of quirky oneliners – “I never say goodbye, we’ll always meet again” and his favourite “It costs nothing to say g’day” – but behind the friendly banter lies a story of a kid forced to grow up fast. When he was 15, his father suffered a fatal heart attack and young Gus left school to help his older brother run the farm “Westwood Ho”, Ashbridge, before finding work in local shearing sheds. He figured there was no reason he couldn’t shear like the men and was soon removing fleeces in 40-degree heat. Over the years Gus tried his hand at various jobs, most of them with a gritty determination that belies his perpetual grin. He was called up in the Army, the last intake of National Service from 1972-74. “Dad was a cook in Brisbane during WW2 and because of that I ended up in the catering department,” he says. Gus continued in the butcher’s trade at Knights Meats, Wagga Wagga, before spending 17 years working for an air freight business in the national capital. By then he was married to Narelle and raising their two children, but Gus wasn’t finished.
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“Back in 2000 my brother-in-law had the newsagency and bake house next door and needed a hand when he got crook,” he explains. “I thought I’d add another string to my bow and here I am17 years later.” Just as life was settling down, a fire devoured their home. “Thanks to blokes like Dave McCann, who put on a fundraiser to help get us back on our feet, and overwhelming local support, I learnt what it really means to live in a small community.” These days Gus is still punching away, rising every morning at 4.15am to meet the Sydney and Melbourne delivery trucks. During the day he and Narelle tend to bookings at the local caravan park as well as running the newsagency. Come knock-off, Gus enjoys a beer over a game of bowls but is equally happy washing his car, mowing lawns or tackling the pumpkins in his vegie patch. He is an avid AFL man, having played with the Ganmain Maroons for many years, and backs the Sydney Swans and the Bulldogs in the NRL. When his time finally comes, Gus says they’ll bury him with his boots on behind the front counter. Then he corrects himself. “As a matter of fact, I asked my kids to bury me in the compost so I can keep working!” That’s what makes Gus Guthrie, the town’s biggest personality, such a keeper. CWL ABOVE: Gus Guthrie knows everybody in town and does his best to ensure they leave the newsagency smiling.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
the main attraction The quaint Riverina town of Ganmain wears its history on its sleeve.
Rudi Linklater.
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CUT AND DRIED A chaff-cutting operation that adheres to time-honoured methods has earned a well-deserved reputation for quality.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
The Ganmain district has long held a reputation for producing the highest quality cereal hay. The first three trucks of chaff were sent to the Sydney markets in 1893, for which the enterprising growers were paid the princely sum of 100 pounds. The years 1910-25 were the peak of the chaff-cutting industry, when 23 private and contracting chaff cutters employed more than 200 men and their families. During this time, a mechanically minded Bill Hitchens teamed up with his chaff-cutting mate Harry Logan to establish Logan & Hitchens, a name that has grown to be synonymous with Ganmain. Harry’s son Colin worked in the business his entire life, followed by his son Barrie, who at 75, still keeps an eye on things. Barrie and wife Pat have passed on the management responsibilities to daughter Nadine Logan and partner Howard Martin, who sell rural merchandise, fuel, fertiliser and chemicals to the local farming community. Nadine’s brother David, a fifth-generation Ganmain farmer, runs the farming operation including the bulk of the hay baling, which is later cut into chaff in a huge shed on the edge of town. Down in the shed with the engine humming, smoke in the air and the sweat of men pitching the hay into the chaff cutter, is where Barrie feels most at home. He knows exactly what it takes to produce quality chaff. He recalls Harry using draught horses to cart the hay before pitchfork-yielding gangs expertly stacked the sheafs into huge haystacks on a paddock’s edge. In later years, with larger elevators, the stacks grew to 100 tonnes. “Up until the 1960s, my father Colin would take his chaff cutter to the farm, cut the hay into chaff and bag it by hand,” Barrie recalls. “It’s still the same today, the only difference being that the hay comes to us rather than the other way round.” Although there is only one crop each year – sown in April and cut by November – the chaff cutter goes all year round in this multimillion- dollar business. Barrie has a team of 10 men plus a trainee, who work from 7am to 4.30pm cutting and bagging the chaff in the traditional way. It’s hard, physical work and demands good, old-fashioned teamwork. “The bags were hand-stitched until we brought in the sewing machines about 12 years ago, ending up 100 years of sewing by hand,” he says, tackling another bag. About four years ago he looked at a million-dollar upgrade to invest in the latest mechanical chaff cutter that would have trimmed his staff by four men, but he figured there was simply nothing wrong with the old system. “While we still have the available labour I can see no point in changing a good thing. If it ain’t broke, why change it,” he asks. That sort of thinking has seen Logan & Hitchens become one of the town’s biggest employers with about 25 on the books, including staff members who have put in a remarkable 50 years’ service – Jack Cedelland (spare parts), Kerry Linsell (mechanic) and Merv Cameron (Jack of all trades). Each year the team produce about 5000 tonnes of premium oaten and wheaten chaff, down from 8000 tonnes in the 1960s, which ends up in about 60 NSW and Queensland produce stores. That’s about 1200 standard 25kg bags each day. The chaff will become nutritious horse feed, especially in the thoroughbred world. “Ten years ago we had about 16 growers in the district but now there’s only about six left,” Barrie says. “The climate and 19 inch rainfall is very well suited to growing hay, all made from wheat and oats, harvested with a windrower, dried out and then round baled before it comes to us.”
Still handy with a pitchfork, Barrie remembers well the old hay stacks from days gone by.
Still handy with a pitchfork, Barrie remembers well the old hay stacks from days gone by. “We’d have three gangs of seven men each carting and stacking the sheaf hay throughout summer. You had to keep working despite the weather. It was a race to get the hay in before the wetter months, typically March. Now we have it all baled and carted by Christmas.” Three generations of Logans – Harry, Colin and Barrie – have served on Coolamon Shire Council while keeping the chaff-cutting business sustainable for nearly a century. “It’s in the blood I suppose,” Barrie says. “What else would you want to do?” CWL
FACING PAGE: Clockwise from top left: The chaff-cutting starts with a round bale; Barrie Logan is still hands on after a lifetime in the chuff-cutting business; feeder Greg Oughton; Bill Karlberg works the pitchfork. ABOVE: Building hay stacks required plenty of manpower; Ganmain chaff is carted out of town; expert knife grinder Alan Jones plays a vital role in the team.
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Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
casting a wide net A new and stylish store in Ganmain has something for everyone.
Mel Corbett’s sense of style, knowledge of her products, and willingness to go the extra distance to source something special has seen her venture, Fisher and Farmer, go from strength to strength in only a year. She first envisaged “just a little store,” but when a larger premises became available grabbed the opportunity. “I’m very passionate about what I’m doing and love that people come in and go ‘wow’,” Mel says. “I enjoy providing customers with beautiful things at a reasonable price.” Her store has an eclectic and extensive range, with lots of unique items. A sign outside – “Life is short. Buy a hide” – is a pointer to the many animal hides and products inside, including cowhide rugs, bags, wallets, cushions and ottomans, along with fallow deer, reindeer and springbok skins. Popular sheepskin products include rugs and slippers.
Mel’s shop is a showcase for the talent in the area, such as Riverina artists Kim Bolitho and Kylie van Tol. “People like to have a choice and something different,” Mel says. Other items include soft furnishings, candles, a wide range of giftware, body products, jewellery from local designers, and stylish rugs of jute and wool. Natural fibres and earthy tones feature strongly. Most recent additions are furniture, boutique clothing and scarves, and fresh flowers brought in weekly from the Melbourne markets. “It’s important to keep diversifying, and I pride myself on always having a good selection.” Mel’s shop is a showcase for the talent in the area, such as Riverina artists Kim Bolitho and Kylie van Tol. As her vision for Fisher and Farmer develops, Mel is grateful for the support and encouragement from family, friends and the community. She also acknowledged the contribution of her “wonderful” staff to the business’s success. Married to a local farmer, and with five children aged from eight to 25 years, life is busy. “It’s nice introducing something different to your home town, and I still have the flexibility for other commitments and involvement on the farm,” Mel says. Mel believes customer service is the core of a successful business, and she puts that into practice, tracking down special customer orders and “doing what you say you will”. In-store customers come from a wide area, and Mel uses social media and website www.fisherandfarmer.com.au to reach people further afield. Gift vouchers are available. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
FACING PAGE: Mel Corbett brings a fresh approach to retail in Ganmain. COOLAMON CWL 63
FITS LIKE A CLOVE
Adding garlic to their crop rotation has proved a recipe for success for these Ganmain farmers. It was through their daughter’s French tutor that Ganmain mixed farmers John and Michelle Booth developed an affinity with garlic. Although John is a fifth-generation farmer in the district, he is the first to grow the ancient bulb as a commercial crop. It all started five years ago when the Booths met a French-speaking Ganmain resident who grew amazing vegetables in her backyard. “Our daughter Katelyn was at Kinross and needed a basic knowledge of French,” recalls Michelle over a tasting of her delicious garlic-infused produce. “Her tutor was this wonderful Algerian lady who grew all sorts of fruit and vegies. Katelyn always came home with a big bag of goodies, but the garlic was always the highlight.” John developed a love for garlic and started growing it in the vegie plot before putting on his farmer’s hat and progressing to a nearby paddock. It’s all grown from there. These days it’s an exciting sideline enterprise that complements their existing commitments. When she’s not bottling garlic products, Michelle works at the local school and helps John out on the family farm, “Woodpark”. Here John grows winter cereals, runs livestock and heads up an earthmoving business, mainly cleaning and building dams. After a lifetime of shearing, John is upbeat about his one hectare crop, which in a good season can produce up to three tonnes of garlic.
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At about $25/kg, the garlic enterprise has developed into a viable enterprise enjoyed by the whole family. “We’ve experimented with five different varieties but we had to find the one most suitable for dryland farming,” John says. The Oriental Purple variety is exceeding all expectations. The crop is harvested with a machine similar to a potato harvester, lifting the garlic from the soil before John and Michelle bunch and tie it in their shed to cure for several weeks. After the roots and stems are trimmed it’s ready for market. About half the crop is sold direct from paddock to the plate. The rest is turned into pickled garlic, smoked garlic, garlic relishes and garlic vinaigrette. The Booth family sell their Ganmain Garlic bottled products at Coolamon Cheese, Ganmain Bakery, Thorne Street Cafe in Wagga and local farmers markets. They say it’s a great way of integrating within the community.
A few years ago, world production of garlic was 25 million tonnes, with most of that grown in China. That’s a lot of garlic, but Michelle says you don’t need much to spice up a leg of lamb or salad. “Crush a few cloves of the smoked garlic into your mashed potato and taste the difference,” she suggests. With a German heritage, the Booth family have always tried to be self sufficient. They still butcher their own livestock and make their own smoked smallgoods like salami, bacon and prosciutto. Growing garlic, in the end, was yet another natural string to their bow. CWL
ABOVE: Growing garlic has proved a successful enterprise for Ganmain farmers John and Michelle Booth.
Coolamon T O W N F E A T U R E
feeding a demand Passionate baker Ben Murphy is ensuring that the Ganmain Pie legend continues.
There are many delicious options at the Ganmain Bakery, including its legendary Ganmain Pie, a signature dish for more than 70 years. This tasty pastry is a favourite throughout the region and beyond. And the proof is in the baking – a remarkable 1000 dozen pies a week are made on site during the busy winter season. Owners Ben and Anna Murphy proudly maintain the traditions of the bakery and the Ganmain Pie, which was developed by Alf Britton in 1944. The Murphys purchased the business in 2015 after Ben, who has been in the trade for 27 years, moved from Victoria to work in the bakery 10 years ago. “I did my apprenticeship at a family business, Molly Dean’s Bakehouse, with traditional bakers who loved their work, and that’s how I feel too. It’s much more than a job,” Ben says. With Anna in charge of logistics, their roles complement each other, leading to a successful partnership. The day gets under way around 1.30am, preparing orders for distributors in Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong and Griffith, plus a myriad of smaller connections. They also feed hungry weekend crowds of district football clubs, while their growing reputation now sees outlets in Melbourne and Canberra. Ben is meticulous about the baking process, and believes attention to detail has also been a key to the longevity of the Ganmain Pie recipe (along with a few baking secrets).
“We use only the best quality ingredients, and source local products, including those from Coolamon Butchery and Coolamon Cheese. People appreciate that quality.” The bakery offers 20 types of pies, sausage rolls and a large selection of cakes, bread, and pastry delights. It also stocks regional gourmet produce and a range of supermarket lines. The bakery is one of the town’s largest employers, with a staff of 12, and the Murphys keenly support local organisations and sporting clubs.
They greatly value the tight-knit Ganmain community, where they enjoy raising their young family. Working with passion and purpose, the team at the Ganmain Bakery strive to produce only the best. The Ganmain Pie is in good hands. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Ben and Anna Murphy are known for their pies, sausage rolls and large selection of cakes, bread and pastry delights.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Junee
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Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
Junee
TOWN FE ATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
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hospitality speaks volumes from the Mayor of Junee Speak to Me. This is what “Junee” means in the language of our Aboriginal people. What I love about this is that this meaning not only harks back tens of thousands of years but it implies listening, learning and sharing. What better introduction to a place than this concept. It’s what we do best here in the Junee Shire. Junee and its surrounding villages offer a cornucopia of experiences, sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Whether your interests are ghosts, trains, licorice and chocolate, bushrangers or gold – you’ll be well catered for. With a host of accommodation options from free camping by the Murrumbidgee River, an award-winning caravan park within an easy walk to town, to character-filled pubs, centrally located motels and quaint and rail-themed bed and breakfasts – there’s something to suit every taste and leave the visitor with a unique and positive experience. With the largest inland city in NSW, Wagga Wagga, half an hour away, we have it all. Residents of Junee enjoy a country lifestyle and sense of belonging while having the health services, entertainment options and other benefits of a large regional centre on their doorstep. Employment options abound with a diversity of agricultural pursuits, university, armed forces and other stable, local employers. Connectivity in a transport sense is exceptional. Junee is located on the main Sydney to Melbourne rail line and at the junction of the western line to Hay and Griffith. Wagga airport is an easy 35-minute drive providing regular, direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Stop any local in the street and ask them about the place that means “speak to me”. I’m sure you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Cr Neil Smith, Junee Shire Mayor
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COUNTRY TOWN Give me a moment & I’ll tell you Of a paradise here on earth. A place that I’ve been and some of you may have seen, A heavenly dream of great worth. This place that I speak of is friendly, It’s a place of smiles and grins wide, Where the people you greet as you stroll down the street, Speak with community pride. A place where you’re watched out and cared for, Where good turns occur every day, Where positive praise and helping hand ways Make this just the best place to stay. Here kids can ride their bikes freely, Their friends are all close at hand. Freedom and space abound in this place, While the skate park and pool are just grand. For me this place that I speak of, The place that I’ll always be, Is a small country town in Australia, On the Olympic Highway – Junee. Now the last point I’ll make before finishing, Is the name of the place matters not. Any country town where the folks wear no frown, In Australia is a bloody good spot. It’s our attitude that makes the difference. A perspective and outlook that’s bright. So like me, love your town and your country, And wherever you live’ll be just right. Neil Smith
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a town on the right track Junee, nestled between the hills and the Murrumbidgee River, burst to life as a result of construction of the Great Southern Rail Line connecting Sydney and Melbourne, which really put the town on the map in 1878.
The magnificent railway station became the heart of the town and brought with it a sense of character that remains today. Trains still undergo repairs at the delightful Roundhouse, the largest working railway roundhouse in the southern hemisphere. And the Bethungra Rail Spiral is the largest uphill loop and tunnel spiral in Australia. New and quickly developing industries such as tourism are bringing a fresh take to the region’s history. Tourism is seeing historic places like the old flour mill being transformed into one of the most successful tourism industries in the region, the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. This attraction alone brings around 100,000 visitors to the region each year. The haunted Monte Cristo Homestead, the Broadway Museum, the Athenium Theatre, local wineries, and The Olde School T-House also pull in the crowds. Transformations from old to new like this are revitalising the town and villages while keeping the charm and authenticity of the past intact.
The other area of significant growth is in regional links. Country communities are historically self-reliant, but Junee pushes beyond the shire boundaries for an inclusive look at opportunities. Instead of competing against larger centres nearby, the council has been proactive in using nearby resources to develop lifestyle opportunities. Junee leverages off its neighbours to link with key services such as a regional airport and university in Wagga Wagga. Connectivity by rail, road and plane make Junee an accessible place to enjoy country living within an easy trip to three of Australia’s major cities. It’s no wonder then that Junee’s population is set to grow by more than 1400 people in the next 20 years, opening the way for residential and business investment. The area has always been prime cropping land, and agriculture continues to be the largest employer in the shire. It would be remiss not to mention the men of fame hailing from Junee. NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley and commentator Ray Warren both grew up in Junee and come home regularly. CWL Images: Struan Timms Photography
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days gone by Junee
Images supplied by Junee & District Historical Society 70 CWL GILGANDRA
Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
people power Junee is embracing its past to ensure a solid, sustainable future.
Images: Shot by Jake & Struan Timms Photography JUNEE CWL 71
HAUNTING PROSPECT Reg and Olive Ryan certainly entered into the spirit of Monte Cristo when they came to its rescue in 1963.
The early days of Monte Cristo Christopher Crawley took up land around present day Junee in 1876 and quickly set about erecting a slab hut on the hill with wife Elizabeth. Without permanent water, no one gave him much hope, but this was a man with steely determination. He dug a well, found water and built an underground water tank that became the town’s first water supply. Next came a two-room brick cottage, later extended to accommodate their seven children. A government decision to reroute the Great Southern Railway down the valley between his two properties brought a rapid change of fortune. The grazier swung into action and erected a public house on newly acquired land next to the proposed railway station. In 1877, he built the Railway Hotel (on the site of the present Hotel Junee) and secured most of the land around town. It was a shrewd investment. When the railway line opened a year later, the village consisted of the hotel, railway store and a few scattered slab houses and bark huts. By 1883, when the village was officially proclaimed Loftus, the Crawleys had amassed such a fortune they were able to start building a colonial mansion from bricks baked on the property.
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The double-storey, late-Victorian manor overlooking the new town was named Monte Cristo. The original home became the kitchen and servants’ quarters. A brick dairy and stables for Christopher’s racehorses were added, along with a ballroom behind the homestead. A tennis court was built and the first game of golf in the district was played on a nine-hole course in front of the homestead. Elizabeth ruled the house and servants with an iron fist and travelled in a phaeton pulled by a pony. She is remembered as being a sombre figure who wore a black lace dress, lace cap and a cape with a stand-up beaded collar. Known for her fondness of cigars, she often lit up in the drawing room while the men donned their smoking jackets and caps and retired to the smoking room for a port and cigar. Christopher died in the family homestead in 1910 aged 58 from heart failure caused by a carbuncle on his neck that became infected by his starched collars. After his death, Elizabeth left the house on only two occasions before her death 23 years later. Various family members lived at Monte Cristo until 1948. In 1952 the contents of the home were sold at auction and the house left empty and at the mercy of vandals. Within a few years the stately Monte Cristo homestead was destined to ruin before Reg and Olive Ryan came to its rescue in 1963.
Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
A new era After eight years of negotiation, Reg and Olive Ryan were finally able to secure the rundown Monte Cristo homestead on two and a half acres for a few thousand pounds. With three young daughters to look after and a fourth not far behind, Olive had trouble looking past the discomfort that she and her young family surely must endure in this questionable endeavour. With no doors or windows, no running water, electricity or phone, the first task was making it liveable before tackling the mammoth job of restoration. Realising he’d be unable to finance the job without another source of income, Reg embarked on a new career selling antiques, which provided a perfect opportunity to source Victorian pieces for the homestead. Over time they finished the drawing and dining rooms downstairs and the master bedroom, girls room and boys room upstairs. Monte Cristo was slowly being resurrected. The Ryans opened the back section to the public in 1966 and the main house in 1971. Meanwhile, the stories of unusual deaths, imprisonment, and murder associated with Monte Cristo in local folklore had given rise to rumours that the house was haunted. Olive says the haunted feeling began for them the moment they moved in. She sets the scene: Situated in an isolated spot out of town, Monte Cristo’s soft Victorian charm by day takes on a disturbing element at night. The moonlight, she says, plays tricks with the mist and clouds, shadows are cast on the balconies and the stillness of the countryside creates an eerie atmosphere. We won’t go into the grisly details of death and murder on Monte Cristo, but Reg saw great potential in the sinister tales emanating from its hallways. He began the now-famous Monte Cristo ghost tours, which begin with a home-cooked meal followed by a candle-lit tour through the homestead, servants quarters, stables and ballroom. Stories of the past and present are told while experiencing the energy of the house and its spirits. The tour ends with dessert, tea and coffee before bedding down for a long night in the accommodation wing, which holds 16 guests. Reg died in 2014 after almost 58 years with Olive. The funeral was held on the property. Reg’s ashes were scattered in the grounds he loved. Now a sprightly 87, Olive can still be found at reception, where she discusses various aspects of the haunted home with the thousands of visitors who come each year. She’s been a tireless, diligent worker. “I’ve been showing people around here for over 50 years,” says the grey-haired and softly spoken mother of five, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of six. “And I allow the young ones to sit at the dining table in the big house using 100-year-old cutlery, crockery and glassware. It’s all about making great memories for them.” After a lifetime of hearing every tall tale in the book, Olive never tires of hearing the reactions and banter of her visitors. “Somebody once asked me if I was a volunteer,” she laughs. “Even funnier is when visitors put on that incredulous look of surprise and ask if they really have to pay to go in!” >
FACING PAGE: Said to be the most haunted house in the country, the Monte Cristo homestead has been a lifetime’s work for Olive Ryan and her late husband Reg. ABOVE: Olive Ryan has been showing visitors her beloved homestead for more than 50 years; The hallway into the haunted house is both sombre and thought-provoking.
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Reg’s great love was the carriages. Sometimes visitors tell Olive they felt a presence in the carriage room and she replies that it’s probably the old fella saying g’day. On her way out a tourist tells her she felt somebody watching her in the bridal room and it sent shivers up her spine. “Look dear, don’t worry,” she says matter-of-factly. “I’m always hearing from my dearly beloved, who gives me a tap on the shoulder and says ‘Are you awake Olive?’ ” She advises everybody not to fear ghosts. “They won’t hurt you. Be more concerned about the unsavoury types you’ll meet on the streets at night!” Olive listens patiently, year after year, to personal experiences felt in the old house. Some people feel oppressed in certain rooms and sometimes the tears will roll. “I always say everything happens for a reason,” she tells me with a smile. Over the years this enduring widow has learnt to pass the time reading, tackling crosswords and sitting in a chair in the sun reflecting on her unbelievable journey that started when she met Reg in his Wagga Wagga dressmaking business. “I married the boss and now 60 years later I’m the boss,” says Olive quietly. “It’s all been very worthwhile. If someone like us doesn’t do it, what will our grandchildren have to look back on? “I want people to come and appreciate what Reg has achieved over his lifetime. Whether you ‘feel something’ is not as important as enjoying his lifetime’s commitment to Monte Cristo.” Olive pauses and looks out the window. “For a while he really was lord of the manor.” CWL
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Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
as legend has it Lawrence Ryan grew up in a haunted house and is still seeking thrills after all these years.
Lawrence “Legend” Ryan is always up for a challenge, be it jumping old double-decker buses over 65 motorcycles or establishing the Stuntman & Daredevil Hall of Fame. With the ambitious enterprise scheduled to be up and running by 2018, it will showcase interesting relics like the Globe of Death, motorcycles and stunt vehicles and a seaplane used in Superman Returns. “It will be the only one of its type in the world,” says Lawrence, who clearly doesn’t do things by halves. As a professional stunt rider with 20 years of injuries to prove it, he is an ambitious man who doesn’t like people telling him he can’t do something. By night the youngest member of Reg and Olive Ryan’s five kids, and only son, conducts candle-lit ghosts tours through the old mansion he grew up in. “It’s definitely haunted,” he says. “Many of our guests become emotional wrecks and can’t make it through the night. We know of at least 10 people who have passed on in that property. With Dad, make that 11. They all have their spirits.” Lawrence has been staging the tour for the past seven years, following in the footsteps of his father, who spent 20 years on the job. By day he is either planning his next outlandish jump, recovering or working on his pet project. Usually all three at once. In March 2016, he jumped a Harley over a train during the Rhythm n Rail Festival. Twenty years earlier he jumped over three trains for a world record at the Roundhouse Museum. Things don’t always go to plan. Lawrence came to grief in his last escapade, breaking ribs, bruising a lung, dislocating his shoulder and tearing tendons.
He knows he has to be right for the annual Monte Cristo Ball, now in its 45th year and believed to be the longest-running periodcostume ball in Australia. He is also thinking of establishing a horror film festival each year, following the recent success of showing Muirhouse on a big screen in the courtyard of Monte Cristo. More than 200 attended the screening and Lawrence hopes to conduct the event during Halloween each October. The father of two is convinced the stuntman hall of fame, like the haunted house, will become a major tourist attraction in Junee. Don’t be surprised if he takes his Harley for a ride over the building on opening day! CWL
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T O W N F E A T U R E Junee
SWEET SUCCESS Owners of the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory have a knack of thinking outside the box.
