Central West
LIFE ST Y LE SPRING 2013
iconic DUNTRYLEAGUE:
IN A LEAGUE
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discover the charisma of
CANOWINDRA
A HISTORY CAPTIVATING, A CULTURE RICH AND A FUTURE PROMISING
SPRING FLING: FRESH HOME IDEAS, GORGEOUS GARDENS AND HIGH TEAS TO INSPIRE THE FULL CIRCLE OF FORGANDENNY HOUSE | LIFE’S LESSONS AT SPRING CREEK B&B CENTRAL WEST CELEBRITIES: KATE BRACKS, JASON OWEN AND KENNEDY TOURLE OUTBACK ACTION AT WARREN SHOW AND COONAMBLE RODEO + MUCH MORE
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD 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
DISTRIBUTION Central West Lifestyle magazine is published quarterly (available on the first day 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. In addition, unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@centralwestmagazine.com.au FEATURES EDITOR & CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Jake Lindsay jake@centralwestmagazine.com.au ART DIRECTOR & DESIGN Kate Boshammer design@centralwestmagazine.com.au Š Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2013 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. 2 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
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
|
P 02 6845 2710
|
WWW.COWANDCALF.COM.AU
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CONTENTS spring 2013
23
6
From the Publishers
8
Echo of the bush
10 Your letters 12 Meet your CWL team
114
14 Duntryleague
The rich history of the iconic Orange mansion
20 What Kennedy did next
Dubbo’s own crowned Miss Showgirl at Sydney
23 Just what the doctor ordered
67 Town feature: Canowindra
A family’s full circle at Forgandenny House
27 Peace and harmony
The world-class Japanese gardens of Cowra
32 Spring fling
Seasonal gardening guide
38 Team effort
The growth of a young Bathurst garden
45 Home and style
Decorate with black and white, freshen your home for spring and meet a CW interior designer
54 Think big
27
Life’s lessons at Spring Creek B&B
60 Never say never again
Nevertire’s new age of country women
A village unspoiled by time – discover what makes this small town so unique
99 The Scots School
Academic excellence, individual attention and diverse opportunities
102 Live and learn
Education for the older generation
105 Steer crazy
The man taking a Dubbo school to the top of the led steer ladder
107 Warren show
Thousands flock for an outback day out
112 The good soil
Farmer of the year has the world at her feet
114 Done and dusted
The thrills and spills of Coonamble rodeo
45 On the COVER The Dalton legacy behind historic Duntryleague (page 14). Photography: Shot by Jake
38
67 133 119 Horses for courses
152 Essential adventures
Fred and Suzie Parker’s great love of good horses
125 The Rabbit Trap Hotel
156 Events in the west
In the spotlight for a new reason
126 Jason Owen
The voice that’s put the X Factor in Albert
128 Her best shot
The intrigue of Bathurst artist Nicole Welch
163 Upcoming events
A full calendar to enjoy spring in the Central West Beautiful brides and dashing grooms say “I do”
175 Our advertisers
Magical garden party recipes
140 Bite said Ed
Snapshots from CWL launches in Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee, Cowra’s picnic races and union reunion, Trangie rugby ball and Duck Creek picnic races
167 Central West weddings
Kate Bracks on food and family
133 Spring is king
131 Team MasterChef
Explore local gems Old Errowanbang Woolshed and McFeeters Motor Museum
Mudgee learns the real meaning of food from television chef and food author Fast Ed Halmagyi
The businesses that grace our pages and region
176 The last laugh
Thinking time is plentiful with cattle on the road
143 Honest to goodness
131 143
Local produce is given a french flair at Mudgee’s Market Street Cafe
147 Young at heart
Central West treasure Nancy Rossa defies age
150 Venetian finds
Experience the romance of gondolas
119
156
126
167
From the Publishers The past three months have gone by quickly for us. We have been thrilled to know that the Central West readers (and many others) have truly embraced our magazine. Newsagencies in many centres have recorded outstanding sales of CWL and it has created huge interest among communities. We have had a really rewarding time meeting advertisers and local identities at our four launches. A big thanks must go to Westpac Bank, Dubbo, for their very generous gesture in hosting our Dubbo launch. TJ’s Catering allowed us to enjoy the finest of food and it was an amazing night. The historic and iconic Duntryleague was the venue for our Orange launch, where we enjoyed wine from Angullong and hospitality from Catherine and her team at Duntryleague. A very memorable launch night was held in Bathurst at the gorgeous Bishop’s Court Estate, where Christine, David and their team made welcome the loyal advertisers and many other local business people. Christine’s superb cuisine, along with wine from De Beaurepaire, made for a night few could forget. Our last CWL launch for winter was held in Mudgee at The Brewery, which needs no introduction. Guests will remember a night of entertainment, fine food and wine and a great atmosphere. Special thanks to Gary and Debbie, owners of The Brewery, and their chef, Stephen. We look forward to our final launch in Cowra in September, hosted by The Mill. At this launch we will be showing our appreciation to our southern Central West advertisers. As we travel around the Central West, we are struck by the hardworking and passionate people who work tirelessly to maintain vibrant and successful businesses. We met many when they took their businesses to the shopfronts of the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days. Not only is this an excellent forum for promoting individual products (and CWL enjoyed being there) but an outstanding way to showcase a huge cross section of creative and unique enterprises. During the past two months we made our transition from the Hunter Valley to Dubbo. We feel warmly welcomed here, and it gives us a perfect base to create future magazines, get to know advertisers and meet their needs, as well as develop valuable relationships with all of the newsagencies and retail outlets that stock and sell CWL.
CWL has been an amazing journey for our family as a whole. Our children Richie, Jane, Kate and Anna are pictured here at the Dubbo launch.
We are very excited about the Newslink newsagencies now selling CWL in Sydney’s Central Railway Station and the QANTAS domestic terminal outlets at Sydney airport. This gives us yet another platform from which we can promote the beautiful Central West. Thank you to all the people who have given us valued feedback about CWL. This spring edition is slightly larger and we feel very proud of our second publication. We always welcome ideas from our readers for future stories so please get in touch with us if you have something to contribute. We hope you can find some down time in your busy lives to enjoy reading CWL and explore this unique area so rich in culture and history. Warm regards,
Elizabeth and Alex Tickle 6 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
We enjoyed meeting many new people at the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days in July. We were joined by CWL’s Elizabeth Swane, who was also a guest gardening speaker at the event.
www.mbwestorangemotors.com.au
West Orange Motors 32 Forbes Road Orange NSW 2800 Phone: 02 6361 1000 LMCT: 19853
ECHO
OF THE BUSH
Hello fellow life travellers! What a fantastic ride this past three months has been since the launch of our new magazine at the start of winter. I don’t know if I’ve ever had so much fun as I did at our four launches. I almost forgot to remind our treasured invited guests that I was staging my first exhibition in 20 years! I got a bit carried away in the process, as you do, and ventured into the exacting science of picture framing. I knocked up about 100 frames for my favourite landscapes and portraits from throughout the Central West and even if I’ve still got most of them, they serve as a constant reminder of why I love this job! The days may be cold and foggy but there is still plenty happening throughout the region. I was delighted to attend the Warren Show and see how strong country towns pull together for this most important ritual each year. It’s a great family tradition and a way for country folk to celebrate their achievements in helping feed and clothe the nation. The following day my faith in the CWA was fired up after a little gathering of the ladies in Nevertire. It was great to meet Edna Elder the day before she turned 100 and see four generations of her family under the CWA banner. Surely this must be a record. Our few days at Canowindra stretched into a week as the town welcomed the CWL team like long-lost friends. I met many great characters and locals who are truly passionate about the direction their town is heading. By the time of my departure, I knew the locals and that funny main street, with its big bend in the middle, had silently seduced me and that I, like countless others, would return.
Your fearless correspondent, Shot by Jake, grapples with a python at the Warren Show.
I’ve seen a lot of dry in my travels but country folk are resilient. The dust was well and truly being kicked up at the famous Coonamble Rodeo where I soaked up the atmosphere and bone-jarring action for a good two days. I take my hat off to the hard-working committee who are helping to keep the spirit of the bush alive. I’ve been entertained by celebrity chef Fast Ed, flown over Warren in a tiny ultra light and had the joy of staying in a unique five-star retreat on top of the world (thanks to Kyle and Liz). I’ve met farmers, business folk and families getting along with life as governments change their leaders and the Aussie dollar plummets. Yes folks, times are a changing. By the time you are reading this, spring will be in the air and each of you will find renewed energy and joy in warmer times and fresh challenges. CWL will be with you all the way, bringing real-life stories and from-the-heart images of all that is the best in the Central West. Till next time, keep up with the great feedback and I’ll see you all when I’m looking at you!
Shot by Jake The action of Canowindra – 200 vintage cars stopped in the main street on Easter Sunday last year as part of the Bush Rally. Turn to page 67 for a 32-page feature on the beautiful town. Image: Federation Fotos 8 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
FRONT LABEL
PMS 122 PMS 476 PMS 7499
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 9
your letters ............................................................................
............................................................................ A quick note to say congratulations! You and your team have produced a fantastic first edition of Central West Lifestyle. The quality is fantastic and there appears to be so many interesting stories in this edition I cannot simply flick through. It’s in my handbag ready for my full attention over a cup of tea this evening. Belinda Virgo, Tourism Manager, Cowra Tourism Corporation
............................................................................ Congratulations on your first edition of Central West Lifestyle magazine. I came across it while having a coffee at a cafe in Orange. What a beautiful presentation of the Central West region! Great photos, informative, easy reading. I purchased a number of copies to give to my clients as gifts.
After picking up a copy of Central West Lifestyle at the Mudgee Field Days, I wanted to tell you that I read it from cover to cover and really loved it. It is very refreshing to have a family-owned magazine for the Central West that tells true and life stories within our wonderful region. I particularly love the stories relating to the agricultural families who strive to stay in the industry and put food on our table and clothes on our backs each day. They really are the unsung heroes of this great country. Hopefully our government will realise this soon before all our food is imported. Congratulations to all your team and thank you for many relaxing hours spent reading my way through the vast array of stories. I look forward to watching Central West Lifestyle grow and am already awaiting your next edition. Jayne West, Orange NSW
............................................................................ What a wonderful contribution to the Central West! Finally, someone sees the incredible value of this area. Your magazine shows the wonderful diversity in the types of people and lifestyles in the area and reflects a lovely cross mix.
Carol Newton, Central West Getaways Pty Ltd, Orange
Joanne Stewart, Collie NSW
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Just received your fabulous magazine. It looks so good. Just wanted to congratulate you on such an upmarket magazine and we are so glad you gave us the opportunity to be in this special publication.
Thank you for all the wonderful photos in your winter edition of the magazine, particularly the photograph of my husband on the phone in ‘Sale -O, Sale-O’ (Dubbo sheep sale). We have just moved back to Narromine to raise our first child on Tom’s family farm and be closer to both our families. We truly love this region and could not have imagined raising our children anywhere else. We came across the photo of Tom when my mother-in-law bought the magazine one afternoon. We were so delighted at the photo and thought he looked very important and must have been negotiating a big deal with one of his clients. It was a few days later I showed him the photograph and he told me that he was in fact on the phone with me at the time and was trying to remember the extensive grocery list I was giving him. Not so much of an important deal, just trying to keep his wife happy. Please pass on my thanks to the photographer. It was great to see Tom in the magazine and remind me just how patient he is.
Julie and Murray Fraser, Adors Party Hire, Dubbo
............................................................................ I would like to congratulate the whole team involved with the publication of the first edition of Central West Lifestyle magazine. This is without doubt one of the most professional publications I have had the pleasure of reading. The production is amazing. I loved the diversity of articles about the local people and places and the superb accompanying photography. You truly have managed to showcase the best of the Central West and all its characters and beauty. I can’t wait for the next edition! Jennifer Hector, Bathurst
............................................................................ Great magazine. Especially love the article on Mayfield Garden and Justin Sanderson, of course! Amelia Honner, Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association
Elizabeth Johnston, Narromine NSW
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10 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
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CWL have set a high bar for their first publication. It is excellent – a top format, glossy paper, magnificent photography and interesting articles. I want to visit all the historic towns, meet people in the ads and go into all the shops featured. The magazine was bought in Gloucester and in my excitement when I tried to order for the next edition I was told it would be best to wait until it was actually printed! Superlatives fail me. Julia Stuart, Gloucester
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Congratulations on the stunning photography and wonderful articles in your first edition. I particularly enjoyed Jimmy “The Ulan Cowboy” Westwood’s story – he really does epitomise the “true blue” Aussie! And what a fabulous photo of Jim Simmons on page 133; such a lovely honest face! I look forward to learning more about our regional “neighbours” in your spring edition. Cilla Ryan, Dubbo
............................................................................ Congratulations on your wonderful new venture. Your magazine, Central West Lifestyle, is divine. Every page reflects all the hard work and inspiration that has been poured into its making. The presentation is of the highest standard and could take its place on any news stand in the world. Wishing you every success and may the magazine continue to grow. It is an absolute credit to you both and your amazing team! Julie and Warren Simmons, Dungog
It was a delight to open the first issue of Central West Lifestyle. As well as a broad tour of the region, I was also introduced to unique individuals and their personal stories. This was all expressed through a reassuring return to high-quality writing and gorgeous photography, and I thank you for the beginnings of what I anticipate will continue to be an enjoyable adventure. Dorothy Birse, Wentworth Falls
............................................................................ I just spent the last half hour perusing your magazine. Firstly, let me say congratulations! It is informative, entertaining and classy – a credit to you and your team. But moreover, a big congratulations for having the courage of your convictions and not being content with just wishing but following through with your dream. It is a wonderful testimony to you and your family, who I’m sure play a large part in its production. We wish you well in this venture, and believe your commitment and endeavour will carry you a very long way. Michael and Justine Shumack, Dungog
............................................................................ ............................................................................ In January 2013 while in Tamworth I had the pleasure of catching up with Elizabeth and Alex Tickle. It was wonderful to observe their enthusiasm, their energy and the professionalism with which they were both taking on the challenges of a new venture. It was obvious even then their publication would be extraordinary. When the first edition hit the shop shelves throughout various regions of NSW and southern Queensland, my prediction proved correct: Central West Lifestyle is a wonderful publication. The presentation, the format and very interesting articles mean we will be anxiously awaiting the next edition. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I sent two copies to friends, who are already planning to do short visits to see for themselves some of the amazing places featured. I would love to be able to take photos like Jake! I’m looking forward to the spring edition. You have a wonderful team of very talented people who will ensure the continuing success of Central West Lifestyle. Congratulations, Elizabeth and Alex. Betty Wilson, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
From our Facebook fans www.facebook.com/CentralWestLifestyle Congratulations on the first edition of a fantastic magazine. The photos and stories are amazing. I lived in Bathurst and went to Charles Sturt University so the stories on the historical Blair Athol house and Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour in particular took me back. A very stylish read, I can’t wait for the spring edition. Angela Kelehear, Gresford
............................................................................ Congratulations on a fantastic launch evening and a magazine that is destined for success. The quality is beautiful and a real credit to the team. Gerarda Mader, A Settler’s Cottage, Bathurst
............................................................................ Thanks to everyone at Central West Lifestyle magazine from all of us at Mayfield Garden. We have been blessed with the cover of your first edition. Wishing you all the best. Mayfield Garden, Oberon
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CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 11
Meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE Publisher & Editor
ALEX TICKLE Publisher & Advertising
JAKE LINDSAY Chief Writer & Photographer
KATE BOSHAMMER Art Director & Design
ELIZABETH SWANE Garden Editor
ANNA TICKLE Writer
ANGUS WADDELL Photographer
CATHERINE PLAYER Writer & Advertising
PIP TEYS Home & Style Writer
CHRISTINE LE FEVRE Food & Lifestyle Writer
SOPHIE HANSEN Food Writer
KIM CURRIE Food Writer
LORRAINE HILLS Country Cuisine Writer
JENET STEWART Photographer & Writer
NERIDA INGRAM Advertising, Writer
SHARON HILL Advertising
GINA CRANSON Proofreader
JAMIE MCILWRAITH Proofreader
More information on the team can be found on our website: www.centralwestmagazine.com.au
12 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
Duntryleague in a league of its own WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
AS GENERAL MANAGER of the historic Duntryleague mansion, Matthew Furze is convinced he has one of the best jobs going around. He meets golfers from all over the world who travel especially to Orange in order to play the beautifully landscaped and manicured 18hole golf course. A keen golfer himself, Matthew landed the dream job after working at Sheraton on the Park Hotel, Killara, The Australian and Ryde Parramatta golf clubs. “I work in the greatest office,” he said, and it’s not hard to understand his sentiment. When James Dalton, the owner and builder of Duntryleague, died in 1919 it was eventually left to youngest son Patrick Dalton, a Jesuit priest. In accordance with the rules of society it became a community property but the Bishop of Bathurst rejected the idea of turning Duntryleague into a Catholic college. The mansion was sold to the Orange Golf Club in 1935, which still owns and operates the site and buildings. Everything about the property is big including the 14 rooms, each with their own en suite and unique charm. The main dining room and function rooms are perfect for weddings and special occasions while the outdoor deck lends itself to sunset drinks. When you step into the elegant foyer of the Duntryleague mansion you immediately feel the grandeur of the good old days. It’s also nice to know the staff are ready to welcome you, ensuring a relaxing and comfortable experience for all. Matthew knows he is on the right track regarding personal service and commitment to excellence. Duntryleague recently won the Outstanding Business in the CGU 2012 Food, Accommodation and Tourism Award category, testimony to the dedication of staff and management. Matthew is grateful for the support of more than 1200 Duntryleague members and the Orange community who clearly appreciate the joys of playing golf, dining and staying in one of the truly iconic establishments this side of the Blue Mountains.
16 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
heritage home
James Dalton leaves strong legacy for Orange Duntryleague is a heritage-listed building and one of the finest in town. It represents the efforts of a determined Irishman by the name of James Dalton – a man with extraordinary vision and business acumen born in Duntryleague, Limerick, in 1834. He went on to become one of the wealthiest colonists in the country by the end of the 19th century despite the most harrowing of beginnings. James Dalton was only one year old when his father, an inn-keeper, went on trial for his involvement in a kidnapping case. James Dalton snr was initially sentenced to death before this was changed to transportation. He was put on the convict ship the Hive, along with 249 other male prisoners, but the torturous trip ended in disaster when the vessel ran aground near Eden on the south coast to become mainland Australia’s only convict shipwreck. The crew and convicts made it ashore but the Hive was abandoned with the loss of one life.
Aside from the convicts, the ship carried a valuable cargo of £10,000 of gold coin for the government. A ship was soon dispatched from Sydney to collect the men and precious cargo and on Christmas Eve, 1835, James Dalton arrived in Sydney to begin a new life in the fledgling colony. For the next seven years James worked as a convict in Bathurst and in 1843 was finally given his ticket of leave, enabling him to work for wages. He could have returned to his homeland but opted to make a fresh start at Fredericks Valley, a small mining settlement near Lucknow. In 1847 he petitioned for his family to be shipped to NSW but by that stage only his estranged son James, now 13, was still living in the Emerald Isle. His other children, a son and daughter, had moved to Canada and it was assumed his wife died in the famine of that time. Eventually James jnr was dispatched for Australia on board the Panama, alone and no doubt fearful of what lay ahead. >
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 17
{ heritage home } heritage home
He needn’t have worried. By 1849 the small parcel of land his father had purchased one mile from Lucknow was clear of tree stumps and undergrowth. A bark and slab store was erected and when gold was discovered at Ophir in 1851, the business took off. James snr married an Irish girl, Johanna Hogan, from Tipperary in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney – probably Australia’s most prestigious Catholic church at the time – and ended up with another six children, three of whom died as infants. He went on to become a publican, having applied for the licence of the Daniel O’Connell Inn in Byng Street, one of 12 hotels in Orange at the time. He must have been thrilled when his eldest son Thomas arrived from Canada in 1858 to join his brother James jnr in Dalton Bros. They were a formidable team. Over the next 50 years the brothers helped create a small empire that would encompass more than 120,000 acres (50,000 hectares) of land, 40,000 sheep in the Orange district alone and many prominent businesses both there and in Sydney. It all began with a flour mill, built in 1861 at the corner of Summer and Sale streets. It was an instant success and won several international design prizes. The company expanded until it became the largest wholesale distributor west of the Blue Mountains. The Daltons enjoyed great success growing wheat and producing roasted and ground coffee on a large scale. They built several large wool stores, an impressive retail store in Summer Street and by 1871 had acquired three stations in the Lachlan district. It was in this environment that James Dalton decided to build a mansion befitting his status as one of the wealthiest men in the country.
18 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
In 1876 Duntryleague was completed at a cost of £50,000. It featured beautiful wrought-iron lace embellishments, a magnificent grand stairway and a stunning large stained-glass window, presented by the Vatican for services rendered to the Catholic Church. It quickly became the talk of the town and a perfect family home for James, wife Margaret and their growing family. By the time of his death in 1919, aged 85, James Dalton had fathered 12 children (six sons and six daughters) and left an estate worth many millions of pounds. He had served as Orange mayor (1869), was a major influence on the train line going through town and had built outstanding homes throughout the district. James also played a significant role in the establishment of the famous Cook Park, taking up an entire block in the CBD and helped finance the construction of St Josesph’s Catholic Church. Some of his descendants still living in Orange must surely marvel at the achievements of this remarkable man who arrived in the country with nothing and left so many great legacies like Duntryleague mansion to remember him by. CWL THE DALTON DYNASTY The Orange & District Historical Society’s major event for 2013 will be an exhibition about the Dalton family, to be held at Duntryleague from November 7-10. A number of associated events will take place including a screening of the popular 1927 silent movie about Orange, which features M F Dalton, son of James jnr, and guided tours of some of the other Dalton houses in Orange. Visitors welcome.
Being involved in the story on Duntryleague made me recall this image I took nearly 30 years ago. I love photography and have been involved with images most of my life. I turned my hobby into a profession after leaving our property “Adair”, just out of Orange, and moving into town in 1984. In 1987 Peter O’Neil, the Orange Gallery director, asked me if I would be a guide for Max Dupain as he photographed images for a bicentennial project, which he eventually titled To Orange with Love. I jumped at the opportunity! My mother was Muriel Dalton, a daughter of Edward Bede Dalton, who was a son of James and Margaret Dalton, who built Duntryleague. My job was to show Max possible subjects for his photography, so I took him to see Duntryleague, explaining my connection with the family. He loved the building and we returned later to take many photos. Max let me photograph him working on that project, which was a great thrill for me. I have a rare historical photographic record, from behind the images of that exhibition in 1988. It was Max who instilled in me the importance of light, its direction, quality and intensity, so important in every aspect of photography. Robert Bruce, Orange Robert Bruce captured Max Dupain shooting Duntryleague.
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 19
what Kennedy did next
royal win
THE OLD SAYING GOES “YOU CAN TAKE THE BOY OUT OF THE BUSH, BUT YOU CAN’T TAKE THE BUSH OUT OF THE BOY”. IN MY CASE, IT’S “THE GIRL”.
I AM THE SIXTH GENERATION to be involved in our family farm south west of Dubbo. “The Springs”, as it is known, was settled in 1847 by my great great great grandfather and grandmother, Arthur and Isabella Baird. Their eldest son, Thomas, was one of the instigators of the North-Western Pastoral and Agricultural Association, which held its first show in Dubbo in 1873. This was the precursor of the Dubbo Show Society. As community safety officer with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Orana Team, I am engaged in the city and our region; and importantly, agriculture and rural NSW. Although I work and live in Dubbo, I love being part of our family’s farming business with my parents, Scott and Liz Tourle, and brothers, Tom and Sam. Entering the 2012 Dubbo Showgirl Competition was a natural transition for me and has well and truly exceeded all expectations. It is not a beauty pageant, nor do you need to be a country girl. The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition is about finding an ambassador for rural NSW and the agricultural show movement. At a local level it is about being a representative for your show society and your community. I was blessed growing up in a family with a strong tradition of show and community. The show has always been a much-anticipated date on the social calendar for our whole family. When I was young, a car parked ringside on the main arena at the Dubbo Show provided a base for grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to enjoy picnic lunches and dinners off the bonnet, a meeting place for friends and a coveted spot to watch the fireworks on nightfall, with the oldies sipping our Aunt Laura’s mulled wine to keep warm.
As children we would enter artwork in the show, and every year my grandmother, Joan Tourle, would be found in the flower section of the pavilion, where she took great pride in exhibiting blooms from her much-loved garden. Now as an octogenarian she still enjoys her annual visit to the show with my aunt Robbie. Growing up, it was rare for our family to miss the Sydney Royal Easter Show. My grandfather’s cousin, Roger Wotton, was a councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) and ringmaster during the 1980s, and Mum worked with the RAS when it was located at Moore Park. As small children, we spent most of our time at the “Royal” looking at knee caps as we were being pushed around in prams, and now it is with pride and admiration I see the best of what regional and rural NSW has to offer: quality livestock and produce; the excitement of the main arena and the woodchop; the entertainment and education; and, of course, the showgirl and rural achiever competitions. There is all this and more, not to mention catching up at the end of the day at the members’ bar. So, what an honour the past 12 months have been for me. I love what the showgirl movement represents, being an ambassador for your show, your community, rural and regional NSW, agriculture and the role of youth, particularly women. For me, what better community to represent than the place I call home! Being an entrant in the Dubbo Showgirl was an opportunity in itself and if I had gone no further, it would have still been an extremely worthwhile experience. Being selected at the
zone level to go on to Sydney was exciting. Now, I still can’t believe that I am the 2013 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl, not only an ambassador for Dubbo, but for NSW. It is an amazing experience! The opportunities, the inspiring people I have met and the friends I have made are things I will take with me forever. If these things alone aren’t reason enough to become involved in your local showgirl competition, then I don’t know what is. Winning the showgirl competition has made me realise just how much the competition still means to so many people. It has been overwhelming and so lovely how many handwritten letters and cards I have received from so many. It is an honour and a privilege. I am humbled and so very grateful. CWL Words: Kennedy Tourle Images: Shot by Jake
Above left: The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl 2013, Kennedy Tourle, with runner-up Sarah Groat (left) and second runner-up Sally Ormiston (right). Image supplied.
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Mudgee’s Finest Heritage Listed B & B Accommodation Forgandenny House, 250m from the heart of Mudgee and overlooking Lawson Park and the Cudgegong River, is a magnificent Federation home, designed by architect Harold Hardwick for Dr Charles Lester. Dr Lester was born in Mudgee, completed his medical studies in Edinburgh, where he met his future wife Mary Elizabeth Bruce. Returning to Mudgee to practice Dr Lester built Forgandenny House which is now owned by his great granddaughter Robbie and her husband Errol Holdaway. A First Class B & B, Forgandenny House offers two Queen Rooms and one Queen Suite. All rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed each with a private ensuite, reverse cycle air-conditioning, colour T.V. and original period furniture. Enjoy the warmth of the fire in the guest lounge and feel the ambience of a bygone era. All rooms have French doors leading to the garden or veranda. Play tennis on our court, or just relax on the wide veranda while taking in the garden at sunset and experiencing the pleasures that only a stay at Forgandenny House can offer. Wine tasting, exploring the picturesque countryside, browsing through weekend markets and enjoying a delectable meal at one of the many local eateries are a must when visiting Mudgee.
stay@forgandenny.com.au
www.forgandenny.com.au
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Highly recommended on Tripadvisor and by our many guests, one would have to say‌ this is just what the good Dr ordered.
Your hosts: Robbie and Errol Holdaway
Phone 6372 2437
Mobile 0438 151 719
15-19 Short Street, Mudgee
bed & breakfast
Just what the doctor ordered It took the collapse of an airline company to get a country girl out of the city and back to Mudgee to reclaim her ancestral home. Today Robbie Holdaway manages the much-loved Forgandenny B&B but the old house represents much more than bricks and mortar. WHEN BUILT IN 1900 by one of Mudgee’s first doctors, Dr Charles Lester, it served as his home and medical practice for 25 years. During that time patients came from near and far in their horse-drawn buggies for advice from the genteel country doctor who lived in such salubrious surroundings. Dr Lester was well educated, having studied medicine and surgery in Edinburgh. While in Scotland he married a local lass, and the name “Forgandenny” was given to the Mudgee house as a reminder of her native town so far away. In the 1920s Dr Lester lost the house in what is believed to be a contract default after taking his ill wife back to Scotland for a family visit. He had organised a locum to take care of the practice while abroad but was obligated by a clause in the contract to return by a specific date. When he failed to do so, the house was handed over to the locum and continued as a successful practice until 1997 when it was transformed into a luxury B&B. A small fortune was spent installing tasteful en suites for each of three main guest rooms and improving the overall look of the home, set on one acre of manicured gardens. In 1998 French doors were installed into a wall of the old billiard room, allowing the massive billiard table to finally be removed after sitting there for generations. Robbie’s sister was lucky enough to buy the billiard table and had it trucked to her Adelaide home, to serve as a tangible link to her past while providing enjoyment for her three sons.
Two years later the property went into receivership and was offered for auction. Robbie could hardly contain her excitement. Ever since she was a little girl she had heard stories about the good doctor and that house! Robbie clearly remembers visiting the pool across the road as a child in the 1960s. Her grandmother always pointed out the house and recounted wonderful stories of Robbie’s grandfather growing up there. Robbie understood the family connection and knew Dr Lester was none other than her great grandfather and Mudgee’s much-revered medico and pharmacist. It was an overwhelming feeling of emotion and pride when the auctioneer’s hammer came down and Robbie and husband Errol became the proud new owners of Forgandenny. The century-old house was again in the hands of the descendants of the original owners – albeit 75 years after losing it. The B&B has now been operating for 13 years under Robbie’s guardianship. During that time she has fallen in love with the house that today accommodates many of the original furnishings, including wardrobes, dressing tables and dressers. More importantly, she enjoys playing hostess to her constant stream of guests, a natural extension of her 25-year tenure as flight attendant manager at Ansett Airlines. Robbie was there when the company collapsed in 2001, and although stressful at the time, it had the desired effect of bringing her home to Mudgee full time to manage Forgandenny. >
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bed & breakfast
Errol, on the other hand, still loves flying high after nearly 40 years as a Qantas international flight attendant. Their two daughters, Elyse, 23, and Bianca, 20, are at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, while son Max, 26, has his own IT company and works in Sweden. Although they grew up in the house they are now pursuing their own careers and often leave Robbie to keep watch over the much-admired masterpiece. “Some people assume running a B&B is a luxurious lifestyle but we actually plough most of our earnings back into the upkeep of the house. The joys of returning to the old family home and sharing it with others far outweighs the high cost of maintenance,” she said. The B&B is open seven days a week, thanks to a resurgence of corporate travellers, semiretirees and tourists exploring the Central West. “A lot of guests say they are tired of the general, run-of-the-mill accommodation and prefer a more homely atmosphere, which is what we ultimately deliver at Forgandenny.” It’s been a great adventure, even if things didn’t quite go the way Robbie had anticipated. “I thought I had my life all worked out,” she said. “I had planned to retire when I was 55, which was a few weeks ago, but then Ansett collapsed and the carpet was pulled from under me. In hindsight I was lucky I had this to fall back on, taking Forgandenny to another level – not everyone was so fortunate.” Robbie followed in the footsteps of many of her family members in the medical profession and started nursing. She still nurses part-time at a nearby aged-care facility. Robbie said she never tired of talking about the old doctor and the legacy he left Mudgee. “I often think about my ancestors and feel their presence in my home. A lot of regular guests say ‘I heard Charlie stumbling around last night’ but I say Charlie’s a happy ghost and it was probably Percy the possum, clambering about the roof.” It’s all part of the Forgandenny magic. It’s a block and a half to town, there is a heated pool and park across the road, a tennis court bordering the house and wide verandahs to sit and soak up the atmosphere. As for Robbie, there’s little time for such indulgence. She would rather drive out to her parents’ historic farm (between Mudgee and Gulgong) to help whenever she can. “Many a guest has seen me fly out the door in boots and overalls to help deliver a calf or give Mum and Dad a hand to move sheep or attend the olive groves,” Robbie laughed.
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This former high-flyer now considers Forgandenny House the best investment she’s ever made. In years to come perhaps they will tell stories of how the family lost and then got back the old home that stores many precious memories about the town’s first surgeon. “I’ve threatened my kids I will come back to haunt them if they ever let this place go,” Robbie said. The reality is Robbie and Errol hope the place stays in the family for generations to come. “We would also like to wholeheartedly thank our many guests and friends for supporting our passion to provide excellence in service at Forgandenny,” she said. “We are humbled and proud of our achievement.” CWL www.forgandenny.com.au Words & images: Shot by Jake
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WHAT MAKES A CENTURY 21 AGENT? THEY’RE MADE OF ONE PART FRIENDLY HANDSHAKE, THREE PARTS IRON JACKAROO AND NINETY-EIGHT PARTS BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS UNTIL THEY FIND A PERFECT HOME FOR YOU. AND IF YOU’RE WONDERING HOW SOMEONE COULD BE A HUNDRED AND TWO PARTS, THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE, THEY’RE THAT GOOD. CENTURY 21 AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. CENTURY21.COM.AU
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garden
peace
and harmony
AT COWRA IN THE CENTRAL WEST YOU CAN VISIT ONE OF THE VERY BEST JAPANESE GARDENS IN THE WORLD. IT’S A CALM, TRANQUIL HAVEN YEAR-ROUND – A LOVELY SPOT FOR A QUIET PICNIC – BUT IT’S SPECTACULARLY PRETTY IN SPRING DURING THE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL. WORDS: ELIZABETH SWANE IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
garden
HAVING COMMENCED his apprenticeship in the garden in 1993 under the leadership of Don Kibbler, garden maintenance manager Justin Smith and his team of four are entrusted with the upkeep of the picturesque Japanese garden at Cowra. Over his 20-year association with the Cowra Japanese Gardens, he and the team have been fortunate to visit Japan several times to visit gardens and intensively study Japanese principles and techniques. Justin also worked closely with Japanese garden architect Ken Nakajima during his lifetime. He demonstrates not only a keen understanding of every aspect of this garden, but also the philosophy behind the design features that make the garden the tranquil place it is today. It now stands as a beautiful and very fitting memorial to the lives lost, not only of those Australian soldiers and Japanese prisoners of war lost in the infamous Cowra breakout in 1945, but all who served in war. The concept behind the garden was one of reconciliation, the forging of relationships between the Australian town of Cowra and Japanese communities and to acknowledge their friendship. The garden was first proposed in 1973, and in 1976 renowned Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was invited to Cowra to choose the site and design the garden. Ken’s chosen site contained a prominent vertical granite rock on top of a hill, known as Shogoseki or guardian saint, which is the balancing point within the garden. A horizontal rock, a Yogoseki, sits beside it, where spirits dance and look after the goodwill of the garden. At the time, Ken described this discovery as mystifying, but most fortuitous. Construction began in 1977 in two stages. The first, completed and opened in 1979, included the top lake, the Tea House and entry foyer, the first Cultural Centre and waterfalls. Drought took hold in 1980, making for difficult times that delayed the establishment of the second stage until 1986. When completed, this included the extension of the streams, the bottom lake, pottery studio, Bonsai house, Edo cottage with Tatami room, extensive irrigation works and additional rooms in the Cultural Centre. Ken Nakajima designed gardens all over the world but he considered the Cowra Japanese Garden among his very favourite places. He visited Cowra often and, by request, close to one of his treasured views within the garden, some of his ashes now lay. Ken’s fastidious approach directing the work on the garden, from the overall concept to the landscape plan, and selection of plants and stones, was remarkable. This garden clearly demonstrates his desire to capture the essential essence of a natural Japanese landscape.
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Above L-R: Looking across the garden from designer Ken Nakajima’s favourite viewing point; immaculately pruned shrubs represent the rolling hills of Japan; a flurry of cherry blossoms in spring (Image: Cowra Japanese Garden). Opposite: The essential essence of a natural Japanese landscape is captured within this Australian garden.
On our tour of the garden with Justin, he pointed out the key elements of this Japanese garden. High on the hill representing Mt Fuji, a grove of towering local Eucalyptus albens, or white box, which are hundreds of years old, were retained to add age and depict the Australian soldiers who fought in the Second World War. The waterfalls running through the garden represent the streams and rivers flowing into a mountain lake, the top lake, and then down into the bottom lake, which represents the ocean. The buildings are indicative of towns and villages, and the trimmed hedges the rolling landscapes of Japan.
The five-hectare (12.5-acre) site is covered entirely by a formal Japanese Kaiyushiki or strolling garden and boasts 2.5 kilometres of winding pathways. For visitors (around 40,000 annually) walking at a steady pace, it takes a little over an hour to stroll around the whole garden, but we’d recommend taking a couple of hours to really appreciate the site, stopping at all 49 points of interest described by the comprehensive audio guide. The wide pathways are wheelchair-friendly, and there are electric buggies and carts to hire for those less mobile. >
garden
Children will love to ring the Bonsho bell, feed the colorful Koi carp in the lakes, and explore the garden discovering the delights of the unfolding landscape. Take time to enjoy the Shakkei, or borrowed view, which stretches to the horizon, continuing the garden into the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of resting places, lots of shade created by trees, the arbour or the wisteria-covered pergola, and a café for refreshments at the finish. And you are welcome to bring a picnic. The many and varied plantings were selected with the help of Canberra University to suit Cowra’s extremes of climate, which range from -2°C in winter to 40°C in summer. The plant listings contain some 124 species, including flowering cherry trees, Japanese black pine and Australian kurrajong trees. While some plantings are those original to the design, others have evolved and changed, such as the boundary screens of radiata pines that suffered in the drought and have been replaced with native white cypress. Justin says Ken used to visit the garden armed with pink or red tape: pink for pruning and red for removing, if
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something had grown beyond the space. Aside from caring for the extensive three hectares of lawn area, hedging and pruning is a constant maintenance task, and you have to admire the skill of the team who keep this garden looking immaculate year-round. As one would expect, spring is a very popular time to visit, to enjoy the cherry blossoms, yet autumn is also spectacular with its bursts of vibrant foliage colour. However, the varied range of interesting and seasonal plants has been designed to provide highlights all year, just as you would see in nature’s landscape. The exhibition of Japanese art in the Cultural Centre took me back to my childhood, as the Japanese dolls dressed in Kimono on display were reminiscent of souvenirs brought home by travelling relatives. Visitors are enthralled with the collection of more than 400 wooden Japanese Kokeshi dolls, two balsa wood models of traditional Japanese architecture, a 1.4-metre tall Somenishiki vase and many other magnificent Japanese artefacts that have been donated to the centre. During the
Cherry Blossom Festival, held every September, tea ceremonies are conducted in the open-air Tea House, and in May there’s a celebration of Japanese Children’s Day complete with kiteflying. On your next trip to Cowra, spend a few hours in the Japanese Garden. You will leave with a wonderful sense of calm, and a newfound admiration of those who set out to create a world-class garden, a symbol of peace and reconciliation with the utmost respect for nature. CWL Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre, Binni Creek Road, Cowra. Ph. 02 6341 2233 Open daily 8.30am-5pm; closed Christmas Day www.cowragarden.com.au The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on September 28 this year.
Above: An overview of the garden and surrounding white box trees; a black and white memoir from the construction stage (Image: Cowra Japanese Garden); the bottom lake, viewing platform and open-roofed Bonsai house .
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seasonal gardening
Spring fling THE FIRST BRAVE SPRING BLOSSOMS HAVE ARRIVED AND GREEN BUDS ARE SWELLING ON THE TREES – BOTH GARDENS AND GARDENERS ARE ENTHUSIASTIC, FULL OF SPRING ENERGY! IN SOME AREAS THERE’S STILL A CHANCE OF FROST, SO GO GENTLY WITH NEW PLANTINGS UNTIL ALL DANGER OF FROST HAS PASSED. SEEDS OF SUCCESS Annual flowers, vegetables and herbs such as basil won’t germinate while the soil is too cold, so start these in pots or seed trays, in seed-raising mix, indoors on a sunny windowsill. Once the last frost has passed and you see annual weeds popping up in the garden – that’s a signal the soil is warm enough to sow seeds outside, or transplant seedlings. Tip: repurpose cut-down clear plastic soft drink bottles as mini greenhouses to cover tender young seedlings at night. Lift these temporary cloches off during the day.
EDIBLE GARDEN
MULCH EVERYTHING!
Plenty of sunshine, enriched and well-drained soil, water, and successive plantings are the key ingredients for a steady supply of healthy, home-grown produce.
Mulch conserves valuable soil moisture, keeps plant roots cool during the hotter months, and suppresses weeds. Whichever mulch you choose, apply it now 30-50mm thick, especially after spring rains.
Summer salad vegies to plant from seed or seedlings: Asian greens, cabbages, capsicum, chilli, salad greens and lettuce (both hearted and loose-leaf types), onions, spring onions, radish, silverbeet, squash, zucchini and ever-popular tomatoes. Direct-sow seeds of beetroot, carrots, parsnips and beans, as these resent transplanting. Seed tapes make for easy spacing, or mix fine seeds with sand before sowing. In mid to late spring: Sow or plant corn, cucumber, eggplant, leeks, melons, watermelon, snow peas, pumpkin and spinach. Plant herbs such as basil, parsley, chives, chervil and mint, which partner perfectly with spring and summer meals. Potted vegies: Short on space? Vegies grow happily in containers, so choose a 40cm diameter pot and fill it with a 50:50 mix of vegie potting mix and compost. Select dwarf or compact varieties with high yields, such as Cucumber Patio Snack (from Floriana) or tomatoes such as Cherry Falls, Patio Prize or Tiny Tim. Try micro greens on a sunny windowsill; sown into a shallow tray they’ll germinate in 10-14 days and once they are 5-10cm high you can snip off baby gourmet leaves to use in salads or add pizzazz to sandwiches. Spuds: A late crop of potatoes can be planted in September, for summer harvests. Keep mounding around the green stems with soil or compost, as they grow upwards, for a more bountiful crop. Berry tasty: Tie up raspberry canes as they grow, and net your crops of these, blueberries and strawberries so you get to eat the crop, instead of the birds! Beetroot prefer to be direct-sown (Angus Waddell); new easy-pick Gold or Green Zucchini from Floriana are easy to harvest, as the stems are upright (www.oasishorticulture.com.au); snow peas need a frame or tripod of stakes to climb on (Angus Waddell); cucumber Patio Snack has delicious, crunchy fruit and remains compact in pots (www.oasishorticulture.com.au); blueberry burst (www.plantnet.com.au).
Fine-textured mulches like leaf litter, straw or sugar cane break down into the soil within six to 12 months, and combined with composted cow manure these are terrific around edibles and roses. Coarse-textured mulches such as pine bark or cypress mulch take longer to break down (18-24 months) and allow water to percolate down while protecting the soil surface. Coffee grounds and pine needles are excellent mulches – and even better if composted first – around acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas and blueberries. Always keep mulches clear of trunks or stems. Whole biscuits of lucerne hay protect exposed rhododendrons (Angus Waddell).
FEEDING TIME Feeding plants in spring ensures strong, healthy growth right through the growing season. A controlled-release fertiliser feeds plants gradually over several months, when temperatures and moisture conditions are optimal. Organic, pelletised manures are easy to distribute, especially around roses, vegies, citrus and other edibles. Apply fertilisers to moist soil, and don’t be tempted to over-feed: a little, applied often, is better than a lot at once, as too much new growth also means increased water needs. Lemons (Angus Waddell).
BLOOMING MARVELLOUS Gardeners are spoilt for choice now with the colourful exuberance of roses, blossom trees, rhododendrons and a host of other spring blooms. It’s tempting to fill your garden with colour and plant everything in a rush of spring fervour, but try planting a little now and then more three to four weeks later, to extend your spring display. Smaller-sized plants are easier to care for and often establish quicker than larger specimens. Remember, there’s a long, hot summer ahead. Princess lavender (www.pma.com.au); shrub rose Heidischnee (Angus Waddell).
LAWN CARE Weedy or bare patches in lawns often indicate compacted soils. The solution is aeration, either by a mechanical lawn aerator or with the tines of a garden fork. Over-sowing lawns with new seeds, or laying new turf is best done in early spring, giving the grass time to establish before summer. Feed established lawns with controlled-release lawn food, or use a lawn starter on new lawns, and water in well. As spring progresses, raise the mower blades, allowing the lawn to grow a bit longer, keeping roots cooler and conditioning the lawn for the drier months ahead.
PEST PATROL Look for aphids on new spring growth – these sap-suckers love roses especially. Hose them off with a blast of water, or spray with an ecofriendly oil or soap spray. Set up some beer snail traps, or use a pet-friendly, iron-based snail and slug bait around young seedlings.
LONG-LASTING COLOUR Plant summer colour for a long-lasting display. Annual petunias, snapdragons, cosmos, salvia, gomphrena and star zinnias are heat-busters and they all will flower their heads off well into autumn. For beautiful, quick-spreading cover in baskets and pots, try New Shock Wave Petunia Coral Crush. Kids will love towering sunflowers with their huge blooms. Fertilise all new plantings with a blend of liquid fertiliser and a dose of seaweed. Dahlias are colourful and easy-care, great for picking and the short-stem varieties don’t need staking. Perennial penstemons, verbenas and phlox are hardy stalwarts popping up year after year. Petunias (Elizabeth Swane); cosmos Little Angels (www.oasishorticulture.com.au); dahlia (www.apg.com.au).
TIP-PRUNING Directly after flowering finishes is a good time to tip-prune or reduce the size of flowering shrubs – especially natives like wattles, grevilleas and bottlebrush. Trim these back by one-third as the flowers fade. Give straggly fuchsias an overall shear and they’ll respond with plenty of new growth and lots more blooms. Don’t be tempted to cut back the foliage of spring bulbs as they finish; allow them to die down naturally as they store energy for next year’s flowers. Leave tulip bulbs to die down naturally (MIFGS Matt Deller).
GO VISITING – TAKE A PEEK OVER THE FENCE Visiting open gardens is enjoyable, and a great source of inspiring ideas to use in your garden. For beginners and those new to the local area, it’s a perfect way gather information on which plants perform well under local conditions. Check our upcoming events (page 164) for garden openings throughout spring in Rydal, Bathurst, Mayfield, Millthorpe and Cowra. See you there!
CWL
Lavender Pukehou (www.pma.com.au). Words: Elizabeth Swane Main image: Cosmos (www.oasishorticulture.com.au).
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Making a splash BERT WRIGLEY IRRIGATION IN DUBBO HAS BEEN A SPECIALIST IN IRRIGATION SUPPLIES AND WATER-RELATED EQUIPMENT FOR MANY YEARS, SERVICING THE TRADE AND DOMESTIC IRRIGATION MARKETS OF THE CENTRAL WEST. The business can boast Bert’s extensive experience in all aspects of irrigation, and specialist knowledge of the design and implementation of water-efficient irrigation and water-management programs. The friendly staff is more than happy to provide detailed quotes and prompt installations for you. Since 1988, Bert has been heavily involved in the irrigation industry, initially as an irrigation installer and pump technician, before migrating into contracting and then establishing Bert Wrigley Irrigation in 2005. Bert was born in Dubbo, but grew up in Maroubra as the son of a racehorse trainer. The decision to move back to the Central West when Bert was 14 was based on his father’s desire to train horses in the country, so the family relocated to Wellington. “It was a change that I wasn’t happy with at the time,” Bert said. “Living near the beach meant I could surf every day, and of course that changed when we moved. “As it turns out, I really do love the area.” Bert’s business supplies commercial irrigation equipment to irrigation installers and other professionals, as well as focusing on the design and construction components of the maintenance of water and irrigation systems. Bert Wrigley Irrigation are experts in water management, servicing a broad range of markets including agriculture, horticulture, commercial and residential turf and golf course irrigation systems. The team also assists with water recycling and storm water harvesting, commercial building services, water treatment and filtration and domestic irrigation and pumping. “We’ll provide all your stock water requirements from identifying and analysing your needs to design concepts and finally installation,” Bert’s wife, Rachel, said. “Importantly, you can be confident that our equipment is right for you and relative to your specific needs. “Our product range is vast. We stock domestic and commercial pumps, farm pressure pumps, rainwater harvesting equipment, pool pumps and filters, PVC pipe and fittings, and various types of valves, just to name a few.”
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The store offers same-day mechanical repairs, and employs qualified repair and service technicians to best assist you. Bert Wrigley Irrigation services all makes and models of solar, pressure and centrifugal pumps, as well as already installed systems and equipment. A wide variety of tanks at competitive prices is also available, with fantastic homeowner and builder packages. “This year we set up the Sprinkler System Shop, which is an online store offering leading industry branded products, so you can guarantee a high level of quality and a vast product range,” Rachel said. When he’s not all systems go at Bert Wrigley Irrigation, Bert enjoys surfing, football and motor sport and is heavily involved with the Junior Rugby League in Dubbo. Bert has also been competing in karting for more than 20 years. “Rachel and I own another business, Wrigley Kart Supplies, where we sell new and used karts and all the accessories that go with the sport,” Bert said. It seems like a lot for one family to take on, but the Wrigleys take it all in their stride. Words: Anna Tickle
Bert Wrigley Irrigation stocks the following brands: • AiP
• Bauer
• Ramdex
• AAP Industries
• Iplex Pipelines
• Rapidplas
• Calpeda Pumps
• Lorentz
• Rapidspray
• Crusader Hose
• Orange Pumps
• Solco
• Delta Water Solutions
• Onga Pentair Water
• Toro
• Franklin Electric
• Philmac
• Hunter
• Rainbird
• Vinidex Systems & Solutions
THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM SHOP Servicing the Central West Bert Wrigley Irrigation is a family owned business which provides an extensive range of quality big brand irrigation supplies at wholesale pricing. We supply all irrigation equipment, pump systems, pond equipment, solar products, rainwater tanks, filters, pipe and fittings. Our retail shop is located in Dubbo and has been a specialist in irrigation supplies and water related equipment for over 20 years, servicing customers across NSW. We also supply irrigation equipment to irrigation installers and other professionals as well as designing, supplying and installing sprinkler systems for commercial and residential homes.
24 Bourke St DUBBO NSW 2830 E. info@sprinklersystemshop.com.au
Ph. 02 6884 4611
www.sprinklersystemshop.com.au
SPRING
OPEN WEEKENDS Private and water garden Oberon, NSW
0750_MAY_CW LIFE.indd 1
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19–20,26–27 OCT 2–3 NOV 2013 www.mayfieldgarden.com.au
12/07/13 9:38 AM
Boots
AND ALL
THE HAY FAMILY of Parkes owns and runs not one, but four local businesses. Hay’s Gift and Gardenware is headed by Fran and Ann-Maree Hay, and was established from scratch in November 2011 to cater for the ever-expanding range of products at their Mitre 10 store. Hay Timber, Frame and Truss, and Hay’s Timber Wholesale are the extra business entities that keep the team busy and highly involved with the local community. This year, the family further extended the shop on Clarinda Street to accommodate the new country outfit range by Thomas Cook, Wrangler and Ariat, proving to be popular among the Central Western crowd. Here you will find clothing and boots for men, women and children by brands renowned for their high standard of quality and durability. Throw a range of Burke and Wills swags and Emu ugg boots into the mix and you have an unbeatable variety of products. Hay’s Gift and Gardenware also stocks Victoria linen, such as doilies and cotton nighties, and has an enormous range of photo frames, garden ornaments and candles.
In the country section of the store you will find outdoor items such as timber bins and garden equipment, as well as towel racks and essentials for your home. The lovely team of staff at Hay’s includes full-time assistant Lisa Watson, and casuals Sam, Stacey, Carmen and Michelle. Fran, Ann-Maree and the girls are friendly and willing to assist you with anything you need for your house or garden, or simply a special gift. Words: Anna Tickle
Above: Attentive staff members at Hay’s Gift and Gardenware are ready to help you. From left, Sam Cox, Lisa Watson, Fran Hay and Ann-Maree Hay.
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TEAM EFFORT CREATING A LARGE ACREAGE GARDEN FROM SCRATCH IS A LOT OF WORK BUT IT CAN ALSO BE WONDERFUL FUN, AND TEAMWORK IS THE SECRET TO HOW OWNERS TIM AND JENNY HECTOR HAVE MADE THE GARDEN AT “BENNING” SUCH A SUCCESS IN A FEW SHORT YEARS. WORDS: ELIZABETH SWANE IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
Most couples decide to downsize as they head towards retirement, but not so Tim and Jenny Hector, who upsized from a large town block in Bathurst to a lifestyle acreage on the slopes of Mount Panorama five years ago. Tim and Jenny’s original block choice was on the high side across the road, however their architect convinced them of the advantages of the land opposite. The new site, facing north and commanding impressive views, required extensive terracing to retain the steep slope. Tim and Jenny’s new home is large, and the surrounding beautiful garden is a shining example of what a couple of keen gardeners can achieve in a few short years. Jenny says they started with a garden plan, but couldn’t source many of the plants listed, so they used the plan as a base for the design and plantings seen today. “The soil here is awful,” Tim said. “There’s a lousy two to three inches then it’s solid granite rock.” Before planting, every new plant needs extensive rubble drains constructed with stones, and even so the plants can sit waterlogged for several days. When it rains, water washes down off the mountain, over the road and onto their block. The drainage is Tim’s department – and judging by the lush garden, he’s pretty good at his job! Site soil has been improved by adding compost, and some soil was imported to backfill the terrace gardens. Screen plantings around all the boundaries were first to go in, necessary to slow down the prevailing westerly winds, and offer privacy. Tall Bhutan cypress (Cupressus torulosa) on the western side and layered shrub plantings of native grevilleas and wattles also provide a wind buffer.
38 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
The area has rural zoning, meaning only rural boundary fences are allowed, so mixed plantings of hardy Pfitzer juniper, boulevard cypress, Escallonia, Pittosporum, Photinia and Rhaphiolepis act as living fences. Gardeners often learn by trial and error, and Jenny says the Escallonia iveyi hedge is struggling and they are considering replacing it with Viburnum laurustinus. Low hedges of Hebe Pretty in Pink used within the garden to define and divide areas have purple-tinged foliage in winter that adds a wonderful contrast against the lush green lawns. It was essential to retain the sloping site, and the concrete blocks used to build the extensive terraces were purchased in Gympie, Queensland, while Tim was consulting there. He admired the soft colouring and smooth texture and says it was worth the investment, as the blocks have a particularly good surface that requires little maintenance and still looks pristine. “Benning” is a plant-lover’s paradise and Jenny’s keen interest in a wide variety of plants is clearly evident, her eclectic selection creating colour and interest year-round. Plants are sourced from what they describe as “nursery crawls”, on country road trips, many have been gifts from friends, and others arrive by mail-order, most as small plants, which establish better in Bathurst’s extreme climate. Within the terrace plantings there are white carpet roses, prostrate conifers and weeping groundcover wattles, and low cotoneasters that spill over and soften the walls. Colourful Erica and tall Japanese windflowers bloom in autumn and during spring alpine Phlox carpet the surface in a burst of colour. >
garden
Clockwise from above left: The magnificent stag and fawn sculptures were craned into position; team Benning – Tim, Jenny and their miniature Schnauzer Kahlie; boundary plantings for privacy and wind protection; brilliant Coral Bark Maple Acer Sango Kaku (Image: Judith Miller); in the front garden an ornate fountain welcomes visitors; long flowering, perennial pink penstemon; ground cover juniper cascades over terrace walls; in just five years the garden already enhances the house. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 39
garden
Protected on the southern side, shade-lovers and cool-climate species including dogwood (Cornus), bell-flowered Leucothoe, yellow winter aconite, oakleaf Hydrangea, variegated Geranium and Epimedium tucked in close to the house. Elsewhere, deep, curving borders are filled with a clever combination of hardy flowering shrubs such as butterfly bush (Buddleja), may bush (Spiraea), roses, colourful foliaged Berberis ‘Rosy Glow’, smoke bush (Cotinus), hop bush (Dodonea), and shiny-leaved Coprosma and Abelia. Shrubs are closely inter-planted with perennials including penstemons, lavender, gaillardia, lilies, blue Geranium ‘Roseanne’, Gazania, Alchemilla and a host of different salvias. Silvery-grey foliage plants add contrast and interest and include Teucrium, Correa and Stachys. Jenny often repeats the plants which perform well, incorporating them throughout the garden. There’s the occasional annual petunia, but seasonal flower colour is provided mostly by shrubs, perennials and naturalised bulbs, such as pretty white rain lilies that were in full bloom in autumn, and the large collection of iris and bulbs that flower their heads off in spring. All the garden beds are thickly mulched with pine bark to suppress weeds, keep roots cooler, and slow down water run-off. Tim mixes up the fertiliser program, using alternate feeds of controlled-release fertiliser and Dynamic Lifter, as the pine bark draws out soil nitrogen as it slowly breaks down. On the terrace, succulents enjoy the reflected heat and a Mexican Beschorneria has towering blooms in spring. Koi carp swim happily in the sun-drenched fishpond protected from birds by water plants. Clematis twines over a nearby lattice trellis, providing a sheltered spot for summer entertaining. The many and varied tree plantings have grown quickly, providing a sense of structure and height throughout the garden, plus valuable shade. Their spring and summer flowers, brilliant autumn foliage, and elegant winter tracery are all welcome bonuses. Selected trees here include: scarlet oak, pin oak, spotted elm, Manchurian, Capital and Chanticleer pears, white trunked silver birches (which almost match the Colorbond roof colour Dune), frothy crepe myrtles, delicate Japanese maples, robinia, claret ash and Albizia, the silk floss tree. Weeping swamp cypress (Taxodium) enjoys the water, and a very healthy Wollemi pine grows in a surprisingly exposed position.
Tim finds mowing relaxing, which is handy considering the extensive lawn areas, and he cuts most of the lawn with a ride-on mower, however his new self-propelled mower will make the steep slopes and difficult bits easier to tackle. The lawn is a local turf blend of couch, fescue and bluegrass that is tough and quick to recover after foot or animal traffic. The magnificent stag and fawn sculptures were craned into position high on the hill overlooking the garden, and many other beautiful garden sculptures have been collected on trips over the years. Large pots house specimen weeping Japanese maples and other colourful display pots, and fountains and seating are used as other focal points within the garden. Wildlife abounds at “Benning”, and aside from the odd kangaroo or fox, the garden is regularly visited by many native birds enjoying the nectar, the protection of the dense plantings and the seed on offer. Two bar finches, fairy wrens and firetails are regular tiny visitors, and the topknot pigeons and the bright green grass parrots are a delight to watch. Western spinebills provide a constant source of pleasure as they dart around the salvias and penstemons. Not so welcome were the brown snakes, which unfortunately saw the demise of two beloved family dogs until Tim installed solar-powered snake-repellent units that vibrate in the ground. Tim says the cost was less than antivenine, and their inquisitive miniature Schnauzer, Kahlie, is living, tail-wagging proof of their effectiveness. Although this gardening couple may have their defined areas of expertise, as a team they are formidable and have created a wonderful space that’s a pleasure to enjoy in every season. CWL Tim and Jenny’s garden, “Benning”, is open during the Bathurst Spring Spectacular on October 26 and 27, 2013. Tickets are available from the Bathurst Tourist Information Centre: www.bathurstspringspectacular.com. Above L-R: A timber garden seat flanked by flowering pink penstemon sits among the wide border plantings; terraces retain the steep slope, display a wide variety of ground covers and trees for year-round colour. Opposite L-R: Native violet Viola hederacea ; Zephyranthes Rain Lily; miniature flax; succulent bowl; elegant statuary; Variegated Geranium ‘Madame Saleron’; Berberis ‘Rosy Glow’; Koi Carp and goldfish (Image: Judith Miller); Lavender hybrid for autumn and winter colour. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 41
REAL ESTATE
THE BEST OF
both worlds
ON 2.247 GLORIOUS HECTARES IN FIRGROVE ESTATE AMONG AN ARBORETUM OF ESTABLISHED TREES, YOU WILL DISCOVER A MAGNIFICENT COUNTRY-STYLE FOUR-BEDROOM RESIDENCE. AS YOU DRIVE UP THE TREE-LINED DRIVEWAY, YOU WILL REALISE THAT 10L WILFRED SMITH DRIVE IS A HOME WITH UNIQUE CHARACTER AND CLASSIC CHARM. Here you will find a peace and quiet that is hard to come by in a popular regional centre. The rural feel of the property is truly tranquil. Pair this with city convenience and this just might be your ultimate dream home. On entering the foyer you will instantly notice the warm and inviting colour scheme, country-style timber floors and wooden features. The formal lounge room exudes a genuine country comfort, with an open fireplace. Continue on a little further and an adjoining formal dining room is bound to impress. The timber kitchen has all the conveniences of a gas cook top, wall oven, dishwasher and plenty of bench space to be your own master chef. Entertain your family and friends in the spacious, relaxing family room with a wood heater and enough room for a pool table, should you so choose. Perhaps the media room or office is more your thing, and if not, the four oversized bedrooms should cater perfectly for the comfort of your family. Looking to impress your friends with a stunning outside entertainment area? 10L Wilfred Smith Drive has just that. With a feature of timber decking and a sunken spa you will have an uninterrupted view of the sparkling pool and country outlook. After exploring the inviting gardens that surround the home, you will come across a double lock-up garage and a generous four-car carport, providing more than enough space for everybody’s precious belongings. For your pets, the residence offers an enormous bird aviary and chicken yard, posing the opportunity to have your very own fresh, free-range eggs.
You will be able to sit around a dugout fire pit and watch the flames roar, as you cook a delicious dinner and catch up with your family and guests on your very own camping trip. Just a little further and you will find a creek to explore, perhaps via horseback, or maybe on a rejuvenating bushwalk around your new property. The home runs on town water, and offers a town bus run as well as a school bus from door to door. Here, you will discover the monumental benefits of being close to town, while enjoying the quiet atmosphere of your own acreage. 10L Wilfred Smith Drive, Dubbo, has been owned and loved by the vendor for 10 years and has brought their family unit much happiness and enjoyment. The opportunity to attain such a beautiful piece of land in this great locality is rare to come by, and on October 15, 2013, Raine and Horne Dubbo is giving potential homeowners the chance to purchase the property. Call Property Consultant Monica Henley and arrange an inspection of this home to truly discover what it’s like to have the best of both worlds: classic country charisma and city convenience. Perhaps it will be just the one for you. Contact Monica Henley on 0410 615 505 or email monicah@rhdubbo.com.au.
www.rh.com.au/dubbo Words: Anna Tickle Images: Angus Waddell
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NEWLY OPENED
English furniture, interesting collectables, decorative items & vintage teawares for that special High Tea
2A PIPER STREET, BATHURST NSW 2795 (near the railway line off Havannah Street)
0417 785495 martin@kingsantiques.com.au www.kingsantiques.com.au OPEN 6 DAYS 10am – 4.30pm Closed Wednesdays except by appointment
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home & style
DECORATE WITH IMPACT Black & White WITH PIP TEYS
Do you want a room in your home to be dramatic, glamorous and beautiful? A black and white palette is the answer. The sharp contrast of en noir et blanc will make a striking statement in any room. There are countless ways to express your love for this powerful colour combination. A GREAT STARTING POINT with a black and white-themed room is to base your style on a piece of furniture. A white or light-coloured sofa can be a highly functional piece of furniture for any living room. To achieve a clean, fresh and modern black and white look, consider a light-coloured sofa as your starting point. Your sofa is a classic investment piece of furniture and a white or light-coloured sofa in high quality leather, linen or other quality upholstery will enable you to decorate in many different styles over the years as your taste evolves and changes. When adding your floor rug, be sure to step away from your room and keep the overall balance in mind. The rug can quickly go from being an anchor point in a room to a dramatic focal point, depending on its design and pattern. A stunning hand-tufted floor rug with an oversized unusual print or bold stripes will add drama. If you have a bold feature wall and abundant patterned cushions, consider a plain rug in a solid colour. When wallpapering in black and white, allow the feature of the design in your paper to be the statement in the room. Pair with white linens and accessories as they will pop against this backdrop. As wallpaper continues to grow in popularity, the choices are unlimited. If your wallpaper is bold, be sure to use it only on one main wall and then paint the other walls in a co-ordinating colour. Pictured above right I have photographed a small section of a black and white wallpapered wall, in the foreground is a small side table topped with complementary accessories. Note that none of the accessories has black and white stripes. On a larger scale, this feature wall of black and white stripes does not have to compete with accessories of the same mix of colours. The overall result enables the feature wall to be the showcase statement. However large or small your black and white decorating project is, remember that there are many plain and patterned accessories and decorator items that may be easily blended into your home to achieve instant glamour. See below for a list of 10 decorator pieces that can transform your tired space into a black and white showpiece. Introduce these items slowly, building upon what you already have in the room as a base. Work from your larger items right down to the smallest detail.
For some real fun, create your own black and white vignette (for tips on how to create a vignette refer to CWL Winter 2013 edition). A vignette is perfect for an entrance hallway or displayed in your main living or family area for all to see! They are also fashionable in the main bedroom, adding instant glamour. Pictured is a vignette I have styled which uses black and white with pink as the accent colour. A monochromatic-themed room tends to deliver more impact if you introduce a third accent colour. My favourites are pink, turquoise or Tiffany blue. Any bright colour adds to the drama and depth of your décor. Adding pink to this otherwise monochromatic vignette softens and feminises the overall look. In this vignette I would simply replace the pink pieces (book, flowers, tea cups and decorative eggs) with another colour and in doing so, create a completely different energy in the room. The combinations really are endless. Black and white looks sumptuous with metallic colours such as chrome and silver. Classic, clean and jaw-droppingly chic, nothing quite packs a punch like black and white. Use this fresh and fashionable colour combination with confidence and you are sure to add class, elegance and impact to any space in your home. Best of luck with your decorating!
P ip
IT’S ALL IN BLACK AND WHITE • Furniture (eg. credenza, bedhead, chair or ottoman) • Window coverings • Rugs (or if the budget allows, the floor itself – floorboards, carpet etc.) • Shelving or cupboards • Wallpaper
• Artwork or photography • Bed linen • Lamps/sconces/overhead lighting • Cushions (black and white stripe or other bold patterns) • Luscious accessories (books, vases, bookends, clocks, mirrors, stylish finds) Photography and styling by Pip Teys
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home & style
THE TIN TREND PRESSED METAL PANELS ARE IN VOGUE NOW. AS WELL AS RESTORING GORGEOUS OLD PERIOD HOUSES THEY’RE ALSO FEATURING IN DESIGNER KITCHENS, BATHROOMS AND LAUNDRIES IN MODERN HOMES.
Above right: Amanda Carter, and Teagan and Racquel Graham, with the wide range of choices available at Pressed Tin Panels (Image: Western Advocate).
The gap in the pressed metal market inspired Racquel Graham and the Hallahan family to establish Pressed Tin Panels 30 years ago. “There was a need for this type of production at the time, so we built on Gordon Hallahan’s experience as a sheet metal worker. Back then, we found that people would bring in original sections of old ceilings and walls that needed to be replicated,” assistant manager Amanda Carter said. All manufacturing is done on-site in the Bathurst workshop, making this a fully Australian owned and manufactured product. The business stocks wall and ceiling panels as well as cornices and borders. “There is now a huge number of ways that panels can be used, and we are seeing more and more decorative feature walls and splashbacks for the kitchen, laundry and bathroom,” Amanda said. “There’s no limit as to what can be done with them. Lampshades, bedheads, furniture and wardrobe doors are all becoming popular with this type of metal.” Powder-coated finishes are becoming widespread for wet areas such as bathrooms, and they are available in a myriad of colours, broadening their use both residentially and commercially. Pressed Tin Panels manufactures and supplies products to more than 40 outlets across Australia and New Zealand, as well as internationally, including to restoration and designer stores. For your next restoration project, give the team a call to see what Pressed Tin Panels can do for you. www.pressedtinpanels.com
Choice offerings in flooring Ex-schoolteachers Greg and Debbie Bright established their award-winning Bathurst business, Choices Flooring, around 22 years ago, having returned to Greg’s home town with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Choices Flooring stocks everything from carpets and rugs to vinyl, floating timber and bamboo floors and laminates. The store also services commercially, and out of town, having a number of jobs currently in the Sydney region.
“Our business partners, Anne and Peter Brown, joined us here about eight years ago. They are Bathurst locals who have been in the carpeting and flooring industry for three generations, so we definitely have the advantage of experience,” Debbie said. “The Browns have a son and a nephew who work within our business as well, meaning it’s very much a family thing.”
