SUMMER
Inverell
Authentic Italian recipes from Griffith
TOWN FEATURE
Anna Brown BATHURST INSPIRATION
MONARO GARDEN Artist’s Delight
Showcasing
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best
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rural
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regional
New
South
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Agri
Commercial Agri
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD Trading as Regional Lifestyle Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 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 2021 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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It starts with yes
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CONTENTS ISSUE 35 SUMMER 2021
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EGARDING HEINRICH Inverell can R thank its lucky stars that big-thinking outdoor adventurer Heinrich Haussler Snr decided to call it home. 44 NO STONE UNTURNED Veteran Inverell sapphire miner Bill Dawson has the proud reputation of being the last man standing. 62 THE LIFE OF BRIAN Now in his mid 80s, Brian “Spike” Baldwin OAM still enjoys the camaraderie only found at the saleyards. 106 MONUMENTAL UNDERTAKING Digby and Jo McNeil were not prepared to let an exquisite and multifaceted piece of Inverell’s history sit and rot.
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SUMMER
Inverell
Authentic Italian recipes from Griffith
TOWN FEATURE
GARDEN
216 A LIVING MASTERPIECE Visiting artist Lucy Culliton’s Monaro garden is a joyful and inspiring experience.
Anna Brown BATHURST INSPIRATION
MONARO GARDEN Artist’s Delight $14.00 inc GST SUMMER 2021 VOLUME 35 >
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
114 L ES TO THE RESCUE With the heart of Phar Lap and boundless energy, Les Parsons OAM has done more than most in helping his beloved community. 150 STANDING TALL Cullen and Charli Adams know exactly how it feels living under a spotlight. They share their uplifting story with RLM.
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e bring to life the stories, the characters W and the community that make Inverell a jewel in the crown of the New England High Country region.
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INVERELL TOWN FEATURE
WEDDINGS
228 T ake a peep at some of the handsome country couples who tied the knot in style.
THE LAST WORD
240 S O THE STORY GOES Garry Newley turned his love of books and vinyls into a business so he could share his passion.
ON THE COVER
Between Inverell and Glen Innes stands the magnificent Kings Plains Castle. Story, Page 22
Image: Girt by Sea Photography
South
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
A time of rest & renewal “Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein
Welcome to summer in our beautiful state of NSW We anticipate the excitement of warmer weather, hopefully celebrating with family and friends and taking some time out to appreciate all we have to be grateful for.
Albury Holbrook Feature
The Spring 2021 edition featuring the Albury Holbrook region was warmly received across the state. We felt particularly proud to be able to use the historic Albury Railway Station image to create an absolutely stunning cover. The sales in Albury and Holbrook have been very strong and we have the usual high demand across the rest of the state and beyond. You will see some feedback from the Mayor of Albury and the Mayor of the Greater Hume Council in our ‘Your Letters’ section.
Inverell Feature
We are thrilled to be able to bring to you a glorious 149-page feature on the Inverell Council area in this Summer 2021 edition. Working with this council has been an absolute pleasure and we are very grateful for the strong association we have had with Inverell Mayor Cr Paul Harmon and Tourism Manager Peter Caddey. We feel quite certain you will be impressed with what this dynamic area has to offer. Businesses embraced the opportunity to collaborate with Regional Lifestyle, and we are thrilled to showcase all the entrepreneurs whose stories you will read in our feature pages.
Upcoming Autumn 2022 Feature
We have some exciting news to share with you! Regional Lifestyle will be partnering with the Tamworth Regional Council to create a 120-page feature for the Autumn 2022 edition. As Tamworth Council covers a diverse area including towns and villages such as Barraba, Manilla, Attunga, Nundle, Dungowan, Duri, Limbri, Niangala, Kootingal, Ogunbil, Somerton and Moonbi, we are planning to continue the feature on into the Winter 2022 edition. So, you can expect an amazing array of stories, ideas for planned travel expeditions and a celebration of what this exceptional area has on offer.
