Leeton
SUMMER
TOWN FEATURE
DUBBO’S
Royal Visit The Vibrance & Style OF “LYNNLEE”, YOUNG
COUNTRY EVENTS: Coonamble Show & Forbes Grazing Down The Lachlan PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL REGIONAL AREAS
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
trading as Central West Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418 ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 FAX 02 6867 9895 WEBSITE www.centralwestmagazine.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/CentralWestLifestyle PUBLISHERS, ACCOUNTS & ADVERTISING Elizabeth & Alex Tickle info@centralwestmagazine.com.au EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@centralwestmagazine.com.au CHIEF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Jake Lindsay shotbyjake@outlook.com.au ART DIRECTOR Zora Regulic artdirector@centralwestmagazine.com.au
DISTRIBUTION Central West Lifestyle magazine is published quarterly (available at the beginning of each season) and distributed to selected newsagents and retail outlets within the Central West and in the surrounding regions of the Far West, New England & North West, Riverina & Southern Slopes, Southern Highlands, Canberra, Northern and Eastern suburbs of Sydney, in addition to a selection of other rural and coastal areas of New South Wales. Subscriptions and back issues are also available to read online, on desktop and mobile devices. Unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
Central West Lifestyle showcases authentic content from across rural and regional New South Wales. The heart of the magazine is in the Central West of the state, but a great story knows no boundaries. We are continually amazed by the innovation, inspiration and spirit that we find time and time again in communities both within the Central West and further afield. It is our passion and privilege to bring these stories to you.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE To order a subscription or back issue (mailed or online), visit www.centralwestmagazine.com.au. © Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2018 All Rights Reserved No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the publisher. While every care is taken in the publication of Central West Lifestyle magazine, the publishers will not be held responsible for omissions, errors or their subsequent effects.
Pegasus Print Group, is an environmentally responsible printing company that is committed to helping achieve a sustainable environment. To underscore our commitment to environmental sustainability, Pegasus Print Group has achieved FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditation as well as being ISO 14001 accredited. Paper and paper-based materials carrying the FSC symbol can be tracked back to their source, guaranteeing they come from forests which are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Pegasus Print Group is also an accredited ISO 9001:2008 supplier, which ensures each step of our production process is aligned with world’s best practice to deliver the finest quality possible. Together, these accreditations offered by Pegasus Print Group, offer our clients a guarantee that their printed products are produced by world’s best practice environmental and finest quality standards.
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Summer 2018 ROYAL VISIT
12 WARM WELCOME The Duke and Duchess of Sussex charm the adoring crowds in Dubbo.
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TOWN FEATURE LEETON
16 ASSETS APLENTY As CWL discovers, Leeton offers a cornucopia of delights for locals and visitors alike.
GARDEN
150 COOL, CALM KESTON Kate and Ross Plasto’s rural property near Wellington represents a wonderfully harmonious blend of old and new. 156 SURVIVE AND THRIVE Ian and Jill Graham have created a lush green oasis on the outskirts of Dubbo.
HOME & STYLE
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162 PERSONALITY PLUS Lovely “Lynnlee” in Young exudes old-world charm with all the mod cons. 168 HANDY HOUSEHOLD HINTS Hayley Maudsley’s tips for freshening up linen and cutlery. 178 MEET THE MAKER Patience, love and gratitude are stitched into every one of Margaret Seymour’s exquisite quilts.
FOOD
180 DELICIOUSLY DOMESTIC Chef Shane Murphy shares recipes for three courses that are sure to tickle the taste buds.
TRAVEL
186 TAHITI LOOKS NICE French Polynesia has all the trappings of paradise.
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EXPERIENCE
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133 TALES OF INTRIGUE Gregory Powell’s Bushranger Series continues. 137 TOTALLY DEVOTED Ritchie and Maureen McKay have been an integral part of Dubbo for more than half a century. 140 MEET DAVE Everyone knows Dave Pankhurst, the genial businessman who could write a book about his life in Dubbo. 142 PARENTAL ADVICE Principal Paul Teys shares tips for bringing out the best in our children. 146 DRIVING FORCE Dealer principal and managing director of Dubbo City Toyota David Hayes has taken on a role of national significance. 192 EASING THE PAIN Dr Sol Qurashi says keeping our joints healthy is crucial to our daily lives, especially as we age. 224 FORGING AHEAD Dave Walker is the village blacksmith in the sleepy hamlet of Cargo.
