SPRING
Cootamundra & Gundagai TOWN FEATURE
Spectacular Gardens: Narromine & Millthorpe BATHURST’S HISTORIC MACQUARIE HOMESTEAD
A family of champions: DUBBO’S “RACING NESTORS”
PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL REGIONAL AREAS
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
• Selling in every auction sale week • Leading wooltrade broker • Forward contract with Riemann • Offering Auctions Plus wool • Accredited & modern rehandle • Cash settlement on small lots • Merchandise • Shearing finance • Web access to client account • One competitive flat rate for all bales • Comprehensive market reporting • Detailed clip analysis
Since taking over our family farm I have been using Jemalong wool exclusively to market our annual woolclip. Using a combination of the traditional auction system and the internet based Wool Trade™ we have been able to take advantage of any upward movements of wool prices. This is due to personalised attention to detail and flexibility due mainly to Jemalong understanding our needs as a business. - Simon Squire-Wilson, Tiverton, Harden, NSW
CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
trading as Central West Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418 ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 FAX 02 6867 9895 WEBSITE www.centralwestmagazine.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/CentralWestLifestyle PUBLISHERS, ACCOUNTS & ADVERTISING Elizabeth & Alex Tickle info@centralwestmagazine.com.au EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@centralwestmagazine.com.au CHIEF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Jake Lindsay shotbyjake@outlook.com.au ART DIRECTOR Zora Regulic artdirector@centralwestmagazine.com.au
DISTRIBUTION Central West Lifestyle magazine is published quarterly (available at the beginning of each season) and distributed to selected newsagents and retail outlets within the Central West and in the surrounding regions of the Far West, New England & North West, Riverina & Southern Slopes, Southern Highlands, Canberra, Northern and Eastern suburbs of Sydney, in addition to a selection of other rural and coastal areas of New South Wales. Subscriptions and back issues are also available to read online, on desktop and mobile devices. Unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
Central West Lifestyle showcases authentic content from across rural and regional New South Wales. The heart of the magazine is in the Central West of the state, but a great story knows no boundaries. We are continually amazed by the innovation, inspiration and spirit that we find time and time again in communities both within the Central West and further afield. It is our passion and privilege to bring these stories to you.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE To order a subscription or back issue (mailed or online), visit www.centralwestmagazine.com.au. © Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2018 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.
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Spring 2018 TOWN FEATURE: COOTAMUNDRA & GUNDAGAI
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12 Come with us and discover how Cootamundra, Gundagai and surrounds are living up to their legends.
GARDEN
154 SEA OF COLOUR John Taylor’s Millthorpe garden is simply spectacular, regardless of the season. 161 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Sue and Paul McCutcheon’s Narromine garden is a stunning showcase of plant diversity and adaptation.
STYLE
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166 BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Will Moss and Lucy Watson’s Windora Cottage outside Coonamble boasts a fresh and vibrant makeover. 172 TURNING THE TABLES Tips on how to make your coffee table both functional and fabulous.
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FOOD
190 COUNTRY COOKING Lorraine Hills offers up delicious recipes for salmon casserole and chocolate mousse.
TRAVEL
192 LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR Picture-perfect New Zealand has so much to offer the Australian holidaymaker. 196 ESCAPE TO THE CITY Sydney in the spring is something to behold and experience, even if it is only for a weekend.
EXPERIENCE
122 HOUSING HISTORY Paul and Bonny Hennessy resurrect the oldest farm and continuing residence west of the Blue Mountains. 130 ALL IN TOGETHER Community spirit is alive and well at Finns Store, Canowindra. 136 PONY TALES For Liz Daly of Young, training and riding ponies is a way of life. 146 WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE With an obvious desire for women to succeed in agriculture, Vicki Wilson is setting a fine example. 150 A STAY WORTH SAVOURING Tony and Deidre Robertson serve up only the best for their guests. 174 HOWARD’S WAY Harry Howard’s bespoke furniture pieces combine plenty of thought, skill and ingenuity. 177 MEET THE MAKER Painting is Cath Player’s new obsession, and she is tackling it with flying colours. 185 WINNING WAYS The “Racing Nestors” are held in high regard by Australia’s thoroughbred fraternity.