“The biggest trend lately has been the growth in popularity of hard floors, such as timber and bamboo. They have a warm appearance, which creates a ‘homey’ atmosphere for houses in the colder climate areas like Bathurst,” Debbie said. “As a result, we tend to deal quite a lot in that sector.” Over the years, the family-run business has steadily grown, with sales and productivity
constantly increasing. For a town that at one point had five flooring stores, to now have just two, proves the enduring success of Choices Flooring. www.choicesflooring.com.au
Words: Anna Tickle 46 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED
• Bathrooms • Ceilings • Walls • Restoration • Kitchen Splashbacks • Cupboards • New Buildings Ph: (02) 6332 1738 Fax: (02) 6332 1896 Email: amanda@pressedtinpanels.com 22 Vale Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795 Choices Flooring by Brights 61 George Street, Bathurst 6331 4866 choicesflooring.com.au
www.pressedtinpanels.com
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 47
home & style: profile
KIM LOWE
CENTRAL WEST INTERIOR DESIGNER
Tell us a bit about yourself, Kim. I’m an interior designer and decorator. Our business was established 20 years ago and is run by my husband Craig and myself. We have recently moved our business from the South Coast to the Central West and we have thoroughly enjoyed servicing the Central West during the past two years. Our services and products include Dulux colour consulting, kitchen and bathroom renovation, surface selections, lighting, curtains and blinds, furniture, artwork, rugs and wallpaper. We stock just about anything you need for your home renovation or a new build. When and how did your love of interiors begin? When I was a little girl I would draw plans in the dirt and visualise living inside the plan. I loved the fact that I could rub it out and start again when I needed a change. I have always loved beautiful homes. I painted for several years and was the in-house resident artist for DMC Australia’s paint division, which led to working with Better Homes and Gardens and Country Craft magazines, sharing colour and design tips. Which courses or training did you undertake? I studied at Western Sydney School of Art and Design, and taught Interior design at the same college. I was asked to do the styling for the ABC Gardening Australia Encyclopaedia. I just love being creative. How would you describe your style and approach to interior design? My approach is simple. Listen to your clients, stick to the budget and make them fall in love with their home. As we approach more of the digital age we lose sight of many things that create memories. I love to mix old with new and tell a story of the people who live there; that’s what a home is all about. My personal favourite style is Federation, due to the detail, but as I have created so many modern homes as well I can appreciate that style, too. I’d love to have several houses, as each one brings us a different palette to look at. What have been the highlights of your career? I have been very lucky and have had many highlights. Being asked to be a Dulux Colour Consultant was one event, and working on Grand Designs LIVE in Sydney with Kevin McLeod from Grand Designs UK was another. He is such an inspiration. The release of my painting technique book, Country Romance, which won Best In Show at the Sydney Royal Easter Show commercial display was another great highlight. My career has been good to me and I have met such lovely clients every day. It is an absolute joy. What are your favourite pieces in your home? This is a tough question! I would say our artwork as well as my antique china. I do have a lovely tub chair covered in my favourite style of fabric, Botanical, which I love to have a cup of tea in with one of my lovely ginger cats. What is the best advice you could give our readers on styling their own homes? Anybody can have a lovely home, even if your budget is tight. First, you need to establish your style: what makes you happy, the colours you like and the patterns that catch your eye. Keep it simple and don’t follow trends unless you have a large budget. Start with one focal piece, whether that is a fabric, a paint colour or a beautiful artwork, and work from there. It is about creating a story of colour. Don’t buy things just for the sake of having something that looks adequate. Wait until it is just right. Finally, seek advice when needed, to make sure your selection is going to work, especially with the big-ticket items.
21A Ryall Street, Canowindra NSW 2804
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home & style
Freshen up for spring WITH PIP TEYS
THE MORNINGS ARE NOT AS CHILLY, the layers are being pared back and the days are getting longer. Pack away your winter woollies, spring has arrived! You can literally hear the buzz in the air as the birds, bees and insects come to life and prepare for another busy season. Flowers are everywhere and their beautiful colours and rich natural beauty is so inspiring! Prepare to throw the doors open and let the air flow through. Let’s do a little decluttering and ready our homes for a fun-filled season of entertaining, being organised and having much more time to enjoy this wonderful life! Decluttering your home can be such an overwhelming experience, especially if you are cleaning as you go along. I advise starting small, with small steps new habits form, bringing life-long positive changes to your home routines. Procrastination is usually associated with this chore; the job appears far too large and will take too long! Start with small targets and work towards the big objectives. How do you keep your house clutter free? Practise the “in-out” rule. For each new item brought into the home, get rid of an old one. To assist, I ask myself a few simple questions: Do I need it or love it? Does this item make me happy? When was the last time I used this? Do I have the space to keep this? Does it still fit? Do I want to keep this for sentimental reasons? Ask yourself if you really need something. If you hesitate, it is out. We walk through our doors with so many new items, we rarely remove the old and this is why we end up with clutter. Starting small and practising the “in-out” rule every few days is a great habit and will prevent clutter from building in your home. Adopting a business-like attitude to clutter and being less emotional about a major decluttering project will certainly help you get on with the job. It is surprising just how light and free you feel after you have purged your home of unwanted items. If you find it difficult to part with sentimental items or if storage in your home is tight, I recommend photographing all of these items and placing the photos into a portfolio/album with captions, dates and a story about their history. This way, the memory will never be forgotten and to be honest, you will look at these photos a lot more regularly than you ever did with the items stashed away in a box rarely touched or seen. Another great tip is to photograph your children’s day care/pre-school artworks in the same manner. Now, throw these photographed items into the bin. You can do it! Christmas is just around the corner, so let’s be highly organised and transform the spare bedroom into a tranquil guest sanctuary ready for your family and friends. Purging is a vital first step in any decluttering process. Purge shoes, handbags and clothing choking up the closet. If you haven’t worn that dress for the past 12 months, give it away. Take everything out of the cupboards, dresser drawers and place in the middle of the room. Sort the clutter into boxes.
Box 1: Allocate your first box for rubbish (ensure it is your largest box as it will become the most frequently emptied box in the entire declutter process). Box 2: Half of your decorator items that you wish to keep. Box 3: All the items you wish to give away. Box 4: Any items that take up valuable space in this room that can be stored or rehoused into another area of your home. Box 5: Items that you have no idea what to do with. Box 1 should be empty, after several trips to the wheelie bin. Box 2 has ended up containing half of your decorator items, the other half has been allocated to box 3, which is now ready to be given to friends or charity. Label and decide where to store box 4 after you have rehoused half of this box. As a final act of conviction, return to box 5 with gusto and make some firm decisions. So much easier now, isn’t it? Wash the bed linen, wipe over the light switches, light fittings, clean the glass doors, windows and shutters. Pull the bed back from the wall and remove all junk from under the bed. Throw it in the bin. Vacuum behind and under the bed. Dust all surfaces and decorator items. Position a gorgeous lamp on top of the room’s writing desk and some adorable new boxed stationery. Have a place for your guests to sit and write, read or linger. Furnish your guest room with a selection of the latest magazines. Provide tea and plunger coffee facilities on a tray with wrapped snacks. Guests love to eat nibbles at night while reading their favourite Central West Lifestyle magazine. By now your guest bedroom should be starting to feel much lighter and far more inviting. Final touches such as a beautiful new fragrant candle (I love Diptyque, Voluspa, Jo Malone and Glasshouse candles just to name a few). Other guest bedroom acquisitions may include fluffy white towels, fragrant shower gel and some fresh flowers in a vase. In addition to presenting your guest room in a refreshing and inviting way, you have decluttered an often cluttered space. There! All done! Sit back, enjoy your hard work and enjoy the many benefits you will reap from having achieved this task. Enjoy the warm spring sunshine and do take time to smell the flowers!
P ip
Photography and styling by Pip Teys and The Cross Design (thecrossdesign.com) 50 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
Fish river roasters from O'Connell freshly squeezed juices using seasonal fruit and vege morning and afternoon tea, including mal's scones, delicious carrot cake and much more lunch includes soup, nachos, tortillas, turkish hot press, pies, curry and more
Brands included in our range are Etiquette handbags Spencer and Rutherford Boo Radley, Seven Sisters Anna Chandler Design Riley Burnett Jewellery Betty Basics, L'occitane
We promoted our local and regional product, selling oils, jams, pickles and relishes, pistachios, honey, mustard, olives and Herbie's spices.
33-35 Warne Street, Wellington Cactus is open from tuesday to Saturday from 10am till 5pm Take away coffee or food available Catering for daytime meetings or functions is easy to arrange Just ring us on 68454647 or fax 68454648 Email: cactus.cafe@bigpond.com Or now, find us on Facebook: Cactus cafĂŠ and gallery www.facebook.com/cactuscafeandgallery
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THINK BIG
THERE IS NOTHING IN THE WORLD LISSY LITTLE CAN’T ACHIEVE ONCE SHE HAS MADE UP HER MIND. THIS DETERMINED AND DEVOTED MOTHER OF TWO FROM “SPRING CREEK”, GULGONG, NOT ONLY HELPED DESIGN AND BUILD HER OWN HOUSE BUT CREATED A MODERN, SPACIOUS HOMESTEAD THAT IS WARM AND INVITING. WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
Naturally, Lissy hasn’t been alone in her efforts. From day one she has enjoyed the unwavering support of her husband Dennis, who helps other farmers in the district maintain their tractors while running the 345-acre (140-hectare) farm. At the end of the day, the Littles love nothing more than sitting on their back verandah and watching the sun sink slowly in the distant hills. Their herd of 30 Angus cows graze contentedly just over the fence. The silence of the bush is all encompassing. Occasionally they look at each other and quietly laugh at their audacity, as they take in the big workshop, 150,000-litre water tank, garage, cottage and manor – all built with their bare hands and within only a few years. The enterprising duo thrives on developing projects and seeing them through to completion. Had it not been for one of those little, life-changing moments 15 years earlier, none of this may have happened. Born and bred in the Blue Mountains, Dennis completed his apprenticeship at Garden Island Dockyard (as a fitter and machinist) and may well have stayed a city lad. One fateful day in 1989 he ran into an old mate at the railway station who told him about a job going with Ford Tractors at Kurrajong. 54 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
So for the next 10 years Dennis was a tractor mechanic, becoming familiar with all types of on-farm repair work. This was clearly not an office job but Dennis was finding excuses for dropping into the office around lunch on certain days of the week. He had caught the eye of the fun-loving and adventurous Ford book-keeper. “We’d have a sandwich together and were soon smitten,” Lissy laughed. It wasn’t long before they were inseparable. Dennis established his own business, Agrimech Tractor and Machinery Service, in 1999 and life was looking rosy. Life has a way of shattering the peace, and a heart attack promptly stopped Lissy in her tracks when she was only 26 years old. She had been fit and active and it came out of the blue. Several strokes followed but, if anything, it only hardened her resolve to pack as much as possible into her life. Since the big scare, Lissy has jumped out of planes, gone ballooning, tackled white-water rafting and backpacked with Dennis half way round the world. “Life is too short and I won’t let it slow me up,” Lissy said. “One of my doctors said kids wouldn’t be on my agenda but Reece was born 12 weeks early and Abbey came along two years later.”
CONTEMPORARY HOME
LIFE ON THE LAND The young family moved to an old farm house in Ulan to embark on a new life in the country. After only three years they were forced to sell their 148-acre (60-hectare) block to the mines in a difficult and challenging period they would rather forget. “Mum was unwell and Dennis had a broken leg, courtesy of a bike accident while chasing roos. We learnt how to deal with adversity. It has definitely made us a stronger family unit,” Lissy said. In the meantime, the Littles had sold their Kurrajong house and bought “Spring Creek”, eight kilometres from the Gulgong post office. It was a blank canvas with nothing on it except an old shed and set of cattle yards. It was time to take the big plunge and become home builders.
no scaffolding and the house and adjoining cottage were effectively put up within a few frantic hours. The cottage was finished first and the Littles moved in while they tackled the main house. Their first job was plumbing and electrics followed by the wall linings and ceilings, which included personally fitting 110 down lights for affordable and atmospheric lighting. At 50 squares in area, the main homestead was so large the Littles had to install two air conditioners, which, while expensive, were better than going industrial. The cottage alone was the size of an average family home. Dennis and Lissy proved to be fast learners
in the building game, inspired by recent renovation shows like The Block and Grand Designs. “We can feel their pain and excitement but it’s really hard work,” laughed Lissy, who did an owner builders’ course and has her own certificate. One aspect they agreed on was that the homestead would be clad in Colorbond, in keeping with the rural atmosphere. It was cost effective, easy to maintain and most importantly, the right colour. Once inside the home, the most overwhelming feature is the open plan, which Lissy loves because she can keep a watchful eye on the kids, now aged 10 and eight. >
“We’ve always been mad renovators but had never attempted to build anything from scratch,” Dennis said. “We knew from the outset we wanted a cottage for Lissy’s parents, who were both dependant on us, but we also knew we wanted to build our own dream home.” The initial job was laying a massive 50-metre slab of concrete with underground plumbing. That first week cost $70,000 but the fun and games were only just beginning. Spurred on by their initial success, the pair knocked up an impressive double garage to store building materials. It also became their weekender as the giant structure took shape. They assembled the roof kit on the slab but needed a 50-tonne crane to swing it over a paddock before Lissy and her dedicated team of nine helpers could stand all the wall frames and fasten the roof. There was CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 55
CONTEMPORARY HOME
“Our home has five bedrooms, ours with a parents’ retreat and en suite, plus a study, games room and formal dining room,” Lissy said. Tucked out of sight is a large laundry with a shower and toilet, used as a wet room for the kids after a dip in the solar-heated pool. One of the dominant aspects of the house is the prolific amount of white. “White is clean, fresh and bright,” Lissy enthused. The family obviously delights in living in the snow-white surroundings where everything has its rightful place and cleanliness is next to godliness. By all accounts, Lissy is a fastidious and passionate cleaner. The house is normally spotless and everything has to be just right before she can relax. These attributes, along with her warm, effusive charm have made her Spring Creek Bed and Breakfast (established in the cottage 12 months ago) a nice little sideline to her other business, Rose Cottage Gifts and Homewares. Once the big house was up and running, this industrious pair built a substantial workshop to accommodate all the farm machinery. When he gets the opportunity, Dennis enjoys time out with his cattle – a welcome break from the gruelling hours associated with rebuilding motors and transmissions. There are always new projects on the horizon, and the Littles are excited about doing up the old shed out the back and turning it into a campers’ retreat, with a camp kitchen and bathroom facilities. Another rustic old shed given to Dennis years ago will be attached to what’s left of the existing structure. Dennis has already dismantled it twice, sheet by sheet and screw by screw. “Nothing is wasted on this property,” Dennis 56 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
As much as his wife can’t stand a mess, Dennis abhors wastage, which is why he and Lissy pulled down the old woolshed on their Ulan property before their departure.
To any novice builders they suggest to have faith in yourselves, ask the right people for information and have a strong desire to learn. In the end they say they saved $400,000 by building the house themselves, but there is little time to sit back and smell the roses.
“Once again, I couldn’t leave it behind to be burnt to the ground or bulldozed. I took it apart piece by piece, took what I wanted, pulled the timber, the floorboards,” he recalled.
“We aren’t afraid to learn and wanted the best we could afford,” Lissy said. “Building our home proved a tremendous experience and, if anything, made us even closer as a team.”
said with a grin. This serious recycler will even reuse the old screws.
In the end the woolshed was bulldozed but Dennis will never forget the old building. After pulling heavy engines apart all day he’s usually worked up a hard-earned thirst by sunset. The outside bar, made from various bits and pieces of the old woolshed, serves as a constant reminder of days gone by and hard lessons learnt.
Although Lissy and Dennis have finished the big house, there are still four businesses to run from the farm and two growing children to attend to. “I don’t know what we’d do if we had downtime,” Lissy said with a sigh.
Over a refreshing ale the pair admits you need a certain “fire in your belly” to undertake big projects with only limited hands-on experience.
“Sleep!” interjected Dennis, who understands only too well that his words have fallen on deaf ears.
“You won’t succeed without it,” Dennis said. “But If you love it and it’s a passion, you will always find a way.”
“Dennis calls me the night watchman,” Lissy laughed. “I sleep with one eye open and the other firmly on the prize.” CWL
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Never say never again WHEN THE CALL WENT OUT AT NEVERTIRE THAT MEMBERSHIP WAS PERILOUSLY LOW IN THE LOCAL CWA, THE WOMEN OF THE DISTRICT BREATHED NEW ENERGY AND LIFE INTO THIS GREAT ORGANISATION.
THERE CAN’T BE TOO MANY CWA branches in Australia that can boast four generations of the one family in its membership. Yet this is the reality for the small Nevertire CWA branch nestled on the Mitchell Highway. Numbers are up, ages are down and the new president, Felicity McCormack, has never cooked a scone in her life! Where better to have a CWA meeting that’s not really a meeting than at the local watering hole. We’re talking Nevertire, population 103 souls and a 20-minute drive from Warren. There’s been a CWA revival in the bush and CWL was invited to Nevertire to check out the fuss. First through the door is Irish mother of two Dympna Lawler, who lives a block and a half away. The Warren nursemanager remembers a flyer being handed out about two years ago advising the branch would close without a new wave of members. In a village that has already lost the railway station, school, post office and garage, Nevertire simply couldn’t allow the CWA to close its doors. Not the CWA, the Country Women’s Association, made famous by its scones but in reality an organisation that supports women living in isolated areas. They’re a special blend of countrywomen who get together to share their stories and help others, such as aiding disadvantaged children with their schooling requirements. Once word got out that the CWA building might be lost forever, there was a flurry of activity. Today there are 22 members stretching in age from 18 years to Edna Elder, who turned 100 the day after our visit. This remarkable lady clearly remembers a different era when there were five pubs in town, a busy railway and a greater abundance of countrywomen on the land with more time on their hands. Edna moved to “Allandoon”, a small farm on the outskirts of town, in 1934, and quickly became involved with the CWA. She is now arguably the longest-serving CWA member in history. “Our first meetings were in this very same hotel but it wasn’t a pub back then, more of a hall,” she recalls, as though it were yesterday. “The ladies would arrive in a sulky or perhaps a T-Model Ford and we were forever making scones. Back then I was the best scone-maker in the business,” she laughed. “In those days the CWA was a great way to meet new friends. We’d knit socks for the war effort and gather up stuff for parcels for our boys overseas.” On her 100th birthday she received messages from the Queen, the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and local Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton. Her real happiness, however, was surrounding herself with close family and friends in this little village she loves calling home. Edna puts her longevity and great health down to a lifetime of baking and eating scones, a notion endorsed by her 83-year-old daughter and
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also a long-term local, Ailsa Waters. The mother and daughter are best of mates and spend a lot of time together. Ailsa’s husband, Noel, was a legendary stock and station agent in town after surviving his tour of duty in the Middle East during WWII. He worked every day of his life until his passing in 1999. Her daughter-in-law, Cathy Waters, and her daughter Hannah, 18, are also actively involved, making their CWA meetings a good excuse for a good old family catch-up. Another proud member is former CWA president, local resident and Nyngan librarian Maria Kinsey who remembers a similar membership drive about 16 years ago, when all the older, staunch CWA members retired from the land and moved into Warren. “There was no one left,” she said. “Our little association went into recess for 12 months before Pauline Serdity rallied the troops and got the younger ones involved. Most of us worked, so meetings were held during the evenings or on Saturday mornings. We didn’t do an awful lot but gathered a few times each year to raise money to keep our building going.” Over time many of the ladies changed jobs or moved on. Numbers dwindled to an all-time low. “We were once again forced to close for a year before the second wave of members occurred in August 2011. They came from the town and the land, about an even split,” she said. Narelle Fisk, of “Werombie”, Nevertire, is one of the new recruits enjoying the new friendships being forged at meetings. “We’re all so busy these days we often don’t have time to catch up. It’s crucial for our close-knit community to keep the CWA going,” she said. Another new face is Heather Druce, of “Idlewilde”, Nevertire, who admits the CWA has been a real eye-opener. “It’s not just tea and scones as it used to be,” she said. “We are no longer the Country Women’s Association but the Cool Women’s Association.” While the name will never change, it does signify a new and healthy comeback for the CWA in small country communities. Today’s CWA members are younger, more time-savvy and determined more than ever to keep the spirit of the bush alive. CWL Words & images: Shot by Jake
Above L-R: Nevertire CWA members, from left, Maria Kinsey, Narelle Fisk, Felicity McCormack, Dympna Lawler and Heather Druce (standing), Hannah Waters, Edna Elder, Ailsa Waters and Cathy Waters (seated); the branch still keeps the doors open for regular meetings; Edna Elder (seated left) with daughter Ailsa Waters and her daughter Lisa. Standing is Ailsa’s daughter-in-law Cathy Waters, and her daughter Hannah. All four generations are active CWA members. Right: Edna Elder has just turned 100 years young and still loves being part of the CWA.
country communities
A treat for all ages THIS YEAR ICONIC BATHURST EATERY Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour celebrates its 30th birthday and owner Maureen Lewis (pictured above) can’t wait to blow out the candles! Her unique business – ideally located opposite the Kings Parade Park – resembles a 1960s ice cream parlour, complete with Elvis memorabilia and black and white tiles. Maureen took over the shop with husband Jonathan eight years ago and has never looked back. She remembers living in Bathurst in 1983 when the store first opened and was a regular patron until 2005, when it was advertised for sale. Jonathan is the king of the kids when it comes to creating his special preservative-free ice cream that is the flavour of the town. There are 30 mouth-watering varieties on offer, although the most popular is Sofala Gold infused with rich chunks of honeycomb. “It has the most amazing flavour,” Maureen said. “All the ice creams are creamy but this one takes the cake.” Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour is the perfect spot for birthday parties. “They book the booth and we produce ice cream cakes, light meals (including gluten-free) and Lavazza coffee,” Maureen said. As a good halfway point between Dubbo and Sydney, Annie’s corner is a popular meeting spot for travellers and friends. The shop is open seven days, with hours extended to 9pm from Thursday to Saturday evenings, enabling parents to bring kids here for a dessert they’re unlikely to forget. Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour caters for all ages from the young to the young at heart. “We have regulars here aged in their 90s,” Maureen laughed. “It really is quite beautiful seeing three generations from one family come here together for their ice cream fix.” Words: Shot by Jake
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www.frockworkorange.com.au (111Endsleigh Ave. Orange)
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Cutting Edge FOR 28 YEARS, Kerrie Monk of Fuze Hair in Dubbo has been working in the hairdressing industry. To many, this may sound like forever, but Kerrie clearly has an enduring passion for her day job. “I still have a genuine love for hairdressing. I always said that the day I lost the desire for cutting is the day I would hang up my tools but for now it’s full steam ahead,” Kerrie smiled. The name Fuze was cleverly established in 2000 by Kerrie and her business partner at the time, Racheal Mahon, as a result of their two salons joining forces. “Racheal remains as a huge support for this business, and works here two days a week,” Kerrie said. “We’ve shared a phenomenal journey together, but of course family is a priority and the fact that she can now spend a lot more time with her children in Sydney is just wonderful.” As director of the salon, Kerrie employs nine staff including Lee, a permanent receptionist. “We have a three-tiered pricing structure that allows customers to select whether they would like a stylist, executive or director cut, the latter of which is done personally by myself or three other highly trained cutters,” Kerrie said. “This gives them a little more freedom as to choosing exactly what kind of experience they are after.” The experience is what makes Fuze a cut above the rest. It is difficult to put a price on feeling pampered to the highest degree. The impeccable treatment and service at Fuze, paired with the relaxing atmosphere, leaves you feeling like royalty.
For a gold coin donation, clients can take advantage of the crèche, with the proceeds going to the children’s ward at Dubbo Base Hospital. Once a month, staff from Fuze provide community service through meals on wheels. “Customer service and communication are paramount here,” Kerrie said. “We are always keeping abreast of changes, maintaining a skilled team of staff and evolving as a whole.” Kerrie recently travelled to Miami for an industry-based conference, which provided her with up-to-date information on the industry that she is so passionate about. As of this year, Fuze has gone “24/7 online”, which means customers can conveniently make bookings any time. Words: Anna Tickle Image: Dubbo Photo News
Above: The Fuze team, from left, Bea Spackman, Courtney Davis, Kim Dickinson, Kerrie Monk, Ashleigh Pedron, Lee Potter (standing), Felicity Petersen amd Azaria Stokes (sitting). Absent: Racheal Mahon.
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PRECIOUS FINDS WORLDLY TREASURES is a unique store in Orange, run by Giuliana Ryan, where you will find glorious products with quirky style. Over the past five years, Worldly Treasures has evolved to become the ideal place to find a truly distinctive gift, while enjoying a memorable in-store experience. Giuliana travels far and wide to track down something just a little bit different. The store stocks crystals, fossils, jewellery (modern and vintage), homewares and gifts from all around the world. You will also find edgy fashion accessories such as scarves and fascinators. With more than 5000 unique items on offer, there is sure to be something for everyone. From the rock hound and the fashion-savvy jewellery-lover to the astute collector, Worldly Treasures has you covered. “At Worldly Treasures we love to support fair trade when purchasing products internationally. I also believe in supporting Australian businesses and creating opportunities for our younger generation. We have lots of great handmade items, making them truly matchless one-off items,” Giuliana said. Not only is Worldly Treasures wonderfully ethical, it is the Central West’s little piece of international culture. It is a must-see, whether you are a local or just passing through town. www.worldlytreasures.com.au Words: Anna Tickle
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TOWN FEATURE:
Canowindra
HISTORIC CANOWINDRA IS ONE OF THOSE TOWNS YOU SIMPLY CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF. ABOUT HALF AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM COWRA AND ORANGE, THE PICTURESQUE TOWN OF 2100 SOULS IS SURROUNDED BY ROLLING FOOTHILLS, VINEYARDS, OLIVE GROVES, ORCHARDS AND TRADITIONAL FARMS THAT REGULARLY PLAY HOST TO VISITING BALLOONISTS. WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
CANOWINDRA
A TOWN
of renown
RECOGNISED AS the ballooning capital of Australia, Canowindra (pronounced ca-noun-dra) attracts a growing legion of fans who flock here every April for the championships, injecting millions into the local economy. Hot-air enthusiasts find the climate, topography and idyllic scenery ideal for their chosen sport. Back on ground level, there are many places to visit, explore and relax. A walk down the heritage-listed main street is like a step back in time. One of things that endears Canowindra to visitors is the big bend in the main street. The locals refer to it as “Bendy Street” but it is otherwise known as Gaskill Street. It follows the bend of the old bullock track and may have been straight if the original bridge had been built where it was initially planned. Visitors can visit the Old Vic Inn, a beautifully restored guest house with dozens of art works lining the former pub’s walls. The streets are full of charming old buildings and shops where the owners are genuinely pleased to see you. The Café Lama is a great spot to meet and greet. Nearby is the River Bank Gallery in the old bank, patchwork makers, Federation Photos, a milliners and Finn’s Store to name just a few. At the end of Gaskill Street lies the unique Age of Fishes Museum, home to an incredible 360 million year fossil collection as well as being the Visitors Information Centre. The story goes that 150 million years before dinosaurs roamed the earth, almost all backboned animals lived in water, not on land. This was the Devonian Period or the “Age of Fishes”. A chance find near Canowindra in 1956, and a major excavation of the same site in 1993, uncovered a remarkable fossil site. It contained well-preserved remains of thousands of bizarre, long extinct fishes encased in bony armour, other fishes with lungs and huge predators with crocodile-like jaws, many of them new to science. 68 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
CANOWINDRA
This unique “window in time” allows visitors to study what happened all those years ago. The fossils are supplemented by aquarium displays, permanent exhibitions, an audio tour, gift shop, geological time warp, sculpture garden and outdoor picnic areas.
in some of the fantastic vineyards the town is becoming famous for. Canowindra has been causing a stir in the wine world, consistently producing premium wines that have taken out numerous awards. A number of cellar doors are open for wine tasting and sales.
A stone’s throw away from this popular tourist spot is the local museum that displays Canowindra’s development from the 1840s as a frontier village to its growth as an important rural outpost. A pioneers wall and citizens pathway lead into the museum, which displays horse-drawn vehicles, vintage farm machinery, an old slab hut, school room, dental surgery and household memorabilia.
Perhaps the real joy of Canowindra comes from chilling out and enjoying the laid-back way of life the locals cherish. It’s far from the madding crowd and visitors enjoy turning back the hands of time and soaking up the atmosphere of the progressive and vibrant municipality.
The history of lucerne or the “green gold” crop that helped, more than anything, put Canowindra on the map is well documented. The rich alluvial flats of the Belubula River attracted early settlers and the discovery of gold started a flurry of mining but it was the growing of lucerne that really cemented the town’s prosperity in those early days. Lucerne is still grown today and exported to countries all over the world. If history isn’t your thing you can forget the past and spoil yourself
Don’t be confused into thinking this is a sleepy little town with not much on offer. The local businesses are unique, quirky and different and the secret is to scratch the surface. If you are lucky you may even get to meet local identity Charlie McCarron and see his classic car collection, including one of the first Holden cars off the production line. Canowindra is the real deal, a thriving local town with real characters and undiminished spirit. A visit is always recommended but don’t rush once you get there otherwise you might just miss what it’s all about. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 69
CANOWINDRA
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CANOWINDRA
CANOWINDRA CAPTURED After many years working around the world in the IT industry I took up digital photography as a hobby. I enjoy using the computer to create a photographic style that, while still a realistic representation of whatever I’ve photographed, nevertheless looks different enough to catch the viewer’s eye. My wife was brought up in Canowindra and we visit a few times every year to catch up with friends from her school days. I began to develop a series of photographs of the buildings in the main street, Gaskill Street. We had an exhibition of the photography last year at a local restaurant, Taste Canowindra. Some of the images are still on display and prints and cards are available to purchase as well as coffee and a fine meal. The full range of Canowindra images can be seen on my website, www.stevemul.com.au, where the prints can also be purchased. A photo-quality book of the images is also available. Images: Steve Mullarkey
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CANOWINDRA
Out and about
The 100 Mile Dinner at Canowindra Image: Federation Fotos
Freelance photographer Kate Barclay and freelance journalist Julia Andrews enjoy catching up at Deli Lama.
Canowindra Produce boss Ian Brown talks to driver Mick Neville. The business was established in 1935, and Ian has been working here since leaving school in 1958.
Pie maker Brendon Morgan-Smith is used to 4am starts at the Canowindra Country Bakehouse.
Deli Lama owner Joy Oborn is known for her friendly service.
Ian Breen, “Hillview”, Canowindra, with his mob of first-cross ewes. His family has been in the district for more than 100 years but with four sons not on the land, Ian is concerned about the future of agriculture. “We have a manpower crisis,” he said. “Perhaps when the mining boom slows down we may get some workers back, but it’s doubtful.”
Doug Cole and Mary Simpson keep a watchful eye at Bill Paul’s Carpet Centre.
Jim Goodacre has been in town most of his life and recently started work with “Woodsy”, his favourite trotter.
Elaine Pearce, Canowindra Crafts and Hobbies, has been a familiar shopkeeper for 30 years.
Beau Corp foreman Garth Teudt helps build the town’s new swimming pool, featuring a children’s play pool, aerobics pool and 25-metre lap pool. The work is expected to be completed by October. 72 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
Former stockman Garry “Cowboy” Towns has been here for eight years. He likes to ride his horse down the main street when the urge takes him.
Billy Watson is a man on a mission. This longtime local didn’t want to see the iconic Royal Hotel close down. With brother John, a Sydney builder, he aims to bring the century-old pub once held up by Ben Hall back to life with a major overhaul well on its way to completion.
CANOWINDRA
Local winemaker Antonio D’Onise undertakes some lab analysis. “This is basically year 11 chemistry,” he said, as he measured the wine’s preservative levels. “This roughly translates to measuring the sulphur levels in our wines.” This Italian-infused winemaker is passionate about wine and in October 2012 established his own brand called Antonio’s. He aims to produce 500 cases of his own Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir for release this spring. “This is my second vintage and I’m aiming to market my new wine in Sydney and locally.”
Justine Boland has been managing Gaskill Greens in the main street for the past five years and focuses on local and organic produce. Nurse Jayne Coleman enjoys a cup of magic home-made soup at Finn’s Store.
Farmer Mark Pearce, “Ruer”, Canowindra, has been farming here all his life and just finished sowing his wheat crop.
Everyone loves shopping at Saffi, where friendly owner Liz Mitchell is celebrating her third year in business.
Enjoying a great cuppa while catching up on the news at the Deli Lama are Claire Johnstone and Kate Murrow with their young children.
Debbie Guihot has been a patchmaker for 17 years and loves working on her Bernina sewing machine. She calls her business The Plague and I – a name that business reps never forget. “Patchwork is a disease that some women are afflicted with,” she laughs, while making yet another quilt for competition.
Riverbank Gallery curator Catherine O’Brien with artist in residence David Isbester.
Bush poet Kevin Campbell loads up chaff and oats to feed his horses in Hartley. He is helped at Canowindra Produce by Danny Daley and Craig Symons.
Hugo the Great Dane is one of the biggest dogs in town according to owner Libby Farrell. Young Tom Mitchell, 10, must have been just a tad overwhelmed!
Former shearer Jack Green, 87, has lived in Canowindra most of his life and loves walking down town to meet and greet the locals.
Bryton Wool is a family-owned wool broker and buying business. Tony Jenkins started the business 40 years ago. Geoffrey and Sue Beath joined him in 1992. Bryton Wool now has additional stores in Crookwell and Young and an agent in Forbes. Combined, they handle 20,000 bales per year. Wool is sourced not only through these stores but from all Australian eastern states. The majority is exported to China with a small amount processed within Australia. The Canowindra store alone employs 10 local staff. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 73
CANOWINDRA
Up, up and away IN AUSTRALIA’S BALLOONING CAPITAL CANOWINDRA’S FORTUNES ARE ON THE RISE, THANKS TO ITS FAIR WINDS, FINE SOIL AND ENTERPRISING LOCAL BUSINESSPEOPLE LIKE BALLOON ENTHUSIAST AND WINEMAKER GRAHAM KERR AND HIS WIFE, JAN. Ballooning and Canowindra go hand in hand. They are spoken in the same breath because Canowindra is the home of modern hot-air ballooning in Australia. Balloon enthusiast and winemaker Graham Kerr has followed both passions at “Felton”, Canowindra, since moving here with wife Jan 30 years ago. Currently they are the only commercial balloonists in town and are flat out keeping up with demand for their business, Balloon Joy Flights. It’s normal routine for them to take out clients for an early-morning balloon flight over the picturesque Belubula Valley to experience the magic and tranquillity of a traditional one-hour airborne adventure. Graham says the valley has typically stable wind conditions, making it an ideal location for the growing sport. “Ballooning is always a one-way trip and we have a great relationship with the many small farmers in the area who typically live on 1000 acres (405 hectares),” he said. “There are a lot of access roads in the district, making retrieval of the balloons a lot easier.” Most landholders are thrilled to have the balloons land in their paddocks and enjoy the experience as much as the clients. The Kerrs (pictured right) are firm believers in Canowindra and realised the potential of the town when they moved here from Sydney in 1983. “We’re city cop-outs,” laughed Jan, who was keen to raise her children in a country environment. Within two years the Kerrs set up their ballooning business that has since given unbridled joy to countless thousands of visitors who have taken up the joy flight challenge. In 1988 Graham was invited to fly over 43 NSW towns to celebrate the Bicentenary in a State Rail-sponsored balloon. By the end of the year he had truly caught the ballooning bug and knew the cafe (now the
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bookshop) he and Jan had been solidly building up over the years could no longer sustain their souls. For 10 years they were famous for their Canowindra Country Pies, which in 1999 were voted the best in the nation. Not a bad effort considering Graham only had seven weeks of pie-making experience at the time. The dynamic pair next turned their efforts to winemaking, establishing Toms Waterhole Wines on their property. The flying wine man now spins the ballooning and winemaking businesses off each other. Graham is a businessman at heart and thoroughly enjoys Easter. “Every April the balloon festival becomes the biggest single economic boost to the town, bringing over 15,000 visitors and contributing over $2 million to the economy over 10 days,” he said. In 2011 Canowindra won the bid for the National Ballooning Championships and from that success won the 2013 bid. “We’re now hoping to make Canowindra our permanent base for ballooning and even make it an international event,” Graham said. He admits to witnessing big changes in Canowindra over the years. “Until 15 years ago ballooning was our major point of tourism, but the town has since developed into a gourmet food movement with our wines and the fossil museum commanding a lot of interest,” he said. “We have changed from a small rural community into a tourism mecca without the McDonald’s stores. The people here are passionate and pull together to make things happen.” Graham and Jan Kerr are proud to call Canowindra home and are looking forward to many more magical moments in the town they have helped put on the map. NEWS FLASH: Canowindra has just been awarded the rights to stage the 2014 National Ballooning Championships!
