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CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
Trading as Regional Lifestyle Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418 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 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.
Pegasus Media & Logistics is an environmentally responsible printing company that is committed to helping achieve a sustainable environment. To underscore our commitment to environmental sustainability, Pegasus Media & Logistics is FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified as well as being ISO 14001 accredited. Paper and paper-based materials carrying the FSC® symbol can be tracked back to their source, guaranteeing they come from forests which are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Pegasus Media & Logistics is also an accredited ISO 9001:2008 supplier, which ensures each step of our production process is aligned with world’s best practice to deliver the finest quality possible. Together these accreditations offered by Pegasus Media & Logistics, offer our clients a guarantee that their printed products are produced by world’s best practice environmental and finest quality standards.
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CONTENTS ISSUE 46 SPRING 2024
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BEHIND THE LENS: Track Trevor Martin’s joyful journey into digital imagery. 54 QUEEN OF THE DRAFT: Meet Lorna Fanning, a legend behind the microphone. 56 EIGHT SECONDS: How the rough and tumble rodeo world shaped Darryl Kong. 60 POETIC LICENCE: Marco Gliori has made his mark in verse and life. 64 WORLD-CLASS JUICE: What prompted Dick Estens to begin a new career at 60. 110 RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS: Discover how one courageous young mum found a sweet solution to living with muscular dystrophy. 119 BUILDING A DREAM: Through hard work and passion, Peter Lindores has created the perfect country wedding venue.
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ANCIENT ORIGINS: Stroll through the living history of Ollera Station’s glorious garden.
TRAVEL
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182 HISTORY AND FUN: Take a quick glimpse of what the Philippines has to offer.
RECIPES
194 TASTEBUD TEMPTERS: Allow Lorraine to present something old and new for Spring.
WEDDINGS
214 N EWLY WED: Blushing brides and beautiful weddings celebrated in Wagga Wagga, Orange, Coonabarabran and Young.
THE LAST WORD
224 F AIRWAY TO HEAVEN: At 100, could Bill Wilkin be the oldest golfer in the world?
HISTORIC Ollera Garden Guyra $15.00 inc GST SPRING 2024 VOLUME 46
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ATTRACTED TO HORSEPOWER: Discover why so many people choose to live, work and play in the Southern Downs.
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Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales & Southern Queensland
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WARWICK TOWN FEATURE
ON THE COVER
The heritage listed Glengallan Homestead circa 1867, situated on the New England Highway at Glengallan is a fine example of an innovative restoration. Story begins on page 38. Image: Jonno Colfs
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
Hope amidst the sadness “Missing someone is sadness wrapped in the blessing of having known them.”
The sudden and unexpected death of our hugely talented features writer and chief photographer Jake Lindsay has shaken us to the core. Jake passed away on Saturday, May 18 from a massive heart attack. His charismatic personality, his “way with words” and his ability to see the best in everyone is his enduring legacy. Jake was a loyal and trusted friend, a dedicated colleague and a truly gifted wordsmith and photographer. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. We would like to invite you to view our Tribute to Jake Lindsay, Part 1 starting on page 18, six beautiful pages of tributes to Jake, and iconic images captured by Jake over the years.
Winter launch
Our launch at the beautiful Braeside Homestead, Dalveen, in Queensland would have to be one of most memorable events ever. The magnificent gardens and the iconic heritage-listed homestead provided the setting for more than 80 invited guests to celebrate their truly unique community. The Winter edition showcased Stanthorpe and surrounds across 155 pages and has already started to shake already existing record sales figures. A huge thank you must be extended to our launch sponsors, Braeside owners Richard and Karen McLean, Tobin Wines and our wonderful MC, Marco Gliori. Country star James Blundell graced the stage and entertained launch guests in his own laidback style. The collaboration with Southern Downs Regional Council was a very effective and valued partnership.
Spring 2024 edition
This edition celebrates all that is on offer in the Warwick, Killarney and Allora regions, representing the northern section of the Southern Downs Council area. Sadly, Jake Lindsay’s passing impacted on this edition, but we must pay tribute to his wonderful efforts with writing and photography yet again. Anna Rose (Jake’s close colleague and dear friend) took up from where Jake left off and managed to complete any unfinished work and gain approval for all published content. This would have been a difficult and emotional task for Anna and we thank her most sincerely for honouring Jake in this way.
