SPRING
Sue-Ellen Lovett:
Dubbo’s inspirational equestrienne
Impressive Gundagai and Tooma Gardens
COUNTRY EVENTS:
Art Unlimited, Dunedoo Grenfell Picnic Races
Snowy Monaro Cooma • Bombala • Jindabyne Berridale & Villages
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
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trading as Regional Lifestyle Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418 ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 FAX 02 6867 9895 WEBSITE www.lifestylemagazine.net.au FACEBOOK Regional Lifestyle Magazine INSTAGRAM Regional Lifestyle Magazine PUBLISHERS, ACCOUNTS & ADVERTISING Elizabeth & Alex Tickle info@lifestylemagazine.net.au EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@lifestylemagazine.net.au CHIEF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Jake Lindsay shotbyjake@outlook.com.au ART DIRECTOR Zora Regulic artdirector@lifestylemagazine.net.au
DISTRIBUTION Regional 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, the Monaro, 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.
Regional 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.lifestylemagazine.net.au. © Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2019 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 Regional Lifestyle Magazine, the publishers will not be held responsible for omissions, errors or their subsequent effects.
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Semi-reclined, bathed in a warm light with a tropical scene overhead – sounds like total relaxation doesn’t it? Most people would not associate this scene with a visit to the dentist, but that is what you can experience at Dubbo Dental under the care of Dr Ryan Heggie and Dr Sophie Halpin. This state-of-the-art surgery has been a labour of love for Dr Ryan Heggie, owner and principal dentist, who opened the doors of the Dubbo surgery in January 2019, after 15 years experience in the central west. Key design elements and equipment were chosen with patient comfort in mind from the fireplace in the waiting room to the sky ceilings in the surgeries, Dr Ryan Heggie has thought of it all. Together with Dubbo local, Dr Sophie Halpin, practice manager Beth Porter and dental assistants Ebony and Georgia, the team at Dubbo Dental aim to create a dental experience which caters for all your dental needs.
A complete range of dental services: > Preventative Family Dental Care > Crown and Bridgework > Dentures > Implants > Wisdom tooth removal > Orthodontics - braces and clear aligners > Paediatric dentistry > Geriatric dentistry
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GET IN TOUCH TODAY 02 6882 0949 1/27 Bultje Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 care@dubbodental.com.au
dubbodental.com.au
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156 184 228
CONTENTS
SPRING
Sue-Ellen Lovett:
ISSUE 26 SPRING 2019
INSPIRATION
156 Sue-Ellen Lovett has enjoyed a stellar equestrian career spanning decades, and one that withstood the progression into total blindness.
GARDENS
176 For the Nicholson family, their garden is a relaxing oasis to return to after busy days at Gundagai Newsagency and school. 180 Leo and Helen Eccleston have spent decades creating a showpiece garden on their Gundagai property. 184 Suzie and Keith Mitchell’s stunning Tooma garden asks much of them but gives an awful lot in return. 4 RLM
EVENTS
214 Pages of social snaps from the CWL Winter Launch, Grenfell Picnic Races, Dunedoo’s Art Unlimited. 224 What to see and do this spring in country NSW. 228 Pictures galore of handsome couples on their wedding day.
THE LAST WORD
240 Spending time in his magnificent man shed and creating unique metal sculptures is more than a pipe dream for plumber Alex Corby.
Impressive Gundagai and Tooma Gardens
COUNTRY EVENTS:
Art Unlimited, Dunedoo Grenfell Picnic Races
Snowy Monaro Cooma • Bombala • Jindabyne Berridale & Villages
>
SPRING 2019 VOLUME 26 608002
192 Geurie’s Alice Mitchell has just the things to make your house a warm and welcoming home. 206 The Woolshed Australia is all about quality goods that are as enduring as they are beautiful.
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13 The Snowy Monaro has forged a reputation as the ideal, all-year-round holiday destination.
