TA MW O F Au ver EA OR t u m tw T U T H n & o ed R E W i i ti o n nte s! r2 0 22
AUTUMN
Tamworth FEATURE Nundle • Manilla Barraba and villages
ANZAC DAY TRIBUTE
Garden splendour at ‘Hazeldean’, Cooma
Showcasing
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best
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regional
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South
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SERVICE • INFORMATION • MARKETING facebook.com/jemalongwool
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD Trading as Regional Lifestyle Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418
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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 2022 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 36 AUTUMN 2022
169 M UTUAL ADMIRATION Dubbo identities John and Jacqui Tooth love their home town as much as it loves them. 174 ANZAC TRIBUTE Private Hubert Henry Smith’s descendants and the people of Barmedman turned out on Anzac Day 2021 to honour their fallen sons. 180 IN THE NAME OF LOVE The story of Therese Newman and her family is one of love and resilience in the face of overwhelming, heartbreaking adversity. 188 FOLLOWING HER HEART Talented Temora artist Jo Breneger is a believer in following her intuition, which takes her on some fascinating creative journeys.
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FEATURE Nundle • Manilla Barraba and villages
ANZAC DAY TRIBUTE
GARDEN
220 H ORTICULTURAL HEIRLOOM The expansive gardens at Hazeldean were styled on an English parkland.
Garden splendour at ‘Hazeldean’, Cooma $14.00 inc GST AUTUMN 2022 VOLUME 36 >
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
AUTUMN
Tamworth
WEDDINGS
230 D IVINE COUPLES We take a peek at some of the past year’s truly gorgeous country nuptials.
THE LAST WORD
240 G REEN MACHINE The Rotary Club of Tamworth First Light is the driving force behind a project to create a greener city.
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I n the first of two bumper features on the Tamworth Regional Council area, we take a look at why the Country Music Capital is so appealing to residents and visitors.
TA M Au O ver FEAWOR tum tw TU TH n & o ed R E Winition ter s! 202 2
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204 T HE FINER THINGS There’s something special about a trip to Country Traders Home & Life at Narromine. 216 GUARANTEED TO PLEASE Lorraine Hills shares some long-time family favourites that never fail to delight at the dinner table.
Showcasing
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TAMWORTH TOWN FEATURE
ON THE COVER
The heritage-listed Tamworth Post Office, built in 1886 by W C Cains and designed by the Colonial Architect’s Office under James Barnet. Image: Destination NSW
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
a new beginning “Sometimes we can only find our true direction when we let the wind of change carry us.” – Mimi Novic
Welcome to 2022, a new year and new beginning,
hopefully heralding some wonderful experiences for all of us. Autumn is such a beautiful season with its stunning and vibrant colours changing the face of the landscape in a most captivating way.
Inverell Feature
We could not have been prepared for the way this Summer 2021 Feature was embraced by the Inverell community. In the first two weeks after release, 1000 copies were sold in the sole Inverell Newsagency! We have had some very high sales in the past, but Inverell has broken all previous records. A big congratulations to Inverell Newsagency owner Anthony Michael and his team for facilitating such outstanding sales.
Autumn 2022 Feature
Even though COVID lockdowns delayed our team getting into the Tamworth Regional Council area, we were fortunately able to work strategically and catch up for lost time. We hope you enjoy the first of two magnificent features on this stunning area, where there is so much to see and do and so many great business owners working hard to create a unique experience for you. In the Winter 2022 edition, we will revisit the Tamworth Regional Council area, giving you an opportunity to learn even more about this iconic region. At this point, we must congratulate the incoming Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Cr Russell Webb on his exciting new role, while acknowledging the tremendous contribution of retiring Mayor Cr Col Murray, who dedicated 17 years to council service with 12 years as mayor.
Country Music Festival
ABOVE: Brian and Helen Baldwin discussing the record-breaking magazine sales with Inverell Newsagency owner Anthony Michael. LEFT: The Tamworth Waler Memorial was unveiled in Tamworth Bicentennial Park in 2005 to keep alive the memory of our Australian troopers and their devoted horses. Between 1861 and 1931, nearly half a million horses were exported to the Indian army, the Boer War and Egypt with the Australian Light Horse as remounts. Of all these horses, only one returned. With Anzac Day around the corner, lest we forget.
