We are down to a shortlist of applicants for the $1 per week rental of this cute early 1900’s cottage on our farm which will soon undergo a facelift.

But before we move them in, we are waiting for a decision from Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett as to whether the Levendale Primary school will remain open.

He will act on advice from the Education Department as to what is “best educationally” for children in such a small school.

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What a difference mates make when you are feeling low.

With a bleak winter, my pony dead, more work than I can poke a stick at, a novel to write, kids to raise and a school and community to revive, John and I were feeling a tad overwhelmed.

Then I found this letter in my email inbox from our friends in the north of Tassie who are taking care of our cattle for us during the drought.

It seems our heifers, aptly dubbed ‘The Treasure’s’ are loving life. Thanks for this letter Trace and Deb. It was the best, cheer-us-up gift we could’ve hoped for!

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Tristan came into my life when I was 14 years old and has been my best mate ever since.

I turn 40 this year, so you can imagine how old he was. Healthy right up until last week, he had a great life.

It’s been a hard day, saying goodbye to the old boy today, but the vet has just come to put him down as his old heart was failing. His death has prompted a flood of memories, tears and gratitude in me.

This little horse was my anchor for so many of my tumultuous teenage years. He came with me on my first job as a jillaroo and has been loved by one and all throughout Tasmania. Our little brumby blessing will be missed by us all. Thanks little Tris.

Amidst the hundreds of calls from media and people wanting to move to our district today, one stood out as amazing!

It was our State Premier, David Bartlett on the line. Mr Bartlett visted our little Levendale Primary School last year and saw first hand what a warm friendly place it was for kids.

Premier Bartlett congratulated our community on its proactive efforts to revive our district and offered his personal support! What a joy to hear his words as our community has worked flat out to create a new vibrant future for this idyllic place.

Here’s hoping we can inspire other country areas to do the same.

The phone has run hot this morning since a front page article in the local paper about $1 per week rental properties!

We decided to rent the old farm cottage out at that price to help bring young community-minded families to the district.

The $1 per week housing has of course been snapped up — but there are other bargain rentals and purchases if you’d like to come and join our hard-working community.

Go to the Hidden Valley web site and check out the real estate guide.

There is also a place to register your willingness to help, whether it be putting your kids in the school, or help do up an old house.

Country communities should be the crowning glory of our nation. Let’s claim back some of the culture that has been eroded over time for our kids!

Today, aside from half and inch of rain in the gauge, I’ve just experienced an all time ‘career highlight’!

This morning, a UK parcel arrived containing the cover proof for my very first UK novel.

My first novel, Jillaroo, has been renamed River Run Deep, and has a wonderful new look for the English market.

Random House UK’s new imprint Preface have been wonderful during the whole process. Even more exciting is the publicity that goes with the cover — and I shall now blow my own trumpet because it has rained today and I am one happy camper; Prefaces says of me, ‘Sincerity and passion are the hallmarks of her writing and her strong heroines with soft hearts — especially where their horses and dogs are — have a universal appeal. Preface is committed to making Rachael Treasure a household name in the UK market.’

That is one amazing thought — as I sit and write in my humble little farm house in the back blocks of Tasmania. But for now, it’s time to go cook tea for the kids and then out to feed the dogs.

I had considered a celebration, but we have a community meeting tonight about the future of our little bush school so the celebrations can wait. We are on a mission to keep our rural school alive — we not only need more rain, but more kids!

We are asking the Tasmanian State Labor government for two year’s grace in the future of our little Levendale School.

We have above average results for numeracy and literacy and the idyllic school grounds, community spirit and friendly, relaxed learning environment makes it a paradise for our kids.

If you are a community-minded family with at least two or three primary school aged children, we have affordable rental properties available NOW!

Your move here could save our school! Just 45 minutes from Hobart we live in rural paradise that isn’t too isolated. For expressions of interest submit your details in a comment below.

My little three-year old son couldn’t wait to get his grubby little mits on the translated version of The Rouseabout which arrived in a parcel from Germany yesterday.

Sadly, when he asked me to read it to him, I had to explain mummy couldn’t read it! I don’t even know what the title says … I think it means, Where the Wind sings, but that’s just a stab in the dark. If anyone has a better translation, let me know!

My baby Australian Kelpie, Rousie, looked very ‘northern hemisphere’ and wolf-like in the pre-dawn light this morning as we explored the place covered in snow.

Everyone on our farm is out looking for grass to eat this morning.

Snowfalls overnight left a visual diary of where all the animals had been, including a wallaby on our front lawn.

He left a clear trail of footprints in this winter wonderland.