Summer 2024 feature
We can look forward to 140-plus pages in the Summer 2024 edition representing the best of five Southern Tablelands council areas. Admittedly it was a huge task. A massive thanks to all the RLM team for stepping up under sad circumstances and allowing this edition to take shape. There will be 25 to 30 pages showcasing each of the beautiful Southern Tablelands council areas including Goulburn-Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley. Expect a snapshot of why these stunning areas are so irresistible.
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ABOVE: Launch sponsors Karen and Richard McLean of Braeside Homestead, Mayor Cr Melissa Hamilton, RLM publishers Elizabeth and Alex Tickle and Ian and Sarah Dopson, Tobin Wines. Image: Sue Meikle
What’s coming in 2025
In our 12 years of publishing, we have forged more than 70 partnerships with local councils across NSW and Southern Queensland. In Autumn 2025, readers can expect to be taken on a tour of the Balonne Council area, including a focus on St George, Thallon, Mungindi and Dirranbandi. The Balonne Council has been most diligent in providing us with some excellent material to work with and we look forward to exploring this alluring area on your behalf.
Thank you
We would like to express our gratitude to our very faithful readers who support us by purchasing our latest edition each and every season (and often back copies). We also thank the newsagents who promote our magazine so well and councils from all over with a vision to see their area in the spotlight, and as a byproduct generate tremendous community pride, increased tourism and visitation, tree change and business interest. As always, we are indebted to our strong and talented team who deliver quality and creative work time and time again. We would like to welcome a new writer, Jenel Hunt from Stanthorpe to our team. Jenel brings with her a wealth of experience, talent and wisdom. We hope you have managed to keep warm this Winter and like us, will look forward to all the beauty and splendour that comes with glorious Springtime.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex
SPRING 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
Art Director
ANNA ROSE
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
SANDRA McEWAN
JOHN CURLEY
SUE CURLEY
ELIZABETH GRANT
ASSOC PROFESSOR SOL QURASHI
NICOLE BONFIELD
Garden Writer
Photographer
Writer
RLM Accountant
Health and Wellness Writer 8 RLM
Writer
Writer
Travel Writer
Photographer
Writer
JOHN BALTAKS
Travel Photographer
HELEN TICKLE
Writer
SUE MEIKLE
Socials Photographer
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S P R I N G feedback
your letters I wanted to write and thank you for the wonderful launch of the Stanthorpe Winter edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine. It was a beautiful evening at historic Braeside, with local wine, delicious food and great company. What struck me most was how your magazine had perfectly captured the immense pride that we all feel for our region. The magazine goes beyond simply featuring wineries, accommodation, restaurants and businesses. It shows people the heart of this place and why we love living here. I believe that everyone who visits Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt experiences this for themselves, and it is why visitors come back, yearn to become locals and eventually join us here. I have worked and lived around the world and to me there is nowhere else I’ve lived that has such a strong sense of community. When it was time to come home to Australia I couldn’t wait to settle back on the Granite Belt. I’m lucky to live in an amazing region with so much potential. I love showing people how wonderful this region is. And now that’s even easier because I can show them your magazine, and they will understand immediately. Cr Melissa Hamilton Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council
Absolutely stunning is all I keep saying of the Winter edition of the Regional Lifestyle Magazine. Being an avid reader for years, I was thrilled when Elizabeth and Alex decided to venture into Queensland and to Stanthorpe and showcase our little slice of heaven. The region, the people, the history are amazing, and I was very proud to work with and help co-ordinate with the RLM team on producing the biggest ever edition. Our dynamic community embraced the whole experience and got on board to support this wonderful publication. The launch at the magnificent Braeside was the icing on the cake, the culmination of many months of work and the pinnacle of our edition. Thanks to Richard and Karen McLean for opening up their beautiful home and sharing it with us on the night. It was with great sadness we learnt the following day after the launch of the passing of Jake Lindsay. The people he worked with in Stanthorpe were devastated to hear the news and want to pass on our condolences to Jake’s family and his RLM family. We look forward to working with RLM again on future features. Debbie-Ann Wilmot Promotions Officer, Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce
