SUMMER
GLORIOUS GARDEN White Hollow, Bathurst
BUSHFIRE RECOVERY FEATURE
Snowy Valleys Tumut • Talbingo • Adelong Batlow • Tumbarumba • Tooma Rosewood & Jingellic
Magnificent Mena Homestead, Orange
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
SERVICE • INFORMATION • MARKETING facebook.com/jemalongwool
twitter.com/jemalongwool
CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
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.
Pegasus Print Group, is an environmentally responsible printing company that is committed to helping achieve a sustainable environment. To underscore our commitment to environmental sustainability, Pegasus Print Group is FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified as well as being ISO 14001 accredited. Paper and paper-based materials carrying the FSC® symbol can be tracked back to their source, guaranteeing they come from forests which are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Pegasus Print Group is also an accredited ISO 9001:2008 supplier, which ensures each step of our production process is aligned with world’s best practice to deliver the finest quality possible. Together, these accreditations offered by Pegasus Print Group, offer our clients a guarantee that their printed products are produced by world’s best practice environmental and finest quality standards.
2 RLM
It starts with yes
200
174
194
228
222
170
CONTENTS ISSUE 31 SUMMER 2020
166 T RUE NORTH Dr Robert North has been a valued member of the Dubbo community for more than half a century. 170 STEP BY STEP Cootamundra’s Silver Swans approach their weekly dance class with youthful enthusiasm. 174 MAGNIFICENT MENA Heritage-listed “Mena”, one of the Central West’s most elegant and significant homes, is looking for a new owner. 180 POSITIVITY ON A PLATE The committed team behind Cafe Dolcetto always looks on the bright side.
4 RLM
RECIPES
190 F INE FARE Lorraine Hills shares some family favourites for the festive season.
GARDEN
200 A DELIGHT IN WHITE Amanda and Peter Carter’s beautiful Bathurst garden exudes ingenuity and resourcefulness.
THE LAST WORD
240 O PEN DOOR POLICY Tumbarumba Hotel’s Greg and Sue Scanlon say there’s nothing like a natural disaster to help forge friendships in a new town.
GLORIOUS GARDEN White Hollow, Bathurst
BUSHFIRE RECOVERY FEATURE
Snowy Valleys Tumut • Talbingo • Adelong Batlow • Tumbarumba • Tooma Rosewood & Jingellic
Magnificent Mena Homestead, Orange $14.00 inc GST SUMMER 2020 VOLUME 31 >
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
SUMMER
608002
egional Lifestyle Magazine revisits R the Snowy Valleys in the wake of a horrific bushfire season and in the midst of a global pandemic. Despite this annus horribilis, these rural communities are a picture of resilience, determination and positivity.
772201
14
184 A DIFFERENT PATH Academic Dr Gregory Peel Smith’s extraordinary life story is as honest and raw as it is inspiring. 194 TIME HONOURED Arriving at Hilton Homestead in Mandurama is simply a breath of fresh air. 222 ENTERPRISING SPIRITS A new chapter is being written in the rich history of The Grange estate at Brewongle.
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
9
TOWN FEATURE ROAD TO RECOVERY
ON THE COVER Peace and Tranquility
The stunning Tumbarumba Creekscape, Tumbarumba NSW Tumbarumba Feature page 120 Image: PeterMcDade
S U M M E R story name
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
bushfire recovery edition
“You can’t go back to and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – CS Lewis
Welcome to the Summer 2020 edition
This edition is dedicated in large part to the beautiful Snowy Valleys area, well on the road to recovery. In this feature, we share the stories of everyday Australians who have suffered tremendous loss from the devastating bushfires but through resilience, dedication and hard work as well as benefiting from a big community spirit, have rebuilt their businesses and their lives. A huge thank you to the Snowy Valleys Council, which chose to support their businesses with extremely generous advertising subsidies to allow them the opportunity to be showcased within this publication Regional Lifestyle has also extended significant discounts in advertising costs to Snowy Valleys businesses to make this opportunity more manageable. So we are thrilled to have 38 Snowy Valleys businesses on board with us, some previously advertising in the Autumn 2019 Feature but we are introducing new businesses to you as well.
