Autumn at Ollera draws the crowds

The Skipper family in their 1924 Austin 7 Pictured l to r: Tina, Tom Lynda, Ruby (dog), Jane Skipper and Sally McGilvray (nee Skipper)
30th Apr 2024

The Guyra and Community Progress Association (G&CPA) were blessed with perfect autumn weather on the weekend and also overwhelmed that Guyra and the wider New England community got behind the Open Garden held at Ollera Station.
Around 500 people were
ushered through the gates of the historic homestead in what was a rare chance to view a part of the region’s history.
Visitor’s travelled from near and far, including the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Northern Rivers, Brisbane and many parts of inland NSW to support this wonderful event.
Best of all, significant funds were raised on the day which will be directed towards a major beautification project being planned by the G&CPA which they hope will have a significant impact on the town.
G&CPA President Donna Davidson said the day would not have been possible without the support of a wide cross section of people from within the Guyra community.
“We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Skipper family for their hospitality and opening their beautiful gardens for us,” Donna said.
“Thanks also to all our community volunteers for supplying delicious homemade cooking, assisting with food preparation, managing the food and coffee stalls and manning the gates.
“Special thanks to Kay Smith for painting the signs, and all the volunteers from the Guyra VRA, RFS and SES for overseeing the efficient flow of traffic.
‘”On behalf of myself, secretary Sonya Wallbridge and the dedicated members of the Guyra and Community Progress Association, thank you to everyone who helped out and thank you to the people who supported us by coming along on the day.”
A raffle was also held on the day with prizes donated by Donna Davidson, Jenny Atkin and Black Mountain Nursery. Winners were:
1st Prize - Pear Garden Sculpture - Julie Ireland from Walcha
2nd Prize - Stirling Silver Earrings - Mary McRea-Eickhoff from Armidale
3rd Prize - Black Mountain Nursery Voucher - Ann Franklin from Inverell

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