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Queanbeyan-Palerang Feature Queanbeyan • Braidwood • Bungendore
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
SERVICE • INFORMATION • MARKETING facebook.com/jemalongwool
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD
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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 @RegionalLifestyleMagazine INSTAGRAM @RegionalLifestyleMagazine 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 2020 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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CONTENTS ISSUE 30 SPRING 2020
156 G UITAR HERO Internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Campbell Diamond is letting his fingers do the talking. 162 STEADFAST & TRUE Bathurst family business Frank Smith Work Clothing and Shoe Repairs has stood the test of time. 166 LIFE FORCE The story of Jacinta Haycock’s life so far is as colourful and layered as her eye-catching art. 172 MORE THAN A GAME Competition bridge has been winning tricks in Dubbo for more than half a century. 176 SITTING PRETTY Woodwork enthusiasts are stepping out of isolation to learn the ancient craft of making chairs and stools. 180 PRESSED TO IMPRESS A small family company with a worldwide reputation for excellence proudly calls Bathurst home. 184 CREATING MEMORIES Stuart Vorias is a devoted nurse and an artist adept at telling people’s stories through his work. 196 MARKET FORCE Jane Crowley has answered her calling and is sharing her lifelong love of antiques with the masses. 4 RLM
RECIPES
188 C AFÉ SOCIETY CSC in Dubbo serves up some of its favourite recipes. 192 SPOONFUL OF SPECIAL Lorraine Hills shares a tried and true palate cleanser.
GARDEN
200 W ELL CONSIDERED Jenny and Paul Gorrick’s beautiful Bathurst garden exudes a sense of ease and grace.
THE LAST WORD
240 D EFT METAL Andrew Whitehead’s scrap metal creations are fine figures of ingenuity.
SPRING
Queanbeyan- Palerang Feature Queanbeyan • Braidwood • Bungendore
SPRING 2020 VOLUME 30 >
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
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e take readers on a tour of QueanbeyanW Palerang, a stone’s throw from Canberra but with a distinct personality all of its own.
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208 G OING SWIMMINGLY Excellent customer service has earned Poolwerx Dubbo a plethora of retail awards. 212 LITTLE BEAUTIES The vast and unique Cook Islands offer the trip of a lifetime. 216 HOME SWISH HOME Bringing beauty to your living space has never been easier thanks to Bathurst’s Inside Outside. 220 LAND OF PLENTY Griffith is one of Australia’s most vibrant cosmopolitan centres. 222 MAGIC MOMENTS Dubbo’s Amy Allen has built her photography and design business on genuine connections. 224 THE GIFT OF INITIATIVE Kate Munsie’s Bush Registry is the beautiful by-product of trying times.
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
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TOWN FEATURE QUEANBEYAN-PALERANG
ON THE COVER Proud Tradition:
Braidwood’s Len Mutton & Co general store still standing proud after all these years. Braidwood Feature page 70. Image: Jennifer Harden
S P R I N G publishers’ letter
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
soldiering on “You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything or it could be nothing. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and then one day you’ll look back and see you’ve climbed a mountain.” – Tom Hiddleston
Welcome to Spring 2020! We should feel really pleased to be coming slowly out of COVID-19 and all the necessary restrictions. Life will gradually go back to some sort of normality soon. The beautiful garden owned by Jenny and Paul Gorrick, from Bathurst, featured in this edition on pages 200-204, is a sensory delight and will remind you that this glorious season has once again arrived!
Hilltops Feature Winter 2020 We have been overwhelmed with the response to this edition. It has been our fastest selling publication across the past 29 editions. Sales have been absolutely phenomenal. Thank you, readers, for your exceptional support. We hope you have been informed, motivated and inspired by the diversity of content in this edition and we trust that the experience will translate to a visit to the stunning Hilltops region soon.
Family celebrations As we are a family business, we are very proud of the contributions of our three daughters, Kate, Jane and Anna, in our team. During COVID-19, we had the joy of the birth of our precious granddaughter, Zara Hilary Boshammer, born to Kate and son-in-law Justin. This was followed shortly after by the memorable wedding of Anna to Jason Conn. Although only a small gathering (due to government restrictions) it was indeed a beautiful celebration. We have shared a family wedding image with you on this page.
