And there are thousands and thousands like Pauline all over this country!

Part of what makes travelling around is finding hidden gems like this and other small towns!

FWIW, I have lived most of my life beyond the "sandstone curtain" in smaller communities, and they each have a life of their own! While everyone knows everyone else (and sometimes knows more than is convenient) there's nothing I like better than being able to walk outside my home, wave to the postie, or some random driving past, maybe have a chat to the neighbours, see what the latest calving rates have been, check the camels are OK next door, and just go about my business, knowing that, if I had need of help, it would be there (and possibly before I realised I needed it!).

Every small community has its own "vibe" some are very welcoming of visitors, some not so much, but they all have something of value!

As for the Queen's Birthday honours, she'll have to wait another year. I'm thinking that she should be nominated for Australian of the Year. It's easy to do online.
just need to go to www.australianoftheyear.org.au/ and nominate her! I dunno how they decide, but a number of nominations should count, I believe. I've done it!