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220 ON THE COVER
EVENTS
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SPRING
Cootamundra & Gundagai TOWN FEATURE
Spectacular Gardens: Narromine & Millthorpe BATHURST’S HISTORIC MACQUARIE HOMESTEAD $12.95 inc GST
772201
608002
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SPRING 2018 VOLUME 22
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198 CWL WINTER LAUNCH Narrabri Visitor Information Centre hosts the launch of the 21st edition of Central West Lifestyle. 202 IANDRA CASTLE OPEN DAY Visitors seek out the ultimate English experience. 204 ART UNLIMITED Dunedoo’s annual art prize opens in spectacular style at the Dunedoo Central School hall. 206 PARKES PICNIC RACES June Long Weekend puts Parkes in party mode. 214 WEDDINGS Gallant grooms and beautiful brides tie the knot.
A family of champions: DUBBO’S “RACING NESTORS”
PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL REGIONAL AREAS
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
WONDERFUL WATTLE The wattle is celebrated in the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council area throughout August, with a month of iconic Wattle Time events. Photographer: Alison Underwood/ Shutterstock.com
S P R I N G publishers’ letter
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
welcome to spring “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.”
Welcome to spring and the spectacular reawakening of nature before our very eyes! Our hearts go out to all the drought-affected families across the state. To the many farmers, graziers and associated communities which have been put under enormous financial and emotional pressures, our thoughts are with you at this very challenging time. Central West Lifestyle is currently looking at ways we can support drought-stricken communities in this time of need, and will be providing updates on our social media channels in the near future.
Narrabri Feature As usual, our Winter Feature was very well received, not only in the Narrabri Shire and nearby areas but across the state. Thanks to Cr Cathy Redding, Mayor of Narrabri Shire, for her valued feedback (see ‘Your Letters’ section in this edition). It certainly was a thrill to be able to feature Narrabri, my hometown, where I (Elizabeth) grew up and where I was a primary teacher in the early 1980s. People are still as welcoming and friendly as ever. The profiling of the iconic tourist attractions reminded us of why the Narrabri Shire is such a popular tourist destination. We had an enormous number of readers comment on the awe-inspiring photograph of Sawn Rocks (pages 20-21, Winter 2018 edition). A huge thanks to Josh Smith for his spectacular image. Gundagai, a town of bridges. The historic Prince Alfred Bridge (foreground) , the rail bridge and the Sheahan Bridge, now part of the highway connecting Sydney and Melbourne.
Spring 2018 Feature We trust you thoroughly enjoy the 109 pages in this edition featuring the Cootamundra Gundagai area. We enjoyed getting to know the wonderful identities, business people and locals. Thank you to the Cootamundra and Gundagai Regional Council for their prompt recognition of the opportunity to showcase their area and for their collaboration throughout this planning journey.
On the road To truly understand businesses and communities we take great pride in being able to interact personally with our many supporters, including councils, businesses, newsagencies and readers. We clock up many thousands of kilometres and in doing so, experience the unique social fabric of these amazingly diverse and innovative country communities. Thank you for being so friendly, helpful and, above all, visionary.
Summer 2018 Feature The Leeton Shire Council area is our focus for Summer 2018. We have learnt so much about the transforming effect of water in this area. We will be presenting to you an array of agricultural enterprises and you will be meeting the forwardthinking people who propel these businesses to success. We will dedicate 100 pages to the Leeton Feature and we can assure you it will be compelling reading. Facebook “f ” Logo
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Field Days The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days provided an excellent opportunity for us to meet up with our readers, talk about our future directions and allow our supporters to purchase back copies, the current edition and of course, The Collector’s Edition, which continues to sell very well right across the state. We are very excited about attending AgQuip and the Australian National Field Days, Borenore, once again in August and October respectively, as well as making our debut at the Henty Field Days in September. We would love to meet you if you attend any or all of these events.