Like many others, we were disappointed to hear of the postponement of the Country Music Festival until April 18-24, 2022. However, under the circumstances it was a very wise decision. We are looking forward to celebrating in April (18-24) and making the 50th festival one to remember for all the right reasons!
River and Wren Market
With so much uncertainty last year and many key events unable to be held, it was very special to be able to attend the River and Wren Market in Wagga Wagga on December 12. There was a huge crowd in attendance, and we enjoyed having a Regional Lifestyle stand alongside many other quality products “handmade, homemade or homegrown”. Market founder and organiser Jennie Meiklejohn did a fabulous job. A big thanks to Jennie and her team for the massive efforts made for the benefit of many.
Collector’s Edition Volume 2
We released this special edition in October 2021 with the support of eight visionary councils across the state. The sales are already strong, and you will find this beautiful publication in your local newsagency or selected stockist. If you would like to order one, contact Elizabeth at editor@lifestylemagazine.net.au or phone 0429 441 086.
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Future features
We are hoping to travel further into the New England with planned features for Armidale and Guyra, Walcha and Uralla as well as Glen Innes and Tenterfield. We are excited about what is to come! All the best for a wonderful 2022, doing things you love and staying close to those who love you.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle
62 Byng Street Orange New South Wales 2800 P 02 5317 8200 info@byngstreethotel.com.au
byngstreethotel.com.au
A U T U M N Jake’s message
there’s no place like home G’day trendsetters. How are all you battle-weary troopers faring in these strange and uncharted territories? Everything else aside, you must be feeling mildly ecstatic, having our 36th edition in your hot little hands! In fact, we had such an overwhelming response to RLM that we are producing not one but two magazines on Australia’s Country Music Capital. With so many characters crawling out of the woodwork in the many surrounding towns and villages, it was impossible to cram it all into one! After nearly 10 years of delivering you riveting yarns from throughout regional NSW, it is with great joy I finally get to report on my former hometown. I moved to Tamworth in the early 1990s with a crazy dream to establish a studio and pursue a career behind my camera – a dream I kept alive for 25 years. There were many ups and downs during that time, but the highlight of the year was always the festival, when our great city was invaded by tens of thousands of funloving visitors. It meant catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, usually while holding up the bar. About halfway through my tenure, I traded in my cherished antiques for an old PA system that opened an exciting new world of live music. For a decade the Crabpot became an undercover destination for musos from all over the country who liked to unwind after their late-night gigs. The festival was the biggest in the country and diehard fans flocked there for an unforgettable experience. With the congregation of so many talented people in town, I’m reminded of a little saying: “Steal a man’s wallet and he will be poor for a week. Teach him music and how to buy instruments and he will be poor his entire life!” Whether rich or poor, everyone arrives in town sporting their own unique headwear, which I soon discovered provided me with a licence to shoot at will. Two books came out of that arrangement! I was humbled to have great acts climb the stairs into my sacred haven, sharing their music and friendship. With all the
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rules and regulations these days, I’d be lucky to get away with it, but it forever cemented my belief that the festival is geared towards the fans. Without them, there’s no show. COVID put the skids on the last two festivals but the good news is that the 50th anniversary is now set down for April. In this bumper edition you will enjoy reading about Tamworth’s longest serving mayor, an entrepreneurial stock and station agent who’s taking the bull by the horns, along with several home-grown musicians who have dedicated their lives to bringing enjoyment to others. We also visit a centenarian in Barraba and a Tamworth car dynasty of a similar vintage. We found an enterprising school student who’s quietly making inroads in the stud stock business; a former Wallaby who’s swapped his footy boots for life on the land; four generations of dairy farmers tirelessly working together to bring you fresh milk; a delightful 93-year-old prime lamb producer and a country pub won in a game of cards. One of the many highlights was a private show put on by a First Nations dance group. It was always going to be an emotional reunion, returning after five years to the place
where I spent most of my life. Even in those short years, Tamworth has changed –and grown exponentially. Today it’s home to more than 60,000 citizens who love the mountains, the country vibe, the freedom and the chance to get somewhere in minutes rather than hours. Sit back and relax – your favourite magazine is in good hands! You are not alone. There are plenty of others, just like you, putting their best foot forward every day. Be inspired, be happy and never take things (or life) for granted. Learn to appreciate life every day and remember our short time here is like a camera. Focus on what’s important and capture the good times. Develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out, simply take another shot! Keep it country, folks!
