WOMEN ON THE LAND
SUPPORTING REGIONAL, REMOTE AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023 THE LIST: FASHION, HOMEWARES AND MORE
COME TO OUR
ART STATION EXHIBITION
A
your wardrobe wingbirds
WELCOME
PHOTOGRAPH ABBIE MELLÉ
EDITOR’S LETTER
I ALWAYS ADMIRE people who start small retail businesses. First of all they need to be many things: an accountant, a sales person, a marketing expert — and that’s just off the top of my head. I’ve discovered over the years that many of them also quickly become a supportive friend to their regular customers and an essential part of a small town community. I know a quick call to one of these wonderful people is always a good way of finding out something like the best place to stay in town. They are the people who always just know exactly what you need. In this special guide, we spoke to a few of these special people “Believe in yourself. and asked them about how they started out. Margot Shannon, who opened her homewares shop Merchant Campbell in 2017, Don’t question YOUR had this advice. “Believe in yourself. Don’t question your ability to ABILITY to do this. do this. Stop being ageist about yourself. Don’t think that just because you’re over 50 you can’t reinvent yourself and find a job Stop being ageist that can fulfil your needs, employ you and other staff, and be about YOURSELF.” successful,” she says. “Just pull up those big girl pants and walk into it. I can say to myself now, ‘Look! You did it!’ and that’s fantastic.” Take a look at the beautiful things Margot has in her store and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Turn the page and you will see West Australian artist Lori Pensini’s painting ‘Lambing’. It is one of the works in Art Station, our first exhibition held with Michael Reid at his Murrurundi art gallery in the NSW Upper Hunter. “It’s a memoir of my early station life as a jillaroo, mustering scrub cattle on our family’s station, Wyloo, in the Pilbara. We had to keep our wits about us, it was rough, dangerous country with cattle to match,” Lori says. I think Lori is definitely an artist to watch and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Turn to page 22 for details on the exhibition — we would love to see you there or if you can’t make it, please email James at the gallery for the catalogue. We hope you enjoy this shopping guide as much as we enjoyed researching it!
VICTORIA CAREY victoria@graziher.com.au
DON’T MISS OUR NEXT ISSUE, ON SALE 4 DECEMBER. Graziher is now published six times a year so we can bring you more stories about the inspiring women on the land. Available at newsagents, supermarkets and a select number of country stockists who are listed on page 36. Drop in and buy a copy!
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
5
graziher.com.au
CONTENTS
22
ART STATION Lori Pensini’s work ‘Lambing’ is just one of the artworks on sale in Art Station at Michael Reid Murrurundi. Photography Eduardo Wolfe-Alegria.
14
8 FREE GRAZIHER DIARY
PROFILE: THE SHOPKEEPER 8 THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE Graziher talks to Felicity
30 SUBSCRIBE to Graziher and get a limited edition
Nivison, the woman behind Uralla’s Highland Living and Letto Bello Linen, about why she loves good quality linens and life on her family’s sheep property.
Women of the Land 2024 Diary. Our Graziher x Elders diary celebrates women who live and work in rural Australia and is exactly what you need to get organised for 2024. The diary’s 160 pages are packed with more than 600 country events and makes the perfect gift for family and friends.
SHOPPING 14 FROM THE SOURCE Our shopping guide in this issue highlights some of our retail favourites right around the country.
COVER STORY
ART STATION EXHIBITION
Mercer shirt, $189, by Irving & Powell; Vale jeans, $229, and Maya boots, $649, by RM Williams; The Wheeler custom hat in Black, $520, and Buffalo Girl Stampede strap in Black, $195, both from Phylli Designs; Belt, $79.95, from RB Sellars; Design leather bracelet, $525, with Sweet Drops round charm in 18K satinised yellow gold, $3800, and Nature bangle in 18K satinised yellow gold, $5150, by Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen. Photography Nicola Sevitt Styling Rosie DesChanel.
PHOTOGRAPH ABBIE MELLE
22 Our very first art show is all about supporting rural, remote and regional creatives. Please join Graziher editor Victoria Carey and the artists at Michael Reid Murrurundi for the opening on Saturday, October 7.
FASHION
23 STYLE Worn with everything from dresses to jeans, we show you just how versatile one pair of boots can be in our latest fashion story shot by photographer Allie Lee.
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
7
graziher.com.au
Surrounded by mares and foals from her mum Fiona’s pony stud, Eastview Australian Ponies, Felicity Weal says, “It’s factual. My legs don’t move, but I don’t get upset.”
FINER THINGS
A motorbike holiday in Vietnam took Felicity Nivison down a new road selling homewares and luxurious bedlinen through her store, Highland Living, in Uralla, NSW. Photography Abbie Mellé
Wool has been the backbone of the Nivison family property, Mirani, at Walcha. Opposite page Felicity appreciates fine fibres — from fleece to pure cotton and linen.
PEOPLE | FELICITY NIVISON
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
9
graziher.com.au
PEOPLE | FELICITY NIVISON
Clockwise, from top left Linen, stacked up in the store at Highland Living; one of the farm buildings; Felicity keeping her hand in during shearing; Letto Bello Linen on display. Opposite page Mirani is near Walcha in northern NSW.
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
10
graziher.com.au
“YOU DON’T KNOW my mother.” Tom Nivison, the determined 17-year-old speaking these words, had just been told that his mother was unlikely to recover from the most severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome seen in Tamworth Hospital, in northern New South Wales. “I was determined to get better,” recalls his remarkable mother, Felicity, as she describes those terrible days five years ago. It was an experience that changed her attitude to life — and business — forever. “I promised myself not to worry about the small stuff and to appreciate every day,” she says. “Life’s way too short. You need to get on with it.” These are not idle words. Today, Felicity can be found most days at her Uralla shop, Highland Living, just over 30 kilometres from Mirani, a 1500 hectare sheep and cattle grazing property in Walcha, where she lives with her husband Hugh. Her typical day can include working with Australia’s leading decorators such as Adelaide Bragg and Anna Spiro on the bespoke linen she produces under the Letto Bello Linen label, or getting out the upholstery tools to finish a chair. And during August each year, don’t be surprised to find her at home helping to weigh the fleeces of the 8000 merinos that pass through Mirani’s woolshed. We asked Felicity about her experiences running a successful business in a country town.
