The iconic Kurrumbede homestead will again open its gates to the community this June long weekend, inviting all to celebrate and enjoy the heritage and history of the property with food, coffee, entertainment, historical displays and family activities.
The Kurrumbede Open Day takes place on Saturday, 8 June between 10am and 3pm.
Don’t miss this chance to wander the gardens and surrounding outbuildings, including the iconic shearing shed, once owned by the family of the celebrated poet Dorothea Mackellar.
Located about 25-km’s north of Gunnedah, the property has only been opened to the public twice in the last 100 years, each event serving as a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together on the long weekend.
Whitehaven Coal’s General Manager Community Engagement, Darren Swain, says this event presents a unique chance to celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
“Dorothea Mackellar and her family have a deep connection to our region, and this open day is all about celebrating her life and contribution to Australian culture, history and spirit,” said Mr Swain.
“In addition to the chance to explore the surrounds of the original homestead, we have a great day of activities planned for those that come along featuring sulky rides, face painting, sheep shearing demonstrations, great food and coffee, live performances from local artists, and a variety of other historical exhibits and demonstrations.”
Bought in 1905, the Mackellar family operated a sheep, cattle, and mixed cropping enterprise across the expansive 6,600-acre Kurrumbede property for nearly four decades.
Inspired by Kurrumbede homestead’s rich history, visitors are encouraged to come in their best garden party attire to fit with the theme of the day.
Pip Murray, the President of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society is encouraging everyone in the community to come along to celebrate the region and enjoy a fun day out for the whole family.
“This is a day for our community to come together to appreciate this remarkable piece of Australian history, and we welcome everyone to come along,” says Ms Murray.
“Back by popular demand after a fantastic performance last year is The Jazz Collective from Tamworth, as well as circus troop A Bee Story.”
“This year we are fortunate to have one of Australia’s best bush poets Murray Hartin performing, who will entertain the crowd with his unique style of Australian storytelling.”
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, the Society will also be displaying the winning poems entered by students since the awards started in 1984.”
“There have been hundreds of thousands of entries since the awards began, so we are excited to showcase some of the highlight entries.”
The day will be filled with activities and attractions including Gunnedah local and Australian Champion whip cracker Daniel Wicks, a petting zoo, plus a number of stallholders and food vendors from the Gunnedah area and surrounding regions, with something for everyone.
“As the current owners of the Kurrumbede property, Whitehaven Coal is keen to showcase the rich local history and the property’s beautiful gardens and is dedicated to ensuring that this iconic property is preserved for years to come,” said Mr Swain.
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