Heartland Magazine Issue 40 April/May 2020

Helen Trustum

Albert Reuben Patch – Wongavale and Patch’s Beach

My story on the Patch Family begins with Reuben’s Grandfather John and Phoebe Patch. They set sail on the boat “Washington Irving” from Somerset, England and departed for Sydney on the 19th June 1857. They were to be on the ill-fated boat “Dunbar” that sank off Sydney Harbour where there was only one survivor. John and Phoebe first settled in the Hunter River District then moved to the Clarence in 1864. He grew corn and sold it to the markets. In 1871 they moved to Cannon Point, Coraki where they grew cane. He purchased 60 acres off Peter McLaren for 60 pounds. In 1875 he branched out and purchased more land to grow cane 47 acres, then 122 acres in 1881, both at Bungawalbyn.

Their family; George, Sarah Ann, John, Mark, Matthew, Luke, Jane, Eliza, Charles and James.

Matthew, John and Phoebe’s fourth son, married Ruth Hiscocks. They lived at Pelican Creek, in the Coraki area. Mathew was a builder. He built the Ruthven Hall in 1911. Mathew was also one of the first trustees of the Hall.

Matthew and Ruth’s family; Mathew, Henry (Bill), Phoebe, Reuben, Emma, Ruth, Ebb, John and Vivian.

The eldest boys were great

Reub’s mother - Ruth Patch skullers where they enjoyed many great days on the Richmond River at Coraki.

Albert Reuben (known as Reub) third son of Mathew and Ruth’s, was born in 1893 in Casino. He came with his family to live at Wongavale in 1908. Reuben was 15 years of age and wanted to select land and because of his age, his brother Bill selected the property on top of MacKellar Range in the name of A R (Bill) Patch.

Reub ( left) and Bill taken before they left Australia in First War - 1915

Bill and Reub both saw service in the First War. They enlisted in July 1915 and served in the 5th Light Horse in Palestine. They were to land at Gallopie but were

turned back and landed at another cove. They were in the Battle of Beersheba. They rode into Jerusalem where hardly a shot was fired under General Almby. Both boys fought side by side and returned after four years of battle. Bill and Reuben were offered land with the Soldiers Settlement in Chelmsford.

Reub built his first home in 1922, all split timber. He married Jessie Mulvena on 13th December 1922. Jessie was the eldest daughter of Robert and Matilda Mulvena of Boundary Creek. Robert had selected 200 acres on 3rd September 1908 which was later sold to A. R. Patch on 20th April 1922. Another 600 acres was taken up. The Mulvena Family lived on 200 acres at the bottom of the mountain now owned by Geoff Manning. When their daughter Jessie was old enough

Ted and Jean Patch carrying cream by horseback to go to school she boarded with a family near the Boorabee Park School till she was old enough to ride her horse. To enable her to go to High School Jessie had to board in Lismore for three years.

Reub and Jessie’s Family; Bill, Mavis, Jean, Ted, Ivy and Alan.

Reub began dairying where cream had to be loaded on to a pack horse and taken down the Wongavale side of the mountain and met by the cream lorry by 8.30am each morning. Reub milked 41 cows by hand. All goods had to be taken up by horse back. All his supplies would arrive with the cream carrier. When the road was put in, Reub would take the cream to Bentley Railway Station there it was picked up and taken to Lismore. He would take the neighbours cream and charge freight of 1/- (10c) a can.

The road up the mountain was to service properties above the Bungabee State Forest. Both Terania Shire Council and the Forestry would not give permission to build as it was not a dedicated shire road. This did not distract them from going ahead.

Inspectors inspecting road over the mountain

Work started on the road up the mountain in 1928. Work was slow as all work was done with hand tools such as shovels, picks and a wheelbarrow. As it was a private road work had to be done by the men living in the

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district. They were Reub and Bill Patch, Bob, Bill, Ossie and George Mulvena, Jack and Bill Axford, George Lowe, Mick Jolley, Ernie Parker, Lawrence Ward, Walter and Dave Buckley, Bill Jones, Fred

Patch Family

Lambourne and

Alf Booker.Wet weather held work up but they toiled on where it took approximately 8 years to complete. It was about six miles long. Later a tip dray and harness and other roadmaking items were purchased at a sale when the Bonalbo railway line was abandoned. Bill Mulvena was the first one to drive his car up the mountain after the road was open to the public. On his way down the mountain he ran over the side of the road. A block and tackle had to be used to get him back on the road. What a great achievement it must have been for the workers for all those years work to see the actual road open. If only they were around today.

