Kalbar is a bustling rural town in the Scenic Rim with a population of 1,093 people, according to the 2016 census. But did you know Kalbar has German origins?
Settled by German immigrant farmers in the 1870s, Kalbar’s pioneering heritage can be seen in historic buildings and welcoming cafes, pubs, providores and bakeries that offer hearty homestyle food with locally grown produce.
Originally part of the Fassifern pastoral run (1842), the area was opened up for farm selections in 1871. Many of the settlers were German.
Although initially known as Fassifern Scrub, the settlement around Engel's stores became known as Engelsburg. A change of name to Kalbar occurred in 1916, because of antiGerman feelings, thanks to World War 1. It is thought that the name, Kalbar was derived from an Aboriginal expression meaning 'bright' or 'star'; an earlier interpretation paradoxically put the meaning as 'dead' or 'forgotten'.
By 1900 there were a few stores and tradespeople, including a primary school opened in 1879 and four churches: Baptist (1877), Methodist (1888), Lutheran (c1883) and Anglican (1895-1976). The Lutheran church has a striking triple-tiered timber steeple. A school of arts was opened in 1906.
The principal farm crop at first was maize, followed by dairying. Around 1900, a dairy factory was opened. As dairying increased fodder crops replaced maize. Kalbar was an active farming township, unusually self-reliant in that it did not have a railway connection until 1916. The Kalbar and District Agricultural and Pastoral Association was formed in 1926.
After the railway closed in 1960, the dairy industry showed early signs of decline. Former dairy properties were turned over to irrigated agriculture and potatoes became an important crop. A bulk grain storage facility at Kalbar is used for oil seeds.
Today, Kalbar’s pioneering heritage can be seen in historic buildings and welcoming cafes, pubs, providores and bakeries that offer hearty homestyle food with locally grown produce.
Located on Mount Tamborine's famous Gallery Walk is one of the more unique establishments, Funny Honey.
This family-owned and operated business is run by Matthew Henderson, a local expert in all things honey and is a member of the Australian Manuka Honey Association.
“We provide fresh pure raw local honey, as well as high strength 100% Australian Manuka Honey, tested and unprocessed. Our range of honey also includes Macadamia, Ironbark, Leatherwood and Honeycomb,” explained Matthew.
We all know how good fresh, pure honey tastes; however, what may surprise people is just how good for you it can be.
“I get a lot of return customers because they love my honey, we’re lucky we’ve had so many, and what I do find is how healthy they are. The people who come in here and get honey every week, there’s a big difference you can see. People who are in here all the time are just healthier,” commented Matthew.
Manuka honey comes from the Australian and New Zealand native Leptospermum plants. There’s a chemical in the flower called DHA. As the Manuka honey matures, the DHA breaks down into an antiseptic which, at different ratios, can do different things. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.
When it reaches 850-900 parts per million, that’s hospital grade. That’s what they use on infections, diabetic ulcers, burns and open wounds. It’s great for your gum health and it tastes fantastic. It’s all straight from the beehive, not processed and it’s all tested by Professor Peter Brooks at the Sunshine Coast University.
For more information about the benefits of Ma nuka honey and the products offered at Funny Honey, visit their website, https://funnyhoney. com.au or stop by the store to have a chat with Matthew, Mt Tamborine’s friendly, local beekeeper.
Buy From The Bush Qld Festival is coming to the Scenic Rim! ‘Buy from the Bush QLD’ began mid-2018 as a Facebook page for women doing it tough on the land, and has since blossomed into an online community of bush businesses, creatives and a broad array of family-run side hustle across the rural regions of Queensland.
“Our page supports our farmers and rural busi nesses by encouraging people to buy directly from them! Share with any Bush Businesses you know in QLD,” Kerri Brennan, Founder of Buy from the Bush QLD and a Darling Downs cattle producer based an hour south of Toowoomba, who saw the need to support the family farm.
On the 17th of September, from 8:30 am to 2 pm, come and support regional and rural businesses, families and makers from around Queensland!
The event will be held at the Summer Land Camels in Harrisville. Australia's Largest Commercial Camel Dairy. They are the experts in all things Camel. They produce sustainable and ethical Camel milk, health and wellness products as well as other camel goods includ ing Dairy, Skin Care, Butchery, Café, Tours and Rides.
Experience the best of a boutique country market while eating fantastic food, have a great time with friends, visit the bar for refreshments, enjoy the stunning views from the property, meet and feed the friendly camels and relax to the sounds of a local entertainer while you browse through the stalls. You can even ride a camel (book on the day)!
There will be a ton of great stalls from regional and rural Queensland – food, gifts, baking, rel ishes, clothes and more… You are guaranteed to find something special while supporting bush businesses.
Entry is free and there is plenty of on-site park ing available. No dogs allowed.
For more information about the event, visit the Buy from the Bush Qld Festival at Summer Land Camels Facebook page.
To learn more about, Buy From the Bush Queensland, head to their website, https:// buyfromthebushqld.com.au and like their Facebook page, @buyfromthebushqld, to support our farmers and rural businesses.
