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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 roderick.lindsay2@outlook.com 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 in Southern Queensland, Northern Victoria and 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, Southern Queensland and Northern Victoria. The heart of the magazine is in the Central West of New South Wales, 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 2024 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 45 WINTER 2024
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BEAUTY CAPTURED: For Sandra McEwan, photography is a passion. 52 REUNITED: Country star James Blundell has found a new beginning with an old love Down On The Farm. 62 TRUE GRIT: A Ballandean woman is rebuilding her life after losing both legs in an horrific tractor accident. 80 LIVING TO SERVE: James Massey OAM scans the horizon for signs of smoke. 106 NO ONE WALKS ALONE: Stanthorpe Cancer Support Group cares for its community. 144 WHERE LOVE BLOOMS: A Pozieres farmer has found love with a dance teacher ... on reality television.
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168 GLENROCK: Marvel at the diversity and magnificence of Glenrock Garden.
TRAVEL
184 DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND: Travel writer Nicole Bonfield and photographer John Baltaks take you on an adventure.
WINTER
Stunning Stanthorpe GLORIOUS Glenrock Garden Tenterfield
GRANITE BELT FEATURE
NEW ZEALAND’S South Island Adventure
RECIPES
190 PIES IN THE SKY: Warm up to winter with Lorraine’s sweet and savoury pies.
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COUNTRY CHARACTERS
GARDEN
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QUEENSLAND’S WINE COUNTRY: The Southern Downs encompasses many wonderful and diverse communities.
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WEDDINGS
214 B EAUTIFUL BRIDES: See weddings celebrated at Monteagle, Borenore, Coonamble and Stockinbingal.
THE LAST WORD
224 P YRAMID POWER: The eye-catching Ballandean pyramid rivals its Egyptian cousins in intrigue, if not in age.
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales & Southern Queensland
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STANTHORPE TOWN FEATURE
ON THE COVER
Tobin Wines vineyard is set in the rugged and majestic landscape of the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe. Story begins on page 46.
Image: Lara Flanagan
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W I N T E R story name
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
Warm up to winter “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali
Welcome to winter across our beautiful country. Now that the weather is cooling down, we can enjoy the cosy warmth of wood fires, the comfort food of winter, intermingled with the friendship and camaraderie of family and good friends.
Goondiwindi feature
This autumn 2024 feature was exceptionally well received, with the cotton cover a resounding favourite. With such a dynamic and vibrant place to showcase, our job was made easy. We have seen copies being sent all over Australia as well as many e-versions being read internationally through the online platform, Issuu. Thank you to all our readers who have supported us through the purchase of this edition and to the many Goondiwindi businesses that pledged their loyalty to the region by advertising with our magazine.
A surprise package
We could never have imagined we’d witness what we did when we continued our journey into Queensland. We featured the beautiful little town of Stanthorpe in the Southern Downs council area, positioned in the southern area of Queensland’s Granite Belt. Surrounded by more than 50 wineries and with a bustling and thriving economy, Stanthorpe must be seen to be believed! We strongly encourage you to soak up all the pages dedicated to Stanthorpe and plan a visit to this magnificent thriving community with so much to offer.
Travel section
With so many people choosing to travel within our beautiful country and to leave our shores and explore the world, we have decided to include a travel section once again. Welcome back to distinguished travel writer Nicole Bonfield and travel photographer John Baltaks, both from Bontaks Travel. In the autumn 2024 edition you would have noticed the first of our travel features showcasing parts of the United Kingdom. This latest edition takes you on a journey of selected area of South Island, New Zealand.
Weddings
We are always thrilled to be able to share with you some of the glorious weddings which take place across our state and beyond. Our appreciation goes to wedding writer Jane Sanderson for her past work and who is taking leave while she cares for her beautiful new daughter, Annabelle Harriet Sanderson (and our treasured granddaughter). Weddings are in safe hands with Jennifer Harden taking on the role of wedding writer to add to her current contributions, RLM social media, as well as photographer.