Challenging times
Although we anticipated that COVID-19 would have a decreased presence by now, we have been sadly mistaken. Our thoughts go to the many individuals, families and businesses that have been negatively affected and we trust that with the supportive measures put in place by the Government, they will find a positive way forward.
Tourism within NSW
On the bright side, it is evident that with fewer options to travel overseas, people in their multitudes have decided to explore their own large backyard, the state of NSW. We have had huge demand, not only for our Spring 2020 edition featuring Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Bungendore but for back copies, which act as a travel guide to many beautiful areas within the state. Back copies can be ordered online and posted to your home.
Autumn 2021 Feature
It is with great pleasure we announce we will be bringing you a feature focused on the beautiful Griffith area in the heart of the Riverina. Having featured the nearby towns of Temora, Leeton and Narrandera, it was just a matter of time before we explored the stunning Griffith area and shared our discoveries with you. We know you will enjoy reading about the tourist attractions, the annual events, agriculture, local heroes, art and culture, iconic and unique businesses, and so much more that the region is known for.
6 RLM
ABOVE: An idyllic view of snow on the Main Range, Kosciuszko National Park. Image: Peter McDade.
Our thanks
Thank you to councils, newsagencies, advertisers and readers for your continued wonderful support across our eight memorable years in business. We’ve had a truly joyous journey and look forward to many more years bringing you all that is on offer in our glorious state. The team at Regional Lifestyle would like to wish you a happy and blessed Christmas with those near and dear to you.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle
story name S U M M E R
historic pub artisan bakery accommodation
320 Riverside Drive Jugiong NSW 2726 P. 0419 098 828
info@sirgeorge.com.au RLM 7
S U M M E R Jake’s message
a year like no other Happy Christmas, trendsetters. The virus is applying extra pressure in some departments but one thing it won’t stop is the spread of Christmas cheer. If ever you feel like you’re having a bad day, spare a thought for those lives turned upside down during the January 2020 fires barely a year ago. Like any person who follows the news, I had briefly seen TV reports but they don’t really capture the story of everyday mums and dads who got caught up in the inferno. It didn’t reveal the personal struggle of people losing so much. By the time I arrived six months after the fires, the drought was a thing of the past and the rolling hills greener than ever. It all looked fairly normal until you scratched the surface. It’s in the trees. Those still standing are blackened with green shoots bursting through. Entire communities are still recovering. Everyone affected by the “mega” fire has his/her story of how events unfolded. I was able to witness the remarkable resilience of the locals, many of whom have been to hell and back. For many of them, the emotions are still very raw. Hundreds of homes were lost in the Snowy Valleys Shire and countless more damaged, along with thousands of livestock, untold miles of fencing and farm sheds. It was only a matter of time before people were reaching for a tissue or getting a lump in their throat when recounting the fire’s impact on their homes, lives and dreams. I met one farmer who had survived three big fires in her lifetime. You never forget them. It reminded me of my own experience with those big red trucks a quarter of a century ago. At precisely 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, my Tamworth studio caught alight while I was lowering the flag on the roof. It was devastating. The smell was the worst thing. And the lost memories. But I went on to have another 20 great years there, realising that things, by their very nature, were always meant to come and go. From the dozens of people I interviewed for our special Road to Recovery feature, one aspect came out loud and clear. Nobody could believe the kindness and overwhelming generosity of fellow Australians during their darkest days. It got me thinking about these days of our lives. We all know there will always be good days and bad days, happy days and sad days. There will be days of confidence and days of self doubt. Days when you feel you figured it out and days you feel lost. There will be days you lose friends and days you make new ones. There will be days when you feel beat, when you can’t go on. Then there will be days you pick yourself up, brush yourself down and get motivated like never before. It’s OK, as humans we’re full of emotions. The secret is never ever give up. Take breaks when needed. A day, a week or even a year – but never give up. Not one person I spoke to in the Snowy gave up – although there were many occasions when the RFS simply didn’t know which way to turn. The situation was that grim. Now the Snowy Mountains folk are rebuilding their lives and homes and getting on with the joy of life. After what they’ve been through, the added pressure of living with COVID-19 is almost surreal. Thanks to everyone who reached out to me with their heartfelt stories. This Road to Recovery issue really had to be done. We had to show, in our own way, the strength and resilience that exists in country communities when the chips are down. They are surely the backbone of this great country.
