MARY RIVER FLOWING FREE TO THE SEA

The Mary River, in South East Queensland, Australia, escaped the construction of the proposed Traveston Crossing dam over a decade ago, but the system remains under pressure through proposed increases in local extraction and a strategic reserve as detailed in the draft Mary Basin Water Plan 2023. This, together with scant details from the feasibility study being conducted on the Borumba Dam Pumped Hydro proposal, continues to place uncertainty around the water that is needed for the river's environment and the estuary that depend on fresh water reaching the sea.

The Federal Environment Ministers’ decision in December 2009 to reject the proposed dam highlighted the significance of key species in the freshwater ecosystem of the river, but no recognition of the risks to the estuarine ecosystem. The estuary of the Mary River is internationally recognised through Ramsar listing and inclusion in the Great Sandy Biosphere. It is a sand passage estuary sandwiched between the mainland and World Heritage listed Fraser Island which supports significant commercial and recreational fishing industries and is an important site for migratory birds, dugongs, migratory cetaceans and the rare IndoPacific Humpback dolphin. The draft Mary Basin Water Plan 2023 currently provides no guarantee of enough environmental flows to this estuary.

According to the Australian Heritage Database (2010), the Great Sandy Strait contains one of the largest areas of seagrass in Queensland and supports six species of turtles, a resident population of dugong and provides important roosting and feeding site for twenty four species of migratory birds, including eighteen species included in international migratory bird agreements with Japan and China.

Come along to the Mary River Festival, learn more and join in the celebration of the Mighty Mary River at Kandanga, 15th July 2023 9am4pm. More information and tickets online at www.maryriverfestival. org.au

The theme this year is "Mary River: Flowing Free to the Sea”. It will focus on why it is important to conserve water, recycle water and find alternatives to taking more water from our Mary in the face of predictions of climate change. Fresh, clean water will become increasingly precious for sustaining our River, its special creatures and the Great Sandy Strait, a Ramsar wetlands at the mouth of the river that relies on the River for its life blood.

There will be lots to see and do for all the family. Environmental talks, weaving and circus workshops, community stalls, live music and performances. Bring in your water samples for testing at the MRCCC stall. By popular demand, The Floating Bridges band are back at the festival. For over 10 years, Sunshine Coast roots rockers The Floating Bridges traversed the globe, leaving a trail of sweat soaked dance floors and smiling faces. The band returned to live performances in 2023 after a lengthy hiatus, reviving their infectious blend of Rock, Reggae, Blues and Funk inspired by life, love and lessons learned. The Mary River Festival is a not for profit event run by the community for the community. Hope to see you there!

~ Glenda Pickersgill

How did Kenilworth come to have a public hall?

Subsequent to the subdivision of Kenilworth Estate it became necessary to apply for a primary school in the area. The outcome of an investigation was the promise from the Education Department to open a school if a suitable building could be procured (Nambour Chronicle & North Coast Advertiser, 8.8.1924, page 2).

A meeting of interested residents was called and it was decided that a hall would be built. A committee was formed to organise the venture, Mr Duncan Beattie being the first chairman and Mr Henry Fritz the honorary secretary.

Eventually a building 50 feet by 33 feet was erected on the site where the police station now stands. The land was donated by Mr Tom Walker of Kilcoy. Mr Watson, a farmer on the Obi Obi who had been a builder and contractor donated the plans and specifications which were similar to the Kidman Creek hall which he also planned. The hall was opened in 1924.

Committee members of the period were Duncan Beattie, Henry Fritz. Charles Cole, Frank Rodgers, Arthur McGinn, William

Sims, George Hassall, Henry Liekefett, Arthur Tanner, Gilbert Sutton, Harry Rowe, Richard Sims snr, R.W. Sims, A.P. Myers, A Burley, W. Purdon (From the pages of the Kenilworth & District Historical Assn. newsletter, 1960).

On May 12, 1928 a committee was formed to manage the business in connection with purchasing Recreation Ground. Members of that committee were G.B. Sutton, A.E. Tanner, W. Sims, C. Cole, G. Hassall, A.P. Myers and H. Rowe. (From the minutes of that committee)

Historic Note: It is possible that the moves to purchase land for a recreation ground may be linked to the fact that the land around the original site was flood land and unsuitable for further development.

The time line of the hall development may be tracked through advertisements (pictured right).

It appears that the decision to move the hall and its official opening on the new site and sale of the original block of land was completed within the year of 1932.

This community owes so much to those early residents. The community spirit of cooperation and support is so evident by the speed with which progress was made in establishing the infrastructure of this community.

Learn more about the history of the district, every Sunday at the Kenilworth Museum. Alexandra Street from 10 a.m. ~ Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth & District Historical Assn Inc.

Have you been to St Luke’s or St John Bosco’s churches in Kenilworth? We invite you to join us on Saturday afternoon at St Luke’s for Holy Communion and Sunday morning at St John Bosco’s for Mass.

In this modern busy and noisy world, do you sometimes long for peace and quiet? Our two churches offer this to everyone through our church activities.

Every month a Taize service is held at St Luke’s. Never heard of it? It’s a gentle, reflective service of prayers and music in the church lit by candlelight. This is followed by a light supper.

Every Thursday morning at 9am there is a short Morning Prayer service of about 15 to 20 minutes at St Luke’s. Then it’s over the road to St John Bosco’s where Christian Meditation is held. This is a quiet hour of music, a short talk and about 20 minutes of silent meditation. If you have never tried meditation and would like to, Sue or Maureen will gently guide you through.

These services offer peace and restoration through a calm and quiet space in a busy world. Good for the soul but also good for your health and well being!

However, life in both churches is not all quiet! While we can’t offer the loud catchy music and energetic activity of some of the modern churches, we do have our moments! Not all our hymns are old fashioned and dreary! There is also the fellowship of refreshments after the services with plenty of chatter and good cheer.

And for anyone wanting to learn a little more about our Christian faith, there is an ecumenical study group at St John Bosco’s on Thursdays at 10:30am (with morning tea, of course!)

We invite you – locals and tourists – to join us at any of our church services and activities. All welcome.

~ Cheerio from St Luke’s and St John Bosco’s.

Community Donations

Abig thank you to the Chook Chase and the Kenilworth Hall Committee for their generous donation to the Kenilworth Swimming Pool. The Kenilworth Pool is a community Pool managed by a dedicated group of volunteers and all donations are gratefully accepted.

The Chook Chase Committee does a fantastic job, they are a small group of active volunteers who after many months of planning organize a great weekend for 350 motor bike riders with all proceeds donated back into the community.

~ Hans Schinkel