Magazine distribution Alex covers thousands of kilometres each edition (within NSW and across the Victorian border), ensuring that newsagencies and selected outlets receive their allocated consignment of the latest magazine. He loves what he does and builds authentic relationships with the many business owners. Our outlets have grown considerably in the seven years we have been publishing and the list of stockists can be viewed on our website: www.lifestylemagazine.net.au.
Spring 2020 edition We are thrilled with the 141-page Spring 2020 Feature showcasing much of what is on offer in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Council area. It was incredibly exciting to discover so much history (especially in Braidwood, the first heritage-listed town in NSW), meet the many innovative business owners and enjoy the genuine warmth and hospitality extended to us as visitors to the area. We are sure you will be similarly welcomed when you decide to explore this fascinating region. We must acknowledge the tremendous support given to advertising businesses from the featured area by the QueanbeyanPalerang Council and the Braidwood and Bungendore Community Bank branches (Palerang Financial Services Ltd). This financial subsidy scheme enabled participating businesses to have an advertising presence in our magazine and share their unique business stories with our wide readership.
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A FAMILY WEDDING CELEBRATION: Justin and Kate Boshammer (with son Theo Boshammer), Elizabeth Tickle, newlyweds Jason Conn and Anna Conn (nee Tickle), Alex Tickle, Jane and Justin Sanderson. Image: Matthew Harper Photography.
Future editions We are honoured to be once again featuring the Snowy Valleys Council area in Summer 2020. This edition will be a Bushfire Recovery Feature. As you would be aware, much of this beautiful area was devastated by the bushfires early in the year. The edition will focus on the stories of courage, resilience and rebuilding, so inspirational to us all. The Snowy Valleys Council is to be commended on their very generous subsidies to local businesses to allow them to advertise in this feature. Regional Lifestyle Magazine is also very invested in this area (one of our favourites) and felt privileged to offer subsidies to all advertising businesses as well. You will see that these wonderful Snowy Valleys businesses are bouncing back with renewed strength. There is an open invitation to take a trip to the Snowy Valleys area. We guarantee you will not be disappointed. We hope you enjoy this Spring 2020 edition and invite you to share the magazine with family and friends. Stay safe and happy.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle
historic pub artisan bakery accommodation
320 Riverside Drive Jugiong NSW 2726 P. 0419 098 828
info@sirgeorge.com.au
S P R I N G Jake’s message
challenge accepted To our esteemed readers from near and far, what a testing year it’s been, and we still have a way to go. For the time being, the big news stories of climate change, a crippling drought and devastating bushfires and floods have all seemingly been put on the back burner as the country deals with the biggest pandemic of our lives. But there’s some good news on the local front. Your latest edition of Regional Lifestyle is crammed full of positive and engaging stories from the bush. In these troubled times, your best form of diversional therapy is to unwind with another bumper edition! Despite a few hiccups, nothing was going to stop us from publishing our 30th issue. Dealing with COVID-19 required some steely determination on our part and a lot of good will by those sharing their stories with us. I thank everybody for allowing the Regional Lifestyle team into their homes from a safe distance! There will be plenty of businesses still reeling from the financial impact. Now, more than ever, is the time to explore regional NSW for a well-earned holiday and support those doing it tough. Getting this magazine onto the shelves required a bigger effort than normal but pulling up stumps was never going to be an option – not with the great stories
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we’ve gathered from the beautiful country towns of Bungendore and Braidwood and the nearby city of Queanbeyan. It's testament to our belief in the bush. No matter how hard things may get, the show goes on. One day this will all be over and life will return to normal, whatever that may entail. As a first-time visitor to Bungendore, I was in for a genuine and uplifting surprise. One of the highlights of the town is the internationally acclaimed Wood Work Gallery. I enjoyed my short but memorable stay at Douglas Cottage and look forward to returning one day soon. The locals are laid-back and friendly, much like at Braidwood, a town overflowing with magnificent old buildings. My trip was short but full-on as people went about their daily lives while the world faced some serious issues. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Bedervale homestead. It is one of the oldest surviving homesteads in regional Australia. What’s even more remarkable is that it has barely changed in nearly 200 years. My bags are packed but there will be no overseas travel, for a while at least. Stay happy and safe and I’ll see you all down the track.
