Chook Lady
Kristen McLennan and her family are regenerative, sustainable farmers dedicated to caring for 3,000 laying hens. Every day, they provide their hens with fresh grass and a natural environment, ensuring the chooks all thrive and produce the finest of eggies. Lucky ladies!
The Post Mistress
Katrina Thomas’s post office is at the heart of the town. She knows everyone, greets locals with kindness, and expertly sorts hundreds of packages and pieces of mail each and every day — showing that a smile and a lick of the stamp can go a long way in this small community.
The Dairy Farmer
Graeme Cochrane milks his 300 cows every morning at 3:00am and every afternoon at 3:00pm — seven days a week, every day of the year. In the swelter of summer’s heat and the chill of winter’s frost, the milking happens no matter what. Even the cows work on Christmas Day!
The Cup
Alison Baker is the Chief of the Boyley Cup, the highlight of the local swimming calendar. There is always much rivalry and banter, where every second counts, with all eyes on the crucial changeovers at the wall. Alison ensures that the chaos unfolds in a well-organised fashion, where rule interpretations are enthusiastically interpreted by all!
The Builder
Peter Still is one of the town’s finest builders and carpenters, known for his craftsmanship and meticulous detail. He brings the dedication of an All Blacks front rower to every project, whether using recycled or new materials. If you’re lucky, Peter might share his insights on sport, politics and life at every Friday’s ‘Builders Meeting’.
Ponytail Pete
Pete Thomas sadly is no longer with us, having passed away in 2024. An artisan builder, Pete blessed the Valley with his expert carpentry, humour, passion for music, and endless stories for over 20 years. Arriving most mornings on his much-loved BMW motorbike, Pete’s exquisite craftsmanship is on display here in the Old Store, restored to its former glory in collaboration with long-time friend and colleague Peter Still. We dedicate this photo exhibition to the memory of Pete.
The School Bus Driver
Sandra Robertson drives the local school bus twice a day, with great care and skill. Her route is rarely seen, crossing rivers, climbing steep gullies, and navigating winding country roads while avoiding kangaroos and wombats along the way. Sandra ensures her young passengers arrive safely, with each trip a small adventure in itself.
The Fencer
Simon Russell can build or remove any fence, and can fix any pipe or pump. His biggest challenge is to sound like Robbie Williams at the pub’s monthly karaoke — a challenge he tackles with the same unwavering determination he brings to every fence. Robbie would be proud!
The Council Worker
Jacqualine Lenz, the dedicated local council worker, has tirelessly mowed lawns, maintained the Showground and cleaned the public toilets for over 37 years without a day off or a single sick day. With everything manicured and spotless, spirits are high in town.
The Policeman
Senior Constable Todd Cremer has been the local policeman in the Valley for over five years. Carefully treading the line between authority figure and neighbour, he patrols the streets, responds to calls, and mediates disputes with calm professionalism. He knows everyone in town by name, and does it all with a reassuring smile.
The Historian
Garth Chittick is President of the Kangaroo Valley Historical Society. The society is the town’s living archive — keeper of its memories and history — with thousands of artefacts, photographs, and other memorabilia. Time passes, but Garth makes sure the past is never forgotten.
Harold and Pam
Harold and Pam Sharman have lived their entire married life together in Kangaroo Valley. Upper River royalty, they have celebrated every significant birthday in the Upper River Hall. The Sharmans even donated the land of the Hall to the community. If those walls could talk, they’d tell an enduring story of Harold and Pam’s unwavering love and dedication to both the Hall and the KV community.
Fire Chief
David “Dusty” Smart is the local fire captain — putting out fires, training new recruits, and keeping the Valley safe. All in a day’s work (and often nights) for this dedicated volunteer. He’s the one everyone trusts when the alarm sounds.
The Reverend
Andrew Heron is the Rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd Kangaroo Valley. From Sunday services and Christmas Carols to weddings, community groups, and even the folk festival, Andrew is there to provide leadership, comfort, guidance, a friendly hand, and — if you’re lucky — to belt out a hymn on request.
The Steward
Lorraine Mairinger is the Chief Ring Steward at the Kangaroo Valley Show. Lorraine has been a volunteer at the Show for over 50 years and Chief Ring Steward for the last decade. With sound judgement and always wary of a stray hoof, Lorraine has awarded more ribbons than there are mooing cows in the ring!
The President
Stephen Wilson is the President of The Kangaroo Valley Show, the highlight of the community’s calendar since 1886. The Show offers animal and produce judging, wood chopping, canoe races, dog jumping, side show alley, and food tents — all the fun of the fair with plenty to organise. It’s a huge event — take a bow (and a seat) Stephen!
