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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
The Country Style team have spent days going through our old issues and filing cupboards filled with images in preparation for this special issue to celebrate our 30th birthday. Lots of memories came flooding back as we
PHOTOGRAPHY DAMIAN BENNETT STYLING LIZ KAVANAGH
looked through the pages. Utes getting bogged while trying to shoot covers, worrying about photographers travelling in remote areas beyond mobile telephone reception and how one of them, Sharyn Cairns, would occasionally text us a beautiful picture with the words ‘in the line of fire’ — that’s a memory which made me run one of those images on page 96. It was shot in 2011 and I think it is just as powerful today as it was then. People often ask me how we find all the stories that fill our pages and my answer is that it’s actually the easiest part of our job. We are so lucky that there are so many amazing people out in regional Australia who have wonderful stories. Which is why we decided that the best way to celebrate our 30th birthday was to feature a list of the 30 people who have made a difference to regional Australia in some way. Turn to page 101 for our Top 30 and the chance to vote for who you think is the most deserving — a big thank you to our partner Fisher & Paykel plus the category sponsors. I saved the house on page 64 for this issue, because for me it represented so many of the things I look for in our stories. It’s a beautiful home, filled with art by friends and family and slowly turned from a shed in a paddock to what it is today. As its owner, Sus Bush, explains, “it was built on the smell of an oily rag” — a bit like my own home! — and it just goes to show what can be done with a bit of ingenuity. Rob Ingram has been an important part of Country Style since the very beginning. This morning I read his Country Squire column from the February/ March issue of 1991 about where to put a vegetable patch and it did make me smile, nearly 20 years later. And finally, I would love you to celebrate our birthday with us at Carriageworks in Sydney on May 30 — see page 26 for the event details. Enjoy the issue,
Victoria Carey
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CONTRIBUTORS
in this i s s u e . . . V I R G I N I A I M H O F F
Our Melbourne editor has lost count of the number of stories she’s written since she started with the magazine in 2000. The feature about Barunah Plains, on page 54, is her favourite in this issue.
A passionate horsewoman, Virginia has a farm at Kingston in central Victoria, where she runs a mob of Suffolk sheep, her thoroughbred and warmblood competition horses, and 13 brumbies rescued from the Alpine region. “I love getting out and seeing what people are up to — whether it’s visiting a beautiful home or garden, or talking to a clever artisan or producer,” she says of her work for Country Style. “There’s something about the country that inspires people to be extraordinarily creative.” Virginia particularly enjoyed visiting Damian Canny for her story about his historic property. “It’s great to meet inspiring people like Damian who has put his heart and soul into restoring Barunah Plains, ensuring it will survive for another century at least.”
C L A I R E M A C T A G G A R T
Our Queensland contributing editor’s first story was published in Country Style 13 years ago. “I sent pictures of a garden to the editor along with a note asking if I could please write the story,” Claire recalls. “Luckily she said yes!” A recent assignment was a trip to WA to write the Journey story for this issue. “The East Kimberley is so beautiful and raw,” she says. “Photographer Marnie Hawson and I had some great adventures. We met people who really appreciate and make the most of where they live.” Claire hopes her stories encourage readers to experience all the amazing things she gets to write about for Country Style, which she believes “captures the beauty, talent, grit and sense of community in regional Australia”.
WORDS SARAH NEIL PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON, JESSICA HOWARD
A regular contributor since 2006, this talented writer travelled from her home on a Queensland cattle property to WA’s East Kimberley for our story on page 128.
J u n e 2 019 | c o n t e n t s
64
101 26 83 100 101
PHOTOGRAPHY LISA COHEN, ABBIE MELLE STYLING BECK SIMON
112 128
COVER STORIES
Happy birthday! Come to our party Looking back at our favourite stories Win a $20,000 luxury cruise The influencers: 30 people changing regional Australia. Country chefs’ celebration cakes Heartland: Experience the magic of the East Kimberley
30TH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL
24 ENCHANTING TALE 26 83 100 101
112
Our cover stars had a rough start to life, but thanks to one couple, they’re improving in leaps and bounds. YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR 30TH BIRTHDAY Join us for the inaugural Country Style ball. CELEBRATING 30 YEARS We look back over the last three incredible decades of Country Style magazine. WIN A $20,000 CRUISE Enter this amazing promotion for your chance to sail around the Mediterranean with Crystal Cruises. TOP 30 From waste-reducing pioneers to anti-bullying campaigners, these are the people making a major difference in rural Australia. RAISE A TOAST Australia’s top chefs and restaurateurs celebrate the growth of Australia’s regional dining scene.
118 TABLE OF PLENTY
124
Set the scene for a modern-rustic celebration with neutral table accents that will suit both indoor and outdoor occasions. BRING IT ON Our much-loved country cook Steve Cumper believes birthdays are meant to be celebrated — especially with this very special cake!
PEOPLE
30 CHANGING DIRECTION
Charlie Arnott, a progressive grazier and food producer from NSW’s South-West Slopes, has redefined his relationship with the land for the better.
46 MY COUNTRY CHILDHOOD
Growing up on an apple and cherry orchard in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills has kept former foreign minister Julie Bishop grounded.
HOMES
54 ROCK OF AGES
64
A bluestone homestead on Victoria’s Barunah Plains has been returned to the glory of its pastoral heyday, with plenty more work still to be done. GROWING TOGETHER Sus and Derek Bush used recycled materials — and relocated 5000 rose plants — to establish a family home and business in southern NSW.
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 13
FASHION AND BEAUTY
146 THE STYLE DIARIES
152
Cookbook author Julia Busuttil Nishimura and biodynamic farmer Angelica Arnott share their fashion and beauty essentials. LIP SERVICE Give your look and mood an instant lift with one of these new-season lip colours.
GARDENS
156 PLANTING GUIDE 157
10 16 21 41 154 160 178
Jennifer Stackhouse advises what to plant now to make the most of the cooler temperatures. IN THE GARDEN The latest gardening news, including bee-friendly seeds from Toowoomba, a handy leather carrier for firewood and a book celebrating the serenity of moss.
REGULAR READING
Contributors Your page: readers’ emails and letters Chris Ferguson: A Day in the Country A Month in the Country Books Collectables Country Squire
SERVICES
158 CELEBRATE OUR 30TH BIRTHDAY
FOOD
160 161 162 166 170
This family favourite butter cake recipe is almost as impressive as the female baker behind it.
OUR COVER
126 THE FAST LANE
JOURNEY
128 THE MAGIC FARAWAY LAND 136
Natural wonders, ancient cultures and agricultural ingenuity are plentiful in the East Kimberley. ON THE MOVE: BRIDGETOWN This small town in WA’s south-west combines country charm with a bustling creative community.
DECORATING
142 HEARTH AND HOME
Learn all about the latest breed of fireplaces, which create an inviting atmosphere while heating your home cleanly and efficiently.
This month we share the story of two eastern grey joeys and the couple who rescued them (page 24). PHOTOGRAPHY Marnie Hawson STYLING Lynda Gardener and Belle Hemming LOCATION The White House, Daylesford. Telephone 0416 032 111 or visit thewhitehousedaylesford.com.au
ON THE COVER Helen Round and Manfred Zabinskas of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue are caring for rescue joeys Waldo and Reda, who feature on our cover. Also pictured, a delicious maple cake with chai buttercream frosting from Those We Fancy, flowers from Fleurs de Lyonville and vase from Found in Daylesford.
PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Country Style magazine is published by Bauer Media Pty Ltd (Bauer). Bauer may use and disclose your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, including to provide you with your requested products or services and to keep you informed of other Bauer publications, products, services and events. Our Privacy Policy is located at bauer-media.com.au/ privacy. It also sets out on how you can access or correct your personal information and lodge a complaint. Bauer may disclose your personal information offshore to its owners, joint venture partners, service providers and agents located throughout the world, including in New Zealand, USA, the Philippines and the European Union. In addition, this issue may contain Reader Offers, being offers, competitions or surveys. Reader Offers may require you to provide personal information to enter or to take part. Personal information collected for Reader Offers may be disclosed by us to service providers assisting Bauer in the conduct of the Reader Offer and to other organisations providing special prizes or offers that are part of the Reader Offer. An opt-out choice is provided with a Reader Offer. Unless you exercise that opt-out choice, personal information collected for Reader Offers may also be disclosed by us to other organisations for use by them to inform you about other products, services or events or to give to other organisations that may use this information for this purpose. If you require further information, please contact Bauer’s Privacy Officer either by email at privacyofficer@bauer-media.com.au or mail at Privacy Officer Bauer Media Pty Ltd, 54 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
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PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON
128
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YOUR PAGE
Border collies Molly and Tui — the cover stars of our April issue who live with their feathered friends at the beautiful @oldschoolhousemilton on the NSW South Coast — were a hit with readers. We also visited a young Queensland family who built their dream home at @victoriaparkfarm near Goondiwindi to accommodate a growing menagerie of animals, spoke to TV presenter Bridget McIntyre at her beautiful Yarra Valley property @tarnpirr_farm, and comedian @celestebarber told us all about her childhood at Terranora on the Far North Coast of NSW. Photography @brigidarnottphotography Styling @miss_ness_tay
Tractor the Jack Russell, and his mate Dot, a blue heeler, received a lot of love when we posted this shot on Instagram. The pair live with the McDonald family at @victoriaparkfarm near Goondiwindi, Queensland, and were featured in the April issue. “What a gorgeous space. (And dogs!)” @gracemaycobb “Every beautiful home needs a Jack Russell” @kylierodwell_ “Gorgeous story. Nice to see another McDonald family of farmers” @tarnpirr_farm Photography @marniehawson Styling @clairemactaggart
YOUR PAGE
READERS FROM ALL OVER AUSTRALIA, AND AS FAR AWAY AS SCOTLAND, SHARE STORIES OF KINDNESS FROM WITHIN THE COUNTRY STYLE COMMUNITY.
SWEET DREAMS
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COLLECTOR’S ISSUE
I love reading Country Style. Thanks so much for continuing to publish a well-written magazine. I fall in love with all the magical country scenes and use many of the pictures for vision boarding or manifesting. One day I’d love to have my own flower farm, and each time I read your magazine, I am reminded of this wonderful dream. I am obsessed with gardens and floral scenes, so I particularly love the garden features. Anita Ozolins, Dianella, WA
I live in Scotland with my family and have been lucky enough to have been receiving Country Style for 14 months now. When the first one dropped through my door I was puzzled but really happy, as I love Australia and have done since I was a little girl. I had wanted to live there, work on a farm and ride a horse. It didn’t happen, but I’ve been lucky enough to visit Australia once and hope to return one day. But how had Country Style arrived? My good friend Sarah Harvey, from Turramurra in Sydney, a wonderful person, bought me a subscription but forgot to tell me! I met Sarah six years ago when our children took part in the World Down Syndrome swimming championships in Portugal. I love your magazine and get so much from reading it. I enjoy reading about other people’s lives, especially the farmers and their families, the fashion, the recipes — all interesting — and Rob Ingram’s column is so amusing. I even love your adverts. So thank you, Country Style, and thank you, Sarah. Carol Pattinson, Gretna, Scotland
When I moved from Uralla in New England to Milang, the question of what to do with my carefully catalogued collection of Country Style magazines came up. Many were passed on to neighbours and friends, who all said something like, “Oh, yes, I love those magazines.” Several years’ worth still got packed. When the current house proved too small, some years’ collections were moved on, with the same response. But — and it’s a big but — when did your letters to the editor become advertorials? The various letters, no matter how well written or how evocative, all remind me of short-story competitions where the product — such as Aunt Mary’s baking powder — has to be placed in the letter. Yes, I would love to win one of the luxury items offered for the best letter, but the shameless commercialism of it appals me. First, it’s a given that Australian women of all ages, who are readers, love your magazine. The combination of beauty, simplicity and setting is very compelling, as are the stories of people from all areas and all walks of life, seeking to create something special. >
FEELING CONNECTED I don’t usually write to the editor, but after purchasing the February issue I just had to. In a world of social media, one can get so caught up and yet be so disconnected. All of the stories in the issue showed normal families living their best lives in our beautiful country. I particularly loved Family Affair [about Ashley and Kristy Edgar’s Cape Leeuwin farm], as I too live in south-west WA. The family’s connection to the earth and its produce was so lovely, and is leaving a legacy for their children and community. Di Baxter, Australind, WA
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Surely the page could be more than just recommendations to buy the magazine. We readers are the converted. Readers’ stories, observations and opinions are all worth reading. De-emphasise the advertorial component. We’re a thinking bunch, your readers. Dana Parkhurst, Milang, SA EDITOR’S NOTE We would love to receive more letters about issues that concern readers, particularly those that impact regional Australia. And as much as we do love the letters our readers send us about the magazine, we don’t pick our winners based on how much they praise us.
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Recently I delivered my well-read, well-loved Country Style magazines to my medical surgery. Imagine my absolute delight when the lovely receptionist later advised me of an elderly gentleman who, while waiting in the surgery, was so engrossed in one of the magazines he told her that he didn’t want to put it down. He mentioned that he’d never seen Country Style before. Furthermore, he thought it was the best magazine he’d ever read, as the stories reminded him of growing up in country Victoria. He was thrilled when she invited him to take home the copy he was reading. Of course, she relayed this story to me about a week later, and I can’t tell you how good it made me feel to have made this gentleman’s day. What a beautiful gift for him and an uplifting feeling for me. I was told he is in his 90s and lives alone. He said he would pass the magazine on to his daughter when he’s finished with it. (I think I’ll leave a special bundle for him for when he makes another visit to the surgery.) Glenys Jorgensen, Pelican Waters, Queensland
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to Glenys Jorgensen who has won a Sunbeam gift pack worth $537.90, which includes two Mixmaster HeatSoft Hand Mixers, and a New York Breakfast Collection kettle and toaster. The Sunbeam New York Collection is now available from leading electrical appliance and department stores. For more information, visit sunbeam.com.au Share your thoughts and experiences with us by writing to Country Style, PO Box 4088, Sydney NSW 1028, or by emailing austcountrystyle@ bauer-media.com.au. Please include your address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity.
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A DAY IN THE COUNTRY
GROWING STRONG
THEY SAY THAT ONCE THE RED DUST GETS INTO YOUR BLOOD, IT’S THERE FOR GOOD. CHRIS FERGUSON TOTALLY AGREES. I GARDEN IN BARE FEET, as though I too can be planted.
PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS FERGUSON, GREG ROBERTSON
When I was a child, my grandfather taught me to identify the native trees on his farm between Bathurst and Mudgee in central NSW. The gnarled, brittle gum trees and scribbly gums that grew on the rocky hillsides were my favourites. Their twisted branches reaching out at odd angles, the lumps and bumps and squiggles on silver white trunks, they appeared to me to be trees with a story. My grandfather loved the magnificent yellow box trees. He said that they showed us where the good soil was. Their canopy provided shade for his flock of merino sheep during the hot summer months and the dry wood of trees long past burned brightly in his wood-fired stove during winter. It seemed that yellow box trees grew with confidence — they knew who they were and where they belonged — while scribbly gums made the best of where they found themselves. When I turned 30 I left my home and moved right out west to live among trees that were unfamiliar to me: mulga and bimble box, cork-, iron-, beef- and bloodwood trees. I learnt their names, noticed when they flowered and savoured their shade in the relentless heat of the inland. My husband and I had bought a station in the isolated north-western corner of NSW, 250 kilometres west of Bourke. We arrived in the middle of the decade-long
Millennium Drought, which stretched our already scant resources. We fenced and mustered and worked and somehow made a place for ourselves. I gardened in bare feet, warm red earth between my toes, and I transplanted okay. Our two children completed their primary schooling via School of the Air from Broken Hill. For the most part I was their teacher and playmate, as well as their mum. They worked beside us and became competent stockmen. We were all in it together and everybody’s contribution was valued. Our trips to town were limited to about six each year. Grocery shopping took on another dimension as I lined up three trolleys at the checkout, then squeezed it all into my dual-cab utility, the kids helping to push cartons of long-life milk under the seats or passing boxes to me as I manoeuvred them around station supplies stacked on the back. In all those years of packing utes, there was only one person who offered to help, an Indigenous man in Bourke who saw me struggling. “You wanna hand, Missus?” “Yeah, that’d be great.” He passed up boxes and laughed. “You be right with him now?” “I reckon, thanks hey.” “No worries.” Time marches on and some trees grow tall. The wind pushes others too far and they lose limbs, lean precariously >
Chris Ferguson’s daughter Matilda, 28, drafting rangeland goats ready for sale. TOP Chris with dogs Mack, Digity, Mikey, Mo and Russ. JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 21
A DAY IN THE COUNTRY Chris captured these brumbies on camera while on a mustering trip in South Australia.
enough of mustering. I thought it was a good time to build a garden for my one-day-maybe grandchildren to play in. Driving with the agent to look at properties, I was slightly hungover from drinking Champagne with a friend the night before, but my head cleared when she pointed out the property for sale. As we drove over the ramp I remember a calm contentment coming over me: “So, this is it.” We bought the farm in the Warraderry Valley near Grenfell in central NSW and decided to hang onto our western properties, thinking that we could make it all mesh together, Kidman style. Utes and trucks were loaded with our scant belongings, cattle and dogs, and we came barrelling down the Mitchell Highway like an outback version of The Beverly Hillbillies. In a repeat of history, it stopped raining on our arrival and we were left with a massive start-up debt and no moisture across all three properties, 700 kilometres apart. No matter how familiar, it is still devastating. Amid the mayhem of drought, feeding cattle and tightening budgets, I still garden in bare feet. I drink my first cup of tea for the day standing on the lawn, barefoot, resting my gaze across the valley I’ve transplanted into. The light is gentle here and the earth is cool beneath my feet. Each dawn I greet is bathed in blues and yellows, and I long for a proper red s to finally signal an end to this long dry season Chris Ferguson is a grazier and shares her experience of life in the outback at @lifeinthemulga on Instagram.
“I bought the station and stayed, sunk my roots in a little deeper and found comfort in my adopted country.”
22 COUNTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS FERGUSON
and sometimes come crashing down. After nine years out west, our marriage ended. I bought the station and stayed, sunk my roots in a little deeper and found comfort in my adopted country. They say that once the red dust gets into your blood, it’s there for good. It gets into everything. With the help of my daughter Matilda, I built a solid business farming rangeland goats and became a Nuffield Australia Farming Scholar, studying arid land management across the globe. The people I met were curious about life in such a remote and isolated location, so I started a social media page called Life in the Mulga and blogged about what living in the sticks is really like. Sometimes, we just need to feel seen. The local mustering pilot started hanging about. I didn’t think much of it — he was a mate — but my daughter dug me in the ribs and said, “He really likes you, Mum.” When we finally got together, I remember thinking that I had never been truly seen before. We alternated between his property, 200 kilometres further north, and mine. His house was a dilapidated old homestead that sat on the edge of a flood plain fed by the Warrego River. We knocked out walls, painted and sanded and turned it into a home. Watching the seasons come and go from the deck we’d built overlooking the plain, I was as happy as I had ever been. In 2017, not long after the installation of the kitchen of my dreams, we decided it was time for us to leave the red country and head back ‘inside’. We were both turning 50 and he’d had
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ENCHANTING TALE
OUR COVER STARS HAD A ROUGH START IN LIFE BUT, THANKS TO ONE COUPLE, THEY ARE IMPROVING IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS. WORDS V IRGINI A IMHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY M A R NIE H AWSON ST YLING LY NDA GA R DENER A ND BELLE HEMMING
BEHIND THE SCENES COVER
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Helen Round of East Trentham Wildlife Shelter with Reda, the eastern grey joey; photographer Marnie Hawson snapped our beautiful cover shot in a serendipitous moment after Helen briefly put joeys Waldo (left) and Reda down on the chair; the maple cake with chai buttercream frosting from Those We Fancy was suitably decadent for a 30th birthday celebration. FACING PAGE Reda sits up at the table set with vintage wares from Inside Story Studio and decorated with flowers from Fleurs de Lyonville in a jug from Found at Hepburn. For stockist details, see page 160.
SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE WHITE HOUSE DAYLESFORD. 0416 032 111; THEWHITEHOUSEDAYLESFORD.COM.AU
LITTLE WALDO AND REDA are the adorable and very lucky
stars of our cover shoot for this issue. Both eastern greys, the joeys have been in the care of Helen Round of East Trentham Wildlife Shelter in Central Victoria since they were retrieved by her partner Manfred Zabinskas of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue last summer. Together, the couple run the voluntary shelter, where Helen cares for a range of native animals that have either been orphaned or injured, while Manfred operates the rescue arm, as well as a commercial animal rescue service for all species. “I do anything to do with animal welfare, from climbing-tree rescues where a bird might be caught in a tree or after bushfires I might climb up and get a koala. I abseil into mine shafts to get animals that have fallen in and I tranquilliser dart animals in different situations — there’s no end to the things I do,” he says. Eight-month-old joey Reda was found when Manfred was called out to a property at Redesdale on a 40-degree day. “The lovely people there came across a kangaroo with a horribly broken leg,” Manfred says. “She had to be put down. In her pouch was an unfurred joey, what we call a pinkie, and she was shrivelled up like a sultana.” Reda was put on an IV drip and received intensive care from Helen. “She was very close to dying, but she gradually got stronger and is a beautiful little joey now.” Meanwhile, Waldo was a rare case, a twin joey that was turfed out of the pouch by his mother. “It’s not often that eastern greys have twins and when they do only one survives, as they don’t fit in the pouch. Mum had to do the horrible thing of getting rid of one for the benefit of the other. She was trying to look after this joey on the ground, but there was no way she could do it.” Luckily for Waldo, now seven months old, the property owners rang Manfred. “He has done really well.” Between them, Manfred and Helen get “hundreds and hundreds” of calls to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife each year at their self-funded shelter. “Raising orphaned animals is all part of the work we do,” says Manfred. For more information, telephone 0438 681 501 or visit fivefreedoms.com.au
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 25
Celebrating
years of
IN ASSO CIATION WITH
Join us for the inaugural Country Style ball
DATE Thursday, May 30th, 2019 TIME 7pm until late VENUE Elston Room, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW DRESS CODE Evening cocktail TICKETS $200 per person (plus booking fee)
DON’T MISS THIS SPECIAL NIGHT To purchase tickets, visit countrystyleball.eventbrite.com.au P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D BY
PHOTOGRAPHY MUENZ/GETTY IMAGES
Celebrate our milestone birthday and the people who make Australia’s rural areas unique. Join us for an exclusive night of dancing and a three-course menu inspired by the Australian producers, farmers and provedores who have featured in the pages of Country Style. During this special evening, we’ll celebrate 30 influential people who are making a difference in regional Australia and announce six overall winners.
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Editor-in-chief VICTORIA CAREY Creative director JO QUARMBY Deputy editor SARAH NEIL Melbourne editor VIRGINIA IMHOFF Content director STEPHANIE HOPE Art director ANDREA HEALY Art production/designer MATUS KUNDRAT Junior designer SOPHIE WILSON Stylists LISA BURDEN, NATALIE JOHNSON Homes group production editor TAMARAH PIENAAR Homes group coordinator SARA SLEEMAN (02) 9282 8456 Regular contributors CLAIRE MACTAGGART (Queensland contributing editor) DIXIE ELLIOTT (Food) ROB INGRAM (Country Squire) ANNABEL LAWSON (Books) JOHN McPHEE (Collectables) BARBARA SWEENEY (Flavours) JULIETTE WINTER (Health and Beauty) SAMANTHA VAN EGMOND (Writer)
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Homes commercial manager RHONDA MAUNDER (02) 9282 8687 Homes manager KIMBERLY ANDERSON (02) 9338 6103 Brand executive JENNIFER BURKE (02) 9288 9145 Advertising production manager KATE ORSBORN (02) 9282 8364 Advertising brand executive SIMONE CREIGHTON (02) 8114 6021 Victoria, SA and WA sales director JACLYN CLEMENTS (03) 9823 6341 Director of sales NSW KAREN HOLMES (02) 9282 8733 Victoria head of direct sales WILL JAMISON (03) 9823 6301 Queensland head of sales JUDY TAYLOR (07) 3101 6636 New Zealand inquiries +61 2 9282 8505 Sales manager, Directories NICK CARSON (02) 9282 8369 General manager, Production services IAN McHUTCHINSON Production coordinator CARLY ZINGA Advertising production controller DOMINIC ROY (02) 9282 8691 Senior event manager CATE GAZAL (02) 8226 9342
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THIS PROGRESSIVE GRAZIER FROM NSW’S SOUTH-WEST SLOPES IS NO LONGER WORKING THE LAND — HE’S WORKING WITH IT INSTEAD. WORDS CLAIR E M ACTAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE
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BOOROWA NSW PEOPLE The Arnott family often picnic in Downes Paddock at Hanaminno, their property near Young, NSW. FACING PAGE Charlie Arnott with his wife Angelica and their children Lilla and Lordie in front of a mob of Shorthorn breeder cattle in Clover Paddock.
