The Mount Morgan Argus, Volume 14, Issue 23

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 23

WWW.MOUNTMORGAN.ORG.AU

18 DECEMBER 2019

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY MOUNT MORGAN PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENT INC. ABN 21 391 526 801 | 1 RAILWAY PDE, MOUNT MORGAN, Q 4714, AUSTRALIA.

Buy Local Winners...Page 3

Mane Street Party...Page 4

Library News...Page 9

JOY OF CHRISTMAS SHARED

Above: Little Delainey Leggo was all smiles for Santa Claus and his elf when they visited Kindy Care last week to spread some Christmas Joy.

FORREST OF CHRISTMAS TREES The Mount Morgan School of Arts was virtually a forrest of Christmas trees for the 2019 Christmas Tree Festival held on 6 December 2019. The trees were in all shapes, styles and sizes, but all were unique and showed creativity. There were a couple of very unusual trees, including the “canned” tree by the Grand Hotel and Mane Street Hair Studio’s entry.

CHRISTMAS TREE WINNERS: Most Innovative Tree – 1st – Dale Passmore Refrigeration, 2nd – Mount Morgan Rodeo Association and 3rd – Year 4C and Best Decorated Traditional Tree: 1st – Year 4C, 2nd Dale Passmore Refrigeration and 3rd – Mount Morgan Rodeo Association.

Above left: the Grand Hotel’s “canned tree” and Passmore Refrigeration’s innovative Christmas Tree and below the School of Arts during the Buy Local Draw.

BUY LOCAL: The Mount Morgan School of Arts was packed during the draw of the Buy Local Promotion winners.

1st Prize ($1800 in local shopping vouchers) – Kerry Edwards, 2nd Prize ($900 local shopping vouchers) and 3rd Prize ($540 local shopping vouchers). The four Consolation prizes ($90 each) were awarded to Paul Dobson, Connor Stewart, Dawn Lennox and Jiervarn Smith. A further four “encouragement” prizes of $20 (shopping voucher) were added and won by Rosemary Izzard, Bradley Shaw, Trevor Stock and Judy James.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WINNERS: Commercial – 1st – Mount Morgan Ambulance, 2nd – Relationships Australia and 3rd – MM No7 Gallery and Residential – 1st – Franklin Hull, 2nd – Marie Pezzack and 3rd – Joanna Lowe.

There was a range of stall holders, free amusement rides for the children and a barbecue tea on offer. Thank you to the entertainers and volunteers who gave up their time to entertain, set up and cleanup and for those who ensured that Festival goers didn’t go hungry or were not short of a

raffle ticket or two.

The early shower of rain just as the event was starting, didn’t deter the patrons, nor did it stop the operation of the rides, but it did cool the hall down, making it a more pleasant evening for the patrons.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER The Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right to alter, omit, reclassify or postpone publication of articles, photographs or advertisements in the Mount Morgan Argus. MMPAD takes all possible care with the publication of news, names and other information sourced by MMPAD representatives. It does not, however, take responsibility for erroneous information or spelling supplied by external sources. Please take care and ensure that information is correct and names are spelt correctly before submitting any items to this publication. MMPAD Executive

Page 2

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS

Above: Buy Local Winner, Kerry Edwards with Deputy Mayor, Cherie Rutherford and MMPAD President, John Steinberger.

Above: Buy Local Second Prize Winner, Sharon Bell with Deputy Mayor, Cherie Rutherford and MMPAD President, John Steinberger.

Above: Buy Local Third Place Winner, Katrina Howie with Deputy Mayor, Cherie Rutherford and MMPAD President, John Steinberger.

Above: Paramedic Hope Larson collects the first prize for the Mount Morgan QAS for the Best Commercial Premises Christmas Light display. She is pictured with Deputy Mayor, Cherie Rutherford and MMPAD President John Steinberger. Below is Joanna Lowe, third place in the Residential Lights Display.

Above: Franklin Hull, winner of the Best Residential Lights display with Deputy Mayor Cherie Rutherford.

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 3

MANE STREET CHRISTMAS PARTY

Above top: The winning trivia team at the Mane Street Hair Studio Christmas Party. Mane Street owner, Kodie-Rae Dodd said she organised the party on 7 December as a thank you for the studio’s clients. Eight teams competed in the trivia competition. Left: the grazing board set out for guests and right - Kodie and Sharnee. Thanks to Postcard Perfect Photography for supplying the photos.