CANOWINDRA
TOMS WATERHOLE WINES & BALLOON JOY FLIGHTS BOUTIQUE FAMILY OWNED WINERY • Makers of wine to enjoy with food • Ploughman’s lunches, woodfired pizzas, espresso coffee • Open 10am - 4pm daily • Cafe open Sat/Sun 12pm -2.30pm Bookings preferred THE REGION’S MOST EXPERIENCED BALLOON FLIGHT OPERATOR • Early morning, champagne balloon flights • Group discounts and gift certificates available
Graham & Jan Kerr Longs Corner Rd, Canowindra T | 02 6344 1819 E | jan@gjkerr.com.au www.gjkerr.com.au CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 75
CANOWINDRA
Class act TERENCE PORTER knew he had to diversify if he was going to survive in the fickle acting game, whether it be working in movies, doing fashion shoots for David Jones, voice-overs for national ads or learning drama at Sydney’s The Ensemble Theatre under the famed Hayes Gordon. Terry was born in New Zealand to a father who worked on the waterfront and a house mum who struggled through the Depression years to bring up her five children. Life was far from easy. “I didn’t know the difference between rich and poor; life was hard for everyone,” Terry said. He left school at 15, as was the norm, and worked on the railway, firing steam engines. It was a dirty job but it kept him fit and put a little food on the table. “In the early 1960s I set off for England. I had no plans, I simply wanted to see the world,” he remembered, as though it were yesterday. “On the trip over I met a hairdresser who was going back to England to resume his business in the West End. I told him I had snipped a few of the lads’ hair during my compulsory military training and next thing I knew I was cutting women’s hair.” Terry suggested it was an ideal opportunity to open the mind of a “young, naive New Zealander”. He enjoyed his five-year stint in England, especially the part where he helped out on an English TV hairdressing show. “We had to style a model’s hair in front of the cameras and then the producer asked me if I was interested in doing a commercial,” Terry said. “Initially I said no but when he explained it was worth about a year’s pay, I quickly changed my tune. I got caught up in the big cultural revolution when hairdressing and The Beatles were both taking off. “It changed me and opened my mind up to a whole range of nationalities and different lifestyles. You could choose to be anyone you liked, and for the first time in my life I didn’t feel pigeon-holed.”
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At times life must have seemed like one big party but Terry’s future career in the entertainment business only happened on his return to Sydney. “Everything seemed warm, colourful and alive compared to London and I could easily have ended up back in the hair trade had it not been for a mate who suggested I get some promo shots of me.” Those initial photographic shoots were used to compile one of the first portfolios for an emerging actor in Sydney. From day one Terry was in demand, starting with advertising shots and then branching out into speaking roles for commercials. Before he could blink an eye, he was playing an extra in the cult movie They’re A Weird Mob and talking with legendary English director Jack Lee, who advised him to pursue an acting career. “It was the late 1960s and I clearly remember getting burnt on Bondi Beach looking at how these famous actors were going through their paces,” Terry said. “ I never had illusions of grandeur and, in fact, I was very self conscious, but the challenge of learning to perform in front of strangers was too compelling to walk away from.” While working on musicals with the likes of Nancy Hayes in Dames At Sea and Jill Perryman in When We Are Married, the urbane bachelor would often dine out. In 1969 two forces collided in the Imperial Arcade between Castlereagh and Pitt streets. The eye-catching Michele was working in a boutique and Terry was lunching at Cahill’s Brass Rail when their eyes met across a crowded room. It was just about love at first sight between the blonde and brunette. The lights had gone on and romance was in the air. Within a few years they were married, and Terry felt it must be time to get a real job. “By this stage I was called Mr Woolworth and my mug featured on their brown paper bags along with Mrs Woolworth and the two little Woolies,” Terry laughed. “I was in more garbage bins than possibly any other actor in town!”
“I was a glorified extra in movies like Strictly Ballroom, and felt lucky to get my foot back in the door,” Terry said. “After a few years of living the good life in Palm Beach we felt we needed another big change but we didn’t quite know where.” It so happened the pair visited Michele’s sister, Dot Cain, who had moved from the Blue Mountains to Canowindra in about 1988. In 1993 they saw a golden opportunity in a derelict block of shops that Terry renovated before Michele and Dot established the hugely popular Canowindra Trading Post. The business was sold about 10 years ago but before retirement Terry kept himself amused with minor acting roles, including an enjoyable stand-in role on Paradise Road. “I remember sitting next to Glenn Close and thinking this was better than painting The Trading Post,” he said with a chuckle. Although the bright lights of the camera brought back many fond memories of the stage and his acting career, Terry was always determined to get back to the tranquillity of Canowindra, and more specifically to the small block of land they had built their dream home on among their olive groves.
“Everyone should drive a cab to understand the highs and lows of life,” he said.
Despite a recent health scare, Terry has well and truly fallen in love with the town and all it represents. Michele in particular has firm ideas on promoting Canowindra and has helped dozens of families make the move to the bush less stressful. For her efforts she was recently declared Citizen of the Year – an award that surprised her but makes her feel a valued community member.
In the end, the lure of travel with his stunning young bride was too great and the intrepid pair set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Over two years they visited 45 countries, driving across continents through such countries as Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
“We never regretted for one moment our decision to move here,” Michele said. “There is probably more socialising here in the bush than back in the big smoke, but you have to make the effort to become involved.”
“Michele is of Russian descent, and we were keen to discover more of her homeland,” Terry said. “We found communism wasn’t for us. In Iran, when the Shah was being deposed, we remember fleeing in our Kombi and seeing the bombs go off in our rear-view mirror.”
Some of the activities she devotes her time and energy to include the 100 Mile Dinner, the 100 Mile Lunch and the Night Markets with the town’s Canowindra@home group of wonderful volunteers.
To supplement his income, Terry bought a cab and for him it was an education.
It was time for a quieter life, and the weary travellers returned to New Zealand to open a lunch-time restaurant in Christchurch, which proved successful despite 10 years of recession. Terry was ready for another move, this time back to Australia to resurrect his acting career.
After 41 years of marriage, the Porters are enjoying the best years of their life. Terry no longer misses being in the spotlight and Michele has found a new inner peace in her rural digs. Perhaps it’s time to ease up for a while and write that best-selling autobiography of a life lived to the full with no regrets. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 77
@
NEILA
WINDOWRIE 26th October 2013
FO O D
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$85pp Bookings Cowra Tourism 6342 4333 www.windowrie.com.au
MU SI C
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B LE NDIN G BAR
The O’Dea Family
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Raise
your glasses
WINDOWRIE IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS IN THE AUSTRALIAN WINE INDUSTRY. THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING company has become one of the region’s most respected and well-known family businesses. The history of Windowrie is inspiring. The O’Dea family demonstrates an enduring ability to maintain and grow the business as a family unit, in an industry that has struggled as a result of economic pressures and an increasing number of producers. The company is still in business as a result of market intuition and determination. In 1959, David O’Dea moved to Windowrie after completing a degree in Agriculture at Hawkesbury University in 1958. Wizz O’Dea began her life on a farm near the Hunter Valley and married David in 1964. The two initiated a business culture based on a hardworking ethic, which has been maintained over the years. Windowrie now consists of more than 350 acres of vines that are used to produce Windowrie’s portfolio of award-winning wines. Windowrie has been listed as one of the top 10 wine companies in NSW by Master of Wine Peter Scudamore-Smith, and has received a four-star winery rating by James Halliday in the Australian Wine Companion. The business has been awarded trophies at the NSW Wine Show, the Cowra Wine Show and the Small Winemakers Wine Show. On a global scale, the wines have won significant awards at wine shows in London, Shanghai and New Zealand. Windowrie is the biggest exporter in the region and has been selling its high-quality wines to the United States, United Kingdom and Europe for more than 15 years. The company was also one of the first in Australia to begin exporting wines to Asia.
Environmental sustainability is of high importance to the business, and the majority of the vineyard is either organically certified or in conversion. This makes Windowrie the only organically certified processor in the Central Ranges region. The Windowrie Cellar Door was originally a flourmill built in 1861, making it the oldest building in Cowra. It has since been beautifully restored by Windowrie, allowing heritage to be preserved, and has been in operation since 1996. The O’Dea family, along with the team from Windowrie, is proud to be celebrating the 25-year milestone at the annual Windowrie event, which has been held on the last weekend of October for the past 15 years. At previous events, acts like The Whitlams have performed to crowds of more than 700. At this year’s event, guests can become acquainted with the Windowrie team while tasting the region’s most delectable flavours from renowned regional restaurant Neila. The food will be perfectly matched with wines from award-winning ranges including The Mill, Family Reserve and the much-loved organic Pig In The House. From noon on Saturday, October 26, guests can explore the stunning Windowrie gardens and homestead at what is referred to as the Cowra region’s food and wine event of the year. Visit www.windowrie.com.au for more information. Words: Anna Tickle
Above and below: Guests enjoying the Windowrie atmosphere at similar events the business has hosted in recent times.
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On the land @ Canowindra
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Chuffed customers FOUR YEARS AGO Jackie and Geoff Yeo were enjoying a brief visit to Canowindra when they stumbled upon a grand old building that had seen better days and was for sale. The building was the iconic TJ Finn building, which for many decades had traded as the Canowindra Store. It had been the centre of the town’s commercial hub until its closure in 1971. The old store slowly fell into a sad state of disrepair, almost reflecting the decline of the once proud and strong rural community. Jackie immediately recognised its potential: three shops and a threebedroom residence all under the one roof; and located in an amazingly well-preserved street with many other old buildings, reflecting a bygone era. “The challenges were immense,” said Geoff, referring to his new pet project. “Country NSW was in long-term drought and optimism in Canowindra, like the rest of country NSW, was in short supply. “However, we researched the area and discovered Canowindra is a town close to everything. This was a major drawcard and the reason for us taking the plunge of buying the building and moving here. “On the day we arrived it started raining and did not stop until the drought was well and truly broken. Dams were full and the rivers flowed once more,” Jackie said. “We felt it was a sign from heaven, to confirm we had made the right decision!” Having been neglected for decades, the building was in need of lots of love and care, so six months was spent cleaning, painting and renovating in preparation for opening day. Before long, Finns Store was back in business, and just like in the old days, has become a centrepiece of community and commercial life in Canowindra’s main street. Since opening three years ago, the store has gone from strength to strength, becoming known as a destination for visitors and locals and reflecting the renaissance occurring across rural NSW. Finns Store is fast becoming well known for its unique jewellery, furniture, women’s clothing, gifts, coffee and food. When visiting, make sure you check out the award-winning Swinging Bridge Wines cellar door, artwork by Heather Vallance, and hand-crafted furniture by Peter Lowe.
Picture perfect Pictured is artist Heather Vallance with recent work The Annual Spring Carnival, in charcoal and pastel, at Finns Store. Heather said artists and creative people were slowly settling here. “Canowindra has a good sense of place about it and the locals are very supportive of our art,” she said.
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GIFTWARE WITH A DIFFERENCE, WOMEN’S CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, FINE ART, FURNITURE AND CONTEMPORARY ARTEFACTS WITH COFFEE AND FINE FOOD. Open Thursday – Monday 9.30 to 4ish 35 Gaskill Street , Canowindra Phone 02 6344 1638
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The wheel thing CHARLIE McCARRON IS THE LONGEST SERVING BUSINESSMAN IN CANOWINDRA, HAVING RUN CANOWINDRA MOTORS SINCE 1959. HE RAN THE HOLDEN DEALERSHIP FOR A MARATHON 42 YEARS AND OVER THIS PERIOD AMASSED AN EXTRAVAGANT CAR COLLECTION THAT HAS BEEN SEEN BY THOUSANDS OF CAR ENTHUSIASTS. This serious collector has held many records over the years but possibly the best is that he is still selling the odd second-hand car at the ripe old age of 81.
Strategically lined up below are 33 vintage and classic cars that take your breath away. It’s like a mini car show you’d expect to see in a major city. Nearly all the classics are in good nick with little or no rust.
Charlie has lived in Canowindra all his life and his rural connections run deep. “My grandfather came here in 1907 and spent a life on the land. He had 11 sons including my father, who was also a farmer,” he said.
Charlie tells me there was another shed at home also chock-full of cars, including his most recent purchase, a 2002 Commodore, snapped up last month.
This farming connection is important. Back when he was 21, Charlie won a local wheat-growing competition for which he was awarded an International Farm Youth Exchange to the USA in 1954.
As he shuffles past the old cars he’s like a kid in a candy store. His eyes light up as he describes various models and their approximate worth. Before long we are looking at the car that’s had more impact on Charlie than any other: the No.46 Holden with only 22,000 miles on the clock.
During the trip he paid a visit to the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, filled with classic cars, some encased in glass, including the first built Model T Ford. Young Charlie was mesmerised and the idea for a car museum was hatched in his mind. It took a lifetime but Charlie fulfilled his prophecy. With his advancing years, Charlie’s not as active as he’d like to be. Breathing is getting tough and his legs “have seen better days”. Only the day before CWL visited, he bought a scooter to get around town. His desk may be piled a foot high with paperwork but Charlie knows where everything is and his mind is as sharp as a knife. For a long time he’s become accustomed to complete strangers filing through his garage doors, hoping for a glimpse of his impressive collection. It is only here that one understands the depth of commitment Charlie holds for General Motors.
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Charlie bought this piece of history in 1970 from its third owners in South Australia. He drove it 1300km home and insists the car never missed a beat. Today there are only six left in the country, and Charlie believes it is the only one still registered and in its original condition. “This FX Holden is in remarkable condition,” Charlie enthused. “It has led a charmed existence, with all three former owners looking after her like the treasure she is.” The car has no seatbelts, radio, heater or blinkers but Charlie still enjoys taking her out for the odd spin through Canowindra’s windy, historic streets. When manufactured in 1948 it retailed for £675 plus tax but today Charlie wouldn’t part with her for under a million.
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He briefly tinkers under the bonnet before firing the old girl up. “It’s a bit cold this morning,” he mumbled to no one in particular, as the relic shuddered to life. In 2004 the car was seen by millions on TV when racing legend Peter Brock took it for a few parade laps at the Bathurst 1000 to mark his final trip to Mount Panorama. Charlie gets nervous thinking about what will become of his lifetime’s passion for wheels. He’d love to see the collection stay in town as a tourist drawcard for years to come. In the meantime, Charlie McCarron will keep doing what he has always done – enjoying life, having a laugh and keeping a firm eye on his classic collection. From above left: Charlie with his beloved 1948 Holden, one of the first to be manufactured in Australia; the impressive line-up of old cars has taken a lifetime to collect; Canowindra Motors has been an institution in town since the early 1950s when Holdens were first manufactured; Charlie buried deep in paperwork in his office; Charlie often sits in his favourite couch at the front of the shop; Charlie’s unrestored 1937 Chev Roadster has been sitting in the shed since 1966.
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Millinery Matters... The Little Hat Shop Part owner Anne Vincent has been working in the shop for 18 months, after living here almost 40 years. “It’s my first effort at business,” she said. “I started off with 20 hats and now have over 100.” The busiest times of the year are autumn and spring, when the social calendar is marked with lots of weddings and racing carnivals. “It all depends on the season,” she said. “In winter people are looking for something stylish and warm and I can recommend a little felt cloche.” Anne makes 90 per cent of her hats. In the cooler months she uses felt or warm winter woollen fabrics. In the hotter months she uses straw and light summer fabrics.
Antiques
Wander through the two floors of the Canowindra Trading Post. Enjoy the ambience created by the eclectic mix of old and new. Incorporating ‘coffee on the side’ proudly serving
46 - 50 Ferguson St, Canowindra NSW 2804 Tel 02 6344 1529 | Fax 02 6344 1135 justask@canowindratradingpost.com.au www.canowindratradingpost.com.au www.facebook.com/canowindratradingpost
Jewellery
Garden Features
OPEN 7 DAYS
Homewares
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Lamps
Gifts
“It’s such a lovely, quaint little shop on the bend of the street. It seemed it was made for this business,” Anne said.
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Post with the most
THE TWO FLOORS of the Canowindra Trading Post are home to an eclectic mix of old and new, and a tranquil ambience that simply must be experienced. Housed in a building that used to be one of Canowindra’s original butcher and baker establishments, the business was the brainchild of two entrepreneurial sisters and opened in October 1993. The precinct was affectionately known as “Potts Point” at the time, and is reflective of the rich history of the town. In the early years, the store was full of antiques, old wares and bric-a-brac. It has since expanded into gifts and homewares. Rob Rogan and Nick Jacobs bought the business in March 2001, opening the first floor into retail space and establishing “coffee on the side”, which proudly serves Lavazza coffee and light refreshments. The boys, as they are fondly referred to by customers, have a background in hospitality, namely four- and five-star hotels. “Canowindra really appealed to us, as a town that has survived the test of time,” Rob said. “It is a community with incredible values that allow it to evolve and grow.” Rob and Nick came across the Canowindra Trading Post after looking at more than 200 businesses over a 2½-year period. The decision to buy the already established business with incredible growth potential was evidently well researched. You can wander at your leisure through the maze of interesting antique furniture, gifts, jewellery and an extensive variety of homewares and garden features. In the later half of the year, the Canowindra Trading Post stocks magnificent Christmas decorations for the festive season. The business has won a number of Daroo Business Awards. It has also taken out the Best Business in Cabonne twice, and has received the NSW Inland Tourism Award for Tourism Retail on two occasions. “We have tried to build the product around people being served by people. It’s important to maintain that good oldfashioned service,” Nick said. “Additionally, we are always trying to remain competitively priced, so that our customers are receiving true value for money.” Facebook has been the focal point for recent marketing activities, and is a popular location for customers to browse and keep up to date with all that is happening. The Canowindra Trading Post is open from 8.30am to 5pm seven days. www.canowindratradingpost.com.au Words: Anna Tickle Image of Rob and Nick: Style Magazine
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Rock stars IT WAS THE TURN of the century when Kyle Wallace and partner Liz Edmunds first set eyes on their rocky outcrop overlooking Canowindra’s lush Lachlan valley. They knew instinctively they had finally found the right place to cement their future. Sure there were mountains of rock, a goat track for a road, no power or postal service and few neighbours but the spectacular 360-degree view more than compensated. Everything in Kyle’s life, to this point, had prepared him for this moment – the chance to carve an oasis out of the escarpment and build selfcontained, five-star cottages that would attract discerning guests from all over the planet. The experience required to build the cottages was gathered over many years of working for various tradesmen, picking up tricks of the trade. “I taught myself to drive an excavator and a Bobcat, I dug ditches, painted houses, crawled around in roofs, anything to learn and watch how other blokes did their thing,” Kyle said.
Kyle, still fired up with unwavering enthusiasm, next put up a massive stone wall at the entrance, guarded by knights in shining armour. Security and total privacy are important features of Everview Retreat Luxury Stone Cottages and uninvited guests are not welcome. “When guests come in we email them our security pass and they can have as little or no contact with us during their stay,” Liz said. Now that she has more time away from work, Liz is hoping to spend a lot more time pursuing her love of painting, using a variety of mediums like charcoal, watercolours and oils.
During this steep learning curve, Kyle also held down regular jobs, including time as a storeman and packer, a decade delivering mail for Australia Post and a few years running a Newcastle pottery studio, selling pottery, beeswax, candles and soaps.
“You just have to walk outside to feel this place,” she said.
There’s not much Kyle won’t have a go at, and several years with the Army Reserve taught him some valuable lessons, like resilience. He needed lots of that trait if he was going to deal with the thousands of rocks that had sat undisturbed here for millions of years.
“They all seem to leave in such a relaxed state, compared to how they arrived, that in our hearts we know we must be doing something right.”
It may have been worthless grazing country but UK-born Kyle Wallace was no farmer. Already he was figuring out how he could turn the massive rock pile into a tangible asset.
“The magic of the surroundings and the Lachlan Valley never cease to amaze me. Every sunset is different. We get a real kick out of seeing the joy on our guests’ faces when they see the view for the first time.
Numerous awards confirm this view, including their first Inland Tourism Award in 2006, just after opening. Everview guests evidently enjoy the serene surroundings and regularly arrive by chopper from either Orange or Canberra.
It was a daunting task but the first job was to clear the land. Kyle bought a Bobcat to push the rocks around and level a space for his first project, a cosy barn for himself and Liz. “I ended up pretty well killing the machine but got the job done,” he laughed.
“We also see a lot of hot-air balloons gracefully floating past,” Kyle said. “Canowindra has a friendly, welcoming feel to it, and our guests tell us that the locals always greet them with a friendly smile.”
Now it was time to construct the first of their stone cottages. After the footings were poured, rock harvesting began in earnest. “I gathered the rocks, and Sydney masons constructed the walls,” explained Kyle, who also built the floors, roofs and decks.
“We’ve had the Japanese ambassador here and Silverchair may have stayed but we can neither confirm or deny,” Liz laughed. “Contrary to all reports, Elvis has not left the building and magically reappears here each January!”
It took about 12 months to finish, including infrastructure. The second cottage took only eight weeks to construct the stone and the same time to finish the interior. Both dwellings are precisely angled to ensure maximum privacy and shade in summer and feature the best of the best.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that all the building works would be enough for any man but the laid-back Kyle is a man of vision. He has already started work on his third and final cottage, which hopefully will be ready by the end of 2014.
“When we started our project we had no idea we were heading into one of the most prolonged droughts in recent memory,” Kyle said. Nevertheless, 4500 trees were planted on the property with only 10 per cent losses.
Within the next few years he aims to further develop the retreat with an infinity pool, a coffee shop and gallery and even a wedding reception venue. Everview Cottages, carved from stone and built with love, will continue to bring joy for many years to come.
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Any special guests recently?
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Rise and shine
Mornings are always busy for Jo Robson, “Windemere”, Canowindra. With a husband and three children to manage, Tom, 14, Skye, 13, and Georgia, 9, there is little margin for error. Jo moved to Canowindra in 2000 and two years later found her dream 50acre block. Her husband, Andrew, better known as Robbo, initially moved to manage a vineyard but now works with Active Trees, Orange, where he organises crews to clean up trees in the way of power poles. Bubbly and energetic powerhouse Jo has been a highly sought-after caterer for 20 years and loves her adopted town. “We have a real sense of community in Canowindra if you want it, or you can row your own boat,” she smiled. “There are not many country towns where you can find coffee as good as any in Sydney in such a peaceful, tranquil environment.”
Headmaster Ken McNamara sees his St Edward's Primary, Canowindra, pupils charge out of class at 3.15pm. He has been school principal here for 12 years.
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It’s an early morning start for the Harrison kids from “Brighton”, Canowindra. Making final adjustments are Maisie, 10, Lillian, 5, Amy, 7, and Bill, 8, before they wait with their mother, Bronwin Harrison, for the school bus to take them to St Edward’s.
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THE AGE OF FISHES:
The greatest show unearthed
MOVIE MAKING IS THE SLOWEST BUSINESS ON EARTH NEXT TO FOSSIL MANUFACTURE. – SCREENWRITER AARON LATHAM “It was pretty much discovered like this,” collection manager Bruce Loomes leans back on a slab marked “82” and lights a pretend cigarette. The fingers of his supporting arm fumble around on the stone behind him. Although hard to believe, that’s the simple truth behind how these incredible 360-millionyear-old fish fossils were found. With little encouragement, Bruce starts at the beginning. “In 1955, about 20 kilometres out of town, on the road to Gooloogong, there was a very bad bend in the road. The council set about to do some work to correct the sharp bend. “At the same time a local beekeeper, Bill Simpson, was doing some work with his hives in that area. At the end of the day Bill sat on a slab of rock that had been bulldozed up to the fence. He was just waiting for his son, who was coming back from Condo, to give him a lift back into town.” Shaking his head Bruce continues: “That’s when he felt it with his fingers. He thought that maybe the scales in the rock belonged to a lizard of sorts.” What Bill Simpson discovered was one of the most exciting scientific unearthings of its time. Eight new species of fish in total were identified along with 4000 other fish. Perhaps one of the most exciting fish discoveries was the air-
breathing, lobe-finned, carnivorous fish now known as the Eusthenopteron. It is believed that this fierce fish would eventually evolve into the first land animals. The belief is based on the fact that this fish has a radius, ulna and wrist bones in its lobe-fin. The biggest fish fossil of this species to be uncovered was a massive 1.6 metres. What’s most curious is that these fish swam the lake-covered Central West some 360 million years ago. The fish museum is a visual history lesson on the earth. It is something natural science enthusiasts of all ages would enjoy. Audio tours are available and there are other interesting natural history and science displays to see as well as a quirky little gift store. Behind the museum is a picnic area with a free barbecue facility. Circling the barbecue area is an informative geological timeline walk. As funds become available more fossils will be unearthed at the original site, which for now, remains covered for its own protection. This means that the museum has huge potential for growth in the future. Who knows how many new fish species are yet to be identified. Who knows what scientific firsts lay waiting here to be discovered. The Age of Fishes museum is a must see. After all, this is our history!
Above: 1956 slab recovery. The slab that Bill Simpson discovered would be recovered the following year.
NEWS FLASH: Only weeks after my visit to this wonderful natural museum, an extraordinary thing occurred. The museum received an impromptu visit from none other than Sir David Attenborough. Check out the link to see what Sir David had to say about the Age of Fishes collection: tinyurl.com/jvr5om8 www.ageoffishes.org.au Words: Catherine Player Images: Evolving Images, Destination NSW
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The way things were Audrey and John Farley on the old telephone exchange in the Canowindra Historical Society and Museum. The third-generation farmers from “Plenty” have been involved with the museum for more than 40 years and have been married for just under 60 years. These delightful country characters can easily recall when Canowindra had four pubs, four department stores and four banks. They love sharing their love of Canowindra with visitors to the museum and might even spin a yarn or two about the “good old days”.
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Life after Newport FOR MIKE AND BARBARA JEFFERY, VISITING CANOWINDRA ONE WEEKEND ABOUT A DECADE AGO HAS LED THEM TO MAKE THE BEST DECISION THEY’VE EVER MADE. One of the simple pleasures of life for Mike and Barbara Jeffery is to sit on their front verandah of their dream home on 25 acres (10.1 hectares) on the outskirts of Canowindra and watch the world go by. It is far removed from their former life in the beachside Sydney suburb of Newport, where the couple enjoyed sailing, surfing and the good times associated with living on the northern beaches. About 10 years ago the pair visited a dear old schoolfriend, Michele Porter and husband Terry, who had earlier made the tree change to Canowindra. Over a nice bottle of red, it didn’t take long to realise there was more to life than chaotic traffic, neighbours in close proximity and the Sydney rat-race in general.
track,” said Barbara, a warm hostess with a hot reputation in the kitchen. Their dream home was constructed by renowned local builder Paul Mackenzie, and the Jefferys moved here permanently early in 2012, after selling their Sydney property. “Although we were moving to the bush, we didn’t feel the need to build a typical country-style house. We wanted an open plan with lots of glass to take advantage of the sweeping views of The Falls Vineyard opposite us,” Mike said. “We gave Paul a floor plan and an idea of what we wanted and he did the rest. It’s perfect for us and our new lifestyle.”
After a fulfilling career in the fashion/retail business, including a 10-year stint running The Cheese Shop in Mosman, the Jefferys were ready to make the big move to a better life in the country.
Their three children, including two in Sydney and another near Wollongong, all love their modern, spacious retreat and often come home for a relaxing, feel-good, country experience.
“It took us a while to think of the right place to retire,” Mike admitted. They eventually discovered a 25-acre block with commanding views and thought it would make a great weekender. “We initially built what our friends called a ‘designer shed’ and couldn’t wait for our weekend escapes in the bush.”
Despite Canowindra’s small population, the Jefferys enjoy getting about and mixing with their new-found country friends. Although it’s only been just over a year since permanently moving here, Barbara feels right at home. After visiting old friends in Newport on several occasions they still can’t wait to get back.
Over time, Mike and Barbara made good friends with some of the locals and began to feel there was much more to this quaint little country town with the crooked main street than they could have possibly imagined.
Their cat Winston (named after designer jeweller to the stars Harry Winston), got caught up in the move after his owner, daughter Zoe, left home. This pampered pet loves his new environment, as does Scotty, the ex-racehorse in retirement.
“With no ocean breezes to cool down the dry summer heat, we agreed that if we were to move here permanently we would have to build our own little oasis to protect us from the elements,” Mike said. In 2009, before the house was built, the pair sowed a crop of lucerne, which bought back memories of Mike’s five-year boarding stint at Farrer Memorial Agriculture High School in Tamworth. “The crop was primarily grown to surround our weekender with fields of green and we felt for the first time that perhaps we were on the right
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“At this stage of our lives we never imagined we could find such happiness living in a small country town,” Barbara said. “When we walk down the street, people say hello, something we rarely experienced during our 30 years in Newport. “Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming that it made us realise that our move to the country was by far the best decision we’ve ever made.”
CANOWINDRA
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CANOWINDRA
The inn crowd WHY DO PEOPLE VISIT CANOWINDRA? This is the age-old question visitors invariably ask Graeme Beasley when they come to stay at his family-owned Old Vic Inn at the top of the winding main street. “A lot of people come here to see a town not spoiled by progress,” he said. “They hear about this great little town that is full of artists and opportunities and just like the relaxing pace.” It’s obvious this die-hard local is passionate about his adopted home town. “People scoff at heritage,” he said. “But when you pass down our main street and look at the shop fronts with their leadlight facades, the quirky angles of buildings and the tiles on the shop fronts, you realise the builders were proud of their craft.” It was this same passion that brought Graeme and wife Alison here in the first place. The pair have been married for 37 years and used to run businesses in the Southern Highlands. In 1992, with their three daughters in tow, they decided to move to an area where they could buy more land and live a rural life. After looking as far as Queensland for their dream block, they returned through Canowindra where they found what they were looking for: safe and productive land in a tight-knit rural community that is the envy of many small towns. Graeme remembers going to school here, where his father was headmaster from 1955-1960. “I knew it was the right place to bring up my family, and the kids’ education here was exceptional,” he said. In 2003, Graeme and Alison bought the Old Vic Inn (formerly Poppy’s Guesthouse), which was in a sad state of repair. His job of installing vineyards had come to a standstill due to the wine glut but instead of laying off workers, Graeme offered them the job of restoring the magnificent old pub to its former glory. With the support of Alison, who spent 10 years as a director at the local pre-school, and daughter Jennifer, who has a degree in Business Management, the Old Vic Inn has never been in better hands. While there are no public bars, there is a bar for guests serving a wide range of local wines (personally tested by the hosts), beer and spirits. The 15 rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, with 13 rooms boasting their own en suites. Most weekends are booked out for seminars and
functions, as well as being patronised by car clubs, motorbike and pushbike groups and family reunions. The restaurant is dedicated to serving locally grown produce such as lamb from the Lachlan and Belubula valleys. “Most meals reflect the type of dining we remember from our grannies and our childhood,” Graeme said. “Everything, including sweets such as bread and butter pudding, rhubarb and apple crumble, are all made in our kitchen.” There had once been a small art gallery in one of the rooms, and after the Beasleys bought the inn, they were approached by the local art network to see if they could decorate the old pub’s walls. Being art lovers themselves, the Beasleys’ answer was obvious. “We ran a few art openings for local artists, which were well patronised,” Alison said. “We were astounded by the depth of talent in this community.” Today more than 50 artists have their work on display, and many of the works are sold to visiting art lovers and everyday diners. Alison said over the past decade she has witnessed beginners become well-known and respected artists.
CANOWINDRA
THE FIRST WEATHERBOARD VICTORIA HOTEL was built in 1865 by Eliza and Thomas Walsh. A new brick section, consisting of 10 rooms, was built in 1911, in response to the development explosion that followed the opening of the railway. The new Victoria flourished in the heart of Gaskill Street, providing both hotel and office accommodation. There are stories of up to 150 horses and sulkies parked in and around the hotel on a Saturday when a lot of farmhands would come to town to get their supplies for the next week. The weatherboard pub was demolished for extensions after WWI and a new wing was added, forming an interesting corner where folk would congregate for a yarn. The graceful wooden arches and iron lace of the verandahs were matched in the new wing, though the fashion of the 1920s demanded that a veneer of glossy tiles should cover the mellow hand-made bricks outside the bar. The Victoria closed its doors as a hotel in 1966. After the interior was remodelled, it re-opened in 1969 as Canowindra Convalescent Home, giving renewed life in a period of declining business to one of the most imposing buildings in town. In more recent times the Victoria Hotel has operated as a guesthouse (winning four NSW Tourism Awards) and restaurant. It is listed on the National Trust Register, along with many others from Canowindra's historic main street.
The Award Winning Old Vic Inn Historic Guesthouse is situated in the main street of Canowindra encompassing 15 beautifully appointed rooms with an iron-laced verandah overlooking the historic main street of Canowindra. With polished wooden floors, high ceilings and a grand staircase guests can enjoy just relaxing in front of the open fireplaces or strolling the quaint heritage listed main street. Enjoy an ala carte dinner in the restaurant or have a long lunch in the cafe. Bring a group and book out the entire building for family reunions, birthday parties or just a getaway.
Come and enjoy the country atmosphere and experience all The Old Vic Inn and Canowindra has to offer.
Phone: 02 6344 1009 • Fax: 02 6344 1001 Email: info@oldvicinn.com.au • Website: www.oldvicinn.com.au
THE SCOTS SCHOOL Academic Excellence - Individual Attention - Diverse Opportunities WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
education
THE HISTORY OF THE SCOTS SCHOOL, Bathurst, is rich and diverse in nature. The “Karralee” homestead was built in the late 1860s by John Lee and purchased by William Arnott, of Arnott’s Biscuits fame, in the early 1930s.
The school also has a multi-award-winning cattle team, which has been the leading school exhibit at the last three Sydney Royal shows. Leadership development is fostered through a range of school programs including the school cadet unit.
In 1942 The Scots College, Bellevue Hill, Sydney, leased the property to accommodate its younger students due to the threat of Japanese attack in 1942.
The school offers equestrian as a sporting option with horse agistment for boarding students. It is the only school in Bathurst with an extensive swimming program in its own indoor heated pool.
