Issue 10 | 2017
YULGILBAR GENERATIONS OF WORKE RS THAT HAVE LIVED, BRE ATHED AND BUILT THE STATION
IN FULL BLOOM MEET 2017 JACARANDA QUEEN CANDIDATE BRIDGETT MAWHIRT THE BICYCLE COMMUTE SIMPLIFY YOUR STREET MAP THREE STEPS TO NEW FINANCIAL YEAR GOAL SETTING
Monthly Real Estate Digest Elders Real Estate Grafton
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REVIEW
ISSUE TEN 2017 We ll, w e’ r e b a ck. In so m e way s w e’ v e c h a n ge d , b ec au s e al l ti me b r in g s ch an g e. So m eon e’ s ma rr ied , an d so m eon e i s en g ag ed . S o m eon e’ s n e w, an d so m eon e h a s c o me b ac k to u s. Ti m e = ch an g e. An d wi th i t c o me s gr o wt h . N e w e xp er ie n c e s. Old ex p e ri en c es r e vi s it e d . On e th i n g’ s fo r su r e – it ’s good to b e b ac k.
In th i s i s su e, w e l ook at so m e o ld t rad iti on s b ei n g k ep t a li v e b y g en e rati on s o f yo u n g an d ol d al ik e. We m e et J ak e, an d ca tc h a g li mp s e o f s om e of t h e ti m el e s s fou n d at i on s o f Yu l gi lb a r. Br id g et tal k s u s th rou gh h er tak e on th e 83 yea r tr ad it ion of Qu e en Can d id a cy. We’ v e m i s se d you , an d w e h op e y ou ’ v e mi s s ed u s too .
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31 WARATAH CRESCENT MINNIE WATER Terry Deefholts www.eldersgrafton.com.au
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ABSOLUTE OCEAN FRONT. Here we have a solid two storey brick and tile home with unobscured views of Minnie Water bay and the Pacific Ocean. The views and the sea breezes are so hypnotising that time simply disappears in the serene spectacle. The ocean-facing windows at the front are tinted for comfort and the daybed is a great place to watch the sunrise over the sea. The hardwood timber floors are beautifully polished while the bespoke galley kitchen (renovated in 2010) is highly functional with soft close drawers and top end appliances. With 2 large bedrooms and a sleepout upstairs along with a deck at the back and a living space, there is ample room as a family home or a holiday bunkhouse. Not to mention the garage space, 2nd bathroom, laundry and tool room (storage room) below. “Honestly, you could stand at the front door without any clothes on and no one would even notice – they are too focussed on looking the other way,” sa ys the seller. “Not that I’ve actually tried that.”
Terry Deefholts Sales Professional P: 0413 299 176 E: terry.deefholts@eldersrealestate.com.au W: www.eldersgrafton.com.au
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IN FULL BLOOM As the days slowly get hotter, the first buds appear on the mighty Jacaranda, and the flower festival starts to take over the streets and rivers and flow through the town. 2017 Jacaranda Queen Candidate Bridgett Mawhirt
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Bridgett Mawhirt is one of the seven young women who are taking part in this year’s Jacaranda Queen Pageant; an institution that has been around for more than 80 years. 2017 Jacaranda Queen Candidate – that’s quite a mouthful. (Haha!) Try introducing yourself that way to almost every person you meet. Let’s just say I am almost fluent... almost. I guess the main question everybody must ask you is what made you decide to run for Jacaranda Queen – but what question do you wish they asked?
Every candidate needs a sponsor, but it’s more than that when it comes to fundraising – getting a donation of a brand new guitar, personally signed by Troy Cassar-Daley is a pretty big deal, right? It’s huge! Well, to me it is! Growing up in Grafton, he has always been not only a local superstar, but a national icon too! When I contacted Troy in regards to donating something or a signature for the festival fundraising, I was so humbled that he said yes. I was blown away when I found out he would be donating such an awesome prize. I’m trying my best to not play it…! So all the Candidates essentially work together to fundraise for the Jacaranda Festival? Do all the Candidates support the events of one another?
Well, I used to dance at the crowning every year when I was younger, so watching the Queens up on stage really inspired me... I am a bit of a show pony (haha)!