PEOPLE BOOROWA NSW
BIODYNAMIC FARMER CHARLIE ARNOTT can tell you a story
about every tree, gate post or paddock on his property, Hanaminno, near Boorowa on the South West Slopes of NSW. Even the property’s name has a tale — his parents named it after Hāna Ranch, a working cattle property in Hawaii where they spent their honeymoon (an enterprise that coincidentally now shares Charlie’s passion for regenerative farming and more direct supply practices). Charlie grew up on Hanaminno and describes the farm as his sanctuary. Together with his wife Angelica, he now shows their children how to plant trees, muster cattle and identify birds in the undulating basalt and granite hills of the 2143-hectare property. “I just love being in this landscape. The first seven years of childhood are about developing a relationship with nature and that’s what I endeavour to do with our children,” the 46-year-old says of daughter Lilla, 9, and 18-month-old son Lordie, who often accompany him around the farm. A descendant of William Arnott, founder of the iconic Arnott’s Biscuits Company, Charlie is maintaining the family connection to food — in his case supplying biodynamic meat (including pork, beef and multiple award-winning lamb) to like-minded Sydney butchers such as Victor Churchill and Shiralee Organic Meats. Charlie takes his role as a food producer seriously and shares his zest for biodynamics and regenerative farming with other landholders via regular workshops. He’s also active on social media, produces regular videos on his own YouTube channel and, last year, his work was acknowledged with the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award.
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Each time he shifts a mob of cattle or passes through wildlife corridors of elm, oak, honey locust and desert ash trees, Charlie pays close attention to nature’s subtle touchstones, such as groundcover, diversity of grass species and soil health. “I consider myself a grass farmer, and water and sunlight harvester,” he says. “We focus on what’s in our control and how we use every millimetre of rain.” Trees, biology and the Arnotts’ Shorthorn cattle are some of the tools used to restore the landscape. Larger mobs of cattle are grazed for shorter intervals to allow the pasture to regenerate, while biodynamic soil preparations are sprayed to stimulate soil biology. A partnership between the Arnotts, the local Landcare group and North Sydney Bushcare has led to the planting of native trees to create a habitat for Superb Parrots, while the family have established exotic trees and native trees to increase biodiversity and control soil erosion. Charlie says there were a number of turning points that led him to question his relationship with the environment. After pearling in Broome and Arnhem Land, completing a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England in Armidale, NSW, and a two-year stint in Sydney, he returned to Hanaminno in late 1997 to take up the reins from his father. He continued to farm using conventional methods then in 2003, he noticed a one-day course in the Boorowa News called Profiting from The Drought. “I thought this will be a laugh, who profits from a drought?” he says. “I went along and it blew my mind. It showed that questioning oneself was healthy and there were alternatives to what I was doing. I acknowledged that I didn’t have a big plan for myself and the farm.” >
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Charlie with his biodynamic compost; a beehive beneath an apricot tree; crabapple trees planted by Charlie’s mother Margie at the dam; feeding a Wessex Saddleback pig; the hills of Hanaminno; Charlie and Lordie greet the cows; grapes growing along the verandah of the house; feeding pigs near the farrowing shelter; the house’s courtyard where the family often dine. FACING PAGE The breeders in Clover Paddock.
PEOPLE BOOROWA NSW Lilla skips over basalt rocks in Downes Paddock at Hanaminno.
“The first seven years of childhood are about developing a relationship
with nature and that’s what I endeavour to do with our children.”
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 35
“Angelica is a wonderful cook and we always have vegetables growing.
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BOOROWA NSW PEOPLE THIS PAGE, FROM TOP The family at Downes Paddock. “We have many happy memories here,” says Charlie; feeding the pigs. FACING PAGE, FROM TOP Charlie and Lilla shake out a picnic rug; the couple enjoying a wander through Hanaminno.
We enjoy that sense of knowing where our food comes from.”
PEOPLE BOOROWA NSW Charlie checking the pasture in Uligal Paddock. “One of the things I would like to leave as a legacy is to help make regenerative practices in Australian agriculture the standard,” he says.
The following month he attended the Resource Consulting Services (RCS) Grazing for Profit course, where paradigms were broken or challenged. He immediately stopped using chemicals and began setting goals, with a focus on “loving the grass more than the cattle. I began to think differently about the importance of people in the business, as well as how I was managing my grazing and pasture,” Charlie adds. Another turning point was meeting Angelica, an actress and former member of Australian pop group The Chantoozies. She and her two older daughters (Venus and Persia, now aged 23 and 19 respectively) were already avid supporters of organic produce, and it was Angelica’s attitudes towards food and chemicals that contributed to their decision to become biodynamic farmers. “My heritage is Sicilian Italian and food culture was everything. Dad was considered the medicine man in our family and if anyone had a malaise of any sort he would pop into the kitchen and make them something to fix it,” 58-year-old Angelica recalls.
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“Angelica is a wonderful cook and we always have vegetables growing. We enjoy that sense of knowing where our food comes from,” Charlie adds. These days, much of Charlie’s time is spent away from the farm delivering workshops on biodynamic farming with educator Hamish Mackay, as well as advocating for the adoption of regenerative farming. In between, Charlie and Angelica divide their time between Hanaminno and Byron Bay, where he is also involved in agricultural training workshops and mentoring at The Farm Byron Bay. But there’s always joy in returning to Hanaminno and welcoming other like-minded people. At the end of the day, friends and family often pile in the back of the ute to enjoy a picnic in the paddock on dusk. “I’m really positive and optimistic about regenerative agriculture; it spearheads the solutions for two main problems — the health of the planet and health of mankind. At Hanaminno we are leaving a legacy of what can be done.” For more information, visit charliearnott.com.au
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A MON T H IN T HE C OUN T RY Sus Bush picking roses on her farm at Old Bogalara at Bookham, near Yass in southern NSW. To read her story, turn to page 64.
WORDS VIRGINA IMHOFF, CLAIRE MACTAGGART, SARAH NEIL PHOTOGRAPHY LISA COHEN STYLING BECK SIMON
This month, Tasmania celebrates the winter solstice at Dark Mofo, while Western Australians go truffle hunting and Victorians enjoy a steam rally.
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NSW
B O O K A TAB L E VICTORIA Oakridge Restaurant Co-executive chefs Matt Stone and Jo
Barrett are renowned for their innovative food and dedication to sustainability. Vegetables and herbs are sourced from two large kitchen gardens or local producers, cutting food miles and creating vibrant food with a sense of place. On Saturday June 1st, the chefs team up with Melbourne charcuterie expert and cookbook author PJ Booth for a special event, the Pinot, Poultry & PJ Booth Dinner, for which Matt and Jo have created a special menu comprising rich, hearty game bird dishes. Bookings are essential for the dinner, which costs $140 per person for four courses and matched Oakridge wines. The restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Monday. 864 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream. (03) 9738 9900; oakridgewines.com.au
SA Seed Winehouse + Kitchen In 2014, chef Guy Parkinson and his partner
Candice Leighton transformed a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant into one of the Clare Valley’s most popular eateries. Housed in an old stone mill, the bistro serves contemporary Italian food that showcases the best of local produce. Seed Kitchen offers a five-course tasting menu, which includes dishes such as salt-baked Boston Bay pork belly with apple, pear and blood plum, and burnt fig with cardamom custard and pistachio. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. 308 Main North Road, Clare. (08) 8842 2323; seed.kitchen
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Balahdhurr: A Lasting Impression, June 23rd–July 21st Cowra Regional Art Gallery hosts this touring exhibition by Artback NT in association with the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre. Yolngu artists share stories of Indigenous culture and history through linocuts, screenprints, etchings and lithography. Admission free. Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm. Sunday 2pm–4pm. 77 Darling Street, Cowra. (02) 6340 2190; cowraartgallery.com.au Iandra Castle Open Day, June 9th Explore the imposing Mount Oriel Homestead and surrounding gardens at Iandra Station in the state’s Central West. Built in 1908, the grand two-storey house features spires, high verandahs and leadlight windows, which resulted in locals referring to it as Iandra Castle. 10am–4pm. Adults $15, children $5. 870 Iandra Road, Greenethorpe. (02) 6383 9241; iandracastle.com.au Echuca Steam Rally, June 8th–9th This annual event includes displays of working steam engines, rollers and wagons, model steam engines and locomotives, horse-drawn farm equipment and vehicles, and vintage cars and motorcycles. 9am–4.30pm. Adults $22, children $7. Rotary Park, Rose Street, Echuca. 0438 576 639; echucasteamrally.com.au
A MON T H IN T HE C OUN T RY
The Anchorage Port Stephens, NSW, is a great weekend destination. LEFT Visit Iandra Castle. FACING PAGE, FROM LEFT Pumpkin with a twist on the menu at Oakridge Restaurant; the co-executive chefs Jo Barrett and Matt Stone;
w e e k e n d s aw ay NSW The Anchorage Port Stephens This resort and spa is the perfect base
NT
Barunga Festival, June 7th–9th Now in its 34th year, this celebration of Indigenous culture attracts up to 4000 people to the Barunga Community near Katherine. Live music and traditional dance, bush medicine, basket weaving and bush tucker workshops are on offer. Entry starts at $5 for children, $50 for the weekend including camping. Bagala Road, Barunga. (08) 8941 8066; barungafestival.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY MARK ROPER, SHARYN CAIRNS
QUEENSLAND
from which to explore this popular holiday spot, which boasts beautiful beaches, coastal walks, national parks and abundant wildlife. Overlooking a private marina, The Anchorage has two pools, two restaurants and a cocktail bar. All rooms and loft suites have a private terrace or balcony with water views, and there’s also a luxurious Hamptons-style villa that sleeps four and has a private courtyard with spa. Prices start at $299 per room, including a sparkling wine breakfast for two. 26 Corlette Point Road, Corlette. (02) 4984 2555; anchorageportstephens.com.au
beautiful and productive region plays host to more than 90 events, including farm tours and various culinary experiences held between Canungra, Beaudesert, Boonah, Tamborine and Kalbar. Some events require booking. (07) 5540 5111; eatlocalweek.com.au
Ag-Grow, June 20th–22nd Emerald in central Queensland has been the venue for this agricultural event for 30 years. Aside from the trade show, there’s also Working Dog Trials and horse and bull sales. Entry is $10 for adults, and free for children and pension-card holders. 26089 Capricorn Highway, Emerald. (07) 4982 4244; aggrow.com.au
SA
Relish Food and Wine Festival, June 1st A celebration of the Fraser Coast’s food scene, with live music, workshops, river cruises and cooking demonstrations by chef Matt Golinksi. General admission starts at $10 for adults and $8 for children. 10am–5pm. Mary River Parklands, Wharf Street, Maryborough. (07) 4196 9600; relishfrasercoast.com.au
Ikara Gourmet Wine and Food Weekend, June 14th–16th Stay in the luxury of Ikara Safari Camp surrounded by the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Meet the winemakers from Tomfoolery Wines and enjoy a selection of their wines matched with a five-course menu. From $499 per person twin share. 1800 805 802; wilpenapound.com.au
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, June 29th–July 7th Just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this
Melrose Fat Tyre Festival, June 8th–9th Bring the family to Melrose, the southern gateway of the Flinders Ranges, for a weekend of mountain biking, food, music, entertainment and much more. Weekend tickets $35 for adults and $25 for kids. 0412 038 994; bikemelrose.com.au
Carrick Hill Garden Tour, June 27th Explore the formal garden at the former home of wealthy merchant family of Bill Hayward . You’ll hear about the
80 years of history, the plantings and the Haywards’ staff. 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield. (08) 8433 1700; carrickhill.sa.gov.au
TASMANIA
Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival, June 8th–10th Experience the spectacular scenery of Tasmania’s east coast on the Arts Trail, visiting artists in their studios. Other highlights include art exhibitions, live music, workshops and an arts market. 0402 217 412; bayoffireswinterartsfestival.com.au Dark Mofo, June 6th–23rd Inspired by rituals of the winter solstice, MONA’s annual festival includes art, performance, music and food around Hobart. Highlights include the Winter Feast on the waterside docks, talks and panel discussions as part of Dark and Dangerous Thoughts, and the Solstice Swim in the Derwent. (03) 6277 9900; darkmofo.net.au
WA
The Drop Festival, June 1st Taking place alongside the Margaret River Pro, this all-ages music festival at Barnard Park in Busselton is supported by Triple J and the World Surf League. The >
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A MON T H IN T HE COU N T RY
A truffle orchard in WA’s Southern Forests region where the town of Manjimup holds the annual festival Truffle Kerfuffle on June 21st.
Truffle Kerfuffle, June 21st–23rd In the heart of the Southern Forests region, the town of Manjimup plays host to an annual truffle festival. Hunt and unearth truffles, meet farmers, growers and celebrated chefs — including Pete Evans and Poh Ling Yeow — and sample local wines and produce. Festival Village tickets start at $30. Saturday and Sunday 10am–5pm. The Festival Village is at Fonty’s Pool, 699 Seven Day Road, Manjimup. (08) 9383 3534; trufflekerfuffle.com.au
VICTORIA
Rutherglen Winery Walkabout, June 8th–9th One of the biggest wine festivals in the country, it includes wine tastings, music and entertainment, and tours of more than 19 participating wineries. Try warming winter food at wineries across the region, markets, food vans, masterclasses and buffet breakfasts, dinners and more. Tickets start at $60 per person. (02) 6064 2100; winerywalkabout.com.au Dinner Plain Opening Weekend and Giant Snow Dance Festival, June 8th–10th Celebrate the start of the snow season with a line-up of special dinners, music, and dance to the rhythm of the DJ on the Dinner Plain roundabout from 5pm on Sunday followed by a fireworks display. Warm up with hot chocolate, gluhwein and delicious strudel. Dinner Plain Alpine Village, Great Alpine Road, Dinner Plain. visitdinnerplain.com.au
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Trails, Tastings and Tales Food and Wine Festival, June 8th–10th Come to the Glenrowan Wine Region and enjoy fine quality wines and hearty, rustic food. Take in a wine appreciation session or a muscat-blending workshop, taste hand-crafted beer or discover the sculpture trail. There will be tethered balloon rides, a craft market and family activities. Entry from $10 per person. 1800 801 065; visitglenrowan.com.au
Australian Kelpie Muster, June 8th–9th Kelpies star at this annual event held in Casterton, western Victoria, starting with the street parade, kelpie hill climb and high jump. Sunday highlights include working dog demonstrations and the major attraction, the working dog auction, where the record sale price set in 2018 was $22,500. 0417 527 200; castertonkelpieassociation.com.au
f armers’ market SA Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market, every Saturday Located in a sweet
point, midway between the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley and an hour from Adelaide, this market draws farmers from across both food-rich regions and attracts customers from the city. There’s an extraordinary range here, from chemical-free vegetables grown by Sabri and Judy Dogan on their family market garden in Murray Bridge to Limousin beef, produced at Pebbly Range Limousin at Tungkillo. In the two showground pavilions, one is devoted to food shopping — free-range eggs, poultry, bread, wine from Eden Valley, milk and cheese, citrus from Nildottie, dried fruit from Mypolonga and seafood from the coast, once a month — and the other, to a makeshift tea room, where everyone meets to catch up over breakfast and coffee. 8am–noon. Mount Pleasant Showgrounds, Melrose Street, Mount Pleasant. 0418 301 121; mpfm.org.au
TASMANIA
Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market, every Saturday On Saturday mornings, the council car park off Cimitiere Street transforms into a community hub. Farmers from all over Tasmania congregate with their wares while shoppers stream though with laden trolleys. People come to shop for food and to breakfast and meet friends, but they also come to dance and make music. Two recommendations for breakfast are the Afghan bolani, a potato bread pocket filled with vegetables, and the bacon and egg roll from Meat Bread Cheese — MBC for those in the know. The market has a strict governance that all food be grown and produced in Tasmania; the aim is to support local food systems. You’ll find it all, from organic heirloom vegetables to fresh seasonal truffles from Tamar Valley Truffles. They even have a local salt, Tasman Sea Salt. 8.30am–12.30pm. Council carpark, 71 Cimitiere Street, Launceston. 0417 352 780; harvestmarket.org.au
ADDITIONAL WORDS FARMERS’ MARKETS BARBARA SWEENEY EVENTS MAY CHANGE AND WE RECOMMEND CONTACTING ORGANISERS TO CONFIRM DETAILS AND ENSURE AVAILABILITY. PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA WYLD
line-up includes Angus and Julia Stone, The Jungle Giants, Alex the Astronaut and Hockey Dad. 3pm–10pm. Barnard Park, Marine Terrace, Busselton. thedropfestival.com/busselton-wa
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A FIFTH-GENERATION SOUTH AUSTRALIAN, OUR FIRST FEMALE FOREIGN MINISTER LOVES COMING HOME TO THE ADELAIDE HILLS. OUR EDITOR IN CHIEF VICTORIA CAREY VISITS JULIE BISHOP ON THE FAMILY FARM.
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MY COUNTRY CHILDHOOD
Surrounded by a cherry orchard, Willow Cottage was Julie Bishop’s first home — she shared a bedroom with her two sisters. FACING PAGE Julie’s family have lived on the Adelaide Hills property, which is still a working farm, for over 135 years.
MY COUNTRY CHILDHOOD Bishop Orchards produces more than 20 different varieties of cherries each year — you can buy direct from December to January.
ONE OF JULIE BISHOP’S favourite books as a child was South Australian author Colin Thiele’s February Dragon. Thiele is famous for his novel Storm Boy, but it was this lesser-known work that struck a chord with our former foreign minister when she was a little girl. “It was about a bush fire and it made me cry, because it reminded me of the stories that my father would tell about our property when the place burnt down,” says Julie, referring to the Black Sunday fires that destroyed her family’s Adelaide Hills farm. Isabel Bishop — Julie’s resourceful mother who went on to become the mayor of East Torrens District Council — was at home alone with her oldest daughters, Mary Lou and Patricia, on January 2, 1955, when the fires hit. Her husband Doug, a member of the local fire brigade, was away fighting bush fires at the time. “Mary Lou tells the story of Mum putting her in the bath with lots and lots of blankets. She has a recollection of getting out of the bath and going out onto the balcony and seeing the pine trees shooting up like rockets and her skin just bubbling up, so Mum whipped her back into the bath,” says Julie, as she points out the spot where a shed burnt down. It may have happened more than 60 years ago, and a year before she was born on July 17, 1956, but it’s clear that the memories of this disaster are still vivid for the Bishop family — it took them nearly 2o years to recover. But while life on Tetratheca, named after a purple wildflower that grows in the Adelaide Hills, had some challenges, it was usually idyllic, with the Bishop children — younger brother Douglas joined the family six years after Julie — running to the orchard in the morning to pick an apple to take to the little stone school house up the hill. This trip to school was often the only time they would leave the
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farm. “We didn’t have to go anywhere else, I wouldn’t leave the place for weeks. Our milk was delivered, our bread was delivered and our groceries were delivered,” she explains. As a 12-year-old, Julie would often cook dinner. “Mum would be there, but she just wasn’t a great cook. She would do things that all country housewives did… make preserves, jam, tomato sauce and things like that, but she wasn’t that interested in cooking. So we all learnt to pitch in.” Amongst the roasts and grilled chops was a family favourite. “I did a great veal dish — Veal Birds! I made a stuffing of apricots and fresh breadcrumbs, and then you rolled the veal up.” Does it ever appear on the menu these days? “No!” she says with a laugh. Her early country life has had a lasting impact. “The values and principles that I live by were obviously instilled in me here,” she says, walking around the orchard in front of Willow Cottage, her parents’ first home. The foundations for the strength and determination she showed during her political life were laid on this property. “We had sheep and they would often be attacked by wild dogs. We would head out with Dad to help him pick up the lambs that had been savaged. It makes you very resourceful and very resilient,” she says. Her father Doug eventually moved off the farm and into the north Adelaide suburb of Medindie when he was 90, working up until the day he left. He died in 2017, but the pull of home for his Perth-based daughter is still strong. “When I’m back in Adelaide, I can come back to the places of my childhood and the family is so deeply connected here, that I feel very much at home.” The Waterfalls cottage on the property is available for short stays, bookings can be made at bishopsadelaidehills.com.au/property/waterfalls.aspx >
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Julie walking on the Adelaide Hills property where she grew up; Julie Isabel Bishop at 18 months old; a carefully restored stone cottage, The Waterfalls, sits on a ridge on the property; with partner David Panton; a huge oak tree outside The Waterfalls; inquisitive sheep; apples ripening on the tree; the third of four children, Julie is pictured here with her older sisters Patricia, eight, and Mary Lou, 10, on a family holiday on the Murray River; three-year-old Julie with Patricia, six, and Mary Lou, eight.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT The home that Julie’s parents, Doug and Isabel, were living in when she was born in 1956; this photograph of Julie on her 21st birthday was published in South Australia’s Sunday Mail newspaper; Basket Range Primary was the former foreign minister’s first school; sheep under old apple trees at the family property; the 16-year-old helping her dad, Doug, on the barbecue — younger brother Douglas, 10, is far right, playing with cousins Felicity, seven, and Belinda, nine; fruit boxes at the orchard; on holiday with the family; at Basket Range in 2019; the sisters with two of their three cats, Beauty, Tartums and Twinkle Toes.
MY COUNTRY CHILDHOOD
MUM TOOK ME OUT WITH HER into the orchard from the time I was a baby. We all worked from the time we could carry a cherry bucket. By the time I was about seven, I had a job in the shed. That’s how we got our pocket money — sorting and packing. I did it right through university. You would sit on a stool at the conveyor belt with the cherries — everybody had a different task along the conveyor belt. Mine was generally picking out the affected fruit and then, at the other end, my father would be packing it into boxes. My uncle, his task was to carry the fruit out of the cold storage, but that was all after a day of picking. So you’d be picking in the morning and then pack late into the night. Then Dad would take the cherries to market, getting up at about 3am. I’ve spent many, many weeks picking cherries in this orchard. I was at home with my parents until I was five and then I started in Grade 1 at Basket Range. It was only about two kilometres away. I guess, as a little girl, it took quite some time to walk home. My grandfather would drive us to school in the mornings with my two cousins, Geoffrey and John, who lived on the family property with their parents, my father’s cousin Murray and his wife Jean. My dad’s brother, and his wife and children, also lived here. Growing up, my aunties, uncles, cousins… we all lived on the same property. My great-grandfather Charles Bishop started the school in the 1890s. He was one of the founders of Basket Range Primary School. And my grandfather was a teacher there. My father attended Basket Range Primary School, as did all my siblings. When I went there, it was a two-teacher school, a husband and wife, Harold and Gweneth Nitschke. [Their son was pro-euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke.] There were about 20 children at that stage. So when we had to field a football team, everybody played. I was usually on the wing.
I lived in a world of make-believe with my two older sisters, Mary Lou and Patricia. My mother had a magnificent dress-up box. It was a trunk, an old steamer trunk, filled with her dresses and jewellery. Mum kept all her dresses — her wedding dress and her beautiful debutante dress. We would dress up and clump around the orchard in these dresses. Some people were stunned that Mum allowed us to do that, but she didn’t mind. We had cats galore — one day, the family cat had a litter of kittens, and we were all allowed to keep one — and we also always had chickens. Every year my father would let us buy a box of coloured chickens at the Royal Adelaide Show. We would bring them home and raise them in a box under a light in the kitchen. Most of the time we played outside, until we discovered Monopoly. We got a set one Christmas, and for some reason Patricia and I became obsessed with playing Monopoly under the bed. I think it was so Mum couldn’t see us. We’d crawl in under our bed and play Monopoly into the night. With our cousins Geoffrey and John, we used to play Robin Hood and there’s a grove, see those big pine trees over there. We made out that that was Sherwood Forest … so we played hours and hours of Robin Hood in there. The tragedy was that Mary Lou was Maid Marian. Patricia was Robin Hood. John was the Sheriff of Nottingham. And Geoffrey was one of the others, but they made me be Friar Tuck. I was five and rather round, and I had to wear a bag with a little rope around it. My mother unfortuna used to cut my hair in a way so I looked like Friar Tuck Lou as Maid Marian would traipse around in one of M beautiful gowns, while Patricia had a little outfit with and arrow as Robin Hood. It was wonderful, an idyllic childhood, apart from the Friar Tuck bit!
LOBETHAL During World War I, Lobethal’s name was changed to Tweedvale but the original name of this Adelaide Hills town was reinstated in 1935. Settled in 1842 by Prussian immigrants, Lobethal was once home to the Onkaparinga Woollen Company and a cricket bat factory. With a population of around 2000, the town is 42 kilometres from Adelaide.
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www.escea.com/DS-Series
PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON
Scout the Jack Russell has the run of the garden at Barunah Plains (page 54), an 1840s bluestone homestead in Central Victoria.
Meet the man who’s made it his mission to restore a historic grazing property in Central Victoria for future generations to enjoy, and the family of rose farmers who have built a successful business and a beautiful home at Bookham in southern NSW. JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 53
HOME HESSE V ICTOR I A
ROCK OF AGES A BLUESTONE HOMESTEAD ON VICTORIA’S BARUNAH PLAINS HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE GLORY OF ITS PASTORAL HEYDAY. WORDS VIRGINIA IMHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE H AWSON ST YLING LY NDA GA R DENER A ND BELLE HEMMING
Welcome to Barunah Plains, an 1840s property in Victoria’s Western District that owner Damian Canny has lovingly restored. He undertook most of the landscaping himself. In the northern lawn, couch turf has been oversown with ryegrass across nearly five hectares. 54 COU NTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2019
HOME HESSE V ICTOR I A
Boston ivy covers the original jackaroo quarters, which have been turned into guest bedrooms. The quarters’ slate roof remains. The small structure in the foreground is an old meathouse.