How did it all start? I had always been interested in fabrics and textiles after I studied interior design in Brisbane, where I also worked for an interior designer. But in 2005 I went with my sister and a group of western Queensland friends on a motorbike trip to Vietnam. Hanoi has great shopping, and I discovered one shop with beautiful bedlinen that was not the scratchy fabric so many others offered.
The next morning, I was whisked away in the back of a car, with no idea of where I was going, to meet the owner and we agreed I could import her linen to Australia. In the beginning, some things were difficult. I did think at times, “This isn’t going to work, it’s going to be too hard” — particularly when a doona cover came back with all the buttons down the side — but the linen was so good, I just kept trying.
What changes have you seen in the retail environment in the bush over the last five years? In rural areas, times are good when we are having a reasonable season and locals spend money. But when the rain stops, we need to have towns open for trade on the weekend for the tourists who are out and about. Shops in our region have come and gone, but at the end of the day retailers who are offering great customer service, individuality and quality will survive. My customers don’t want mass produced and they all want to know about a product’s provenance. There has been an increase in online sales, but many people still want to touch a product before they buy. Buy from the Bush has been great for bush retailers, making city customers more aware of what there is on offer beyond the Great Divide! Tell us about where you live. Mirani was originally part of the Ohio run at Walcha and was purchased by my husband’s great-great-grandfather in 1840. It has been in the family for five generations, with our children, Zoe and Tom, being the sixth generation. It’s now a sheep and cattle property with a 750mm average rainfall. We have a fine wool merino stud and a commercial merino flock, and along with a commercial Angus herd we background cattle for feedlots. We have improved pastures, with the first aerial spreading >
of super phosphate in Australia occurring on Mirani in 1950 from a Tiger Moth plane now housed in the museum in Walcha.
What is it like juggling farm life with an off-farm business? We have a manager on the farm these days as Hugh and I both have off-farm work. Hugh is managing director of Agricultural Business Research Institute, a company based in Armidale providing agribusiness software to the breed societies. Any key moments? The good ones and the not-so-good ones! Five and a half years ago I had a very severe case of GuillainBarré syndrome after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. I was totally paralysed, unable to blink, intubated and could only communicate by moving my eyes. My family was told it was unlikely I would survive, but I had great support from my family and friends and a wonderful team in ICU — my husband was under pressure to have me moved to Sydney, but I’m so glad he didn’t. A very dear friend put together a spreadsheet to make sure I had a visitor every day and that was so important. Then, after 100 days in Tamworth ICU, I went to Sydney for a month of rehabilitation to learn to walk again. On another note, we often have city people come into the shop that ask how we survived during COVID. But COVID was nothing compared to the drought, especially for mental health in rural areas. It felt like it would never rain again, but then the heavens opened on Christmas Eve and our Christmas wishes were answered. The thought of looming dry times is terrifying, as the last drought is still haunting us.
Tell us something people may not know about your business? I am very proud of the fact my pure cotton and pure linen bedlinen is made in Vietnam by rural women in a province south of Hanoi. I love going to the village where the skilled women do the embroidery, working from home or gathering as a community to work together. It is then sewn, washed and finished by a small group of women in Hanoi, several of whom have been there since my first visit in 2005. The women in Vietnam who I work with are skilled hand embroiderers using traditional methods on the small hoop. I send them a copy of a wedding invitation and they will replicate the exact monogram design, either on bedlinen or table linen. It’s a wonderful wedding gift. Advice you would give to others starting out? Make sure you have a quality product and offer good customer service. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. What’s next? Recently I had a trip to Portugal where I spent some time researching the famous linen district in the north near Porto. Their product is very different to the Vietnamese bedlinen and I have my first shipment arriving this month. I have a fabric agent I have known for many years and she is now representing LBL and showing the product to designers who require custom bedlinen for their projects — so these are exciting times. g Highland Living is at 68 Bridge Street, Uralla, NSW. For more information, telephone 0412 885 855 or visit highlandliving.com.au
PEOPLE | FELICITY NIVISON
Clockwise, from top left “You don’t know my mother,” said son Tom, when told that Felicity’s recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome was unlikely; guinea fowl; the Nivisons’ stud comprises 1500 hectares and carries 8000 merinos; part of the sprawling homestead at Mirani. Opposite page Felicity says memories of the last drought still haunt her.
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
13
graziher.com.au
Amanda Cochran of Grampians Goods Co.