Late 1920’s Reub felled the scrub by contract at 25/- (2.50) per acre.

Reub remarried Emma Axford.

Reub lived to the grand old age of 97, just short of his 98th birthday in 1990. He spent his last of his life in the RSL Home in Ballina after a fall breaking both hips.

Reub and Jess’s wedding - 13/12/1922 With Alice Balmer and Bill Patch

Reub loved visitors, he would always greet them by saying” Come in and have a certarn (wine) with me”, then they would go fishing. Of course it would be only on “Patch’s Beach”.

Ref: Barry and Lorraine Patch, North Casino.

There was great excitement in the household when Reub purchased his first car in 1929. This was a Chev.

Reub and Jessie’s children attended Wongavale Public School, usually four at a time on the horse.

Mrs Emma Rugg, Reub’s sister acted as midwife for the following births; Alan born at Wongavale, Eileen Axford born at Wards and Jim Axford born at Patch’s.

Reub moved to Patch’s Beach where the beautiful beach has been named after him in 1941. His first home was beside the sea and a storm covered all his outside buildings with sand in one particular storm where they still remain covered. Reub was the first man in the area to grow cane particular where

Reub Patch there was a lot of sand. Another home was built back further from the sea.

Reub with nephew Jack Patch erecting windmill - 1955

Byron Bay Chocolate Co

Established in 1985 David O’Conner and his family have built one of the most exciting companies on the far North Coast of NSW. David and his wife Carole love the local area and are third generation Casino locals. The simple beginnings of the company provided the strong foundations and bones necessary for the company to prosper to where it is today.

David began by making muesli bars and other such items when he was approached by other local growers to chocolate coat their macadamia nuts and coffee beans. The popularity of these products gave David an idea and he brought his son, Darren O’Conner into the business to further develop and grow the business.

Continuing to chocolate coat nuts, berries, and coffee beans, David and his wife Carole soon took on packaging and selling the products themselves when he registered Byron Bay Chocolate Company in 1985. The family owned and run company has refined their own blended chocolate to coat only the best nuts and berries the region has to offer. The original packaging was of a simple nature as labels were printed in an uncomplicated manner. This allowed the company to focus on the quality of the product and to keep their roots of being locally owned and family run. David and Carole are proud to have started something that allows their children to be involved and to secure a future for the following

generations. Son Darren is the factory manager while Renea is the general manager with Sally looking after sales.

This attention to detail and self-belief paid off and over time Byron Bay Chocolate Company grew. Smaller boutique outlets began selling the jarred chocolates and popularity for the highquality treats grew outside of the area. Today there are 15 jarred flavours available and can be found in hotel mini bars and airports as well as smaller supermarkets and food stores.

Byron Bay Chocolate Company also produces over 40 products which are bulk sold. They also export to Singapore and New Zealand which is only the beginning of the company’s confident future. Word of mouth has been an important factor in this success story with customers tasting the high-quality product and telling others about their experience.

Moving into the future the company continues to expand and create new products with something for everyone’s taste. David has bought property which will allow the company to triple their production for local and overseas markets while lowering costs. Their down to earth approach keeps the company proudly locally owned and run with David and Carole working together with their family to produce some of the best confectionary in the area.

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Advertorial

Australia’s First Newspaper

Newspapers have long been a link between the present and the past. They are the physical record of what is happening currently as well as being a printed version of history for future generations.

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser was the first newspaper in Australia beginning 1803. It was the only publication in the colony at a time of government censorship until William Wentworth launched The Australian in 1824. The Derwent Star and Van Diemen’s Land Intelligencer was the second newspaper in Australia which was founded in Tasmania in 1810 but ceased publication the same year. In 1838 Victoria had their first newspaper, the Melbourne Advertiser. By the mid 1850’s Tasmania had 11 newspapers with the Tasmanian and Port Dalrymple Advertiser being the first provincial newspaper founded in 1825. Due to ink and paper shortages, newspaper publications were often suspended. Most newspapers consisted off 4 pages and were released one or two days a week.