HOME & STYLE
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
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TOWN FEATURE: SNOWY MONARO
Dubbo’s inspirational equestrienne
ON THE COVER MOUNTAIN HIGH
The Lake Hut, one of the Moonbah Huts at Jindabyne (page 118 Jindabyne Feature) Image: Brett Smith.
R E F R I G E R AT I O N
&
A I R
C O N D I T I O N I N G
S P R I N G publishers’ letter
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
welcome to spring “A mediocre person tells, a good person explains, a superior person demonstrates, a great person inspires others to see for themselves.”
Welcome to Spring 2019 and to our very first edition of Regional Lifestyle. It has been an exciting and fulfilling journey and we thank you all for supporting us so enthusiastically as Central West Lifestyle over the past six years.
Narrandera launch What a superb evening of celebration this was! The venue, the Narrandera Arts and Community Centre, was beautifully decorated and proved to be a stylish space where the 125 guests were able to celebrate. Special thanks to the Narrandera Shire Council and in particular to Peter Dale, Economic Development Manager for the collaboration and attention to detail in the organisation of the very successful launch. You can view our launch images online on our Facebook page as well as on pages 214 and 215 in this edition.
Iandra Castle and Mudgee Small Farm Field Days Both of these special events provided us with excellent opportunities to network, meet new magazine supporters and sell a large number of current and back copy editions. We look forward to the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 17, 18 and 19 as well as the Australian National Field Days at Borenore, Orange, on October 24, 25 and 26. We will have our Regional Lifestyle stand at both of these popular events.
Snowy Monaro feature We are very proud to showcase the Snowy Monaro Council area across 140 pages in this edition. This is such a unique, vast and
Alex and Elizabeth Tickle were very honoured to meet the special guest, Professor the Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO at the Narrandera launch.
beautiful landscape that has to be seen to be believed! Thank you to the Snowy Monaro Council for their vision in allowing Lifestyle to come in and share your stunning treasures through our publication.
Summer 2019 edition Throughout the 100+ pages usually dedicated to our feature area, we will be shining a spotlight on three much-loved council areas across the state. As readers you will revisit the Oberon, Coolamon and Temora areas. We know you will enjoy the experience as much as we have. We hope that the warmth and joy of spring is accompanied by bountiful rain that much of the state needs. Stay safe and take care of each other.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle
Beauty and serenity are encompassed in this scene from Moonbah Huts at Jindabyne. Image: Brett Smith. Facebook “f ” Logo
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S P R I N G Jake’s message
FROM THE BOUNDARY FENCE Welcome, dear reader, to the usual mix of riveting yarns of country folk doing it for themselves! Traditionally, my very last drop of writing energy is reserved for this column. By then my brain is in overload, a pickled mess of all the places and great characters I’ve met. But not today. I am sitting outside the renovated shearers quarters on a remote sheep station in the hills of the Monaro. It’s a rare day off as my three-week sojourn draws to an end. Mother Nature has turned on an autumn stunner and I’m enjoying the peace and quiet when I suddenly remember I have a new CD in the old jalopy, given to me by a country crooner I’ve just met. I am delighted to hear the songs of a genuine bushy who has learnt to “swim against the tide”. He’s from the old school of singer-songwriters. You can actually hear the words that so eloquently depict his life. You will love his yarn. I’m reflecting on what has been an amazing journey through the heart of Snowy River country. I’ve met Olympic skiers, countless photographers, fishermen, dreamers and a visionary owner of a Victorian mansion. I’ve shaken hands with a plumber who makes metal sculptures from the best man shed I’ve ever seen. I survived another gruelling aerial shoot. When I slid back the canopy over my head, my hat, spectacles and headphones were very nearly sucked into the abyss! Focusing was all but impossible as I faced the strong headwind. Fortunately, my new Fuji XT3 handled the conditions better than myself. Most of my interviews are done and dusted in an hour or two but it will take 10 times as long to transform my scribble into something you’d enjoy reading. When it comes to my craft, dear reader, I am a plodder, constantly recreating the right mood as I delve into the complexity of the human spirit.