The move was justified with Japanese submarines entering Sydney Harbour only weeks after the move to the Karralee homestead. The Scots College Branch School remained until the end of the war in 1945; however, by this time there were a number of boys from regional and rural NSW who had enrolled at the school because of its Central West location.
Scots headmaster David Gates has been here since the beginning of 2011. He and wife Gillian, also a teacher, have six children. Two are undertaking tertiary studies and the other four are enrolled at Scots.
The parents of these boys successfully asked the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of NSW to begin what was to be known as The Scots School Bathurst in 1946.
During his teaching career he has worked in a range of teaching, boarding and leadership positions at Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore), Canberra Grammar, The Armidale School, Geelong Grammar (Timbertop campus) and Shoalhaven Anglican School on the NSW south coast.
Throughout its 68 years, Scots has enjoyed a reputation of being a school not just for the children of Central West NSW but also students from Sydney, many other parts of the state and a number of countries around the Asia-Pacific rim. The demand from parents for co-education was such that girls were first admitted in 1997 with the school fully co-educational by 1999. Since then, co-education has become firmly established with boys and girls taking roles in all aspects of school life – academic, sporting, co-curricular and leadership. Fast-forward to 2013 and this co-educational day and boarding school now accommodates students from pre-kindergarten to Year 12 on beautiful and expansive grounds. It provides excellent care for its boarders, who make up 40 per cent of the secondary school. It boasts an admirable academic record, strong sporting and co-curricular activities and is particularly known for its award-winning Pipes and Drums Unit. 100 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
His formative years were spent in Papua New Guinea as the son of missionary parents before returning to Sydney for his secondary education.
David comes across as an energetic and highly motivated educational leader who is very proud of the wonderful school he leads. He is particularly fascinated with the rich history of the school and enjoys meeting Old Boys and Girls to hear of their experiences at the school. In 2012 he was privileged to welcome back the very first students from The Scots College Branch School for a 70-year reunion and to have them share their stories with the current student body. The Scots School provides a holistic education that aims to develop well-rounded students ready for tertiary study, further training or work placement, and responsible adults willing and ready to contribute to their community. “The learning that takes place in the formal classroom must be the catalyst for further learning at home and viewed in the context of lifelong learning,” David said.
The school provides rich and diverse opportunities in addition to the excellent academic program. David believes that for students to experience personal growth they must be challenged in a wide variety of activities. “This takes them out of their comfort zone to develop confidence to face the world and resilience to prosper,” he says. “The Christian values on which the school is founded are central and need to be modelled and practised in our attitude and actions towards each other on a daily basis, in the classroom and in activities outside of the classroom,” adds David. The school motto is “Trouthe and Honour Fredom and Curteisie” and at Scots students are encouraged to aspire to these ideals in every part of their lives. (The school motto is a quote from Geoffrey Chaucer’s description of the Knight in the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, which was written at the end of the 14th century. The school has preserved the original old-English spelling of the words.) Ultimately, as David explains, the aim of the school’s Christian education, discipline and welfare structures is for students to develop character and a level of self-discipline so that increasingly they will do what is right “when no one is watching”. It is witnessing such character growth in students that inspires and motivates this educational leader. CWL
Opening page: Headmaster David Gates with 2013 school captains and vicecaptains. Above from top left: One of the original buildings from the Lee Estate, circa 1870; Bulkeley House boarders; Year 11 students Peter Deacon, Robbie Hayward and Jonte Boshier; The Scots School headmaster, David Gates; Year 8 boarders in front of the new performing arts centre; junior school Stage 2 class with teacher Lyn Inglis; Rebecca George, Year 10, and agriculture prefect Georgina Simcock, Year 12, at the school farm. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 101
education
Live and
Learn
WHEN YOU MEET SUE DOOLAN, you meet a talented, well-educated, retired professional who is not prepared to enter the second half of her life without stimulation, inspiration and the joy of mentoring others. Sue is a Bathurst resident, and is well known for her role over the past three years as president of the University of the Third Age (U3A). Along with her dedicated committee, Sue has continued the great work started by Betty Heaton back in 1991, when the group was founded. When Sue moved to Bathurst in 2001, she left behind a 25-year teaching career and started a new life on a farm near the city. Sadly, her partner, an engineer, died 18 months after their move. Sue decided on a fresh start and moved into town. “All my friends were in Sydney and I knew very few people. However, I realised that the future was in my hands, so I started volunteering, teaching computing at the Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre,” Sue said. This move was to change Sue’s life. A friend told her about U3A, so she started by doing a quilting course. Other courses soon followed and eventually she took on the responsibility of the newsletter and became president. U3A Bathurst is a small part of a worldwide movement involving seniors in lifelong learning. With the key aim of encouraging older people to remain active in their retirement and continue learning, it is no surprise that in 2013 membership looks likely to reach close to 400 students in Bathurst. Many of the students elect to become voluntary tutors if they consider themselves to possess a talent or skill that they can share with others. Courses can include musical and creative pursuits such as singing, learning to play the recorder, as well as art, craft, pottery, quilting and gardening. Physical activity is encouraged through yoga, canoeing, croquet and fitness. Not to be overlooked are courses that focus on building thinking
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skills such as creative writing, current affairs, Spanish, cryptic crosswords, card playing and philosophy. The range and number of courses varies from year to year and from term to term, but there is always a myriad of subjects to choose from to suit the most discerning student. It is worth noting that all courses are low cost, there are no entry requirements, no examinations and no awards. The headquarters of U3A Bathurst can be found at Charles Sturt University, where a room is provided for courses and significant sponsorship assists in ensuring the continuance of this adult learning facility. U3A centres are found throughout the Central West in Bathurst, Cowra, Dunedoo, Forbes, Mudgee, Parkes, Dubbo and Orange. It is obvious that the love of learning is the prime motivator for the “more mature” participants who choose to stay young forever. For further information about the Bathurst branch, contact Sue Doolan on shardy@westnet.com.au or to locate your closest U3A go to the website: www.u3aonline.org.au. CWL Words: Elizabeth Tickle
Above: Keeping both the mind and body active – U3A students working on cryptic crosswords, playing chess and enjoying a spot of yoga.
Meet T-Rex....up close! Visit Bathurst's greatest treasure, The Australian Fossil & Mineral Collection, home of the Somerville Collection. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 10am-2pm 224 Howick Street Bathurst NSW 2795 P. 02 6331 5511 F. 02 6331 5986
www.somervillecollection.com.au
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EXPERIENCE
Kinross Wolaroi School offers Pre-Prep to Year 12 co-educational learning in a safe and friendly country environment, with separate boarding sites for boys and girls from Year 7. The distinctiveness of Kinross Wolaroi School centres on the wide range of opportunities available to students, both inside the classroom and beyond.
• Over 125 years of educational tradition and experience • HSC Graduates regularly in the State’s top 10% • Outstanding facilities and resources • First class education within a safe, secure and friendly country environment.
Visit www.kws.nsw.edu.au or contact Registrar, Michelle Pryse Jones directly P: 6392 0403 M: 0427 683 751 E: mprysejones@kws.nsw.edu.au
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Applications for enrolment in 2015 are now open, however places are limited for some year groups.
education
STEER CRAZY ST JOHN’S COLLEGE IN DUBBO TURNS OUT SOME VERY FINE YOUNG CITIZENS AND, THANKS TO BEN TOLL’S EXPERT GUIDANCE, SOME CHAMPION LIVESTOCK TOO. It takes a special bloke to devote his life to helping country kids excel out of the classroom but that’s exactly what St John’s College Agriculture Co-ordinator Ben Toll is achieving with his current crop of students. Ben has lived in the Central West all his life, growing up in Cowra, before moving to Gwabegar, Dubbo, Bathurst, Warren and then back to Dubbo. It was on the family farm near Gwabegar that he developed an affiliation with the livestock industry. After leaving school, Ben completed a trade in fitting and machining, then went to university where he completed a science degree in Environmental Technology as well as a diploma in education. Ben has been teaching agriculture for 20 years with posts at Warren Central School and Dubbo South High School before joining the St John’s College team 13 years ago. The rural-based school boasts nearly 1200 students, with many involved in the St John’s College Livestock Exhibition Team, established in Ben’s first year here. Since then his agricultural students have competed at every major show across the eastern seaboard, including the Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra royals.
It’s big beef business at this school. St John’s also competes at the Casino Beef Week, National Steer Show and the Beef Spectacular. Through Ben’s meticulous homework and dedication, the school has exhibited the champion school steer at each of these hotly contested competitions. The biggest highlight to date was winning all major awards in the 2009 Sydney Royal purebred led steer competition. It is believed St John’s College became the first exhibitor to ever clean up, winning the champion schools and exhibiting the champion lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight purebred led steers. Later that year the college exhibited the grand champion led steer at the Brisbane Royal, where it was auctioned for a record price of $20,272. They take their cattle very seriously here but Ben says he thoroughly enjoys working with quality livestock and enthusiastic students. The show team focuses on students having fun, socialising with people who have a similar interest, learning about the livestock sector and developing skills and knowledge that will make them more employable. Ben says students have gone on to become veterinarians, stock and station agents, working in feedlots, saleyards, abattoirs and on farms. >
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With that in mind, all eyes this year are focused on one particular beast in the school paddock, a much pampered steer called Rusty. Given that last year’s steer went for a record $25,000, Ben saw the need to select an outstanding animal to be auctioned at Brisbane’s Breakfast Creek Hotel this September, raising money for prostate cancer. “We found an exceptional purebred Limousin steer bred by the Kirk family of Peak Hill. The Kirks have been one of the leading led steer exhibitors in the country, winning many major shows including Sydney and Canberra royals, The National Steer Show and Casino Beef Week. Agrigrain has donated grain for the steer, which the college process to make into their well-known “rocket fuel”. Rusty is expected to weigh in excess of 700kg, live weight, when auctioned. Ben describes Rusty as an exceptionally well-muscled, soft steer with a good temperament and an average daily weight gain of 1.65 kilograms. “He would certainly be competitive at any major show in Australia,” Ben said. “We exhibited Rusty at Canberra earlier this year, and despite having just been started on grain, he was placed among the top two in the non kill purebred class.” Rusty was also grand champion led steer at both the Dubbo and Warren shows. “It’s nice to see students actively participating in charity events and realising the importance of fundraising for people in need,” said Ben, with a satisfied look on his dial. Ben acknowledges the help of the following in his development: Kim Williams, Polldale Shorthorns; Les Acorn, Green Acre Limousins; The Kirk family, Wilworril Limousins; Brett Littler, NSW DPI beef cattle officer; Denis Strachen from Woolworths; Warren and Carlene Scifleet, Black Opal Limousins. CWL Words & images: Shot by Jake 106 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
Above L-R: Where the work happens – Ben and some of his students in the cattle yards; Ben in the classroom; Rusty, the Limousin steer St John’s students have prepared for a charity auction in Brisbane; the trophy room is bulging at the seams.
country show
Warren SHOW
THE 134TH ANNUAL WARREN SHOW WAS VOTED A MAJOR SUCCESS BY THE THOUSANDS OF VISITORS WHO FLOCKED TO THE RACECOURSE FOR A SPECIAL DAY OUT.
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Two-year-old Ryan Bell with pop and show president Ashley Bell, of Raby stud, Warren.
er te judge Brad Taylor, judge and CWL publish Chief cattle steward Justin Sanderson, associa of Trangie. Chase, Geoff and n Stephe ors exhibit beef e Alex Tickle with suprem Haddon Rig chairman George Falkiner is a staunch Warren Show supporter.
Judge James Rayner, of Bathurst, with Haddon Rig manager Andy McLean , jackaroo Jim Clarke and the supreme merino exhibit HR2-2924.
Aiden Barnes, 6, of Gulgong, with his miniature pony Chanel.
exhibits in the hotly contested baby Miss Warren Showgirl Courtney Bruem with winning Macquarie, and Dusty with mum Port of , Giddins Elise mum and competition, Willow Rachel Cross, of Oxley station, Warren. Jim O’Brien and daughter Harriet, “Glenanaar”, Gulargambone, enjoy the dodgem cars.
SHOW PRESIDENT Ashley Bell, of Raby stud, Warren, said the show was growing bigger and stronger every year, under the supervision of a loyal and dedicated committee. “Great support from local business houses and the wider community is keeping our small country show alive,” he said. This year’s show featured an impressive line-up of merinos as well as a strong cattle section after a 12-year absence. Seven breeds were paraded before judge and CWL publisher Alex Tickle and his associate Brad Taylor, of St John’s College, Dubbo. Chief cattle steward Justin Sanderson was pleased with the line-up of 25 head and said numbers could only grow. It was a good day for Stephen Chase and family, of Waitara Partnership, Trangie, who took out the supreme exhibit with an Angus cow that judge Tickle described as an outstanding matron of the breed. The Chase family were also most successful exhibitor. In the traditionally strong merino classes, 80 stud and 49 flock sheep were judged by father and son team Geoff and James Rayner, of Pomanara stud, Sallys Flat. Haddon Rig stud, Warren, exhibited the supreme merino from its show team of 15 head. The 130-year-old stud has a long and proud association with the Warren show, having exhibited here since the show started. Exhibition Hall, as always, was full of standout exhibits from the local community. Likewise, the wool pavilion boasted an excellent line-up of fleeces from Warren and as far as Nyngan and Cobar. Other highlights included sideshow alley, trade displays, market stalls and the Quick Shear competition, which attracted 27 competitors. A lawn mower race also proved a big hit with show patrons. The lawn mowers were anything from standard. One of them, dubbed Ethel, caused a sensation with its 250cc road bike engine. Spectacular fireworks capped off another successful show for the proud Warren locals, who are already planning for 2014.
Show stalwart Ian Wass, of Woodside stud, Warren, has been sheep for 70 odd years at his local show. This knowledgeable man,exhibiting now aged 88 and soon to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary, jokingly describe s himself as “one of the new blokes on the patch”. His lifelong fascination with when he was a jackaroo at Egelabra stud, Warren, in 1942, five wool started days after the Japanese bombed Darwin. Harold Wass was the manager at that time and before that his grandfather was the manager.
Next year the Warren P & A Association will host the Zone 6 Sydney Royal Show Girl Competition, making it the biggest event the committee has ever staged. “It will bring many visitors to our great town,” Ashley said. “The area encases 39 towns from Bourke in the north-west to Young in the south and we can expect 300 to 500 extra visitors.” Words & images: Shot by Jake
country show
Paul Kirk, of Kirk’s Reptiles, Dubbo, with a Centralian python, normally found in the Red Centre.
John and Di Simmons, “Retro”, Warren, with champion merino fleece.
their
Honorary life members and patrons of the Warren Sho w include Betty McKay, Stuart Russ, Pat and Joh n Irving, Eileen Callan and Tish McAlary with show president Ashley Bell. Dubbo lad Lachlan McC oll, 11, enjoys the parading competition.
Margaret-Rose Hayden, “Yellangalo”, Warren, has been coming to the show for 50 years. She is pictured with Kevin and Madi Simmons, “Glenara”, Nevertire.
Hugh McGrath, Womboin stud’s champion flock ewe held by Rayner, Mudgee. with chief steward Cam Munro and judge Geoff
Among the 189 poultry exhibits was the grand champion bird of the show, an Old English Game w, of Duckwing, pictured with owner Stan Thurlo owner Gilgandra, and the runner-up White Pekin with David Cleasby, of Warren.
bone.
Champion cattle parader Tom Noonan, of Quam
Gordon Wise, of Warren , fires up a 1912 Hornby oil engine, once used in a shearing plant.
Shearer Emma Billett, 24, can shear sheep with the in the Quick Shear com best of men and cer Nevertire home, where her petition. Although she is on the road most daytainly held her own par ent s are farm ers. This tough competitor firsts, Emma still calls as a rouseabout when onl lot of people were surpris y 16 and was shearing her first pen three years began in the sheds ed later. Emma said a to 189 fleeces in one day when they learnt of her career, especially when . Enngonia and Nyngan. These days she is busy shearing with men in are she has shorn up “Th as she said. Many have bec e men are generally respectful and help me out like Goodooga, ome good mates but tha when required, t is all forg otte n when the competition ” clock starts and it’s everyo ne for themselves. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 109
Goat of note BV FARM FRESH is headed by Craig and Joanne Stewart, of “Buena Vista”, 42 kilometres west of Gilgandra. The business truly represents the core principles of primary industry. Joanne and Craig take pride in producing the finest in gourmet goat meat, based on their rich farming history of more than 100 years in the Collie area. Just a brief chat with Joanne will leave you realising the importance of animal welfare in terms of meat production, as well as having an appreciation and passion for animals. The couple truly is an asset to the farming industry.
The goats are sent to the abattoir at Nyngan before they are processed and available for sale at the Bourke Street Butchery in North Dubbo. The business makes value-added products like goat mini balls, sausages, pies and curries, saving consumers time and effort in preparing meat.
BV specialises in the production of premium-quality goat meat (capretto and chevron) and supplies to a number of high-end Italian restaurants in Sydney, such as La Spiaggia, and Lucio’s Italian Restaurant in Paddington.
BV has been entering deli meat competitions successfully for the past two years. Highlights have been winning silver medals in both 2011 and 2012 in the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Fine Food section – an impressive feat considering the small size of the business and the large number of competitors.
They have also been growing Hereford beef for more than 50 years, and supply to the domestic market. Repeat customers love the homegrown, natural taste of the BV Beef. “We are passionate about supporting our local market with our highquality goat meat product, and being able to meet the people who support us,” Joanne enthused.
Paramount to BV’s operations is the impeccable treatment and animal husbandry practices of both the cattle and goats. “It’s so important to us to keep our animals quiet and in top condition, as this reflects on the end meat product,” Joanne said.
The superfood is growing in popularity, based on its unique taste and many health benefits.
“We welcome anyone who would like to experience hands-on how we do things at Buena Vista to pay us a visit.
“Goat meat is leaner than chicken, with more protein. It also has a tremendous amount of iron; more than beef,” Joanne said. “It is definitely a food product that is increasingly prevalent on dining-out menus, and there are no cultural boundaries.”
“We often have domestic and international visitors here, some with young children wanting to learn about farming in this beautiful setting.”
www.bvfarmfresh.com.au Words: Anna Tickle
“
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BV supplies a growing range of meat products to the Sprout Cafe and Lazy River Estate, both in Dubbo, as well as the Cactus Cafe and Gallery in Wellington. BV also regularly attends the Dubbo Farmers Markets, which provides the opportunity to interact with their valued customers.
It is clear that the team at BV Farm Fresh has an underlying desire to share with others their love for farming, and their rural lifestyle. It is this passion that is so hard to ignore, and so pleasant to experience.
Gourmet products for your Christmas party, wedding or cocktail party
Products such as our Mini-Balls are perfect for canapés, and our range of goat sausages bring a burst of flavour to any occasion.
We also supply Capretto on pre-order for Christmas. We put the greatest emphasis on producing the finest in gourmet goat meat available. Our products are always fresh, and contain a high nutritional value with a unique and full flavour.
Place your order today!
GOAT & BEEF “Buena Vista” Collie NSW, 2827 T: 02 6847 9168 | M: 0427 210 116 admin@bvfarmfresh.com.au | www.bvfarmfresh.com.au 110 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FIELD DAYS Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 October 2013
Over 600 Agricultural exhibitors, Sheep and Cattle Centres, Orange City Council Art Competition, Pedigree Sheepdog Trials, Petting Zoo, Live Music and Children’s Activities ... Something for Everyone.
LOCATION:
563 Borenore Road Borenore (15kms west of Orange)
GATES OPEN: 8.30am to 5pm daily
CONTACT US:
P | 02 6362 1588 E | info@anfd.com.au W | anfd.com.au
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 111
The good soil COONAMBLE’S 2012 FEMALE FARMER OF THE YEAR, ANNE WILLIAMS, IS A WOMAN ON THE GO. WITH HUSBAND RAY SHE HAS BEEN ON FARM TOURS THAT HAVE TAKEN HER ALL AROUND THE GLOBE BUT SHE IS HAPPIEST IN HER LITTLE OFFICE, OUT ON HER COONAMBLE FARM, ANALYSING SOILS. It is here, in a small demountable, she discovers things about soil microbiology that can change lives. Out the window are the majestic Warrumbungle Mountains but all Anne sees right now are stark reminders of the big dry. There are cattle on the road, empty dams and 2100 hectares of cracking grey, clay soils screaming out for relief. Ray still reckons “Magomadine” is God’s country. “All we need is a bit of rain to kick it off,” he said. Today the clouds are dark and ominous but this farmer, although the eternal optimist, has seen it all before. “We’ve had no decent rain for 15 months. We got a crop in last year because we had stored moisture but not this year,” he said. It might be tough going at the moment but living on the land has brought them much joy. Running a farm has always been Anne and Ray’s life-long dream. Ray has long understood the country way of life, being one of 10 kids raised on “Boree”. His father grew up on another historic Coonamble property, “Billeroy”, first taken up by his ancestors in the 1850s and, remarkably, still in the family today. Getting back on the land wasn’t easy and the
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industrious pair worked many jobs, including teaching, shearing and share-farming to acquire capital. For eight years they even ran a Coonamble orchard, which really got them thinking about soil and conservation. By 1992 they were finally able to start off on their own, with a block that has steadily grown over five successive stages, despite years of drought and adversity. “Ours is a biological farm where we combine the best of organic and conventional farming methods to bring out the best in our soils,” explained Anne, who has become somewhat of a soil expert. She’s almost finished a doctorate in soil biology, handing in her final thesis only the day before our interview. With two degrees and two diplomas already under her belt, it is fair to say Anne has become a diligent student after years of being the teacher. Anne’s enthusiasm for knowledge has taken her all over the world. Over the past decade she has travelled with farmer groups to South America, eastern Europe, southern Africa, the USA, Canada and Mexico. By the time you read this she and Ray will be exploring farming practices
in Kazakhstan, in the former Soviet Union. Anne, whose daughter-in-law is Japaneseborn, regards Japan as one of the most exciting places on earth. She loves exploring places where few westerners go and is forever thankful for her connections there. Sleeping on the floor of traditional Japanese hotels proved an interesting experience as was the communal bathing! Anne learnt many things from her travels and research, resulting in numerous accolades for her own farming efforts. With Ray she won the 2005 and 2012 Central West Conservation Farmer of the Year awards. Then there is that little glass trophy on the mantlepiece inscribed with the words 2012 Farming Woman of the Year – a national award conducted by the ABC and sponsored by GrainCorp. “The award wasn’t heavily publicised but it meant a fabulous free weekend at Melbourne’s Hyatt Hotel. The award also led to several speaking engagements,” Anne said. This country girl from Trundle takes it all in her healthy stride. She conceded that, in reality, all she ever tried to do was gain a better appreciation of soil.
agriculture
“Our belief is that while productivity is important, our drive is to have a healthy soil, environment and community,” she said. “We farm in a highly variable environment with major droughts and floods. Price variability is another factor we have to deal with. One of our major goals is to make farming profitable while looking after our environment.” One method they readily adopted was no-till agriculture to stop soil from blowing or washing away. They maintain high levels of ground cover to encourage soil biological life and crop productivity and attempt to return the soil life, humus and nutrients lost in production. Today the Williams family, including son David, a former grain marketer, grow a diverse range of dryland crops like wheat, chickpeas, linseed and canola. They have developed solid partnerships with marketers of their grain and feel confident they are heading in the right direction. Their two other children are both in Dubbo pursuing their own careers. Rebecca, a chartered accountant, runs real estate firm Century 21 with husband Brad. They have three daughters. Ray and Anne’s youngest son, Ben, is a computer-mapping officer with Dubbo City Council. He married Japanese-born Miho and has two children. The Williams family have embraced some radically different ideas and technologies but Anne still wants to know the health benefits associated with growing various crops. “It’s been suggested that selenium levels in our food are low,” she said. “I developed cardio-myopathy and the experts told me I’d have to live a much quieter life. Then a doctor put me onto selenium and that fixed me. “The specialists say there’s no scientific proof that selenium is the cure for heart problems but I can tell you I’m better.” It’s just as well, as this farming mum needs all her well-being to help keep their much-loved farm viable while dreaming up her next overseas jaunt. CWL
Words & images: Shot by Jake
Above: The passion Anne and Ray Williams have for soil health and biology has taken them around the world. Facing page: Anne and Ray help neighbour Michael Storck (left), of “Lorna”, Coonamble, with his direct drilling of a barley crop. Michael added some compost extract to help boost the crop, which will be used for stock feed.
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Done and dusted
CLEAR BLUE SKIES AND THREE DAYS OF NON-STOP, BONE-JARRING ACTION ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF RODEO AND CAMPDRAFTING ENTHUSIASTS TO COONAMBLE OVER THE JUNE LONG WEEKEND. WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
According to committee president Dave Burtenshaw (pictured left), nearly 700 cowboys and cowgirls descended on the friendly town on the Macquarie River for a crack at the $25,000 rodeo purse and thrill of competing in the biggest rodeo and campdraft in the southern hemisphere. Now in its 58th year, this event has gone from strength to strength, with more than 1220 nominations in the campdraft alone. A further 300 were knocked back due to time constraints. It did pour rain on the final day, traditionally held for junior rodeo events, but the show went on and more than $33,000 was taken on the gate. After expenses most of this will be distributed to local charities, schools and sporting groups. One of the highlights of the saddle bronc competition on day one was witnessing rodeo legend John Rodney’s comeback ride. “I want to be the oldest bronc rider to qualify for the national finals,” JR said after his spectacular ride that fell just a fraction short of the eight-second bell. JR (pictured left) started riding bucking stock in 1974 and has represented his country in the sport. Coonamble was his first ride in 11 years and perhaps he was unlucky to have drawn a tough horse, in fact a former bucking horse of the year called Knakadoo Pirate. “I thought I’d whistle up but I was still happy to do what I did,” he said after the ride, which brought the big crowd to its feet. “I was a bit jittery beforehand but in this game you learn to conquer your fear.” For the past six years JR has been working in the Kimberley region before moving to Coonamble and taking up a job at the feedlot. JR loves Coonamble and describes it as “one of the last great cowboy towns”. His great mate and loveable larrikin Chris
“Hipshot” Mead is riding bulls at the same age and recently struck gold in the Branxton bull ride. “He inspired me to get back on,” JR said. “I thought, ‘Blow it, I’m here to live out my days’. Coonamble had to be the place where I’d get back to doing what I’ve done all my life.” Rodeo judge and team roping competitor David Hallam described Coonamble as one of the big highlights on the rodeo circuit and a great place to bring his children Blake, 21, and Courtney, 18. Blake kicked off his career in Coonamble as a junior and hasn’t missed one since the age of six. At 16 he became the youngest winner in the open team roping national final and is the current champion along with his father. Courtney is the 14-18 years junior barrel racing champion and all-round junior champion cowgirl. David said many things had changed on the rodeo circuit. “When I started 30 years ago it cost a tank of petrol and $20 entry fee. In those days it didn’t really matter if you won or lost. Now it’s $300 to fill the truck with diesel and $100 a run,” he said. “Today rodeo is both expensive and fiercely competitive. Since the 1990s it has become a more professional sport and you only get out of it what you put into it.” It’s fortunate he is a wool buyer and able to get away about 40 weekends each year with his family to compete and sometimes, like at Coonamble, kick back with old mates. At the other end of the spectrum, Dubbo pair Jamie and Karen Manning arrived in Coonamble with a big Brahman bull called Wildfire that loves to be ridden by kids and grownups. The gentle giant was bought as a pet four years ago from the saleyards and does birthday parties, promotional work and even attends schools preaching the word of rodeo. >
bush rodeo
bush rodeo
This very spoilt beast is both a hobby and a business for the Manning family (pictured left). When he is not working, Wildfire enjoys beer, watermelon and icecream apart from his staple diet of hay. He sleeps near the family and is very much part of the team. Jamie, who rode bulls for 20 years, admits their $20 million public liability insurance offers them peace of mind when they trot him around but they’ve never had any problems. Behind the rodeo and far from the noisy crowd, the campdrafters quietly went about their business. They started at sun up to get through the huge number of entries. There was no wild cheering and the only sound to break the eerie silence was the crack of the whip to signal the end of the ride.
“We have some of the best campdrafters in Australia, including the current Sydney Show champion Troy Palmer on a cracker of a horse,” he said.
Among this horse fraternity were a few old-timers who have been in the sport for more than 50 years, like Fred and Suzie Parker, “Myona”, and Warren and John King (pictured below left), “Milba”, Baradine. John competed in the first campdraft here back in 1954 and has been returning ever since, albeit the past two as a spectator.
“There is a lot of satisfaction from doing a good cutout, completing the course and getting your beast through the gate.”
“I haven’t got the right horses now,” he said. “These days the competition is tough and if you are serious about it you need the right mount under you.” This year 250 horses were entered in the maiden with a further 351 in the novice. With nomination fees ranging from $25 to $40 a ride, it’s big business but only a select few take home the spoils on offer, including a $3000 saddle. John estimated there were probably close to 1000 horses on the grounds, including the rodeo brigade. Campdrafting, he said, was attracting a ton of young riders from near and far who were steering the sport into a new, professional era. He said the sport had never been in stronger shape, a sentiment echoed by fellow campdrafter Ewen McLeish, of Outwest Angus Stud, Coonamble.
Molly the Bristish Bulldog and unofficial rodeo mascot.
Entertainment came in the form of Big Al.
ook, Luke Parkinson, Muswellbr . itor pet com was a keen 116 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
Leeli Tucky, Tamworth, was riding high in her fourth year.
Franko proved a big hit.
“It’s more popular for the competitors than perhaps the spectators but that’s what campdrafting is all about.
This cattleman (pictured above with John) has been coming to Coonamble since he was a kid and started competing 30 years ago. After a spell Ewen took it up again three years ago, just as many farmers in the district have done. For him, it’s an extension of his real work on the farm, where horses are preferable to machines. “I like this sport because it is such a great leveller. Even an average rider like myself, on a good day, could crack a good score. There is an element of luck, I suppose, as far as how the cattle run on the day. It’s imperative you pick the right beast out of the six or seven in the camp.” After three days of bone-jarring action and long spells in the saddle, it was time to hang up the spurs and take bruised and battered bodies home for recovery. The Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft proved another great success story for the town and its hardened committee members who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this highly treasured institution. CWL
Don McKenzie, Blacktown, was here for the 28th time.
Old cowboy and drover Toby Bunyan, Gulargambone.
Billy “The Breaker” Robinson, still going strong after 40 years in the game.
The best bulls, bad broncs and some close calls!
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HORSES
for courses
WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
Apart from family and God, there aren’t many things that matter more than horses in the Parker family. Fred and Suzie Parker, from Warren, have been competing in campdrafting events for more than 50 years and are marvelled by one and all for their enduring love of the sport that brought them together and has given them a lifetime of treasured memories.
AS YOU’D EXPECT, both of these country characters come from rural backgrounds. Fred’s parents lived in the district all their lives. “Dad used horses and drays to help make roads for the Warren Shire,” Fred said from the warm homestead kitchen. First-time visitors, like me, are always surprised to discover “Myona” – the 500-acre farm they call home – adjoins the last street in town. Talk about having the best of both worlds! Fred said the place was one of Warren’s four original dairies. He and Suzie moved here 35 years ago and quickly turned it into a jackeroo school. The school closed about 10 years ago but there are still horses in the yards that require constant attention and men on the land who first learnt to kill a sheep, strain a fence, milk a cow, muster the mob or just man up at his rigid six-week school for troubled kids. Fred Parker has had more horses than cooked breakfasts but still remembers his first acquisition. “When I was at school I busted my britches to buy a horse,” he said. “One day I came across this old chap who wanted to sell his horse and saddle for 20 pounds. For some reason he wouldn’t throw in a bridle.” Fred paused and smiled. “I think he was going to pinch another horse on the way out of town!” Fred knows how to spin a yarn and he’s had a ton of practice over a long, productive life. He left school at 15 and started his working life as an apprentice brick-maker. It didn’t feel right and soon he was back on a farm driving petrol-driven tractors. “I remember the first day I got in one,” Fred recalled with another grin. “It was coming on dark and I didn’t have a clue as to how to stop the thing!” Fred was much more useful in a saddle. He put in 27 good years at “Gillendoon”, Warren, starting as a rabbiter. “I took over 34 dogs and a horse and sulky and that was a good start. Then the stationhand left and I got his job. Then the overseer left and I got his job. I wasn’t game to look at the boss!” Out of a family of six kids, Fred and his sister, Dawn Shearer, who still lives in Warren, are the last from that era.