Chef Tony
Tony Milroy is a culinary magician, celebrated for crafting exceptional dishes using only the finest local ingredients. His menu features a unique Black Rice Porridge, the world’s best Omelette, perfectly executed Egg Fu Yung, an elevated Bacon and Egg Roll, fresh Smashed Avocado, and French Toast so good, even Parisians would travel for it. Délicieux!
Mrs Bread
Monique Maul bakes bread five nights a week, before working long days in the café. She makes the best bread in town! Her sourdough is a prize winner at the KV show, and after each bake word gets out, and the shelves are quickly emptied. Mon’s passion for baking shines through in every crust and crumb.
At The General
Nicole Schwegler and Irene Huetter know everyone in town — every purchase at The General Store includes a quick chat, a moment of belonging, support for the local producers, and the only newspapers around. They make the store feel like home.
The Adventurers
Mike Hayes and Billy Hayes, a great father and son team, take clients into the bush, down the river, up cliffs, and into caves. They educate, inspire, and open up the wilderness to visitors, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation for nature, and maybe a little less fear of getting lost and being alone in the great outdoors!
The Red Shed
Helen Gelberman and John Bacon have been running KV Rural Supplies for over 25 years, 7 days a week. If you need anything, chances are they have it — they have everything. Old-fashioned service with a genuine smile from this hardworking couple. It opens at 8:00 am sharp every day… give or take a few minutes!
Tongs at Dawn
Colin and Takako Matthews collect rubbish in town every morning at 6:00am. The town is spotless, thanks to their trusty tongs, back bends, and a competitive spirit about who collects the most. They walk hand in hand, proud of their shared effort in always keeping the main street clean and tidy!
The Canoeists
Travis and Sarah Frenay run an ecotourism adventure company together. What a splashing paddling team they make, sharing their passion for the outdoors. Their famous red canoes have appeared all over town — even at drumming events and in highly competitive canoe races — on land!
The Caterer
Katrina Endean is the local caterer who grows much of her own produce, preparing hundreds of meals every week for weddings, parties, anything — even the odd pop-up in town. Her passion for fresh ingredients and homemade cooking shines through in every dish. See you there!
The Sommelier
Andy Gordon is Katrina’s right-hand man in the kitchen — in charge of wine, always with a fine drop on offer. Between serving guests, making his famous burgers and pouring drinks, he also plays a mean guitar! Andy’s blend of talent and charm makes him an essential part of every gathering.
The Artist
Anne-France (A-F) Fulgence creates landscapes and portraits, inside a farm shed next to a silo, each reflecting her unique vision of the Valley. Her skill and creativity show a strong connection to the landscape, animals, and community. Formidable!
The Violinist
Bridget Crouch is an internationally acclaimed violinist, who regularly hosts concerts at her home Barrengarry House. A dedicated teacher who gives regular lessons, in addition to her daily practice. Her violin’s beautiful melody just floats in the wind across the paddocks — sometimes even the birds stop to listen.
The Director
Sarah Butler is the Valley’s great thespian, playwright, actor and director. Creator of The ArtsLab at the Upper River Hall, regularly transforming it into a vibrant hub of creativity. Her theatre inspires, educates, sometimes shocks, but always rewards. A local theatrical treasure, darling!
The Shopkeeper
Nicole Schwegler owns and runs The General Store, a reliable place to shop, gather and share news, a quiet anchor that steadies daily life. Each day she greets local by name, and quietly holds together the town with small acts of care. In Nicole’s hands the store isn’t just a business — it’s a community.
The Barista
Justin Wilson makes great coffee. His cafe is one of the best kept secrets in town, and always full of satisfied local coffee lovers. Justin brews up a smile with every cup, in the little hole in the wall that keeps the town buzzing.
The Publican
Peter Thompson has transformed the ‘Friendly Inn’ into the heart of social life in town. While hosting locals’ nights, raffles, karaoke, weekend events, fireworks, it’s also a great place for a beer and a feed at the end of the day. And with Pete behind the bar, it’s always welcoming and lively — truly living up to its name.
At the Gym
Michael Hole runs the local gym from dawn to dusk, guiding, pushing, prodding, stretching, and healing with skill and compassion. He celebrates every personal best, eases old injuries, and reminds everyone that even rest matters. Around here, pain is part of the process — and belonging is too. That’s why the locals keep coming back for more!
The Collector
David Gazzard has thousands of music records, collected over the years — long before vinyl was trendy again. His store is a treasure trove of books, magazines, vinyl and ephemera, each item telling its own story. A record is always playing, with every corner holding something special to discover, and if you’re lucky at a special price!
A Treasure Trove
Amanda Gazzard’s shop is a haven for vintage treasures and nostalgic memories. Overflowing with timeless items, it’s a place where one person’s trash becomes another one’s treasure. You can lose an hour in there — and maybe your umbrella too.
Behind the Pump
Arun Iychettira Devayya runs the local servo, always open and ready to serve, 7 days a week. Gentle, calm and polite, he prepares the station after each 13-hour day, keeping it spotless for the next morning — fuelled up and ready to roll!