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The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is testimony to the unbridled belief of two organic wheat farmers who transformed the town’s run-down old flourmill into one of the Riverina’s most iconic tourist attractions. Having won the Inland Tourism awards three times for Best Tourist Attraction, the team knows what it takes to be the best, even scoring a mention in the 2006 Guinness World Records for the world’s longest licorice – all 612 metres of it, requiring the help of 700 volunteers. Business entrepreneurs Neil and Coral Druce are the gregarious faces behind the successful enterprise. Neil is regarded in many quarters as the ultimate high achiever but his mates simply know him as a good-natured, down-to-earth family bloke who “worked hard, thought big and did good”. It’s been a meteoric rise from humble beginnings on the pioneering organic farm he grew up on in Ardlethan. His family has farmed the land in this district for almost a century and Neil might have easily done the same if he hadn’t harboured such a burning ambition to do his own thing. In his early 20s he spread his wings to America, studying theology and communication for four years. In between lectures he worked a variety of jobs necessitating good people skills, including waiter, butler, chef and limo driver. Before long he was running functions for major dignitaries. During his overseas adventures Neil developed an insatiable appetite for life, always looking for the best ways of doing things. In 1985, on his return, he built a fertiliser business from scratch into one of the biggest in the state. Hungry for further success, he embarked on his most ambitious project to date – bringing the flourmill back to her glory days. It’s been a long and frustrating exercise but the end result speaks volumes for his unwavering belief and gritty determination. Next year marks the factory’s 20th anniversary. Through it all has been Neil’s staunchest supporter, “think tank”, best mate and wife, known universally as Coz. She grew up in a big family on a Grafton farm before working as a secretary on the Gold Coast – all the while harbouring dreams of marrying a farmer and returning to the land. She found her match in Neil at a church-sponsored youth program. It’s been a blessed union and they are now gearing up to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Through the years the pair say they have learnt two things: change is inevitable and anything is possible if you have the right mind-set. At least that’s how they felt when they first set eyes on the derelict flourmill. Built in 1935, the mill employed 25 workers on-site and ran around the clock producing about five million bushels of flour each year. It was big business, taking up a massive 9600 square feet of floor space and recognised as one of the most efficient mills in the country. After its closure in 1974 it became a blot on the landscape. “Many thought it should be bulldozed. It was a real eyesore with all the windows broken and full of junk,” says Neil, who purchased it for a song in late 1998. “We wanted to value-add to our wheat and became aware that flour is a main ingredient of licorice. We did that in 2001 and two years later we introduced organic chocolate to the mix.” > RIGHT FROM TOP: Neil plays a tune on the Cramer grand piano; Coz relaxes on the beautiful timber woodwork of the impressive upstairs library; the nearby chocolate factory, where visitors are treated to informative talks; expect a great coffee before a tour of the premises. FACING PAGE: Neil and Coz Druce love living and entertaining in their spacious, unique apartment.
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“We wanted to value-add to our wheat and became aware that flour is a main ingredient of licorice.� CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: You feel the impression of space the moment you walk onto the factory floor; Neil and Coz Druce with children Rhiannon and Mitch; the business mascot; chocolate is actually good for you; plenty of room for the busloads that arrive; the licorice in its final stages.
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“It’s important to provide not just a happy workplace for them but provide a challenging environment where they can reach their potential.”
There are tours on the hour, an inside restaurant featuring historic Oregon ceilings, an outdoor provincial-style garden with stone courtyard and oven for wood-fired pizzas and a confectionary shop that will leave every chocoholic in seventh heaven. “I was always confident Neil could achieve anything he set his mind to,” Coz says from her stunning residence, occupying the flourmill’s third and fourth floors. Their living area is 375 square metres, bigger than some houses, with a 12-metre (42-foot) ceiling at its peak. “Creating a residence up here was a dream come true. We used to rent a nearby house but Neil never wanted to go home. To move in we had to concrete five levels of flooring as it was considered a big fire risk. It was a huge mental barrier getting through that one. “The only downside is that we find a traditional motel room a bit underwhelming in size,” Coz laughs. Although Coz helps run the business she prefers hands-on experience and can often be found washing dishes in the busy restaurant downstairs. She doesn’t mind what she does as long as her family are happy doing their own thing.
Eldest son Dean, 28, runs the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory in a 1920s heritage-listed flourmill purchased for a dollar in 2010. Located two hours away on the Murray River, Dean has made 11,000 litres of single malt whiskey due for release in mid 2018. You’ll find Mitch, 26, in the licorice and chocolate packing area, helping pack over 300 tonnes each year for Australian and overseas markets. He enjoys tickling the ivories of the Cramer grand piano in his parents’ residence and is a passionate skydiver. Little sister Rhiannon, 23, works with marketing and administration in the office. With up to 60 staff at any one point, there is never a dull moment. “It’s important to provide not just a happy workplace for them but provide a challenging environment where they can reach their potential,” Neil says thoughtfully. CWL
ABOVE: Having a regular morning cuppa with his staff allows Neil Druce (second from right, top row) to get the pulse on the chocolate business.
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life of Brian Brian Beasley is a man of many talents and many blessings. Junee’s Brian Beasley has a new life mission: teaching people of all ages a simple formula for happiness using live music and the carpentry skills used by our forefathers. The music has been there all his life but Brian’s love of rustic bush furniture gathered momentum in the early 1990s after stumbling upon a shaving horse, an ancient implement used for working with timber split from a log. During his 36-year teaching career at Junee High, he was well aware of the shaving horse’s abilities but had never seen one in action. There was something about the old pioneering craftsmanship that appealed to Brian’s senses. “It’s such a simple, beautiful device making the draw knife a real joy to use,” he says. Never one to keep a good idea to himself, Brian was soon sharing his woodworking skills with others. “I love creating things that on the outside are quite simple, such as a chair or a table, using the old techniques,” he says. His first exhibition took place in 2005 in the courtyard of the Broadway, the former hotel that sold its licence during the 2000 Sydney Olympics to become a vibrant museum, café and Visitors Information Centre. “Through my discovery of this style of woodworking, I have been able to pass on these skills to younger generations at workshops and demonstrations, which is very rewarding,” he says. Brian has been making things with timber since he was a young kid. “My father was a great teacher and handyman who could create anything from scratch, including my first ukulele when I was about eight,” he says. It was an instrument that could always put a smile on the saddest of faces. He is a natural entertainer with no fear of crowds or performing. Such is his joy he will play or sing at every opportunity, knowing how to instantly relax people with a tune from his harmonica or ukulele. There’s always a crowd at the Broadway on the first Friday of each month for a day of “Music in the Museum”. “The idea is to attract fellow musicians who turn up with a variety of instruments – from mandolin, banjo, violin, guitar, slide guitar and a folk harp down to my little favourite, the ukulele. It varies each month and we never quite know what to expect. That’s the beauty of it.” He may not know how to turn on a computer but Brian Beasley knows how to put on the simplest and most joyful shows, performing each month at the hospital and correctional centre. “The inmates enjoy the opportunity to discuss the meaning of life and to sing together. I’m not sure who enjoys it more,” he says. “The jail opened in 1993 and I often accompanied the minister, who led the service while I led the singing. In later times we lost our minister and I was given permission to carry on myself.” Brian describes it as a humbling experience. “There are some very talented people stuck out there behind bars. It’s tragic but by sharing the gift of music we can all be enriched by the experience.” Brian and his family, including number one fan and wife
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Heather, have had their own share of heartache. They’ve been together over 50 years but can’t remember ever feeling as terrified as New Year’s Day, 2006, when fire threatened their 30-acre farm “Bimberdong”. “It was a stinking hot, windy day, with temperatures climbing into the high 40s. The fire came in a very short time, circling the outskirts of town before heading towards our property,” Brian remembers. “As I was filling up the gutters with water, the house opposite me was burning. The fire looked as though it might bypass our place then the wind changed. I was sheltering in my bush workshop but hot ashes from the pepper tree forced me out. I lost my workshop with most of my tools and bush furniture but we saved the homestead.” The community rallied around the family and Brian derived tremendous satisfaction from making many pieces all over again. “We were lucky. Rather than being depressed about what I lost, I learnt to appreciate what I had. It was a cathartic experience. You can’t burn beautiful experiences like sharing my love of woodwork with other people.” Music in the Museum commenced a few days after the fire, which proved therapeutic for the entire community. “The experiences I’ve had since the fire have been extraordinary. I thank God for the fire, in the fact that I have met so many fabulous, kind generous people with such great skills,” he says. “Living in a small country community is really something special because community creates all these connections – a community with a diversity of generations, where you can form connections and be enriched for the experience.” CWL
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stairway to heaven
With rustic character and country charm to boot, Ambience on Lord Street is the perfect spot for a dose of healthy retail therapy.
After sampling some great coffee at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, venture up the chunky wide timber steps to discover an Aladdin’s Cave full of giftware, kitchenware, antiques, knick-knacks, toys, footwear (including the popular Crocs), fashion accessories, garden items and specialised pieces you don’t normally find in giftware shops. The store is owned by Andrew Rasmussen and run by manager Libby Nuttall, who after six years at the helm, still loves working there and meeting people from all walks of life. Coming up with a name for the specialty store was the easy part. “We were on Lord Street and ambience means everything fits together, a state of mind,” Andrew says. “We felt that way and liked it because it lets people know where we are.” Originally from Sydney, Andrew and business partner Knud Hansen moved to Junee from Ardlethan in 1986, where they had a gift shop, restaurant and newsagency all under one roof. They knew Alan and Jessie Druce and through them eventually met their son Neil before the Licorice Factory was even established. “When Neil got the place going I spent three years cooking meals for the guests, which in those days, was nothing like today,” Andrew says. “Knud was a Danish interior architect and advised Neil on different things that could be done with the space.” The upstairs section was originally used for art classes before its conversion to a gift shop three years after the old mill first roared back to life. After 12 years Andrew loves being part of the retail landscape. Aged 70, he is still passionate about the business and has no plans of retiring any time soon, despite losing Knud three years ago. After many great years in the hospitality industry, he finds his foray into retail not that different from feeding the masses.
“The Licorice and Chocolate Factory, like our business, is still a work in progress,” he says. “I feel most fortunate that we met Neil and Coral all those years ago and were given the opportunity to open our own business in their fine establishment.” After his early years in Sydney, Andrew has become a true Junee believer. “I love Junee’s location half way between Sydney and Melbourne but more importantly I have grown to appreciate the slower pace of life and the people I’ve met that enrich my life.” CWL ABOVE: Andrew enjoys a cuppa in his favourite store; Ambience on Lord is run by Libby Nuttall but Andrew is never far away.
Furniture | Collectables | Kitchenware | Decor | Fashion Accessories | and so much more style - Gifts Life
Ambience On L rd St o JUNEE, NSW Upstairs in the Licorice Factory
OPEN 7 DAYS, 10am-4pm 02 6924 4722
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A STAR IS REBORN Junee’s grand old Athenium Theatre is just warming up.
Junee residents are justly proud of their magnificent Athenium Theatre, now listed on the NSW State Heritage register. Saved from the wrecker’s ball several years ago, the impressive building was completed in 1929. The Athenium was one of 57 theatres designed by Kabberry and Chard Architects. Thankfully, it has survived, along with others in Tumut and Leeton. In the early days, movies were screened on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In 1934, Friday and Saturday nights were added, and by 1938, movies where shown six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. The theatre hosted special events, including church balls, plays presented by the ambulance and Sorley’s touring variety show. The theatre was also utilised during the daytime, its flat floor in the stalls being suitable for dancing lessons. Picture theatres in those times didn’t have their own candy bar. Often there would be a small shop in the theatre building that was a milkbar, but this could rarely cater for the crowd that rushed out at interval between the two feature films. On October 19, 1950, the theatre was renamed the “Broadway” but within a decade the theatre had deteriorated. In late 1970 the Broadway closed its doors.
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They remained shut until a local community organisation, the Junee and District Development Association (JADDA), assumed responsibility for fundraising, undertaking repair work and utilising the theatre as an entertainment venue. Today it stands out as a Junee landmark, used for a wide variety of purposes including musical performances and weddings. It holds social significance for Junee, being one of the first towns in NSW where the population came together as early as 1976 to buy the town’s theatre for community use. In 2008 major refurbishment occurred on the back of the community, state and local government funding and support. Over $1 million was tipped into the building, bringing with it restoration and amenity standards that allow people to enjoy the historical ambience in comfortable surroundings. The ground floor seats up to 300 people for events and functions and the Athenium reclaimed its status as the town’s civic building, now the go-to venue for annual business and social occasions. The dress circle is currently being overhauled and once complete will seat 250 in lofty stalls allowing live theatre patronage to fill its vast interior spaces that will no doubt catch the eye of event promoters further afield. CWL Images: Struan Timms Photography and Will Barton Photography
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“Today it stands out as a Junee landmark, used for a wide variety of purposes including musical performances and weddings.�
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healthy and happy Sport and socialising go hand in hand at Junee Junction Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
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Play, train or simply relax – the decision is all yours at the Junee Junction Recreation and Aquatic Centre. The 50m outdoor swimming pool is a result of a major refurbishment of the original 1938 Olympic pool. In cooler months the pool is transformed into a 25-metre indoor heated pool. The main pool is perfect for the avid swimmer for their daily laps while the purpose-built program pool is ideally suited for learn-to-swim classes and special water exercise classes. The temperature is kept at around 31 degrees all year round, perfect for gentle exercise and plenty of family fun. Whether you are looking to get or stay fit or train to compete, the Aquatic Centre has everything you need to help you reach your goals, all under the one roof.
There is a free weights area (with dumb-bells up to 50kg), Life Fitness cable machines, squat rack, a new cable cross-over, bench press and much more. At Junee Junction you’ll find the latest Les Mills classes, which suit all levels of fitness. Also on offer are Body Blast, Grey Matters, Gentle Water, Aqua Boot Camp and Tai Chi classes for those wanting to ease into an exercise routine. The multi-purpose stadium has two full-sized courts, accommodating netball, basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball and soccer. It’s a great place to meet people, play sport and keep fit all in the one venue. CWL
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T O W N F E A T U R E Junee
ten minutes with one of Junee’s favourite sons, Ray Warren First of all, how did you acquire your nickname?
Rabbit is my nickname, or Rabs. It comes from the rabbit burrow. When there are several burrows in a small area it becomes known as a warren – it’s like a motel full of rabbits. I used to love rabbiting with my brother Bob, with a pick and shovel and our faithful dog named Pup. Imaginative name for a dog eh!
Describe some of your early memories of Junee.
We lived across the street from my school, so I could sneak home for lunch if I wanted. My first school teachers were Miss Henry and I believe Miss or Mrs Mead. Me and my mates played all the sports after school and weekends. Tennis was probably my best sport. I remember playing in the Schoolboys Rugby League carnival in a footy jumper made out of a hession bag – it was so itchy. There were lots of ways to pass the time, mind you I was raised before the arrival of TV. Radio was our main entertainment apart from the picture theatre. We would watch a western at the matinee and more than likely play Cowboys and Indians on our way home. These were the days when you could play cricket or hit the tennis ball out on the street or in the back lane. My mum was always there waiting for me to come home from school, so you just couldn’t do what you wanted, you had to ask permission. That was a good thing as I look back. Discipline was a lot different back in those days. Your parents had various ways of handing out punishment, the police had more power and so too did the school teachers. All of that seems to have changed dramatically over time.
How did you get into radio?
I got into radio through knocking on doors of various radio stations until one day out of the blue came a telegram asking me did I still want to be a sports commentator. From the time I dropped off my audition tape a period of six years went by before I got the chance to do what I always had dreamed of doing.
What are some of your career highlights?
Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, over 80 State of Origin games and 40 grand finals, many rugby league Test matches and working on tennis with John Newcombe calling Borg, Connors, McEnroe and Lendl. Calling the swimming with Norman May, Duncan Armstrong and Nicole Livingstone and calling Perkins, Thorpe, Susie O’Neill and all the champions. Three Melbourne Cups was stressful but was always one of my greatest ambitions.
How has rugby league changed over the many years you’ve been calling the game?
The game has changed a lot. Some will say to its detriment, but what they don’t realise is that certain things in the game had to be cleaned up. If not, the only people getting rich will be the lawyers. I love the game, always did, and today take great delight in seeing what the modern day athlete can do. Limited tackles, the distance between the attackers and the defenders has increased thus opening the game up and adding to the spectacle. There have been many alterations, and I repeat many of them had to be made to protect the game from itself.
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What players do you rate as all-time greats?
My all time greats are many – far too many to go through but Bob Fulton comes to mind. So too does the name Raper, Langlands, Gasnier, Provan, Sterling, Langer, Beetson, Lockyer, Lewis, Johns, Fittler, Slater, Hayne and of course Daley.
Do you ever get back to Junee?
I don’t get home often these days since those of my family who were still there passed away, all buried in the Junee Cemetery. Going home and going out to the cemetery makes me very sad. Apart from family, many of my old friends are in there as well. The statue is there, so in some ways I’m there all the time. That was one, if not my greatest, honour. With that statue comes a message. I hope it serves as an inspiration or reminder that kids from the bush can make their dreams come true.
Being a city bloke now, what do you like about country life?
I love the country life. It’s so much more relaxed, the whole town is like one big family, people look out for and care for one another. Junee is typically a lovely and friendly country town. I love it but I had to leave it to pursue my dreams.
How did growing up in the bush affect your life?
Growing up in the bush I think made me a better person. Mum and Dad were great. He was a pick and shovel man, a fettler on the railway. Mum looked after seven kids and still found time to clean the bank and the court house and then started catering for weddings. We didn’t have a vehicle other than a bike until Dad retired and they invested in a little Morris Minor utility. We would go out and gather wood for the fuel stove, do some yabbying while they boiled the billy. We had no hot water at home, no shower, no refrigerator, no washing machine, no spin dryer, no dishwasher and an outside dunny, which was freezing cold to go out to in the middle of the night in winter. That’s the way it was and, you know, I didn’t miss out on anything. That was the best life you could have.
How does the word retirement fit into your vocabulary?
Retirement! The word frightens me, but it’s not far away. I don’t know how I am going to handle it, to be honest, but then I don’t want to go on doing what I do if I can’t perform at my best. Any words of advice for young people today? For young people my advice is simple: Pursue your dreams. Sometimes they come true, just like mine. Don’t give up no matter how high your dreams might be.
Any last words about the meaning of life?
To me it’s about being a good person, being kind and charitable, working hard and having some fun whilst being respectful and courteous to others. CWL
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THE INN CROWD
Brian and Jan Longmore are happy making their own history at their beloved “Birralee”.
The horse-drawn Cobb & Co coaches may no longer rumble past the front door of “Birralee”, Old Junee, but the memory of days long gone still fire up the imagination of custodians Brian and Jan Longmore. “One can imagine the hum of activity and excitement as the coach pulled up on its regular run back in the mid 19th century,” says Jan, who has called the place home since marrying Brian in 1963. It’s a home steeped in history. The Jewnee Hotel, established in 1861, proved a haven for weary Cobb & Co travellers en route to either Sydney or Wagga Wagga. Located just past Houlaghans Creek, the inn boasted 12 stables, a blacksmiths shop and an old brick outhouse (featuring three holes on a board with no petitions). The area was proposed as the original site for Junee. In 1862, as a result of a petition by the locals, the first post office was established, followed by a school (which Brian attended), two churches and a town hall. The revised new railway line changed everything and soon the proposed town simply moved on, leaving the 156-year-old inn as one of the few remaining landmarks in the district. Jan describes her well-organised home as “functional rather than luxurious”, with features including a cellar, 16-inch-thick outer walls, large open fireplaces, heavy cedar doors, tall ceilings and a high-hipped roof. Although the wooden roof shingles are now covered with sheet iron, the original wooden shutters are still hanging on the windows of the front verandah. “In the rush and bustle of modern life, I’m sure if these walls could speak they would reveal some interesting tales,” Jan laughs. Perhaps they may have spoken of the headless body found in the sandy creek bed at the rear of the building, or the time in 1863 when bushrangers stormed the inn. O’Meally and Burke terrorised hotel patrons while Ben Hall and the rest of the gang raided nearby Hammond’s store.
Perhaps the greatest chapter of all was when Bill and Mary Longmore moved in as tenants at the start of WW2. The old inn, by then almost derelict, was purchased in 1942 after Bill, a railway man, shared a winning ticket in the Golden Casket Lottery. The paperwork, still in the family today, was handled by solicitor Alphonse Crawley, whose father built Monte Cristo. In the former inn that brought so much joy to our pioneering farmers, Mary raised 10 children (losing one to bubonic flu), including Brian, born in 1938 at Junee’s Cromer Hospital, now the Belmore Manor B&B. Brian has lived in the historic building for a remarkable 75 years, most of them with Jan, raising their own five children who all remain in the district. Since leaving school at 14 to go fencing with his father, Brian spent a lifetime driving graders and buses and working as an electrical line inspector. In his retirement years, he enjoys foxhunting, something he began with his brothers from an early age, initially drying the skins on the old wooden verandah before it was slated. He’s been shooting for 70 years and still enjoys the odd late night hunting trip but admits an afternoon on the golf course is equally enjoyable. The story of the old inn is probably lost on most motorists who speed past on the nearby highway. Brian and Jan Longmore, however, are content knowing they are quietly making their own history. CWL
FACING PAGE: Brian and Jan Longmore have made a comfortable home from the historic inn. ABOVE: The Longmores take great pride in their historic home. JUNEE CWL 89
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the need for seed Rob Hart knows only too well that from little things big things grow.
As any farmer will testify, a good crop starts with the right seed. Producing that seed for farmers is what keeps third-generation registered seed grower Robert Hart getting up each morning. With 60 silos at their disposal, Hart Bros Seeds has the infrastructure to supply 3000 tonnes of quality seed to rural merchandise outlets across the country each year. “We basically grow the farmers’ new planting seed before they bulk up their own,” Rob says. “We only need to give each grower a small portion, which means you need plenty of customers. In a nutshell, we supply pure fresh genetics to farmers who value-add through improved yields and reduced plant disease.” There are hundreds of seed growers throughout Australia but Hart Bros Seeds is the only one in the district and one of only 20 or so across the country with affiliations to the big seed companies, like AGT, Pacific Seeds, Advanta and Heritage. The highly respected business was started 53 years ago by Bernard (Rob’s father) and his brother Adrian Hart, who became leaders in their field and an inspiration to thousands of other farmers across the land. The Hart brothers passed on their considerable knowledge of cereals, pea crops, oilseeds and pasture seeds and led the way in developing new crops like canola, triticale and field peas. They were also pioneers in lucerne rotations, new methods of weed control and direct drilling. In 1968 they grew what was at the time only the second crop of rapeseed (now known as canola) in NSW and later had a wheat variety named in their honour – the Carinya variety from their original property of the same name. In 1990 their highly diversified grain and sheep producing enterprise won The Land Farmer of the Year competition from nearly 2000 applicants. It was in this positive environment that Bernard and wife Anne raised their children. Robert’s younger brother Damian runs an aviation business in Port Macquarie while Majella works in a similar seed business in Young and Dominique for a Sydney bank. At one stage there were as many as nine Hart children working in the seed shed during holiday periods. Each became skilled in labelling, sewing and stacking bags on the pallets. “The gene that causes inherent opposition to sweeping and shovelling spilt grain seems to have been handed down through the generations,” laughs Rob, who studied Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga before beginning his farming life on “Breffni”, Junee Reefs. These days he is joined by wife Alison, who works in the office, and three children Ineka, 14, Juliette, 12, and Henry, 10, who all attend school in Junee. Occasionally Rob has to pinch himself at how things have turned out. For many years he and his father passed each other in Coffin Rock Lane on the way to their respective workplaces. They’d always stop for a chinwag before going their separate ways. “After eight or nine years of drought, I was a frustrated farmer and Bernard had done his time in the seed shed and was very keen to get back to farming,” Rob says. “So in 2009 we swapped roles. Then we swapped houses. Everyone was happy, a perfect win-win situation.”
Rob now manages both businesses with Bernard and Anne, as always, providing invaluable input. About the same time they formed a small board of directors to help manage both Hart Seeds and their farming company, Waerawi Farming. According to Rob it’s been a successful and positive move. “Between the two businesses we have about a dozen on staff, increasing to 16 during the peak season, which is generally February to April when farmers are securing their seed for the winter crop,” Rob says. The family grows around 20 per cent of the certified seed requirements with the rest coming from about 15 contract farmers each season, who grow broad-acre seed crops including wheat, barley, oats and pulses (faba beans, lentils, field peas, chick peas and lupins). The business today is testament to the diligence of the many students and advisors who laid the foundation for its longevity and generations of the Hart family who have pioneered the art of seed cleaning for decades. CWL FACING PAGE: Rob and Alison Hart with children Juliette, Henry and Ineka; the seed business requires plenty of storage; Rob Hart in the packing shed; pioneering farmers Bernard and Adrian Hart celebrate 50 years of Hart Bros Seeds.