Jake Lindsay
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Tamworth from the lookout; Dog & Boots is an old shot that reminds me of my days in the Country Music Capital; talking with flamboyant entertainers Lawrie and Shelley Minson at the Oasis Hotel; my pilot for the day, Daniel McCulloch, loves the freedom of flying; my dream cottage a few miles out of town.
It starts with yes
AUTUMN 2022 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
ALEX TICKLE
JAKE LINDSAY
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
Chief Writer & Photographer
JENNIFER HARDEN
GINA CRANSON
Art Director
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
SALLY MARCEAU
ANNA CONN
Writer, Photographer, Social Media
KATE BOSHAMMER
Website Developer, Advertising Designer, Writer
MELISSA DUNKERLEY Advertising Designer
Advertising Designer
JANE SANDERSON
ZENIO LAPKA
ELIZABETH SWANE
ROBERT I BRUCE Photographer
Country Cuisine Writer
ELIZABETH GRANT
CATHERINE PLAYER
HEATHER CROSBY
RUTH COTTON
EMILY HERBERT
NATALIE SALLOUM
JOHN CURLEY
RACHEL DEANE
ANNA ROSE
LIZ TICKNER
Wedding Writer
Writer
Photographer
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ZORA REGULIC
Photographer
Writer
RLM Accountant
Garden Writer
Writer
Finishing Image Photography
Writer
Writer
Writer
LORRAINE HILLS
Writer
Writer
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A U T U M N feedback
your letters The Summer 2021 edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine is a fantastic showcase of Inverell and the surrounding district. We were very excited to partner with Regional Lifestyle Magazine to highlight the incredible community we live in. The magazine is extremely high quality and has been so popular with readers that is has broken all the previous sales records. The Summer 2021 edition has been sent all over the country to past residents and will serve as a call to action to increase tourism and attract people wishing to relocate. We know what an exceptional place the Inverell Shire is, and the magazine is the perfect tool to help us spread the word far and wide. They say a picture tells a thousand words and the images truly encompass the essence of the area and its people. The stories contained in the feature are all well thought out, well written and introduce even the locals to people and places they weren’t aware of. The community has embraced this feature and I can very confidently state that the publication will have a special place in Inverell homes for a long time to come. I would have no hesitation in partnering with Regional Lifestyle Magazine in the future. Cr Paul Harmon, Inverell Shire Council Mayor
Congratulations and thank you, Elizabeth, Alex and your amazing team, on the incredible feature you delivered for Inverell Shire. The magazine is exceptional quality and has certainly captured the essence and character that makes Inverell the community it is. We have enjoyed a tremendous amount of positive feedback on the feature. Inverell Shire is a bustling regional centre offering an amazing experience for visitors and providing the perfect place to settle for a tree change. No matter where you go in this great country, when you speak to people they only have good things to say about the district. Your magazine showcases all that Inverell has to offer and is certain to entice people to visit, or even relocate, to the beautiful Inverell Shire. It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to working with you again in the future. Peter Caddey, Manager Tourism and Marketing, Inverell Shire Council
I was involved with the Inverell Feature proposal from the start because of my connection with council as Deputy Mayor. After seeing the quality of the publication, I became more convinced that it would be a good investment for council. Having a discussion with Elizabeth and Alex regarding magazine stocks, I didn’t think we could sell 500 copies but went with their judgement. We have never had a magazine that has sold over 200 copies in Inverell. When the magazine was launched in November, sales just went crazy, with customers buying four, six, eight copies in one transaction. Fourteen copies was the highest in one sale. We sold 184 the first day, 500 the first week and 1000 across the first two weeks, selling out twice. Alex had to drive 400 copies overnight from Dubbo, just to keep supply up to demand. Then we shipped in another 700 copies direct from the Sydney printer, Pegasus Print Group. By December 31, we had sold 1349 copies and are still selling. What the customers like about the magazine is the quality of the paper, photography, and the overall size of this great publication. The businesses that advertised in the magazine and stories about some of our locals was a big attraction. We would recommend this promotion for any town. Anthony Michael, Inverell Newsagency
