It began with an idea

I am Anne Kable, and my idea has taken me on a remarKable journey.

I invite you to join me on this journey.

I have always been a maker. I am a maker because creative expression is my inspiration and aspiration.

For many years I have dreamed of finding a space where I could share that inspiration with other makers. I dreamed of a space for local, emerging artists and makers to come and be part of a Makers Collective. I dreamed of a dedicated studio space, for my making practice. My idea was to combine the two.

My dream began on the Central Coast of NSW, where I lived for over 25 years. It led me from the beach to the bush, when I came to live in Dunedoo, in Central NSW.

The journey started way back in 1932, when my father was born in Dunedoo. He spent the first eight years of his life here and my great grandparents, Frederick and Rebecca Kable, are buried in the Dunedoo Cemetery.

When Dad was six years old, his grandfather paid him sixpence to dig a hole and help him plant a kurrajong tree in the backyard of their house in Yarrow St. The tree is alive and thriving.

And then, in an interesting plot twist, my son took up the music teacher’s role at Dunedoo and Coolah Schools in 2017. With each visit to see him, I fell in love with the town and its people, and became more interested in experiencing rural living.

I found an old, converted church that was available for rent, with a workshop and studio space, where I planned to fulfil my dream. In 2018, my little buddy, Basil the Aussie Terrier and I set off on an adventure, to escape the city. I gave myself 52 weeks to decide if I wanted to make the lifestyle change permanent and to discover if we would find 52 reasons to love living in Dunedoo. I discovered far more!

I discovered family history and a vast network of family connections. I found a community who embraced me and I made new friends.

The incredible vistas, wide open spaces, the enormous expanse of sky, stars and far away galaxies and the harsh but stark beauty of a drought ravaged land and then, the flooding plains, inspire me.

I made a place in the community, becoming an active member of Landcare and being ‘persuaded’ to coordinate the local Made n’ Grown Produce and Artisans Market. I embrace country life and the beautiful, compassionate, resilient and endlessly interesting people who call this small rural town home. They have embraced me in return, and I thank them.

I have come home! I am excited to write the next chapter in my story. Here’s to a creative adventure and to discovering at least another 52 reasons to love living in Dunedoo.

Life is remarKable.

Afterword - In another major plot twist, the old chuch, where I lived for three months, sold - two weeks after I had moved in! I explored other options while renting, until I recently found and purchased a property that is perfect for a Makers Space.

Makers Space and the Studio on Whiteley is aptly and artistically named, as Brett Whiteley is one of my favourite Australian artists! (in reality, putting artistic license aside, it was named after a former Cobbora Shire Councillor - further research needed!)