FOUND Regional Issue 9

THE PUNK PETER PAN

DIVE INSIDE THE MIND OF LOWBROW ARTIST AIDAN JARVIS… IF YOU DARE.

WALLABADAH TANIA HARTIGAN

INVERELL ALLISON BELLINGER

TINNIE’S WITH TOMOYUKI

By Aidan Jarvis Coffs Harbour, NSW

Aidan Jarvis is a lowbrow artist, based in Coffs Harbour. His art is a combination of cultures, colours and the absurd. Drawing inspiration from lowbrow art, Japanese tradition and a childlike imagination we lose as we mature, he uses acrylic paints, pens and brushes on canvas, using brighter colours to evoke a feeling of joy and bring a smile to those who view the work. He also happens to be our cover feature – head to page 28 to read his story.

@aidan__is

FOUND Regional is published by

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CONTACT US

FOUND Regional

PO Box 2016

Armidale NSW 2350 hello@foundregional.com.au foundregional.com.au

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Steph Wanless steph@foundregional.com.au

ART DIRECTOR

Krysten Rhoades-Brown artwork@foundregional.com.au

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Meg Miller meg@foundregional.com.au

COLUMNIST

Jen Drew hello@jenniferdrew.com.au

PROOFREADERS

Carole Hollebrandse and Elora Wilson

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Martin Wanless martin@foundregional.com.au

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Yasmin Nelson yasmin@foundregional.com.au

PRINTING

Lewis Media Group

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Jay Black

© Copyright The Found Media Group PTY LTD 2024 All rights reserved. All material published in FOUND Regional is copyright. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this magazine is correct. The Found Media Group makes no representations regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any product or service advertised in this magazine, or any editorial material published in this magazine, and takes no responsibility for any errors or omissions herein.

COVER STORY

32 INSIDE HIS MIND

Artist Aidan Jarvis is influenced by whatever goes into his head and stays there – and boy is it a mixed bag.

FEATURES

46 IN CONVERSATION WITH Tania Hartigan

54 TIME OF YOUR LIFE Mika Ingvarsdotter

62 Bello Dark Room

76 The artist’s journey

Remember that time we thought the winter would go on forever? Dark mornings, icy lawns, windscreens to scrape before adventures began and daily conversations kicking off with the line: Man alive, it’s bloody freezing out there! Yep, good times – and I actually mean that, because I’m quite the hermit. But I’m also pretty darn thrilled to welcome the spring and summer months ahead. Hey there, blossoms on the trees, hey there, warmth on our skin, hey there, daily conversations that kick off with the line: Isn’t the weather lovely today?! Welcome back, I hope you’re loving the new-beginning vibes that come with the sunshine.

Speaking of which, there’s been a tonne of new stuff happening in the land of FOUND Regional. We spent our winter hours building a brand spanking new website to shout about all the awesome happenings in our region. I’ve legit lost track of the time spent on this gorgeous beast of ours but by golly has it been worth it.

We’re so very excited to introduce you to the digital babe born from FOUND Regional, REGGIE – our new website and your new best mate who’s always on hand to tell you where to eat, drink, shop and stay, while also keeping you up to speed with must-attend exhibitions, live music gigs, theatre performances and all the other

glorious things to keep your brain ticking and your feet dancing. REGGIE goes hand in hand with our beloved weekly enewsletter, DANCE CARD, which delivers the above-mentioned awesomeness directly to your inbox every Friday morning. #gold

As for our heart and soul in print form, FOUND Regional continues diving deep into the stories of the remarkable humans in our midst – with this issue including the designer and illustrator pushing some serious punk Peter Pan vibes on our cover, Aidan Jarvis. His brain is quite something to behold, a must-read for sure. As are our other features on the wondrous Tamworth-based musician Goldheist, Dorrigo-based artist Rudy Kistler, Inverell-based gallerist Allison Bellinger and our special celebration of regional fashion designers (to name just a few!).

Thanks for being here, both in print and online, we hope you enjoy the read!

STEPH WANLESS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR youfoundreggie.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jim A. Barker

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, learn and work, the Anaiwan people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend our respect to the Yaegl people to the north and the Gumbaynggirr people to the south, and all the Aboriginal people of this beautiful land we’re lucky enough to call home.

MILLY MAINHARDT @milsdesigns emily.mainhardt@gmail.com

With thanks to Milly Mainhardt, a proud Gunggari woman living and creating contemporary Indigenous artworks on Gumbaynggirr land, for sharing this incredible work, Banyarri Mida Mida (the Big Blue). Milly has been painting since she was a young girl, but only started to tap into her culture by dotting to tell stories in the past few years. Her works are inspired by the surrounding nature of her home in Coffs Harbour, by stories she’s been told, or stories she feels need to be told.

“My vibrant, colourful style invites the viewer to get up close and embrace all the tiny details. Painting for me is like a mini holiday. As a mother to my beautiful daughter Leni and our sassy pug Spike, it gives my busy brain a break. I’m happy to drift off, listen to some music and dot for as long as my baby will let me. This piece represents the ocean; the ocean is life in Indigenous culture. It has a spirit and represents a connection to Mother Earth. You must honour the spirit of the ocean, and in order to profit from it, you must respect it. Water is essential to creation and many of the Dreaming and other ancestral beings are created by and dwell within the water.”

Look for the good, the helpers, the folks who are here to make the world that little bit better.

Like Pa’ele Kiakona, a 28-year-old Hawaiian man who made a 20-kilometre bike ride through wildfire-ravaged areas to rescue his grandma, and to iconic rock legend Jon Bon Jovi for helping a distressed woman step down from a bridge ledge in Nashville.

Look to Fatima, the 110-year-old Sudanese woman who meets regularly with a group of other refugee women in Egypt to pool their money together and make financial decisions for the good of others. The group’s name? El Lama El Helwa – loosely translated as ‘the best company’.

Look to Penguin, the book publisher that has donated more than 900 books for a book-vending machine at a secondary school in Scotland, and to Sunshine Coast-based artist Brad Hore, a Dunghutti man and Olympic boxer who was commissioned to paint a yarning circle in Australia’s athlete village in the Paris Olympics. The yarning circle, which was an Olympic first that enabled athletes to talk about their experiences and deal with the high-pressure environment, is likely to become an ongoing feature at future Games.

Look to Coby Eddy from Numurkah in Northern Victoria, who got so sick of reading bad press about people his age that he launched Hometown Heroes – a Facebook campaign in the ‘Humans of New York’ style – that celebrates local people doing good things. #hereforit

And finally, look to the Woy Woy Country Women’s Association branch who are resurrecting vintage recipes to help families battle the rising cost of living, and to Sarah Wills and Lise Carlaw (of The Lise and Sarah Show podcast fame) who are getting women back on the dancefloor at their sell-out Disco Club events across the country. Erm, we’re marking our calendars as we speak!

That’s a whole lot of good. Cheers to that.

BEHIND THE LENS

Bowraville, NSW

SARAH JAE MILES

I am a Biripi/Worimi artist living on beautiful Gumbaynggirr country who captures the essence of the natural world, birth and our connection to each other through emotive photography underneath and above water. I started my career photographing the landscapes and fishermen in outback Australia and that slowly evolved into portrait work when I moved back to the east coast. I became a birth photographer and doula in 2018 after the birth of my baby, Phoebe, and was thrilled to be awarded bronze for the Birth Photographer of the Year Award in 2021. My style is ethereal and earthy. I love to work while surrounded by natural elements, weaving contrasting colours into the environment to make a statement – I always try to add meaning in some obscure way to all of my creative work. I photograph underwater portraits, families, maternity, elopements, newborns and of course, births.

sarahjaecreative.com.au

@_sarah_jae_creatress_

5.

1. LATENIGHT POTTERY, GLEN INNES

Founded by energetic and inspiring potters Allana Price and Brigitte Brummell, Latenight Pottery creates stunning, fun and colourful ceramics that can be purchased online or at their stall at the local markets. As well as hosting workshops across the region, Allana and Brigitte also offer Paint at Home kits for people who want some DIY creative time in their own homes.

@latenight.pottery

latenight-pottery.square.site

2. MIIMI AND JIINDA, COFFS HARBOUR

Founded by proud Gumbaynggirr woman Melissa Greenwood, Miimi and Jiinda is a stunning, acclaimed Indigenous art and clothing brand decorated with limited-edition original artworks. Meaning Mother and Sister, Miimi and Jiinda is a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage, drawing on Melissa’s multidisciplinary talents in art, illustration, design and writing, as well as that of her mother Lauren Jarret.

@miimiandjiinda

miimiandjiinda.com

3. KINFOLK COLLECTIVE, NARRABRI

Welcome to Kinfolk Collective, Narrabri’s premier fashion and lifestyle boutique. Owned by sisters Lisa Childs and Kristy Pattison, Kinfolk Collective stocks women’s, men’s, children’s and baby’s clothing, as well as homeware, giftware and bath and body products. Lisa and Kristy opened the store to provide the region with beautiful and affordable products and clothing without compromising on quality. So what are you waiting for? Go say hi!

@_kinfolkcollective

kinfolkcollective.com.au

4. YIN-YANG KOMBUCHA

Owned by New England locals Samara and Saad, Yin-Yang Kombucha creates six delicious flavours of probiotic fermented tea for you to enjoy. With all of the brand’s kombucha being 100 per cent natural with no hidden nasties (and with the goal of being a zerowaste business), what’s not to love?

Find Yin-Yang Kombucha stocked in cafes and stores across the region, as well as at the local markets.

@yinyangkombucha yin-yangkombucha.com

5.

RETRO BELLO, BELLINGEN

Owned by Elizabeth McCabe, Retro Bello is a vintage lover’s heaven located on Church Street in the heart of Bellingen. Stocking a wide range of vintage clothing, accessories, shoes and knick-knacks, this store offers its customers a welcoming place to browse, find a bargain and pick up a new-to-you staple for your wardrobe. Pop in and say hi to Liz next time you’re in town – you’re sure to find something you’ll love at Retro Bello. @retrobello

6.

ECLECTIC HOUSE, INVERELL

Ambassadors of the slow fashion movement, Eclectic House in Inverell is home to sustainable and ethical fashion. In store and online you’ll find women’s, men’s and kids’ clothing, jewellery, accessories, body products and giftware for your loves. While you’re visiting the store or browsing online, check out Eclectic House’s own label Somebody’s Story, which is an assortment of sustainably designed garments tailored to appeal to a range of people, body sizes and tastes. @eclectic_house eclectichouse.com.au

7.

BLACK DOT MUSIC, ARMIDALE

Serving the New England North West for over 25 years, Black Dot Music is a welcoming destination for music aficionados of all kinds. From acoustic guitars to ukuleles, bass guitars to electric, amps, pedals, microphones, books, t-shirts and more, Black Dot Music is a community hub that prides itself on providing quality musical equipment and advice to the people of the New England region. @black_dot_music blackdot.com.au

8. THE WITCHY NOOK, PORT MACQUARIE

Located on Horton Street in Port Macquarie, The Witchy Nook is an ode to all things witchy. Known as the metaphysical and crystal emporium of Port Macquarie, this store stocks all your favourite mystic goods – think crystals and tarot cards, teas and candles, journals, sound healing bowls, spells and potions and so much more.

@the_witchy_nook thewitchynook.com

1. POSIES FLOWER MARKET, TAMWORTH

Opening its doors in October of 2023, Posies Flower Market is owned by Jess Kilby. This teacher turned flower shop owner found her love of fresh blooms when she started a home project and grew her own flower patch. Serving delicious freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats, alongside fashion, homewares and the star of the show – stunning locally grown flowers –Posies is a must-visit while in the Country Music Capital.

@posies__ posies.store

2. YIELD, NARRABRI

Got scrumptious treats, coffee and good vibes on your mind? Yield Narrabri is the place. Hit the refresh button and catch up with friends and family at this muchloved establishment on Tibbereena Street, where you’ll be spoiled with friendly service, a great menu and a huge selection of healthy cooking equipment, spices, condiments and YETI stock.

@yield_narrabri

3.

CASSERA’S PASTRY & BAKEHOUSE, PORT MACQUARIE

If it’s pastries you’re after, you’ll love Cassera’s Pastry & Bakehouse in Port Macquarie. This family-owned bakery makes a range of delicious baked goods, bread, salads, pies and sausage rolls using only the finest ingredients. The perfect place to stop by for a coffee and a yummy treat, Cassera’s in Port Macquarie is a must-visit.

@casseras_pastry_bakehouse casseras.com.au

4.

BAKED CULTURE, WAUCHOPE

Another of the Mid Coast’s iconic bakeries is Baked Culture, located on High Street in the heart of Wauchope. Founded by owners Ben and Lorissa, who had long wanted to combine their love of artisan food and coffee, Baked Culture has fast become a popular destination for pastry lovers across the region. Creating a range of to-die-for pastries served alongside delicious coffee, this bakery deserves a spot on your foodie adventure list!

@_bakedculture bakedculture.com.au

5. HERDIES

COFFEE, ARMIDALE

Located inside the new Welder’s Dog Brewery and Entertainment Centre in Armidale, Herdies Coffee started out as the Herd Bar – a cute as heck vintage caravan that serves delicious coffee at the region’s markets. Now with a permanent residence, Herdies Coffee is a stunning venue that offers delicious coffee, snacks and stellar service six days a week. And if you love your weekend market coffee, don’t panic – the Herd Bar is still around.

