If you’ve ever walked along the main strip of Home Hill, you may have noticed some unique, archival army gear hanging from the ceiling above the walkway. It marks the entrance to Annzack Tradings—a local oddity, institution, and treasure trove of vintage memorabilia, rare collectables, and stories from all over the country and beyond.
Step inside and you’ll likely be greeted by Kenneth Hall—or just Ken, as everyone in town calls him. Owner, collector, conversationalist, and accidental shopkeeper, Ken has been running Annzack Tradings for 13 years. But he’s not just in the business of selling stuff—he’s also hunting for it.
“One of the most important things I want people to know is: bring your stuff in,” Ken says. “I get asked all the time how I stock the shop. Well, a lot of it’s from the internet these days, but even better is when people walk in the door with something from the back shed.”
Ken is passionate about preserving history—not profiting off it. “If you brought in your grandfather’s medals and asked what I’d give you for them, I’d say absolutely nothing. Take them home and keep them,” he says. “But if you want help getting replacement ribbons or a re-mount, I’ll help you with that.”
Growing up in Charters Towers, Ken spent time farming in Collinsville and Gumlu before moving to the Burdekin.
Ken’s love for the vintage world intensified after appearing as an army captain extra in Australia, the Baz Luhrmann film shot in Bowen. He even crashed the premiere in uniform—not out of mischief, but pride. “That’s when I really started chasing military gear, tracking it down from Victoria and beyond.”
Since then, the business has grown in its own quiet way. “It’s pretty static,” Ken says. “But I’ve sold all around the world, and met thousands of people. A lot of them come back every year—grey nomads mostly. They always say, ‘Glad you’re still here.’”
And in a town like Home Hill, being known is its own kind of success. “I walk down the street and everyone says, ‘Hi Ken.’ I couldn’t tell you all their names—there’s too many—but everyone knows me, and that’s a nice thing.”
Annzack Tradings isn’t your typical antique store. It’s part collection, part conversation, and all heart—just like Ken himself.
“One of the most important things I want people to know is: bring your stuff in!”
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