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Anecdotal stories, observations,comments and discussion pieces as insights into living in Rural Australia

events observations - Living Rural

Country Newspapers

February 11th 2008 07:01

Road Closed - read it in the local Newspaper

What is the main source of information in a country town? It is not the town gossip – despite the characterization of such people - it is the town’s local newspaper. These may be part of a wider network of Community Newspapers that are bought from the local newsagency and come on the usual newsprint and newspaper size. Or, as in the case of our town, it is a fortnightly paper run by volunteers with articles written and edited by volunteers, printed in the local telecentre and folded by volunteers. The costs here are met by local businesses that pay for their advertising. It requires a large degree of dedication from a few people and the co-operation of many organizations who contribute articles and information for future events.

There are, of course many regular items: sports results for all levels of every sport in the town – from bowls to bingo and everything in between, Church notices, CWA, Red Cross, Garden Club and other meeting notices. There are also children’s writings- a different class from school contributing stories for each paper. The Shire uses the paper to get out essential information such as which roads will be closed for repairs, when the fire breaks will be inspected or why the rates are going up again. Achievements of individuals and community groups – whether it is winning a state competition, the school productions, quiz kids or work milestones may make it into the paper.

Juicy gossip – births, marriages or who is having a special milestone are celebrated.
There are often the stories of who got their car stuck in the drain on their night out on the town (sure to get a picture with that!) or similar misdemeanors - it is quite an achievement if you manage to stay OUT of this part of the paper. However, it must be said that the volunteers also have to take great care that they get the facts straight and to avoid any legal issues! Letters to the paper cannot be anonymous so people tend not to “vent their spleen” in this arena.
The passing of locals are also recognized, both in the town news column and also when articles are written about prominent citizens. The Historical society use the paper for “interesting milestones” and farming organizations use it to advertise workshops or field days. Work positions and further educational opportunities are advertised and there are always a few things for sale.
When a newcomer arrives, they are likely to crack a mention – and maybe even have their photo taken. This will ensure they will at least start to read the paper!
There can be no excuses for people to be uninformed in a town with its own newspaper!
While I have a member of my family who is a journalist who has no intention of writing stories about “getting cats out of the tree”, I wish to praise the people who do that, week in and week out – for they are the ones who help a community celebrate their achievements and solve their problems. And whether they are dedicated volunteers or paid journalists, their work is appreciated in the day to day lives of their readers.

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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

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Multi-cultural living

August 3rd 2007 01:28

Sharing Culture - photo from "The Kodja Place

All Australians are migrants – including the Aboriginal people, but their's is a level of occupation of thousands of years compared to the meagre 200 years of European and other nationalities.
While there are people within all communities that forget this fact and treat their British heritage as a class above the rest, it is time that the recognition of the diversity, even within a rural community needs to be acknowledged.
As I know my community, I will use it as an example. When British settlers arrived in this area they shared it with the Noongar people (Aboriginal name for our local people) for nearly seventy years. However even then, there were others wandering through the area. Then in the 1890’s things began to change. Italian settlers began to arrive. This population increased early in the new century after the Italian Consul visited the areas and recommended it to his people. We have a great local story of the Italians and Noongar people working together – and teaching each other swear words in each other language – no doubt to try out on their British bosses! Slowly these Italians were able to buy their own farms and build a Catholic Church to give them spiritual and social identity.
Other early workers to the area were some Chinese who were employed by a large Estate to clear the land. There are still remnants from their settlement and a dam called China Dam which is on the Municipal Inventory as a place of significance.
While they did not stay, other people from Asia have become part of the community, including three or four women from the Philippians.
There are people from the Netherlands, Germany, parts of Russia, Hungary and Scandinavia – all having to learn English and somehow fit in the community away from others of their cultural group.
In our town the most recent group of migrants are Maori New Zealanders. They have come with their families to fill in the employment needs as shearers and in other work. Several have intermarried with Noongar people and others and are beginning to become part of the community as well.
Other communities have different groups – our neighbouring town has a large population of people from Christmas Island who have built their own mosque and share their culture in a festival each year. Broome also has a festival celebrating their Chinese heritage.
Why do I write about such things? Perhaps it is a concern I have that there is a perception among some policy makers that in most rural towns only Aboriginal or people of British origin are in residence- that there is not the diversity of cultures and a need for suitable infrastructural assistance for these people. Just as we all still need to learn the cultural mores of our Noongar people, we also need for our education system, medical system, law enforcement officers and churches to be educated in the cultural mores of other groups – so that we can work and live with understanding towards one other. Perhaps this recognition will help to break down the real prejudices that still exist in some pockets of the community.
However developing personal relationships and friendships could do more to unite any community. So, when we hear the old “them and us” comments we can confidently stand up and say “You are talking about my friend”

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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: town life, people, events, observations

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Lifestyle Farmers - neighbours from Heaven or Hell?