Yeah, we are pretty much a team throughout the candidacy, even though we are technically competing. We all try to get to each other’s events and help out in any way we can. Obviously it gets hard when we are all so busy with our own campaigning, but moral support goes a long way!
I feel like this year there is a large number of women competing – is there normally so many?
Times are changing – what relevance do you see contests and events like this having today?
It just depends. There have been bigger groups in the past, and then last year there was only 3, so it does range.
What’s not to love? In a town that has hurt so much in recent years, festivals like this bring the community together and uphold the tradition that our town is most famous for.
For the duration of the campaign, you fundraise – where do these funds go? The funds go mostly toward the ‘kitty’ for next year’s festival. It does take a lot to run such a large festival (which I’m seeing first hand this year!) and I am loving being able to contribute - and hoping to continue to contribute for years to come.
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The Jacaranda Festival, for me and many others, is a time where family comes home and we celebrate the town we have and how we have grown. Obviously the festival has to grow with the times so I am looking forward to seeing that continue to happen.
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When this is all done, what do you hope to be able to look back on and be happiest? I really do hope that I am able to encourage another young girl to do it next year - this would make me very happy! I have had such a great time so far during every part of it, in particular being able to organise events (I am a little OCD and love planning haha). This whole experience is having a positive effect on my career as well as everyday life, so essentially everything about this time in my life is going to be great to look back on in years to come. In 20 years’ time when you’re watching the next generation of young women participate and support the Jacaranda Festival and Queen Candidacy, what do you hope to see? I hope to see them enjoying it as much as we are! There is nothing better than achieving tough goals while having fun. I hope they take on all the great lessons that you learn along the way and really listen to the older generations that are mentoring them. Our Matron of Honour this year has many great stories to tell about her experiences which hold great lessons and ideas; I thoroughly enjoy listening to her. Oh, and cocktail parties! I definitely want to see cocktail parties. Do you have any advice to those looking ahead to next year? Work hard without overloading yourself, but plan ahead! I have been caught a few times at the last minute already (Whoops!) All in all - listen and learn, you can never know too much so enjoy the journey.
Head to Facebook.com/queencandidatebridgett for more info on Bridgett and to stay up to date with her fundraising and events.
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JUST LEASED
JUST LEASED
JUST LEASED
11 Kiah Place $420 PER WEEK
221 Fry Street $390 PER WEEK
1/63 Bacon Street $290 PER WEEK
JUST LEASED
JUST LEASED
JUST LEASED
232 Mary Street $400 PER WEEK
385 Eatonsonville Road $450 PER WEEK
154 Villiers Street $360 PER WEEK
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
LOOKING AHEAD Over the last few months we have seen a trend of demand for quality housing. Tenants are favouring homes that have quality kitchens and bathrooms and will pay a premium for these luxuries. They stay longer therefore reducing the turn-around cost to landlords. Interestingly there seems to be a higher percentage of prospective tenants that have pets and have a higher degree of difficulty in sourcing accommodation. Many of these tenants are responsible pet owners and it is certainly worth considering each application on its own merits. Many owners are reluctant to consider pets at all however you could be missing out on some of the best tenants.
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1 FRY STREET GRAFTON Purchase your own slice of tightly held riverfront real estate. A home of high regard and outstanding reputation, this home has continued to be brought, sold and rented to influential people of the valley, creating its own historic significance. Substantial in size, the established home has plenty of potential. The space is there and the bones are solid - and all this home needs is its new owner to make their stamp. Sitting high upon the levy this home has magnificent views over the Clarence and excellent river frontage. Being located parallel to the boat ramp, many will argue that its location is the best the river has to offer.
Dave Dart Sales Professional P: 0427 440 808 E: dave.dart@eldersrealestate.com.au W: www.eldersgrafton.com.au
You can’t afford to miss an opportunity as good as this.