RED FROG GRADUATION

The final Red Frog graduation was held at the Big Dam on Saturday.

Eight young students are now prepared to enter Primary School next year.

Pictured are Franklin Hull, Mahalia Sanders, Ryder Bevan, Winifred Herbohn and Shane Schonknecht.

Pictured with Cecilia Moger is Domonic Allen

Page 4

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 5

THE ORANGE DOT

By Larry at Fox Video

Movie Review DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn previously worked together on the magnificent 2016 film, HACKSAW RIDGE, which was also directed

by Mel. When they were offered the chance to team up again by the renowned action-thriller writer/ director S. Craig Zahler, they climbed on board straight away.

Zahler, who brought us BONE TOMAHAWK (2015) and BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99(2017), has also published at least five crime thriller novels and written several major movie screenplays, including this, his latest project where he is the director as well as the author.

Once word was out that this magic trio were working together on a project called DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE, many of the greats put their hands up to be part of the team. So this gripping, intense action thriller boasts a dream ensemble cast better than we could ever hope for. As well as Mel and Vince we have the always awesome Don Johnson, Udo Kier (hasn’t changed in forty

years), Michael Jai White (almost unrecognizable in this, masterful) and Tory Kittles (co-star of the current sci-fi-action series called THE COLONY that’s just landed on our shelves, also an Orange Dot.) DRAGGED ACROSS In CONCRETE Mel and Vince are detectives and partners in Bulwark U.S.A. Mel the older and more gnarly and Vince the younger, fitter and more volatile are old-school in their methods. They’re not always by-the-book, but they’re sure of their marks (perps, targets) and they get results. Sometimes they have to apply a little pressure - but crimes get solved and crims and drugs are off the streets; that’s what counts.

DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE is definitely not for the more Unfortunately for the boys, in this delicate amongst us. It is rated hi-tech PC world rough methods R18+ for good reason. Visceral, are frowned upon and cameras are nasty, fast-paced, full-on and everywhere and in every pocket. in-your-face, this film makes no Almost inevitably a video of their apology for it’s explicitness so be strong-arm tactics becomes the warned; but it will hold you on the media’s cause du jour. Although edge of your seat for a full two and the boss, a veteran of the streets himself disagrees vehemently with a half hours. the politics imposed, he has no choice but to suspend them for six DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE...

Loved it! weeks - without pay! its time in the Rainbow Cafe.

INFO WANTED

The above stove was removed from the old Rainbow Cafe about Page 6

They both have relationships, commitments, bills to pay... They can’t afford this. Low on cash and with no other options, these two embittered and betrayed soldiers descend into the criminal underworld to take what they feel they’re owed - by force if necessary. However, what awaits them in the shadows is far more dangerous than they expected...

The stove was manufactured in 1890 with a fault peculiar to this stove - the emblem was put on incorrectly. The chances are, that if you ever had a burger from the Rainbow Cafe, it was cooked on this stove, maybe by Paul or Christine Marendy.

30 years ago.

The previous two owners didn’t get around to restoring this double oven stove, but the latest owner, Mick Byrne has restored it and is now seeking information about the stove during MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

If you have any information concerning this stove, contact the Mount Morgan Argus and your details can be passed on to the current owner if you wish.

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

Pride in Your Town We continue on from last edition with memories of “The Happiest Days of our Lives” written by Mrs. Nellie Fisher (Gray) and published in the Morning Bulletin on 7 June 1950.

The Sewing class.

By 1893 I had advanced so far as to be included in that select circle, the “sewing class.” All who had anything to do with her will, I feel sure, carry the same impressions of Miss Wilder, the sewing mistress. A lovely personality, never once did I see her ill-tempered, and she was most capable.

I still retain my samplers and articles made in class and they testify to the care she took in teaching us. Tuesday and Thursdays were sewing days. A great event was a visit by Mrs. Wesley Hall to present a prize for the best sewn dress, doll’s size for which the senior girls competed. My sister took the first prize. I still have the article and the small stitches are cause for wonder.

School entertainments were not frequent, and I can only remember one concert; it took the form of a cantata. Needless to say we made good use of our playtime.

The horizontal bar and the swinging ropes were most in use, but the later got the name for being dangerous when Willie Geldhardt got a bad spill that had him laid up for some time.

NOT for young Ladies.