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country dynasty
SUZIE’S LOVE OF THE BUSH Suzie Blomfield also had a strong connection to the land. Her father was a drover who died from heart troubles when Suzie was only nine. During the 1950s she recalls hitching up the old sulky to the family horse, Stumpy, and going off to the convent with her four sisters and brother to be educated. “Mum continued droving on her own and we’d often help. If it was a really long trip we’d board at the convent with the nuns,” she told CWL over one of many cuppas. After school Suzie worked at the dry-cleaners followed by a stint at the general store, where she was cashier. “I used to sit up in a little box, and the dockets would be sent to me. My job was to give them back the correct change but often I’d put flour in the canisters and it would go all over the customers,” she added with a wicked grin. Like Fred, Suzie was also drawn back to the bush. By age 19 she was a governess living 32 miles (around 50 kilometres) from town. Never one for the books, Suzie would bolt for the saddle shed at the first opportunity. She loved horses and mustering and sitting in a saddle for days on end. It was inevitable the pair would eventually run into each other at a campdrafting competition back in the early 1960s. The sport has its origins in the early days of the Australian stockman, and is believed to have begun in rural Queensland about 100 years ago. When drovers needed to select individual cattle from a mob to drive them to a separate holding area, the stockman would “cut out” the beast from the mob. This was achieved through the skills of the horse and rider to block the attempts of the beast to follow his natural instincts in returning to the mob. Over time, stockmen developed competitions based around this activity, which have evolved into the uniquely Australian equine sport as we know it today. Fred and Suzie don’t quite agree on where and when they met but they do agree it was at a campdraft. Suzie had a bright idea and pulled out an old rug stitched full of ribbons. After a quick scan we ascertained the oldest was a blue ribbon from Cunnamulla in 1956. > Left: Fred and Suzie with their daughter Felicity. Right: Suzie shows them how it’s done at a recent campdrafting competition. (Image: Jenine Konovas)
country dynasty
OVERCOMING LIFE’S OBSTACLES That’s 57 years ago and the pair are still going strong despite what life throws at them, including a recent car smash that occurred while feeding cattle on agistment between Merriwa and Dunedoo. “We needled them and marked a few calves and were only poking along at about 80km/h when I must’ve dozed off,” Fred said, scratching his head. “We were all over the place but a big tree in the scrub stopped us in our tracks. I managed to make it back to the road with a cracked sternum but four cars went past without stopping. Thank God a fifth car stopped and called the ambulance.” The car was a write-off and the passengers left bruised and battered but by no means defeated. These tough bush battlers have been down a few dry gullies in their time and know how to pull through when the chips are down. They did it when they buried their cancer-stricken son, Trevor, 15 years ago, and they did it two years ago upon hearing their only daughter, Felicity, had developed breast cancer. The horse-mad 40-year-old had been living in America for eight years, learning to treat sick horses and working with vets. Since being diagnosed Felicity took up nutrition and personal training full-time in a bid to improve her chances at beating the disease. Through prayer, faith and positive nutrition, including a healthy dose of vitamin C, Felicity has thankfully kept the cancer at bay. “I have a new appreciation of life and am blessed I never had to endure the chemotherapy my brother endured,” she said. Apart from their beloved Flip (Felicity), Fred and Suzie still have a son Stephen, another former drover turned truck driver, each other and their horses. Not to mention a swag of memories forged over hundreds of campfires at campdrafting events over the decades. The Parkers don’t like the sound of the word retirement. There are still cattle on agistment, bills to be paid and horses to be taken care of. “During the accident I think we may have knocked on the door upstairs but the good Lord must’ve laughed and said ‘We don’t want you up here’,” said Suzie, a tough woman with a can-do attitude. “We have no intentions of giving it away. Why would we? It’s our great love and we still have good horses. Freddie gave it up for a while and became the strapper. After a while he got kind of jealous and was soon back in the saddle!” You just can’t keep this good pair down. Rest assured we haven’t heard the last of these horse-loving, yarn-spinning, dyed-in-the-wool bushies from Warren. CWL
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124 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
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COUNTRY PUB
The Rabbit Trap Hotel in the spotlight TOURISTS HAVE ALWAYS STOPPED AT TINY ALBERT TO QUENCH THEIR THIRST AT ITS FAMOUS PUB, BUT AFTER PUBLICAN NEVILLE OWEN’S SON, JASON, PUT ON A STAR TURN SINGING ON THE X FACTOR TV SHOW THEY’RE FLOCKING HERE IN DROVES FOR OTHER REASONS! WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
“My grandma always taught me to treat everybody equally until they burn you, your family or friends. The locals here are family. I treat this place as my little farm and all the locals are part of the family,” Rabbit Trap Hotel owner and proud Albert resident Neville Owen said. Neville owns most of the seven houses in Albert, located about an hour west of Dubbo, as well as the famous watering hole. He’s come a long way since 1983 when he purchased a quiet garage around the corner that had closed its doors after the death of its former owner. The engine-tuning mechanic started with nothing and now runs 24-hour fuel, and has 14 staff and 12 trucks carrying diesel to farmers from Wellington to west of Cobar, north to Bourke and south to West Wyalong. “It took me six weeks to sell my first 32,000-litre load of fuel and now, in busy times, we are selling up to 300,000 litres a day,” said Neville, who concedes he is now one of the biggest fuel distributors west of the Blue Mountains. A million dollar business creates a million dollar thirst, and when things get a bit much, Neville retreats to the Rabbit Trap for a soothing scotch and Pepsi and the chance to spin a yarn with the locals or visiting tourists. The locals may be in short supply but the tourists are out here in droves, thanks partly to the success of shining son Jason, who was runner-up in the last X Factor TV show. “Jason has created a boom for us,” Neville admitted. “People stay an extra night in the hope of seeing him.” He’s not kidding. Family is everything to Neville. For 25 years he’s been married to Patricia, while his father, John, lives only a few houses away from the pub. Neville sees a lot of his own father in Jason. “Dad had the nicest voice when I was growing up and was a great shot with the rifle. Jason is just the same.” Over a setting sun, Neville spins many yarns about growing up in the tiny Albert community. One story he never gets sick of telling is how he stumbled into the pub game. > CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 125
In 1998 the pub’s former owner, Dr McGirr, passed away. The pub had been in the one family for nearly six decades. At his zenith, the good doc owned nearly 60 pubs but this was one of his first. His son wanted to sell it to a local and that’s when Neville threw his hat in the ring. ”Years later I was offered several times more for it because it was a licensed poker machine venue,” Neville said. “We had two pokies but I took them out and turned that money into nine new cabins. We keep it as a family-friendly pub that is a fantastic hit with the tourists.” If it’s a hit now one can only imagine what will happen when Neville finally gets his eye-catching, giant rabbit-trap up on the roof. The two-ton trap is 25 times the size of an original Lane’s Ace trap and was built by employee Jeffrey Swan, on weekends, over three years. Owen hopes that once he gets it up it will be recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest trap in the world. “The trap may have cost $25,000 but I believe it will be a solid investment in the pub and district,” Neville said. “A lot of people go to Dubbo to see the zoo and other attractions but not enough are travelling off the beaten track to hidden gems like this.” This passionate local says that now the village has bitumen to the door, 24-hour fuel, accommodation and caravan facilities, it can only take off. “It really is the best pub in town,” laughed Neville, better known to the locals as Butch. “When I was six, my mum gave me a canary which got taken by a butcher bird and somehow I got the nickname.” Suddenly Jason arrives and the room full of lucky fans is over the moon.
Cameras are out and Neville can only watch from the background, slightly amused by all the fuss but immensely proud of his family, the fuel business he built from scratch, the pub and Albert itself – in roughly that order. Above: Two years ago Neville built a replica of a cabin his father used to camp in when he was a young rabbit trapper in the 1950s; Neville with his two-ton rabbit trap; the bar is currently managed by Rod and Meryl Ramsay; Neville is now one of the biggest fuel distributors west of the Blue Mountains
Jason Owen
THE RISING SON
Singing up a storm on the recent X Factor television series has catapulted Jason Owen into the national spotlight and put the village of Albert, near Narromine, squarely on the map. Throughout the hit TV series, the 19-year-old country lad captured the heart of the nation with moving renditions of songs made famous by the likes of John Denver, Willie Nelson and Elvis. It all started when his pop, John Owen, encouraged him to attend the Sydney auditions. He battled his nerves to deliver a stirring rendition of Denver’s Annie’s Song in front of a 4500-strong audience who leapt to their feet after the song was finished. The likeable kid from Albert delivered from the heart, with an amazing voice that many were comparing to the late Denver himself. People of all ages could identify with it and his legion of fans started growing daily. With cameras on him detailing his every move for three months, including a trip to Albert, Jason went on to be runner-up in the series. CWL was hoping to catch Jason at the family-owned Rabbit Trap Hotel in Albert for a chinwag over a few cold ones. Within moments of arriving, however, the word was out and waiting tourists sprang to life, with hands extended for a warm welcome and cameras ready to record the precious moment. After the autographs and obligatory happy snaps, Jason got to show his style in a game of pool. The visitors were delighted by his affable nature and Jason took it all in his giant stride. 126 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
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was sitting on the front of the bike but was thankfully unscathed. He kept his dad alive for 11 hours until the ambulance arrived. Neville was bleeding internally from a brain injury with seven breaks to his left shoulder, a couple of broken ribs and a damaged hip. The Care Flight chopper flew him to Sydney where he spent six weeks as a guest of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. It was during his recuperation that Neville felt an overwhelming connection to his son. “The doctor who delivered Jason has been my doctor for 45 years,” he said. “He reckoned the accident made Jason mature from a boy into a young man overnight and I have to agree with him.” We talk about the X Factor and Neville scratches his head. He still struggles getting his head around all the hoo-ha generated by the show. “I really don’t think my young fella knows what he has done,” he confessed. “He got swamped in Cobar yesterday, fans wanting pictures of him and autographs. He had to buy a cap and thick-rimmed glasses with clear glass to disguise his looks. Not that he minds all the adulation but he gets hounded every time he goes out with his mates.” Jason nods his head in agreement. “There’s not a lot of privacy and I do get stopped everywhere,” he sighed. “I’ve done heaps of interviews and appeared on Today Tonight, The Morning Show, Seven News, Sunrise ... rarely a week goes by when I’m not facing a TV camera.” Jason clearly loves what is happening to him at the moment but is taking nothing for granted. “I’m just so glad people have connected to my music,” he said.
He admits his biggest fans are proud parents Neville and Patricia, and his pop, who lives only a stone’s throw from the pub. It is here the following morning that three generations of the Owen family gathered around for breakfast and a chat. The camaraderie between them is immediately infectious. The trio laugh easily – and a lot. Over a cuppa, Neville says Jason was a gift from the day he was born. “My wife and I were never meant to have children, but a fortune teller told me in 1976 that I had a guardian and that a child, a very special child, would come my way,” he said. That child was Jason, who inherited some very special gifts from his pop. One was his voice that knows about 200 tunes, and the other was a sharp eye that would see him bag 14 junior national titles in trap shooting. The singing started with The Wiggles in the family lounge room and progressed to the school choir. There was no coaching. Growing up in a pub meant never having to ask to perform, with a handful of bemused locals or visiting tourists always up for a song. Jason’s pop always believed in the kid’s voice and was instrumental in getting him to take
the plunge with the audition. He says he never doubted his grandson’s ability but was still trying to comprehend the huge publicity machine accompanying his success. The three are best of mates and share a lot in common. Jason loves shooting, just like his pop, and is already planning his next pighunting trip. Today is well-known Olympic shooter Michael Diamond’s birthday and Pop is keen to ring him up and touch base. Jason has shot alongside Diamond and their connection goes beyond just competition. Pop, known to the family as Sparrow, is a sprightly 84 years young and lives up to his nickname. Although he doesn’t touch alcohol, he occasionally visits the pub made famous by his son and grandson in search of a good feed or a bit of company. This old-timer loves calling Albert home and has no regrets about spending 80 years in a village that Jason famously described in his audition as “a place with more dogs than people”. The Owen men are all fit and healthy but the family has had its share of dramas, like when Neville’s motorbike was struck by a large roo in 2005. Young Jason, only 11 at the time,
Jason’s debut album, Life Is A Highway was released in April, packed with all the songs he is renowned for, including moving renditions of John Denver classics, plus soulful covers of the songs covered during the TV series. “I wanted to do an album of covers and sing the living daylights out of songs everybody knows,” he says. A staggering 30,000 albums were snapped up by fans within the first month. While delighted with this result, Jason conceded “the real money” for an emerging artist was made from touring. As we speak he is preparing for a national Islands in the Stream tour with acclaimed country music singer Amber Lawrence and a full live band. If his voice and style evolution are anything to go by, we’re in for a vocal and visual treat. Jason admits his appearance on the X Factor changed his life in a positive way. “Within 12 weeks you go from someone with no profile to be known throughout the country,” he said. “The producers warned us about it but nothing can prepare you for the reality.” Neville’s fortune teller all those years ago was right. Jason Owen really is someone special. CWL Left: The three generations of Owen men – Neville, Jason and John – share a unique bond. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 127
local artist
HER BEST SHOT BATHURST ARTIST NICOLE WELCH IS AS COMPLEX AS HER WORK. SHE IS HARD TO DEFINE YET EASY TO TALK TO. SHE IS A PHOTOGRAPHER BUT DOESN’T IDENTIFY HERSELF AS ONE, DESPITE SHOOTING MOST OF HER EXHIBITION WORK WITH A BIG 4 X 5 INCH FILM CAMERA. SHE IS PHOTOGENIC YET GENERALLY DISLIKES HAVING OTHER PEOPLE’S CAMERAS TURNED ON HER. The woman full of secrets and strong mystical connections to the land is a teacher and a student (currently studying for a master’s degree) who is willing to trek through steep mountains and camp in uncomfortable conditions in order to capture that elusive moment. Then she might try jazzing things up a little by throwing in a chandelier in the foreground of a traditional bush landscape. I try to comprehend the imagery of this strong-minded artist as we sit in popular Bathurst eatery The Hub. The place is packed but we have a reserved spot in the sun, thanks to Nicole’s Scottish-infused partner, Ross McDonald, who runs the bustling joint. The pair met 10 years ago when Ross was running the Warpstanza Gallery. They went on to establish this place in 2008. “He’s very gifted in hospitality,” she says as we watch a steady stream of diners file in and out. I try to concentrate on the task at hand. It’s a little overwhelming. Nicole tries to explain her recent work, Illumination, which is basically about the European colonisation of the landscape. “The chandelier is a symbol of European colonisation and idealism,” she suggests. “I’m interested in the history of how we depict and relate to the landscape.”
Next, wait patiently for the right light and then take anything from 600 to 1000 raw shots on her Nikon D800 before pulling out Big Bertha just when the light is hitting. Her heavy duty 4 x 5 inch pro camera is used by shooters demanding maximum pixel count. At just the right time, Nicole will stand behind her sturdy tripod, hold her breath and then softly squeeze off about 10 shots. The resulting files, measured in gigabytes, will hopefully contain what she is looking for. “The magic moment is unpredictable,” she says. “I’m at the mercy of the elements and you can take nothing for granted. “You know when you have got the shot and it makes the big effort worthwhile.” Nicole likes to shoot with both cameras and will use whichever format captures the scene best. “So much effort goes into the shoot you can’t get it wrong,” Nicole says. “There is normally only a two-minute window of opportunity when the light is perfect. “It’s physically demanding work and you need patience. “As long as it’s not raining, it’s a matter of waiting for the magic moment when the chandelier and nature are in unison.”
Nicole chooses remote areas for her work, and gaining access usually requires mountains of paperwork. Her favourite haunts involve historic gold mining towns like Sofala, Hill End, Sunny Corner and the Blue Mountains.
Although it may look like high-end landscape photography, Nicole insists this isn’t the case.
Her modus operandi: Kidnap boyfriend, head up into the high hills, find obscure location, set up a mystery crane and dangle a lit chandelier in front of a majestic background.
She doesn’t like to give too many of her trade secrets away but rather invites her audience to think outside the square.
“I’m an artist open to diversity in the types of light I’m capturing.”
Nicole recently shot nude self-portraits using a timer during her residency at Hill End. While she normally abhors the camera being turned on herself, Nicole was prepared to undertake the shoot to prove a point. “It was a brutal place for colonial women to live,” she says. “I had to get in character and even donned a wig. At the time it didn’t feel like me.” Nicole was recently commissioned to create a six-metre illumination panorama work for the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in Katoomba. Business is good. She says a lot of her passion was inherited from her parents who are both creative-minded. Her father, Brian, is in the panel-beating game while her mum, Marlena, is an antiques dealer and furniture restorer. “Growing up in Bathurst, they were always creating, fixing and restoring cherished items,” she says. “Later on there were influences from my 10 years away in Canberra, the Snowy Mountains and London, where I taught during my travels.” Nicole admits she is happiest when she is creating work, studying light and being inspired by history. Her first solo show of 10 works is on display at the Brenda May Gallery in Waterloo, Sydney. www.nicolewelch.com.au
Words & images: Shot by Jake
Below: Nicole with some of her work in the Bathurst Art Gallery; one of Nicole’s works ‘Illumination #2’.
To further demonstrate her strong-held beliefs,
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DID YOU KNOW?
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cw celebrity
TEAM
MasterChef
ORANGE’S OWN MASTERCHEF CHAMPION KATE BRACKS REVEALS WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES ON AUSTRALIA’S MOST POPULAR TV COOKING COMPETITION. AND SHE SAYS SHE DIDN’T DO IT ALL ON HER OWN! WINNING THE TITLE WAS A TEAM EFFORT MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SUPPORT OF HER WONDERFUL HUSBAND LUKE AND THEIR THREE LOVING CHILDREN. “Luke’s just one of those guys who knows what’s going on everywhere,” says Kate Bracks, as she turns to her husband. They share a smile that speaks a thousand words. “He came home one day and said, ‘There is this new show coming and I think that you should go on it’.” Watching the UK version of MasterChef online, Kate began to consider applying for the first Australian series by the same name. Kate’s application came to a grinding halt, though, when she read the question, ‘Are you prepared to be away from your family for up to four months?’ With her baby Maya only 18 months old this just wasn’t an option for the devoted mother of three. Two MasterChef seasons would pass. Kate watched each episode with increased excitement. At the end of series two, the opportunity seemed to present itself once again. A television advert for series three caught Kate’s attention. Curiosity, rather than actual serious intention, made her peruse the online application yet again. Without much thought, Kate had filled out the application and pressed “send”. However, when the invitation came to attend the auditions, Kate was full of objections. “I said to Luke, ‘I can’t go on MasterChef’. ‘That’s ridiculous,’ he said, ‘Kate! Come on! It’s a weekend away. You get to see the inside workings of MasterChef. It will be fun!’. So I thought ‘good point’ and off I went and did it.” Unexpectedly, things became serious when Kate’s audition was successful. Suddenly she found herself in the top 50. With an agonising decision now hers to make, once again, her ever-supportive Luke gave her every reason why she should go for it. Kate laughs as she remembers her conversations with Luke about it. “I was arguing all the reasons why I couldn’t. He was arguing all the reasons why I could. He told me ‘We’ll be fine. You’re coming back – aren’t you?’ ” Kate grins and lovingly glances at Luke as she muses:
“I also remember him saying ‘It’s not like you’re going to win it’.” Sheepishly, Luke smiles and shrugs. Kate calls the MasterChef experience her ‘sabbatical’. It was a chance to immerse herself in learning what she loved. For Kate the experience was much more than a competition. She explains that the competition itself became secondary in importance to the opportunity. Kate thrived on being able to pick the brains of chefs whose cookbooks she had on her shelves at home. “I saw MasterChef as a wonderful opportunity to learn more, because having watched the first two series I had seen how much those people learnt in a relatively short time. For me, there was an appeal in that. I was really fortunate because within the first episode I was allowed to go on a private master class at Maggie Beer’s Pheasant Farm. Now, I have loved Maggie Beer for many years and I remember coming home from that and saying ‘Well if that is all I get from MasterChef, that was worth it’. I look back now and think ‘that was just the start of a very amazing journey’.” The filming of series three of MasterChef began in January 2011. Back home Luke put together a schedule that went all the way up to Easter to try to organise the children’s days. The schedule detailed where each child needed to be daily, what they would eat for tea, when to do the washing and times to clean the house. Kate remembers coming home during a production break and staring with confusion at the schedule. “I was looking at the schedule and I just didn’t feature. I said to Luke, ‘I just can’t see where I fit in to this’. He said, ‘You don’t. That’s the point!’” The MasterChef standards in the 2011 series were very high. Each week the challenges became more and more extreme. The nation watched with keen interest as flowers, squid ink and all manner of bizarre meat cuts turned up in the contestants’ mystery boxes, invention tests and other challenges. Never once did Kate appear to look fazed. However, her cool composure on the outside was perhaps not always how she felt on the inside. >
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 131
“There were often times, and all the contestants felt this, where we thought that we were going to be physically sick standing there waiting,” she reflects. “For me the worst part was waiting to find out what the challenge would be. Once I knew what the challenge was then there was something that I could do about it. I could start making a plan. I could start dreaming up ideas.” Due to the age of Kate’s children, the MasterChef crew allowed Kate to speak to her kids every week and Skype them twice a week. The production crew would also organise Luke to take the children down to see their mother, though the times of these visits were never made known to Kate until just before they happened. All other contact with the outside world was shut off as contestants focused on the job at hand. So it came as a great shock to Kate to discover that her unwillingness to refer to the Dalai Lama as “your holiness” during the Dalai Lama challenge had attracted such extensive media attention. Being a Christian woman, who is always true to herself, Kate meant no disrespect to the Dalai Lama. “I asked his representative if there was anything else that I could call the Dalai Lama that was just as respectful as ‘Your holiness’. She said ‘Sure, you could just call him Dalai Lama. He wouldn’t mind that at all’. So I didn’t think much more of it. But there was a journalist on set that day and she picked up on it. That then became the next big story.” Feeling homesick, Kate was both delighted and surprised to meet Central West woman Merle Parish on the set of one of the challenges. Representing the Country Women’s Association, Merle was there to be a guest competitor in the bake-off challenge. “When they first introduced her, we were all standing up in the balcony and someone had mentioned that she was from regional NSW. I was the only one from regional NSW so I called down to her: ‘Hey Merle. Where are you from?’ She said ‘Oh a little town, you’ve probably never heard of it’. I called back ‘Try me!’ She said ‘Cudal,’ I screamed, ‘I’m from Orange’. So I think then we had this instant ‘yeah!’ “It was interesting. I actually found that episode quite an emotional one to watch. I was watching Merle a lot of the time because she was like my nanna. Everything she did was what my nanna would have done when making a cake. And it was quite funny because at the end I wanted to yell out, ‘Can I lick the bowl?’ The way she measured things and the way she sifted the flour onto baking paper and then tipped it in. It was so much like my nanna who had only passed away about six months before at the time. I got quite teary watching Merle cook. It was very special.” Kate admits that pre-MasterChef, she was someone who relied pretty heavily on recipes. Although she describes baking desserts as “her first love”, she still doubted if she was actually a good cook. “When people come over for dinner they say ‘That was lovely’ and you think, ‘Well, of course you have to say that because that’s the polite thing to say’.” But as week after week rolled by and Kate remained, the proof of her cooking ability became evident. Surprisingly, Kate attributes much of her success to being a mother.
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“The days are incredibly long. You are actually very tired. But I think that as a mum, you are used to having disturbed sleep,” she says. “You’re used to just operating when you are not at your peak. I do think that those things actually helped. You keep a different perspective as well. You know at the end of the day, ‘life is much bigger’. I’ve got my husband at home. I’ve got my family at home. So does it really matter if I get out in the next challenge? No! Not really because I get to go home and be with them.” On August 7, 2011, Kate got her opportunity to finally go home and be with her family, but not before she executed one last dish. With only Kate and fellow contestant Michael Weldon left in the competition, the title of MasterChef 2011 was within her reach. Rene Redzepi, the head chef of Norma, voted The best restaurant in the world’ set the contestants their final challenge. Before a record 2.74 million viewers, Kate would have to reconstruct one of the most technically difficult sweet dishes in the world – The Snowman. A multifaceted dessert, The Snowman would be enough to put fear into the most seasoned chefs. Matt Preston described Kate’s win with the highest of accolades. “You’ve pretty much nailed it – the number one dish, from the number one chef, in the number one kitchen in the world,” he said with admiration. The MasterChef experience has opened up many new work opportunities to Kate. It has allowed her to pursue two of her life loves: her faith and cooking. Kate spends much time giving inspirational speeches for church groups and giving cooking demonstrations throughout the country. Kate explains that many people just expect that as the winner of MasterChef, she should naturally become a chef. At this point in Kate’s life her children take priority and the long days associated with being a chef would just not be viable. However, Kate is very soon to launch her own line of desserts that she will sell throughout the Central West. “I can do what I love to do while the kids are at school and still be there for them when they get home. It just fits.” Life for the Bracks family is now certainly different. Friends often ask the couple if life has returned to normal yet. “It’s a new normal,” Luke says. And though Kate admits that being a household name was certainly initially daunting, she has grown to embrace it. “Life will never be the same again but I have absolutely loved the experience!” she smiles. CWL Words & image: Catherine Player
Previous page: The Bracks family enjoy having their very own MasterChef at home – Kate with her children Erin, Maya, Liam, and her husband Luke.
spring food
Spring
is king
“THE MOST INDISPENSABLE INGREDIENT OF ALL GOOD COOKING; LOVE FOR THOSE YOU ARE COOKING FOR.” – SOPHIA LOREN
It’s the sense of anticipation that accompanies spring, the season of new beginnings. As the trees burst with fragrant blossoms, and verdant new foliage unfolds, we all like to clean out the pantry, tidy things, rearrange the jars abundant with preserves and chutney, and tie bunches of fragrant herbs and bay leaves in our kitchens. The days are lengthening and the garden is bursting with colour and scent. The farmers markets offer new-season produce that is not only full of flavour but grown close by. We love supporting the local grower and reducing our carbon footprint. In our own gardens, as the soil is warming we are planting our vegie seedlings, happy in knowing we will be feeding our loved ones with delicious produce that is not genetically modified, nor is it touched with pesticide. It is full of flavour, love and healthy with the full taste of spring. We are replacing our winter bulbs in window boxes and planters with fresh herbs, which can be easily accessed to add to salads, stockpots and fragrant sauces. We just love living in the country and enjoying four distinct seasons. It’s a way of living and eating that revolves around a close connection to fresh produce, the enjoyment of a shared table, and in spring it is delightful outdoors as the weather warms. Take quality time with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of country delights in your garden with an afternoon soiree, a high tea, a christening, a family gathering or simply a champagne garden party. Here at Bishop’s Court Estate we love entertaining our guests in the garden with spring in full bloom. Our kitchen is filled with heart-warming aromas of freshly baked coconut and raspberry frou frous, blueberry friands, hummingbird cake iced with marmalade cream, fluffy lemonade scones with lashings of whipped cream and berry jam, decadent velvet chocolate cakes and gluten-free lime coconut syrup cakes. Then we are treated to smoked salmon and trout cream cucumber cups with a glass of bubbly or a pecan tart with a cup of French Earl Grey. We welcome you to enjoy spring with us at Bishop’s Court Estate. Join in one of our spring cooking classes or just come stay with us and enjoy high tea on the tree-level terrace. We just love this time of year. Words & recipes: Christine Le Fevre CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 133
BISHOP’S COURT HUMMINGBIRD CAKE
(pictured above on top tier) INGREDIENTS
1 can crushed pineapple ½ cup desiccated coconut 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon bi-carbonate of soda 2 large mashed bananas ½ cup self-raising flour 1 cup plain flour 2 eggs, lightly beaten ¾ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup reserve pineapple juice METHOD
1. Drain pineapple, reserve juice. 2. Combine all other ingredients in a bowl, add ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice. 3. Mix well. 4. Pour into greased and lined tin. Bake for 40 minutes or until cooked at 180°C. ICING
115g butter 2 tablespoons orange marmalade 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 cups icing sugar Mix butter and other ingredients, spread over top of cake.
MINI PECAN, MACADAMIA & WALNUT TARTLETS
(pictured above on bottom and middle tiers) INGREDIENTS
1¼ cups (185g) plain flour ⅓ cup (55g) icing sugar mixture ¼ cup (30g) almond meal 125g cold butter, chopped 1 egg yolk
TIPS
Filling ⅓ cup (50g) macadamias, toasted ⅓ cup (45g) pecans, toasted ⅓ cup (35g) walnuts, toasted 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon plain flour 40g butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten lightly ¾ cup (180ml) maple syrup
Do not use maple-flavoured syrup as a substitute in the nut filling. To toast nuts, place in a heavy-based frying pan and stir nuts constantly over medium-to-high heat until they are evenly browned. Remove from pan immediately. METHOD
1. Grease four 10cm-round loose-based flan tins. 2. Blend or process flour, icing sugar, almond meal and butter until combined. Add egg yolk and process until ingredients just come together. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Divide pastry into quarters. Roll each piece between sheets of baking paper into rounds large enough to line prepared tins. Lift pastry into each tin. Press into sides and trim edges. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to moderately hot. 5. Place tins on oven tray. Line each tin with baking paper and fill with dried beans or rice. Bake uncovered in moderately hot oven for 10 minutes. Remove paper and beans. Bake, uncovered in moderately hot oven for about seven minutes or until pastry cases are browned lightly. 6. Reduce oven temperature to moderate. 7. Divide filling among cases. Bake in moderate oven for about 25 minutes or until set; cool. FILLING
Combine ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
SPRING RECIPES
RASPBERRY CHIFFON CUP CAKES INGREDIENTS
125g butter, softened 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 3 eggs ½ cup (75g) plain flour ¼ cup (35g) self-raising flour ½ cup (40g) desiccated coconut ⅓ cup (80g) sour cream 150g frozen raspberries (or any fruit) Cream cheese frosting 60g butter, softened 160g cream cheese, softened 2 teaspoons coconut essence 3 cups (480g) icing sugar Decorations 1 cup (50g) flaked coconut, toasted 15 fresh raspberries, halved METHOD 1. Preheat oven to moderate (180°C/160°C fanforced). Line 12-hole standard muffin pan with paper cases. 2. Beat butter, sugar and eggs in a small bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. 3. Stir in sifted flours, coconut, cream and frozen raspberries. Divide mixture among cases and smoothe surface. 4. Bake for 40 minutes. Turn cakes onto wire rack to cool. 5. Make cream cheese frosting. 6. Remove cases from cakes and spread with frosting. 7. Decorate cakes with coconut. CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1. Beat butter, cream cheese and essence in a small bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually beat in sifted icing sugar.
CHOCOLATE VELVET CAKE INGREDIENTS
400g (2⅔ cups) chopped good-quality dark (bittersweet) chocolate, such as couverture 6 eggs 95g (½ cup) muscovado sugar (or dark brown sugar) 2 tablespoons dark rum 250ml thick (double/heavy)cream 250ml (1 cup) whipped pouring cream Fresh raspberries Icing sugar for dusting METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and side of a 26cm spring-form cake tin with baking paper. 2. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and allow to melt, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. 3. Put the eggs, sugar and rum in a separate heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, whisking constantly until the mixture doubles in volume. 4. Remove from heat. Fold in the cooled chocolate, then fold in the thick cream, mixing well to combine. 5. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin. Half-fill a large roasting tin with hot water and place on the bottom rack of the oven. 6. Transfer the cake to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. 7. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before turning out. Use round cutter to cut cakes. 8. Top the cake with the whipped cream, decorate with raspberries and dust with icing sugar. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 135
spring recipes
SPRING CITRUS TART INGREDIENTS
3 medium lemons 1¼ cups (185g) plain flour ¼ cup (40g) icing sugar mixture ¼ cup (30g) almond meal 125g cold butter, chopped 1 egg yolk Lemon filling 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind ½ cup (125ml) lemon juice 5 eggs ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar 1 cup (250ml) thickened cream TIP
This tart tastes even better if made the day before required. Keep covered in refrigerator. METHOD
1. Blend or process flour, icing sugar, almond meal and butter until combined. Add egg yolk and process until ingredients just come together. 2. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Roll pastry between sheets of baking paper until large enough to line 24cm-round loose-based flan tin. Press base into tin and trim edge. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 4. Meanwhile preheat oven to 180°C. 5. Place tin on oven tray. Line pastry case with baking paper and fill with dried beans or rice. Bake uncovered in oven for 15 minutes. Remove paper and beans and bake uncovered in oven for 10 minutes or until browned lightly. 6. Meanwhile, make lemon filling. 7. Reduce oven heat to moderate. 8. Pour lemon filling into pastry case and bake in moderate oven for about 30 minutes or until filling has set slightly. Cool. 9. Refrigerate until cold. Serve dusted with sifted icing sugar if desired. LEMON FILLING
Whisk ingredients in a medium bowl and stand for five minutes.
Multiple Award Winning Restaurant - Local Produce Driven Menu Extensive Local & International Wine List - ‘First Class’ Service Experts in Weddings - Stunning Views set in Vineyard Surrounds AND Don’t forget to visit our new artisan bakery in town Cakes, Pastries, Pies, Quiches, Tarts, Sandwiches & Real Organic Sourdough. All our range is made using no preservatives, flavourings or bread improvers. Restaurant: Lunch: Fri, Sat & Sun from 12pm Dinner: Thurs - Sat (& Sun pub hols) 6pm Ph: 02 6365 3275 info@racinerestaurant.com.au Bakery: Tuesday - Saturday 7am - 5.30pm (3pm Sat) Ph: 02 63614234 bakery@racinerestaurant.com.au
www.racinerestaurant.com.au 136 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
leave it all behind and escape to a place in the country where life is lived at a beautiful pace. Enjoy cooking classes, indulgent with every 3 SPECIAL OFFERwe night booking pampering, fine are FORoffering CENTRALFEAST WEST Leave it all behind and escape to a place in the country where dining and readers a 50% saving LIFESTYLE READERS life is lived at a beautiful pace. Enjoy cooking classes, indulgent exploring the on a cooking class pampering, fine dining and exploring the magnificent region we for people. magnificent Book2two nights andPlease receive a call to make your love in complete harmony. bottle of premium local wine region we love in andreservation a regional tasting platter complete harmony. with ourredeem compliments. and this offer. Bishop’s Court Estate 226 Seymour Street NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6332 4447 Leave it all behind and escape to aBathurst place in the country where
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Bishop’s Court Estate 226 Seymour Street Bathurst NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6332 4447
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 137
21/03/2013 10:53:33 AM
GRAND PLANS
for Little Orange
Joshua Fleming grew up in country Victoria, spending his afternoons fishing and preparing the daily catch for the evening meal. This was the beginning of his love affair with regional food. When he moved with his family to the NSW mid north coast, Joshua cemented a romance with seafood that has lasted to this day and led to a distinguished career in Italian cuisine with a strong seafood element. In Brisbane at age 17, he honed his skills in fine dining at Lure on Coronation – the restaurant was awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in Brisbane and the whole of Queensland in 2005, 2006 and 2007, as well as taking the national title in 2006. Following his success at the cutting edge of the Queensland food scene, Joshua made the move to Sydney to make his mark as head chef at the renowned Pazzo restaurant on Crown Street in Surry Hills. Pazzo has been refining the art of traditional Italian seafood cuisine, in the most competitive market in Australia, for the past 15 years. Both quality and duration have made Pazzo an institution in its own right and the restaurant has maintained its reputation under the guidance of Joshua as head chef for the past five years. Joshua’s childhood love of the paddock-to-plate rural dining experience has lured him to the country NSW food hub of Orange. Arancina is an Italian word meaning “Little Orange”, and will be the name for the chef’s new passion project. “We have the best fishmonger at Sydney Fish Markets bringing seafood out to us three times a week,” Joshua said. “I’m really thrilled to be bringing my brand of fresh Italian fare to such a vibrant regional food and wine hub.” Arancina will open in early September on the corner of Peisley and Summer streets, Orange. The opening will be celebrated on Saturday, September 14, from 6pm to 9pm, with the Andrew Dickeson Quintet performing live (pictured), along with special guest Gregg Arthur.
Arancina Italian Restaurant Corner of Peisley and Summer streets, Orange (02) 6362 1786 Open every day, noon to 9pm, from early September. Grand opening: Saturday, September 14, 6pm to 9pm Find Arancina on Facebook
The Central West is home to some of the greatest produce in the World ... Manildra Flower, Cowra lamb and so much more create the perfect location for displaying Italian food.
Arancina Little Orange
Italian Restaurant
GRAND OPENING Saturday 14th September Featuring International recording artist Gregg Arthur and the Andrew Dickeson Quintet.
Italian cuisine revolves around presenting the naked ingredient at its natural best. Adding to the local produce is our access to fresh seafood and the hand of a master chef.
Opening the first week of September Mention
“Central West Lifestyle� when you book to receive a complementary glass of Italian red or white wine with your meal.
Open every day Midday to 9pm Bookings are recommended The restaurant welcomes groups Corner Peisley and Summer Streets, Orange NSW (02) 6362 1786
CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 139
Bite
said Ed
HE COOKED, he entertained and he dined like a king but, before leaving the room, popular television chef and food author Fast Ed Halmagyi offered about 100 guests from the Mudgee Readers’ Festival something else to chew over: the real meaning of food preparation and its value in our lives.
