Central West
LIFE ST Y LE SPRING 2014
RICH AND RARE:
IANDRA CASTLE
Western Treasures
$9.90 inc GST
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772201
608002
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SPRING 2014 Volume 6
NARROMINE, TRANGIE, WARREN PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL + MORE
capturing the best in the west
52-56 Lachlan Street, Forbes NSW 2871 | Phone 02 6851 5500
www.johndavismotors.com.au
32 - 38 Bathurst Road, Orange NSW 2800 | Phone 02 6362 0966
NEW HOME BUYER ANNOUNCEMENT
THEY SAID IT ’ COULDN T BE DONE. We did it.
Until now there was no such thing as a fixed price home building contract. Every builder exercises clauses in your contract for additional site costs, rock excavation, additional engineering or piers and so on and so forth. In short, this means that you can’t get a firm price and don’t really know what the final bill is until after you sign the contract. Now for the first time in Australian building history Bellriver Homes is offering ‘The No Excuses Fixed Price Home Building Contract’. We have only three conditions: 1) Excludes unregistered or contaminated sites e.g. Asbestos 2) Excludes new or unknown statutory requirements (if they change the rules) 3) Excludes sites at our discretion where we cannot do our due diligence. What’s The Catch? There isn’t one. Everything will be upfront, transparent and fully detailed in your contract. With Bellriver you can now feel as secure buying a home as you are living in one.
1800 200 888 bellriverhomes.com.au Builders Lic. 61247C. BELL 2144-04
The No Excuses Fixed Price Home Contract
FIX YOUR PRICE TODAY
Call Bellriver Homes 1800 200 888
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 jake@centralwestmagazine.com.au ART DIRECTOR & DESIGN Kate Boshammer design@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. For more information on stockists, visit www.centralwestmagazine.com.au. Unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE To order a subscription or back issue, visit www.centralwestmagazine.com.au. Š Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2014
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.
Environmentally responsible, Titan Plus Gloss, produced in an ISO 14001 accredited facility ensures all processes involved in production are of the highest environmental standards. FSC Mixed Sources Chain of Custody (CoC) certification ensures fibre is sourced from certified & well managed forests.
On your next trip to Wellington be sure to visit the extensively refurbished Cow and Calf Hotel. It is fitting that the hotel re-opened in its 150th year and features a modern front bar, lounge with open fire, an extensive all weather beer garden, 20 stunning guest rooms, and a bistro that trades 11am to 9pm every day of the week. Whether it be a quick lunch, an intimate dinner, or a large function, the Cow and Calf is equipped to make your time in Wellington memorable. An ever changing menu featuring some of the best local produce, combined with an extensive wine list and 11 beers on tap will please even the most discerning diner. If you are looking for an overnight stay or group booking, the Cow and Calf offers 20 guest rooms, modern bathroom facilities, a guest lounge, and secure swipe card access. The hotel also features a convention/meeting room with state of the art audio visual facilities that is capable of meeting the needs of groups from 10 to 40 people. So the next time you are in town, please drop in for a visit or check us out at cowandcalf.com.au
135 LEE STREET WELLINGTON NSW
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P 02 6845 2710
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WWW.COWANDCALF.COM.AU
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CONTENTS SPRING 2014
GRAND DESIGN: IANDRA CASTLE Dating back to the 1800s, the stately Iandra Castle offers an opportunity to be inspired by the vision of George Henry Greene and the legacy he left.
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TOWN FEATURE: NARROMINE, TRANGIE, WARREN Narromine, Trangie and Warren are intriguing towns with a strong sense of community. This 64-page feature showcases the innovative individuals, thriving industries and charismatic characters – all ingredients the Central West is known for.
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GIDDY UP
DEER LIFE
An equine spectacle at Coonabarabran – the oldest and largest high school-based equestrian event.
The enterprising, family agricultural business that Tim and Sophie Hansen have taken to a new level.
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110
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GARDEN GLORY
A FORTUNATE LIFE
Bathurst couple Kay and David Crawford take you on their horticultural journey to create impressive gardens at “Wentworth”.
The McCalmans have poured their heart and soul into lovingly restoring the old “Burrawong” homestead.