The iconic Kings Plains Castle is filled with history. Image: Girt by Sea Photography
Happy holidays
May the Christmas break and the summer holidays be a time of rest and renewal as we face a new year and a new beginning. Thank you for your continued support over the past years. We do appreciate your encouragement and feedback as we travel on through what has been the journey of a lifetime. Be kind to each other.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle
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Claire Foxton’s luminous portrait mural in Evans Street, Inverell, featuring Aunty Elizabeth Connors. Image: Heinrich Haussler
S U M M E R Jake’s message
an absolute gem OF A TOWN
Greetings, loyal Lifestyle connoisseurs. How are you all holding up in these exasperating times? Can you believe it’s the end of another year and we’re still standing? Congratulations for hanging in there. May you all enjoy a happy, healthy and hearty Christmas before tackling the new year with renewed hope and optimism. For some it’s been a record-breaking season, particularly for stud cattle breeders, who are having a win after some very tough years. For the rest of us, it’s been a time of great uncertainty, peppered with moments of sadness and utter disbelief. Without getting too philosophical about things, let’s just say there’s never been a better time to chill out with the two things that will never leave you high and dry: a drop of your finest, washed down with the latest copy of your favourite regional magazine! In this edition, we delve into the sons and daughters of Inverell, an absolute gem of a town located between Moree and Glen Innes, with stunning historic buildings, a warm, friendly atmosphere and exceptional shopping, dining and recreational activities. My time in the Sapphire City was always going to be good with fine digs at the Terrace Motel and a very special five-star experience at the renowned “Blair Athol” mansion. One of the highlights of my trip was spending a fabulous evening exploring the iconic Kings Plains Castle, where good old-fashioned service is still the name of the game.
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When you are visiting a new town and your trusty set of wheels suddenly lets you down, it’s good to have connections! Fortunately, Gaukrogers was my next appointment, just around the corner. They’ve been looking after hapless motorists like me since cars first hit the road. Next on my agenda was a meeting with Amanda and Wally from Rex Daley Realty, who offered me their old farm jalopy for a few days while the Jeep went under the knife. Seriously, who lends a car to a complete and utter stranger? With my belief in mankind soaring, the best was yet to come. While the Inverell Pioneer Village, Wing Hing Long Museum in Tingha, art gallery and motor museum are all outstanding, Inverell’s greatest treasure lies within the 17,000 or so citizens who proudly call the place home. Few country towns can boast such a cluster of fair dinkum, home-grown Aussies like Malcolm the Mower-Man, legendary auctioneer and race caller Brian “Spike” Baldwin, Harleyriding grain trader David Stewart, community stalwart Les Parsons OAM and the last of the sapphire miners, Bill Dawson. To make it really interesting, we caught up with high-achieving twins, a Japaneseborn architect and her amazing family, a renovating couple who featured on the ABC, a modern-day Mother Teresa, a delightful and inspiring couple from the LP (Little People) community and the CEO of Herefords Australia.
Throw in an opera singer, a famous international cyclist, a pack of hardrunning Highlanders and a renowned singer songwriter who diced with death and you are getting the picture. A special shout out to my old photography colleague Heinrich Haussler, a free-thinking adventurer who started with a dream and is now one of the town’s most ardent ambassadors. I thank everybody for their heartfelt honesty in sharing their yarns, often for the first time. It’s not easy baring your soul but if it can help or inspire others, then it has to be worth it, right? I’ll leave you with an interesting snippet. When I was young, I was poor, but after years of hard work, I am no longer young! Then there’s this little purler: there will always be a “lie” in believe, an “over” in lover, an “end” in friend, an “us” in trust and an “if” in life. So create your own happiness, love those close to you and saddle up for the ride of your life in 2022. Hopefully we are through the worst of it and can look forward to the “Roaring Twenties”, just like our forebears 100 years ago. Till the next time I’m pointing a camera in your face, keep smiling!
Jake
ABOVE: The “Welcome to Inverell” sign greets visitors on the edge of town; Inverell and district boasts a rich and productive agricultural history.