8 RLM
“NOT ONE PERSON I SPOKE TO IN THE SNOWY GAVE UP.” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Tumut and district has bounced back from the drought but is now facing fresh challenges; regrowth on the trees signal a fresh start; blackened trunks; a fresh spring lamb with its mother in the Tooma Valley.
We hope we don’t ever have to report on such destruction again but we know that floods, fires and drought are part and parcel of living in the bush. Hopefully, Mother Nature will at least afford us a few good years to recover, both in fire-affected regions and throughout the entire state. Dear reader, you have a ton of riveting yarns ahead in your hands. Real people, real lives, real stories. You will find in this weighty edition a clear message for all of us. Till the next time I see you in my camera sights, take care and enjoy the festive season as we prepare to sweep 2020 under the carpet and usher in a shiny new year with its own set of challenges.
Jake
story name S U M M E R
Fishing for tips from Grandad It starts with data the whole family can share
Explore the Optus Family Plan in-store today RLM 9
SUMMER 2020 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
ALEX TICKLE
JAKE LINDSAY
ZORA REGULIC
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
Chief Writer & Photographer
JANE SANDERSON
ANNA CONN
JENNIFER HARDEN Writer, Photographer, Social Media
Advertising Designer
AMY LOUISE ALLEN
ROBERT I BRUCE
LORRAINE HILLS
ELIZABETH GRANT
Wedding Writer
Photographer
Country Cuisine Writer
Writer
10 RLM
GINA CRANSON
Art Director
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
SALLY MARCEAU
MELISSA DUNKERLEY
ELIZABETH SWANE
KATE BOSHAMMER
JO McKINNON
LUCY TAYLOR
PETER McDADE
HEATHER CROSBY
CATHERINE PLAYER
SUE CURLEY
ROSIE O’KEEFFE
ZENIO LAPKA
ELIZABETH EDWARDS
Writer
Photographer
Writer
Writer
Garden Writer
Photographer
Writer
Website Developer
Writer
Photographer
Advertising Designer
Writer
Writer
Writer
Photography by Amy Louise Photography & Design & Copper.Co Photography
S U M M E R feedback
your letters The Spring 2020 edition of Regional Lifestyle is a wonderful representation of the people, places and stories of Queanbeyan-Palerang. You have captured beautifully the spirit, tenacity and warmth that binds our community. I send my congratulations and sincere thanks to the entire team at Regional Lifestyle. This has been a very difficult year for our residents in Braidwood, Bungendore, Queanbeyan and all of the surrounding villages. The year began with the devastating bushfires, then localised flood incidents, closely followed by the onset of COVID-19. In this light, your publication is a timely and welcome celebration of what it means to live in or visit this part of the world. We look forward to welcoming your readers as they discover our Treasure Trail: the amazing local produce, historic townships, vibrant arts scene and the spectacular natural landscapes of our region. Tim Overall Mayor, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Congratulations, Alex, Elizabeth and staff on the Spring 2020 edition of Regional Lifestyle, focusing on Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Bungendore. This region has been through drought, fire, floods and COVID-19 over the past three years and has experienced many desperate times. The feature has given the Braidwood community a new lease of life. The publication has rekindled our sense of pride in our community. The combination of local council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and Palerang Financial Services Ltd (Braidwood and Bungendore Community Bank branches of Bendigo Bank) to subsidise advertising costs by 50 per cent certainly encouraged local businesses in Braidwood and Bungendore to advertise and I hope this type of partnership could take place in other regional locations. The photographs, articles and layout certainly made us realise how fortunate we are to live in this region. Thank you once again for a terrific publication. Nick Fry, Branch Manager of Braidwood Community Bank, Branch of Bendigo Bank
