Community spirit.

By Brett ‘the mattock’ Barclay (with thanks to the ABC)

The spirit of community is invariably the theme behind many of the ABC Back-Roads (ABC i-view), a show worth the weekly watch.
Community togetherness and the influence of key locals was highlighted in the ABC BackRoad ‘s visit to Charleville Queensland to meet Rude Jude. Jude Aiken is the dynamic behind the counter owner of Judey’s Browse in the main street of Charleville, Queensland.
"Rude Jude", as she is affectionately referred by locals, runs the eclectic store that stocks fishing tackle, camping gear and a range of novelty toys and is a tourist attraction in the heart of Queensland's mulga region.
"I get people ringing from all over the country saying they're coming to Charleville and asking me what's the fishing like," Jude said. "I send them maps and tell them the best places to fish and camp; I've been doing it for years now."

Jude realised the potential of creating a casual and local club to foster relationships in the town and around 30 years ago called a meeting to establish the Charleville Fishing and Restocking Club.
"We got an interest-free loan to buy some land, and you should see it now," Jude said.
The club is an important respite for locals to relax over a drink or fishing line.
When asked about her favourite moments in the shop, Jude struggles to pinpoint a single  memory, but it usually revolves around the people she's met.
"Meeting people, talking to people," she said.
The program clearly evidenced how proud she is of her contribution to the south-west Queensland town and community where she started up the local fishing club 32 years ago.

The Eaglemont community similarly consists of very dedicated individuals that strive to make our small neighbourhood a community. The endeavours of John and members of FoEV in establishing the mothers group, the sewing club, the gardening work bees and the informal evolution of the daily coffee catch ups have made a strong positive contribution to our community.