2008
Mountain Inspiration
On my research trip we were lucky enough to stay a night with the inspirational Ian Stapleton.
Ian was the founder of remote outdoor education centres, Mittagundi and Wollangarra that have helped young people to help the mountains.
Kids walk into the site using a pack horse to cart their provisions.
They are then set to work in the mountains.
Through these centres, Ian has inspired many ‘lost city youth’ to discover the satisfaction of achievement, the importance of community and the joy of a purposeful day’s work.
Ian has now retired to Harrietville, where he and his wife Olivia have build a wonderful little cottage for his friends to stay at the foot of Mt Feathertop.
Made totally from recycled material, John and I have been inspired.
This little cottage is clad in old corrugated iron, that Ian ran flat with the Landcruiser.
With all the recent hype about living in an environmentally friendly way it was great to spend time with someone who has been practicing these principals for decades.
Ian has helped me no end with my novel through writing up the history of the Treasure family.
In his wonderful book From Fraser’s to Freezeout [see the cover illustration above] I’ve gain insight into the history of the High Plains where John and I spend time each year.
I’ve also glimpsed traits in these forebears in my own little Treasure children! Ian is a gifted writer of several books — all non-fiction — but written with creative spark and integrity.
If you’d like to order one of his books, write to him at Feathertop Track, Harrietville, Vic 3741 for pricing and more information on his other titles.
He has an aversion to computers so you’ll just have to make do with Snail Mail.
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Comments (12 Responses)
Hi Rachael
I have just finished reading all three of your books in a row, over about a 2 week period. I thoroughly enjoyed them and was googling you to find out if I had missed any or more importantly the progress of your next book and I see you are currently working on it.
I’m wondering if you know when the next book is likely to be released? My sister has also just finished reading all your books, if the new one is coming out before Christmas I’m wondering if you sign copies of them at all. My sister would love to receive a signed copy as a Christmas present. No problems if you are unable to do that – a release date will be just as good.
Kim
Hi Kim
Rach hasn’t even finished the first draft of the fourth book, so it’s over a year away. Novels, as you can imagine take a lot of time and writing combined with kids, farming and community work mean it’s an even slower process for Rach. Sorry to let you down this Christmas. Let’s hope for next Christmas.
Hi John
Thanks for getting back to me about the new book so quickly. I am wondering if there are any authors similar to Rachael, ie. people she maybe got her inspiration from? I would really like to get my sister a book for Christmas. She isn’t a reader however in the last 2 weeks she read The Rouseabout from front to back which is somewhat of a record for her. And she has asked me about other authors who write about similar story lines and that easy to read style that Rachael has. I’m sure its a very odd request to be recommending other authors – but I’m hoping you can help me. If you could email me at the above email address that would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Kim
Hey Kim. I found Tony Parson’s The Call of The high Country and it’s sequel Return to the High Country really good. Also a couple of Bryce Courtney’s books are good, although they are quite thick books if your sister isn’t much of a reader. Would be interested to see what books John recommends as well. Hope that helps.
Kim,
I’m reading a Di Morissey book at the moment and she has written a couple of books set in Australia. Barra Creek is great that’s the one I’m reading now.
Hi Rachael,
I found your blogs while finding pictures of the Dargo-Hotham Road. I was the Headteacher at Dargo 1081, in 1972-( Jack Treasure used to tell me it was one off poison – 1080 obviously) I used to have a drink with Jack occasionally in the Dargo Pub and he would quote Omar Khayyam. Email me and tell me what happened to Jack please.
Hi Peter
Jack passed away a few years ago and his wife, Marcia followed not long after. Sadly his house burnt down recently so who knows the records and writings of the High Plains that were lost. He is survived by his son Jim.
Hi I have been researching the family history of Vera Lilian Williams born 1914 in Chinchilla Qld.
I believe her mother was Emily May Treasure who married Thomas Williams.
Would you be able to confirm if I have the right family line?
Many thanks Deb
I reckon you do have the right family line. Many Treasures departed the Dargo High Plains around 1900 and and went to Chinchilla….bit warmer really. All the best, JT
Hey thanks John for your answer a simple one for you I guess but part of an amazing journey I have been on tracing my mothers family line. Important because she is 1 of the Forgotten Australians, & until now has never even had a glimmer of where she came from.
I have many questions that you may or may not be able to answer or wish to & perhaps the public domain is not the best place to ask these.
Please email me if I have sparked an interest in you in the history of one branch of your family.
I pray that I will hear from you to help an old woman have an identity.
Regards
Deb
Hi John, Popped in to the website & read about your farm & your partners. would you believe my married surname is Tate? Coincidence? Also my exhusband is a farmer though his interest lies in horticulture.
Further my other query I was wondering if there are family members still in Gippsland? Any that were around in 1932 as Vera had mum in Melbourne & listed Stratford Rd Sale as her address. Does that have any family significance? As she was only 17 & there is no fathers name on mums BC we guess she was an unwed mother & was sent away to her mother’s (Treasure’s) family. There is a further mystery to mums illegal adoption as the woman who took her a Mrs Violet May Dagg husband Frank stated to welfare that she got mum off a relative. Am wondering where she may fit into the picture.
Spring is here & farm life & a book launch makes for one full on life! I appreciate how busy you must be & I dont want to be a pest
Regards
Deb Tate
Hello this has nothing to do with your books at all but I would like to know the whereabouts of Rita Treasure, daughter of Jack sister of Pam who boarded at St.Annes in Sale in the 1960′s. We were school friends and have recently been re connecting with old scholars via facebook. I would very much appreciate any information you can give me.
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