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Queen of hearts Norma Higginson’s love of the Royal Family has not gone unnoticed by Junee residents . . . or the Windsors for that matter. Junee great-grandmother Norma Higginson is well known for her infectious laughter and love of the Royals. The family matriarch, soon to be 90, was born in Northern Ireland in 1927, the eldest of seven children. Her fascination with the House of Windsor stems from the darkest days of WW2. “The Royal Family never left London during the Blitz,” explains Norma in her rich Irish accent. “As soon as the bombs stopped King George VI and the Queen were always the first to walk through the rubble. “During this time I developed a strong rapport with the young princess, now our beloved Queen, who frequently spoke over the radio. She was only a year older than myself and encouraged all of us to never give up the fight.” After the war Norma married Bert Higginson about the same time as Elizabeth wed Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. After securing a Nuffield Scholarship in 1952, Bert was looking to Australia as the land of opportunity. He arrived in Eurongilly, a tiny village outside of Junee where his uncle was farming, to witness four seasons before finally returning home to report his observations. After many sleepless nights they resolved to forgo their strong Irish roots and forge a new life Down Under. On St Patrick’s Day, 1954, they boarded the SS Orsova at London’s Tilbury Docks, with young children Carole and John and all their worldly possessions. A few quiet tears were shed as they farewelled the White Cliffs of Dover, en route to Fremantle via the Suez Canal. They spent two decades at their shop, WR Higginson (the first drive-in farm store in the Riverina) and farming at “Woodville” until Bert’s untimely demise. Norma has soldiered on – “just like our Queen instructed” – for 43 years without him, surrounded by her huge extended family. All four children are happily married with their own families. John is the farmer; Brian recently retired after a lengthy career at WR Higginson; Colin is a builder; and Carole keeps the home fires burning for Mr Jeffrey Windsor (having a daughter married to a Windsor is every monarchist’s dream!). “You never catch my family in bed after 6am and they are the last to come in for supper. My word, they are the best workers from here to County Cork. They really are,” declares Norma, with a firm nod of approval. “We call her the Queen Mum,” Carole laughs. “She is such an inspiring role model for all the family, a regular church goer and much-loved member of the community.” Norma is also involved in the arts council, combined churches, the Athenium Theatre Committee and CWA. She loves her gardening and quiz shows and naturally anything to do with the Royal Family. In 1992 she even met her favourite Royals at Sydney’s Town Hall. “There were barricades everywhere. Someone said ‘Don’t you move. Stand your ground’. When the Queen and Prince Philip came down the steps, I realised I was the only one there, clutching a bunch of red, white and blue freshly cut flowers. “One of the security guards let me through. I curtseyed and said ‘Good evening Your Majesty. Welcome to Australia and by the way, how are the corgis?”
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At another 2011 meeting with the Queen, this time in Canberra, Norma offered her a jar of special “Woodville” honey to soothe her cold. Prince Charles, who visited Junee Primary School in 1974, also received special attention from Norma. “I saw three black cars coming down the hill and knew he was in the middle one. I was standing alone with a special spoon to give him. After he saw some school kids that I’d arranged to stand behind the fence he stopped, God bless him. “We made small talk and he told me what a lovely day it was to be travelling and marvelled at the colours of the Paterson’s Curse he’d noticed on the way in. “I knew his itinerary and took off down a dirt road with dust flying and flags hanging out the back window and beat him to his destination by two minutes. He looked at me with a rather astonished expression that indicated, ‘My God, it’s that woman again!’ A few years later she heard Charles and Di were attending church in a little village near Holbrook. She raced off with two of her grandchildren, clutching a posy of flowers in one hand and a brown paper bag in the other. “The Fleet Street reporters, alarmed by the loud Irish accent and brown paper bag, demanded to inspect the contents and were surprised to find a bag of carrots for Charles’s polo horses in Sydney!” Norma’s certainly made of solid Irish stock. With two new knees and a healthy approach to life, Norma Higginson is one of Junee’s favourite treasures. As she bids me farewell, with Rule, Britannia! playing somewhere in the background, she delivers her final thoughtful message. “I shall only pass this way but once. Any good that I can show to any fellow man or woman, let it happen now for I shall not pass this way again.” CWL ABOVE: Norma Higginson enjoys a brief but memorable moment with the world’s most famous woman. RIGHT: Norma has never lost her Irish humour nor her admiration for the Royal family.
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old world charm Character and creature comforts abound in Terry and Jeanne Kennedy’s Belmore Manor.
It’s the little things that make a big difference when staying in bed-and-breakfast accommodation. With fluffy pillows and towels, dressing gowns, starched linen, fresh fruit and every conceivable minor detail taken care of, Belmore Manor in Junee certainly ticks all the boxes. And then some. There are seven different rooms to pick from, including the Wellington and French rooms and the quaint Royal Room (a must for all monarchists) featuring iconic images of various kings and queens of England in old world charm decor. For those a little more adventurous there are two beautifully appointed railway carriage rooms, or the fully self-contained Cromer cottage overlooking the magnificent garden. Each room has been lovingly prepared to provide the ultimate romantic getaway. Proud owners Terry and Jeanne Kennedy put their heart and soul into making each stay a positive and uplifting experience for their guests. It starts with supplying most of life’s necessities (even going so far as to stock rooms with a torch and mossie repellent) but there’s something much more special about Belmore Manor that money can’t buy.
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Sitting around a table one evening, sipping on wine and nibbling on cheese crackers, Terry and Jeanne reveal how they love sharing life stories with travellers. Theirs is a particularly interesting one. Terry has been a religious teacher and principal for over 30 years and is now a marriage celebrant, keen gardener, handyman and doting grandfather. On the more gregarious side is Jeanne, who has worked in a bank (in Baradine, where they met at a Legacy street stall 38 years ago), fun park and funeral parlour. Jeanne reveals their connection to Junee began at the end of a two-year stint in Oxford where Terry was teaching at a rather disruptive school. Almost at wit’s end, it was clearly time for change. Always up for a mad challenge, Jeanne scoured the internet for divine intervention. After a few weeks of searching, she found an old house for sale in Junee. Something felt right and she placed an offer that very night. Having spent a lifetime teaching at schools in Tumut, Forbes, Cootamundra, Baradine, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah and Wagga Wagga, Terry was accustomed to setting up home in different locations. More importantly, he had come to accept that his wife, no matter how bold her ideas, was usually right.
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In 2008 they drove from Sydney to inspect the sprawling old house they had purchased sight unseen from the other side of the world. It was the former mayor’s residence built in 1886 and named Cromer after the English town he came from. It later became the old private hospital and boarding house. With two bedrooms on each floor, the Kennedys saw the potential for a great B&B, despite having no experience in the hospitality industry. “Of course we had no experience,” Jeanne laughs. “What would be the fun if we had?” It just so happened that a few months earlier, at an English car boot sale, she’d stumbled upon a big, dark old painting that wouldn’t look out of a place in a national trust property. “I saw this ridiculously cheap painting and just had to have it,” Jeanne says. “I texted it to my sister-in-law and said I’ve just bought a picture suitable for a manor house, now all I need is a manor house to put it in. “She laughed and said it would never happen, which only inspired me more. Months later when we were thinking about a name for the B&B we realised we were in Belmore Street and Belmore Manor was born.” The gardens, with a huge chess set, children’s carousel and barbecue area, are enjoyed by families, couples and groups, who are usually gobsmacked to find a railway carriage sitting nearby. “Living in a railway town I searched all over Australia for a railway carriage, which we eventually found (through a guest) on the other side of town,” Jeanne says. “Getting it home was a Herculean task and we were just so thankful it didn’t split in half during the costly move. We called the rooms Victoria and Albert because it is a late Victorian end carriage with balconies on each end.” Nine years down the track, the Kennedys are not the types to sit idle, having just invested in a little shack, which they hope to transform into a charming cottage. Terry and Jeanne have now lived in Junee longer than any of the seven Australian towns they previously called home. “Nothing is minimalistic about us,” Jeanne says. “We used to say we’ve lived in more towns than you’ve had cut lunches but now we have fallen in love with the feel and character of Junee.” Belmore Manor is a great spot for their two sons to come and visit. Joshua is a pharmacist in Canberra and Damien, a financial planner in Brisbane married to Ali with two gorgeous children, Aria and Theodore. But it may not be in the family much longer. Terry and Jeanne are looking for a new Lord and Lady of the Manor so they can sink their endless energy into their next project. CWL
ABOVE: Belmore Manor owes its success to Terry and Jeanne Kennedy, pictured with son Damian, wife Ali, grandchildren Aria and Theodore and son Joshua during a recent visit.
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BROTHERS IN FARMS Brian and Glenn Curry have toiled alongside each other for that long they often know intuitively what the other is thinking.
Having farmed a conglomeration of holdings in the Junee Reefs district for 36 years, the brothers Curry have become great mates and efficient operators. With strong support from respective wives Heather and Lynne, Brian and Glenn like the idea of always having somebody home, enabling both families to enjoy a holiday or weekend break. Although you can’t make joint decisions, everything else about their shared enterprise makes sound financial sense. Part of the process is utilising each other’s strengths – Glenn is typically good with the book work while Brian is mechanically minded – and working together to achieve goals. Adding to the equation is Brian and Heather’s middle son, Tim, who joined the team six years ago after a decade in Sydney. With wife Nicola and young children Lara, Sasha and Lincoln, farm dynamics have slightly changed but everyone agrees it’s fantastic having children back on the farm.
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After schooling in Temora, Tim and his brothers Craig and Stephen set off in all directions to become personal trainers, financiers and graphic designers. “I enjoyed the flexible working hours but being a personal trainer is not something you can do forever,” Tim says. The family lived near the beach but with spiralling living costs and whispers of Brian’s retirement plans, they headed west for a very different change of pace. They now live in Temora and Tim drives 35 kilometres to the farm each day. When the time feels right, Brian and Heather will retire to Temora and Tim and Nicola will raise the fourth generation of Curry kids on “Ardrossan”. Glenn and Lynne also have three adult children, with Emma in Brisbane, Charles in Wollongong, and Tom furthering his metal fabrication experience in Katherine, NT. In 2018 he will come home and the dynamics will change again.
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In the meantime, however, there’s canola, wheat, barley, faba beans and lucerne crops to grow on their red, loam soils and White Suffolk lambs to finish for the Coles market. With a five-year farm plan, the men work closely with their local agronomist to map out a rotational plan for their sheep and cropping enterprises. “The farm’s financial sustainability relies on effective weed management,” Glenn says. “Sheep are a key component of the property’s rotation plan, grazing the crop stubble.” The original farm, “Glenfield”, was purchased by Ashton and Elma Curry in 1950 on the very day Brian was born. Over the years he was joined by Glenn and sisters Ann Fuller and Jenny Millner, who live in Orange and Millthorpe. Farming was a different world back then. Wool prices were through the roof, tractors didn’t have windows and the Curry family had plenty of neighbours. “In our unique little corner we still have neighbours from our childhood, though the corporate investors are close by,” Glenn says. “It’s a fact of life that farmers need to increase the size of their holdings to stay viable. The days of a family surviving on a 1000-acre farm are pretty well gone.” Half a century has passed since Brian came home from school to help his father on the farm. He has witnessed change first-hand. “In 1968 we bought a new 585 Massey harvester and I’d sit in that thing all day and harvest 50 tonnes,” he says. “Now I can do the same job in nearly an hour – a great example of how technology is improving our productivity.” The Curry brothers’ beloved mother Elma, who recently died at age 95, probably witnessed more change than most. Tim and Tom’s generation, and the ones to follow, will no doubt face their own trials and tribulations on the land in times ahead. “When we see little fellas like Lincoln take an interest in the farm – and he’s only five – well, blokes like him are our farming future,” Brian says. “All we can rely on are sound management principles, a good drop of rain and perhaps a wee ounce of luck,” he says, climbing aboard his new John Deere to help sow the winter crops. CWL ABOVE: The Curry brothers Brian and Glenn, with wives Heather and Lynne, run a successful farm at Junee Reefs. LEFT: Three generations of Currys in the John Deere cabin – Brian, Tim and young Nicholas. FACING PAGE: Brian Curry with son Tim, grandson Nicholas and brother Glenn prepare to sow their winter crops. with their Flexicol air seeder pulled by a John Deere 8320 track tractor.
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GENTLE TOUCH
Community is at the heart of the comprehensive care delivered by Junee Capital Chemist.
A country pharmacy has a special connection with its customers, says Junee Capital Chemist owner and pharmacist Jane Gentle. “We get to know people, share in their lives and make a real difference,” she says. The business offers a full pharmaceutical service, including assistance to clients with Webster medication packs. They stock a large range of chemist lines including independent living aids, sports injury care, vitamins and cosmetics, and are renowned for a fabulous selection of giftware. The heritage windows showcase jewellery, leather handbags, fashion accessories, soft furnishings and ceramics. Gorgeous ‘baby bundles’ and ‘pamper hampers’ are specialities. Passionate about practical community support, the pharmacy delivers health talks and promotions, and sponsors local organisations. In 2015, Jane dyed her hair pink to help raise $5000 for Junee CanAssist. Being part of the Capital Chemist Group is a good fit too, according to Jane, because “they are great to be involved with, and similarly community-minded’’.
Originally from Cowra, Jane was working in Wagga Wagga 13 years ago, with the dream of her own business when the chance came to buy the Junee pharmacy – but she had just three days to decide. “I took the plunge, and it has been the best decision,” she says. Jane first thought the locals may have been dubious with a young woman replacing a more experienced pharmacist, but the friendly community welcomed her with open arms. “Junee is a great place where people look out for each other,” she says. Jane and husband Michael have two young children, and balancing family life with work is paramount. She values greatly the support of her 19 staff, including five pharmacists, all of whom she considers “extended family”. Each day brings something different at a country pharmacy, with a request early in her time at Junee the perfect example. “It was my first Sunday when a farmer asked if I had anything to treat a cow with a sore eye,” Jane recalls with a laugh. Going the extra mile for customers is part of their service. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
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calling the tune
Keith and Fran Griffin are still making beautiful music together after 36 years.
Keith and Fran Griffin have been musicians all their lives. Now that they’re firmly ensconced on their small Junee property, they are sharing their skills with a new audience. Fran brings a new level of expertise to the Junee Town Band, which plays at significant town events. Her husband keeps a close eye on her and fellow musicians in his capacity as conductor. The band members rehearse each week, while a beginners’ band has started for those wishing to learn how to play an instrument. It’s fun and a great way to meet people from all ages. One regular family arrives with members from three generations. The Griffins firmly believe every town should have a choir. Noticing that Junee was lacking in this department, Fran established the Junee Community Choir in 2016. “We currently have about 15 members and are always on the lookout for more,” she says. “If I can do it, anybody can,” Keith quips. In another little twist to their repertoire, Fran plays the role of choir conductor. Over a cuppa Keith says he started on the humble recorder and is still going 50 years later. The recorder led to the flute, which he played in the school band before a stint with the Sydney Youth Orchestra. This was followed by a degree at the Sydney Conservatorium (Con), where he graduated as Student of the Year. Fran also had an early introduction to music, beginning with piano and singing lessons from her mother on their Cowra farm. At 12 she took up the flute that eventually led her down the road to the Con, where she first met Keith. In 1981 they married and along with two other musicians established their own ensemble, Nouvelles Reflexions, which recently performed, after a 25-year hiatus, during the 2016 Riverina Con concert series in Wagga Wagga. Later came the Eclectix, comprising four modern flute players, and The Talisman Ensemble, which performed for a decade at one of Sydney’s big five-star hotels, the Regent at Circular Quay.
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After finishing the Regent gig in 1992, Fran studied Mathematics at university, finishing with a Master’s (Hons), before working in the Department of Mathematics at Macquarie University. “About five years ago we did the big tree change,” she says. “We were sick of snarling traffic, the noise and the difficulty with getting anywhere. One day we just woke up and had an epiphany.” The only stipulation was that they had to be located near a conservatorium. Wagga Wagga was the natural choice and from there the house hunting started in earnest. Eventually they found what they were looking for in Junee: a 25-acre property with the capacity to generate an extra income, something they’ve achieved with their Gryphon Lodge B&B. The Griffins enjoy the bush tranquillity and run a few animals including sheep, alpacas, chooks and a cat. In good times they are self sufficient in the green vegetable department. “It’s hard to do these things in the city. We have learnt a lot from our fencing exploits,” Keith laughs. The pair still travel to Wagga several times a week for rehearsals, work at the Con or private teaching lessons. The picturesque trip through some of the best farming country in the state is always interesting and the drive is never considered a chore. Fran believes that playing an instrument or singing helps build character. “People learn to perform under pressure, which helps build confidence and self esteem,” she says. With Junee’s smaller population, Keith and Fran have both picked up new instruments, which they are learning to master before teaching others to play. Keith is now an accomplished saxophone player while Fran is playing clarinet and the bassoon. “It’s a large and generally expensive instrument but makes a beautiful sound,” she says. Having spent 36 years together and without children, Keith and Fran love nothing better than cycling, photographing, enjoying good food and wine and, of course, listening to beautiful classical music. CWL
Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
AGENTS OF CHANGE
You’ll find much more than the daily paper at Junee Newsagency.
While many people are still in bed, the Junee Newsagency is preparing for another busy day, the doors opening bright and early at 3.30am. Travellers and regulars, including shift workers, call in, and the self-serve coffee machine is well patronised. “From opening until 8.30am is one of our busiest times,” says Tanya Guinan, who owns the newsagency with partner Chris Allen. Locals themselves, the couple have operated the newsagency for three years and have enjoyed embracing diversification, while also maintaining the traditional newsagency role. The historic corner premises, with pressed metal ceiling and leadlight windows, has operated as a newsagency for decades and is still the place for all newspaper, magazine and stationery needs. Changes Tanya and Chris have introduced have been well received, particularly the interesting selection of giftware for all ages, including an extensive range of children’s books and toys, which fills several aisles. “It’s important to provide variety and the option of not having to go to a larger centre,” Tanya says. They also stock a wide selection of cards and wrapping paper, art supplies and books, along with Junee souvenirs. A busy NSW Lotteries Agent, they recently had an upgrade of the lotto counter to provide a modern and convenient service. Social media updates keep customers notified of special promotions and what’s happening in store, including activities like the popular AFL tipping competition. Valued services such as delivery, in town and to outlying areas, are provided.
The friendly staff, Helena, Sharyn, Syndee and Marion, are always happy to help. “They do a wonderful job,” Tanya says. Tanya and Chris appreciate the flexibility of the newsagency and that it’s “family friendly”. Chris, who works in Wagga, is involved on weekends, and children, Jaxson and Millie, also have jobs to do. “We really enjoy it. Your customers are friends, too,” Tanya says. “Junee is such a good town, and we appreciate the support of the community.” In turn, they support local organisations, schools and sporting groups. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Junee Newsagency owner Tanya Guinan with staff member Helena Lydem.
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Calling himself “The Limping Poet”, Neil Smith’s brand of entertainment involves bringing stories and images to life using both words and actions. “Much of my material comes from reallife situations,” Neil says. “You simply need to extend a thought or situation by gradual degrees until it moves from something you might see every day to something ridiculous. “What you end up with is a situation or story that can leave people in stitches. When people complain to me that their stomachs are sore from laughing, I know I’ve done my job.” From birth, Neil has had a disability that resulted in a limp and a built-up shoe, hence The Limping Poet reference. “It’s much easier to remember someone by a physical trait than by their name,” he says. “I’m terrible at remembering names but if someone said to me ‘that bloke with the limp’ or ‘that fellow with the big shoe’ I’d have a much better chance of remembering someone.” After a recent hip replacement, which resulted in a leg extension – his shoe buildup was reduced from a whopping 125mm down to a modest 25mm – Neil jokingly complains that he’s been done out of a trade and may need to change his name to The Lesser Limping Poet. When asked what got him started in the poetry sphere, Neil says he was inspired by his grandfather, George Robinson. “As a young man fresh out of school I had the great privilege to be able to drop in and spend time with my grandparents. I would happily listen to tales of yesteryear and poems by my grandfather till hunted out the door,” he says. “My grandfather had a great knack for writing and reciting, a skill which I think he quietly enjoyed sharing with me. We’d sit sipping a beer while I or my grandmother would cajole him into ‘just one more’ recitation. “Seeing my grandfather’s ability and skills gave me the confidence to have a go myself. This combined with my very positive and encouraging family and friends, has been the icing on the cake. Let’s face it, in this wonderful country – and with the right encouragement – we can achieve pretty well anything.” While Neil has performed at major city and regional venues, national and state functions, local charity fundraisers and most in between, his favourite venue is a simple campfire or caravan park.
POETRY IN MOTION
Neil Smith is a man of many interests but what he really loves is making people laugh. And laugh they do, till their sides ache and the tears stream down their faces.
“I like to connect with people and in a small group. When you boil it down, it’s people that make the difference in this life.” When Neil isn’t entertaining he works as a contract health and building surveyor for local government. Not only does it mean that he travels widely but it gives him a broad range of material to draw on when writing. “I like to keep a line between what I do for business and what I do for pleasure. My poetry has never been about the money. It’s something I enjoy and while ever I’m fortunate enough to have the luxury of being able to donate any poetry profits to local charities, I’ll continue to do so.”
A striking addition to Neil’s travelling show is his bright yellow 1959 Sunliner caravan, which he and wife Bronnie have affectionately dubbed The Love Shack. The caravan is often used as a backdrop for performances at festivals and similar open-air events. Both are keen caravaners and love touring around Australia with their little yellow van. “What a great way to meet people while you’re on the track,” he enthuses. It’s easy to see that for Neil, it’s all about meeting people. CWL ABOVE: Neil Smith, “The Limping Poet”, with his eye-catching 1959 Sunliner caravan that travels with him all over the country.
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hall and sundry The hall at Junee Reefs brings the small community together for all manner of occasions.
Junee Reefs no longer boasts 100 residents, as it did back in 1869, and the gold that once attracted thousands of hopeful prospectors to the region is long gone. The only reminder that the place ever existed is an old church, the old automatic telephone exchange and a 90-year-old hall that has replaced the pub as a meeting place for the community. Costing 600 pounds to build, the renovated hall has seen plenty of action over the years. In 1947 after the closure of the Junee Reefs school, a decision was made to move the 1914-18 memorial soldier from the school grounds and place it under the care of the hall committee. Finally in 2006 the bronzed soldier was proudly repositioned in front of the hall. Anzac Day is a special day for the hall and surrounding farming families. There is always a service and time to reflect on the gallant deeds of the best young men Junee Reefs had to offer. No fewer than 30 strapping farm lads from the district volunteered during WW1, with 13 never coming home. In WW2 even more men enlisted with a further three paying the ultimate sacrifice. The hall was there for all those big occasions and in recent years has become popular for weddings, anniversaries and family get-togethers. “The hall really cranked up a notch or two when the new toilets were built in 1995, replacing the old pit variety, which we had forever and a day,” says committee president and local farmer Glenn Curry. It snowballed from there. These days it’s the meeting place for local organisations like the Bush Fire Brigade, occasional Landcare meetings or agronomy sessions and RFS training days. “During the 2000 drought, local men gathered to de-stress and we still get together to discuss mental health issues over a few beers and a barbecue,” Glenn says. It’s also a place of rigorous physical activity, with regular exercise classes attended by a health-conscious mob of men, women and children. “It’s the hub of our community. We don’t have a pub so this is where we congregate”. CWL CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Junee Reefs Hall serves as the local meeting place; The hall is used for a range of functions including weddings for local families; Hall committee members Glenn and Lynne Curry, Janice and George Brabin, Margaret Drum and Robert Hillam.
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savouring history Discover a memorable combination of satisfying food and the grandeur of a bygone era at Junee’s Railway Station Café.
The café operates from the station’s former Refreshments Room, which boasts impressive hand-forged, cast-iron columns, glorious cedar panelling and seven-metre ceilings. French architect Louis Marie Le Breton designed the room in the 1880s, and it remains a glorious testament to fine craftsmanship, including the original cedar benchtop over 12 metres long and several enormous ornate mirrors. Café owner Debbie Daley, who has utilised her hospitality skills here for nine years, treasures the historical significance. She and husband Jason also operate the busy Back Door Café in Wagga. Open on weekdays, from 9am to 4pm, the Railway Station Café welcomes locals and travellers with a varied menu from toasted Turkish bread to quiche, home-made soup, gourmet salad and the “hugely popular” Junee Lamb Burger. Takeaway is available. Beverages include fresh juices and award-winning coffee, with a tempting selection of home-baked cakes and pastries. Leather lounges and fireplaces add to the ambience, and a model train track delights young and old (maintained by the Junee Railway Group). Head chef Alysha brings cosmopolitan experience to the kitchen, and enjoys experimenting with flavours and tastes. “Our customers are the backbone of our business and we appreciate that support very much,” Debbie says. “This town is very loyal and we love it here.” Functions are by appointment, and local produce features on the menus. Gourmet food is also combined with charming travel in a 1920s “Tin Hare” rail motor that runs at various times, including in conjunction with Junee’s annual Rhythm n Rail Festival in March. Canapes and drinks are served as guests enjoy the countryside and historic Bethungra Spiral, a magical experience as the sun sets. Debbie is proud of her hardworking staff who help make these various aspects of the business run smoothly. Her passion for the business extends to the premises’ rich history, with photos and memorabilia lining the walls, including the station in its glory days, as a hub of rail activity, and war days when troops would disembark for a meal. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
FACING PAGE: The railway has played a major part in the development of Junee; The railway station cafe was once the home of fine dining; today the cafe caters for both locals and visitors and is a popular destination for many travellers.
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wise moves Betty Crowley can look back on a charmed life with no regrets.
French-Canadian-born Betty Crowley has made plenty of important decisions during her 94 years but none as big as the day she agreed to marry the handsome RAAF engineer she hadn’t seen in five years. Betty received the cable “Will you come to Australia and marry me?” while working as a telephone censor for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during WW2. It wasn’t a complete shock, as the lovestruck pair had attempted to correspond via letters, most of which were lost in transit.
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Betty had long sensed this determined Aussie had no intentions of giving her up, with Laurie sending the cable the day after being discharged from the Air Force. “This was from a man I hadn’t seen for five long years,” she sighs. Her father had passed and her mother, while secretly devastated to see her go, offered her blessings. “I hadn’t heard much of Australia at that stage,” Betty admits. “All I knew was that my future lay with Laurie. Quite frankly, it didn’t really matter where we ended up as long as we were together.”
