The kids had a very successful art exhibition on Friday evening at our quarters which provided a chance for all to enjoy a heart-lifting occasion. Here is their work on display. They spoke confidently and knowledgably to the assembled audience about their subjects and techniques.
Colin and June from New Zealand, from whom we bought our Avan, were pleased to see us at Sapphire and to inspect the van at her brother Kevin's place. We gave them a NZ flag and black and white hat they left in the van. They have a terrific new van - paramount delta limited edition. We have first offer when they sell in a few years ;). Saw ten barrow loads of dirt brought up from the mine in their front yard turn into a very small handful of sapphires. Perfect spot to camp on a hill.
Now at Winton via Longreach behind the N Gregory hotel and we are delighted to find there is a big dinner on and old Australian film to watch in open air theatre. Tomorrow a Vic Variety Club Bash hits town. Echuca to Broome. So we will have entertainment. The hotel is preparing extra tables.
Best of all we visit Searle's shop which sells just about everything - hardware, menswear, toys, kitchenware, fishing gear. Old Mr Searle, who used to be young Mr Searle when his Dad owned the shop, is a source of local knowledge. I ask if he knows Charlie who we saw in the Eildon Park, Winton team competing in the bronco branding at the R M Williams Muster at Longreach Ag College last year. Charlie was a very fit, tall and handsome man of 87 who rode like a 27 year old. He was deaf so his teammates had to get eye contact to tell him when to stop rounding up cows for branding. Wish I had a close-up photo of him to paint. Anyway Mr Searles said "there's his hat". Sure enough there it was hanging from the ceiling along with many others belonging to local identities. I remember that hat - they are all distinctive. See the one with white label.
The sad part is Charlie Rayment died 26 July of cancer. Before he died he wrote a letter to the editor of the local paper. It was in reply to another letter in July 2013 and was about a fair option for refugees. He remembered refugee's input in post WW2 era to western shires in QLD. They were required to spend two years working on projects of national importance. This gave them a chance to mingle with locals and learn their language and culture. Many were single and educated. He said it gave them some breathing space to settle their nerves after the hell of the Holocaust. Many married Aussie girls and are now proud Australians.
I wish I had met this wise and clearly caring and practical man. And how's that for a decent policy idea?
Sitting under the gazebo in the middle of the Main Street of Winton waiting for 80 vintage cars to roll into town and join us at the back of the hotel. 360 to be catered for tonight. Here's the first one. 
The variety bash party was fantastic. We were lucky to be allowed to participate as we were already resident at the hotel ie camped behind it. Met many " bashers", had a dance, fine food, celebrity artist Donna Gibb did a painting depicting the bash from Echuca to Broome. Auctioned for $4250 along with orher items to raise money for sick children. Macca in on the act too. Now he's in Mt Isa doing his program. The trip to Cloncurrie enlivened by bash cars passing us and tooting their idiosyncratic horns.
Wals Camp at Cloncurry is a winner. The country from Cloncurry to Mt Isa has been amazing. Love it. 
We're in Katter country. 
This trip is in many ways an emotional roller coaster ride. We are inspired by people doing so much without resources we take for granted. We are saddened by illness and loss - of human and furry friends. We are buoyed by the resilience,creativity, courage and ingenuity we see.
RIP Charlie boy. We love you. 
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