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Words and images by Jaz Grady
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It was an early start as Jake and I headed out on Clarence Way towards Casino and Baryugil. Any signs of overnight frost in the air rose to the skies and the morning got unseasonably hot the further we drove. The line of cars started to form as we got closer to the main gates of Broadwater, and it was clear that today was going to be big. We were greeted by a new shed structure of massive proportions, but what immediately caught our eyes was the blush hues of the timber beams that had drawn us there. It was difficult to really feel the scale of the event, as once the grandstands were full others walked through the stalls or enjoyed the warm winters day and view over the river. Our early start was nothing compared to some we found out, as Grafton was not the main pull point for attendees. Drawing a crowd of more than 500, some had spent a previous day or more travelling to the Station. E l d e r s R e a l E s t a t e G r a f t o n | 16
With that many people in attendance, this feeling of space was a sign of a job well done. Jake pointed out a figure in the crowd – the man we were there to see. Taking as many handshakes as he was taking steps towards us, Max Kroehnert was a man that was recognised by many. As I saw his playful smile and warm nature more and more throughout the day, it was easy to see why he was seen as a friends to so many. “Show us your fence, Grandad.” The Kroehnert family started their working days on Yulgilbar with Jake’s Great Grandfather, Cecil ‘Boxer’ Kroehnert. Boxer and his wife Eileen made the move up north at the request of SJ Fields, the owner of Gordonbrooke Station, as he had seen some of Boxer’s meticulous work on fencing for several highly prized race horses. Max Kroehnert was 14 at the time, and saw no point in finishing high school when we could start working alongside his Father.
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The fences created were always made entirely out of wood. Metals and wire weren’t accessible originally, and then weren’t always a viable option. Now, some wire is used for certain jobs, and bolts and hinges help form the wooden gates, but the hard wooden structure remains the same. Fences and cattle yards were the main work around the station, however there were some notable wooden structures created by Boxer, including beautiful slab walls around the homestead, and a cleverly designed and built water tower and yards combination. The woods used have always been that of the best north coast hardwoods, often sourced on site and around the extensive property. Ironbark, Tallowwood, Grey Gum and White Mahogany are the main timbers used, all chosen for strength and durability. When creating the beautiful yet humble entrance gates that seem to be a Kroehnert signature, the artistic process really takes place, and the hunt begins. Taking anywhere from hours to days, finding the first tree is the easy part – finding its pair is the real trick. Around 12-14 inches thick, and with limbs to match, each piece is carefully worked in to the soft rounded shape through the use of two main tools - the axe and the adze. The adze, a name that is unfamiliar to many, is a remarkable tool that is used to do a multitude of things. Dating back to the Stone Age, the adze can smooth, carve, plane and much more.
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With the increase of prefabricated systems and the extensive use of metals, what was once the norm in fencing is now seen as a niche. It’s because of the skill and dedication born in Boxer, passed down through the generations of Kroehnerts, and the appreciation and dedication of the Myer family to continue the tradition through their station that keeps their work alive today. Although John Kroehnert, Jake’s father, still works in the timber industry, his call outs for fencing are now only around two times per year. One could also see this lack of demand as a testament to the longevity of their finished product – their fences taking a good 40 to 60 years to wear down due to the elements. As we look around at the expansive new shedding, it seems to me that without the winding wooden structure penning it in it would look quite out of place, and I am grateful that those at Yulgilbar understand the value of hard work and appreciate those workers that do it.
PREVIOUS LEFT: Jake and Max Kroehnert meet Graeme Champney of Kingaroy, Queensland, and chat about fences, football and everything in between. PREVIOUS RIGHT: Peter Brookes, the current horticulturalist of Yulgilbar, stands with a newly planted river gum in the shadow of a 200+ year old specimen. PREVIOUS BOTTOM: Max and Jake Kroehnert stand at the newly installed hardwood gates at The Broadwater. BOTTOM LEFT: Introductions are underway as Mr and Mrs Myer see in the opening of the 2017 Beef Expo.
On the back wall of Laundry Cottage, a little house built on Yulgilbar Station, you’ll find a plaque commemorating Cecil ‘Boxer’ and Eileen Kroehnert.
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Jake mentions the amount of local workers and staff that are hired regularly by Yulgilbar Station – a number that would be impossible to count.
Yulgilbar is unique due to the scale of the property where it is located on the Eastern side of The Great Dividing Range.
