SPRING
GWYDIR
FEATURE Bingara & Warialda
Rick Pisaturo A Living Legend
Showcasing
the
WALCHA FEATURE
best
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rural
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regional
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South
Wales
Service Information Marketing
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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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CONTENTS ISSUE 38 SPRING 2022
110 W e also visit the welcoming and charming country town of Walcha, with its own natural wonders, art, culture, good food and boutique shopping.
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
166 M AGNIFICENT INNINGS Rick Pisaturo, who survived as a POW to become one of Australia’s most innovative and respected cattle breeders, turned 100 this year. 174 HISTORIC HOMESTEAD Beyond the Gamboola homestead’s elegant Georgianstyle facade lies a wealth of stories connected with Molong and the early pastoral industry of NSW.
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SPRING
GWYDIR
FEATURE Bingara & Warialda
GARDEN
206 P LANTING FOR POSTERITY The stunning gardens and homestead at Noojee Lea, Canowindra, have grown and developed since the 1860s.
Rick Pisaturo A Living Legend
WALCHA FEATURE
$15.00 inc GST SPRING 2022 VOLUME 38 >
WALCHA TOWN FEATURE
182 L ET’S TALK PORK John and Lauren Dowling are committed to ethical, sustainable pork, not to mention happy, healthy pigs. 188 LIVING THE DREAM Mark Atkins is a didgeridoo player of international renown, but his artistic talent does not stop there.
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xplore with us the natural beauty, wide E open spaces and carefree and relaxed lifestyle that make this shire a little slice of paradise.
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Showcasing
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GWYDIR TOWN FEATURE
WEDDINGS
226 T ake a peep at some of the gorgeous country couples who tied the knot in style.
THE LAST WORD
240 SOLID PARTNERSHIP Bingara locals Brenda and Peter Pankhurst have made a formidable pair on the dance floor and in life.
ON THE COVER
The imposing two-storey Langford homestead in Walcha has links to the foundation of settlement in the New England. Image: Jake Lindsay
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
new life, new Lifestyle Spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be.
Welcome to spring and all the wonderful new beginnings. We have made it through winter, which was harsh at times but here we are at the other end.
Winter 2022 edition
The second (and final) feature on the Tamworth Regional Council area was again very well received. The spotlight on Nyngan was also very popular. Locals took great pride in sharing the special news about their well-kept secret. It was fascinating to see people’s faces light up when they caught sight of the eye-catching Winter cover featuring the iconic Barraba silos. This edition has found homes not only across the state of NSW but across Australia. We are also aware that online copies are being read nationally and internationally. There is no limit to the positive impacts of this kind of publicity for an area.
Spring 2022 edition
What a beautiful and comprehensive celebration this edition is! We were blown away with the business support we received from the quaint towns of Bingara, Warialda and Walcha, just waiting for an opportunity to tell their unique story in our publication. We just know once you have immersed yourself in the many pages dedicated to these beautiful areas, you will want to visit.
Summer 2022
We have thoroughly enjoyed our time researching the New England towns of Tenterfield and Glen Innes. It was impossible to imagine how busy and dynamic these towns and their associated areas are. We were met with a warm and friendly welcome and the story subjects and businesses are genuinely excited about what is to come. Watch out for this special Summer edition to be released in mid November.
Elizabeth and Alex enjoyed a tour of the magnificent Langford Homestead at the open day in April this year.
Field Days
We are looking forward to attending the following events with our Lifestyle magazine stand: • Henty Field Days, September 20-22; • Good Old Days Festival, Barellan, October 1-2; • Australian National Field Days, Borenore, October 20-22. These field days and festivals are wonderful opportunities to network, share our past and current editions and enjoy the Australian spirit of exploration and discovery. We hope to see you there. Until next time, stay well, stay happy and, most of all, stay positive. We have so much to be grateful for.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex
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The stunning Glenrock Garden was the venue for a Mother’s Day High Tea in May. This garden and all that is on offer here at Glenrock will feature in the Summer 2022 edition featuring Tenterfield and Glen Innes.
