The Francis Hotel may be the only commercial business left in Thallon, but the publican Bryan Guppy remains positive.
The pub is front and centre to the community and also serves as the general store, information centre and the post office.
Fondly referred to as "Gupps" by the whole district, Mr Guppy moved to the district in October 2016, the same year the district grew its last grain crop.
The district hasn't had a normal season since 2010, followed by floods in 2012 and 2013, then went straight into drought.
"This is a good, hard working district, but we are all battered," Mr Guppy said.
This is a good, hard working district, but we are all battered.
- - Bryan Guppy
"The positives are the district really supports me... if you want to buy the paper, groceries, cigarettes, an ice cream or a beer, you have to come here."
Mr Guppy carries about $5000 of groceries on hand. The main staple sold is fresh bread, milk and ice creams. He also carries other grocery incidentals that the locals can buy if they run short.
Australia Post delivers the mail to the pub Monday to Friday from St George, and Mr Guppy sorts it. The mail contractor delivers to the mail service addresses and the locals, population 55, collect their letters and parcels from the pub.
Apart from the local support, it is tourism in the winter months that keeps the town ticking, as it also acts as the information centre.
The town's silos have become a landmark in the region, with the spectacular watering hole mural attracting plenty of visitors, while the district is also home to the northern hairy-nosed wombat.
Mr Guppy said tourism numbers were down 30 per cent for 2019, compared to the previous year.
"In the height of the season we could have up to 30 to 40 couples through town," he said.
"The new bridge being constructed over the Moonie River is keeping me going at the moment as I have seven RoadTek employees staying here until May... then hopefully the tourists will arrive."
Thallon Progress Association president Jane Corbett said the pub is definitely the hub of the community.
Ms Corbett said the progress association does what it can to support the locals and organises events in the district to lift spirits and maintain the social fabric of the community.
"About 18 months ago we received funding from the Balonne Shire Council and held a Grazing at The Watering Hole long table dinner for 100 people," she said.
"Again we have received funding this year and will look to host 200 people.
"We will source as much local produce as we can, and of course we will order our alcohol through Gupps."
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