FROM THE SOURCE
We’ve compiled a list of some of the our favourite shops around the country. Producer Amie Shann
SHOPPING GUIDE SPECIAL
54 31 Collective With its name inspired by the postcode of Orroroo in the southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia, this not-for-profit enterprise is run by the community, for the community, to provide rural creators with links to a platform to showcase locally made quality products and services without the overheads of having their own shopfront. This business also hosts events and workshops, offering a free space to encourage the community to gather together and connect. 9 Second St, Orroroo SA; 0411 042 282; 5431collective.com.au; @5431_collective
Akubra This Kempsey-based iconic hat company, Akubra, offers a range of handcrafted hats, bags, belts and accessories. 1800 258 272; akubra.com.au; @akubraofficial
Annandale Trading Co. Founder Jenna Brook is a born and bred local of Birdsville in outback Queensland and has curated a collection of Australianmade products, partnering with creators who care about the environmental footprints of their goods. 65 Adelaide St, Birdsville Qld; (07) 4656 3236; annandaletradingco.com; @annandaletradingco
PHOTOGRAPHY NADINNE GRACE, STEPHANIE HUNTER, GEORGIE MANN, ABBIE MELLÉ, CLANCY PAINE
Anneva A shopping destination offering beautiful Australian fashion labels for a versatile wardrobe, all of which are hand-picked by owner Sheri. 255 Main North Rd, Clare SA; 0407 074 716; anneva.com.au; @annevaboutique
Atore A beautiful collection of homewares, jewellery, linen, beauty products and much more. 9 Beauval St, Wilmington SA; 0427 822 775; @atorehomewares
Bec Fing Designs By day, Bec Fing is a business consultant living in Goondiwindi, Queensland. By night, she is a side-hustling artist who loves colour, feminine designs and
all things beautiful. She creates bespoke homewares and gifts, all featuring original designs. becfingdesigns.com.au; @becfingdesigns
Birdsnest Based in the country town of Cooma in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, the Birdsnest mission is to solve women’s wardrobe dilemmas with personalised styling advice, express delivery, outfit inspiration, above-andbeyond customer service, lifetime returns and a vast range of brands and sizes for all body shapes, both online and in store. 232 Sharp St, Cooma NSW; 1300 696 378; birdsnest.com.au; @birdsnestonline
Black Colt Clothing Based in remote outback Queensland, this small rural business is owned by Katie Hennessy, who designs quality, stylish and affordable country clothing blackcoltclothing.com; @black_colt_clothing
Black Swan Bookshop Based in New Norfolk, Tasmania, Black Swan Bookshop is a wonderful tiny store packed wall to wall with an incredible selection of books, as well as coffee. 11 Stephen St, New Norfolk Tas; 0459 279 011; blackswanbookshop.com.au; @black_swan_tasmania
Brisk Trading A collection of lovely items for you, your home, and the people in your life. Whether you need a gift for a friend, a new mother or perhaps you just want to buy something nice for yourself, Brisk Trading has something for everyone. 106 Bradley St, Guyra NSW; 0427 321 850; brisktrading.com.au; @brisktrading
By Banks Discover made-to-measure and couture pieces designed and made by Kate Banks, owner of this bespoke dressmaking business, By Banks. bybanks.com.au; @_by.banks
Crossdraw Country Co. Providing country clothing for the whole family, this boutique store is filled with quality western-inspired products. 4/109 Palmerin St, Warwick Qld; 0427 262 113; crossdraw.com.au; @crossdrawcountryco
Draft & Co Based in Julia Creek, Queensland, Draft & Co offers unique Australianmade designs for men and women. 0427 421 959; draftandco.com.au; @draftandco
Dumble Collective Dumble Collective is an Australian bush business with small-batch productions. They create classic timeless feminine fashion and jewellery. 0429 897 999; dumblecollective.com.au; @dumble_collective
Ello Botanicals Ello Botanicals creates all-natural Tasmanian facial oils to nourish, inspire and restore — adding a touch of luxury to your everyday routine. 0415 814 529; ellobotanicals.com; @ellobotanicals
Fancey’s Out West A beautiful little boutique in the outback, where country styling meets modern trends in stunning outfits and leathergoods. 109 McDowell St, Roma Qld; 0448 190 059; fanceysoutwest.com.au; @fanceysoutwest
Bush Mits
Fig & Co
Made by a woman in the bush, these sun-protection gloves provide UPF 50+ protection and extra comfort during long days in the saddleyards, or garden. These gloves are designed to protect you from whatever your day throws at you. bushmits.com; @bushmits_
Owned by rural mum Bec Nicholls, this gift and homewares shop stocks a diverse range of Australian-made products, and is home to beautiful artworks by a number of talented Australian artists. 224 Sheridan St, Gundagai NSW; figandco.com.au; @figandco_
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
15
graziher.com.au
SHOPPING GUIDE SPECIAL
George the Farmer
Gringa Denim
Founder Simone Kain creates fabulous storybooks, music and educational resources that inspire kids to learn about agriculture. She has recently opened a shop in Penola, South Australia. 52 Riddoch St, Penola SA; 0419 832 026; georgethefarmer.com.au; @georgethefarmerau
Previously working alongside her husband on their rural Queensland cattle property, Niki Fitzgerald founded her fashion business after becoming a mum. Her aim is to design quality, timeless pieces for women. gringadenim.com; @gringa_denim
Hawkes General Store
Gidgee Eyewear
Iris & Wool are in Burra, SA. Above Sandy Palmer of Paint Me White outside her pop-up store in Tenterfield, NSW.
Named after one of the toughest acacia trees in rural Australia, Gidgee Eyewear was created for equestrians of all disciplines and all Australian outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique eyewear solution to combat Aussie conditions. (07) 5533 8066; gidgee-eyes.com; @gidgeeeyewear
Located in Orange, New South Wales, Hawkes General Store is the epitome of regional style. They have been operating for more than 40 years and their range of boutique fashion and homewares is full of colour and vibrancy. 46 Sale Street, Orange NSW; (02) 6362 5851; hawkesgeneralstore.com.au; @hawkesgs
Glerups
Highland Living
From boots and shoes to slippers, glerups offer stylish footwear made from 100 per cent pure wool. The natural benefits of wool — breathability and temperature regulation — make them cosy and comfortable. 021 453 784; glerups.co.nz; @glerups_nzaus
In the vibrant community of Uralla, northern New South Wales, Highland Living stocks a range of high-quality bedlinen and homewares including Lello Bello Linen. 68 Bridge St, Uralla NSW; 0412 885 855; highlandliving.com.au; @highland.living
Goondiwindi Cotton
Hillside Harvest
This family-owned and locally operated label in Goondiwindi, New South Wales, is built on old-fashioned principles synonymous with people in the bush, the business offers a quality clothing collection specialising in natural fibres. (07) 4671 5611; goondiwindicotton.com.au; @goondiwindicotton
From late November through to May, Hillside Harvest offers a pick-your-ownfruit experience alongside its farm store and café in the Orange region of New South Wales. Enjoy a picnic lunch with local harvest hampers or grazing boxes. 1209 The Escort Way, Borenore NSW; (02) 6365 2247; hillsideharvest.com.au; @hillsideharvest
Grampians Goods Co.
