Western Downs
WINTER
FEATURE QLD
Dalby • Chinchilla • Miles • Wandoan Condamine • Tara • Meandarra Bell • Jandowae
SOCIAL EVENTS AT Harden and Stanthorpe
Gorgeous garden ‘Rosecroft’ Glen Innes
Leeton’s Mr Racing PETER CLANCY
Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales & Southern Queensland
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CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
Trading as Regional Lifestyle Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418 ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 WEBSITE www.lifestylemagazine.net.au FACEBOOK @RegionalLifestyleMagazine INSTAGRAM @RegionalLifestyleMagazine PUBLISHERS, ACCOUNTS & ADVERTISING Elizabeth & Alex Tickle info@lifestylemagazine.net.au EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@lifestylemagazine.net.au ART DIRECTOR Zora Regulic artdirector@lifestylemagazine.net.au
DISTRIBUTION Regional Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly (available at the beginning of each season) and distributed to selected newsagents and retail outlets in Southern Queensland, Northern Victoria and within the Central West and in the surrounding regions of the Far West, New England & North West, Riverina & Southern Slopes, the Monaro, 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.
Regional Lifestyle showcases authentic content from across rural and regional New South Wales, Southern Queensland and Northern Victoria. The heart of the magazine is in the Central West of New South Wales, 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.
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CONTENTS ISSUE 49 WINTER 2025
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I N FOCUS: Ange Stirling shares the inspiration behind her love of photography. 26 ON COUNTRY: Discover the majesty of the ancient Bunya Mountains. 34 INNOVATORS: Advanced technology makes the McVeighs leaders in their field. 46 TRACTOR TREK: Meet Frank Chiverton and his grandson, Sebastian Curtis. 64 SWEET SECRETS: Ditch the energy drinks and bite into a juicy watermelon. 84 EARTH ANGELS: Meet Tash, who founded Drought Angels more than 11 years ago. 94 TIME HEALS: Share Kate and Justin’s story of triumph and tragedy. 102 RINGS A BELL: Bruce Jackson continues an iconic Queensland tradition.
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180 G RANDEUR: Mike and Belinda Norton consider themselves ‘fortunate custodians’ of magnificient Rosecroft.
TRAVEL
Western Downs
WINTER
FEATURE QLD
Dalby • Chinchilla • Miles • Wandoan Condamine • Tara • Meandarra Bell • Jandowae
Gorgeous garden ‘Rosecroft’ Glen Innes
188 L AZY RIVER: Join John and Nicole on a Murray River houseboat holiday.
RECIPES
198 W HAT’S COOKING? From classic country cuisine to the latest in contemporary dining, RLM has you covered.
SOCIAL EVENTS AT Harden and Stanthorpe
Leeton’s Mr Racing PETER CLANCY
$15.00 inc GST WINTER 2025 VOLUME 49
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COUNTRY CHARACTERS
GARDEN
608002
I T’S THE PEOPLE: Mayor Andrew Smith shares his love of the district.
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Showcasing the best of rural and regional New South Wales & Southern Queensland
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WESTERN DOWNS FEATURE
SOCIALS
204 O UT AND ABOUT: The Harden Picnics, RLM launch and Valentine’s Day luncheon.
WEDDINGS
212 N EWLY WED: Four fabulous weddings in Lilydale, Monteagle, Orange and Wagga.
ON THE COVER
Dalby cotton growers Steve and Bridget McVeigh with two of their three children, Ollie and Lucy. Image: Ange Stirling
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
A Journey of Discovery “Winter is a time for comfort, for good food and warmth. For the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell
Welcome to Winter across our beautiful country
We trust Autumn blessed you with a diorama of colour to admire and that you’re already getting prepared to stay cosy and comfortable amidst the chilly surprises we know are in store for us.
Balonne feature
This feature was received with great enthusiasm from far and wide. The secret is now out about this unique area, and we know the 114 pages delivered to our readers has been very popular. We also hope you’ve found some inspiration through some of the stories in this recent edition. A very stylish launch was held at the Riversands Winery at St George with the added touch of a visit from the Hon Ann Leahy, State Member for Warrego, together with the colour and pizazz of a wonderful live band Split Ends from Goondiwindi. All the invited guests had an amazing time celebrating their much-loved Balonne Council area. See page 204 for a pictorial coverage of the Balonne Shire Council launch.