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HOME & STYLE
MOUNTAIN HIGH
Explore Shani’s space in the new Local Spaces feature, make your house a heartfelt home, and be enchanted by the history of the humble teacup.
The Mudgee residence of Mark and Kate Rogers is a magnificent contemporary country home filled with light and space.
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A STYLISH AWAKENING
SPRING FOOD & RECIPES
A DATE WITH KATE
Take the opportunity of a new season to refresh your fashion style.
Learn the art of cooking with seasonal local produce.
Orange’s exciting new restaurant delivers a holistic culinary experience for the casual yet discerning diner.
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FRENCH CONNECTION
UPCOMING EVENTS
EVENTS IN THE WEST
Explore one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets – beautiful Akaroa.
Find out what’s on offer in the Central West this season.
Social snapshots from the CWL Forbes launch, Tottenham Community Expo, Bus of Old Boilers tour and Wellington’s charity trivia night.
ON THE COVER Iconic Iandra Castle near Greenethorpe has a rich history (page 14). Photography: Angus Waddell
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170 WEDDING BELLS
THE LAST WORD
The Central West’s beautiful brides and dapper grooms say “I do”.
Shot by Jake’s nostalgic photographic journey.
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS Welcome to our beautiful spring weather, full of sunshine and new hope for another fresh beginning. We have just experienced a very successful selling period, with the Winter edition exceeding all previous records. The town feature on Forbes was a monumental hit with the district. The feedback on pages 10 and 11 is most interesting. Thank you to all those who took the time to send us their thoughts. The launch in Forbes held at the magnificent Forbes Town Hall (Winter 2014 cover) was a very special night with council members, business people, community members and the CWL team joining in a celebration about this amazing town. We can now see why people love living in Forbes, a town with a strong community spirit and people willing to work together to achieve almost anything. People have been telling us they enjoyed the fashion spread in our Winter magazine, focusing on beautiful garments modelled to perfection in a rustic old woolshed near Parkes. We are preparing to present some refreshing summer fashion ideas in our next magazine. This time the location will be in stunning country gardens near Narromine. We are very thrilled to bring you a feature story in this Spring edition on the stately and historic Iandra Castle at Greenethorpe. The opportunity to view this iconic building has been a great privilege. There will be an open day at Iandra on the October long weekend (Sunday, October 5) where we will be selling the Spring CWL magazine to visitors, many of whom come from far afield and interstate. More than 1000 visitors flock to Iandra each open day so it is obvious that there are many lovers of Australian history. It has been exciting to work with councils from Narromine, Trangie and Warren to bring you the town feature on these wonderful western districts. Councils and businesses have been very supportive and again we have discovered some innovative individuals, great industries and charismatic characters, all the ingredients the Central West is known for. We think you will really love reading about this amazing part of our region.
Elizabeth and Alex with CWL team members and Forbes Shire Council representatives at the Forbes launch. See page 163 for more photos.
Congratulations to Troy Grant, state member for Dubbo, for gaining the honour of the ministry of gaming, racing and hospitality. Recently, Troy had a delegation of consuls general from around the world visiting Dubbo as part of their viewing of the beautiful Central West. He chose to give each of the 16 consuls general the CWL Anniversary Collection (our first four editions) as a souvenir of our region. This was a big thrill for the team at CWL and we are very grateful to Troy for showcasing the magazine in this way. Our experience at the recent Mudgee Small Farms Field Days was again very positive. We enjoyed meeting readers, gaining feedback and story leads for future magazines and selling back issues and the current issue to people who have only just discovered our publication. It is great to see this event so well supported by city and country people. We plan to have a stand at the Australian National Field Days, Borenore, Orange, from Thursday, October 23, to Saturday, October 25. We look forward to seeing you there. We hope you enjoy reading this Spring edition and exploring the treasures of our beautiful Central West. Warm regards,
Elizabeth and Alex Tickle 6
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Ian Frecklington, Hollywood Angus, Peak Hill, Lester Job, Moombi Shorthorn Stud, Cumnock, and Alex at the Dubbo Show.
