Dick Wagner, a Victorian man born and bred got the opal mining bug on a short holiday to Whitecliffs in Far North-West NSW. He relocated his family into the depths of the Outback in the hope of striking it lucky, and within a week he did! But Dick doesn't just stay in Whitecliffs for the stone, he loves regional Australia and everything it has to offer, which is apparent when listening to our chat with him. If you ever find yourself 100km north of Wilcannia, stop in at the pub, stay underground, go on an opal mining tour and drop into Dick's Opal Shop 'Southern Cross Opals' and stay awhile, who knows you might just find yourself travelling home with your very own opal! Do not miss this episode, it is not just about an outback opal miner, but about the power of community and how even in the most isolated of regions you can find a place to call home. Dick Wagner has proven this and if we can't convince you of that, he will. So please, take 25 minutes and pick up his opal mining tools, you might just come away with a handful of precious gems - Like Lucy S she actually struck it lucky on a mining tour! Thank you to Outback Traders for sponsoring this episode and making it possible! Please feel free to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review! Also follow our journey on our socials @extraordinaryoutbackstories or visit our website www.extraordinarymediaco.com