Seniors Month Tour to Telopea Downs
Published on 28 October 2024
Reminiscent of their days as school kids, more than 55 excited veterans, retired, and vulnerable men, members of Men’s Sheds, and those from multi-faith communities or cultures from across Hindmarsh Shire boarded a bus to begin their day tour visiting three prominent properties at Telopea Downs.
Following the journey up the highway to Kaniva, the first pit stop was held at the Kaniva Fauna Park and Wetlands where a couple of gents proved to everyone else on the bus that you’re never too old to have fun by enjoying a few trips on the playground’s flying fox.
The tour then headed to the first destination, Bindarra Park, where participants were met by horserace trainer Darryl Dodson and neighbour Roger Clark.
The bus followed Darryl out into a paddock where the participants were provided the opportunity to watch two racehorses being put through their paces by galloping at around 60kph. Even though the participants were a safe distance from the horses, to see and hear them galloping at full speed provided an incredible sight.
On the return to Darryl’s yard, his assistants Kim Hawker and Bonny Tootle demonstrated a swimming exercise on well-known horse “Dr Dee Dee”, where the horse swam approximately 100 meters in a purpose-built pond. Darryl explained that most racehorse trainers now exercise their horses by swimming them and that its takes pressure off their legs while providing them with a good workout.
Tour participants were then able to walk around the yards at their own pace to view the 16 horses Darryl is currently working with.
Ian Jackson of Nhill was thrilled to able to have his photo taken with one of his favourite racehorses, “I Catchem Fox”.
From Bindarra Park, the tour headed to the Telopea Downs Hall for lunch. Along the way, Ross Johns from Dimboola provided a brief commentary on the history of Telopea Downs and McBride’s Woolshed.
During lunch, Telopea Downs farmer Roger Clark also spoke in detail about the history of Telopea Downs and about some of the properties and people who have lived and farmed in the area since it was first opened by AMP around 1954.
On arrival at McBride’s Woolshed, the tour was met by property manager Drew Maxwell who provided an informative overview of both the property, its operations and McBride’s in general. Mr Maxwell said that their aim was to shear 100,000 sheep this season, but they fell just short of that target.
The 12-stand shearing shed was designed and purpose built to provide the highest level of safety and comfort to sheep and workers whilst also creating efficiencies to enable a continuous shearing operation during inclement weather.
The use of timber throughout the shearing shed is a testament to the level of safety with more than 93,000kg of timber used during construction.
After leaving McBride’s Woolshed, the tour made the short trip to Oasis Olives, formerly Olivaylle Estate. Oasis Olives is family owned and operated by the Symington family with the business based in Kialla, Victoria.
Tamara Symington and Sam, the farm manager, boarded the bus and provided a commentary of the operation while driving around the property. Telopea Downs is the business’ largest farm, with over 900 hectares of which 70 hectares has mature trees in full production. Whilst on the bus, participants were fortunate to see planting in operation. Oasis Olives are currently doubling overall plant numbers which will see trees planted on 320 hectares.
The plan is to have 500 hectares of olive trees planted when planting is completed in the future.
Tamara said that Oasis Olives has grown exponentially and now has five farms in Australia located at Kialla, Peake, Telopea Downs, Karte and Frances as well as in Peru where the family’s passion for olive production began.
The tour and catering were provided free of charge thanks to funding received from the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing for identified and selected priority groups as part of the month-long Seniors Month.
Hindmarsh Shire Council warmly thanks all attendees and hosts for making this a brilliant day out for all.
For more information, please contact our Community Development Team on 03 5391 4444 or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer