Liverpool Plains #frontstepsproject

Liverpool Plains #frontstepsproject A free community project by Sally Alden to keep our communities connected, you can message your pics

YURII & INNA - FROM UKRAINE WITH LOVE As the ‘Quirindi Heritage Village Rally’ parades down the towns main street, it wa...
30/04/2022

YURII & INNA - FROM UKRAINE WITH LOVE
As the ‘Quirindi Heritage Village Rally’ parades down the towns main street, it was humbling to spend time with Yurii Chuchenko this morning.

Both he and his wife Inna,(captured in the supplied picture in the Carter families sunflower fields on the Liverpool Plains near Quirindi recently) hail from Ukraine and have taken refuge in Australia.

The duo are in the safe hands of Mark (pictured in Quirindi with Yurii) and Jenni Chapple(absent from pics) who own a property located between the townships of Quirindi and Wallabadah.

The couple also spend time with Michael and Lauren Cousens in their Newcastle home.

“Because of my business dealings, I have friends in Ukraine. When the war with Russia erupted, Jenni and I reached out to see who we could assist,” said Mark, who added it has been a big effort to obtain visas for the Ukrainian couple.

With their Visa process completed for the short term the young Ukrainian couple are looking forward to the arrival of their first child, due in 4 months.

“We arrived from Thailand into Australia with two suitcases and no idea where we would end up. I feel we have landed in paradise in the Quirindi area,” extolled Yurii.

For Mark and Jenni, who are currently housing the couple when at their Quirindi property, see an opportunity to assist more people.

“Yurii and Inna have a diverse range of professional skills that they bring to the Quirindi area.”

“There are many people in Ukraine seeking aid in this humanitarian crisis and maybe more people in regional areas can assist, by hosting them as Jenni and I are,” continued Mark, who conceded assisting those from war-torn countries involves a lot of red tape.

“There is an opportunity for regional communities to unite in helping like Australia has done in the past.”

Historically the ‘Greta Migrant Camp’ that ran between 1949 and 1961 assisted 170,000 displaced people who fled Europe after World War Two to find a new life in Australia.

The camp operated for 11 years and offered, accomodation, work, education, health and training options to those fleeing war.

“Rural areas that have vacant infrastructure could welcome 10 or more Ukrainian families into their region, with the current conscription in Ukraine meaning men between 18-60 being called to defend their country, the first temporary residents, would be women and children.”

Mark and Jenni have been in constant contact with the Deputy Prime Ministers office.

“The staff at Barnaby Joyce’s office were of assistance when advising on due process for the visas for Yurii and Inna.”

“We hope to talk with them on the idea to assist more Ukrainians into regional areas in Australia,” continued Mark, who also has meetings planned with representatives from smaller regional councils about the assistance concept.

For Yurii, the health and well-being of his wife and unborn child are his first concern, but, family and friends in Ukraine are also paramount.

“Over 12 million people in Ukraine are displaced from their homes and some 6 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.”

“If I can help even 1 other Ukrainian famiky into Australia to work and live, then that is good,” added Yurii who was keen to head to Newcastle to be with his wife Inna - there for prenatal health checks.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to ravage, an Australian Doctor who was a Russian child immigrant heard about Inna’s situation and is assisting her through the pregnancy.

“This is just one example of the generosity and freedoms of Australia,” said Mark.

And considering Yurii and Inna arrived in Australia with nothing, but love and two suitcases - half of one was filled with cooking implements as Yurii is a former MasterChef Ukraine contestant- the couple’s kindness in seeking to assist others is humbling indeed.

Welcome Yurii and Inna, I will help however I can. And thank you Mark and Jenni, plus Michael and Lauren for all you have already done to assist others, and for reaching out to me to help share their story.

*As the Sunflower is Ukraines national flower, local farming family, Ian and Mally Carter ( producers of the recent Liverpool Plains crop Yurii and Inna are pictured in) have donated funds raised from tourists sunflower crop visits towards assisting those in need in Ukraine.

BY Sally Alden Photography

THIS JUST HAPPENEDCongratulations to all involved in the LPfrontsteps project... we just received ‘Citizen of the Year’ ...
26/01/2021

THIS JUST HAPPENED
Congratulations to all involved in the LPfrontsteps project... we just received ‘Citizen of the Year’ for the Liverpool Plains Shire for 2021.

Thankyou to our Australia Day ambassador Ben Farinazzo (pictured with me) for your words on inclusion and celebration at today’s ceremony.

Congratulations to all other nominees and recipients today, to Molly Owen for a beautiful version of the National Anthem, Jason Allen for your Welcome - Yamma - and to our residents who became Australian citizens today.

Thankyou to the LPSC for coordinating today and to all those who worked behind the scenes...

It’s the strangest feeling to have received this accolade... pride, overwhelm, gratitude, humility and many more emotions...

I’m so grateful to all who allowed me to share their stories, during the first outbreak of covid in 2020. This ones for you!

I’m off to the pub to have a coldie with my loved ones to celebrate!

Happy Australia Day!

I'm so happy to have this project supported by Arts Northwest.

A DAY TO CELEBRATEIn 30 mins, my son and I are set to attend our local Australia Day Awards… and I wanted to take a mome...
25/01/2021

A DAY TO CELEBRATE
In 30 mins, my son and I are set to attend our local Australia Day Awards… and I wanted to take a moment to thank ALL of the fellow nominees from our communities for all they have achieved and given to our region.

Thank you, Robyn Leece, Kim Lawlor, Mary Roberts, Madge Martin, Rotary Club of Quirindi’s Community Services Branch, Colleen Wills, Shane Gill, Melissa Stubbs, Michael and Trudie Arnold, Toby Dewick, Maxwell Kettle, John Maunder, Lucas Percy, Molly Elford and Faith Green and to LPSC for coordinating today.

I also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that today brings many and varied emotions with it for a diverse range of reasons to the people in our region.

Today’s Liverpool Plains Shire Ambassador and Kamilaroi man, Ben Farinazzo captured it well when quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday.

Ben spoke on how the day offers an opportunity to celebrate the stories of all Australians.

“Some stories are beautiful and full of wonder, others are harsh and full of terror,” he said, “I celebrate that we can come together to reflect and show respect for everyone’s story.”

Ben concluded with…“As a nation we must continue to strive towards listening and learning from all these stories and identifying meaningful and practical ways to support those that have suffered and are suffering,”.

I believe there are many and serious conversations, we as a nation need to continue around the date, the day, and the celebrations of our combined histories, and they are conversations I look forward to being part of.

For today, I’m proud to step froward and celebrate the stories of all Australians, in the future I look forward to embracing changes as the day continues to evolve with ALL of us.

Enjoy this pic I took as I stood in thought - dissecting the above - in a field of golden sunflowers under last nights glowing moon.

I'm so happy to have this project supported by Arts Northwest.

OUR CONNECTION - nominated for Aus Day...This Liverpool Plains   2020 (page) has been nominated for two AUSTRAL...
24/01/2021

OUR CONNECTION - nominated for Aus Day...
This Liverpool Plains 2020 (page) has been nominated for two AUSTRALIA DAY Awards – in the Liverpool Plains Shire.

The project was established to unite us at time when – due to the initial COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 - we felt the first frightening wave of isolation and uncertainty.

I was compelled to offer my photographic and journalistic skills for free to those who wanted to participate and share their stories.

I did so, to highlight and celebrate the diverse and magnificent people, natural environment and businesses of our communities… during that jumpy time in history, when we didn’t really know what was happening in the world and we were feeling the first pinches of isolation from one another, our families and our communities.

All I asked of the participants, was that they ‘paid it forward’, through their skills or some other kindness to another person or family… to continue to keep our spirits high and our communities connected.

Some 750 images and almost 15,000 words later, because of the project, I’ve been nominated for two Australia Day Awards…. The ‘Citizen of the Year’ and Marie Maunder Community Service’ Awards.

However, the nominations are not mine, they are for all of us…all those who joined in the project, all those who cheered and celebrated and all those who connected amid the ‘Covid Chaos’…

So, I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all those who participated in sharing their story and to those that cheered one another on by commenting on the Facebook posts – can you believe we connected over 170,000 people across the nation and the globe!

My heart has swelled to hear of friends and family reconnecting with one another and the region through the page.

I’ve also been overwhelmed to hear how people participating have ‘paid it forward’ to others, sharing their skills, time, expertise or donating to help others.

The project is so much more that words and images, the project is an entire movement of joy, inclusivity and celebration.

It has been a gift to see, capture and share the beauty, fragility, honesty, strength, humour, tenacity and above all else… the sense of community in our amazing region during a crazy time in the world.

The page is still online and continues to connect, with more and more people jumping on to read the stories and enjoy the fabulousness of our region…

So, to all of you… I say these Australia Day Nominations are for YOU!
I'm so happy to have this project supported by Arts Northwest.