Jake
ABOVE, FROM TOP: An intriguing moment for a steer being fattened on the edge of Bungendore as a mob of galahs take flight; a masked figure outside Bungendore's Village Antiques reminds everyone of the challenging times we live in; thanks to Geoff Nye, I was able to view how Bungendore may have looked if it had become the "waterside" Federal Capital in 1901.
Dunk Insurance has been helping individuals, property and business owners protect their assets for over 30 years, all over the Central West and beyond. Our new Agri and Commercial divisions have been established to meet our clients’ changing needs and can offer a range of policies and advice - WE HAVE GROWN AS YOU HAVE GROWN. Contact our experienced staff to discuss your best insurance options or to arrange a FREE Commercial on farm or business appraisal. Phone: 1800 219 496 or Email: youngmail@dunkinsurance.com.au
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2016 NSW/ACT National Insurance Brokers Association General Insurance Broker of the Year – John Dunk
2017 NSW/ACT National Insurance Brokers Association General Insurance Broker of the Year – James Dunk
Commercial Agri
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SPRING 2020 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
JAKE LINDSAY
Chief Writer & Photographer
GINA CRANSON
JANE SANDERSON
AMY LOUISE ALLEN
ROBERT I BRUCE Photographer
Writer & Photographer
ROSIE O’KEEFFE
ZENIO LAPKA
ELIZABETH GRANT
SUE CURLEY
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
Photographer
Writer
Writer
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Wedding Writer
Photographer
Writer
ANNA CONN
ZORA REGULIC
Art Director & Writer
Writer
Advertising Designer
SALLY MARCEAU
MELISSA DUNKERLEY
JENNIFER HARDEN
ELIZABETH SWANE
KATE BOSHAMMER
HEATHER CROSBY
CATHERINE PLAYER
JO McKINNON
LORRAINE HILLS
PIP FROGLEY
JOHN CURLEY
Writer
Country Cuisine Writer
Garden Writer
Writer
Travel Writer
Advertising Designer
Website Developer
Writer
RLM Accountant
S P R I N G feedback
your letters I would like to congratulate Elizabeth and Alex on the Hilltops Feature in the Winter 2020 edition of Regional Lifestyle. This is the largest feature to date and perfectly showcases our entire region, celebrating our locals, their unique stories, struggles and triumphs. They are the backbone of our community and you have captured them honestly and genuinely, giving readers an understanding and appreciation of our way of life. Highlighting Young, Boorowa, Harden-Murrumburrah and Jugiong, the feature illustrates our lifestyle, our community, our incredible landscapes and local produce that is second to none. Thank you for capturing the true essence and beauty of the towns and villages we are proud to call home. We look forward to welcoming your readers to the Hilltops Region so they can experience first hand everything we have to offer. Brian Ingram, Mayor Hilltops Council
Congratulations, Elizabeth and Alex, on the Winter 2020 edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine. It has been a challenging time for all, navigating COVID-19 and associated restrictions. Difficulties and obstacles encountered by participating local businesses were overcome by Elizabeth and Alex in a very helpful and professional manner. We have received very positive feedback from the business community and believe that our investment in this feature will help support and showcase our amazing local businesses and attractions, and entice visitors back to the area following a time of restricted travel. With well-written stories and amazing photography, it is no wonder that Regional Lifestyle Magazine takes pride of place on coffee tables far and wide. Anthony O’Reilly, General Manager Hilltops Council
We were indeed privileged to participate in the Winter edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine and had no hesitation in securing this opportunity. The sheer quality and presentation of this edition, promoting Young and the greater Hilltops Region, is truly a credit to you and your team. We are thrilled with your professional, comprehensive coverage of our agency and would highly recommend your publication to future business advertisers and readers alike. David Coombes, Owner/Principal Ray White Young