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ABOVE: The beautiful Quart Pot Creek in Stanthorpe is a drawcard for locals and tourists alike. Image: Sandra McEwan; Girraween National Park in Queensland’s Granite Belt, is known for its spectacular flowers, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. Image: Southern Downs Regional Council.
Family news
In February 2024 Annabelle Harriet Sanderson was born to our daughter Jane and husband Justin Sanderson. Their little threeyear-old, Henry now has a precious sister. We are certainly very blessed to have a growing group of little grandchildren to spoil.
Future editions
We are excited to let you know that the spring 2024 edition will feature the Warwick, Queensland area across 100 pages followed by a 125-page feature on the Southern Tablelands. The Southern Tablelands Group with whom we are collaborating intends to promote five council areas including Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley. Although this will be an all-encompassing task, we are really looking forward to revisiting these gorgeous areas and highlighting all they have on offer. We hope you stay warm this winter and can find time to relax and enjoy our newest edition. Thank you for your continued belief in what we do. We are loving every minute of it.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex
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W I N T E R from the boundary fence
Characters abound
in bustling town
Thanks, Stanthorpe – it’s been a blast! Hang on to your hat, dear reader, as I introduce you to the delights of beautiful Stanthorpe. Hidden in the northern reaches of the New England Tablelands, it’s a burgeoning wine district that’s been quietly producing exceptional wines for decades. The Granite Belt, home to 50 vineyards and nearly as many boutique cellar doors, offers visitors the opportunity to taste superb wines in serene country comfort. RLM caught up with a few of them, each doing a fine job showcasing the diversity of the region’s terroir. The town is alive and well, with the bustling main street always full of cars and shoppers. I was fortunate to rub shoulders with some truly memorable characters – some of them well known, others quietly going about their business, away from the spotlight but equally content with their lot in life. You may not have heard about landscape artist Denis Brockie, modest model-maker Shane Donnelly or beloved music teacher Jeanene Chapman, but their stories are as compelling as catching up with country music royalty. I did just that after dropping in on Stanthorpe’s favourite son, James Blundell, who embodies the genuine, down-to-earth spirit of this town. They don’t come any more fair dinkum than this country music maestro. It takes a special type of man to sing an entire song
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with the same passion and gusto as a public performance – at the drop of a hat and in front of one person. How lucky was I to be that person! It was a truly special moment and one I’ll take to my grave. Read all about his great love story and know it’s never too late to reach out again. As always, a few stories took on a life of their own. Talking to Irish expats Pat and Sheila O’Boyle brought out every emotion known to mankind, from the odd tear to unbridled laughter. Their unquestionable belief in each other is a lesson in love, humanity and fighting the good fight. It was always a pleasure catching up for a sundowner at their luxurious Glen Lough Cabins, where I was fortunate to hang my hat for a fortnight. In this traditional bush environment, I learned to relax and unwind before another day of interviews and new experiences. With these two gems at the helm, you really do need to stay at this place to appreciate its natural beauty. Who doesn’t love a grand old homestead? “Braeside” is one of the finest in the land, packed full of history with glorious furniture and surrounded by jaw-dropping lawns and gardens. It’s like a scene from The Man from Snowy River, especially when there’s a mist hanging low on the ground. Under the stewardship of Richard and Karen McLean, this is a true jewel in the Granite Belt’s crown. Then there is “El Arish”, a historic home with ties to the famous Chauvel family and now owned by a local doctor and his wife. If
only those walls could talk. It was tremendous hearing the tumultuous tales of David and Ros Sutton, two of the nicest and most adventurous people on the planet. At Sutton’s Juice Factory I was amazed at what could be created with the humble apple. Meeting a fireman with 50 years’ experience was always going to be interesting and James Massey OAM didn’t disappoint. They broke the mold with this bloke – I’ve yet to meet a more passionate man – and boy, can he talk! You know the country is in good hands when you come across orchard farmers like David McMahon, who put Stanthorpe in the national spotlight after appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife. You’ll need to get out the tissues to read this true love story. By the time I left, I realised Stanthorpe is more than a destination – it’s an experience, a community pulsating with life, art, music and many more yet-to-be-told stories. It’s where every sunset is a promise of another beautiful day. Until next time, dear reader, stay well as we continue our relentless journey into the heart and soul of regional Australia. Warwick is next, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Remember: The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot! Keep it country,
Jake Lindsay
ABOVE: Donnelly Castle in Pozieres, one of many tourist attractions you really must visit in Stanthorpe and district.