NATURE'S FRONTSTEP
09/07/2020

NATURE'S FRONTSTEP

ELEGANT FREE-SPIRITS The Milligan name is well known to those in the Liverpool Plains of an ‘older’ generation, with Ray...
22/05/2020

ELEGANT FREE-SPIRITS
The Milligan name is well known to those in the Liverpool Plains of an ‘older’ generation, with Ray – a painter - and Grace – a homemaker - Milligan prominent members of the Quirindi community in the 60's + 70’s.

Their three children, Derek, Glenn and Carleen had a normal country kid upbringing, until their mother passed suddenly when Carleen was a small child.

“Dad was in Jaycees then the Lions Club. It was his idea to collect newspapers for recycling in the early 80’s, so I guess he was ahead of his time, said Carleen, who added… “Mum was President of the Infants School P&C, was actively involved with community groups until she passed suddenly in 1978."

Carleen and her son, Tavish Gillespie – pictured here on the Liverpool Plains – just hours before the social lockdown was called due to the COVID-19 pandemic- returned to Quirindi in 2012 after surviving a series of earthquakes in New Zealand.

“We moved to Quirindi, because it was central, almost the middle of where my brothers live and I felt comfortable and familiar with the community. I also wanted Tavish to have the opportunity go to my old school,” said Carleen who worked for both North West Farm Machinery then Manuka Chaff, was the Quirindi Show Society, Secretary and on the then Quirindi Business Chamber Executive during her time back in her home town.

Tavish finished Primary School in Quirindi, attended Year 7 and half of Year 8 at the Quirindi High School, before the mother and son went travelling for 3 months. They travelled up as far as Cairns, Darwin, down to Adelaide and then back up through Victoria to Wollongong, with Tavish successfully undertaking Distance Education during this time.

“After our journey, he commenced at Erina High School in year 9, topped his year in Year 10 and is now in Year 12 doing his HSC - and is on the Senior Leadership team. He’s very self-motivated with his studies, which has been a plus given the online learning from home situation for students due to the pandemic.”

As schools across NSW head back to full time attendance on Monday, Tavish said he’s eager for the HSC to be over as he’s keen to get into his chosen field of Civil Engineering and study at Macquarie University.

“We love the Liverpool Plains region. We adore its ravaging natural beauty, so breathtaking and fraught, that it changes in a heartbeat, We also miss the wonderful people, who are down to earth and caring. Even though I’ve moved away, then back, then away again, I often return and… it will always be my home.”

Sally Alden Photography

Thank you Carleen and Tavish, you’ve lead an elegant life of free-spirits, with bold hearts and minds open to adventure. I treasure your friendship and your passion for literature, the arts and the human condition. Can’t wait to see you back here soon!

POSITIVITY FROM PETS - post a photo of YOUR PET in the comments!The vet clinic in Quirindi has been looking after and ca...
20/05/2020

POSITIVITY FROM PETS - post a photo of YOUR PET in the comments!

The vet clinic in Quirindi has been looking after and caring for an array of our friends from farm animals, companion animals, to wildlife and everything in between, for some 40 years.

David Frith – Senior Vet, at the clinic said, that like the majority of businesses, the pandemic has had an effect, on the Quirindi Veterinary Clinic - which has definitely been quieter through this period.

Also, like all businesses, changes were implemented at the clinic, to ensure the safety of staff, employees, clients and patients.

As well as adhering to client social distancing - by the limiting of the number of clients in the clinic at any time – and increased cleaning, the practice introduced in-depth cleaning - the building is decontaminated once a week with a fogging machine and Zoono solution that sanitises surfaces to provide further protection against the COVID-19 virus.

At the clinic - a mixed practice that prides itself on offering a high standard of care to all animal species - humour is also considered a good medicine for mental health.

“Our work can be very challenging and often we have to deal with very sick animals and very distressed owners. We embrace humour and positivity – at the right place and time – at the clinic to lighten some of the darker moments and to allow us to mentally keep doing what we love doing,” said Trish Wallace – Clinic Coordinator.

David added… “It is great to have a business in a small country town where you get to know the clients and patients on a more personal level. The animals not only become an important member of the family to their owner, but, can certainly leave a lasting impression on us too.”

One interesting side effect of the pandemic has been an increase in the number of pets families have chosen from pounds nation-wide.

