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G’day folks,
Thought I would give you an update on what I’ve been up to. I’m currently collecting material for my second album, long overdue I know, work commitments got in the way. Since appearing at Boondooma in April, I’ve had plenty of local shows and this is when I was inspired to organize a tour of the central / outback Qld to see first hand the things and places that I sing about. After all, a boy from Newcastle doesn’t have a lot of knowledge about gidgee trees, Mitchell grass and vast rolling plains.
My wife Janelle was able to come too and share the experience, so come July, we packed our little van and set off on the holiday of a life time, we enjoyed every minute of it. Friday we stayed at Roma on the first night for a rest and saw our first close look at a bottle tree. Saturday it was off to Injune for my first show at the Bowls club. Wave and Elaine Jackson were wonderful hosts, as were the people of Injune who welcomed me with a day of social bowls and BBQ before the show that night, Thanks Wave for doing some songs. On Sunday morning a tour of Maintop was a highlight before the drive to Charleville, where we met up with friends Jim and Bonnie.
On the way we pulled off the highway just outside of Miles to where the memorial for the workers and their families who died while constructing the railway to Roma. For me it was a poignant moment to see the name of Clara Waters, after singing a song about her, to see where she lived and died was moving. That night I sang around the fire with appreciative campers. Janelle was excited; she found her first gidgee tree, a quest fulfilled.
Monday we rested at Tambo before heading to Barcaldine on Tuesday morning. Tuesday night saw us having tea and damper by a fire of gidgee coals ( boom boom ) then I sang once again that night around the fire. (yes I did sing it).
Wednesday it was off to Longreach for two days to meet up with Denise Brookes and Bob Magee. They made us most welcome, (thanks for Janelle’s Birthday cake Denise ). Friday we stayed at Emerald, then off to Rockhampton, on Sunday I showed at the QRI Hall with Keith, Alisha and Caitlyn Jamieson, what a great sounding hall.
Tuesday saw us at Mackay, catching up with friends and performing at Andergrove Caravan Park with friends Bruce and Clair Bell. Then it was down to Bundaberg on the Thursday to the Burnett Bowls club where I performed a solo. Thanks to Dave and Val Johnston for setting up the stage and all your help. Peter and Virgina Coad called in, I hope they liked what they heard (ED insert: They did).
It was there I caught up with some friends I haven’t seen for many years.

<Allan Luscombe, Jeff Gibson, Dorrie Muller, and Lex K
Friday night I showed with Dorrie Muller, Lex K and Alan Luscombe at Wesley Hall Gympie. Saturday it was time for home, but called in to see Rachael and Dave Richards where we enjoyed a good old fashioned barbie and a jam session, Thanks Rachael and Dave for the great time. After staying over night it was home on Sunday.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hosts at the caravan parks for a wonderful stay and to all the radio presenters for their help with advertising and air-play, Veronica for organizing the QRI hall and to Wave, Jamo’s, Clair and Bruce Bell, Talitha, Dorrie, Lex, Alan and Clarrie for your entertainment and to Bonnie and Jim for your help and company.
Up coming festivals for me include Texas, Millmerran and Widgee, hope to see you there.
Till next time
Jeff Gibson

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