Her big adventure started with a six-day train journey followed by a three-week boat trip, arriving in Sydney in May 1946. Waving madly from the terminal was a beaming Laurie Crowley, who was keen to marry her the very next day but was forced to wait several weeks until the lost trousseau trunk with the wedding dress turned up. Laurie went to work as an aircraft engineer in Sydney for three years before accepting a job in New Guinea. “The moment I stepped off the airplane in Lae I knew I was going to love the place –
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For the next 10 days, before departing for war, they stole precious moments together at every opportunity.
the atmosphere, warm climate and friendly people,” Betty fondly recalls of the island she called home for the next 23 years. After his job was terminated the Crowleys built their own business, Crowley Airways, transporting people and goods throughout the territory. Laurie flew everywhere, regularly collecting vegetables from the highlands and selling them to the locals back in Lae. With independence looming, the family moved back to Australia, ending up in “Victoria Park”, Junee, a farm owned by Laurie’s father. Laurie died in 2013 after a stellar 67 years of marriage. Betty continues living independently on the farm and still drives into town each week to attend Mass, shop for groceries and visit friends in hospital. With a fabulous view of the growing crops from the many windows of her home, Betty often closes her eyes and drifts back to the war years. She remembers her only sister returning from a dance and telling her about this dashing Australian fellow. When her younger sister brought him home Betty was reading a magazine and scarcely acknowledged him. At a later dance, Laurie invited her to join his group. During a lively barn dance Laurie pulled her out to the balcony, desperate to know more of the enticing young lass who had stolen his heart. For the next 10 days, before departing for war, they stole precious moments together at every opportunity. Five years later she received that lifechanging telegram. Betty never regrets her decision to follow the Australian who became her husband. They went on to have five children, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. As for her longevity, she smiles and concedes that eating habits might well have something to do with it. “When I was growing up my mother was very conscious of what we ate and firmly believed in the Hay Diet, based on not combining proteins and starches in the same meal. I’ve never eaten meat and potatoes together.” The best advice, she suggests, is to follow your heart. “It also helps to have a positive outlook on life and be happy with your lot.” While Betty loves reading novels, none would be as interesting as her own epic love story spanning two continents and a world war that couldn’t dampen the hope of true love. CWL FACING PAGE: Love knows no bounds. Betty Crowley with a framed photograph of her late husband, RAAF engineer Laurie Crowley. LEFT: An eye-catching Betty on her wedding day to handsome RAAF engineer Laurie Crowley; Betty and Laurie enjoyed 67 years of wedded bliss; the face that stole a man’s heart seven decades ago.
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happy hosts Three generations of the Phillips family offer the best in country hospitality at The Crossing Motel.
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Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
Located in Junee’s main street opposite the railway station, The Crossing Motel caters for travellers on a mid-week escape exploring the region’s beauty, a weekend getaway indulging in the harvest bounties or a quiet stopover. The comfortable four-star motel is a family owned and operated business. Ken and Anne Phillips, their son Michael and his wife Natalie, together with their children Jasmine, Oliver and Mia, are all familiar faces helping make your stay an experience to remember. The family journey to this point is quite remarkable. Michael and Natalie arrived at the 30-room motel in 2005 to help Michael’s parents for a six-week relief stint, bringing three kids under the age of three for added chaos! They stayed for the next five years before embarking on the ultimate Aussie dream, packing up and setting off on a three-year working adventure around Australia. “We loved every moment of our travels,” Natalie says. “Some days had much more love than others but we feel very lucky to have seen our country, meet an amazing variety of people and tried a diverse range of Aussie activities.” Guests to The Crossing Motel become the beneficiaries of these experiences. Guests are constantly energised by their passion and grateful for their understanding of the need for a good night’s sleep after a long day’s travel. The jewel in the crown of this business is the Roundhouse Restaurant. Michael, a qualified and well-practised chef, delivers high-quality meals at affordable prices. His skills easily transform local produce into culinary delights way too tempting to pass up. While the mains will entrance you, the desserts will blow your mind. Michael and his team are specialists in pairing your mains with tantalising desserts, all house-made to cap your evening off. “Superb local produce makes my job easy,” says Michael as he prepares a mouth-watering homemade blueberry cheesecake. “Preparing a person’s meal is a great responsibility and I thrive in the challenge to provide a menu offering a wide variety of choice and indulgence for our diners.” The Roundhouse Restaurant seats 30 in the “engine room” with another 60 diners comfortably seated on the new platform dining area. Expect the best when it comes to elegance, ambience and friendly, professional service. Michael and Natalie use this space to cater for events, hosting large travelling groups and celebrations like weddings and birthdays. Perhaps the most endearing part of this family business is the motel’s involvement with the local community through sports, community development and volunteering. “Being part of the community means getting your hands dirty and helping out where and when you can,” Natalie says. “What we give is more than returned in kind, in business and in our own personal growth.” Conversation with this pair comes easy yet by far the most considered and passionate response they gave was to the question, why settle in Junee? “After seeing most of what Australia offers we chose to return to Junee – to a great supportive community and a business that challenges us daily,” Natalie says. “We love the feeling of growing with it. Our kids are happy, healthy and have a vast range of opportunities to explore as well as a region that grows and responds to our needs. Junee has everything a tourist and family could want or need.” CWL
FACING PAGE: Michael and Natalie with children Jasmine, Oliver and Mia in the new section of the Roundhouse Restaurant. ABOVE: The Crossing Motel is a family run business and the rooms are always spotless.
Facing page bottom images: Struan Timms Photography
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trainspotters’ paradise The Junee Roundhouse is all about trains, after all, Junee is the quintessential railway town.
Like many small towns across NSW, the location and development of Junee was dictated by the railways. Railway construction had commenced in NSW during the early 1850s with the railway reaching Junee in 1878. By the turn of the century, the town had become a centre of rail operations. Seasoned travellers always knew they were approaching Junee by the smoky haze on the horizon. It was the Junee Roundhouse where maintenance crews worked tirelessly on every class of steam and later diesel locomotives and rail car trains. Completed in 1947, the fully covered roundhouse was the last steam locomotive depot built by the NSW Government Railways, boasting a 30-metre (100-foot) turntable, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere at the time. As well as being the depot for locomotives on various branch lines it was strategically important being located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. The extent of the Junee Roundhouse, turntable, ash and coaling arrangements, workshop and repair capacities, watering facilities and other structures shows the importance of Junee as a major locomotive servicing point. In 1994, with the establishment of the museum, the Roundhouse took on a new lease of life. Half of the site is now devoted to the museum, opened by a group of volunteers with a vision of keeping the town’s rail story alive, while the remaining portion is used for its original purpose of reconditioning and rebuilding locomotives and rolling stock.
The museum displays include a water tank wagon, which was part of a breakdown train, a mail car, a large model railway, trikes and plenty of steam, diesel and electric locomotives. It’s also home to the only working steam-driven accident crane. Of a number built in America in the early 1940s, five were brought to Australia by the US Army Corps. With the end of the war, the NSW Government Railways purchased two for railway use. The others, classed as surplus to army requirements, were shipped back to the US but were lost at sea just outside Sydney Heads. Experience NSW’s rail history first-hand with a guided tour from one of the many dedicated volunteers who will take you through the development of the railways. Enthusiastic volunteer Bob Horsburgh, 74, loves taking visitors on a sentimental journey back through time. Group tours are available, providing a great social history experience for visitors of all ages from school groups to retirees. CWL Above image: Struan Timms Photography
ABOVE: The Junee Roundhouse has been a popular tourist attraction for over two decades. FACING PAGE: The Junee Roundhouse from the air; Volunteer and former railway driver Bob Horsburgh in the cab of a 24 class steam engine, English built in 1894; Hundreds of thousands of passengers travelled in the inter urban electric trains during the 1960s and 70s; One of the majestic old stream trains on display.
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selling points galore The team at PRDnationwide know and love Junee. Decades of living and working in the Junee district gives the team at PRDnationwide an invaluable perspective of local real estate, with deep belief in their product. Principal Rob Barrett and wife Jenny work alongside son Jason and motivated staff to deliver results in residential and rural sales, and property management. The couple established the agency nearly 25 years ago, on principles of honesty, strong customer relationships and pride in delivering the best service possible. “We are realistic, and always working towards the best outcome for the client,” says Rob, reflecting on many years in the industry. The rewarding association he and Jenny have with PRDnationwide includes the honour of being inducted into its Hall of Fame. Being part of Colliers International further strengthens their service, with access to a large and diverse network of contacts and extensive market feedback. The Barretts have lived in Junee for over 40 years, immersing themselves in the community, and have a great affection for their town. Rob served a term on Junee Shire Council, with two years as deputy mayor, and the couple’s four children all completed their schooling here. “Junee has a lot to offer,” Rob says, pointing out that it has become increasingly sought after for lifestyle and investment, boasting excellent facilities in education, medical and aged care,
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along with many recreation and retail choices. Large employers include the Junee Correctional Centre, railway and Junee Abattoir, and Wagga Wagga is just a short commute away, along with Charles Sturt University and Kapooka Army Base. “Junee has become a focus for investors with attractive rental returns giving positive cashflows,” Rob says. “It is progressive, with a proactive council and very good infrastructure. “Council’s Kaiser and John Potts residential estates offer exciting lifestyle options with fully serviced blocks ranging in size from 575 square metres up to 5718 square metres, and ranging in price from $62,000 up to $123,000. The variance in size and price allows us to cater for all your lifestyle dreams and desires.” For the family escaping the city grind or retirement seekers, the welcoming team at PRDnationwide has the expertise and knowledge to assist. Taking care of sales are Rob, along with Jason, who has been in the industry for 19 years, and Emma, who has been with the agency four years. Together they provide the skills and experience to relate to a wide demographic. Another important focus is property management, with a large portfolio of over 250 properties capably handled by Jacqui and Kellie, who between them have a decade of expertise. Administration is in the experienced hands of Pam and Jenny, who have been with the agency since it opened in 1993. They are also the friendly faces behind the in-house Bendigo Bank branch, providing a vital rural service. PRDnationwide Junee knows and loves the town, and with its professional, reliable and innovative service, positive client outcomes follow. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Jacqui, Kellie, Emma, Pam, Jenny, Rob and Jason are the friendly team at PRD Nationwide.
Junee
A great place to live, a great place to invest.
For all of your real estate requirements, call our caring and dedicated staff. Residential and Rural Sales • Property Management 83 Lorne Street, JUNEE NSW 2663 02 6924 1371 • www.prdjunee.com.au
LEADING THE WAY There is no doubt that Junee High School Captain Jacky Zhao will realise his extraordinary potential.
Since moving with his Chinese family from Sydney to Junee five years ago, 17-year-old Jacky Zhao is setting new benchmarks in just about everything he sets his mind to. An accomplished student, soccer player and role model, Jacky loves all sport and clearly enjoys completing his homework. In Year 11 he received the prestigious Victor Chang Award for achievements in science, a great experience that opened his eyes to new opportunities at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. “Every year the GEO Correctional Centre presents scholarships for students who have excelled in either sport, art or academics. I won mine for academics – thanks to being top of my class,” he tells me from a table in his family’s Nine and Ten Chinese restaurant. “Being the first one to do physics, they offered me a financial grant, which helps me buy the necessary equipment for my science studies,” he says. The Year 12 student thrives on science – biology, physics and chemistry – and enjoys studying with the Aurora College for accelerated students. “Aurora has definitely helped me with my science classes. With only a few students in my class we get excellent teaching. I was the first student in Junee to start the program in 2016 and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” he says modestly. Jacky’s classmates come from towns like Molong, Cobar, Orange, Broken Hill and Bathurst – all students wanting to achieve higher accreditation in subjects not normally studied. Junee High School Principal Scott Frazier describes Jacky as a highachieving student who excels in science and mathematics. He thinks Jacky may look at a career in medical science but with a plethora of opportunities, his star student, he says, is keeping his options open. “Jacky is a capable, respectful, trustworthy student that always gives his best. He represents the school in a number of sports including basketball and soccer and is diligent and hardworking at everything he sets his mind to,” he says. Since coming to Junee with his proud parents Raymond and Amanda, Jacky, 17, and little brother Sunny, 14, are making the best of their opportunities. Jacky played rugby with the Junee Diesels but in recent years switched to the Junee Jaguars in the soccer competition. He recently picked up the referee’s whistle and helps out in the local competition. Jacky isn’t sure of what he will do with his life but is thinking about civil engineering, “building roads and highways”, or physiotherapy because of his love of sport. He is sure he will go straight on to university but promises to return home in the holidays to help his hard-working parents in the restaurant. The close family still converse in their native Cantonese at home and the boys have mastered English. “It’s important to maintain our identity. The world is becoming more globalised and I feel opportunities could present themselves in the future,” says Jacky of his ability to speak two dialects. Jacky has been to China twice to visit his grandparents. “It feels different over there,” he says. “It’s a lot more rushed compared to Junee.” As for all his success, Jacky puts it down to the great opportunities he has found in Junee. “As long as you put in the hard work and use the opportunities available to you, you will succeed in achieving your goal,” he says before racing off to soccer practice. CWL
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“As long as you put in the hard work and use the opportunities available to you, you will succeed in achieving your goal.”
ABOVE: Jacky Zhao is a young man with a bright future; with proud mother Amanda in the family-owned Nine and Ten Chinese Restaurant.
Junee T O W N F E A T U R E
For nearly three decades, Country Meadows in Junee has shared special occasions in customers’ lives with a caring and expert touch. This boutique florist and gift shop brings “new challenges and surprises” every day for owner Kaye Vincent. “It’s always a privilege to share in customers’ times of happiness, weddings, birthdays and babies, and, of course sad days, which we try to brighten with a delivery of flowers and comforting message.” They work closely with district funeral directors Maurice R. Moroney & Co., and together they provide the special service required at those times. Fresh flowers arrive regularly from Melbourne – daily during the busy times of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas – creating a coolroom that delights Kaye with an “explosion of colour and heady fragrance that always lifts the spirits”. Silk flowers are also available, and Country Meadows is an Interflora agent. Fondly referred to by Kaye as “my little wonderland”, the store carries a wide variety of homewares, body products, garden decor and gourmet produce. A cute corner is devoted to gifts for children and babies. A service through their website, www. countrymeadowsjunee.com.au, offers Glasshouse candles, Crabtree & Evelyn body products and fairy dresses. An intriguing storage area houses hidden treasures. “Someone will ask, ‘would you have a such and such upstairs’, and we usually do,” Kaye laughs.
bloom times A longstanding Junee florist prides itself on being the right choice for all occasions.
Kaye worked as a florist in Melbourne before moving to farm in the area with husband Frank and starting the business with friend Shaen. Spending time with family is a high priority, and Kaye is also a keen gardener. The business is a passion she finds an “absolute joy” to share with daughter Emma, who juggles her time with a young family. “We have always connected closely with ideas and dreams for the future,” Kaye says.
“I also have wonderful and talented staff, Anne and Maree, who support me during the busiest of times.” And, of course, the ongoing support from the local community is greatly appreciated. CWL Words: Elizabeth Grant
ABOVE: Kaye Vincent has devoted much of her life to Country Meadows. Anzac Day is traditionally busy.
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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Roger Moore loves his “Old A�; the car collection is a big hit with motoring enthusiasts; mechanics Joe Belling and Jeff Windsor are always tinkering with the vehicles; volunteer worker at the Gas Works Garage, Darby Asmus with the 1928 Model A Ford; the first four Falcons; this black 1958 Ford Customline was owned by Miss Wendt, who learnt to drive it in her 60s; one of the many older vehicles in the collection.
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IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT Accidental car collector Roger Moore has a story to tell for each set of wheels.
It’s not every day you meet a man called Roger Moore. Junee’s version is known for his eclectic car collection – not to be confused with that other recently departed movie star who played the role of British secret agent James Bond. While they both shared a penchant for fast, eye-catching vehicles, you won’t find any Lamborghinis in this Roger’s collection. They are mostly Aussie classics with a few American imports thrown in for good measure. The oldest and most precious is a 1928 Ford Model A, the second major success for the Ford Motor Company after 18 hugely productive years with its predecessor, the Model T or “Thin Lizzy”. By 1930 Model A sales peaked at three million. On the other side of the world and 23 years later, Roger’s father Jim, and business partner Don Shaw, started the Ford dealership at Junee’s Belmore Motors (sold in 2011 by Roger and wife Jenny nearly 60 years later). “Dad started the collection, I suppose, after trading a new 1962 Falcon for Harold Anderson’s old model, which he promptly stored in a back shed,” Roger says. “Can you imagine a bloke with a peg leg getting out of that ‘Old A’ with a no-syncro mesh crash gearbox, into an automatic brand new Falcon,” he laughs. Harold was an avid motorist, buying the Sports Phaeton (Deluxe) from E. F. Taylor & Co, Broadway. It came with a windscreen wiper, rear-vision mirror, wind deflectors, snug-fitting side curtains and a rear luggage rack (handy for the spare wheel). “She was a real ‘Lady Betty’, as a song at her Majesty’s Theatre expressed it,” wrote Harold on an old typewriter of his early experiences with the vehicle. “A nippy car and the prettiest in Junee.” The “Old A” took Harold to work, church and to Sydney for law exams. “Before the first Sydney trip I got my mechanic to top up the brakes. At dusk a boy cyclist came off the Wallerawang Road and flopped just in front of the bumper bar. We slammed on the brakes and he remounted but didn’t talk. We told him to take a Tatt’s ticket.” Over the next 32 years the car was well maintained, with two new hoods, paint job, new wooden frame and leather upholstery on the front seat. When it was finally traded in, Harold had notched up 50,000 miles on the rough roads of the day. This transaction was the start of things to come. Jim sold an XK Falcon to Burt Kesby, which Roger was able to purchase many years later. “It held special significance for me,” Roger admits. “Not only did Dad sell it but it’s actually the first model Falcon built in Australia. It didn’t need restoring and is in the same condition as the day I got it.” At that stage Roger’s sole idea was getting the “old girl” on display at the local show and perhaps the dealership, alongside the very latest models.
“Then an old bloke, Ted Elphick, who had just failed his driving test due to old age, asked me if I collected old cars. I said not really but the next thing I had an XL Falcon, the very next model,” he continues. “Not long after that Stan Devlin came up to me and asked me the same question and then the rot truly set in! I ended up with an XM, the next model.” Roger’s family had on old XP that Jim had traded in years earlier that all the family had learnt to drive on. He bought that as well and suddenly realised he now had the first four Falcons. It all grew from there. Today there are 34 classic vehicles to inspect, stored in the old Chrysler dealership before moving into the Gasworks Garage, where they once made gas for street lighting at the turn of the 20th century. “There are two very interesting cars I want to show you,” declares Roger as we amble through the mighty garage. “Mrs Joyce was my oldest new car customer at 94, and she purchased the new Fiesta and traded in her 1970 Escort. “This was followed by Jack Hill, 90 at the time, who was advised by his driving instructor that he would stand a better chance of retaining his licence if he got a smaller car. Next thing I have a 1970 Fairlane that he’d purchased new from Dad.” Roger recently drove the old Fairlane to Melbourne to watch the last Falcon come off the production line: the Falcon XRS Sprint. The 1000-mile drive was done in style and comfort and the engine never missed a beat. Other stories you’ll have to hear for yourself from Roger or volunteers like Darby Asmus, who is in his 16th year as a miller at the nearby Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. The fine collection of motor vehicles is not just for show. The vintage vehicles enjoy demonstration days at the Illabo Motor Sport Park, where Roger hopes to incorporate driver training for the next generation behind the wheel. School students are also being mentored by retired mechanics in the art of vehicle maintenance and repairs. The current project is stripping down an engine to be reconditioned and the students come in for a hands-on lesson once a week. Roger Moore is thrilled to finally have the collection under one roof and can now look forward to working with his team to further develop new concepts. Now about that famous name. It all stems from Roger’s grandfather, Frederick Moore, but universally known as “Old Roger”. He retired in 1965 after a lifetime working on the railway. “The famous Dr Potts delivered me in 1959. It was three weeks before I was named but I was always going to be a Roger,” he smiles proudly. CWL JUNEE CWL 117
we are family Brigid and Matt Austin are proof that love conquers all.
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Junee T O W N F E A T U R E Junee businesswoman Brigid Austin has come to learn that the Lord works in mysterious ways. With a new clothing store and a beautiful old home she shares with husband Matt and a precious young girl with special high needs, this high-powered wife and mother is embracing the power of love. Sandy Beach Boutique proved Brigid’s saviour, having purchased the shop in 2016 after a career as operations manager of Wagga Wagga’s PRDnationwide. Matt has also enjoyed some serious career changes, starting as a tax collector in Melbourne. As his religious beliefs deepened he was encouraged to “have a crack” at the priesthood. “I didn’t want to spend my life regretting that I never had a go,” he says candidly from his kitchen table. In 1996 he commenced theology studies at Vianney College and in 2002, on the day of the Bali bombings, was ordained as Father Matt and posted to St Joseph’s Parish in Junee. At about the same time, Brigid Riley and her black Monaro rolled into town – as luck would have it, only a few houses up the road from Matt’s residence. With Brigid’s daughter Emily at the local school, it was only a matter of time before Brigid and Matt struck up a strong, uncomplicated friendship. One day Father Matt picked Emily up from a party in his XR6 ute and the rumour mill went into overdrive. Matt takes up the story. “I was offered the position to become military chaplain, which would have meant leaving the area. By then we were great mates, not fully aware of our true feelings for each other. “I realised I had feelings but tried to suppress them. There were many sleepless nights. There wasn’t an exact moment but more of a growing awareness that this was how it was meant to be – an unfolding realisation that perhaps the priesthood and a life of celibacy weren’t for me.” Matt finally bit the bullet and confessed to the Bishop about his dilemma. In next to no time the pair were discussing marriage. Matt proposed on Brigid’s birthday, barely a month after leaving the priesthood, and they married at the local chocolate factory on Valentine’s Day 2009. A few years later they discovered a century-old Federation home in George Street and fell in love all over again. Matt was elected to council the same year and became deputy mayor in 2017. Brigid spent 11 years in local government before pursuing her love of real estate. “Annie came into our lives soon after our marriage,” Brigid says. “Due to confidentiality reasons I can’t really say any more than Annie needed a long-term home. Having dealt with perhaps the biggest issue with Matt we felt we could handle a young seven-year-old with a long list of medical issues. “We had many long discussions as a family, knowing that Annie would affect the family dynamics. In the end we all decided unanimously that we wanted her to be permanently part of our family and in 2012 she became our foster child.” Working full-time with a high-pressure job and a highneeds child proved challenging. With numerous medical appointments in both Wagga Wagga and Sydney, Annie often requires hospital stays and extended school breaks. “Managing PRD and caring for Annie was nothing short of a nightmare. It eventually took its toll on my family and my job. I cut back to three days a week before finally resigning.” Never one to sit idle, Brigid was keen to apply her skills to a business where she could be more flexible with her working hours. When the clothing store was put on the market she didn’t hesitate. “The business came up for sale when I was at a loose end. I desperately needed an income and something to keep my mind focused,” she says.
Since becoming involved in retail, Brigid has revamped the look of the boutique, utilising the small space to its best advantage. “My sister-in-law Simone helps out if I have medical appointments with Annie or she is sick. The worst-case scenario is I shut the doors for the day. Plus I can do all my bookwork, ordering, social media and planning from home at night.” The business recently went online as Brigid ventures into new clothing lines for her loyal Junee clientele and women from smaller surrounding towns who drop in en route to Wagga Wagga. “I have big plans for the shop but am taking it very slowly as it is all about lifestyle. I have learnt that my family and lifestyle come first, no matter what,” she says. Annie is still a full-time job and at times it’s been physically and emotionally intensive. With a team of extremely dedicated friends and family and the support of Anglicare Wagga, Matt and Brigid navigate a very busy schedule. Compassion and commitment are not just bywords in this family. The secret, they say, is learning to laugh at the absurdity of life and making time for each other in an otherwise chaotic world. As a celebrant, Matt frequently marries couples on the weekend, meaning they don’t have a lot of time to simply sit and chill. When they do, expect a mad house full of friends and family chatting away to music from Matt’s beloved gramophone. “It’s been a turbulent decade but we wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey,” says Brigid, who was finally married at 38, became a mother again at 40, and started a new career at 45. Often she thinks of the Latin words inscribed on her wedding ring: Amor Vincit Omnia (love conquers all) and quietly smiles. The Lord indeed works in strange ways. CWL FACING PAGE: Love conquers all in the Austin homestead. Matt and Brigid with Brigid’s daughter Emily and the irrepressible Annie, who wears sunglasses to protect her eyes.
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school principles Close ties to the wider community are what makes Junee High School strong.
The community plays a vital role in the personal development of over 200 students attending Junee High School. It’s what School Principal Scott Frazier calls the “community connection”. “We are thankful for the commitment of so many dedicated staff and generous community-minded people in providing the opportunities to make such connections – from AgVision, with over 100 presenters building awareness of agriculture-based careers, to curriculum relationships with local businesses,” he says. Other connections include Farm to Fork, which has students involved in workshops run by staff and Primary Industries and Agriculture students, and the Junee Correctional Centre, which supports the school with scholarships and a Big Brekky each term. Inmates on community release clean up the school and grounds during holidays. There are strong links with Junee Shire Council, discussing local needs and projects including the school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, where up to a dozen students gain work experience in local establishments.
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“The school has produced some outstanding students over the years.”