Homegrown Kids
Based in Victoria’s Grampians region, Amanda Cochran founded GGCo. in 2016, offering a range of recycled wool tartan blankets, organic bath and body products, Australian-made goods and luxury gifts. grampiansgoodsco.com.au; @grampians_goods_co
Founder Emma Hawkins created Homegrown Kids because she craved practical, comfy clothes that still look adorable for her two baby daughters. homegrownkids.com.au; @homegrownkidsau
Greenwood Designs Specialising in stylish accessories for all occasions, founder Kate Greenwood designs bright, fun and functional accessories with wearability and style. 0488 937 243; greenwooddesigns.com.au; @greenwooddesigns
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
16
graziher.com.au
Hope & Co Hope & Co is a creative brand founded by Sarah Hope, with a focus on handcrafted small batch ceramics and prints, and a curated selection of homewares. 270–272 Gray St, Hamilton Vic; 0402 431 331; hopeandco.com.au; @_hopeandco_
Emily Riggs of Iris & Wool creates fashion using wool from the family farm.
Inky & Moss A fun little store filled with gifts, fashion, home and beauty products. Everything is bright, happy, beautiful and hand-picked. 54 Wyndham St, Roma Qld; (07) 4622 3455; inkymoss.com.au; @inkyandmoss
Intuition of Lockhart A unique collection of beautiful homewares, clothing and gifts. Leonie Golder started the business in 2006, and her love of travel and anything different brings an exciting selection of items to the New South Wales country town of Lockhart. 129 Green St, Lockhart NSW; (02)6920 5592; intuitionoflockhart.com; @intuition_of_lockhart
Iris & Wool Founder and rural mum Emily Riggs designs beautiful 100 per cent Certified Australian Merino Wool knitwear, as well as denim and accessories, from her home on a sheep farm in South Australia. 10 Market Square, Burra SA; 0433 716 509; irisandwool.com; @irisandwool
Ivy & Gus Founder Lil Scolari produces bespoke, handmade leather pieces with a focus on timelessness and high-quality design. ivyandgus.com.au; @ivyandgusaustralia
Jumbled Home for all things bright and beautiful, this Orange store is packed with everything from art to furniture and everything in between. All stock is hand-picked by Pip Brett and her team to bring style and beauty into your home. 33–35 Sale St, Orange NSW; (02) 6361 4447; jumbledonline.com; @jumbledonline
Just Country Just Country is a distributor of internationally recognised brands including Ariat, Big Country Toys, Montana Silversmiths, Roper, Troxel Helmets, Sunbody Hats and their own range of work shirts. (07) 3711 8050; justcountry.com.au; @justcountryaustralia
Iris & Wool
Iris & Wool’s Emily Riggs has added a retail space to her successful fashion brand.
Why decide to open a shop? It has always been a dream of mine to have a space to welcome people with beautiful things and a message of hope. When I was little I used to play ‘shop’ with my friends, setting up a pretend shop with a counter and cash machine. Iris & Wool has outgrown the front room of our home: that room has been the warehouse, the social media studio, the packing zone and the designing arena. All between nappies, wool, kids, toys and the farm. Now we have a space and place to showcase Australian merino wool and to offer incredible customer service in regional South Australia. You will notice photos and iris flowers around the store. My beautiful mum is in those. She was a lover of local stores
as well as fashion. I remember her wearing the Burra-born label, Saltbush. My husband said, “Never employ anyone or open a shop”, but whoops, I am doing both. I know he is thrilled for me and can’t wait to have his house back to being a home.
What will the new store offer customers? People are becoming increasingly conscious of their spending and, when purchasing luxury items, they want to touch and try and feel the quality in real life. In the new store they will be able to do that. We hope to offer that extraspecial customer service you don’t receive when purchasing online. I think today it’s so important to have a human connection: people want to buy from people. They want to know the back story of the brand. We’re doing it in our home town of Burra with the flagship store.
SHOPPING GUIDE SPECIAL
Emily Quigley of Peggy & Twig.