I brought this up when I spoke to Rob Sinnamon, the current General Manager of Yulgilbar Station, who had some very fitting words to add.
Generations of people have now called Yulgilbar home, with many families been employed in various roles for multiple generations. Its people are what make Yulgilbar ‘Special’ in so many ways.
Yulgilbar has been fortunate over 177 years since settlement to have dedicated and loyal Employees who work on the Station. Most become captivated by the magic of the Property. At Yulgilbar we don’t believe in doing things by half, and in the first 4 months of being built, the new “Big Shed “ at Broadwater will play host to no less than 4 significant events. The Beef Expo, followed by the Annual Production Sale, have already seen over 1000 people attend these 2 events. Yulgilbar Ranch Cutting will be this year hosted at the new facility and the “Beerasheeba Ride” from Tabulam to Grafton will overnight at Broadwater, utilising the facility on this significant event. Once you have worked at the property, Yulgilbar becomes entrenched in your DNA, and will always have a special place in memories for all who have lived and worked on the Station.
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The Clarence River and Washpool creek are the life blood of the Station with these impressive water systems by any standards making Yulgilbar unique. Equally unique is the abilities of the many people who have called Yulgilbar home. “My belief is that the true success of Yulgilbar is being able to balance the requirements of being at the cutting edge of technology in the Pastoral and Agricultural industries in terms of maximising production, while preserving the history of this unique property, both environmentally and culturally.” PREVIOUS PAGE: Max Kroehnert resting humbly against the latest timber fencing surrounding the newly built events arena at Broadwater Division at Yulgilbar Station. BOTTOM IMAGES: The sunset soldiers of the soil, these russet toned wooden soldiers stand proud and tall for around 60 years while exposed to all that the elements have to offer.
The Kronhert family epitomise the culture, skills and workmanship the property requires to function effectively. Effectively 4 generations of the Kronhert family have now drawn employment from Yulgilbar. Max Kronhert, as the current senior family member contributing his skills to Yulgilbar, continues to - in a quiet, yet very proud way make a difference! The attention to detail in his work is rarely matched in the time honoured tradition of post and rail fencing. A true gentleman, Max is liked by all who cross his path, and we are very privileged to have people like Max Kronhert contribute to the maintenance of the historical infrastructure on the property. While new fencing has seen a significant adoption of steel fencing on Yulgilbar, there is a keenness by both management and owners of the property to preserve the extensive historical infrastructure on Yulgilbar, with the Castle, Main Homestead and surrounding infrastructure considered of historical significance . Equally through the efforts of both John and Max Kronhert in recent months, their signature fencing and wooden slabs have been incorporated into the new World Class facility built at Broadwater Division.
Their craftmanship will be honoured in this facility for generations to come.
“A Property like Yulgilbar succeeds not because it is big or long established, but because there are people who live it, dream it, believe in it, and have great plans in store for the future of it!” - Rob Sinnamon With the wooden gates of Broadwater saluting us in our rear view mirror, I found that the day had taught me about more than just cattle and beef – but I learnt quite a lot about that as well.
Thanks to the past, present and future staff and workers of Yulgilbar; to Rob Sinnamon for his time and words; and especially to Max Korehnert, just for being himself.
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Three steps to new financial year goal setting.
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June 30 is now in our rear-view mirror, with a new financial year stretching ahead. Most of us tend to make our resolutions in January with the onset of a new calendar year. But from a financial and business perspective, it makes good sense to use the new financial year as a time to take stock and set goals for the upcoming months. Changes to tax brackets, levies and business expenses all come into effect at the beginning of a financial year, so make sure you’re abreast of any changes and understand how they’ll affect you. This is also the time of year when tax returns are due, which gives you an excellent snapshot of your overall financial position. What better prompt for sitting down and getting the full picture? If you’ve been looking to list your property for sale or take the plunge and buy that investment property, a new financial year is the ideal time because it sets you up nicely for a fresh start. We’re also coming into spring, so if your goals for the year include buying or selling a house, you couldn’t ask for a better time to make that happen. Here are our three steps to making this financial year, your financial year. 1. Finalise your tax return
Very few of us love doing our tax, but the benefits definitely outweigh the tedium. The key financial information gained can be useful on a personal goal-setting level, as well as a practical one. If you are seeking to gain loan approval from a lender for the purchase of a property, they require up-to-date information on your earnings.