@herdiescoffee

6. BURGER BULLS, TAMWORTH

Serving up mouthwatering gourmet burgers in Tamworth since 2021, Burger Bulls is owned and run by two brothers, Dilbir and Pawan. With a vision to provide the Tamworth community with quality food prepared with fresh and local ingredients, BurgerBulls invites you to sit down at its tables, where you can laugh, celebrate and enjoy the company of your loved ones while dining on delicious, quality-made food. @burgerbulls burgerbulls.com.au

7. PALATE & PLY, COFFS HARBOUR

Located in Coffs Harbour’s CBD, Palate & Ply is a family-owned and run cafe that strives to provide its customers with delicious, fresh and healthy food, A+ coffee, and somewhere to relax and connect with the community. Offering a co-working space with free Wi-Fi and large tables, this cafe is also a great place to hold business meetings. Did we mention that Palate & Ply roast their own coffee? Offering a range of delicious singleorigin coffee beans, this cafe is one you need to check out – STAT. @palateandplyespressobar palateandply.com.au

8. CAMP GROUNDS, TAMWORTH

Have you visited Camp Grounds’ new digs on Peel Street in Tamworth? It’s new, it’s funky, it’s eye-catching, it’s welcoming, and it’s still serving up that quality, delicious-tasting coffee we’re all so fond of. Be sure to stop by and say hi to the team next time you’re in Tamworth.

@campgroundstamworth campgroundscoffee.com.au

CREATIVES

1. THE CORNER STORE, ARMIDALE

It’s time to welcome the new kid on the block – The Corner Store Armidale. Located at 62 Beardy Street, The Corner Store is a new boutique studio and events space founded by Armidale local Jo Kendall. Stunningly designed, this gorgeous studio is wholesome and inviting, with the aim of fostering community connection, creativity and meaningful moments. Stay up to date with what’s happening at The Corner Store by checking out the space’s social media.

@thecornerstore_armidale

2. FELICITY CHAPPEL

Having created handcrafted jewellery and flatware for clients and art galleries in Northern NSW for over 16 years, Felicity Chappel is no newbie to the world of silversmithing. Drawing inspiration from nature and using mixed elements such as driftwood, stones, bird nests, sticks and lichen to create stunning one-of-a-kind pieces, Felicity’s work is full of heart. Find her pieces stocked at Little Birdy in Uralla, Fika Home and Living in Armidale, and on her online store.

@lyss.silversmith lyss.com.au

3. ROB WATERS

Poet, storyteller, cultural educator and spoken-word artist Rob Waters – a proud Gomeroi man – has been performing and sharing stories for as long as he can remember. Winning the 2023 Australian Poetry Slam, Rob teaches workshops and performs across the region, as well as Australia-wide. Keep an eye on his social media for his next performances and workshops.

@robwaterspoetry

4. LARA FLANAGAN

Photographer, poet and owner of My Notes From Gallery, Studio and Store in Tenterfield, Lara Flanagan draws her inspiration from the people, places and scenery that surround her. From dirt roads to boulders, frosty or foggy mornings, beautiful faces, or family photography sessions, Lara takes notes with her camera, capturing the beauty around her and sharing it with the world.

@mynotesfrom mynotesfrom.com

5. JAMIE-LEE GARNER

An interdisciplinary artist residing in the New England region, Jamie-Lee Garner creates playful and kaleidoscopic works that explore form and materiality. Working with paint, ceramics and recycled textile offcuts, while drawing inspiration from the world around her, Jamie-Lee creates art that explores the power of our memories and how they can be transformed through abstract art. Check out her latest collection of Fluffies online!

@jl_gi jamieleegarner.com

6. STRUNG

Made up of young musicians Elspeth Goldzieher, Josie O’Baoill, Esther Lindeman and Harry Turnbull, Strung is an Armidale-based folk band that knows how to bring an audience to life. Experimenting with genres, instrumentation and structure while combining classic covers with their own original songs, this quartet captures hearts at gigs across the region.

@strung_band

7. PANTHER HAND PAINTED

Tamworth-based artist Travis Mitchel Evans is an up-and-coming sign painter and gilder. With a proclivity for traditional art, Travis enjoys the freedom and variety that sign painting brings him. Find Travis on Instagram or take a look at his work online. @pantherhandpainted pantherhandpainted.au

8. CATHERINE STEPHEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Family, community, sport and a deep love for life in the country led New England local Catherine Stephen to step behind the camera for the first time. Catherine loves nothing more than to capture life’s beauty – the big and small moments in all their authenticity – while using the breathtaking landscapes and their rawness as the backdrop of life in regional Australia. @catherine_stephen_photography

For I am a poem. I am I WILL SPEAK NOW

PORTRAITS @hertimephotography

DIGITAL @my.untamed.lens

Kris Leigh is a proud Kamilaroi woman, a mother, a nan, and a photographer. She’s still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up.

IN PICTURES THE PHOTOGRAPHER a story.

THE SUBJECT

2023 Australian Poetry Slam Champion @robwaterspoetry

Rob Waters is a Gomeroi man, a poet, storyteller, cultural educator and spoken word artist and has been sharing his story for over 20 years. ››

For I am Gomeroi. I am Bundjalung. I am Gumbaynggirr. And I am Anaiwan. I am 600 nations strong.

THE BIG CHILL 2025 NEEDS YOU!

Like what you’ve read and want to get involved? Huzzah! The Big Chill is always on the hunt for volunteers, event crew, local bands and food and drink vendors – to throw your hat in the ring contact Maddie Fleming below. mfleming@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Also, make sure you’re following the festival’s socials to be ready and raring when tickets go on sale! @bigchillfestival

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE BIG CHILL

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly come to know and love Armidale’s renowned Big Chill Festival. Kicking off in 2021, the much-anticipated event has grown bigger and better every year since thanks to stellar community and council support, not to mention the key players behind the scenes. We’re talking about the event manager and backstage crew, the photographer, brand designer and local bands that make every moment tick, tick, tick, boom! It’s a vibe. We asked four of those local legends four questions in the lead-up to the Big Chill 2025, running Friday 16 to Sunday 18 May. Here’s what they had to say.

WORDS As told to Steph Wanless PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Terry

maddie Alex Mike anthony

MADDIE FLEMING – EVENT MANAGER

Tell us about your role at The Big Chill 2024… Safe to say it’s a pretty fun job, you never know what each day holds. Along with the team at Armidale Regional Council, we do the lot. From securing talent and organising the festival to the marketing, there’s never a dull moment!

Describe your event highlight…There are so many! Watching kids run around wild and free, dancing away to world-class acts to hearing the artists blown away by how amazing Armidale is. The moment that has stuck with me though, is taking a second to soak in the festival as a whole. I’m chuffed that I’m able to help bring a music festival to life in my hometown.

What are you most looking forward to at The Big Chill 2025? To see the festival grow and for the community to get involved.

You meet someone who hasn’t ever been to The Big Chill before... ever. What do you tell them? If you’ve never been to The Big Chill Festival, it’s a must. Set in stunning Armidale in the New England High Country, The Big Chill offers a regional backdrop with big festival vibes. It’s a three-day festival for the young and old, showcasing Australia’s best musical talents across multiple stages. But it’s not just about the music. With a great mix of food stalls, workshops, and fun family activities like a BBQ competition and even a cold-water swim in Dumaresq Dam, it really is magic; it oozes heart and soul that embraces the Armidale community and spirit. You don’t want to miss it.

ALEX COOK – BACKSTAGE MANAGER

Tell us about your role at The Big Chill 2024... I coordinated artists and managed schedules to ensure everything back of house ran smoothly. Fast-paced and fun!

Describe your event highlight… Watching the artists perform from side stage, especially those playing to a large crowd for the first time. You could see how excited people were which was awesome. The festival has a strong community vibe, with local businesses and vendors coming together – the town really gets behind the event.

What are you most looking forward to at The Big Chill 2025? Seeing how The Big Chill 2025 builds on its stellar lineup –2024 was jam-packed, so I’m keen to see what’s planned for next year!

You meet someone who hasn’t ever been to The Big Chill before... ever. What do you tell them? It’s a top-tier festival with community at the heart. GO. Have fun. Live music is unlike anything else, especially on this scale!

MIKE TERRY – EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Tell us about your role at The Big Chill 2024...Paparazzi! Not really, but I guess the role is to document the festival from both sides. Taking photos of what’s happening on stage, but equally important is getting images of the community who come out over the three days.

Describe your event highlight... As the sun sets on the first night of the festival and people start huddling around the fires. The scene not only lends itself to nice photos, but there is a truly cosy and convivial atmosphere. It feels bigger than what you’d expect from a smaller regional town.

What are you most looking forward to at The Big Chill 2025? Maybe less rain than last year? Although it was fun to watch groups of friends draw straws for who’d do the beer run from under the big top tent during the deluge.

You meet someone who hasn’t ever been to The Big Chill before... ever. What do you tell them? There’s something for everyone across the three days – you can rage on or cruise through for an easy day out with the fam.

ANTHONY GREEN – TERRA FIRMA

Tell us about your role at The Big Chill 2024... I’m the lead singer and guitarist for local band Terra Firma.

Describe your event highlight…The live and local stage was a great addition to the festival. There are so many talented musicians and bands here in Armidale, it was so good to have the platform to showcase that talent. As for Terra Firma, it was a great day when we took to the stage. We had a good turnout and we received positive audience feedback. As a musician, you go to festivals and often end up picturing yourself on those stages. It was great to finally get that opportunity at The Big Chill. But also just being there and listening to the other artists perform was a big highlight.

What are you most looking forward to at The Big Chill 2025? We’ve got a taste of it and we just want more – the number of people who came up and said they enjoyed our set gave us such a buzz. It’s so pleasing to know people like listening to your music and want to come back for more. I’m really looking forward to getting up there again and belting out another great set.

You meet someone who hasn’t ever been to The Big Chill before... ever. What do you tell them? Get to the festival. Tell your friends, get your tickets and get to the festival. It’s getting bigger and better each year, and all the performances are awesome. Be there for 2025. *

toWelcome the stagetoWelcome the stage

GOLDHEIST

Hester Fraser was just five years old when she started learning the piano. Since then, she’s studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, performed nationwide, and produces a new, original song on a monthly basis. Discover how she continues to break the music industry mould as Goldheist from her home in Tamworth, NSW.

WORDS As told to Steph Wanless PHOTOGRAPHY Tony Grant

Let’s start at the beginning – what’s your earliest memory of music? There’s a video of me, freshly born, over my grandmother’s shoulder, and we’re swaying to the Merry Widow Waltz. She lived in this amazing house down near Gloucester and I remember she had a record player, a CD player and hundreds of CDs. Music was always playing at my grandmother’s house, she even went to sleep with ABC radio playing next to her. The only time she switched it off was when jazz hour came on, she hated jazz hour.

How old were you when you started learning piano? I was five years old. By the time I was old enough to be annoyed by practising, it was already a part of me – I’m so grateful to my parents for that, for making piano intrinsic to my life. As for my voice, I’ve had a lot of formal choral training, and my sister is a mezzo-soprano, so she obviously knows how the voice works in a really meaningful and scientific way. We used to sing and play a lot together growing up, and she still pushes me to try new things vocally today. She’s always there when I need guidance.

TIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH MUSICIANS, PERFORMERS AND ACTORS FROM STAGE AND SCREEN.

GET TO KNOW GOLDHEIST

Hester Fraser (aka Goldheist) creates remarkable, soul-stirring music on a daily basis from her home studio in Tamworth. In the words of Triple J Unearthed, we’re talking serious “Kate Bush vibes with enormous tranquillity and hope buried deep inside”. To track her down at a gig, check her out online pronto.

goldheistmusic.com @goldheist_music

Talk to me about your career to date – where did you study music and can you remember your first gig? I actually did composition for my HSC music, which was pretty unusual at the time, and after school I was very lucky to be accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. While there, I got my first job at a piano bar in the Menzies Hotel – I sang there a couple of nights a week the whole time I was studying. When it eventually closed down it put a bit of a bomb under me, so I started looking for other opportunities and ended up having this really epic mentoring session with a woman who ran a talent agency. She said to me: “You have to work out who you are as an artist, and you have to fully become that artist – even when you go to the supermarket.” I really took that on board and loved the permission she gave me that day to be that extra version of myself all the time.

Is that when your iconic floral crowns came in? That’s it –I quickly realised I needed something to differentiate me from every other blonde out there. I also really love dressing up, I’m a little kid at heart, so combining the floral crowns

with vintage clothing and different styles – whether it’s a cute 60s shift dress or basically anything covered in sequins – was perfect for me. It’s gotten to the point now where I forget I even have flowers in my hair.

Can you tell us the story behind your first release, Dust? It was 2013, the drought had hit regional NSW and there was a big campaign drive in the city to support farmers – my dad being one of them. He’d recently returned to farming and had 800 head of cattle to feed daily by hand. So I wrote this song called Dust, it was for my dad, but it was also in recognition of all farmers who had been forgotten. That song became my first proper release and led me to Tamworth. Even though I’m not a country music artist, I wanted to connect with country people so I registered to busk at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. There I was, set up on Peel Street with my piano in a sea of guitars, and I played for hours. I felt so welcome there. I’ve busked somewhere every year since –it’s become an important part of my practice and helps me to reach new people in a really organic, special way.