ABOVE: I take my hat off to the shearers of this land – and this poor unfortunate ewe I tried fleecing during a lightning visit to The Drover!
ABOVE: Highland cattle are a photographer’s delight. This ornery creature was found in the hills near Berridale.
Fortunately, I love my cosy office, a world from nowhere with everything at my fingertips. Having met so many full-on achievers, it takes a while adjusting to home life, where my biggest battles are against the catheads and Mother in our daily scrabble competition! Looking back, I’ve camped in motels, a truly Cosy Cottage, outback stations and a memorable night in a horse float (naturally on the coldest night of my trip). Apart from meeting the fine folk seen in this magazine, one of my greatest joys comes from the simple task of lighting an evening fire. If you want the flickering flames you have to build it right. It’s a lot like life if you think about it. At moments like this, dear reader, I can leave you with but one thought: I can’t predict the future and cannot change the past – I have just the present moment and treat it as your last. Till the next time, I’m looking at you through my camera, remember to slow down, stay strong and enjoy the roses. You’ll need that and a whole lot more as you navigate your way through this latest crop of inspiring yarns.
Cheers, Jake
LEFT: The delightful team at the Cooma Information Centre: Manager Donna Smith with Nicole Plummer, Kirsten Jackson and Suzanne Dunning.
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SPRING 2019 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
GINA CRANSON
ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
JAKE LINDSAY
Chief Writer & Photographer
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
Art Director and Travel Writer
ZORA REGULIC
ZENIO LAPKA Photographer
Advertising Designer
EMMA BARRETT
KATE BOSHAMMER
ROBERT I BRUCE
ELIZABETH SWANE
HEATHER CROSBY
ANNA TICKLE
JANE SANDERSON
CATHERINE PLAYER
ALEXANDRIA TREASURE
ROSIE O’KEEFFE
LORRAINE HILLS
JENNIFER HARDEN
Photographer
Writer
Social Media
VIRGINIA TAPSCOTT Writer
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Writer
Garden Writer
ELIZABETH GRANT Writer
Writer
Website Developer
Writer
Wedding Writer
Country Cuisine Writer
SUE MEIKLE
Social Photographer
Home & Style Writer, Photographer
JOHN CURLEY Accountant
story name S P R I N G
your letters
Collaborating with CWL for the winter edition has been a remarkable opportunity, and on behalf of Narrandera Shire Council I would sincerely like to thank you all. This magazine has truly captured the essence of our shire, encompassing all the unique features and beauty, the many faces that build our communities, the lively personalities and our rich cultural diversity. Our feature has been the talk of the town and surrounds and the positive feedback I continue to receive, not only from our shire but from places hundreds of kilometres away, is heartwarming. Utilising the magazine as a tool to further promote lifestyle and business opportunities in Narrandera Shire will provide exceptional economic benefits for the future. Our gratitude to Elizabeth, Alex and their team is immense. The exquisite photography illustrating our heritage buildings, expansive land, our agriculture, business and industries has surpassed our expectations. The editorials are very well presented and have readers keen to see what the next chapter will bring. Cr Neville Kschenka, Mayor of Narrandera Shire
It’s now four weeks since the launch of the Winter edition of the magazine on May 24 and the feedback from various sources has been very gratifying, from the outstanding sales of the publication through the local newsagent to the phone calls and emails from people who have experienced something of a revelation in learning of the many previously unknown facets of life in Narrandera Shire. For instance, a senior executive from the Port of Melbourne was delighted to see his favourite animal, the Clydesdales, on the front cover of this edition. I think he and his family might be enthusiastic visitors to the Barellan Good Old Days weekend over the October long weekend. I think we appreciated from the outset that the extent of information across a diverse range of subjects would attract plenty of interest. The depth of information provided to the publishers was achieved through the formation of a steering committee at Narrandera Shire Council that gathered information and ideas for our feature from council members and the community. This information was provided in a very tight timeframe prior to Christmas 2018 and the diligence and professionalism of the magazine team has ensured that all that information was able to be included in this fantastic edition. Congratulations and thank you to Elizabeth and Alex and their team for the commitment to once again producing a high quality, widely distributed publication that will surely generate a high level of interest in opportunities in Narrandera Shire. Peter Dale, Economic Development Manager, Narrandera Shire Council
