MARSHALL: Where the Outback Keeps You Grounded

Cobar sits deep in the heart of the outback; red dust, open horizons, and a sky so wide it makes you feel both small and alive. It’s remote, rough, and beautiful, a place where resilience isn’t just admired, it’s required. I moved here as a teenager to finish school, and later worked in the mines. Those years shaped me profoundly, teaching lessons about grit, endurance, and the strength that comes from living and working in rough and tumble conditions.

Marshall, the latest design in the Origins collection, draws on that experience. Its earthy tones, clean lines, and structural detailing reflect the dust, the horizon, and the mining landscapes that define Cobar. The design carries a sense of groundedness, a quiet confidence forged by the land itself. It's bold but understated, much like the salt of the earth people who call Cobar home.

Life in the outback comes with its joys and challenges. Just recently, a tragic underground mine explosion claimed the lives of two miners. These events are devastating, and they hit hard for anyone connected to the community. But Cobar is resilient. Despite the risks and hardships that come with mining, the town continually comes together, supporting one another and honouring those lost while striving to keep everyone safe. This sense of responsibility, courage, and care for each other is part of what Smithers embodies.

The outback teaches you to find purpose in simplicity. There’s no overabundance of distractions here, no shortcuts. You learn to carry yourself with steadiness, to read the land, and to respect the rhythm of life that exists between work, community, and family.

Marshall is my homage to a place that tested me, grounded me, and shaped who I am today. It’s one of four pieces in the Origins collection, alongside Hunter, Prince, and Macleay, and it’s designed to be a balance of grit with quiet refinement.