DAMIAN CANNY’S LONG-TIME LOVE of the wide open spaces
and big skies of Victoria’s Western District harks back to his youth. It was his early connection with the area’s fertile volcanic soils, along with his appreciation for time-worn bluestone homesteads steeped in history, that drew him back to Barunah Plains at Hesse, 126 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Damian had known of Barunah Plains since he was a teenager, when he worked nearby as a station hand and jackaroo on the historic Mount Hesse sheep station, one of the largest merino wool producers in Australia. “I grew up in Melbourne, but as a young boy I had visited Mount Hesse and really liked the lifestyle, the merino sheep and their wool,” he says. “I used to work at Mount Hesse in my school holidays and then I left school to work there full-time. I always wanted to own a property like that. My love and desire to buy a property like Barunah Plains can really be traced back to my time at Mount Hesse.” Originally known as Long Water Hole, Barunah Plains was established in the 1840s and was at one point the largest sheep station in Victoria. The rambling bluestone
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homestead, with its wide verandahs and striking octagonal room, sits on Warrambine Creek and was designed in 1866 by Scottish architects Davidson and Henderson (who built numerous grand homesteads and churches in Victoria). Surrounded by formal gardens with towering bunya-bunya pines, monkey-puzzle trees and 120-year-old elms, the property also includes bluestone stables, a coach house and a small village of outbuildings classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). From the 1850s until 1978, Barunah Plains was owned by the Russell family — pastoral pioneers who played a major role in establishing the state’s wool industry and had a residence befitting their status. “Barunah Plains was on 24,280 hectares, it employed about 50 people who lived here and it was like a community — the post office was here, it had a ballroom and it was the hub of the area,” Damian explains. “After World War II, the government acquired all the land for soldier settlement and in the mid-1940s Barunah was then halved in size.” The property had been on the market for about six years when he bought the homestead block on 263 hectares in 2016. >
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT A new AGA cooker in the kitchen; Lucy, Annabelle, Damian and Sophie with Scout the Jack Russell on the eastern verandah; the billiards room was added in the 1880s; the homestead features tall sash windows; the dining room furniture belonged to the Russell family and the painting is by British artist John Gray; reproduction panelling in the entry mirrors original metal cladding.
HOME HESSE V ICTOR I A
Lucy, Sophie and Annabelle in The Kennels paddock, so named for its location outside the bluestone ruins of the property’s old kennels.
“The girls love to help with a bit of sheep work and enjoy getting on the motorbike to give me a hand.”
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HOME HESSE V ICTOR I A
In the drawing room, Damian has added Kelly armchairs from Jardan and a silk rug from Behruz Studio. The wall colour and marble fireplace are original to the homestead. For stockist details, see page 160.
ABOUT THE HOUSE
• Damian replaced the existing stove in the homestead
kitchen with a new navy blue AGA Total Control five-oven cooker. (03) 9521 4965; agaaustralia.com.au Most of Damian’s furniture came with him from a previous home. “We had a more modern and smaller house before this one and our furniture was fairly eclectic. Some of the furniture we now have, such as the grand piano, dining table, dining chairs and a sideboard, was purchased with the house.” Many of the rooms have been repainted in what Damian calls Barunah White, a colour he had custom-mixed for the property. Damian did most of the work himself, including landscaping around the existing pool, reinforcing the banks of Warrambine Creek with rock walls, and renovating the footbridge. His building and architecture firm is called Canny; canny.com.au For details about accommodation and events at Barunah Plains, visit barunahplains.com and follow @barunahplains on Instagram.
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CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Scout the Jack Russell in the woolshed; sheep outside the old generator room, which provided power to the station until 1960; the golden plains; bridles in the tack room of the original stables at the rear of the property; merino wool; Annabelle, Lucy and Sophie out in the paddock.
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HOME HESSE V ICTOR I A
“I’d looked at Barunah a couple of years prior and thought it needed a lot of work. At that point in time it was too big a project for me. I walked out with my head spinning and just left it. But in 2016 it was still on the market, the timing was right and I was ready for the challenge.” Damian, who is father to three daughters (Lucy, 18, Annabelle, 17, and Sophie, 14) and the executive chairman of Canny, an architectural firm and building company in Melbourne, now lives at Barunah Plains full-time. Although he has renovated numerous properties over the years, the stately homestead — with its 13 bedrooms, ballroom, formal dining room, large drawing room with a marble mantle and original grand piano (“It would be 150 years old”) — has been his biggest challenge. “Everything was rundown. We’ve done a stack of fencing and painting, and we’ve fixed a lot of things. We’re at the point now where the gardens are all done and it’s comfortable,” the 45-year-old says. To date, services such as plumbing and electricals have been renewed and the farm’s bluestone cottage (known as Cool Cottage) and shearer’s quarters, which sleep up to 35, have been refitted as accommodation. Though it’s still in operation, the property’s vast T-shaped bluestone woolshed is also used for weddings and events. “We’ve
done a huge amount of work to it: we fixed the floor, windows, roof and weatherboards,” Damian says. To continue the property’s association with fine wool, Damian runs a flock of 1000 merino ewes. Whenever the girls are home (Annabelle and Sophie are at boarding school, while Lucy completed her studies last year), they pitch in with shearing or out in the paddocks. “The girls are home every second weekend and in the school holidays. They love to help with a bit of sheep work and enjoy getting on the motorbike to give me a hand.” For Damian, it’s the ambience — the old buildings, the setting and a tangible sense of the past imbued in it all — that he loves most about Barunah Plains. And it’s the satisfaction of bringing it back to the glory and grandeur of its heyday that is the best reward. “I suppose buying this property was more about the history and architectural features than it was about the land itself,” he says. “For me, the farming part is a hobby; my expertise is in re-creating great houses and fixing up the infrastructure. Even so, this property has been the biggest challenge I’ve taken on and I’ve still got a long way to go — it might take another 10 years to finish. I get the biggest buzz out of it, though
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Bedlinen from Bemboka adorns a guest bed; Lucy in the vegetable garden; the restored bluestone homestead. Existing buxus hedging has been moved with the garden’s redesign; the old station workshop now serves as a garden shed; a view down to Warrambine Creek; an original basin and sink at the homestead’s rear entry. FACING PAGE Scout perches on a guest bed. For stockist details, see page 160.
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growing together SUS AND DEREK BUSH USED RECYCLED MATERIALS TO TURN A PADDOCK SHED INTO A STYLISH FAMILY HOME IN SOUTHERN NSW. WORDS SKY E M A NSON PHOTOGRAPHY LISA COHEN ST YLING BECK SIMON
In the kitchen at Old Bogalara, Holophane glass dish pendant lights from Edison Light Globes are suspended over a wooden table that Derek bought for $14 at a clearing sale. Pale-blue Warwick fabric from Bowning Upholstery was used to cover cushions on the window seat. The colour complements the painting over the solid ironbark mantel by Sara Cusack Cox. FACING PAGE Derek and Sus in the garden with Georgie the golden retriever. For stockist details, see page 160.
BOOK H A M NSW HOME
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A DRAMATIC ABSTRACT artwork hangs over the fireplace at
Old Bogalara, the home of Sus and Derek Bush. You cannot see them but the words of Persian poet Rumi — “I want this music and this dawn and the warmth of your cheek against mine” — are delicately inscribed into the contemporary acrylic on canvas, painted by good friend Sara Cusack Cox. The painting was a Valentine’s Day gift from Sus to Derek and echoes all that they hold dear in their life at Bookham, 32 kilometres west of Yass in southern NSW. The painting is aptly placed in the centre of the kitchen; an open and airy space under a cathedral ceiling with views to the east and west. Featuring a large window seat, butler’s pantry, charming old-fashioned meat safe and long servery table, it’s an inviting room that lends itself to occasions, from family dinners and quiet Sundays to bubbly parties.
While local builders from Yass did most of the structural work, Derek cut and installed the second-hand herringbone floor by hand. When Sus couldn’t find suitable cabinetry, she asked the manufacturers to leave part of the cupboard unlaminated so she could add her own style and colour. The couple say it is their final — and favourite — addition to their unconventional home. “I love this house, mostly because it was built on the smell of an oily rag,” says 52-year-old Sus. “The kitchen is the only part we didn’t scrimp on. We decided we’d have a grown-up kitchen with grown-up stuff and I chose the artwork because it’s very special to have a piece of art when you are connected to the artist. Sara is forever in my kitchen.” When Sus married Derek, now 50, in 1992 and moved to 40 hectares of land at Old Bogalara, their home was a mere >
“I love this house, mostly because it was built on the smell of an oily rag.”
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BOOK H A M NSW HOME
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Flowers from the garden; Derek and Sus with dachshund, Beans, their son Jock, 23, a student in Canberra, and daughter D’Arcy, 25, an artist; the meat safe in the kitchen came from Sus’s parents; only one hectare of the 40-hectare property is currently used for the rose farm. FACING PAGE An arrangement by Flowers From The Garden has dried out to great effect. For stockist details, see page 160.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Georgie waits by the door; the house is made of mostly recycled materials: “no doors match!� says Sus; the kitchen table is a place for sharing; the vista over the paddocks and creek; a cubby house built for the children years ago still stands in the garden. FACING PAGE The kitchen floorboards came from an old nursing home and were painstakingly refinished and individually laid by Derek.
BOOK H A M NSW HOME
ABOUT THE HOUSE
• The kitchen mantelpiece is a solid ironbark slab hand-milled from
an old barn at Old Bogalara, and held up with brackets salvaged from a Sunshine Harvester. The floral feature was a gift from an existing business customer, Flowers From The Garden florist in Dickson, ACT. (02) 6247 4457; flowersfromthegarden.com.au All of the artwork in Sus and Derek’s house is by family or friends. The charcoal sketches are by their daughter D’Arcy Bush. 0422 612 596; darcybcreative.com and on Instagram as @darcyb.charcoal White subway tiles from Yass Tiles & Tapware feature in the kitchen splashback. (02) 6157 2733; yass-tiles-bathware.business.site The pendant lights are large Holophane glass dish lights from Edison Lighting in Melbourne. (03) 9396 1421; edisonlightglobes.com The black Leiter kitchen table chairs are from Thonet in Rosebery, Sydney. (02) 9332 1600; thonet.com.au The kitchen cabinets were custom-made by Benchmarc in Mitchell, ACT. (02) 6241 0660; benchmarc.com.au
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HOME BOOK H A M NSW
tin shed with a lone eucalypt keeping guard. “When Mum and Dad saw where I was going to live I think they wondered why they had spent so much time and money on my education, just for their daughter to live in a tin shack in the middle of a paddock,” Sus says with a laugh. “But I believed in the family rose business and I was excited to be part of that; the house always had, and still has, a warm presence. I can’t explain it but I have always loved it here.” The primitive tin shack provided a humble starting point for the creation of a truly custom-made five-bedroom home. “The cottage just evolved over time. There wasn’t a plan, really; we did what we could afford at the time,” explains Sus. “We are very good recyclers. No doors match!” The bedroom wing was added as their family grew: eldest daughter D’Arcy was born in 1994, Jock in 1996 and Max in 1998. The wide hallway connecting the bedrooms was used as a cricket pitch by the children and now holds photos remembering those times. “We have happy memories of dragging the children to Coonamble [in western NSW] and salvaging timber, doors and windows from a falling-down homestead owned by my parents,” Sus says. “It all has beautiful connections for me.” But it’s not just a family home that the couple have built at Old Bogalara. When the newlyweds first moved to the >
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CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Medlars in the garden; the pond is a feature of the formal paved courtyard; Derek and Sus in the garden with Beans; the formal courtyard; produce from the kitchen garden; the courtyard outlook; Sus with an ISA Brown chicken. FACING PAGE A bedspread from Merchant Campbell in Yass picks up the colour of a handmade cup by Samantha Robinson. For stockist details, see page 160.
HOME BOOK H A M NSW The original house at Old Bogalara was a shed. FACING PAGE The silverware in the bookcase has been handed down. Sus believes the fabric on the window seat is a discontinued design from Sanderson.
property, they also took with them the flower business, Bush Roses, that Derek’s mother Dee had established on the family’s sheep property at nearby Bowning. They relocated the entire rose farm, including a shed, coolroom, wooden greenhouses and 5000 rose plants. “It was a massive undertaking,” recalls Sus. Growing roses is not for the fainthearted; for nine months of the year, Sus and Derek spend seven days a week picking and packing roses in the greenhouses. They have over 20,000 hydroponically grown hybrid tea roses, all bred for cut-flower production. Valentine’s Day is their busiest time. Although there’s plenty of unmet demand for Australian roses, they are happy with the current production levels. “We’ve talked about getting bigger but I just like the idea of us working together. We’re getting better at it all the time.” When Sus can manage some time away from the rose business, she loves to spend time in her own garden. With
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her two dogs by her side, she’s constantly dreaming up new designs. “Every season and every year gives me different ideas and I love that it keeps me interested and fit,” she says. The garden is rambling in parts, with vines creeping over the house, while there are also formal areas, such as the paved courtyard with a waterlily pool surrounded by manicured walls of jasmine. A sweetener to their long working days is the surplus roses from their business, which the couple love to share with family, friends and the close-knit residents in Bookham. “The Bookham community is family,” says Sus. “The people here and the land and the history are magical.” “It’s nice to have a business where you can give a bit away and be a bit generous,” adds Derek. Sus nods, then smiles when she says, “I’d love to know how many babies have been born because a bunch of our roses went somewhere!” The season for roses starts in October. Visit bushroses.com.au
“Every season and every year gives me different ideas and I love that.�
GET THE LOOK Using recycled materials, Sus and Derek Bush have built a house that still has a fresh, contemporary feel. The window seat is upholstered in pale blue Warwick fabric from Bowning Upholstery and the chairs around the old shearers’ table are Thonet. For stockist details, see page 160.
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OLD AND NEW COMBINE SALVAGED STYLE WITH MODERN CLASSICS FOR INSTANT CHARM.
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PRODUCED BY LISA BURDEN
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1 Where the Trees Meet the Sea II acrylic on canvas painting (137cm x 168cm), $2500 unframed, from Sara Cusack Cox. 2 Francis wall light in Antique Silver, $319, from Urban Lighting. 3 Jasper tall ceramic vase, $49.95, from Papaya. 4 Porter willow pattern round coasters, $2.95 each, from Provincial Home Living. 5 Beckett chair in Black, $199.95, from Provincial Home Living. 6 Greg Natale ‘Miami’ rug (2.4m x 3m), $5975, from Designer Rugs. 7 Ball mason preserving jars, POA, from The Lost And Found Department. 8 Tikka cheese board in Natural Wood, $109.95, from Provincial Home Living. 9 Annika pillow in Cork, $99, from MRD Home. 10 Suzu votive bowls in Light Grey, $19.95 for two, from Papaya. 11 Indian glass showcase, $1100, from Few & Far. 12 Mayfair silver candlesticks, $16.95 (short) and $25.95 (tall), from French Knot. 13 Sahara cushion, $49, from Urban Road. For stockist details, see page 160.
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H A R V E Y
N O R M A N
P R E S E N T S
AUSTRALIAN MADE THERE’S NO TALE AS COMPELLING AS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED AND CRAFTED FURNITURE THAT CELEBRATES THE COLOURS AND TEXTURES OF THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE.
‘Lombardozzi’ High Back Dining Chair $379ea in fabric ‘Linex II - Shark’ Proudly made in Australia
‘Lombardozzi’ 240cm Rectangular Dining Table $2499 featured in timber stain ‘Smoke’ Proudly made in Australia
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU Also available in these timber stains:
online | mobile | in store Furniture prices displayed are valid in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas only. Prices in other areas will be higher due to additional freight charges.
AUSTRALIAN MADE All Australian made furniture featured is designed and crafted locally using a selection of Australia’s best designers and artisans.
‘Bonadiesi’ 240cm Rectangular Dining Table $2499, featured in timber stain ‘Mist’ with contrasting legs in timber stain ‘Slate’. Proudly made in Australia
‘Parra Bristol’ PU Dining Chair featured in charcoal $149ea (Made in China)
‘Bonadiesi’ 240cm Bench $1399, featured in timber stain ‘Mist’ with contrasting legs in timber stain ‘Slate’. Proudly made in Australia
Also available in these timber stains:
YOUR BESPOKE DESIGN SIZE OPTIONS
UPHOLSTERY OPTIONS
LEATHER
FINISH OPTIONS
FEEL OPTIONS
Australian made furniture can be customised to suit your room and style requirements. From the stain colour of the table to the upholstery fabric on the chairs, you can customise your furniture to your exact room requirements.
ORDER OF THE DAY TAKE YOUR PLACE ON AN AUSTRALIAN MADE LOUNGE DESIGNED AND BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED BY AUSTRALIAN DESIGNERS. CUSTOMISE YOUR LOOK WITH TIMBER STAINS, FINISHES AND ELEGANT UPHOLSTERY.
‘Orson’ 4 seater Fabric Sofa upholstered in ‘Eriko Natural’ $2199 Including 2 scatter cushions and 2 bolster cushions with Leather Accents. Proudly made in Australia
‘Bonadiesi’ Rectangular 120cm Coffee Table $899 in timber stain ‘Mist’ with contrasting legs in timber stain ‘Slate’. Proudly made in Australia
Also available to order: ‘Fiddle Leaf Fig’ 75cm Potted Plant $49.95, ‘Akuba’ 24cm Vase $39.95, ‘Hatch’ Throw in Black $34.95, ‘Tezza’ 17cm Planter $14.95; JHD 5070 Rug, Extra Large $2099 in Natural (not Australian made). Furniture prices displayed are valid in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas only. Prices in other areas will be higher due to additional freight charges. *All other items stylist’s own.
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SET TO RELAX WARM AUTUMN AFTERNOONS CALL FOR COMFORT AND ANY OPPORTUNITY TO UNWIND ON BEAUTIFUL LOUNGES OR A FAVOURITE ARM CHAIR.
‘Cathy’ 72cm Lamp Table $799. Proudly made in Australia
‘Cathy’ 135cm Coffee Table $899. Proudly made in Australia
‘Flannery’ Accent Chair $1299 upholstered in ‘Flowerbomb Violet’. Proudly made in Australia
MAKE IT YOUR OWN SIZE OPTIONS
UPHOLSTERY OPTIONS
LEATHER
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FEEL OPTIONS
Both armchairs and lounges can be customised to suit your decorating style. Choose between leather and fabric in a huge range of colours and textures along with your choice of detailing. Create contrast with two different fabrics but the same stain on the timber legs, arms and base.
AUSTRALIAN MADE
‘Turin’ Fabric Lounge 3 seater $2399 upholstered in ‘Plush Mallard’. Proudly made in Australia
‘Vic Alma’ Accent Chair $599 upholstered in ‘Keylargo Almond’. Proudly made in Australia
All Australian made furniture featured is designed and crafted locally using a selection of Australia’s best designers and artisans.
Also available to order: ‘Fiddle Leaf Fig’ 75cm Potted Plant $49.95; ‘Hatch’ Throw in Navy $34.95; ‘Freya’ Cushion in Tan $29.95; ‘Freya’ Cushion in Navy $29.95; ‘Coast’ Lantern in Navy $29.95; London Rug, Extra Large $1079, in Teal Blue (not Australian made). *All other items stylist’s own. Furniture prices displayed are valid in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metropolitan areas only. Prices in other areas will be higher due to additional freight charges.
HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU
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AUSTRALIAN MADE
MADE TO DREAM TAKE COMFORT IN CUSTOMISED BEDROOM FURNITURE, BEAUTIFULLY DETAILED TO SUIT YOUR HOME, YOUR ROOM AND SLEEPING STYLE.
Also available in these timber stains:
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‘Tenterfield’ Queen Bed $2699; Bedside Table $949ea; ‘Coral’ Bedroom Chair $949, in Charcoal; ‘Martina’ Quilt Cover Set*1, Queen $149, in Navy; ‘Seashore’ Lamp $169, in White; Solano Rug, Medium $999, in Cream (not Australian made). *All other items stylist’s own.
All Australian made furniture featured is designed and crafted locally using a selection of Australia’s best artisans.
Add 2 storage drawers for $599
SHOP ONLINE WITH YOUR LOCAL STORE HN.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 464 278 Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Bedding prices displayed are valid in state capital metropolitan areas only (excluding Tasmania and Northern Territory). Manchester and Decorator Accessories shown are not Australian Made. *1 Single and king single quilt cover sets each consist of 1x quilt cover and 1x standard pillowcase. Double, queen, king and super king quilt cover sets each consist of 1x quilt cover and 2x standard pillowcases. Prices in country areas will be higher due to additional freight charges. Ends 23/06/19.
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30TH BIRTHDAY A kangaroo and her joey on an isolated beach in the Yuraygir National Park on the NSW north coast. This image was our January 2017 cover.
Celebrating
years
PHOTOGRAPHY KARA ROSENLUND
Our photographers and writers have travelled all over the country for three decades to bring you stories from rural Australia. Here, we take a look back at some of our highlights over the years.
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30TH BIRTHDAY
1989 – 2000 RURAL AUSTRALIA HADN’T been in
a rush to embrace sophistication. Towards the end of the 20th century however, early imposing buildings in regional towns were ready for restoration and priced accordingly. Country Style emerged to provide the guidance and, for many, the motivation to link Country and Style. While planning the first issue of the magazine, the editorial team realised that none of them had any country living experience. They swooped on me because I was dividing my time between the city and a property I’d bought in the Central West of NSW. The name of the column, Country Squire, was created by founding editor Susan Hurley and in it I was to provide a lighthearted look at the misadventures of a tree-changer. Little could I have imagined that I’d still be writing the column 30 years later. Heritage historian Ian Evans wrote: “Everyone who owns and cares for an old house and endeavours to retain its original character, is doing their bit to preserve our heritage.” Commendable, yes, but Country Style was also a champion of the creative and charming. As well as restored flour mills near Launceston, we beckoned our readers to a brave new world of bachelor and spinster balls, one-teacher schools, tapestry, bentwood chairs, and golden corn cakes with bacon. WORDS ROB INGRAM
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Country Style emerged to offer guidance for those seeking a quality lifestyle away from metropolitan madness.
Celebrating
years
30TH BIRTHDAY
2001 – 2010 IT WOULD BE fair to say that Country
Style rolled into the Noughties and its second decade firmly on a mission to bring the beauty, diversity and resilience of modern Australian country life to our readership. The magazine had a couple of facelifts while still travelling to remote and regional areas bringing back our regular heartland stories of beautiful homes, gardens and inspiring people and stunning places. But also in this decade, we visited several communities struck by natural disasters. Among them was in the aftermath of the bushfires that burnt through the Grampians National Park and surrounding farmland in Victoria in 2006, and again in the wake of the Black Saturday fires in 2009 which swept through vast swathes of Victoria creating almost unprecedented destruction. We were struck by the unbreakable spirit of rural communities and the can-do attitude and generosity of friends, neighbours, volunteers and complete strangers. It was then that we met Kevin and Rhonda Butler, who had just founded the now renowned national volunteerbased disaster relief program, BlazeAid, after their own farmland was burnt. Then almost just to show us what a fickle climate we live in, by November that year we were in northern NSW reporting on massive floods! WORDS V IRGINIA IMHOFF
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Celebrating
years
The magazine underwent a few makeovers during the decade from 2001 to 2010.
30TH BIRTHDAY
2008
THIS COUPLE ARE NOW SELLING PRODUCE FROM TASMANIA’S DERWENT VALLEY AND SHARING THEIR PROPERTY WITH GUESTS. WORDS V IRGINIA IMHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY MAR K ROPER ST YLING LEESA O’REILLY
IT WAS THE beguiling story of how Rosendale, a romantically
tumbledown stone cottage at Hayes in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, came into David and Annie Johnston’s lives that we loved. Like many locals, their curiosity about the mystery house had already piqued while driving past it for years. But it was when they decided to cease farming the family holding in Ouse that the opportunity arose to buy Rosendale. When Annie and David’s story appeared in Country Style in July 2008, the couple had nearly finished restoring the 1830s cottage, shoring it up structurally, re-pointing the exposed stone walls, then adding a new bathroom, as well as a bedroom wing and rear verandah. David, then a business administrator, ran cattle on 40 hectares and Annie, a nurse, tended a garden full of roses and homegrown produce. When we catch up with them the cottage is now complete. “We plastered all the stone walls inside, but we did leave one wall in the dining room,” David says. “We’ve carpeted the sitting and dining room so we’re more comfortable.” Much more has happened in the grounds. The now-retired couple grow asparagus to sell at Hobart’s Farm Gate Market, along with eggs from their flock of chickens. “Asparagus was always in the back of our minds — when we first came here I was putting things in jars,” David says. “We went to a local market and were surprised at the response, so we went to Hobart and it’s kept me off the streets since.” And overlooking the asparagus field are the restored stone stables, now bed and breakfast accommodation Rosendale Stables. “The stables were just a pile of stones and Annie’s late mum left us funds to do something with it,” David says. “It has a rustic look but is very comfortable inside,” Annie adds. Book a stay at Rosendale Stables on Airbnb and find The Little Red Hen Farm Produce on Facebook.
Celebrating
years The original story as it appeared in our July 2008 issue. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Looking out from the pantry across the limed kitchen floorboards; Annie and David, with Golly, their Smithfield cross, on Rosendale’s front verandah. (“When I mention that I want to build a new sunroom, David says, ‘That’s with your next husband’.”); banks of lavender and potted plants at the side of the house; the cast-iron bed and most of the other bedroom furniture came from a local antiques store when the couple first married.