Little Spurs & Co Husband and wife duo Vanessa and Trent Challacombe operate their online country-wear business from their cattle station near Capella in Central Queensland. With three kids under three, their growing family’s life on the land inspired the label. 0418 721 681; littlespursandco.com.au; @littlespursandco
Little Windmill Clothing Co Founder Katie, a mum of four, runs her label from a beef cattle station located in the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales, offering a range of unique and affordable clothing for kids. 0439 712 080; littlewindmillclothingco.com; @littlewindmillclothingco
Lou Webb Collections A selection of hats, fashion, accessories and homewares suited to your lifestyle, regardless of where you live. 132 Dubbo St, Warren NSW; 0428 473 958; louwebbcollections.com; @louwebbcollections
Katie B This boutique, based in Central Queensland, has something for everyone with a unique combination of Western fashion and classic styles selected from fashion hubs across the United States. 128 William St, Rockhampton Qld; 0432 428 363; katieb.com.au; @katieb.com.au
Kent Saddlery Established in 1988, this Australian family saddlery business sells quality saddles and leather products, handcrafted in their Queensland workshop. 25798 New England Hwy, Stanthorpe Qld; (07) 4681 4220; kentsaddlery.com.au; @kentsaddlery1988
Little Farmers Eugowra-based farmer and photographer Kim Story runs this online store selling books, clothing and toys for little farmers. littlefarmers.com.au; @little_farmers_store
Little MeMe Designs Little MeMe provides beautiful quality leather footwear for babies and children. littlememedesigns.com; @littlememedesigns
Louenhide This Brisbane-based fashion accessories brand was established by two friends, Heidi Bailey and Lou Kendall, 17 years ago. Louenhide create beautiful and functional handbags that don’t break the bank. (07) 3356 5566 louenhide.com.au; @louenhide
Love Thy Farmer Owners Sarah and Melinda are from Wee Waa, Australia’s cotton capital and are both daughters of farmers. Their brand offers a beautiful range of clothing, sleepwear, hats, Liberty fabric, table linen and more. lovethyfarmer.com.au; @lovethyfarmeraustralia
Made of Fridays Made of Fridays in Forbes, New South Wales, has a very curated selection of eclectic and fun goods and homewares. Mel Hoey, the owner, is also a graphic designer who manages her graphic design business from the store, and her eye for design and style is reflected in the range
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
18
graziher.com.au
of products she has selected. She also has a fantastic selection of gifts for newborns and children. 97–99 Lachlan St, Forbes NSW; (02) 6851 6578; madeoffridays.com.au; @madeoffridays
Merchant Campbell A homewares, garden and jewellery shop sourcing beautiful and unique pieces from home and aboard. 287 Comur St, Yass NSW; 0498 009 814; merchantcampbell.com.au; @merchantcampbell
Merry People Comfy, versatile and stylish gumboots, designed with superior technology to keep your feet warm and supported. (03) 9000 0806; merrypeople.com; @merrypeople
Millwoods This authentic bush-based business was founded by mum of three, Jane Robertson, who designs high-quality, ultracomfortable and stylish shoes for busy women. 0418 667 727; millwoods.com.au; @millwoods
Mink & Me A regional boutique based in Coonamble owned by Lucy Moss, Mink & Me offers a wonderful collection of fun and fabulous items for you and your home, plus coffee! 2 Namoi St, Coonamble NSW; 0477 802 767; minkandme.com.au; @minkandme
My Shed Home Louise Golden of My Shed Home in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, is a warm and welcoming hostess who is always happy to help when you pop into her shop. Her selection of homewares is stunning. She also loves to support local and rural businesses as a stockist. 108 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW; (02) 6921 3141; @myshedhome
Noss and Co Featuring vibrant and colourful ceramics, owner Kristy Hawkins designs all Noss pieces from her farm studio in Tasmania. 0428 838 716; nossandco.com.au; @noss_and_co
Merchant Campbell
Merchant Campbell opened the doors to its eclectic collection in 2017, to showcase Margot Shannon’s love of travel and exotic homewares. Six years later, it has become a destination store attracting visitors from far and wide to the town of Yass, NSW.
“I love retail and I love MEETING PEOPLE and I love shopping,” says Margot Shannon.
When did you start your business and why? Chris and I opened the shop in August 2017. I’d had 12 months off after leaving my previous job as an electorate officer. I’ve always loved handmade items and had a fascination with other cultures and traditions. My grandmothers, mother and mother-in-law were all wonderful stitchers and embroiderers, so I think I really appreciated the time and effort that goes into making something beautiful. It took me about six months to work out what I wanted to do, and then six months of preparation and planning before I opened the shop. I used all the facilities available to give assistance to people starting businesses from the state government’s Service NSW. I wanted to combine the rising interest in knowing the provenance of what you eat, wear and use with my love of history, languages, other cultures, travel, interiors and beautiful things and my thirst for knowledge about how people live, what drives them and how things are made. I’ve always liked having an off-farm income, something that wasn’t reliant on rain, markets, interest rates and the Australian dollar from an export point of view. Plus, I love retail and I love meeting people and I love shopping.
What was your first sale? It was the large, vintage pressed-metal ceiling panel behind the counter in the shop, which came from an old haveli (estate) in Jodhpur, India. It was so funny, because when we’d unpacked it from our first container, my husband, Chris, had commented that it would never sell: “Who’d want that?” he’d said. (It must be noted here that our whole house is pressed metal and he just couldn’t see the beauty in a pressedmetal ceiling panel.) Anyway, when the
customer said she’d like to buy it I was thrown into a state of excitement mingled with equal amounts of anxiety and nerves — I couldn’t work out how to use the credit card machine or how I was going to get the piece off the wall, as it had taken a considerable effort to get it up there and it had only been installed for a matter of hours! In the end we had to ask the customer to please come back later after we worked out how to take her money and found some muscles to get it off the wall!
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself about starting out? Believe in yourself. Don’t question your ability to do this. Stop being ageist about yourself. Don’t think that just because you’re over 50 you can’t reinvent yourself and find a job that can fulfil your needs, employ you and other staff, and be successful. Just pull up those big girl pants and walk into it. I can say to myself now, “Look! You did it!” and that’s fantastic.
SHOPPING GUIDE SPECIAL
Oak + Bay This lifestyle store in Ballarat, Victoria, provides unique but practical fashion, jewellery and accessories for rural women. 420 Sturt St, Ballarat Vic; 0432 248 422; oakandbay.com.au; @oakandbay_store
Outback Linen Co Owned by a rural mother, this label offers organic linen clothing and homewares from the bush. The unique patterns and fits are built to withstand busy lifestyles. outbacklinen.co; @outbacklinenco
Paint Me White Sandy Palmer’s second-hand and upcycled furniture store, Paint Me White, has moved from Bonogin, Queensland, to her new home town of Tenterfield, New South Wales. She also opens a pop-up store on Saturdays — definitely worth planning a trip to Tenterfield! 350 Rouse Street, Tenterfield NSW; 0408 276 762.
