A group of Queensland songwriters have been touring for two-plus years, telling the stories of women whose partners have served in conflict during the past 60 years.
'The Solder's Wife' regales stories that have remained largely untold, but are important nonetheless. Over the past six months, these songwriters have travelled across regional Queensland and met dozens of women, visited school groups and dropped by aged-care facilities to document these stories.
{youtube}NLfI-GOtGi0{/youtube}
The artists involved represent a mix of vast songwriting experience and emerging talent. They are one time Australian Music Prize nominee and vocal powerhouse Jackie Marshall; North Queensland-based Roz Pappalardo (best know as one half of Women In Docs); all-round entertainer, fast-rising new talent Emma Bosworth; country blues artist Kristy Apps, Dalby-based songwriter and community powerhouse Melinda Wells, and Deb Suckling (Lucy Star Satellite).
Ahead of a special show this Remembrance Day (11 November) at The Old Museum in Brisbane, Deb shares five regional tips/ secrets.
1. Roma
It takes seven hours (ignore that Google says it’s five hours because there is always roadworks) driving northwest from Brisbane to get to this little gem. The gateway to the big, open outback - past the Dividing Range and the black nutrients of the food plains. It’s mainly a stopover town and hell, you gotta stay somewhere.Plenty of grey nomads ready and willing for a chat about their adventures. But for a tiny town it has a lot to offer. The boab trees are everywhere, along with flocks of thousands of birds morning and night.
The op shopping is insane. I mean you can still get things for 20c; it’s almost worth the drive for the op shop goldmine that it is. And then you got the meat, sorry but I ain’t no vegetarian and every so often love to eat the biggest piece of steak I can fathom. Well, you can’t go wrong in Roma.
The Outlander Motel serves the biggest, most delicious nutritious meals and if you’re lucky 12-year old Chelsea – who is the daughter of the owners – will pull out her ukulele and serenade through your meal: in-between serving you. And The Irish is one of the most gorgeous, old pubs still standing. Planning on a western sojourn, stop in Roma.
2. Cairns
Reef and rainforest: think of FNQ and most likely you think of those two things first, and humid days and palm trees and pina coladas. Well, thanks to a very dedicated crew of folk up there, Cairns has a seriously awesome music and arts scene going on. Imagine going to see one of your fav bands: national or international in a converted World War Two tank that’s been turned into a world class venue: with sound and lighting to match.
Tanks Arts Centre - image © Facebook
That’s the Tanks Arts Centre where music intermingles with fig trees the size of a four-storey building - and nature is abound. There are also art exhibitions and something is always going on there in the Botanical Gardens. The indigenous arts scene is stunning; make a visit to one of the independent arts centre such as UMI Arts on Sheridan Street. Or head up during the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair mid year and take it all in. The weather in July is perfect.
3. Townsville
This formerly known-as “hole” town when I was growing up (we all say that about regional towns we grew up in) has done some serious growing up in the last few years, and she is an absolute, little beauty. So when you are next thinking of your tropical escape, have a look at Townsville.What I love most is the architecture that has been kept around much of the city and has been undergoing some beautiful renovations: lots of art deco and also late 1800 buildings that escaped the demolition hook and make a heritage look against the stunning backdrop of the big, red rock and the aquamarine of the waters.
Then there is Maggie: Magnetic Island just a short hop across the bay with so much to do and offer. My fav hangout is Longboard: sitting right on the water overlooking the Island eating buckets of jalapeño wings and chugging sangria. For the arts check out the Courthouse Theatre.
4. The Majestic Theatre
Situated a leisurely 30-minute drive from Noosa Heads in the tiny, blink-you-will-miss-it town of Pomona. This stunning old, little theatre is well worth the drive if you are holidaying on the Sunshine Coast. Featuring national touring acts, theatre, comedy and more, it is a glorious night out. You can feel the history in this little theatre and now how many hearts have been lost and found throughout the years when it was a picture theatre and dance hall.It’s well worth getting there for dinner at the restaurant next door, which serves hearty Italian food into the theatre and the bar is a hole in the wall (very reasonably priced) with staff who love a chat. Have they got Uber in Noosa yet? You might just need it.
The Majestic Theatre - image © Facebook
This is starting to look like I only write about hotels and venues. Hmmmmmmn.
5. The Yungaburra Hotel
This one is a must see if you visit Far North Queensland: warning it involves driving up one of the most spectacular, but frightening ranges I have ever been up the Gordon; and you will seriously need that drink (make it a double) when you arrive. Introducing The Yungabuura Hotel. It’s been standing since 1910 and it is the pride and joy and home of the community.It’s got the original everything: it’s like stepping back to pioneer days on the tablelands. It’s home to the Yungaburra Folk Festival and the best thing: at dusk you can stroll across the road and under the bridge you will see platypus' playing and feeding and shaking their little bums in the air.
Lake Eacham
And oh, Lake Eacham. One of the most glorious freshwater lakes (no crocs) is just down the road.
The Solider's Wife takes place at The Old Museum (Brisbane) 11 November.