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T O W N F E AT U R E Tamworth
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Tamworth T O W N F E AT U R E
TAMWORTH TOWN FE ATUR E WORDS & IMAGES: JAKE LINDSAY
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TAMWORTH COU NCI L F E AT U R E
A happening place from the Mayor of Tamworth Tamworth has all the elements of a thriving, modern, regional city but with a grounded and welcoming country spirit at its heart. Our region has so much to offer as a place to call home, a place to visit or a place for business enterprise. We have stunning natural vistas, year-round events, experiences for all ages, eateries showcasing quality local produce, a diverse retail offering, award-winning playgrounds, galleries, museums, quality education choices, walking and biking tracks, and a range of health services with highly skilled health professionals. Midway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, it’s no wonder the Tamworth region attracts year-round visitors, new residents and business investment. We have a steadily growing population and a strong local economy, which is trending upward. Our community is proud of its history as home of the Kamilaroi people for thousands of years, and we have our eyes firmly set on the future. We are moving forward by prioritising those projects which will deliver an economically strong and sustainable community. This is a key strategy of Blueprint 100, our guide for action to take our region towards a prosperous and resilient future. Construction of a multi-stage enterprise park and logistics hub is well under way on the western fringe of Tamworth. The councilowned site encompasses the reactivation of the West Tamworth Rail Line and construction of a new intermodal freight facility to take products from our region direct to Port Botany. Funded by the NSW Government, the Australian Government and council, it will be the home of new business opportunities and create new jobs for the next 20 or more years. Our region is a great place to be at any time of the year, but if you need a specific reason, we have a diverse range of events. As the Australian Country Music Capital, we have the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival celebrating its 50th anniversary in April 2022 (after being rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). We also have outdoor and sporting events, cultural and community events, a motorcycle rally, a food festival, agricultural shows, equine and livestock events, workshops and classes, live entertainment and theatre, family-friendly celebrations and more.
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Midway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, it’s no wonder the Tamworth region attracts year-round visitors, new residents and business investment. There are accommodation options ranging from five-star luxury, cosy country escapes and B&Bs through to modern caravan parks, beautiful campgrounds and quaint pub rooms. Explore our region and experience the distinct character of each town and village – Barraba with its silo and street art, Manilla for antique hunting and Nundle with reminders of its gold rush past. This edition is the perfect place to start exploring what’s waiting for you in the Tamworth region. I invite you to come and experience our region for yourself. You won’t regret it. Russell Webb, Tamworth Region Mayor
Tamworth T O W N F E AT U R E
pulling out
ALL THE STOPS
While you may know the Tamworth region as Australia’s Country Music Capital, many who come here – either to visit or to live – find there is so much more that strikes a chord.