Pearle Boutique
A Saddler and Co handmade leather satchel. Above Sarah Smith works with her watercolours.
Established in 2013, and situated in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, Pearle Boutique stocks a beautiful collection of rural Australian brands such as Peter Bill, Iris & Wool and more. 44 Gawler St, Mt Barker SA; (08) 8391 0398; @pearle_boutique_
Peggy & Twig Founder Emily Quigley showcases the luxury and classic nature of pearls in a contemporary form, designed and handmade in central New South Wales for all to enjoy. 17 Dandaloo St, Trangie NSW;, 0400 940 649; peggyandtwig.com.au; @peggyandtwig
RB Sellars This Australian-owned brand offers a range of functional and hardwearing workwear for men, women and kids, plus a collection of casual wear that’s also easy to care for and comfortable. 1300 727 355; rbsellars.com.au; @rb_sellars
Rebecca Hutchinson Art This Riverina artist wears many hats: wife, mum, artist, nurse. Rebecca’s been making art since she was young and loves to create heartfelt works.
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
20 graziher.com.au
rebeccahutchinsonart.com.au; @rebecca.hutchinson.art
RM Williams Iconic leather boots, purposeful accessories and timeless apparel, crafted for life. 1300 697 697; rmwilliams.com.au; @rmwilliams
Saddler and Co Saddler and Co are makers of luxury leathergoods in Dubbo, New South Wales, where you’ll find their beautiful craftsmanship meeting modern-day life. 1a Sterling St, Dubbo NSW; 0419 496 834; saddlerandco.com.au; @saddlerandco
Salubrious Living Carefully curated in regional New South Wales, Salubrious Living is a collection of homewares and beautiful goods showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of small Australian businesses. salubriousliving.com.au; @salubrious__living
Sarah Smith Artist Raised on a sheep and cattle property at Nevertire, New South Wales, Sarah has an appreciation of the simple things in life. She creates pieces that magnify the beauty and detail of simple subject matter with a fine and precise watercolour style. sarahwatercolour.com; @sarahsmith__artist
SG Off Road With great attention to detail, SG Off Road supply and install 4WD accessories to suit your needs. From vehicle-specific protection equipment such as bull bars, to camping and touring needs such as rooftop tents, recovery gear, swags and camp chairs, they have you covered. 2 Tilson Court, Leongatha Vic; (03) 5662 5554; sgoffroad.com.au; @sg_offroad
Simon the Potter Simon lives on a beef property in central Queensland, creating beautiful pottery in his studio located on the farm. His stoneware ceramics are hand-thrown and no two pieces are ever the same. simon-the-potter.square.site; @simon_the_potter
Six Forty Five Outfitters
The Kangaroo Belt Company
With a huge range of clothing, hats, accessories and wilderness equipment, Six Forty Five has something a little bit country for the whole family. 34 The Parade, Tumbarumba NSW; 6fortyfive.com.au; @sixfortyfive_outfitters
This Australian business offers high-quality hand-braided kangaroo leather belts, designed and crafted to last a lifetime. 0406 995 332; kangaroobeltco.com.au; @kangaroobeltco
Sorority the Label
The Malbon
Founded by sisters Danah and Cara, this label offers organic cotton Liberty of London–print clothing for women. Drawing inspiration from the 145-year history of the iconic British designs, Sorority offers timeless styles that can be worn anywhere. 54 Wyndham St, Roma Qld; 0404 700 508; sororityclothing.com.au; @sorority_the_label
At this unique retail collective in the heart of beautiful Bungendore, New South Wales, you’ll find antiques, homewares, art, artisanal products, a plant nursery and more. 2 Malbon St, Bungendore NSW; 0437 360 453; themalbon.com; @themalbon_bungendore
The Rural Trader
Founder Kayde Lehman hand-designs luxury linen pieces that are simple, yet elegant, and all about celebrating femininity in the outback. spinifexandco.com; @spinifexandco.thelabel
Vacant for over 70 years, the 1930s general store in Nevertire, New South Wales, has been converted into a boutique and café offering clothing, homewares and pantry goods, as well as amazing coffee for locals and travellers. 23 Clyde St, Nevertire NSW; 0437 453 475; theruraltrader.com.au; @theruraltrader
Stampede Studio Co
The Woolly Brand
Founded by Lucy Tanner in 2018 while she was living on cattle stations in North West Queensland, Stampede Studio offers beautiful handmade pearl jewellery for every occasion. stampedestudioco.com.au; @stampedestudioco
Founder and rural mother Anna Brand designs Australian knitwear for kids that is gentle, durable and machine washable, made from 100 per cent Woolmark-certified Australian extra-fine merino wool. thewoollybrand.com.au; @thewoollybrand
Stitched on the Station
Treasure Chest Co
Whitney Spicer Artist
Stitched on the Station creates muchloved embroidery pieces. Hand-stitched with love for the little ones in your life. @stitchedonthestation
A rural-based online collection of wearable treasures designed by founder Madeline Moloney from her home on a cattle property in Queensland. treasurechestco.com; @treasurechestco_
Based on a property in Manildra, New South Wales, with her husband and three boys, this artist creates beautiful original pieces of art, stationery, napery and more. whitneyspicer.com; @whitneyspicer
Twill & Tee
Will and Russ
This Australian-made loungewear and luxury essentials brand provides beautiful silk and cotton garments that can be bought ready-to-wear or customised. 0414 919 990; twillandtee.com.au; @twillandtee
Nestled in Gunning, New South Wales, Will and Russ is a foraged goods store where Min Byrnes aims to bring a touch of nature into your home. Yass St, Gunning NSW; 0438 324 529; @will.and.russ g
Wattle & Hide Homewares
Sadly, it’s an impossible task to list all the businesses we love, but we will be featuring more in our newsletter, so please email amie@graziher.com.au and tell us about your favourite businesses.