It starts with yes
SUMMER 2021 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
JAKE LINDSAY
Chief Writer & Photographer
ZORA REGULIC Art Director
GINA CRANSON
JENNIFER HARDEN Writer, Photographer, Social Media
KATE BOSHAMMER
Website Developer, Advertising Designer, Writer
MELISSA DUNKERLEY Advertising Designer
Advertising Designer
JANE SANDERSON
ZENIO LAPKA
ANNA CONN
ELIZABETH SWANE
ROBERT I BRUCE
LORRAINE HILLS
ELIZABETH GRANT
LEIGH STEWART
HEATHER CROSBY
LUCY TAYLOR
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
Wedding Writer
Photographer
Country Cuisine Writer
NATALIE SALLOUM Photographer
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ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
Writer
Writer
Photographer
ELISABETH EDWARDS Writer
SALLY MARCEAU
Garden Writer
JOHN CURLEY RLM Accountant
Photographer
Writer
Writer
JO MCKINNON Writer
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S U M M E R feedback
your letters Your latest Albury Spring edition for 2021 was, for many, the emotional uplift they needed in these dark times of the pandemic. Whilst I could be considered biased when it comes to our beautiful region, your magazine showcased the Albury Murray region like no other publication. The stories from our local people and the humanisation of our regional story was quite liberating. The photography was breathtaking and the palette of colours sparkled across the stories featured. I especially loved the iconic shots of our historic Railway Station, the vastness of the Hume Weir sitting at the head of the meandering Murray River, coupled with our historic gardens and glitzy shopping and hospitality offerings. The power of the publication with its mixture of stimulating and informative storytelling cannot be understated as our region springs to life on every page. I especially loved the feature on Holbrook with its people, vibrant history and colourful streetscape. The magazine is a credit to all who assist in making it happen and I again thank you for allowing Albury City to be part of such a high-quality coffee table publication. Cr Kevin Mack, Albury City Mayor
Congratulations, Elizabeth and Alex, and your fabulous team on the outstanding production of the Spring 2021 edition of Regional Lifestyle, which has perfectly captured the rural qualities and lifestyle opportunities of the town of Holbrook and the Greater Hume Shire. Greater Hume is crowded with a huge and diverse range of businesses, history and areas of interest to many locals and visitors alike. Our region is a lush, rurally productive and very picturesque part of southern NSW, and our residents are all very proud and feel fortunate to live, work and play in this superb region. All of those qualities of our shire were glowingly and beautifully showcased by your photographer and writers alike. I thank you all on behalf of the businesses and individuals whose stories were featured. Cr Heather Wilton, Mayor, Greater Hume Council
The cover photo of Regional Lifestyle Magazine for the Albury town feature caught my eye on the internet, evoked much nostalgia and prompted me to buy a gift subscription. I’m very impressed. As an Albury boy during my childhood, I was fascinated by the stories of Albury past and present. Eagerly looking to find landmarks or people I might identify in the various stories, I was delighted to read about my school friend Byron Gray! Your positive stories of inspirational people making NSW a better place lifted my spirits, and the quality of presentation is exemplary. Thank you, you made my day! PS my wife was very impressed with the gift subscription. Tony Hindmarsh, Kiama
What a beautiful magazine Regional Lifestyle is, and how lucky we were to be invited to be involved in the Albury edition. From the very start, meeting Elizabeth and working with the talented Jen Harden, who took amazing photographs, was exciting and a lot of fun. Showcasing Rose Cottage and sharing our property in this way made us very proud. The feedback has been incredible, and we certainly will make this our premium advertising medium. The locals have even discovered businesses that they weren’t aware of. A really good read! Thank you, Elizabeth, for this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to working together into the future. Susan Hines, Albury
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T O W N F E AT U R E Inverell
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Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
INVERELL TOWN FE ATUR E WORDS & IMAGES: JAKE LINDSAY
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INVERELL COU NCI L F E AT U R E
sparkling assets from the Mayor of Inverell
Inverell has a stack of drawcards, not least of which is its very warm welcome. I am asked on a regular basis why Inverell is such a wonderful place to live and to visit. The only difficulty in answering that question is where to begin. Inverell is renowned as the Sapphire City and is truly a gem in the crown of the New England Region. Our community is generous and welcoming, and the local business houses provide outstanding and friendly customer service. Inverell is the perfect destination and, to coin a phrase, it has something for everyone. From visiting our diverse range of attractions, to searching for a beautiful Inverell sapphire, you will enjoy a visit to our district from beginning to end.