You can march to the beat of your own drum, choosing from a wide range of experiences and attractions across Tamworth, Barraba, Manilla and Nundle, with picture-perfect landscapes as a spectacular natural backdrop. Whatever you are looking for, you will find the Tamworth region plays your song. On the New England Highway halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Tamworth is one of the nation’s leading regional cities. It has the bells and whistles you look for in a metropolitan location but with the laid-back comfort of a warm country welcome. There is a variety of enticing dining options that showcase the quality fresh local produce the region is renowned for. Choose from more formal offerings in high-end restaurants or from one of the many multicultural food options or cafes. The region has a great selection of bars, pubs and clubs to suit your flavour. There are traditional country pubs with original iron lace verandahs, contemporary pubs and even a rustic bar with craft beers on tap. There are experiences for those who love the arts – performances at the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music, exhibitions at galleries and museums and the Capitol Theatre with touring and local productions. A lively mix of festivals and events happen across the region throughout the year. The highlight, of course, being the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth, which marks its 50th anniversary in April 18-24, 2022 (postponed due to COVID-19 from January 2022). There is also Taste Tamworth for food-lovers, Fiesta La Peel celebrating the region’s multicultural heritage and more. Like many communities, the Tamworth region has not been immune to significant challenges in recent years. However,
optimism among local businesses remains high. Construction of the Tamworth Global Gateway Park, an enterprise and logistics hub, is drawing national interest from companies looking to invest. The council-driven project is funded with multimillion-dollar support from the NSW and Australian governments. It will drive the local economy and jobs growth for the next 20 years. Coupled with the recent completion of the $2.7 million Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre, major road upgrades and the $7.2 million second stage of the Northern Inland Centre of Sporting Excellence plus $106.4 million of infrastructure funded for 2021-22, there is every reason to be confident a strong and vibrant future lies ahead. The region’s population is growing consistently at 1 per cent each year. The population is expected to grow from the current 62,563 to 79,468 in 2041. We are home to 5683 businesses supporting 29,768 local jobs. Health care and social assistance is the largest industry sector. Council’s Blueprint 100 strategy ensures the expected growth is being well planned for with new community facilities, essential infrastructure and housing developments identified and starting to come to fruition. Perhaps it’s been a while since you visited the Tamworth region, but come and take a look now. It’s a vibrant community with many opportunities. What you experience will lead you to rethink your perceptions and even change your tune. RLM FROM TOP LEFT: The Water Diviner by artist Fintan Magee is located just outside of Barraba where clear skies showcase the stars; Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park hosting one of many events.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Tamworth
TRUE BLUE TAMWORTH The Country Music Capital just keeps adding strings to its bow.
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days gone by TAMWORTH
Images courtesy of Tamworth Historical Society
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Tamworth T O W N F E AT U R E
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animal
ATTRACTION If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with our native animals, there’s no better place to do so than at the Tamworth Marsupial Park.
The 14-hectare Tamworth Marsupial Park is home to freeroaming kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos and emus, Indian peacocks and a walk-through, free-flight aviary. Within the park is the community-built Adventure Playground, which has age-appropriate areas for children under five and over five. It encourages children to use their fine and gross motor-skills, and their imagination. There are excellent barbecue facilities available and, of course, toilet facilities. The Kamilaroi Walking Track meanders through the park, which links to the Botanic Garden, Oxley Lookout and Flagstaff Mountain. It’s open from 8am to 4.45pm every day of the week. It’s an ideal way to spend time in the great outdoors, taking in all that nature provides. The Marsupial Park and Adventure Playground in Endeavour Drive, East Tamworth, is one of the most popular attractions in the city and, like the best things in life, it’s free. RLM
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Tamworth Marsupial Park boasts extensive grounds with so much to see; galahs sharing a moment; the gardens and recreation spaces are a delight; the award-winning Adventure Playground; the entry to Tamworth Marsupial Park; council worker Matt Brislane with a king parrot; old man emu; a handsome peacock; an inquisitive wallaby.
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Tamworth T O W N F E AT U R E
along for the ride Families are flocking to the Tamworth Miniature Railway on the third Sunday of the month.
“All aboard!” was the call on a sunny spring Sunday morning, offering the perfect reprieve from lockdown for families from Tamworth and district keen for a day out. A handful of tiny trains, including the group’s beloved steam train, were back on track once again for the first time in months after a tumultuous time with COVID-19. Volunteer Jim Booth said the September open day was always a crowd favourite and it was great to see people back at the station after a year of COVID-19, followed by enforced lockdowns. “It’s good. You see the enjoyment on the kids’ faces and many of the parents as well,” he says. It’s the perfect mini-escape into the great outdoors for families with young children and grandchildren. “You can get away with a good few hours’ entertainment and don’t have to spend a fortune,” he says. There’s also a sausage sizzle, barbecue and seating areas, and T-shirts for sale. All money raised goes back into the track and the trains, including helping to fund a bold plan for a large new train loop. Jim says on a busy day, volunteers could man up to five or six trains and make between 600 and 800 runs on the loops. A ride in one of the carriages takes passengers on a scenic trip across a bridge, through tunnels, and showcases a majestic view over Tamworth.