Herald. It was initially a weekly publication but became a daily paper on the 1st of October 1840. The Daily Telegraph was first published in 1879 and became The Sydney Morning Herald’s main competition.

Before the development of Australian railways, regional and rural areas were unable to get a daily newspaper but instead received a weekly paper which summarised an entire weeks worth of news and events. By the end of the 19th century black and white photographs began appearing in newspapers which was very different to the wood engravings previously featured. Newspapers

Daily national newspapers were being published in the second part of the 20th century however the first daily national paper was the Daily Commercial News, first published in 1891. By 1924 there were 26 metropolitan dallies which fell to 14 because of amalgamations and closures. Newspapers no longer had to rely on word of mouth for information with developments in communication via telephones and computers.

The Australian Financial Review was first published in 1951 as a weekly paper however, since 1963 it became a daily paper. During 1980’s and 1990’s the newspaper industry was changing with colour printing being widely used as well as the advancements in technology with many newspapers putting their publications online. As the internet became more accessible in all areas of Australia, many newspapers closed or amalgamated with many relying on the internet rather than the printed version. Today 15.7 million Australians read newspapers in print or online.

The Sydney Herald was established in 1831, and is the longest running newspaper in Australia, now the Sydney Morning

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IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

We at Heartland have in our office a wall that we have always been an eye sore to us, we have for over 3 years, wanted to do something to this wall that reflected the magazine and what we do. The obvious was to have our first front cover on this wall as it faces the front of our office and everyone walking past or coming in can see it.

We spoke to local Signwriter – Harry Armstrong about our plans but lack of time to do this. We showed Harry the front cover of Issue 1 and he quickly said, ‘he would love to do it’. We have seen Harry’s work and his murals around town and the Northern Rivers and jumped at the chance to have him do this work for us.

As you can see from the photos, Harry started with a blank canvas and turned it in to a masterpiece.

Everyone that has come into our office has loved it, and people walking past have seen it and come in to find out who did it.

We are eternally grateful to Harry for bring our dream to life and giving our office this beautiful artwork which we will never remove.

Harry is available for professional signwriting and to do murals on anything, talk to him, tell him what you are after and he will make it happen. This is one man that can create so much interest in a small town and his murals and talent should be used locally, not only for tourists to see but to give the people of the town something to be very proud of.

Harry can be contacted on 0427 622 052

E: armstrongsigns@tpg.com.au

W: www.armstrongsignsandengravi ngnorthernrivers.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook. com/harry.armstrong.12

Issue 1 of Heartland Magazine

Heartland Magazine | 17

“Celebrated the world over for its natural beauty and many attractions”

Mt Hay Luxury Retreat

Unique, private and ultra-exclusive, Mt Hay Retreat is a boutique escape that is, quite simply, second to none. Located only 2 hours from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, overlooking the rural idyll that is Berry village on the NSW South Coast.

Each also has a generous private deck with feature outdoor bath, individual private gardens, and of course those incredible views that stretch uninterrupted across the landscaped grounds and nearby countryside of Berry all the way to the sparkling ocean on the horizon.

With only 5 individual suites in total, each is filled with natural light and has been designed as your own private escape. Dominated by breathtaking views and offering a secluded and peaceful sanctuary well away from the cares and complexities of contemporary life, it is still only minutes from the heart of world famous Berry Village.

Our expansive suites are refined and spacious, luxuriously understated and finished to the highest of possible standards. With expansive living areas and an intuitive design that encourages seamless indoor/outdoor living with floor to ceiling glass doors that glide away to bring the enormous vista that dominates every suite right into your living room.

Celebrated the world over for its natural beauty and many attractions, the NSW South Coast is alive with possibility. Under ten minutes to the heart of village life, Berry is a town like no other. Combining timeless country charm with contemporary culture, explore Berry to discover a vibrant cafe scene, boutique shopping experiences and exceptional restaurants, excellent local wineries and with the grand sweeping sands, rock pools and bushland of awe-inspiring Seven Mile Beach National Park right on our door step there is plenty to do.