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On arriving in Inverell, the first port of call should be our wonderful tourism complex in Campbell Street, arguably one of the best in Australia. Here, the friendly staff will provide you with all the information you need and answer any questions you may have. There really is no better way to discover the ins and outs of a place than to speak to local people who are passionate about their community. When you take a wander or a drive through our main streets, you will notice the beautiful heritage facades on most of our buildings and the array of boutique stores housed within, which Inverell has become well known for. You will have an enjoyable day availing yourself of the excellent treats and delicious coffee on offer at our many cafes, strolling through the art galleries and relaxing with some retail therapy. Inverell’s CBD is unique and inviting. A morning’s shopping will bring you back time and time again. The girls (and guys) can pamper themselves at spots like the Day Spa at Blair Athol. This magnificent turn-of-the-century homestead has always been popular with visitors and now the grounds house a spectacular day spa reminiscent of the Roman Baths from days of old. My wife Anna and I have been several times since it opened and I can tell you from personal experience that the mineral pool does wonders. It is the perfect location to unwind, offering wellness options to help you relax and rejuvenate. Not only do we have excellent eateries and fantastic shopping, but we have a multitude of attractions and events for the
whole family. If you love history, then the National Transport Museum and Pioneer Village are a must see. Copeton Dam is a fishers’ paradise, being only one of two inland waterways in NSW where there is no closed season on Murray Cod. The size of some of the fish is incredible. There are still plenty of Inverell sapphires to be found at the various fossicking locations, and the local jewellery stores stock beautiful specimens. Our waterways, National Parks and wilderness areas all have spectacular scenery. You will find that no matter what you choose to do, you will be made to feel welcome wherever you go. Inverell is a vibrant community with a proactive council that continues to develop strategies to support and enhance all facets of the shire. You will find that a day visit is not enough. Inverell Mayor, Councillor Paul Harmon
Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
time to shine
Inverell Shire Council is proud to partner with Regional Lifestyle Magazine to bring to life the stories, the characters and the community that make Inverell a jewel in the crown of the New England High Country region.
Inverell is a vibrant regional centre for the many towns and villages it services. Whether they be commercial or industrial, the businesses all thrive not just from local custom, but from customers who travel substantial distances to shop here. Situated in the beautiful MacIntyre Valley, Inverell Shire encompasses an area of more than 8000 square kilometres and stretches right up to the Queensland border. Inverell is one of the few communities that can boast continual population growth over the past four censuses. Inverell is proud of its history and heritage. The CBD features turn of the century facades on most shop fronts and numerous memorials scattered throughout the shire. Inverell was given the epithet the Sapphire City after the sapphire boom of the 1960s and 1970s meant the area supplied 70 per cent of the world’s sapphire market. There are several fossicking sites in the town where you can try your luck. If sapphires don’t excite you, there are many other gems and minerals on offer as well. Inverell is home to Lake Copeton or, as it is otherwise known, Copeton Dam. The dam is one of the largest inland dams in NSW with a capacity of 1,364,000 megalitres, three times that of Sydney Harbour. It is one of two inland waterways in NSW where there is no closed season on Murray Cod, and there are some monsters for you to catch. Council has recently completed a two-year, $5.7 million upgrade to the Northern Foreshores of Copeton Dam with support from the NSW Government. The upgrade included the installation of
the longest recreational boat ramp in the southern hemisphere, allowing recreational fishers and boating enthusiasts access to the water, even in the most severe drought conditions. The upgrades will cement the Northern Foreshores as a must-visit destination in the region. The district offers many adventures and attractions, both indoor and in the wide-open spaces. Four distinct seasons can be experienced, so depending on what you enjoy, we have the weather to suit. The Sapphire City Festival has been held every October for more than 60 years. A full 10-day program offers something for all members of the family, and details can be obtained from our friendly team at the Inverell Visitor Information Centre in Campbell Street. Famous Australian painter Tom Roberts spent quite a bit of time in the district, staying with the Anderson family at the historic Newstead Station. The Inverell Shire is a spectacular holiday destination and just as impressive if you are looking for a more permanent tree change. Inverell is a welcoming community with affordable real estate and excellent services. Enjoy real country hospitality as we welcome you to Inverell Shire. RLM Images: Lawrence Furzey
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Macintyre Falls at Kwiambal National Park; Northern Foreshores, Copeton Dam; National Transport Museum. FACING PAGE: The Inverell Town Hall was opened in 1905.
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PROUD AND STRONG
Inverell represents a thriving and supportive community built on solid foundations.
T O W N F E AT U R E Inverell
days gone by INVERELL
Photographs courtesy of Inverell District Family History Group.
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Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
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fit for a king Between Inverell and Glen Innes stands a magnificent castle, and you don’t have to be royalty to appreciate its splendour.
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Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
It’s easy to miss the turn-off to one of the few authentic castles in Australia. On a lonely bush road between Inverell and Glen Innes, you need a keen eye to spot the nondescript mailbox. After a few kilometres of driving through heavily timbered country, the first sight of Kings Plains Castle is breathtaking. The 110-year-old castle is a fine example of baronial architecture, with 28 rooms spread over three levels, complete with towers and battlements. The walls are partially covered with Boston ivy, which softens the outline and turns into a brilliant red during the New England autumn.
