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THE GORGE
By Brittany McGorm
(Created with AI assistance)

A surreal descent
into the gorge—
its beauty closing in.

Jagged rock formations
rise in contrast
to a bright blue sky.

A secluded haven,
where Yellow-footed rock-wallaby
shelter among boulders and caves,
grazing the open flats.

A bush camping reserve
rests within the valley,
beneath the gums,
overlooking the creek.

Along its winding course,
a walking trail follows—
through reeds and river red gums,
crossing water again and again.

Private land,
leased to the council,

Warren Gorge—
a quiet, enduring beauty.

NATIONAL GEMSTONE
By Brittany McGorm
**Created with AI assistance

Caught in hidden cracks,
water slowly trickles through the earth —
Evaporates.

Leaving a thick residue,
mixed with silica.
With time,
pressed into colour.

Opal forms.

Precious opal,
valuable and bright.
It’s beautiful,
play of colour.

Common opal.
Flickers of
Blue, pink and green.

Glistening gems,
Australia’s National Gemstone.

THE JINKER
By Brittany McGorm

Once, a mining cart—
hauling heavy loads.
Now it stands on display,
for all to see.

Built of blue gum,
ironbark and steel,
two long poles fixed firm—
made to bear
the weight of thirty-two bullocks,
two abreast.

Through the elements,
a team of bullocks trudged,
slow and straining.
Others followed,
to ease the burden,
of the crushing load.

Bullockies had a hard life—
guiding ox-drawn carts.
For long distances,
of unforgiving land.
A passing sight,
for onlookers,
as they walked on past.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing.
With issues along the way.
Many journeys,
were difficult.
Approaching a bridge.
Before the crossing,
sand was laid.
To quieten shaking,
to protect the load.

The jinker—
Now a relic,
but part of SAs heritage.