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FROM THE CAMPFIRE GLOW For five days every year the Coonabarabran showground is transformed into a mini horse expo with a cast of thousands who converge on the town from all over the state. The pressure is on. So much valuable horse flesh and a record 660 excited high school students from both private and public schools. The competition is fierce but the camaraderie and friendships forged at this show will be the talk of many campfires for months. Coming back to Coonabarabran always has a special significance for me. When I drive through the trademark poplar trees just before the bridge over the Castlereagh River, it always feels like I’m coming home. It is the town I grew up in and the 100-year-old family home that holds so many treasured memories of my childhood has been a constant in my life for more than half a century. When I turn into our driveway, it’s like visiting a trusty and welcoming old friend who has always been there. My feet touch the welcome mat, the poodle launches and I know what’s in store. My mum Maureen likes routine in her life: hello, hug, mandatory game of Scrabble and then a meal cooked with love and tenderness. I always sleep well! To come home after a long day behind the wheel or camera and be greeted by a cosy fire and a mum, who is also a great-grandmother, with an amazing memory is always pretty special but throw in one of Mum’s hot roasts or famous spinach pies and I’m in seventh heaven! Coona aside, I must admit I always enjoy heading out west to places like Warren, Trangie and Narromine, which formed our town feature. It was a thrill to shoot the cotton being picked, visit some great gardens and meet a few bush characters along the way.
The familiar sight of the Coonabarabran clock tower.
There was never a dull moment. In one Trangie pub we woke up to find the ATM had been removed in a bold but foiled robbery. Big news in a little town and we slept through it! It got me thinking: At the end of the day all we want is a fulfilling life with a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. The folk out west are a resilient lot and know how to make things happen regardless, or even because, of the circumstances. It was a pleasure visiting the historic Raby Merino Stud and witness such great change. Adapting, improvising and overcoming the challenges of life in the bush – it’s what it’s all about and I see it everywhere. I saw it in the gritty teenagers at the horse expo, who jumped cross country in the blinding rain or cracked a whip in both hands while standing on their horses’ rumps! The country is in good hands, fellow travellers. No doubt about that!
Preparing to take to the skies.
I left Coonabarabran 34 years ago but my mother always makes every visit a memorable occasion with her exquisite meals, knowing ways and unconditional love. I dip my lid to all those inspiring Central West mums out there doing their best to keep the home fires burning! Until our next campfire adventure,
Shot by Jake PS. Those nasty gremlins entered my life last issue and I apologise to Henry “H” Jones for referring to him as Henry Williams. Thankfully he is an understanding chap who says he won’t shoot me this time!
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The old family digs.
• 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
In today's farming it is all about communication, service and efficiency - whether it be from your bank manager, livestock agent, agronomist, or woolbroker - we need up-to-date market information and advice to help us make the best decisions for our operation. Jemalong Wool has done this for us for close to 30 years, and are a vital part of our business. - Kevin Norrie, Cairnhill, Forbes NSW
your letters Phenomenal Forbes sets record At the time of printing, the feature town in our Winter edition, Forbes, had sold more than 1200 copies, the most CWL magazines sold in one town. Thank you to this wonderful community for their outstanding support.
................................................................................. I think it is a good time to let you know how this issue is performing in our newsagency, particularly since it had a spectacular 67-page feature on our town of Forbes. Since we took delivery of this issue on 27/05/2014 it has just walked out the door. Our customers were waiting for it to arrive and they were buying copies in lots of threes and fours at a time. Eight copies per customer has not been uncommon. I believe this has happened because of the excellent feature on Forbes that you and your staff produced – customers have commented to me on how marvellous the photography, journalism and printing quality is. You can look into the pictures and they show the true character of the subject, something that only a handful of photographers can capture. Many hours of enjoyment will be had by our readers. In just one month, through our shop and sub agent network, we have enjoyed sales of 629 copies, which eclipses sales of any other magazine we have had. Still two months to go before the next issue. Elizabeth, Alex and your team, thank you for doing such a tremendous job on producing this current edition. Margaret and Ken Nock and staff, Nock’s Newsagency, Forbes
................................................................................. Congratulations on another stunning edition of Central West Lifestyle. The fifth edition is most impressive with its range of stories and the wonderful photography. The Council marketing team and I are proud of the Forbes town feature and it was a pleasure working closely with the editorial and production team and all our wonderful characters and luminaries who live and work in the shire. Special thanks to Sarah White, the shire’s marketing manager, for her vision for this town feature and her steadying hand along the way. We look forward to keeping readers informed of happenings in this thriving country town in the future. Richard Morgan, Director Tourism Community and Cultural Development, Forbes
