The Town with the Mystery Population: Lightning Ridge, NSW

[@joandtimkafer3010]

Russell - another fine production, we really enjoyed it. You speak so well! I felt Barbara's pain regarding the Census, it's so important funding wise. The tour through Fred Bodel's house was fascinating; this clip would be useful for teachers and students, especially when studying Australia's history and human adaption to extreme climates, contact some teachers and sites that share educational resources. Thanks again for giving us another glimpse of The Ridge, I smiled all the way through!

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you Jo and Tim, much appreciated! There’s so much about life at Lightning Ridge that the outside world doesn’t understand. It’s a lot of fun putting these stories together! Thank you for the comment. 😁

[@Fearnoopal]

I think in my town you have to be a resident for more then 4 months out of the year and lived there 5 years to be a resident counted into population

[@IndoHound]

Terrific video. All of you are probably comprise one of the last bastions of freedom in an overregulated nanny state.

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks Paul! Much appreciated. 😁

[@charliekezza]

I was there during census some time around 2000 they never came out to the minefields

[@CuriosityMine]

Yeah I don’t think they made the effort every census year! Thanks for watching!

[@ARoseGrowsInHarlem]

Finding this all fascinating! I love the dedication and love of the subject matter of each person you interview. Your own dedication is also commendable. Thank you for sharing! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate this feedback. 😁

[@wisencareful4645]

A place full of characters. Even Barbara falls into this category. No other town in Australia like this. Must see the Black Hand Mine to see something " out there " done by a real character & brilliant tour.

[@CuriosityMine]

Absolutely! Chambers of the Black Hand is one of the most unique experiences in Australia, if not the world. Thanks for commenting! 😁

[@anasevi9456]

great video, and thank you for your hard work and Barbara. Lightning ridge is truly a special place. unlike the boom and hard eventual bust towns of say viccy or california.

[@CuriosityMine]

It’s definitely a unique place! Thanks for the comment. 😁👍

[@timeepicvideos]

loved the history here cool presentation on lightning ridge

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your support. 😁

[@trevormiller1366]

Blower sounds like a giant fly! Would loaves of bread sold be a better guide for guessing the population? 🍞🤔

[@CuriosityMine]

Loaves of bread, rolls of toilet paper, mail deliveries, memberships at local clubs and groups...all of these things have been counted and they all give different results. It’s a unique challenge!

[@AO-lq9dq]

seems like an easy idea would be to buy a lot of older recycled phones that have GPS and/or wifi or 3G/4G available to anyone in LR willing to hook up and help get a better understanding of the population in LR. Maybe you get rewarded for referring others into the program? we would have to make it beneficial to get the phone so we can make it free or something like that :) seems like a win win for everyone! Crazy how such a small place can produce so much money yet be so basic. Would love to help in any way from Canada! Got some big ideas lol!! Thanks for all the great content!

[@Chattycrafter2580]

One of my most favourite places to visit. And best of all visitors can look for opals

[@CuriosityMine]

Absolutely! And sometimes they find them, too! Thanks for watching and commenting. 😁👍

[@wpn3857]

Quite a unique little town. Excellent job on the vid and thx for the info!

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you so much! And thanks for watching! 😁👍

[@simonac688.]

I did well...loll

[@wingnut6472]

Do you know the guy in Lightning Ridge who does all the metal sculptures, don't think he's open to the public but you see his work from the street, quite incredible things all made out of scrap metal, a big Predator amongst other things, cheers

[@CuriosityMine]

I don’t know him personally, but I’m familiar with his work. Really talented stuff!

[@AJShiningThreads]

One of your best! ❤

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

I wish I had went there when I was in my 20s. Now I just want to be able to go there for a month to experience this life and the Opals.

[@CuriosityMine]

It's never too late, Lightning Ridge is a very welcoming community! Thanks for watching. 😁

[@KeithRankinaussiekeith]

Fantastic

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you so much!

[@mpolanetz]

ahhaha love it ! Well done !

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you so much!

[@hexinthecity4082]

0:51 NYIT NYEET!

[@CuriosityMine]

It only took 16 months for someone to notice that!