News from 2008....
AW Vater & Co a real family affair
AW Vater & Co in Saddleworth, about three hours north of Adelaide on the edge of the Clare Valley, was started by Allen Vater but his children are now all involved in the business, which does just about everything rural. They run an agricultural dealership, trade grain and legumes, sell rural merchandise and are agricultural chemical resellers, transport operators, primary producers, sell new and used tractors, harvesters, hay, and other equipment....and as Sam and Jenny discovered during their visit in late July, they're also a great bunch! Sam and Jenny spoke at AW Vater & Co's annual farmer night on July 25, and spoke to local schools during the day. ABOVE: Sam is surrounded by some of the Vater family, staff and friends (l-r, back) Craig Davis, Max Baxter, Carly Schoenberg, Rachel Oehme, Jill Oehme, Allen Vater, Emmi Nicholls, Tania Nicholls and Ashley Nicholls holding son James, (l-r, front) Richard Davison, Sam, Taaj Nicholls and Podge the Dog.
The AW Vater & Co evening event also gave Sam the opportunity to catch up with great friend, Alex Smyth...who was the governess at 'Avon Downs' in the Northern Territory when Sam was jackaroo there in 1987. They were both in the car accident that left Sam a quadriplegic. Alex suffered a broken pelvis but made a full recovery and within a month was back at work at 'Avon Downs'.
The season at Saddleworth was a marked contrast to when Sam and Jenny travelled back through the nearby Clare Valley in February this year. If you look at the Melrose Photos (lower down this page) you'll see the difference. The crops look fantastic around Saddleworth, although there isn't a lot of subsoil moisture and more soaking rain is needed to ensure the crops real their full potential.
More than thousand at IGA gathering
Sam and Jenny Bailey headed to the Gold Coast in July to speak to more than a thousand IGA (Independent Grocers of Australia) members at their annual conference. ABOVE: Sam and Jenny caught up with Jenny Slapp who works for the Tennant Creek Food Barn, Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. She is based in Adelaide. BELOW: Sam with MC at the IGA conference, Richard Wilkins, who's normal job is Entertainment Editor for Channel Nine.
Respite holiday dinner a highlight
Life Without Barriers held a very special respite holiday for clients in early July at Murramurrang, near Batemans Bay on the south coast of NSW, and celebrated the end of an amazing weekend for participants with a dinner for them, their carers and families. Sam and Jenny spoke at the dinner and witnessed the achievements of the participants, who'd enjoyed a fantastic week of activities including kayaking, painting, music and a visit to the local zoo. Sam is pictured after his talk with event organiser, Rachael White, from Life Without Barriers, Southern Region.
Celebrating a love for the land
Sam with Carissa Mickan and Kirralea Gibbs, organisers of the Walla Walla Football and Netball Club's "For the Love of the Land" ball on July 12 at Albury Convention Centre. The ball was aimed at promoting 'social connectedness, encouraging the greater community to support each other and stay connected during this difficult time of drought.'
Newcastle Business SWAP breakfast
Sam and Jenny travelled to Newcastle in the lower Hunter Valley in early July to speak at the Hunter Business Swap breakfast. Sam is pictured with Julian Campbell, National Business Swap president (left), and Hunter Business Swap President Ken Wellham.
Cockle Bay views for claims dinner
Sam with Julie MacCormick and Alex Hubbard who helped organise the Claims Management Group's annual dinner at L'Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour in Sydney on July 3. The dinner included professionals from the life insurance industry, and the views over Darling Harbour were stunning.
Cowra fundraiser a day to remember
A day at Cowra in Central NSW proved unforgettable as Sam spoke to an estimated 1800 children and helped raise funds for one small local school's P&C Association. President of Mulyan Public School P&C, Peter Wilson, organised Sam and Jenny's visit on Monday, June 23, and their talks to local schools, then a community event that evening at Cowra Services Club. About 160 people attended the night event, helping raise money for the school and also get a little inspiration after years of challenging drought conditions. PICTURED ABOVE: Sam also caught up with former class mate from The Armidale School (TAS), Scott Hickman and his three children Lucy, Amelia and Patrick.
ABOVE: Sam and Jenny with Peter and Maria Wilson's two daughters, Lucy and Alex. BELOW: Sam is pictured with their son Lochie.
