Desert Daze in early June at Lake Dunn north of Aramac and Pentland west of Charters Towers celebrates the Desert Uplands country, community and Committee. Actively assisting land managers and livestock producers over twenty-five years, the Desert Uplands Committee brings together presenters, specialists and artists, locals and visitors, to gather, enjoy and learn, reflect, be challenged and be creative.
Vicki Mayne, Damian O’Sullivan and Chelsea Jarvis of the Northern Australia Climate Program (University of Southern Queensland & QDAF) will detail the principle drivers of the region’s climate, upskilling producers to make better use of forecasts. Research and producer updates will share key learnings and information on the Wambiana Grazing Trials and other current industry projects and issues. These Monday sessions will be prefaced by Sunday tours to beef properties Fortuna and Lake Dunn, and a shared meal with MLA board member (representing northern producers) Russell Lethbridge. Cathy Drummond will sing us into the nights.
Recent good rains will make for interesting birding walks, guided by Birdlife Australia members, whilst scientists lead walks to discover this desert’s ecological secrets. Scrapmetalsheila, aka metal sculptress Milynda Rogers will lead the touring to her now-famous roadside artworks, Suzanne Thompson will show us Tuttaburra (formerly Gracevale) and its rich Indigeneity, and Bush Heritage’s Edgbaston’s Reserve Tour will highlight contemporary conservation. Professional cinematographers, video editors and drone operators demonstrate the capture of still and moving imagery, for property and artistic use; and then how to tighten and upload these digital pictures. Ecoartist Scott Maxwell, an experienced community and multi-discipline artist will direct participatory sessions to create two and three-D contemplative artworks from mixed medium and foraged finds.
Camping is available at Lake Dunn and Pentland Caravan Park and Hotel – Book your site with Jo on 46510565 (Lake Dunn) and 47881148 (Caravan Park) & 47881106 (Pub) respectively, with tent & sleeping bag hiring available from Suzanne on 0488955935/46510700 (Lake Dunn only). Food and drink is available for vans on Sunday at the Lake and from the cafes in Pentland. Hence, please, after reviewing the program, follow through to the booking page so our complimentary shared meals and tour packs are supplied correctly. For any booking assistance, ring Robyn on 0447179974.