Our Story

In 2014, Garry, Nicole & Jack Graham came to Tasmania for a holiday, as a separate trip before their planned caravanning lap around Australia where they were to have a year off before 5-year-old Jack started school. Before “the big lap” of Australia they flew to Tasmania, and on their 2nd last day they drove through the rural town of Campbell Town in “The Heart of Tasmania”.  They saw the St Andrews Church and Hall for sale.  They stopped their car and called the agent.  It was “love at first sight” so they put in an offer the next day, prior to flying home. The offer was accepted, and the purchasing process was underway and the trip around Australia was put off.

They headed back to NSW where they sold their home and successful Mechanical Repair Business.  A new phase of their life had begun…

 

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.  Nicole was diagnosed with Breast Cancer soon after moving to Tasmania, so their development plans were ceased for 5 years whilst she received treatment.

 

They then opened “The Hall” as a meetings and small events venue whilst they lived off-site on a lovely nearby farm.  Although the Hall business was very successful they missed their property.  They moved back into the hall and completed renovations to convert it into a comfortable home.  They decided if the small Hall could be so successful it was time to open up the larger building and grounds of The Church.

 

With the home renovations complete, a quintessential white picket fence built and the grounds and gardens greatly improved by planting over 1,000 plants and trees, it became time for the next phase. It is a large and ongoing project. Gardens especially can’t be rushed as they await plants and trees maturing. It is now time to prepare The Church for its opening, so all can enjoy.

There has also been a huge amount of “behind the scenes” planning conducted. Including a very detailed Business & Financial Plan (taking months to complete) under the guidance of an outstanding Business Consultant & their Accountant.

Garry and Nicole each have over 35 years of experience in public service, volunteering, and, most importantly, business and people management.  

The opening night will be a prestigious event and will be the first time in over 25 years that The Church will be open to the public.  Without developers like Garry and Nicole many historic Churches & buildings would fall into disrepair or remain inaccessible to the public.

Both Garry and Nicole are recipients of Australian Medals, numerous Service awards, plus MANY independently judged reputable Business Awards. 

Just a few of their awards are shown below and further down this page:

• Garry Graham – Australian National Medal for Service: “The National Medal recognises long and diligent service, by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations, that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster”.
• Garry Graham – Fire & Rescue NSW Medal for Long Service & Good Conduct: “The Fire and Rescue NSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal recognises diligent long service and good conduct by members of Fire and Rescue NSW”.
• Nicole Graham – NSW Police Force Medal for Diligent & Ethical Service: “Awarded to sworn members of the New South Wales Police Force who have completed ten years of diligent and ethical service. The Medal is awarded after a detailed review of the nominee’s service history”.
• Nicole Graham – Commendation for Excellent Police Work in Devotion & Dedication to Duty in the arrest of a known violent & active criminal whilst off duty.
• Nicole Graham – Recognised by NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner of Special Operations for Outstanding Integrity.

About Garry

Garry is from a strong Scottish background of farmers and his heritage is celebrated as decedents of the Gordon and Campbell Clans.

He grew up in country NSW and enjoyed staying on his Grandparent’s dairy farm and later helping on his father’s cattle property.

Garry left school to take up an apprenticeship as a Motor Mechanic and worked at the local car dealership. After several years he purchased his own mechanical repair business, which was to go on to be independently judged by the Motor Traders Association as the “Mechanical Repair Business of The Year”, which was a great achievement as he was competing against major dealerships and workshops statewide throughout NSW.

Garry is also a qualified NSW TAFE Teacher where he taught for several years. 

In his own business, he won several other business awards, including Customer Care Service Excellence. He sold this successful business to move to Tasmania. It still operates under new ownership and a new name.

Garry was also in the Fire & Rescue NSW for 17 years, where he obtained the rank of Deputy Captain. He has extensive experience in dealing with fires, rescues, motor vehicle accidents, roping, emergency management and the operation of a large range of fire & rescue equipment.

Due to his service in the Fire & Rescue NSW, Garry is the holder of the National Medal. The National Medal recognises long and diligent service, by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations, that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in the enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.

Since moving to Campbell Town, Garry obtained several jobs including driving the local school bus, lifeguard at the Campbell Town pool and having his own property maintenance business.   He then took up a position as a Field Service Technician with a large Tasmanian construction company.

Garry has also volunteered locally on the ANZAC committee, Pool committee, including cleaning the pool daily (during the swimming seasons) and maintaining the pool grounds for several years, and is a Life Member and previous Executive Committee Member for the Midlands Agricultural Association – Campbell Town Show.

About Jack

They also have a 14-year-old son Jack. Jack has been involved in The Church project from day one.  Presenting his ideas and always being included as part of the team in the decision-making.

You may see Jack riding his bike around town or working around the property, learning all the ropes as the “Apprentice Jack of All Trades”.

Jack is an entrepreneur in his own right, as he has his own registered business, “Krank It Up MTB” which is all about Mountain Biking.  His business will grow as he does.  His business can be found on Facebook & Instagram, with more coming soon…

Jack has recently been recognised as a Semi-Finalist in the “Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards“. A fine young man.