How did you end up moving to Tamworth? While busking one day, Andrew Clermont offered me a gig at Nowendoc. I said yes please! That’s where I met my now-husband, a fellow musician who I have the great privilege of working with on a number of projects – including my original music, as well as a monthly jazz night we host together. We’re very lucky to have a mutual love of music. This year I’ve also set myself a project to release a new song every month. It’s not really the way you’re meant to do it according to the industry, Facebook and TikTok and all those things, but I just want to make music and put it into the world. I’m in this beautiful, privileged position where I can record my own material with the support of my husband and a cohort of other musicians – it’s very liberating to have that kind of creative practice.

What would you say to musicians who are starting out and want to self-produce like you? I’d say do it – create your own world and your own opportunities. Build your own community and don’t get too hung up on what’s happening in the industry. I’m open to all things, but I’m also not going to sit around and wait for the industry to throw me to the heavens. Make the song, sing the song, share the song. If you want to put a gig on, put a gig on. That’s what I do! If I feel like performing, I’ll do it. All I want is for people to experience a connection through the stories I tell in my music, to find something in the songs that speaks to them or their experience.

And finally, where did the name Goldheist come from?

When I first started doing original music, I formed a group with my sister and a friend and we were all blonde – we did beautiful, three-part harmony stuff. We were called The Gold Project. We eventually went our separate ways, but I still really loved the ethos and the artwork around what we had created. So I started brainstorming around the word ‘gold’ and ended up with Goldheist – inspired by my name Hester. I love that it’s a little bit badass, it can work for a solo performer or with a band, and because I do all my own management, it’s wonderful to have an artist name –Goldheist has ultimately become my alter ego and lets me wear floral crowns every day, even to the supermarket. *

Who is REGGIE?

REGGIE is the digital babe born from FOUND Regional. together we celebrate everything that’s great and good, from the mountains to the sea.

REGGIE gives you the lowdown on...

- Where to eat

- Where to shop

- Where to play

- Where to stay

- And the people making it happen

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Aidan

INSIDE HIS MIND

Artist Aidan Jarvis is influenced by whatever goes into his head and stays there – and boy is it a mixed bag.

WORDS Steph Wanless PHOTOGRAPHY Jay Black

If I had to paint a picture of what’s going on inside Aidan Jarvis’ head, I’d start with the backing music. For that, we need a stereo, preferably an AKAI MX-950, complete with floor speakers. They also have faces – the speakers that is – and when they open their mouths to yawn, Institutionalized by Suicidal Tendencies pours into the space. Mike Muir’s voice recites an anthem, rich in the ethos of 1980s punk culture, while the drums quicken along with Aidan’s pulse.

The walls are lined with band posters by Ray Ahn and Ben Brown, skateboards soar through a mosh pit and an overflowing collection of Mambo clothes break free of their wardrobe to hop, skip and jump in time with the music. Faceless. Fierce.

Aidan Jarvis

In the far corner there’s a TV playing RAGE, an abandoned bass guitar propped against it, and rolls of crisp white paper come tumbling into the room – hundreds of metres of paper decorated in the five-minute sketches born from Aidan’s left hand… or his right, since he’s semi ambidextrous.

Then there’s a tree, with rainbow serpents wrapped around its branches and apples that, on closer inspection, are small red skulls. Apple skulls, if you will. Above it all, in the highest of branches, sits Peter Pan wearing a Massappeal t-shirt, overlooking the scene below with a bundt cake in his hands. ››

MUSIC = INSPIRATION

Coffs Harbour artist Aidan Jarvis is fuelled by music. He needs it daily to create – as long as he can find the right playlist.

“That’s what drives me to draw, the right music in my ears – if I don’t listen to music, the inspiration basically disappears,” he says. “You want to hear my playlists? Okay, I’ll share them with you, but go easy – there are a few bands in there that might be a bit of a challenge to listen to from start to finish.”

Challenge accepted.

Siri, play Massappeal.

One minute and 32 seconds later.

Siri, stop.

So it’s not for everyone. But the point is, the mixed bag of punk, rockabilly and blues that combine to create Aidan’s go-to playlists serves him daily. He needs noise. Loud noise. Whether he’s designing album covers, promo posters or merch, it’s often a single lyric or even the song title that feeds into everything on the page.

“Once I’ve found the playlist that gels, I’m away,” he says. “And that usually looks like me with headphones on, pencil to paper, sketching. If I’m creating a piece for a business or muso, I throw down some keywords from our chats and just let the pencil take me from there. I’ll jump onto the iPad to clean up my chosen concepts in Illustrator and send them through. There’s no bad idea, that’s what I’ve learnt. Sometimes you might think the first piece is your best, but it’s the last one your client falls in love with. At the end of the day I work to deliver their vision, or as close as I can possibly get to it.”

It’s a free-flowing but consistent approach that Aidan has honed over time. Because he wasn’t always this way. In fact, once upon a time in Japan, he put the pencil down for close to eight years – something that’s hard to imagine when boyhood Aidan was nearly always creating, designing, drawing. And he was good at it, unlike skateboarding.

“I loved skateboarding but I sucked at it. But that’s fine, it was more about the culture that came with it for me. I was there for the music, it spoke to me and it felt good at the time.”

The time being 80s-90s Australia, first in Sydney’s Shire before heading north in his teen years. It was there Aidan met a guy whose living room was filled with more records than he could count – there was punk, rock and independent Australian artists just bursting from the walls.

“The Hard-Ons, Beasts of Bourbon and Massappeal, they were just some of the artists that triggered core influences I hold onto today – they’re the soundtrack to my youth, alongside RAGE, of course,” says Aidan. “But despite my growing obsession with the culture and the revelation that you could actually design band posters and get paid for it, when I left school I went into cheffing.”

It’s true, a bit of a curveball but there you have it. Aidan scored himself an apprenticeship at South West Rocks, but truth be told he only lasted 12 months. He describes the short-lived experience as a love/hate relationship that ultimately nudged him back into the direction of art. ››

LISTEN TO AIDAN’S PLAYLIST

For the full ‘Aidan Jarvis immersive experience’, scan the QR codes below to listen to one of his fave playlists. A word of warning, you might want to pace yourself.

THAT TIME HE STOPPED DRAWING

Enter Seaforth TAFE and SIT Enmore Design Centre – where Aidan spent four years of his life studying a mix of fine art and graphic design. While the first gave him free rein, the latter led to him learning how to deliver on a brief.

“I had to figure out how to apply my style and approach to more rigid design briefs, which wasn’t easy at first,” says Aidan. “I realised I was training to become more of a tool for a client, to deliver on what they’re thinking, with my influence threaded through. By the time I graduated, the desktop publishing boom had hit, which meant everyone had Adobe software and full-time gigs in the industry were scarce. So I went freelance and dipped back into my hospitality training on the side.”

From American food labels to band posters, menu designs and dental brochures, Aidan turned his design hand to just about anything that crossed his desk. But by 2002 he needed a circuit breaker. He’d recently met his now wife, Keiko, and they made the bold decision to take a working holiday in Japan. Aidan would get work in a restaurant there, despite not speaking a word of Japanese, and they’d return eight years later, refreshed and ready for whatever came next.

Except, in that time, Aidan didn’t draw once.

“It was rad. I needed to step away from what I knew, go somewhere I’d never been before and experience something completely different,” he says.

“while I wasn’t drawing or seeking out art, it’s hard not to be influenced by design in Japan – you’re surrounded by it.”

“And while I wasn’t drawing or seeking out art, it’s hard not to be influenced by design in Japan – you’re surrounded by it. Everything from the packaging to the posters, the ads and the magazines, funky little characters appear everywhere you turn and then there’s the sculptures on the street. Even the smallest of things seems extra over there, like you see a noodle packet and get excited because the design elements are incredible.”

His eyes are alight as he goes on to describe the festivals and different cultural events throughout the year. There’s Setsubun, where beans are thrown around the house to get the monsters out, and the Momotarō masks in every supermarket. Everything, everywhere seems to leap out of the street as a living, breathing character. Even if he didn’t realise it at the time, Aidan was absorbing it all on a daily basis.

“It’s true. I didn’t realise it, but it must have been seeping in because I can see how it’s influenced the work I create here in Coffs Harbour today – when I finally started drawing again.”

And that took a while. In fact, it wasn’t until late 2016 when Aidan watched a documentary on lowbrow art that he picked up a pencil again. The program was all hot rods, music and interviews with famous lowbrow artists sprinkled in for good measure. The genre spoke to him in a way he hadn’t experienced since he came face-to-face with punk culture back in his teens.

Next, came the Lowbrow Art Academy.

“His name was Jesper Bram and he was a tattooist in Europe.

I started following him after he appeared in the documentary and one day he put out this video that caught my eye,” says Aidan. “He was starting up the Lowbrow Art Academy. It was designed to get people back into doing what they loved after taking a break, or helping people to upskill. He was well-connected and invited a whole range of artists to come and talk to a group of us who joined the Academy, sharing their style and approach.

“Then he introduced the five-minute drawing challenge – and that was a game changer for me.”

It is what it says on the tin: an invitation for artists to draw for five minutes a day, every day. The end result was irrelevant. It was about showing up, being consistent and it ultimately snapped Aidan out of his drawing drought.

“It got me to a point where if I wasn’t drawing every day it didn’t feel right, like if you’re a gym junkie and you skip leg day I guess, it just felt off. It helped me to develop good drawing habits and looking back over the body of work I created, I now have around 1300 drawings. It’s a mixed bag of terrible to horrible, but it’s amazing reference material and helps me get from A-Z much faster,” he says.

“The biggest lesson I learnt in the middle of it all was that it doesn’t have to be perfect – because that held me up a lot, the thought that it wasn’t good enough. That’s the kind of thinking that will stop you before you even begin. Once you get over that hurdle, everything changes.” ››

“It’s fun and bold, a connection to imperfection, it’s about experimentation and remembering not to let go of that as you grow older.”

GERAGERA

Did you know Aidan and his wife Keiko also own and operate the GERAGERA Espresso Van? You’ll find them serving up great coffee and homemade treats to folks throughout Coffs Harbour daily. No prepackaged vibes here, everything on the shelf is homemade. And while it helps Aidan stay connected to his hospitality side, he’s shifted from the grill to sweets.

“Keiko does all the savoury and she’s amazing at it – she’s put a Japanese twist on our sandwiches and they’ve been really popular. As for me, I’m on baking. I’ve got a thing about bundt cakes at the moment, when citrus is in season I can’t go past them. Do I listen to music while I’m cooking? It depends. If I’m whipping up a cake I might throw something on, but not when I’m grilling a steak or browning off some onions back at home. Sautéing is a sensory experience and you need to listen to what you’re cooking. That’s music in itself.”

AUSMUSIC DRAWING CHALLENGE

Since leaping over that massive creativity blocker, Aidan has teamed up with some incredible local businesses to design t-shirts, posters, murals and the holy grail of the design world, beer cans. But it also showed him he had far more fuel in the tank than he ever imagined, enough to launch his own annual drawing challenge for something near and dear to his heart – independent Australian music.

The idea was born in COVID, when stage doors closed and musicians were in dire need of support. So Aidan asked himself the question: what can I do?

“I can draw. So I started the Ausmusic Drawing Challenge to coincide with Ausmusic Month,” he says. “I knocked out a list of 30 Australian bands, including a couple of big ones, but mostly minors, and invited other artists to join me in designing their

album covers and post them on Instagram daily to help spread the word. My hope is that, off the back of seeing our work, someone buys a ticket to one of their gigs, grabs a t-shirt while they’re there and maybe even discovers their new favourite band.”

Now in its fourth year, the Ausmusic Drawing Challenge continues to spread the word about how great Australian music is. Artists from around the country join forces to lift up the unheard, put new music in people’s ears and celebrate up-and-coming talent. It’s another way Aidan ensures he stays consistent with his drawing practice, continues adding fuel to the design fire and discovers new music while he’s at it. And now that he’s in the zone, he can’t ever imagine going back to a time when he doesn’t have a pencil in his hand.

“Why do people stop drawing? Why do we stop doing any of the things that made us happy when we were kids? I’m guilty of that. But the Lowbrow Art Academy was the catalyst for me to get back into it. None of us were kids in that group, we were all people actively choosing to revisit a passion we’d lost as adulting started creeping in.

“I’m now at a place where I’m proud of what I do. I pull my influences from whatever goes into my head and stays there – whether that’s music or cars,

band posters or a random Japanese character I passed on the street one day. It’s fun and bold, a connection to imperfection, it’s about experimentation and remembering not to let go of that as you grow older. We all get corporate serious and my art practice helps me to avoid that, along with listening to good music of course. It all comes back to a great playlist.

“One day, when I’ve lost my marbles, someone’s going to pull out a late 80s punk record, put a pencil in my hand, and I’ll come back round.” *

FIND AIDAN JARVIS

Like what you see and want to jump inside Aidan’s rollercoaster of a mind? We get it. You can find him here. aidan.is @aidan__is

HOPE ROAD BREWING COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN COFFS HARBOUR

Nestled in the heart of Coffs Harbour, Hope Road isn’t just a coffee shop – it’s a slice of Brazil and a hub of good vibes. Matta Maciel, owner and operator, has crafted more than just an espresso bar; he’s created a haven where great coffee, lively music, and heartfelt conversations come together.

