The Queensland Boulder Opal Tradeshow, with Alison Summerville

In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Alison Summerville about the beautiful and unique Queensland Boulder Opal. Alison is the secretary of the Queensland Boulder Opal Association in Winton in western Queensland, and comes from an opal mining family. In this episode, Alison shares how she became involved with opal mining and the QBOA, as well as why the Boulder Opal is so unique. Australia's national gemstone, Queensland opals are in high demand worldwide. Alison and Helen discuss how opals are made, the various different kinds of opals and why the opal mining industry is so important for Winton. Alison also shares a bit about the Opal Festival on the 13th and 14th of July in Winton, which this year is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. As well as the tradeshow, there's also the Jewellery Design Awards and Alison encourages anyone to put in a piece. Find out more about the festival and the Queensland Boulder Opal Association at QBOA.com.au/tradeshow, call (07) 4657 0082 or email [email protected] You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1 Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People,  Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.___________The Outback Way has become a symbol of resilience, connection, and progress, weaving together the diverse landscapes and communities of Australia's heartland. In celebration of the  25-year journey of advocacy and lobbying to the funding announcement to complete the seal, the Outback Highway Development Council is proud to present ‘From Bulldust to Bitumen – 25 Years of the Outback Way’. A book that captures the spirit, history, and future vision of this transformative project.Order your copy and be part of the journey that continues to shape Australia's outback, it’s people and the nation. Head over to our website and order yours today  W: outbackway.org.au____________You can find more information about this podcast on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Instagram @OutbackWay1Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.The Outback Way Podcast is produced by Perk Digital.