VILLAGES Lightning Ridge

Season 3, Episode 11,   Nov 18, 01:13 AM

In this episode we hear from Lightning Ridge a small outback town in north-western NSW. Part of Walgett Shire, Lightning Ridge is situated near the southern border of Queensland, about
6km east of the Castlereagh Highway. The traditional owners of the land around Lightning Ridge are the Yuwaalaraay people.

Lightning Ridge boasts a unique duality. The main street bustles with familiar regional town amenities and wonderful multiculturalism. Beyond the town centre find yourself transported to a white moonscape dotted with towering mullock heaps, a sign of the relentless pursuit of the opal dream. This is the domain of hundreds of passionate miners from all around the world, their dedication fuelled by the promise of unearthing a gem.

In this episode we hear from Lightning Ridge a small outback town in north-western NSW. Part of Walgett Shire, Lightning Ridge is situated near the southern border of Queensland, about 
6km east of the Castlereagh Highway. The traditional owners of the land around Lightning Ridge are the Yuwaalaraay people.

Lightning Ridge boasts a unique duality. The main street bustles with familiar regional town amenities and wonderful multiculturalism. Beyond the town centre find yourself transported to a white moonscape dotted with towering mullock heaps, a sign of the relentless pursuit of the opal dream. This is the domain of hundreds of passionate miners from all around the world, their dedication fuelled by the promise of unearthing a gem.

Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Lightning Ridge, where the harsh beauty of the outback meets the allure of Opal. We'll explore the history of the region, uncover the secrets of opal mining, and meet the colourful characters who call this place home.

Episode Features:

Dr Mary Anne Jebb leads the way, venturing deep into the heart of local history to explore legendary Lightning Ridge.

Meet Kelly Tishler, the dynamic force behind the shop "Enlighting Ridge." This passionate star & entrepreneur is bringing something special to her community, focusing on healing and connecting with earth & nature. Growing up in an opal mining family in Glengarry, Kelly's deep-rooted connection to the outback shines through as she shares stories of her childhood adventures. Kelly talks about being a witch, with a beautiful feminist perspective on the history of women as witches.

Join John as he guides an underground adventure through the Chambers of the Black Hand. Learn about the history of opal mining, the challenges faced by miners, and the thrill of the hunt. John shares his passion for opal mining and offers unique insights into this hard working world, the process and how opals come to be.

Tanya Henry grew up in the Ridge, she reflects on her childhood and growing up. She went opal mining with her father and definitely knows her way around! Tanya is an artist, a proud Wakaman and Yiman woman who infuses her art with the vibrant spirit of her culture. Watch out for her Lightning Ridge gallery shopfront “Free Spirit”.

Explore Lightning Ridge further:
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/outback-nsw/lightning-ridge-area/lightning-ridge

The women of the Australian outback’s black opal fields:
https://www.womensweekly.com.au/news/black-opal/

Chambers of the Black Hand: https://chambersoftheblackhand.com.au/

Outback Opal Hunters: https://7plus.com.au/outback-opal-hunters
…..
Special thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Jebb

You can find a number of her published works including “Our Mob Served: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories of war and defending Australia” (2022), “Burlganyja Wanggaya” (2012) and “Singing The Train” (2014) from great book retailers.
…..
Thanks to all the Lightning Ridge participants!
…..
Thanks to Colleen O'Brien and Martin Trama for their Season 3 Voice Overs
…..
The Outback Outloud Podcast was designed and produced by Signal Creative’s Emma Hoy and Caroline Wallace. Outback Outloud is an ongoing project collaboration between Signal Creative and our principal partner Outback Arts.  The Outback Outloud community project and workshop series was designed, managed and delivered by Signal Creative. Special Guest team member in 2024 is Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. Outback Outloud is funded by Create NSW and Outback Arts.

Podcast Audio Production, Music and Sound Design by Emma Hoy
Podcast Audio Editing Assistant is Caroline Wallace

Follow us
www.signalcreative.net
Facebook: @signalcreativenet 
Instagram: @signalcreative

Like, subscribe, rate, review!
…..
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Outback Outloud Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Signal Creative and Outback Arts 2024.