May 30th 2007 02:25

Farms to the left of you, farms to the right

There is a sense of unease among many farmers who rely on what they can produce from the land as their major source of income, when they are introduced to the hobby farmer, absentee land owner or those who have opted for a “bush change” in their retirement or semi-retirement - the so-called lifestyle farmers. While most people in the bush make a great effort to welcome new-comers to their district, these people can be met with some suspicion and coolness, if certain basic principals are not followed.
The new comer must realize that to begin with, the price paid for the piece of land they have acquired was probably inflated to a degree that a normal farmer was unable to acquire it. This is great for the seller, but not for farmers who wish to expand their properties. However, most farmers bow to the demands of market forces, however unwillingly, and if the new neighbours are nice enough people, such little matters can be overcome. (Besides, the farmer will make a mental note of the price and adjust the equity value of his property a little as a result!)
However, it is important for the new owner to ensure they do not cause too much unrest. Here are a few suggestions to help them settle in and truly enjoy their new acquisition.
Firstly, they should shop in the local town and not do all their grocery shopping in the city and bring it with them when they come. Shopping is not just getting the groceries. It’s meeting the town’s people, knowing who to ask if the mail gets lost or if they have a flat tyre. It is discovering what events are coming up and it could well be how they can learn how to get involved. Getting the local newspaper can add to this orientation process.
It is important that the new comers introduce themselves to the neighbouring farming family. This is vital. They need to know whether they are living there permanently or are only on the property occasionally. This is not a prying exercise, it is a matter of safety. Neighbours need to exchange phone numbers and to know what to do if a fire is in the area, if severe storms have knocked down trees or fences, if they see strangers on the land, or if they discover a sick animal in the paddock. Who can be contacted if something is wrong. Neighbourhood watch is very important in the country and neighbours will appreciate a willingness to return the favour.
It could be a good idea for the man of the house to join the local volunteer fire brigade (if there is one). If they haven’t a truck, that is O.K. If there are fires, all help will be welcome. At the very least ensure the property is fire safe, and perhaps give a donation is a start. It is also important that the trusted neighbour knows how to get on the property if the lifestyle farmer decides to keep their gates locked when away.
Dogs need to be controlled. Farmers have enough trouble ensuring their livestock is safe and secure without dogs large or small stirring up the cattle, attacking sheep or separating lambs from their mothers.
If a farmer does a favour while the recent farm owners are away, like cutting a fallen tree off their fence or returning a straying sheep, he should not be treated like an intruder but be trusted for his good judgement.
Farmers are happy to give advice if there are any problems. They may even be happy to do a little work on the land if paid the going rate. Some even work the land on these small farms for extra income for both parties.
Keep fences in good condition and drainage systems clear. The farmer will appreciate the efforts to ensure his business is not disrupted by straying livestock or flooded roads and paddocks.
If keeping livestock, they do not just sit in the paddock and grow. They need feeding and a miriade of husbandry activities – drenching several times a year, and for sheep - shearing, ensuring they aren’t fly- blown and other jobs. Nothing distresses a farmer more than to see animals that are neglected or mistreated by those who are just “playing at farming”. And if sheep end up with lice and escape into the neighbour’s flock, it can severely affect his income. Remember this may be his only income – while the new farmer may have other assets.
If the hobby farmer is planning to make improvements to his property by planting trees or doing some drainage work, it is important to ensure this fits in with the wider district’s land care management strategies. The local farmers will tell them if a group exists and will be impressed by their desire to ensure their property is part of the plan.
Keep weeds under control. Blackberry bushes produce great fruit, but are not welcome additions to the paddocks. Thistles and other weeds can spread easily and extra spraying costs are unwelcome.
Small acreage farmers or land owners can add a great deal to the district. They are there to enjoy the experience and can be enthusiastic contributors to the community, adding to the economy and the culture of the area. If you are one such person, make sure you plan carefully what you are going to do with the land, remember these simple but essential rules and life in your new country home will be the best choice you ever made.

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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

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Here comes the Rain!

May 3rd 2007 04:14

I'm in the good books!

The cat is earning his keep at the moment. He has managed to catch two mice in the house and he and I had a wonderful time getting rid of a family of eight rats that took up residence in the hen house. Well the old dog helped a bit with one – he scared it to death – honestly – it had a heart attack! I believe the moggie is now being employed gainfully down at the shed for the same purpose.
Why this sudden influx of rodents? It all has to do with a change in the season – and more importantly the signs that it is going to rain. I have it on very good authority (my husband) that rodents in my kitchen are a sure sign that good rains are on the way. So instead of complaining about the half eaten Weetbix and the smell in the saucepan cupboard I should be happily cleaning out said cupboards each week and living in hope! Well I hope he’s right – because I hate cleaning at the best of times… (Just as an aside here - we have had some rain already – it’s good to see some patches of green in the paddocks – may it continue – lots and lots!)
What other signs of nature should we all be aware of to predict rain? The first one to to be seen is when the salt water that is just below the ground in salt patches comes to the surface. This is really noticeable and often salt tolerate grasses start to green up too. This is, of course, like many farm activities a mixed blessing. The farmer can see if his salt patches have spread – not good, but he is also hopeful that rains are on the way - good.
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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

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Anzac Day in the Bush

April 17th 2007 07:49

Lest We Forget

The time of year is again approaching when Australia remembers those who fought in many theatres of war over the last one hundred or so years. Most country towns will hold a march from point to point with any veterans available, women who had served as nurses or land army, some children of these service men and women, Red Cross and CWA members, the boy scouts, girl guides and possibly the fire and ambulance volunteers to swell the numbers. The local clergy will say the prayers and others will share the formalities of the service. The last post and reveille will be sounded by the gifted child that is learning the trumpet or the sounds will come from a well worn tape recording. Wreaths will be laid at the local memorial – a cairn in a park, a soldier with his rifle turned upside down in the main street or a wall on which names are displayed – many of them the same surnames as those that are still within the town. Nothing will stop this solemn ceremony – even Highway traffic must give way for this event.
Most towns sport a Memorial Hall, a Memorial park and/or an RSL Hall as permanent reminders of these sacrifices. These places are held in respect and a certain reverence.

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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

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