Media Release

Saturday 2 November 2024 saw a gathering of 120 people in the village of Geurie to launch the refurbished 1908 building. Over 45 local tradespeople and suppliers were part of the renovation of this beautiful heritage building. The gathering also celebrated the official launch of Jacinta Haycock’s Art Gallery, and a newly renovated cafe & commercial kitchen space.

Geurie is 21 minutes East of Dubbo, and is on the Mitchell Highway as you drive to Sydney [a 4.5 hour drive, via Wellington, Orange, Bathurst & the Blue Mountains].

"Buckenbah Collective is a group of hard workin’ humans, seriously proud to live in regional Australia.

Buckenbah Collective (Buckenbah) has links to farming families and individuals who are passionate about living and thriving in Regional Australia. That “unspoken ground rule”, within the family farm DNA, which focuses on ‘long term thinking’ (as such the investment needed in sheds, machinery and stud stock), are big decisions made to endure and survive the decades. Such is this project. 

Buckenbah co-director, Claire Booth says, "If life is good and kind, my husband and I will be farming in the Geurie region for the next 40 years, so it makes sense to invest in our local village. The next drought is only around the corner, so creating a green space & cafe, to gather with friends, or pop into an art gallery to absorb the joy of art is an important part of enhancing the “liveability” of our part of the region”. 

Others in Buckenbah are focused on investing in small, rural and regional areas. Buckenbah co-director, Libby Wilson, sees the potential in Geurie and hopes to help "return Geurie to its former glory as a beautiful historical village - the community is incredible. It feels like the perfect time to create new spaces for shops and services".

Renovating a heritage beautiful building from 1908 and creating a modern art gallery, up-market café destination & foodie experience hopefully offers something a little bit different for locals and visitors.

Generating local employment and supporting local businesses is a core part of our investment approach.

Buckenbah designed the project with the needs of the existing Geurie businesses in mind. Claire says, "We wanted Sunny's Pitstop Garage, Rachel & David's General Store, the Mitchell Inn, and the local Geurie Bowlo, to continue to offer their existing goods and services, whilst enabling Jacinta and Jess the opportunity to introduce something a little bit different in the retail and hospitality space".

Libby says, "We never imagined the renovation would create such a joyful space. We are getting positive feedback that the space is a small oasis of bliss, great for relaxing and gathering with friends and family".

Claire adds, "We were delighted to see a few guests in wheelchairs enjoying a peaceful Saturday morning. We want to ensure everyone can visit the gallery, cafe & use the loo - those who need a wheelchair, Zimmer frame or other support". 

A Cafe space was also opened - (edited as at 30 September 2025) this is now The Lemon Tree Cafe  

The Cafe space has a children's play deck and sandpit, under a peach tree. The deck can convert into a small stage for musicians in the evening, so music can float about, under the twinkling fairy lights of the garden courtyard.

Jacinta Haycock Art Gallery & Studio

Jacinta Haycock’s Art Gallery & Studio in Geurie NSW is a beacon of creativity and inspiration. (From July 2025, Jacinta added art classes). 

Jacinta’s art gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks, each telling unique story. From colourful original artworks to hand-painted homewares, Australian printed tea towels and tablecloths are just a few of the treasures you will find when you stop in Geurie.

Media Enquiries:

Please text us on 0423 507 006 + www.buckenbahcollective.com.au  + buckenbahcollective [at] gmail.com

Physical location: 55 Buckenbah Street, Geurie New South Wales 2818

Postal address: Chambers262, 262 Macquarie Street, Dubbo New South Wales 2830

Socials: Buckenbah Collective, Jacinta Haycock Artist & Lemon Tree Cafe Geurie - are on Facebook and Instagram.