Walking into the drawing, smoking and billiard rooms is like stepping back in time. After its completion in 1910, the castle boasted 12 bedrooms, including two maids rooms. To combat the cool winter evenings, 14 fireplaces were installed. Four are still in operation. The castle is steeped in history. In the early 1800s, tens of thousands of land-hungry Scotsmen sailed to the colonies to escape civil unrest and the devastating potato famine. Among them was John Vivers, who in 1832 found himself camping at Waterloo Station for the night. He and his party of men enjoyed the high, cold country that reminded them of home. Joseph King rode on ahead to inspect further land, later returning with uplifting news. He’d discovered a magnificent plain and called it “Kings Plains”, after himself. John and his brother William Vivers settled on over 60,000 acres of promising pastoral land. William stayed on to oversee the extensive property and establish one of the New England’s founding pastoral families. By 1850, it was estimated almost a quarter of the colony’s population originated from Scotland. A census from the same year lists “Kings Plains” as being occupied by five free males, one free female, six male convicts, 57 horses, 1300 cattle and 12,500 sheep. Seven years later, William met his untimely death at the hands of a wool press. He had no wife or children, and the property passed to his nephews William and Thomas Vivers. William II seems to have made up for his uncle, fathering 13 children, including George, the fifth son who eventually took over the reins with brother Alfred in 1896. >
ABOVE: Kings Plains Castle is one of the most ambitious, unusual, distinctive and stately homesteads in the country.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Inverell
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Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
THE MAMMOTH BUILD TOOK TWO YEARS AND COST ABOUT £6000, A CONSIDERABLE SUM FOR THOSE TIMES AND IN TODAY’S TERMS, ABOUT $12 MILLION. After some years of consolidation, Alfred died early and the property became George’s. He was educated in Inverell, and studied Medicine at Sydney University, rowing in the university eights. Many regarded him one of the best strokes of all time. After graduation, the eccentric young medico travelled extensively throughout Europe and Siberia, and twice to Japan as ship’s surgeon. In 1909, George gave the green light to commence building the Kings Plains Castle, designed by noted Sydney architect Herbert Ross, who also designed the homesteads at “Blair Athol” (see separate story) and neighbouring Waterloo Station. The mammoth build took two years and cost about £6000, a considerable sum for those times and in today’s terms, about $12 million. The granite foundations were sourced from the property while the bricks were fired on site from local clay. Some say George built the castle to make his first wife, from Sydney, feel more “at home” in the country, while others say he was aiming to leave a lasting legacy. Either way, they later divorced. George married again but never produced an heir. By then, a small township had sprung up around the settlement. The station was practically self sufficient with its own store, blacksmith’s shop, polocrosse field, cemetery, tennis court and cricket pitch. There was even a racecourse. Known as a colourful and popular figure, George was a devout follower of the sport of kings. One of his finest horses won the 1937 Sydney Cup. The Glen Innes Racing Club once held a race specifically for horses belonging to the good doctor. George was consumed by the racing game, and “Kings Plains” was capably managed by his younger brother Allan, before being passed on to his nephew Jack, following George’s death in 1948.
By then, government officials had notified the family the station was to be carved up for soldier settlement blocks. Twenty-three exservicemen from 995 applications secured blocks ranging in size from 530 acres to 1830 acres. Until its sale in 2003, the land had been in the Vivers family for nearly 170 years. The homestead portion of “Kings Plains”, including the castle and 3000 acres, was purchased by the late Don Hollingworth and wife Colleen. Today their sons Nick and Will manage the farm, while Don’s brother, Scott, manages the B&B. Another brother, Tim “Butch” Hollingworth, runs a Deepwater farm, about an hour away, and a sister lives on the Sunshine Coast. They were all raised on “Warrandah”, one of the original soldier settlers blocks won by their father, Bruce, in a lottery 70 years ago. Of the successful applicants, only a few had any practical farming experience. One of them was Bruce, who had been raised on a farm near Boggabri. After spending four years overseas with the Australian Light Horse, in a transport division, it had been a long time since he had ploughed a field but he clearly knew what he was doing. From that little block of 570 acres, Bruce and Merle raised their family, sending each of their children to boarding school in Sydney. >
FACING PAGE: The ornate staircase leading into the turret; the castle in spring; the 12 bedrooms and six bathrooms are all beautifully furnished; the grand old building looks resplendent in autumn. ABOVE: Colleen Hollingworth and brother-in-law Scott Hollingworth relax in front of the fire.