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S P R I N G Jake’s message
RIPPING YARNS G’day, loyal Lifestyle readers. Here’s hoping the joy of spring finds you all well, happy and ready to tackle those jobs you have been meticulously planning all winter. In this edition, we present some of the delights from three small country towns, each with its own appeal, attractions and characters. My trip kicked off in beautiful Bingara, a town that punches well above its weight in every department. The jewel in Bingara’s crown is undoubtedly the magnificently restored Roxy Theatre, and its close rival, a 12-year-old community initiative, The Living Classroom. Then, for something totally different, there’s the salt cave in the main street. What I enjoyed most of all was seeing a warm, tight-knit community that knows all too well the benefits of working together through good times and bad. Much of the town’s appeal comes from the Gwydir River, with a regular supply of beautiful fresh water from Copeton Dam. Named one of Australia’s top free camping spots by the nation’s leading motorhome association, the pristine riverbanks are often sprinkled with vans of all shapes and sizes. And the grey nomads love shopping in Bingara, supporting the small town that welcomes them. It’s a wonderful sight watching dozens of wild horses charge across the river each morning to their bush camp for breakfast. Once the billy’s boiled, one of the town’s bushies will saddle up his posse for the day’s ride. Read about the town’s “Queen”, a former shearer who has one of the nicest gardens in town, and a photographer who camps full-time on the river. This sharpshooter is a non-conformist who threw the book on conventional living out the window. You will love her stunning shots of the district, many expertly captured from a drone. As you power on, you’ll find a riveting story on one of the most iconic and oldest businesses in town and two amazing couples who have made the tree change. My next short stop was in Warialda, one of the oldest towns in the North West. The pace out here is a bit slower but the vibe just as good. You just need to dig a bit deeper to find the standout characters, built as tough as the land around them. Walcha is another town on the go. The good citizens of this mountain town have embraced the dozens of magnificent timber sculptures scattered throughout the streets. It was a proud moment attending the Walcha Anzac Day dawn service and parade, led once again by the local saddler on his trusted mount in full Light Horse regalia. I caught up with this town icon, one of the last traditional saddle makers. One of my highlights was meeting an irrepressible centenarian and one of the last direct links to WW2. Old Diggers from the last great war are a highly endangered species. It was an absolute honour to meet one such national treasure blessed with an amazing memory and healthy outlook on life.
Historic Langford homestead, a mile from town, is another great yarn, with a story dating back to the earliest days of the New England. It’s a fabulous story and well worthy of our front cover. Flick through a few more pages and you will discover a very talented (and modest) grazier who uses a chainsaw to carve world-class art pieces from logs. His wife is equally skilled with a paintbrush. You can read about a man with a passion for coffee, an agency with a difference and a couple who took to the seas in a tiny yacht for the adventure of a lifetime. Time waits for no one. The area is well known for its highly sought-after grazing country, and it was a pleasure visiting two respected stud breeders from the Merino and Hereford worlds. One is a thriving family enterprise and the other a one-man band but both long-established studs are enjoying the fruits of their labours. At the end of the day, this magazine is all about teamwork, and we have a crack team of writers and shooters. My dear friend and colleague Anna Rose, my partner in crime in the writing and Scrabble world, is a true-blue, home-grown Bingara girl. Anna proved a great help putting me in touch with who’s who, while helping my efforts in documenting their stories. Till next time, keep your chin up, stay focused on the prize and keep chipping away. The best is yet to come.
Jake Lindsay
ABOVE: If this old tree by the Gwydir River in Bingara could talk, it would tell tales of kids playing under its massive, exposed roots, finding fairies and other imaginary creatures. From its proximity to the river, it’s seen more than a century of flood, drought and everything in between. Just like the Bingara locals, it’s made of strong stuff.