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30TH BIRTHDAY
2010
Celebrating
years
WE RETURN TO THE COTTAGE AT MULGOA, NSW, WHERE JAMES BROADBENT CONTINUES TO PRESERVE THE HERITAGE OF THIS WONDERFUL GARDEN. WORDS CHR ISTINE REID PHOTOGRAPHY DAN MAGREE
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“I want the garden to look as if it has been softly trodden down over the ages.” NEARLY A DECADE ON after our February 2010 feature, James
Broadbent’s Mulgoa garden and home is still a good news story. William Cox’s 1811 cottage survives intact — tucked away between Sydney’s urban sprawl and the Blue Mountains, an integral part of Mulgoa’s historic precinct. The cottage is one of the cornerstones of the heritage landscape triangle comprising it, St Thomas’ Anglican Church and the Greek revival mansion Fernhill. This remarkable group of buildings and the landscape of apple oaks is mercifully almost unchanged since colonial times. James Broadbent, historian, curator and author of The Australian Colonial House, is still in residence. The four-room building, “totally derelict” when the Broadbent family bought it more than 40 years ago, sits on a hill; its sloping unbroken roof line of flat iron sheets a lovely example of an early colonial bungalow complete with a verandah, added in 1820. In the garden, James continues to show his appreciation for plants that are appropriate both historically and aesthetically. His siting of two white cedar trees (Melia azedarach) was confirmed when he found some Cox family photographs, taken in the 1880s; two earlier specimens had been planted in the same position. And he chose the agaves because their presence was noted in a visitor’s journal back in 1839. Today they sit near brightly coloured bulbs, including the African trio of watsonia, tulbaghia and tritonia that were brought to Australia by early settlers. All have survived drought and fire. The cultural relevance of the garden is important to James. “My aim has been to create an evocation of a County of Cumberland garden — the pastoral district named by Governor Phillip surrounding the settled parts of Sydney — but I have also been influenced by the colonial garden drawings and paintings of Hardy Wilson.” This garden is one of 18 Australian gardens in Gardens on the Edge by Christine Reid (Murdoch Books, $59.99).
The original story in the February 2010 issue. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT The side verandah leads into the library; pots of bird’s nest ferns mark the entrance; potted begonias decorate a window ledge; owner James Broadbent ready for work (“In the energy-sapping heat of a February afternoon I have little inclination to leave the shade and convenience of the verandah”).
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30TH BIRTHDAY
2011 – now AND SO NOW we’re 30 and all grown
up. And something’s going on in the country. There’s a new energy out there in the regions. This decade has firmly entrenched the words ‘tree-changer’ and ‘sustainability’ into the lexicon. As property prices drive people away from the city, more of us are finding country towns and regions offer a better lifestyle alternative. We meet parents wanting to bring up their children in small communities, with fresh air and freedom. Others ditching city-based careers to get their hands in the soil and grow organic produce or flowers, or ethically raise livestock. Some finding new income streams by sharing their knowledge and creativity with others in workshops and events. Bartering and sharing produce are the ‘new black’. We feature the chefs who design menus around produce that comes out of their restaurant garden each day, or lands on the doorstep from the farmer down the road. We started the schools’ Harvest Table competition to discover what kids are learning about growing and preparing fresh, seasonal food in school kitchen garden programs. Meeting our Harvest Table finalists in their kitchen garden classroom is always a highlight. And we love finding the new creative businesses that are being launched online from remote areas, servicing others in remote regions and beyond. After 30 years of showcasing the country, we know that the more things change in the country, the more they stay the same. WORDS VIRGINIA IMHOFF
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‘Tree-changer’ and ‘sustainability’ have become the buzzwords of the past decade, which has seen people moving to the country as they re-evaluate their lives.
Celebrating
years
30TH BIRTHDAY
2011
Celebrating
years
THIS TASMANIAN PROPERTY IS NOW HOME TO A RENOWNED AND INNOVATIVE DISTILLERY THAT SHOWCASES THE REWARDS OF RECYCLING. WORDS VIRGINIA IMHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY SHARYN CAIR NS ST YLING INDIANNA FOORD
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“The whisky has pretty well taken over now and I spend more time in the distillery than on the farm.” WE FIRST MET Peter and Sally Bignell, who live in the stately
homestead Belgrove at Kempton, Tasmania, for our July 2011 issue. At that stage they’d owned Belgrove since 2000 and had just restored the 1880s home with furnishings appropriate to the era. Belgrove was heated by a AGA stove restored by Peter to run on used cooking oil, and it was then that we found out that he is a man of many talents: a tinkerer and inventor, a self-taught sculptor and a farmer to boot. A bumper harvest of rye grain sparked another idea that has led Peter and Sally down another track — Belgrove Distillery, located in the old stables, a renowned producer of small-batch rye whisky. “I’ve been growing rye grain for stock to eat the grass part since I was a teenager, but when I got a really good crop of grain in a good season, it was hard to sell as everyone had plenty, and I thought ‘What am I going to do with it?’,” Peter says. Not short on ideas for lowering their carbon footprint, he built a copper pot still and began distilling rye whisky, fired by used cooking oil. Distilling water is collected from the roofs and the spent mash is fed to his sheep. “It goes further than that,” he says. “I’ve collected some of the sheep dung and burnt it, and smoked the grain to make a smoky whisky. All my life I’ve been looking for ways of recycling.” Belgrove Distillery is unusual in that it grows its own grain, malts, ferments, distils and barrel-ages onsite. “I get waste products from wine, cider and beer manufacturers and I reincarnate them into liqueurs and distilled spirits,” says Peter. The distillery’s success saw it nominated for an Icons of Whisky award this year. “The whisky has pretty well taken over now and I spend more time in the distillery than on the farm.” Belgrove Distillery is open by appointment only; telephone 0409 144 560 and visit belgrovedistillery.com.au
The original story in the July 2011 issue. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Belgrove looks out to the central highlands; a piano occupies a corner of the dining room; the hallway couch belonged to Peter’s grandparents and he fondly recalls opening Christmas presents on it as a child; “It has a bit of an African theme,” Peter says of his study.
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30TH BIRTHDAY ACHIEVERS Yawuru man Bart Pigram offers unique, tailor-made tours of Broome from an insider’s perspective.
Celebrating
years
TOP 30
From producers and artisans to tour operators and pilots, we meet 30 people making a big difference in rural Australia. Read of their accomplishments then cast your vote to decide our overall People’s Choice winner.
PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON
WORDS ELIZA HENRY-JONES, VIRGINIA IMHOFF, CLAIR E MACTAGGART
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PEOPLE
FARMERS, EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES MAKING A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.
Regenerative and biodynamic farmer and food producer Awarded the 2018 Bob Hawke Landcare Award for his long-term contribution to the Landcare movement, Charlie Arnott uses biodynamic, organic and holistic grazing principles to produce beef, pork and lamb at his property Hanaminno, near Boorowa in New South Wales. He also hosts Biodynamics workshops and shares his knowledge and aspirations for regenerative farming on social media and via YouTube. In conjunction with a local Landcare group and a Sydney-based Bushcare program, the Arnotts have established thousands of trees at Hanaminno to slow erosion and heal the landscape. charliearnott.com.au
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THE ARCHIBALD AND THE BELL COUSINS
Ride for a Cure, Mongol Derby Four Australian polo players, Henry Bell and his cousins Jack, Rob and Ed Archibald took on the gruelling 1000 kilometre Mongol Derby across the Mongolian Steppe last year to raise awareness and funds for MS Research Australia. The cousins rode for Henry’s father, Goulburn farmer Rob Bell, who is living with multiple sclerosis, with a fundraising goal of $100,000. The trek — considered to be the world’s toughest horse race — follows the horse messenger system established by Genghis Khan, with horses changed every 40 kilometres. The quartet raised a total of over $195,000 for national fundraising campaign, Kiss Goodbye to MS. kissgoodbyetoms.org
MASSY, 3 CHARLES OAM
Author, regenerative agriculturalist and scientist Charles Massy captured the nation’s conscience with his book Call of the Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth (University of Queensland Press), which explores the relationship between people and landscape and the
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way we farm and grow food. The book has helped encourage the shift from industrial farming to regenerative farming to improve soil health and ultimately, human health. Interwoven is Charles’ own connection with the land: a fifth-generation farmer from Cooma, he developed the Merino sheep stud Severn Park and his concerns around land degradation saw him return to university to gain a PhD in Human Ecology. His ongoing regeneration of his 1000-hectare property and respect for natural systems gives hope for the future of our ecology and wellbeing.
AND KATE 4 TICK EVERETT
Dolly’s Dream After an extended period of bullying and cyberbullying, 14-year-old Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett from the Northern Territory took her own life, leaving behind her parents Tick and Kate, who are now focused on educating parents, schools and communities about the devastating effects of bullying. The initiative Dolly’s Dream advocates for stronger anti-bullying laws and educational programs in schools, and this year, Tick and Kate’s advocacy and bravery were recognised when they were named the 2019 Australian Local Heroes. dollysdream.org.au
5 TERRY McCOSKER
Educator, facilitator, rural management consultant Since 1985, central Queensland-based Terry McCosker has been helping farming families, Indigenous groups and corporate businesses improve their ecological and economic literacy through his business Resource Consulting Services (RCS). Considered one of the industry’s great innovators, he’s been at the forefront of rotational grazing systems and biological farming. With a focus on the entire ecosystem including soil health, biodiversity, water, energy and mineral cycles, along with strategic business analysis tools, Terry has contributed to the viability
and sustainability of grazing and farming businesses in Australia and overseas. So far, more than 5500 people have attended the RCS GrazingforProfit school. rcsaustralia.com.au
TANYA DUPAGNE
Camp Kulin founder and manager Youth and community worker Tanya Dupagne has been recognised as one of the Australian Financial Review Westpac’s 100 Women of Influence, and was this year awarded a social change fellow of the Westpac Scholars Trust. Her innovative program at Camp Kulin, 283 kilometres south east of Perth, includes general children’s camps and excursions as well as scholarship camps for children affected by trauma. She established Camp Kulin in 2013 with the aim of teaching children important life skills such as respect, leadership, trust, perseverance, anger management and emotional regulation. A fellow of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Tanya has worked with at-risk, disadvantaged and traumatised children in Australia, Asia, America and South Africa. campkulin.com.au
7 TIANI COOK
Founder of Horses for Courses Tiani Cook from Suplejack Downs in the Northern Territory understands the challenges of educating a young family in the bush — her four children learnt through distance education from one of Australia’s most remote cattle stations. That’s why she founded the annual Horses for Courses charity ride, which raises awareness of bush-related issues such as education, mental health and access to telecommunications. Each year the ride supports a different charity, with last year’s six-day ride from Glen Helen Homestead to Alice Springs donating all profits to Dolly’s Dream. horsesforcourses.net.au P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D BY
PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE
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CHARLIE ARNOTT
30TH BIRTHDAY ACHIEVERS
Grazier Charlie Arnott’s commitment to caring for the land has seen him collect numerous agricultural awards. BELOW Henry Bell (centre) and Ed Archibald (far right), pictured with Henry’s brother Sinclair (left), took part in the world’s most difficult horse race, the Mongol Derby.
These Australian polo players and cousins took on the gruelling 1000 kilometre Mongol Derby last year to raise awareness for MS Research Australia.
30TH BIRTHDAY ACHIEVERS
Having his own dairy herd has been a long-term dream for Tasmanian cheesemaker Nick Haddow. BELOW Chef Jock Zonfrillo, pictured with Patricia Marrfurra McTaggart from the Nauiyu community, champions Indigenous ingredients and communities through The Orana Foundation.
ENTERTAINING
CHEFS AND FARMERS PUTTING THE RURAL FOOD SCENE ON THE MAP.
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NICK HADDOW
Cheesemaker, Bruny Island Cheese Co. & Glen Huon Farm When he started Bruny Island Cheese Co on Bruny Island, Tasmania, in 2003, Nick Haddow’s main goal was to make the best traditional hand-made cheeses possible. His long-term dream to close the loop from pasture to milk production and cheese-making came later in 2016, when he and his business partners purchased farmland at Glen Huon, and Nick sourced old fashioned dairy breeds to make a single herd of milkers. For Nick, great cheese is made from milk that reflects what the cow has eaten in the past 24 hours, and his mantra “One cow, one paddock, one day” makes for a unique product that changes on a daily basis. brunyislandcheese.com.au
NICK HADDOW PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON ORANA FOUNDATION PHOTOGRAPHY PER-ANDERS JORGENSEN
9 JOCK ZONFRILLO
Chef and founder of The Orana Foundation Renowned Scottish-born Adelaide chef and owner of Restaurant Orana, Jock Zonfrillo is an advocate for indigenous food culture and promotes bush ingredients by using them in his cuisine. Inspired by the Indigenous community’s relationship with the land and age-old knowledge of their unique food culture, in 2016 he established not-for-profit organisation The Orana Foundation to help remote communities who produce bush foods commercially, as a way of preserving culture and customs and bringing revenue back to the people. Jock’s positive influence and commitment to making change towards the preservation and promotion of indigenous culture and cuisine and the betterment of Indigenous communities was recognised when he won gastronomy’s Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018. This year has been busy, with a new bar opening in Adelaide called Mallozzi, which focuses on the Italian side of his heritage, appearances at renowned food events SXSW in the USA and Ceres in Italy
plus work on a community project on the Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia. theoranafoundation.org
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KRISTA AND ROB WATKINS
Banana farmers and founders of Natural Evolution Foods Krista and Rob Watkins from Walkamin in Far North Queensland founded Natural Evolution Foods in 2010 to tackle the issue of food waste at the farm gate. After years of watching cattle and wildlife break fences to get at the green bananas that were being discarded because of imperfect shape or size, they discovered it was a floury residue — a resistant starch with probiotic properties — in the bananas that the animals were after. The Watkins then produced a small batch of flour from the substance and trialed it through their family café with great success. Today, they’re saving tonnes of misshapen but otherwise healthy bananas from being dumped each year, while producing nutritious, gluten-free green banana flour for a range of baking, beauty, health supplement and animal health products. For her innovation, Krista received the 2018 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year award. naturalevolutionfoods.com.au
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KATE GOODMAN
Owner of Goodman Wines and winemaker at Penley Estate As winner of the Australian Women in Wine Winemaker of the Year 2018 award, Kate Goodman is considered one of Australia’s best winemakers. Words like “passion” and “spontaneity” have been used to describe her, while the wines she makes are lauded for their drinkability. Hailing from a winemaking family, she honed her skills in South Australia and western Victoria for a decade before establishing her own winery, Goodman Wines, in the Yarra Valley in 2012. Kate is also winemaker at Penley Estate in the Coonawarra, South Australia. goodmanwines.com; penley.com.au
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DAN HUNTER Chef
and owner of Brae restaurant In the cool hinterland of Victoria’s Otway ranges, Brae restaurant, which opened in 2013, is the zenith of Dan Hunter’s quest to create a contemporary and inimitable cuisine that is respectfully bound to the seasons and organic soils of Brae’s locality. The kitchen gardens produce most of the seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive products and berries used in the menus. Brae was awarded three chef’s hats in The Good Food Guide 2019, while Dan has been named Top Chef twice in the Australian Financial Review’s Top Restaurants awards. braerestaurant.com
13 ROB McGAVIN
Co-founder and CEO of Boundary Bend Limited and Cobram Estate From humble beginnings, planting their first olive tree in 1998 on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria, Rob McGavin and his business partner Paul Riordan of Boundary Bend olives now produce award-winning extra virgin olive oils from multiple groves across Victoria with a total of 2.3 million trees. The Boundary Bend grove is one of Australia’s largest olive groves, with 1.3 million trees from five major oil varieties growing on 3500 hectares. These days, Boundary Bend employs more than 100 full-time staff in a modern fully integrated olive business, growing the seedling trees, tending the groves and harvesting the olives before turning them into oil and bottling for sale, with Cobram Estate and Red Island the subsidiary brands. The olive groves and oils are consistent winners at prestigious international olive oil competitions, as well as within Australia. boundarybend.com; cobramestate.com
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T R AV E L
THE TOURISM PIONEERS OFFERING AN AUTHENTIC TAKE ON SIGHTSEEING.
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IAN JOHNSTONE
Ecotourism operator and founder of The Maria Island Walk From its beginning in 2003, The Maria Island Walk quickly set a benchmark in ecotourism as one of Australia’s premier walking experiences. Founder Ian Johnstone operates the four-day walk, which caters to small groups, offers meals based around fine Tasmanian produce and provides accommodation in light footprint wilderness camps. Just off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is a national park and a place of stunning beauty, unique wildlife and layered with Indigenous and European history. the Maria Island Walk is part of the exclusive Great Walks of Australia group and brings national and global focus to the area. Ian also has proposals to rebuild a heritage house on Maria Island and further ecotourism ventures on the south coast of Tasmania in the pipeline. mariaislandwalk.com.au
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SIMON AND SARAH HAGGARTY
Goonoo Goonoo Station With vision and tenacity, Simon and Sarah Haggarty completed the large-scale restoration of the historic village on Goonoo Goonoo Station, a 5000-hectare property 23 kilometres south of Tamworth, and opened the elegant dining and accommodation venue in 2016. The station can accommodate up to 62 guests, across eight heritage buildings including the 1840s era homestead, all of which have been skillfully renovated with an eye to detail and reuse of original hardware. The Glasshouse Restaurant caters for up to 90 guests and was awarded the Sir Arthur G. Stephenson Award for Commercial Architecture and the Blacket Prize for the best regional project at the 2017 NSW Architecture Awards. Popular for weddings, Goonoo Goonoo Station is attracting a growing number of visitors with plans underway for a retail store incorporating a historical presentation on the
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property’s heritage significance. goonoogoonoostation.com
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BART PIGRAM
Narlijia Experiences, Broome Local Yawuru man Bart Pigram shares ancient stories and generational knowledge through his tours of Broome to create a deeper understanding and connection between cultures. In Yawuru Aboriginal language, Narlijia means ‘true for you’ and Bart uses his professional training as a curator to offer unique experiences that include bush tucker and significant sites such Didirrgun, a massive shell midden in the town’s most historic area, and following the footprints of 130 millionyear-old dinosaurs. Part of the PigramPuertollano family, Bart’s heritage of music, storytelling and pearling means his experiences are insightful and entertaining, and help provide a more complete picture of life in Broome. toursbroome.com.au
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FELICITY BROWN
Chinta Air chief pilot In 2018, Chinta Air’s Felicity Brown won the Women in Travel (Aviation) award, after decades spent working in and promoting regional tourism and aviation. Along with partner Noel Schwarz, Felicity owns the boutique travel agency and air charter business, which has bases across regional South Australia. She began flying in 1998, after a bet that led to her competing in the Outback Air Race, a fundraising event for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A love of aviation was born and Felicity is one of only six female chief pilots in Australia. chintaair.com.au
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WALTER AND MEG McGUIRE
Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences Last year, Western Australian-based Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences won the Gold QANTAS award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism at the Australian
Tourism Awards. Owners and operators Walter and Meg McGuire are committed to sharing and preserving the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Perth through their range of authentic tours, products and services. Nyungar elder Walter is a traditional owner of Nyungar Boodja, including the Whadjuk lands of Perth. He speaks for his people and country while his wife Meg, a Kungarakan woman, manages operations with her experience in Aboriginal community engagement roles in education, employment, health and policy. gocultural.com.au
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ROBERT PENNICOTT Founder
of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and the Pennicott Foundation Since Robert and his family started operating Pennicott Wilderness Journeys in 1999, it’s been a consistent tourism award winner in Australia and in their home state of Tasmania. Robert has been passionate about Tasmania’s environment, wildlife and scenery since he was young, and runs cruises and land-based tours showcasing the wildest and most beautiful parts of the island. In September, a new cruising adventure will begin operating at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria. In a further commitment to the environment and community, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is an Advanced Ecotourism certified operator and supports local employment and suppliers, with all of its tours 100 per cent carbon offset. The Pennicott Foundation supports philanthropic and environmental activities, such as children’s cancer charity CanTeen, coastal conservation and feral pest eradication programs to protect thousands of breeding seabirds on Tasmanian islands. pennicottjourneys.com.au
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30TH BIRTHDAY ACHIEVERS
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Tasmanian local Ian Johnstone is passionate about showcasing Maria Island to visitors; take a scenic flight over the Nullarbor or Flinders Ranges with Chinta Air pilot Felicity Brown; the conversion of Goonoo Goonoo Station has been a labour of love for Simon and Sarah Haggarty, with daughter Abigail; Broome local Bart Pigram is at home among nature.
IAN JOHNSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY PETER MATHEW BART PIGRAM PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON SIMON AND SARAH HAGGARTY PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL WEE
Bart’s experiences are insightful and entertaining, and help provide a more complete picture of life in Broome.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Country boy Charles Wilson’s furniture designs are highly sought after; architect John Wardle injects a sense of place into all of his designs; Laetitia and Jessica from Willie Weston were friends long before their textile business took flight; landscaper Paul Bangay got his love of gardening from his mum.
30TH BIRTHDAY ACHIEVERS
HOME & DESIGN
THE DESIGNERS AND CREATIVES BUILDING AN INSPIRATIONAL WAY OF LIFE.
CHARLES WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY PABLO VEIGA JOHN WARDLE PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINE FRANCIS WILLIE WESTON PHOTOGRAPHY EVE WILSON PAUL BANGAY PHOTOGRAPHY CAITLIN MILLS
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CHARLES WILSON
Industrial designer Born in regional New South Wales, Charles Wilson is one of the most renowned and celebrated industrial designers in Australia. He splits his time between his home in Sydney and his family’s estate, Droubalgie, which is located on the banks of the Lachlan River in western New South Wales. Success came early, with Charles receiving his first design award nomination while he was still an industrial design student at Sydney College of the Arts. He has since collaborated with industry giants Woodmark International, Herman Miller and King Living, creating some of the most innovative and beautifully designed furniture on the market. Charles Wilson is known for his cutting edge and unique designs with a focus on longevity, formidable quality and products that nurture the human form. charleswilsondesign.com
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JOHN WARDLE
Architect John Wardle is a multi award-winning architect and the founder of John Wardle Architects, a practice with studios in both Sydney and Melbourne. He’s designed across the residential and corporate sectors, from cities to extremely remote areas. Arguably John’s most astounding work is the project he’s undertaken on Tasmania’s Bruny Island. He and his wife Susan own a chunk of land on the northern tip of the island, which was once the home of Australian explorer Captain James Kelly. Here, John and Susan have painstakingly restored two of the original buildings, which are now known as the Shearers Quarters and Captain Kelly’s Cottage. Much of the native bush on the property has been carefully cultivated and regenerated. The project is a testament to John’s talent and passion for design, sustainability and conservation. johnwardlearchitects.com
JESSICA BOOTH AND LAETITIA PRUNETTI Willie Weston
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JOOST BAKKER
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MICHAEL REID, OAM Art ambassador,
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An ethical textile and social enterprise based in Melbourne, Willie Weston provides beautiful fabrics and wallpapers designed by Indigenous artists for both residential and commercial purposes. Jessica and Laetitia are passionate about celebrating and advancing the diverse range of Indigenous art being produced in Australia. They work in collaboration with Indigenous artists across remote areas of Australia to come up with unique and stunningly curated design collections that are strongly influenced by the artist’s culture and connection to country. Artists collaborating with Willie Weston are paid for each metre produced, providing them with an ongoing income stream and supporting them to continue creating. Both Jessica and Laetitia have backgrounds in art curatorship. willieweston.com
PAUL BANGAY, OAM Landscape designer
Based in Melbourne, Paul Bangay is known for his breathtaking and innovative landscape designs with an emphasis on sharp angles, symmetry, straight lines and mesmerising detail. Working in both the residential and commercial sectors and across urban and regional areas, he’s the author of eight books related to gardening, landscape architecture and design and was made a member of the Order of Australia last year for his outstanding services to landscape architecture. Paul can often be found at his country property, Stonefields, not far from Daylesford, which he and his husband transformed from a 40-acre cow paddock into a celebrated country estate with over seven acres of gardens. Paul periodically opens the property to the public to raise funds for charity. He is known for creating landscape designs. paulbangay.com
Floral designer and eco warrior Joost moved with his family from the Netherlands to Monbulk, in the hills outside of Melbourne, in 1982. He grew up on the family’s flower farm and now lives on and operates his own farm in Monbulk with his wife and children. Aside from his advocacy for reducing waste and increasing people’s awareness of green living and sustainability, Joost is also a farmer, building designer, floral designer, restaurateur and the brains behind countless pop-up displays and eateries — all with a message around ethical consumption. One of his most recent displays was an arrangement of 35,000 tulips in Melbourne’s Hosier Lane to raise awareness about the vast majority of imported flowers being sold in Australia. He constantly challenges communities and both urban and regional developers to examine the sustainability of their ventures and lifestyles. instagram.com/joostbakker
chairman and director of Michael Reid Gallery Considered one of Australia’s leading art dealers, Michael has established galleries in Sydney, Berlin and Murrurundi in regional New South Wales. Following a decade of industry experience with Christie’s in London and Australia, Michael writes for leading newspapers including The Australian and has co-hosted the Sky Business News Channel art industry hour. A long-term art ambassador and contributor to the nation’s cultural commentary, he was recognised for his service to the arts in 2016 with the Medal of the Order of Australia. michaelreid.com.au
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FA S H I O N
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND PRODUCERS LEADING THE WAY.