Recently students were involved in an animation workshop and an IT workshop with local businesses, spreading their positive wisdom of social media. Each week, two to four students accompanied by a staff member visit the Men’s Shed and Illabo Motorsport Park workshop for practical skill development and mentoring. Year 12 students are likely to attend university or TAFE in combination with work in their first year after leaving Junee High. In return, students and Student Representative Council members lend their support at local events like Anzac Day, selling tickets for Legacy, and fundraising for local organisations like the Junee branch of Can Assist. Students also assist at primary school sports carnivals and the Premier’s Sporting Challenge. Religious education in the form of scripture, in addition to chaplaincy, is supported by local churches. Junee High is also part of the Ngumba-Dal Learning Community, with strong systems for transition activities, learning programs and wellbeing events with the partner schools of Eurongilly, Illabo, Junee and Junee North. “All these community connections are what makes Junee High School a great educational facility,” says Scott, who embodies all the skills required of a modern day school principal. He not only organises staff and student education but leads the financial management, human resources, asset management and wellbeing teams. There are sometimes complex family issues to deal with, school promotions and a myriad of policies and procedures each day. “Most pleasing is seeing students working to their full potential, overcoming adversity and building skills and knowledge to enable them to become successful citizens not just in our local community but all over Australia,” Scott says. “It’s particularly gratifying seeing former students return to the school as both teachers and staff members.” Two of the 24 teachers were educated at Junee High along with seven in administration and support roles. The school has produced some outstanding students over the years, including rugby league great and current NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley. “Katrina Fanning, Laurie’s cousin, spoke at the school presentation evening last year, reminding the crowd that she has actually played more tests for Australia than her illustrious cousin,” Scott laughs. Laurie received a Sports Blue for rugby league in 1984 from the Riverina Sports Association while still at school. The latest recipient was Jasmine Phillips in 2016 for swimming. To keep things interesting, 70 students are learning Japanese as part of the curriculum, starting at Stage Four (Years 7 and 8) with an option to continue their studies in Stage Five. The school motto “Honore ad glorian” – to honour and glory – is still as relevant today as it was in 1960 when Junee High School opened its doors. CWL FACING PAGE: Junee High School principal Scott Frazier with some of his 200 high school students; SRC executive competing in the LIONS youth of the year public speaking competition; Farm to Fork JHS student Bryton Parkhurst explaining “prime lamb”; Robotics students working with university of Sydney Agriculture Robotics department staff; SRC representatives Riley Hackett, Brooke Harris, Kate Bradley and Matilda McDevitt. LEFT FROM TOP: SRC and senior students welcome special guests; former students working in admin, Leonie Cooper (nee McQuade), Debbie Pickles (nee Sheather) and Lisa Harris (nee Diggins); Sandra Heffernan with former students who returned as teachers Gabriel Newman and Matt Hands in the STEM staff room; Junee High School Principal Scott Frazier with 2017 school captains Jacky Zhao and Hayley Hackett and vice captains Phoebe McDermott and Emily Guinan.
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BUSHRANGER SERIES - part 3
THE OUTLAWS’ INN
The Central West has a rich and fascinating heritage, and no more colourful history can be found than the stories of our bushrangers. Over past and future issues of the magazine, author and bushranger historian Gregory Powell guides us in their tracks. This time publican Robinson was at home and his hotel was once again bailed up and robbed. The gang again controlled the town, with guards posted at both ends, and all inhabitants and travellers were once more ordered into Robinson’s hotel. Armed folk were relieved of their weapons and Constable Sykes was forced to stand “guard”’ outside the inn. All food, cigars, drinks and sweets were shared with the “guests” and paid for by the bushrangers. Even a target shooting competition was organised and strictly one-hour passes were issued to residents for short trips home. On the afternoon of October 14, the bushrangers departed the town in stages, heading in the direction of Mogong. They even returned Constable Sykes’s weapons. The constant wet weather was still causing problems. The bushrangers returned to the store for blankets and dry clothes and publican Robinson had to get his message of the raid to the police in Cowra by throwing it over the swollen Belubula River in a bottle. Following the raid, the bushrangers visited the nearby home of Thomas Grant and burnt it to the ground as they thought that he had been giving information to the police. Soon after the Bathurst and Canowindra raids the government offered a reward of 1000 pounds for each raider, but now only three bushrangers remained. Burke had been shot dead and his mate Vane had left the gang to surrender to the police.
Krasovski Dmitri/Mongione/Shutterstock.com
Ben Hall and the gang liked Canowindra so much they raided it twice. The first time was on September 26, 1863. Ben Hall, John Gilbert, John O’Meally, John Vane and Micky Burke were able to ride into the town without attracting any attention. The local policeman, Constable Sykes, was “arrested” and Canowindra was now under the control of the bushrangers. The gang made William Robinson’s Canowindra Inn in the centre of the main street their home base. Pierce’s store was raided and all residents were herded into the inn. After an evening meal in the inn, Rose Robinson, the wife of the absent publican, and her sister Miss Flanagan, were asked to play the piano and bushrangers and captives alike enjoyed a spree of dancing. Drinks and cigars were shouted by the bushrangers who were reported to be quite “polite”. Some of the older hostages were allowed to later go home but most were kept at the hotel overnight and the gang took turns at sleeping. At 5am the bushrangers leisurely departed the town but remained in the vicinity until the next day. A few weeks later, following their raid on Bathurst, the gang returned to Canowindra. They arrived after dark on October 11. On this occasion, they had a spree that lasted for three days and nights, and the townspeople, local policeman and travellers were powerless to act against the daring bushrangers.
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Senior Constable John Herbert was in charge of a four-man patrol that made camp for the night near Mogong on April 13, 1865. Herbert and another trooper rode out to investigate a nearby hut while the remaining trooper and native tracker settled in for the night in camp. During the night some disturbances were heard in the nearby bush and the two men at the camp issued a challenge. When no reply came from the darkness, the trooper and tracker opened fire. The noise in the scrub turned out to be the two policemen returning to camp and Senior Constable Herbert fell mortally wounded. He died a week later; another victim of the long costly war. Visitors can read the full story on the plaque near the museum entrance. Today’s travellers can get a feel for the spirit of bushranger country by exploring the historic town of Canowindra or by camping or picnicking at Terarra Creek in nearby Nangar National Park. A 4WD road and scenic walking track gives access to the lookout on Mount Nangar. The spirits of the bushrangers can still be felt in this wild place. CWL Gregory Powell is the author of Bushranger Tracks, published in 2016 by New Holland.
Read about the Ned Kelly gang, Captain Starlight, Ben Hall and many other bushrangers of our colonial past. With a keen imagination, the historic locations can transport the modern explorer back to the wild days of the early settlement when gold glittered, guns blazed, and men and women struggled. Bushranger Tracks is the result of Gregory Powell’s continuing passion for Australian history and, in particular, the bushranger era. This is possibly the most extensive book detailing bushranger sites ever published. www.newhollandpublishers.com
History / Travel
Gregory Powell combines his interests in bushwalking and history to explore historical and scenic regions on foot. He is the author of books exploring the Snowy Mountains, the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley and has published four bushranger locality books. Greg was a founding member of Hunter Bushrangers (formerly Rovent Historical Re-enactments), a living history group formed in 1969 which performed at public events all over the state until 2009.
Broken Hill
Gregory Powell
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: An old pistol that was found in Nangar National Park; the author on Mount Nangar with Mount Canobolas across a sea of mist; the monument on the wrong side of the river; inscription on the monument. FACING PAGE: The Royal Hotel on the bend in Gaskill Street.
Bushranger TRACKS
The remaining bushrangers had not yet finished with Canowindra. On November 4 they again visited Robinson’s hotel. This time there was no bravado and the 1.30am call only lasted 15 minutes. They chatted to Robinson, collected some drinks and quietly departed. William Robinson was associated with two hotels, which caused confusion for historians. The historic bushranger raid marker at Canowindra was installed in 1951 during Back to Canowindra celebrations. It is located on the wrong side of the Belubula River and can be reached by a suspension bridge walkway. It marks the location of Robinson’s Travellers Rest Hotel, which was visited by Ben Hall but not the scene of the main encounters at Robinson’s other hotel, the Canowindra Inn, which stood on the site of the current Royal Hotel in Gaskill Street. The Royal has a plaque on the wall. In 1979, a brass correcting plaque was attached to the historic white marker across the river. This plaque corrected the information on the marker. In that same year the Historical Society published a very informative small book entitled Canowindra and the Bushrangers. This book was written by Frances Robinson, a direct descendant of William Robinson. On June 23, 1864, Ben Hall and two new gang members once again raided Pierce’s store at Canowindra and terrorised John Pierce. The “politeness” of the previous year had long disappeared. By May 1865, all of the Canowindra raiders were dead or in prison. To the north-west of Canowindra is the Nangar National Park with the rocky escarpment of Mount Nangar dominating the surrounding countryside. The settlements of Murga and Mogong are located in the shadow of Mount Nangar. Both are associated with bushranger activity.
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the gift of tomorrow A team-bonding trip to Bali seemed like a perfect way to end a challenging season for the Forbes rugby side. For Adrian Acheson, the horror that transpired on October 12, 2002, some 5000 kilometres from home, signalled an end to his old life. Fifteen years on, Adrian shares his journey to healing, his respect for a finite life and a heartfelt message of love.
The young country lads buzzed with excitement as the Balinese weather welcomed each of them with a zealous dose of heat and 70 per cent humidity. For most, this was their first overseas trip and they wasted no time in checking out the local sights. By 11pm, the Aussie spirit was alive and well at the Sari Bar, a popular Australian tourist destination. Adrian describes laughter, larrikin mateship, too much drinking and an excellent line-up of ’70s and ’80s songs, as propelling the night’s status to that of awesome. Spying a group of girls without a table, the boys gave up their seat by the front bar and wandered to the back of the club. “That’s when it happened,” Adrian says. “I thought someone had thrown a cracker in my face. I thought that I was the only one affected. Just me.” Raising his arms to protect his face, Adrian remembers screaming as he took the blast. Black eerie silence swallowed the night’s reason. For what seemed like an eternity, Adrian lost complete touch with the world. In truth, only 30 seconds had passed since crazed terrorists had bombed their shrapnel-laden car outside the club’s front window. Another 30 seconds would pass before light, from the now raging fire, would illuminate the sickening evil that had just occurred. Unaware of his injuries, Adrian had only one thought: getting out alive. “Get out! Get out!” The loud cries of an Australian voice jolted Adrian to action. Pushing a fallen structure from his body, Adrian ran through a sea of injured people. “I just ran away from the fire.” The voices continued. “This way! This way!” At six foot three, Adrian now found himself at the bottom of a 10-foot wall. The wall that had originally been built to keep pick-pocketers out, was now holding prisoner everyone inside the club. A pile of rubble had fallen into a mound at the base of one of the walls. Using this as his launch pad, Adrian tried to jump to the top. “One arm worked; the other didn’t,” Adrian remembers. Clad in only shorts and a singlet, the intense heat from the now raging fire behind scorched his uncovered body. Adrenaline took hold. Reaching the top of the wall, Adrian ran along what he thought was a building in construction. In reality, the bomb blast had just ripped all the exterior layers from the building next to the club, leaving only a frame. A woman, who had managed to climb the club’s wall also, now stood on the edge of the frame just in front of Adrian. A large drop to safety awaited them both. Afraid and struggling to jump, the woman deliberated. Delivering some forceful encouragement, Adrian recalls how he assisted the woman into the waiting arms below. “There were people there to catch us. We had to jump!” Leaping into the arms of a friend, Adrian slid to the ground. The bursting blisters on his legs prevented an easy landing. Still unaware of the severity of his wounds, Adrian commenced his journey to find a hospital. “We need to run, they think another bomb is coming,” Adrian’s friend urged. With his burns now restricting movement, Adrian delivered the devastating news. “I can’t.”
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In an extreme act of bravery and mateship, long-time friend Matthew Grant continued to walk alongside Adrian. As time passed, the shrapnel that had embedded in and around Adrian’s eyes made it virtually impossible for him to see. Coupled with two shattered eardrums, Adrian relied solely on his friend to direct him to safety. At one point, Adrian, in significant pain from burns, tried to lie in a fountain. “No,” Matthew insisted. “The water isn’t safe.” To this day, Adrian considers taking this advice to have saved his life. Finally, and without further harm, the two men made it to a taxi and were on their way to the nearest hospital. Adrian now laughs at the words of encouragement that Matthew offered him in the taxi. “I asked him, ‘Matty, how bad am I?’ He gave a brief and honest reply that indicated ‘Not good’. It wasn’t great for my overall morale,” Adrian smiles.
“I had been given a second chance and I owed it to everyone not to take that second chance for granted.”
After being rejected by the first two hospitals who said they were full, a military hospital finally accepted them. But the care was substandard and effective pain relief was not received until the Australian Government sent help. “Please tell Mum and Janelle that I am OK,” Adrian requested. Leaving Bali, Adrian recalls the injured awaiting a flight on the tarmac. “It’s the closest thing to war in peacetime that you could experience,” he says. An integral part of Adrian’s recovery, his partner Janelle supported him through numerous operations and wound care over the next 18 months. A shattered arm, third-degree burns to his legs and arms, two burst eardrums, embedded shrapnel and skin grafts, all needed care and processes. “I think about the support Janelle gave me and I wonder if I would have had the same strength had the situation been reversed,” Adrian says. Recovery was slow and the heat of a Forbes summer was not kind to a man in a burn suit. As the noisiness of events faded, alone with his thoughts, Adrian now had to face the reality of what had happened. “I started becoming depressed and angry. I’d think ‘Why me? Why did this have to happen to me?” It wasn’t until a friend gave Adrian a book called It’s Not What Happens To You, It’s What You Do About It, the story of a man who overcame his own multiple traumas, that he began to view the situation differently.
inspiration S P R I N G
Contemplating the three team members who did not make it home, Adrian considered the gift of life that he had received. “I had been given a second chance and I owed it to everyone not to take that second chance for granted.” Prior to Bali, Adrian worked at the local abattoir. It had provided a good pay and the ability to finish early and play sport. But as injury had now prevented a return to this type of work, Adrian pondered his options. Good with numbers and consideration given to the family hardware business, Adrian commenced his accounting degree at Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bathurst. Like all overnight success stories, Adrian’s was 20 years in the making. After graduating from CSU, he went on to become a chartered accountant and now, as of 2016, a partner at Mike Crowley and Associates, the firm in which he began his accounting career. Adrian insists that a successful life is about far more than just work. “It’s all about a mindset for me. I thought I was invincible, I had forever to live and took everything for granted. I now have the
outlook that tomorrow isn’t granted and you need to appreciate whatever you have. You need to have those conversations when you see an old friend rather than regretting what you didn’t say. Live in the moment.” Though the horrific Bali experience was forced upon Adrian and Janelle, they both acknowledge it as a life-changing catalyst that they’ve used to create positive outcomes. And with three beautiful daughters to wake up to each day, Adrian’s strongest message about life is simple: “The greatest thing in life is just to give love and be loved in return.” CWL Words: Catherine Player Image: Robert Bruce
ABOVE: Adrian Acheson holds daughter Georgie, 4, with Allyssa, 10, Charlize, 8, and wife Janelle.
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business success S P R I N G
THE CREMA OF THE CROP Fish River Roasters are meeting the demand for excellent coffee in the Central West.
Fish River Roasters is a well-known name to passionate coffee lovers in the Central West and far beyond. Owner-operators Peter and Sonia Harrison recently celebrated the business’s 10th anniversary. What started as a small coffee-roasting endeavour in Peter and Sonia’s garage by the Fish River, with experience gained from roasting in their own local café in 1999, has since grown exponentially. Today, Fish River Roasters supplies more than 100 cafes and restaurants across the Central West, Blue Mountains, Sydney and beyond, with its high-quality, freshly roasted coffee, and continues to expand its award-winning product range. “It’s a wonderful time to be in business in the Central West,” Peter says. “Ten years on, we’re reflecting on all that we’ve achieved with Fish River Roasters. “We’ve been lucky to be a part of the cultural change surrounding coffee. It’s gone from something that people would drink now and then, to a morning ritual for many. “We’re in a state of constant evolution, and we love the challenges that that presents!” Fish River Roasters has received an impressive 22 awards for their coffee, including at the prestigious Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, and two awards for their business. Most recently, they were proud to receive the Excellence in Food, Wine or Hospitality award for the third time at the 2016 Crowe Horwath Carillon Business Awards in Bathurst. With roast profiles containing beautiful caramel, vanilla and dark chocolate hints, and occasional berry flavours, it’s no wonder customers have developed a taste for Fish River coffee. While coffee is at the core of their product offering, Peter and Sonia and their team have branched into the supply and service of coffee machines, and employ a full-time service technician. Their background in hospitality also proved the worth of capable baristas, and they now offer training both onsite at Corporation Avenue, and at local cafes to coach staff on how to make a great cup. Peter relishes his experiences growing up on the family farm near Canowindra, which has fuelled his interest in the agricultural side of coffee. “I find the farming side of coffee quite amazing, and I believe it’s so important to realise the strong link between agriculture and the coffee we drink,” he says. “We must remind ourselves that coffee beans are essentially the seed of coffee trees, cultivated by farmers, and so much of the agronomy influences the end product we enjoy – a cup of coffee.” CWL Words: Anna Tickle Images: Zenio Lapka
FACING PAGE: Peter and Sonia Harrison and the team at Fish River Roasters are well known for producing and supplying high-quality, freshly roasted coffee; Gavin Paine, one of the roasters at Fish River Roasters.
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.
fish river roasters 67 corporation avenue bathurst 2795 02 6331 7171
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a quest for excellence The Scots School’s belief in its students is validated time and time again.
The Scots School’s past and present students have achieved outstanding results in a range of areas recently. Former student Daniel McKay has just been awarded a prestigious C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship, valued at $60,000. Daniel achieved outstanding HSC results and was School Captain in 2009. He is a passionate and ambitious young historian motivated by an intense curiosity and belief in the present value of understanding our past through a love of reading. Daniel studied at ANU Canberra, graduating with Honours in Bachelor of Arts (History) and Bachelor of Law. His C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship allows him to commence an MPhil in World History at the University of Cambridge, UK. The Scots School Cattle Team excelled at The Sydney Royal Easter Show, being awarded many prizes including Champion School Carcase, two gold medals and seven silver medals. The students develop many skills from being in the Cattle Team as well as perseverance, dedication and resilience. It is amazing to observe a mentor patiently guiding a new member of the team in the preparation of their steer. Current students Simi Atluri (Year 8) and Grayson Jacobsen (Year 3) experienced great
success when they were each placed first at the CWA Zone Public Speaking Competition in Orange. Austin Markwick (Year 8), who received a Highly Commended in Orange, went on to achieve second place at the CWA Regional Public Speaking Competition in Trundle. All three are excellent academic students who have been highly committed and engaged in the school’s public speaking program, which all students participate in from Kindergarten to Year 12. Students in the Junior School have shone by being focused and determined to improve their fluency and accuracy in the Reading Program. They are also enjoying stretching their thinking, exploring new concepts with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) exercises. The sky is the limit! The pursuit of greatness, success and achievement are within reach of us all. The Scots School offers each and every student the chance to be passionate and ambitious, to practise and experience new opportunities. If you would like to know more about boarding, scholarships, or the academic and co-curricular opportunities offered at The Scots School, please contact the school on (02) 6331 2766. CWL Top image: Courtesy of The Land newspaper
The students develop many skills from being in the Cattle Team as well as perseverance, dedication and resilience. 138 CWL
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Scots School Cattle Team at the Sydney Royal Easter Show; Daniel McKay was presented the C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship by the Hon David Hawker AO; Simi Atluri, Grayson Jacobsen and Austin Markwick have all excelled at the CWA Public Speaking Competition.
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according to plan Hugh and Amanda Rasmussen have a vision splendid for the Central West.
“Working together is success.” The words of Henry Ford are displayed on Planning Potential’s website. They describe the journey of Directors Hugh and Amanda Rasmussen well, as they embark on their second year of business as a town-planning consultancy in the Central West. Hugh was educated in Sydney, but his extended family is originally from the region. His wife Amanda grew up in Wagga Wagga. They share a vision for their business and one for regional NSW as an area of promising growth. And so they have raised a family, and grown a business, here.
“We relocated to the Central West just over six years ago, having made the move from the Riverina,” Amanda says. “Both Hugh and I have a great connection with regional Australia, and it’s been a pleasure to make our mark here with a unique and specialised set of town-planning skills.” Hugh’s experience spans 20 years, with a proven track record in adaptive reuse and heritage restoration, in Australia and abroad. Amanda has been in the game just as long, and is a qualified town planner with a strong background in local government and private consultancy in both metropolitan and rural areas. With four children aged from nine to 18 years, schooled locally in Orange, the Rasmussens enjoy their home life at Nashdale. “We’re fortunate to be surrounded by the stunning slopes of Mount Canobolas and the gorgeous views of orchards and vineyards,” Amanda says with enthusiasm. “The community here is very supportive, and one we’re proud to be a part of.” For Hugh and Amanda, people matter not only in their Nashdale community, but in business, too. The client-centred approach of Planning Potential has helped make the often-complex development process seamless. “The value of partnerships cannot be underestimated and we pride ourselves on delivering for our clients based on real connections, integrity and trust,” Amanda says. “We provide quality services in rural, regional and urban areas across NSW, although the Central West is a region close to our hearts. “We’d like to do all that we can to further promote and strengthen business, and enhance social growth to provide positive benefits across all sectors.” CWL Words: Anna Tickle Image: Zenio Lapka
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HOME on the
HILL
Past and present combine delightfully in Bobbie and Colin Macaulay’s Junee oasis.
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gardens S P R I N G
The restored 1897 Victorian homestead and lovely surrounding gardens at “Symington’s Hill”, Junee, have a gracious charm. A paved brick pathway leads the way past a tinkling fountain to the front door. Owners Bobbie and Colin Macaulay and their Brittany Spaniel, Franky, greet guests with a warm and friendly welcome. Colin was born and raised on a farm, “Amaroo”, at Junee Reefs. He completed a degree in engineering and served as Junee’s shire engineer for 17 years until his retirement two years ago. He still helps on his parents’ farm as well as another property, “Willow Vale”, at Tarcutta. Bobbie’s romantic dream was to live in the country. After completing her teaching degree in Bathurst, she ticked “west” on her application for school postings. The Department of Education duly obliged, sending her in 1978 to Wilcannia in north-western NSW, where she and Colin met. A lifetime adventure began, still full of joy, laughter and love decades later and warmly reflected in their family home and garden today. >
ABOVE: Charming, gracious and welcoming ‘Symington’s Hill’; strappy foliage, mounded shrubs and flowering ground covers look attractive and suppress weeds. FACING PAGE: The side garden, protected by screen planting offers a cool shady retreat under wisteria-covered arbours. Pretty white highlights are a country garden favourite known as “kiss–me-quick” or valerian.
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Bobbie and Colin have lived in Junee on two acres at “Symington’s Hill” since 1997. Restoration of the house was completed by previous owners, the Marshall family. Spacious reception rooms, many with restored fireplaces, are now bedrooms. Colourful stained glass is featured in the doorways and above windows. The stained glass surrounding the front door mirrors the gorgeous colours in the large bed of roses in the front garden. Three years ago, the Macaulays renovated the rear of the home with a sympathetic extension to provide extra living space, including a covered verandah to accommodate their growing adult family. “One of the things we really like about living in Junee is the friendliness of the people and quiet lifestyle of a small town,” says retired school principal Bobbie. Junee is a residential satellite town of one of NSW’s biggest inland cities, Wagga Wagga. For gardeners, there are no local nurseries to supply plants. Luckily, Junee hosts a monster plant sale four times a year, where Bobbie purchases most of the plants for their garden. Bobbie laments that plant buys are often experimental, and not everything survives Junee’s harsh summers and frosty winters. The temperatures here in summer can be brutal, says Bobbie, with averages in the low to mid 30s combined with hot winds that dry everything out. ‘‘Plants have to be tough to survive, relying on natural rainfall when we are away caravanning,” says Bobbie. Fortunately, wonderful neighbours act as caretakers, especially over the summer months. On the western side of the house, Hebes grew well for four or five years, since replanted using compact bottlebrush and scented lavender, with dwarf bougainvillea climbing the verandah posts. Hardy Photinia edges the driveway, and elsewhere reliable and floriferous lauristinus hedging (Viburnum tinus) provides good screening and masses of spring flowers. Shrubs, including diosma, rosemary and pretty freeway daisies (Osteospermum) add to the flowering line-up. A feature of the front garden is a bed of flowering roses containing some very old plants, and newer varieties such as apricot coloured Just Joey. A keen local rose grower, John Strudwick, gave Bobbie some hands-on advice, ensuring the bushes put on a good display. Rose beds are well mulched with straw and companion planted with aromatic garlic and mauve flowering cat mint (Nepeta) to deter insect pests. Crisp white ‘Iceberg’ roses and deep blue salvias are a lovely combo in a raised brick planter alongside the back verandah. “When we first moved here, the backyard was pretty basic,” Colin says. “Just a chook house and some sheep and goats. With young children, we wanted a pool, so when an old peppercorn tree was knocked out in a storm, open space in the yard adjacent to the house proved a perfect position for a 15m swimming pool, bridge and covered barbecue cabana.” Heat-loving blue and white agapanthus, pretty seaside daisy and blue-flowered ground cover Convolvulus add summer colour at the base of the tall cocus palm trees surrounding the pool. The towering cocos palms were the “wrong choice” for around the pool, laments Colin, “but it would be a huge effort to remove them”. Bobbie says Colin does most of the heavy lifting in the garden, when she can tear him away from his shed, where he restores Model T Fords among other engineering jobs. Some of his projects include a raised vegie bed constructed from reject concrete railway sleepers, and a pond designed to save and store water, with a proposed timber jetty to come.
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gardens S P R I N G
“A f t e r a l o n g , h o t a n d d u s t y d a y o n th e fa r m , I l i k e to c o m e h o m e to a c o o l , g re e n o a s i s .”
“After a long, hot and dusty day on the farm, I like to come home to a cool, green oasis,” Colin says. Solar panels on the roof assist with the supply of power to run the irrigation and pool pumps. Water is collected from the roofs, and as most of that is used for the household, a bore was sunk to provide water for garden irrigation. During summer, the bore water is supplemented with town water if necessary. Adding organic matter is important to improve the natural site soil and assist water retention. In the large open paddock, garden prunings are mulched and combined with horse manure and loads of recycled topsoil to make rich compost, which is used as topdressing for garden beds and around fruit trees. Bales of sugar cane or cereal straw are used as garden mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Bobbie uses tough, sun-tolerant ground cover plants as “living mulch”, which spread to cover bare soil. One of her favourites, Convolvulus mauritanicus, forms a dense evergreen mat studded with pretty blue flowers. Shade trees are important in this climate. A huge Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) in the front garden featuring patterned bark and broad, weeping limbs is spectacular, and a Chinese tallowwood (Sapium) provides shade and a fabulous display of autumn colour. Another favourite is a Golden Robinia that shades a seating nook near the back verandah.