What I enjoyed most of all was seeing a warm, tight-knit community that knows all too well the benefits of working together through good times and bad. 8 RLM
SPRING 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
Writer, Photographer, Social Media
KATE BOSHAMMER
Website Developer, Advertising Designer, Writer
MELISSA DUNKERLEY Advertising Designer
Advertising Designer
SALLY MARCEAU
ANNA CONN
JANE SANDERSON
KIM MILLER
ELIZABETH SWANE
ROBERT I BRUCE
LIZ TICKNER
ELIZABETH GRANT
ANNA ROSE
RACHEL DEANE
ELISABETH EDWARDS
JAN ROSE
Wedding Writer
Photographer
Writer
LAURA CUSH Photographer
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ZORA REGULIC
Writer
Garden Writer
Finishing Image Photography
JOHN CURLEY RLM Accountant
Writer
Photographer
ANGE MCMASTER Photographer
Writer
Writer
Writer
LUCY TAYLOR Writer
recreating the
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T O W N F E AT U R E Bingara
GWYDIR SHIRE TOWN FE ATUR E WORDS & IMAGES: JAKE LINDSAY
Inspiring shire from the Mayor of Gwydir Shire The Gwydir Shire is a region that is as diverse as it is dynamic. The fertile green river flats, backed by forested hills and rugged volcanic ridges in the south, contrast with the patchwork of crops and endless horizons in the north. These unique and impressive landforms are home to abundant native animal and birdlife, including frequent sightings of rare bird species, emus and koalas. Council’s slogan “Living the Gwydir Good Life” reflects the strong love and passion our residents have for our region, and our locals use the catch cry proudly and often. It might 12 RLM BINGARA
be when they are enjoying an ice-cold beer at sunset or floating down a river on a kayak on an idyllic summer day. It is the wide open spaces, the endless skies and the carefree and relaxed lifestyle that have our residents convinced that we live in a little slice of paradise and visitors coming back time and time again. With just over 5300 residents, what we lack in size we make up for in community pride and spirit. Our communities are strong, resilient and vibrant, coming together to fundraise and to work on projects or to
celebrate through events and festivals. Some of the best events in the region can be found in the Gwydir Shire. The Warialda Off Road, the Bingara Orange Festival and Upper Horton Rodeo attract thousands of visitors each year, and the Warialda Agricultural show is known as one of the finest small shows in the state. The Gwydir Shire has some of the richest farmland in Australia. In the south of the shire, you will find extensive cattle operations and in the north broadacre agriculture with a full gambit of crops grown. We also boast some of the most modern farming systems in the world. Farmers in Gwydir have benefited from modern technology, such as GPS-guided equipment and telemetry functions to switch on and off irrigation. Our towns are steeped in history and natural wonders and are nestled amid hills, majestic trees and bushland. Cranky Rock
Bingara T O W N F E AT U R E
in Warialda and the Rocky Creek Glacial Area near Bingara and Upper Horton are two breathtaking examples of the geological wonders that can be found within the shire. Sporting facilities are excellent. Residents and visitors have ready access to swimming, horse riding, fossicking and to national parks and state forests. When it comes to freshwater fishing and a memorable camping experience, it’s hard to go past Reflections Holiday Park at Copeton Dam or any of the free campsites on the picturesque Gwydir River in Bingara. These areas have on several occasions been voted the best in inland Australia. The endless stream of caravans and string of campsites dotted along our rivers and free camping areas are testament to the popularity of our shire. We are friendly and welcoming. Locals love to stop to chat with visitors, and it does not
Our towns are steeped in history and natural wonders and are nestled amid hills, majestic trees and bushland. take long for new residents and visitors to feel part of the community. Wherever you choose to visit in the Gwydir you can be guaranteed that you will be welcomed with open arms. If wide open spaces, friendly hospitality and fresh country air are calling, I invite you to answer the call and visit the Gwydir Shire. Cr John Coulton, Gwydir Shire Mayor ABOVE: The Gwydir Shire is renowned for its natural beauty. Image: Amber Hall.
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days gone by BINGARA
Images provided by Bingara Historical Society 14 RLM BINGARA
Bingara T O W N F E AT U R E
exploring the
GWYDIR SHIRE Discover something different and head inland to the Gwydir Shire. It’s a region rich in history and culture, and radiant in natural Australian beauty.
