Back Roads takes you to the heart of the Gemfields with Lisa Millar. Experience the hunt for sparkles and local culture.
This week’s episode of Back Roads features Lisa Millar exploring the Gemfields in central Queensland, a region renowned for its rich deposits of sapphires. Acting as a guest presenter, Lisa uncovers the blend of history and adventure that defines this unique Australian locale.
During her journey, Lisa Millar is introduced to the area by Ray Richardson, a prominent figure in the gem mining industry. Driving around in his distinctive 1957 pink Cadillac, Ray shares tales from the 1970s and 1980s, a period when the sapphire market flourished and the Gemfields resembled a frontier town.
The episode also highlights the story of Debbie Wouters and Steve Pitts, a couple from Victoria who were captivated by the Gemfields’ charm during a visit in 2022.
Embracing the miner’s life, they now tirelessly search for sapphires using traditional methods, illustrating the ongoing legacy of small-scale mining. However, they express concerns over potential new regulations that could threaten their way of life.
An unexpected discovery for Lisa was the vibrant Mardi Gras celebration in this remote mining community. She attends a ‘Blingo’ event at the Rubyvale pub with Heidi Hole, a local drag queen and the creative persona of Willow, a singer-songwriter and ex-soldier who reflects on the transformation of the Gemfields from his challenging upbringing there.
Production credit: Executive Producer, Brigid Donovan.