What an awesome publication! RLM Spring 2020 has certainly exceeded our expectations. The magazine has pride of place on not just our coffee table but in most of our family’s lounge rooms as well. The effort from you and your team to produce such a classy, quality magazine that allows regional families to share their stories, many so, so interesting, is wonderful. Please also pass on our thanks to writer Jo McKinnon for her professional, friendly approach while listening and understanding the details of our family/business story and doing it justice; to advertising designer Melissa Dunkerley for her insight, thoughts and ideas with the designing of our ad; and also photographer Jen Harden for her expertise behind the camera showing our history in pictures. All this was created under the shadow of an unprecedented bushfire season rolling into a global pandemic. An amazing feat! While this was our first RLM purchase, it will not be the last. Wendy and Brian Lake, Bungendore Village Leather
As a longtime resident of Canberra, with family connections to Bungendore in the late 1800s and Queanbeyan in the early 1900s, I was delighted to see your impressive issue featuring Queanbeyan-Palerang. Of course, since my late childhood in the 1970s, I have also witnessed the development of Braidwood and the numerous regional towns. So it was a total delight to see your feature, with its beautiful photographs, immaculate production and wonderful stories of so many favourite businesses and attractions. Thank you and your contributors for such a rich portrait of the region. David Whitbread, Canberra
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK:
info@lifestylemagazine.net.au
FOLLOW REGIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE:
Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
12 RLM
62 Byng Street Orange New South Wales 2800 P 02 5317 8200 info@byngstreethotel.com.au
byngstreethotel.com.au RLM 13
SNOWY VALLEYS COU NCI L F E AT U R E WORDS & IMAGES: JAKE LINDSAY
forging ahead from the Mayor of Snowy Valleys It’s no secret that our home, the Snowy Valleys, was devastated by the Black Summer bushfires, and that the experience was a traumatic one. It’s also no secret that our region and our people are courageous and that our fighting spirit is strong. With a population of 14,395, the Snowy Valleys is home to 5895 jobs and 1568 local businesses. The impact of the bushfires in December 2019 and January 2020 was significant and extensive for our community, our environment and the industries core to our economy. We watched as over 40 per cent of our plantation forest was burnt, 25 per cent of our bountiful fruit trees were destroyed and significant attractions including the Selwyn snowfields and the iconic Sugar Pine Walk were lost. Despite these difficult setbacks, our community has rallied and is pushing forward, rebuilding, refocusing and planning for a new future. Our landscapes and our people are seeing renewal and are bouncing back. I come from five generations of farming families. These hills and valleys are close to my heart, and the renewal that we are now seeing post the fires is a heartwarming testament to our fertile farmlands and lush surrounds. Our crystal-clear waterways are still the envy of many, and this is still the spot to possibly catch the biggest trout in Australia!
14 RLM TUMUT
In the past four years, our region has seen the benefits of significant influxes of funding, which has helped to improve the recreational and social resources across all our towns and villages for locals and visitors to enjoy. Our region continues its development as a biking haven, boasting hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails winding through forests and open country, offering everything from simple scenic tracks to challenging downhill runs and technical climbs. This year, Council was also proud to deliver the state’s first government-funded rail trail, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail. It boasts 21 kilometres of sealed trail with gentle gradients and sweeping curves, and is already a fantastic local attraction, drawing visitors from across the country. Our towns and villages also offer great family options for gentle rides and walks, as well as hosting fantastic facilities for improving skills including pump tracks, learner mountain bike tracks and skate parks. For walking and exploring, the Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins and the Adelong Falls Walk are always family favourites, as is Paddy’s River Falls and the amazing Yarrangobilly Caves. Talbingo, the birthplace of Miles Franklin, hosts a brand-new adventure playground and picnic area and is the closest town to the mighty Snowy Scheme’s new Snowy 2.0 project.