The Gwydir Shire is in the centre of the Fossickers Way, a route that offers the traveller a relaxing alternative to the New England or Newell highways and traverses a picturesque and productive landscape. The Gwydir’s two main towns are Bingara and Warialda, with several smaller villages, all with their own unique identity and hidden treasures. Croppa Creek, North Star and Crooble in the shire’s north constitute a prosperous wheatgrowing area, known for their state-of-the-art cropping techniques, wide open spaces, endless night skies and top-class equestrian events. Further south, Coolatai is home to the Faraway Domes, one of the most unique boutique accommodation providers in Australia and winner of numerous Regional Tourism Awards. Think unparalleled views of rolling hills and grazing livestock, an indulgent outdoor bath, luxurious comfort, and a coveted line-up of gourmet treats to tantalise the palate. In the centre of the shire, Gravesend is the western gateway to the Great Dividing Range. With excellent access to the river and plenty of free camping, Gravesend is a safe and friendly base for anyone exploring the Moree district, Waa Gorge, Berrigal Creek and Bullala National Park, and for fishing and birdwatching. At the very southern end of the shire, Upper Horton is a place with a big spirit and a dynamic young community, which hosts several top-class events through the year. The Sports Club is the lifeblood of the town with cold beer, hearty meals and well-maintained campsites. It’s a great stop before exploring the Rocky Creek Glacial Area, Horton Falls and Sawn Rocks, which are all within a short drive. The township of Warialda has a lot to offer. For the artist, there is the unique Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, a stylish gallery that exhibits local and international artists as well as a permanent life-size dinosaur bone display. If you are interested in camping or bushwalking, Cranky Rock Nature Reserve is a must. A conglomerate of unusually placed granite boulders makes up the spectacular Cranky Rock area. Warialda is also renowned for its myriad birdlife and wildflowers, and significant pioneer history. South of Warialda is the township of Bingara, known as the “Gem on the Gwydir River”.
There is much to see and do including fossicking, camping, fishing, horse riding and enjoying live theatre and music at the historic Roxy Theatre. A vibrant and energetic community, Bingara hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Orange Festival, the Bingara Country Music Festival, Gwydir Graze and the Pulse of the Earth Festival. The Gwydir Shire is fast becoming a popular destination for travellers from all walks of life, particularly grey nomads and young families seeking a unique and authentic experience far from the crowds. More recently, this appeal has also attracted a wave of tree changers who enjoy the affordable real estate, relaxed lifestyle and sense of community. So next time when you’re passing through, stop. When you’re looking for an overnighter, stay longer, because the Gwydir Shire is packed with hidden gems that will make you glad you did. It’s time to explore it all. RLM Images: Gwydir Shire Council and Gary Voysey
THE GWYDIR SHIRE IS FAST BECOMING A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR TRAVELLERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. For more information visit bingara.com.au and warialdansw.com.au. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The beautiful tree-lined streets of Bingara crowned in Autumn colour; Hallie Wilson enjoying the sweet Bingara oranges at the annual Orange Picking; the magnificent, jumbled boulders of Warialda’s Cranky Rock are a sight to behold.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Bingara
Beloved Bingara
Brick by brick, Bingara has built a sterling reputation that’s attracting visitors from all over.
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Bingara T O W N F E AT U R E
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travel back in time Take a walk down memory lane with a visit to Bingara Historical Museum.
