Hebel - Tiny Town, BIG Personality!
At a T-intersection on the Castlereagh Highway about 65 kilometres south-west of Dirranbandi, Queensland sits a tiny border town called Hebel.
It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of town supporting a district population of about 70 and featuring a handful of buildings; including church, convenience store (come-service-station, come-post-office) and historic pub - originally opened in 1894 as a Cobb & Co changing station.
Hebel has suffered more than most in recent times following blow after blow of seven years of drought, compulsory water buy-backs and finally a world-wide pandemic which saw borders slammed shut and the town’s life-blood of tourist dollars run dry overnight.
And for 12-months the doors to the pub and convenience store remained closed...
Local grazier and businessman Frank Deshon described how hurt the town was when Southern Queensland Landscapes visited recently.
“For a town like Hebel, the pub is its hub and the barometer of the community. It’s a meeting place where people can share a few stories and laughs and with the pub closed for 12 months Hebel was really hurting,” Frank Deshon said.
“We employ quite a few locals and everyone gets down in the dumps when there’s nowhere to take the missus for dinner,” Frank said.
So in March 2021 Frank bought the pub and convenience store, reinstated publican Mervin Pullen and partner Kim and just three weeks ago the first XXXX Gold was pulled from tap.
“Yeah, the beer on tap was a long time coming! I am very proud to be part of the Hebel town, it’s just a beautiful place and home is home isn’t it,” Frank said.
“Hebel is the gateway to Queensland from the Castlereagh Highway and the Cobb & Co staging post is very iconic so while the doors remained closed the buildings were just going to deteriorate. Now they’re being used and looked after again,” he said.
Hebel is home to an elderly population, many who are still living and working on farm. So once a week Frank and the team at the pub supply a cooked meal delivered to the door.
“They’ve been here for countless years and they all still contribute and are a really important part of the community. So we also began running a raffle at the pub on a Friday night, proceeds of which go to providing our elderly neighbours a second meal each week delivered to their door so we can check on ‘em,” Frank said.
They’ve got big plans for Hebel including a caravan park for travellers to Lightening Ridge and the opals. And as SQ Landscapes rolled out of town a convoy of caravans and motorbikes pulled up across the road from the iconic pub - cameras out, people stretching and taking photos.
So if you find yourself in the area, swing by Hebel and say g’day to Frank and Mervin and spend some money at the pub or convenience store - because you’re not just buying a beer or putting some fuel in your car; you’re ensuring a tiny town with a big personality flourishes!
The historic Hebel Hotel originally opened in 1894 as a Cobb & Co changing station.
Hebel Hotel Publican Mervin Pullen is pictured on the verandah of the pub with partner Kim.
ABC Journalist Belinda Sanders recently visited Hebel Hotel and is pictured taking a photo of publican Mervin Pullen and owner Frank Deshon.
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: π www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained π www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme π www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund π www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital π www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes. ο»Ώ
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception. ο»Ώ
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