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WINTER 2024 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
JENNIFER HARDEN
KATE BOSHAMMER
JAKE LINDSAY
ZORA REGULIC
Chief Writer & Photographer
ANNA ROSE
Art Director
Sub-editor, Proofreader & Writer
Wedding Writer, Photographer, Social Media
Website Developer, Advertising Designer, Writer
Advertising Designer
SALLY MARCEAU
MELISSA DUNKERLEY Advertising Designer
Strategy and Distribution
LYNNE WALKER
LIZ TICKNER
LORRAINE HILLS
ZENIO LAPKA
ANNA CONN
Garden Writer
Writer
SANDRA McEWAN Photographer
Writer
JOHN CURLEY
Health and Wellness Writer 10 RLM
SUE CURLEY
RLM Accountant
ASSOC PROFESSOR SOL QURASHI
Photographer
Writer
NICOLE BONFIELD Travel Writer
HELEN TICKLE
Writer
LARA FLANAGAN Photographer
JOHN BALTAKS
Travel Photographer
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W I N T E R feedback
your letters Congratulations on the autumn 2024 edition of your magazine featuring the Goondiwindi region. I have received excellent feedback from our community on the quality and presentation and we are very proud of the final product. From the stories of local larrikins to the features of some of our trailblazers, the magazine presents a broad crosssection of our rural lifestyle. It captures what makes this area Regional Australia at its Best. I am privileged to be the mayor of such a wonderful area and its people, and I am pleased your readers have been able to experience our community and the spirit of our region. Cr Lawrence Springborg AM Mayor, Goondiwindi Regional Council
I would like to extend my thanks for the exceptional feature on the Goondiwindi region in the autumn 2024 edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine. Your coverage highlighted the unique aspects and stories that make our region special. The Regional Lifestyle Magazine team were excellent to deal with and it was evident that they invested time and effort into researching and understanding what makes our region so wonderful. The feature is not only a benefit to our tourism, but also to our community as a reminder of how lucky we are to be living and experiencing Regional Australia at its Best.
Thank you Elizabeth, Alex and the RLM team. We’d like to congratulate you on your recent coverage of the Goondiwindi region in the autumn edition of your magazine. It’s a beautiful publication and incredibly important that we continue to highlight the vibrancy of our region and promotion of the town as a great place to live, work and play. Your magazine does this and receives an A+ from us. Well done and thank you again. Sam Coulton
Megan Boyd
Director
Community and Economic Development Manager
Goondiwindi Cotton
Goondiwindi Regional Council
I just wanted to say thanks to the Regional Lifestyle team, and particularly chief writer and photographer Jake Lindsay, for finding me worthy of a story in the autumn 2024 edition. I’m obviously not the greatest subject for a photo shoot but Jake did his best in that regard and penned a beaut story on my life and travels as a bush poet. It’s a fantastic magazine and I congratulate the whole crew on maintaining an extremely high standard in every edition. Murray Hartin Moree
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T O W N F E AT U R E Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe T O W N F E AT U R E
STANTHORPE TOWN FE ATUR E
Image: Sandra McEwan STANTHORPE RLM 17
STANTHORPE T OW N F E AT U R E
Welcome to Queensland’s Wine Country From the Southern Downs Mayor As Mayor of the Southern Downs, I am honoured to introduce you to the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt region. The Southern Downs encompasses many wonderful and diverse communities. In this edition, we feature the southern part of our region, known widely as Queensland’s Wine Country. In the next edition, you will discover the northern part of the region, highlighting areas around Warwick, Allora and Killarney. The Southern Downs, situated at the southern end of the Darling Downs region, has a population of more than 37,000 people and spans an area of 7108sq km. In the Granite Belt, agriculture traditionally reigns as our largest industry, with notable growth observed in our emerging visitor and care economies. The Granite Belt stands as Australia’s highest altitude wine region, boasting approximately 305 hectares of vineyards. Renowned for its summer-based harvest season, the region also boasts more than 250 horticultural producers cultivating apples, stone fruit, capsicums, tomatoes, green vegetables, strawberries and raspberries. The trap rock country is dominated by sheep and cattle producers; a pioneering pilot project has recently been completed enabling smaller farmers to collectively tap into carbon and biodiversity markets. Our breathtaking natural assets include