If staying in one spot is your utopia then Mt Hay has plenty to offer. Our unrivalled facilities will make you want to stay here and just be! There is a 33m heated indoor pool and spa, a giant chess set, established fruit trees, hidden

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Avonside Alpine Estate

Set in the most exquisite country-side not only in Australia but the world, Avonside Alpine Estate at 1200m is situated in the incredible Snowy River region providing some of the most breath taking views on the planet. This farm stay experience is like no other and guarantees to provide guests with a get away they will never forget.

It was after many years of overseas living and travel, Jacquie and Oliver decided along with their two boys that it was time for a tree change and to come back to Australia to create a truly unique lifestyle not only for themselves but their potential guests. Oliver has relished the concept of, off the grid living and decided to incorporate this vision into the families next venture. Returning to Australia from Singapore the family came back to Jindabyne.

At the age of 51 Oliver decided it was time to begin on his and Jacquie’s retirement plan which was to establish a farm stay property the pair could work on together while sharing their incredible location with others. Their main focus was on eco-tourism with the ethos of sustainability in mind at all times when creating the farm stay property.

With a lot of experience of their own with staying at paid accommodation properties, the couple knew what their potential guests would appreciate when it came to design and comfortability. Oliver and Jacquie built two incredible

cabins which surpass other accommodation options in the area. Stylised in a modern Scandinavian style with an Australian touch, these two and three bedroom cabins are luxurious in feel and are 100% off the grid using solar technology.

The property uses worms to compost waste and has a generator which is can be run of on bio diesel which is can made onsite using used cooking oil from local eateries. It is the perfect way to experience and learn about these sustainable methods of living with Oliver and Jacquie only too happy to share their knowledge and experience with a discussion about the property with their guests. The couple demonstrate that it is possible to have a sustainable household without making sacrifices to the things you want.

Avonside Alpine Estate grows their own seasonal vegetables as well as collecting eggs from their own 400 chickens. Guests are able to experience farm life with tours and hands on participation when it comes to feeding the animals and harvesting the different crops. The farm has a large saffron crop which in now will soon be harvested in the current harvesting phase as well as planting 400 truffle trees (potentially the country’s highest plantation) and a garlic garden with 3 varieties (Monaro,

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and Mt Kosciuszko overlooking the area. After a long day out and about or a relaxing day in enjoying the cabin accommodation and alpine views, Oliver and Jacquie can organise a local chef to prepare a meal and delivery it hot, taking the hassle out of cooking or going out for food.

Italian and Russian).

Oliver and Jacquie also have Highland Cattle on the property and guests are invited to get closer to these beautiful animals and experience how cute these teddy bear cattle are. Avonside Alpine Estate is involved in a breeding program which is aiming to produce a hornless (polled) variety of Highland Cattle. There are many other local experiences to explore close by the property in the region and Oliver and Jacquie have a pet stay option so guests can leave their pets at the property while they are away.

Avonside Alpine Estate is the prefect base to enjoy the Jindabyne and Snowy Mountain region with so many other activities and attractions in the area. The mountains provide the perfect skiing and mountain biking terrain and endless trout fishing opportunities at the lakes in the area. It’s an excellent area to escape the city stresses and enjoy the outdoors and the fresh mountain air.

Oliver and Jacquie have truly created a sustainable slice of heaven and welcome guests with open arms and an open heart. The couple feel blessed to be able to live in such an incredible area and relish the opportunity to share their property and farm with travellers and guests who can also appreciate beautiful surroundings and sustainable off the grid living.

Winter bookings are very popular with the ski fields close by

Heartland Magazine | 33

Heartland Profile of the Month

Sylvia Somerville

Sylvia Somerville was born in Lismore to parents Hilda (nee Gibbs) and Stan Somerville. She was 1 of 4 brothers, Norman, Bert, Vic and Bob. Until the age of 5yrs old she lived at Goolmangar before her parents purchased the Bruton Homestead and moved there.

Sylvia attended Casino Public School and learnt ballet and tap from teacher Vera Hancock until the age of 9 years old.

Casino Public School

Her mother asked her if she would like to learn the piano and began to teach her how to read music and the correlating notes on the keyboard. Sylvia attended lessons with teacher, Olive Murphy who lived in Hotham Street Casino. Her mother would go in with Sylvia while her father would read the newspaper in the car using the

Anna Richard, Felicity Atkins,Robert Rickard and Bob interior light.