Congratulations and a big thank you to Elizabeth, Alex, Jake and the entire team for a fantastic magazine featuring the Narrandera Shire and community. I haven’t yet completed my read of the magazine as there is so much to take on board. The social commentary on Facebook and Instagram (and the chatter in the street) have really demonstrated the success of the magazine. The launch was also seen as a great community event, much enjoyed by those in attendance. I wish you and the entire team all the best and look forward to following, through your magazine, the profiles on communities across our marvellous country. Sue Foley, Narrandera
My wife and I are planning to come to Murrumburrah in early October and are really looking forward to it. This has all come about purely by chance as some time ago while listening to “Macca” on a Sunday morning, I became intrigued by what a gentleman by the name of Carl Valerius was saying about a horse called Bill The Bastard, and the general community of Murrumburrah. At that stage, Bill was off to Sydney to be bronzed. The bronzing has taken a bit more time than was anticipated, but I am sure it will be worth the wait to see such a magnificent sculpture. I also became aware of the article published in the Autumn 2018 edition of Central West Lifestyle, regarding the activity at Murrumburrah. As a retired printer, I can fully appreciate the time and effort that must go into a magazine of this calibre. The people of the Central West and beyond are indeed fortunate to have this extremely interesting magazine. Rob Roach, Balga, Western Australia
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FIND RLM AT THESE EVENTS: Henty Machinery Field Days
17-19 September Barellan Good Old Days
5-6 October (long weekend) Iandra Castle
8 September 6 October (long weekend) Australian National Field Days
24-26 October
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T O W N F E A T U R E Cooma
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Cooma T O W N F E A T U R E
COOMA TOWN FE ATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
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the hills are alive
from the Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council Welcome to the stunning Snowy Monaro region. As Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council, it gives me great delight that our wonderful region is being so aptly showcased in this edition of the Regional Lifestyle Magazine. A visit to the Snowy Monaro will reveal a landscape that makes our corner of Australia the most unique. From the nation’s highest peaks, to the vast undulating hills, the Snowy Monaro is a must for your next holiday. We recognise the Ngarigo people as the traditional custodians of the majority of the region we now know as the Snowy Monaro. We also acknowledge the connection of the Walgalu, Ngunnawal and Bidhawal peoples. The history of Aboriginal people on the Monaro is a rich and evolving story. As we continue to engage with the community, we learn more about their history and culture. These relationships build a deeper understanding of the people who lived here before us and allow us to share in this vibrant story. Our region is proud to be home to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme and arguably the birth place of multiculturalism in Australia. This engineering marvel is one of our nation’s greatest achievements. The Snowy Scheme was also a social engineering feat as 100,000 migrants converged upon the region. This wonderful
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array of cultures is still evident today, and throughout the region there are many opportunities to learn more about the engineering and social achievements of the Snowy Scheme. Here in the Snowy Monaro, we are excited at the arrival of Snowy 2.0. We anticipate a significant boost to our economy through increased employment and further industry opportunities. With this potential on the horizon, there are endless opportunities for our already strong local industries. Agriculture, forestry and manufacturing continue to underpin our regional economy. The Snowy Monaro has become one of the nation’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Our visitors come in search of an eco-experience like no other. If you’re chasing the thrills mountain bike riding has to offer, then the Snowy Monaro’s world class trails are definitely worth exploring. If you’re after peace and tranquillity, then our region’s scenic walks and viewing spots will help recharge the batteries. Whether you stay for a few nights, a few weeks, or decide to call the Snowy Monaro home, our region’s sense of community will leave a lasting impression. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our community. They play an important role in ensuring our communities remain vibrant and connected.
