So far we have nine local residents with vast knowledge and enthusiasm for their home towns. They can join you for parts of your tour to give your students greater insights into the sites they are visiting.
Ron Farrant
The first twenty-two years of
my life were spent on a property growing mainly apples, pears and
cherries etc in Victoria (Red Hill South). In the mid-1950's, I joined
Nestles, Melbourne, as a sales representative and within two years was
promoted to sales promotion and public relations.
In 1967, I resigned and came to Brisbane and joined Ansett
basically doing the same thing, sales and promotion, but I was
doing mainly 'public relations' work with the company, dealing
with sporting bodies and other organisations.
In 1971, I decided to go out on my own, setting myself up
selling spare parts throughout South and South West Queensland,
which I did rather successfully until I retired in 1990. But
being very active all of my life, I became active on the
committee of the Blackall Woolscour and also a tour guide. Being
with people all of my life, this was a natural with me.
In 1996, I applied for the position as an 'ambassador' with the
Wanpa-rda project and was successful with my application even
though I am 69.
The reason that I wanted to become an ambassador (perhaps there
are a number of reasons) but as 'public relations' has been, or
taken up, the greater part of my life I felt that I had to
continue in that field. Seeing that I have made a study of the
history of Blackall, I thought it was a wonderful way to pass
this information on to the younger generation.
So far as the Central West is concerned, I feel that it is most
important to promote not only Blackall but each and every town
in the West as I do.
I have a good knowledge of the local history and it gives me great pleasure to be able to pass this on to the children who may call here with this particular project.
Barry Muir
Born in
Blackall, Central Western Queensland in 1946. Educated to Year 12.
Worked as mechanic 1964-1993 at family owned garage, J. Muir &
Sons. Played keyboards for local rock band "Impacts" in
late 1960s. In 1982, married Jenny Howe, one of Jack Howe's
youngest granddaughter. We have two children.
Was a councillor of the Blackall Shire for 11 years from 1985. Instigated and
responsible (along with Jenny) for bronze Memorial Statue of Jack Howe. Wrote and
published the book "Jack Howe, The Man and The Legend". There have been three
editions printed and sold. In 1998, a fourth edition was printed. Responsible for Blackall
Shire Council taking on the Woolscour project. Helped set up Historic Woolscour
Association in 1989.
Initiated and had funding set aside for the mural and upgrade
at the Black Stump site. Initiated and had funding set aside as
well as doing concept drawings for AFL Memorial. From 1993, along
with my wife, have built and operated a garden centre, art gallery
with a Jackie Howe display, and also tourist information. The
building has a facade resembling the old "Universal
Hotel" that Jack Howe operated on the site after he retired
from shearing in 1900.
I have gained from research and by listening to some very wonderful old people. You can include it into a tapestry of all you learn out West - the Australian ethos, its characters, humour, honest commitment to life in a harsh environment - to use and perhaps influence a better direction for Australian's future. Whether you like it or not, you are Australia's destiny. You will some day be the wonderful, old people passing on our heritage to hopefully some like yourself.
Age: 56 Occupation: Other Activities: Interests:
Self employed wordsmith
School Teacher - 37 years
Principal - 13 years
Have lived in Winton for 5 years and built a home
Elected councillor;
TAFE organiser;
Active Lion;
Supply teacher;
Show secretary;
Bowls; golf.
Music, reading, the environment, birds,
debating
Have a preference for country living
Much travelled
Have worked casually for Diamantina Tours.
I have became an ambassador for the Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre because of my commitment to the environment, its protection and future.
By being an ambassador to the Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre I hope to be able to pass onto children a better understanding of our environment.
I was born in Barcaldine and have been
a resident here all my life. I am Deputy Chairman and a foundation member of the
Australian Workers Heritage Centre. I have a close connection with the Australian Workers
Heritage Centre and the Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre.
It would be a privilege as an ambassador to pass on any knowledge I have of the history of
the Heritage Centre, the Tree of Knowledge and any other historical sites around
Barcaldine.
I have been a teacher of Biological
Sciences specialising in Agricultural Science for 28 years. I came to Isisford to operate
the Clancy's Overflow Hotel about 10 years ago.
Becoming an ambassador for the Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre allows me the opportunity to show young people the significance of the Barcoo District.
This area has extensive exploration history with stories of Major Mitchell, important socio-economic contributions from the Duracks to Packer, and diverse geographical features and ecosystems.