Newmerella resident Nina Smith has transformed decades of goatkeeping into a heartwarming children’s book, celebrating both her lifelong love of goats and local creativity.
Nina, who moved with her family from Melbourne to Combienbar in 1979, admits she quickly became known as “the goat lady” after navigating the region’s winding dirt tracks to care for her animals.
Her first goat, a doe named Chloe, and her kid, Bonny Sabrina, were purchased in 1980 for $80 from Goongerah.
By the early 1990s, Nina had graduated to registered Toggenburg and Saanen dairy goats, establishing Murrungowar Dairy Goats. She became heavily involved in the local agricultural community, serving as treasurer of the Orbost Agricultural Society for nearly a decade, stewarding the Dairy Goat Section, and sitting on the committee for 20 years.
Although she has retired from showing and breeding elite dairy goats, Nina’s passion for creativity has flourished. Eight years ago, she began creating goat-themed artwork using recycled materials, capturing the quirky personalities of her animals.
Her collection culminated in an exhibition titled It’s Reigning Goats at the Orbost Arts Centre in March 2025, featuring more than 200 pieces of art. The exhibition’s success helped fund her first book.
Nina’s children have inspired her artistic journey: her mother was a talented artist, her daughter Amie is an accomplished painter, Lucy is a hair artiste, and her son Will is skilled in woodworking using reclaimed timber.
Her book, The Day Sparkle Won the Show, tells the story of a goat named Faith Sparkle, rescued from a drought-stricken farm, and her adventures at a Gippsland agricultural show. Although aimed at children, Nina says the book is for “all kids of the world, big and small,” carrying a simple yet profound message.
The book is available from the Orbost Post Office, Hair Studio 126 Bairnsdale, Flat Bikkie food van in Newmerella, Kalimna Cafe, and mail order via contacting Nina (contact details available at the Snowy River Mail office)
Copies are also available at Orbost and Bairnsdale libraries.
Nina credited the Orbost Arts Centre for supporting her exhibition, saying it provided the perfect “rustic with class” venue to showcase her work and enabled her to publish the book.
She encourages the community to visit the Centre, currently hosting an exhibition by nine local Wilderness Coast Artists, alongside handicrafts, woodcraft, and other local creations.
“Everyone needs a bit of faith and sparkle in their lives,” Nina said, inviting locals to enjoy both her artwork and her story.