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Our advertising in the Regional Lifestyle Winter 2024 edition has been exceptionally successful, significantly boosting tourism in our region. The launch at Braeside Homestead was a memorable event, further enhancing our visibility and appeal. This initiative has positively impacted local businesses, drawing more visitors eager to explore our vibrant community. Richard and Karen McLean Braeside Homestead, Dalveen, QLD
Loved, loved, loved the magazine! The artwork and photography was a standout. The stories were a great read and, as a local, I felt a sense of pride when discussing the magazine and its contents. I also felt that the cost of the advertising and the magazine itself, was definitely value for money. We didn’t purchase the copies to sell but we have used the magazine as a promotional tool for the district and our business. Instead of discounting product, we have used the magazine as a giveaway, reducing our discounts but still providing a quality service and add-on item in our cellar door. In short, we would love to be considered to tell our story again in another edition of Regional Lifestyle. Ian Dopson Operations Manager, Tobin Wines
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T O W N F E A T U R E Town Name
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Jake Lindsay TownName T R I B U TTEOSWINPFAERATT O UN RE
In memory of
Jake Lindsay 7.4.1962 - 18.5.2024
Tributes Shot by Jake With a yarn in his pocket, a camera as his guide, and his childlike curiosity stirring deep inside, he saddled up his talent, dipped his lid, and setting sail, created with compassion, priceless moments to inhale. A look, a gaze, a passing thought, the pride, those hidden fears, now locked in eyes that follow us across the room for years, to hang there as we celebrate, to haunt us when we wake, reflections captured, precious, and gladly Shot by Jake. The Shooter, what a larrikin, his campfire lit the stars, his studio’s warm welcome, like a thousand mini-bars encouraged flawed emotion, unveiled the next big name, their very souls revealed, preserved forever, in a frame. Now mingling here beside us, roughing up our cool façades, his spirit laughs and whispers to the sentimental bards, who browse the glossy pages as our lifestyles take a break, reminding us of mateship, and how we were Shot by Jake. Marco Gliori © 2024
Alex and Elizabeth Tickle, Publishers, RLM Jake first entered our lives when he took graduation photos of our daughters at Calrossy Anglican Girls’ School in Tamworth. I remember his commanding presence and his totally captivating photography studio above the shops in Peel Street. As a photographer from The Land newspaper, Jake captured Alex’s grand champion Hereford bull scooping the pool at the Glen Innes Hereford Bull Show and Sale in 1986. This image ended up on The Land’s front cover. Another pivotal moment. Later I recall Jake freelanced as a photographer and writer with New England Country Living magazine for quite some years. He took some stunning images of our good friends, Ian and Lorriane Hills at their property near Guyra, showcasing their prizewinning superfine wool growing operation. Our daughter Kate wrote their story. It wasn’t until 2012 when retirement was looming for both
Alex and I, that we started thinking about a possible new and innovative business idea. My first thought was to make contact and gain honest input from Jake, someone who had had a lifetime of experience in the media (and hopefully he remembered me), which he did. I asked what he thought of our entrepreneurial idea (our opinion, not necessarily anyone else’s!), to start a glossy magazine called Central West Lifestyle. He was very supportive and encouraging but finished his upbeat response with: “There’s only one thing wrong. You don’t have me on your team”. My response was: “Well, come on board!” And come on board, he did. From February 2013 to May 2024, Jake was a loyal friend and dedicated colleague, an advisor, a sounding board and most importantly, a truly gifted writer and photographer. His contribution to our magazine has been immeasurable and every one of the 46 editions reflects his commitment and talent. Jake’s passing has been hard to fathom and even more difficult to accept. We know we must be grateful for what we had, what he left and now how we must continue. This we will do, as a legacy to Jake. The Regional Lifestyle family has been overwhelmed with the messages of sympathy, kindness and appreciation received upon Jake’s passing. We would like to thank each and every person, business and organisation for their expressions of condolence. Your messages have uplifted us greatly at this very sad time.