The first steam train owned by the Tamworth District Model Engineers (TDME), all of whom are volunteers, came from former Manilla mayor Cheryl Randall. Her father, Ken Baxter, had built the maroon-coloured miniature steam train, Kay. It had been housed in a Sydney garage for many years, and when it was offered to the TDME, members made a beeline for the Big Smoke to collect the historic loco. Another 37-class locomotive, modelled on the NSW steamer class that never made it into commercial production due to the Depression, is now back on the tracks. Once transported from Sydney, its restoration was completed by TDME member Les Thomas. Membership of the Toot Toot Club is offered to children, who receive a T-shirt, certificate and a dozen rides for just $20. RLM
Tamworth Miniature Railway is usually open on the third Sunday of the month from 10am to 3pm. Cost is $2 per ride. MAIN IMAGE: Club secretary Ray Hare drives one of the club’s prized locomotives on a scenic route. LEFT TO RIGHT: Ray Hare, seated, with young Nick Phillips and Ken Dampney; Bob Elwin with “Kay”, one of the club’s steam engines; TDME publicity officer Jim Booth, with Ann Barwick, Tamworth’s only female loco owner; club president David Scott loves his miniature trains.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Tamworth
where country IS KING
On a visit to the Country Music Capital, take in the tunes at some of the many live venues but also take some time to soak in the history of the place. A great starting point when visiting Tamworth is the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, which was closed for several months last year while undergoing a facelift and a refresh. This coincided with Tamworth Regional Council’s acquisition of the facility, which will now be manned by dedicated museum staff, as well as some of the fabulous volunteers who have kept the place open all these years. It’s a significant collection that contains artefacts belonging to, or related to, Australian country music artists, ranging from the pioneers to the stars of today. It includes a sound collection of 78s, LPs, 45s, CDs, reel-to-reel audiotape and oral histories, as well as a comprehensive video library of DVDs, VHS and historical Prime TV country music videos, and so much more. Tamworth Regional Gallery and Museums Director Bridget Guthrie is excited for the future of the facility, with a vision to make it accessible to all – in person and with a comprehensive online presence. The Australian Country Music Hands of Fame database has been updated. It can be accessed at www.countrymusichalloffame.com.au, and the entire collection is in the process of being digitised so an online search can locate any item within the collection. “For the pasts couple of years since it was transferred to council for perpetuity, we have worked with the volunteers to ensure the collection and stories associated with this nationally significant collection are secured for future generations,” Bridget says.
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As there is such a wealth of treasure buried within the museum, it can’t all be physically shown at once, hence the displays will be regularly rotated to ensure all the pioneers and stars are showcased. Within the Hall of Fame complex, you’ll find the Walk A Country Mile interactive exhibition that tells the story of and inception of Tamworth as the Country Music Capital. It was opened in 2004 and named as a tribute to the famous Slim Dusty song, written by Slim’s wife and acclaimed singer-songwriter Joy McKean, the first person to receive a Golden Guitar in 1973 for Lights on the Hill. This permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from 1788 through to the 2000s on a timeline that follows the development of country music in Australia, from Edison records to Tex Morton’s Wild West comics, the post-WW2 boom of new artists, Tamworth’s establishment as the Country Music Capital and the growth of the industry to what it is today. Appealing to visitors of all ages, the interactive displays include recordings, music and memorabilia from both artists and events spanning a period of more than 230 years. There is so much to take in, it’s probably best to grab a group of friends and arrange a guided tour so you don’t miss anything. > ABOVE: Tamworth’s former information centre, now the guitar-shaped Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, is best appreciated from above. FACING PAGE: The Hall of Fame incorporates Walk A Country Mile. You’ll find a treasure trove of memorabilia among this priceless collection.
Tamworth T O W N F E AT U R E
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