WORDS Steph Wanless PHOTOGRAPHY Jay Black

“There’s something special about looking people in the eye and sharing a moment of genuine connection.”

After spending eight years immersed in the world of specialty coffee and hospitality in Sydney, Matta Maciel felt a longing for the warmth and cheer of Brazilian service. This sparked the idea to bring that same joy to a new location.

The Coffs Harbour-based espresso bar has become a local favourite where people come not just for a caffeine fix but to connect with others and feel at home. Hope Road is more than a place to grab your morning coffee – it’s where friendships blossom and conversations flow. Matta shares that the real magic happens when customers say it’s the best part of their day.

THE JOYS OF SMALL BUSINESS IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

One of the greatest joys of being a small business owner in regional Australia, according to Matta, is the close-knit community. There’s something special about looking people in the eye and sharing a moment of genuine connection. The support from locals is invaluable, and the opportunity to collaborate with other businesses adds another layer of fulfilment. Whether it’s brewing a coffee-infused beer with a local brewer or showcasing local artists, Hope Road is deeply woven into the fabric of Coffs Harbour.

For those dreaming of starting their own business, Matta offers sage advice: “Dream big, plan very well, and ensure there’s a need for what you’re offering. Start simple, grow day by day, stay humble, and never take a step bigger than your legs.” His approach underscores the importance of vision paired with practical planning and steady growth.

WHY REGIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK?

Choosing the right bank is crucial for any small business, and for Matta, Regional Australia Bank was the clear choice. “We chose Regional Australia Bank because they’re not just a bank – they’re a partner in our community journey,” he explains. The bank’s approachable and personalised service made all the difference. Matta appreciates how they treat customers as individuals, not just account numbers, and values their ongoing support.

Hope Road is a shining example of how passion, community spirit, and local support can come together to create something truly special. Next time you’re in Coffs Harbour, drop by for a cup of coffee, a Brazilian cheese bread, and a taste of the local camaraderie that makes this place so unique.*

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IN CONVERSATION with

THE PROUD GAMILARAAY WOMAN AND CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTIST ON THE POWER OF LIFELONG EDUCATION, LISTENING TO MOTHER EARTH AND SLOWING DOWN.

WELCOME TO WILGABAH

Tania Hartigan is a Contemporary Visual Artist, a mother to Alice and Robbie, wife to Rodney and a proud Gamilaraay woman with deep connections to Mother Earth. She describes her family’s move to their Wallabadah farm in 2004 as feeling fated. It’s there she uncovered ancient Aboriginal cultural sites, hosts retreats with renowned Australian artists and continues to build The Art Shack @ Wilgabah –a truly unique farmstay experience where art, Aboriginal culture and farm life combine.

WORDS As told to Steph Wanless PHOTOGRAPHY Robbie Hartigan and Sally Auld

I was a very quiet child. I remember getting home after school, heading straight outside to sit under the gum trees and sketch. I loved drawing, writing and reading. I’ve always been passionate about learning – to this day I’m forever curious to learn something new. So while I had friends, I enjoyed my own company too. I wasn’t afraid to get lost in my own thoughts and see what comes. They’re the moments I can start to create, when it’s just me, alone in my own space.

We moved around a lot, since dad worked on the railways. He was the youngest station master in the state at the time. Started at 15, retired at 58, hardly took a sick day and got the gold watch at the end. That’s how it was. Mum was an artist herself, and she still paints today. But when we were growing up her focus was on staying home to look after us – wherever home was at the time, from Woolbrook to Canowindra, back to Walcha. When we reached a certain age, she started working with people with hearing disabilities. She had some hearing loss herself, so she’d become very apt at lip reading over the years and was able to pass that on to others. It was amazing to watch.

But no matter where we were, my two younger brothers always had my back. We also grew up surrounded by cousins and grandparents. My mum was one of eight, so there were birthday parties most weekends, enormous Christmas celebrations and Easter gatherings. I think that’s something young kids miss today, that extended family with the aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins. They’re some of the fondest memories I have.

My grandmother could spin a yarn, that’s for sure. She had a stroke when I was very little, so she was in a wheelchair for as long as I could remember. I’d sit by her side for hours, listening to her tell stories about the world, the land around us, about being on Country. When her sister came to visit, the yarns got even longer. It might have been four in the morning and I’d be lying there, pretending to sleep but my little ears would be listening to every word she said. So yeah, my grandmother played a huge role in moulding the person I am today – alongside my parents of course.

As for creative influence, I guess my earliest memory outside of mum’s art comes from my primary school teacher in Woolbrook. There was a garage that was part of the principal’s residence, and this teacher turned it into a craft area. That wasn’t a common thing back then, to have a dedicated space for creating, so I’m very grateful for that. From those early, creative experiences, my art evolved in

a self-taught way. Since we were moving around so much, there weren’t many opportunities to take on artistic subjects at school. By Year 11 we’d moved to Walcha so I did my senior years at Walcha Central. You probably had to do six subjects and you had six choices, that’s how it was – all with a grand total of 11 kids in the year. I had good friends though, they were all artistic too.

I think creative people have a way of finding each other, no matter where you are – it’s almost like there’s a gravitational pull. I wanted to pursue art after school, I loved photography and film too. But because I was this quiet, good little child, I did what my parents suggested. Dad said, “Get a good government job and you’ll be safe for life.” That’s how I ended up at the Teachers’ College in Armidale studying primary school teaching. Ironically, I ended up spending my entire teaching career in high school. Back then, there weren’t many jobs so you took what you could get. My first job was in Brewarrina, then Coonamble. I used to tell people I was making my way to the North Coast, I just never quite got there.

I decided to retrain after a while, and that’s when I went back and studied special education. After growing up with my grandmother in a wheelchair, I had this inner drive to help and support those around me. I also studied IT at Charles Sturt University and horticulture through the University of Melbourne. There’s that love of learning again, always keen to discover something new. By the time COVID hit, I’d given up teaching altogether and set my sights a little closer to home. I enrolled in a production horticulture course in bush foods and gave myself a project – I’d walk around the paddocks out here at Wilgabah to track down native plants I didn’t know. Then I’d sketch them and head home to try and identify them and learn what they were used for.

That’s me, still sketching beneath the gum trees. But when I went looking for art classes for my kids, there wasn’t anything available close to home. My daughter had been talking in tonal colours since she was a toddler, so it was something I really wanted to nurture. There was no way I’d be able to get them to Tamworth straight after school, especially when I was working full time. So I started hosting workshops out here, inviting artists to the Wallabadah Hall. In the first year we ran 20 workshops in the winter school holidays, covering drama and art. Kids could also choose their preferred medium too, whether that was watercolours or acrylics. One year, someone said, “This is all about the kids – could you have an art class for adults too?” ››

TANIA HARTIGAN – THE ARTIST

Tania is a Contemporary, Gamilaraay Visual Artist. Her diverse talents span painting, printmaking and weaving, all of which have been showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions and workshops. She especially loves portraits, a chance to get lost in someone’s face and capture them for that small moment in time. Tania is most at home in the personal paradise she’s created at The Art Shack @ Wilgabah, alongside her husband Rodney and their children Alice and Robbie. She loves to be immersed in the landscape and believes there’s nothing more relaxing than going for a walk in the bush – surrounded by the smell of gum leaves and native birdsong.

That’s how the artist retreats started – I kept contacting different artists to come visit, run workshops and stay a while. When it became a bit of a pain carrying all the equipment down to the hall, my husband Rodney built a studio here. Then we realised there wasn’t enough accommodation. People were travelling far and wide for our workshops, so we started building rooms for them to stay and rest a while, give them the chance to really switch off, sink into their art practice and maybe learn something new about the land around them while they’re here. We’ve built everything from scratch, using recycled materials wherever possible. None of it would exist without Rodney – it’s probably 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration on his part. Even the cottage walls from his childhood home are the walls in our dining room today. When his family farm sold, he went up there and did an IKEA and flat-packed it. It’s amazing to think the walls that wrapped around him back then still surround us today. Saying all that, he still cringes every time I say I’ve got an idea – that includes the time I decided to create six, two-metre tall handmade paper works for an exhibition at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in Sydney. But that’s a story for another day.

Sometimes it feels like we were fated to come here. When we first moved to Wilgabah in 2004, we had no idea there were Aboriginal cultural sites on the land. They were completely covered in blackberries. But Rodney’s pretty anal about his weeds, so he got rid of everything and we discovered this amazing sandstone outcrop with over 200 grinding grooves on it. We were meant to find it, that’s how it felt. I have no doubt the previous owners over the past 150 years would have known it was there, but chose not to acknowledge it. Times have changed though, people are starting to understand that farmers can look after cultural sites and it doesn’t mean someone’s going to take their land off them.

We’re moving into a different era, into a time where we can all become quite proud of the Aboriginal sites and artefacts and see that it’s a part of Australian history. It’s a shift I’ve felt coming for the past 15 years. You can feel it. People are wanting to talk more openly about it. Still, there’s one word that remains. ‘Shame’ – it’s used a lot in Aboriginal communities, especially among Aboriginal kids. That word came about from people having to hide that they were Aboriginal.

The shame.

Don’t tell anyone you’re Aboriginal, if you’re fair enough and you can get away with it, don’t say a word. But I can feel that’s changing. And I realise some people don’t feel like it’s changing fast enough, but at least there’s movement in the right direction. Back in the 1800s people were shot because of the colour of their skin – nowadays people are wanting to have that conversation and realise that none of us have the truths of the people who lived back then. You might as well compare it to mediaeval times, when if you didn’t like someone you’d run them through with your sword. We don’t do that now either. I can feel change. Conversations are happening.

People still ask me if I’m Aboriginal. I say yes, I am.

My mum’s side was Gamilaraay, the second-largest nation in New South Wales, and my dad’s side was First Fleet –came out on the Friendship as a marine and was one of the few who stayed. Now that’s an interesting combination. But the question around skin tone has carried on to the next generation too. ››

“We all look, but we don’t see. Art has taught me to slow down and take in the little details that slip past you when life is at full pace.”

People would tell my daughter at high school that she wasn’t Aboriginal, usually by other darker-skinned Aboriginals. Certainly during my lifetime, if you’re a fairer-skinned Aboriginal, you sometimes feel like you’re not black enough, but you’re not white enough either. And here’s the thing – as the years go on, you have more and more Aboriginal people with fairer skin anyway. Everything changes. What we are today has obviously been impacted by our history, it’s made us who we are right now. But I don’t think it defines what our future is going to be. It’s important for all of us to remember that what happens next comes down to us and our children. We’re the ones who will determine what the next 100 years of Australia looks like, and if you ask me, it’s looking pretty positive.

It’s on us to keep the conversation evolving, to stay curious, be open to learning, and reconnect with each other and the environment. Modern life happenings have stopped that –the global pandemic, technology. Now we feel like we have to take a step back, talk to people from a distance or through a computer. We don’t hug anymore – some people still cringe at the thought. But I think we should. We need to make sure we’re connecting with people and we also need to connect back to Mother Earth. Because if we’re not hearing what she’s saying, we’re not going to improve ourselves.

All these things and more are what I hope people can experience when they come visit us at The Art Shack. Slow down, relax, reconnect with the people around and disconnect from technology. We can literally turn the internet off if that’s something families would like. Show your kids that there’s more to the world than technology and pandemics. Make something with your hands, a didgeridoo, spear or boomerang. Paint, sketch, get your hands dirty and your knees muddy. Enjoy a homemade meal around the campfire, take a tour out on Country, learn about Aboriginal culture and meet our friendly farm animals. It’s all here waiting for you, an open invitation to embrace the rhythm of rural life. *

VISIT THE ART SHACK @ WILGABAH

The Art Shack @ Wilgabah is where relaxation meets inspiration. Immerse yourself in the heart of Australian culture with this unique farmstay experience that includes cultural heritage-listed site tours, bush tucker classes and artist retreats –a unique fusion of cultural exploration, artistic expression and the warm embrace of the countryside. The cosy on-site accommodation includes ensuites, kitchen, bbq and pool access, air conditioning, and a TV and Wi-Fi (unless you’d like that switched off!). To book your countryside escape today, contact The Art Shack @ Wilgabah.

107 Baldocks Road, Wallabadah NSW 0427 462 155 admin@artshackwilgabah.com artshackwilgabah.com @artshackwilgabah

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Time Of Your Life

MIKA INGVARSDOTTER

Flowers have been Mika Ingvarsdotter’s ticket to the world – her way of not only connecting with the countries she’s visited, but also the people who call them home. Today, as the owner of Eve Flowers, she’s celebrating moments big and small with her beloved community of Uralla and the regional towns beyond.

WORDS As told to Steph Wanless PHOTOGRAPHY Studio LJ, Woodypear Photography

Mika Ingvarsdotter loves how the perfume of a single flower can transport you back to a moment in time – from picking Lily of the Valley in Sweden to tackling the rustic natives of New Zealand and Australia. Here’s how her adventure from Gothenburg, Sweden to Uralla, Australia unfolded…

1985-1990

Falköping, Sweden

Mika Ingvarsdotter counts herself lucky in a number of ways. She was born the first of three girls – that meant in-built best friends for life – and together, they grew up in Falköping, a small town inland from Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city. Riding bikes and picking flowers was the norm, wrapped in the walls of a family home built by their father’s own hands.