Mary Hollingworth, Glen Innes, New South Wales Our world is mourning the loss of Regional Lifestyle Magazine’s chief writer/photographer Jake Lindsay. Jake was one in a million! A genius behind a camera, brilliant wordsmith, generous gentleman, kindly curator of hundreds of anecdotes and a truly treasured friend to those who knew the real Jake. He lived as he passed – passionately for others. Thank you, Jake, for being you – bringing, giving and sharing joy in everything. >
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TR BN U TFEE A Jake OIW T U RLindsay E Town Name
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Jake Lindsay TownName T R I B U TTEOSWINPFAERATT O UN RE
Tributes Anna Rose, Geelong, Victoria “The factor that sustains a genuine friendship is a feeling of affection” – The Dalai Lama For many years Shot By Jake Photographic Studio was a fixture on Peel Street, Tamworth, in an upstairs loft filled with an eclectic assortment of treasures lovingly gathered by its owner, the one and only Jake Lindsay. This flamboyant rural lad made quite an impact on the Country Music Capital during the 25 or more years he spent there shooting weddings, parties, graduations, gymkhanas, rodeos, campdrafts, agricultural shows, ANZAC Day marches, country music festival cavalcades – and a whole cast of characters who climbed the stairs into Jake’s world. Always impeccably attired in his sapphire-blue monogrammed shirt, jeans, belt, boots and hat, you’d rarely see him leave the building without his trusty camera slung casually over his shoulder, always ready for action. Jake’s loft, known as the Crab Pot, was THE place to be during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. When most venues were winding down for the night, things would just be warming up at Jake’s place, with live music, laughter and merriment. It wasn’t all play and no work by any means for this committed photojournalist. His work ethic was something to be admired. Once Jake was on task, you could not deter him from his goal, even if at times, it looked impossible to achieve. This well-educated gentleman from Coonabarabran was a man of many talents. Not only was he skilled with a camera, he had an amazing turn of phrase in the written word which began with a cadetship at The Land newspaper. After spending some years shooting and writing for New England Country Living, almost 12 years ago he became the chief features writer and photographer with Central West Lifestyle, now known as Regional Lifestyle. For every one of the 46 editions to date, Jake has left his indelible stamp on each, telling stories that inspire you, make you laugh or sometimes make you cry. He had that amazing super-power of being able to extract information from a person in that gentle, caring way, often eliciting secrets never told to another soul. His super-powers also extended to friendships made along the way. Every person he befriended felt they were the best friend a person could ever have. Meeting Jake was an unforgettable experience. There was that quirky side to his nature, as he was always on the lookout for fodder for his regular column, The Last Word. You’ll notice the one in this edition is particularly entertaining, telling the story of a 100-year-old golfer from Coonabarabran. And yes, it was Jake who came up with the classic headline, Fairway to Heaven, after we’d massaged the yarn into shape, trimming, tightening and agonising over every word to ensure it would be a good read. Being a writer can be a very solitary existence. It was so for both Jake and I until a few years ago when my friend of 30 years reached out and asked if I could read one of his stories. As a proofreader and sub-editor of many years’ standing, this was an opportunity I jumped at. Especially when it was Jake. I’d always admired his way with words – from his books Hat’s Life, Beneath the Brim and Showtime, the latter written with Murray Hartin, and from his numerous magazine articles.
I quickly emailed back the stories, which I couldn’t help but trim a little, and the response was rapid. “Spanner! You’re amazing. Can I send you a few more?” It was then our partnership was formed. Up until then we had both lived the isolated life of writers, churning away at our laptop and desktop computers. Now, we had both found a literary ally. We gave each other feedback on our stories and it worked well. I don’t think a day will ever go by when I won’t miss my dear friend. Jake’s contribution to Regional Lifestyle was massive and his diligence in meeting deadlines was exceptional. Son of the late Dr Richard Lindsay, and his wife Maureen, a highly skilled nurse, Jake moved from Tamworth eight years ago to spend more quality time with his mother in Coonabarabran. Their mutual love and respect for each other made for the perfect arrangement between mother and son. Jake lived the life of 10 men, doing exactly as he wanted, when he wanted. He left this world a much better place through his genuine enthusiasm for life and his love for those he held dear – and always being able to see the good in everyone he met. He is survived by his beloved mother, Maureen, and his siblings Kathleen, Mary Rose, Madelaine, Louise and Jim.