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PIP BRETT
Founder of The Sonic, Iglou and Jumbled Located in the regional New South Wales town of Orange, Pip’s successful fashion businesses have been receiving global attention. The concept store itself, situated in what was once the local Masonic hall, is called The Sonic and is home to her fashion business Iglou, her homewares business Jumbled, as well as a café called Nimrods. Pip has been running Iglou since she finished her design studies, and offers a carefully curated collection of high-end brands such as Sass & Bide, Viktoria + Woods, Elka Collective and Tigerlily. Jumbled is her newest venture, stocking an colourfully eclectic selection of high-quality art and homewares. The thriving businesses are testament to Pip’s passion, flare and keen eye for design and detail. Pip only stocks items and art that she loves and is an enthusiastic supporter of up-andcoming artists and designers, having recently launched a mentorship program to support emerging artists. thesonic.myshopify.com
27 PIP SMITH
Sheep farmer and co-founder of LoveMerino A passionate advocate of sustainable farming and the wool industry, Pip Smith and her family are the engine behind LoveMerino. Based on Glenwood farm in western New South Wales, LoveMerino offers high-quality fibre and beautifully crafted merino scarves and ponchos that are natural, ethical, sustainable and created with complete respect for the environment. The Smith family have farmed at Glenwood since 1898. They are committed to managing their property sustainably, letting their sheep graze in large mobs for short periods of time before being moved on, which encourages the land to regenerate and helps maintain topsoil. The Smiths
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are also passionate about animal welfare and provide their sheep with an environment of low stress, plenty of grazing and minimal chemical use. The fibre used for their LoveMerino products is exclusively sourced from their own animals, meaning that each item can be traced back to a specific flock. They also like to support their fellow Australian designers, such as Shibori and Manuela Strano, collaborating with them on a variety of projects. lovemerino.com.au
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JAMES B YOUNG
Shoemaker and leather artisan Based in Alice Springs, James is Australia’s most remote atelier and has collaborated with and taken commissions from many high-end brands and clients. He comes from a long line of shoemakers and has a deep understanding of traditional European crafting, which he has adapted to reflect his desert home, creating unique works that incorporate materials such as flax linen, desert timbers and richly grained kangaroo leathers. He’s renowned for the quality of his bespoke work, as well as his focus on ethical and sustainable practices. Aside from his leather craftsmanship, James produces and sells a pure, ethical and sustainable leather care range called Fat of the Land, which is sourced from the wild camels of the Northern Territory desert. As a one-person operation, James only ever works on one pair of shoes at a time and offers customers ongoing maintenance and support on all of his handcrafted pieces. jamesbyoung.com.au
29SIMON CAMERON
Superfine wool producer Simon Cameron is a globally recognised producer of superfine merino wool out of his Kingston farm in northern Tasmania. Kingston has been farmed by Simon’s family for well over 100 years, with Simon taking over from his father in 2004. But sheep aside, the
land also is home to approximately eight per cent of Tasmania’s endangered lowland native grasses. Simon is passionate and committed to conserving and promoting the property’s unique vegetation and wildlife, and has been working with botanists and the Tasmanian government to manage and conserve the unique landscape. At the same time, Simon has been carefully refining his farm practices and the bloodlines of the Kingston flocks, resulting in extremely high-quality merino that has been recognised internationally. The merino wool produced at Kingston is supplied exclusively to high-end menswear brand MJ Bale as part of its single origin Kingston range of wool suits. As part of the arrangement, MJ Bale provides funding towards the conservation of Kingston’s unique native vegetation. mjbale.com
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JEMIMA AND BEDE ALDRIDGE
Co-founders of Saddler & Co With an eye for detail and quality craftsmanship, husband and wife team Jemima and Bede Aldridge design and sell a collection of saddlery and leather goods including briefcases, totes, whips, belts and pouches from their workshop and curated store in the central New South Wales town of Dubbo. With Bede’s experience as a saddler and Jemima’s design and marketing skills, their dynamic partnership has seen them expand their saddlery products to incorporate bespoke fashion goods and a unique shopping experience in Dubbo. Jemima collaborates with other regional artists and brands, including Southern Wild candles and Kim Wallace ceramics, providing a platform to showcase their work through the store and pop-up shops. saddlerandco.com.au
P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D BY
30TH BIRTHDAY ACHIEVERS CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Pip Brett’s The Sonic concept store in Orange is a shopping destination; Norm, Daisy, Amber and Pip Smith from LoveMerino are fifth generation wool farmers; shoemaker James B Young uses traditional techniques to craft his bespoke designs.
PIP BRETT PHOTOGRAPHY JACQUI TURK PIP SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY MARK ROPER JAMES B YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY NOEL MCLAUGHLIN
WHO WILL BE THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE?
Now that you’ve read about all of the wonderful contributions our 30 inspirational achievers are making in their relevant fields, it’s time to vote. Who do you believe is most deserving of our People’s Choice award? Head to homestolove.com.au/countrystyle top30 to have your say, and you’ll go in the running to win a weekend stay for two people at The Byron at Byron Bay. The prize includes two nights in a deluxe spa suite, breakfast each morning and a $150 restaurant voucher to use during your stay. This is a game of skill, not a game of chance. Open to Australian and New Zealand residents aged 18 and over. Voting ends 11.59 AEST on May 27, 2019. For full conditions, see homestolove.com.au/countrystyletop30.
P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D BY
COUNTRY CHEFS 30 YEARS FROM LEFT Lisa Margan, chef and owner of Margan in the Hunter Valley, chef John Evans and partner Sonia Greig of South on Albany in Berry, celebrity chef and farmer Matt Moran, and Martin Boetz, chef and founder of the Cooks Co-Op at Sackville, gather at Chiswick, in Sydney’s Woollahra, to celebrate our birthday.
TOP CHEFS AND RESTAURATEURS PAY TRIBUTE TO COUNTRY STYLE AND THE SUPPORTING ROLE IT HAS PLAYED IN GROWING REGIONAL DINING. WORDS BARBARA SWEENEY PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING LISA BURDEN RECIPE JOHN EVANS AND SONIA GREIG
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COUNTRY CHEFS 30 YEARS Matt Moran harvests baby beetroot in the kitchen garden of his Woollahra restaurant, Chiswick. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT John arranges candied orange slices on the cake; Matt and Martin enjoy a slice; a nasturtium flower; the group poses for a photograph among productive beds of herbs and salad leaves.
COUNTRY STYLE’S STORIES about food producers and growers and — over the past 11 years — the restaurants, kitchen gardens and recipes of the many talented men and women who’ve appeared in our Country Chef features, have all played a role in the seismic cultural shift that has taken place in regional dining in the past three decades. In that time, we’ve tracked the rise and rise of country restaurants. We’ve noted the percolating coffee barometer of change and have joined other destination dining enthusiasts who hotfoot it out of the city in search of serenity and adventure, restaurant hit list and food festival tickets in hand. To celebrate 30 years of Country Style, we invited NSW country chefs Martin Boetz (Cooks Co-op, Sackville), John Evans and Sonia Greig (South on Albany, Berry) and Lisa Margan (Margan, Broke), along with city-based chef and farmer Matt Moran, to join us for a celebratory glass of bubbles and wedge of cake at Matt’s Sydney restaurant, Chiswick, to reminisce — and look to the future. As it turns out, Lisa is also celebrating a milestone. “My winemaker husband, Andrew, and I moved to Broke 30 years ago,” she says. “So much has changed. Back then, there was only really Robert and Sally Molines’s The Cellar restaurant, where I apprenticed. Now, the Hunter has it all, from hatted to casual dining — and a few really decent bakeries.” “The growth of the country dining scene is certainly the biggest thing happening in our industry,” says Matt. “One of the many things driving it is that chefs want to be in direct touch with food producers.” Everyone agrees that country dining is all about provenance. For Lisa, that means stepping out the restaurant door to her three-hectare kitchen garden and orchard. For Martin and John it has meant seeking out the farmers and fishermen on their doorstep, which is not always easy to do. “You really have to look for them,” says John. And when you do, it’s worth it, according to Martin. “It’s a much deeper connection dealing directly with the person who grows the food rather than the middle man,” he says. Listening to the talk taking place around the table is like dropping in on a bush telegraph for foodies. Which, if you think about it, is what the Country Chef feature does so well — broadcast the latest food news and experiences. For chefs, that means seeing what their colleagues are up to and, for readers, getting the insider tips. “We have people coming into the restaurant holding the magazine, so we know that’s where they read about us,” says Sonia. “Shining a spotlight on the different regions gets people excited about travelling there, and that’s so important.” Cooks Co-op is at 2 West Portland Road, Sackville, NSW. 0409 363 253; cooksco-op.com. Margan is at 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke, NSW. (02) 6579 1246; margan.com.au. South on Albany is at 3/65 Queen Street, Berry, NSW. (02) 4464 2005; southonalbany.com.au. For information about Matt Moran’s restaurants, including Chiswick, visit mattmoran.com.au
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“It’s a much deeper connection dealing directly with the person who grows the food rather than the middle man.”
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT A lemon tree at Chiswick; toasting Country Style’s milestone birthday; Matt and Marty talk shop; regional restaurateurs reminisce; mandarin and mascarpone cake served with lemon curd; cucamelons grow over an arch. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT John and Sonia supplied the cake recipe; the highly productive garden provides cucumbers, herbs, zucchinis, watercress and tomatoes in season; nasturtium flowers are added to salads.
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30 YEARS COUNTRY CHEFS
MANDARIN CAKE Makes 1
To create the layer cake below, make 2 cakes separately. Do not double the recipe. 480g small mandarins 4 large eggs 1 cup caster sugar 100g butter, melted, cooled 1 cup plain flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 3½ cups almond meal 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger 1 tablespoon milk
food preparation and recipe testing dixie elliott
Place mandarins in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to boil, then simmer for 20–30 minutes or until mandarins are soft. Drain and cool. Chop mandarins and remove seeds. Process, with peel, in a food processor until smooth. (You will need 1 cup of mandarin puree for this recipe.)
Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease a 22cm round springform pan, then line base and sides with baking paper. Using an electric mixer, whisk eggs and caster sugar for 4 minutes or until thick and pale. Add melted butter and 1 cup mandarin puree, and gently fold until combined. Sift flour, baking powder and salt over mandarin mixture. Add almond meal, ginger and milk, and gently stir until combined. Spoon into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 1 hour or until light golden and a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. MASCARPONE CREAM Whisk 500g mascarpone and 100g sifted icing sugar mixture until smooth and combined. CANDIED ORANGES Preheat oven to 150°C. Thinly slice 2 oranges. Arrange orange slices over base of a large baking dish. Stir 3 cups caster sugar and 3 cups
water in a saucepan over a medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Pour sugar syrup over orange in baking dish. Cover surface of syrup with baking paper. Bake for 1 hour or until orange slices are translucent. Cool. LEMON CURD Whisk finely grated rind of 2 lemons, 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup caster sugar and 4 large eggs in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan half-filled with simmering water (ensure bowl doesn’t touch water) for 10–15 minutes or until thick. Remove bowl from heat. Whisk in 230g diced unsalted butter, a few cubes at a time, until incorporated. Cool. Store in fridge. MANDARIN & MASCARPONE CAKE To create cake pictured, repeat recipe to make 2 mandarin cakes. Place 1 cake on a cake stand. Top with mascarpone cream and remaining cake. Arrange candied oranges over cake. Cut into slices and serve with lemon curd.
TA BLETOP DECOR ATION
SET THE SCENE FOR A RUSTIC BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TO SUIT A RELAXED ALFRESCO AFFAIR OR ENJOY A LITTLE STYLE WITH A NOD TO NATURE INDOORS. PHOTOGRAPHY AND ST YLING LAUR A MUTHESIUS & NORA EISER MANN/OUR FOOD STOR IES
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NATU RE ’S HARVE ST EARTHEN CERAMICS ARE A PERFECT MATCH FOR A WOODEN TABLE IN THE ORCHARD.
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PRODUCED BY LISA BURDEN
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1 Mason Dinnerware dinner plate in Blue Storm Mason, $19.95, from Robert Gordon. 2 Mason Dinnerware small dish in Blue Storm Mason, $5.95, from Robert Gordon. 3 Mala salad servers in brushed steel, $39.95, from Country Road. 4 Black dip stoneware jug, $100, from Collector Store. 5 Alto stemless flutes, $49.95 for 4, from Country Road. 6 Theo timber cake stand, $69.95, from Country Road. 7 Linen napkins in blue and white stripe, $40 for 4, from In Bed Store. 8 Tom Dixon Tank whiskey glasses, $120 for 2, from Collector Store. 9 Saxon dining chair, $259, from Provincial Home Living. 10 Theo salt & pepper dish in natural, $19.95, from Country Road. 11 Squeeze jug in grey, $95, from James Lemon. 12 Calm bowl #1, $380, from James Lemon. 13 Linen tablecloth in French Blue, $150 for medium, from In Bed Store. 14 Ghost Wares pourer in white, $38, from Koskela. 15 Linen apron in navy, $38, In Bed Store. For stockist details, see page 160.
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TA BLETOP DECOR ATION A birthday is celebrated in the muted winter sunshine with a divine layered sponge cake displayed against a table setting that perfectly reects the mood of the season.
TA BLETOP DECOR ATION This eye-catching installation of pampas grass hanging overhead makes a bold statement.
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FRESH OUTLOOK BRING THE OUTDOORS IN WITH CLASSIC TABLEWARE IN NATURAL SHADES. PRODUCED BY LISA BURDEN
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1 Aero cake server and knife set in gold, $14.95, from Salt&Pepper. 2 HK Living Stoneware kitchen tray, $89, from House of Orange. 3 HK Living wooden spoon, $21.95, from House of Orange. 4 Riedel O wine tumbler pinot/nebbiolo, $49.95 for 2, from Riedel. 5 Linen napkins in khaki, $40 for 4, from In Bed Store. 6 Jude linen apron in natural, $80, from Cultiver. 7 HK Living breadboard square L in reclaimed teak, $109, from House of Orange. 8 Stainless steel gooseneck spout kettle in Silver, $27.56, from DH Gate. 9 Montalto napkins in graphite, $48 for 4, from L&M Home. 10 Salt&Pepper ‘Artefact’ double handle bowl, $16, from Domayne. 11 Wood handled cheese knives, $49, from Pottery Barn. 12 Kali dinner plates in Marshmallow, $79 for 4, from Aura Home. 13 Host cake forks in Rose Gold, $31 for 6, from Domayne. 14 Hunt Furniture ‘HS450’ stool, $295, from Handkrafted. 15 Latte cup in Sand, $37, from Mud Australia. For stockist details, see page 160.
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FLOWER STYLING MARY LENNOX
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CELEBRATION CAKE Serves 10–12
9 eggwhites (from 60g eggs) 2 cups caster sugar 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 teaspoons cornflour 400ml thickened cream, whipped fresh mango wedges, to garnish bought passionfruit sauce or fresh passionfruit pulp, to serve*
bring it on
STEVE CUMPER BELIEVES BIRTHDAYS ARE MEANT TO BE CELEBRATED — WITH CAKE.
MANGO ICE-CREAM
I’M ALWAYS SURPRISED when birthdays are met with a ‘bah humbug’ response. In my opinion, people who subscribe to the belief that birthdays are only for the young are missing out on one of the few instances in which to celebrate significant milestones. Or could it be that scientific improvements in keeping people alive for longer have made us ambivalent to the wonder of surviving another year? Me? I love birthdays. I see them as a day of reflection for the past, an appreciation of the present and the possibility of the future. And there is cake. I’m not sure why cake has become the leitmotiv for birthday festivities. However, my extensive inquiries (I typed ‘history of birthday cakes’ into Google) reveal it probably harks back to the ancient Greeks who made moon-shaped cakes for their gods, adding candles to give them a lunar-like glow. Birthdays weren’t recognised for many centuries afterwards, until German families began celebrating children’s birthdays with Kinderfest in the Middle Ages. Back then, the cake was mainly a vessel in which to plant candles, whose rising smoke was meant to transcend one’s spirits heavenly. The candles would burn all day (presuming they survived sudden breezes or spontaneous house fires) and eating the cake was almost an afterthought that followed the evening meal, when partygoers would ‘consume’ the luck associated with it. Our ancestors would be surprised to learn that the cake has become the main attraction, with the candles relegated to an annoying formality (including the inevitable cry of ‘Who’s got the matches?’) that gets in the way of eating it. My fondest birthday-cake memory was an ice-cream creation in the shape of an ocean liner that my parents arranged for my sixth birthday party. I still don’t know where Mum got it, but it may have come from an Italian ice-cream maker in Carlton. I vaguely recall its blueish-green hue, bubblegum aroma and liquorice squares as its funnels. I also remember someone flogged the funnels before the cake was cut (the incident nearly capsized the day for me apparently). It was an amazing creation, especially as this was eight years before The Australian Woman’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book changed the kids’ party scene forever. Of course, all this is leading to the purpose of my column, which is to add my contribution to Country Style’s 30th birthday celebrations. It’s rare for a restaurant or café to last more than a decade and, while I’m not sure what the stats are in the magazine world, reaching three decades seems an impressive achievement. You know how the Queen sends a telegram when your birthday tally tops a century? Well, might I suggest she supplement her list of regal card-writing duties to include a message to this magazine? They might even throw in a gift subscription if she’s lucky (which will save her trotting down to Marks & Spencer for it). As Her Majesty reads this month’s birthday issue at Balmoral, corgis at her feet, she may even be motivated to ask the kitchen to whip up my celebratory cake for her ‘official’ (if not actual) birthday this month, to remind her of all things sweetly antipodean. Happy birthday HRH and Country Style!
Steve Cumper is a chef and funnyman who lives in Tasmania an of one day owning a fleet of holiday vans called Wicked Cumpers.
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600ml thickened cream 395g can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 mangoes, peeled, flesh roughly chopped
Preheat oven to 120°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Grease a 24cm round springform pan, then line base and sides with baking paper. Spray paper with canola oil spray and dust with cornflour. Using an electric mixer, whisk eggwhites in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking well after each addition. Continue whisking until sugar has dissolved and meringue is thick and glossy. Add vinegar and cornflour and whisk until just combined. Spoon one-quarter of meringue onto prepared tray and spread thinly. Spoon remaining meringue into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake for 1–1½ hours or until meringue sheet is crisp and dry. Remove tray from oven. Bake meringue in pan for a further 30 minutes or until crisp and dry. Turn off oven. Leave meringue in oven, with door slightly ajar, to cool completely. To make mango ice-cream, using an electric mixer, beat cream, condensed milk and vanilla extract until mixture resembles whipped cream. (Take care not to overbeat or mixture will become grainy.) Gently fold through chopped mango. Spoon mixture onto meringue in springform pan. Cover and place in freezer for 6 hours or until set. Remove cake from springform pan and place on a serving platter. Break meringue sheet into shards. Top cake with whipped cream, then decorate with mango wedges and meringue shards. Drizzle with passionfruit sauce to serve. *Passionfruit sauce is available at supermarkets and delicatessens.
portrait photography damian bennett styling liz kavanagh food preparation and recipe testing dixie elliott
PHOTOGRAPHY BRETT STEVENS STYLING DAVID MORGAN
STEV E CUMPER COUNTRY COOK
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HEIRLOOM R ECIPE
the fast lane
ANN JOHNSON HAS HUNG UP HER SCOOTER HELMET, BUT SHE’S STILL A WHIZ WHEN IT COMES TO WHIPPING UP THIS BUTTER CAKE. WORDS TR ACEY PLATT PHOTOGRAPHY AND ST YLING CHINA SQUIR R EL
IN HER TWENTIES, Ann Johnson was a member of
a scooter club and whizzed around the NSW Northern Rivers town of Grafton, the wind whipping through her hair. Now, having just turned 80, she twirls around the dance f loor with her husband, Patrick, with the same sense of freedom and joy. “She’s definitely young at heart and always up for some fun,” says youngest daughter Susanne Johnson, 48, who’s pictured below with Ann. “I think it’s what keeps her so healthy and agile.” While Ann has long since traded in her scooter, Susanne says her mother often revs up the electric mixer to make her much-loved signature bake. “Whenever we visit there is always butter cake. She doesn’t do anything fancy — it’s just iced and often topped with sprinkles, but it’s been a staple in our lives. There was always a slice with chocolate icing in our school lunchboxes and she still brings one to every family birthday.” The recipe was handed down to Ann by her mother, Ann Simmons, and now Susanne and her two siblings — Catherine and Mark — have a copy, too. Their grandmother was a great cook and homemaker, but Susanne says when her mother finished school she
became a legal secretary. That was how she met Patrick, now 79, who worked as a clerk at the local courthouse. It was a romance fuelled by a mutual love of two-wheeled transport. “Dad had motorbikes and Mum had two scooters — a Lambretta and a BSA. Apparently she could often be seen riding around town and to the nearby beaches at Yamba and Woolgoolga with her scooter club buddies.” The couple married in Grafton in 1961 and lived in Charlestown, Walcha and Goulburn before settling in Singleton, where they both worked until retirement. “We were definitely latch-key kids and would ride home on our bikes and wait for our parents to get home,” Susanne recalls. “I think that’s why the butter cake stuck with her — Mum was so busy and it was easy to whip up.” On retiring, Ann and Patrick relocated to the Newcastle area to be closer to family and indulge Ann’s lifelong love of the beach. Old Time New Vogue dancing is another passion and naturally, when the music stops, Ann brings out her butter cake (and a slice or two). “It’s such a good recipe,” Susanne says. “You can use it to make one large cake or pat es. It’s moist, delicious and everyone loves it
ANN’S PLAIN BUTTER CAKE Serves 8–10
125g unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup caster sugar 2 large eggs few drops vanilla essence 1½ cups self-raising flour pinch of salt ½ cup milk
VANILLA BUTTERCREAM
125g unsalted butter, softened 1½ cups icing sugar mixture, sifted 1 tablespoon milk few drops vanilla essence
SHARE YOUR FAMILY FAVOURITES Do you have a recipe that has been passed down through generations? Send us your recipe, the story behind it and a photograph (preferably a copy or scan) of the relative who passed it on. Remember to include a daytime telephone number. Email Sarah Neil at sneil@bauer-media.com.au or send a letter to Heirloom Recipe, Country Style, PO Box 4088, Sydney NSW 1028.
HEIRLOOM COOKBOOK BAKING SPECIAL Celebration cakes Perfect sponges Danish honey cakes Nanna’s biscuits Date loaf
FAMILY RECIPES FOR A NEW GENERATION TO TREASURE
Ann Johnson’s plain butter cake is one of many delicious recipes in the new Country Style Heirloom Cookbook, $12.99. It’s available at supermarkets, newsagents and magshop.com.au
food preparation and recipe testing china squirrel
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a deep 20cm round cake pan, and line base and sides with baking paper. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and caster sugar until pale and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla essence and beat until combined. Sift f lour and salt together into a bowl. Using a wooden spoon, alternately stir in f lour and milk in 2 batches.
Spoon mixture into prepared pan and use back of a wet spoon to spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. To make vanilla buttercream, using an electric mixer, beat butter until light and pale. Gradually add icing sugar and milk, and beat until smooth and well combined. Add vanilla essence to taste and beat until well combined. Using a round-bladed knife, spread buttercream over top of cake and serve.
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T HE
MAGIC
NATURAL WONDERS, ANCIENT CULTURES AND AGRICULTURAL INGENUITY ARE
F ARAWAY
L AND
EAST KIMBERLEY WA JOURNEY The layered rocks of Explosion Gorge on the Chamberlain River present an awe-inspiring view.