Winter 2025 edition features the Western Downs
We are very proud of how this Winter feature has evolved. Starting out as an 80-page feature promised to council, it has grown to become 129 pages! Thanks to a wonderful collaboration with the Western Downs Regional Council team, we just kept discovering more and more interesting people, great events, tourist attractions, entrepreneurs, creatives and real people whose prime motivation is to “make a difference” for others. This edition has some wonderful agricultural stories that you will find both inspiring and educational. Enjoy! We are certain this special region will be on your bucket list for a visit very soon.
Spring 2025 – our 50th edition
This edition is a major milestone for our magazine family. We are most grateful for the experience of this journey, one we feel very privileged to have undertaken. The 50th edition will be 150-plus pages of feature showcasing five stunning council areas in the Riverina – Coolamon, Junee, Temora, Bland (West Wyalong) and Cootamundra/Gundagai. We strongly advise that this edition will be one not to be missed. We’ve started our research for this edition already with subsequent visits planned to these beautiful areas. It is hard to realise that this is actually work …. the old saying that “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” is so true for us. It is always a great pleasure and honour to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing and interesting story subjects and business owners.
Welcome to Kim Woods and Ruth Fulton
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Leeton-based writer and photographer Kim Woods. Kim is highly experienced across
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ABOVE: Barellan Working Clydesdales broke their own modern-day record with 35 heavy horses pulling a wool wagon at the 2024 Good Old Days Festival. Image: Kim Woods
many aspects of the media and will be a huge asset to our already very talented, dedicated and passionate team. We would also like to welcome food writer Ruth Fulton to the team who will inspire you with beautiful recipes and food images in a new contemporary dining section.
2025 Good Old Days Festival
This iconic, pioneering event will be held at the Barellan Showgrounds from October 3-5, 2025, and provides visitors with a unique experience where they can see horses, camels, bullocks, donkeys, mules, and goats, all working in harness onsite. To celebrate the move to a three-day event, the festival will feature James Blundell, one of Australia’s most influential Australian male country stars on stage on Friday, October 3. More details can be found in the Barellan Good Old Days Festival ad on page 207 in this edition. Stay warm, stay happy, and stay well.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex
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WINTER 202 5 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE Publisher, Editor, Advertising
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
ALEX TICKLE
ZORA REGULIC Art Director
Sub-editor & Writer
Weddings, Social Media & Photographer
JENNIFER HARDEN
LIZ TICKNER
SALLY MARCEAU
MELISSA DUNKERLEY
KIM WOODS
ELIZABETH GRANT
KATE BOSHAMMER
JENEL HUNT
RUTH FULTON
LORRAINE HILLS
LYNNE WALKER
SAPPHIRE DALY
CATHERINE PLAYER
KASEY LOCKWOOD
ANGE STIRLING
JEM HAWKER
KAREL BROWNHALL
NICOLE BONFIELD Travel Writer
Travel Photographer
JAN ROSE
SUE CURLEY
LUCY FUGE
JESSICA HOWARD
ANNA CONN
ASSOC PROFESSOR SOL QURASHI
Advertising Designer
Food Writer
Photographer
Writer
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Advertising Designer
Food Writer
Photographer
Writer
Writer
Garden Writer
Photographer
Photographer
ANNA ROSE
Writer
Tales and Tones Photography
Writer & Photographer
Writer
Website Developer & Writer
Writer
Writer
Writer
Writer
HELEN TICKLE
Strategy & Distribution
JOHN BALTAKS
Health & Wellness Writer
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W I N T E R feedback
your letters Our shire had the great fortune of being featured in the Autumn 2025 edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine and we couldn’t be more delighted with the result. The RLM team did a fantastic job showcasing each of the seven townships of our shire and really brought out the essence and vibrancy of our community spirit and pride that we have for our beautiful part of the world. We look forward to welcoming RLM readers to experience for themselves all that our shire has to offer, including the muralled silos of Thallon, the award-winning Mungindi sculpture trail, our historical Nindigully pub, the most iconic Riversands Wines and much, much more! I want to say a huge thank you to the RLM team for encapsulating the vast beauty of our picturesque landscape that we enjoy each and every day, and the camaraderie and mateship we share with each of our locals and visitors alike. To anyone thinking of travelling through, or looking for a tree-change, make sure you drop in and say hi, as we are all looking forward to welcoming you to our region. Mayor Samantha O’Toole Balonne Shire Council
My great-grandfather, Walter Heness, was in Bollon in 1875 when he pioneered Bendee Downs Station. My father, Bert Walters, was born in Bollon in 1901 and subsequently moved to Cunnamulla with his parents. On several trips back out west, my wife and I have always stopped at Deb’s Café (now The Bollon Café) to enjoy the food and atmosphere. The volunteers at the Heritage Centre have welcomed us warmly. Your pages on the Balonne Council towns brought back many happy memories, for which we thank you. Sadly, the day after we bought Regional Lifestyle Magazine the Bollon Pub burned down. Incidentally, we also enjoyed Volume 45 which showcased Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.