While attending Casino High School, Sylvia continued her piano journey and sat for her piano exams completing 7th grade in piano. She competed at Lismore and Grafton eisteddfods, winning the best sight reader in Grafton. Sylvia use to play “The old grey Mare, she’s not what she used to be” for the students to march to the rooms for their lessons.

Sylvia and her brother Bob

Sylvia completed the Intermediate Certificate and left school at 14yrs and 9 months to start work as a secretary at the auctioneer’s office for Alexander Barnes in Walker Street. She began playing at country dances, kitchen teas, parties and weddings from the age of 15 years old, playing the piano at almost every hall far and wide. Competing in Amateur Hour at the civic Hall, Sylvia gained a lot of praise and accolades winning the instrumental section of the competition.

After working for Alexander and Barnes, Sylvia worked for 7 and a half years for Ron Barnes and Kevin Clark, when they amalgamated. In later years she worked casually for George and Fuhrmann auctioneers.

In 1964 Sylvia married Russell Nowlan at the Anglican Church in Casino. The couple then went to live at Spring Grove where they ran a dairy farm for a few years before going into beef cattle and about 800 pigs. Sylvia and Russell had 4 children Neil, Alan, Anna (Tindall) and Katy (Lane). The family has grown considerably throughout the years with 13 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

Throughout Sylvia’s time in the area she has played

Bert, Norman, Hilda Somerville at hundreds of events and and Anna Gibbs parties and has been the organist at the Anglican Church since 1989, 31 years.

Sylvia made her own Debut at the Anglican Ball held at the Civic Hall before being a maid for 3 years after. She enjoyed the experiences and has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive for many years down the track. She has played for many Debutant Balls and their practices and after 15 years took on the role of training the participants with help from some wonderful friends. For 25 years Sylvia has driven from the farm every Sunday

Russell Somerville Kids Neil, night to attend the practices

Alan, Anna and Katy at the Casino RSM, with the money from the balls going to great causes such as Cedars, Jumbunna, St Michaels and Richmond Lodge. For the last 5 years the Debutant Ball has been held at the Anglican Hall.

Sylvia has also performed at Cavalcade which ran for 3 nights at the Civic Hall. She was the first to play the grand piano which is now at the community centre. One of the segments was called “The Story of Three Loves” which was performed with Vera

Debutant Ball

Foley (Hancock), John Mulherin, and Linley Jones with Sylvia playing the piano.

Sylvia purchased keyboards and had numerous drummers and eventually formed a two-piece band 21 years ago with Josh Fussell, now with Rick Delooge called the “Diamond Duo”. The duo plays at many country dances and clubs throughout the district. Sylvia has been the pianist for St Marks Singers for approximately 30 years, holding two concerts a year and donating the money raised to charities. Sylvia played for the Casino Coral Society male chorus, conducted by Col Winter for 3 years. For the past 28 years Sylvia has played for the Hospital Auxiliary morning teas

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with the choir and soloists coming to her home to practice. With the 3 concerts a year held, St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas Day, a lot of money has been raised over the years for the local Hospital.

Sylvia has always been heavily involved with the community and was a part of the Floral Festival for many years. Her fund-raising efforts for local charities and community groups has seen her become a life-time member of Casino Show Society. She was also a part of a small committee that started the Carols by Candlelight at Colley Park. Sylvia has played at Coraki, Woodburn, Bentley and Casino Carols events and appreciates her husband Russell for handling her equipment and helping her set up for these events.

In 2011 Sylvia had 5 months of chemotherapy treatment in Brisbane for multiple myeloma and in early 2012 had a stem cell transplant which was a terrible experience, however with the support of her family, friends and the community Sylvia came through the other side. Her friends and family are a priority in her life seeing Sylvia being a Bridesmaid and Matron of Honour at 7 weddings. 5 being in Casino, 1 in Lismore and 1 in Byron Bay.