“It’s well known, animals play a very important role in a person’s mental health, they have the ability to listen to all your troubles without judgement or talking back and their presence has the ability to make you feel more relaxed and happy, so no wonder during this trying time people are getting positivity from pets, ” said David, who also offered some carers tips.

“Often the hardest thing is not knowing their entire background, one of the most important things would be to show them that they are an important member of your family. If you are unaware of any medical history, it is always a good idea to have a check-up with the vet and get all preventative health processes up to date such as vaccinations.”

Some pound animals may be shy or have experienced past trauma that can be difficult for them to overcome, but, with the right amount of patience and positive reinforcement they can learn to trust and enjoy their new forever family.


“It’s important that people look after their animals as they rely on you completely to provide them with the best possible life. Ensure vaccinations are up to date and keep regular check-ups, doing this can significantly decrease the risk of them getting preventable diseases and catching things early can often assist with a more positive outcome.”

As social distancing restrictions lift and we head into the next uncertain stage of the pandemic, it sour pets and animals that continue to offer us unconditional love – except cats, cats love is conditional at all times…..

“Many horse owners would agree there is nothing better than a horse ride to relax and clear the mind or just escape from a task for that little bit longer. Cats and dogs, have the ability to brighten your day by simply just being there to love you,” said Trish, who added… “In the case of dogs as the most loyal companions, while cats keep you motivated to attend to their needs.”

“Dogs have Masters and Cats have Servants” which can definitely be the case for some.

Pictured: David Frith – Senior Vet, Hugh Ryan – Vet, Danielle Kerr – Vet, Georgia Roach – Vet, Trish Wallace – Clinic Coordinator, Katherine Bailey – Recept, Christine Clarke – Veterinary Nurse, Maddison Adams – Vet Nurse. Absent from pics: Ashleigh Barnes – Senior Vet & Michelle Barnett – Reception / Vet Nurse.
Frank- (cat) aka Cranky Franky - Site Supervisor / food quality control auditor.
Shady – (dog) Blood Donor / daily errands assistant (often accompanies person undertaking the banking and mail – official business duties).

Sally Alden Photography

Thank you to the crew - past and present – from Quirindi Veterinary Clinic for all you do for our beloved pets and precious livestock across the Liverpool Plains region.. You saved my son’s fur brother ‘Shaggy’ from the brink of death and I will forever be grateful!

As a bit of fun, if anyone reading this post would like to add a pic and the name of their pet in the comments… go for it! Share the love.

FROM 'FONZIES' WITH GRATITUDEJason Chen grew up in the beautiful, tropical Fijian Islands, in the Capital - Suva City, b...
19/05/2020

FROM 'FONZIES' WITH GRATITUDE
Jason Chen grew up in the beautiful, tropical Fijian Islands, in the Capital - Suva City, before heading to Australia to study a Bachelor of Commerce in Sydney - where he met his wife, Sylvia.

“Most people are surprised when I say I grew up in Fiji, while my family background is Chinese, I’m Fijian and my parents still live in Fiji. The girls and I can’t wait to visit again once the pandemic and restrictions have lifted,” said Jason, who added… “My wife, Sylvia (not pictured) is from Sydney, and her family background is Vietnamese.”

The duo, have three vivacious daughters, Cynthia, in Year one, Priscilla at Preschool and Evelyn (not pictured) just over a year old.

“We didn’t want to work for other people, but, instead run our own food business that was previously owned by our family, so we took the leap and headed to Quirindi to run ‘Fonzies’ takeaway and café.”

“Both my parents are still back in Fiji running our family’s fresh produce farm and business, we look forward to the day we can visit,” said Jason who enjoys cooking and exploring new food dishes, playing sports, including Badminton and playing computer games.

The eldest girls, Cynthia and Priscilla (pictured) love working in the shop…”because they feel very satisfied and happy once they have completed a task given to them. They are always exploring new things to do in the shop and we’re always aiming to teach them as many life skills as we can.”

Jason continued the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effected on their business including: reduced sales, less staff workers, reduced stock availability and higher costs, longer deliveries times and less frequency.

“Sales have dropped a lot since the start of the pandemic, some staff are unavailable to work due to vulnerable family members at home and kids to look after. Stock is hard to find during this time due to panic buying and a lot of food prices have sky rocketed.”

The takeaway food shop, offers a range of options, including: fish + chips, burgers, Chinese food and fabulous Pizzas with homemade bases.