Fresh local produce in the Snowy Valleys is second to none. From roadside stalls selling the freshest apples, to pubs and cafes serving hearty meals, cellar doors, breweries and distilleries, our region has so much to offer as a lifestyle destination. It is true that the people of the Snowy Valleys have been through a lot over the past few years. And while we’ve battled drought, bushfires, flood and then a pandemic, our spirit is strong and the Snowy Valleys is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get close to nature. It’s no secret that we live in a most beautiful and grand place, and I invite you to come find us. Cr James Hayes OAM, Mayor of Snowy Valleys Council Image: Fiona D’Alessandro
Tumut T O W N F E AT U R E
a warm welcome
Summer in the Snowy Valleys has its own set of drawcards, not least being pristine waterways, beautiful and challenging bike trails and the much-loved Tumbafest.
Summer is a beautiful time to visit the Snowy Valleys. There is no denying that we have experienced some tough times recently. However, out of this we have seen the emergence of hope and a greater appreciation for what we have here. Summer is a time of family gatherings and visitors arriving from far and wide to find their place to relax. We are surrounded by open spaces that beckon people to take some time to sit back under a shady tree or put on their hiking boots and explore the natural beauty, of which we are so proud. Kosciuszko National Park, home of Australia’s highest mountain, is to the east. This is a popular holiday spot in the summer months, with many returning travellers having a favourite place to set up camp and seek out adventures. It is a perfect time to visit one of our beautiful waterways, perhaps camping at Khancoban or enjoying a refreshing swim in one of our many swimming holes. Our rivers, creeks and dams are perfectly suited for a range of activities. You might like to cool down under the water of Paddy’s River Falls, close to Tumbarumba and accessible by a short walk. Blowering Dam is the perfect spot for fishing and boating, while the Tumut and Swampy Plains rivers are fly-fishing paradise.
The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is high on the list of must-do activities and part of a growing network of cycling tracks and trails in the region. The rail trail is 21km (or a 42km round trip for the more energetic) of sealed trail with gentle gradients and sweeping curves. Walk, run, cycle or stroll the trail. You’ll love every minute. For those who like their trails a little less smooth, the mountain bike tracks of the Snowy Valleys are calling. In Tumbarumba and Tumut, tracks for riders from the beginner through to the more advanced are on offer, with a new MTB Skills Park now open at Talbingo. Keen on cycling events? The Tumut Cycle Classic is held each January, where participants raise money for Tumut Hospital while riding through gorgeous scenery. The Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge is held in March, with riders enjoying challenging climbs and long sweeping descents as they pedal their way from Adelong to Tumbarumba and back. Fresh produce is abundant and features on the menus of cafes, restaurants and pubs through the Snowy Valleys, or you can buy direct from many of our talented producers. Take the time to stop and meet the makers and growers who all have stories to tell.
For those who love their history, Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins is a state-listed heritage industrial site with a remarkable collection of stone ruins, the remains of the Reefer quartz crushing mill, and wonderful lookout and picnic area. Explore the ruins, enjoy Adelong Falls Walk, or pan for gold in Adelong Creek. In summer, Adelong Falls is a popular place for a splash. Summer ends with one of the region’s premier events, Tumbafest, when young and old gather on the banks of the Tumbarumba Creek to sample local wine, cider and beer, wander through the market stalls, and dance joyfully to the bands and musical acts featured on the Main Stage. There is something for everyone in the Snowy Valleys. Come find us. We look forward to sharing it with you. RLM
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wandering through the vineyards at Courabyra Wines (Image: Ollie Khedun); walking the Hume and Hovell Track at Thomas Boyd Trackhead (near Tumut); enjoying Batlow Ciderfest; riding the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail (Image: Matt Beaver Photography).
TUMUT RLM 15
A TOWN FOR ALL SEASONS Sitting pretty in the valley on the edge of the Snowy Mountains is the delightful country town of Tumut.