One day I thought to try my hand with a cricket bat, a bold enterprise for a girl in those days. My joy was short lived, for Mr. Freeman came on the scene and I was ordered to the other end of the school. After that I confined my play time recreations to a game that girls could indulge in with propriety – “hidey” in which my particular pals were Sally Jones, Lizzie Howes and Roma Herbert.

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

There was of course always plenty of other excitement to be had – as when one of the numerous goats that infested the grounds in quest of lunch scraps got its horns entangled in the school watering can and made off, or when the boys upset a Chinese fruiterer’s baskets and dashed for cover. One such fugitive running under the building, up righted himself too soon and the resultant impact with the wood work brought about another school casualty.

More thorough then.

Schools and school teaching have made much development since those days, but I doubt whether the mass of children today receive a better general schooling.

My own family of four all went to school in Victoria, and comparing results I venture to say that our schooling at the Mount Morgan Central was more thorough. In support of this I would recall the boys and girls who went out into the world and made good in every walk of life.

The disciple of the school was such that the teachers had proper control at all times. This was reflected in one other thing I would like to record – that during the years when the Central was a mixed school attended by hundreds of boys and girls, the attitude of the boys towards the girls was always of courtesy and respect.

Some years ago I met a young woman who had been raised in Mount Morgan who said she had no wish to be reminded of those days. For my own part I have no wish to live down that I was reared in and went to school at Mount Morgan.

My only wish is that I could live those days over again. I think the “Back to Mount Morgan Week“ will show many others who think like me.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

End of MB article 7th June 1950.

A friend of one of the “Pride” team forwarded this poem about the Mount Morgan Historical Museum.

It was written in 2003.

Angela Johnson, now 93, travelled extensively throughout Australia with her late husband. A highlight of their travels was a visit to the museum in the town where they were visiting.

Mrs Johnson has published two books of poetry and is now enjoying retirement at Turramurra.

Pictures in a Mining Museum Dusty floors and mock-daylight diminish contrasts, enhance the grey exhibits.

Rectangles of paper on wall; a world of clans, grouped chattles and limp clothing in glass cases.

Only surgical instruments attest to the once-flesh people.

Cracks mar a photography of ladies parading in a garden.

Elegant heads balance grand hats above faces blank as mannikins.

Arranged according to rank in diminishing perspective, their embroidered skits trail.

Framed elsewhere - formal in black official stand proudly beside the boss who lolls i his chair, spurns the image, denying a fellowship it affects.

Pictured againsta backdrop of machines tousle-haired miners squint into the sun.

Angela Johnson, 2003.

On behalf of the “Pride in Your Town” team, a Merry Christmas to all our readers and a safe happy New Year.

Page 7

MOUNT MORGAN RODEO NEWS The Mount Morgan Rodeo Team would firstly like to thank each and every one who attended our Christmas Cent Sale on Sunday, 8 December. We had a very successful outcome, raising $2500 to go towards the 2020 Rodeo in May. Our Family Entertainment Raffle was won by Lindy Stock, and a bonus ham draw was won by Carol Stock.

We have drawn four other winners to date for our Christmas Ham Raffles. Green 15 - Laurie, Green 37 - Trevor Bone, Green 68 - Marg Read, Green 25 - Natti. Please take your ham vouchers into IGA Mount Morgan when you’ve received them, and their friendly staff will exchange your voucher for your ham. Congratulations to the winners and good luck to everyone for the next round.

Top: Dutchie Sealey and Carmel Thomas. Below left Nancy Daniels and Barbara Gould (President).

We are currently throwing a few ideas around amongst our committee, and we hope to bring you another event before our Rodeo next year.

Friday, 6 December was Mount Morgan’s Christmas Tree Festival.

We are very excited to announce that we achieved a 2nd and a 3rd for Most Innovative and Most Traditional Tree entries. I believe we have a couple of vouchers to collect from MMPAD for those winning placements.

This weekend our Rodeo Team will gather for its 2019 Christmas Party.

Above right: Marie Maroney with the Mount Morgan Rodeo Association successful Christmas Tree entry. and below left, Cent Sale prize winners proudly show off their prizes.

We hold our Christmas Party as an opportunity to thank all of our committee members for their fundraising efforts throughout the year, and we also like to invite and acknowledge our sponsors for 2019.

Have a very Merry Christmas folks and Happy New Year from all us here on the Rodeo Team.

Keep it country!

Page 8

The Cent Sale was well attended and there were a lot of happy winners.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

LIBRARY NEWS

operating hours from 9am on Thursday 2 January 2020.

