They say that all who come to Lightning Ridge love it. They say there are some who come for two weeks and 50 years later they’re still here. They say if you’re not born in Lightning Ridge once you’ve been here for 20 years you’re considered a local. Then when you’ve been here for 20 years they say if you’ve been here for 30 years you’re a local. When you reach your 30 years you’re told you’re a local when you’re dead and buried here. I’ve been to the cemetery. There are people from all over the world buries there one fellow’s headstone reads “He wasn’t a lucky Miner”.
Amigo wasn’t a lucky miner. His mind averaged about $1,000 every twelve months. Every morning Amigo would go to his mine and work his claim and every afternoon Amigo would move rocks. If he didn’t feel like mining Amigo would move rocks. Amigo the Italian was very strong. And for only the cost of the cement, Amigo built himself a castle.
Amigo did not submit plans to council, and the local council (Walgett Shire) were going to bulldoze the castle. The Lightning Ridge resources banded together, and even though it is only twent-something years old, Amigo’s castle has been heritage listed. Amigo lives in a private residence behind the castle.
This Is How I Roll 