Bingara’s post-colonial history dates back nearly 200 years, when explorer and botanist Allan Cunningham camped on the junction of what are now known as Halls Creek and the Gwydir River. It was 1827 and he named the river after his benefactor, Lord Gwydir of Wales, as he continued his blazing journey to the Darling Downs. By 1850, his glowing reports had attracted over a dozen pioneering pastoral properties to the district. Rapid development followed the discovery of gold in 1852, before copper and diamonds in the 1880s. For a time, the town was Australia’s largest industrial diamond producer. Bingara prospered. Maitland Street boasted five general stores, five or six hotels, butchers, bakers, saddlers, clothing and furniture stores, along with all the shops and services necessary to make the town and surrounding district largely self-sufficient. Bingara became a municipality in 1890 but times were changing. Gold mining was dramatically reduced, and the European and Chinese miners moved on to other mining areas. The town boasts several heritage buildings, including the former Post Office Hotel, built
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in 1860. The slab construction came with a puddled iron roof made from pit-sawn and hand-adzed local cypress timber. It later became an 11-room home with separate kitchen and stables. For 110 years, the home was continuously occupied until becoming the Bingara District Historical Society Museum Complex in 1970. Other buildings in the grounds include the relocated Boonda subsidised school and blacksmith shop, where infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt regularly had his horse shod. A collection of various horse-drawn equipment and other farming implements can also be found in the grounds. Also on site is an office containing an extensive photo collection and the Gil Craig Gem and Mineral Museum, housing a fascinating collection of fossils, minerals, sea shells and birds’ eggs. The second oldest building in town is manned by about a dozen volunteers, including life member Jean Robinson (nee Hallman), who has called Bingara home for 86 years. Jean grew up on the farm “Ivanhoe”, with her parents, two aunties, two uncles and her grandmother. She remembers
palm trees at the town’s intersections during the war and the unreliable battery radio that was always running out of power. “Who could ever forget the open-air movie theatre behind the present-day library,” she laughs. “It was the 1950s and dogs, some riddled with fleas, would come along for the show. It cost sixpence to get in, with threepence to spend at half time.” President Jane Connolly moved to Bingara a few years ago. She has family connections dating back to the 1860s. She says the pandemic forced the museum to close its doors but by mid 2022 was welcoming bus loads of visiting tourists and school children. The museum is also the home of the Bingara District Historical Society, the guardians of local history. Members are all volunteers. RLM The museum opens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays or by appointment. If the museum is unattended please call 0428 345 600 to arrange a time to visit. For bookings, or for further information or to simply arrange a visit in advance, email bingaramuseum@gmail.com.
Bingara T O W N F E AT U R E
FACING PAGE: The museum is housed in one of Bingara’s oldest buildings. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The museum depicts life of the town’s early settlers; an old classroom; brands from local farms; part of the gem collection; the old telephone exchange; there is much to explore in this historical setting; old photographs adorn the walls; volunteer Jean Robinson with president Jane Connolly.
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TRIUMPHANT RETURN
The Roxy complex in Bingara is a living museum exuding historical and cultural significance.
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Bingara T O W N F E AT U R E
Built by three Greek partners from the island of Kythera in 1936, the Roxy complex was a pleasure palace of grand scale. It boasted an architecturally striking art deco cinema, café, three independent retail premises and a guest house. However, the story of The Roxy is not just about the venue, the bricks and mortar. It is not just about the architecture or its historical significance. It’s a story of big ideas, of dreams and visions against all odds. It’s a story of heartbreak and ultimately triumph. Greek cafés and theatres left a remarkable legacy on Australia’s cultural history and played a significant role in the changing landscape of our regions. Almost every town across rural NSW and Queensland boasted a Greek café or theatre. Depending on the size of the town, any number could be found playing a starring role in the community. The evolution of rural Australia, however, has determined that the time has come for these once resplendent pleasure palaces to take their final bow. >
FROM TOP: The beautifully appointed theatre is multi-functional; the original ticket box. FACING PAGE: Bingara’s Roxy Theatre is one of the town’s big-ticket attractions and a regional hub for cinema, live theatre and performance.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Bingara
The Roxy Theatre did not escape the wheel of change. It operated as a cinema until 1958 when it closed and spent the next 40 years virtually lying dormant. While the story ended sadly for our Greek founders, it has ended triumphantly for the town of Bingara. The Roxy stands in its original state. In 1999, the Roxy Theatre was purchased by the then Bingara Shire Council and fully
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restored. In 2004, The Roxy was re-opened to the public as a cinema, performing arts venue and multi-purpose function centre that hosts a variety of conferences, seminars, weddings and private functions. The magnificent theatre is arguably the jewel in the crown of The Roxy complex. The art deco architecture leaves a longlasting impression on all of those who experience it.