PLENTIFUL IN THIS REMOTE CORNER OF WA. WORDS CLAIRE MACTAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY MAR NIE HAWSON
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MY INTRODUCTION TO the East Kimberley region is off
to a good start — I’m seated beside a young high school student returning home from boarding school in Perth, who animatedly points to landmarks from the aeroplane window as we track north-east from Broome. “That’s where my grandfather told me stories,” he says, indicating the river carved out of the valley floor below as we approach Kununurra, the largest town and agricultural centre of the region. On the other side of the aircraft, the lapis lazuli mass of Lake Argyle — Western Australia’s largest man-made fresh water reservoir — is visible in the distance. As the plane descends, the seemingly infinite red landscape suddenly transforms into a verdant patchwork of irrigated paddocks and orchards radiating from the banks of the Ord River and Lake Kununurra. As we disembark we hear greetings of “Welcome to Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong Country”, echoing the words of the contemporary bronze sculpture that sits outside the East Kimberley Regional Airport terminal. “That’s when I know I’m home,” the boy beams. After a quick exchange of goodbye and good luck, he disappears into the small gathering inside. His excitement is infectious and while it’s not a homecoming for me — I’ve never been to the Kimberley before — I can’t wait to discover this vast, mystic wilderness. By now it’s a balmy late afternoon in the dry season (which runs from April to September). Before nightfall, there’s time to get my bearings and drive out to Ivanhoe Crossing, a scenic causeway on the Ord River 13 kilometres from town, as well as Kelly’s Knob
Lookout, the rocky outcrop on the northern fringe of Kununurra that provides a lofty vantage point over the township and the Ord River Irrigation Area. Just 37 kilometres from the Northern Territory border, Kununurra is surrounded by natural wonders and is the ancient home of the Miriwoong, Gajirrawoong and Gija people. Local guides offer art and cultural tours and there are a number of galleries in town, including Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, where you can meet the artists. There’s a vibrant buzz in town; innovative farmers grow superfoods on the fertile flats and share their favourite places to fish and camp with seasonal workers and outback adventurers rolling in with dusty four-wheel drives from the Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Purnululu National Park or Lake Argyle. Less than 60 years old, Kununurra is a relatively new settlement created to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Local pioneers of the Durack family were the first to trial tropical agriculture on the banks of the Ord River from 1941. Two decades later, the Kununurra Diversion Dam was built in the first stage of an ambitious irrigation project. Sandalwood, mangoes, chia, chickpeas and melons are just some of the local produce now grown on 14,000 hectares of irrigated farmland, with a further 6500 hectares expected to become available later this year. Just over 100 kilometres west of Kununurra is El Questro, a sprawling wilderness park and resort spanning the Cockburn Range, with boab-studded savanna plains, the Zebedee thermal springs, pockets of remnant rainforest, gorges and waterfalls. There are multiple accommodation >
EAST KIMBERLEY WA JOURNEY
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Ranger Dee Stephens guides walkers through Emma Gorge; if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a freshwater crocodile at Lake Argyle; a vast freshwater reservoir, Lake Argyle was created in 1972; walking under palms at Emma Gorge; take a tinny to look for crocs in the Chamberlain River at Explosion Gorge; the Gibb River road is a 700-odd kilometre drive to the coast. FACING PAGE En route to Branco’s Lookout with El Questro tour guide, ranger Lewis McPherson (inset).
“ The d ream ha s a lw ay s b e e n t o f ind a pla ce where t he m idd le of nowhere can feel like the centre of t he u n iver s e .”
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options available, from the campground at El Questro Station or the safari-style tented cabins of Emma Gorge to the luxurious and secluded El Questro Homestead, gracefully overlooking the Chamberlain River. Allow at least a few days to unwind and explore the enormity of El Questro Station, with self-guided hike and drive options available, as well as guided tours by air, horseback, four-wheel drive, boat and foot. Ranger Lewis McPherson has worked here for two seasons on various tours and recommends the El Questro Gorge Trail, which meanders through lush ferns and livistona palms to a waterfall. The 30-year-old studied environmental science at the University of Newcastle before swapping the east coast for the west. He’s a great source of information about the local flora, fauna and geology during our half-day Explosion Gorge and Branco’s Lookout tour, as we navigate through the oxidised red cliffs of Chamberlain Gorge. I’m impatient to spot a crocodile and we’re eventually rewarded when the aluminium dingy drifts by an exposed boulder, revealing a Johnstone’s crocodile happily sunning itself, unperturbed by our presence. Turns out it was a juvenile, just over a foot long — not quite the awe-inspiring specimen I’d hoped to encounter from the safety of the boat. Exploring this 283,000-hectare adventure playground is a considerable perk of Lewis’s job. “One day I’m four-wheel driving across a river and taking guests up a remote gorge in a tinnie, pointing out ancient geological features and looking for crocs; the next I’m hiking up a gorge, then being
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helicoptered to a private waterfall. Learning about our indigenous culture has also been a real highlight,” he says. Another remarkable landmark of the East Kimberley is the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, just over an hour by air south of Kununurra. The scenic flight provides a bird’s-eye view of the Ord River Irrigation Area, the Argyle Diamond Mine (where almost all of the world’s pink diamonds are currently produced) and Lake Argyle before arriving at the World Heritage site. At the Bellburn airstrip we are transferred to a helicopter for a mesmerising 30-minute flight over the orange-and– black-ringed beehive-shaped domes that form the Bungle Bungles. Our pilot, Kobi Schooley, hails from central Queensland and it’s his first year working in the Kimberley. “Like anyone who has the pleasure of living and working in the bush, the dream has always been to find a place where the middle of nowhere can feel like the centre of the universe,” 19-year-old Kobi says. “The Kimberley region certainly has a spectacular way of achieving this.” As we marvel at this sandstone massif, wrought by the winds off the Tanami Desert over the past 350 million years, it’s easy to agree with him. Shrouded in silica and algae, which casts a coppery glow deep into the crevices and ravines, it’s a breathtaking vision that remains in my mind as I taxi down the runway a few days later on my flight home. For whether they be man-made or natural, the wonders of the East Kimberley are bound to cast a spell that will long outlast your visit.
EAST KIMBERLEY WA JOURNEY Ethaun Chester, 29, from Broome, works at El Questro as a horseriding trail guide. She’ll make sure the ride is suited to your level of skill on horseback. FACING PAGE The Bungle Bungle Range, viewed from the air, presents a spectacle of striped sandstone.
A l low a t le a s t a few d ay s t o u nw i n d a n d e x plo r e t he e no r m i t y o f E l Q ue s t r o S t a t io n .
CLOCKWISE, FROM FAR LEFT The sun sets at Branco’s Lookout; HeliSpirit pilot Kobi Schooley; cabins at El Questro Emma Gorge; boab trees (Adansonia gregorii) are icons of the Kimberley; a barrel of rum at the Hoochery distillery in Kununurra; thermal pools at Zebedee Springs; a luxurious outdoor bath at one of El Questro’s three Cliffside Retreats; Tiarni Emery, 27, is an El Questro trail-riding guide; an outdoor shower, also at Cliffside Retreats. FACING PAGE Enjoy spectacular views of the Chamberlain River and Gorge from El Questro’s Chamberlain suite.
EAST KIMBERLEY WA JOURNEY
THE FACTS GETTING THERE
WHERE TO STAY
Osmand ranges. 319 Laine Jones Drive,
CAR Kununurra is 3212 kilometres
FRESHWATER EAST KIMBERLEY
Kununurra Airport. 1800 095 500;
north-east of Perth, 1044 kilometres
APARTMENTS Make this your base to
aviair.com.au
inland from Broome and 828 kilometres
explore the East Kimberley; spacious
south-west of Darwin. A four-wheel
self-contained accommodation
GIBB RIVER ROAD
drive is recommended.
surrounded by tropical gardens.
This epic 700-odd kilometre drive
FLY Airnorth and Virgin operate at East
19 Victoria Highway, Kununurra. 1300
between Broome and Kununurra,
Kimberley Regional Airport, Kununurra.
729 267; freshwaterapartments.net.au
originally used for droving cattle, is
swek.wa.gov.au/airports.aspx
often top of the list for four-wheel-drive EL QUESTRO EMMA GORGE
adventuring. Research your trip and
Tucked against the Cockburn Ranges
consider the road conditions, weather
The dry season is April to September.
and a short walk from beautiful Emma
and terrain before heading off.
January to March is monsoon period,
Gorge are 60 safari-style tented cabins
and some places are inaccessible.
with ensuites. Gibb River Road. 1800
LAKE ARGYLE CRUISES
Check with the Kununurra Visitor
837 168; elquestro.com.au/stay/
Explore this magnificent lake and learn
Centre. 75 Coolibah Drive. 1800 586
emma-gorge
its fascinating history with a Sunset
BEST TIME TO VISIT
868; visitkununurra.com
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Magic cruise. 530b Lake Argyle Road, EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD
Lake Argyle. (08) 9168 7687;
Overlooking the Chamberlain River,
lakeargylecruises.com
THE PUMPHOUSE A converted
this nine-suite luxury hideaway has
pumphouse on Lake Kununurra with
private balconies and complementary
LURIDGII TOURS
a menu of local produce. Lakeview
excursions for guests. Gibb River Road.
Local Miriwoong man Ted Hall
Drive, Kununurra. (08) 9169 3222;
1800 837 221; elquestro.com.au/
offers a range of Aboriginal cultural
thepumphouserestaurant.com
the-homestead
and tag-along tours through the
EMMA’S This shaded retreat with
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
encompasses From Dreamtime
a wide verandah offers à la carte and
ARGYLE DIAMONDS ORD
to Diamonds, following the path of
buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at El
VALLEY MUSTER
a Dreamtime barramundi (known
Questro Emma Gorge. (08) 9161 4388;
Held in May, this 10-day celebration was
as Jaliwang) and includes a visit
elquestro.com.au/explore/dine
recognised as the Best Regional Event
to the Argyle Diamond Mine and
in Australia in 2015, and features a huge
Lake Argyle. (08) 9168 2704;
STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANT Dine
variety of events, including a rodeo,
luridgiitours.com.au
on barramundi or beef overlooking
dining under the stars, music and
the serene Pentecost River at El
tours. ordvalleymuster.com.au
Questro Station. (08) 9161 4318; elquestro.com.au/explore/dine
region. The Jaliwang Journey tour
WARMUN ART CENTRE Owned by the Gija people, this
AVI AIR BUNGLE BUNGLE
innovative art centre about two hours’
ADVENTURER
drive south of Kununurra celebrates
THE HOOCHERY Rum made in
Join a two-hour scenic flight to
local art and culture, and attracts more
WA’s oldest legal still. Enjoy a tour
Purnululu National Park, which
than 10,000 visitors each year. Warmun
of the distillery or eat lunch in the café.
coasts over the Ord River Irrigation
Aboriginal Community, Great Northern
300 Weaber Plain Road, Kununurra.
Area, Argyle Diamond Mine and Lake
Highway, Warmun. (08) 9168 7496;
(08) 9168 2467; hoochery.com.au
Argyle, as well as the Carr Boyd and
warmunart.com.au
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 135
ON THE MOVE BRIDGETOWN WA
Bridgetown takes its name from both the bridge over the Blackwood River and the name of the first ship to dock at Bunbury to collect the wool grown in the area. FACING PAGE The expansive grounds of Oakhill House are yours to explore (on horseback, if you wish) when you stay at the luxurious property.
ON THE MOVE
BRIDGETOWN
THIS SMALL TOWN IN WA’S SOUTH WEST COMBINES COUNTRY CHARM WITH THE VIBRANT BUSTLE OF A CREATIVE COMMUNITY. WORDS AMY RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE ILLUSTRATION DANIELLA GERMAIN
MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE $350,000 for a three-bedroom house. MEDIAN RENTAL PRICE $310 per week for a three-bedroom house. BY THE NUMBERS The market for a three-bedroom home ranges from $190,000 to $679,000. “There’s strong demand for traditional weatherboards on properties that are larger than one acre,” says Trudy Clothier of Blackwood Valley Real Estate. MARKET WATCH “Bridgetown attracts a varied demographic of people, mostly those wanting out of the city. We get some retirees, and young families who want a better life for their kids. It’s a very friendly country town, with a good community spirit, low crime rate and most of the facilities you’ll need,” Trudy says.
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 137
ON THE MOVE BRIDGETOWN WA
WITH ITS HERITAGE STREETSCAPES lined with blossoms, and
prime position on one of the most scenic stretches of the Blackwood River, Bridgetown’s aesthetics have long made it a magnet for the older set. But in recent years, an increasing number of young families have arrived. Some simply love that it offers four distinct seasons, a rarity in Western Australia. “That’s one of the attractions,” agrees born-and-bred Bridgetownian Pip Mills, 58. “You always know what season you are in here. People say it reminds them of Europe, along with the hills, the deciduous trees and the insanely rich soil that lets you grow anything.” With its location at the centre of the state’s South West region, major destinations such as Margaret River, Manjimup and Bunbury are within easy driving distance. It’s a community marked by creativity. Keep an eye peeled, and you’ll soon see proof. Pompoms hanging off a branch or a woollen rosette prettying up a gatepost are vestiges of a bid to become the yarn-bombing capital of the world. An art trail showcases the talents of sculptors and painters. And the main drag, Hampton Street, is distinguished by its lack of fast-food outlets. Instead, there’s an eclectic array of boutiques and places to eat and drink, many of them in buildings that have changed little since the late 1800s. “The experience is very authentic, it’s a real country town,” says Pip. “Most of the businesses you walk into, you’re dealing with the owner-operator.” As cook and owner of the Bridgetown Pottery-Restaurant, which she runs with her husband Bevan, Pip has been putting
her creativity on a plate for more than 30 years. She’s also been behind some of the events that have helped put the town on the cultural map, such as the Bridgetown Blues Festival each November and a long-table lunch on one of the town’s iconic bridges during the Bridgetown in the Winter festival. Along with agriculture and timber, nearby Greenbushes mine is one of the long-standing drivers of the local economy. Tin has been mined for 130 years but today the main focus is valuable lithium. Accordingly, business is booming: operator Talison Lithium is set to double its workforce in coming years. It’s a town that’s supportive of newcomers, according to Pip. “It’s very welcoming; I know for my family, we’ve had friends from all walks of life.” She says you get out what you put in — “the ways you can get involved are limitless”. Another local who can attest to this — and can take a little credit for it, too — is Jo Moore, 42. As the manager of the Bridgetown Family and Community Centre, she oversees a packed schedule of activities aimed at bringing people together, ranging from playgroups to book clubs. “Bridgetown is special because it has old country charm, but it’s also quite contemporary,” Jo says. She admits that this was a surprise when she first moved here from Perth 10 years ago, heavily pregnant with her first child, Ivy. She hadn’t expected to make friends. “I assumed I wouldn’t have any!” Jo says. “But the opposite has been true. I love Bridgetown because it just feels like home; and it felt like that from the beginning.”
For more information, visit bridgetown.com.au
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Wisteria forms a fragrant shelter in the garden at Ford House B&B; the Blackwood River winds through the town and offers many lovely walking trails; the tree-lined main street features cosy eateries and boutiques; FACING PAGE Many residents come to the area to indulge their penchant for cool-climate gardening.
THE ESSENTIALS
Bridgetown is 256 kilometres south of Perth via the Mitchell Freeway and the Forrest Highway. Transwa and South West Coachlines operate buses that connect Bridgetown to Perth in a little over four hours. Another option is to take the Australind rail service to Bunbury and hire a car or catch a bus for the 93-kilometre journey to Bridgetown.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Bridgetown Family & Community Centre offers events, workshops and support services aimed at assisting families and promoting inclusivity. See bridgetownfamilycommunitycentre. com. There’s also the Bridgetown Grumpy Old Men’s Shed at 22 Campbell Street and the Ashbil Community Garden in Stewart Street.
REASONS TO VISIT
BLACKWOOD RIVER This majestic
tributary is best experienced by walking the trail that starts at Blackwood River Park and loops back into town via Steere Street (keep in mind the section up Greys Hill Road is a heart-starter; some may prefer to turn back at this point and retrace their steps).
BRIDGETOWN ART TRAIL
This constantly evolving art walk currently incorporates 17 works along a four kilometre trail. Pick up a map and explanatory booklet from the visitor centre. 154 Hampton Street. (08) 9761 1740; bridgetown.com.au
COOL-CLIMATE GARDENS
Bridgetown is arguably the prettiest town in Western Australia, thanks to its committed and talented gardeners. The best time to view properties is in spring during the Festival of Country Gardens. festivalofcountrygardens.com SUNNYHURST WINERY This whimsical hilltop winery is a must visit. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views along with a bottle of excellent wine made by proprietors Geoff Herbert and MariePierre Dussault. The garden includes a gigantic Moreton Bay fig, complete with swing, and more than 600 rare and heritage roses. 16 Doust Street. 0437 846 610; sunnyhurst.com.au THE RABBIT HOLE For a snapshot of the creative types who call Bridgetown home, head down the stairs to this eclectic arts hub. You can meet artists in their studios, purchase works or catch an event (the schedule includes art exhibitions, storytelling nights and workshops). 87 Hampton Street. facebook.com/rabbitholebridgetown
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 139
ON THE MOVE BRIDGETOWN WA
EAT
EMPORIUM BISTRO Local produce
and drinks are on the menu, which is casual by day, sophisticated by night. 4Shot Coffee from Balingup is another big plus. 145–151 Hampton Street. (08) 9761 2018; emporiumbistro.com
BRIDGETOWN POTTERYRESTAURANT Locals know to keep
an eye on the Facebook page of Pip and Bevan Mills’ quirky restaurant: the opening hours are changeable, and demand is high, so be quick. 81 Hampton Street. (08) 9761 1038; facebook.com/ bridgetownpotteryrestaurant THE FLYING DUCK This unassuming café is a breakfast hotspot. Nab a table and watch the bustle of the main street. 4/86 Hampton Street. (08) 9761 1715. THE CIDERY With live music, a shaded outdoor area and house-brewed ciders and beers, this is a great place to settle in for a session. 43 Gifford Road. (08) 9761 2204; thecidery.com.au
SHOP
BARNEY & FLEUR An always
REASONS TO STAY
SPORTS FACILITIES With a postcard-
Pip Mills RESTAURATEUR
Pip was born in Bridgetown and has been feeding locals for more than 30 years.
pretty lawn tennis club, riverside bowls club and rejuvenated leisure centre with a variety of pools, fitness enthusiasts are well catered for. Bridgetown Lawn Tennis Club, Nelson Street. HIKING The Bridgetown Jarrah Park offers a number of walks through karri, marri and jarrah forest (the six-kilometre Blackbutt Trail is particularly scenic). (08) 9761 1207; bridgetown.com.au GREENBUSHES POOL This is the local swimming spot of choice. Fed by a natural spring, the water is clear and surrounded by pretty bushland. Plus there are barbecues, a boardwalk trail, a children’s play area and restrooms. Spring Gully Road, Greenbushes.
BRIDGETOWN REGIONAL LIBRARY
With its outdoor areas (courtesy of two patios), ambient light and sleek modern buildings, this is no fusty country library. A coffee machine, a packed schedule of exhibitions and events and helpful staff increase the welcoming vibe. 75 Steere Street. (08) 9761 2503.
140 COUNTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2019
rewarding array of fashion, jewellery, leathergoods and shoes, plus homewares and books. 135 Hampton Street. (08) 9761 2777; facebook.com/haggis135 SEW GENTLE ERA You don’t have to be able to sew to appreciate this cuteas-a-button shop with its rows of pretty fabrics. 91 Hampton Street. (08) 9761 1490; facebook.com/SewGentleEra
WAGS WALTERS EMPORIUM
At Ford House (see below), this eclectic homewares collection meets all needs. Eedle Terrace. (08) 9761 1816; fordhouse. com.au/wag-walters-emporium/
STAY
FORD HOUSE One of Bridgetown’s
historic properties on the banks of the Blackwood, with atmospheric gardens and nine accommodation options. Eedle Terrace. (08) 9761 1816; fordhouse.com.au OAK TREE BARN A romantic escape, especially in winter when the fires are roaring. 17 Doust Street. 0427 614 079; oaktreebarnbridgetown.com OAKHILL HOUSE A 1920s stone-built homestead sleeps eight, located just north of town. 23995 South Western Highway. 0499 700 447; oakhillhouse.com.au
CLOCKWISE, FROM BELOW Bridgetown’s streetscape; sip house-brewed cider by the fire at The Cidery; Sunnyhurst Winery is a must-visit; preserves at Wag Walters Emporium; Pip Mills’ restaurant is a local favourite; ornamental plum blossoms in the garden at Ford House; pottery from the Bridgetown Pottery-Restaurant. FACING PAGE WA barramundi at Emporium Bistro.
OPPORTUNITY CALLS The population of Bridgetown is about 2800 (the wider shire, including nearby town Greenbushes, is about 4700). Healthcare and education are the main employment industries, followed by local government administration, timber milling and cattle farming. The biggest employer in the area is the Greenbushes mine, the world’s largest lithium deposit.
Enterprise is supported in the region at the Community Resource Centres in both Bridgetown and Greenbushes (they hold regular courses and workshops), and by the Bridgetown Greenbushes Business and Tourism Association and the South West Development Commission. crc.net.au; swdc.wa.gov.au Another important institution for the town’s sizeable artistic community is the Blackwood Valley Arts Alliance. The region is connected to the NBN.
DECORAT ING HEATING
HEARTH AND HOME THE NEWEST FIREPLACES HAVE COME OF AGE, CREATING AN INVITING ATMOSPHERE AS WELL AS HEATING YOUR HOME CLEANLY AND EFFICIENTLY. WORDS GEORGIA MADDEN
WHEN IT’S COLD OUTSIDE, there’s nothing quite like sitting
in front of an open fire, preferably with a glass of wine or toasted marshmallows close by. “A fireplace instantly makes a home feel more inviting,” says interior designer Justin Bishop of Justin Bishop Interior Design. It can help pull a decorative scheme together too. “A fireplace not only adds character and visual strength to a space, it creates a natural focal point. Seating and occasional tables, for example, can be grouped around a fire to create a cosy setting for conversation and entertaining,” he says. Whatever your home’s style and location, you’ll find no shortage of options to choose from. Take your pick from classic wood fires — gas models that offer heat and atmosphere at the touch of a button, sculptural styles that hang from the ceiling, two- and three-sided models to heat large, open-plan rooms and sleek, linear fireplaces for tucking along a low wall. “Landscape styles are very much on trend, but we’re also seeing a move back to bolder, square fireplaces,” says Jeff Collins, national commercial sales manager (flame products) at Glen Dimplex Australia. And according to Simon Guyon, director at Oblica, traditional wood-burning stoves are making a welcome comeback. “Stoves in both tubular and square shapes are back in the spotlight. With many of the latest versions, you can customise the colour, finish and size to suit your room scheme, making them incredibly versatile.” Meanwhile, suspended pod styles have lost none of their appeal. “Despite being invented in the 1960s, they’re still the most original fireplaces around,” Simon says. “You’re not just buying a fireplace, but a sculpture too.” Having a contemporary fireplace inset into a wall of built-in joinery is another look that’s gaining momentum, according to Danielle Trippett of Danielle Trippett Interior Design. “Think joinery with simple lines, open shelving and often incorporating sections of stone and timber,” she says. “I’ve also noticed freestanding fireplaces coming through, which act like architectural features in a room.”
142 COUNTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2019
When it comes to fuel type, the main options are gas, wood and electricity. Gas fires offer instant heat and no messy clean-up, plus they’re easy to install and reliable to run. However, for many, nothing beats the crackle and glow of a wood-burning fire. “Wood fireplaces have evolved; the latest styles are more efficient and produce less emissions than their predecessors,” says Simon. They can also heat a larger space than gas and, if you have ready access to affordable wood, can be incredibly cheap to run. However, some areas have restrictions on wood-burning fires due to the Clean Air Regulation (smoke from wood heaters can contribute to air pollution), so it’s worth contacting your council before you buy. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, an electric fire might appeal. “The latest electric fireplaces are a lot more realistic than their predecessors and they don’t require a flue or chimney,” says Justin. Another option to consider is an eco-friendly wood pellet heater, which uses pellets made from waste wood, sawdust and plantation offcuts. “They come in different sizes to heat everything from a small room to an entire house, and they produce about five per cent of the smoke emissions of a typical log burner,” says Amos Bruce, sales manager at EnviroHeat Australia. Whichever fireplace you choose, you’ll want to be sure that it’s up to the job of heating the space it’s intended for. “Heating power is measured in kilowatts — too little power and it won’t heat the room, while too much power will make the space overly warm and waste energy,” says Simon. When choosing the right sized fireplace for your home, consider the size and volume of the room as well as the insulation. “In general, a four- to seven-kilowatt gas or wood fireplace is sufficient for a small living room; for a large, open-plan room, look for a unit between nine and 15 kilowatts,” he says. Now all you need is a mu of hot chocolate and a good book and you’re winter-ready.
The Invicta Alcor from Oblica has a glass window for a great view of the slow-combustion wood fire. For stockist details, see page 160.
“Wood fireplaces have evolved; the latest styles are more efficient and produce less emissions than their predecessors.�
DECORAT ING HEATING
SMART STYLING Looking to spruce up your existing fireplace surround? Interior designer Danielle Trippett shares her top tips.
PAINT THE BRICK SURROUND If you want the fireplace to blend into the room, paint it the same colour as the walls. To make it a feature, consider using a bold, contrasting colour such as on-trend black.
TILE THE SURROUND Ceramic tiles cope well with heat, or you might want to consider striking marble or slate tiles. PUT IN A NEW MANTEL Update the look of your existing fireplace by installing a mantelpiece from a salvage yard. ADD BUILT-IN SEATING A bench seat next to the fire creates a cosy spot for people to sit.
LEFT The Escea EK series wood fire doubles as an outdoor grill. BELOW, FROM LEFT Jetmaster’s wood-burning insert fits into existing fireplaces; the Uppsala wood heater from Euro Fireplaces; Oblica’s Skantherm Shaker slow-combustion wood fire; the Hase Lima wood stove, also from Oblica. For stockist details, see page 160.
KEEP THE HE AT A fireplace isn’t the only way to stay toasty. Insulated window coverings prevent heat escaping through the glass, keeping the home naturally warmer and reducing your heating costs in the process. “As much as 20 per cent of your home’s energy loss happens through windows, so finding the right window coverings can go a long way towards saving you money,” says Amelia Taylor, head of product and marketing at window-covering firm Wynstan. The brand’s insulating Whisper Cellular Blinds feature special honeycomb-shaped cells that create pockets of energy-saving insulation, which can reduce heating costs by up to 32 per cent. Amelia says other insulating window coverings to consider include curtains, shutters and exterior straight-drop awnings. 1300 667 679; wynstan.com.au
ABOVE EnviroHeat’s Palazzetti Nina wood pellet heater. LEFT Whisper Cellular shades from Wynstan fit closely to windows for effective insulation. FACING PAGE A fireplace by Justin Bishop Interior Design. For stockist details, see page 160.
