He harnessed his passion for art to work as a valuer for the public service sector in Canberra during the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Tozer valued the collections of dignitaries from foreign affairs, trade and the armed forces. “I have been a collector myself since a little boy and valuing collections was a big step forward.”

Assembling collections for prominent art and antique investors from all over the world inspired Mr Tozer to open his own gallery.

In 2005, Mr Tozer and his wife Joan moved their “Bandamora” gallery from Katoomba to Gundagai after falling in love with the 119-year-old Catholic convent and old school building behind St Patrick’s Church.

They named the property Lanigan Abbey Estate after the first Bishop of Goulburn and officially opened it as a bed and breakfast establishment and an art gallery.

“Art is a very serious business today and research has shown the preferred style of art is the traditional,” Mr Tozer said.

“Art is also a bit like fashion – it does change – but most do prefer the traditional style.”

Mr Tozer believes a varied collection is the most valuable and the 700 or so pieces adorning the walls of his Gundagai art gallery reflect this conviction.

John Olsen, Doug, David and Kasey Sealy, Ann Morton, Rubery Bennett and Helen Baldwin are among Australia’s most renowned artists. Local art lovers will have the rare opportunity to come up close and personal with their work at the St Augustine’s Parish Art Show.

“A lot of these artists have won international awards at successful international exhibitions.

“The people of Yass have probably never had the opportunity to see and buy such a wonderful showcase of Australian art in their own backyard.”

The highest price tag is $250,000 for a spectacular Helen Baldwin petty point work comprising 400 million knots.

Mr Tozer believes investing your money in art is a much safer alternative to the current unpredictable and unstable share market. He will be on hand at the St Augustine’s Parish Art Show to help those interested in starting their own collection. Mr Tozer will also assess and evaluate people’s own treasures for a small price and is more than happy to conduct private viewings for the discerning buyer.

“I love helping people put together a collection. I get a great deal of satisfaction and achievement from it.”

For more information, Mr Tozer can be reached at the Lanigan Abbey Estate and Bandamora Gallery in Gundagai on 6944 2852 or 0410 633 745.