Travel Action Matilda Country Magazine 2023 - Volume 34

WALK THE RED CARPET IN BLACKALL - WELCOME OUR VISITORS
Queensland arts organization Red Ridge
Interior Queensland recently launched its
second apparel and accessories collection
from in-house fashion brand Red Ridge the
Label. Red Ridge the Label shines a spotlight
on central western Queensland Aboriginal
artists.
Both the Diamantina and Georgina collections
highlight the works from Wangkangurru /
Yaluyandi women Anpanuwa (Joyce Crombie)
and Aulpunda (Jean Barr-Crombie). These
artists, also known as Two Sisters Talking,
bring the culture of their Country alive in their
art, painting a deep love of the country from
river to desert.
Speaking to the signifi cance of the collections,
Joyce Crombie said “We come from around
Birdsville, which is right on the Diamantina, so
this collection is a good opportunity for people
to see where we come from.”
“To have these stories on different materials,
and even a catwalk, means so much to us. We
are telling our stories through our artwork and
these dresses,” said Jean Barr-Crombie. “If we
don’t pass our culture onto our young ones, we
will lose it” she said.
The new Georgina Collection tells the story of
Aboriginal traditional medicine such as Sandhill
Wattle and Gumby Gumby.
Red Ridge the Label artists Joyce Crombie and
Jean Barr-Crombie paint what they see, hear
and feel from the land where they grew up in
remote western Queensland. The Georgina
River fl ows through this land and creates an
abundance of food for wildlife during fl ood
season, while native food fl ourishes beside the
region’s river system and dunes.
All dresses have an Aboriginal name as a way
to preserve and share language.
Red Ridge the Label’s highly exclusive
“All our artwork is based around country and collections is available online at
Birdsville, from what our mother taught us. We
are so passionate about our Country” she said.
redridgethelabel.com.au or in the Blackall
store at 113 Shamrock Street Blackall. Red
Ridge Gallery and Gifts not only stock Red
Ridge the Label but you will fi nd unique hand
made gifts from artists living in the region. The
gallery hosts an array of original artworks by
regional artists.
For more information, contact
info@redridgethelabel.com.au.
BAKED GOODS GALORE
If you are looking for a locally baked bite to
eat and great coffee, all served with a friendly
smile, head on into Schluter’s Bakery.
The pride and joy of Foot and Janelle Schluter
for the past 22 years, all goods are baked
on the premises each night, from fresh,
preservative-free bread and rolls, pies and
pastries to cakes and slices for the sweet
toothed. For special occasions, you can order
ahead from a variety of cupcakes and
cakes - perfect for spoiling someone on their
birthday.
Come on in and grab your sweet or savoury
treat and sit under what Foot has christened
Blackall’s own Tree of Knowledge, where
many yarns and stories are told by locals
and visitors alike.
TRAVEL ACTION MATILDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE // Blackall
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