Nature’s Pantry – Hamilton, Victoria
There are swings and roundabouts…and then there’s spinach and roundabouts – particularly if you’re driving through one of Victoria’s largest country towns. Leafy greens are popping up in the middle of some of Hamilton’s busiest thoroughfares, giving new meaning to the concept of ‘lunch on the run’.
“The vegetables can be eaten, but they are still an aesthetic feature, and the cost is no different to annuals, which can take a fair bit of maintenance,” says parks and gardens co-ordinator Jenny Hurse. “We want to be the most healthy, liveable Shire, and this makes a real statement about sustainability.”
My story on this terrific initiative of the Southern Grampians Shire Council appears in the Dec/Jan edition of Outback magazine.
Willalooka Eco Lodge – Outback Magazine
Willalooka Pastoral Company is the featured station in the Dec/Jan issue of Outback magazine. Incredible country in SA’s Upper South East, with its own spectacular 810ha wetland precinct featuring a series of interconnecting basins.
The Marcollat Watercourse
The owners, Kate and Thyne McGregor, have opened the property to overnight guests. This self-contained, four-bedroom Eco Lodge set in total seclusion amongst gum trees is all yours for as long as you like.
Imagine kicking back by a roaring fire looking looking out over Big Reedy Swamp…
If you’re tempted, you can book here, and read more about my article on the property here.
The warmest of welcomes for a refugee
After moving to Australia as a refugee late last decade, Lal Lian was lured to Mount Gambier in 2010 by the promise of work in the horticulture industry.
Photography by Sharyn Cairns
But the opportunity that knocked was beyond even his dreams. Kalangadoo apple growers Chris and Michelle McColl offered Lal almost a hectare of highly prized fully certified organic soil to produce his own crops.
Photography by Sharyn Cairns
My story about this kind family man who accepted a helping hand in a new farming land is in the November 2013 issue of Country Style magazine. Editor Victoria Carey writes:
The story of how a couple of apple farmers at South Australia’s Kalangadoo gave Lal a plot of land on which to grow organic market vegetables, and the way he seized the opportunity with both hands, is one of the most inspiring we’ve had in the magazine recently.
Favourite Bride – Real Weddings Style
I have lots of articles in the new issue of Real Weddings magazine. It’s impossible to pick a favourite – what bride doesn’t look amazing! – but Monique Sola was a standout. Divine looking girl, exquisite headpiece and smoking eye make-up. Photography by The White Tree.
She and husband Daniel make a stunning couple! They married at Barwon Heads in Victoria, adding a fresh touch of glamour to the coastal town.
One of many sweet love stories in the latest edition. And as always, so many ideas to inspire.
Outback Magazine: Spotlight on Depression
Grab the thickest, heaviest, grey woollen blanket you can find. Soak it in steaming hot water, and completely cover yourself with it while lying in bed. Then, try to climb out and go about your normal day with that suffocating weight hanging over you.
Queensland’s Rural Woman of the Year, Alison Fairleigh, says this is what depression feels like. She knows, because she has worn this cloak of misery, and she is using her award to encourage others to emerge from such a dark place. Alison was fascinating to interview – her profile is in the latest Outback magazine.
Marine Parks: Drawing the Line
The South Australian Rock Lobster Advisory Council has released an official video highlighting concerns about state and commonwealth marine parks. I interviewed some passionate and highly professional rock lobster fisherman from Port MacDonnell to Port Lincoln. Here is their story…
It was fabulous heading out to sea just as the sun was rising, for our second day of filming off Robe.
The fog lifted for a perfect day – here I am back on dry land interviewing Craig Lawrie at Robe’s iconic obelisk beneath the bluest of skies. The fishermen spoke incredibly well, and cameraman/editor Rob Tremelling was brilliant as always.
Outback Magazine Towns: Port MacDonnell
A recent assignment for Outback Magazine led me to a place very close to my heart, where the rising sun on a still winter’s morning is absolutely magical.
The Southern Rock Lobster capital of Port MacDonnell is the feature town in the August-September edition.
You won’t find many shops or cafes in this part of the world; it’s all about getting back to basics…
Enjoying the outdoors and the company of loved ones…
And if your timing is right, a lobster feast.
Best pick up lines – Real Weddings
Picture this: pretty girl walks into a hip nightclub, and the owner greets her at the top of the stairs with:
“I thought I knew every hot girl in Melbourne. Where are you from?”
I’ve been writing for Real Weddings magazine for several years now, and this would have to be the best pick up line yet. And it worked! The couple – Nick and Rozalia Russian – are now husband and wife.
Image by David Higgs
The bride wore J’Aton, and this ultra glam romance is one of many gorgeous stories I’ve shared in the latest issue of Real Weddings out this week.
Drawing the Line: Marine Parks
This pelican wasn’t the only one rejoicing about this week’s unseasonal blue skies.
We had filming and interviews to complete at Port MacDonnell on behalf of the South East Professional Fisherman’s Association, and fortunately there was no need to resort to the wet weather option.
I am helping to direct and produce a documentary highlighting the management and sustainability of South Australia’s rock lobster industry. It’s the state’s most valuable fishery, and a key export industry. The Drawing the Line project has inspired local fishermen to add their voice to the growing chorus campaigning against marine parks. These blokes know their industry, and I was full of admiration for their respect for their ocean ‘office’.
And what a stunning office it is…
Next week, we’re headed to Robe, and hitting the ocean for more interviews and footage. Fingers crossed for more blue skies, and, more importantly, calm seas!
Pride of Workmanship Award
Most freelancers who work from home will admit that it’s the best job ever, but it can also feel a little isolated.
The view from my office window
“What do you do?” is a common question from locals, and it’s difficult to know where to begin. A lot of my work is for a national audience with specialist interests (food, wine, interiors, travel, horticulture etc) making it easy to slip under the community radar. SO when a phone call arrives out of the blue congratulating me on being nominated for a Pride of Workmanship Award, I’m left bursting with…pride! The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West says it’s for “dedication and contribution to promoting the region through your job”, and a celebratory dinner is planned for later this month. I’m looking forward to frocking up (makes a nice change from my normal office get-up!!).
I’m Gretel Sneath, accomplished freelance writer & storyteller. When I'm not on the road, you'll find me on South Australia's Limestone Coast.