Regional Lifestyle takes pride of place in my home, with every new edition providing a visual feast of beautiful photography and captivating reading. My husband and I moved from our life on the land near Dungog NSW and retired to Scone NSW in May 2018. We are delighted that this stunning magazine is available in the newsagency in Scone. The Snowy Valleys edition (Autumn 2019 Volume 24) prompted my husband and I to take a road trip south last November. Our stay was enriched by lovely folk along the way with gorgeous accommodation and wonderful restaurants. Regional Lifestyle was our guide to finding all we needed on our road trip. I understand that this stunning region will again be a focus for the Summer 2020 edition. I am keen to enjoy all that there is on offer once again, particularly as businesses recover from the devastating bushfires. The current edition featuring the Hilltops Region (Winter 2020 Volume 29) was another favourite of mine. So many features in this edition are a must see for us and will necessitate another trip south. With each new edition I make a big pot of tea, sit and enjoy yet another beautiful journey through every life-like page I turn. Julie Simmons, Scone
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QUEANBEYAN TOWN FE ATURE WORDS & IMAGES: JAKE LINDSAY
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QUEANBEYANPALERANG COUN CIL FE ATUR E WORDS & IMAGES: JAKE LINDSAY
realising potential from the Mayor of Queanbeyan-Palerang Queanbeyan has a long and proud heritage and a firm focus on the future. Queanbeyan played a major role in building the nation’s capital and its ideal location makes it a regional gateway. I am immensely proud of the place we call home. The Queanbeyan-Palerang region is one steeped in history. Council is committed to preserving the heritage of our city, towns and villages, while fostering creativity and community. As Queanbeyan is transforming into a smart city, geared for the future, regionally we’re emerging as a major tourism destination. If you dig a little deeper and embark on your own treasure trail, you’ll see why it’s so captivating. You can explore the first town to be listed on the Heritage Register in NSW, Braidwood, which boasts a vibrant community of makers, creators and artisans. You can explore colonial buildings, which are now home to antiques, cafes and specialty shops. Braidwood is also surrounded by rich agricultural land exhibiting many innovative farming techniques. In Queanbeyan, you can visit a variety of impressively renovated historic pubs that have long served both our own and the Canberra community, particularly when the ACT was under a liquor prohibition from 1911 until 1927. Similarly, there are restaurants nestled in heritage buildings and a growing cafe culture. Queanbeyan also has a strong arts tradition, on display at The Q, a modern, popular performing arts centre, which hosts intimate theatre, comedies and more. And one
of the things for which we’re best known, sport has always been very well catered for. The town of Bungendore has its own rich story and its art galleries, antique and gift shops are well worth a visit. Bungendore is surrounded by beautiful gourmet fare with local wineries in nearby Wamboin and Bywong. You may want to explore some of the other villages of the region with goldmining histories, including Captains Flat, Nerriga, Araluen and Majors Creek. Queanbeyan-Palerang is blessed with a rich natural beauty, with national parks on our doorstep. There is so much to explore. Over the past decade, we have seen the City of Queanbeyan develop and transform. Council implemented a CBD transformation strategy in 2009, which led to substantial improvements including the Crawford Street Lifestyle Precinct and the dramatic upgrading of our beautiful riverfront. We have now adopted a 2019 CBD Spatial Master Plan, which will see further major improvements over the next decade. These plans and forward thinking are in the spirit of our city motto: Faith in the future. In 2016, we saw the merger of Palerang and Queanbeyan city councils and this led to the creation of Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. I take great pride in having been able to make a contribution to this diverse, vibrant and interesting region and I’m honoured to introduce you to all that we have to offer. The following pages will shine a light on the people, places and stories of Queanbeyan-Palerang. Cr Tim Overall Mayor of Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
“Queanbeyan-Palerang is blessed with a rich natural beauty, with national parks on our doorstep. There is so much to explore.”