Elizabeth, I would like to congratulate you and your team on such an amazing and successful feature on Forbes. The exposure that our town and community has received as a result of the feature is more than we could have ever imagined or hoped for and certainly more than our marketing budget would have ever allowed if we were to have attempted to gain this result ourselves. The magazine and the launch has become a real talking point in Forbes and has given locals a new and enhanced view of the town and created a real buzz. Flicking through the pages of the feature brings a tingle to most people. The images especially are in my opinion priceless. I had my reservations as a council to participate in the feature but could not be happier with the end result. Your team made everything so easy with their helpful manner and driven approach. Everything from photography to editorial to advertising was easy and well worth the investment. Thank you for showcasing Forbes and allowing people to see the town and community for what it is: a beautiful and thriving town with a community who have hearts of gold. I have received so much wonderful feedback and am thankful that you created something that we are all so proud of. Sarah White, Marketing Manager, Forbes Shire Council
................................................................................. Congratulations, Central West Lifestyle, on a wonderful magazine. The story of my father, Tony Bernardi, is a story that has never been told before. Thank you for taking the time to truly understand his hardship and the story behind the Bernardi’s Marketplace stores. Attending the Forbes launch and seeing the photos of the town blown up was even more amazing than the printed version in your magazine. For a country town to get the exposure you have achieved is priceless from a marketing perspective. It would not be possible to achieve such an effective result if the council were to attempt something like that on its own and certainly not for the investment required. Well done! Joseph Bernardi, Director Buying and Marketing, Bernardi Group
................................................................................. Our household is really enjoying your wonderful publication, especially the latest issue as Forbes is where I grew up and I still visit my mum there each week. My sister is a part of Tony Bernardi’s extended family and we admire him so much for his achievements. Added to which, he is a wonderful man. Anyway, keep on keeping on. Yours is a big job but you are reaching so many people and giving them such pleasure. What more can we want from our lives? Marguerite Walmsley, Cowra
Sometimes, something unexpected comes into your life with a positive result! My husband and I were asked to have our home featured in the Winter 2014 Central West Lifestyle magazine and the whole experience has been such a joy. To come out of the blue and to have the excitement of the shoot at our home and the exhilarating meeting with Jake, the photographer, and then the excitement of the launch and meeting Elizabeth and Alex and all the wonderful people who work so hard to bring us this wonderful magazine has been uplifting for my husband and I. The comments we have received about the magazine have been so positive. People remark to us about the wonderful stories, the characters they are meeting through the pages of this book, the fantastic photographs. We have even been congratulated on the beautiful glossy paper used and the benefit to the town of Forbes that this book will be for future tourism. Recently, my daughter rang from London to say that people likened the photos to photos from the National Geographic. I have never heard a negative word; everyone has been so positive and happy that you had the idea of putting this magazine into our area and all are truly grateful for the benefit to Forbes for years to come. We thank you for this opportunity, which gave us such fun, and thank all of you for the happy experience this has been in our lives. Jan Martin, Forbes
Central West Lifestyle is a beautiful magazine. It’s clear that a team of very dedicated people put a lot of hard work into each edition. I’ve shown a lot of people the magazine and have heard many of them comment how well done it is (and of course, I agree). I enjoy learning about the feature towns each time. Without CWL, all the wonderful people and hidden intricacies of the towns in the Central West would go unnoticed. It surprises me that there’s so much out there to learn about a region where I live! I get so excited each quarter when a new one is due out. I try to get it on the first day! I have all the editions so far, and have them in order on my shelf! I can’t believe it’s been over a year already, and I look forward to many more fantastic CWLs to come. Thank you for your hard work! Jen Wood, Mudgee
................................................................................. I am a Sydneysider fortunate enough to have discovered CWL. Since reading every edition (dare I confess, almost cover to cover) I have endeavoured several times to encapsulate my thoughts concisely enough to ensure that, if chosen for print, there will still be sufficient room for other readers to do the same. To say that I enjoy every article is an understatement. I find myself totally engrossed – even in the ads. CWL has become a true friend to me, especially on cold winter nights when snuggled up in bed. The production is first class to say the least. It is therapeutic, uplifting, educational, alluring, stylish and a “must” for every coffee table. It is a credit to all involved. Along with most of your now avid readers, I will eagerly await the next edition. Christine Forner, Russell Lea
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Congratulations on your last issue with Forbes as the feature town. We were most impressed with the beautiful photography that showcased our town as the true natural wonder it is. As a small town we have so much to offer people. We were thrilled to be part of this Forbes feature. Well done to an enthusiastic team of hard workers at CWL.