“Family is always first no matter what happens. Family is always there whether it's tough times or happy times and ours continue to give us their full support,” said Jason who added he enjoys the Liverpool Plains community as its small and friendly.

“People in this community make everyone feel welcome and are always very helpful and supportive.”

Jason and Sylvia say it’s been very hard to plan for the future in the current environment.

“Our future is so uncertain due to this pandemic event, but one thing we can say for sure is a big THANK YOU to the community in supporting ‘Fonzies’ in the last 7 years especially during the tough times of drought and bushfires, And most importantly during this difficult time that everyone is going through at the moment.”

Sally Alden Photography

Thank you Jason and family... it was so much fun capturing you all and sharing your story. Thanks also for the fabulous 'Margherita ' pizza you make - my son's fave treat!

PASSION FOR THE DEVINE AND DELICIOUSBeth Dugan hails from a family of chefs and amazing cooks and says a flair for cooki...
18/05/2020

PASSION FOR THE DEVINE AND DELICIOUS
Beth Dugan hails from a family of chefs and amazing cooks and says a flair for cooking is in her blood.

“I wanted to be a chef for as long as I can remember. My Dad is a chef and he’s my greatest inspiration. I was originally from Walcha, trained to be a chef in Albury before moving to Walgett and now here to Quirindi.”

Beth moved to the Liverpool Plains region when an opportunity became available for her husband Leigh to work on one of the family property's at Caroona.

“There’s something magical about good food that brings people together, whether its meeting a friend for morning tea, celebrating a birthday, or Christmas lunch. And it’s that unity that I like to share through the creation of good food and the reason I started my café and catering business,” said Beth, who is passionate about her food.

Beth and Leigh also have two amazing and vibrant boys Will and Cooper and Beth says running her own Café and Catering business, ‘Zest’ has been extremely rewarding and successful, with a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

“It’s been a huge learning curve for me being a first time business owner. Soon to celebrate our 6th year of trading, we are in the midst of experiencing something I never thought would happen in my lifetime, a pandemic!”

Beth, who speaks highly of her entire team at ‘Zest’ says the foundations and learning they have gained over the last 5 years of trading has definitely been called upon over the last few months, adding… the COVID-19 pandemic has had such an impact on reduced cashflow through her business, she has almost had to close the doors.

“As a team, we’ve had to dig deep as we’ve innovated and adapted to the ever changing takeaway laws and keeping our customers safe and engaged with our business. I feel, if nothing else our 6th year has shown how resilient my team and I are and how terrific our community is to support us.”

The mother of two says she loves living in the Liverpool Plains as it’s one of the most supportive communities she has ever lived in.

“You can always count on a small community to rally together in a time of crisis. We've definitely felt a significant loss in business but while it’s been quieter it’s also given us the chance to be more creative with more time to try new things.”

The slower pace of business has given the team time to experiment with new recipes and for Beth to make cakes - and as always she tries to buy local produce to keep others in jobs.

“One of the positives from the pandemic has been that it’s nice to take a step back and appreciate other things.”

Remembering the early stages of the social distancing and lock downs due to the virus and how stressful they were, Beth, said… “the unknown of what was to happen and the contradicting laws, made business really tough. But nothing much changed for me personally, we are lucky enough to be able to come to work every day, the boys are still at school and life went on on as we knew it, said Beth, who added… "The day-to-day routine has definitely helped with the psychological side of coping.”

One thing that Beth says she misses is… “the pub… being able to relax with family and friends and have a laugh in my community is something I really miss.”

But the ‘Zest’ team have drawn together during the uncertainty, and supported one another.

“We have an amazing team of Tasia Martin, Kelly Seckold, Jill Batty (absent from pics) Molly Gamble (absent from pics) and Kez Vandervegt (absent from pics) that make coming to work easy…even on the hard days, they’re here with so much positivity.”

As massive music fan, it’s no surprise Beth is inspired by one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century, David Bowie, who said… "I don’t know where I’m going from here, but, I promise it won’t be boring!"

Sally Alden Photography

Thank you for sharing, Beth and the team at Zest. You are always there for a chat, creating fabulous gastronomic delights at your café or with your catering… we are blessed to have your talent, vision and passion for the divine and delicious in our region…and I’m sure you’re not the only one missing the local pubs!

FATHER VICSt. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Parish Priest: Father Vic Ignacio, has been a member of the Quirindi community f...
17/05/2020

FATHER VIC
St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Parish Priest: Father Vic Ignacio, has been a member of the Quirindi community for some years now and was delighted when last year, he became a Citizen of Australia.