Spinifex & Co
Sunday Merchant Based in Toowoomba, Sunday Merchant is a lifestyle store curated to represent the simplicity of weekends. 21 Bridge St, Mount Lofty Qld; 0409 332 211; @sunday_merchant_tbar
Tambo Teddies Handmade from Australian wool, every Tambo Teddy is a unique and very special childhood friend. 17 Arthur St, Tambo Qld and 46 Water St, Toowoomba Qld; 1300 185 638; tamboteddies.com.au; @tamboteddies
Owners and friends Kirsty and Kylie opened their shop to reflect their everyday lifestyles. The stock comprises all the things they love, featuring
Whitney Spicer paints a still life.
cowhide, homewares, clothing, footwear and accessories. 3/184–188 Carp St, Bega NSW; 0417 897 067; wattleandhidehomewares.com.au; @wattleandhide_homewares
West Nightwear An Australian-designed luxury fashion brand delivering the ultimate wardrobe staples that transition from comfortable loungewear to elegant everyday fashion. westnightwear.com.au; @westnightwear_
GRAZIHER ART EXHIBITION Lori Pensini, ‘Brumby Country’ 2023, oil on linen.
A R T S TA T I O N There are some wonderful works for sale in Graziher’s very first art exhibition with Michael Reid at Murrurundi.
GRAZIHER HAS JOINED forces with Michael Reid Art to launch Art Station, an initiative to support female artists working in regional, rural and remote Australia. The exhibition will look at life on the land, particularly the country surrounding sparsely populated regions, and the selected artists will show six to eight works in the joint exhibition from 5 October. Come along to Michael Reid Murrurundi to see works by Anna Henderson, Emma Cullinan, Lauren Kennedy, Lori Pensini and Sarah McDonald. Exhibition catalogue available on request from James Stokes by emailing jamesstokes@michaelreid.com.au
You’re invited Art Station opening drinks 2–5pm, Saturday 7 October 2023 Artist Q&A with Victoria Carey, Michael Reid and Art Station artists from 3pm RSVP jamesstokes@michaelreid.com.au
STYLE Avira hat, $1139, by Beltera; Far Horizons blouse, $329, by Love, Bonfire The Label; assorted necklaces, from $49.95 each, by Athena & Co. For stockists, see our Address Book on page 36.
Welcome summer with pretty shirts, stylish dresses and a pair of boots you can wear with everything. Photography Allie Lee Styling Kassandra Craig
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
23 graziher.com.au
Ladies’ Western boots, $264.95, by Baxter. Opposite page Avira hat, $1139, by Beltera; Far Horizons blouse, $329, by Love, Bonfire The Label; assorted necklaces, from $49.95 each, by Athena & Co. Ladies’ Western boots, $264.95, by Baxter.; model’s own shorts.
FASHION
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
25 graziher.com.au
FASHION
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
26 graziher.com.au
Positano dress, $180, by Spinifex & Co; Golden Wattle swimsuit, $229, by Love, Bonfire The Label. Opposite page Thea dress in Cornflower Blue, $309, by Foemina; Poetic Justice pearl earrings, $320, and Archipelago bracelet, $220, by Baby Blue Jewellery.
Marlow dress in Navy, $319, by Foemina; Trailblazer Elegant Eight hoop earrings, $166, Trailblazer 12-gauge necklace, from $430, large High Country Whistle necklace, $330, High Country Gate Chain bracelet, from $299, Trailblazer Longhorn bracelet, from $140, and Trailblazer Elegant Eight ring, $115, all by Whistle & Pop; Ladies’ Western boots, $264.95, by Baxter. Opposite page Maya hat, POA, by Beltera; Golden Wattle swimsuit, $229, and Wattle Glow skirt, $419, by Love, Bonfire The Label; Ladies’ Western boots, $264.95, by Baxter. For stockists, see our Address Book on page 36. Set design Lizzy Walsh. Model Kate Nicholls. Hair and make-up Georgina Mullins.
FASHION
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
29 graziher.com.au
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
FREE DIARY EXCLUSIVE
Graziher DIARY WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE for 2 or 3 years for yourself or a friend.
valued at
$49.99
SUBSCRIBE QUICKLY AND EASILY AT GRAZIHER.COM.AU OR BY MAIL: GRAZIHER, PO BOX 54, DUARINGA QLD 4712
X
SCAN ME
GRAZIHER OFFER
PLEASE CHOOSE I WISH TO SUBSCRIBE FOR (tick one only) Me
Gift
3 years (18 issues) $199 SAVE $70.10 + free diary 2 years (12 issues) $145 SAVE $34.40 + free diary 1 year (6 issues) $79 SAVE $10.70
I already subscribe. Please renew my subscription with the offer selected above.
MY DETAILS (Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr) Address
INSPIRING WOMEN We are so excited about this special subscription collaboration with Elders. Our Graziher x Elders diary celebrates women on the land and is what you need to get organised for 2024. The diary’s 160 pages are packed with more than 600 notable country events, beautiful colour photography and handy goal-setting sections at the beginning of each month.
State
Postcode
Phone Email
GIFT RECIPIENT DETAILS (Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr) Address State
Postcode
Phone Email
PAYMENT DETAILS Cheque/money order for $________ is enclosed payable to Graziher or charge my
Visa or
MasterCard
Cardholder’s name (please print)
Cardholder’s signature
WHY SUBSCRIBE? + Never miss an issue of your
favourite magazine!