From the mums and dads running the weekend canteen, to the community groups raising funds for a local project, volunteers keep our towns alive. When you visit the Snowy Monaro, I encourage you to take in as much of the region as possible. Around every corner there is a vista like no other. Our region might be large, but it is well connected. Our towns and villages are welcoming places. Enjoy your time in the Snowy Monaro. John Rooney, Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Cooma T O W N F E A T U R E
the ultimate experience
The Snowy Monaro has forged a reputation as the ideal, all-year-round holiday destination. Snowy Monaro Regional Council is proud to showcase the many stories, characters and features that make up our local community and create a unique holiday destination. Council acknowledges that Aboriginal people were the first people of this land. Council recognises the Ngarigo people as the traditional custodians of the majority of the region we now know as the Snowy Monaro region. The region stretches from the ACT border to the Victorian border, and is nestled between the Far South Coast and Snowy Valleys. Situated close to the nation’s capital and easily accessible from the Central West of NSW. The Snowy Monaro encompasses the NSW Snowy Mountains, which is home to Mt Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest peak, the iconic Snowy River, the stunning Kosciuszko National Park and the resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn snowfields. The area is most well known as a snow holiday destination attracting around 1.3 million visitors annually. Winter season is absolute peak holiday time with all major resorts within Kosciuszko National Park attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy snow holiday activities such as skiing, snowboarding, back country touring, snow play, après activities and special winter events. Beyond the winter months the Snowy Monaro is a vibrant region offering many outdoor adventures and activities. Over 100,000 people flock to the region each year to hike to the top of Mt Kosciuszko, a bucket list activity for many Australians. It’s also during these warmer months that the Snowy Monaro is host to a wonderful array of events. In particular, November is a busy time of year with fantastic events being staged, from arts and culture to the roar of engines. Council supports a wide range of events that attract thousands of visitors. Music will fill the streets of Cooma’s CBD as the Australian National Busking Championships showcase the nation’s best
buskers. Performers from all over Australia head to Cooma to compete for their chance to be crowned the next Australian National Busking Champion. The region is proud to host L’Etape, the only official Tour de France event in Australia. Thousands of cyclists enjoy a riding experience among the beauty of the mountains, closed roads and cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. L’Etape passes through the towns of Jindabyne, Berridale and Dalgety. If it’s the roar of motorbikes that takes your fancy, then head to Bombala for the annual Bombala Bike Show. The show attracts a wonderful collection of new and historic motorcycles, hosts a “show and shine”, a burnout competition, tyre toss, and there’s plenty of live music and entertainment. In this feature we will uncover the many treasures of our region, the characters and people that make up the community and the stories that talk of our past, present and exciting future. Expert and friendly advice is available from Visitor Information Centres in Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne. Make sure you drop by and say hello. We warmly welcome all visitors to the Snowy Monaro Region. RLM The Cooma VC is open seven days a week from 9am to 3pm, and the Bombala IC is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Cooma VC is located in Sharp Street, Cooma, and Bombala IC can be found on Mahratta Street. ABOVE: The Snowy Monaro region entry point on the Monaro Highway , featuring Brumby sculptures by Tobias Bennett, winner of the Snowy Monaro Environment Award at the 2017 Lake Light Sculpture event, Jindabyne. FACING PAGE: Thredbo night lights. Image: Mike Edmondson.
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firm foundations
Cooma, with its welcoming vibe and historical significance, provides the perfect introduction to the Snowy Mountains.
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Cooma T O W N F E A T U R E
A visit to the Snowy Mountains is not complete without visiting the iconic Snowy Mountains Scheme. Snowy Hydro provides visitors to our region a range of facilities to see and opportunities to experience the wonders of this Australian icon. Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre Coffee Shop and Scheme Display Monaro Highway, Cooma
1800 623 776
8am - 5pm Mon to Fri 7am - 4pm Sat, Sun and Public Holidays CLOSED: Christmas and Anzac Day
snowyhydro.com.au
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T O W N F E A T U R E Cooma
The Royal Hotel in
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Lambie Street features ma
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Early saleyards in
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Festival Parade Sharp Street in the 1950s.
down the main
drag.