“Dad came from a long line of builders – both his father and his father’s father were builders. He built our first family home with my grandfather and my uncles, it felt so special there. Mum was a nurse and she and dad raised us to be hardworking and kind –I think it also helped that they’d spaced us girls out, there were six years between each of us. There was never any fighting, we all helped each other and had this really wonderful, safe and happy childhood.”

1991-2003

Falköping, Sweden, continues

Mika’s whole family lived in that town, where school days were topped and tailed with bike rides with cousins, and weekends were reserved for collecting flowers with her grandmother.

“She was my mum’s mother and she’d always take us out to pick flowers – she had secret spots, tucked away in nearby woodlands where Lily of the Valley would bloom every spring. I can see them now, the pendant, bell-shaped white flowers cast in sprays across the forest floor. And its sweet perfume, that takes me back every time. Lily of the Valley with my grandmother – that’s my first core memory of flowers. When I was about 16 years old, I started to help out the local florist during Christmas break and school holidays. I was learning from scratch – washing buckets and prepping stems, running errands and learning the tools. Really basic stuff, but it was wonderful to play a small part in someone’s lives during these emotional moments, when they’re grieving or celebrating, even then I felt what a privilege it was to be there with them, to support them and honour the moment with flowers.”

2006

Lidköping, Sweden

When the school years came to an end, Mika decided to move a couple of hours away to Lidköping to study tourism and marketing. Why tourism and marketing? Well, it came by default.

“Here’s the thing, I was originally working as a journalist for a local newspaper – but I was terrible at it. I knew I needed to do something completely different, so tourism and marketing it was!” ››

2007

Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Her studies completed, Mika secured an internship for a tourism-related, international company whose head office was in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. There she spent the next 10 months of her life, making friends and experiencing life beyond Sweden for the very first time.

“To this day, moving overseas for the first time to Portsmouth is the bravest thing I think I’ve ever done. I made friends who I still talk to today and it was the first time I was surrounded by people from all over Europe. We all lived in a huge sharehouse, it was so much fun.”

2008

Falköping, Sweden, then Nelson, New Zealand

Mika’s return to Sweden was fleeting… like, really fleeting. Why? Because New Zealand was calling her name.

“I was only back for three months before I decided to pack up my life and move to New Zealand. In fact, our whole class moved because it was part of our tourism and marketing education. They called it cultural tourism, but honestly I can mainly remember going to the vineyards and drinking wine together – it was fantastic. It was two weeks before my flight back to Sweden was booked when I decided to stay.”

2008

Auckland, New Zealand

Mika had scored an internship in Auckland – so she extended her working holiday visa for another year and headed north. While her primary gig was in the tourism industry, she once again kept her hands on the floristry tools.

“That was a whole new world in floristry for me. I was so used to working with European-style flowers – they’re all sweet and dainty, the kind of blooms you’d see in a typical English cottage garden. But in New Zealand, everything was so rustic. I struggled a bit at the start, but I quickly learnt to adapt and realised the flowers are such a beautiful representation of the country. You’ve got to embrace it. After all, if things looked exactly the same in all parts of the world it would be pretty strange. My whole time there was very freeing, I felt like I could be someone new. That might sound a bit odd, because I was always happy with who I was. But the world had opened up to me. I travelled a lot and took the time to explore. It showed me that there was more to life than living in one country, which was something I’d never thought about before.”

2009

Stockholm, Sweden

When her year in New Zealand came to an end, Mika returned to her home country – this time, seeking opportunities in the capital, Stockholm.

“This was another fleeting visit, six months in total. I continued working in tourism while, you guessed it, helping a florist on the side. One day I was chatting to one of my best friends about where I should travel next – she said three words to me: How about Canada? Within a year, we moved there together.”

October 2010

Whistler, Canada

Ready for a new adventure with her best friend in tow, Mika was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work with a Dutch Master. What exactly is a Dutch Master, you ask?

“It’s basically a Dutch man who’s been a florist for many years – it’s a big deal in floristry. So while everyone else was snowboarding and skiing, I was learning about flowers from one of the best in the world. He was wonderful, but also a bit grumpy. I remember him tapping my fingers when I was doing something wrong. But the floral work I was exposed to there was incredible. We decorated huge Christmas trees at the Four Seasons and the Hilton, we even decorated George Clooney’s holiday home! We had to drive into the garage, go through a secret door into the apartment and fill the room with Christmas. We put up a tree and decorated the fireplace, we were like little elves.”

March 2011

Squamish, Canada

Mika had fallen in love with Canada – the people, the countryside, the flowers. So after her time with the Dutch Master, she moved to Squamish to work with a woman who had recently launched her own business.

“She was doing exactly what I’m doing now, starting her own business with a baby on her hip. I was her right hand and this is where my big love of flowers really began. She was such an inspiration to me and had a huge passion for floristry – it was fuelling and addictive. We’d go to the Vancouver Flower Markets together and it was like watching a child at Christmas, she’d squeal at every bunch of flowers she laid eyes on.

“I loved watching her, learning from her and just being around her. You hear a lot in the industry about losing your love of flowers. It’s understandable, it’s your day job and you’ve got to pay the bills. But she was so in love with her work in a way that I’d never seen before – she showed me that starting your own business can be a wonderful thing and that what you do for a living can also be your great passion in life. I treasured my year with her, it was a huge turning point in my floristry career. Up until that time, working with flowers had been a bit random, something that filled spaces in time around my tourism work. But Canada showed me: this is what I want to do for life.”

2011

Melbourne, Australia

Now a woman on a flower-fuelled mission, Mika went from the dainty blooms of Canada to the robust natives of Australia. She landed in Melbourne, secured work with a florist and got re-acquainted with the flowers served up by the Great Southern Land.

“I won’t lie, I struggled again at the start – the flowers are so incredibly different to what I’m used to working with, I actually didn’t understand them. But over time, my mindset shifted and now I see them as these incredibly beautiful things, deeply woven into the fabric of this land. Australia can be harsh, it’s the red soil and the tumbleweed, the gum leaves and the wind – obviously nature here is going to look different. You won’t find Lily of the Valley here. When I understood the flowers, it felt like I understood the city more too. At first, Melbourne felt like this hidden bar that I couldn’t find, but once I’d spotted the door and stepped inside, it was so much fun.” ››

A WORK OF ART

If you’re lucky enough to meet Mika one day, you can’t help but notice the stunning works of art that adorn her arms. Yes, she’s covered in ink flowers – each a unique tribute to her travels.

“My tattoo artist says no more flowers – but I’m not ready to stop yet. I’ve had something done in every country I’ve lived in, a map of the world I’ve travelled to that blends together in the most beautiful way. My chest piece reads ‘Gypsy Rose’, to honour my adventures, and I have gumnuts on my arm to represent my new home in Australia. To this day, everywhere I go, I get something done.”

2013

Norway, Oslo

Just when you think Mika’s settling down, she decides to tick another country off her bucket list. In early 2013 – that meant a move to Oslo.

“Honestly, one day I just woke up and thought: where else can I go? Norway had always been on my list of places to visit, it actually reminds me of New Zealand – the mountains and the fjords, the kind, friendly people. It’s also very close to Sweden, you can even catch a night bus to my hometown of Gothenburg in five hours. So I packed my bags again, set sail and started working for a florist in central Oslo. I was there for two years and had the best time.”

2014

Armidale, Australia

Yes, you read that right. Mika’s next move was to Armidale –regional NSW – Australia. How?!

“I actually met a family during my time in Canada who owned the Armidale Tourist Park at the time. They sponsored me to come over and work for them so I seized the opportunity with both hands – I’ve been here ever since. Of course, I always find my way back to flowers and joined the wonderful Rosemerin team in 2016 for five years. I loved working with such a close-knit community, where we shared those integral moments of people’s lives. It reminded me about my early days, when I learnt what a privilege it was to be there for people in those days of celebration and loss. I love how flowers help us to connect, no matter where we are in the world.”

2022

Poppy & Fern, Byron Bay

While Mika was certainly putting down roots in Armidale, she had the opportunity to learn more about the sustainable side of floristry from a farm near Byron Bay.

“It’s called Poppy & Fern and they’re just wonderful –I travelled back and forth for a couple of years and loved every moment. Being in this industry for so long, I started to see the level of wastage that goes on behind the scenes. There’s a lot of plastics and microplastics, and some traditional florists aren’t taking responsibility. When I started working for Poppy & Fern, I saw a more sustainable way to work as a florist – that meant growing your own flowers, working with seasonal availability and not relying on the markets or importing. Why are we doing that? We have amazing flowers in Australia, we don’t need to bring outside blooms in. I spent two years with Poppy & Fern and it has fuelled my direction in this industry every day since.”

* NEED MORE FLOWERS IN YOUR LIFE?

Grown, gathered and created with love since 2017, Eve Flowers offers unique, seasonal, garden-style florals from their own flower farm and fellow Australian growers.

45 Bridge Street, Uralla eveflowers.com.au @eveflowerfarm

*

2022-2023

Eve Flowers, Uralla

The Byron Bay farming connection introduced Mika to Sam Kauffmann, a Uralla-based flower farmer who had her own business on the town’s main street – Eve Flowers.

“Sam’s a flower farmer too and is incredibly inspirational. When I joined her at Eve Flowers it was the first time I was working with brides who weren’t asking for specific flowers, like roses or orchids, but rather saying they were happy to use whatever’s in season. They saw our offering and appreciated it – that meant locally grown, seasonal flowers and not using plastics. Today, we don’t work with floral foam or any form of plastic, instead focusing on glass arrangements and bouquets. It’s been a bit of an education process for some people, but they appreciate our approach and it just feels right.”

January 2024

Eve Flowers, Uralla – the new owner

The time spent at Eve Flowers felt so right for Mika that when the opportunity arose to buy the business from Sam, she leapt.

“I took over on 1 January 2024 and my daughter Iris was born two months later. She actually did her first wedding with me when she was eight days old – she wasn’t much help, but we had fun. I couldn’t be happier with where I am today. Eve Flowers is going so well; it’s a thriving, family-owned business and I’m so grateful to the local community for supporting us as they do. I love this quirky, little town so much. Looking back, it’s amazing how flowers have been the thing that’s taken me across the world – they’ve truly been my ticket to the rest of the world. I love how flowers connect you with people, with life’s moments (big and small) and the environment you’re in at the time. Then there’s the perfume; a sensory experience that takes you back to a different time and place – to picking Lily of the Valley with my grandma in Sweden. This is a wonderful way to spend my days, and this is exactly where I should be in life.” *

CINEMATIC BELLO

Recently snapped up by Laura Gonzalez of Peach & Wolf Bakery and her partner Cam Shenfield, The Dark Room in Bellingen is an ode to times gone by – a time when VHS tapes, DVDs, film cameras and Walkmans were all the rage. Now a thriving community space, The Dark Room is a breath of fresh air steeped in a heady dose of nostalgia – and you’re invited to join the club.

WORDS Meg Miller PHOTOGRAPHY Sunspell Photography

INTRO

Blockbuster, Video Ezy and Civic Video – there’s no denying that going to a DVD rental store on a Friday night was one of the best ways to start the weekend. The car trip to the store, the anticipation of picking a new movie, browsing through the huge room lined with light blue shelves – each title with its own special spot. And then the final act – taking your chosen movies to the counter, selecting a few snacks to share with your family while you waited for the clerk to retrieve the disc from their massive library, and then heading home to snuggle up on the couch – let movie night commence.

But that was then, and this is now – a world where we can have virtually any movie we want to watch at our fingertips within seconds, all thanks to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Binge. And with that, sadly, we switched the Civic Video experience for half-heartedly browsing on the sofa, and nostalgia was thrown out the window. Or was it?

Enter The Dark Room in Bellingen – a place where you can relive all of your nostalgic dreams and get back in touch with a slower world. But this space isn’t just a DVD store – far from it. The Dark Room has been completely reimagined thanks to its new owners Cam Shenfield and Laura Gonzalez, who saved it from closing down permanently. Here’s their story and their vision for the store’s future. Lights, camera, action.

ACT ONE

Before meeting Laura, Cam Shenfield lived in Bellingen. A long-standing member of the previous video store, Cam was devastated when he heard that it would be closing its doors.

“When Cam learned that the video store was about to close, he couldn’t stop talking about it. He asked me what we could do to help, and I told him I didn’t know because I wasn’t sure we could do anything. Then he took me there, and we looked at the space together. We were so excited. We were like, ‘Okay, we can do this!’” Laura says.

BACKSTAGE

It was love at first sight when Laura stepped into the store – she could instantly see why Cam adored the place so much and was sad to see it closing. “I had this vision of what the space would look like, and it became so much clearer when we moved the 25,000 titles we purchased into boxes, shuffled the shelves and moved things around – but we weren’t prepared for what we saw.

“It’s such a huge space! There was even a fireplace hiding there. It was then that we realised it was going to take much longer than one month of renovations to get this place back up and running, and the business was probably going to look a lot different to what we first thought.” ››

WHAT’S ON?