What you can look forward to As we need to plan and work so far ahead, we can announce at this point that the Tumut Tumbarumba area (Snowy Valleys Council) will be featured in our Autumn 2019 edition. We will savour the opportunity to explore and discover the gems of this area (and there are so many!). Enjoy all that spring has to offer and remember to spend quality time with those that matter to you.
Warm regards, Elizabeth & Alex
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S P R I N G Jake’s message
plenty to see here Hi Folks. Looks like we’ve all survived another cold winter and can now throw ourselves into the joys of spring, a time for renewed hope and fresh aspirations. It’s been a busy few months on the home front. I’ve enjoyed a break in the Land of the Long White Cloud, installed a new water tank (and still waiting for the clouds to open) and been chalking up a few miles along the road to Gundagai and Cootamundra. By the time of my arrival, the locals were in a heightened state following a brief visit by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who were in the area before opening the Commonwealth Games. My introduction to both towns was at the races, held on consecutive days in each town. The colts and fillies had a chance to temporarily forget about the testing dry times as they quaffed bubbly, compared fashions on the field and watched the real stars of the show thunder down two very picturesque race tracks. There’s a lot more to Gundagai than just the old bridges (as spectacular as they are), revamped main street and the Dog on the Tuckerbox. The Murrumbidgee River dissects the town and has its own story to tell, including the devastating 1852 floods, which swept the first colonial town away and claimed 78 lives (nearly a third of the town’s population) in one of the largest natural disasters in Australian history. There are many worthwhile places to visit and things to do, including the museum, the old gaol and the Gabriel Gallery. Dr Gabriel left his lifetime collection of priceless glass plates buried in a cellar, where they sat untouched for half a century only to be discovered by Gundagai historian Cliff Butcher. His son Robert and wife Jessica today house the collection of photos in the upstairs of their main street store, providing a fascinating insight into the life of the early 20th century pioneers. Thanks to new technology, modern day photographers will never encounter this problem, able to leave their work on a one terabyte hard drive, smaller than a deck of cards. I met Australia’s last mounted postman, attended an Angus bull sale and the local abattoir, lunched at the stunning “Darbalara” homestead and flew over the parched land in a Grumman Tiger AA-5B (thanks to pilot Glen Fowler and the fabulous Terry McKenzie from South West Aviation). A highlight was meeting the town’s favourite son. Only a year or two away from his centenary, Joe Reardon OAM continues to amaze everybody around him with his boundless energy and unrivalled community commitment. Cootamundra, the birthplace of Sir Don Bradman and home of the Cootamundra wattle, is another great place with lots of history and grandiose buildings. The post office is certainly one of the grandest in the land. It was great catching up with the new owners of Twin Hills thoroughbred stud and meeting an inspirational character who has been classing the family clip since WW2.
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Dining at historic “Milton” on the edge of town revived my belief in humanity while a trip to the Bradman Museum and the Captains Walk is a must for any cricket tragic. On a lighter note, it was pleasant to go shopping without the worry of parking meters. You will enjoy reading about these wonderful places but a visit is even better. I will finish with a quick note on the power of community. In Germany recently, fuel prices were hiked up and a million motorists simply abandoned their cars on motorways. It didn’t take long for the Government to amend the situation. Yesterday, I was at the Armatree Hotel, in a sleepy little village between Gilgandra and Gulargambone, for an afternoon of music headed up by the hugely talented Sara Storer and The Bushwhackers. Nearly 500 local farmers and their families had come along to have a short break from feeding stock and support the War 4 Water campaign. Some things are worth fighting for and this is one of them. Until next time, make the most out of life. We’re not here for a long time. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up – and never give up!
Cheers, Jake
ABOVE: In the resort town of Queenstown, New Zealand, getting accustomed to the one litre beers; Anne Kennedy, from the Great Artesian Basin Protection Group, with Greg and Sara Storer.