Kirinari celebrates 20th birthday
The Wodonga-based Kirinari Community Services Ltd celebrated it's 20th birthday at Albury Arts Centre on June 21 with a party/dinner and Sam and Jenny as their guest speakers. It was a big night of awards, celebrations and dancing for both staff and residents of this not-for-profit charitable organisation that provides residential and support services, home care and education programs for people with disabilities. Based at Wodonga on the NSW/Victorian Border, Kirinari provides services in the Riverina, Blue Mountains and northern NSW.
ABOVE: Sam and Jenny with one of Kirinari's founders, Hugh Elford OAM (second from left), his wife Jenny and current Kirinari CEO, Gary Roberts.
BELOW: One of Kirinari's clients, Andrew Cooling from Albury, and Kirinari's Inverell manager, Lyn Evans, with Sam at the celebration dinner on June 21.
It's all about what you focus on
Sam and Jenny spoke at the AgriFocus 2025 National Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Coogee Beach on June 19, organised by PrincipleFocus. It is the only professional services organisation in Australia that provides integrated training, accounting, financial planning and management consulting to farmers and agribusiness investors.
PICTURED ABOVE: Sam and Jenny caught up with Richard Groom, one of PrincipleFocus's Executive Directors, who conducted a 'Grazing for Profit' course they attended at Goondiwindi during 2003.
The stuff dreams are made of
On June 17 Sam and Jenny spoke at the Perth Business SWAP breakfast in Perth, WA, attracting about 120 people. Included amongst the audience was Darren Lomman, 2007 Young Australian of the Year (WA) who has established the Dreamfit Foundation...which aims to fulfil the dreams of disabled people by providing innovative recreation and leisure equipment for people with disabilities, enabling them to participate in activities they never dreamt possible. Also pictured is Dreamfit's Community Engagement Manager, Carolyn Lynch.
Mudgee Student Connections night
Sam and Jenny spoke at Mudgee on Tuesday night, June 10, at the "Parents Information Evening" organised by Western Student Connections. They are pictured with organiser Felicity Newton, Program co-ordinator for Students Connections; the other speaker at the Event, Michael McQueen, from Nexgen Impact; and Lisa Tubnor, Program Co-ordinator for Student Connections. Michael is a fascinating speaker and social researcher based in Sydney, who is an expert on the various generations, from Builders to Generation 'Z'. He spoke on the night mainly about how to understand Generation 'Y', who are 9 to 27 year olds. His web page is www.nexgenimpact.com.
RYLA - rotary leadership training
We spoke to the awardees at the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp at Duckadang Lions Camp, south-east Queensland on June 2. It is a fantastic Rotary program for 18 to 25 year olds, which helps participants overcome personal obstacles, set goals and develop leadership skills. Sam is pictured above with the awardees and organisers.
Fundraiser a big success in Young
The Gorham family from Young raised an incredible $23,500 for three of the town's local organisations during a huge two-day fundraising effort at the end of May. They donated $12,000 to Young Oncology Unit, $6,000 to Angelflight and $5,500 to their children's school, Monteagle.
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We're pictured right with Megan and Steve Gorham, whose dreams to bring Sam to town to talk to the local schools and community grew into two fundraising events over two nights, May 29 and 30, and included Sam speaking to all the town's schools. We also got to know their two great kids, Jacob and Sophie, who did their bit by selling raffles tickets and raising $500 by themselves! Megan was hoping to raise a few hundred dollars, but after an amazing effort, raised thousands. Well done! Sam bought a Wallaby jumper at the fundraising dinner and auction. He's pictured with Megan's father, Barry Maloney, who organised to get the jumper signed. It was signed by former Wallabies Steve Williams, Nick Farr Jones, Michael Hawker and Simon Poidevin and has special significance because Sam toured the UK with his TAS (The Armidale School) rugby union school team in 1984, literally following behind the Grand Slam Wallaby tour of the British Isles in the same year. All four of the players who signed this rugby jumper were in that Grand Slam team. |
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Awards handed out at Inverell
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Sam and Jenny were guest speakers at this year's Inverell Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held on May 24. They are pictured above with Brooke MacDonald, from Look Sharp Hair Studio, who took out the Employer of the Year award for the second year running and Chamber president, Andrew Cleaver. Anthony Michael, Chamber vice-president (pictured at right with Sam and Jenny) was one of many committee members who put a lot of effort into the awards which recognise the success of Inverell businesses. |
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First National - again
Sam and Jenny caught up with First National Real Estate members on May 16...speaking at the national conference just months after speaking at the NSW state conference in November 2007. "It was great to catch up with many NSW members again," says Sam. "And then to meet members from right across Australia was wonderful. It gives us such a sense of things that are happening further afield, not just in real estate but various communities." Sam is pictured above with some of First National's staff including (left to right, back) Craig Bennie (VIC); Christy Short (WA); Mauro Colaci (VIC) and John Adcock (SA); (left to right, front) Neils Holm (VIC); Sam and Sean Hines (VIC).