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EVENTS
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ON THE COVER Leeton
SUMMER
TOWN FEATURE
DUBBO’S
Royal Visit The Vibrance & Style OF “LYNNLEE”, YOUNG
COUNTRY EVENTS: Coonamble Show & Forbes Grazing Down The Lachlan $12.95 inc GST
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SUMMER 2018 VOLUME 23
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196 CWL SPRING 2018 LAUNCH Pics from the event at St Patrick’s Hall in Gundagai. 200 GRAZING DOWN THE LACHLAN Faces at the fabulous foodie event in Forbes. 204 COONAMBLE SHOW Happy snaps among the horde of show goers. 206 GUIDING THE WAY Retro-inspired lunch to celebrate 60 years of Guide Dogs. 208 A SEASON IN THE COUNTRY What to see and do this summer in country NSW. 214 WEDDED BLISS See who’s tied the knot in your region.
PAGE 80 TOWN FEATURE Brad Booth and Janine Norman enjoying a casual stroll in the Leeton citrus orchard owned by Mick and Anna Mallamace. Some of the state’s most superior Delta Valencia oranges are grown here.
PEOPLE • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD • AGRICULTURE • STYLE • EVENTS • TRAVEL CULTURE • BUSINESS • AND MORE FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL REGIONAL AREAS
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales
Photographer: Jayde Creative Co
R E F R I G E R AT I O N
&
A I R
C O N D I T I O N I N G
S U M M E R publishers’ letter
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
welcome to summer “The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man a reflection of his own face.” William Makepeace Thackeray 1811-1863
Welcome to summer in the beautiful Central West and beyond! Let’s hope that by the time you are reading this, you’ve enjoyed a magnificent spring and that across the state we have experienced some much-needed rain.
CWL drought response We spoke about our desire to assist the many drought-affected families in our midst, in our own small way. Since the Spring edition was released, we have been able to work with Rural Aid and have donated six family weekend getaway holiday packages to two lovely destinations. One venue is Billabong Cottage, Oberon (owned by Fran and Tim Charge) with accompanying tickets to the stunning Mayfield Garden. The second destination is Barkala Farm, Pilliga Pottery Coonabarabran, with the Rickert family as hosts. These six weekend packages were auctioned at the Black Tie and Boots Ball in Sydney in November and all proceeds go to Rural Aid.
Spring edition featuring Cootamundra and Gundagai What a spectacular response we received to this edition! The communities surrounding beautiful Cootamundra and Gundagai rose to the occasion and purchased record numbers of this publication, shared them with their families and friends and posted many off to destinations far and wide!
The Royal visit Dubbo became the “centre of the universe” when the young Royals came for a quick visit in October. What an exceptional honour it was for our city of Dubbo to play host to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex! We hope you enjoy our very special coverage of this visit by our seasoned Dubbo Royals writer Heather Crosby and CWL photographer Zenio Lapka.
Autumn 2019 Feature We feel very privileged to bring you a 100-page feature in autumn 2019 on the Snowy Valleys Council area, showcasing a unique region. We will be shining the spotlight on Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adelong, Batlow and Khancoban and surrounding areas in this upcoming edition. We know you will love this little part of the world as much as we do!
Happy Christmas and safe holidays At this point, the CWL team would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas spent with those near and dear to you, as well as a safe and restful holiday spent somewhere where you can rest and rejuvenate. As always, we look forward to the joyous task of bringing you the best in rural and regional NSW. There is so much out there for you and your friends to explore, absorb, experience and share. We are all certainly very blessed.
With our best wishes, Elizabeth and Alex Tickle
Spring 2018 magazine launch at Gundagai: Back: CWL Publishers Elizabeth and Alex Tickle, Miriam Crane and Marianne McInerney, both from Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council, Mayor Cr Abb McAlister, Pip McAlister, Frances Palmer, Deputy Mayor Cr Dennis Palmer. Front: Aunty Sonia Piper, Linda Wiles (Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council), Cr Penny Nicholson. Facebook “f ” Logo
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S U M M E R Jake’s message
happy days in
THE MIA Greetings and salutations, loyal readers. As I’ve always maintained, travel is the best remedy for all our daily trials and tribulations, especially in these dry and testing times when not only farmers but local business houses need a cash injection more than ever. If you haven’t been down to the Riverina for a while, it’s time to pack your bags. A great place to start is Leeton, in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA). The town is barely 100 years old, with some of the best Art Deco buildings you’ll find in the bush. Designed by renowned American architect Walter Burley Griffin and named after former minister for public works Charles Lee, Leeton is a town that has prospered thanks to the abundance of water. When the visionary Irish bachelor Sir Samuel McCaughey proved irrigation from the mighty Murrumbidgee could transform the flat, dry plains of the Riverina into an oasis, he started what is now a multibillion-dollar rural industry. After WW1, immigrants from all over the world were attracted by the advertisements of cheap land with plenty of sun and water to get started. All that was required was back-breaking work, and the Italian migrants didn’t disappoint. With little command of our language, limited funds and no handouts for those struggling under pressure, they laid the framework for businesses that prosper today. In our Leeton feature you will discover the remarkable stories of the town’s two wineries, Lillypilly and Toorak, which were both started by Italian families with nothing to lose and the world to gain. Their inspiring stories demonstrate how families that work and stay together can produce desirable outcomes.