Sylvia’s passion for music and the local community has been the centre of her life to date. She enjoys her family time as well as her 1951 Morris Minor which she takes to Beef Week and the Show and Shine Parade. Christmas time is a special time of year for Sylvia and her family as they enjoy decorating their house in Johnston Street with spectacular lights, winning the

Sylvia at the Casino Show 1955

Heartland Magazine | 41

Australian Alpaca Industry – a local perspective

beneficial where there are extremes in temperature and where adverse weather conditions persist. Many alpacas prefer not to enter a fully enclosed shelter, so some producers use a two- or three-sided structure or have walls that do not reach the full height of the shelter. A roof with good overhang provides protection against driving rain that is often received across the Northern Rivers during the summer season. Alpacas require similar fencing to sheep, preferably without barbed wire, as although they are generally respectful of fencing, they may catch their fleece on barbed wire and remove tufts of fibre. Strong perimeter fencing should be considered if dog attacks are likely in the area, as although they can provide a good defence against a solitary predator such as a fox, dogs in groups (wild or domesticated) will persist in their attack, usually against an animal they have separated from the herd.

Alpacas were imported to Australia in the late 1980’s and are now farmed successfully across the country, with a number of breeders located in the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and surrounding areas.

Alpacas are economical to manage and suit a number of lifestyles with many breeders starting their herd by owning a couple as pets or as herd guards for sheep, goats or poultry flocks. They are easy on the environment, with a soft padded foot and a grazing habit that is gentle on pasture. They require access to fresh, clean water, drinking as much as four litres per day, however this will vary depending on the type of pasture or supplementary feed available. Alpacas prefer shorter pasture and do well on native pastures and pasture suitable for sheep such as grasses, clover and legumes. They should have access to pasture at all times, but in seasons where feed is limited, they can be supplemented with good quality hay and different grains such as lupins, oats or barley. Highly toxic plants such as oleander, lantana and bracken fern must be avoided.

There are two breed types, each carrying a different style of fleece, and both are prized for their soft, warm, light, fine and lustrous quality. The Huacaya alpaca carries ‘sheep-like’ fleece which grows at right angles to the body. It exhibits crimp across each fibre and has obvious staple definition. Suri alpacas carry a silky, locking fleece that moves freely, yet hangs close to the body giving the animal a flat-sided appearance. The fleece hangs in a centre part along the backline with independent locks that form close to the skin. In both breeds the quality of the fleece can vary on older animals, with breeding females directing nutritional intake towards producing and nurturing cria. The Huacaya is the more common breed type, representing up to 95% of the alpaca herd.

Trees and bushes can be used to provide shade in summer and protection from rain and wind, while sheds or shelters can be

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Garden Palace

of 1851 and locally on the General Post Office and Exhibition Building at Prince Alfred Park. The dome was 100 feet (30.4 metres) in diameter and 210 feet (65.5 metres) in height.

The Garden Palace was a large, purpose-built exhibition building constructed to house the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879 in Sydney, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet and constructed by John Young, at a cost of £191,800 in only eight months. This was largely due to the importation from England of electric lighting, which enabled work to be carried out around the clock.

A reworking of London’s Crystal Palace, the plan for the Garden Palace was similar to that of a large cathedral, having a long hall with lower aisle on either side, like a nave, and a transept of similar form, each terminating in towers and meeting beneath a central dome. The successful contractor was John Young, a highly experienced building contractor who had worked on the Crystal Palace for The Great Exhibition

The building was over 244 metres long and had a floor space of over 112,000 metres with 4.5 million feet of timber, 2.5 million bricks and 243 tons of galvanised corrugated iron. The building was similar in many respects to the later Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Sydney’s first hydraulic lift, was contained in the north tower, enabling visitors to climb the tower. The Garden Palace was sited at what is today the southwestern end of the Royal Botanic Garden (although at the time it was built it occupied land that was outside the Garden and in The Domain). It was constructed primarily from timber, which ensured its complete destruction when engulfed by fire in the early morning of 22 September 1882.

Australian family owned and operated for 25 years. Express delivery throughout the Northern Rivers Engine Oils, Agricultural Oils, Hydraulic Oils, Grease, Coolants and More..

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AUSSIE MOTORING

The History of Holden

The Holden Commodore 1978-2020

VC (1980–1981)

The most significant change to the VC Commodore of March 1980 was the engine upgrading to “XT5” specification. Now painted blue and thus known as the Blue straight-sixes and Holden V8s, these replaced the Red units fitted to the VB and earlier cars. Changes included a new twelve-port cylinder head, re-designed combustion chambers, inlet and exhaust manifolds, a new two-barrel carburettor.