Stay up to date with The Dark Room’s events by checking out the store’s Instagram and website.

thedarkroom.au

@bellodarkroom

ACT TWO

Oozing speakeasy vibes, The Dark Room is located on Hyde Street, Bellingen’s main drag. Walk through the hallway to the video store and feel like you’re part of a shared secret. Step through its door and be greeted by beautiful light boxes showcasing some of the pair’s favourite films, a massive 180-inch screen framed by black walls, racks full of DVDs on one side of the room and shelves displaying vintage cameras and film photography accessories on the other.

But the star of the show? The bar. “We made it so the bar is kind of the focal point. During the day we have toasties and some snacks available. We serve something that’s called the Big Bang – it’s not a pie and it’s not a quiche, but it’s somewhere in between – and it has everything, which is where it got its name from.”

“We’re talking salami, mozzarella, pecorino, ricotta, roasted capsicum, sausage, ham and real puff pastry using Pepe Saya Cultured Butter that we make at the bakery – and it’s been a huge hit. I envisioned all the food from The Dark Room to be snack food-friendly – but really good snack food – the kind you want to eat with your hands.”

Well, you don’t have to tell us twice. Open from Wednesday 11am – 5pm, Thursday to Saturday from 1pm – 9pm and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm, The Dark Room is open for business and you can get your hands on your very own Big Bang.

But what’s with the late closing times, you ask? Well, movie nights of course.

THE SCHEDULE

“From Thursday to Saturday, we host movie nights, and fortnightly Comedy and Music on Wednesdays, and then Thursday is Member’s Night – but not really, because anyone can join. That’s just the name we chose for it. We take requests and have specials on our toasties and popcorn, and then each Thursday, a different member picks a movie to watch. If they feel brave enough, they can present it to the group, too.”

Held in honour of the previous owner Rod, who would host Thursday movie nights every week, Cam and Laura decided to keep to schedule. “Rod picked the movie for our first Thursday movie night – it was amazing. Then, on the first Wednesday of every month we host open mic night, and on the third Wednesday of every month, it’s live music all the way.”

BECOME A MEMBER

Become a member of The Dark Room for just $60 a year and receive unlimited DVD hire plus two discounted tickets to any of their events.

PS – If you don’t have a DVD player, Cam and Laura have you covered with some available in the store. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today.

“...feel like you’re part of a shared secret.”

Now that just leaves Friday and Saturday. So what can we expect? “Friday movie nights are reserved for fun movies – it’s informal, entertaining and the perfect way to end your week. Saturdays are for challenging the crowd a bit – introducing them to an arthouse movie or something that we want to push to see what people think and how they react. But be sure you check out what’s on, because we have a revolving line of events that will be popping up on different nights of the week.”

INTERMISSION

Enter the pintxos and tapas snack bar, which could also be referred to as a full-blown experience. If you know Laura or have visited Peach & Wolf Family Bakery in Coffs Harbour, you’ll know that her dedication to creating delicious pastries can be tasted in every bite.

Now imagine those pastries were Spanish-inspired, and then imagine snacking on them while watching one of your favourite movies on a big screen, surrounded by your favourite people. Sounds awesome, right? Well, you can.

Open from Friday to Saturday from 6pm, The Dark Room’s pintxos and tapas snack bar has a range of delicious pintxos available for purchase. Take your pick.

ACT THREE

But that’s not all The Dark Room has to offer. From Wednesday to Saturday, Cam and Laura have also organised community workshops and events – from drawing classes to art and film photography workshops (coming soon), comedy and live music nights, the duo behind The Dark Room are looking forward to hosting a whole stack of creative workshops and events in their new space.

“The idea is to have classes available for both adults and kids. We want to be able to provide something that helps get kids off their phones and onto analogue or even very primitive digital. We want to help them explore the arts and become interested in photography and the world around them.” *

The Lodge Bellingen is a destination in itself - with lush valley and mountain views, boutique accommodation and renowned ‘Three Blue Ducks’ restaurant all set within a picturesque 16-acre property. An idyllic and romantic location to host your next event with world class food and beverage. This stunning location brings together the best of Australian food and hospitality for you and your guests.

Vanilla Slice Tour

THE REGIONAL ROAD TRIP

gunnedah

WERRIS CREEK

Quirindi

TAmworth

willow tree MururrundI

nundle

hunter valley

SCOTTS head

kempsey

port macquarie

FOUND FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FINE FEATHERED FOLKS HIT THE ROAD TO SAMPLE THE SIGHTS AND DELIGHTS OF OUR GLORIOUS REGION.

muswellbrook

newcastle

forster

taree

manilla barraba

merriwa

SCONE Bundarra

EBOR

DORRIGO SAWTELL

woolgoolga

1. Dorrigo Woodfired Bakery, Dorrigo

2. Moons Bakery, Uralla

3. Burkhardt’s Organic, Port Macquarie

4. Cafe Treeo, Sawtell

THE VANILLA SLICE TOUR

Pat Wanless can remember her first ever vanilla slice – it was from Crawford’s Bakers in Durham City, United Kingdom. On pay day she’d travel into town at lunch time and ‘celebrate’ by buying a vanilla slice to enjoy back at the office with a cup of tea. She says they were so thick with custard they were quite difficult to eat – but, not one to back down from a challenge, Pat persisted and to this day says they were well worth the effort. As a close friend of FOUND, she considers herself “very lucky” to research vanilla slices in our region. Here’s what she discovered on her travels.

WORDS Pat Wanless

DORRIGO WOODFIRED BAKERY

DORRIGO

This vanilla slice was packed with proper custard –confectioner’s custard, the way it should be done. The pastry was light and flaky, but also had depth, holding the custard together beautifully. The top layer had good crunch, and was coated with a smooth, thick icing. The end result? Pure happiness.

CAFE TREEO

SAWTELL

@treeo_sawtell

I’d recommend arriving with an empty tummy because this vanilla slice was a great size – one to write home about. It had plenty of rich, creamy filling and an almost chewy pastry… definitely chewy in a good way. It was a tasty, flaky, pastry delight.

MOONS BAKERY URALLA

Uralla served up a wonderful example of a vanilla slice. This was more of a pastry, boasting a donut-like form complete with a confectioner’s custard running through it and a flaky pastry to top it all off. It was absolutely delicious!

BURKHARDT’S ORGANIC PORT MACQUARIE

This vanilla slice is truly mouthwatering. I sunk my fork into the slice and stared at the masterpiece – gooey, fluffy custard. The rumours are true, one single bite told me that this vanilla slice is one of the best in the region. Everything from the perfectly flaky pastry to the thick layers of sweet white custard, right down to the thin layer of icing on top, make this vanilla slice from Burkhardt’s in Port Macquarie pure perfection in pastry form. *

MY SMALL BIZ & Me

Q&A TIME WITH BUSINESS MINDS FROM A WHOLE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES. DISCOVER HOW THEY GOT THERE, DID IT, BOUGHT THE T-SHIRT.

AK BELLINGER GALLERY

Allison Bellinger had no previous connection with Inverell when she arrived in 2002.

Fourteen years later, she launched a painters gallery in the town that has since become a destination space visited by art lovers and collectors worldwide, as well as those who live just down the road.

WORDS As told to Steph Wanless

Tell us about your life before AK Bellinger Gallery was born… I grew up in Warren, left in my early teens for boarding school in Sydney and stayed in the city from there, while completing my law qualifications. After working in a Sydney law firm for a while, I decided to travel and ended up securing a role with the biggest law firm in Europe. I was based in London and was in the shipping litigation department where I managed millions of documents for this enormous matter between a Norwegian ship builder and their client. I then returned home to Sydney, picked up a job at a Macquarie Street practice and moved into a share house with a group of girls from Tasmania. One night, a fellow Tasmanian mate of theirs turned up at our house party and that man became my husband. For the first six years of our marriage I worked alongside him on our farm near Inverell; this was a wonderful time for us. Having sold a farm in Victoria, my husband had purchased this farm in 2001 as he found it would suit a grazing enterprise with a safe climate. When we moved here in 2002 we were both completely new to the area.

What led you to open your own business? It was 10 years ago now, my husband became really unwell and we were lucky enough to find an amazing family to look after the farm for us while we rented in town during his recovery. I had a little boy on my hip, a little girl starting school and a sick husband. I decided to use this time living in town to start a business of my own, so I started investigating what type of business would be feasible taking into account my family commitments and the community that I resided in. I also asked myself, what do I love? My answer was immediate – art and aesthetics. That’s the moment AK Bellinger Gallery was born. I worked incredibly hard to get the space up and running and to this day am fortunate to have a remarkable support network in my husband, my friends, and other women business owners who work remotely for me to look after my invoicing, my books, my website and all those behind the scenes details. At the time I just dived in, determined to wing it and see what happened. ››

“What makes us any less worthy than the people of Paddington or Toorak when it comes to viewing works by high-calibre artists? I’ve brought the mountain to Mohammed.”

How did you grow your audience in those early years?

Straight away, I was fortunate to have made a connection and friendship with an artist called Vanessa Stockard –who’s since gone on to hang in the Archibald Prize three times. When I told her about my idea for the gallery, she said: “I’ll give the first exhibition.” So from day one, I was showing the works of an A-list artist and there was no way I could go back from there. Come opening night, the gallery was wall to wall with people dressed to the nines. The locals loved it and that first exhibition sold out three times. It proved to me that this was something the local community really wanted and I’m proud to say it’s grown to become a go-to destination and an integral part of Inverell’s commercial precinct.

The second part of growth happened online. I opened the business at a time when people were really investigating the use of social media to buy and sell products. I feel I got in there at the right time to grow the gallery following and it’s brought some wonderful people into our lives.

Viewing art online vs viewing art in real life – what are your thoughts? People the world over discover my gallery online, and that’s a wonderful thing. I’ve shipped artworks to collectors in Russia, America and Europe. It’s incredible and they wouldn’t have found me here in regional NSW if it wasn’t for the gallery’s online presence. When you live in a small country town, you have to have a means to reach people, otherwise businesses could rarely survive. I feel that nothing can replace the physical viewing of a painting and the emotional response that ensues.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Pens at the ready folks, you’re going to want to mark your diaries for the incredible exhibitions Allison has planned over the coming months.

7 November Jock Young

21 November Anna Placidi

5 December Group Christmas Exhibition

Do you love what you do? Undoubtedly. I love that I’m surrounded by beauty. I love that I can support people in a career that so many dream of. I have artists whose sole income is derived from what I can sell for them – that’s a big responsibility and I take it very seriously. That’s where my early training in law serves me well. I have the skills in advocacy where I’m essentially representing people and their work – and that’s a privilege. I also love that I’ve created a beautiful space for our local community too. We have comfy chairs inside, people come visit and sit down for a chat –it’s a very special space.

I’m also very proud to bring beautiful, quality artworks to the people of the New England-North West. What makes us any less worthy than the people of Paddington or Toorak when it comes to viewing works by high-calibre artists? I’ve brought the mountain to Mohammed and, together with the wonderful Inverell Art Gallery, we’re creating a real interest in art and painting within our community.

What inspires you when planning exhibitions? I’m very particular with what I show and I always aim high when it comes to reaching out to artists – they can only say no. I mainly show figurative style works, though my preferred genre is abstract. There are a lot of people out there who are inspired by that genre, they pick up a paintbrush and give it a go. But there are very few artists who can actually pull it off. I will add that there’s also a sense of fashion in art, but it’s something I avoid here at AK Bellinger. I don’t want a pretty picture; I want to feel something from a painting, I want the back story. I’m also always inspired by other curators I work with, and by the artists themselves. In fact, they are my biggest mentors – particularly the really experienced artists I’ve been lucky to connect with, who understand the world of commercial art. Sometimes too, naivety is a blessing. I’ve allowed the business and our exhibitions to evolve organically, to go with the ebb and flow of my life as a wife and a mother, and so far, it’s working.

Can you remember your earliest interaction with an artist? It was at Warren Central School, it’s such a vivid memory. Our Year Seven art class was taught by this really gorgeous, trendy art teacher from Paddington, Sydney. She’d given us a task to go outside and collect some leaves and sticks, then bring them back to the classroom to sketch. I loved it. I remember she looked at my work, picked up a ruler and knighted me with the words: “I crown thee artist.” I was all of 13 at the time, but maybe there’s still something there, deep down inside waiting to be discovered one day. Until then, I’m enjoying my life here in the gallery. It’s given me the opportunity to blend so many beautiful aspects of my life, to connect with creative people, grow a commercial venture, use my law qualifications and sell remarkable artworks to people all over the world – it’s incredible. *

THE ARTIST’S JOURNEY

This story starts in Japan – 10,000km from where artist Rudy Kistler was born and raised in the USA and 7000 from where he lives now – in a self-sufficient Bedford Bus on 98 acres of rainforest just outside Dorrigo. From sleeping under the stars to painting murals and carving chainsaw sculptures, Rudy’s journey has been anything but linear. Exciting, adventurous and inspiring, though? You bet. This is the artist’s journey.

WORDS Megan Miller PHOTOGRAPHY Rudy Kistler

As Rudy stared out over Matsushima Bay, a collection of 260 tiny pine tree-decorated islands stared back at him. His mouth fell agape, his breath caught in his throat, the sun turned the deep blue water into shards of mirror, glistening as they danced in the light, and time stood still for a moment.