Call the library for more information on 4936 8169 or 4936 8043.

Tech Savvy Seniors @ Mount Morgan Library

Above: Isaac and Selah Evers at Mount Morgan Library.

Don’t forget that the Mount Morgan Library will be open on Saturday 28 December from 9am to 11.30am, and Monday 30 December (9am-12noon; 1pm4pm).

Drop in, browse the collection and join the library (membership is free). The library has free WiFi and provides access to internetenabled computers. Best of all the building is air-conditioned!

The library will be closed from 24 December to 27 December, as well as on 31 December and 1 January.

The

library

resumes

normal

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

Learning about new technology became much easier for library customers in the Mount Morgan area recently with a series of free Tech Savvy Seniors (TSS) workshops on offer to the community. The short two-hour sessions were hands-on and allowed lots of questions to be asked in a relaxed setting. Some workshops were held in the Mount Morgan Library, with access to free WiFi in the building, while others were held at a local hotel.

All participants were provided with a meal voucher just by taking part in the digital learning initiative.

Many customers have been inspired to access the online learning resources available on the BeConnected and TSS websites and Lynda.com database, as well as the free Tech Troubles sessions offered at the libraries in Rockhampton. The Library Technology Centre also provides a range of free computer courses and workshops at the Southside Library. Library staff are happy to provide more information about these initiatives.

The Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland program has been funded by Telstra and the Queensland Government through

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

QCWA NEWS The Branch is going to have a social morning on the 24 January.

This is open to all ladies and girls in the community. The doors will be open at 9.30 am to start at 10 am.

On 14 February, the branch will be opening the doors for the first gathering of a Mum and Bub’s club. Ladies this is to bring mums together providing you with an opportunity to come along and meet each other and have a morning out. We now have a children’s corner which is a safe area within the hall for the children to play. This will also start at 10 am. We have a lot of new and exciting functions being planned for 2020. Every Friday the Q.C.W.A. Hall can be used for branch functions such our Social mornings and Workshops/ Demonstrations which are in the planning stages. So keep your eyes open to what we have in the Argus, on notice boards and in the school newsletters. Hoy will recommence on the 15 January and the first cent sale for 2020 will be on 29 February.

Q.C.W.A. is an organization that does a lot. It advocates to improve living conditions, health care, education and much more.

Yes, we still have tea and scones, but we are so much more, and we try to help so many. State-wide we have a public rural crisis fund which allows the state to help people on an application basis.

This fund has helped thousands of people who are in need.

Locally we are donating nappies and toiletry bags of goods to patients who go into hospital and have nothing. This is a small gesture to help in our community.

So, ladies if you are interested in knowing more about Q.C.W.A. and our functions or if you would like to take part or just come along and meet other ladies please contact me on 0428 457 461.

Arlene Roberts Q.C.W.A. Mount Morgan Branch President Page 9

ALAN HOUSMAN BUILDER

ABN 52 081 926 QBSA 19514 Domestic & Commercial Work Specialising in: • Restumping • Extensions • Renovations • New Home

TV Antenna Sales & Installation Mount Morgan Extra TV Outlets and Cabeling TV Tuning Telephone outlets and extensions

Phone: 4938 1887 ~ Mobile 0419 741 611

Eric Stevenson Ph: 0417 006 591

Building locally for over 20 years ~ Quality Workmanship Guaranteed

ACMA License No. T 14409

Quality Cremation Services Meeting your needs with Quality & Compassion

GOLDEN MOUNT

TAXI

ABN: 54 894 799 119 Cremation without Ceremony from $1350.00 Cremation Service From $2995.00

0459 131 008

Servicing Mount Morgan Region Phone 4921 2673 www.qualitycremationservices.com

Clinic 1st Tuesday of the Month

Tony Harney Plumbing

Stanley Constructions Home Renovations

Available for all domestic and commercial work.

Blocked drains, leaking taps or any other maintenance issues

Phone Tony

0429 669 499 Servicing Mount Morgan ABN : 76 171 835 370

•

•

We specialise in general carpentry repairs & steel Fabrications From design & planning to simple handyman services, we do it all.

Phone Gordon Lee today: 0418 886 997

QBSA 735099

QBCC 1110090

Mark Humphreys’ Electrical 8 Baldwin Street Mount Morgan 4714 Electrical Lic. No. 74711

Discover the difference!