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Girraween National Park and Sundown National Park, while a short journey across the border leads to Bald Rock National Park in neighbouring Tenterfield shire. Beyond hiking and camping, the region entices visitors to explore the outdoors utilising a network of popular cycling and mountain bike trails. In June, the Granite Belt Grunt and Grind Fest combines a gravity enduro mountain biking experience with a trail run in one of our state forests. Charming small towns like Dalveen, Wallangarra, Glen Aplin, Amiens, The Summit and Applethorpe further enhance the character of the region with their community halls and historic buildings. Throughout the year we have a vibrant events calendar. Following the biannual Apple and Grape Harvest Festival in March, we now look forward to our winter festivals, Christmas in July, and Snowflakes. As Queensland’s coolest town, with altitudes reaching 1000 metres above sea level, frosty mornings and the occasional snowfall during winter are not uncommon. We invite you to celebrate a traditional Christmas in July by indulging in a feast by the log fire or enjoying family fun by donning beanies, scarves, and mittens for a snowball fight. Stanthorpe celebrates a vibrant arts and music scene, and in September the biennial
“In the Granite Belt, agriculture traditionally reigns as our largest industry, with notable growth observed in our emerging visitor and care economies.”
Stanthorpe Art Prize will once again showcase extraordinary art from across Australia. Our community organisations, driven by enthusiastic volunteers, make all of these events possible. The people of the Southern Downs form a resilient, collaborative community who support each other through good times and bad. It is this community spirit that makes Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay. I hope you enjoy your visits to the region and savour the warm welcome from our Southern Downs community. Cr Melissa Hamilton Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council
Stanthorpe T O W N F E AT U R E
The Southern Downs has much to offer The Granite Belt is situated in the Southern Downs and with its high altitude is a true four seasons region. Our cool nights, warm days, and glorious Queensland sunshine creates an idyllic backdrop for exploring vineyards and traversing national parks. Queensland’s Wine Country is Australia’s highest altitude wine region. It is centred around Stanthorpe and Ballandean where there are more than 40 cellar doors waiting to welcome you at boutique wineries. Beyond our vineyards, discover craft breweries, cosy cabins, gourmet larders and open farm gates. While renowned for its cool-climate shiraz and chardonnay, the Granite Belt entices those with a taste for adventure to follow the Strange Bird wine trail. A Strange Bird wine has to be grown on the Granite Belt and must be a varietal that represents less than 1 per cent of the total plantings of Australian vines. From unusual white varietals like Malvasia, Giallo, and Albarino to distinctive reds such as Tempranillo, Saperavi, Montepulciano, Lagrein, and Nero d’Avola, the Granite Belt promises to introduce you to something new. Nature enthusiasts must include a visit to Girraween National Park where perfectly balanced boulders provide a backdrop to trails that accommodate all ages. A hike via Granite Arch will take you to the top of the Pyramid and gives you superb views of the surrounding forests as you sit under Balancing Rock. Overnight camping or staying in accommodation near the national park offers you the chance of enjoying our brilliant night skies and encountering wildlife such as powerful owls and spottedtailed quolls.