The Balonne Shire truly came to life in the Autumn edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine, capturing the heart and soul of our communities. The stunning photography and well-crafted stories showcased not just our landscapes, but the incredible people who make this region so special. It’s a wonderful tribute that highlights why the Balonne Shire is such a fantastic place to visit and call home. Kim Wildman Tourism Manager, Balonne Shire Council
In the early hours of Sunday, February 23, I quickly checked my phone as I hopped back into bed. Here was a photograph on Facebook that made my stomach churn; it was a graphic image of Bollon Hotel fully engulfed in flames. A few short months earlier I had met Bollon Café owners Bec Steer and Carly Crowe over the phone when I wrote their story for RLM, issue number 48 on the Balonne Shire. Their café was housed within the pub, which was being operated by Bec’s sister and brother-in-law. I laid there for hours thinking of the impact this tragedy would have on that beautiful little town and the wider community. Like most small towns, the pub was the community’s meeting place, and with the café drawing in clientele from early until late, it was a popular spot. Carly and Bec were considering relocating the business to another premises, but all that is now up in the air as they determine what their next step will be. I’m sure whatever they decide, they will carry it out with grit and determination, just as they have faced the devastation of losing their livelihood with such grace. The entire Balonne Shire is filled with amazing, resilient people like Bec and Carly. Little towns like Bollon, Dirranbandi, Hebel and Nindigully are blessed to have innovative, forward-thinking residents who will always strive to make the best out of every situation. Just look at the flooding that’s devastated so much of Queensland and New South Wales in recent times. That’s why it’s vital to keep supporting these amazing towns and their good-hearted residents. It’s the Aussie way.
Peter Walters,
Anna Rose
Stanthorpe, QLD
Geelong, VIC
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Welcoming guests for over a century
Great meals. Cold beer. Accommodation + Fuel
The historic Hebel Hotel is the perfect place for lunch or dinner and a great yarn with the locals. Our Hotel hosts a range of events year round and can cater to any of your event needs, which can take place in our beautiful outdoor entertaining area. So whether you’re passing through or hail from a neighbouring town, be sure to stop at Hebel Hotel and General Store and say hello.
Hebel Hotel Ph. 07 4625 0923
General Store Ph. 07 4625 0920
Opening hours Open 7 days 10am to 12am
Opening hours Open 7 days 6am to 8pm
30 - 34 William Street Hebel, Queensland 4486 info@hebelhotel.com.au
www.hebelhotel.com.au
WESTERN DOWNS
COU NCI L F E AT U R E
Where people live and thrive From the Western Downs Mayor As Mayor of the Western Downs, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to our incredible region – a place where active vibrant communities, boundless opportunity, and breathtaking landscapes come together to create an unrivalled lifestyle. We are a region of 35,000 people spread across almost 38,000 sq km – nearly the size of Switzerland! From the lush rainforest of the Bunya Mountains to our tranquil lagoons and broad, sweeping plains, I invite you to experience the warmth, energy, and diversity that define the vast and beautiful Western Downs. The Western Downs has long been a powerhouse of agriculture, and today we stand as the second-best performing agricultural sector in the state. With 42 per cent of Queensland’s feedlots located within 100km of the Dalby Saleyards, and productive, resource-rich soil, the Western Downs is feeding and clothing the nation. Agriculture is just one of the pillars supporting our strong, diverse economy. The Western Downs not only boasts a cutting-edge manufacturing industry, we are also known as “The Energy Capital of Queensland”. Thanks to our innovative, diversified energy industry, the Western Downs is powering more than two million Aussie homes and businesses every day.
