Treasure Hunt
Queensland is full of living treasures – and we're meeting some absolute classics, as we travel the State. They're not all Sunshine State born and bred but they represent the diversity of our home.
There was Chris the Kiwi Forester. He's living and working in Gympie, and doesn't know many of the locals yet. We met him over dinner. We couldn't help but notice as he proudly swaggered through the restaurant in his driza-bone. He's content working the long, back breaking days. Queensland's a good fit, and he hopes to stay.
The Vietnamese restaurateur in Childers has found his niche. The quaint Bruce Highway town thrives on a unique mix of fruit growing and tourism. Backpackers are drawn to the fruit picking, and Childers is a wonderful blend of true "country Queensland" – farms that span the generations – with an interesting international flair. The local café's toasted sandwiches are traditional and delicious. And just a few doors down, the Vietnamese restaurant boasts home cooked pickles, plastic tablecloths and fresh, healthy dishes. I don't know the owner's name – he's a man of few words! – but I did notice he's quick to smile, clearly happy with his choice of lifestyle.
Barbara – a grazier in Outback Queensland. It was awful to hear her husband had been killed in a terrible car accident. They'd been married more than two decades. Barbara and her four daughters took over the running of the cattle property. Five women – or "sheilas", as she called them! – slogging it out, day after day. She suspects people in the city forget about the grass roots work of farmers. Her eyes light up as she talks about her girls – and the contribution they're making to Australia, to our economy. Their produce isn't just found on Queensland plates, it's also exported to China, Japan and the US. And it all comes from the Queensland earth.
Queenslanders are colourful! They're welcoming, they're sad, angry and hopeful. I've learnt a life-changing lesson, as we explore Queensland to celebrate the state's birthday – one I hope to remember in the years ahead. You don't have to travel far to hunt down treasures. You just have to take the time to talk to them.
Last reviewed 23 June 2009
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