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SPRING 2018 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
JAKE LINDSAY
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
KATE BOSHAMMER
ZORA REGULIC
ANNA TICKLE
Writer & Social Media Manager
ELIZABETH SWANE
Art Director
LORRAINE HILLS
ZENIO LAPKA
HEATHER CROSBY
JANE SANDERSON
GINA CRANSON
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
Advertising Designer & Business Strategist
AMANDA O’SULLIVAN Home & Style Writer, Photographer
Country Cuisine Writer
ANNABELLE AMOS
Accountant
Writer
SUE MEIKLE
Social Photographer
Garden Writer
Writer
CATHERINE PLAYER
Photographer
JOHN CURLEY
Chief Writer & Photographer
Photographer
ROBERT I BRUCE
Writer
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ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Wedding Writer
DAVID BENN Writer
HELEN DUGDAL Health Writer
feedback S P R I N G
Just a note to thank you so very much for including John and I in the launch of your Winter 2017 edition featuring Gilgandra and Coonabarabran areas. We loved the vibe and positive messages – the sense of pride by all attending was palpable. You (and your talented team) set wonderful standards that encourage others to rise and shine, and to even better appreciate our neighbours, near and far. With each new edition of CWL, I am amazed at the way your writers (and photographers – how I love the amazing photos that speak another language altogether!) encapsulate the essence of so many people and places. Even if I have known or visited a featured person or place, it’s like I’m rediscovering them again, but from an infinitely more interesting, deeper and appreciative perspective. We, as readers, benefit hugely from the gems, the fresh perceptions we glean from CWL about the authentic, rich and diverse characters and locations that make up country NSW. I’m looking forward to your Spring issue already! But will have many happy hours travelling vicariously, fossicking back through skimmed Winter edition articles, in the meantime. I’m sure you’ve heard it before. Well done!
YOUR LETTERS It was certainly a pleasure for Narrabri Shire to feature in the Winter 2018 edition of Central West Lifestyle magazine and to forge a partnership with the publishers, Alex and Elizabeth Tickle. The Winter feature on the Narrabri Shire encapsulated the diversity, beauty and opportunity of our major centre Narrabri and also the two smaller centres of Wee Waa and Boggabri, which make up Narrabri Shire. The 100-page feature is made up of tourism, industry and locals who are both colourful and successful in their individual ways. The results of the feature of Narrabri Shire in the Central West Lifestyle Winter 2018 edition have been outstanding with record sales within our shire, many copies being sent to family and friends and comments from other shires who have purchased a copy expressing their desire to now visit Narrabri Shire. It is truly a magazine that will be a conversation piece on coffee tables throughout Australia for many months to come. I would sincerely like to thank Alex and Elizabeth and their team for the expert way that they have showcased the Narrabri Shire, also the businesses and individuals for embracing the opportunity to showcase Narrabri Shire as a shire of opportunity, uniqueness, beauty and a place that they are proud to call home.
Sue Curley, Dubbo
Wow! Being a Narrabri girl myself for over 10 years, but now based in Port Macquarie, your magazine initially caught my eye via a social media post featuring one of my school friends on your front cover. Your magazine held my attention, however, for your exceptional post-inquiry customer service and the amazing Narrabri feature in the Winter 2018 edition. I was genuinely surprised by the depth of stories; from hotpink slugs (how could I have missed these!), fascinating local characters including a crime and romance fiction author, artist and aerial agricultural photographer and a critical discussion on wrestling with and triumphing over alcoholism! Thank you for bringing my old home town alive to me again. What an amazing community, and to the team at Central West Lifestyle I say keep up the exceptional work. Michelle Chapman, Port Macquarie
Cathy Redding, Mayor, Narrabri Shire Council
#CentralWestLifestyle
It has been a pleasure to have worked with the editorial team of CWL and to have contributed to their Autumn 2018 edition, featuring the Yass Valley region. Our district has always been prominent in the production of traditional superfine Merino wool and these days many of us who have an environmental and welfare stance are reaping rewards by engaging with Italian and other European garment manufacturers. The future is looking bright for farmers generally and your impressive publication is most helpful in lifting Australian agriculture’s profile. Your magazine does much to draw attention to the quiet, hard and innovative work of many farmers. We thank you for that.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic story with us @rubymaine_fashion.
Paul Simons and Lyndall Eeg, “Euralie”, Yass
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Cootamundra TOWN FE ATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
COOTAMUNDRA CWL 13
people power from the Mayor of Cootamundra-G undagai
“No matter where I am or to whom I speak, the message is always clear. This area has a wonderful sense of community.”
