Just after the Depression, and 9 months before Robert Menzies announced Australia's involvement in the Second World War, a night of magic happened at Natya Hall; the School Concert and Christmas tree and Santa visit was held, it was December 1938.

The fathers in the School Committee had been out during the day before, and collected a large branch of a Mallee Pine Tree and placed it in the Hall in a big drum of sand.

This small town was once in a desert I'm told. I don't know how reliable the source is...well I do, it's my mother. But since I've been relegated to this (possible) "reclaimed desert" for at least the time being, I have decided to go explore it.