The complex, however, offers so much more and boasts a fully restored Peter’s café and a Greek immigration museum dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in country Australia. The collection of artefacts housed within the museum and the story they tell, have become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.
It pays tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek café and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people is not forgotten. To walk through the door of the café is to take a step back in time. The Roxy Café is a fully functioning traditional art deco café, complete with original fixtures and fittings from the café that operated on the site in 1936. In this way, the café is a living museum that provides an authentic experience for every visitor.
Few theatres built prior to 1950 exist in NSW in a usable state for cinema and performance. Likewise, there are few Greek cafés of the period still in reasonably original condition. If they are, they are isolated from any of the old cinema theatres. To possess both theatre and café in the one restored complex makes Bingara, historically and culturally, an extraordinarily important town. RLM
GWYDIR SHIRE
'LIVING THE GWYDIR
GOOD LIFE'
Bingara Riverside Caravan Park | (02) 6724 0081 Warialda Caravan Park | 0427 291 008 Gwydir River Free Camps | (02) 6724 0066 Cranky Rock Nature Reserve Warialda | (02) 6729 1402 North Star Caravan Park | 0477 661 076
Words: Georgia Standerwick
FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Inside the eye-catching theatre; marketing and promotions team leader with the Gwydir Shire Georgia Standerwick is proud of her Greek heritage and feels fortunate to be involved with the theatre; the colourful ceilings leading into the theatre; the fully restored Peter’s Cafe is a jewel in the crown of this magnificent complex; Emanuel Aroney, one of the three original partners from the island of Kythera, was a man of vision; the iconic figures of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley watch over the building. ABOVE: The imposing Roxy Theatre.
As part of your Gwydir Shire adventure, why not experience the Gwydir Shire's RV and camping friendly hospitality with an abundant range of FREE CAMPING and CARAVAN PARK options.
For further information on visiting the Gwydir Shire visit Bingara Visitor Information Centre (02) 6724 0066 | www.bingara.com.au |
bingaraNSW
Warialda Visitor Information Centre (02) 6729 0046 | www.warialdansw.com.au |
warialdaNSW
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HEALING AND HOPE The Myall Creek Massacre Memorial Site is a place of reflection and respect.
History records that on Sunday, June 10, 1838, a group of 10 convict stockmen, led by a squatter, rode onto Myall Creek Station and massacred 28 Aboriginals. Following two trials, seven men were executed. It was the first time that perpetrators of such crimes had been convicted. On the site of the Myall Creek Massacre now stands a simple but poignant granite memorial, acknowledging those who lost their lives, the actions of the perpetrators, and those who courageously contributed to the pursuit and achievement of justice. This memorial was erected on June 10, 2000 by a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in an act of reconciliation. Myall Creek Memorial is a place of healing and hope. It lies on the Whitlow Road, just off the Delungra Road around 20km from Bingara. The site now boasts a cultural performance space that seats 200 people, has all-access amenities and a garden filled with native plants. It is estimated more than 3000 people visit the site every year. Each year on the Sunday of the June long weekend, hundreds of people gather as an acknowledgement of the truth and of our shared history. It is a unique and special ceremony where the descendants of the victims and perpetrators come together and embrace. It is about coming together and moving forward positively. It is a day filled with reflection and respect. Proceedings include a Welcome to Country, dancing, smoke cleansing and a walk together. Many people return year after year, and over the 20 plus years a community has formed.
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Anyone can visit the site at any time. As you walk along the memorial pathway there are plaques recounting the story. Before you visit you can download the Soundtrails App and enjoy a highly produced audio walk (geo locative) that was produced in collaboration with elders and the wider community. Download the App via www.soundtrails.com.au. It is a pristine area, and the air is always filled with the sounds of birds and a gentle breeze. There is a calmness and beauty in this bushland and many who visit say they feel positive and at peace. The Myall Creek Massacre Memorial Site is listed on the National Heritage List. Also on this list are the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House and Uluru. The site is truly unique and well worth a visit. RLM Images: Adele Chapman-Burgess
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: People come together at the annual ceremony; the site’s bush setting and walkway plaques share an important story; entry shield and Coolamon artwork welcome visitors; solemn remembrance.