Expiry date ___ /___ CVV number ____ Please photocopy this form for additional subscriptions and mail to: Graziher, PO Box 54, Duaringa Qld 4712
+ Save up to $70.10 off
the cover price.
+ Enjoy free delivery to your door.
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? Extend or gift a subscription to receive this offer.
HURRY — OFFER ENDS 3 DECEMBER 2023, WHILE STOCKS LAST Offer for Australian residents only, ends 3/12/2023 or when stocks run out. Subscriptions will start with the next issue on sale. Postal orders can take up to six weeks to process: for faster turnaround, order online. All credit card payments will be in AUD and will appear on your statement as Graziher. Read our privacy policy at graziher.com.au/privacy-policy for information about how we use your personal information. [ ] Please tick if you don’t wish to be kept updated on special Graziher offers.
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
31
graziher.com.au
www.littlememedesigns.com
littlememedesigns
Little MeMe Designs
Little Meme_final.indd 1
7/9/2023 6:00 pm
TWILLANDTEE.COM.AU Loungewear to take you everywhere. Made in Australia using sustainable fabrics.
NEW SEASON HAS ARRIVED, SHOP HERE WWW.GOONDIWINDICOTTON.COM.AU
@goondiwindicotton
@goondiwindicotton
Books, toys and workwear for farm kids
REBECCA
www.littlefarmers.com.au
l i t t l e s p u r s a n d c o .c o m . a u
Little Spurs & Co
littlespursandco
Rompers | Dress Shirts | Polo’s | Trucker Caps | Shorts | Fishing Shirts | Sunglasses | T-Shirts
Little Spur & Co.indd 1
7/9/2023 5:57 pm
Luxurious comfort 100% pure, natural wool indoor and outdoor slippers. Ultimate comfort since 1993
REBECCA
glerups.com.au
www.rebeccahutchinsonart.com.au @rebecca.hutchinson.art
de a M n a i l Austra fted Handcra
Rebecca Hutchinson_final.indd 1
www.tamboteddies.com.au 1300 185 638
8/9/2023 8:46 a
BLACK COLT CLOTHING AFFORDABLE COUNTRY CLOTHING FOR LADIES, MEN & CHILDREN
ADDRESS BOOK WHERE TO BUY Graziher NSW Birdsnest Bookshop 232 Sharp St, Cooma
NSW 2630; 1300 696 378; birdsnest.com.au Brisk Trading 106 Bradley St, Guyra NSW
2365; 0427 321 850; brisktrading.com.au Fig & Co 224 Sheridan St, Gundagai
NSW 2727; figandco.com.au Hillside Harvest 1209 The Escort Way,
Borenore NSW 2800; (02) 6365 2247; hillsideharvest.com.au Intuition of Lockhart 129 Green St, Lockhart NSW 2656; (02)6920 5592; intuitionoflockhart.com Jumbled 33–35 Sale St, Orange NSW 2800; (02) 6361 4447; jumbledonline.com Lou Webb Collections 132 Dubbo St, Warren NSW 2824; 0428 473 958; louwebbcollections.com Mink & Me 2 Namoi St, Coonamble NSW 2829; 0477 802 767; minkandme.com.au SixFortyFive Outfitters 34 The Parade, Tumbarumba NSW 2653; 6fortyfive.com.au Wattle & Hide Homewares Shop 3/184–188 Carp St, Bega NSW 2550; 0417 897 067; wattleandhidehomewares.com.au Will and Russ Yass St, Gunning NSW 2581; 0438 324 529
QUEENSLAND Annandale Trading Co. 65 Adelaide St,
Birdsville Qld 4482 ; (07) 4656 3236; annandaletradingco.com Crossdraw Country Co. 4/109 Palmerin St, Warwick Qld 4370; 0427 262 113; crossdraw.com.au Fancey’s Out West 109 McDowell St, Roma Qld 4455; 0448 190 059; fanceysoutwest.com.au Inky & Moss 54 Wyndham St, Roma Qld 4455; (07) 4622 3455; inkymoss.com.au Sunday Merchant 21 Bridge St, Mount Lofty Qld 4350; 0409 332 211
Far Horizons blouse, $329, by Love, Bonfire The Label; Ladies’ Western boots, $264.95, by Baxter.
STOCKISTS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Athena & Co athenaandco.com.au
5431 Collective 9 Second St, Orroroo SA 5431;
Baby Blue Jewellery babybluejewellery.com.au;
0411 042 282; 5431collective.com.au Anneva 255 Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453;
0448 878 008 Baxter baxterfootwear.com.au; 1800 026 382 Beltera beltera.com.au Buy from the Bush buyfromthebush.com.au
0407 074 716; anneva.com.au Atore 9 Beauval St, Wilmington SA 5485;
0427 822 775 Pearle Boutique 44 Gawler St, Mt Barker SA
Foemina foemina.com Hunter Candles huntercandles.com.au Love, Bonfire The Label lovebonfirethelabel.com
5251; (08) 8391 0398
RM Williams rmwilliams.com.au; 1300 697 697
VICTORIA
Spinifex & Co spinifexandco.com Status Anxiety statusanxiety.com.au;
Oak + Bay 420 Sturt St, Ballarat Vic 3350;
Whistle & Pop whistleandpop.co.nz
SHOPPING GUIDE 2023
0432 248 422; oakandbay.com.au SG Off Road 2 Tilson Court, Leongatha Vic
(02) 9525 3064
36 graziher.com.au
3953; (03) 5662 5554; sgoffroad.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY ALLIE LEE
FASHION
Marlow dress in Navy, $319, by Foemina; Trailblazer Elegant Eight hoop earrings, $166, Trailblazer 12-gauge necklace, from $430, large High Country Whistle necklace, $330.