Desie Kearsey OAM, Inverell, New South Wales Angels come in all shapes and sizes, to bless our lives for a varying period, then they move on to other places on earth or in Heaven. Jake was our angel. He came into our lives for only a precious year, but it was as if we’d known him for a lifetime, as a brother and best friend. Being chief writer and photographer for Regional Lifestyle Magazine was his joy and passion. For 11 years he worked like a man possessed, writing article after article of amazing stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives. He was incredibly sincere and dedicated, exploding on paper with such captivating skill, that the reader was enthralled. So, whether you knew the people in his stories, or whether they were total strangers, they came alive with the magic of his pen. He possessed a unique sixth sense of friendship, trust and sincerity which put people at ease and who often became longlasting mates in an instant. He also had the uncanny ability to delve into their very souls, and then put it down on paper in a totally respectful, diplomatic and beautiful way. My husband Peter opened up to Jake facets of his life that even I didn’t know. They bonded, becoming one in spirit as Peter shared his amazing story, and Jake put pen to paper. Jake was unique – in talent, personality, sincerity, integrity and ingrained kindness. Jake made this world a better place just doing and being Jake Lindsay. My love and sincere condolences I send to all whose lives were enriched and touched by Jake – especially to his beloved mother and family who have known and loved him since birth and like us, will miss him always. Rest in peace, dear Jake, rest in peace, for you will live on in our hearts, memories and in your stories – forever. >
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BN U TFEE A Jake TR OIW T U RLindsay E Town Name
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Jake Lindsay TownName T Jake R I B ULindsay TTEOSWINPFT AERAT IT BO UN R TE
Tributes
“Every minute someone leaves this world behind. We are all in ‘the line’ without knowing it. We never know how many people are before us. We cannot move to the back of the line, step out of the line or avoid the line. So, while we wait in line, make moments count. “Make priorities. Make the time. Make your gifts known. Make a nobody feel like a somebody. Make your voice heard. Make the small things big. Make someone smile. Make the change. Make peace. Make sure to tell your people they are loved. Make sure to have no regrets. Make sure you are ready.” Jake’s Message, Regional Lifestyle Magazine, Summer 2022.
Dick Estens AO Moree, New South Wales
Lyndall McCormack, Killarney, Queensland
I have only known Jake a short time. I first met him during his work with Regional Lifestyle Magazine doing the Moree feature edition. He interviewed my wife, Lee, our daughter Sascha and myself, constantly challenging us, looking for left field interesting stories making for great reading. You instantly realised with Jake that he was a great Australian storyteller. He had the ability to dig into the passion and soul of all our families and peoples who live in the heart of the Australian bush. Then showcasing these very values in his stories on where we all worked and lived, contributing to the success of our local communities. All this showcasing our fabulous country towns and lifestyles for our times, recording our own small part of this rich history forever. Thanks, Jake! As chief writer and photographer for the magazine since its establishment, 46 editions in the making, he has well and truly left his mark. Jake’s own passion and commitment in his later life’s work to RLM and the country people is now there for all to see. Leaving a great legacy of all our stories for our grandchildren and their children and others to read for years to come. Thanks again, Jake for keeping our memories alive! I recently had the privilege of flying Jake around Warwick taking RLM aerial images of Warwick and interviewing the Grove Juice team, doing our story for the Spring edition. Our condolences to your family and friends, Jake. Your life was too short, but you have touched the lives of many and will always be remembered.
I can only offer my sincere condolences to you and your team upon this sad news you have sent. Yes, Jake was a hit here in Warwick and Killarney. Within 12 hours, everyone knew him, and had a story about him and his engaging manner. He gave my father a great deal of time and kindness when they did the photo shoot at Killarney Memorial Aged Care. Everyone here will be deeply saddened by Jake’s passing, and we will be thinking of you all at the magazine.
Peter Lindores, Melrose Station, Killarney, Queensland My sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jake Lindsay, a wonderful photographer, writer and one heck of a man. When he arrived at my place, it was our first meeting. Not too many people can boss me around and get away with it, but he could certainly look after himself. Everyone here thought he was a top bloke. I’m pretty sure they threw away the mould when they made Jake. Rest in peace. RLM
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T O W N F E A T U R E Warwick
Warwick T O W N F E A T U R E
WARWICK TOWN FE ATURE
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WARWICK T OW N F E AT U R E
Welcome to Horsepower Country From the Southern Downs Mayor As mayor of the Southern Downs, it is with great pride that I invite you to explore the northern part of our region known widely as “Queensland’s Horsepower Country”. The Southern Downs, situated at the southern end of the Darling Downs region, boasts a population of more than 35,000 people and spans an area of 7108 square kilometres. Agriculture traditionally reigns as our largest industry, with notable growth observed in our emerging visitor and care economies. Warwick is the region’s largest town and our administrative centre. Founded in the 1840s, Warwick’s heritage is evident in its beautiful sandstone buildings which are showcased along the Warwick CBD Heritage Walking Trail and Southern Downs Sculpture Trail. Centuryold buildings and monuments tell stories of resilience and prosperity. Modern artistic influences can be found on the Artistic Warwick Walking Trail and at the renowned Warwick Art Gallery. Killarney is a natural jewel, popular with hikers, cyclists and horse riders and visitors keen to explore the outdoors. The five waterfalls surrounding Killarney include the spectacular Queen Mary Falls as well as Teviot Falls, Daggs Falls, Browns Falls and Upper Browns Falls. Allora is known as the “best little town on the Downs” and famous for its historic main street, including Mary Poppins House.