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A NEW ERA
Unlike his brothers, who were born farmers, Scott Hollingworth studied Ag Economics in Armidale before working with the CBA and later moving into merchant banking. He has two children in Sydney, where he keeps an apartment. “My parents were good friends with Bill and Judy Vivers,” he tells RLM over sundowners in front of the fire. “As a family, we’d visit the castle once or twice a year, usually for dinner. We never imagined for a moment that we would one day became custodians.” For a while, nobody was sure what to do with the castle. Don was more interested in the land, and the castle was simply part of the deal. The castle had always been lived in by the Vivers family but the Hollingworths had different ideas. Their choice was to run it as a B&B or board it up and basically forget about it. After long discussions, the family felt compelled to keep George Vivers’s dream alive. Colleen tried out managers but finding somebody with the right fit was difficult. The family didn’t know
which way to turn until Scott, still living in Sydney and now single, decided to join the hospitality industry in 2019. With no prior experience, he’s perfected the art of bed making and cleaning bathrooms but admits it hasn’t been an easy transition. He lives on the ground floor and is responsible for maintaining 11 magnificently appointed bedrooms. He handles the laundry service and makes the 30-minute drive into Inverell or Glen Innes twice a week for supplies. In winter, Scott closes the doors for two months and returns to the “Big Smoke”. “In the last few years, about 80 per cent of our guests are retired and just want peace and quiet, the majority coming in groups that book out the entire place,” he says. Three-quarters of bookings are for two or three nights, which includes a guided tour throughout the castle, historic woolshed and the Vivers family cemetery. When the castle was purchased two decades ago, the Hollingworths had to start from scratch. Furnishing two floors with period furniture was a colossal job, made easier by bulk buying trips to Brisbane and Sydney. For many years, Colleen ran a licensed restaurant with evening meals for guests. These days guests cook their own meals in the commercial-sized kitchen but Scott still oversees breakfast. Maintaining a castle requires deep pockets and plenty of commitment. Scott is unsure how long he will run his family’s unique B&B but admits the opportunity to be king of his own castle happens but once in a lifetime. RLM Additional images: Girt by Sea Photography
ABOVE LEFT: The family run a large herd of Angus cattle but a handful of Texas Longhorns remain firm favourites with guests.
KINGS PLAINS CASTLE BED
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BREAKFAST
Unique accommodation experience located midway between Inverell & Glen Innes We invite you to step back in time and experience this piece of Australian pastoral history.
Ph. 0455 849 099 Kings Plains Road, Glen Innes, NSW 2370
KINGSPLAINSCASTLE.COM.AU
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Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
showcasing Inverell’s The Sapphire City Festival comes alive each spring when the glorious New England weather is at its best.
The Sapphire City Festival, currently sponsored by Brighter Access, has been held like clockwork each October for more than 60 years and is a highlight on the social calendar for Inverell and district. Held over a 10-day period, the festival is believed to have been born out of the Harvest Festival and later the Floral Festival due to the magnificent gardens and the show of colour in the perfect spring conditions. In recent times, the festival has simply become known as the Sapphire City Festival. Each year, a dedicated team of volunteers plans a fantastic program that encapsulates a diverse range of events and activities to ensure the festival is inclusive for every member of the community to enjoy. Holy Trinity Race Day (Caulfield Cup Day) is traditionally the first full day of activity in the program of events. This family fun day includes a great race program, children’s activities, fashion parades, fashions on the field and the drawing of the Holy Trinity Art Union. An exceptional Gem and Craft Show and fossicking tours are a major part of the program. What makes this festival unique is the incredible number of groups, organisations and service clubs that come together to deliver individual events for the benefit of the community.
finest
THE FESTIVAL PARADE IS A SEA OF COLOUR.
The biggest day of the festival is undoubtedly Finale Day. The fresh early morning air and the tranquil setting by the river in Campbell Park is the ideal location for the day’s festivities to commence with the Poets Breakfast. A hearty traditional Aussie breakfast, cooked to perfection, combined with Aussie bush poetry and verse makes for a great way to start the day. The Festival Parade is a sea of colour with imaginative and quirky floats meandering their way to the park for the crescendo of the program. With live entertainment, plenty of food, carnival rides, the Crowning Ceremony and
spectacular fireworks display off the Town Bridge, the evening delivers something special for the family. The Sapphire City Festival is a celebration by the community for the community and is the perfect time to come and enjoy all Inverell and surrounds has to offer. RLM
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Inverell Pipe Band leads the parade; reigning Festival Queen Jemima McLachlan and Festival Ambassador Maysey Stewart; Paw Patrol entertains the crowd; Festival Princess entrant Felicity Barton; the parade is a lively stream of colour.
INVERELL RLM 27