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The Cootamundra-Gundagai region boasts a community that is proud and strong. We can talk about community spirit, we can talk about how wonderful our regions are, the landscape, the heritage, our tourist attractions, the diversity of the people and the industries. But what are these attributes and what makes these qualities unique to our region? As the Mayor of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, and a local businessman, I’m out and about every day. I speak to people, I welcome guests at functions and am the representative for our local government area. No matter where I am or to whom I speak, the message is always clear. This area has a wonderful sense of community, its residents are loyal and not afraid to stand up for their region. They are hardworking, friendly and welcoming. They come from diverse backgrounds, are involved in an array of organisations, industries and are passionately proud of where they live. If that translates into community spirit, we have it in spades in the Cootamundra-Gundagai region. As a local stock and station agent, I have the opportunity on a daily basis to travel around our region. While I may be working, I can appreciate the environment in which I live and work. I can appreciate the diversity of the landscape – the fertile rich river flats, the high mountain country and gently rolling hilltops and plains all producing an assortment of agriculture that our country relies on. From the breathtaking scenery high on Adjungbilly Hill, to the sparkling yellow rolling plains when the canola is in flower, our region is spectacular.
If you’re looking for history, heritage and legacies from the past, our region can deliver and keep you engaged for days. Gundagai’s history, Cootamundra’s legends and the stories behind our villages will enthral you. Sport and recreation are well catered for, with every code of football played in our region, as well as netball, basketball, bowls, tennis, swimming and a host of other sporting activities. We are extremely fortunate to have two magnificent golf courses. Bidgee Banks, Gundagai’s course, is picturesque and on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. The Cootamundra Country Club, the oldest golf club in NSW since 1895, features a course that is gently undulating, with some hills, fully watered Bent greens, tees and wide Kikuyu fairways. If it’s entertainment you are looking for, believe me there’s a host of it. From live music at our local hotels and clubs, to festivals, shows and an assortment of events, there’s always something going on to keep you entertained and involved. Our region offers a range of accommodation choices, from well-appointed motels, caravan parks and camping grounds to free camping spots. It’s all here! Don’t take my word for it, come and have a look around yourself. We are extremely proud of our region and are pleased to be able to showcase this amazing area in Central West Lifestyle Magazine. We hope that you will take some time out, come and visit and I can guarantee you will get a smile, a wave and a g’day. Cr Abb McAlister, Mayor of Cootamundra-Gundagai
famous faces and places Cootamundra, Gundagai and surrounds are living up to their legends.
Located in the South West Slopes and Riverina regions, the CootamundraGundagai Regional Council was formed through a merger of the Cootamundra Shire Council and Gundagai Shire Council in May 2016. Cootamundra and Gundagai and the surrounding villages of Coolac, Wallendbeen, Nangus, Adjungbilly, Stockinbingal, Muttama and Tumblong are steeped in history and surrounded by diverse and distinctive landscapes. Cootamundra, the birthplace of cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman, pays homage to the cricketing legend with a museum and the unique Captains Walk featuring 42 bronze sculptures of Australian Test cricketers. The Cootamundra Arts Centre and Tin Shed Theatre started its life as a wool store, the impressive facade and space inside attracted a group of local arts enthusiasts to restore, rebuild and rejuvenate the space that it is today. It houses offices, music rooms, a visual arts studio, a meeting room, a commercial kitchen, a pottery studio and a “Green Room”, which complements the magnificent 110-seat theatre where plays, music, ballet, workshops and movies are conducted. Cootamundra is a thriving and lively town set within a natural environment. The affordable lifestyle, retail, education and medical facilities complement the cultural services the area offers. In a convenient location, Cootamundra is a scenic road trip from Sydney or Melbourne and is only two hours’ drive northwest of Canberra. Gundagai’s history can be traced beyond the early 1800s. The Great Flood of 1852 almost wiped out the fledgling town. As the mighty Murrumbidgee