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At its heart, the Western Downs is a region of natural wonder and outdoor adventure. Where else can you find lush rainforest, vibrant modern communities, and stunning campgrounds all in one place? The Western Downs is home to some of the best outdoor recreation spots in the country – whether it’s camping by the water at Lake Broadwater, Caliguel Lagoon, Chinchilla Weir and Waterloo Plains, or getting your heart racing at the Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails. Festivals are a way of life here, drawing thousands each year to celebrate everything from the vibrant diversity of our people to our rich rural traditions. Whether you’re at the iconic Chinchilla Melon Festival, the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races, Jandowae Timbertown Festival or Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful celebrations, you’ll find a reason to revel in the unique spirit of our towns. Our history, too, is proudly on display at landmarks like Jimbour House and the Miles Historical Village Museum, where the stories of our past come alive. And let’s not forget our iconic “big” attractions – the Big Melon, Big Bell, and Big Blade – all reminders of the larger-than-life character of our region. For those with a taste for fresh, local produce, our local producers and eateries serve up the best from paddock to plate. If you’re keen on equestrian pursuits, you’ll find no shortage of horse events, from campdrafts and rodeos to the Dalby Stock Horse Sale.
The Western Downs has long been a powerhouse of agriculture, and today we stand as the second-best performing agricultural sector in the state. Our region is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. We don’t just have topnotch galleries and “Instagrammable” public art, the Western Downs is also the home of the famous Words Out West: Readers and Writers Festival, attracting some of the best known and loved literary talent from across the country. Whether you’re here to live, work, or play, the Western Downs offers opportunity, adventure, and connection. We are a region where people don’t just live – they thrive. So come and experience our wonderful region for yourself and see why we like to say that on the Western Downs, it’s the people that make it! Councillor Andrew Smith, Mayor Western Downs Regional Council
Dalby T O W N F E A T U R E
Discover the
Nestled under wide open skies in beautiful country Queensland, the Western Downs is the perfect destination to pull up the caravan this year.
magic of the Downs
The region really does have it all, boasting unique experiences, exciting events, friendly faces and a range of suitable campgrounds. For those seeking serenity and peaceful landscapes, there are beautiful lakes and campgrounds situated throughout the entire district. The Chinchilla Weir, Caliguel Lagoon (Condamine), and Tara Lagoon are fan favourites offering powered sites, great fishing and all the facilities required to set up a comfortable camp. Natural wildlife habitats and birdlife oasis grounds like Lake Broadwater Conservation Park (Dalby) and Waterloo Plains Environmental Park (Wandoan) are also hotspots among the local and visiting community. No matter what time of year, the region is home to exciting bucket-list events and unique experiences. This year’s events calendar is no exception as Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival will celebrate culture and community in August, followed by a celebration of the region’s rural heritage at Miles Back to the Bush Festival in October. Since the 1950s, the Miles community has celebrated its rich heritage and placed a spotlight on everything there is to love about being in the bush. The biennial Back to the Bush Festival is always a front runner on the event bucket list, featuring an iconic program including the Toughest Buggers in the Bush competition, working dog demonstrations, whip cracking, steam train viewings, war plane demonstrations and more. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid adventurer, a passionate foodie or just ready to head back to the bush, the popular Miles festival is a unique outback event loved by everyone. Discovering more about the agricultural history of the Western Downs is now made easier by the highly anticipated Dalby Saleyards tours. This guided tour occurs weekly from April to
October and offers the opportunity for the public to experience the heart of intensive agriculture in action. As the second-largest cattle selling centre in Australia, sale day at Dalby Regional Saleyards is an unmatched experience for Western Downs visitors (booking are essential via the website). Throughout the region more hidden gems await the avid adventurer. Possum Park is a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience just 20km north of Miles and famous for once being a top-secret bomb storage bunker for wartime defence. Charley’s Creek Campgrounds offers another unmatched country experience with an onsite brewery, unforgettable farm tours and the mouth-watering Saturday night favourite, slowcooked Wagyu brisket. A magical weekend is guaranteed, but while you’re in the area don’t miss the chance to view spectacular wildflowers on the Gurulmundi wildflower tour or the nationally recognised ANZAC Memorial Museum in Meandarra. There’s so much to do in the region but every encounter seems to have common ground in beautiful, wide, open spaces, largerthan-life experiences, vibrant communities and appealing lifestyle drawcards. You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience so head the campervan west, pop into a local Visitor Information Centre and get an insight into why “it’s the people that make it” on the Western Downs. RLM Words: Supplied Images: Ange Stirling and supplied
ABOVE: Waterskiing is a popular pastime; the Western Downs is a great place for every man (boy) and his dog; village charm; the Big Watermelon – take a bite; Lake Broadwater is a great place to relax and unwind.
