Back Roads: Nov 12

The season final of Back Roads sees Heather Ewart head to Evandale in Tasmania, Australia’s home of penny farthing races.

An annual event includes from a world record holder to a novice from Hong Kong who has only had a few hours practice. And then there are the locals .

But there’s more to Evandale than the tricky two-wheelers. Heather discovers a community that’s passionate about preserving its rich history in all sorts of ways, anything from turning the town’s heritage verandahs into a music festival to restoring old homes when it was more common to knock them down.

One of Evandale’s most ambitious restoration projects is Clarendon House, where Heather meets farmer Neville McKinnell. He has fond memories of growing up in the mansion, even though when he lived in it, it was falling into disrepair. Seven decades later he’s still farming the land around the grand home.

Evandale is also known for its famous local artist John Glover, who is described as the father of Australian landscape painting. Long after his death he continues to inspire artists, including Evandale newcomer Kataraina Koroheke who shares her own inspiring story with Heather. After being diagnosed with keratoconus, she’s now legally blind but has found a way to pursue her love of painting. Kataraina has also adopted an unusual pet – a sheep named Gerald!

8pm Tuesday on ABC.