JUNE 2019 COUNTRY ST Y LE 145
146 COUNTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2019
FASHION
Angelica Arnott out in the paddock at her property at Boorowa in southern NSW. FACING PAGE Julia Busuttil Nishimura with her son, three-year-old Haruki.
PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE, LISA COHEN STYLING LEE BLAYLOCK
COOKBOOK AUTHOR JULIA BUSUTTIL NISHIMURA’S WARDROBE IS INSPIRED BY FRIENDS, WHILE ANGELICA ARNOTT LOVES TO GO SHOPPING WITH HER DAUGHTERS.
FASHION Angelica and husband Charlie at their rural NSW property with their two youngest children, Lilla and Lordie. FACING PAGE Clever accessorising gives a glamorous edge to Angelica’s simple but stylish country look.
ANGELICA ARNOTT Formerly with pop band Chantoozies, Angelica lives between coastal Byron Bay and Boorowa in southern NSW with her two youngest children, Lilla and Lordie, and husband, Charlie Arnott. How would you describe your style? It was a challenge settling into life as a farmer’s wife; it took a while before I was able to hang up my stilettos! Right now my style is dictated by my 18-month-old son Lordie. Generally, I want to feel feminine and sexy, so I love a silk shirt and full skirt, but play it down with white trainers. Do you enjoy fashion? It’s a love-hate relationship. It takes time and precision planning to coordinate a wardrobe so on the days I go shopping I take my older daughters [Venus, 23, and Persia, 19] or a girlfriend to keep me focused. Who influences your style? Ethical designers… I like to know the philosophy of the labels I buy and that it will have a positive impact on the planet. Does your style change depending on your location? In Byron my essentials are Estilio Emporio dresses and loose-fitting frocks. At the farm it’s Ariat boots, an Akubra hat, denim jeans and a silk shirt. Where do you shop for clothing and accessories? I try to keep it local, ethical and elegant. I like Byron’s Yöli & Otis, St. Agni, Rowie, as well as Island Luxe and Bisque Traders [both at nearby Bangalow]. Do you have any favourite accessories? An antique crucifix necklace Charlie gave me after the birth of our first baby. I never take it off. What are you listening to or reading? At breakfast it’s The Muppets on Spotify. While driving I am totally obsessed with Oprah and Eckhart Tolle’s SuperSoul Conversations on podcast. Where do you shop for homewares? It’s such joy to find local artisans, potters, painters and designers in Byron. I love Nikau for ceramics, Marr+Kett for gifts and Newrybar Merchants for homewares. What sort of food do you love to cook? We grow our own organic vegetables on the farm and I use our meat to make slow roasts and bone broth. I think I’m famous for both! How would you celebrate a special birthday? A lot of my most treasured people are scattered around the globe, so nothing would give me more joy than having every one of them seated at a ginormous table in a paddock feasting on all that the farm provides. Fresh organic food cooked in an open fire pit… with endless fountains of Champagne. Then glamp out under the stars, snakes and all. Heaven!
PHOTOGRAPHY ABBIE MELLE PRODUCT SOURCING LISA BURDEN
B I O D Y N A M I C FAR M E R A N D M O T H E R , 5 8
1
2
3
4
5
in the mix
6
A SILK SHIRT AND AN AKUBRA ARE ANGELICA’S FASHION STAPLES. 1 Calloway hat, $119, from Will & Bear. 2 Seline scarf, $29.95, from Morgan & Taylor. 3 Gabrielle bag, $177, from Bisque Traders. 4 Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating masque, $80 for 125ml, from Aveda. 5 Diego sneakers, $229.95, from Ziera. 6 Classic shirt, $169, from Kowtow. 7 Lovely boots, $275, from Ariat. 8 Enamel Kaico cooking pot, $185, from Imprint House. 9 Deluxe Cable blanket in Mongolian cashmere, $899, from Mia Fratino. 10 Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations podcast. 11 Slip scrunchies in gold, $45 for 3, from Slip. For stockist details, see page 160.
11 10
8 7
9
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JULIA BUSUTTIL NISHIMURA COOK AND AUTHOR, 30
Julia’s work is all about celebrating seasonal produce. BELOW Her son, Haruki, goes exploring. FACING PAGE Julia says she doesn’t follow fashion trends — her influences are friends and people she sees on the street.
How would you describe your style? I’m often cooking so my style is quite relaxed and comfortable. I usually wear a linen or pinafore-type dress with flats, or in the evening it will be floaty dresses with balloon sleeves. Who influences your style? My biggest style influences are my friends and just people I see on the street. I love seeing how people create different outfits that I would never dream of wearing. What are your wardrobe essentials? A linen dress, white leather Spring Court shoes and big statement earrings. My go-tos are Lee Mathews, Jac + Jack and My General Store — they suit my style and shape. What are your favourite accessories? I have a few pairs of gold crochet earrings from Lucy Folk, which I love and alternate depending on the occasion. Do you have any hair and beauty essentials? For hair I use Davines, an Italian brand that sources a lot of its ingredients from farms around Italy. Skincare-wise, I recently splurged on La Mer and love it. I also use Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel — it works wonders! I am obsessed with the perfume oil by Maison Louis Marie No.04, too. It smells amazing and I receive so many compliments on it. What do you never leave home without? A pen and a notebook. I’m always jotting down ideas or writing lists. As it gets colder, I always have a neutral cashmere shawl in my bag, just in case. What are you reading and watching? I’m currently reading a beautiful book called How to Cook Your Life (Shambhala, $29.99) and watching a very funny and addictive Japanese reality show on Netflix called Terrace House. Where do you shop for tableware? In Melbourne, I love Mr Kitly — it has a beautiful range of local and Japanese tableware. I recently discovered The Drill Hall Emporium in New Norfolk, Tasmania, and I am planning another trip just to go back there. What would you cook for a celebration? For our last celebration I made porchetta, seasoned with fennel, rosemary, chilli and garlic. I love a good pavlova, so that’s often on high rotation. Otherwise, something like ricotta cheesecake or rich chocolate cake. Homely but delicious! Visit julia-ostro.com or follow @juliaostro on Instagram.
PHOTOGRAPHY LISA COHEN STYLING LEE BLAYLOCK PRODUCT SOURCING NATALIE JOHNSON
After the success of her first cookbook, Ostro, Julia is currently working on her second book and lives in Melbourne with her chef husband, Nori, 32, and three-year-old son, Haruki.
FA FASHION
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style ingredients A BUSY MOTHER AND COOK, JULIA LOVES DRESSES AND LUCY FOLK EARRINGS.
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1 Memphis Milano earrings, $355, from Lucy Folk. 2 Bois de Balincourt eau de parfum, $149, from Footage. 3 Garment-dyed linen dress, $270, from Toast. 4 Aleah basket bag, $60 for medium, from Barefoot Gypsy. 5 Love Curl shampoo and conditioner, $37.95 for 250ml, from Salon Style. 6 G2S Classic Nappa leather sneakers, $235, from SpringCourt. 7 Hasami mug, $40, from Mr Kitly. 8 Crème de la Mer moisturising cream, $445, from Mecca. 9 Eb & Ive ‘Calais’ scarf, $39.95, from Birdsnest. 10 How to Cook Your Life book by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, $29.99, from Dymocks. 11 Kartotek Dot A5 journal, $49.95, from Milligram. For stockist details, see page 160.
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JUNE 2019 COUNTRY ST Y LE 151
BEAUTY
LIP SE RVICE A COAT OF LIP COLOUR IS AN EASY WAY TO GIVE YOUR LOOK, AND MOOD, A LIFT. JULIETTE WINTER CURATES THE SEASON’S BEST HUES. THERE’S SOMETHING A LITTLE MAGICAL about lip colour.
Long before screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn fashioned a painted pout as the go-to for instant glamour, it was considered almost as precious as currency in Elizabethan England. Queen Elizabeth I herself is said to have believed that rouge lipstick had lifesaving powers and was rumoured to have been wearing nearly a half-inch of her signature scarlet when she died (ironically, most lipsticks were high in toxic lead back then). When the mercury dips each winter, fashion (more often than not) dictates that we should reach for colour as a mood-lifting beauty accessory. “Stained berry, red and dusky rose lips are going to be huge,” says Alphie Sadsad, national artistry lead at Sephora. “It gives a cool, undone finish without looking like you’re trying too hard.” Bang on trend is the classic red shade, Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick in Goddess ($43), the berry-toned Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipstick in Oriental Bay Plum ($29), and Mecca Max Lip Whip in Caramel ($25), a richly pigmented pinky-brown balm-like formula that glides on with its cushioned pompom-style applicator. If you’re in a rush to apply colour, Alphie advises using a matte formula to achieve a stain-like finish. “Use your index finger to press the pigment directly into the lip. Repeat if you want to achieve a deeper hue.” The satin Estée Lauder Pure Color Desire Lipstick in Rouge Excess ($60) makes this technique almost effortless thanks to the 25 per cent pigment in the formula. If you always apply straight from the bullet, stick to pretty pink and nudes such as Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Rose Aurora ($48), which has a light metallic sheen. However, if you prefer opaque colour, then precision is required. “If you have uneven lips, try a lip brush,” says multi award-winning Sydney makeup artist, Sarah Laidlaw. “A quarter of a millimetre will make all the difference to the shape. Stand back from the mirror to check the balance of your lip shape when your lips are relaxed because that’s how other people will see you.” For those keen to try something new, this season’s ‘it’ look for lips is a soft-focus edge, a technique that creates an effortless French-style aesthetic and is, happily, dead easy to do. “Apply your lipstick about 3mm in from your lip line,
then use a very small fluffy brush to smoosh the colour up to the lip line,” says Sarah. “This will leave you with a soft blurred effect on the edge.” Matte lips have had their moment in the spotlight, but gloss is slowly making a comeback with finishes that have a hint of shine, such as Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in Big Apple ($40) with its on-trend glossy sheen. “Powdery velvet finishes will take second place to glossy textures this season,” says Alphie. “Think of it as the matte lip 2.0, a more effortless application that won’t dry you out as much.” We love the brown-berry shade of Givenchy Le Rouge Mat Lip Color in Pourpre Défilé ($59), in a velvet matte formula that feels soft and light but has an opaque finish. If you’re prone to dryness then you’ll need to smooth lips before you apply any kind of colour. “Try a little lip ritual — combine sugar with olive or avocado oil and gently rub on the lips,” says Cindy Luken, founder of Sydney-based Luk Beautifood. Wash it off, pat dry and follow with a nourishing lip balm, such as Pure Papaya Care Papaya Lips ($5.95), or Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lip Repair Elixir ($45), which can be used as an overnight lip mask. Both matte and gloss lippies have a place in your purse because your choice might depend entirely on the outfit or occasion. “You don’t want a high gloss lip if you’re outdoors with lots of breeze as your hair may leave strings of colour across your face,” says Sarah. “And you don’t want a matte lip if it’s cold and dry, as your lips will end up looking like the Sahara!” Even more hotly debated than texture are the ingredients that go into making lipstick (particularly since FDA tests found that 400 lipsticks contained traces of lead). According to Cindy, some of the key ingredients traditionally used in lipsticks include synthetic oils and waxes derived from coal, shale or petroleum, synthetic colours and flavours, phthalates, and chemical fixatives and preservatives. Natural lipsticks are made with nourishing oils and mineral pigments. We love Luk Lip Nourish Sheer Lipstick in Tea Rose ($29.95), a flattering rose with a brown base, and Dr Hauschka Lipstick in Paeony ($49), a stained berry shade. Whatever formula, colour or texture you choose, there is one notable piece of advice from the makeup pros that always applies: wear your colour with confidence. “I say embrace what makes you feel great!” says Sarah.
“Powdery velvet finishes will take second place to gloss textures this season.”
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1 Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Rose Aurora, $48. 2 Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipstick in Oriental Bay Plum, $29. 3 Luk Lip Nourish Sheer Lipstick in Tea Rose, $29.95. 4 Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in Big Apple, $40. 5 Givenchy Le Rouge Mat Lip Color in Pourpre Défilé, $59. 6 Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick in Goddess, $43. 7 Mecca Max Lip Whip in Caramel, $25. 8 Estée Lauder Pure Color Desire Lipstick in Rouge Excess, $60. 9 Dr Hauschka Lipstick in Paeony, $49. For stockist details, see page 160.
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PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING LISA BURDEN WRAPPING PAPER AND RIBBONS, VANDOROS FINE PACKAGING. SIMILAR SCARF, EVERYDAY CASHMERE. FOR STOCKIST DETAILS, SEE PAGE 160.
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BOOKS
BOOK CLUB CURL UP NEXT TO THE FIRE WITH THIS MONTH’S READS — A CRIME THRILLER, A CHILLING REPORT ON TEEN SCREEN ADDICTION AND THREE HISTORICAL FICTION SAGAS. REVIEWS ANNABEL LAWSON
THE REDEEMED
THE CLEARING
Tim Pears, Bloomsbury, $32.99
Jeannie Morgan, Australian Self Publishing Group, $30.42
It’s fair to say that if the opening chapter of a novel is a minutely detailed account of one young sailor’s part in a military battle in 1916, then the readers are going to be mostly males. That’s why I recommend female readers begin at Part Two. There’s a list of who’s who at the front of the book, so it’s easy to identify the various characters. Part Two carries the story forward and explores the blossoming of 16-year-old Lottie, who persuades the local vet, Patrick Jago, to take her on as his assistant. In 1916 in the UK this was highly unusual. Lottie has to disguise herself as a boy in order to be accepted by the local farmers as the veterinarian’s young partner. Pears inserts us into a landscape where the skills of farrier, ploughman, ostler, landowner and the vet reveal a way of life that will never return. If you’ve ever wondered why the lowly put up with a system that assumed the rich deserved to be the bosses, Pears’s vivid re-creation of a complex past partly explains it. Owning 100 acres is well and good, but five men putting an injured horse on the road to recovery commands respect at all levels. There’s even an alchemist. Few people still believed in the black arts, but old Edgar just won’t retire. Moreover, his potions and unguents do the job. Once you’ve engaged with the story you can go back to Part One, which describes the Battle of Jutland. You witness the rigours and team work, and eventual tragedy, which transform young Leo into a returned warrior, still hesitant around the gentry but sure of his own worth. No-one writes like Pears and, even though I struggle with the technicalities of naval life, I didn’t want to miss a word of this wonderful West Country saga.
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When I read that Morgan was a retired history teacher, my heart sank. At school, my teachers espoused the ‘Napoleon was irrelevant’ ethos. It wasn’t wars or leaders or indeed humans of any kind that drove events, it was the price of begonia seeds in Shandong province. That was then. Beginning in 1845, Morgan’s novel — which is set mainly in NSW and Scotland — positively throbs with human conflict and ingenuity. Pleasant Emily, her husband Nicholas and brother Andrew travel from their bush property to the UK. They endure with good grace the snobbery of kindly aristocratic relatives who try to bring the trio up to snuff. Andrew heads up north to the Scottish Highlands where an imposter is unmasked and Andrew inherits an earldom. Crofters are being driven from their land. They’re half starved, and their herds scraggy and ailing. Andrew does what he can to check the Highland Clearances. Domestically, he encounters vile exploitation and murderous intent. Back in NSW, problems of a different kind impede the course of justice, but Andrew’s personal destiny is full of promise. You won’t find Morgan’s sparkling novels in bookshops, but Booktopia has them.
THE AGE OF DISCRETION
post-menopausal women to still be sexually attractive (he’s cooling off). Vivien signs on at an expensive dating agency. Her dates provide the rollicking humour of the next 200 pages. Will Geoff lighten up or must Viv keep looking? I liked the ending.
TEEN BRAIN David Gillespie, Macmillan, $32.99 By now there can’t be a parent in Australia still unaware that screens are more of a menace than a boon. If you’re brave enough to read this book, Gillespie will show you scientific evidence. Beyond the time spent on video games and smartphones (which steals away from time that should be spent in proactive study or learning about 3D human interaction) lies proof that these devices, particularly in the hands of teens, enable addiction that can lead to anxiety and depression. Reading Gillespie’s lists of rules for managing a teenager’s use of screens raised a wry smile. My nephew has played more than 88,000 games of MechWarrior and I doubt if anyone could have stopped him. However, there is a silver lining: he’s now a global legend. Gillespie provides facts and figures about how the brain works and mysterious new mind blights like loss of both concentration and what psychologists call affectivity (giving a stuff). The trend is clearly towards more parental control.
Virginia Duigan, Ventura Press, $32.99
CITY OF JASMINE
This is one of those naughty, socially disruptive novels that persuade women they can get away with behaviour they will later regret. Vivien has been married for 32 years. Her husband Geoff, truthful but with the sensitivity of a two-toed sloth, warns her that Mother Nature did not intend
Nearly 20 years ago I saw an in-depth interview with Bashar al-Assad. Until his elder brother was killed in a car crash, al-Assad, a medical student at a London hospital, hadn’t expected to become Syria’s ruler. At the time of the interview, his father had just died and
Olga Grjasnowa, One World, $29.99
PHOTOGRAPHY NIC GOSSAGE STYLING LISA BURDEN
the Syrian PM had recently committed suicide. Al-Assad was waiting for the result of a referendum on the succession. (He won hands down.) He came across as shy, well educated and with a sense of humour. We all know what followed. Grjasnowa’s brilliant novel opens in 2011. Three young adults in Damascus are about to be targeted by the regime. Amal, a would-be actress, is privileged and has connections. Youssef, a film director, has no-one to protect him. Hammoudi returns to renew his passport so that he can take up a post as a reconstructive surgeon in Paris and a life with Claire, his beloved. The Syrian authorities ground him. As the atrocities escalate, Hammoudi spends his days and nights in hiding, patching up wounded rebels. The three unfortunates must escape. They trawl through hostile Lebanon, disgruntled Turkey, hate-fuelled Serbia, crowded Greece and chaotic Italy before finally reaching Berlin. And suddenly there are options. Or seemingly. It’s a wonderful story. PS For background on the relationships between the aforementioned nations, I recommend William Dalrymple’s From the Holy Mountain; he walked through all but one of them in 1994.
WHEN IT ALL WENT TO CUSTARD Danielle Hawkins, HarperCollins, $29.99 I’m thinking of introducing an annual prize for the Best Fictitious Child. Hawkins would almost certainly win with Lily or Nathan, a seven-year-old and a four-year-old, whose father Dave has been sleeping with a lot of women, as well as their mother Jenny. She shames him into leaving home and that complicates her life. Now, in addition to her day job, she must run the family’s sheep farm in New Zealand with the help of her father and just one old fella who is Hawkins’s comic masterpiece. Don’t you dare feel sorry for Dave, whose occasional charm overlays his basic nature. He is a louse.
THE CHEMICAL DETECTIVE Fiona Erskine, Point Blank, $32.99 The author and her main character, Dr Jaq Silver, are both professional engineers working in traditionally male-dominated areas. Jaq’s latest job is avalanche control. One day the feisty grandmother carries out an extra-thorough check on an explosives consignment. Beneath the Semtex, she finds a more sinister consignment.
The deadly substance is on its way to the most unstable corners of the world. The baddies try to deactivate her by putting her in the frame for murder and when that doesn’t work they dispatch hit squads. Racing through the action-packed pages, we hope the blond lad she’s seduced isn’t a plant. Eastern Europe, Portugal, the north of England and Scotland yield up many villains involved in the worldwide scam and rather too few incorruptibles. Terrifying.
THE SPANISH PROMISE Karen Swan, Macmillan, $29.99 Taking you away from the mundane, Swan’s Charlotte has the dinkiest job. She’s a wealth counsellor. When people who are not already rich come into money, they need an expert, not only to help them invest, but to create a new unfamiliar lifestyle and manage their old friends’ barely concealed envy. Charlotte is summoned to Spain to check out the surprise bequest from a very rich Spanish patriarch to a waitress who has never met him. She’s not an illegitimate daughter so who is she? In the course of the inquiry, Charlotte discovers her own personal life is a charade. Plenty of atmosphere. Sloan Tri marble console in Matt White and Natural Ash, $2000, GlobeWest. Gift wrap, Vandoros Fine Packaging. Bump cup in Light Grey, $45, James Lemon. Flowers, Grandiflora. For stockist details, see page 160.
GARDEN PLANTING GUIDE
planting guide
Embrace cooler temperatures with these hardy rose, vegetable and fruit varieties.
name
habit
A L P I N E S T R AW B E R R Y ( Fr a ga r i a v e s c a ) These small but highly productive strawberries have no runners and can be grown from seed in the ground or a pot to harvest from spring to autumn. You’re not likely to find this fruit at the supermarket.
growing needs planting zone
40cm Fruiting ground cover.
Moist, well-drained soil.
CMT
Plant near your beehive.
C M T S Tr
CALENDUL A (Calendula officinalis)
CHINESE CABBAGE , WOMBOK ( B r a s s i c a r a p a s u b s p. p e k i n e n s i s )
Looking for a quick and easy winter crop? Sow Chinese cabbage seeds now to harvest in around seven to 12 weeks’ time. Chinese cabbage is easier and faster to grow than traditional cabbage.
20–30cm Flowering annual, easy from seed.
30–40cm Vegetable.
ENGLISH ROSE ( R o s a ‘ O l i v i a Ro s e A u s t i n ’ ) Veteran rose breeder David Austin died last year but not before naming what’s been singled out as the company’s best rose ever. Olivia Rose Austin is David’s granddaughter and her rose has large, pink, quartered and fragrant flowers.
FLORIST’S CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum morifolium) Enjoy potted Mother’s Day chrysanthemums indoors for several weeks in a brightly lit spot. Water when soil feels dry. Once flowers finish, cut the stems back and plant it outdoors. New growth appears in spring. Stake branches as they grow.
Well-drained soil; keep well watered.
C M T S Tr
Prune after flowering.
CMTS
1.2m Deciduous shrub.
30cm–1m Herbaceous perennial.
Well-drained soil; feed in spring.
CMTS
LEUCADENDRON ( Le u c a d e n d r o n H y b r i d ) Enjoy long-lasting flowers in winter and spring or look for the coloured leaf varieties for year-round interest. ‘Pot of Gold’ has lemon flowers and yellow and green leaves, while ‘Misty Sunrise’ has bluegrey leaves that turn red from late summer to spring.
1.5–2.5m Evergreen shrub.
QUINCE ( C y d o n i a o b l o n ga ) There’s nothing quite as bountiful as an old quince tree. Its beautiful white apple blossom-like spring flowers form large yellow fruits by autumn. Don’t bite into one as they must be cooked before eating. Simmer slowly so the flesh turns pink.
WEEPING BIRCH (Betula pendula) The slender birch is an iconic tree for cool-climate gardens with its distinctive silver trunk and small leaves that turn butter yellow in autumn. Does best in a cold winter and mild summer climate.
KEY
2–4m Deciduous fruit tree.
10m–30m Deciduous tree.
Semi-shade Sun C = Cool climate M = Mediterranean
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Good drainage; can grow in containers.
Shade T = Temperate
Drought tolerant when established.
Plant in clumps for a feature.
S = Subtropical
Tr = Tropical
CMTS
CMT
CMT
WORDS JENNIFER STACKHOUSE BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPHY SAM McADAM-COOPER STYLING PHOEBE McEVOY
Calendulas flower throughout the year but particularly so in winter and early spring, providing nectar for bees and beneficial insects when it’s in short supply. The flowers are yellow, sunny orange, apricot or brown toned and the petals are edible.
IN THE GAR DEN
MAGICAL MOSS
A forest floor blanketed in moss is a serene scene indeed. The luscious Moss by Swedish writer and artist Ulrica Nordstrom (Penguin, $29.99) is a tribute to the unassuming beauty of a miniature wonder of the plant world. Having grown up surrounded by the verdant forests of northern Sweden, its presence had worked its way into her consciousness… “to my mind it was something that humans and animals could turn to in comfort if they got lost in the forest,” she says. While in gardening, moss can often be seen as something to be eradicated, here it’s celebrated for its ability to flourish in environments ranging from deserts to Antarctica where many other plants struggle to survive. Ulrica explores the history of moss, both as a garden plant and its uses in traditional handicrafts, and also takes you through some of the finest moss gardens in the world.
in the garden
LAUREN CAMILLERI OF LEAF SUPPLY ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE GARDEN WORLD.
FIRE PIT
Enjoy extended outdoor gatherings in warmth and comfort. Perfect for congregating around as the weather cools down, the striking, cauldron-like design of this cast iron Bowl Fire Pit, from $395, at firepitsdirect. com.au makes an impressive feature in any outdoor space.
Follow Lauren on Instagram @leaf_supply
PHOTOGRAPHY LUISA BRIMBLE, SABINE BANNARD, HENRIK BONNEVIER
THE BEE’S KNEES
Most of us recognise the importance of keeping the world’s bee population healthy, so the idea of creating a business producing bee-nurturing seeds seems not only smart but vital. Toowoombabased couple Hayley and Roger Mason came up with the idea of Settler Hives while beekeeping on a blueberry farm in Canada and came home to launch their collection of seeds which includes Garden greens: Beetroot, $5.90 (pictured). Follow their journey @settlerhives; settlerhives.com.