Meet Angela Douglas: •Local area agent

•Knowledgeable about the local community

Phone: 0439 727 609 FAX: 4938 2885

Domestic, Rural, Commercial Installation and Repairs,

Promptly Servicing

Mount Morgan & Wowan Districts Page 10

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

•Listens to your needs •Proven results over and over •New logo, same great person •Free, no hassle appraisals

Angela Douglas: 0401 953 882 www.discoverrealesate.com.au

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

SUNBRIX SAND & SOIL Landscape supplies

Soil Garden blend Sand Sugar cane mulch Hardwood chip Decorative rocks Builder’s blend (sand & 10mm rock mixed) Cement bags and blocks, Pavers and MORE! PHONE 0418 542 961

Old Bouldercombe Brickworks 53622, Burnett HWY.

That Truck & Bobcat Bloke ABN: 35347197734

Call Geoff: 0411 707 741 Based at Razorback, MOONGAN gnarnold226@gmail.com Small acreage clean ups, land clearing, fence lines, fire breaks, shed pads & more.

Post hole borer & spreader bar

Stewarts Towing

& Service Station

6 Central Street, MOUNT MORGAN Phone: 4938 1283

24 Hour Service - 7 Days a Week

Passmore Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Split system installations Commercial and Rural

Finlayson & McKenzie Funerals

Sandi Wood (nee Inslay) from Mount Morgan was born and raised within the Mount and is well aware of the needs of the Mount Morgan community.

Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 Po Box 91 Mt Morgan

Sandi is Mount Morgan’s funeral consultant and is available for all funeral advice.

Contact Sandi for more information and competitive prices with burials, cremations or prepaid funerals.

5 tonne tipper truck Excavator & Kanga Tractor, Slasher & Poison Sprayer Licenced Poisons Contractor 18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

Sandi Wood your local consultant Phone: 4922 1269 fmckfunerals@live.com.au

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 11

EFFORTS REWARDED DEE RIVER OLDIES Oh what a night, beautiful Christmas trees, music, raffles, entertainment and various stalls were on display in the School of Arts last Friday night at the Annual MMPAD Christmas Tree Festival. It was a great night and we were so pleased it was under cover as it stormed late afternoon, bringing some welcome rain to cool it down.

We are looking for new members so if you have been thinking about joining or just moved to town, and as long as you are over 60 years old, you are welcome to join us at a New Year Morning Tea to be held on Wednesday, 15 January 2020 at 10 am in Saint Mary’s Hall (behind the Anglican Church) Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. Come along for a cuppa and meet some new faces.

Above: Scarlet Jensen (School Councillor), Dakota Bergin (Captain), Keeley Marshall (Captain) and Destiny Veber (School Councillor) were presented with their certificates on Wednesday, 11 December for representing the Mount Morgan Central State School and their fellow students.

We have had a great year. The photo below was taken at our Christmas Lunch for members held on the last Friday in November. Members are looking forward to 2020 and are anxiously waiting to see where Doug is taking us for our mystery bus trip next year. We have booked for the Christmas in July lunch at Ferns Hideaway on Friday, 10 July 2020.

Both bus trips will cost $50 per trip per member.

For our February morning tea we will have a guest speaker and the March morning tea will be a musical.

Our meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month starting at 2 pm and the morning teas will be the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10 am. They are held in St Mary’s Hall.

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Above: The above students received certificates for “Most Improved” students for their year level.

Above: Mount Morgan Central State School staff were acknowledged for their years of service to the Central State School - Leisa Tennent (10 years), Sharon Curtis (10 years), Natasha Bray (15 years) and Sally Orford (25 years) and not present Lorraine Matheson (25 years).

Congratulations to all students and staff.

Page 12

The Steering Committee Carol Glover 49381995, Melray McNamara 0411 144 316, Colleen Constable 0427 161 131.

Above: Mount Morgan’s “Over 60’s” celebrated Christmas at the Dee River Oldies Christmas luncheon in late November.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

HOME GROWN HEALER

Friends, family and Mount Morgan Hospital Staff gathered at the Grand Hotel on Saturday night to celebrate the achievement of

Tayla Matthews. Tayla graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from Deakin University last week.

GOLDEN MOUNT

any suggestions please don’t hesitate to let the committee members know. All ideas are welcome.

FESTIVAL NEWS After concerns were raised that the Golden Mount Festival may not proceed due to the lack of volunteers and committee, a committee has been formed that will make the Golden Mount Festival great again.

As the man said, “Let’s make the Golden Mount Festival great again!”

Submitted President.

by

R.