River came roaring into town on that fateful night, two Wiradjuri men, Yarri and Jacky Jacky, set out in their spindly bark canoes over three days and two nights to rescue 69 Gundagai residents from the deadly flood waters. The town is legendary for the poetry and songs mentioning Gundagai and the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox. The sculptor of the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox, Frank Rusconi, also left another impressive legacy for Gundagai in the form of a unique cathedral-in-miniature. He wanted to showcase the diversity and beauty of NSW marble, building this impressive display from 20,948 individual pieces of marble, every piece cut, turned and polished by hand over a 28-year period. The Marble Masterpiece stands 1.2 metres high and is permanently on display at the Visitor Information Centre. The Old Gundagai Gaol is an informative and entertaining venue. Following the devastating 1852 flood, the town lock-up needed to be rebuilt as a watch-house or gaol. Constructed in 1859, with additions over the following few years, the magnificent stone boundary wall, which still stands today, was constructed in 1866. Gundagai’s proximity to the mighty Murrumbidgee makes it the perfect location for a long or short stay. Community spirit, a welcoming wave and smile, fascinating heritage and historic landmarks are abundant in the area. Visit the Cootamundra-Gundagai area and you will not be disappointed. You may want to spend a few days, a week or a lifetime in our beautiful region. We’re sure you will love it as much as we do. CWL
LEFT, FROM TOP: The Bradman Birthplace Museum; Market Day at the Cootamundra Arts Centre; spring lamb; Wattle Time Festival.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Cootamundra
days gone by Cootamundra
Images kindly supplied by Cootamundra and District Historical Society
Cootamundra T O W N F E A T U R E
PROUD & STRONG Hints of Cootamundra’s glorious past abound in the town’s character-filled buildings.
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preserving the past Cootamundra’s rich history is well documented and on display for all to savour.
Australia’s greatest cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, was born just 500 metres from the picturesque Albert Park, Cootamundra’s home of cricket since the 1870s. The town’s fascination with the sport is reflected through Bradman’s Birthplace Museum and The Captain’s Walk, unveiled in leafy Jubilee Park to coincide with Sir Don’s 90th birthday in 1998. Today there are 42 busts of Australian Test captains, from David Gregory through to Ricky Ponting. A two-foot tour of Cootamundra is highly recommended, starting at the town’s Visitor Information and Heritage Centre in Hovell Street. Open seven days a week, it is the perfect spot to obtain a huge range of brochures, maps and information on attractions, accommodation and events. Be sure to visit the museum in the former railway barracks, depicting various parts of Cootamundra’s rich rural history. The Art and Craft Centre is in the former station master’s residence next door. CWL
A two-foot tour of Cootamundra is highly recommended, starting at the town’s Visitor Information and Heritage Centre. ABOVE: The Captain’s Walk features 42 busts of Australian Test captains; the museum is full of historical items pertaining to Cootamundra’s history; one of the many fine exhibits in the museum. RIGHT: Some of the knowledgeable volunteers from the Cootamundra Visitor Information and Heritage Centre: Yvonne Forsyth, Betti Punnett, Rosalind Wight, Betty Brown and Michele Pigram.
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Cootamundra T O W N F E A T U R E
going the
EXTRA MILE
Creating the Milestones Project was a defining moment in the life of multi-talented Cootamundra artist Dawn Elrington.
Now in their 21st year, the collection of large sculptures in Mackay Park, Wallendbeen, and Parker Street, Cootamundra, continues to highlight the district’s long association with wheat growing. The project was a major community achievement that transformed both sites with the “milestone” concept – referring to the mile posts that once marked out distances between small villages and country towns. The patterns on the bases of the sculptures are the growing stalks of wheat, cut from compressed fibrous cement and attached to cast cement bases. The tops of the large sculptures are made from thick acrylic sheet with laser-cut frets of wheat heads inlaid with colour. “What we tried to do is tell a story with some drama, colour and movement. Instead of just putting up a monument we wanted it to come to life,” artist Dawn Elrington says. Each sculpture is illuminated internally by fibre-optic light representing the colours of ripening wheat, creating a glowing spectacle for local residents and tourists.