PLANT FOOD Having created incredible Natural Fertilisers for outdoor gardens for over 10 years, Munash Organics has turned its attention to the indoor plant world. Utilising a gentle blend of natural elements, and minerals from the sea, the combination of the foliage spray and soil food will give your indoor plants the perfect nutrients to keep them healthy, strong and happy. Indoor Plant Soil Food And Foliage Spray Pack, $27, capradesigns.com.
GATHER THOSE LOGS Gathering logs to keep the winter fires burning strong can be carried out in style (and mess free) with this simple and sturdy canvas and leather log carrier, $129. The result of a collaboration with online retailer Homecamp and Melbourne designers All The King’s Men. Available in green and tan (pictured above) and in grey and black from homecamp.com.au.
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JOHN McPHEE EVALUATES READERS’ PRECIOUS OBJECTS AND CURIOS. I BOUGHT THIS papier-mâché drinks tray at an op shop in Trentham, Victoria. I don’t know much about it, but was told it was a promotional item for an alcohol brand. I think JP was a whisky brand from the 1930s or ’40s. I’m sure it’s not worth much but would love to know the story behind the penguin or the promotion. Tahlia Anderson, Erskineville, NSW Whisky or smoking? I cannot find a whisky distillery that used a penguin for advertising. However, from the 1930s to the 1950s Kool cigarettes used a penguin and I suspect this guy might have begun life as a promotional gimmick for them. But the bad news is that reproduction trays, reputedly made in Thailand, are available, some featuring different companies or products. I can find no truly vintage examples. The popularity of vintage advertising material as home decoration has meant that the copyists have been busy in recent years. I fear your tray is a fake.
THIS SÈVRES VASE has been in my family for about 100 years. I believe it to be bisque porcelain which has been overlaid with filigree silver. A hairline crack is apparent throughout the piece. I know nothing of its provenance and seek your opinion. Margaret Lyons, Berwick, Victoria In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many European potteries copied works from the famous Sèvres porcelain pottery. That your Sèvres-inspired decorative jug is also marked ‘Sèvres’ suggests it was made at a pottery in the area, but it is not from the famous manufacturer. Your jug was probably made in about 1900 when displays of skill were greatly valued. The painted decoration, featuring a couple, putti and musical instruments, suggests that the jug may have been a wedding gift. Sadly the crack impacts the value. John McPhee is an art historian who has worked in art museums for 30 years and was curator of Australian Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Australia. If you have a precious (or simply mysterious) object that puzzles you, send your inquiry, along with a colour print or high-resolution digital image, your suburb or town, and your daytime telephone number, to austcountrystyle@bauer-media.com.au. The photographs must be clear and show the whole object against a white background. Photographs will not be returned, even if they are not published.
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stockists WHERE TO BUY PRODUCTS FROM THIS ISSUE. Antipodes antipodesnature.com Ariat (07) 3711 8000 ariat.com.au Aura Home 1300 304 269 aurahome.com.au Aveda 1800 292 069 aveda.com.au Barefoot Gypsy (03) 5976 7682 barefootgypsy. com.au Behruz Studio (03) 9824 8156 behruzstudio.com Bemboka (02) 9360 1224 bemboka.com Benchmarc (02) 6241 0660 benchmarc.com.au Birdsnest 1300 696 378 birdsnest. com.au Bisque Traders bisquetraders.com.au Bobbi Brown bobbibrown.com.au Bowning Upholstery 0414 329 950 Collector Store collectorstore.com.au Country Road 1800 801 911 countryroad.com.au Cultiver cultiver.com.au Danielle Trippett Interior Design (03) 9686 3177 danielletrippett.com Designer Rugs (02) 9550 9933 designerrugs.com.au DH Gate dhgate.com Domayne domayne.com.au Dr Hauschka (02) 8765 1100 drdauschka.com.au Dymocks 1300 396 625 dymocks.com. au Edison Light Globes (03) 9396 1421 edisonlightglobes.com Elizabeth Arden elizabetharden.com.au EnviroHeat Australia 1300 826 886 enviroheat.net.au Escea 1800 460 832 escea.com/ au Estée Lauder esteelauder.com.au Euro Fireplaces 1300 733 705 eurofireplaces.com.au Everyday Cashmere (02) 9958 5725 everydaycashmere.com Few & Far fewandfar.com.au Fleurs de Lyonville fleursdelyonville.com.au Flowers From The Garden (02) 6247 4457 flowersfromthegarden.com.au Footage (02) 9332 1337 footage.com.au Found at Hepburn foundathepburn.com.au French Knot (02) 9146 4720 frenchknot.com.au Glen Dimplex Australia 1300 556 816 glendimplex.com.au GlobeWest (03) 9518 1600 globewest.com.au Grandiflora (02) 9357 7902 grandiflora. net House of Orange houseoforange.com.au Imprint House (02) 6687 2233 imprinthouse.net In Bed (02) 9358 4245 inbedstore. com Inside Story Studio insidestorystudio.com.au James Lemon james-lemon.com Jardan (03) 8581 4999 jardan.com.au Jetmaster 1300 538 627 jetmaster.com.au Justin Bishop Interior Design justinbishop.com.au Koskela koskela.com.au Kowtow au.kowtowclothing.com L&M Home lmhome.com.au Lucy Folk (03) 8563 8803 lucyfolk.com Luk 1300 669 442 lukbeautifood. com Mecca 1800 007 844 mecca.com.au Merchant Campbell (02) 6226 1240 merchantcampbell.com.au Mia Fratino 1300 003 642 miafratino.com Morgan & Taylor (03) 9372 1799 morganandtaylor.com.au MRD Home (03) 9331 7533 mrdhome. com.au Mr Kitly (03) 9078 7357 mrkitly.com.au Oblica (03) 9416 0400 oblica.com.au Oprah supersoul.tv Papaya (02) 8571 7777 Pottery Barn potterybarn.com.au Provincial Home Living (03) 9089 1351 provincialhomeliving.com.au Pure Papaya Care purepapayacare.com Robert Gordon robertgordonaustralia.com Salon Style salonstyle.com.au Salt&Pepper saltandpepper. com.au Samantha Robinson (02) 9557 0667 samantharobinson. com.au Sara Cusack Cox 0425 214 702 saracusackcoxart.com Sephora sephora.com.au Slip slip.com.au SpringCourt (02) 9096 4660 springcourt.com.au The Lost and Found Department (02) 9879 7254 thelostandfounddepartment.com.au Thonet (02) 9332 1600 thonet.com.au Those We fancy, thosewefancy.com Toast toas.st/au Urban Lighting (02) 9419 4007 urbanlighting. com.au Urban Road urbanroad.com.au Vandoros Fine Packaging (02) 9966 8868 vandoros.com.au Warwick 1300 787 888 warwick.com.au Will + Bear willandbear.com Wynstan 1300 667 679 wynstan.com.au Yass Tiles & Bathware (02) 6157 2733 yass-tiles-bathware.business.site
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
BROWSE OUR ADVERTISERS’ PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
PERFECT MATCH
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www.bedtonic.com JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 163
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zephyrloungewear.com 1800 804 776 Zephyrloungewear
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CHAMPIONING CASHMERE & AUSTRALIAN MERINO
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JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 165
COUNTRY EMPORIUM
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Exclusive Fabrics and Trims by the metre • Cushions • Lamp Bases • Lamp Shades • Custom Made Soft Furnishings • Blinds • Curtains
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COUNTRY EMPORIUM
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HOME AND GARDEN EMPORIUM
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JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 169
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
Prestige Property | New South Wales
Gracious Country Charm - in the Hinterland
• Organic orchard • Spring fed dam • Solar power • 3 paddocks and stable • 5 mins to Eumundi 5
3
1
2
Price: $ 1,395,000
86 GRASSTREE ROAD, EUMUNDI, QLD Gracious Queenslander with high ceilings, fireplace and large country kitchen with separate guesthouse and in ground pool. There is an organic orchard, designer chicken coop and raised vegetable beds. Live the country life!
Contact: Linda Shore-Perez 0427 378 687 linda@villarealestate.com.au
villarealestate.com.au
CHELSEA PARK A boutique bed & breakfast with a difference
SOUTHBOUND ESCAPES NAROOMA, NSW
Experience a luxury retreat staying in a three-bedroom apartment with stunning views over the Wagonga Inlet in the beautiful coastal town of Narooma, NSW. The perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy local produce including the oysters its famous for, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. 02 8667 5353 bookings@southboundescapes.com www.southboundescapes.com
Hollywood in the Highlands. Unique Bed and breakfast in an art deco mansion, three bedrooms all quite different. For groups consider Arcadia House, five bedroom self contained home. 02 4861 7046 • 589 Moss Vale Road, Burrudoo NSW 2576
www.chelseaparkbnb.com or www.arcadia-house.com
LUXURY RETREAT 0417 045 671
www.mthay.com.au
Unique, private and ultra exclusive. A remarkable boutique escape, only 2 hours from Sydney. Spectacular suites with panoramic views over Berry, plus wildlife, private gardens, extravagant bathrooms and a 33m heated indoor pool & spa.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8401
Beach Serai is a tranquil, spacious, beautifully appointed, fully self contained studio, with a private deck, leafy garden area, and private entrance. Located just 5 minutes walk from local beaches and 10 minutes from local shops and restaurants. 02 6582 2628 info@beachserai.com beachseraibnb.business.site
Bishop’s Court Estate 226 Seymour St Bathurst NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6332 4447
www.bishopscourtestate.com.au
SCONE, NSW
WATERLOO STATION
NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT, NSW
RUSSLEY RURAL RETREAT
Boutique self-contained accommodation situated in a refurbished historic building in the centre of Scone. Enjoy the best of the Hunter Valley wineries, or visit the world renowned horse studs, an easy stroll to the local restaurants and facilities.
Historic (c.1837) cattle station offering luxury accommodation in the heart of Northern NSW. A rare private retreat with well-appointed accommodation options. A memorable experience for friends and family.
Charming homestead set on 17 acres on the Hunter River. 5 private rooms of period design with a funky twist. Shared lounge with open fire. BBQ, swimming pool & river access. Separate Cottage fully self-contained sleeps 6. Wrap around verandas, open fire, BBQ.
02 6545 3848 info@innscone.com.au www.innscone.com.au
0439 791 923 enquiries@waterloo-station.com.au waterloocountryaccommodation www.waterloo-station.com.au
SCONE, NSW
New South Wales
INN SCONE
Enjoy ultimate luxury and relaxation, allow yourself to be pampered with delectable treats and stunning wines from our region and breathe in the aroma of utter peace. It’s the little things that count at bishop’s court estate.
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
BEACH SERAI
PORT MACQUARIE, NSW
0419 976 852 www.russleyruralretreat.com.au
THE FUTURE IS EXCITING FOR SCONE, INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND AND A RELAXED AND AFFORDABLE RURAL LIFESTYLE AWAITS.
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JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 171
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
New South Wales
HARBOURSIDE APARTMENTS
BAREFOOT SPRINGS B&B
APARTMENTS ON GREY
Sydney’s absolute waterfront accommodation offers fully serviced and equipped studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Conveniently situated at McMahons Point Ferry Wharf Harbourside is the perfect Sydney base for business or pleasure.
Relax and unwind in this luxurious and peaceful rural retreat with breathtaking panoramic views across the Shoalhaven coastline as far as Jervis Bay. Close to Kangaroo Valley, Berry and beaches, yet only a couple of hours drive from Canberra and Sydney.
02 9963 4300 stay@harboursideaparments.com.au harbourside apartments www.harboursideapartments.com.au
Apartments on Grey are two exceptional apartments best suited to independent travellers exploring the local region of the Northern Tablelands. Guests love the proximity to quality cafes and restaurants. Everything is provided to make your apartment a home away from home.
02 4446 0509 info@barefootsprings.com.au www.barefootsprings.com.au
0427 736 437 reception@apartmentsongrey.com.au www.apartmentsongrey.com.au
NORTH SYDNEY, NSW
BEAUMONT, NSW
GLEN INNES, NSW
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8401
KRXUV IURP 6\GQH\ KRXUV IURP &DQEHUUD
THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
Spicers Peak Lodge
Queensland
Positioned over 1100 metres above sea level, with the backdrop of the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park, Spicers Peak Lodge is the ultimate destination for an all-inclusive luxury getaway - elevating relaxation, luxury, privacy, gourmet cuisine and personal service to new heights. Indulge in an award-winning gourmet experience with all meals including nightly changing 5-course chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tasting menu, all-inclusive beverage selection including French Champagne, complimentary daily activities including guided walks, mountain biking, 4WD tours and stargazing, and Spa Anise Day Spa credit per person. Here, relaxation and revitalisation come naturally.
VISIT SPICERSPEAKLODGE.COM
Member of Luxury Lodges of Australia
JUNE 2019 COU COUNTRY NTRY ST Y LE 173
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
Queensland | South Australia
Create a Masterpiece
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY Try my no fail Jacqueline Coates Blooms Painting Method®, a system anyone can apply to get amazing results, even if you don’t have a creative bone in your body. I’ve taught thousands of students for 16 years with my ORIGINAL created from scratch teaching methods that unlock painting and colour, and how to handle your paint. Lean on 30 years of painting experience and a compassionate approach. Paint for pleasure or paint for profit. I help you get your confidence and creativity going!
BLOOMS WORKSHOP DATES 2019 Learn all about acrylic paint. Includes art materials and catering. Transform your creative abilities.
MELBOURNE – Glen Iris 4 Day Painting Workshop $2450 pp July 3rd – 9th including the evening of the 2nd – Paint two midsize canvas in acrylics. 2 Day Painting Workshop $1350 pp Evening of July 11, then July 12 and 13 – Paint two midsize canvas in acrylics.
BAROSSA VALLEY – SA 4 Day Painting Workshop $2350 pp Evening Nov 1 then Nov 2-5 inclusive daily
SYDNEY – Willoughby 4 Day Painting Workshop $2350 pp Evening July 14, then July 15-18, 2019 daily inclusive – Paint two midsize canvases in acrylics.
Perth – Midland Junction Art Centre 4 Day Blooms Workshop $2350 pp Evening Feb 28, 2020 from 5.30-9pm Then daily from Feb 29 to March 3 – Paint 2 large canvases in acrylics.
BRISBANE – Metro Arts 4 Day Blooms Painting Workshop $2350 pp Evening of August 2. Then Aug 3-6 inclusive
HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND 4 Day Painting Workshop $2450pp Evening of Nov 25, then 26-29th inclusive daily.
PAINT BLOOMS USA – Downtown Arts District, LA Visit www.paintbloomsusa.com for details of the workshop October 23-27, 2019
FRANCE - DELUXE ART IMMERSION Visit artscreativehub.com/art-workshops-events/france/ blooms-painting-workshop-france/ for more info and bookings September 11- 20, 2019
999999999999999999999999999999 VOTED South Australia’s MOST INNOVATIVE ARTIST 2017 APAC Awards Most Outstanding Artist South Australia APAC AWARDS 2017 Most Outstanding Artist South Australia GLOBAL TOP 100 AWARDS 2017 Best in E-Learning Artisty by Global Insight Business Awards Sept 2018 Most Innovative Artist 2018- South Australia
JOIN ME FOR BLOOMS FRANCE Open yourself to beauty and art at the 8 day painting immersion at French Art School with Jacqueline Coates and create a series of stunning Blooms paintings, including roses and peonies, hydrangeas and more, even if you have never painted before. Learn the Blooms Painting Method in a stunning setting. Google Arts Creative Hub Blooms France for full booking details or email Jacqueline Coates jacquelinecoates1@gmail.com
999999999999999999999999999999
artscreativehub.com/workshops • Phone 0412 587 438 or 0429 100 929
TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8401
CAMBRIDGE, TAS
French provincial styled cottages on private country Estate, set amongst award winning vineyard and olive grove. 1 queen and 2 singles. Panoramic water views, rolling countryside, rambling walks & private beach. Families welcome! Country Mile Escape is a rural getaway showcasing some of the best scenery, wineries and national parks the Gold Coast Hinterland has to offer, come and enjoy our private and spacious boutique self-contained studios on our 70 acre retreat.
0419 090 246
~ www.countrymileescape.com.au
03 6248 5666 | 0448 701 447 wendy@riversdaleestate.com.au 222 Denholms Rd, Cambridge www.riversdaleestate.com.au
COAST HOUSE TASMANIA
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been astounded by the beauty and tranquillity, superb accommodation and sublime location at Coast Houseâ&#x20AC;?
www.coasthousetasmania.com | stay@coasthousetasmania.com | Tel: 0409 446 290
Queensland | Tasmania
Treat yourself to a totally private, tranquil waterfront retreat yet just a few minutes to the village of Cygnet. Far away from city distractions. Visit local restaurants, galleries, wineries, cheese farms, blueberries and saffron or just stay and relax.
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
RIVERSDALE ESTATE
experience autumn with a Tasmanian gourmet foodie indulgence
Experience Autumn in Tasmania. Join us for one of our cooking classes or experience our rustic dining showcasing local produce and wines. Why not take a package to include accommodation, restaurant and free entry into our beautiful National Trust Properties nearby. Luxury guest house and unique cooking school just minutes from Launceston. www.redfeatherinn.com.au
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Tasmania | Victoria | Escape & Explore
“It was snowing as we arrived but we left in bright sun. We so loved our cosy days in this blissful place”
@frenchmansrivercygnet
The crunch of frost beneath your feet, the stars a night and a fire to come home to. We love winter.
www.frenchmansriver.com.au • Kate/Posie 0466 790 142 • book@frenchmansriver.com.au
A unique truffle experience
PETER RABBIT™ GARDEN CAMBRIDGE, TAS
Take an enchanting stroll through Peter Rabbit’s™ garden, the only one in Australia. Also see, Jemima Puddle-Duck™, Jeremy Fisher™, Benjamin Bunny™, Mr Todd™, Two Bad Mice™, Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle™ & Tailor of Gloucester™. 03 6248 5555 Riversdale Estate, 222 Denholms Rd, Cambridge www.thepeterrabbitgarden.com.au
Enjoy a luxury farm stay in Northern Tasmania whilst hunting for the highly prized perigord black truffle. Then enjoy dinner highlighted by the days truffles with the best produce Tasmania has to offer. These exclusive packages are held during the peak of the truffle season mid May until August.
www.oldforestvalefarm.com Autumn 2019 Tour
2 October – 17 October 2019 Private, guided tour of Poland’s art, culture & food.
KANANOOK HERITAGE HOUSE
www.kananookheritagehouse.com
TO ADVERTISE CALL 02 9282 8401
Discover Persia
CHOOSE BETWEEN 10 TO 30 DAYS TOUR IN OCT/NOV
BAIRNSDALE, VIC
Nestled above the Mitchell River-Flats this Grand 1880’s Homestead has panoramic sunset views over green orchard wildlife. Rooms lead onto the expansive sun drenched north facing deck featuring charming wrap around verandahs - some privately furnished. Explore natural beach, alpine and waterway wonders, then retreat, reboot, revitalise and reconnect.
@oldforestvalefarmstay
experiencepoland.net/autumn-2019
Persian Jewels 10 days - $5,570 Taste of Persia (FOOD TOUR) 12 days - $6,250 Persian Veils (WOMEN'S TOUR) 14 days -$6,560 Persian Discovery 16 days - $6,770 Persian Dreams (choose between a 19, 25 or 30-day tour For a FREE Info Pack contact your Kiwi/Iranian guide Mehdi 1800 778 694 • hello@travelandtour.com.au
www.travelandtour.com.au
Zurich Gruyeres Interlaken Filisur St St. Moritz Chur Brig Montreux Zermatt Lucerne • • • • • •
Ride the Glacier and Bernina Expresses Long stays in centrally located hotels Train travel to St Moritz and to the Matterhorn Steam train mountain railways Some the most dramatically engineered railways Lake cruises, museums, iconic cities and local guides
SEE YOUR WORLD BY TRAIN
Worldwide Adventures
Fully escorted, small groups, unique programs
Get off the beaten track to be immersed in the natural and cultural experiences of our destinations. Join our fully supported walks, explore ancient cultures and exotic tastes. Enjoy wilderness, wildlife and exploring with a small group of like-minded women. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you.
5 - 19 November 2019 with Scott McGregor
• Seven scenic train trips right across the country in your y own exclusive private charter of the regal Viceroy Special • Luxury coach connections and transfers • Many multiple nights in iconic luxury hotels • Visit 8 amazing World Heritage sites • All meals and numerous special dinners • Transfers, tipping, visas and all luggage handling
Inspire your adventurous spirit. Call 1300 883 475
www.womensownadventure.com.au
HISTORY | NATURE
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND ALL OUR TOURS
Colombo Trincomalee Batticaloa N.Eliya Kandy Galle
NINA’S PATHWAYS
RAILWAYADVENTURES.COM
1300 800 977 info@railwayadventures.com TRAVEL ACCREDITED LIC #A14416
CULTURE | INDULGENCE
0419 213 327
| www.ninaspathways.com.au |
Escape & Explore
My small group tours of stunning Sri Lanka encompass all that this beautiful green island has to offer. Join us for a lifetime of memories. Next Adventure 1st October 2019.
COUN TRY A ND COA STA L R ETR E ATS
22 Sep - 7 Oct 2019 with Chris Harding
/ninaspathways
Discover the heart and soul of Puglia with ITALIAN TOURS!
17 – 30 September 2019 PUGLIA - THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED TOUR
17 DAY POP UP ITALIAN BELLISSIMO Departing 6 October 2019 $12,799 pp twin share $15,269 single
Slow down and experience the best of Puglia on this truly small group tour. Book now! 02 9358 4923 | ciao@italiantours.com.au | italiantours.com.au
Fully Escorted, Small Groups, Personal Service Venice, Florence, Verona, Rome & The Amalfi Coast including return flights ex Melbourne (other departure cities available on request).
1300 885 255 w w w. s i s t e r h o o d w o m e n s t r a v e l . c o m . a u
JUNE 2019 COU NTRY ST Y LE 177
COUNTRY SQUIR E
ORIGIN STORY
THIRTY YEARS AGO, ROB INGRAM SET OUT ON A BIG COUNTRY ADVENTURE AND INVITED US ALONG FOR THE RIDE. I can do that. After all, it has passed in the blink of an eye. And so, it came to pass, that in the late 1980s, a small publishing house in a big city noticed the only conspicuous gap on the newsstands was for a magazine celebrating the delights of rural living in Australia. Sure, there was Field and Stream, which depicted the majestic creatures of America’s northern plains and the weaponry to hasten their extinction. And there was Country Life, which opened up a world entirely populated by British women in head scarves and green wellies, and with many hyphenated family names to make up for their lack of a discernible chin. Country Style was to be different. This, after all, was the heyday — or perhaps hay day — of the tree change, the interurban phenomenon that sparked a metro-migration to the sticks. Communications ambassadors and brand evangelists left the rat race to grow winter savory in Wongarbon or carve bull-headed harps in Hazelwood. Our rural lifestyle has been shaped by the remnants of And we weren’t into the wholegrain and handicraft dream a heroic culture and existence, as well as the determination of self-sustainability. We were just a bit over the pretence to create better natural and human environments. The and pretension of big city living. And so, we created Australian country homestead was as likely to have a rusty a special bond with the land. We call it a special bond. corrugated-iron roof as the British one was to have turrets The bank calls it a mortgage. and balustrades. Country Style would celebrate culture and We thought the grass might be greener over the Great character rather than pretension. It would applaud tree Dividing Range. We can report that the grass is, in fact, changers who dug up the lawn tennis court to create a garden greener over the septic tank. Elsewhere, at the moment, and barbecue patio. It would salute the former financial there is no grass. That’s a downer. adviser restoring Harley-Davidsons D BON L But speaking of septic tanks, the in an old picture theatre. WE CRE ATED A SPECIA last time ours was pumped out, The vision was an admirable WITH THE LAND. WE CALL IT the sewage tanker had a warning one, but early planning meetings A SPECIAL BOND. THE BANK sign painted on it. It read: May unearthed a hurdle. No-one on CALLS IT A MORTGAGE. Contain Election Promises. the staff had ever had — or even A sense of humour solves most things out here. desired — any experience of country living. So, what’s the verdict? We have certainly found more “Ah!” the cry eventually went out at one of these sessions. joys than pitfalls living out on the Central Western Slopes. “A writer named Rob Ingram has bought a property out And I hope I have managed to convey this through the beyond Mudgee. He could be our token bushie.” Country Squire column. City folk often equate small Little did they know that this bloke — who would come town living with loneliness and boredom, but density to be known as The Country Squire, and his wife, who would of population doesn’t necessarily mean more social reluctantly be called The Chosen One — were themselves still interaction. In big cities, people crave privacy. In small at entry level in the prickle bush of rural enlightenment. towns, there’s a true sense of community, plus the social Have you ever seen spring lambs joyfully skipping and psychological support that brings. up the ramp at the abattoir? That was us. The only thing in It has been a pleasure to share the quality of country the animal kingdom more innocent and foredoomed is a city living for 30 years and to have been part of Country Style’s couple embarking on their first fumble with country living. inspirational depiction of Australia’s regional lifestyle. We weren’t trying to get in touch with Mother Nature… Congratulations Country Style… you’ve done us proud. or even just leave a message on her answering machine.
178 COUNTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2019
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL WEE BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPHY SAM McADAM-COOPER STYLING PHOEBE McEVOY
SUM UP THE LAST three decades in a single column. Sure,
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D I R E CTO R Y
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