endless POSSIBILITIES
Take time to wander through Queanbeyan-Palerang, a stone’s throw from Canberra but with a distinct character of its own. Experience the essence of the region by meeting the makers behind QueanbeyanPalerang’s unique produce and products, grown or handcrafted by passionate locals with exquisite care and attention to detail. Pay them a visit, chat to winemakers at local vineyards, join a truffle farmer on a hunt or get hands-on with a cooking class. Learn a few tricks of the trade from the region’s strong community of creatives and artisans. The rolling hills, evocative architecture and beautiful landscapes attract and inspire local and visiting artists. Braidwood, Bungendore and Queanbeyan are all home to numerous studios, galleries and exhibition spaces showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. Relive Australian history by travelling in the footsteps of infamous bushrangers and explore the old goldmining villages of the region. A visit to the historic town of Braidwood is a must-do. The charming heritage-listed town is renowned for its colonial buildings brimming with antiques, galleries, cafes, boutiques and more. Bustling with life, and surrounded by Australian history, Braidwood is the ultimate country getaway for city dwellers looking for a slice of tranquillity. For something completely different, go on a charming rural escape just outside the nation’s capital, to the fascinating town
of Bungendore. The town lies along the meandering Kings Highway, boasting a community of incredible craftspeople, family-run wineries and a plethora of fascinating shops to explore, making it the perfect combination of country ambience and memorable activities for all ages. If instead you’re craving to be in the centre of the action, visit the dynamic and fast-growing city of Queanbeyan. Discover the city’s modern restaurants, reflecting a proud multicultural community. Visit the markets, enjoy a show at the theatre or make the most of the many special events, such as the Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival, Oktoberfest and Music by the River. And when you’re done, relax alongside the Queanbeyan River. To really get a feel for the unique nature of the region, load the car up with a picnic and some camping gear and take in the great outdoors with a trip to one of the region’s many lush national parks and nature reserves. Hike to fascinating natural landmarks, cycle through picturesque forest trails, or simply settle back, breathe in some fresh country air and keep an eye out for our impressive array of native birds and wildlife. While on the road, don’t forget to stop at Queanbeyan-Palerang’s quaint little
villages, nestled amid picture-perfect scenery. Discover the old-fashioned charm of historic goldmining villages where some optimistic visitors are sometimes spotted panning for gold. Feel the warmth of the community and stay in town for a nice meal and a rest before heading out to explore your next destination. Wherever you go, this is the stuff country dreams are made of. RLM ABOVE, FROM TOP: Mount Jerrabomberra Lookout. Image: Alfonso Calero; Braidwood by night. Image: Adam McGrath; Shoalhaven River between Braidwood and Bungendore. Image: Alfonso Calero.
a city with soul
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Queanbeyan T O W N F E AT U R E
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T O W N F E AT U R E Queanbeyan
the road to now
The area around what is now Queanbeyan was for centuries home to many groups of Indigenous people, providing them with rich sources of food and land. In late 1820, a party led by Charles Throsby came to the junction of the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers, leading to the opening up of the district to European exploitation, as grants of land were allotted to settlers. One property run by ex-convict Timothy Beard was called Quinbean, thought to mean “clear waters”, which evolved to the current spelling of Queanbeyan. In the 1830s, schools and a post office were established. The area was considered lawless and in 1838 Alured Tasker Faunce was appointed the first police magistrate for the district. In late 1838, the community, consisting of a few dwellings, was officially proclaimed a township with about 50 residents. The town grew and there are several sturdy buildings still remaining, including the Anglican Christ Church, St Gregory’s Catholic Church, a flour mill and mill house and St Benedict’s convent. In early 1885, Queanbeyan was proclaimed a municipality incorporating 5700 acres. JJ Wright was elected the town’s first mayor. In 1887, the first train into Queanbeyan Railway Station established a secure link with Sydney. In the 19th century, growth was based largely on the pastoral and agricultural wealth of the region. The next stage of history was dominated by the location of the national capital in its district. As early as 1899, a committee was formed in Queanbeyan to lobby for the new capital to be located in the district. John Gale, a colourful Queanbeyan character and newspaper editor, was particularly vociferous in his support for founding the capital here. Some people have been so impressed by his efforts that he has been called the “Father of Canberra”. It is ironic that one of his arguments to attract the support of MPs was the available hunting. “Game is everywhere plentiful – kangaroo, wombat, lyre bird . . . so that employment for the gun can always be depended on.” Nowadays, Queanbeyan delights tourists and locals alike with the sight of native animals and birds, including platypuses in the Queanbeyan River at twilight. The district contributed significantly to the war effort in WW1 with over 168 volunteers serving, including nurses as well as soldiers. The local newspapers revealed Queanbeyan as a microcosm of the wider community, as fierce exchanges took place in public meetings where families tried to balance patriotism with class and political loyalties.