Girraween means “place of flowers” and springtime transforms the park into a floral paradise, boasting more than 800 flowering plant species, including nearly 50 rare and endangered varieties. Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium coordinates guided wildflower walks during the spring wildflower season, and has published a range of guide books to the local flora which you can pick up at Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre. History buffs can undertake a tourist drive and delve into origins of our smaller Granite Belt towns like Wallangarra in the south to Dalveen in the north. Armistice Way meanders through hamlets and railway sidings of Amiens, Messines, Bapaume, Passchendaele, Bullecourt, Pozieres and Fleurbaix, which were part of the soldier settlement scheme for the returning heroes of World War I. The nostalgic charm of the Southern Downs Steam Railway can be experienced on one of its regular journeys from Warwick through the Granite Belt’s scenic landscapes. Just off Amiens Road, discover the legendary granite formations at Donnelly’s Castle, a sanctuary with panoramic views and whispered tales that this was a hideout of the famous bushranger Thunderbolt. Stanthorpe has a vibrant art and music community. Find out what’s on during your visit, and explore Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, Artworks Granite Belt at the railway precinct and the vibrant street art on a self-guided tour using the free official Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App. We look forward to welcoming you to Queensland’s Wine Country. RLM Words and images: Southern Downs Regional Council
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Magnificent murals
This collection of street art tells the story of Stanthorpe and district, its local heroes, natural beauty and its inhabitants.
Stanthorpe T O W N F E AT U R E
Simply stunning streetscapes Stanthorpe is a town where heritage is respected and preserved
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days gone by STANTHORPE
Images supplied by Stanthorpe and District Historical Society 22 RLM STANTHORPE
Stanthorpe T O W N F E AT U R E
The Harvest Stanthorpe 150th – 2022 Carved in granite, tales are told Ancestral Dreaming, wise and old, a culture stirred, a treasured land soon came the pioneering band.
Now orchards and the vineyards boast a reputation, coast to coast, their workers’ camps still spark a song for those who join the healthy throng.
A vow, a chance, a swag of tin, the wagon wheels came rolling in, the grunt, the sweat, a winning streak, the settlement on Quart Pot Creek.
Where local folklore comes to spawn sweet memories, and love, reborn as old halls bounce alive with dance and fertile moments stir romance.
The shunt of rail, a blast of steam, the future’s hope an endless stream, brave migrants on their global trek answered our prayers, all hands, on deck.
The seasons of so many years, rich heritage – respected peers, each generation’s sporting greats, long silent friends, those boisterous mates.
With pastures green and livestock fat, new blood now graced the welcome mat, brave Soldier Settlers, passing through, so many stayed, and worthy too.
Now bridges span the course of time, as ancient church bells ring a chime, the rusty packing shed now groans as do the storyteller’s bones.
Australia’s growing pains were felt, while here upon The Granite Belt, as Stanthorpe thrived and small towns burst, folks proudly put their Nation first.
But frost can do that to a soul, when icy winters take their toll, on those who climb Mt Marlay’s top to view the harvest of the crop.
United in deep gratitude, they sowed the seeds of plenitude, with staunch resolve, they forged a place where tourists found a warm embrace.
Beneath the southern stars that glow their vision sweeps the scene below, where Spirits waltz, and fresh hearts melt, for Stanthorpe and The Granite Belt. © Marco Gliori STANTHORPE RLM 23
REGION’S story revealed Imagine, if you will, what life was like in the 1870s when men’s spirits were as high as their hopes – all thanks to a shiny discovery at the quaintly named Quart Pot Creek.
