EASTERN ZONE REPORT

Bingara Muster, 9th – 16th August, 2023.

Your scribe for this Muster travelled from Coolah to Bingara on a beautiful, sunny winters day, arriving at the Riverside Caravan Park on Monday 7th. We were greeted by our long-time friends and Boss Drovers, Graham and Patricia Cox who had arrived the day before. After finally setting up, it became clear that around 3- 4 0’clock the temperature began to quickly drop. Sunset was at 5.30pm. The four (4) of us setled down under our awning to share wine and nibbles and catch up on our recent happenings. Patricia was rugged up to the hilt, cramming herself nearest the heater for warmth. It became obvious that each days Happy Hour should be moved forward to 4.00pm each day. This became the norm for the days that followed. (Cold crisp mornings, warm sunny days, cold nights.) Wednesday 9th. Most of our group had arrived during the day. In total 16 couples would enjoy the next week in Bingara. Happy Hour, 4.00pm – Boss Drover, Graham welcomed all and presented the program for the week ahead. It was to be a casual affair without too much formality. There would be a planned activity most days with plenty of free time to do what one preferred, lazing around the park, exploring the lovely town of Bingara at your own pace, Shopping etc, etc, etc. What’s more – NO EARLY STARTS!!! Thursday 10th. 10.30 am. Gather at the Bingara Museum and Historical Society, where Volunteer, Judy, gave us an insight into the unique history of the small country town of Bingara and its surrounds. Explorer, Allan Cunningham travelled through the area in 1827 enroute to the Darling Downs and naming the Gwydir River after his benefactor, Lord Gwydir. Prior to Cunningham, there is evidence of early miners living in the area. Gold and diamonds have been found – “The Star of the South (37,000 carats) was found nearby. The Bingara District Historical Society had been operating on the site for 46 years. The main old building was erected in 1860 after the land was purchased in 1854. This building had been used, over the years, as an hotel (Post Office Hotel) and as a private residence. There are now additional buildings on the site, Community Collections Room, Gem Museum, with an expansive collection of gemstones and Minerals, donated in 1992 by Gil “Goldfinger” Craig, along with artefacts donated by others. The usual array of old machinery is spread across the grounds. The original “Boondah “School building. More recently, a Military Museum has been erected and opened for display last March. After leaving the Museum, it was just a short walk around the corner in Finch Street where we settled into a Chinese Lunch at the local RSL. Along both sides of Finch Street, an avenue of Orange Memorial Trees has been planted. The trees were first planted in the early 1950’s as a living memorial to the fallen service people of Bingara. In a unique decision, the founders of the memorial, entrusted its maintenance and protection to the children of the town. More recently, Shire Garden staff maintain the trees while school children keep a watchful eye over the trees, should someone decide to pick the fruit prior to the official picking day. Each year, at the end of June, a special commemorative service is held outside the RSL Club to mark the start of the annual Bingara Orange Festival. The date each year coincides with the end of the school term. The street is closed off and the children have free range to pick the fruit. “Orange Picking Day.”

After a lazy afternoon, we gathered at the BBQ area at 3.00pm to have Warren Mills lead us in discussion re the proposed Draft Constitution which would be presented at the National AGM in Glen Innes. Discussion also took place regarding Northern Zone’s intention of operating under their own Constitution with similar plans from Southern and Western Zones. Happy Hour followed with recognition of Sue Costin rolling over another year of Birthdays. Boss Drover, Graham, indicated the plan for the following days excursion to the Roxy Theatre and Greek Café. We would also meet at 3.00pm to hear from John Spath re the National AGM at Glen Innes.

Friday 11th. 10.30 am Gather for tour of the Roxy Theatre and Greek Café. Your scribe was not able to attend the tour, instead tending and caring for a quite ill, Marilyn. By all accounts, Jen from the Bingara Visitor Information Centre provided a very extensive commentary on the theatre from its conception to present day. The group would marvel at the original fixtures and fittings, including the ornate stucco plaster, paintwork and coloured lighting from 1936. Features your scribe had viewed in amazement some years ago. The Roxy theatre and café was built in 1936 by three Greeks, it operated as a cinema until 1958 after which it was closed and lay dormant and untouched for 40 years. The three Greeks, Peter Feros, Emanuel Aroney and George Psaltis originated from the village of Mitata on the island of Kythera, Greece in the 1890’s. Arriving in the 1920’s they came to Bingara to establish a café. They established a partnership, Peters & Co. Peters &Co. engaged a Sydney architect, Mark Woodforde, to build a picture theatre that could suitably house a “palace of dreams.” In May 2004, The Roxy was faithfully restored to its original splendour and opened to the public. Today The Roxy functions as both a multi -purpose cinema and regional centre for the performing Arts. In 2009, the Gwydir Shire Council received a grant of $750,000 through the Dept. of Heritage, Environment, Water and Arts under the Australian Govt. Job Fund, primarily to restore the Roxy Café. The afternoon was free to explore. Considering the afternoon was becoming quite chilly it was decided to cancel the BBQ and instead meet at the Imperial Hotel for dinner. Boss Drover, Graham with able assistance from Patricia explained the procedure for Saturday’s trip out to the Ceramic Break Sculpture Park north of Bingara.