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Queanbeyan T O W N F E AT U R E
After the war, Canberra took centre stage. The next significant era in Queanbeyan’s growth was as a support town for the construction of the capital. Thanks to wowser King O’Malley, a federal MP between 1901 and 1917, the Federal Territory was declared a “dry” area. Queanbeyan became the entertainment area for the workers and then MPs, and many fine hotels were built. The next stage was the post WW2 migration boom. With construction work available in Canberra and in the Snowy Mountains, migrants came to the region, often followed by their families. With cheaper freehold land available, Queanbeyan became a haven. The oral histories conducted by the museum society have revealed many stories of refugees struggling with the language and new customs, and living in sheds while they built houses. Ultimately, they found Queanbeyan a welcoming community where they and their children could settle. There was a certain cross-border snobbery, with some Canberrans regarding Queanbeyan as “Struggletown” but in fact the two cities (Queanbeyan was named a city in 1972) had a symbiotic relationship, with many people living in one and working in the other, while the lower grocery prices meant many Canberrans shopped across the border. Queanbeyan has long been the centre of strong sporting clubs. During the 19th century, there were formidable cricket teams on local properties. The city has also developed a solid cultural heart, with many renowned artists, a strong local theatre company, a state-of-the-art theatre and an active art society in a heritage building by the river. With new towns like Jerrabomberra and Googong on the outskirts, Queanbeyan is a modern, attractive place to live with heritage-listed precincts in the older parts of the city, pleasant river walks, bushland to explore and delightful parks to enjoy. RLM Words: President of the Queanbeyan Museum John McGlynn and Kerrie Ruth
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T O W N F E AT U R E Queanbeyan
perusing the past
Visitors to Queanbeyan are surprised by the rich history of the city and district, all beautifully displayed at the Queanbeyan & District Historical Museum. Queanbeyan & District Historical Museum Society president John McGlynn and wife Kerrie Ruth love their Australian history. Kerrie is a past president who has been active in gaining grants and organising events to make the museum more accessible and welcoming. And it shows. Located in the charming old police sergeant’s residence, which housed the local police sergeant from 1876 until the 1970s, the museum has something for everyone. It has been visited by a descendent of the first magistrate as well as by a sergeant’s daughter who played in its grounds as a child, and so has rich historical associations. From the outside, the museum looks deceptively modest until you enter and explore. There are seven rooms in the original building hosting exhibitions on pubs, schools, the post office, bootmakers, Indigenous history, early
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settlers, bushrangers, Mayor JJ Wright’s 1860s shop journal and Nina Farrer’s piano. The original kitchen with a fuel stove and cool safes is popular with grandparents and children, evoking memories and awe. There are new exhibitions, including an extensive camera collection and a fascinating room displaying children’s toys and games. As you move through, you will find an original cell door from the old police complex, an intact blacksmiths shop from Michelago and a wash house. You’ll be delighted by the neon Tick Tock sign and Queanbeyan Players costumes from The Yeoman of The Guard. Sobering is the polio display featuring a Both iron lung used at Queanbeyan Hospital during the 1950s polio epidemic. You’ll also find the taxi telephone box that became a dunny and then a tool shed! You
can see farm machinery still waiting for a new home to be built on site. Out the back is a magnificent historical mural painted by Margaret Hadfield based on photographs in the museum collection. John and his team encourage visitors on weekends from 1pm to 4pm. Entry is free, although donations are welcome. The museum welcomes small and large groups by arrangement. The site is accessible and there are new toilets. “We are also pleased to host family groups with a connection to Queanbeyan,” John says. “You never know what you might find or what we can find for you in conjunction with the local history librarian at QPRC.” RLM ABOVE: President of the Queanbeyan Museum John McGlynn and wife Kerrie Ruth.
Queanbeyan T O W N F E AT U R E
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T O W N F E AT U R E Queanbeyan
THE Q FOR
quality The Q Performing Arts Centre is the region’s leading entertainment venue, offering a diverse program of captivating concerts and performances and thought-provoking exhibitions.