VH (1981–1984)

The VH series Commodore introduced in September 1981 brought moderately updated frontal bodywork, with a new bonnet and front guards to facilitate the reshaped headlamps and a horizontally slatted grille. These front-end design changes worked to produce a longer, yet wider look. At the rear, sedans featured redesigned tail light clusters, the design of which borrowed from Mercedes-Benz models of the day, using a louvered design. At the same time, the nomenclature of the range was rationalised. The SL superseded the L as the base model, with the old SL level becoming the mid-range SL/X, and the SL/E remaining as the top-of-the-line variant. Wagons were restricted to the SL and SL/X trims.

Tweaks and changes to the V8s surrounded the implementation of electronic ignition, revised cylinder head and inlet manifold design and the fitment of a four-barrel carburettor on the 4.2-litre variant. These changes brought improved efficiency, increased outputs and aided driveability. In response to increasing oil prices, a four-cylinder variant was spawned in June 1980. Displacing 1.9-litres, this powerplant known as Starfire was effectively Holden’s existing straight-six with two cylinders removed. The four’s peak power output of 58 kW (78 hp) and torque rated at 140 Nm. (103 ft⋅lbf) meant its performance was compromised. Reports indicate that the need to push the engine hard to extract performance led to real-world fuel consumption similar to the straight-sixes.

Holden’s emphasis on fuel economy extended beyond powertrains, with a fuel consumption vacuum gauge replacing the tachometer throughout the range, although this could be optioned back with the sports instrumentation package. Visual changes were limited: the relocation of the corporate crest to the centre of the redesigned grille, black-coloured trim applied to the tail lamp surrounds on sedans, and the embossment of model badging into the side rubbing strips. The previously undesignated base car, was now the Commodore L, opening up the range for a new unbadged sub-level car.

This delete option model, was de-specified and available only to fleet customers. On the premium Commodore SL/E, a resurrected “Shadowtone” exterior paint option became available in a limited range of dark-over-light colour combinations. According to contemporary reviews, changes made to the VC’s steering produced a heavier feel and inclined understeer, while the revised suspension gave a softer ride and addressed concerns raised while riding fully laden.

Redesigned pentagonal alloy wheels—replacing the original SL/E type used since 1978—along with a black painted B-pillar, wrap-around chrome rear bumper extensions to the wheel arches, and extended tail lamps that converged with the license plate alcove—distinguished the range-topping SL/E from other variants. The new pentagonal wheels were initially in short supply, such that only Shadowtone option SL/E sedans received them during 1981 production.

Mechanical specifications carried over, except for a new fivespeed manual transmission, optional on the 1.9-litre fourcylinder and 2.85-litre six-cylinder versions. In an attempt to improve sales figures of the inline-four engine, Holden spent considerable time improving its performance and efficiency. Modifications were also made to the 2.85-litre six to lift economy, and the powerplants managed to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 12.5 and 14 percent, correspondingly.

Holden released the sports-oriented Commodore SS sedan in September 1982—reintroducing a nameplate used briefly ten years prior with the HQ series. Provisioned with a choice of 4.2- or optional 5.0-litre V8 engines, both versions of the VH SS were teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. Racing driver Peter Brock’s Holden Dealer Team (HDT) high performance outfit produced three upgraded versions, known as Group One, Group Two and Group Three, the latter version available in either 4.2-litre or more commonly 5.0-litre V8 configuration.

By the time of the VH series, Commodore sales were beginning to decline. Holden’s six-cylinder engine, which was carried over from the Kingswood, could trace its roots back to 1963 and was no longer competitive. Continual improvements made to Commodore’s Ford Falcon rival meant the VH was not significantly more fuel-efficient or better performing despite the smaller size. This was curtailed by the absence of any major

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Twin towns separated by a bridge across Wallis Lake.

Forster and Tuncurry are two coastal towns which are separated by a very large concrete bridge across Wallis Lake. The twin towns sit to the north and south of Cape Hawke Harbour, the entrance to Wallis Lake which stretches for 26 km down the coast. Forster-Tuncurry is a typical holiday resort with lots of accommodation; plenty of takeaway food and local seafood cafes; pleasant fishing, surfing and swimming areas; and a seductive and lazy holiday ambience. The coast and the Booti Booti National Park, which lies to the south of the town, are ideal for birdwatching and bushwalking. The endangered bird species, the little tern, breeds on two of Wallis Lake’s many islands.