Bingara T O W N F E AT U R E
HAPPY camper Gifted photographer, horticulturalist and self-confessed nomad Amber Hall calls a small patch on the Gwydir River “home”. With her caravan, two small dogs for company and a positive, can-do attitude, Amber Hall lives life to the full. Until the age of eight, she was raised in Geelong before attending a private girls’ school in Brisbane. As a teenager, she became a Queensland champion rower and ran a small gardening business that enabled her to buy her first car. Amber started adult life as an artist, making clay and leadlight sculptures, having her larger works on display in two Brisbane nightclubs. She wrote poetry and self published her first book at age 20. Two years later, while in her first year of university in Brisbane, she started writing a novel. Later, she moved to the NSW Northern Rivers and continued to study social science, including psychology, politics and sociology. After graduating, she worked in community development, initiating the Lismore Laneways Revitalisation Project, which aimed to see the inner-city laneway network transform into an artistic mecca. She was headhunted by Lismore Unlimited Opportunities, Lismore’s Chamber of Commerce, where she managed the organisation and ran workshops, business awards and street parties. While in this role she became more aware of animal cruelty and animal welfare issues. Determined to speak for the voiceless, Amber sold her Casino home and put herself through law school, walking away with Honours. Amber worked in environmental law. “After studying environmental law and how it doesn’t actually protect the environment, I visited Egypt to clear my head,” she tells RLM. At 40, Amber resolved to learn more about the plants growing around her, studying for a Diploma of Horticulture while establishing another Brisbane gardening business. In the offseason, she went camping, meeting seasoned travellers and acquiring a taste for the gypsy lifestyle. Following an ongoing hand injury in 2018, Amber sold the business, cleared out most of her earthly possessions and set off in a Pajero and caravan for her own nomadic adventure. For years she’s had no fixed address, enjoying new-found freedoms and appreciating the simple pleasures in life. Amber discovered Bingara on the WikiCamps app, having already heard about the scenic Gwydir River campsites. It was close to town with all the facilities a happy camper could want. Despite only taking up photography a few years ago, she has already published two electronic photo books on Amazon and two small hardcopy books on Bingara. One of her best photographic tools is a drone, used for capturing fresh and invigorating angles few get to see.
“Photography connects me with the natural world I experience with my eyes, as opposed to the world experienced through my thoughts, expectations and preconceived ideas,” she says. “Zen meditation has helped me to connect with the present moment, with what exists in front of me. I might have an intuitive moment before the sun comes up and drag myself out of bed, only to capture a beautiful frosty morning, a double rainbow or an interesting shadow on a memorial stone.” Amber loves a great composition, believing it tells a visual story. “It makes us feel something that we perhaps haven’t felt before,” she says, going off into her world of evocative images. “It pokes and prods us to question. Most of my shots connect me to moments in my life that carry intense meaning or a wonderful memory. I love it when clients see my shots of their property or of events and hear them ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ at the frozen moment before them. “Often they see things on their land they’ve never seen before, giving them a new appreciation of what they have or what they might do with it.” This quick-to-learn snapper says everything can be interesting or beautiful. Her job is to bring out the beauty in every situation. Amber holds photography workshops for individuals and groups in Bingara and hopes to continue with this before hitting the road once more. “I love photography because we can see a moment of reality for an eternity. I love capturing the natural world in particular because it’s so interesting in its diversity.” RLM
Visit Amber’s new website: amberlhall.au. ABOVE: Photographer Amber Hall enjoys living in the wilderness with her dogs Jamilah (pictured) and Kodah. The fresh air, simple lifestyle and ability to focus clearly on one subject at a time make her a natural all-rounder when it comes to landscape and drone imagery. Some of Amber’s work can be seen over the page.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Bingara
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