The Q is nestled among Queanbeyan’s many restaurants and pubs – the perfect setting for a special evening or weekend out in the city. Home to a lively creative community, The Q was built to meet the demand for a dedicated theatre space that could host local, travelling and permanent exhibitions and productions. The work towards building the city’s very own go-to facility for arts and culture began in 2000, officially opening in March 2008. Since then, The Q has been a staple in the region’s arts scene, providing locals and tourists alike with an extensive range of eclectic productions to enjoy all year round. The Q’s design and configuration provides opportunity not only for live theatre productions, but also for music and dance concerts, conferences, movies, music or film festivals, award ceremonies, television or radio broadcasts, stand-up comedy, performing arts workshops and more. Spacious, light and elegant yet warm and intimate, The Q is applauded for its design – there is not a single bad seat in the house. Moreover, the foyer is a cosy and spacious spot where you can enjoy a drink before the show. The venue’s exhibition program features shows of outstanding visual arts, crafts and design from artists of local, regional
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and national prominence. Assisting the ongoing development of Australian art, the space also features innovative works by exciting contemporary and young emerging artists. With the introduction of The Q’s very own theatre company, Echo, the venue has recently increased its focus on creating from within. Aspiring performers from across the region hone their craft in the theatre’s very own productions under the guidance of powerhouse actor and director Jordan Best. Together with Echo, The Q forms a rich creative environment, promoting various talents that enrich the region’s cultural landscape. Whether you’re looking to see reimagined old classics or fresh and quirky productions, The Q is the theatre of choice for an evening of incredible performing arts. RLM
For more information go to: theq.net.au. ABOVE, FROM TOP: The Q foyer and events space; Stephen Pike, Team Leader Cultural Performance at Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council; main performance space.
Discoveracharming ruralescape. When you linger a little longer, you’ll find many gems dotted around this beautiful countryside. Stop for a coffee or a lunch, tour the fascinating art galleries, and stay for a glass of local wine or two in Bungendore. Visit the quirky shops of Braidwood for a spot of shopping, and step back in time on the historic town’s heritage walk. Take in the great outdoors while horse-riding, meandering through ancient forests or camping under the starry sky. Visit treasuretrail.com.au for more to explore, and find your treasure.
TREASURETRAIL.COM.AU
A venue with style The Q - Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Queanbeyan’s CBD. A magnificent award winning entertainment centre which offers drama, musical theatre, dance, comedy, contemporary and classical music and much more.
A venue that’s spacious, light and modern
The Q is well known for the variety and quality of productions presented to the community. See our web site for the full range of productions coming soon to the venue. The Centre is a multi-purpose venue with a variety of spaces available for hire to accommodate live performances, social gatherings and corporate events. The Q is spacious, light and modern and has become an iconic venue in Queanbeyan. It is highly regarded by many as the most intimate theatre in our region. It has licenced bars, a fully equipped kitchen, a range of break-out areas and is the perfect venue for large functions, conferences or corporate events.
Looking forward to your return
Please contact our friendly staff for any enquiries or visit us online.
02 6285 6290 v BOXOFFICE@THEQ.NET.AU THEQ.NET.AU v FACEBOOK.COM/THEQ.QPA 251 CRAWFORD STREET QUEANBEYAN
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the light fantastic Photographer Paul Kowalski knows just how much work goes into being in the right place at the right time.
“For me, the very heart of landscape photography is a sense of escape and boundlessness. The art of capturing light and nature has been a very important mechanism for as long as I can remember. The idea of removing myself from a busy life and venturing out into the wilderness, into the unknown with my camera, has been a necessity.” – Paul Kowalski Paul Kowalski prides himself as a minimalist landscape photographer. He still uses film and a large format panoramic camera. His gear is heavy and of the highest quality. He is patient. He can visit a location over and over until the light is just right, until something really special happens. The concept of actually taking the photograph is the easy part of the process for him and may be the result of months of planning and groundwork. “The way we live is fast and tiring. Photography is the method for me to stop and slow down,” Paul says. “I still use film because it is hard and complex. It keeps me sharp. Film forces me to slow down and stop and it creates incredible results when I get it right.” The surrounding region dramatically changes throughout the year, from hot summers to freezing winters. This brings endless photography opportunities not far from home. Paul loves autumn and the change that it brings. Finding those amazing colours in the trees on a misty day is like finding gold. Paul’s strong connection to Bungendore and the surrounding region is the result of his former dedicated gallery
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that was set up to showcase his work, to bring people to view the landscape. “I can remember countless trips to Lake George to try and photograph it with water and amazing reflections. I must have visited 50 times over the years. And then there is the top area of the Clyde, with its often mistcovered eucalypts and giant ferns.” >
ABOVE, FROM TOP: Without Breath, a stunning sunset over Lake George towards Bungendore; photographer Paul Kowalski with his tools of the trade. FACING PAGE, FROM TOP: Misty Cover, mist lingers in the afternoon after heavy rain at the top of Clyde Mountain; Plain Farm, the sun rises on a frosty morning across the Bungendore region.