The open paddock has a mix of ornamental and fruiting trees including native Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus), white cedars (Melia), pepper tree, claret ash, burgundy leafed Prunus, Manchurian pear and jacaranda. Fruiting apple, plum, olive and citrus trees flank the vegie patch, and there are cherry and fig trees along the western side of the house. Scented yellow native frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) and red bottlebrush complement the colours near the rose beds. This semi-retired couple have embraced with gusto the lifestyle offered by country towns, and have achieved an enviable balance of work, travel, home-life and family. Colin and Bobbie open their home on Airbnb if you’d like to see for yourself just how it’s done! CWL Words: Elizabeth Swane Images: Robert Bruce
FACING PAGE: Friendly owners Bobbie and Colin; brightly coloured roses won’t fade in the summer heat; the colour-filled rose bed in the front garden and the view down the hill. TOP FROM LEFT: The pool area is a popular zone for family and visitors and the bridge crossing is Colin’s handiwork; richly coloured roses bloom for months and hardy agapanthus flower during summer; a fruiting fig tree with a carpet of blue convolvulus ground cover.
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garden glory Perennialle’s Chris Cuddy deals in plants that survive and thrive.
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
If you have a green thumb and find yourself driving through Canowindra, the Perennialle Plants Nursery, garden and gift shop on Rodd Street is a must-see. Owned by horticultural scientist and plant lover Chris Cuddy, the nursery also operates by mail order online, offering customers frost-tolerant perennials and drought-tolerant shrubs. Chris moved to Canowindra from Sydney in 2000, and 10 years later started the business with a vision to provide garden enthusiasts with versatile, tough plants that will last year after year. “I’m passionate about selecting and stocking plants that I know will truly thrive in this region, which experiences the harsh impacts of both frost and drought,” Chris says. “It’s a pleasure to be able to help my customers create beautiful, diverse gardens using plants that will perform in the unique Central West environment.” Proof of Chris’s success is his loyal following of gardeners in the local area, and online, who come back time and time again for his expertise and hard-to-find plants. Chris propagates the plants onsite and grows them outside in full sun, which he believes creates a tougher plant that will do well in the customers’ gardens, too. “We’ve been fortunate to build up a wonderful reputation over the years, and it’s great to see some people travel from the Blue Mountains and beyond, especially to visit the nursery,” Chris says. The Perennialle gift shop is also a popular part of the business, offering a range of unique garden gift items like highend tools and accessories. Perennialle’s online store has also been growing rapidly, and Chris sends plants by mail-order within NSW, and to Queensland, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia. Chris says the trick to creating a great garden is about taking a holistic approach. “Spring is a wonderful time for introducing new colours, textures and shapes into your garden – there’s so much more beauty to be found than just in the flowers themselves.” Perennialle Plants, Canowindra, is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. CWL Words: Anna Tickle Images: Zenio Lapka
p: 0427 077 798
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e: plants@perennialle.com.au
ABOVE: Nerida and Chris Cuddy in the Perennialle Plants Emporium.
CROOKWELL Come and experience the beauty and variety of 10 cold-climate gardens in and around beautiful Crookwell on the NSW Southern Tablelands on Sat 11 and Sun 12 Nov, 10am-4pm. On Saturday, visit the popular Garden Lovers Market for a treasure trove of garden related products — trees, plants, tools, garden art and much more. Open 8.30am-2pm.
WWW.CROOKWELLGARDENFESTIVAL.COM 02 4837 3270 All gardens $20, single garden $5, children under 15 free All-garden tickets can be purchased from crookwellgardenfestival.com or Crookwell Visitor Information Centre
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
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Dubbo, Narromine, Mudgee, Nyngan, Lightning Ridge, Bourke, Cobar and surrounding areas
Monday- Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-12pm Shop 1/ 31 Bultje Street Dubbo
FOR GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY CALL US
02 6884 3117
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tempered BEAUTY A couple with different tastes and skills have combined to create a wonderful retreat with something for everyone.
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Over three decades, the 1.01 hectare (2.5 acre) property at Coolamon owned by Bruce and Michelle Hutcheon has developed from a bare paddock into a showpiece landscape surrounding their country home. Bruce and Michelle, who moved here 34 years ago and recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary, describe how both house and garden have grown along with their family over three decades in Coolamon. On the “block” where their children Heath and Georgia once rode minibikes over dirt tracks, there’s no evidence of bare paddock. Today the space is filled with glorious banks of roses, groves of ornamental trees and expansive lawns where their grandchildren now play. Bruce says his late mother Fredda was a great gardener who passed away at age 92 doing “one last thing” – watering the garden. Fredda’s knowledge and inspiration to garden is the generous legacy she left behind for the whole family.
Initially the couple consulted a designer but fine-tuned the garden plans using their own ideas to create the final outcome. They found some of the plant recommendations were not suited to the climate and soil conditions, so instead selected plants known to be trusted and reliable varieties. “We have different styles. Bruce likes manicured, clipped and perfect, and I prefer a softer more spillover effect,” Michelle says. >
FACING PAGE: Impeccable rows of standard white ‘Iceberg’ roses line the brick edged pathways in the formally designed front garden. FROM TOP LEFT: A lovely place to sit and relax, this arbour frames the view of the formal garden, creating a transition between the garden areas; pink roses including ‘Constance Spry’ cover an arbour; gorgeous rose with more buds to follow; tall ‘Swanes Golden’ pencil pines create a strong vertical look along the driveway.
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“We h a v e d i f fe re n t s t y l e s . B r u c e l i k e s m a n i c u re d , c l i p p e d a n d p e r fe c t , a n d I p re fe r a s o f t e r m o re s p i l l o v e r e f fe c t .�
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gardens S P R I N G The front garden is formal in style, with its stunning display of 160 standard (or tree) ‘Iceberg’ roses planted in a formal design along two axes. The height and colour of the roses was a considered choice, cleverly designed to divert the eye from the home’s long, low profile and expanse of galvanized iron roof. Among the roses, crushed gravel pathways edged with bricks run along two axes culminating at a central focal point – a raised fountain surrounded by clipped box hedging. Statuary or arbours are used as focal points at the ends of each of the four pathways. At the base of the white ‘Iceberg’ roses, compact dwarf-bearded iris are used to fill the spaces. The iris are lifted and divided to continue the display throughout the rows. Neatly mown lawns divide the rows of roses, and golden honey locust trees (Gleditsia ‘Sunburst’) add wonderful arching shape and height, which softens the formal design. Roses are clear favourites of Michelle and Bruce and used to great effect in many ways that show off the versatility and diversity of the world’s most popular flower. In the front garden and around the sparkling blue pool, standard roses shaped like lollypops on sticks are used formally. Other roses ramble over fences, screening the neighbours and softening the boundaries. Shrub roses are used among ornamental shrubs or flowering blossom trees in garden beds, where their large arching habit is displayed to great effect. Bruce owns and runs Coolamon Steelworks, producing chaser bins and mother bins, so Michelle put in a request for him for fabricate some frames for growing climbing roses. “I’d imagined something more elaborate than the frames Bruce constructed,” Michelle says. “But these sturdy supports built using steel mesh are perfectly practical.” The climbing roses have grown vigorously, smothering the frames in foliage and lovely flowers, cleverly disguising what’s underneath. Maintaining a large garden with so many roses may seem daunting, but Michelle calmly describes their rose care regime. “Deadhead roses after each flush of flowering ends, removing spent flowers,” she says. “You don’t have to be particular, just cut back at the base of each flower. I water on Seasol – a liquid seaweed tonic to promote strong plant cells and stimulate root growth. We fertilise with either Dynamic Lifter or Sudden Impact for Roses in spring and autumn. Roses are sprayed occasionally if there are noticeable pests or disease, however keeping the plants healthy is the main defence.” There’s lots of colour interspersed throughout the rest of the garden, which has a more relaxed feel. Flowering fillers such as mauve Scabiosa, striking blue Love-in-a-mist (Nigella), longlasting salvias, tall Penstemon, and pink and white kiss-me-quick (Centranthus or Valerian) pop up and spread to fill bare patches, adding colour among the shrubs and under the blossom trees. Along the front verandah, mass planted Hellebores (winter rose) are lovely during their flowering season in late winter and early spring. It’s an ideal spot for these hardy perennials, where they enjoy morning sun and are shaded for the rest of the day. Trees add height and provide cooling shade and respite from the heat during summer, and many have showy autumn colour or spring flowers. Chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis) and Manchurian pears (Pyrus ussuriensis) are brilliant when their leaves colour in autumn. Desert ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa) provides a shady spot to rest a while. Burgundy-leafed Prunus are pretty in spring, displaying masses of pink flowers, and the dark foliage offers colour and contrast from spring until the leaves fall in winter. Crab apples are glorious with profuse spring blossoms, and the fruits that follow extend the colour and attraction. Lining the driveway, Swane’s Golden pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens) create a vertical accent and are interspersed with bearded iris, blue-flowered Felicia daisy, tall Penstemons and longflowering salvias.
The back garden features generous curved garden beds filled to the brim with a mix of flowering shrubs, pretty and practical perennials, spreading ground covers – and more roses of course! There’s plenty of lawn for play, and the dog yard is enhanced with plants and climbing roses. On the practical side, a well-managed garden is not left to its own devices. There’s a dripper system supplying water to all the individual trees, and each garden bed has its own watering system. Soils here are mostly clayey, so the couple brought in some additional garden soils to build up beds, and used gypsum to break up the clay. This is a well-maintained and well-planned garden. The plant selection here is ideally suited to the local climate, soil and water conditions. It’s clear this garden gives its owners a great deal of pleasure. “There’s nothing nicer than coming home to my own environment,” Bruce says. “I can relax doing the mowing or a bit of gardening”. For Michelle, gardening or just being in the garden is a time for reflection and solace, and has been an important therapeutic tool during tough times. Watching their young grandson Louis running around, there’s hope for a future generation of budding gardeners inspired by the glorious surroundings created by Michelle and Bruce. CWL Words: Elizabeth Swane Images: Robert Bruce
ABOVE: Garden owners Bruce and Michelle; a sparkling pool complemented by lush green lawns and roses of course! FACING PAGE: A raised fountain, edged with trimmed box hedging is the central focal point of the formal front garden; sprawling shrub roses and spring blossoms; Hellebores or winter roses edge the front porch; viewed from the house the formal front garden and surrounding lawns and trees; a more relaxed approach in the back garden – this recycled brick path follows the curve of the generously filled garden bed; tall green spires of Italian pencil pines line the dog yard fence and ‘Pinkie’ roses trail overhead on an arbour.
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a thriving business Sarah and Josh Curry are growing their garden business with tender loving care. A new business in Main Street, West Wyalong, has become a magnet for travellers, a focal point for locals, and an important educational hub demonstrating the essential link between soil health and good nutrition. Major’s Mulch Garden Centre opened in September last year following the success of an innovative pelletised mulching product developed by Sarah and Josh Curry on their family farm near Quandialla. Launched in 2014, Major’s Mulch is now sold at retail outlets throughout a large part of Australia. “When the wholesale business outgrew the capacity of the shed on our farm we decided to open commercial premises in West Wyalong,” Sarah says. “It made sense to expand into a nursery, café and community garden. “Major’s Mulch has created tremendous interest and a lot of people travelling along the Newell Highway stop in to say hello.
They tour our warehouse facility, enjoy the tranquil surrounds of Major’s Mulch Garden Centre and enjoy good food and drinks in The Gardener’s Rest Coffee Shop. “The café offers a seasonal menu centred around produce from our large kitchen garden. “The garden is regularly used as an educational facility for local schools and we also host regular workshops for the wider community.” Sarah, a trained agronomist, is pleased by the way many urban families are growing some of their own food. “The appreciation for the value of fresh produce is beautiful and exciting,” she says. “When I was young we had fresh milk every morning and most of what we ate came from the farm. I do the same for my children – although I don’t milk a cow! “It is so important for people to have access to good food grown in healthy soil. That is why mulch and compost are so important.” The nursery and café offer a lovely array of gift lines, antiques and artworks. “Many of our products are sourced locally and all of the giftware is Australian made,” she says. “Our olive oil and candles are made by local producers and we receive a weekly delivery of traditional air-roasted coffee from Forbes.” CWL Words: Heather Crosby Images: Anna Tickle
ABOVE: Sarah Curry at Major’s Mulch Garden Centre.
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Tibuc Gardens Cafe and Accommodation Barkala Farm - Home of Pilliga Pottery & Blue Wren Cafe. Family friendly farm stay, pottery art gallery
Situated in a quiet location 22kms from Coonabarabran, three kilometres from the entrance to the Warrumbungle National Park and six kilometers from Siding Spring Observatory.
& workshop, with camping available
The licensed cafe specialises in fresh food cooked on the premises, including gourmet pies, sausage rolls, burgers and main meals with seasonal salads. The cafe is available for private functions. Both the cottage and the studio are self contained accommodation.
Open 7 days ph:02 6842 2239 /PilligaPottery, pottery@tpg.com.au Coonabarabran, 23km north, turn off Newell Hwy www.barkalafarmstay.com.au
74 Tibuc Road Coonabarabran 2357 Ph 0455 112 535 A/H 02 6842 5967 tibucgardens@gmail.com www.tibucgardens.com
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By the Book Organise your home library so that it is not only easy to access but easy on the eye as well.
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home & style S P R I N G There is something special about holding a physical book in your hands when indulging in a good read. Even in this digital age, books have a very important place in our homes and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be showcased in a stylish manner. The reason for styling bookshelves goes deeper than just wanting things to look pretty. An interesting bookshelf will draw people in and hopefully motivate them to sit and read. Every bookshelf will be unique to the owner. Whether you are a magazine hoarder, obsessed with DIY and design books, or pride yourself on collecting only bestsellers, the following hints will apply to any style. Adopting a couple of these simple tips will transform your bookshelf from dreary to eye-catching.
1. P LAY WITH SIZE AND SHAPE
Your personal book collection is not a library, so there is no need to alphabetise (unless you want to), but that does not mean they can’t be organised. Placing books in a mix of horizontal and vertical groupings instantly adds interest to your shelves. When grouping your books, move from ascending or descending size, as this will create a smooth line for your eye to travel along when searching for a good read. There is no rule stating that all of your books need to be in upright rows, but if you prefer them this way, try unifying your collection by sorting by size and/or colour.
2. SORT BY COLOUR
Colour coding is not for everyone, but for those who find it easier to remember a book by its cover, it can be a surprisingly practical way to organise your shelves. If you decide that colour coding is going to work for you, then there are a couple of ways you can apply it. Colour-coded shelves sorted in ascending or descending size will always look effective. Or you may prefer to break up the colour blocks with a mix of horizontal or vertical groupings.
3. ADD DECORATIVE OBJECTS
Vary the height and shape of your books and then add accents to fill voids to create good composition.
Adding decorative objects such as vases, candles, frames, sculptures or even toys will help to break up the monotony of books and add interest to your shelves. A home should feel warm and the same applies to your bookshelf. An interesting bookshelf will lead you in, away from the television or devices, inspire you to pick a book from the collection and sit and read for a while.
4. ORGANIC ACCENTS
Adding greenery or plant matter is the easiest way to dress up a bookshelf. A beautiful trailing plant or interesting cactus added to a bookshelf will always draw the eye. Alternatively, try adding a small bouquet of fresh smelling blooms to your shelf. Organic materials are essential to bring life to any space in your home and a bookshelf is no exception.
5. ARTWORK
Add interest and colour by incorporating art into your shelves. This can be in the form of small, framed pieces or decorative sculptures. Make sure the artwork you choose blends or complements the surrounding colours.
6. BALANCE
Just like a perfectly composed vignette, a bookshelf with extra decorative items needs to feel balanced. Vary the height and shape of your books and then add accents to fill voids to create good composition. If you have a horizontal group of books of varying sizes, it makes sense to place the largest book at the base and move to the smallest at the top. Playing with height using both books and accents will make your bookshelf feel balanced. Don’t be afraid to play with the layout of your bookshelf. Your book collection is unique to you and should be a reflection of your personality. A great book collection deserves to be on display! CWL Words and images: Amanda O’Sullivan
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fabric finesse When it comes to smart ironing board accessories, Suzie Wood has got it covered. Suzie Wood of Suzie Hope Designs is the creator of the original reversible padded ironing board cover, designed by Suzie in 1983 to make ironing a pleasure. Based in Suzie’s hometown of Cootamundra since its establishment, the business has recently relocated to Aylmerton in the Southern Highlands. An unfortunate car accident in the 1980s left Suzie unable to work full-time, so she began making tea cosies, doona covers and curtains, proof of her ability to adapt in tough times. The old blanket and sheet held together with huge safety pins that had been used on ironing boards previously proved inadequate for her needs, and thus the ironing board cover design was born. Famous for their fit, quality and durability, Suzie’s products are much-loved by customers, and are shipped across Australia and overseas. She has also developed an ironing mat, which is the perfect size and shape for travellers to use on a flat surface for quick ironing. “Customers truly value the consistent high quality of our products, which are handmade in my workroom at Aylmerton using Australian cotton furnishing fabric,” Suzie says.
Suzie Hope Designs Australia’s original and best quality made to measure padded ironing board covers.
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Famous for their fit, quality and durability, Suzie’s products are much-loved by customers, and are shipped across Australia and overseas.
“When I first started the business, there were only two sizes of boards on the market. Today, we make several sizes for freestanding and fold-away boards, and also offer a single padded cover in most sizes.” Suzie is happy to make covers for boards that may be unusual in size, or use fabric supplied by the client. This year she has also added to the range of contemporary designs and colours to include some wonderful new variations. It’s no wonder some of Suzie’s customers have been coming back for her products for the past 30 years.
Suzie says the move to Aylmerton has made it easier for her to attend regular markets in Canberra, Bowral, Mosman and Wollongong to sell her products, without too much travel. With two sons – James, who lives in Dubbo, and Alex, based in Sydney – Suzie enjoys maintaining a strong connection with the Central West, where she has spent much of her life. CWL Words: Anna Tickle Image: Elizabeth Tickle
ABOVE: Suzie Wood enjoys viewing the artwork at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo.
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
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
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SHOPPERS’ PARADISE Lucknow Skin Shop & Boot Barn just keeps getting bigger and better.
Even before you walk into Lucknow Skin Shop & Boot Barn you know you’re in for a treat. Cowhides of different colours, sizes and patterns decorate the front of the shop and as you step into the store you’re soon wide-eyed and taking in the huge range of stock that covers the walls and displays on the shop floor. Lucknow Skin Shop & Boot Barn is a family-owned and run business just out of Orange, specialising in work, western, riding and dress boots, and sheepskin products. Owner Dianne Gee and her late husband Geoff used to manufacture ugg boots that they would wholesale to the original store, which is over 40 years old. When they came to the store 20 years ago to fill their order for the next winter, the previous owners told them that they were retiring and selling the shop. Dianne and Geoff jumped at the opportunity to buy the store and started selling their ugg boots, some skins and jackets and the business grew from there.
Now owned by Dianne and her son Nathan, Lucknow Skin Shop & Boot Barn continues to go from strength to strength. They have even had to extend the shop. Nathan’s partner and store manager Angelique Mitchell says that the diversity of products in the shop usually surprises people. “We have endless amounts of products,” Angelique says. “While we’re known for our ugg boots, we also sell a huge range of fashion for all the family – footwear, accessories including wallets and handbags, artwork, and even do custom sheepskin covers for absolutely everything including wheelchairs, aeroplanes, cars and motorhomes. Anything we can measure, we can create covers for. “We have a huge range of skins including reindeer, goat hide, Icelandic sheep skin, Mongolian sheepskin and even springbok and use these skins to create products such as stools and cushions.
“The introduction of homewares has been an evolution over the past few years so there’s really something for everyone here.” It’s a family affair at Lucknow Skin Shop & Boot Barn with Angelique and Nathan’s children, Scarlett, 11, and Toby, nine, starring in the shop’s radio and television advertising. “Scarlett used to hear her grandma on the radio and asked if she could do it too,” Angelique says. “Nathan and I just laughed and offered to let her try and since then it’s just taken on a life of its own and grown along with the store. “The kids have been here since they were babies. When they were younger they were here with us every weekend and on a busy day it’s nothing to see Scarlett put on a work shirt and give us a hand; she loves it.” CWL Words: Emily Mitchell Image: Zenio Lapka
ABOVE: Store Manager, Angelique Mitchell with store owner, Dianne Gee.
“We have a huge range of skins including reindeer, goat hide, Icelandic sheep skin, Mongolian sheepskin and even springbok.” 160 CWL
Lucknow Skin Shop and Boot Barn is a family run business
spanning four generations. We have a 45 year history of manufacturing sheepskin boots and two generations of wool classers - so we’re not just your average retailer, we know sheepskin inside out.
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.
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out of the ordinary
Clothes shopping is an adventure at the iconic 2 Fat Ladies in Lucknow. Almost 10 years ago, 2 Fat Ladies, a fashion destination, was born. What began as a garage shopfront offering jewellery and other bits and pieces has grown into an iconic store in Lucknow, with outlets in Molong and Crookwell. Owner of 2 Fat Ladies Helen Livingstone says the decision to open a shop was a quick one. “My friend and I moved into the space the day after the previous owner left and opened five days before Christmas,” Helen says. “We had to come up with a name quickly and as my friend was looking in the mirror she made a comment that she was getting fat and so the store became 2 Fat Ladies.” When Helen bought her first rack of clothes for the store she knew she needed more space and moved down the road to where she’s now been for around eight years. Soon after moving in, Helen realised she needed to add a café to her space. “I talked my daughter, Alyson Yager, into giving up her work and helped her set up the café and Molly’s Lolly Shop because I knew I had to have something for the husbands so they would stop hurrying the shopping process. Now they can sit and have a coffee.” 2 Fat Ladies boasts a huge selection of fashion from petite sizes up to size 24, children’s items, accessories and gifts. Whatever you’re after, you’re sure to find something to suit. “It blows me away that people come here just to shop but it’s because in Sydney and the major cities, all the shops are the same but when you get out to the country it’s personal because the things are purchased by me,” Helen says.
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Helen is passionate about shopping local and stocks Australian labels, one of which is from the Central West that uses wool from Wellington and is manufactured in Forbes. She also has a few overseas trips a year where she picks up extra items to add some excitement to her range. “I’m very excited about spring fashion this year. We’ve got lots of event wear, fabulous fashion for spring racing,” Helen says. “People come from all over to buy hats and fascinators because we’ve got a good supply and people work their outfit around their hat. “There are some bright fashions this spring and lots of linen, which has changed dramatically because it’s coming through with lots of blends, like cotton linen, which is much easier to look after.” While you’re in store picking out a fabulous outfit, why not book in for one of the many workshops on offer and make a day of it? Popular workshops include the Scarf and Scone Workshop on how to style and tie your scarf with afternoon tea provided next door in the 2 Fat Ladies café, and the Travel Packing Workshop, where Helen spills the secrets on travelling effectively with only carry-on luggage. “People say you never know what you’re going to find at 2 Fat Ladies and I plan on making it better and better,” Helen says. CWL
ABOVE: Owner of 2 Fat Ladies, Helen Livingstone is sure that customers will find something to suit them in her store.
~ Beautiful NEW ARRIVALS for Spring ~ See the full range of styles in store or online! Pikolinos W8F-0923 black $210
Django & Juliette AGAPPI silver, white $169
Cabello DOMINY coral, denim $139
Bathurst 94 William Street ● Dubbo 174 Macquarie Street Junction Fair 200 Union St, Newcastle ● Tamworth 284 Peel St Call in store for a copy of our catalogue or phone 02 6332 3822
www.easylivingfootwear.com.au
*Conditions apply
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At Countryman Motor Inn our service is paramount, ensuring your stay is an enjoyable one. Relax after your journey at the Lions Pride Cafe & Restaurant, the perfect setting to catch up with family and friends. The Lions Pride Restaurant is open 7 nights a week, 5.30pm til late. 47 Cobra St, DUBBO Countryman (02) 6882 7422 The Lions Pride (02) 6884 3333
Email. countrymandubbo@bigpond.com www.countrymandubbo.com.au www.thelionspride.com.au
DUBBO 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.
144 Brisbane Street Dubbo NSW 2830 Phone: (02) 6884 7354 www.grapevinecafe.com.au OPEN 7 DAYS
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
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“Come up to Oberon for some fresh air”
Billabong Cottage Oberon Trout Fishing and Farm Holiday
Phone: 6336 5144 Mobile: 0427 365 144 Email: timcharge@bigpond.com Website: www.bluemts.com.au/Billabongcottage Your Hosts: Tim and Fran Charge
FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL
FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
FOR SOMETHING CLASSIC
The Mary & Me boutique has been supporting Australian designers since 2002. Central West Lifestyle readers enjoy a special 20% off when mentioning the magazine in store, or using code CWLM at the online checkout*. *Valid to 30 November 2017. Terms and conditions apply.