The words of Japanese Haiku Poet Matsuo Bashō came rushing back to him, filling his ears: “Matsushima is one of the most beautiful places in Japan.”

“Yes, it is,” Rudy breathed.

Dropping his bag to his feet, the weary traveller unzipped his pack, carefully digging around his sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and clothing to find his watercolour paints. Then he began painting – each stroke of his paintbrush reminding him of why he loves this beautiful country so much.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Rudy Kistler was born in Olney, a small town of 8,900 people in Southern Illinois, USA. “My father was a mortician, so I grew up in a funeral home. My grandparents lived on a farm and I spent a lot of time there, so I feel like I’m from the countryside but really, I’m from a small town – it was pretty stifling.”

“I guess you could say I was a bit counterculture in high school – I was a punk rocker and I questioned everything,

so it didn’t take long for me to outgrow my hometown.”

After graduating high school, Rudy headed straight for Chicago where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Realising that living in America was going to be tough as an artist (things like not having health care were going to make it difficult), 24-year-old Rudy decided to move to Japan.

A STEP IN AN UNKNOWN DIRECTION

“After living and teaching English in Tokyo for a year and a half, I applied for a one-year artist visa and, packing my backpack, I left Tokyo on foot with nothing but the contents of my bag, my watercolours and sketchbook, $10,000 in savings and three rules to abide by.”

1.Don’t pay for accommodation – sleep outside.

2.Don’t pay for transport – walk.

3.No eating in restaurants – cook meals on a camp stove.

While these rules might seem hardcore to those who are accustomed to more comfortable travel, Rudy had a dream and he was prepared to follow it – no matter the cost. If he was to last the year backpacking through Japan, Rudy knew he needed to save every yen he could.

“After that, I just started walking. People would stop and ask me, ‘Where are you going?’ I’d say, ‘I’m heading south until I can’t go south any further, and then I’ll head north.’ ››

“Then he began painting – each stroke of his paintbrush reminding him of why he loves this beautiful country so much.”

WANT TO SEE MORE OF RUDY?

Join the annual Chainsaw Sculpture Festival hosted by Rudy and held every December in Dundurrabin.

Keep an eye on Rudy’s socials to find out when he’s opening his art studio up to the public as part of the Bellingen Shire Arts Trail.

Check out his Instagram and website to see more of his work – or head to Dorrigo and see it for yourself on the wall of the Dorrigo Preschool.

rudykistler.art . @rudykistler

“They’d give me tickets to go to hot baths and invite me to stay at their house, packing me lunch for the next day. I met so many people on the road – people would stop and say hello and some would give me a ride. I realised I was moving way too fast, so I had to slow down and stop accepting car rides.”

As the days passed, Rudy would walk and paint and walk. “I’d spend a week walking down the coast, which was flat and warm, and then I’d get bored, see a mountain trail and take it up into the country. Then, I’d tire of the steep mountain hiking and walk back along the coast. And it went like that week on and week off. Along the way, I’d ask people, ‘What’s beautiful in this area?’

“Eventually, I arrived in Miyagi Prefecture.”

Which is where this story started, in the stunning Matsushima Bay.

Fast forward through Rudy’s winter stint at a horse farm, where he worked in exchange for a bed, a hot meal and

focused on mastering his Japanese language skills, and the artist’s time in Japan was coming to a close.

“After my visa ended, I went back to America and was figuring out what to do next. I thought to myself: I know, I’ll go to grad school. So I applied to the National Art School in Sydney in 2004 and got in.”

THE LAND DOWN UNDER

After completing his Master’s in 2007, Rudy was showing his artwork in galleries in Sydney, selling his paintings and doing quite well for himself – then the 2008 global financial crisis hit and the gallery was forced to close.

“That’s about when the street art movement was coming in, so I started doing murals and 3D art on footpaths. I worked for a company called Zest Events, which was run by my agent Andi Mether. She pimped me and five other people out doing this kind of thing, so we travelled around painting murals.”

“The apex was in 2015 when I went to Dubai for the 3D international championships which had a $500,000 prize attached to it. Jenny McCracken and I represented Australia with 45 artists from 25 countries – we didn’t win, but had a lot of fun.”

On to Singapore to teach at a university, back to Japan to paint murals, and then back to America and Australia to do the same, Rudy travelled. “I’ve been to all the states and territories of Australia doing my art. I’ve performed at the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Elvis Festival at Parkes – and then COVID-19 hit.”

Having recently bought a 98-acre property in Dundurrabin, 30 minutes from Dorrigo, Rudy threw himself into fitting out his Bedford Bus and building himself a studio while the world was in lockdown.

“Eventually, when the pandemic finished, work started to trickle back in, but it was slow and then my agent folded last year. They said, “You know, we’re just going to stop. We can’t do this anymore.”

THE WOODCARVER’S WORK

“I’m sort of at a real crux in my career now. Recently, an opportunity opened up in Armidale with Dumaresq Dam. A landscape designer in Dorrigo asked me to do a chainsaw sculpture for the project, so I made a giant three-metre lizard out of Tallowwood and carved it with a chainsaw. Now I’m starting to think I’ll transition into a chainsaw sculptor.”

As you’ve probably gleaned by now, moving in a new direction is not new to Rudy, who seems to constantly seek out opportunities to explore his art and express himself in different ways.

“I’m not sure what my work is going to look like in a couple of years, but I’ve started making these giant heads and I think I’m going to do a series of these. As human beings, we love to see ourselves and we love to see representations of humans – it tells our story. We can read into it. And as popular as abstract art is, I find that figurative art will always be strong, and I want to tap into that with this next body of work.” *

In the Frame

In the Frame

A CURATED GLIMPSE INTO THE ART WORLD WITH TAMWORTH REGIONAL GALLERY, WHERE ART IS FOR EVERYONE.

ENGAGE, EDUCATE AND INSPIRE

Situated in the CBD along Peel Street, the Tamworth Regional Gallery features artistic excellence with new and engaging exhibitions all year round. Founded in 1919, the Gallery itself has over a century of rich history and continues to be a haven for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts in the region and beyond.

WORDS Tamworth Regional Gallery

PHOTOGRAPHY Tamworth Regional Council

Each year, there is a rotating program of touring exhibitions with national significance and exhibitions curated by regional artists held at the Tamworth Regional Gallery. Some of the exhibitions in 2024 have included the Archibald Prize 2023, William Kentridge: I Am Not Me, The Horse Is Not Mine, and the JamFactory ICON Jessica Loughlin: of light exhibition.

In 2023, the Gallery developed the Residue + Response: 5th Tamworth Textile Triennial, connecting histories and futures, a feature exhibition showcasing the best of textile art from across the country. Curated by Dr Carol McGregor, this exhibition has been touring across the east coast of Australia since early 2024, and will continue touring at various locations throughout 2025.

William Kentridge I am not me, the horse is not

mine 2008 (still), AGNSW © William Kentridge

The Gallery also offers a dynamic array of workshops, lectures, artist talks, events, and public programs designed to engage, educate and inspire others. During big events throughout the year, such as the Toyota Country Music Festival, the space also has small stages erected for artists to play live music among the artworks.

Tamworth Regional Gallery Director Bridget Guthrie says, “A strong focus of the Gallery is to encourage the appreciation of art and culture more broadly. As such, the Gallery has free entry and hosts regular events to encourage people to learn and engage with the wonderful exhibitions that we are able to place on proud display.” *

WELCOME ONE AND ALL

Accessibility is a priority at the Tamworth Regional Gallery, with on-site parking and wheelchair access making it an inclusive space for all visitors. Visitors can also take advantage of free guided tours and browse the gallery shop that features unique gifts and art-related merchandise. For more information about what’s on, visit the Gallery’s website.

466 Peel Street, Tamworth tamworthregionalgallery.com.au @tamworthregionalgallery

Installation view of the Archibald Prize 2023 exhibition featuring (left-right) Eliza Gosse Breakfast at ours, Kim Leutwyler Zoe, Matt Adnate Echoes of a teenage superstar, © the artists

5th Tamworth Textile Triennial: Residue + Response exhibition

REGIONAL X FASHION

Regional NSW is teeming with thoughtfully curated boutiques that bring fashion from the big smoke and around the world to our regions. But as you explore their shelves, you’ll also discover labels brought to life by local designers and makers – each inspired by their unique perspective of the region’s landscapes and lifestyles.

We’ve done the research and sought out our favourite homegrown designers who live in, and draw inspiration from, the places we call home. Check out these 11 designers from right here in the regions proving small towns can be big in fashion.

WORDS Chelsea Roper PHOTOGRAPHY Various; this page: Lawrence Furzey

PETER BILL

Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country PHOTOGRAPHY Lawrence Furzey

Elegant designs and textured fabrics define Peter Bill’s aesthetic. Delicate embroidery, pleated cuffs and a Peter Pan collar are all signature features you’ll find within collections released by the label, each piece sophisticated in even the smallest of details.

Founder, Holly Goodman, designs each collection from her family’s cattle property in Tamworth. And while the label’s journey began in children’s clothing, Holly’s venture into a women’s line in 2022 was on point as the brand continues to grow a community of women across the country who share a love for her designs.

Their Spring/Summer 2024 collection embraces the freshness of butter yellow and blue hues. Designed with versatility in mind, their latest capsule wardrobe features mix-and-match pieces, including a gorgeous new range of linen garments that can be styled multiple ways.

“As a regional fashion designer and mother living on the land, I find beauty in the harmony between creativity, family, and nature. We craft small-batch, ethically made clothing that balances style and comfort for busy women like me. Each piece is a reflection of my commitment to both the land and the vibrant lives we lead.”

Website: peterbill.com.au

Instagram: @peterbillau

Facebook: Peter Bill

LENNI

THE LABEL

Burrell Creek, Biripi Country PHOTOGRAPHY Brett Rutkowski

Looking to channel the iconic aesthetic of the 70s in your wardrobe? Enter LENNI the label. Founded in Wallabi Point, a quaint coastal village on NSW’s Mid North Coast, the label plays anything but small with over 200,000 online followers amassed internationally.

Drawing inspiration from vintage pieces collected throughout Founder Lisa Vismara’s travels across the globe, each piece reflects the style and whimsy of her original reworked vintage styles. LENNI’s M.O. is simple: to give women staple wardrobe pieces that are effortlessly chic and ridiculously comfortable without sacrificing an ounce of charm. Explore their latest collections and fan favourites on their website.

“Being fortunate to be able to live and create in such a beautiful part of the world constantly reminds me of how lucky I’ve got it. When I began LENNI, I had this deep dread that I’d need to move to the city to make it successful. After releasing the first small collection online, a showroom in the USA reached out to represent the brand and everything took off from there.

"Throughout the 11-plus years of running the brand, to have a place like this to always come back to is very humbling. After living on the coast, my husband and I moved to the countryside in Burrell Creek, where we live on a property with lots of animals, magic night skies and a baby on the way.”

Website: lenni-shop.com

Instagram: @lenni_thelabel

Facebook: LENNI the label

STATE OF EMBRACE

Bellingen, Gumbaynggirr Country

PHOTOGRAPHY Robbie Pacheco

Megs Ferrier, the Founder and Creative Director of STATE Of EMBRACE, has built a brand that embraces contemporary style while pursuing a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness. Crafted from eco-friendly materials and brought to life through ethical processes, each collection focuses on ensuring a reduced impact on the environment while still exuding quality and luxury.

The brand also puts inclusivity at the heart of its designs, celebrating every body, and empowering those who wear their pieces to feel confident and beautiful each and every day. With a career spanning over 35 years, Megs has become a respected figure in the fashion industry. For her, STATE Of EMBRACE is more than just a brand, it’s a movement towards a more conscious and inclusive future in fashion.

“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love from the beautiful town of Bellingen. The natural beauty of the region provides endless inspiration for our pieces, and we are passionate about bringing our local community’s sustainability values to life through the label.”

58 Hyde Street, Bellingen NSW

Website: stateofembrace.com

Instagram: @stateofembrace

Facebook: STATE Of EMBRACE

APRÉS STUDIO

Sydney, Eora Country PHOTOGRAPHY Britt Murphy

Exclusive in its availability, and unique in its appeal, Aprés Studio releases one piece a week using deadstock fabric, proving style doesn’t need to cost the earth. Founded by the gloriously creative, Tamworth-born designer Meg Wilcher, each piece is designed as an essential staple with a distinctive edge that can be mixed, matched and built upon.

Meg now calls Sydney home, but her memories of childhood and teen years filled with sewing and reworking vintage pieces with friends in Tamworth remain vivid. With a mother who was a textile teacher and a short stint growing up in Sydney’s vibrant Inner West, Meg’s early exposure to textiles, diverse cultures and self-expression through fashion made her journey into design almost predestined.

“I always loved clothing and design as a little girl – as soon as I could walk on my own, I dressed myself. My mother was a textiles teacher, so I was exposed to a lot of fabrics and sewing and I guess that’s where my interest spiked. I was so enchanted by the opportunity to create something you could wear that could completely transform the way you feel and the way you could make others feel.

“After moving back to Tamworth for high school, I slowly found courage to push back on the people who told me that I would never become a fashion designer and found solace in a few creative friends I made in my neighbourhood. We would spend our weekends trawling through second-hand stores, reworking pieces we had discovered and creating unique outfits we loved.”