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“I can remember countless trips to Lake George to try and photograph it with water and amazing reflections. I must have visited 50 times over the years.”
Over the past 10 years, Paul has been in the fortunate position of travelling throughout Australia with his family to simply capture the landscape through the lens. It wasn’t uncommon for them to pack up their four-wheel drive and camper trailer and be away from their home for months on end. For Paul, this is when the real magic happens, when he is totally immersed in the process and is in tune with his surroundings and close to his family. “Nature itself has a cycle. The seasons, the weather, the wind. We seemed to become tuned into it after being on the road for some time. This is when the really exciting stuff happened, when I would be there at the ready, to capture the amazing scene unfolding before me.” The future of Paul’s photography is bright. He and his family continue to travel, cameras close by, and continue to release
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new work. With the amazing success of their first coffee table book Visions of Australia, the second highly anticipated instalment is on the way. Horizons – There and Back Again should be released in 2021. RLM
Visit Paul’s website to learn more and view the quality landscape photography: www.paulkowalski.com.au.
ABOVE, FROM TOP: Ghost, Mulloon Creek fog pushes up the valley surrounding scribbly gums; Filtered Light, a misty start to the day on Clyde Mountain near Mongarlowe River; Mirror, Lake George comes to life with amazing reflections; Taylors Creek, a windy afternoon in Bungendore rattles a local canola crop.
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united in diversity The Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival is a celebration like no other.
The Queanbeyan CBD hosts a range of exciting events each year. From car shows to Oktoberfest, people come to the river city from far and wide to experience the ever-expanding calendar of events. But there is no event that captures the imagination of attendees more than the annual Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival. Over the years, Queanbeyan has evolved into a thriving, vibrant city of nearly 40,000 residents. Now home to tight-knit communities of German, Indian, Italian and Macedonian immigrants, among others, the city’s identity has been moulded by its rich multicultural background. This melting pot of stories, culture, customs and lived experience blends beautifully in the fun, warm and familyfriendly Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival. Community groups come together to honour their origins; an equal celebration of both our differences and the unifying humanity that makes us one. This celebration of cultural diversity is a multi-generational event. It is not unusual for a performance to offer up three generations from the same family, coming together to share their culture with the wider community. It is this inclusiveness that sets this event apart from the rest. Gender, age, ethnicity – nothing precludes participation and nothing precludes the wider community coming along to celebrate. As you approach the historic Queanbeyan Park on the day of the event, you are immediately captivated by the sights, sounds and smells. The main stage offers up a full day’s program of performances showcasing world music,
Community groups come together to honour their origins; an equal celebration of both our differences and the unifying humanity that makes us one. dance and costume. There is an energetic and spirited array of performers with a captivated audience that grows throughout the day. Witness dance performances inspired by the likes of Samoan, Colombian and Chilean cultures, or shimmy your way through interactive workshops of belly dancing, Bollywood dancing and more. And then there’s the food. Pick a cuisine, any cuisine, and you’re sure to have your hunger pangs satiated. From Nonna’s secret arancini recipe to an authentic, fiery vindaloo, there is something for the entire family to enjoy. Wander from stall to stall, choose a traditional favourite or be adventurous and try something new. Take
a seat and relax under the shade of the beautiful trees of the Queanbeyan Park or sprawl out on the grass for a picnic while eating your way around the world. Whether you attend the Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival to be entertained by the performers, try the amazing food or learn a new skill at a demonstration or workshop, you’ll leave richer for the experience. RLM Images: Janine Fabre
ABOVE: Colourful scenes from the Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival.
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