A list of ‘stuff’ we love about home

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A list of ‘stuff’ we love about home

I asked a handful of people who call the South East home, despite their current location, what makes returning to the area spark that warm sensation of belonging and joy.

These responses came from people aged from 17 to 50-something scattered across the country including as far as the Northern Territory, Queensland and a few just over the border and up the road.

The stars

We often take the stars for granted, their beauty, clarity and the lurking reminder of just how small we are.

There are plenty of people based in cities who miss the ability to see “the stars out on the farm when the sky is clear,” or just to see them at all.

The scent

Smells are known to trigger memories and for some it is the subtle scent of pine that dances in the breeze and tickles the nose, or the sea salt air on the coast cleansing the soul and for others it is the undetectable scent of the family home pronounced only upon return.

Natural wonders

I should not have to tell anyone just how beautiful Mount Gambier and surrounds natural wonders are, but here is a list of some of the favourites missed by those abroad.

Leg of Mutton Lake in autumn oozing kaleidoscopic beauty, walks or runs around the Centenary Tower and crater lakes on a sunny morning, strolling Picannie Beach, driving the windy roads along Port MacDonnell’s jagged coastline, the Cave Gardens after a big storm where water flows lovingly into the central crater parading its beauty for onlookers, walking, cycling or dancing at the Rail Lands on a Sunday when the weather is not awful and of course the iconic Blue Lake.

I had to laugh because someone even said, “I appreciate the lake so much more – it’s so damn pretty,” that to me is the epitome of losing sight of your surroundings – it happens to everyone!

“Country” living

There is always a chuckle which follows if you refer to Mount Gambier as a “city” despite that being a fact, however there were plenty of comments based around the ease of regional living and the joys of five to 10 minute maximum commutes.

A lot of the “country” living joys are focussed toward convenience and familiarly.

Such as “it’s just around the corner”, translating to actually being around the corner rather than a suburb or two away.

Us regional folk have a knack for thinking city slickers have a stick up their butt – especially when it comes to service and hospitality, so I felt a sense of pride when I received multiple responses praising the “feeling of being genuinely welcomed when you enter a cafe or shop”. Go us.

Something probably not considered by most is the skate-ability of the area and Dimjalla Skate Park was mentioned alongside a love for our op-shops.

The silent night air, no condensed living and the sense of community also hit the sweet spot for many.

Food and dining

The Gentile family will be pleased to know how many responses featured

Caffe Belgornio. As someone who cannot eat dairy (tragic I know), even I adore how homely that restaurant feels.

With its rustic decor, faded photographs taped to the wall and iconic bathrooms which featured in many profile pictures on MySpace 15 years ago.

Collectively there were a handful of favourite dishes mentioned and I think to no surprise they included the barbecue chicken calzone, marinated chicken roll, penne dijon and margarita wood fired pizza.

Naturally the city’s cafes also copped a mention with “coffee and cake at Metro Bakery and Cafe” also up there, Presto Eatery’s salads were highlighted as well as Cafe Melzar’s breakfast wraps.

Something I loved to see was how many people enjoyed “cafe hopping” to support as many local businesses as possible and not only for the food and coffee but for the people.

My heart soared when I received memories of Chris and Mary’s Fish and Chips, renowned as the best of the best for years upon years, red frogs for the kids and hand cut chips – iconic.

For me it’s…

If anyone knows me well, they know I absolutely adore my area and I could bang on about it for an eternity.

I also have a dream of conducting a Contiki-esque tour of the city and surrounds because how fun would that be!?

Anyway a few things I adore include:

Coonawarra being just “down the road” and spotting a local Cabernet Sauvignon on a fancy wine list in the city or afar, the sound of jazz floating out the old town hall windows and onto the main street enhancing the city’s alfresco dining experience, the queer arts icon that is Sir Robert Helpmann – do not even get me started, that feeling you get when you see someone wearing a Phil Riley bracelet in a different town, city or country and, toxic masculinity aside, the sense of community within our sporting clubs and leagues.

I implore you to think about three things you love about home and add to that mental list every so often, we are so fortunate to live here so let’s embrace it.

“My fondness of home has been accentuated by my travels away, the more I travelled, the more I appreciate home,” a response from a well-travelled South East businessman – he gets it.

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