Cooma T O W N F E A T U R E
days gone by Cooma
Sharp Street w
ith the Prince of
Wales Hotel in th
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rst Snowy rs for the fi
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Cooma Power Station and the second SMA offices in Bombala Street. The CBC Bank (now NAB) at the
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Images courtesy of Cooma Monaro Historical Society
LIFE
BEHIND BARS
Crime and punishment make for colourful stories as visitors to the NSW Correctional Services Gaol Museum in Cooma will discover. The NSW Correctional Services Gaol Museum and the Snowy Hydro Scheme are Cooma’s two big tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The museum depicts the 200-year penal history of incarceration from convict days to the present. At the gaol you’ll find handcuffs, manacles, leg irons, body belts and strait jackets. There’s even a portable cell (pulled by oxen from town to town), a padded cell (for those with a tendency to harm themselves) and standard prisoner accommodation.
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Statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz is thrilled to share the museum with up to 5000 visitors each year. The former senior prison officer worked in nine UK goals before taking on the museum role three years ago. The museum was established in 2005 – incidentally the same year that the historic Cooma Gaol next door reopened its doors – and contains $2.2 million of artefacts from correctional centres across NSW and beyond. Andrew is about to embark on a keenly anticipated trip to Ivanhoe, Broken Hill and Alice Springs, looking for new acquisitions.
Today there are three museums and 40 gaols operating in NSW, including Cooma, which first swung open its massive front doors back in 1873. The goal was established in response to increased crime on the nearby goldfields, with the granite blocks used in construction meticulously shaped by stonemasons over a two-year period. Since then, a new L-shaped gaol wing and offender services and programs buildings have been added with contemporary materials. Even today, the gneiss granite blocks still make up two-thirds of the gaol complex. There are currently 250 inmates, including 30 on the farm. Low-risk inmates conduct one-hour guided tours and maintain the museum. A number work in a room out the back, sewing old jeans from Vinnies into handbags or shopping bags as part of their reintegration into society. All inmates have the opportunity to make arts and crafts, with the bulk of the sales going into their bank accounts for when they are released. > ABOVE: Construction of the Cooma Correctional Centre commenced in 1870 with local granite quarried from the hill on its location. The museum is located next door. FACING PAGE: CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Hidden contraband found in prisons; being shackled to chains was a familiar sight in the early days of prison reform; death masks of bushrangers Thomas Rogan and Captain Moonlite; one of the most infamous gaols is Pentridge; former senior prison officer Andrew Weglarz is the enthusiastic museum manager; stocks in front of a portable offender cell, used between 1860 and 1900; books were often used as secret storage; some of the novel handbags inmates fashion from old jeans.
Cooma T O W N F E A T U R E
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A grisly reminder The tour starts with the first fleet. My guide, a model prisoner, informs me that 160,000 convicts arrived in Australia before NSW ceased transportation in 1840 (it was a further 27 years before it stopped completely). The barbaric conditions for offenders on board convict ships were so bad that 500 never made it to the new colony. “They were stacked in like sardines,” Andrew says. “Convicts often slept on the floor amongst vermin. In addition to the eight-month journey in treacherous waters, most of them were forced to live in transport ships for up to six months before departure for Botany Bay.” Inside the museum is a recreation of Russell “Mad Dog” Cox’s infamous breakout
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from Long Bay’s ultra-secure Katingal block – Australia’s answer to Alcatraz. “Not one prisoner has ever truly escaped from NSW – all were eventually recaptured,” Andrew assures me. At the end of the tour is the hangman’s noose, the fair dinkum article coming from Bathurst. Visitors can pull the lever and see the trapdoor swing open. Ronald Ryan was the last man hanged in Australia in 1967. He was among the 1500 men and a handful of women who took their final breath at the hands of the hangman. There was one man, however, they couldn’t hang. In 1803, Joseph Samuels murdered a police constable and was all set to meet his maker when the rope broke. On the second attempt the knot slipped undone and on the third, the rope again broke.
