Back Roads: Feb 11

This week on Back Roads Heather Ewart heads to northern New South Wales to visit Kyogle, where she meets ‘Agony Aunt’ comedian Odette Nettleton and veteran drag queen, Stan Monroe.

The traditional farming town is growing and changing and welcoming newcomers from all walks of life. And Heather discovers it is a little town that dreams big and doesn’t take no for an answer.

Join Heather as she hits the pavement with a team of willing volunteers to deliver the local news. When Kyogle’s 150-year-old local paper was shut down, the town protested … and then rallied and started their own newspaper. They were soon to discover that it is harder than it looks, but the people of Kyogle are pulling together, chipping in time, effort and dollars to help keep the community connected. And the result is a sell-out paper every week!

It’s not the only tradition in town that has a new look. The paper’s own ‘Agony Aunt’ comedian Odette Nettleton entertains the readers with her irreverent advice on almost any subject, and she’s also the President of the local CWA. Odette has given the much- loved institution a brand-new look, including enlisting a local celebrity to help raise funds.

After a long, star-studded and international career as a drag queen, Stan Monroe retired to Kyogle, but he hasn’t completely hung up his frocks. He says Kyogle has embraced and accepted him so he’s only too happy to help out.

Join Heather as she discovers how this little town is charting a new course and taking everyone with it.

Production credits: Executive Producer, Brigid Donovan. Story Producer, Lisa Whitehead.

8pm Thursday on ABC.