Meeting an aviation pioneer
On May 3, Sam and Jenny had the great privilege of meeting one of Australia's living legends, pioneering woman aviator Nancy Bird. They met when speaking at the Australian Women Pilots' Association's annual conference held in Roma, Central Queensland. See more details on the Helifirst News page.
Three hundred flock to Gunning
About 300 people flocked to the Gunning Showground on March 28 to attend a rural community support gathering, almost completely filling the showground's main pavilion hall. The night was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Yass and supported by NSW DPI, Yass Rural Lands Protection Board and Upper Lachlan Shire Council. It was a fantastic night and we were thrilled to see such a wonderful turn-out, especially when that area has been in drought for seven years and continues to wait for rain. We're pictured above with some of the organisers (l-r) Mick Newling, Bernie Rogers (District Governor 9710) and Kim Turner, manager of Yass RLPB. Kim and his wife Bimbi hosted us for the night at their gorgeous property near Yass, for which we thank them.
CEA Technologies sponsor Canberra talk
On March 27 we spoke at Engineering House, Canberra, to Engineers Australia staff, members and the general public. The event was sponsored by CEA Technologies. Founded in 1983, CEA Technologies specialises in the design, development and manufacture of advanced radar and communications solutions for civil and military applications. We visited their premises the following day to see their fascinating and cutting-edge work, plus speak to some of their staff. Find out more about CEA Technologies at their web page. We're pictured with (l-r) David O'Connor, senior software engineer; Ian Croser, technical director and Rob Forbes, CEO.
Lachlan CMA supports communities
Lachlan CMA funded Sam speaking at two rural community events in Forbes and Galong, in the NSW central west in late March. It also allowed Sam to speak to school students at Forbes, Boorowa and Harden.
The CMA believes it's not only its role to improve land use and conservation in the region, it is also important to provide emotional support to people in rural communities....especially where many are still coping with drought.
Sam spoke at a community event on Tuesday night, March 25, at Forbes Inn and then at a community event organised by the Country Crusaders at Galong Castle (St Clements Monastery) near Galong on Wednesday night, March 26. Both events attracted more than 200 people, and were filled to capacity.
St Clements Monastery (pictured below) is a unique retreat and conference centre which is committed to the advancement of Christian unity. It runs various spiritual retreats, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. It's a shared ministry involving the Redepemptorist Congregation and the Sisters of St Joseph, Goulburn.
The Monastery is a unique building and local landmark, part of which dates back to the mid-1800s. The property was initially settled by Irish transportee Edward 'Ned' Ryan in the late 1820s. It was his son who willed the property to the Redemptorist Congregation and the Monastery and a Minor Seminary were established in the former homestead in 1918. About 2000 men were educated there before the college closed in 1975.
The current-day Monastery includes a conference centre, 25 accommodation rooms, two chapels, dining facilities and a museum outlining it's fascinating history. Find out more at the website.
Rowena community raise school funds
Sam spoke at a fundraising dinner on March 15, 2008, at Rowena, north west NSW. It was to raise funds for Rowena Public School to re-line their swimming pool. The night at the local hall raised a whooping $13,000, which will not only fix the pool but help towards other items as well. Sam caught up with a former school mate from The Armidale School (TAS), Ian Todd, and also met his nephew Johnny Simshauser. In fact, there was 15 TAS old boys at the event!
Jaffa...new addition to our family
Our kelpie Minty, who features in our book Head Over Heels and various publicity photos with us, is pictured with the latest arrival into the Bailey family. In March we took delivery of a new six-week-old fawn and tan kelpie, who we've named Jaffa. She was bred by Ross and Helen Gam from Falcon Kelpie Stud at Dungowan, near Tamworth. Jaffa is out of Keswick Nell, by Falcon Pict and carries a significant amount of Riana bloodlines. She's taken a liking to sleeping under Sam's wheelchair (below left) and is a real character, as you can see in the photo below right.
