Prior to Federation, the six colonies were truly separate entities, each with borders maintained by their own small militia. But small permanent forces supported by volunteers and British naval patrols were not going to cut it long-term. The fallibility of these forces was broadly understood and so the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in […]
Keyword: Grafton
Hitting the Mark
Herbert ‘Bert’ Oxenford (1897-1966) was hooked on rifle shooting as soon as he won his first club championship in 1919. However, it would slowly become a family affair. Bert’s sons, John and Rex (1927-2017), were only teenagers when they first accompanied their father to the club (then situated in South Grafton). His passion was infectious […]
The Fathers of Australian Country Music
Tex Morton (1916-1983) and Buddy Williams (1918-1986) are known as the fathers of Australian country music. Throughout their long careers the two stars collaborated on one occasion only – a 1972 Australian tour. As teenagers they began performing and their rise to fame was swift. American country and blues music inspired and informed their early […]