The Milestones Project took two years from concept to completion, involving many trips to a Sydney factory where Dawn’s industrial chemist was located. “During their making I enjoyed a special connection with the community, especially with the school children from Cootamundra, Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen,” she says. “Each family nominated one of their own to paint each base – I’m sure that’s why the works have never been vandalised. It was way before its time, just before the introduction of LED lights. I loved working in a team and getting all these different skills coming into the project.” The Milestones Project was launched by NSW Governor Gordon Samuels but it was a bittersweet moment with Dawn losing her husband barely a week before the opening. Dawn stayed on the farm another two years before moving into town 18 years ago. She divides her time between painting, gardening and travelling to exhibitions at the National Gallery, Canberra. Art has always played a major role in her life since arriving in Cootamundra as a high school art teacher in the 1970s.
For many years she ran art classes on weekends and helped a like-minded group form the town’s first art centre, where the library now stands. Over the years Dawn has successfully mastered stained glass, welding, printmaking, jewellery, gold smithing and silver smithing but it’s the painting that remains closest to her heart. The prolific artist is currently staging a solo show in Canberra with nine works, all acrylic on canvas. Dawn has been painting on and off for decades, and has produced various public artworks including Milestones and that at Wollundry Lagoon in Wagga Wagga to celebrate the Centenary of Federation. Apart from her children – Paul runs the family farm “The Springs”, Wallendbeen, while Renae is with Wollongong Council – the Milestones Project remains a crowning achievement. CWL ABOVE: The Milestones Project was underpinned by the local community; Cootamundra artist Dawn Elrington at work in her studio. Sculpture image: George Serras
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SIMPLY irresistible
Phil and Jan Davies had already drawn up plans to build their dream home when they stumbled onto “Milton�, a magnificent Cootamundra property being offered for sale after 60 years with the one family.
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Cootamundra T O W N F E A T U R E
Historic “Milton” was built by a Mr Matthews in 1880, a year before the grandiose post office was completed and four years before the town was proclaimed a municipality. The keen golfer established a small practice golf course on the grounds – the first four holes being played at “Milton” before crossing the road to play a further five holes on the showground. He went on to become the inaugural president of the Cootamundra Golf Club in 1895 – the oldest in country NSW – before taking on the role of mayor during the town’s formative years. In 1936, prominent businessman Michael “MG” Meagher took over. His family ran a chain of Meagher department stores that dated back to the gold rush days (the Cootamundra store, incidentally, was demolished in 1986 to make way for a Woolworths car park). MG had a big family of five sons and four daughters, which created a definite “family feel” to the home. With this sort of history it was only natural that the Davies family, like many others, couldn’t wait to inspect the premises.
Once Jan set eyes on the stunning leadlights on the front door, their plans of building out of town flew out the window. The grand old home went up for auction in late 1996 and the Davies family became only the fourth owners to take up residency. Before they moved in there was plenty of work to bring the house into the 21st century.