Website: apresstudio.com.au

Instagram: @apresstudio_

“Our collections are more that just fashion; they are wearable pieces of art that tell the stories of our ancestors.”

MIIMI & JIINDA

Mid North Coast, Gumbaynggirr Country PHOTOGRAPHY Rob Hookey

Melissa Greenwood, a proud Gumbaynggirr woman and acclaimed artist, illustrator and designer, is the Owner and Creative Director of Miimi & Jiinda. Each piece in the label’s line is adorned with original artwork inspired by Melissa’s passion for storytelling through art.

Featured on the runway at Australian Fashion Week 2024, the label boasts matching sets, power suits and midi dresses made from buttery fabrics and transformed with unique designs inspired by our local landscapes and stories. Jump online and explore the Yarilla Resort Collection, available just in time for summer.

“As a regionally inspired designer, my life and work are deeply rooted in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Gumbaynggirr Country on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The landscapes, seascapes, sunsets, moonlit skies and vibrant stories of my ancestors are a constant source of inspiration.

“Living and creating in this region allows me to stay connected to my cultural roots and the land that has nurtured my family for generations.

“Our collections, including the Yarilla collection, are more than just fashion; they are wearable pieces of art that tell the stories of our ancestors, the strength of our matriarchal lineage and our beautiful Miimi Marraal (Mother Earth). Being regionally based also means we are committed to sustainable practices, producing our garments in Australia and using eco-friendly materials.

“It is essential for us to care for our Country and ensure that our designs reflect this. Our collections are not just about beautiful art and clothing, but about highlighting the importance of connecting to Country and culture.”

Website: miimiandjiinda.com

Instagram: @miimiandjiinda

Facebook: Miimiandjiinda

GRACE AND MAY

Narrabri, Kamilaroi Country PHOTOGRAPHY Lillie Hamblin

Designed by Martina Valks, the Founder of Marval Designs, a beloved boutique in the Gunnedah and Narrabri communities, Grace and May designs staple wardrobe pieces that embody femininity and fun.

“The opportunity to have a point of difference in our stores is what inspired me to start Grace and May. To have something for our customers that was unique and only available at Marval Designs.

“We have so much colour arriving for summer. Flowing dresses to mini skirts, florals to stripes. Neon colours to tonal. I can’t wait!”

113 Maitland Street, Narrabri NSW 175 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah NSW Website: marvaldesigns.com.au/collections/grace-and-may Instagram: @grace.and.mayxx

FLAEX

Inverell, Kamilaroi Country PHOTOGRAPHY Georgia Hampson

If you’re seeking quality, sustainable pieces for your wardrobe, look no further than flaex, Inverell. Designer Sally Kelso’s ethically made collections boast all-natural fibres, simple lines and relaxed, contemporary vibes. Creating from her country home on the slopes of northern NSW, Sally priortises quality, comfort, individuality and style, alongside an environmental awareness and global empathy that’s second to none. Collections are released on an ad hoc basis, as this mother of four combines vintage materials with linen, silk and leathers to produce truly one-of-a-kind pieces. As for the wider flaex team? That would be Sal’s partner, Tony, who’s also a freelance archaeologist and historian. Together, the pair have seen flaex steadily grow since its launch in November 2016, enabling Sal to hold regular functions and pop-up shops in Brisbane and throughout northern NSW.

“Being a designer and running a small enterprise like flaex in a regional area has its pros and cons. Not having a shopfront and working by myself from my home-based studio can be beautifully tranquil and relaxing, but at times also extremely isolating. I need to work hard on creating a balance where occasionally I get out and about to expose and showcase my products. I do this in the form of pop-up shops in Brisbane, regionally and at my home studio. This, to me, is the icing on the cake. Distance to the city market is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to display my hard work, be seen, interact and meet new people. Regional pop-ups and those held in my own home are much easier to organise, but I definitely need the city exposure. The slower pace of life, open spaces, friendships and connections create a sense of community that I truly value. These positive attributes will always outweigh the perceived drawbacks of living and working in a regional location.”

Website: flaexdesign.com

Instagram: @flaex.design

Facebook: flaex

RAW X SALT

Coffs Coast, Gumbaynggirr Country

PHOTOGRAPHY Teagan Maddux

Summer is almost within reach, and Raw X Salt has got you covered for swimwear. Founded and designed by business besties Emily Crawford and Olly Lewis on the Coffs Coast, each piece is made from recycled products, turning fishing nets and carpets into gold. It’s swimwear that not only feels good, but does good.

Their upcoming collection features vibrant prints inspired by their beautiful coastal surroundings. Emily has worked closely with makers in Bali throughout the year to bring the new designs to life, each print evoking the warmth of summer days and the tranquillity of the ocean.

“Living on NSW’s Mid North Coast has been incredibly fulfilling,” says Olly. “The ocean, beaches, and laidback lifestyle provide endless inspiration for our designs. This connection to nature deeply influences our design philosophy and commitment to sustainability.”

“Each piece we create reflects our coastal lifestyle and dedication to preserving it,” adds Emily. “Using recycled materials like fishing nets and carpets to craft stylish swimwear is our way of giving back to the environment that fuels our creativity.”

Website: rawxsalt.com

Instagram: @rawxsalt

Facebook: Raw X Salt

ME MADE STUDIO

Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country PHOTOGRAPHY Faithfull Image

Fashion is the way we express ourselves, and Me Made Studio is exactly how its Founder Rhanni Lee brings her style to life. Based in Tamworth, the studio focuses on small-batch, handcrafted bags in bold colourways that are both unique and fashion-forward.

Like an exclusive, invite-only club, it’s rare you’ll find someone rocking the same piece as you, and if you do, it’s probably a moment you know you’ve just found a new pal. Their latest line was completely sold out within a few weeks, so make sure you’re keeping across their socials for the next drop.

“Life as a rural designer is a constant blend of creativity, environmental responsibility and community connection. I often find myself building a close-knit client base where products I produce are shaped by personal interaction and make each item feel like a collaborative effort.

“Becoming a rural designer, I was attentive to the impact the fashion industry has on our land as a whole and how important it is to minimise our environmental footprint. When starting Me Made and sourcing materials, I wanted to ensure sustainability was at the core, which is why all of our bags are handcrafted from recycled textiles which would otherwise be in landfill.

“Ultimately, being a rural designer allows me to merge my passion for fashion with a commitment to sustainability, creating products that not only satisfy my beautiful customers, but also contribute positively to the environment.”

Website: memadestudio.com.au

Instagram: @memadestudio__

FAR MER. BY WHITNEY

Manildra, Wiradjuri Country

PHOTOGRAPHY Kacie Herd

After a well-received dabble in transitioning her westernthemed art into textiles, Whitney Spicer’s label FAR MER. By Whitney was born. Artist-led and inspired by the West, FAR MER. serves to create clothes and accessories that are fun, bold, and a little bit cheeky.

It’s been a hit – the signature Kiss Me Cowboy cap has sold out three times over since its launch, and it’s hard not to smile when greeted with a cap that boldly states Cowboys Make Better Lovers. The label’s summer collection is on its way, and will feature graphic tees, button up shirts adorned with Whitney’s artwork, and a new line of sarongs. Explore the world of FAR MER., and you might just want to get acquainted with the cowboy charm, too.

“Beginning this journey as a rurally based woman has not been a hindrance in the slightest. In fact, I feel the community I have aligned myself with has made this pursuit possible. Seeing women walking down my local street wearing my pieces is an amazing feeling. It’s not just the local sales though, it’s the encouragement of my rural peers. My label is aimed at women like myself, living in country Australia, so being a part of that community has been invaluable.”

Website: whitneyspicer.com/collections/shop-all-far-mer Instagram: @farmerbywhitney and @whitneyspicer

AMILITA THE LABEL

Coffs Harbour, Gumbaynggirr Country PHOTOGRAPHY Sophie Bird

Based in Coffs Harbour, Amilita the Label designs playful yet laidback wardrobe staples inspired by places and moments held dear. The designer, Sophie Bird, is also the Founder behind the conscious and sustainability-focused boutique Tallow & Tide.

Each piece is made in Canggu, Indonesia, with staff empowerment at the forefront. Earlier this year the label released its Hands Full, Hearts Full charity range, where 5 per cent of profits go to parenthood and pregnancy support service PANDA National. The range includes kidswear and hats that Sophie designed with her seven-year-old daughter, Tallow.

What’s next for the brand? Well, this year’s Spring/Summer capsule will see the launch of new, unique designs inspired by Sophie’s last adventure to Bali.

“The best part of designing out of the city I feel is the authenticity of inspiration. I never feel pulled by trends or fast-moving fashion. I create from the depths of my heart and soul, which I think helps the brand remain authentic to itself. I am endlessly inspired by nature and women. Both are such strong and grounding forces, and we have nature in abundance here!”

Tallow & Tide Boutique

17 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour NSW

Website: amilita.com Instagram: @amilitathelabel Facebook: Amilita Boutique

G o r g e o u s f r e s h f l o w e r s d e l i v e r e d t o A r m i d a l e , U r a l l a

a n d W a l c h a , M o n d a y t o F r i d a y

A l o v e l y s e a s o n a l s e l e c t i o n d i r e c t f r o m o u r f a r m a n d

f e l l o w A u s t r a l i a n g r o w e r s .

S p e c i a l i s i n g i n u n i q u e , s u s t a i n a b l e w e d d i n g s a n d e v e n t s , c o n s c i o u s a n d t h o u g h t f u l f u n e r a l s .

F l o r i s t o p e n 6 d a y s

P h o n e 0 4 0 9 5 6 6 0 9 9 o r o r d e r o n l i n e a t e v e f l o w e r s c o m a u

4 5 B r i d g e S t r e e t U r a l l a 2 3 5 8

DREAM SANDWICH

A CELEBRATION OF FOOD AS A STORYTELLER, CULTURAL PECULIARITIES, NOTICING THE UNNOTICED, NOSTALGIA AND LOVE.

Happy birthday donut confetti cake

THE CAKE

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY Jen Drew @adventuresofjen

Cake. My love language. My cake philosophy? Give me an ugly cake that’s tasty as hell over a pretty cake that’s dry (and nasty) any day of the week. If you manage to nail both – magical. *

Raspberry and lemon curd layer cake

Strawberry COVID lockdown cake

Hummingbird bundt cake Cherry cake

FRIENDS OF FOUND

Armidale Regional Council armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au @armidaleregionalcouncil

Beatties Quality Furniture beattiesfurniture.com.au @beattiesqualityfurniture

Central Hospitality Group thechgroup.com.au

Eve Flowers eveflowers.com.au @eveflowerfarm

Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort charlesworthbaybeachresort.com.au @charlesworthbaybeachresort

Brennan & Smith Optometrists brennanandsmith.com.au @brennanandsmithoptometrists

Double Drop Espresso @doubledropespresso

Happymess happymess.com.au @happymess_bellingen

Narrabri Shire Council narrabri.nsw.gov.au NEGS negs.nsw.edu.au @negs_armidale

Mustard Made mustardmade.com @mustardmade

North Beach General Store northbeachgeneral.com.au @northbeachgeneralstore

Oxford on Otho oxfordonotho.com.au @oxfordonotho

Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges powerhousetamworth.com.au @powerhousetamworth

Retro Bello @retrobello

Tamworth Regional Gallery tamworthregionalgallery.com.au @tamworthregionalgallery

Tweed Escapes tweedescapes.com.au @tweedescapes

Roberts + Morrow rm.net.au @roberts_and_morrow

The Lodge Bellingen thelodgebellingen.com.au @thelodgebellingen

Regional Australia Bank regionalaustraliabank.com.au @regionalaustraliabank

Tamworth Regional Council tamworth.nsw.gov.au @tamworthregionalcouncil

Three Blue Ducks threeblueducks.com @threeblueducks

Welcome Hospitality welcomehospitality.com.au BECOME

yasmin@foundregional.com.au

LUXURIOUS BEACHSIDE RESORT IN COFFS HARBOUR

SPACIOUS ONE AND TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS THREE RESORT POOLS AND A NINE-HOLE GOLF COURSE

Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 | 0477 779 343

TALES FROM THE BAR

WITH SAM MARTIN

GREAT HOPS BREWING CO, ARMIDALE

@greathops

The whole brewing thing began during my commute to work in Sydney. I’d pass this home brew shop every day – its front window was lined with tiny kegs. They looked like recycled Pepsi kegs. I thought that’s good, because while I was keen to start brewing my own beer, washing bottles looked shit to me. When I finally finished dental school, I got my first real credit card and went straight to that home brew shop and went crazy. I bought all the gear and started home brewing that day.

There’s been a whole heap of challenges along the way, like the time we hauled two massive boilers out of Port Macquarie Hospital through a skylight, not knowing how to work those boilers and listening to alarms going off at 5am every morning as a result. We eventually figured that one out – the alarms don’t go off anymore, so that’s good. We laugh at how many stupid things we’ve done along the way. But I’m not embarrassed about it, I don’t get embarrassed about anything –I just know we can always do better. We’re evolving every day and all I want is for people to come in and have a beer, grab a burger and fries and relax with mates. I try not to make it too trendy or too uncomfortable for people – I just want it to be honest. *

PHOTOGRAPHY

James Russell