What an impact Central West Lifestyle is having on our area. Amazing! Reading it is almost an “education” of our people and towns, and how some local characters are helping develop this wonderful Central West. Jake is a wonder! Brilliant writer, photographer and person. The school I attended in Sydney wants a copy of the Autumn issue but I can’t get one anywhere! It’s sold out! Keep up the great work.
Management and staff at Forbes Livestock
................................................................................. Central West Lifestyle is a true tribute to country living! We were all impressed by the quality of the magazine and how it features businesses and organisations that are running and thriving within rural communities. In the last edition of CWL, the University of Sydney, The School of Rural Health (Dubbo and Orange), was featured. Not only was everyone from the CWL team professional and a pleasure to deal with, they were also interested in listening to and telling the school’s story. Thank you to a publication that is so uniquely rural and focused on positive community spirit. Hollie Young, The School of Rural Health, Dubbo
................................................................................. My association with the magazine dates back to the beginning when Alex and Elizabeth approached me in the branch at Westpac Dubbo. From there, I witnessed the growth and development of a fine publication that articulates and celebrates everything this region has to offer. Coming from a rural background with parents raised in Nyngan and Warren and having grown up in Lue near Mudgee, I know country quality when I see it, and CWL isn’t your average coffee table magazine. I am thrilled to be personally involved, having held the inaugural launch in Dubbo and wish the best of luck to the CWL team for the many issues to come. Mitch Harland, Senior Personal Banker – Premium, Westpac Retail & Business Banking, Dubbo
Dorothy Munns, Mudgee
................................................................................. I was privileged to meet Elizabeth and Alex when Central West Lifestyle was in its infancy – they showed such passion and a clear vision for the magazine. I am delighted to now be able to purchase Central West Lifestyle in my local Mona Vale newsagency and enjoy reading all the articles on the country towns I will eventually visit when I start my “nomadic travels”. Until that happens you are bringing the country to the city for me! Congratulations to you all on such a high-quality magazine. Through hard work and dedication your vision is now a reality. Jenny McGowen, Mona Vale
................................................................................. Congratulations on your beautiful, glossy and inspiring magazine. The stories and photography are simply outstanding! I enjoy the way it is published four times a year, displaying what is happening in our region each season. It is interesting to read about people you know and hear their stories. Your article on The Cumnock Royal, as the locals call it, displayed how the Cumnock district put on a terrific show, rain, hail or shine. What a blast the mower races were! Sue Nicholas, Nebraska North, Cundumbul Share your feedback: Facebook: www.facebook.com/CentralWestLifestyle Email: info@centralwestmagazine.com.au
MEET YOUR TEAM
ELIZABETH TICKLE Publisher & Editor
ALEX TICKLE Publisher & Advertising
JAKE LINDSAY Chief Writer & Photographer
KATE BOSHAMMER Art Director & Design, Writer
LISA STARR Advertising Design
ELIZABETH SWANE Garden Editor
ANGUS WADDELL Photographer
ANNA TICKLE Writer
CATHERINE PLAYER Writer & Advertising
EMMA DRESSER Writer
PIP TEYS Home & Style and Travel Writer
MICHELLE KENT Fashion Stylist & Writer
DAYNA TIERNEY Writer
LORRAINE HILLS Country Cuisine Writer
CHRISTINE LE FEVRE Food & Lifestyle Writer
SOPHIE HANSEN Food Writer
NERIDA INGRAM Advertising, Writer
CAITLIN CHRISTENSEN Events Officer
SHARON HILL Advertising
GINA CRANSON Proofreader
More information on the team can be found on our website: www.centralwestmagazine.com.au 12
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W W W. P I G I N T H E H O U S E . C O M . A U WINDOWRIE Long Lunch with NEILA Saturday 25th October 2014 @ 12.30pm
An opportunity for you to savour the delightful delicacies of Award Winning Restaurant Neila matched with the region’s finest wine producers - Windowrie. 3 COURSES AND WINES $110/person. VENUE Windowrie Gardens and Homestead, Windowrie Rd, Canowindra, NSW BOOKINGS www.windowrie.com.au CONTACT B/H 02 6344 3264
Grand Design IANDRA CASTLE
IANDRA CASTLE is not a sight you’re expecting to see, should you take the road less travelled between Cowra and Young. It’s a sensory surprise. Your car slows down, your heart picks up pace, and you crane your neck to gaze in wonder at this stately Edwardian castle standing in the paddock, in a manner that’s as proud as it is unexpected. The sentiment of reward would not have been lost on the man behind the mansion – a man who took the road less travelled himself, and carved many of his own along the way.