WESTERN DOWNS - DALBY AND BEYOND RLM 15
T O W N F E A T U R E Dalby
days gone by DALBY
Images: Supplied
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Experience Western Downs
Chinchilla Weir
Lake Broadwater
Caliguel Lagoon
Condamine River
Experience the best camping trails in the west Scan the QR code to plan your trip today
Scan the QR code below for more
DALBY RLM 17
Downtown in Dalby
Pride reflected in streetscape
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Dalby T O W N F E A T U R E
The Western Downs has it all
As the local state member for the Western Downs region, I want to extend a very warm welcome to all the readers of Regional Lifestyle Magazine. This is such a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful Western Downs. I grew up on a farm near Stanthorpe and I understand how important rural and regional communities are to Queensland. Having walked in the shoes of many regional Queenslanders, I’m extremely privileged to have the opportunity to advocate for the Western Downs and its people. Dalby is the heart of the Western Downs and the region has a long history of being a major manufacturing hub. Dalby boasts one of the few steel foundries in Queensland and many other businesses involved in manufacturing, some of which export to the world. With festivals such as the iconic Chinchilla Melon Festival and the Tara Camel Races, the Western Downs is also great place for families. Across the Western Downs, we have many thriving industries including agriculture, tourism and service industries, with doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers. Our schools across the region are absolutely first class. Small businesses are the backbone of the economies of all of the towns across the Western Downs, many of which are family-owned operations. Beyond the transactions, it’s a region where so many longstanding friendships are formed and local communities are strengthened. The Western Downs welcomes newcomers and long-time residents alike and people look out for one another. It’s more than just a place; it’s a community that holds its friendships close, making it a warm and inviting region to live, work, grow and raise a family. I invite readers to visit the Western Downs; it has much to offer, particularly with the signature tourism events. I urge you to not just come for a visit but come live in the Western Downs because it is a wonderful region to call home. The people are friendly and our hospitality is second to none. There’s also a saying across the Western Downs, if you can’t get it made or you can’t buy it in the Western Downs, it doesn’t exist. So come for a visit or even stay a bit longer, because we’d love you to embrace the Western Downs. RLM Words: Michael Howard Images: Supplied
FROM TOP: Member for Warrego Ann Leahy has lived and breathed the Western Downs her whole life and knows it’s ‘more than just a place’; Stephanie Commens, Belinda Griffiths and Sarah Lilburne representing the Dalby and District Pony and Hack Club with Minister Leahy for the Australia Day Awards 2023.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Dalby
Authenticity in focus Ange Stirling’s journey into photography began in her childhood, sparked by a fascination from flipping through the pages of family albums.
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Dalby T O W N F E A T U R E
“I remember discovering a collection of images taken with a beginner DSLR camera that my Mum had taken of my sister, Pip and I when we were younger,” Ange recalls. “These photos weren’t like the usual ones in the albums. The quality, clarity, and tones were striking, but more than that, they made me feel something. “They weren’t posed, but had a relaxed, documentary-style vibe. Despite being taaken years earlier in a previous home, I found myself filled with the feelings and familiar sounds and scents of that place.” While attending boarding school in Toowoomba, Ange’s interest in photography grew through a media course. It was there that a teacher recognised her natural talent, praising her “good eye.” It was in the darkroom that this simple acknowledgment sparked a passion that would evolve into a career grounded in authenticity, storytelling, and capturing everyday moments. Despite her love for photography, it wasn’t seen as a viable career at the time, so Ange continued pursuing it as a hobby. After moving from Mungindi to Dalby with her now-husband, Damon, they quickly settled in, raising their two children, Mac, 15, and Arabella, 14, and building strong community ties. > FACING PAGE: A sun-drenched family photo shoot at Jimbour Station produces breathtaking results. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Best mates Archie and Wilbur, Crows Nest; pure joy with Maddy and Rusty, Condamine Plains; Ange Stirling at her home in Dalby. DALBY RLM 21
T O W N F E A T U R E Dalby
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Dalby T O W N F E A T U R E
