Country Style July 2022

Like many Country Style readers, I dream of one day leaving the city behind and moving to regional Australia. In my mind’s eye, I imagine a small property near Kyogle, NSW, with a creek running through it and rolling green hills, far from the main road, or any sealed road for that matter – I’ve heard enough traffic noise during my time living in Rozelle, in Sydney. From my rural home, I don’t want to see any other houses. I want to take long walks through paddocks to my boundary fences and establish a flourishing garden around my house. A vegetable patch, a few cows, solar panels and water tanks will be essential, so I can be mostly self-sufficient and off-grid. We spoke to people who have switched from dreamers like me…

SAFFRON SYLVESTER Country Style’s junior designer creates beautiful pages in the magazine and compiles many of our ‘get the look’ features. Saffron, 23, grew up on a cattle station in Bowmans Creek, NSW. Although she now lives in Sydney, the talented designer will always call ‘Old Scrumlo’ home. “Living on a farm, I have always adored animals. We have so many pets,” Saffron says. “Sir Loin (above) has been in our family for over 10 years and always comes running for hay and head scratches.” Country life is second nature to her: “There’s nothing more freeing than riding horses, surrounded by trees.” As a designer, Saffron can combine her artistic skills and rural roots: “I love connecting with so many creatives. It’s so energising.” EMILY HERBERT Freelance journalist Emily, who wrote about child health…

HELPING HANDS In this world of uncertainty and unrest with wars, floods, a pandemic and other personal things that impact on families and futures, I can always find peace and solace in each edition of Country Style. As I turn each page in anticipation of where it will take me, my mind and body relaxes. I feel contentment that there is still peace and happiness to be had – all around us. There is beauty in nature, love in family and friends, and hope in the anticipation that war will end, the water will recede, and the pandemic will eventually fade away. As for all those horrible circumstances, we must reach out for help when needed. Better still for those in need, we should recognise this and assist where we can or help…

to Vicki Carte, who has won a Lady Kate rib knit cardigan ($275), a colour block scarf ($149) and a colour block beanie ($69). Based in Narrabri, NSW, Lady Kate knitwear is made from 100 per cent Australian merino wool. For more information, visit ladykate.com.au Share your thoughts and experiences with us by writing to Country Style, GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW, 2001, or emailing austcountrystyle@aremedia.com.au. Please include your address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity.…

QUEENSLAND Abbey Medieval Festival, July 9-10 Vikings, Turkish oil wrestling, cannons and jousting – this year’s Medieval Festival at Abbeystowe in Caboolture will be filled with all the pageantry and drama of the Middle Ages. History buffs will be enthralled by the fighting displays, archery and music played on instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy (barrel organ) and shawm (wind instrument). Learn about medieval farming and ancient crafts, or sample traditional medieval cooking. Browse souvenirs and interesting wares at the marketplace, then enjoy a spicy mead, honey mead or cider and venison pie at the Stag Inn. abbeymedievalfestival.com Queensland Garden Expo, July 8-10 Head to the Nambour Showgrounds in the Sunshine Coast hinterland for this three-day celebration of garden information and inspiration. With more than 360 exhibits on show and dozens of nurseries,…

NSW Pipit When Ben Devlin launched Pipit in Pottsville in 2019 along with his wife, Yen Trinh, it was a career highlight for the award-winning chef. Having honed his skills in restaurants in Brisbane, Cabarita and Copenhagen, Ben always dreamt of running his own eatery near his home base of Byron Bay. Pipit’s menu reflects Ben’s desire to “create from scratch”, with a focus on Northern Rivers produce and sustainable seafood, along with duck and wild game. Foraged edible plants such as riberries, lemon aspen, strawberry gum and native bee honey add a unique taste of the abundant region, while the coastal climate allows for exotic specials including dragonfruit, sapote and finger limes. The seven-course menu features delicacies such as: smoked dashi custard with squid garum jelly; bay lobster tartare…