Location: Forster-Tuncurry is located 306 km north of Sydney via the Pacific Highway and The Lakes Way and from Brisbane head south 639 km via the Pacific Hwy and The Lakes Way.

Origin of Name The town was known as “Minimbah” until it was surveyed in 1869 when it was renamed after William Forster, the then Secretary of Lands (1868-1870). Tuncurry was known as North Forster until 1875 when John Wright set up camp there. He adopted the local Worimi Aboriginal place name “Tuncurry” which probably meant “plenty fish”

Things to See and Do

The Beaches From the centre of the Forster central business district there are four beaches stretching east from Cape Hawke Harbour. The gloriously peaceful Nine Mile Beach lies north of the breakwater. Each has its own appeal and the southern beaches are all linked by the excellent Bicentennial Walk.

Nine Mile Beach

Nine Mile Beach, the Tuncurry Rockpool and the northern breakwater can all be accessed on the northern side of the bridge that joins Forster and Tuncurry. Take the first right into Wharf Street, then turn right again at Beach Street and right again into Rockpool Road. There is a rock pool, grassed areas, a walking track beside the entrance to the lake, a kiosk, showers, toilets, a childrens’ playground, and a pleasant bathing and picnic area with barbecue facilities. It is possible to walk out to the end of the breakwater where dolphins can sometimes be seen at play. Nine Mile Beach extends up to Black Head and Hallidays Point.

Forster Beach Forster Beach stretches from the southern breakwater to the headland overlooking the rock pool at the eastern end of the beach. It is patrolled in season, is popular all the year round with swimmers, has showers, toilets, a kiosk, picnic facilities and ocean baths at its eastern edge. Over the road the local council has permitted high rise buildings so it has a marginally more salubrious feel than the beaches on the Gold Coast. Just off North Street is the start of the Bicentennial Walk along the coastline. Above the baths is Second Head and on the eastern side of the headland is Pebbly Beach which is recognised as a superior surfing spot.

The Bicentennial Walk The Bicentennial Walk starts near the ocean baths at the eastern end of Forster Beach. It heads all the way to Bennett Head and on to One Mile Beach. This is the perfect introduction to the charm of the area.

The Tanks Beyond Pebbly Beach are The Tanks, an unusual parallel rock formation which protects swimmers from the the waves. The parallel rocks have produced a natural, safe swimming area.

Bennetts Head It is possible to walk up to Bennetts Head on the

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| Heartland Magazine

LET’S COOK - AUTUMN EDITION - BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH PARSLEY AND LEMON

Ingredients

• 50g (1/3 cup) plain flour

• Salt & ground black pepper, to taste

• 4 (about 400g each) lamb shanks, fat trimmed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 leeks, thinly sliced, washed, dried

• 1 680g can tomato soup

• 250ml (1 cup) dry white wine

• 250ml (1 cup) Massel vegetable liquid stock

• 1/3 cup chopped fresh continental parsley

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind

• Mashed potatoes, to serve

Method

Step 1 Season the flour generously with salt and pepper. Coat the lamb shanks in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2 Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 lamb shanks and cook, turning occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until well browned. Transfer to a large plate and set aside. Repeat with the remaining lamb shanks. Reduce heat to medium and add the leeks to the pan. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until leeks soften slightly.

Step 3 Gradually add soup, wine and stock, scraping the pan to dislodge any bits that have cooked onto the base. Add lamb shanks, increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours or until meat starts to come away from bones.

Step 4 Meanwhile, combine the parsley, garlic and lemon rind in a small bowl.

Step 5 Divide the mashed potatoes and lamb shanks among serving plates. Sprinkle the lamb with the parsley mixture and serve.

Notes Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (the flavours will develop on standing).

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| Heartland Magazine

LET’S COOK - AUTUMN EDITION - BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH PARSLEY AND LEMON

Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice

• 2 cups milk, divided

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2/3 cup golden raisins (optional)

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/3 cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Combine cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until thick and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir remaining 1/2 cup milk, golden raisins, beaten egg, and white sugar into the rice mixture; stirring continually. Continue cooking until egg is set, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; stir butter and vanilla extract into the pudding.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ready in 30 minutes