General news
5 September, 2025
Gail Platz: Four decades of dedication to West Wyalong
Gail is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to helping the community
WHEN Gail Platz arrived in West Wyalong in 1985, she brought with her two horses, two dogs, her mother, and an enduring spirit of determination. What began as a fresh start quickly grew into a remarkable journey of community involvement, leadership, and tireless dedication that has now spanned forty years.
Today, Gail is celebrated not only as the long-time owner of the Cameo Motel, but also as one of the town’s most driven participants in building and sustaining the life of the community.
Early Life and First Careers
As a teenager, Gail harboured an unusual dream: she wanted to be a mortician. But in the 1970s and 80s, such a career was all but closed to women in what was then a male-dominated field. Instead, she pursued other opportunities, first working in a pharmacy and later training as a police officer. The police role was put on hold as she decided to give the Motel gig a try instead. The pharmacy work and police training gave her invaluable experience in dealing with people from all walks of life—a skill that would serve her well when she eventually transitioned to running her own business and participating in community leadership.
The Cameo Motel, which she came to own and manage after moving to West Wyalong, became both her livelihood and a hub for many memorable moments.
Festivals of the Highways
During the 1980s, when she moved to West Wyalong, one of the highlights of the year was the infamous and successful Festival of the Highways. This annual event captured the vibrancy of the town with a parade, local crafts, entertainment, food stalls, and music performances. It was a festival that brought the whole community together while also attracting visitors from across the region, including scary motorcycle clubs and touring artists.
Many of those artists found a place to stay at Gail’s Cameo Motel, which welcomed names like Slim Dusty, John Paul Young, Jon English, Angry Anderson, John Durie and his male strippers, Chad Morgan, and even the flamboyant Carlotta and her troupe of performers. Gail recalls with particular fondness the down-to-earth kindness of Angry Anderson. Though small in stature, she remembers him vividly as he walked about with a towel around his waist, his entire body adorned with tattoos—a striking image of a larger-than-life personality who nonetheless carried himself with warmth and humility.
These festivals were more than just entertainment; they were a celebration of regional pride. The Bland Shire Council often matched community fundraising efforts dollar-for-dollar to make sure the events went ahead, a testament to the importance of culture and connection in rural towns.
Commitment to Inclusion
Gail’s contributions to West Wyalong extended far beyond the world of festivals and hospitality. She became an active voice for accessibility through her work on the Disability Advisory Committee under the stewardship of Sharon D’Elboux and Ron Black. The committee played a vital role in encouraging local businesses, schools, motels, and even council operations to improve access for people with disabilities.
The program not only provided practical advice but also included a subsidy initiative from the council to help businesses make the necessary upgrades. An annual awards night recognised those who excelled in improving accessibility, featuring guest speakers who brought further awareness to the importance of inclusion.
This work left a lasting mark on the community, ensuring that West Wyalong could be a more welcoming and equitable place for all residents and visitors.
Building Community Through Events
Gail consistently demonstrated her commitment to community initiatives by volunteering for numerous projects. Working closely with community leaders such as Amanda and Leonie, she became a key coordinator with Events West Wyalong, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the town’s cultural offerings through art exhibitions, festivals, and family-oriented events.
Among their achievements was organising New Year’s Eve fireworks for four consecutive years. These events were a true labour of love. Volunteers not only managed the entertainment but also handled the clean-up afterward, ensuring the town remained as welcoming the next morning as it was the night before.
Events West Wyalong became known for its themed festivals that brought international culture to the heart of rural New South Wales. Residents enjoyed “Paris in the West,” “Sweden in the West,” “Mexico in the West,” “Athens in the West,” “India in the West,” and “Australia in the West.” Each event offered locals a chance to experience the traditions, music, and food of far-off places while celebrating the creativity and teamwork of their own town. The volunteers who helped Gail with these events were dedicated and amazing.
Gail, along with Jacqui, Amanda, Angus, Gordon, Myra, Andrew, and Aaron, was part of the “Xmas Crew,” a dedicated volunteer group that funded, prepared, and served up to 70 dinners on Christmas Day. The tradition began in the park and then continued at Toppy Hall. Open to anyone who wished to attend, the event was completely free of charge and created a welcoming space filled with food, warmth, and companionship on Christmas Day.
A Lifelong Passion for Horses
Parallel to her community work, Gail’s personal passion as an equestrian gave her another avenue for contributing to local life. She joined the West Wyalong Show Society on arrival and remained an active member for more than thirty years. Starting out as a steward, she soon took on the responsibility of revamping the horse program. By the early 1990s, she had become the ringmaster. Her dedication ensured that the horse events remained a cornerstone of the local agricultural show, attracting competitors and spectators alike.
A Community She Loves
Looking back on her four decades in West Wyalong, Gail speaks with warmth about the place she has called home. “Great town, great community—I love it,” she often says, summing up the bond she feels with the people and the culture that welcomed her nearly forty years ago.
From her early career to her pivotal role as a motel owner, festival organiser, disability advocate, and show society leader, Gail Platz has shaped West Wyalong in countless ways. Her story is one of resilience, generosity, and a deep belief in the power of community.
As the town celebrates her contributions, it also reflects on what makes small towns thrive: people like Gail, who show up, get involved, and never stop striving to make their community a better place.
ALAN McGLYNN
Read More: West Wyalong