“Losing my sister was life-changing – a huge wake-up call about how precious life is.” However, it was the tragic loss of her younger sister, Elle, in a car accident in 2010 that encouraged Ange to fully embrace photography as a career. “Losing my sister was life-changing – a huge wake-up call about how precious life is,” Ange reflects. “We never know what tomorrow will bring, and it’s so important to make the most of every day and pursue what makes you happy. Elle never got that opportunity.” In the wake of her sister’s passing, Ange took a leap of faith when a friend asked her to photograph the morning preparations for her wedding. What started as a favour quickly turned into a thriving business after she shared the photos on social media. “It’s a privilege to be trusted to capture not only milestones but the intimacy of people’s lives,” she says. As a self-taught photographer, Ange sought inspiration from others in the industry, building connections and receiving invaluable mentorship. “As a perfectionist, I did everything I could to ensure I was prepared. I invested in better equipment, researched, and built a portfolio. Offering free shoots to friends helped me build confidence and hone my skills.” In 2016, Ange’s career gained momentum after capturing her first wedding at Jimbour House, a place close to her heart, where she would later join their team as events and tourism manager. “From that first wedding, things really took off. With the power and reach of social media my business has grown and evolved organically, as has my style and skillset.” Despite her success in photography, Ange has always maintained a corporate career in marketing, tourism, and events, finding fulfillment in promoting the region she calls home. “I love showcasing what makes this part of the world so special,” she shares. Balancing part-time work with family and her photography business wasn’t easy – years of working seven days a week, with many sacrifices – but it became clear that her
corporate experience offered a deeper understanding of her clients’ needs, providing a multi-faceted service. Her idyllic childhood spent with family and friends on horseback, escaping the summer heat in the Barwon combined with a defining moment after a photography workshop has shaped her style. Alongside photographers from across Australia and the US she was asked to submit photos for feedback. “Many of mine featured families in rural settings,” Ange recalls. “A majority of the participants had never seen these crops before or understood their purpose. “It was a powerful reminder of how important it is to educate people about where their food and fibre comes from. If my work can connect people to the land and highlight the value of agriculture, I’m incredibly proud.” Through her work deeply rooted in authenticity, Ange strives to preserve and share unique stories. “I want people to look back on their images and feel that connection and emotion.” Whether she’s capturing the charm of a rural landscape or a family in all their beautiful chaos, Ange’s photography reflects the essence of her subjects. Frame by frame, she’s creating a collection of moments she can only hope is cherished for generations to come and a legacy to her beloved sister, Elle. RLM Words: Anna Rose Images: Ange Stirling
ABOVE: Limited-edition print titled Gather & Graze. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Russell celebrates his 90th birthday; Macalister Morgan, Dalby; a quiet moment between St John and his granddaughter Audrey, Jimbour; the magic of sorghum harvest with Zara, Warra; the next generation of farmer, Nindigully; Bach brothers, Bongeen; wheat harvest with the Walton family, Dalby; limited-edition print The Stables. DALBY RLM 23
T O W N F E A T U R E Dalby
Why not
When the tender came up for Lake Broadwater Conservation Park, two Dalby locals jumped right in.
stay awhile?
Having grown up in the area, Megan and Tim Walker have very fond memories of visiting the lake as kids. “When we were young, we did a lot of camping and recreation out here,” Megan recalls. “There used to be ski jumping, but that doesn’t happen anymore.” Megan works three days a week at the pharmacy in town, where she’s been employed for the past 10 years, and spends the other four days at Lake Broadwater with her husband.
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Tim is a boilermaker by trade, with the ability to turn his hardworking hands to most jobs. He keeps the place looking spick and span seven days a week. “While it still gets hot up here, he isn’t cooped up in a shed and he really does enjoy the great outdoors,” Megan says. “I do the admin work as well as the social media and planning events. “My favourite part of being here is the people and the wildlife – my phone is full of pictures of birds, lizards and roos – and I
just love talking to people.” Lake Broadwater Conservation Park is a national park, with Western Downs Regional Council its trustees. Located 30km south-west of Dalby, it’s a beaut place to while away the hours, with campers permitted to stay up to 21 nights – quite generous for a national park! Visitors do tend to stay awhile as it has 10 powered sites, hot showers and toilets and a camp kitchen with barbecue hot plates.