16 RLM TUMUT
Tumut T O W N F E AT U R E
TUMUT RLM 17
T O W N F E AT U R E Tumut
SHOW OF STRENGTH
The Snowy Valleys Council and community faced the January bushfires, and their aftermath, with courage and commitment. The CEO of Snowy Valleys Council, Matthew Hyde, knows all about working with natural disasters. After the 2020 summer fires ripped through nearly half of the Snowy Valleys region, he is now in the unenviable position of adding bushfires to his list of responses and recovery efforts. “Like many others, we have had the full gamut of weather cycles here in the Snowy Valleys, from drought to fire and flood and then the pandemic. If we can get through this we can survive anything,” he says.
18 RLM TUMUT
The Snowy Valleys Council has 270 staff spread out across the region and nearly 60 per cent were involved in emergency operations at the height of the bushfire crisis. “Everyone rolled up their sleeves, some assisting in the emergency centre, others out in the field supporting the RFS and other agencies,” he says. Many staff were personally impacted by the fire but still came to work. Many worked multiple jobs, assisting their own family and friends while volunteering with food distributions and helping the RFS.
Some staff went home at night where their work was just beginning. Some jobs, like shooting affected livestock, were particularly stressful and took a personal toll. Staff were focused on the job for the community rather than their personal losses and tragedies. “It was only after everything slowed down that we were able to gauge the impact of the fire on our staff and their families,” Matthew says. “I believe that in smaller tight-knit communities, the impact was felt more than in the bigger populated centres in other
Tumut T O W N F E AT U R E
regions, due to the degree of separation and the number of associations.” After the challenge of the fires, Matthew says the team had to turn their attention to recovery efforts and slowly get back to a more business-as-usual routine. “We adapted pretty quickly,” he says. “Our community and our staff, who are part of our community, came together in the aftermath of the fires to support each other and those who had lost so much.” Now, nearly 12 months on, Matthew says the council team is moving forward and
focusing on renewal and resilience while adapting again to the restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 hastened our ability to move to a more electronic means of servicing our customers while still keeping them and their community safe.” He is confident that things can only improve after the challenges of recent times. “We have a very resilient workforce and community. We have survived and we’re coming out of this stronger than ever.” RLM
ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CEO of Snowy Valleys Council Matthew Hyde; members of the Pound Creek Brigade, Ben Lesniak, Kieran Arnold, John O’Donnell, Anthony O’Brien, Peter Kelly, Ross Goldspink and Steven Goldspink. All participants were private citizens providing additional resources to protect Tumbarumba and surrounds (Image: John O’Donnell); Lochinvar Forest Park and picnic area at Laurel Hill (Image: Judy Cussons); during a lull in the firefighting SES members discuss their next move (Image: Gregor Turecek); Batlow Road from above showing the aftermath of the fire on Bago State Forest (Image: Helle Southwell). FACING PAGE: Hard work in hot winds, a firie drags a hose along a firebreak to stop the fire. From The Firefront exhibition (Image: Gregor Turecek).
TUMUT RLM 19
T O W N F E AT U R E Tumut
FIRES in focus The From the Fire Front exhibition was the idea of MaryAnn Marshal from Artists on Parade, and managed by Mick Egan and Peter McDade from the Tumbarumba Camera Club. People impacted by the bushfire and crews from the local earthmoving groups and bushfire brigades, as well as a visiting photographer from Austria, took most of the photos. The exhibition was a runaway success, selling more than half the works in the short time it was open. Proceeds went to local charities. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit and the doors had to close. In March 2021, another exhibition called Twelve Months On will showcase the recovery and changes. “We were evacuated to Wagga Wagga for a few weeks and had the exhibition after that,” Peter says. “It was probably our most popular exhibition ever, running for three weeks until it was cut short by COVID-19.” RLM
20 RLM TUMUT
Tumut T O W N F E AT U R E
TUMUT RLM 21
22 RLM TUMUT
Tumut T O W N F E AT U R E
THE EXHIBITION WAS A RUNAWAY SUCCESS, SELLING MORE THAN HALF THE WORKS IN THE SHORT TIME IT WAS OPEN. PROCEEDS WENT TO LOCAL CHARITIES.
TUMUT RLM 23
T O W N F E AT U R E Tumut
relax and unwind The ultimate getaway is awaiting guests at Nimbo Fork.