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Toorak winemaker Robert Bruno’s story started when his grandfather’s brother was a POW in nearby Yanco. Despite losing his freedom, he recognised great potential in the MIA, convincing his brother to venture forth to the “Lucky Country”. It was a similar story for Pasquale Fiumara and his seven sons, who went from selling vegetables on the side of the road to establishing a major supermarket and winery (Lillypilly Estate Wines). I get to meet some rather special people in my line of work but few with the commitment and drive of air conditioning king Ted Celi, who made his pile on the strength of a phone, a firm handshake and plenty of good oldfashioned business acumen. His story makes for riveting reading, the stuff that old hacks like me thrive on. Already famous for its rice, wineries and orchards, the district is now home to young, innovative farmers who grow cotton, walnuts and a host of diverse industries providing employment in these tough times. Read about how a bunch of local farmers got together and built their own cotton gin. Like the great wordsmith Henry Lawson said almost 100 years ago, Leeton has to be one of the most cosmopolitan towns in the bush, with not only a resilient community but some truly unique buildings. I was fortunate to stay at the Historic Hydro, a magnificent old place built in the town’s infancy, and enjoyed the McLeod’s Daughters reunion at the nearby Roxy Theatre. It’s always the people behind the buildings and business houses that make life more interesting. The town is blessed to have a true humanitarian in their much-loved
Mayor, Paul Maytom, who works tirelessly in welcoming refugees to the town. They all have their own story and in this issue we look at the life-changing results. Arriving in a new town and trying to capture its unique flavour within a few weeks can be a daunting task. I have to thank the bubbly and enthusiastic Kathy McMahon from the Information Centre for taking me under her wing and showing me a side of Leeton that I may never have otherwise encountered. So this is it, issue #23 and still going strong. I’m sure you will enjoy leafing through our Leeton Feature and discovering some of the hidden gems that lie beyond your back door. By the time you are reading this I will be working my way through the Snowy Mountains area, bringing you yarns on the people and towns of Tumbarumba and Tumut. Keep well, positive and thankful for all that we have. Enjoy your Christmas with loved ones and start planning your next trip. There are plenty of enjoyable experiences to be had in the NSW bush!
Cheers, Jake
ABOVE: My pilot was rice farmer Barry Kirkup; Kathy McMahon from the Info Centre ensured my stay in Leeton was fun and memorable; enjoying lunch with women from all corners of the globe at a regular refugee get-together in Leeton; water is the lifeblood of Leeton.
SUMMER 2018 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
GINA CRANSON
Sub-Editor & Proofreader
PAUL TEYS
KATE BOSHAMMER
ZORA REGULIC
ANNA TICKLE
Writer & Social Media Manager
ELIZABETH SWANE
Art Director
HEATHER CROSBY
JANE SANDERSON
Advertising Designer & Business Strategist
Country Cuisine Writer
LORRAINE HILLS
ZENIO LAPKA
ANNABELLE AMOS
ROBERT I BRUCE
ROSIE O’KEEFE
DAVID HILL
ELLEN HILL
JOHN CURLEY
Travel Photographer
JAKE LINDSAY
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
Education Writer
Writer
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ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Photographer
Travel Writer
Photographer
Writer
Accountant
Chief Writer & Photographer
Writer
DR SOL QURASHI
Health and Wellness Writer
SUE MEIKLE
Social Photographer
Garden Writer
Wedding Writer
JENNIFER HARDEN
Home and Style Writer
GREGORY POWELL
Bushranger Series Writer
YOUR LETTERS
I would like to say how privileged my daughter, Leigh, and I are to be a part of your iconic magazine. When you featured our café, Café Dolcetto, Yass in your Autumn 2018 edition we had only recently bought the café and I was new to the area. However, after meeting with you and experiencing your genuine warmth and encouragement we knew that your magazine was where we wanted to market our dream café. We now look forward to receiving each Central West Lifestyle, which never disappoints and continues to present the history of the Australian country, with captivating images of wonderful buildings, delightful gardens but most of all the stories of the characters who create the history. The willingness of these characters to open their hearts and share their stories with you is a testament to their deep trust and admiration for you. The obvious bond you share with these people is demonstrated by the infectious smiles that light up the pages of your magazine and make it a joy to read.
The Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council decision to feature in the Central West Lifestyle Spring 2018 edition has been a masterstroke for our council area and our two major towns. The publication has collated excellent stories and promotion regarding tourism, education, agriculture, farms, businesses, sport, local characters and volunteers in our council area coupled with excellent photography. The positive feedback to myself and council from both locally and all over NSW/Victoria has been amazing. The big benefit of promotion through CWL is that it is not a read and throw away magazine, as this publication will stay in homes, professional businesses, food and coffee outlets for a long period so your area is receiving continual promotion. Investing in CWL with this promotion will have a great flowon effect to our region’s economy. The professionalism of the CWL staff is something to be envied, and I offer a big thank you to Elizabeth and Alex and their staff for giving our council the opportunity to be part of their wonderful magazine.
Noelene Garner, Café Dolcetto, Yass
This letter is to commend you and your team for producing such a magnificent magazine. It has appeal to people all over NSW and beyond. Also, I wish to thank you and your colleagues for the exposure that my business has received as a result of advertising in your magazine. I am thrilled with the people I have met and contacts made through being associated with you, so much so that I have opened my brain-coaching clinic in Dubbo. Already I have met many wonderful people and been able to help them retrain their brain to overcome their fears, phobias and cravings. I look forward to continuing our association, as well as reading each new lovely edition, showcasing various parts of NSW.
Izdebska Karolina/Shutterstock.com
Cr Abb McAlister, Mayor of Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council
What a wonderful experience the Spring edition of Central West Lifestyle magazine has been. In short, dealing with Elizabeth and Alex has been an absolute pleasure. Their professionalism, expertise and outstanding customer service is a credit to them and their product. The magazine is, simply put, beautiful. The feedback from our customers has been nothing short of phenomenal. This magazine showcased, marketed and promoted our region in a way that we could never have dreamt. Our customers compliment the magazine’s quality content and stunning photos, a magazine that has become a treasured keepsake. Sales have far exceeded any of our expectations. We attribute this to the professional marketing and promotion via various social and print mediums. However, the greatest reason for the huge success is word of mouth, everyone wants a copy or two! The magazine launch was a fantastic evening, a celebration of extreme hard work and dedication, resulting in this exceptional publication. Our sincere thanks to Elizabeth, Alex, their dedicated and professional team and all who contributed to this issue. Congratulations on an outstanding magazine. As always, we look forward to the next one!
Helen Dugdale, Australian Brain Coaching
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Penny and Mark Nicholson, Gundagai Newsagency
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S U M M E R Royal visit
DUBBO POURS IT ON FOR
Harry & Meghan Rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the huge number of people who turned out to greet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their October 17 visit to Dubbo.
Thousands of excited “Harry and Meghan” fans from throughout NSW and interstate were thrilled when the royal visitors took the time to interact with as many people as possible. The most endearing moment occurred early in the day as the Duke and Duchess greeted a group of invited school children at Dubbo airport. At the end of the line, the Buninyong Public School principal Anne van Dartel looked on in utter disbelief as five-year-old student Luke Vincent threw his arms around the royal couple before rubbing Prince Harry’s famous ginger beard. The emotional encounter dubbed the “Lukey-Love-Effect” became an international sensation. The official party toured the Royal Flying Doctor Service, unveiled a new plane, and heard about the life-saving role
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provided by one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Next stop was Wongarbon property “Mountain View”, about 25km from Dubbo, where the Woodley family was ready with morning tea. The Duchess contributed home-baked banana bread she had whipped up at Admiralty House the previous evening. Discussion turned to the hardship suffered by farmers during prolonged drought affecting most of the state before the Royals tried their hand at feeding cattle. > ABOVE AND FACING PAGE: Luke Vincent from Buninyong Public School gives Harry and Meghan an endearing welcome while many delighted school students look on.
story name S U M M E R
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S U M M E R story name
As thunder rolled and storm clouds threatened, the tour moved to Victoria Park in the centre of Dubbo where an estimated 15,000 people were gathered for a picnic to celebrate community spirit within the region. No one seemed to care when rain started to fall and the Duke and Duchess continued their meet and greet walkabout. With his shirt soaking wet, Prince Harry stood under an umbrella held by his wife and spoke from the heart as he delivered a message of hope, telling the crowd the best thing about coming to the country was the people. “You are the salt of the earth, honest, hardworking and as tough as they come,” he said. “I know life has not been easy, you have just lived through two years of drought. It must be hard not to lose hope when you endure so many dry months end on end knowing that you are powerless to do anything about it.” The Duke was keen to shine a light on mental health and urged people not to suffer in silence, saying part of being strong was having the courage to ask for help. “If I may speak personally,” he said. “We are all in this together. Asking for help was one of the best decisions I have ever made.” The Duke ended his official address with the quip “the rain was a gift”. The official program closed with a visit to Dubbo College Senior Campus and a session of netball and touch football drills on the school oval, highlighting the importance of sport in education. CWL Words: Heather Crosby Images: Zenio Lapka (CWL photographer on assignment)
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FACING PAGE: Harry and Meghan are honoured guests at the Royal Flying Doctor airbase; the RFD aircraft dedicated by HRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex; the loyal RFD volunteers. THIS PAGE: A small part of the excited crowd at Victoria Park; park picnics, festivities and tributes to the royal couple.
