Tag / Flinders Ranges

by brandsa2018

Outback wool stories to be spun through AWN design comp

The provenance of South Australian wool will be celebrated through a public design competition launched by the Australian Wool Network (AWN).

AWN is encouraging South Australians with a strong connection to wool growing in the Flinders Ranges and Outback to help shine a spotlight on the industry, its farmers and the quality of locally grown merino wool through the DNA Design Series competition.

People with a strong connection to woolgrowing in the Flinders Ranges and Outback can submit their design idea in hope of it featuring in a high quality Australian merino wool homewares item, such as a blanket. The Limestone Coast and Eyre Peninsula will be included in the DNA Design Series in coming weeks.

Last year, Barossa abstract artist Marnie Gilder teamed up with the AWN to launch a pair of fine merino wool blankets showcasing the Barossa Valley’s wool producers. Following the success of this project, the new national DNA Design Series competition was developed in aim of further showcasing wool growing regions.

A merino wool blanket from Marine Gilder’s ‘Only Merino Barossa’ collection launched in 2018.

AWN DNA program manager Cynthia Jarratt says the competition is part of the organisation’s Direct Network Advantage (DNA) provenance campaign, which enables consumers to understand where wool products come from.

“Our DNA program benefits consumers, who more and more want to know where the fibres they wear and use come from and our wool growers who are just as keen to understand what becomes of the wool they grow,” she says.

“Just like the paddock to plate concept in the hospitality industry, our DNA campaign tracks the wool to its source here in SA in an exciting and innovative way.”

Owners of the DNA fabrics can use their mobile phone to scan a QR swing tag on the woollen product to view information, stories and videos that showcase the region and its wool growers.

Sheep yards from above at Mt Eba Station in outback SA. Photo by Margie Whittlesea.

“We have some of the world’s most desirable merino wool being grown here in SA in some of Australia’s most beautiful country and our DNA program provides a great opportunity to showcase this to not only our Australian customers, but to the many international tourists who purchase our wool products,” Cynthia says.

The chosen wool designs will be sold at selected retail outlets and at Merino and Co – an Australian merino wool clothing store.

Winners will receive $1000 and $500 worth of the final product featuring their design. The Flinders/Outback winner will also receive $1000 donated by SA woolgrowers Tony and Julie Smith of Rawnsley Park Station and MF Jebsen Australia of Martins Well Rangeland Reserve, both of the Flinders Ranges.

Click here for more information and to enter.

Feature image is Andrew Smart of Wilkatana Station at Port Augusta with lamb diva, Ellie May.

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by brandsa2018

Top 10 places to visit in SA (while the weather’s still playing nice)

It’s official.

Summer is over and autumn is here.

The good news, however, is that the good weather won’t disappear overnight, so consider this your last chance to get out there and enjoy some of South Australia’s most iconic and Instagrammable spots.

With a couple of long weekends on the horizon, we’ve rounded up 10 amazing local sights that have to be seen to be believed.

(And yes, it was nearly impossible to cap it at 10 – we sure do live in a beautiful place!)

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1. Locks Well Beach

We all love the Eyre Peninsula for a long weekend getaway and Locks Well Beach is of the most reliable locations for catching salmon in SA.

There’s also a lookout with panoramic views of the beautiful rugged coastline and the perfect photo opportunity to capture a stunning west coast sunset.

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2. Lake Bumbunga

Drive two hours north of Adelaide (approximately 25 minutes from Port Wakefield) and you’ll not only think pink, you’ll see it.

Lake Bumbunga is made up of three salt pans that have been harvested for over 30 years for use in swimming pools, water softener and – wait for it – fish and chips. Yes, really!

3. Umpherston Sinkhole

Who knew a sinkhole could be so beautiful?! Located in the heart of Mount Gambier, this naturally formed limestone cave was transformed into a garden late in the 19th century and it’s been a tourist magnet ever since.

However, we doubt Instagramming your visit was around back then…

4. Seal Bay

Kangaroo Island’s south coast is not only home to white sandy beaches, but – as the name suggests – plenty of seals.

You’ll literally find yourself surrounded by the cute sea creatures lazing around on the sand. They’re Insta stars in their own right and know how to strike a pose.

A post shared by SAM ROGERS (@samrogerss) on

5. Talia

The tiny town of Talia is another Eyre Peninsula hidden gem.

Waves have crashed against the granite cliffs for many years to create this stunning seaside destination which is known for rock fishing, fossils and its beautiful turquoise coloured ocean.

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6. Fishery Bay

Located in Port Lincoln National Park, Fishery Bay is a spectacular section of coastline bordered by high cliffs.

A popular fishing area, the bay was the site of a 19th century whaling station and some of the remains are still visible on the eastern rocks.

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7. Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre – despite its name – is usually dry and only fills up once every eight years. Despite this, it remains one of SA’s most well-known natural landscapes.

