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Bruderhof in Australia – December 2002

The Danthonia Bruderhof lies near Inverell, known locally as “Sapphire City,”
and is the marketplace of the tablelands. A small, friendly town with a
population of about 10,000, Inverell has several museums. Fossicking, or
(private) mining for sapphires, is practiced in the locality along with farming.
It is situated in New South Wales, some 450 km north of Sydney, near the
Queensland border.

In 1999 a delegation from Bruderhof communities in Britain and the United States travelled to Australia
to investigate the possibility of establishing a Bruderhof community “down under.” These four
Bruderhof representatives were happily taken aback by the enthusiastic and friendly reception they
received from all levels of government, local business groups, and citizens - our first introduction to
Australian hospitality.

Why is the Bruderhof in Australia?
The Bruderhof is an international community movement that has always been willing to venture into
new countries where we feel welcome. We were attracted to Australia and to the Inverell area for many
different reasons, not least of which was the warm-hearted invitation we received from many local and
state officials, as well as Inverell residents. Other reasons included the renowned beauty of the
Australian landscape, the stable government, the intellectual and religious freedoms the country
affords, the child-friendly environment, and the possibility of expansion.

Why did you choose to locate in Inverell?
Thirteen properties in Queensland and New South Wales were considered. The properties of Danthonia
and Shanta Clare were determined most suitable for a Bruderhof. Factors considered included: access
to a major road (Glen Innes Highway), proximity of a university (Armidale), a rural setting suitable for
farming, proximity of a town or population center with medical facilities. The majority of Inverell’s
citizens proved very welcoming and friendly, and this also influenced our decision.
With the support of the NSW Department of State and Rural Development and the local Inverell Shire,
the Bruderhof purchased these two properties in March 1999. That May, Danthonia Bruderhof was
officially founded.
We continue to appreciate the help, advice, and warmth of the people of Australia, both our local
neighbors and our government officials.

Do Bruderhof children go to school?
Children occupy an important place within the “family” of our community. We teach our children of the
lower school grades at home; after eighth grade, they attend public high school. Currently we have two
students enrolled at Inverell High School, and one of our five-year-olds spends a day each week at a
local day care.
We are in the process of purchasing the Newstead property, which lies adjacent to Danthonia. Newstead,
an historic farm, made famous by Tom Roberts and his paint brush, will considerably increase our
agricultural capabilities. A well-maintained property, its buildings are in good condition and its water
supply sufficient. The Newstead purchase is a step toward our plans for the future, which include
diverse agricultural pursuits, with olive growing and fish farming among the possibilities.
We do recognize the historical importance of the Newstead property and are aware of its two historical
buildings: the old woolshed, which inspired Roberts’s painting “The Golden Fleece - Shearing at
Newstead,” and the old homestead. It is our intention to care for these buildings and make them more
accessible to the public.
We are now around 65 people living here at Danthonia. We also purchased a large property across the
road called Newstead and some of us live there.
This last year the New South Wales State government granted us permission to build a community of
400 people at Danthonia. That was a hard fought victory that took us almost 3 years to attain.

Randy Gauger
We are happy for any contact with you. Please feel free to e-mail me at:
rgauger@bruderhof.com.au or write me at: Danthonia, Glen Innes Road,
Inverell NSW 2360 Australia.

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