Back Roads: Lisa Millar Returns to Childhood Roots in Queensland’s South Burnett. Explore how the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail is reviving South Burnett, attracting tourists, businesses, and new residents.
In the latest episode of Back Roads, airing on ABC and ABC iview on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, at 8.00pm, presenter Lisa Millar returns to the rural town of her youth as she sets off on a journey along the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail in Queensland’s South Burnett region.
As she revisits the town she left in her teenage years, Millar finds a community on the rise. What was once a town in decline is now showing signs of revival. Her old school has seen an increase in enrolments, and several new businesses have opened their doors, marking a resurgence along the entire rail corridor.
This revitalisation is reminiscent of the original role of the rail line, which had once been the backbone of prosperity in the region. Now, the rail trail is breathing new life into these communities by attracting tourists, cyclists, and runners.
Some visitors are more than just passing through – they are making the South Burnett their new home. Millar meets Dave Earle and his wife and business partner Tania, who established a saddlery in Wondai two years ago. Dave, a former mining driller for two decades, now dedicates his time to crafting leather goods, holding workshops, and making saddles.
The decision to swap their high-paying mining jobs for a quieter life was a gamble, but the rewards, they say, have far exceeded financial gains. “The community connection and life satisfaction are things we’ve never experienced before,” they reveal.
During her visit, Millar also participates in Wondai’s Park Run, a weekly event held on the rail trail every Saturday. The event is part of a global initiative that promotes free community runs and takes place at thousands of locations worldwide.
As an ambassador for the event in Australia, Millar notes that in Wondai, the Park Run is more than just exercise. It has become a vital social event, bringing residents together for a shared experience of fitness and fun. She speaks with organisers Ros Heit and Claire Kapernick, who credit the sealed and safe rail trail for making the event possible.
The episode, produced by Executive Producer Brigid Donovan, offers a glimpse into a town’s transformation, where an old railway line once again plays a central role in connecting people, fostering community, and nurturing new beginnings.