The vast, dry expanse of shimmering salt is so large that it crosses the borders of three states and on a cloudless day, seems to merge into the horizon.

A post shared by Cass Bennett (@cassbenn9) on

8. Remarkable Rocks

No visit to Kangaroo Island holiday would be complete without a trek to one of its signature landmarks.

It took approximately 500 million years for rain, wind, and crashing waves to create the Remarkable Rocks which are now part of the Flinders Chase National Park.

Word has it that early morning and early evening are the best time to visit and take a snap.

9. Wilpena Pound

Wilpena Pound is more than 800 million years old, located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges.

A large natural amphitheatre created by millions of years of erosion, it’s surrounded by ancient mountain ranges, spectacular gorges and sheltered creeks.

It’s also is a favourite for nature lovers and bushwalkers alike.

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10. Innes National Park

If you’ve ever wanted to get away from it all, head to Innes National Park.

You won’t be completely alone as it’s home to emus, kangaroos and tammar wallabies, and you may also see whales, dolphins and seals swim past.

This stunning location is a natural playground with beaches, bushwalking trails and secluded fishing spots with the most incredible view of the stars.

Sonia Bavistock is a fashion and lifestyle blogger and also has her own social media management and copywriting business. Sonia is passionate about all things South Australia and can often be seen dining out with a glass of wine in hand.

by brandsa2018

Inspiration aplenty for outback jewellery designer

Jewellery buff Emily Fels may live 400km from Adelaide on a sheep station in outback South Australia, but that doesn’t stop her creative juices from flowing.

The mother-of-two says the Flinders Ranges’ striking sunsets and sprouting wildflowers are a constant source of inspiration for her jewellery line, Emily Jean Designs.

“I’m obsessed with colour so the way the light falls on the ranges is always an endless inspiration for me,” she says.

Emily uses lamp worked glass techniques to create one-off earrings, pendants, rings and bangles.

Emily spends hours in her home studio crafting the delicate pieces.

Made in her home studio on a 50,000-acre sheep station in the Far North town of Hawker, the pieces take hours to create.

Emily uses a high-quality furnace to melt the glass and shape it onto earring posts, pendant bezels and ring bases.

The glass is then fired at a high temperature in a kiln making it “strong and durable”.

“Everything is fused together – there is no glue, meaning it’s stronger,” Emily says.

“I have an idea of how it’s going to turn out and I can recreate color combinations.

“But none of the pieces ever come out the same – that’s the fluid and tactile nature of glass.”

Working dog Roo keeps Emily company during the polishing process.

Originally from Adelaide, Emily studied visual arts at the University of SA, majoring in jewellery design and silversmithing.

“I then studied to become a teacher and twelve years ago I came to Hawker as a prac (practice) teacher.

“As the stereotype goes, I met a farmer and never went back.”

Emily worked as a visual arts teacher in Hawker for 10 years before having two small children.

“When I had kids I was home and had the time to focus on the jewellery,” she says.

“I had learnt silversmithing at uni, but I was always interested in beading and glass.

“So I did a lot of research and focused on making a go of it and creating a proper business.

“I had wanted it for a really long time.”

Emily says living on a 50,000-acre sheep station in the Far North provides plenty of inspiration.

Emily set up an online shop through popular marketplace, Etsy, selling her pieces to jewellery lovers across Australia and in the US.

She also began showcasing Emily Jean Designs at markets in Adelaide, including Etsy Made Local, Gathered and the City East Markets.

Emily recently secured a deal to stock her jewellery in arts and crafts store Kingo Trading in Nagasaki, Japan.

At home, Emily Jean Designs can be spotted at Relove SA, an Ebenezer Place store representing dozens of local independent makers.

In 2016 she showcased her craft at Hawker’s inaugural Flinders Fest, which aims to support local makers and artists.

The bangles are a recent addition to the line.

Emily says the arts scene in Hawker is strong and that living in a regional town is no barrier to creative success.

“Hawker is an amazing place, there are really talented people who live in the area,” she says.

Emily encourages consumers to give local makers and designers a look-in when shopping.

“There’s always a beautiful story behind the label,” she says.

“The products aren’t faceless and have that special feeling.”

Emily Jean Designs can be found at the Fleurieu Fringe from February 16-25 and the Glenelg Sunset Markets on February 25.

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by brandsa2018

Outback ambo a real community asset

First it was the outback cop and her sidekick roos.

Now it’s the outback ambulance volunteer and although Susan Pearl has no furry friends by her side – she agrees that life in remote South Australia is never dull.

The Blinman resident is the historic copper town’s first responder, providing locals with emergency medical cover until an ambulance crew arrives from 100km away.

Like some country areas, Blinman has no ambulance station and therefore relies on first responder volunteers like Susan who are first on scene in medical emergencies until an ambulance crew shows.