The event, held at the glorious Lowe Family Wines, was to promote the Mudgee Readers’ Festival held in August, and Fast Ed was the main attraction on the menu. The celebrity chef spent a large part of the afternoon with local chef extraordinaire Kim Currie preparing a heart-warming meal for the masses. It began with Game Terrine and Toasted Olive and Rosemary Fougasse before moving on to the main meal of Braised Oxtail with Buttered Egg Noodles. The mouth-watering dessert was Ratafia Syrup Cake with Hazlenuts, Olive Oil, Bay Leaf Custard and Praline, all washed down with a fabulous selection of Lowe Wines. Fast Ed, the much-loved cooking presenter on Better Homes and Gardens for nearly 10 years, was the perfect guest speaker for the assembled lovers of good food and good books. When he began TV work there were only three people in food media.
ease that had the guests laughing and asking questions. “What you read can change you,” he told the spellbound throng. “I love the idea you guys are having a readers’ festival and not a writers’ festival.” The audience discovered that Fast Ed was a law graduate but found his true love in cooking. “Cooking is for me a great art form and a great way of communicating,” he said. “I never intended to get into the media and would have been happy just cooking.” One topic that created its share of comment involved the difference between chefs and cooks. “If food is about making people happy then there’s no time to indulge in your own passions,” he said. “A cook does it for themselves while a chef does it entirely for other people.” In the end, Fast Ed knows it is all about the generosity of spirit. “Food is not beautiful just because we eat it. If you were blindfolded, had no music and served food cold you’d have a bland, lifeless experience. “Throw in friends, music and a bottle of Lowe wine and you’ll have an experience greater than the food itself. Food only matters when it is shared by people we love.”
“Now you can run three TV channels non-stop on food programs,” he laughed.
Fast Ed wowed our tastebuds and by the end of the evening won our hearts with his generosity of spirit. Congratulations to all organisers and sponsors on a fabulous evening. CWL
Fast Ed spoke with authority and a natural
www.mudgeereadersfestival.com.au Words & images: Shot by Jake
140 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
food
Julie Heslop, Paul Jongsma and Summer Land enjoyed the night.
Local identity Bob Lamond gets an autographed copy of Fast Ed’s book.
Lesley Russell, Orange, with winemaker and host of the evening David Lowe.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER TIME Fast Ed had his hands full entertaining organisers at the Mudgee Readers Festival launch
Most of us cook the same few dishes over and over again because we’re busy and have lost our connection to the changes of the seasons. The Food Clock showcases food that is simple to prepare and makes the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Join Ed on a culinary journey through a year in the life of his fictional alter-ego Monsieur Henri Petit-Pois, a French country gentleman of the early 20th century, who loves nothing more than pottering around his home and ample garden. This is an unusual book that blends a whimsical novel with beautiful and enchanting food, featuring extraordinary styling by designer Matt Page. For those who love food, and those who love stories, you’ll find so much to adore about The Food Clock.
Locals David Cockerill and Joe Rheinberger.
From family favourite mains like Flame-grilled Porterhouse with Herb-roasted Tomatoes, and Ham and Broad Bean Risotto, to desserts such as Cherry Pie, and Steamed Mandarin Pudding with Burnt Honey Sauce, The Food Clock will revolutionise your kitchen and is a book to be savoured all year round. To learn more or to find great tips and recipes, try www.fast-ed.com.au.
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restaurant
Honest to goodness MUDGEE’S WONDERFUL LOCAL PRODUCE IS GIVEN A TOUCH OF FRENCH FLAIR IN THE INTERNATIONALLY EXPERIENCED HANDS OF AARON COLE.
restaurant
AARON COLE’S MARKET STREET CAFE gives Mudgee’s appropriately named street a little touch of France in looks and philosophy. It is more than a style or a marketing niche; it is here Aaron cooks in a way that resonates with his chosen region. As an apprentice at Mount Tomah during its fine dining chef’s hat era, he saw the excitement generated by the pursuit of excellence. Then, through seven years spent at Newcastle’s Three Bean Espresso, he saw it was possible to build a food business from scratch to monumental success. But it was France and realising the role food can have in creating an identity for an area that was the inspiration for the Market Street Cafe in Mudgee. Aaron’s experiences inspired him to return to the town that had been home for him and his wife during childhood, to raise their daughter and have a shot at doing it the Aaron Cole way – finding a balance between cooking with integrity, solid business foundations and providing a culinary compass for the place that is once again home. With the whole of Australia seemingly in a lather about authenticity, seasonality, produce-driven menus, provenance and supporting sustainable and local farming, such cuisines can still be surprisingly hard to find. And it’s a delight when you do. In addition to its normal Thursday to Monday cafe operations, the cafe offers set-menu, set-price dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. These nights will start with doorstop slabs of Aaron’s sourdough and a robust fresh local olive oil. Typically, the room is made up of locals who know each other, interspersed with visitors to town who have been let in on the secret. The room is dotted with French country touches lifted with displays of local products and produce created from them. I respect that each time I come there is some small addition and improvement – paid for presumably as the business can afford aesthetic flourishes. In the same way I don’t mind wandering down the lane to the loo or the minimal staff level on the floor. This is smart business putting one steady foot in front of the other.
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An entree of Seven-hour French Onion Soup is typically understated, appropriately seasonal and well flavoured. Aaron’s main course of local scotch fillet steak with spinach and pumpkin epitomises what I love about his food and what some people might mistake for a lack of sophistication. That would be a huge misjudgement. “Just Feed Me” menus make lots of sense. It takes and shows trust, it’s how more people should eat and more chefs should cook in towns like Mudgee all around Australia. Here is why: 1. The chef knows more about balance between courses than you (or should, and Aaron does). 2. You are eating food at the peak of its season. 3. You may be pushed a little out of your comfort zone and make new discoveries. 4. You can just relax. Don’t worry about looking longingly at your companion’s meal while regretting your own choice. 5. It’s more cost-effective and some of these savings will be passed on to you. To cook with a sense of place, imprinting ever so lightly in bringing out simple, natural flavours, takes confidence as well as skill. There is nowhere for mistakes to hide, no way to disguise lesser quality produce. Aaron is an authentic regional champion cooking the talk with an understanding of flavour, balance and technique. He is defined as a chef by his ability to suspend his ego and cook with honesty. In so doing he has become more than a chef, he is also a storyteller for Mudgee and its produce. CWL Words: Kim Currie Images: Sam Brown & Sam Paine
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Young
at heart
“DEEP BREATHS IN. BREATHING IN AND OUT. ARMS STRETCHED OUT LIKE A BEAUTIFUL CRANE. YOU ARE THE CRANE.”
The instructor’s directions resonate around the room. Her voice is soothing yet selfassured. She speaks with strength and a wisdom that suggests she has done this once or twice before. The words may be age-old but the people move as if hearing them for the first time. I could be in any fitness class around the world but I am in down-town Orange. The instructor is the inspirational Nancy Rossa. When Nancy was faced with serious health issues in her 60s, her doctor suggested that she “walk”. What Nancy did with this advice would span the next two decades, and several continents, to find her today, at age 82, instructing gym classes at Central Fitness Orange, four to five times a week. Born in Orange in 1931, Nancy trained as a physical education teacher when she was in her teens. As was the case for most women of that era, formal work ended when Nancy married, and her attention turned to being a wife and mother. Family duties and tending to her elderly mother would consume the next 40 years of Nancy’s life but the adventurer within was never too far from the surface. “When I had a health scare the doctor suggested that I walk. I began bushwalking with the Bathurst bushwalking club. I loved it. My first large walk was the Six Foot Track at Katoomba. We did it in three days but I am sure that we could have done it in less,” she reflects. More walks would follow. Before long, Nancy had trekked through parts of Tasmania and New Zealand with her walking club. Nancy’s passion for adventure was growing. When a friend told her about a trek through the Rhododendron forests of Nepal, Nancy was quick to put her hand up and training began. At age 66, Nancy touched down in Kathmandu ready for the adventure of a lifetime. But nothing could have prepared her for the culture shock that one of the poorest countries in the world would provide. “When I got off the plane, I looked around and thought, ‘I don’t want to be here. I want
to go home’. The poverty everywhere was heartbreaking. You couldn’t even put your bag down without having it carried off,” she remembers. There was little choice but to forge on. The Sherpas led Nancy’s group through the forests, hacking a path through the bamboo and undergrowth as they went. They stopped at predestined villages along the way, and the village children soon changed Nancy’s mind about the country. Their loving nature has left a permanent mark on Nancy’s heart. As Nancy recounts the daily life of these people, she does so with the deepest respect for their culture and sense of family. This respect extends to the harshness of their environment. “It was tough,” she says. “We scaled mountains with ropes around our waists, and coming down we were dropping body lengths at a time. “One night we reached camp only to be told that the bridge over the river had been washed away. Although you never see anyone in the jungle, they sent out runners and we soon had enough manpower to build a makeshift bridge. It was a great bridge. “It was simply a large tree, cut down and laid across the gorge. The Sherpas took us by the hand and walked us over. I would have preferred to crawl along my belly. It was terrifying.”
Among the adrenaline and hard slog there were also some light-hearted moments on Nancy’s Nepalese adventure. “Another time there was no bridge across a river but it was only relatively shallow. They’re little people [the Nepalese],” Nancy explains. “We climbed on their backs and held on for grim life as they carted us across the river. It was such a sight to see their heads almost under the water with us large-framed Australians on their backs. The Sherpas carried on, though, as if the situation was a normal everyday occurrence.” Nancy ended up visiting Nepal twice to complete treks but back home in Australia she had become restless. “I had been going to the gym and it renewed my younger days interest. I wanted to know how the fitness industry had changed over the last 40 years. I wanted to understand why we did particular things,” Nancy says. “Techniques had changed. For example, we used to bounce and stretch at the same time – of course now we know not to do this because it causes micro-tears in the muscles.” That’s when Nancy decided to finish what she had started four decades earlier. Retraining with The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER), Nancy became a fitness instructor and filled a gap in the local market. >
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“Nobody was doing fitness for seniors. There was just nothing there for them,” Nancy says. Convincing seniors to go to a gym was always going to be Nancy’s biggest battle. Nancy would soon learn that many prejudices and misconceptions about the gym existed in the community. It would seem that the very word “gym” struck fear in the hearts and minds of many and tested their comfort levels. Swinging weights around like a champion, Nancy insists: “People need to get over the word gym and the association of fitness with lycra. Most of the people in my classes are over 50. We don’t like loud music and we hate heavy metal. We work out to sing-a-long songs and most just wear t-shirts and track pants.” The mood is light in Nancy’s classes but the attendees take their fitness seriously. They sing to the music, and there’s a sense of camaraderie in the air as they work through their tasks under Nancy’s instruction. As I take some photos of the class, the ladies become increasingly cheeky and some of them can’t help but to wink as they file past me singing loudly to Lili Marlene. It is such a joyful class and people of all physical abilities are made welcome. Nancy’s classes are adaptable to anyone’s fitness level and age. Nobody is excluded. Though singing is essential, each person takes part at their own measure, and often a morning tea for a charity is held after class. No sugar or cream is spared! “It’s a real social event,” Nancy says. “If you can get out of bed in the morning then you can attend these classes. They are self-paced and they are for everyone. Even if you have a medical condition you can sit in a chair and join in – just get moving.” The best leaders lead by example and there is no question that Nancy Rossa lives by her word. Not only does Nancy enjoy playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she instructs four to five classes a week and takes up to seven additional classes for her own benefit with other trainers each week. Nancy’s face softens as she tells me that sometimes she is lucky enough to have the company of her granddaughter in ride classes. Within seconds though, she is once again focused on her commitment to senior fitness and a sense of urgency surfaces in her tone. “If you don’t use it you lose it. People just don’t realise that if they don’t continue building bone mass and strengthening muscles they will first lose the ability to stand without help and then they will lose the ability to walk altogether,” she says. The fitness industry, like so many industries today, requires constant retraining. “Currency” in one’s own profession seems to be the buzzword of this century. For Nancy, this means courses and retraining at least every two years.
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Respectfully, this begs the question: “How long do you intend to keep up at this pace?” There is silence. I am still unsure if my question was ever answered. In part, my ignorance didn’t deserve an answer. After all, a super-hero need never explain their
intentions. Regathering my thoughts I change tack: “You do realise that you are an amazing inspiration to so many, don’t you?” Staring with intent, Nancy replies: “I am just an average person, doing what I love to do!” CWL Words & images: Catherine Player
Nancy’s five-step fitness routine for all seniors Chair March (Get the body warmed up and ready) 1. Hold the sides of the chair. 2. Begin a marching action by raising your right foot and placing it down and then raising your left foot and placing it down. 3. Find a rhythm that is comfortable for you. 4. Continue for up to 60 seconds.
Foot taps
Sit to Stand (To strengthen our quadriceps muscles. Stabilises the knee joint and strengthens the muscles needed to get up and down in a chair or on and off the toilet) 1. Move forward in the chair and place your feet slightly behind your knees. 2. Lean forward with a straight back and stand up. 3. Use your hands for support if needed but try to aim towards standing without using your hands.
4. Repeat up to 10 times with each foot. 5. Raise your right foot up and make circles with your toes. 6. Repeat up to five times in each direction. Hips and Rear (Strong gluteal and hip muscles are important in walking) 1. Squeeze the buttock muscles together and release. 2. Repeat four times. 3. Then shift weight to one side (sitting on one hip), tighten your abdominal muscles. 4. Repeat four times, alternating from left to right. Post Exercise Stretch (Helps muscle recovery after a workout and reduces muscle soreness) 1. Sit in a chair with your knees facing forward.
4. Slowly lower back down into the chair and repeat up to five times.
2. Turn your torso so that your upper body faces either left or right.
Foot Taps (To strengthen the shin muscles and build the muscles that prevent tripping)
3. With both hands, hold onto the arm of the chair.
1. Hold the sides of the chair.
5. Repeat with the other side.
2. Place the heel of the right foot on the floor and point your toes up.
6. Straighten one leg.
3. Then lower your toes to the floor and raise your heels up.
9. Repeat with other leg.
4. Turn your head back over your shoulder in the opposite direction, hold.
7. Lean over your knee, hold.
Sit to stand
Post exercise stretch
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VENETIAN FINDS VENICE FOR A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY? WHO WOULD SAY NO? THE MERE THOUGHT OF IT SENDS YOUR MIND INTO A FLURRY OF ROMANTIC IMAGES OF COUPLES MESHED SEDUCTIVELY IN A VENETIAN GONDOLA, GLIDING SERENELY UNDER ARCHED BRIDGES AND EXCHANGING CONTENTED SMILES. Unbeknown to me, when planning our Italian wedding anniversary holiday, my husband decided a trip to Venice from our wine estate retreat in Tuscany would be the perfect way to spend the big day. Like all tourists who arrive by car we entered Venice on the far western edge and parked in Tronchetto – Europe’s largest car park. Venice’s sights and flavours, opulence and luxury envelop you while cruising the canals en route to the heart. The city’s canals are lined on both sides with superb architecture and breathtaking urban landscapes. Venice is made up of 117 islands, 416 bridges and 177 canals. Arriving into the centre around 7pm, it would seem logical to take a celebratory drink to mark your arrival and anniversary. It was certainly on my husband’s mind, but I had other ideas. As soon as I stepped onto the Riva degli Schiavoni from our water taxi and into the iconic Hotel Danieli, a 14th-century palazzo with the most incomparable lobby in town, I was intoxicated. I fell under the Venetian shopping affair spell, I was hypnotised in an instant. I launched myself full steam into the stores that had me spellbound with their rock-concert lighting, magnificently presented window displays and the promise of one-off finds inside that any woman would find impossible to drag herself away from. Our hotel was beside the Rialto market and the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) on San Polo. The Rialto market is heaven for shoppers and the bridge has become one of Venice’s most recognisable icons with a history that spans more than 800 years. Tourists crawl over the bridge to take photos of resplendent sites and shop to their heart’s content. As my poor husband dutifully tagged along behind me, he was dreaming not of shops but of a Peroni Nastro Azzurro. After providing some light entertainment for diners who watched our decision-making processes, it was “agreed” we would enjoy an hour’s shopping and then dinner. 150 CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013
Once nourished and hydrated we were off for our booked private and romantic gondola ride; sure to up the ante in the romance stakes before retiring to our Luxury Collection hotel. After waiting in a queue for half an hour we reached our own gondola to the stark realisation that we would share our idyllic ride with four giggling, teenage girls. Two clamoured over us and stole the couple’s love seat. Once settled into the throne, the girly pair started snapping “selfies” with their iPhones. Hubby and I were not even able to reach out and touch hands, such was the distance between us. Nevertheless, with fierce determination to keep our spirits high, we managed to put the setback aside and relish the occasion. Cruising the canals is a peaceful and relaxing journey. The sound of the water lapping the gondola, the quiet manoeuvre of the gondolier’s paddle. Gliding up and down canals without the hum of an engine to interfere with serenity was very lullaby-like. A calm relaxation settled into our hearts and we were able to indulge in the magnificent journey and drink in the sights, canal after canal. It was now time to nestle into our hotel for the night. The Danieli is not something we would contemplate on every holiday, but this was our anniversary and it was only the one superb night in Venice after all. The towelling on the bathrobes was so thick I resembled Michelin Man and the marble had not been used sparingly in the bathroom of our suite. To our delight, every detail had been finely attended to. Well-rested among the luxury linen and old world bed, we rose refreshed and ready for a full day in Venice. First up we indulged in a sumptuous breakfast on the roof top of the hotel with stunning views of the Grand Canal and the historic city. We were treated to the arrival of a mighty cruise liner as we absorbed the charm of Venice from our lofty setting. Following a delightful, leisurely breakfast we were off for a half-day trip to the Venetian Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
travel
The Glass Museum in Murano and the Lace Museum in Burano are certainly worth a visit. In Burano you will find some of the most picturesque streets and houses, with each house sporting a different pastel shade. It is truly exquisite. Though there is not much to see in Torcello, the peace and tranquillity of the island is not to be found anywhere else in Venice. Venice is the world’s only pedestrian city, it is easily walkable, and the absence of cars makes this a really pleasant experience. Along the way you will discover marvellous art, magnificent architecture, museums, churches, exquisite jewellery shops. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 600 years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Venice has decayed since its heyday and there are more tourists here than residents but the romantic charm remains. We immersed ourselves into the rich tapestry of Venetian culture and found Venice was bewitching, captivating and a truly memorable anniversary celebration. CWL Words & images: Pip Teys
essential adventures
SHEAR DELIGHT In the middle of the floor in his cane-bottomed chair, is the boss of the board, with eyes everywhere, Notes well each fleece, as it comes to the screen, paying strict attention if it’s taken off clean Click Go The Shears – Anonymous Time seems to stand still at the Old Errowanbang Woolshed. Scrawled in lead pencil on a timber wall are a shearer’s tips for the 1907 Melbourne cup: Dyed Garments; Poseidon; Mountain King. Not a winner among them that year but they remain forever immortalised among the many wall etchings. It is believed that the builder of this unique 1886 structure was originally a ship builder by the name of Watt. Though no documents exist to prove his ship-building past, it has always been an accepted belief around the area. The reliability of this information becomes feasible when you consider the enormity of the shed and view its many intricate design features. One thing is for sure: Watt was a craftsman. Built on a slope, the four-level structure has been designed with the specific purpose of enabling efficiency in wool handling on a commercial scale. A series of intricate chutes carry wool from one process to the next, down to the lower level, using gravity, rather than manpower, as its engine. Errowanbang is also home to Australia’s only known fully undercover plunge dip. The innovative design was incredibly forward thinking for its time and is a credit to a man we know so little about. Errowanbang owner Jann Harries shows me an aerial photo taken at the recent open day. It looks rather like a spaceship from this view. It is now easy to see how the woolshed would have used 4 tonnes of nails in the roof construction and can house up to 3000 sheep. For such an architectural wonder,
Errowanbang has certainly remained the Central West’s best kept secret – until now. Open days are held each year. Buses are always welcome and full catering can be provided. If you would like more information on when you can visit this magnificent building, call Jann on 0400 667 231 or visit their website. olderrowanbangwoolshed.wikispaces.com
HOOKED ON CLASSICS “Everything in life is somewhere else and you can get there in a car.” – E.B. White I have never been a car enthusiast. I probably got my lack of motoring interest from my mother. So when Mum and I entered the showroom at McFeeters Motor Museum at Forbes, you can imagine our surprise. “Wow,” Mum said. “This is amazing!” I concur. It was amazing. So why was this showroom instantly so appealing to two women who have never cared to know the difference between a carburettor and a defibrillator? I believe our newfound appreciation stems from the fact that the cars are just so interesting, clean, shiny, pretty and many of them actually have really bizarre features. Every car had its own tale to tell, and the owners of this magnificent museum, Bill and Jan McFeeters, love to share the history and story of each. But what I was really interested to know was how two car enthusiasts go from buying a few old cars to building a massive $2 million complex to house their hobby. “My wife wanted to build a tin shed to put our cars in. This is her idea of a tin shed,” Bill said. Jan’s explanation is slightly more elaborate.
“You see that 1929 Ford Model Speedstar over there? That’s where it began. That was our first collection car. It cost us a whole week’s wage and we really couldn’t afford it. It caused huge arguments. But I still have the car and I still have the husband,” she quipped. There are 60 specialty cars on the showroom floor and the aim is to install 60 interesting motorcycles as well. There are also 60 mannequins in period costume on display, their clothing perfectly attuned to the era of the car to which they relate. They are almost as fascinating as the automobiles themselves. Among the impressive collection are: a 1935 Morris 8, 1958 Porsche 356, 1909 Clement Bayard, 1916 Mitchell, 1910 Swift and a Japanese funeral car with a carved timber decorative top and a tapestry ceiling in the coffin chamber. My favourite car was the green 1910 Swift. The McFeeters are only the second family to own this car. The story behind it is both cute and quaint. Be sure to ask about it when you visit. The complex is also home to Superbee Café, a gift store and Banderra cellar door. On the corner of the Newell Highway and Oxford Street, Forbes, you cannot miss it. So don’t. www.motormuseum.com.au
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Words: Catherine Player
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Falling for you “Well, it’s quite an involved story . . . probably should have a cup of tea before I take on something like that,” Bill Gibson laughed when asked about the origins of Dangar Falls Lodge, two kilometres from the town of Dorrigo.
in 1998. Bill put in a tender just in time to save the structure, and before too long it was shifted in two parts by truck to its current location.
Just over the way, you will find the exquisite Dangar Falls (pictured).
For $50 a night per person, up to 12 people can stay in the fully self-catered accommodation with two bathrooms, kitchen, living area and a number of spacious bedrooms. The wide, open verandah surrounds the entire house, and is a perfect spot for relaxation, with breathtaking views and the constant, gentle surge of the falls.
The lodge was initially a nurses’ quarters, court ordered to be demolished
www.dorrigo.com/accommodation-directory
The ideally situated guesthouse overlooks the lush green pastures of the Dorrigo plateau and has been in operation for 11 years, accommodating travellers and campers alike.
Words: Anna Tickle Images: Clare Colins
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Fine figures
WHAT WAS ONCE A MUDGEE ARTIST’S PIPE DREAM IS FAST BECOMING A CREATIVE FORCE IN ITS OWN RIGHT. TAKE A WALK THROUGH SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN ON THE EVE OF ITS THIRD YEAR. WHEN WELL-KNOWN MUDGEE ARTIST Kay Norton-Knight told her family she wanted to host a sculpture exhibition in her garden, they could probably be forgiven for rolling their eyes. As owner of local vineyard and guesthouse “Rosby” for some 35 years, it certainly wouldn’t have been the first event Kay had hosted at the property. “Mum is always looking for new things to do in the vineyard, or the garden, or the mud hut, or the guesthouse,” said the second of four NortonKnight daughters, Amber, who manages Rosby’s busy year-round schedule of wine launches and art workshops. More than 100 sculptors have already applied to exhibit at the third annual Sculptures In The Garden on October 12 and 13 this year, while crowds of more than 2000 are expected to bustle through the Rosby gates over those two days. It is already one of the state’s largest regional outdoor sculpture exhibitions and is understandably gaining traction as one of Mudgee’s most popular tourism events. From 9am to 4pm across both days of the exhibition, visitors will be able to experience highly unique and original sculptural artworks,
ranging from small, delicate garden objets d’art to large-scale collaborative pieces. Twice-daily garden walks will be led by Sandy Pratten, while artist Sam Paine will also host guided art tours of the exhibition on both days. There will be a raft of on-site attractions including a wearable art parade, chainsaw art demonstrations, a kids’ craft corner, coffee, gourmet food and art displays from local schools. “Money raised from the event will go to both the local Guide Dogs Association committee and funding a new ‘sculpture walk’ in Mudgee’s town centre,” Kay said. Mudgee Regional Council has committed to matching the funds raised by Sculptures in the Garden for this public sculpture walk. It all makes the exhibition feel so much more than a weekend in the garden, but a grassroots celebration of creativity and community. No eye rolling here. October 12-13, 9am-4pm Rosby Premium Wines, 122 Strikes Lane, Eurunderee, Mudgee Phone: (02) 6373 3856 www.sculpturesinthegarden.com.au
Above from top left: Sculptures on display for Sculptures in the Garden 2012 – Stephen Hilton’s The Eagle is Here; Karen Herring’s work Pears; Roshelle McKillop’s Emu; David Sherlock’s Orbit.
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events in the west
CWL Launches
Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee
To celebrate the first exciting edition of Central West Lifestyle, the team enjoyed four fabulous launch evenings at stunning locations around our region. Dignitaries, including town mayors, advertisers and other guests from the local communities, were able to relish food and wine supplied by our loyal supporters and meet and greet the team behind the publication. CWL thanks the businesses for their vision and support displayed through their long-term advertising with us. Warm recognition goes to Mathew Dickerson, Mayor of Dubbo, for his attendance at the beautiful Westpac Bank where our Dubbo launch was held; John Davis, Mayor of Orange, for attending the launch at Duntryleague; and Monica Morse, Mayor of Bathurst, for her valued presence at the launch at Bishop’s Court Estate. We thank Des Kennedy, Mayor of Mudgee, for his support, commitment and enthusiasm for our publication. Central West Lifestyle magazine looks forward to future engagements in other localities, and anticipates meeting new faces and personalities as we continue to provide an enriching publication.
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1. Dubbo Westpac manager Duncan Payne and Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson with CWL publishers, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle. 2. Bruce Bolam, “Blair Athol”, Bathurst, with Sarah and CWL photographer Angus Waddell. 3. Jo Galea with fiancé and CWL printer Glenn Reidy, Bright Print Group, Sydney. 4. Karen Blacklow, Second Chance Collectables, Frances Young, Zonta Orange, Philip Trotter and wife Elizabeth Swane, CWL gardening editor. 5. Discussing accommodation at the Orange launch were Jasmine Bond, Greentrees Guest House, Pam and Trevor King, Lakeview Luxury Cabins, and Andrew and Helen Napier, Black Sheep Inn. 6. Cameron Anderson and wife Amber Norton-Knight, Rosby Wines and Guesthouse. 7. Locals Cathy and Garry Page in high spirits at the Mudgee launch. 8. Diana and Stuart Smith at the Orange launch. 9. Jim Westwood, of Gulgong, provided some light entertainment at the Mudgee launch. 10. CWL writer and advertising team member, Catherine Player and husband Neil Gill. 11. Lissy and Dennis Little, Spring Creek B&B, Gulgong, with Mudgee locals Nicolette Karskens and CWL team member Sharon Hill. 12. Leanne and Ben Toll with friend Ivette Labib at the Dubbo launch. 13. Dr Peter Simmons, of Orange, Kevin and Madi Simmons, of Nevertire, and Beth and Rob Cornwall, of Dubbo. 14. Julie and Murray Fraser, of Adors Party Hire, meet CWL designer Kate Boshammer at the Dubbo launch. 15. Randall and Jane Reid, from Mudgee Antiques. 16. Dawn and Rick Hunter, “Kaludabah”, Mudgee, with Dana Sultemeier (centre), direct from Texas, USA. 17. Karyn Taylor, Mayfield Garden with Olive Lockett at the Bathurst launch. 18. Mudgee hosts Debbie and Gary Leonard from The Brewery. 19. Orange sisters Anastasia, Amelia and Harriet Hain. 20. Dorothy and Colin Munns, of Mudgee, with Virginia Hollister, Historical Society, Rylstone. 21. Kay Davis, Dianne Gee and Angelique Mitchell, from Lucknow Skin Shop, at the Orange launch. 22. Paul and Pip Teys, CWL Home & Style writer, and Sue Meikle relaxing at the Orange launch. 23. Gerarda Mader, A Settler’s Cottage, Bathurst, enjoying a drink with her father Keith Van Der Donk. 24. Anne and Graham Bush, Courtyard Architectural, Bathurst, at the Bathurst launch. 25. CWL publishers Alex and Elizabeth Tickle with our gracious hosts at the Bathurst launch, Christine Le Fevre and partner David Swan, Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel. 26. Orange Mayor John Davis catches up with his former English teacher, Patricia Logan, Orange, at Duntryleague. 27. Errol and Robbie Holdaway, Forgandenny B&B, with Robyn and Rob Clark from the Soldier’s Motel, at the Mudgee launch. 28. Annie Scott with husband Tony and her father, John Reen, Karoo Angus Stud, Bathurst. 29. CWL publishers Alex and Elizabeth Tickle with daughter and CWL writer, Anna Tickle, Bathurst. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 157
events in the west
Cowra
Picnic Races
The champagne flowed, the horses galloped and the 2500-strong crowd cheered at the recent Cowra Picnic Races held in brilliant winter sunshine. Poker Pro, from the stable of Cowra trainer Kevin White and ridden by Sydney jockey Blake Ryan, took out the 2013 McDonald’s Cowra Picnic Cup over 1700 metres. Fiona Schofield and Michelle Kent cast an experienced eye over the Fashions on the Field entrants. Central West Lifestyle magazine proudly supported the event, with all winners receiving a complimentary copy of the winter edition. Images: Cassie Scammell 11
1. Michelle Kent, Fiona Schofield, Sarah Gillogly and Rebeccah Scott-Smith, all of Orange. 2. Winner of Miss Cowra Picnics Gabriella Rhodes (second from left) with Fashions on the Field organisers Carla Sparkes, Janelle Boland and Kerrie Beecher. 3. Braidwood ladies Kerry McGlone, Rebecca Lavaki (winner of most outstanding hat) and Courtney Dowle with Tommy Jeffs of Cowra. 4. Claire Partridge and Bianca Amos of Cowra with Lisa Starr of Canowindra (centre). 5. Sue Manton of Berry with Di Chambers and June Skene of Cowra. 6. Kate Fagan, Wendy Dick and Annabel Gay of Cowra with Cowra Picnic Races joint 2 president James Fagan.
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Trangie
Rugby Ball
The Trangie Rugby Union Club held its Golden Jubilee Ball at the Trangie Memorial Hall on July 13. A crowd of 300, including past and present players and club members, enjoyed catching up with old friends and telling stories about the “good old days”.
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Guests travelled from as far as Sydney, the Central Coast, Queensland and Darwin to attend the ball. The highlight of the night was the awarding of life membership to Jim Wade and Andrew Flinn in recognition of their huge contribution of the club over many years. Earlier in the day, a large number of supporters had turned out to Trangie’s Alan Burns Oval to watch the old boys lace up their boots and have a run. Trangie had a hard-fought 24-14 win over the Yeoval Eagles in the main game. Images: Trangie Tigers 2
1. Lynn Smith, Steve Miller, Carmel Walsh, Greg Quigley, Sandy Flinn, Tim Jenkins, Gai Miller and Geraldine Tilden. 2. Damien Taylor, Ben Griffiths, Tom Green and Ned McCutcheon. 3. Rhonda Richardson and Sue Hattersley. 4. Justin and George Quigley with Annabelle Newbigging. 5. Richard Hattersley and Kevin Flinn. 6. Sam and Nikki Wade. 7. Pip Goldsmith and Lou Remond. 8. Wayne Tilden, Matt Wade, Dave Dugan and Tim Jenkins.
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Duck Creek
Picnic Races
The waterlogged grounds of the 2013 Lawlab Duck Creek Picnic Races after two days of rain (torrential at times) did little to deter the 2000 plus crowd that travelled from all corners of the state for the Nyngan experience. The weather – fabulous for farmers – sadly forced stewards to cancel the horse racing, but who needs horses, anyway? From the perspective of a young country individual, when a social fixture such as Duck Creek comes up, you just go. After a hotly contested Fashions on the Field, and a guest appearance from Plucka Duck by means of a local police car, the band CrackerJack entertained partygoers game enough to brave the muddy seas and tread the raised metal ramp over to the dance floor. This year’s races proved the enduring and guaranteed success of an iconic event out west, rain, hail or shine. Images: Abigail McLaughlin 1. Most elegant lady at the races, Debb Wood, Nyngan with Peta Hawke, Inverell. 2. The Moody family – Kate, with her partner Tim Wright, Dubbo, Tania, Greg, Katie and Brett of Hermidale. 3. Ian Perkins and Richard Bootle, Nyngan with Laura and Andrew Darrock, Sydney.
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range Saturday 5 to Monday 7 October City Of Orange Golf Championship Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 October The Comedy of Errors - (Bell Shakespeare) Thursday 17 to Sunday 27 October Orange Wine Week Friday 18 October to Saturday 2 November The Phantom of the Opera - (Orange Theatre Company) Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 October Australian National Field Days at Borenore Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November Duntryleague Ladies Open Golf Tournament Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 November Millthorpe Garden Ramble - Open Gardens Tuesday 5 November Melbourne Cup Day, Towac Park Racecourse
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Cowra
Union Reunion
The Cowra Eagles rugby clubhouse was near to overflowing on Saturday, July 13, when 160 guests attended a luncheon hosted by club president Ash Webster. The reunion for past presidents of the club featured a special guest speaker: former Australian rugby union great and captain Nick Farr-Jones, who entertained the crowd with humour and some of the stories of his illustrious playing career. There was also fierce bidding for some impressive rugby memorabilia at the charity auction. Images: Cassie Scammell
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1. Former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones, Sydney Rugby Union president Rob Millner and Cowra Eagles Rugby Club president Ash Webster. 2. Sharon Hawker, Canowindra, with Kate Austin, Amanda Dresser-Sullivan and Liz McKay, all of Cowra. 3. Penny and Peter Watt with Ben Casey, all of Cowra. 4. Justin Langfield and Brian McCabe, of Cowra, with Andrew Wilson, of Darbys Falls, and Rob Pearce, Canowindra. 5. Sue Davidson, Sarah Casey, Prue Williams and Rowena Casey, all of Cowra. 6. Bill Meikeljohn, coach of Cowra Eagles first-grade team, Gordon Refshauge, Wyangla and Sandy Scammell, Cowra.