Beneath its surface lay a wealth of tin – a metal that’s played hide and seek with humanity for more than 5000 years. Stanthorpe, aptly named after the Latin “stannum” (no prizes for guessing that means tin), became the belle of the ball overnight. Pioneer Tin Mining Company kickstarted the tin tango in 1872, turning a sleepy backwater into a bustling hub of hopes, dreams, and, of course, years of back-breaking work. With tin found along the watercourses, streams and creeks, the region quickly became the largest alluvial tin mine in Queensland. In 1874, Mr Miles MLA said: “The district of Stanthorpe has contributed more largely to the prosperity of Queensland than any other district”. As the tin prices soared by £20 per ton, Stanthorpe became the scene of a frenetic rush, attracting miners from far and wide, including a large number of Chinese labourers. Their journey to the distant tin fields wove a thread of determination and ambition into the town’s fabric. These were the days when Cobb & Co coaches crammed with tin-thirsty adventurers raced in twice a day from Warwick. Passengers
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were said to have clung on for dear life in their rush for the tin fields. Chinese miners generally arrived in Brisbane before trekking from Warwick. They were a hardworking bunch – their five-year indenture included long hours, modest pay (about £14 a month) and the promise of food and clothes. In the case of incurable illness, £25 was paid for a return passage home. The agreement was identical to that provided to Chinese labourers working on West Indies plantations. Let’s not sugar-coat it – tin mining was no walk in the park. Miners were digging trenches, twisting earth augers and wrestling with steam engines, all for a bit of tin. For two decades, tin valued at £2.5 million, was reportedly produced from the area, with its 30 hotels doing a roaring trade. By 1892 the rush was over.
A TRIBUTE TO HISTORY
Fast forward to now, and Stanthorpe’s a changed scene. Famous for wine and coolclimate fruits, who’d imagine its tin-tinged past? But fret not, history buffs. Stanthorpe Heritage Museum, operated by Stanthorpe
and District Historical Society since 1970, is a treasure trove in its own right. Nestled among 14 buildings and cradling in excess of 20,000 artefacts, the museum unfolds the layers of this unique area’s history. From pastoral beginnings to the tin mining boom, the military, First Nations history and the indelible mark left by Italian settlers, the museum holds a wealth of stories waiting to be told. As you step through the grand entrance, you’re greeted by the shepherd’s hut from 1842, the gaol from 1876 and Ardmore House
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from the 1920s – each building a chapter in the Stanthorpe storybook. The Jean Harslett Research Room, with its extensive collection of local family histories and photographs, offers a deep dive into the personal narratives that weave through the town’s history. The museum is much more than just a collection of artefacts. It’s a gateway to understanding how a community has evolved, adapted and thrived over the past 150 years. From the tin rush that put it on the map to its current acclaim as a wine and tourist
hub, Stanthorpe’s journey from Quart Pot Creek to a landmark of historical and cultural significance is nothing short of fascinating. It’s a reminder of the enduring spirit of communities that rise on the waves of change, embracing their past while looking forward to the future. As you wander through the museum, amid the echoes of the past, you’re not just another visitor – you’re part of Stanthorpe’s ongoing story, one as enduring as the tin that once defined it and as vibrant as the community it’s become.
Stanthorpe Heritage Museum, located at 12 High Street, is open from Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 1pm to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm. Groups are welcome by appointment. RLM Words and images: Jake Lindsay
FACING PAGE: Stanthorpe Heritage Museum is a treasure trove for history lovers; museum curator Lorene Long and president Judith Grey with volunteer Kim Barton in a typical 1940s kitchen. THIS PAGE: Volunteer Janine Breen loves working among all the treasures at the museum.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Stanthorpe
Restoration work on track
For the past decade the focus of Artworks Granite Belt has been to rejuvenate neglected community buildings, transforming them into usable spaces the whole town can appreciate.
Located in Stanthorpe’s heritage railway precinct, Artworks Granite Belt houses the Ann-Marie O’Callaghan Gallery, Station Café and Craft Gallery, spaces for workshops and community events. You can enjoy the famous all-day breakfast at The Station Cafe along with coffee, snacks and more, on weekends from 9am to 2pm. Secretary Mary Rofe says the precinct hosts a weekly Farmers’ Market and has become a valuable space for Snowflakes and the Apple & Grape festivals. “Our big news is that we have reached an agreement to refurbish a huge old shed into what will become a community centre,” she says. The former Queensland Fruit Growers’ Society building was once a vital link in the local fruit and agricultural industry supply chain, used to store produce before its railway journey.