Former nurse Susan Pearl is the only first responder volunteer in Blinman, supporting the crew 100km away in Hawker.

The former nurse has lived in the Far North historic mining town for the past four years and also runs tours at the Heritage Blinman Mine.

She says she is rarely called to incidents in Blinman – considering its population is only 18 permanent residents – but is rostered on in Hawker when she travels there for training once a fortnight.

Susan also often drives 200km to Port Augusta to serve as a third ambulance officer in the crew.

With South Australia recording the highest population (21.4%) of volunteers among the states, Susan says giving back to her community is simply a part of life.

“When you move to a new community you have to give something back and I’ve always done volunteer work,” she says.

“I’d like to think my first responder role gives people a bit of peace of mind.”

If an incident occurs in Blinman, Susan’s pager will go off and she will gather her medical equipment.

At the same time an ambulance is dispatched from Hawker, 100km away.

Blinman, about 500km from Adelaide, is a historic copper mining town and home to only 18 people.

“Most people in Blinman live on properties and already have first aid training, but they don’t have all the equipment,” Susan says.

“The accidents I attend are mostly motorbike riders who have hit a kangaroo or emu on the road.

“It can be quite challenging because it’s not a controlled environment out here.

“It can be a freezing cold night, driving on slippery dirt roads, or it can be boiling hot with no shelter.”

Susan moved to the Flinders Ranges four years ago after travelling around Australia with her partner Simon.

The couple gave up “well paid jobs” in corporate careers to fulfil a desire for adventure and the outdoors.

Susan had worked in nursing and safety management roles over three decades, helping to improve support for nurses.

But in 2013 while camping in a remote area Simon died from a massive heart attack.

“I had to start life again,” Susan says.

She initially settled in Hawker and began pursuing her Certificate IV in ambulance officer training.

A job opportunity soon arose at the Heritage Blinman Mine, so she moved to the old copper town.

Susan is also manager of the Heritage Blinman Mine, which is open for underground tours until January 15, 2018.

As Blinman has no residential health service, she continued volunteering in the ambulance service as a first responder.

SA Ambulance Service’s Flinders regional team leader Janet Brewer says first responder roles only exist through “community empowerment”.

“Susan is not typical of the general ambulance officer volunteer model, as she is quite remote from her team (In Hawker),” she says.

“Her role only exists because Susan accepted the challenge of being a solo responder for the Blinman community.”

Janet says Susan is supported through the provision of patient treatment kits, a portable defibrillator, radio communication equipment and a reimbursement of travel costs.

She says the SA Ambulance Service relies on local volunteers.

“SA Ambulance is always inviting the community to continue to provide a local ambulance service, so as long as the volunteer has basic good health, a drivers licence and looking to acquire some basic patient care skills,” Janet says.

“They would find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”

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by brandsa2018

Digging up history in the Flinders Ranges

By Melissa Keogh

Visiting the historic copper town of Blinman in the Far North is almost like stepping back in time.

Blinman is not part of a local council area, has no petrol station or mobile phone reception, instead relying on satellite services.

But with its humble population of just 20 people, the small outback town in the Flinders Ranges thrives off a rich mining history and lures thousands of visitors every year.

Blinman is home to an underground copper mine which is now a popular tourist attraction.

The Blinman Progress Association runs underground mine tours, providing visitors with a snapshot of what a miner’s life was like more than 100 years ago.

The tours launched in 2011 after a decade of planning, works and fundraising.

The underground Blinman mine tours attract thousands of visitors every year.

The underground Heritage Blinman Mine Tours attract thousands of visitors every year.

Mine tour manager Susan Pearl says tunnels were dug to allow access into the heart of the mine, while light and sound shows were installed to “recreate the ambience of the 1860s”.

“It was really so we could keep the town alive,” she says.

“Now there’s a flow on effect in the town, people speak very highly of Blinman and many people visit just for the mine.”

The mine operated from 1862 – 1907 and at its peak employed 1500 people.

It yielded 200,000 tonne of rock containing 10,000 tonne of ore.

Susan says a miner’s life was tough.

“Boys would start work at 14, barrow boys they would call them,” she says.

“Women’s lives were difficult too because they had to walk a good mile to get water and collect firewood.

“Diets were meagre – root vegetables like parsnips and swedes, kangaroo meat, and Cornish pasties.”

The Blinman Mine employed 1500 people at its peak.

Blinman Mine employed 1500 people at its peak.

Blinman’s other claim to fame is being South Australia’s highest surveyed town, sitting 616m above sea level.

Susan says Blinman’s lure is its history and the guarantee of a smile from a local.

“Everybody talks to each other and everybody waves,” she says.

“It’s got a certain charm about it.”

Other Blinman attractions include art show A Brush with Art (September-October) and equestrian event the Blinman Gymkhana (October), which raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Six Heritage Blinman Mine Tours run per day, seven days a week.

For more information visit the website.

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