“I have been celebrating Mass every-day, offering prayers for people especially the sick and those who are infected by this virus,” said Father Vic, when he nominated to be part of the LP .

Father Vic, who is cheerful and enjoys the local community said he hopes the positive reports on reduced COVID-19 cases will see restrictions on the number of people permitted in a gathering continue to rise – with social distancing in place.

“We commenced Mass for 10 people on Saturday.”

Always enjoying a joke, Father Vic added…”We are using Holy Sanitiser instead of Holy Water at the moment.”

Father Vic, said he’s happy to have started to celebrate Mass in public again and hopes that things will return closer to normal.

“Even if we have problems in our society and our world today, I think we need the consolation of the Lord and that’s what I do…I’m sure the Lord will continue to guide us through this time.”

Father Vic, who holds 6 services over a weekend, three on Saturday and three on Sunday, attending the areas he is Parish Priest for - Willow Tree, Werris Creek and Quirindi for services, says he lives by the saying… “Sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right.”



Thanks Father Vic for being part of the project, and for the work you do assisting those of faith – while not something I follow – I always enjoy having a chat with you and greatly appreciate you sharing your story with our community.

ROBBIES RANDOM RURALRobbie Marheine grew up the eldest of four children in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand...
16/05/2020

ROBBIES RANDOM RURAL
Robbie Marheine grew up the eldest of four children in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand near the township of Kingsdom.

“We spent 1 day-per-week inside learning skills like cooking – including my Mum’s fabulous fudge – ironing and more, the other days of the week we were outdoors learning on the farm with Dad,” said Robbie.

Next door to Robbies family, Lady Wentworth of ‘Crabbit Park’ fame had immigrated to New Zealand with her 10 Welsh Mountain ponies - she crossed them with Arab bloodline to breed children’s ponies.

“She had her horses next door to us and gifted me a pony when I was 4 years-old and that’s where I first learnt to pay kindness forward,” said Robbie.

After working and managing a saddlery at the Canterbury farmers co-op, Robbie headed to Australia to Polo Groom for the family of polo legend, Sinclair Hill.

“I met Phil – my husband – while polo grooming. Phil says he saw me and decided we were going to get married and six weeks after dating we were engaged.”

Horses have always been a vital part of Robbie’s life.

“Horses have taught me more about people than anything else.”

Phil was a four goaler in polo who played Internationally for Australia and had the potential to have made a career out of it, however, Robbie says he chose to have a family and work on the family property.

Robbie and Phil lived at ‘Warrah Station’, which Phil managed for his family, running commercial cattle and hay making for 15 years.

“We had our sons, Simon and Nick while we were living at Warrah.”

After Warrah the family moved to ‘Joselands’ 1600 acres out of Willow Tree, where Robbie has kept busy renovating two houses and building two others - including an enviro house, that features and hexagon shape, house blocks made of sawdust plus solar panels.

Robbie added she has always loved art and painting in particular, and enjoys heading across the country undertaking art courses from some of the country’s best.

It’s her passion for art that saw Robbie and Phil purchase and establish their own art space in Willow Tree – ‘Random Rural’

“I knew this building had potential as a shop frontage for a creative business and I knew I wanted a space for people to gather to paint and draw and display their paintings.”

As well as having a fabulous location to display her art - and continued to develop her passion of gardening - Robbie says she is meeting many interesting people.

“The location attracts visitors and artists from all walks of life who join in the art classes that run there.”

The most recent project for Robbie was the purchase of a slice of history in the land that housed ‘Zylman’s Antiques’ before it burnt down.

“We also purchased and are renovating The Northern Garage owned by O.Thomas and are now rebuilding a creative space for workshops and displays. Our aim is enhance the creative outlets for the region.”

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t affected Robbie’s business too much as yet.

“I shut the doors on the gallery – as I do when I head on art courses - and I focused on the garden at ‘Joselands’ and it’s given me time to just to let things flow. Today with the doors open it’s been nice to interact with customers.”

Robbie added…”In the country we know how to entertain ourselves and keep ourselves busy with nature. I feel this pandemic is making us take time out and do things differently. Maybe the world will slow down a bit.”



Thank you Robbie for letting me capture you and share a little bit of your story. Thank you also for the unconditional support, laughter and kindness you and Phil have always extended to H and myself. It’s an honour to call you a friend.

Address

Station Street
Quirindi, NSW
2343

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