The prisoner, insensible and badly injured, recovered after surgery and passed into folklore as the man they couldn’t hang. He stole a ship and fled the country, never to be seen again. RLM The museum is open Monday through to Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Members of the public and small groups are all welcome. Admission is a gold coin donation. ABOVE: A re-enactment of the daring escape made by Russell “Mad Dog” Cox; museum and cottage industry overseer Rob Oldenhof demonstrates the working of the hangman’s noose; handicrafts and artworks made by inmates; gaol cells have changed significantly over the years, developing in recognition of basic needs for offenders. Each cell has a bunk-bed, sink, toilet and minimal shelving.
Cooma T O W N F E A T U R E
all together
NOW
Community radio station 2MNO represents the sweet sound of community spirit. Good vibes emanate from Cooma North’s old post office, where about 50 volunteers run community station 2MNO. Among the hard workers is vice-president Phil Daley, who joined the station not long after it was launched in 1995. Other old hands include Chris Nolte and Dieter Kurella, who were instrumental in rebuilding the old post office from where they work. Like most of the group, they have their own show a few times each week, playing their favourite tracks and putting their spin on the world. It’s a diverse group with a strong smattering of European descent. Among them are journalists, cartoonists, fitters and turners, even an electro instrument maker. The station is on air 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is live from 9am till 10pm. Every morning from 5am to 9am, the station broadcasts a nationally syndicated show, Good Morning Country, followed by the hour-long Good Morning Monaro segment. It’s for community groups to talk about upcoming events, funeral notices, weather forecasts and current affairs within the local area. “Our technical team of Bill Steptoe, Dave Miller, Harry Salmela and Richard Mackay keep us on air,” explains president Dave Browne, a former teacher.
“All these volunteers possess wonderful skills in computers and electronics. We also acknowledge the great work of Rod Collman, a volunteer involved in the creation of our station.” The station had a few homes before buying the old Cooma North post office, gutting it and installing two studios. “It’s unusual for a community radio station to purchase property but we were sick of paying dead money in rent. Now we pay rates instead,” Dave says. They broadcast not only from Cooma North but also from a small studio in Nimmitabel, where they first kicked off. The station is the only one in Australia boasting four frequencies, all due to the rugged mountain landscape. “We provide an alternative source of news with free plugs for community groups, and it’s something very different from government and commercial broadcasters,” Dave says. RLM ABOVE: George Bowden doing his segment with Chris Nolte, Dave Browne, Dave Miller, Andrew Lukasiak, Fay Freebody, Dieter Kurella and Phil and Robin Daley; technical helpers Dave Browne, Dave Miller, Harry Salmela and Bill Steptoe.
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in his
element Intrepid wildlife photographer Charles Davis sees the beauty in all creatures great and small.
When people ask Charles Davis what he does for a living, his standard reply can come as a shock. “I sometimes say I’m a professional creepy,” he laughs. “They look at me is as if I’m half mad before I explain that I hide in bushes and photograph creatures that don’t know I’m there!” There’s no denying Charles’s dry sense of humour is matched only by his expertise when peering down the barrel of his 500mm Nikon lens. His life is focused on documenting native wildlife in their natural environment. Instead of warming up by the fire, he prefers to head out into the abyss, whether it be on some famous location or in his own backyard, to capture animals doing their thing. With a backpack full of camera gear, including synchronised flash set-ups, he sets off on foot or skis, never knowing what to expect. “I was focusing elsewhere when I was struck in the back of the head. I turned around and got one in the face before realising it was a magpie attack. It came out of the shadows and into the light just as I took the photo, resulting in another blow to the head.” Sales in the resulting image have been worth any discomfort. Thankfully, the new big lenses required for shooting wildlife have halved in weight. The old Nikon 200-400mm has been
replaced by a straight 500mm PF lens, which requires neither a tripod or significant muscle power. Generally, the worse the weather the better. It’s not unusual to ski for up to 20km searching for elusive brumbies, wombats (his favourites), roos, anything that captures his attention. Like the snowboarding he followed for nearly a decade, wildlife photography is all about being at the right place at the right time. It means hours of waiting, shivering in the cold and sometimes questioning your dedication. “My kangaroo shot (pictured on following pages) was taken in the most appalling conditions, which is good because they can’t see or smell me,” he says from his late grandfather’s farm house he now calls home. Since turning professional four years ago, Charles can no longer afford to aimlessly wander around just looking for shots. Nowadays it’s much more strategic, with up-to-date weather reports to assist in deciding what to wear when hanging out of a chopper, camping out in a tent or curled up under a rock. > LEFT: Among photographer Charles Davis’s most popular images is this wombat captured strolling across freshly laid Guthega snow.
