The Long Drive - Last Man Standing Series

Since moving to Moree, my drives along the Newell, Kamilaroi and New England Highways have become a kind of treasure hunt. I look for the last proud remnants of what once was. Chimneys standing alone in a paddock, fragments of houses, markers of homes and histories now held only in memory. These quiet structures, often half hidden by wild grasses, stir my curiosity. Who lived here. What moments were shared. The Last Man Standing series is my tribute to these traces of rural life, celebrating their resilience and the stories they continue to carry.

Gurley Pub’s Last Stand sits within this exploration of persistence and place. In December 2024, the Royal Hotel at Gurley was lost to an electrical fire, a devastating night for the town and its neighbours. From the first plume of smoke to the final collapse, the community witnessed the end of a century of gatherings, laughter, music and connection.

What drew me to paint the remains were the three chimneys still standing among the ashes. Proud. Unmoving. Witnesses. I photographed and painted the scene to honour what was. The friendships formed, the memories held and the spirit that continues even after the building is gone.

Here, the surviving chimneys echo the broader thread of the Last Man Standing series. They are both scar and monument. They remind us of loss, yet also of endurance. This work invites reflection on how places shape us, how we remember them and how community lives on even when the walls come down.

• Available in Two Sizes: Choose from charming 7cmx7cm or 9cmx9cm Square flexible Magnet — perfect for adding a touch of art to your fridge, workspace, or magnetic board.
• Original Artwork: Featuring exclusive artworks by a local Australian artist Jule Jarner, these pieces celebrate the warmth, nostalgia, and quiet pride of rural living.
• Exclusive Collaboration: Created in partnership with Bee Happy Magnets, this collection brings art and craftsmanship together in a heartfelt, homegrown collaboration.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Printed with high-resolution detail and a durable glossy finish for a vibrant, lasting impression.
• Perfect Gift or Souvenir: A meaningful keepsake for art lovers, travellers, and anyone with a love of the Australian countryside.