The
CLERMONT RAG Community Newsletter Friday December 16 2016
Graveside memorial to mark 100 years since devastating Clermont flood This month Clermont will pause to mark the centenary of one of the deadliest floods in Australian history. A graveside memorial will be held at the Clermont Cemetery from 9am Wednesday, December 28. Pictured: Moving the Leo Hotel after the flood, State Library of Australia
Mayor Anne Baker said it was on that day 100 years ago the township of Clermont was forever changed. “In the early hours of December 28, 1916 a wall of water laid ruin to the old town of Clermont after a cyclone crossed the Queensland coast. “Clermont was inundated with water that wrought devastation, destruction and the tragic loss of many lives. “In the aftermath of the flood it was left up to the survivors to recover the bodies of family and friends, who had been swept away. “Thirty six bodies were recovered; some buried where they lay, four buried in private graves and the rest in a mass grave at the Clermont Cemetery. “It is at this heritage listed site that Council will hold a memorial service to remember those who tragically lost their lives.
“The service will be followed by morning tea and a viewing of the ‘A Flood of Memories’ Exhibition at the Clermont Historical Centre.” The Clermont Historical Centre will close for conservation works from December 24, reopening March 1, 2017. Visitors are welcome Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 3pm up until the closure on Christmas Eve. Upon reopening patrons can continue to enjoy the ‘Flood of Memories’ Exhibition until December 2017. The centre will open specially for Graveside Memorial attendees to view the exhibition on December 28. The exhibition features local stories of courage, heroism and tragedy, memorabilia and photography. For more details on Council’s 1916 flood centenary commemorative events please visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/1916-flood-centenary
“The community is invited to join the service which will include wreath laying and a minute silence. Isaac... helping to energise the world