Saturday 12th

Drive out to the Sculpture Park to arrive at 11.00am and be welcomed by Barbara (Events Manager) and Owner/ Sculptor, Kerry Cannon. Kerry and his late wife arrived in the area to purchase the property in 1995 looking for somewhere warmer to live. Nobody thought to tell them it gets biterly cold in winter. The Ceramic Park began to take shape in 1997 and was opened to the public in 2003. The Park has three purpose built art galleries, Gallery 1 includes the skeleton of an “Allosaur”, as well as a studio. Gallery 2 displayed aboriginal artwork of various artists. Gallery 3 contained an assortment of bronze castings created by Kerry. Also, a gift shop and bush walks. One of the walks takes you to “Ceramic Break” where visitors are encouraged to break pottery to create an artwork in the bush. Morning tea was provided. Lunches were taken to enjoy at leisure. Sculptures dominated all the walks. Quite a few/lots!! would stretch the imagination to understand the significance. All in the eye of the beholder, but interesting. Back to the caravan park for Happy Hour and information on the next day’s activities. Then venture out to the Golf Club to watch the “Matildas” beat France in the Women’s FIFA World Cup.

Sunday 13th 8.00am – 9.30am Breakfast in the Park capably provided by guest chefs?? Brian Leggot and Keith Gots under the watchful eye of world renown pastry cook Graham Cox. All went well until the kettles, frypan and toasters dropped the circuit breaker. Come in Electrician Brian Leggot, he tried everything but couldn’t find the fault. “Old electricians never die; they just lose their spark.” Not long after it was recognised that the switch from above the GPO’s had been turned off. GOOD ONE!!
The remainder of the day was for all to do as they please. Happy Hour began at 3.30 with a musical/singing performance by the One & Only, Brian Irvine. Boss Drover Graham provided the directions in which to proceed to the “Three Creeks Gold Mine” at Upper Bingara the next day. Surely, everyone would have taken notice of the explicit directions. Well, maybe……

Monday 14th

Meet at Three Creeks Gold Mine by 10.30am (15km south to Upper Bingara Rd, turn left and continue a further 9km to reach access to the mine on the right. All is going well until a call from a certain owner of a RED COLOURED JEEP questions as to where to go. Is instructed to turn around and enter the Upper Bingara Rd to the right. We meet Paul Myer Mine owner & Manager, who directs us to where he was to give his presentation. He explains the mine is a working gold mine and Tourist facility which he has owned and operated close to 35 years. He classifies himself as a Prospector and has been employed by many mining organisations to venture into territory with the possibility of discovering gold bearing deposits. Paul had a wealth of knowledge to provide in many facets of exploration seeking the elusive veins of gold. There were many mining artefacts to browse through. Also look at the display of jewellery, gold, garnet crystals and rock minerals all of which are for sale.
A sumptuous morning tea/coffee with slices, cakes and biscuits was provided by Graham and Patricia. Back to the caravan park for a free afternoon Happy Hour at 4.00pm – Graham indicated the following days activity. “The Living Classroom” had been cancelled due to non return of calls from the operator. Therefore, a free day. Tuesday 15th Some of our group were packed up and ready to depart. The remainder decided to head out to the site of the Myall Creek Reconciliation Memorial. On June10, 1838, the infamous Myall Creek Massacre took place at Myall Creek Station where 28 Aboriginal men, women and children were massacred, and their bodies burned. The ensuing court case marked the first time in Australian history that white men were tried for crimes against Aborigines. Seven men were hanged as a result. The memorial was erected on June 10, 2000. (162 years to the day.)
From there the group drove to Warialda (40km from Bingara) for a pub lunch and on return, traversed the narrow and winding road to the Harold F. Baterham Memorial Lookout to experience the breath-taking views of the township of Bingara, Halls Creek and the Gwydir River valleys.

Wednesday 16th Pack up and travel safely home, the exceptions being – Coxs, Gots and Prestons. Coxs departed Thursday for home. Gots departed Friday to travel to Coonabarabran and Dubbo Prestons departed Saturday to get to about 7 or 8 km south of town when suddenly the left leaf spring on the rear axle snapped. Fortunately, we had phone reception to contact the NRMA to work out a solution. Six hours later precariously edged off the side of the road a tilt trailer (large enough to fit the van) arrived to carry the van to Moonbi, the nearest caravan repair place. Due to Agquip, accommodation was at a premium (All booked out) throughout the area. Austin Tourist Park, – Tamworth, however, where we have frequently stayed, were outstanding in providing us with cabin accommodation, inclusive of a large fridge for our perishables, over 3 nights. We were unable to contact Capital Caravans, Moonbi – don’t work Saturday/Sunday until Monday morning. The van had been unloaded in pitch darkness on Saturday night outside their premises. We met with the crew at Capital Caravans on Monday morning to discuss the repairs required and probable turn around prior to completion.
Arrived home Tuesday with the Landcruiser jam packed with food, clothing etc out of the van. Now getting on with life and waiting for repairs to be completed. Unfortunately, we will now miss the Kiama Muster in September. Graham and Patricia had organised a wonderful Muster in Bingara. The venues arranged could not be bettered and appreciated by all. Congratulations to Boss Drovers – Graham and Patricia Cox
Your Scribe,
Richard Preston August 2023