Old Queensland Homestead (restore please)

[Neale1961]

Labour was desperately needed in 1848, when my Neale ancestors arrived in Moreton Bay. Within a day, they were employed to work on Mr. Alexander Fotheringham’s 40,000 acre cattle station near Killarney, at the headwaters of the Clarence river (now on the NSW-QLD border). It took them weeks to get there on bullock dray. The family lived in one of the shingled slab huts on the station, and this is where my great-grandfather was born.
Although this photo was taken about 20 years later, records from 1850 describe a similar scene; buildings and surrounds. This photo of the main homestead and adjacent huts & barn (none of which survive) needs some tender loving care from a restorer. No colour thanks.

[japeflakes]

..

[cliffkinch]

one from me
Cliff

[Neale1961]

Jaleflakes and Cliff, Thank you very much.
There is some lovely detail in this photo.

[McGroger]

My try.
Peter

[Neale1961]

Fabulous work Peter! I love it. I can even see the leaves on the trees! THANK YOU.
I wonder what the story is about the box in the centre of the yard - almost seems it was dropped there by someone leaving in a hurry.

[McGroger]

Thanks, Neale.
Wicket for kids' cricket, maybe? Stored by pushing it over until they play next time. I love the old sawhorse, too. Reminds me of one I had years ago, handed down from my dad.
Fabulous picture; a real memory-jogger.
Peter

[Neale1961]

Ahh .. cricket stumps. I didn’t think about that possibility.