Leadlight Lance
Lance Brown is a Leadlight Glass artist, having designed stained glass for over 40 years. Working out of the Old Butcher Shop in the Valley, he designs, restores, and teaches glass workshops. Using all colours of the rainbow, his inventive designs are a cut above the rest, and just like the previous occupant, Lance’s fingers aren’t always so lucky.
At the Mill
Jordy Mawson is a passionate woodworker with a real love for timber. He spends his time sawing, building, shaping and crafting his own tools. His shed is a lively workshop, a creative space where design, friendship and a skateboard ramp all come together in perfect harmony (together with a little sawdust)!
The Cheesemaker
Pam Swinfield is an award-winning cheesemaker. For many years, her cheese has cleaned up at the KV Show. Cheddar, Blue, Sage Derby, Camembert — you name it, she makes it. Sourced from the finest milk in the Valley, her passion for cheese is as rich and complex as the flavours she creates.
The Chess Game
Lance Brown and Sean Kramer meet every week, same time, same place, for a titanic battle on the chess board. Eager to outwit each other, their deep rivalry grows with each game, each move more calculated than the last. Luckily all is forgiven over coffee and chocolate biscuits!
The Agent
Frank Barker is a local real estate agent in the Valley. If it’s for sale, chances are Frank’s got it. He buys and sells houses, large and small, rarely for a song — although he is a regular crooner at karaoke — and always ready with a tune!
The Corroboree
Aaron Taylor and Tyrell Mcleod from Gadhungal Marring lead the Gangagruwan (Kangaroo Valley) Corroboree at Winderong Farm. This ancient cultural practice, passed down through generations, is a vital way of giving back to Mother Earth. Aaron, Tyrell, and their family of performers share powerful dance and song stories under the moonlit night.
Mr Gerrey
Peter Gerrey lived in an old wooden cottage atop a hill overlooking Kangaroo Valley with his trusty dog, Marlo. Even in his final years he lived independently, and still drove himself to town each week for supplies. A local resident for most of his 85 years, Peter sadly died in 2023, leaving behind a lifetime of memories in the valley he called home.
The President and The Secretary
Hugh Sinclair and Brenda Sambrook take charge of the Community Consultative Body (CCB) meetings. Each month, a dedicated group of volunteers gathers to address various issues impacting the Valley, ensuring it operates effectively, safely, and happily — always keeping local politics and gossip to a minimum!
The Editor
Paige Nutter is Editor of the Kangaroo Valley Voice. Each month the Voice spreads its wings all over the town, delivered personally by Paige. It is the voice of the KV community, where no stone is left unturned. If it happens in the Valley, it finds its way into the Voice. It’s all there! Extra! Extra! Read all about it — in the Valley Voice!
The Organic Farmers
JJ and Richard Rowe established Winderong Farm with great passion and vision. An innovative and experimental project dedicated to permaculture, regenerative agriculture, bush regeneration, sustainability, beekeeping and communal living. Just a bus ride away from a greener and more sustainable future.
A Green Ruby
Ruby De Smet is a regenerative farmer at Winderong Farm. She grows vegetables, harvests, ferments, milks cows, packages produce, lives on site in an old bus, while mentoring all the young workers who regularly pass through. Sustainable farming for Ruby never looked so green!
The Veggie Growers
Tucu D’Hiriart and Ellena Rebbeck are dedicated local market gardeners, nurturing their crops with care and passion — with a little tango and rhythm in the dirt, some red overalls to add a splash of flair, and some cheerful Spanish banter to brighten every harvest.
Drew and Leah
Drew Longbottom is an Indigenous educator and Leah Parrish a long‑standing landowner and artist. When Leah discovered several grindstones on her property, she sought Drew’s counsel to provide context and history. From a place of friendship and mutual respect, an understanding emerged for how landowners and Indigenous knowledge‑holders can work together to protect and preserve cultural heritage.
The Friendly Gardener
Lyn Rutherford is President of the FIG Community Garden, which grows its own vegetables with the help of a team of community-minded volunteers. Each month, residents bring their own produce to ‘crop and swap,’ sharing vegetables and growing tips with others. A cuppa and some hard work together in this friendly garden never felt so good.
Mr Progress
Gary Moore is President of the Upper Kangaroo River Progress Association, which manages one of the few community-owned halls in the country. Under Gary’s presidency, there has indeed been significant progress at the much-loved Upper River Hall. He is also a major contributor and volunteer to numerous activities and committees in The Valley.
The Filmmaker
Ian Darling is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. He has been directing THE VALLEY, a feature-length documentary about Kangaroo Valley and the people who call it home. The portraits he has taken depict some of the locals featured in the film. This is his first solo exhibition of photographic portraits.