ROYAL VISITORS ARE NOTHING NEW TO DUBBO In May 1920, debonair Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, visited the town to pay tribute to residents who served in World War I. Royal fever was high in February 1954 when newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh spent two hours visiting sites in and around Dubbo. The Queen and Duke returned in 1992 for a state luncheon and visits to
Dubbo School of Distance Education and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Prince Edward visited Dubbo in 2006 as part of a tour for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. RIGHT: Bert and Elaine Barwick met in Victoria Park during the Queen’s visit to Dubbo in 1954 and were married in 1958, celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary in December.
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Leeton
TOWN FE ATURE WORDS & IMAGES: SHOT BY JAKE
LEETON CWL 17
assets aplenty from the Mayor of Leeton
“The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme is one of the most productive regions in Australia, contributing over $5 billion annually to the national economy.”
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Leeton Shire boasts a proud heritage and a bright future. As Mayor it is my great pleasure to introduce you to Leeton Shire, my home since 1967 when I arrived in the area to pick fruit as a young man. Leeton is the birthplace of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. We locals affectionately refer to it as the MIA. Our pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit goes back to Sir Samuel McCaughey, the “Father of Irrigation”, who in the late 1900s, on his ‘North Yanko’ farm, developed 320km of gravity-fed channels that successfully watered his large holding. His dedication to the scheme’s potential, coupled with his leadership and powers of persuasion, saw Sir Samuel convince the government of the day to invest in what is best described as a nationbuilding project. The town of Leeton, part designed by Sir Walter Burley Griffin, was purpose built to house the officials coordinating the planning and development of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme. One hundred years on, the MIA is one of the most productive regions in Australia, contributing over $5 billion annually to the national economy. The region grows citrus, rice, grapes, cotton, nuts, grain and vegetables and value adds through a range of impressive food processing manufacturers and freight and logistics enterprises that sell and distribute goods both domestically and internationally. Our export earnings are further boosted by beef, sheep and fish farming. Education and research are a proud part of our history. Leeton Shire has three high schools, one of which is based at Sir Samuel McCaughey’s farm and magnificent
homestead, which he bequeathed for that specific purpose. The Yanco Experiment farm, now called Yanco Agricultural Institute, was developed in 1908 to determine what could be successfully grown in the area. Today more than 100 staff work at the institute on cutting-edge research that makes Australia a world leader in food production and efficient water usage. Leeton Shire’s proud heritage includes the Wiradjuri nation and the villages of Whitton, the oldest town in the MIA, Yanco, Murrami and Wamoon. The population of about 11,500 is a rich blend of cultures and we are proud to be a community that welcomes new settlers, migrants and refugees. I’m really keen on sport and the arts as these bring people together in Leeton Shire. Our local pools, sporting ovals, walking tracks, golf course, library, and local museums are important facilities for locals and visitors to our town. Leeton’s magnificent Art Deco heritage, including our beautiful Roxy Theatre, Historic Hydro Hotel and Water Commission architecture, is of national significance and prominently highlighted throughout our shire. You are invited to attend Leeton’s Art Deco Festival in July 2019, which will complement our other special events such as the SunRice Festival, Bidgee Classic Fishing Competition, Outback Band Spectacular and Light Up Leeton. My wife, Julie, and I often contemplate how wonderful it has been to live, work and raise a family in Leeton. I feel truly honoured to be the Mayor of Leeton Shire and hope that this magazine will inspire you to pay us a visit very soon. Cr Paul Maytom, Leeton Shire Council Mayor
Leeton T O W N F E A T U R E
a happening place Leeton offers a cornucopia of delights for locals and visitors alike.
For more than a century, Leeton has been known as the Heart of Australia’s Food Bowl. Leeton and the Riverina region is an area famous for its rich heritage, natural beauty and outstanding restaurants, cafés, boutique shopping, wine and produce. The hospitality industry prides itself on making you feel right at home in its friendly community. Yanco is the home of the “Father of Irrigation”, Sir Samuel McCaughey, who on his North Yanko farm, developed around 320 kilometres of channels drawing from the Murrumbidgee River with steam-driven pumps. This ultimately showcased the viability of irrigation in the region. The Yanco Experiment Farm, now called The Yanco Agricultural Institute, was developed in 1908 to show settlers what could be grown in the area. The oldest township in the shire is Whitton, located 24 kilometres west of Leeton. It connected Narrandera to Hay via the South West Railway, opening valuable Riverina trade to Sydney. The area was originally inhabited by the Wiradjuri people, the largest tribe in NSW. Yanco derives its name from an Aboriginal word said to mean “the sound of running water”. Leeton is one of the region’s leaders when it comes to community events. It’s rare to find a weekend in town where there isn’t something taking place. Whether it be a small-town fete, a monthly market or the biennial Leeton SunRice Festival, the annual Leeton Bidgee Classic and Leeton Town Band Outback Spectacular, Leeton provides numerous opportunities to get out and enjoy a wide range of attractions. Gogeldrie Weir, local wineries Toorak Wines and Lillypilly Estate, and the majestic Art Deco Roxy Theatre are just a few of the many places of interest.