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“I never anticipated making a living from it but people kept hassling me to buy my images.” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Out of the darkness – Charles’s shot of a swooping magpie; a brumby frolics in the fresh snow; old mountain hut Slaven House; Watchful eyes is the name given to these kookaburras eyeing off breakfast; wildlife photographer Charles Davis with his faithful dog Blizz; Charles labelled this refreshing image of an echidna Big Hill, Little Legs. RIGHT: Praise to the rain captures two kangaroos embracing Mother Nature in appalling photographic conditions.
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Generally, the worse the weather the better. It’s not unusual to ski for up to 20km searching for elusive brumbies, wombats (his favourites), roos, anything that captures his attention.
FIRST LOVE
Photography wasn’t Charles’s first calling – that title was reserved for snowboarding. By the time he was 18, the charismatic Cooma Kid was competing in stunning locations all over the globe. For 16 back-to-back winters, he chased the snow before finally losing all enthusiasm for the “world of pain” that comes with international high-level competition. A few years ago, he returned to “Yalcowinna”, a 5000-acre Merino farm that has been in the family for six generations. Neither Charles nor his siblings inherited the farming gene. Instead, he grew up in a family of scientists, from his grandmother down to his two sisters. Charles had to get educated just to keep up with the family conversation, finishing with diplomas in outdoor recreation, snow sports management and hospitality along with a degree in ecology. None of them are much help when he’s out shooting wildlife with his two Nikon D850s. His first camera was a Lumix given to him by his parents at age 21. Oddly enough, he was never drawn to shooting snowboarding, such was his passion for wildlife. He bought his first DSLR from a snowboard photographer mate and often went to the garbage tip of some secluded Canadian town to photograph eagles and bears. As soon as he returned home, he started taking pictures of wildlife on the farm. It was a hobby for years. “I never anticipated making a living from it but people kept hassling me to buy my images,” he says candidly. Eventually, he quit his retail job in Canberra and took up photography full time.
Next time you admire one of his framed 30 x 40-inch wildlife portraits in someone’s home or shop, appreciate that it’s nothing like photographing zoo animals. This is the real thing, shot on location and at all odd hours of the day. It’s why his fine art prints and cards are so popular. It’s also why he’s now working with National Geographic and the BBC. Last year he shot a big production in the NT with Bear Grylls, the crew with a million dollars worth of camera gear and cameras with 60K memory cards shooting 1000 frames a second. Charles is also involved with two wombat books but the bulk of his income is derived from fine art prints and making documentaries. Only a few days earlier, he finished a three-week shoot on the farm with a producer, camera man and technician. In a few weeks, he will be undertaking his first overseas tour to Russia. He’ll follow that up with a week in Mongolia photographing horsemen who use eagles to hunt wolves. Summer alpine tours are also planned to Tasmania and the Snowy Mountains to photograph roos, brumbies, wombats and snow gums. It’s a life he could never have anticipated. With a much-loved German short-haired pointer called Blizz and a career that’s going gangbusters, there’s plenty to smile about. And he has some sage advice for other photographers: “If you want to shoot great pictures, look in your own backyard and shoot what you know.” RLM
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