If you have a recent Notice of Assessment or a Profit and Loss Statement, that can be a real help in getting that finance over the line so you can approach the banks or give your broker the information they need to help you. 2. Reflect on the previous year
Once you’ve got your numbers finalised and in front of you in black and white, consider whether you met your goals. Did you intend making overpayments to your mortgage each week, or saving a certain amount for a deposit for a house? Perhaps you had plans to visit a certain amount of opens each month to empower yourself with knowledge of what is on the market? Whatever you wanted during the last year and whatever steps you took to work towards it, now is the time to give yourself a performance review. If you didn’t achieve your targets, think about what stopped you and how you can make that path easier going forward. If you did, give yourself a pat on the back and then set some new ones! 3. Speak to an expert
Armed with all this information, and some nascent goals, now’s an ideal time to talk to an expert. A financial planner will sit down with you and determine what your overall goals are, and help you put a plan into place that will get you closer to achieving them. Whether it’s providing yourself with a second income stream or building a nest egg for retirement, the sooner you have a plan the easier it is to achieve. You might consider getting an independent valuation of your assets, as well, to give yourself a clearer picture of where you are. Whatever your goals are, now is a great time to get the gears turning and make moves to make them happen. Taken from www.eldersrealestate.com.au
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DRIVING DISTANCE VS
RIDING DISTANCE How two wheels can force you in to happiness – and lower your fuel bill at the same time.
Run out of milk? Get in the car and drive. Coffee? Get in the car and drive. Work? Drive.
Two things; I’ve recently moved to the back corner of Westlawn. I’m lazy. After making the big move from Ulmarra to Grafton, I was ready for the money to start – well, not rolling in, but slowing down every time I pull up at the service station. Sure, I did see some savings, but where were all the other perks one is supposed to receive when living ‘in town’?
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Where were all the laughing times in lycra with a latte, a puppy or a poodle trotting at my side? Was I ever to achieve the pure bliss that can be seen lingering on the faces of those casually strolling throughout their day? But then it hit me. The words, thrown at my face; “Why don’t you ride a bike?” Remembering point number two at the beginning of this piece, you can guess my response. “Fat chance” was along the lines of my reply, formed with the swirling imagery of a clock winding and winding away as time passed in a whirl of pained legs and buttocks.
And so, it led me to where all questions do – Google. Point A to Point B. My jaw dropped. “It only takes 15 minutes?!” And so I gave it a go. I planned my streets ahead of time, looking for things like low traffic flow and straight lines. I donned a cap and joggers and packed a spare work shirt in my backpack. I’m not going to lie – for someone who hadn’t even looked at a bike for many a moon it wasn’t an easy start. But you know what? It wasn’t that hard either. A point that I didn’t add in the beginning of this is that I am also annoyingly competitive and determined. I decided that despite my weak knees and extra padded gel seat, I’d show that Google that I could get there in the time limit it suggested, even with some 15kilos + bouncing along on my back. And I did. And my lungs hurt. And my back ached. And my shirt got sweaty. But I didn’t stop, and I felt like I’d achieved more in my day already than I could have possibly planned.
I guess the point I’m trying the make here can be put two ways: 1. Don’t limit your home to the areas that are less than a five minute drive away. Your dream home and ideal price bracket might be one simple ‘burb away. There are so many more ways to get around Grafton, and even commuting to and from the north to the south side isn’t nearly as big of a deal as you think it is. Skip that bridge traffic and even walk across – you’ll actually save time, and get some fresh air and good vibes to boot. 2. Making the best of a great home is not a job. That extra few minutes in the car is not a chore, but even better is the extra few minutes minus fuel costs that gets you from A to B. Look up the distance, and then follow through and give it a go. Heck, even buy yourself those fluro lycra shorts if it helps get you in the mood, but also know that you can do it so simply with what you’ve already got - possibly even with a tie in situ. P.S Yes – bicycle coffee cup holders do exist.
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