Australia has long been described as ‘the lucky country’, a phrase that originated in irony and critique that has since been adopted as a point of national pride.
While that moniker was initially used to criticise the country’s reliance on natural advantages rather than innovation, the phrase has since been embraced to celebrate the things that set this vast and sunburnt land apart.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the opal industry, a vibrant and uniquely Australian trade that captures the essence of what it means to live in ‘the lucky country'. It’s a privilege to be a part of this remarkable gemstone industry, a space defined not only by the captivating natural beauty of Australia’s national gemstone, but by the character and camaraderie of the people who keep the wheels turning.
The opal industry is comprised of an extraordinary tapestry of individuals from all walks of life and corners of the globe. It is founded on dreams, grit, and determination that define many of Australia’s iconic trades.
What sets the opal industry apart, however, is the sheer individuality of its people. The vast majority are self-employed small business owners – be they miners, cutters, traders, or jewellers – and it’s this entrepreneurial spirit that gives the industry its distinctive nature.
There’s a unique form of generosity that runs deep within the opal community. An impressive variety of skills and expertise accompany the ‘can-do’ attitudes that thrive.
These range from geology and gemmology to gemstone-cutting and expertise in jewellery design and retail. What binds everyone together is a shared resilience – a collective ability to face the inherent risks of the trade with good humour, adaptability, and support for one another.
Among the many stories of perseverance and ingenuity in the opal trade, the contributions of women stand out as especially inspiring.
A friend once told me of growing up in a society bound by traditional gender roles. When she moved to Lightning Ridge with her husband, she was astonished and delighted to discover that, on the opal fields, there were far fewer constraints.
Here, she found the freedom to start and run her own business, which she has successfully operated for more than four decades.
Her story is important, but it is not unique, as women have long played a pivotal role in this industry, not just as ‘assistants’ but as business owners and leaders.
The nature of the trade, with its unpredictable income streams and frontier spirit, necessitated that everyone pitch in. What emerged was a space where women were empowered to carve out their paths, often more easily than in the broader workforce of the time.
Today, they continue to punch well above their weight, helping to shape the future of this iconic Australian industry.
Beyond its people, the opal industry also possesses a rich sense of community and fun. This was never more apparent to me than during the 2024 Australian Opal Tour, which I had the honour of organising on behalf of the Australian Opal Centre.
It was an unforgettable journey, bringing together passionate enthusiasts from around the world to experience the magic of the opal fields firsthand.
Our adventure took us from the famed black opal fields of Lightning Ridge – a town like no other, known for its deep shafts, friendly larrikins, and outback charm – to the sun-bleached landscape of White Cliffs, where underground homes keep locals cool in the searing heat and ghostly opalised fossils hint at prehistoric worlds.
In Queensland, we visited Winton, where boulder opals are secured from the rugged earth. These areas offer a more remote and wild experience, featuring ancient mesas, dinosaur bones, and an open sky that stretches endlessly in all directions.
Winton, in particular, is rich in history – both geological and human – and the community there welcomed us with warmth and pride.
From there, we flew by light aircraft – refuelling in Birdsville, a legendary outpost in its own right – before arriving at Coober Pedy in South Australia, perhaps the most iconic opal town of them all.
Famous for its opalised sea creatures and moonlike terrain, Coober Pedy is a place of extremes: temperature, landscape, and personality. Much of the town is built underground to escape the desert heat, and its culture is as rich and layered as the opal seams beneath the surface.
Throughout the tour, the kindness and generosity of the people we met were extraordinary. Miners opened their claims to us, cutters shared their hard-earned skills, and retailers told their stories with heartfelt honesty. It made me incredibly proud to see this industry – my industry – represented with such passion and integrity.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Many of our guests have stayed in touch, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.
From a personal perspective, it was also a chance to reconnect with old friends and colleagues from across the country – mates I’ve worked alongside for more than 30 years, each with their tales of adventure, risk, and reward.
Australia truly is the lucky country, not just because of the riches hidden in its red earth, but because of the people who bring those treasures to life.
The opal industry is more than an economic driver – it’s a living, breathing example of what makes Australia extraordinary: its spirit, its diversity, and its deep connection to the land and one another.
Name: Maxine O’Brien
Business: Australian Opal Centre
Position: Coordinator
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Years in the industry: 33
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