168 Macquarie Street, Dubbo
maryandme.com.au
Find us on
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redefining retirement in regional australia With Australia’s rapidly ageing population Retirement Villages are expanding across the nation, but it’s The Oak Tree Group who are forging their unique path into regional towns offering affordable, stylish and secure retirement communities with tailor-made services to previously undersupplied markets. Having grown up in the bush the directors and founders of The Oak Tree Group believe every Australian deserves a relaxed and maintenance-free retirement without the need to relocate from the towns they know and love into larger, less familiar, metropolitan cities. The Group has over a dozen regional villages in operation, with more locations on the radar and strives to deliver the ultimate retirement experience through their hands-on personable approach. Oak Tree employs local and connected Village Managers who share the passion to improve lives and together build supportive communities that are smaller in scale, but are intimate and social,
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encouraging residents to stay active, stimulated and engaged in life. Villages offer quality built homes with modern conveniences ensuring residents are not compromising on home comforts but are upgrading to an all-inclusive lifestyle experience. Villas are complete with recreational facilities, social activities, yard and garden maintenance services and a network of like-minded friends and neighbours. Registered under the Retirement Villages Act, residents of Oak Tree have the comfort of knowing that their rights and life-time tenure are 100% protected. Oak Tree, as operator, is focused on working with its residents to provide a secure lifestyle. Committed to growth and improvement, The Oak Tree Group is redefining retirement opportunities in regional cities and proving to be the retirement choice for many. For more information about Oak Tree Retirement Villages please phone 1300 367 155. CWL
105 Stanley Street Bathurst 109 Ploughmans Lane Orange Coming soon to Dubbo and Mudgee
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OPEN AND SHUT CASE
Quality products and quality service are a given at Western Plains Windows and Glass. “Customers for life” is the business mantra that guides locally owned and operated Western Plains Windows and Glass, Dubbo. Founded by Rhonda Lutt and her husband Col Martin in 2000, Western Plains Windows and Glass provides the local area with a range of products including shower screens, mirrors, glass pool enclosures, barrier screens and doors, and timber windows and doors. Rhonda says home builders and owners are becoming more attuned to the insulation properties of certain types of glass, which is particularly important for keeping houses cool in the warmer months. “As a licensee of Bradnam’s Windows & Doors, we offer a high-quality Australian product that has been especially designed and tested for the Australian climate,” Rhonda says. “All of our products can be made to particular size requirements, and our supply and install service saves the stress of fitting yourself. “We make everything in our factory on site, which gives us greater flexibility with our service and a higher level of quality control.” A selection of timber windows and doors for commercial, industrial and residential requirements includes Maple, Cedar, Merbau and recycled Oregon, and aluminium windows and doors are also available.
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Western Plains Windows and Glass is the only licensed agent in Dubbo for Crimsafe, a stainless-steel mesh and frame system well known to deter home invasions. “Generally speaking, people have become more security conscious of late, and are seeing the benefits of Crimsafe security screens,” Rhonda says. “We also offer a galvanised mesh option, which has been very popular.” Rhonda and Col have grown the team to a massive 43 staff, all dedicated to maintaining a high level of service and product quality. “Consistently positive feedback from customers allows us to build on what our customers love, but we are always looking for ways to improve our offering here.” CWL Words: Anna Tickle Image: Elizabeth Tickle
ABOVE: Staff members Tania Monson, Terrissa Taylor, Jono Sharp and Sherry Jones, directors Rhonda Lutt and Colin Martin with staff members Ken Rose and Wal Dirks.
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.
62 Hawthorn St, Dubbo | Tel: 02 6882 8911 www.cramptonscarpets.com.au
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Skip town and visit
mudgee region
Mudgee Region is on everyone’s bucket list right now, and rightly so. Located less than 270km northwest of Sydney, in the heart of the Central West, a fuss-free journey is all part of the adventure, and what awaits is a stunning mix of charm and sophistication. You’ll feel your senses tingle as the cityscape blurs out of view and the vast country landscape opens in front of you. So why not take time out from your busy life, skip town, and find out what all the fuss is about? Swirl and sip your way across over 40 familyowned cellar doors, a distillery and brewery. Eat and treat yourself to the region’s famed local produce. Potter around boutique and chic shopping precincts, spend a day on a lush golf course and find hidden gems while exploring the region’s heritage. If you’ve visited Mudgee Region before, you’ll know the culinary passion runs deep, with the region now a household name among foodies across Australia. For those yet to visit, allow us to set the scene. Mudgee has a rich pastoral history, as reflected in its heritage streetscapes – wide and tree-lined, just as you would imagine from a refined country town. 170 CWL
From the fertile farmland comes great local produce and it’s readily available via cafes and restaurants, farm-gate tours, cellar doors and epicurean outlets. With a winemaking history dating back to the 1850s, Mudgee is the third largest grape-producing region in NSW. It is from this rich source that local chefs and winemakers draw inspiration, certain to delight your palate. Many ‘tree changers’ now call Mudgee home, and plenty have brought with them a slice of city life, gently connecting it with the authenticity of the country. This, in turn, means an abundance of sophisticated yet earthy experiences for visitors to indulge in. With a range of breathtaking natural attractions, delectable wine and scrumptious local produce, events to excite, an impressive shopping precinct, lush golf courses, and picturesque streetscapes, it’s time you visited Mudgee. Car, train or plane, you certainly won’t be disappointed at the other end of the journey. And, upon your return, while impressing friends with your expertly paired Mudgee produce and wine, you’ll be reminded of that treasured break. And you may just find yourself returning to restock sooner than you think.
Stay another day.. You’ll be surprised and delighted with Mudgee’s outskirt heritage towns
Gulgong
booming in the gold rush era of the late 1800s, this town is steeped in history and gorgeousness
Rylstone
extraordinary streetscape on the Bylong Valley Way with unexpected foodie delights, craft pleasures and a gateway to natural attractions
Kandos
known as the ‘town that built Sydney’, with a nod to its cement works background, this town is nestled at the foot of a mountain
Visit Mudgee Region Take a short break, you deserve it. Go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au or call the Mudgee Region Tourism team on 02 6372 1020 to plan your trip and look out for our special offers.
Spring special! Take advantage of some fantastic mid-week stay offers
(arrivals from Sundays to departures on Fridays, with travel through to February 2018). CWL 171
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.
0427 418 861 Warren, NSW
Whip an ordinary meal into an extraordinary taste sensation
Perfect with fish, red meats, chicken, green salad and as a marinade. Order online today
www.rosies.net.au
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.
P R E S S
Call us NOW to discuss your next project Phone: 02 6372 4200
Coffee Roasters, Cafe & Events 33 Bultje Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 www.pressdubbo.com.au (02) 6885 0621 Mon - Fri 7:30am to 4pm Sat 8am to 4pm Sun 8am to 4pm
Family owned and operated since 1954 Servicing Mudgee and surrounding districts
www.jkbuilders.com.au
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GALLERY MUSUEM CAFÉ COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE 76 WINGEWARRA STREET DUBBO NSW 2830 westernplainsculturalcentre.org 02 6801 4444
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
Gulgong B&B “The Old Wesleyan Chapel” BUILT IN 1871 • LOCAL HERITAGE STATUS
Our unique residence will make you feel welcome and part of the Gulgong history. The Wesleyan Chapel was one of the first buildings erected during the gold rush days and has Local Heritage status. Extensions to the chapel, now used as the guest accommodation, have received a heritage award for “Best sympathetic additions to a residential building” by the National Trust.
Two queen size rooms with private bathrooms • Tea & coffee making facilities • Fridge TV & DVD • Reverse cycle air-conditioning • Comfortable private seating arrangements Breakfast served in the Chapel dining room • Easy walking to clubs, pubs & restaurants P: 0458 487 706
E: bookings@gulgongbandb.com
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an inspirational landscape There is no denying the historical significance and haunting beauty of Hill End.
In the summer of 1872, Hill End was humming with frenzied activity driven by fabulous strikes of reef gold. The world’s largest single mass of gold, the 3000-ounce Beyers and Holtermann Specimen, had been unearthed from the Star of Hope mine on Hawkins Hill. Multicultural crowds thronged the kilometre of main street shopfronts, reputedly including 28 hotels, six banks, an oyster bar and several opium dens. Tobacconists, news agents, “Paris Hair Cutting”, butchers’ shops with whole carcasses strung up under their awnings, boot sellers, the Victoria Pie and Coffee Rooms, and a resident clairvoyant catered for the needs of the burgeoning population. The incessant din of the stamper batteries working night and day was almost deafening. This was the largest inland settlement of the colony of NSW and the population of the district was around 30,000. European settlement in the area began with pastoral activity in the 1820s, and its first gold rush occurred between 1850 and 1853. Harsh living, in tents or wattle-and-daub huts, awaited the thousands who flocked to plunder, and quickly deplete, the alluvial gold deposits in the Turon River and Tambaroora Creek.
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In contrast, in the 1870s, reef gold was mined from shafts sunk into ridge lines. Thousands again poured into Hill End, with the richer spoils bringing economic stability and a greater sense of permanence. This area still holds the record as the “world’s richest quarter mile”. Substantial brick and stone buildings were constructed, but by August 1873, when the Borough of Hill End was proclaimed, gold production was waning and the population was already in decline. During 1877, the Mayor, H. L. Beyers, at his own expense, planted an impressive avenue of pines and deciduous trees, as a demonstration of civic pride. Ninety years later, by agreement between Hill End residents and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the town was gazetted as a historic site, and listed on the State Heritage Register. As a result, several significant buildings from the 1870s have been preserved. Numerous cottages, built on small allotments, with charming and unique fences enclosing ornamental gardens of exotic plants, also survive. The scattering of well-preserved buildings is interspersed with atmospheric ruins and vacant lots, hinting at the footprints
of lost structures. Lichen-covered trees survive from the orchards that supplied the early townsfolk with apples, pears, plums, peaches, Osage oranges, apricots, mulberries, cherries and quince. Some still bear fruit in tumbling profusion on the outskirts of the village. Today, the trees of Beyers Avenue create a hauntingly beautiful and historically significant vista that greets the visitor entering Hill End from the north. Walking south, in summer time, in the dappled shade cast by mighty oaks, pines and elms, Warry’s Cottage, with its rusted iron roof and two impressive brick chimneys, appears on the left. A number of original and historically significant plantings survive in this garden, including a flowering quince, clumps of Chinese Joss flower (a type of jonquil) and agaves. In winter, the remnant garden design is revealed by blazing yellow daffodils planted in the original circular beds on either side of the main pathway. A little further on you come to a grander residence, Craigmoor, built in the style of a Scottish Hunting Lodge by James Wiseman Marshall, in 1875. Its garden contains remnants from the original planting scheme: roses, jonquils, lilacs and various fruit trees.
Closer to the town centre is Murray’s Cottage, used as a home base by prominent artists Donald Friend and Russell Drysdale, who painted extensively in the Hill End area in the 1940s. These artists forged a new and unique vision of Australia and its people, which they captured in artworks inspired by Hill End’s miningscarred landscape. Their associate, horticulturalist Donald Murray, attempted to recreate a cottage garden here, using many plants grown locally in Hill End, and his roses, honeysuckles, succulents and a variety of bulbs still grow in this garden. The Royal Hotel, built in 1872 and the only hotel still in operation at Hill End, marks the town centre. It’s possible that some of the lovely roses growing behind the hotel may originate from cuttings taken from old gardens throughout the town. Significant remnant plants from the original 1870s plantings here are the old peppercorn trees, tamarix and viburnum. In a humble, unnamed cottage garden across the road, in spring time, lilac flowers perfume the air. The “English Group”, located on the north-eastern outskirts of the town, consists of a 19th century cottage, outbuildings, and historically remnant garden plants including a May Bush, lilac, and old bulbs. Hawthorn, a large apple, pound pear, peach and plum trees also remain on the site. Today, an aura of mystery pervades Hill End. Garden and orchard plants, cultivated by the miners, have proliferated and softened the once-harsh, denuded landscape. Hill End’s resident population numbers 120, while visitors number around 100,000 per year. The village is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, whose 2012 Hill End Master Plan recommends that it be listed on the National Heritage Register, and that an application be made for UNESCO World Heritage listing. The vision is for progressive reinvigoration of Hill End as an economically sustainable “living village”, through provision of new facilities and services, new business opportunities and new tourist infrastructure. An essential part of Hill End’s future will be the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery’s Artist in Residence Program through which, since 1999, over 280 artists from a diverse range of disciplines have resided and worked at Hill End. This program ensures a continuing link between the mining history and contemporary art of Australia, inspired by works that form part of the Australian identity. CWL Words: Jane Munro Images: Jane Munro and Michael Papworth
FACING PAGE: Hill End Post Office and Catholic Church. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Beyers Avenue of pines and deciduous trees was planted in 1877; Northeys Store; Murray’s Cottage was used as a home base by artists Donald Friend and Russell Drysdale in the 1940s; Warrys Cottage in Springtime.
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Summer issue
XERO Gold Partner
SPRING 2015
GUNNEDAH
Available December 2017 Subscribe to experience the magazine in print or online: www.centralwestmagazine.com.au
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.
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Antiques & collectables, ladies clothing and jewellery, alpaca products, hand dyed wools, patchwork items, handmade candles and soaps, organic teas, giftware & homeware.
OPEN 10AM - 4PM Thu to Mon • 77 Goulburn St Crookwell 2583 0407 254 954 • arcadia.crookwell@yahoo.com.au
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.
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BLAYNEY & VILLAGES • Barry • Carcoar • Hobbys Yards
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Easy two block walk to the centre of Bathurst to enjoy fine dining restaurants and award winning hotels
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102 Stewart Street, Bathurst Tel. 02 6334 3433 www.heritagemotorinn.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER FOR CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE READERS Book two nights during September, October or November 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. 2016
Bishop’s Court Estate 226 Seymour Street Bathurst NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6332 4447
www.bishopscourtestate.com.au
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the wide blue yonder
I go to Rio! The Peter Allen song had been stuck in my head during the entire flight to Brazil from Australia, and here I was in the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), waved straight through the modern airport by smiling customs officials. This, I thought, bodes well for the journey. The first stop after dropping our bags off at our Airbnb was Copacabana. After a quick trip on the nearby efficient metro, out we spilled into the dazzling sunlight, greeted by beautiful wide sandy beaches, colourful umbrellas and beautiful people who all knew how to strut their stuff. We sipped coco gelado – cold coconut juice straight from a fresh coconut, and enjoyed the view. It was a gorgeous colourful, vibrant place to be, surfers, cyclists, joggers, hawkers, tourists all mixing together comfortably. We had no time to waste, Rio is an enormous city with over 6 million residents and much to see – off to Sugar Loaf Mountain where two cable cars get you to the top quickly for a magnificent view of the city. In the far distance, the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado with arms outstretched, welcoming us to this beautiful city. We decided to walk back down from the midpoint to the nearby beach. We were accompanied down the track by colourful birds and Marmoset monkeys that skittered between trees. The following morning we set off to acquaint ourselves with Christ the Redeemer, taking a cog railway up the very steep mountain. And there it is, the iconic statue, 30 metres high, an engineering marvel that is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The views here were spectacular, with surreal silhouettes of distant mountains that looked like a watercolour painting. We were told we must finish the day off in Rio with a sunset view from Arpoador rock in Ipanema (another song that won’t go away – The Girl from Ipanema). It was magic watching the sun slowly dipping behind the mountains named Two Brothers, while surfers rode waves that gently rolled onto the shore. There was applause all round – this is a nightly ritual of thanks by the locals for another beautiful day in Rio. The night was topped off with a visit to a churrascaria or barbecue restaurant, which are big in Brazil. Add to that a couple of Caipirinhas, Brazil’s most famous cocktail made from fermented sugar cane juice called Cachaca and crushed limes, and you’re set for a great night of Samba dancing, whether you think you can dance or not. No trip to Brazil would be complete without a journey to the Amazon. Flights regularly depart from Rio to Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas. After a visit to the opulent Renaissance-style opera house in Manaus – that’s right, an opera house in the heart of the Amazon – we set off on our jungle adventure to Juma Lake. To get there, we first had to take a boat from Manaus across the confluence between the darker-coloured Rio Negro and the
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Corcovado/Dmitry Islentev, Copacabana/Catarina Belova, Monkey/R.M. Nunes/Shutterstock.com
From the amazing views of Rio de Janeiro to the sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle, Brazil is a marvel to behold and is a must for any traveller.
travel S P R I N G
“We s p i l l e d i n to th e d a z z l i n g s u n l i g h t , g re e t e d b y b e a u t i f u l w i d e s a n d y b e a c h e s , c o l o u r f u l u m b re l l a s a n d b e a u t i f u l p e o p l e .” paler water of the mighty Amazon River. The two rivers’ waters run side by side without mixing, making for an amazing sight. On the opposite river bank, we caught a taxi to the next point. Who knew that Kombi vans also double as rally cars on dirt roads? Then it was boat-only transport to the simple yet comfortable Juma Lake Inn. Our first activity was swimming in the river, which at this point is 10 metres deep and flows quickly – so quickly that you dive in upstream from the inn’s boardwalk, whizzing downstream at Olympic speeds till you reach and hold the buoy at the lodge pontoon. Thankfully, there are no piranhas at this point. As well as the comfortable accommodation at the inn, we also experienced the jungle first-hand. Our lovely guide, who lived locally, took us deeper into the jungle in a motorised canoe. Macaws flew noisily overhead, sounding much like kids at school lunchtime. Toucans flew more silently and awkwardly (must be the beak). Our guide had amazing eyesight and could spot animals from a distance, including a sloth high up in a tree, doing what sloths do – sleeping. We collected firewood for a barbecue dinner, and I’m happy to say I did the Aussies proud, proving the most efficient guest with the machete. We slept in hammocks, lulled to sleep by Howler monkeys calling to each other and sounding like the wind through the trees. My memories of the jungle are of early morning walks, ancient medicinal trees, giant palms and ants – lots and lots of ants. Warm tropical downpours that left you completely drenched. Swimming in lakes far enough from shore not to bother the electric eels or caimans. Meals were brilliant, delicious fresh fish called Arapaima, delivered one a week to the lodge by a local fishing family. At three metres long, they were large enough to feed everyone. Brazil is an enormous country with so much to offer – galleries, gardens, architecture, Carnival, beaches, beautiful people. The most dangerous thing you’ll find is the Caipirinha cocktails. Cheers! CWL Words Zora Regulic. Images: Zora Regulic & Shutterstock
FACING PAGE: Commanding the best views over Rio on the top of Corcovado is the statue of Christ the Redeemer; the wide sandy beaches of Copacabana. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Into the unknown, that’s where the best adventures are to be found; Marmoset monkey; ferries docked at Manaus, ready to make their way up the mighty Amazon river; coco gelado; VW Kombi taxi, also known to double as rally cars; sunset at Ipanema.
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FO
R
SO
SA
LD
LE
Coonabarabran, NSW
1.105 Hectares
4
1
4
House, Land, Shed and View • Renovated spacious kitchen with modern
FOR SALE - $430 000
appliances
Address:
79 Timor Road, Coonabarabran, NSW Jane McWhirter 0428 422 255 or jmcwhirter@dcco.com.au
• Renovated main bathroom and laundry Contact:
• Large machinery shed with power, cement floor and roller doors • Established lawns with pop up sprinklers
PROPERTY
DAVIDSON CAMERON REAL ESTATE
992.7m2
3
1
Beautifully Maintained Home • Rendered bessa block well maintained home • Spacious open plan renovated kitchen • Renovated, tiled bathroom with shower,
SOLD Address: Contact:
vanity and toilet • Double carport, double lock up garage with an extra cement slab
PROPERTY
13 11 14
LOCAL SERVICE, NATIONAL STRENGTH
24 Nelson Street, Coonabarabran, NSW Jane McWhirter 0428 422 255 or jmcwhirter@dcco.com.au DAVIDSON CAMERON REAL ESTATE
www.ruralcoproperty.com.au
www.alexandria.digital
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2
““Marketing to me is one of those things that becomes mundane, difficult to measure the success of and overwhelming at times. The move to utilise Alex’s co-ordination, time management, knowledge and skill is considered a stroke of genius regularly. Eyes, support and modern ideas from outside my business are important. Alex’s commitment, maturity and honesty is rare, set high expectations for her and she will deliver.”
“Having Alex take on all the responsibility and stress of the marketing for our business has been the best decision we have made. We are endlessly in awe of her commitment, professionalism and high standards and our business has noticeably thrived with the behind-the-scenes marketing support we have received from her. We couldn’t be happier and would be lost without Alex.”
MARKETING
- Michael Brennan, Brennan’s Mitre 10
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An exciting range of
Celebrating 71 years as Dubbo’s printer 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. Selected Gift Items. Children’s Toys for Creative Development. Boxed Stationery and Cards. Greeting Cards, Wrapping Paper and Ribbons.
Phone: 02 6882 1233 166 Brisbane Street, DUBBO NSW 2830 admin@printingworks.com
www.printingworks.com
DESIGN - PRINT - PAPER - GIFTS
Like us for all your gift ideas and new stock arrivals
Corner of Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets Dubbo NSW 2830 Phone: 02 6882 4411 Fax: 026881 8062
/DubboRSL
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S P R I N G country recipes
light and lovely It’s time to swap stodgy winter dishes for a spring menu of marvellously light morsels.
SALMON MOUSSE This is a beautifully light dish, perfect for a spring feast. 1/2 tsp dry mustard Salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 3 tbsp lemon juice, 8oz can Red Salmon 1 cup of beaten cream 1 tbsp gelatine 2 tbsp boiling water 2 Lebanese cucumbers 1. Place pepper, salt, dry mustard in bowl and add Worcestershire sauce. 2. Add lemon juice. 3. Fold in finely mashed red salmon and beaten cream. Mix until fine. 4. Lastly add gelatine that has been dissolved in hot water [I put it in the microwave for two seconds] and then when cool, fold into all the other ingredients. 5. Put in fridge for a couple of hours. 6. Place into piping bag and pipe onto cucumber slices. 7. Refrigerate till serving time.
FRUITY MALLOW DELIGHT Try this simple sweet for a special treat. 450g tin pineapple pieces, drained 1 tin mandarin segments, drained 1 packet marshmallows, cut into halves 1 carton sour cream 1 carton thick cream 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted, for the top 1. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl. 2. Place in fancy serving bowls and chill in refrigerator for about 24 hours. 3. Sprinkle with the toasted shredded coconut.
Recipes and images: Lorraine Hills
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INDULGENT | ROMANTIC | EXCLUSIVE
AMAZING FOOD, DELECTABLE TREATS AND A WARM FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
02 6366 3188 12 Pym Street, Millthorpe NSW www.theoldmillcafe.com.au
Your Host: Michelle Spicer M 0421 121 937 28 Park Street Millthorpe NSW 2798 www.hockeysaccommodation.com.au /HockeysAccommodationMillthorpe
“Angullong has perhaps Orange’s best value range...” Huon Hooke Visit our cellar door in the historic bluestone stables in Millthorpe for tasting and sales. Cnr. Park & Victoria Streets, Millthorpe. Ph: 02 6366 3444 OPEN 7 DAYS 11am to 5pm
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HEADS TOGETHER
Garian Food Wholesalers is a family affair with a reputation for quality and a commitment to future growth.
After 25 years of business success in Dubbo and the western region, Kelvin and Lois Head have no intention of resting on their laurels. The directors of Garian Food Wholesalers are busy looking towards the future with their daughter by their side. Michelle Head joined the business six months ago after 12 years working in the employment services industry. Living near the beach and managing a busy team in Sydney had its attractions, but Michelle is pleased to be back in her hometown and enjoying the benefits of a three-minute drive to work. “It was my choice to come into the business and something I thought about for a long time,” she says. “It is lovely to be close to family and I feel very motivated about being part of a business that has played a significant role in Dubbo and the region for a quarter of a century.” Father and daughter have already embarked on plans to grow Garian Food Wholesalers and make the business more tech savvy through social media and the internet. Kelvin is also looking forward to the opportunity to wind down a little in the future by taking a few more holidays and days off here and there. “We have excellent staff working in the business, many of whom have been here for a long time,’” Kelvin says. “But there is nothing quite like having someone with a family stake in a business.” Garian Food Wholesalers provides chilled, frozen, dried and packaged food, drinks and cleaning products to the hospitality and service sector in a wide area extending over a quarter of NSW.
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Delivery trucks make multiple trips within Dubbo on a daily basis and are on the road regularly as far afield as Bourke, Cobar, Nyngan, Cowra, Condobolin, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra and Warren. Customers include hotels, restaurants, butcher shops, corner stores, coffee and takeaway shops, service stations and canteens. Garian Food Wholesalers is a name people know and trust. The shopfront at 2/13 Douglas Mawson Road in Dubbo is popular with the public but the bulk of the business involves the wholesale market. “We are happy to deal with everyone regardless of whether they want to buy small or large quantities,” Kelvin says. “Great products, attention to detail and good customer service are key elements in our business and as part of a national buying group we are able to offer competitive pricing across a wide range of products.” Garian Food Wholesalers employs 15 people and is proud to give back to the community through sponsorship of charities, clubs and organisations. CWL Words: Heather Crosby Images: Elizabeth Tickle
ABOVE: All in the family, Kelvin, Lois and Michelle; fully stocked shelves at Garian Food Wholesalers.