Leeton Shire is home to the internationally recognised Fivebough Wetlands. Visitors can enjoy these wetlands by following the five kilometres of walkways that lead to hides and viewing platforms so you can enjoy the abundant birdlife. Glossy Ibis and Whiskered Terns converge on the wetlands to feed and breed during October, November and December. The best time to see them is late afternoon to dusk. Don’t forget your binoculars! A number of Murrumbidgee National Parks are also nestled within the shire. Visitors to the parks can camp free of charge, picnic and barbecue in all national and regional parks. Take advantage of fun activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, cycling, orienteering and watching the local wildlife. While the Leeton Shire area was founded on irrigated crops and horticulture, large industries in the processing and value-added sectors now employ more people than agriculture and call Leeton their home. These include Southern Cotton, SunRice, JBS Riverina Feedlot, Freedom Foods, Webster Ltd and The Daily Drinks Company. Large local business Celi Group of Companies, featured in this publication, also has a strong global market presence. Leeton is six hours’ drive from Sydney, five hours’ drive from Melbourne, four hours’ drive from Canberra, 40 minutes’ drive from Griffith and an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from Wagga Wagga. CWL
ABOVE: Hot air balloons converge on Leeton every year at Easter time; the mighty Murrumbidgee River is a natural asset and drawcard in its own right; Leeton plays an integral part in the Riverina, the largest wine grape growing region in NSW, producing about 300,000 tonnes of quality wine grapes every year.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Leeton
days gone by Leeton
Images courtesy of Leeton Family & Local History Society
Leeton T O W N F E A T U R E
PAST AND PLEASANT
The streets of Leeton are rich in history and buzzing with optimism and promise.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Leeton
The Roxy is a rare surviving example of an inter-war Art Deco cinema in country NSW. Opened in 1930, the theatre demonstrates the importance of cinema during the first half of the 20th century before the advent of television. It was an American visionary of the 1920s silent film era with whom the Roxy was to have the greatest affinity. Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel contributed significantly to motion picture entertainment, with his influence and name receiving worldwide prominence. He built the first Roxy Theatre in New York in 1927, calling the wildly extravagant building the “Cathedral of Motion Pictures”. Costing $10 million, an exorbitant amount for that time, it boasted
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three pipe organs that were raised and lowered on elevators for up to 6000 guests, a 110-piece orchestra, a chorus line of Roxyettes and a lobby as large as an aircraft hangar. Wild excitement surrounded the New York premiere of Warner Bros’ The Jazz Singer, the first motion picture in which spoken dialogue was heard. The moment Al Jolson launched himself into Mammy the audience went wild. And when he told them “Wait a minute . . . wait a minute . . . you ain’t heard nothin’ yet” pandemonium broke out in the theatre. Roxy Rothafel introduced many of the familiar features we now associate with movie theatres, including a curtain to cover the movie screen, a proscenium arch, plush drapes, carpets, brightly coloured
Leeton T O W N F E A T U R E
screen
LEGENDS In the heart of Leeton, the heritage-listed Roxy Community Theatre is one of the oldest cinemas in Australia. Opened in the heyday of film, the iconic landmark is steeped in history, charm and ambience.
lights to grace the facade, synching orchestral music to movies (in the silent screen era) and having multiple projectors to effect seamless reel changes. The celebrated moniker “Roxy” became the chosen name for hundreds of picture palaces established worldwide, including at least 24 in Australia. Thanks to the vision of Greek-born George Conston, Leeton is included in that statistic. In 1930 George built his own “Palace of Dreams” on the town’s main intersection for a cost of 15,000 pounds. To complete his dream, he engaged Melbourne’s Claude Neon Light Company to erect neon lighting on the facade of the theatre. Electricians installed more than 600 feet of tubing in red, blue and green
adorning the roof line. The lights dominated the main intersection of the town, becoming an even greater attraction in years to come. At last, with the neon lights shining out their welcome and the new permanent stage completed with music pit, the theatre was ready for the official opening on October 9, 1933. To mark the occasion, Gladys Moncrieff, Australia’s Queen of Song, was engaged to sing for five nights in what was called the country’s most perfect sound theatre. The Roxy was the headquarters of Leeton’s social scene. It was not only the attraction of moving pictures with sound that drew the crowds, but the sense of wellbeing if offered within the luxurious new theatre. George had spared no expense with the interior decoration, and Leeton’s theatre was equal to any of the day. >
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ABOVE: The delightful Margaret Sands volunteered at the Roxy for 30 years and later wrote a book about the iconic theatre she loves.