THE EARLY DAYS A pioneer of not only Iandra, but of Australian agriculture as a whole, George Henry Greene was not afraid to push the boundaries of convention. He was a man who saw how things could be done better, and so did them that way – he led by innovation and example. Irish-born Greene caught a glimpse of early Australia when he arrived with his father, Lieutenant William Pomeroy Greene, who was medically advised to seek out a warmer climate after he was invalided out of the Royal Navy following the taking of Rangoon in the Burmese war in 1824. In 1842 the family converged on Australia, on an expedition across the oceans that included their house packed into sections, their complete library collection, numerous house staff and animals. They settled at Woodlands, north of Melbourne, where they reassembled the house. George was educated in Melbourne, and in 1858 he was among the first five students to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne. He subsequently took up land in Victoria and southern NSW, and in 1870 married Miss Crawford, the second daughter of Colonel Crawford of the Indian Army. Greene soon sold his land interests, and the couple returned to the UK, where they spent the early years of their marriage. In 1878 Mr and Mrs Greene returned to Australia, and purchased Iandra, or Mt Oriel as George named it then. He paid 6/6 per acre for the estimated 34,000 acres, which was later surveyed to be 32,000 acres. The sceptical views of his peers were contrary to the vision Greene had for the property, which was thought to be in an unpromising area, and had additional challenges of isolation and logistics – the closest railhead was at Harden, 40 miles away. What Greene embarked on could be considered one of the more ambitious transformations in early Australian agriculture. 16
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He began an impressive program of land clearing, fencing and building – soon the whole area was ready to be farmed, with the exception of shade trees, shelter belts and woodlots. When Greene died in 1911, his obituary in the Sydney Morning Herald stated that “he found Iandra a forest, he left it a granary”. Following the farming of wheat on Iandra throughout the 1880s, in 1893 Greene introduced the concept of share-farming – an initiative that simply made good sense to him at the time, yet it was a first for the country and an idea that set the standard for how this procedure is still practised today. Greene had the intent to create a culture that would recognise the worth of men and women working together for mutual benefit, to develop a strong nation. This was evident in the initial arrangements of shared inputs and shared rewards, with the addition of incentives for increased yield. The team of people he gathered to work with him on Iandra shared the same vision and reaped much reward from the concept, with many building the equity to purchase their own piece of Iandra. Greene played a major role in accomplishing two great things during this time to assist in the prosperity of Iandra – the development of a new railway link between Koorawatha and Grenfell to provide more efficiency and opportunity in the transit of produce and goods, and the development of the nearby village of Greenethorpe. Iandra was the first property to commercially grow William Farrer’s “Federation” wheat, which reaped considerably higher yields than the alternatives, and enjoyed popularity that was arguably the longest of any strain of wheat. Greene also experimented successfully with the use of superphosphate, was the first to demonstrate the reaper binder and, in 1910, the Massey Harris reaper thresher, now known as the header. At one time, the property carried more than 19,000 sheep and in one year produced more than 10,000 tonnes of wheat. In those times, Iandra was a hive of activity. It boasted its own store, post office, public school, carpenter and blacksmith shops, as well as a handling agent for much of the farm machinery. In addition to 27 permanent homestead staff and 61 share-farmers, the property employed 350 men, with additional help during harvest times to increase the workforce to between 500 and 600 men. The granite St Saviour’s church was built in 1886 by Greene, who is now buried nearby. >
HISTORIC HOME
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