As the tour shuttle meandered down the long narrow driveway littered with all manner of previously useful farm machinery and implements, I wondered what Bedrock Tea Gardens would offer when we finally got to it. As it turned out, it was more than a pleasant surprise with its nautical themed garden and its cantilevered viewing decks that showed off the expanse of sea beyond Duncombe Bay at the foot of the cliff.

Owner Byron Adams, otherwise known as “Truck”, is a direct descendant of a mutineer of the Bounty and is about to embark on his personal, present day mutiny. A natural raconteur, Truck, has a cut-out of a green hand nailed to the fence post at the front of his property. This is a statement of solidarity with all patriotic Norfolk Islanders who want the return of the democracy they feel the politicians in Canberra had robbed them of on July 2016. Since then, Norfolk Islanders who sing “God Save The Queen” as their national anthem, have come under the governmental jurisdiction of Canberra and insidious changes have begun to creep in. For one thing, Truck now has to pay tax to the Australian government when prior to mid 2016 he, along with his fellow Norfolk citizens, has enjoyed a tax-free status.

Truck anticipates many legal battles as Canberra chases him for taxes owed and he questions why he has to pay tax on property he had rightfully inherited and the island has not benefitted from any services such as waste collection and street lights.

Truck’s passion is infectious and his easy, positive manner warms the hearts of all who attend a progressive dinner at his home. I wish Truck and his wife Heidi much stamina and success in their negotiations with the democratic government who rules from its seat in the capital city of Australia – Canberra.

After 25 years of service, Truck’s lighter is retired and takes pride of place by the deck on the seaward side of this magnificent property.