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 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
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T H E FA M I LY F R I E N D LY H O T E L
Giftware - Jewellery - China - Stationery Darrell Lea Chocolates - Body Products Handbags - Wallets - Baby Products
We specialise in weddings, social Club parties, client functions, birthday and engagement parties and Christmas parties. Tel: 02 6848 5805
(02) 6847 0500 17 Miller Street Gilgandra, NSW 2827 /ThisNThatGilgandra
Merrigal Street Armatree NSW www.armatreehotel.com.au CWL ad US2outline 600_Layout 1 9/02/2017 3:23 PM Page 1 THIS BUSINESS IS FOR SALE
Sales and promotion items
Posters
Sporting programs
Flyers
Carbonless books Handouts and reports envelopes Letterheads Business cards Brochures Invitations Newspapers Catalogues and show schedules Gift vouchers
Cards
Commemorative books
In full colour - digital and offset Publishers of
Est. 1911
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Breakfast and Lunches Giftware | Large off street parking Homemade cakes, pastries, pastas and pies
“A Cosmopolitan Sanctuary in the Heart of Regional NSW”
Open:
Tues to Fri 6am - 5pm | Sat 6am - 4pm | Sun 9am - 4pm
Newell Highway, Gilgandra
6847 2707
84 FIRST QUALITY MINERALS FOR LIVESTOCK AND HUMANS
Mobile: 0447148276 shop@saltsofthehimalayas.com.au Purlewaugh Road Coonabarabran 2357
Stockist for: Himalayan salt stock blocks, salt on a rope, lamps, tealights, onyx mortar and pestle, bath/shower products, cooking plate, table salt and books
GILGANDRA HOME OF THE COO-EE MARCH 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
M H Thomas has been servicing the Gilgandra and district communities for over 50 years. Real Estate – Property Management – Residential, Commercial and Rural Sales Stock & Station Agent – Auctioneers 31 Miller St Gilgandra NSW 2827 Phone: (02) 6847 2489 Mobile 0484 332422 email: realestate@mhthomas.com.au website: www.realestate.com.au CWL 187
BACK: Gilgandra Cr Noel Mudford, Deputy Mayor Gilgandra Cr Ash Walker, Gilgandra Mayor, Cr Doug Batten, Cheryl Batten, Publishers Central West Lifestyle Alex and Elizabeth Tickle, Warrumbungle Mayor, Cr Peter Shinton, Gilgandra Council Economic Development Manager, Randall Medd, Gilgandra Cr Greg Peart. FRONT: Gilgandra Cr Noel Wrigley, Warrumbungle Cr Anne-Louise Capel, Warrumbungle Shire Economic Development and Tourism Manager, Aileen Bell, Julie Shinton, Gilgandra Cr Gina Montgomery.
CWL WINTER 2017 LAUNCH Gilgandra Pride and jubilation filled the air with 110 locals celebrating the Winter 2017 edition of Central West Lifestyle at the Cooee Heritage Centre, Gilgandra, on Saturday, May 20. “This magazine is a living history of our town. It’s a snapshot that will hopefully encourage tourism and make people want to stay here,” Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten said. “To see our local people, lives and businesses highlighted gives us a sense of place. “This is undoubtedly a highlight of my term at Gilgandra Shire Council.” Councillors, local identities, business owners, advertisers and many more attended the launch. “Thank you to all the businesses and people that told their stories, without their support this amazing feature would not have been possible,” Gilgandra Economic Development Manager Randall Medd said. “This is a fantastic showcase to a large part of NSW featuring our community, people and businesses. I’m quite positive it will create interest among the readership and really open a lot of people’s eyes to what a great community we have and encourage them to visit.” The magazine celebrates the great beauty, history, culture and entrepreneurial spirit found in Coonabarabran, Gilgandra and surrounding council areas.
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“The General Manager, Steve Loan, and I are rapt in the idea of having a tome of such quality in our tourism arsenal. It combines local features with many well-loved people and community heroes,” Warrumbungle Mayor Peter Shinton said. Artist Jude Fleming showcased her art during the event, as the Cooee Heritage Centre is hosting her exhibition, while Dubbo singer-songwriter Hayleigh Hing played a wide repertoire of music for the crowd. “We believe this is one of our most beautiful covers yet. This issue brought us to so many amazing people with some of the most interesting and unique stories,” Central West Lifestyle magazine editor Elizabeth Tickle said. Journalist Jake Lindsay said that many months of work had gone into the magazine, and that he was very proud to feature his hometown of Coonabarabran. “One thing I really think is that these stories are so interesting that people from all across NSW and Queensland will read it,” he said. The Winter 2017 edition is for sale locally at Coonabarabran and Gilgandra newsagencies and many more newsagencies across the region. Additionally, it is available at Chalkies and Prezzies, Coonabarabran, as well as The Next Grind and This N That, Gilgandra. CWL Words: Daniel Pickering, Gilgandra Weekly Images: Sue Meikle, Zenio Lapka and Daniel Pickering, Gilgandra Weekly
events S P R I N G
The Thomas Family;Jenny, Geoff, Rachel, Alison and Greg Thomas of MH Thomas & Gilgandra Real Estate.
Sue Wilson and Amy Wilson, Glen Lee ASH Stud, Gilgandra with James Biddle.
Helen and Charles Bennett, Gilgandra with Louise and Stephen Knight, Tannabah, Coonabarabran and CWL editor Elizabeth Tickle.
Gilgandra Shire Mayor Cr Doug Batten, with Michael and Debbie Welsh, The Next Grind Cafe & Gallery, Gilgandra.
Helen Tickle Deputy Mayor, Tamworth Regional Council, Alex Tickle, CWL Publisher and Kate Boshammer, CWL team member.
Angus Beveridge with Rebecca Medd and Randall Medd, Gilgandra Shire Council Economic Development Manager.
Regina and Maria Rickert, Pilliga Pottery, with Elaine Gardiner, Tibuc Gardens Cafe, Coonabarabran.
Julie Prout, Bendigo Bank, Owen Prout and Sue Furnell, Dubbo.
Bernhard Rickert, Pilliga Pottery, and Jakki Brady.
Marlene Wrigley, Gilgandra and glass artist Jo Shaloub, Gilgandra.
Kim and Tim Houghton, The Grapevine Cafe, Dubbo with CWL Publisher Alex Tickle.
Sally Falkner, Hadden Rig, Warren, Jude Fleming, Warren, exhibiting artist at Gilgandra Art Gallery, and Alison Cosgrove.
Jodie and Mark Walker, Gilgandra Toyota.
Louise Knight, Tannabah, Coonabarabran with CWL writer and photographer Jake Lindsay and Helen Hunt, Budgerie Brafords.
Pam Pino and Julie Byast, Sisterellea’s, Coonabarabran.
Fay Chapman, Coonabarabran View Club, Rhonda Jewiss, Prezzies, Trish Lithgow and Elaine Gardiner, Tibuc Gardens Cafe, all of Coonabarabran. CWL 189
on Dalgarno Unique to the Central West and Coonabarabran, Tastebuds is a vegetarian health food shop and cafe. We specialise in all dietary requirements. We also have fresh organic fruit and vegetables, bulk nuts, seeds, grains, fresh juices, smoothies and fair trade coffee. Dine in or take away Monday to Friday 7.30 - 5.00 and market Sunday 3/48 Dalgarno Street Coonabarabran, NSW, 2357 Phone: 0431 862 357 (Across the road from Woolworths) Tastebuds on Dalgarno
THE LITTLE GIFT SHOP OF THE T WO SISTERS Prezzies opened 28 years ago by sisters Leonie & Rhonda We stay up to date with fashion & colours of the season by visiting trade fairs twice a year in Sydney and Melbourne.
Prezzies is in the centre of town. We can help you choose your gift and we can wrap it free of charge 36 John St, Coonabarabran NSW 2357 Phone: (02) 6842 2660
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World Class Mineral and Fossil display, Gemstone jewellery, Crystals, Minerals and Fossils for sale 16 Chappell Ave Coonabarabran ph 6842 1927 Open 8am to 5pm every day except Xmas day
COUNTRY: RMW, Akubra, Goondiwindi, Jacaru, Brigalow, Baxters, Doggers, Belts, Ties, Wallets. CITI: Vived, International, Miss Anne, Orientique, Ricky Renee, T/S, Gorden Smith, Elegante, Slade, Jo Ro. GLAMOUR: Gorgeous Deb Dresses, Bridesmaids, Mother Of Bride. ACCESSORIES: Race Hats, Gloves, Bags, Jewellery, Scarves.
38 John Street Coonabarabran. Phone 02 6842 1460 Fax. 02 6842 4424 Mob. 0401 161 962
OUTBACK: Antiques, Collectables and Memorabillia. DRY CLEANING IS ALSO AVAILABLE Open Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-12.30
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Family and Senior friendly star gazing sessions. Milroy Observatory CoonaAstroVentures Call 0428 288 244
More than just amazing scenery…
THE PILLIGA FOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE Discover the hidden secrets of the vast, ancient and unique Pilliga Forest and the stories of yesteryear with this fun and entertaining exhibition. Experience the ‘Sculptures in the Scrub’, Sandstone Caves, Salt Caves & Visitor Lookout Tower. For more information call (02) 6843 4011. FREE admission. OPEN 7 days 9-4pm.
THE WARRUMBUNGLE NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE Enter a world of tranquillity and natural beauty, forested ridges, volcanic spires and deep gorges, with beautiful camp grounds and picnic areas, an extensive network of roads, fire trails and walking tracks. The centre provides a range of visitor information, souvenirs and an interpretative display. For more information call (02) 6825 4364. FREE admission. OPEN 7 days 9-4pm.
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Hoskins St, Temora, Ph: (02) 6978 0020 Main St, West Wyalong, Ph: (02) 6972 1777 Sherriff St, Forbes, Ph: (02) 6852 3257
Mr. R.B. Firman OAM, JP ~ Proprietor Ph/Fax: (02) 6977 2021 ~ Mobile: 0429 204 060 230 Hoskins Street Temora NSW 2666 Email: rbfirman@bigpond.com
www.rickfirmansmenswear.com.au
EQUIPMENT FOR HORSE AND RIDER
Address : 64 John St Coonabarabran Phone : 0414 243 697 CWL 193
S P R I N G events
TEXTURES OF ONE Blayney
Blayney’s annual art exhibition, Textures of One, is unique in that each work is required to include a motif; this year’s motif being a four-leaf clover. In 2017, the event expanded to a weekend art festival and was sponsored by Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Operations. The event also enjoys ongoing sponsorship from Blayney Shire Council and Dean Mobbs of Dean Mobbs Gallery, Bathurst.
Judges this year were Portland artists Lesley O’Shea and Joe Penn, Urana sculptor Andrew Whitehead and Bathurst Spinners and Weavers president Margaret Hobba. Entry numbers doubled in 2017, including two works from San Francisco. The exhibition was enjoyed by locals as well as visitors from the US, Melbourne and Sydney. CWL Words: Loretta Kervin Images: Zenio Lapka
Mayor of Blayney Shire, Scott Ferguson with Betty McKenzie of Blayney and Joanne Humphris from Maitland.
Sculptor Peter Worsley from Orange with his work, which was purchased by Blayney Shire Council.
Phil Nankivill, President of Blayney AH&P with Miles Hedge also from Blayney.
Loretta Kervin from Barry, one of the founders of the Textures of One exhibition and Penny May of Blayney (ArtsOutWest).
Creative couple from Bathurst, Stefan and Alesha Elbourne.
Andrew Whitehead, Urana and Louise Purcell, Carcoar.
Joyanne Winter, Yass and Goulburn artist Cynthia Andrew.
Rosemarie Amos and Carolyn Nankivill, both from Millthorpe.
Lachlan and Rebecca Price, Blayney with Maxine and Andrew Meek, Hobby’s Yards.
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Yanina Lenehan and Estelle Byrnes, Bathurst, Mel Monico, Kings Plains, Polly Goodlet, Dunkeld and Erin Press, Bathurst.
Kellie Evans from Portland, Jan Dickie from Newbridge, Lesley O’Shea and Joe Penn both judges from Portland with Rich Evans from Lithgow.
Blayney Post Office
Bed And Breakfast
60 Adelaide St Blayney NSW 2799 Continental Breakfast, Free WiFi 02 6368 2466 0409 455 759 like us on facebook
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
Opening Hours
#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
IRONBARK ESPRESSO BAR
MON, TUES, WED, FRI 8-3
THURS 6-4 SAT 8-12
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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
• Free Wi-Fi available • Room From $ 108 • Two Bedroom Flat $ 180 • Disable Room Available
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Forbes is Ben Ha
Bushranger Country retrace the steps of Australia’s most notorious bushranger Ben Hall Experience - www.finditinforbes.com.au
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S P R I N G events
upcoming events Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival
Daffodils at Rydal
Wine Show Public Tasting
Cowra Spring Show
Various venues riverartsfestival.org.au Facebook: River Arts Festival Forbes
Village of Rydal Lindsay Green (02) 6359 3237 rydaldaffs@gmail.com www.rydal.com.au
Young Town Hall lockwoodvineyard@bigpond.com www.visithilltopsregion.com.au
Cowra Showground Cowra Show Society (02) 6342 1977 cowrashow@bigpond.com www.cowrashow.com
1 – 30 SEPTEMBER
110th Barmedman Show 2 SEPTEMBER
Barmedman barmedmanshowsociety@hotmail.com Facebook: Barmedman Show Society
Wellington Arts and Sculpture Festival 2 – 3 SEPTEMBER
Hermitage Hill Resort, Wellington Kim Kiss 0427 543 655 arts@wellington2820.org.au www.wellingtonarts.org.au
Mudgee Races
3 SEPTEMBER
Mudgee Colleen Walker (02) 6372 6035 colleen@hwy.com.au www.mudgeeraceclubinc.com
Woodstock Memorial Show 3 SEPTEMBER
Woodstock Alison Rutledge (02) 6345 0104 nargong@activ8.net.au Facebook: Woodstock Memorial Show
West Wyalong Show
9 – 10 & 16 – 17 SEPTEMBER
Mayfield Garden, Oberon info@mayfieldgarden.com.au www.mayfieldgarden.com.au
Flowering Cherry Orchard Young Visitor Information Centre (02) 6382 3394 vic@hilltops.nsw.gov.au www.visithilltopsregion.com.au
Beyond Avalon Open Garden
Gulgong Chinese Festival
15 – 17 SEPTEMBER
16 – 17 SEPTEMBER
68 Reserve Avenue, Black Springs Rosalie Pollock (02) 6335 8257 beyondavalon1@gmail.com
Dubbo City Toyota Gold Cup
Boorowa Irish Woolfest
City of Dubbo Turf Club Vincent Gordon 0429 844 726 dubturf@hwy.com.au www.dubboturfclub.com.au
Marsden Street, Boorowa Melanie Ford (02) 6385 3962 melanie.ford@hilltops.nsw.gov.au www.irishwoolfest.com.au
Young P & A Show
1 OCTOBER
17 SEPTEMBER
17 SEPTEMBER
Young Showground Sam 0400 251 508 22 – 24 SEPTEMBER
22 – 23 SEPTEMBER
Harden Showground Heather Johnson 0429 868 210 hardenshowoffice@gmail.com
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Central West Handmade Markets
Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre (02) 6341 2233 info@cowragarden.com.au www.cowragarden.com.au
LambFest
9 SEPTEMBER
Windeyer Monique Kaleth (02) 6372 1622 mklaleth@barnardos.org.au
23 SEPTEMBER
14 – 29 OCTOBER
Mayfield Garden, Oberon info@mayfieldgarden.com.au www.mayfieldgarden.com.au
Wellington Bicentenary Open Garden Tour 22 OCTOBER
6 gardens surrounding historic homes at Wellington 0417 427 839 jwykes52@gmail.com
Australian National Field Days 26 – 28 OCTOBER
563 Borenore Road, Borenore Jayne West (02) 6362 1588 info@anfd.com.au www.anfd.com.au
Aussie-fest in the West Festival 27 – 29 OCTOBER
West Wyalong Martin Lane (02) 6972 1858 Facebook: Events West Wyalong
DREAM Festival
Harden Nathan Schofield 0400 355 142 www.hardenpicnics.org.au
Various locations, Dubbo Kim Hague 0457 220 654 info@dreamfest.com.au www.dreamfest.com.au
Canowindra Baroquefest Canowindra Fine Music Inc. Info@canowindrafinemusic.com.au canowindrafinemusic.com.au
Orange Wine Festival 13 – 22 OCTOBER
Orange & surrounding region Charlotte Gundry 0400 036 743 info@winesoforange.com.au www.orangewinefestival.com.au
Mendooran Showground Natasha Swan 0428 488 159 mendooranrodeo@outlook.com
Warren Spring Festival 14 OCTOBER
Victoria Oval, Warren Tony McCalary 0418 284 205 www.warren.nsw.gov.au
Do you have an event that you would like included in our magazine? E M A I L : e v e n ts @ c e n t ra l w e s t m a g a z i n e . c o m . a u
Spring Festival
Harden & District Picnic Races
14 OCTOBER
Nevertire Sally Empringham 0428 239 317 belaringar.sw@bigpond.com www.warren.nsw.gov.au
14 – 15 OCTOBER
West Wyalong Greg Trethowan 0416 103 734
Mendooran Rodeo
Nevertire Family Muster 23 SEPTEMBER
West Wyalong Rodeo
13 – 15 OCTOBER
Canowindra Show
Murrumburrah Harden Show
Mayfield Garden, Oberon info@mayfieldgarden.com.au www.mayfieldgarden.com.au
1 OCTOBER
12 – 23 OCTOBER
Canowindra Showground Kate Beath 0487 564 000 Facebook: Canowindra Show Society
9 SEPTEMBER
Mumbil Black Wattle Fair
Brenda Lyon 0418 629073 brendaelyon@gmail.com
Mudgee Wine and Food Festival
8 – 9 SEPTEMBER
Gulgong www.gulgong.com.au
Mumbil Community Hall Norma Faram (02) 6846 7667 faram48@hotmail.com www.visitwellington.com.au
16 – 24 SEPTEMBER
Cameron Park, Wellington Emily Falson 0402 736 081 emilyfalson@yahoo.com.au www.wellingtonspringfest.com.au
MWGGA (02) 6372 7409 www.mudgeewine.com.au
30 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER
1 OCTOBER
Oberon Daffodil Dawdle
6 SEPTEMBER
8 SEPTEMBER
Cherry Blossom Long Lunch 24 SEPTEMBER
Spring Yoga Retreat
SpringFest
West Wyalong Diane Redman (02) 6972 2078 wwss2@bigpond.com
23 SEPTEMBER
C o m p i l e d b y H e a t h e r C ro s b y
28 OCTOBER
Millthorpe Garden Ramble 4 – 5 NOVEMBER
Millthorpe and surrounds millthorpegardenramble@gmail.com www.millthorpevillage.com.au
Music On Mount David Concert 5 NOVEMBER
Kennedy Park, Loch Erin Road, Mount David Rod and Alexandra Tuson (02) 6337 9679 rodtuson1@gmail.com
Cotton Cup Race Meeting 12 NOVEMBER
Warren Racecourse Bek McKay bekbbk@bigpond.com www.warrenjockeyclub.com.au
Huntington Music Festival 22 – 26 NOVEMBER
Huntington Estate Helen Cox (02) 6373 3825 Email: info@huntingtonestate.com.au www.huntingtonestate.com.au All events are subject to change and we recommend contacting the organisers to confirm details.
the
Wine not?
closet cowra
Spend a weekend in Cowra & Canowindra and enjoy some of Australia’s finest wineries.
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NOW IN BOOROWA Yarra Trail • Namastai • Foil • Frank Lyman • Goondiwindi Cotton Gordon Smith • Laura K • Ping Pong • Hammock and Vine Jump • Corfu • See Saw • Philosophy
Book your next escape to Cowra with the Visitor Information Centre
Now stocking After 5 and Special Occasion Wear
OPEN Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm Shop 2 / 37 Macquarie St, Cowra 2794 02 6342 2478, thecloset@bigpond.com
cowratourism.com.au | 02 6342 4333
Country Gardens Cowra Wine Not Advert.indd 1
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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 199
S P R I N G weddings
RICHARDS + CHRISTIANSEN Kiira Richards and Aaron Christiansen were married at Mayfield Garden, Oberon on February 25, 2017.
Kiira and Aaron first crossed paths in Parkes six years ago at a local church, and have been together for the past three years. The couple have always dreamt of getting married in the gardens at Mayfield, so it was fitting that their celebration, attended by 250 guests, was held in the Allee of London Plane Trees. Local photographer Henry Paul captured the day around the venue’s expansive gardens. Flowers were hand-picked from Mayfield Garden and styled by Ivory Rose Botanicals of Bathurst. Aaron and Kiira honeymooned in Melbourne and have made their home in Parkes. Photographer: Henry Paul Photography
Left: Kiira and Aaron in the Chapel View garden at Mayfield Garden. Below: The Croquet Garden.
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Onsite Jewellers | Designers | Manufacturers | Repairs & Remodelling Retailers of Modern & Contemporary Jewellery
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 NSW Tel: 02 6882 4620 www.whitneysjewellers.com.au
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Parkes
‘The Wedding Suit Specialists’
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S P R I N G weddings
Geoff Clark, Paul Clark, Michaela Suddick, Martin Clark, Jennaya and Anthony Clark, Melissa Suddick, Andrew Clark, Natasha Olguin and Simon Clark.
SUDDICK + CLARK Jennaya Suddick and Anthony Clark were married at the Clark family property, “Springfield”, Cowra on November 19, 2016.
Jennaya’s bridesmaids were her two sisters Melissa and Michaela Suddick, and best friend Natasha Olguin. Anthony was accompanied by his four brothers Simon, Geoffrey, Andrew and Martin Clark and father, Paul Clark. The couple created a casual vintage-themed wedding in Anthony’s parents’ garden. Ivory Botanicals, Bathurst, created native and peony bouquets. There was a vintage caravan bar, old-fashioned lawn games, canapes from Eat Your Greens and Mumm champagne. The relaxed reception setting was centred around couches made from hay bales, pallet tables made by Anthony and festoon lighting hung from trees. The couple honeymooned in Noosa before making their home in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney. Photographer: Camilla Duffy Photography
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Paleface Arcade, 242 Hoskins St Temora, New South Wales (02) 6977 4122 info@debsjewellery.com
www.debsjewellery.com
Taste wines in our unusual strawbale winery. Tasting platters and meals available if booked, or bring a picnic.
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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S P R I N G weddings
SCOTTI + O’CONNOR Danielle Scotti and James O’Connor were married at James’s family property, “Glen-Lee”, Balladoran on October 8, 2016.
The ceremony was nestled between two iconic gum trees in the blossoming garden, and the reception was in a shed on the property. Danielle wore a gown by Grace Loves Lace and Zimmerman shoes. The Meadow Floral Design of Dubbo styled all flowers at the event, embracing a mixture of native favourites and abundant foliage. Gum leaves were collected from the property and hung by family and friends on ladders in the shed. James’s mother, Megan, of Megan O’Connor Catering, prepared the feast of fresh breads, crisp salads and an array of local meats and produce. The cake was a layered and tiered raw cacao buttercake with salted caramel cream cheese, baked by Brenno’s Hotbake, Narromine. Danielle and James honeymooned in the Whitsundays before returning to their home in Ungarie. Photographer: Jac & Heath Photography
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Chinnock Bed and Breakfast Quality Bed and Breakfast style accommodation in the heart of Gilgandra. True Aussie hospitality, comfy beds, air conditioning and lovely welcoming hosts. Your home away from home. (02) 6847 0470 12 Morris St, Gilgandra sandy.mcgrath@bigpond.com CWL 205
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“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
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S P R I N G the last word
one-track mind Look no further than Peter Neve’s backyard for proof of his lifelong obsession with rail.
Imagine the unbridled joy on Peter Neve’s 75th birthday earlier this year when he officially unwrapped an extremely large present to himself: a private two-foot gauge railway line, complete with platform and authentic 1915 vintage steam engine called Torpedo! Not many people can boast of having a railway track around their home but it’s a claim that Peter Neve, OAM, is proud to finally make. Peter’s Hobby Railway is located on the outskirts of town in Wardle Street, Junee, but due to strict legal requirements, it’s a hobby that only Peter’s friends are able to enjoy. The public can still enjoy the spectacle and take photographs from outside the fence, especially on “publicised operational days”. Having led the single life and now in retirement, Peter says he can afford to indulge in his train hobby. “Some blokes in their retirement enjoy golf, watching the footy, following the nags or travelling around the country looking for the best fishing spots,” Peter says with a grin. “I just enjoy my trains.” From the road, the first thing you see is the Loftus platform, sitting so majestically in his rural residential block. Every time Peter drives home he can’t help but smile. The railway man has finally done it! Having spent 55 years living in the Sydney suburb of Loftus, it was the perfect name. Peter was thrilled to later learn that Loftus was the original construction name for the Junee railway station before being renamed Junee in 1878. In 2015 Peter cashed in on the booming Sydney property market and sold his old fibro home for more than a million dollars, a terrific result on the £2500 invested by his parents back in the 1950s. Two close friends, including his unofficial carer, had recently moved to Junee for a tree change and to escape the Sydney rat race. Not getting any younger, Peter decided to cash in his chips and build his beloved railway in the finest of all railway towns.
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Peter has always been a railway man. He started working on the railways the day he left school in 1959. It’s an interest that stretches back to his school days, starting a railway club and magazine at Canterbury Boys’ High in 1955, each copy costing a penny to produce. In the end 40 schools became involved, leading to the birth of the NSW School Railway Clubs’ Association. “Kids are into computers these days,” he says with a shrug of his shoulders. “I just like preserving part of Australia’s railway heritage.” Peter has always been a railway man. He started working on the railways the day he left school in 1959 and put in over 50 years, including the last 12 years as a heritage consultant, earning an OAM for services to Australian railway heritage along the way. It’s just not the big stuff that interests him. Peter also has an HO Scale – “don’t call
it miniature” – collection of former NSW railways trains running around the front room of his house. When he just wants to get out of the house, Peter simply packs a snack and wanders down to the seat on Loftus platform. It’s quieter out there and soon there will even be a waiting shed on the platform. Out in these parts the trains seldom run on time, if at all, but it still holds a nostalgic notion for this true railway man. Further information on Pete’s Hobby Railway can be viewed on his web page, peteshobbyrailway.club. CWL
Words: Jake Lindsay
ABOVE: Peter Neve OAM is the consummate railway man. Based in Junee, he has been involved with railways his entire life and enjoys playing with both model trains and the real thing at his Loftus siding.
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