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Meeting Angry....a music legend
We were thrilled to meet one of Australia's musical legends, Angry Anderson, at the Combined Rural Traders (CRT) National Conference at the Gold Coast in mid-February. These days Angry continues to play in a number of bands, as well as being the face of Blundstone Boots and doing a huge amount of community work. His song 'We Can't be Beaten' was the theme song for the CRT conference held at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre, which attracted hundreds of members from across Australia. With more than 300 stores and 220 experienced agronomists, CRT is Australia's largest group of independent rural merchandisers and one of the country's leading agribusinesses. See more at their web page. After meeting the staff at the Blundestone stand at the CRT conference they kindly sent us some boots to try. As you can see below Jenny's boots have already had plenty of use, and our new puppy Jaffa has found a new use for them as well!
Ray White Rural at Gold Coast
Sam and Jenny spoke at the Ray White Rural Annual Group Conference at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast in mid-February. They are pictured (above) with all the delegates.
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They are also pictured (left, l-r) with grandson of Ray White and Joint-Chairman of Ray White Group, Paul White; his daughter-in-law Rachael, daughter Steph and son Tom. His other son Matthew was absent. Ray White Rural began in Brisbane in 1994 and is now represented by over 65 individually owned and operated franchises. It's one of Australia's fastest growing Rural Real Estate agencies. See more. |
Visiting Melrose - near Mt Remarkable
We visited South Australia from February 7 to 10 to speak in the small town of Melrose, 270 kilometres north of Adelaide and the Flinders' oldest town...founded in 1853. A town of just 200 people, it has an amazing community spirit and its population increased for the community dinner on the Saturday night.
The dinner catered for 140 people...and a further 80 attended after the meal to hear Sam speak. The main organiser, Sue McCallum, did an amazing job with help for a small band of family and friends.
We also visited Melrose Public school to speak to students from Melrose and Wilmington; then on to speak to students at Booleroo Central School.
Many parts of the Flinders Ranges and Willochra Plains area have been in the grip of drought for five to seven years, with many of the local creeks not having run for years.
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(Above, l-r) Jamie and Therese McCallum, Sam, Jenny and Sue McCallum, the main organiser of the Melrose community event. Jamie took us for a tour of the Flinders hills near Melrose during our stay. (Left) Sam with Sophie McCallum and Adrian McCinnerney at the Melrose dinner. |
Beautiful trees! Melrose is nestled at the foot of Mt Remarkable on the edge of the Willochra Plain. The river gums along the Willochra Creek are huge! Simply stunning!
The stunning view from the Flinders ranges back to the south-east near Melrose, South Australia. The area is still in the grip of drought.
Australia Day 2008 in Kiama
Sam Bailey was the Australia Day Ambassador in the stunningly beautiful Kiama Shire on January 26, speaking at Kiama Downs, Gerringong and Jamberoo at the local council's various celebrations.
Large crowds turned out at each event to celebrate our national day.
We also found time for some sightseeing...and the views over the coastline were absolutely amazing!
Sam and his uncle Philip Bailey at the amazing lookout overlooking Kiama, where Sam was the Australia Day Ambassador.
Australia Day breakfast at Gerringong with (l-r) Briannah Gordon and Emily Nye, who sang beautifully at the celebrations; the mayor of Kiama Council Sandra McCarthy; Acting General Manager of the council, Bryan Whittaker and his wife Liz who hosted us for the day.
This is the Kiama Showground....during the show on Australia Day. Because of the Equine Flu there were no horse events this year, so organisers invited the circus instead! This has got to be one of the mosting stunning showgrounds in Australia...right on the edge of the ocean.
The view of Kiama....simply stunning. Rolling hills and green paddocks right to the ocean. We felt very privileged to spend Australia Day there this year.
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Head Over Heels a best seller!! Read an extract from the book.
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"As a recent high school graduate and a ridiculously fussy reader, I stumbled across your book in our bookshelf (I was supposed to be cleaning my room!!). Your humble determination and courage in overcoming adversity is truly inspirational in conquering all of life's problems - great and small. The book was that great I even took it to schoolies week!" - Melanie McKinnis
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