By 1935 Leeton had a second theatre – the Roxy Gardens open-air theatre in Wade Avenue. “On a summer evening nothing could surpass sitting under an open sky, filled with the clearest and brightest stars and sharing a deckchair with your favourite friend! In the 1930s it was the most comfortable and romantic way of viewing the sophistication of Hollywood,” says Margaret Sands, who gave voluntary service to the Roxy for more than 30 years before writing a history in her colourful book Up in Lights. Like the New York edifice, it was demolished in the mid 1960s to make way for what is now the Town Centre Motel. By the 1930s and 1940s film had found its voice, during a time when the world endured economic depression and a second world war. Conflict in real lives and in the political world created the best screenplays ever written. “The vast majority of great film performers, amazing settings and costumes, the variety of topics and themes, new technology and effects came from this period, along with all those great comedies, dramas, lavish musicals, animated films, and western and gangster movies,” Margaret says. “These were the years that Hollywood produced blockbusters – the years of Snow White, Gone with the Wind, Tarzan, Casablanca, Lassie, The Wizard of Oz and countless others. Everyone wanted to be a cowboy, dancer, fighter pilot or simply Marlene Dietrich or Cary Grant. Every couple on the dance floor were Fred and Ginger. These were the golden years of going to the movies.” There was also a serious side, a time of Cinesound and Movietone newsreels. For many with loved ones at war, a newsreel was the one way of seeing the latest news while giving a necessary boost to morale.
The man behind the scenes Paramount to any movie theatre is the projectionist. The Roxy has one of the best in Tim Coulter, a man who has spent 30 years bringing movies to life on the big screen. Working quietly behind the scenes, Tim started his trade in the old film days before the switch to digital in 2014. Instead of handling reels of film, he now deals with movies that arrive in 200 gig hard drives about the size of a VHS cassette. When he started there was no time to sit back and enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbuster. “The average film was broken into six parts of about 20 minutes duration,” he says. “Using two projectors
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it was always a battle of the wits synchronising the changeover.” Tim is also the Roxy’s sound and lighting technician, whose skills are appreciated during the staging of the annual eisteddfod, weddings and various functions. Like the late Norman Odewahn, whose fascination and expertise for “the art of showing pictures” spanned over 40 years at the Roxy, Tim Coulter’s name will also be remembered for his dedicated service, especially in the restoration of the famous Roxy neon lights! RIGHT: Roxy projectionist Tim Coulter demonstrates how the old films were once loaded.
Leeton T O W N F E A T U R E
A lifetime’s devotion Although everyone loves the Roxy, few can claim to have worked there for four decades. Brian Aird, now 86, was one such man. He came to Leeton for three weeks’ relief work in 1958 and never left, finishing as the last offical Yanco postmaster in 1993. His long association with the Roxy started in 1965 as a young and energetic usher. “Picture theatres were enjoying their last golden days before television took over,” he recalls. In 1977 the theatre was purchased by generous community donations and Leeton Shire Council and Brian was appointed manager. On the same day wife Pat began her career as office secretary. For a few years the Roxy was the only hard-top theatre between here and the South Australian border but it
was going to take something other than movies to keep her going. In the 1980s, in conjunction with the Leeton Police, Brian ran a monthly Blue Light Disco that proved immensely popular with buses transporting young people from neighbouring towns like Narrandera, Coleambally, Barellan and Whitton. Brian worked at the Roxy for 40 years before he and Pat finally retired in mid 2005. They spent 67 years collectively at the Roxy, and the council hosted a farewell dinner in their honour, with many accolades given for their care and commitment to the theatre. Since Pat’s passing, Brian continues to live in Leeton and is still involved in community activities. RIGHT: Brian Aird devoted 40 years to his beloved Roxy Theatre.
DURING THE FABULOUS ’50S, BUSES TRANSPORTED PATRONS FROM NEAR AND FAR FOR A SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE ROXY. In cities, small theatrettes were constructed simply for the purpose of showing newsreels, sometimes with trailers and/ or cartoons, within a short session. During those war years the Leeton community hosted Land Army Girls to assist with farming duties and the Leeton Cannery employed seasonal workers – all needing and appreciating relaxed evenings at the Roxy. During the Fabulous ’50s, buses transported patrons from near and far for a Saturday night at the Roxy and a snack at one of the many popular Art Deco cafes and milk bars established in Leeton during those years. Box office takings were bountiful and the movies came in Technicolor and CinemaScope. Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell told us Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Elvis made his debut with Love Me Tender, and Julie Andrews hit a high note in The Sound of Music. Australia’s first drive-in theatre opened in Melbourne in 1954 and within two years the number had grown to 23. Alas, the good times were about to be threatened. A rapid decline in cinema attendance occurred in the late 1950s, largely attributed to the introduction of television. By 1961, cinema attendances had dropped by an overall 52 per cent compared to admissions just five years earlier. Nevertheless, by 1965 more than 1000 cinemas across the nation were grossing around $50 million each year. Australia, on a per capita basis, was one of the leading cinema-going nations in the world. In 1978 the Roxy became the Leeton Roxy Community Theatre and over a long period was fully restored thanks to the ongoing work of council and volunteer involvement. George Conson remained with his beloved Roxy until the changeover was complete. After residing in Leeton for 57 years he finally retired to Sydney where he remained until his passing in 1981, aged 92. Today the Roxy is a multi-function centre featuring regular movie screenings, concerts, live theatre, entertainment and community events. With seating for about 700 people, it’s a versatile event space for weddings and the eisteddford. The Roxy is generally open for movie screenings from Friday through to Sunday, as well as other special occasions including school holidays.
Leeton remembers George Conson with gratitude for his foresight in those early years of motion pictures and his ongoing gift of entertainment to the community. Without doubt he would have been thrilled to see his beloved theatre looking so well as she approaches her 90th anniversary. CWL ABOVE: Does anybody recall when tickets to the movies cost only a few dollars?
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T O W N F E A T U R E Leeton
wild & free
Staying at the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park is the ultimate bush camping experience.
Created in 2010, Murrumbidgee Valley National Park protects part of what is now known as the largest continuous tract of river red gum forest in the world. With few facilities and infrastructure, the park allows visitors the freedom to find their own camping spot – as secluded or sociable as you like. A huge part of the fun is exploring one of Australia’s most iconic and valuable waterways. The Murrumbidgee River (meaning “big water” in the Wiradjuri language) is a major tributary of the Murray River within the Murray-Darling basin and is the second longest river in Australia. The Murrumbidgee Valley reserves are separate precincts spanning the Murrumbidgee between Narrandera and Hay. This very special place is home to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Angela Lewis, who looks after the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park and Nature Reserve. “I previously worked as a ranger in the ACT and Victoria, so I’ve been very lucky to work in some amazing places of natural beauty across the country,” she says.
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Leeton T O W N F E A T U R E
“ Th er e’s al s o an i ncr e di b le s e n s e o f fr e e do m an d s p a ce o ut he r e.”
“I love the variety of my job as every day is different. I enjoy the face-to-face interaction with park visitors and helping them have a great experience. I also assist with keeping the park weed- and pest-free and managing any incidents that may arise.” Checking out the wildlife brings visitors from all over the country. Visitors may spot the colourful Superb Parrot, a threatened species, which come to the forests to breed, as well as koalas, kangaroos, emus and plenty of birdlife. “There’s also an incredible sense of freedom and space out here. The Murrumbidgee Valley reserves are a bit of a secret – you can often go out exploring and feel like you’re the only person out there.” There are no dedicated campsites, meaning visitors can camp or park their caravan where it suits – right on the beautiful river bank, or secluded and surrounded by nature in the forest. Better still, the reserves are free, with no entrance or camping fees. The best way to see the highlights of the area is to journey along Forest Drive – either by car, mountain bike or hiking. This 16km one-way
drive takes you through the river red gum forest, with numerous beaches and river access points along the way. There’s an abundance of birdlife in the area, so make sure you bring your binoculars. As well as magnificent river red gums, you will find plenty of white cypress pine, yellow box and black box growing in this area. For some family-friendly water fun, visitors can stop off at the beautiful beaches along the way, including Sandy Beach and Middle Beach, to swim, canoe, kayak or just relax on the sandy shores. Another great day trip is to pack a picnic and head to Turkey Flat Wetland. When water is in abundance it’s an ideal location to spot wetland birds, easily done from an on-site bird hide without them seeing you. Visitors can enjoy the natural serenity over a picnic lunch at the picnic shelter. For those interested in visiting this special part of the state, ring the Riverina Area office on (02) 6966 8100, visit them at 200 Yambil Street, Griffith, or check out their website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. CWL
“There are no dedicated campsites, meaning visitors can camp or park their caravan where it suits.”
FACING PAGE: Camping and fishing on the Murrumbidgee River is an activity for all the family. ABOVE: There are many tracks suitable for cycling or walking; fishing and kayaking in the Murrumbidgee is always fun; NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Angela Lewis; from the hides visitors can enjoy watching the birdlife.
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