Dalby T O W N F E A T U R E
There’s lots of seating along the shore of the lake, which people either take a walk or cycle around when it isn’t full. At capacity, you can’t go all the way around. With its shady river red and blue gums, cypress pine, brigalow and eucalypts, Lake Broadwater is a natural magnet for water birds and wildlife. The red gum track around the lake’s perimeter is 3km. Most people find it easily manageable in an hour or so, but don’t forget to pack water and your binoculars. A bird hide is available where visitors can enjoy viewing up to 250 different species of birds. The lake itself provides endless opportunities for enjoyment – swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, jetskiing, waterskiing or boating. “When it’s completely full, the giant red gums sit in the water,” explains Megan. “At its deepest point, the lake is 2.8 metres.” There are several options for camping once you arrive. Fees start at $7.25 per night per person, with a family group (two adults and two or more children) $29 per night (subject to national park price changes). As it is a national park, no fishing or domestic animals are permitted. Bookings aren’t required and it’s first in,
best dressed. You can either self-register, or wait until Tim and Megan pop around in the afternoon to check you in. If you’re looking to get back to nature on a day trip or for a little longer – you really can’t go past Lake Broadwater. RLM Words: Anna Rose Images: Supplied
FACING PAGE: Megan and Tim Walker love their work as caretakers of Lake Broadwater Conservation Park. FROM TOP: A cosy fire pit is just one of the many reasons guests love coming back to Lake Broadwater; the grounds are kept in pristine condition by Tim.
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T O W N F E A T U R E Dalby
Back on country It’s almost as if the majestic Bunya Mountains have been there since before time itself began.
When you consider they are home to the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya pines, it might not be all that far off the mark. It’s believed the Bunyas were formed more than 30 million years ago in the remains of an old shield volcano. To the custodians of that land, people of the Wakka Wakka (pronounced wokka-wokka) nation, the Bunyas Booburrgan Ngmunge are highly significant culturally to many Indigenous people and equally as sacred as Uluru. Their traditional name translates to “our mother’s breast” so it’s little wonder it became
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the triennial meeting place for tribes from all over South-East Queensland and northern New South Wales. In pre-colonial days, it was the largest gathering place for Indigenous people in the whole of Australia. Every three years people would make their way to their spiritual home, explains park ranger Shannon Bauwens. “They would travel hundreds of kilometres, in line with the bunya harvest, although they didn’t just come for the food,” he affirms.
“Most importantly, these gatherings were to strengthen alliances via our kinship system. Back in those days, our people sat in circles; they were very good diplomats and good at dispute resolution. We would marry into other mobs and strengthen our alliances.” Those essential gatherings, forging alliances and practising ancient cultural ceremonies, were dismantled with the encroachment of white settlement and the associated traditions were lost for generations.
Dalby T O W N F E A T U R E
A BUSH UNIVERSITY
Now, thanks to a collaboration between BPAC and the Western Downs Regional Council, the Bunyas have once again become a place of knowledge sharing and learning with the establishment of the Bush University in April 2022. Back in the early 2000s tribal Elders were concerned about the substantial loss of the unique, high-altitude grassland balds found on the Bunya Mountains. In a bid to avert an ecological disaster, BPAC campaigned for years, trying to get back onto the lands. “That’s when we got funding to start our ranger program,” Shannon explains. “There are three ranger crews now – in Murgon, the Bunya Mountains and the Darling Downs side – and they’re all part of BPAC. “We look after country. Our motto is ‘healing country and strengthening songlines’.” Shannon says working on country is both an honour and a privilege – and showing visitors around the mountains is his “dream job”. “When I talk about things with visitors, school groups, all demographics really, I get the feeling there is a real appetite now for Australia to want to know more about Indigenous culture,” he says. The Queensland Government supported BPAC with funding to complete “in country” learning places and the creation of a tour package delivered through the Growing Indigenous Tourism in Queensland (GTIQ) fund. Russell Park is one of two learning places, with the other at Gummingurru, north of Toowoomba. GTIQ supported the construction of a “Dhakkin” – sculptural meetings ground – with a 120-metre-long rock and concrete rainbow serpent with hand-pitched stone. “There’s 1.25km of fibre optic cable through it, including the eyes,” explains Shannon. “It contains three spaces – one for men, one for women and the other is shared with the wider community. It’s a safe space for them to sit and talk, while the community space is for everyone. “The women’s side is associated with water (the rainbow serpent representing life and water), while the men’s space is associated with fire.” > FACING PAGE: The ‘Dhakkin’ (meeting place) – a 120-metre-long rainbow serpent made from hand-pitched stone blends seamlessly into the landscape. FROM TOP: The bunya pine … as old as time; park ranger Shannon Bauwens is in his element, sharing his culture with visitors; traditional dancers. DALBY RLM 27