A complete change
The extensive six-month major rebuild involved up to 14 workers under the direction of acclaimed builder Donny Fuller. Talented timber specialist Peter Penfold was tasked to perform intricate jobs like making new architraves. It was a massive labour of love. Much of the original old cedar had been painted, requiring 44 gallon drums of metho and turps to soak the timber and retain the colour. > CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: “Milton” has been transformed into a stately residence; Phil and Jan Davies love entertaining in their historic home; a view from the back including pool and tennis court; “Milton” at the turn of the 20th century; a large fountain greets visitors to the home.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Cootamundra
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Cootamundra T O W N F E A T U R E
“MILTON” IS TODAY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE FINEST HOMES IN COOTAMUNDRA. Walls were pulled out and others reinstated. A big pool went in next to the upgraded tennis court. Over the next two decades Phil and Jan built a sun-drenched living room and continued improving the expansive gardens on their 15-acre backyard. With its grace and charm, extensive cedar panelling and timberwork, four marble fireplaces, 12-foot ceilings and polished pine floors, “Milton” is today regarded as one of the finest homes in Cootamundra. It even has a cellar, where Phil keeps his secret stash of wine. The family affectionately call it “The Castle”. Tennis is played on Tuesday nights, with swimming popular over summer. In winter Phil and Jan gravitate to the “new room” with huge windows offering great garden views. With an enticing fireplace, it’s a warm and inviting place to sit and read or watch TV. Over dinner at home, Phil and Jan reminisce about their early days. Phil was raised on the family farm at Moombooldool, near Leeton, pedalling his pushbike over six miles of flat country to primary school. During his final years at Yanco Ag College, the farm was in the grip of drought. During a break from school Phil found himself lopping dozens of Kurrajongs to feed the starving sheep. It was time to face facts. With four brothers, he knew there wasn’t room on the farm for everybody. After some soul searching Phil ditched his wool classing studies and took up Chemistry and Physics, later studying Pharmacy at Sydney University. He commenced his career at Camperdown Children’s Hospital, where he met Jan, who was nursing at the Prince of Wales, Randwick. In 1976 they moved to Jan’s hometown of Cootamundra. Jan found work with an accountancy firm and helped her mother Loris at Maggies, a local dress shop, while Phil bought a pharmacy, now known as Phil Davies Amcal Chemist. He’s still there 35 years later, although recently he’s cut back to only a few days each week. For the past 15 years Jan has worked alongside him, in between caring for her 94-year-old mother at home. Both their daughters followed into the business. Penny’s husband, Hamish Nott, has taken over the running of Phil’s pharmacy, while Stephanie Purvis works as a pharmacist at the Sydney hospital where her mother once nursed. Phil and Jan can’t speak highly enough of Cootamundra. “We’ve got one of the lowest crime levels in the state, great sporting facilities and good health care,” explains Jan, as she serves up a mouth-watering steak cooked by Phil on the barbecue. “And it’s ideally situated between Melbourne and Sydney on the main rail line.” Phil loves the distinct four seasons. “We get down to minus seven and up to 45 degrees in summer,” he says with a perpetual grin. “It’s great agricultural land, especially in the Wallendbeen area, which is surely God’s own country.” Out at “Milton” it’s easy to feel a million miles from anywhere but, remarkably, the main street is only a few blocks away. Phil and Jan ought to be congratulated for their stunning restoration while retaining so many of the historical features. They have created a unique family space for their children and grandchildren, with enough gardening duties to keep them busy forever. CWL
FACING PAGE: All the rooms at “Milton” have been tastefully refurbished. ABOVE: The view from the back of the home, including the pool; the kitchen table leads onto the new entertainment area.
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winning ways It’s been owned by an Australian media personality, chicken tycoons and the ruler of Dubai but now Cootamundra’s famous Twin Hills thoroughbred stud is back in local hands. The extraordinary infrastructure, improved country and easy access to Sydney and Melbourne racing stables ensured Twin Hills attracted widespread interest when it was offered for sale not so long back. In April 2017, Olly and Amber Tait emerged as the new owners, paying a rumoured $12 million to Sheikh Mohammed, owner of Darley, the world’s largest thoroughbred operation. It continues to be run as a world-class thoroughbred operation, providing racehorse and broodmare agistment, sales preparation and consignment as well as being home to the Taits’ own bloodstock. The family kicked off with American-bred Bobby’s Kitten and Australian-bred Odyssey Moon as their foundation stallions. Earlier this year they added Smart Missile, owned by Mudgee’s Gooree Park stud, to their stallion roster.
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“A Twin Hills stallion has to be an outstanding son of a successful, desirable sire. He must have exemplary conformation with strength, power and, above all, speed,” Olly says. It’s been a huge settling-in period for the new owners, who were about to invest in an English property when Twin Hills came on the market. With its 1000ha of rolling pastures, impeccable fences, bitumen roads, plentiful water and ideal climate, it was the perfect place to finally branch out on their own. >
ABOVE: The grandiose Twin Hills stud photographed in a good season. FACING PAGE: Olly and Amber Tait take their children, Rupert, Freddy and Daisy, for a leisurely horse ride; Olly in the stables; Smart Missile; thoroughbreds on the run.
Cootamundra T O W N F E A T U R E
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