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The business has been nominated numerous times in the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce Rhino Awards throughout their 18 years of operation, granting them well-deserved recognition within the Central West. It is also the longest running catering service in Dubbo, offering a world of experience and professionalism. “It has been very much a family affair. Our daughter Charlene started in the business at the age of nine and went on to become a high-profile chef. Four years ago, she came back and joined the team with excellent results. Additionally, my brother is a kitchen hand with us,� Julie said. Julie and Terry love Dubbo and the Central West region. Their success stems from their obvious love of fresh regional cuisine and hospitality. To make your next function extra special, give TJ’s Catering a call; no function is too big or too small. www.tjscatering.com.au Words: Anna Tickle
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NORTHERN EXPOSURE SWEDEN IN THE WEST, WEST WYALONG October 18 to 20 With the success of last year’s Paris in the West (pictured), the crazy town of West Wyalong is at it again. The combination of blue, white and red is gone and streets are now awash with blue and yellow in preparation for Sweden in the West from October 18 to 20. West Wyalong’s upcoming Swedish event has been attracting a lot of attention from further afield. Special guests to the town during the festival will include Swedish-born scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Swedish Ambassador His Excellency Sven-Olof Petersson and his wife Mrs Anita Petersson, and author and garden writer Fiona Ogilvie. The festival begins on the Friday with a floral art and garden show, followed by a photographic, art and scrap art sculpture exhibition. On the Friday night enjoy a smorgasbord under the stars with friends in the park. Settle in and be mesmerised by the laser light display depicting the aurora borealis (the northern lights). Wake up in West Wyalong on the Saturday and get ready to feast! Breakfast in McCann Park will be a treat with live music, all-day markets, competitions, an ABBA singing contest and the Lifestyle and Sustainability Expo. Wander down the main street by 12 and settle in for all the street parade action. Mamma Mia! The fun doesn’t end there. Saturday night’s headliner act, Abbalanche, is set to be a real crowd pleaser. The energetic ABBA tribute show engages crowds, bringing one of the world’s most influential bands back to life. The festival concludes on Sunday with a bang. Begin the day with a relaxing breakfast in McCann Park followed by a combined church service. From 10am a full day of Swedish games and competitions is scheduled on the oval. Hop in your Volvo, put on your Viking helmet, turn up the ABBA and head out to West Wyalong’s Sweden in the West. www.eventsww.com Words: Catherine Player
Suzie Newman in costume at Paris in the West in 2012.
Louvre – art and photography gallery at Paris in the West.
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Upcoming events WEST WYALONG SHOW 3-4 September
BACCHANALIA – FOOD, WINE & ART 22 September
West Wyalong Showground Diane 0428 723118; www.westwyalongshowsociety.com
Open 10am-4pm Jayes Gallery, Molong 6366 9093; jayesgallery.blogspot.com.au
TRUNDLE BUSH TUCKER DAY 6-8 September
THE BEN HALL RAID WEEKEND FESTIVAL 27-29 September
Various locations in Trundle info@trundlebushtuckerday.com.au; www.trundlebushtuckerday.com.au
Various locations in Bathurst Allan McRae 6331 5404; www.bathursthistory.org.au
JOHNNY CASH – RING OF FIRE CONCERT 7 September Dubbo Regional Theatre 68014378; www.drtcc.com.au CANOWINDRA – MOORBEL HALL MARKETS 7 September Auxiliary Street, Canowindra 6344 2025 FANCY THAT – THEATRE PRODUCTION 7-8 September WATS (Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society) Variety Show, Wellington Shirley Drysdale 6845 1700 BARMEDMAN SHOW 7 September Barmedman Showground 0448 766 280 DAFFODILS AT RYDAL 7-8, 14-15 September Rydal Lindsay 6359 3237; Helen 6355 6360; lgreen@bigpond.net; www.rydal.com.au THE SOUSAPHONICS – NEW ORLEANS-STYLE BRASS BAND 8 September 3.30pm Macquarie Conservatorium, Dubbo Cnr Darling & Bultje streets 6884 6686; www.macqcon.org.au BATHURST EDGELL JOG 8 September Russell Street, Bathurst 6331 4344; www.bathurstedgelljog.org.au ORANGE EISTEDDFOD 8 September
ROTARY SPRING FEST 28 September Wellington Showground Ian 6846 7376 ORANGE REGION FARMERS MARKET 14 September, 12 October, 9 November 8.30am to 12.30pm.
KK’S POLITICALLY INCORRECT LUNCHEON @ BOTOBOLAR 14 September 89 Botobolar Mudgee 6373 3840; www.botobolar.com ORANGE SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS – MINIATURE TRAIN RIDES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS 14 September 1-5pm Matthews Park, Moulder Street, Orange Greg Bird 6362 9634; covered shoes required for rides UNGARIE SHOW 14 September Ungarie Showground rachel@murrellshospitality.com.au MACQUARIE CONSERVATORIUM OPEN DAY 15 September 1-4pm Round the clock performance and info Macquarie Conservatorium, Cnr Darling & Bultje streets, Dubbo 6884 6686; www.macqcon.org.au BURRENDONG BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM – FREE GUIDED TOURS 15 September
GOOLOOGONG MARKETS 13 September (second Sunday of the month)
Mumbil Monday to Friday on 6846 7454 or weekends on 6846 7429; www.visitwellington.com.au/events
ROSBY WINE DINNER 13 September 122 Strikes Lane, Eurunderee, Mudgee 6373 3978; amber@rosby.com.au; www.rosby.com.au ORANA CARAVAN AND CAMPING, 4WD, FISH AND BOAT SHOW 13-15 September
CUDAL SHOW 15 September Cudal Showground, Davey’s Plains Road 0408 455 308 WOODSTOCK BRIDAL EXPO 15 September Woodstock Memorial Hall, Rankin Street, Woodstock 0413 533 020; libbysweddingss.ypsitesmart.com.au
Dubbo Showground 6769 4132
COWRA FARMERS MARKETS 21 September, 19 October, 16 November
WEST WYALONG CAMPDRAFT 13-15 September
Cowra Showground 6342 9225
West Wyalong Jackie 6975 7370
Market Street, Mudgee www.mudgeewine.com.au
Orange Showground, Leeds Parade (North Court, Peisley Street, in November) Cath 0425 259 350; www.orangefarmersmarket.org.au
Orange Civic Theatre, Byng Street, Orange Ticketek, Orange 6393 8111
Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall 0448 441 748
FLAVOURS MUDGEE STREET FESTIVAL 28 September
JOSEPHINE JAGGER-MANNERS EXHIBITION 22 September-20 October Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm Jayes Gallery, Molong 6366 9093; jayesgallery.blogspot.com.au CAMP QUALITY TRACTOR TREK 19-21 September Orange, Blayney, Oberon, Bathurst, Orange (Robertson Park) Enquiries & sponsorship: Graeme 0428 270 447
SAKURA MATSURI CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAY 28 September Cowra Japanese Garden 6341 2233; www.cowratourism.com.au OPEN WEEKEND AT OLD ERROWANBANG WOOLSHED 28-29 September 9am-3pm Lot 64 Old Errowanbang Road, Carcoar Jann Harries 0400 667 231; olderrowanbangwoolshed.wikispaces.com 9TH NATIONAL VETERAN MOTORCYCLE RALLY 29 September-4 October Parkes Showground and various other locations Barry 0408 025 712; www.vmccnsw.org.au QUOTA OPEN GARDENS 29 September Parkes 8 gardens at various locations Lynn 6863 4667 TARANA RED CROSS ART SHOW 4-7 October Friday: Opening night with guest artist Dawn Daley Saturday & Sunday: 10am-4pm Monday: 10am-12pm Jill Lang jillelang@yahoo.com SCULPTURES IN SPRING 5 October-21 December Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm Jayes Gallery, Molong 6366 9093; jayesgallery.blogspot.com.au PEAK HILL GRAVITY GOLD RUSH EVENT 5-7 October Peak Hill Betty 0407 072 813; zdanbet@hotmail.com WINEMAKERS TABLE WINERY DINNER PARTY 6 October Tinja Lane Mudgee 6372 0800
BATHURST SUPERCARS SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST 1000 10 October Mount Panorama, Bathurst www.v8supercars.com.au/2013-v8-supercarschampionship/supercheap-auto-bathurst-1000 SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN 12-13 October 122 Strikes Lane, Eurunderee Mudgee 0414 942 917; info@rosby.com.au; www.rosby.com.au
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FIELD DAYS 2013 24-26 October SKYDIVE OZ –TANDEM SKYDIVING 12 October Orange Airport, Huntly Road 1300 185 180; www.skydiveoz.com.au NATIONAL COOL CLIMATE WINE SHOW AND TASTINGS 18 October Bathurst Showground 6332 1444; info@coolwines.com.au; www.coolwines.com.au FRANK – A LIFE IN SONG 19 October Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre 6333 6162; bmec@bmec.com.au THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (ORANGE THEATRE COMPANY) 18 October-2 November 12 shows, Orange Civic Theatre, Byng Street Ticketek Orange 6393 8111 SWEDEN IN THE WEST 18-20 October West Wyalong www.eventsww.com ORANGE WINE WEEK 2013 18-27 October Various locations in Orange Taste Orange 6360 1990; www.tasteorange.com.au MAYFIELD GARDEN OPEN DAYS 19-20 October, 26-27 October and 2-3 November Oberon www.mayfieldgarden.com.au
ANFD Site, 563 Borenore Road, Borenore 6362 1588; www.anfd.com.au INLAND SEA AND SOUND FESTIVAL 24-26 October 105 William Street, Bathurst 6333 6161; www.inlandseaofsound.com SCULPTURE FORBES 1-31 October Forbes 0419 772 958; wayne@searider.info or contact the Services Club (Competition and display) KALARI-LACHLAN RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL 25-27 October Various locations in Forbes riverartsfestival.org.au NEILA AT WINDOWRIE 26 October Windowrie Vineyards and Homestead, Cowra 6344 3264; www.windowrie.com.au THE BATHURST SPRING GARDEN SPECTACULAR 26-27 October Various gardens in Bathurst 6331 4117; annesgarden@bigpond.com; www.bathurstspringspectacular.com WATTLE FLAT’S BRONZE THONG – GYMKHANA 26-27 October Wattle Flat Marion 6337 7441; www.sofalagold.com THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (ORANGE THEATRE COMPANY) 1-2 November Orange Civic Theatre, Byng Street Ticketek Orange 6393 8111 MILLTHORPE GARDEN RAMBLE 2-3 November Milthorpe www.visitnsw.com/events/millthorpe-garden-ramble CARCOAR CUP RUNNING FESTIVAL 2-3 November Carcoar District Andrew Baulch, event director 6367 3290 or 0412 265 344; www.carcoarcup.com.au
ZOO TUNES AT TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO 3 November Free outdoor concert for families Macquarie Conservatorium 6884 6686; www.macqcon.org.au COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL – COWRA BREAKOUT CONCERT 5-10 November Cowra Civic Centre and Cowra Services Club 0417 420 858 or 0428 627 495; www.stephenrcheney.com.au ORANGE SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS MINIATURE TRAIN RIDES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS 9 November 1-5pm Matthews Park, Moulder Street, Orange Greg Bird 6362 9634; covered shoes required for rides 2013 CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW 9-10 November Wade Park, Orange Helen 6362 3932 SPRING GARDEN FAIR AT CHAPEL HOUSE 16-17 November Rydal 6355 6202 DRAGON BOAT REGATTA 17 November Lake Canobolas, Orange Melanie 0418 480 731 KRMAS (KUMIAI RYU MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM) NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 23 November PCYC, 40 Young Road, Cowra 0427 400 222 GEURIE MARKETS 30 November Wise Park Peter 68466353 www.visitwellington.com.au/events BATHURST COLLECTABLES AND GEM EXPO 30 November-1 December Allan McRae 63315404 Do you have an event that you would like included in our magazine? Email your details to catherine@centralwestmagazine.com.au. Compiled by Catherine Player. All events are subject to change and we recommend contacting the organisers to confirm details. CW LIFESTYLE SPRING 2013 165
FLOWER POWER DAFFODILS AT RYDAL September 7, 8, 14, 15 When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils Poet Laureate William Wordsworth In 1843, Governor Sir George Gipps named Rydal NSW after the English town by the same name. Both towns have a strong connection with daffodils. Rydal in England was home to English poet William Wordsworth, best known for his poem Daffodils. Rydal NSW, with its rich and fertile land, is best known for its impressive springtime exhibition of daffodils. Visit “Daffodils at Rydal” this year and experience Wordworth’s poem first hand. With many stunning gardens and parks open to the public, a large array of musical acts and thousands of daffodils on display, your senses will delight as you explore this historic and beautiful little village. Among the food options will be an all-day barbecue, delightful Devonshire teas, old-fashioned slices and tea and coffee. Rydal Pub will also be serving food and beverages as will Bark Ridge Country Garden. You may also wish to snack among the daffodils and take advantage of the many beautiful picnic spots. The gardens will be open from 10am until 4pm. The $10 entry fee will go to a local charity. Since 2002, “Daffodils at Rydal” has donated $100,000 to charities in the district. This year, the tiny village will sponsor two charities: The Lithgow Kids Breakfast Program and the Gorrie Ban Senior Support Program. Pipe bands, orchestras, food, sweets, beverages, open gardens, historic buildings and a host of golden daffodils, all wrapped up in the idyllic village of Rydal. Sounds like a perfect day out! www.rydal.com.au
BEST OF THE BUSH TRUNDLE BUSH TUCKER DAY September 7
Greg Wright aiming for culinary perfection.
Fancy a kangaroo steak or an emu burger? If so, come along to the 26th annual Trundle Bush Tucker Day at Trundle Showgrounds. It isn’t every day that you get to sample your country’s coat of arms but this is only a small example of the unique bush delicacies that are on offer. Publicity officer for the event Cherie Quade explained that the Trundle Bush Tucker Day was much more than just a small town food event. “The people of Trundle place a lot of pride in the success and notoriety of their Bush Tucker Day each year,” she said. “The whole town turns out to lend a hand and celebrate everything that encompasses the bush spirit. It is this sense of community that is possibly the very reason for this event’s continued success.” One of the highlight events this year is a cooking display from renowned double chef’s hat winner Michael Manners. Michael will showcase bush cooking at its finest. Aside from cooking, Michael will demonstrate how to butcher a whole animal. This display should prove to be extremely popular as many small towns no longer have a resident butcher. Another interesting, though slightly random, feature of this year’s Bush Tucker Day, is the presence of a UK film crew for the BBC’s children’s television program All Over The Place. The presenters of the popular show have set themselves a challenge to enter the Master Bush Chef cooking competition. Aussie pride is on the line as these Scots try to tackle the camp oven. However, if cooking is not your thing, come along and simply enjoy the fantastic entertainment from feature acts Luke O’Shea and Steve Passfield. There is something for everyone: a bush dance on the eve of the event; cooking competitions; damper throwing; a billy boil sprint; food sampling and live entertainment from 10am. The Trundle Bush Tucker Day is an event the whole family can enjoy. You can even pitch a tent or bring your campervan and use one of the powered camping sites.
2011 MasterChef winner Kate Bracks sharing her knowledge.
www.trundlebushtuckerday.com.au Words: Catherine Player
CENTRAL WEST
Weddings
CLAIR AND MICHAEL GOLDING
weddings
Gibbons – Golding On March 23, a gorgeous autumn day, Clair Gibbons married Michael Golding at St Michael and St John’s Cathedral in Bathurst. Bishop’s Court Estate provided a luxurious environment for the bride and her bridesmaids to prepare for the big day, before they travelled in style to the ceremony in vintage cars, where 115 family and friends shared in the special moment when Michael and Clair exchanged their vows. After the ceremony, the bridal party made their way to Machattie Park, where Mark Quade captured their amazing photos and memories. The reception was held at Algona Estate and guests spent time enjoying the stunning views of the winery and Bathurst city. More photos were taken that evening, making the most of the estate’s surrounding vineyard. Algona Estate provided a delicious two-course meal and guests enjoyed wedding cake for dessert. The night finished off with dancing and plenty of laughs. Mark Quade Photography L-R: Suzanne Golding, Melinda Swan, Joy Dunbar, Laura Hogan, Monique Pointon (maid of honour), Clair and Michael Golding, Dave Wells (best man), Bruce Wells, Brad King, Glen Shephard and Lachlan Campbell.
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weddings
Cupitt – Morris Nathan Morris wed Christine Cupitt at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Dubbo, on April 20. The quirky choice of a red party bus proved to be a hoot for the large bridal party, and was the perfect option of transport to the reception at Dubbo RSL Club. Some 140 guests mingled in style, and the dancing continued well into the night. Parkes singer Cathy Adams kept the room well and truly alive. The bridal party wore dresses designed and created by Christine’s cousin, Richard Cook, from the Central Coast. Richard also organised for flowers to be flown in from South America to enable colours to match perfectly. In just nine weeks, dresses for the bride, four bridesmaids and mother of the bride were ready to wear, a truly exquisite effort on Richard’s behalf. Nathan and Christine have made their home in Dubbo. Mark Quade Photography
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Above left, L-R: Erin Strong, Lisa Mooney, Amy Campbell, Rachel Cupitt, Christine and Nathan Morris, Matthew Morris, Jake O’Brien, Andrew McLeay, Jeremy Tooth and Mick Horn.
weddings
Piper – Cherry On Sunday, April 21, Shelley Piper married Matt Cherry in the beautiful gardens at “Ballantyne”, Cassilis. The celebrations started the night before with friends and family joining Matt and Shelley for a three-course meal at the High Valley Wine and Cheese Co in Mudgee. Kurrara Cottages provided a luxurious location for the bride and her family to get ready the next day, before travelling to Cassilis in a classic 1959 Cadillac. Perfect weather and stunning autumn colours were enjoyed by the intimate gathering of 30 guests. After the ceremony, celebratory drinks and light refreshments were shared in the garden, before moving to the historic “Ballantyne” woolshed for photos. Shelley and Matt honeymooned in America and are now living on the family farm near Cassilis.
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Matthew Holden married his best friend, Alicia Jane Dawson, on July 13. Matthew, a police officer in Bathurst, and Alicia, a psychologist, met on eHarmony in July 2011. Coincidentally, Matthew was directing traffic at a car accident on July 14, 2011, and the two crossed paths, kicking off the initial stages of their romance. Since their chance encounter, they have been inseparable. Matthew proposed to Alicia at Dawes Point, Circular Quay, on their 12-month anniversary, which was followed by a romantic lunch at Peter Doyle @ The Quay.
Dawson – Holden
Twelve months to the day they became engaged, they pulled off a stunning wedding. The ceremony was held at St Michael and St John’s Cathedral in Bathurst followed by photos at Bishop’s Court Estate, also the choice of accommodation for Matt’s family over the weekend. A beautifully decorated reception courtesy of Posh Designs was held at The Carrington Bathurst. All those who questioned the idea of a winter wedding were provided with a show of Bathurst’s finest winter weather on the big day. An array of stunning cars provided by Blue Mountains Classic Autos ensured that the party arrived in style. The groom and groomsmen were immaculately dressed in suits by Jack Holman Menswear, while the bride and bridal party looked magnificent with flowers by Vanessa Pringle. Following the couple’s special day, they jetted off to Tahiti for their honeymoon at the Pearl Beach Resort in Bora Bora. Mark Quade Photography Above L-R: Cameron Smith (groomsman), Callum Patton (best man), Matthew and Alicia Holden, Katie Gibbons (maid of honour) and Natasha Dawson (bridesmaid). Alicia’s nieces, Jasmin Cafe Dennis and Layla Gibbons, were the junior bridesmaid and flower girl respectively, while Matthew’s son Marcos Holden was the junior groomsman and Alicia’s nephew Preston Cafe was the page boy.
weddings
Stirling – Thomas Three inches of rain the day before Emma Stirling and Richard Thomas’s wedding couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 130 guests who travelled from all over Australia and international locations to celebrate the couple’s happy day on March 13. The ceremony was held at Lochinvar Gardens in Bathurst, and Emma’s dream of celebrating her wedding at her parents’ property was realised, with the reception being held at their property on the outskirts of Bathurst. The matron of honour, Kelly McGovern, is a childhood friend of Emma, and the best man was Richard’s eldest brother, Ian Thomas. An interesting addition to the bridal party was the couple’s two-year-old Labrador Astro as ring-bearer. The celebrants were Lyn Chapman, an old family friend, and Nicki Halliwell. The wedding was catered by Eat Your Greens in Eugowra and flowers were by Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs. After their six-week honeymoon touring Europe, Emma and Richard are now making their home in Bathurst where they recently purchased a property. Mark Quade Photography
Above L-R: Ian Thomas (best man), Kelly McGovern (bridesmaid), Emma and Richard, David Thomas, Jessica McCrae, Kate Evans and Matthew Stirling.
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weddings
Ryan – Moody On Saturday, March 23, Katie Ryan married Brett Moody at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Dubbo with 140 guests in attendance. Katie was attended by her sister Rachel, her cousin Felicity Haylock, and close friends Alicia Coffee and Rebecca O’Leary. Brett was attended by his brother Luke, his cousin James Stanton, and close friends James WellsBudd and Simon Bell. Their reception was held at the beautiful Lazy River Estate. Katie and Brett honeymooned in Bali and are living on Brett’s family farm in Hermidale. MMG Photography L-R: Simon Bell, Rebecca O’Leary, Alicia Coffee, James Wells-Bud, Katie and Brett Moody, Rachel Ryan, Luke Moody, James Stanton and Felicity Haylock.
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OUR ADVERTISERS SPRING 2013 141 ON MAIN Parkes, 6862 5900 2 FAT LADIES Lucknow, 6365 5437 2 FAT LADIES CAFÉ & LOLLY SHOP Lucknow, 6365 5437 A SLICE OF ORANGE Orange, 6369 0396 www.asliceoforange.com.au ABERCROMBIE HOUSE Bathurst, 6331 4929 www.abercrombiehouse.com.au ABSOLUTELY HAIR Parkes, 6862 2269 ADORS PARTY HIRE Dubbo, 6882 9333 www.adors.com.au
CACTUS CAFE AND GALLERY Wellington, 68454647 www.facebook.com/ cactuscafeandgallery CALIBRATE DESIGN SPACE Dubbo, 0428 610 208 www.calibratedesignspace.com CANOWINDRA TRADING POST Canowindra, 6344 1529 www.canowindratradingpost.com.au CENTRAL WEST HELICOPTERS Spring Hill, 63655479 www.cwhs.com.au CENTURY 21 GOLDEN WEST Dubbo, 6884 9500 www.century21.com.au/goldenwest
GARIAN WHOLESALERS PTY LTD Dubbo, 6884 1166
OLD GANARRIN GARDEN CENTRE Dubbo, 6884 5157
THE LOLLIPOP SHOP Rylstone, 6379 1655
GAZZA'S TAKEAWAY Bathurst, 6331 4667
ORANGE CITY COUNCIL Orange, 6393 8250 www.orange.nsw.gov.au
THE MILL Cowra, 6341 4141 www.windowrie.com.au
GORGEOUSNESS Bathurst, 6332 6333 GREENTREES GUESTHOUSE Orange, 6361 4546 www.greentreeshouse.com.au HARNETT HOMES North Dubbo, 1800 628 040 www.harnetthomes.com.au
RACINE RESTAURANT Orange, 6365 3275 www.racinerestaurant.com.au
THE SCOTS SCHOOL Bathurst, 6333 4702 www.scots.edu.au
HENDERSONS MENSWEAR Dubbo, 68821764
RAILWAY HOTEL Kandos, 6379 6888 www.railwayhotelkandos.com
THE SKIN CORRECTIVE CENTRE Dubbo, 6885 6349 www.theskincorrectivecentre.com.au
RAINE & HORNE DUBBO Dubbo, 0410 615 505 www.raineandhorne.com.au/dubbo
THE WHITE PLACE Orange, 6363 1160 www.thewhiteplace.com.au
COUNTRY GARDENS MOTOR INN Cowra, 6341 1100 www.cowracountrygardensmotel.com.au
HIGHLAND HERITAGE ESTATE Orange, 6362 7381 www.highlandheritageestate.com.au
ALLURE ON MAIN Forbes, 6851 4778 www.allureonmain.com
COUNTRYMAN MOTOR INN Dubbo, 6882 7422 www.countrymandubbo.com.au
ANGULLONG WINES Panuara, 6366 4300 www.angullong.com.au
COURTYARD ARCHITECTURAL MOULDINGS & DÉCOR Bathurst, 6332 5299 www.courtyarddecor.com.au
HILLSIDE ORCHARD Orange, 6365 2247 www.visitorange.com.au/accom_result1/ hillside-orchard
AUSTRALIAN FOSSIL AND MINERAL MUSEUM Bathurst, 6331 5511 www.somervillecollection.com.au AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FIELD DAYS Orange, 63621588 www.anfd.com.au BARCOOS BARN FARMSTAY Bathurst, 6337 2383 www.barcoosbarn.com.au BAREFOOT WHOLEFOODS Orange, 6363 1144 www.cphealth.com.au BATHURST HERITAGE MOTOR INN Bathurst, 6334 3433 www.heritagemotorinn.com.au BATHURST REAL ESTATE Bathurst, 6331 5555 www.bathurstrealestate.com.au BATHURST REGIONAL COUNCIL Bathurst, 6332 1444 www.visitbathurst.com.au BERT WRIGLEY IRRIGATION Dubbo, 6884 4611 www.sprinklersystemshop.com.au
INSPIRATIONS PAINT Dubbo, 6882 7333 www.inspirations.com
COWRA TOURISM CORP Cowra, 6342 4333 www.cowratourism.com.au
JACK DUGGANS IRISH PUB Bathurst, 6331 2712 www.jackduggans.com.au
COW AND CALF HOTEL Wellington, 68452710 www.cowandcalf.com.au
JOHN DAVIS MOTORS Orange, 6362 0966 www.johndavismotors.com.au
DANGAR FALLS LODGE Dorrigo, 6657 2131 www.dorrigo.com/ accommodation-directory
KIM LOWE INTERIORS Canowindra, 0417 392 239 www.kimloweinteriors.com.au
DELI LAMA Canowindra, 6344 1006
KINGS ANTIQUES AT CRAGO MILL Bathurst, 0417 785 495 www.kingsantiques.com.au
DE BEAUREPAIRE WINES Rylstone, 0429 787 705 www.debeaurepaire.com DOWN THE TRACK KANDOS Kandos, 6379 4337 www.downthetrackkandos.com DUBBO CITY WELDING Dubbo, 6882 6327 www.dubbocitywelding.com DUBBO HOME & GIFTS Dubbo, 6884 6952 DUNTRYLEAGUE COUNTRY CLUB Orange, 6362 3466 www.duntryleague.com.au EAGLE BOYS Dubbo, 6882 8999 www.eagleboys.com.au ESME'S COFFEE SHOP Forbes, 6852 2239 EVENTS WEST WYALONG West Wyalong, 6972 2255
THE ROAD TO CINNABAR Orange, 6365 3316
HEALTHY LIFE Dubbo, 6884 7365 www.healthylifedubbo.com.au
ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE Bathurst, 6331 3911 www.saints.nsw.edu.au
ARANCINA RESTAURANT Orange, 0457 588 034
THE PLAGUE AND I Canowindra, 6344 2736
PRESSED TIN PANELS Bathurst, 6332 1738 www.pressedtinpanels.com
ALL OCCASIONS West Wyalong, 6972 2273
ANNIES OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM PARLOUR Bathurst, 6331 8088
PETER DRUITT AND CO REAL ESTATE Rylstone, 6379 1409 www.peterdruittco.com
THE OLD VIC INN Canowindra, 6344 1009 www.oldvicinn.com.au
HAY'S GIFT AND GARDEN WARE Parkes, 6862 4002
CHOICES FLOORING BY BRIGHTS Bathurst, 6331 4866 www.choicesflooring.com.au/store/ bathurst
ANGUS WADDELL PHOTOGRAPHY Young, 0427 428 454 www.waddell.com.au
PEACOCKE ACCOUNTANTS Dubbo, 6882 3933 www.peacockeaccountants.com.au
KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL Orange, 6392 0300 www.kws.nsw.edu.au KITCHEN AND RENOVATIONS CONCEPTS Dubbo, 6884 1292 www.kitchen-concepts.com.au LAKEVIEW LUXURY CABINS Orange, 6365 3378 www.lakeviewcabins.com.au LITTLE FISH GALLERY Dubbo, 6884 8707 www.littlefishgallery.com.au LUCKNOW SKIN SHOP Lucknow, 6365 5330 www.lucknowskinshop.com.au MALAHN Canowindra, 6344 2355 malahn.bigcartel.com MARALLY CRAFT Orange, 6362 3860 www.marallycraft.com.au
RAW CANVAS ART SUPPLIES Orange, 6361 4311 www.orange-nsw.com/RawCanvas.html RELISH HOME AND LIVING Cowra, 6341 4185 RHONDAS HAIR STYLING SALON Orange, 63627276 ROBERT HANDSAKER MOTORS Narromine, 6889 1011 www.roberthandsaker.com.au ROSBY WINES AND GUESTHOUSE Mudgee, 6373 3778 www.rosby.com.au ROSIE’S HONEY MUSTARD Warren, 6824 2055 www.rosies.net.au RYLSTONE AG SUPPLIES Rylstone, 6379 1406 RYLSTONE OLIVE PRESS Rylstone, 6379 1485 www.rylstoneolivepress.com.au SAFFI Canowindra, 6344 2888 SAYWELL ASSOC P/L Rozelle, 63738124 SMOLLE'S AUCTION & TRADING MART Orange, 6362 2329 www.smolle.com.au SOLDIERS MOTEL Mudgee, 6372 4399 www.soldiersmotel.com.au SPRING CREEK B&B Gulgong, 0408 119 231 www.springcreekcottage.com SYMMETRIX - STUDIO OF HEALTH West Wyalong, 0419 637 403
THE WOODSHED GALLERY Warren, 6889 7929 www.woodshedgallery.com.au TILGA GUEST STAY Canowindra, 6344 1257 www.tilga.com.au TJ'S CATERING Dubbo, 6885 3831 www.tjscatering.com.au TOMS WATERHOLE WINES & BALLOON JOY FLIGHTS Canowindra, 6344 1819 www.gjkerr.com.au TOYOTA CENTRAL WEST GROUP Dubbo, 6882 1511 www.toyota.com.au TRELAWNEY FARM Mudgee, 0414 797 873 www.trelawneyfarm.com TWO DOORS CAFÉ RESTAURANT Dubbo, 6885 2333 www.twodoors.com.au VANESSA PRINGLE FLORAL DESIGNS Bathurst, 6331 1030 www.vanessapringlefloraldesigns.com.au W. LARCOMBE AND SON Dubbo, 6882 3199 www.wlarcombeandson.com.au WEST END MOTOR LODGE Orange, 6362 5755 www.mbwestorangemotors.com.au
TASTE ORANGE Orange, 6360 3296 www.tasteorange.com.au
WEST ORANGE MOTORS Orange, 6361 1000 www.mbwestorangemotors.com.au
MAYFIELD GARDEN Oberon, 6336 3131 www.mayfieldgarden.com.au
TEN DOLLAR TOWN MOTEL & PHOEBE’S LICENSED RESTAURANT Gulgong, 6374 1204 www.tendollartownmotel.com.au
WESTERN PLAINS WINDOWS & GLASS PTY LTD Dubbo, 6884 8818 www.glassservicesdubbo.websyte.com.au
FINNS STORE Canowindra, 6344 1638
MIDNIGHT DOWNS Narromine, 68894427
THE BAREFOOT GYPSIE Rylstone, 0431 059 339
BRIDGE VIEW INN APARTMENT Rylstone, 6379 0909
FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL Forbes, 6850 2318 www.forbes.nsw.gov.au
MORRISON PODIATRY Dubbo, 6885 4266 www.morrisonpodiatry.com.au
THE COMPLETE GARDEN Orange, 6362 6519 www.thecompletegarden.com.au
BV FARM FRESH Collie, 68479168 www.bvfarmfresh.com.au
FORGANDENNY B&B Mudgee, 6372 2437 www.forgandenny.com.au
MUDGEE ANTIQUES Mudgee, 0407 432 194
THE GLOBE HOTEL Rylstone, 6379 1048 www.theglobehotel.com.au
BYRNE CLOTHING Parkes, 6862 1408 www.byrneclothing.com.au
FROCKWORK ORANGE Orange, 6360 0706 www.frockworkorange.com
CABOODLE OF ORANGE Orange, 6362 6310 www.caboodleoforange.com.au
FUZE HAIR Dubbo, 6882 0942 www.fuzehair.com.au
BETTA FRAME AND TRUSS Dubbo, 6881 8544 www.dubborooftrusses.websyte.com.au
EVERVIEW LUXURY RETREAT Canowindra, 6344 3116 www.everview.com.au
BISHOP’S COURT ESTATE Bathurst, 6332 4447 www.bishopscourtestate.com.au
EWE TWO ON DANDALOO Trangie, 6888 8268 www.ewetwo.com.au
BISSY'S CAFE Orange, 6369 0666 www.bissyscafe.com.au
MATERIAL WORLD Dubbo, 6882 6965
MUDGEE BREWING COMPANY Mudgee, 6372 6726 www.mudgeebrewing.com.au NOLA DEBNEY CELEBRANT Orange, 0412 907 002 www.noladebneymarriagecelebrant. com.au
THE HUB Bathurst, 6332 1565 THE LIONS PRIDE Dubbo, 6884 3333 www.thelionspride.com.au
WHITNEYS JEWELLERS Dubbo, 6882 4620 www.whitneysjewellers.com.au WILD OATS CAFÉ & PAVILION Mudgee, 0428 417 364 WORKWEAR FOR WOMEN Dubbo, 68847778 www.facebook.com/ WorkwearForWomen WORLDLY TREASURES Orange, 0401 977 886 www.worldlytreasures.com.au
The Last Laugh THINKING TIME
THROUGHOUT MY COUNTRY TRAVELS in recent months I have witnessed many mobs of cattle grazing in the long paddock. Usually I just slow down and try not to hit anything but on this occasion an old-timer on his quad bike caught my eye. I walked over and introduced myself to Stuart Ingles, who has bred and fattened cattle on his Coonamble property, “Burnbrae”, since 1962. He obviously knows a thing or two about this type of country, and when he says it’s dry you have to believe him. “This is a bad dry,” he says wryly. “It’s widespread from Victoria into Queensland, and the Central West Slopes and Plains are in a shocking condition. We missed out on summer rains and have had no follow-up.” Stuart says it’s been a decade since he’s been forced to take cattle on the road. “The cattle are still in decent nick but we desperately need a good soaking,” he says, casting a sharp eye over the 95 head of mostly Murray Greys. The cattle belong to son Allan, and his 85-year“old man” has been bringing them out for about four hours each day “to fill their bellies”. It’ll keep them alive but not fatten them. There is a lot of time for thinking on this job, and Stuart enjoys the peaceful rural experience. He doesn’t mind being photographed with his dog, and I know I have been fortunate enough to document the life, for a brief second at least, of another fair-dinkum son of the soil. CWL Words & images: Shot by Jake
TOYOTA ACCESS A SMARTER WAY TO BUY