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“The store was a hub for all sorts of farming needs and is fondly remembered by many in the district. It’s sat empty for 32 years and we are excited about making good use of it.” It’s amazing what this not-for-profit volunteer group has achieved in its 10-year lifespan. Facing a mountain of challenges, they’ve soldiered on with huge endeavours, including repurposing the railway station precinct, since 2014. “Until recently a restored C17 Class steam locomotive, the Downs Explorer, stopped each month on its journey to the border and back. The 2023 bushfires took out a vital bridge and has put the service on hold – hopefully not a permanent one,” she says. After moving from Brisbane to Stanthorpe 15 years ago, Mary was thrilled to become
involved with the railway project, something very close to her heart. “My husband John is a former railway man, so I feel I’ve always been married to the railway. John grew up as the son of an assistant station master out west and has railways in his blood. “We came to Stanthorpe because we love this community. It has a great spirit that has enabled us to achieve so much here. They have turned this disused site with a mountain of weeds into a nice, respectable garden and community space.” Volunteers have gradually brought life back to the station building. Whistle Stop Community Gardens secretary Carol Parkinson was keen to get it looking its best once more. In the 1920s, it won the Railway Garden of the Year.
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“The garden was initially used as a project with Stanthorpe Training Centre but has grown into something much larger,” she says. Keen local historian Jim Barnes is the man responsible for all the railway’s historical signs. Stanthorpe station opened on March 3, 1881, when the Queensland Railways’ southern line was extended from Warwick. It served as terminus of the line until it was extended to Wallangarra six years later. In April 1927, the station was visited by the Duke and Duchess of York. Until 1972, Stanthorpe was served by passenger trains operating between Brisbane and Wallangarra. The original station building was relocated to the western sides of the track in 1912, following complaints from residents about having to cross the tracks to reach the town. Major freight carried in those early days were bales of wool, tin ore and later fruit. Passenger services closed in 1974 with freight ceasing in 2007. Although the rattlers are no longer on the rails, the renovations are certainly on track for a sparkling finish once these dedicated volunteers have their way. RLM Words: Jake Lindsay Images: Sandra McEwan
FACING PAGE: Town crier Rob Townshend welcomes the Wallangarra steam train to Stanthorpe station. FROM TOP: The historic Stanthorpe Railway Station is now home to a cafe and boutique art gallery; Mary Rofe and husband John are dedicated volunteers.
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T O W N F E AT U R E Stanthorpe
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BEAUTY CAPTURED Dedicated Stanthorpe photographer Sandra McEwan is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to capturing the essence of her beloved town.
With her Nikon in hand, she’s ready to press the shutter release button at any gathering – whether invited or not! For her, photography is more than a career; it’s a passion, a way to document history and a source of unbridled joy. Her favourite moments are spent in the serene beauty of the bush, communing with Mother Nature as she searches for that perfect shot, the one that makes her heart sing. You’ll also find Sandra amid the hustle and bustle of local events, capturing the vibrant community life. Festivals, exhibitions, the local show, rodeos – wherever there’s a crowd, Sandra is there with her camera, ready to freeze moments in time. Born and raised in Dunedin, New Zealand, the happy snapper grew up with a younger brother in a loving, sports-orientated family. She played many different sports but excelled in soccer, representing Otago and
the South Island over a 13-year period. In the background, she was already experimenting with a film camera, won as a prize in a swimming competition at age 12. For many years, she found happiness taking snaps of family holidays and landscapes around the beautiful Central Otago area. After school, Sandra devoted 11 years to Cadbury Schweppes Hudson Chocolate Factory, Griffin’s Biscuit and Confectionery and MacPherson Kemp, a confectionery wholesaler, before starting a family. “After visiting Australia a couple of times, in 1998 I decided to make a permanent move with my children Samantha and Heath, settling in the Brisbane Valley for six years,” she says. > RIGHT: Photographer Sandra McEwan loves capturing nature at its best and finds inspiration all around her.
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