Telegraph Point, Mid-north Coast NSW

Barry lives about 45 minutes from either Wauchope or Port and there is about 20 kms between those two towns. Telegraph Point is mid-way between them. Situated on the banks of the Wilson River - a tributary of the Hastings, these shots were taken on the northern side of the old punt connection.


It is neither a wealthy nor a thriving hamlet, but it does have Barry's church of choice, St Bernard's which is an outreach of the massive St Agnes in the centre of Port. Barry is well known by the parishioners, and even knows the code for after hours entry. I went along to Sunday Mass which is celebrated on Thursday night and he introduced me to the upwards of 50 fellow travellers.


The original St Bernards was burnt to the ground in 1993. For me, the old building looks much nicer but I am not a believer as Barry is. However, I do believe that this is a warm family for my brother, who remember his birthday, chat to him on the street in both Wauchope and Port, and have invited him into their homes for over 15 years to celebrate Christmas.

Wauchope, Mid north coast, NSW

Both Wauchope and Port Macquarie lie on the Hastings River, Wauchope being 20kms inland and Port right on the coast. Wauchope is a typical country town of about 7,500 people whereas Port is a thriving retirement mecca of close to 45,000 people.


My older brother, Baz, lives on a communal property about 40kms outside of Wauchope near the hamlet of Rollands Plains. He moved onto the land in about 1983 and the following year he and Dad together constructed a house. Baz has since constructed a shed and an extensive vegetable garden. Until recently, Baz was a vegetarian and hence could supply his own requirements.


By trade Baz was a communications engineer, but that was back in the 70s and the world is a totally different place now. For the last 30 years he has scraped a living doing leather-work and selling at markets around the state. Earlier in July he turned 65 and qualified for the Old Age Pension. This is the most money he has earnt in is life.

Oh, and did I tell you he is schizophrenic?

Normally, he comes to Sydney twice a year, stays with me and visits Dad. This time I visited him.