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Charming small towns like Maryvale, Leyburn, Pratten, and Yangan enhance the character of the region with their community halls and historic buildings, and a visit to Glengallan Homestead is a must in any touring itinerary. Throughout the year we host worldclass events which epitomise Horsepower Country: from rodeos, campdrafts and polocrosse to superbikes, car racing and drags at Morgan Park Raceway and the historic Leyburn Sprints. Download the free official Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App to explore even more. We’re also famous for Australia’s quirkiest winter festival, Jumpers and Jazz in July. Knitting the fun and colour of yarnbombing with the soulful melodies of live jazz music, Jumpers and Jazz in July has been weaving and swinging its magic in Warwick for 20 years. Our community organisations, driven by enthusiastic volunteers, make all these events possible. People of the Southern Downs form a resilient, collaborative community who support each other through good times and bad. This community spirit makes the 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
Throughout the year we host world-class events which epitomise Horsepower Country: from rodeos, campdrafts and polocrosse to superbikes, car racing and drags at Morgan Park Raceway and the historic Leyburn Sprints.
Warwick T O W N F E A T U R E
Heritage, history and heart Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Darling Downs, Warwick is a thriving town that exudes rustic charm and sophisticated elegance in equal measure. With breathtaking views of the Great Dividing Range and access to major road, rail, and air networks, Warwick exemplifies the growing appeal of Australia’s regional centres. Its scenic beauty, coupled with excellent connectivity, makes Warwick an increasingly attractive destination for living, working, playing, and investing. With a rich history dating back to the 1840s, Warwick’s heritage is evident in its exquisite sandstone architecture, showcased beautifully along the Warwick CBD Heritage Walking Trail. This historical charm is seamlessly complemented by modern artistic influences found on the Artistic Warwick Walking Trail, which meanders through the main streets, passing by modern cafes and vibrant street art. Warwick and the surrounding towns of Allora, Killarney, and Leyburn boast an enviable annual calendar of regional events. From the iconic Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival and the thrilling Warwick Rodeo and Pryde’s EasiFeed Gold Cup Campdraft to the family-friendly Killarney Bonfire Night, the picturesque Allora Autumn Festival, and the exhilarating Historic Leyburn Sprints, visitors are spoiled for choice with world-class events throughout the year. For the rail enthusiasts the historic Downs Explorer offers steam train tours from Warwick to Stanthorpe, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Miles and Roma – always excellent family fun. The rolling green hills, expansive fertile agricultural land, glorious mountain views and plummeting waterfalls of Killarney makes the area a gateway to some of Queensland’s most picturesque landscapes. Unspoiled natural beauty abounds in the Goomburra Valley with rugged mountain ranges, spectacular views, trickling streams, and rare wildlife all calling the World Heritage-listed area home. Heralded as the Horsepower Capital of Queensland, the region’s major motorsport and equestrian facility, Morgan Park, roars to life on any given weekend with a range of sport clubs and organisations including horse trials (equestrian), polocrosse and equine driving sharing the space with dirt bikes, drag racing, and circuit racing events all occurring in purpose-built precincts. Visitors enjoy an array of accommodation options that blend comfort with opulence. Choose from motels, caravan parks, and charming bed and breakfasts to the heritage-listed Abbey of the Roses, an 1891 sandstone mansion that was once a convent. When dining out, look for café menus using local produce often complemented by selections from the nearby Granite Belt wine region.
What truly sets Warwick apart is its warm and welcoming community. The locals, known for their hospitality, take pride in sharing their town’s treasures with visitors. Whether it’s a friendly chat at a local cafe or a guided tour through the historic sites, the people of Warwick ensure every visitor feels like an honoured guest. Discover Warwick, and let its charm captivate your heart and soul. RLM Words and images: SDRC Media
ABOVE: Stop in at the historic town hall to pick up local maps and guides from Warwick Visitor Information Centre for your next adventure in the Downs.
Looking for work life balance? Work in a region that helps you enjoy life to the fullest.
FIND A CAREER in Queensland’s Southern Downs.
sdrc.qld.gov.au
1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372)
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