We are Kylee and Michael Tindale-Smith, proud parents of four children, with one currently studying at university. We have spent most of our lives living and working in rural Australia and have always been passionate about supporting regional communities.
Our careers have been deeply connected to the sheep and wool industry. Michael worked as a shearer and wool presser for many years, while Kylee spent over 20 years wool classing and cooking for shearing teams across Queensland and beyond.
Michael later worked as an agent with Landmark for four years before moving into the coal and gas industry, where he spent the next decade.
In 2003, Kylee founded Gidgee Smith Bags in Quilpie, creating tough, Australian-made bags designed for rural life. What started as a small home-based business has continued to grow over the past 21 years and now provides employment opportunities for local women in the community.
Today, Gidgee Smith Bags ships products to customers right across Australia and overseas.
Our business is built on country values, hard work, quality craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to supporting regional Australia.
In 2009, we returned to my hometown of Morven to raise our family and continue building our future in the community we love.
Following changes within the oil and gas industry and some unexpected family health challenges, Michael returned to the rural sector, working on a cattle grazing enterprise before taking on his current role managing the Morven Rail and Freight Hub for East West Road & Rail.
His responsibilities include coordinating the unloading and spelling of cattle overnight before they continue their journey by road or rail. The facility also provides weighing services for cattle being sold privately, playing an important role in the local livestock industry.
Alongside our other business ventures, we have been developing our camping and farm stay project. We have now completed Stage 3 of the development, establishing both powered and unpowered campsites and creating a welcoming destination for travellers exploring Western Queensland.
Our vision is to continue growing the property into a wellness and agri-tourism experience, with a focus on nature-based tourism, birdwatching, relaxation, and authentic rural experiences.
Creativity has always been a passion of mine, and I enjoy creating sculptures from wire and steel. These unique pieces are displayed throughout the camping grounds, adding character and interest for guests to discover and enjoy during their stay.
We are proud to share a small piece of outback life with visitors and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the beauty, wildlife, and hospitality of our corner of Queensland.
"Are you local?" is a question I'm asked almost every day.
The answer is yes. I was born in Charleville and grew up in Morven, spending my childhood both in town and on the land. Later, I moved to Quilpie in Queensland's Channel Country, where I worked, married, raised a family, and spent 22 wonderful years before returning home to Morven in 2009.
The old Austin that is on the main lawn was once owned by
Wilford Rogers before Kylee's Grandfather brought it.
Wilmavale Homestead abt. 1935
My family's connection to the district stretches back nearly a century. My grandparents, Bob and Clara Johnson, arrived in Morven in 1928 and purchased Wilmavale in 1929.
Wilmavale Cart
At the time, there was no homestead on Wilmavale. The original house had been dismantled and transported by bullock wagon to Maryvale, a much larger selection that was originally made up of several surrounding properties, including Wilmavale.
Growing up, I was fortunate to hear the stories of the pioneers who helped shape this region. Their resilience, determination, and connection to the land have given me a deep appreciation for the history, people, and communities of Western Queensland.
Today, I remain proud of my local heritage and the generations of family ties that continue to connect us to Morven and the surrounding district.
Mum was born in a small house in Morven in 1941 and spent her childhood growing up on her parents' property. There were very few girls on neighbouring stations, so much of her early life was spent alongside the Curley family from Tregole and the Crichton family from Maryvale.
It would be fair to say that the boys greatly outnumbered the girls, but by all accounts the girls were more than capable of holding their own in any situation. In fact, the boys often seemed to come off second best!
One of our proudest achievements has been building a replica of the first house Mum lived in as a child. Today, this building is known as Wilmavale Hut and serves as a gathering place for guests, functioning as both a bar area and community meeting space where stories, laughter, and friendships are shared.
Dad arrived in the district in 1956 to work with the Turner family on Hillgrove. While much of his working life revolved around the shearing industry, Morven quickly became home, and he has lived here ever since.