The slogan at Nimbo Fork says it all: Stay, Dine, Relax and Explore. By the time I reach the turnoff to the upmarket venue, halfway between Gundagai and Tumut, I am already feeling relaxed. Nimbo Fork is a remarkable, hidden gem set on 40 hectares, with sheep and cattle grazing happily along the river. If you are not into fishing or bushwalking, you can relax in the expansive main building, built in 2006 as a fishing lodge. Two years ago, the business was sold by the original owners to two enterprising couples from Wagga Wagga. According to business manager Gemma Cummins, the lodge is busy all year round. Weekends are especially busy with guests looking to indulge in some time to relax
24 RLM TUMUT
and unwind. Nimbo Fork also caters for corporate events, weddings and special occasions. At full capacity, there is usually no more than 22 guests, who can spend the night in one of the five upstairs suites or choose from one of the six deluxe riverside cottages overlooking Nimbo Creek and the Tumut River, making Nimbo Fork perfect for intimate social or corporate events. The team at Nimbo Fork Lodge provides the best of everything local, with beer brewed at the Tumut River Brewing Co, trout supplied by the Snowy Mountains Trout Farm and wines from the nearby Tumbarumba region. Coffee beans are roasted by Dusty Road Coffee Roasters in Cootamundra. >
FACING PAGE, FROM TOP: Nimbo Fork was originally built as a fishing lodge; the six deluxe riverside cottages are built for comfort; there’s plenty of room to sit and relax before your evening meal. ABOVE: Located on the Tumut River, Nimbo Fork is the perfect country getaway.
Tumut T O W N F E AT U R E
TUMUT RLM 25
T O W N F E AT U R E Tumut
Guests enjoy the local touch but are equally happy with the pristine surroundings. Nimbo Fork is a great stopover for those travelling from Sydney to Melbourne, but it’s even better to stop, unwind and relax for at least two nights. Gemma estimates about 20 per cent of visitors are keen to try their luck fishing during the trout season (October to June long weekends) while others come to experience a little bit of luxury in the bush. The restaurant is open from Wednesday through to Saturday. Unaccustomed as I
IF YOU ARE NOT INTO FISHING OR BUSHWALKING, YOU CAN RELAX IN THE EXPANSIVE MAIN BUILDING, BUILT IN 2006 AS A TRENDY FISHING LODGE. am to fine dining, I managed to (almost) get through a delicious meal fit for royalty. With a lamb rump for an entree and a medium beef fillet steak for my main, there was no room left for dessert. After a great night in one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in, I departed the next morning feeling pampered, energised and reinvigorated. RLM
ABOVE, FROM LEFT: No expense has been spared in furnishing the cottages; guests unwind with a drink in the lounge before dinner.
Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, and breathtaking views, Nimbo Fork Lodge is a flawless combination of natural raw beauty, luxury and tradition that guarantees a truly memorable experience. Nimbo Fork Lodge has six luxury riverside cottages as well as five upstairs suites in the main lodge. In winter months, enjoy fireside drinks in the lounge before dining in our bespoke restaurant where our chef creates seasonal menus from local and sustainable produce. Whilst in the summer, take a stroll along the waters edge before cocktails on the lodge balcony. Restaurant open for dinner Wednesday - Sunday. Lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are required.
330 NIMBO ROAD, KILLIMICAT, NSW 2720 P. 02 6944 9099 M. 0447 131 423 NIMBOFORK.COM.AU
26 RLM TUMUT
SUBSCRIPTIONS • BACK ISSUES • BOXED COLLECTIONS
Come Find Us
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ORDER: WWW.LIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.NET.AU
Orders can also be made by contacting us P: 0429 441 086 E: info@lifestylemagazine.net.au Pictured: The Autumn 2019 edition, featuring the Snowy Valleys.
@snowyvalleys @visitsnowyvalleys
visitsnowyvalleys.com.au
Come Find Us
@snowyvalleys @visitsnowyvalleys
visitsnowyvalleys.com.au
TUMBARUMBA TO ROSEWOOD RAIL TRAIL TUMUT RLM 27