Needham,

Tayla started her journey towards her dual degree as an AIN at Mount Morgan Hospital. She followed this up with a Bachelor of Nursing from Central Queensland University.

Tayla started her education at the Central State School and later the Rockhampton Grammar School.

She will begin her career as a doctor undertaking placement rotations at the Rockhampton Base Hospital. Tayla is pictured with mother, Narelle and father, Tony. Above: a suitably themed graduation cake for a doctor.

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY Henry Davidson celebrates his 80th birthday on Thursday, 19 December.

Many Happy Returns, Henry.

President is Dick Needham, Vice President - Eric Siefken, Treasurer - Graeme Meade and Secretary - Michael Hubbard. There were also 10 new members signed up at the meeting on 4 December.

The Golden Mount Festival Association would like to thank Cassandra and Aaron Donald and Kym Baker for their dedication, persistence and support.

Although a committee has been formed, we would very much like to expand our membership base, so we would like to invite any interested parties to attend a general meeting scheduled at the Community Service Hall on the 8 January 2020 at 6 pm or obtain membership forms from a committee member. If you have 18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 13

2019 - THE YEAR THAT WAS 2019 has been quite a busy year for Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc [MMPAD] with maintaining its operations of the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Visitor Information Centre as well as organising events, responding to draft strategies and numerous other activities that have kept the members and volunteers busy.

The 2019 year started rather quietly, however by 4 February had picked up quite substantially with the Railway Station and some of the site buildings undergoing renovations. The main building was repainted inside and out, new vinyl laid throughout, the front verandah and the platform roof completely replaced. This involved three months of working around contractors, but thankfully MMPAD was allowed to keep operating. During three months of renovations, there was only one day when the visitors were not able to view the 3D movie presentation.

Access to the platform was limited for most of the period, but an alternate route was provided to the 3D movie presentation.

With the tremendous help of the volunteers, who packed everything away and restored it back in place at the end of renovations, this allowed for the continuation of operations during this time. The public must also be thanked for their patience during this time.

The majority of the work was completed in time for our first tour booking for the year, which took place in April. Since the start of January, the Visitor Information Centre has welcomed over 5500 visitors to the town. Each of these visitors were provided with a free MMPAD produced mud map of Mount Morgan’s businesses, accommodations and attractions.

As part of our VIC operations we continue to encourage local businesses to display their Page 14

brochures or business cards at the Centre. Contact us today, if you would like to display brochures or business cards. The Mount Morgan VIC is an accredited centre.

MMPAD has been working with Advance Rockhampton on a new website. The site is live and will soon have opportunities for businesses to display information on the site.

There is still some testing on some components, but once everything is functioning as it should, MMPAD will advise Mount Morgan businesses of how they can be included on the site. MMPAD and Advance Rockhampton have formed a collaborative approach where we assist the business arm of Rockhampton Regional Council on marketing campaigns.

We are currently working on a new visitor map and reproduction of two previous brochures. These, along with a more intensive focus on social media communications will be part of the focus for 2020.

As a community-based group, MMPAD is committed to assisting other organisations where possible. This is done through reduced cost advertising, free advertising from time to time, display of notices on the community noticeboard and assistance with grant writing.

MMPAD is contracted by Council through an open tender process to ensure that the Visitor Information Centre and Railway Museum remain operational. The Centre is operational for 360.5 days a year – closing for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and in 2019 we closed for half a day on ANZAC Day to allow volunteers to attend the service if they chose.

The tender allows MMPAD to employ one person on a full-time basis and a substitute when the full-time person is on leave. The MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

role of Rail Coordinator/Project Officer is quite involved and requires a range of skills.

Throughout the year we welcomed over 20 tours from Bay View Towers, St Peters, Bundaberg and Gladstone Senior Citizens, Grammar School, St Pauls and Baralaba Senior Citizens to name a few. We’ve also started conducting guided tours of Mount Morgan for large tour groups.

These have been well received and continue to be popular with the visiting public.

In April, MMPAD also held a free Easter Basket making workshop followed by an exuberant Easter Egg hunt, with Easter Eggs being donated by members.

In May, the Draft Advance Mount Morgan Strategy was released for consultation with Mount Morgan residents. MMPAD raised several concerns about the strategy, including the need for a permanent water supply for Mount Morgan.

MMPAD will continue to lobby Rockhampton Regional Council and State and Federal members to ensure a permanent water supply for the community.

While MMPAD’s main focus has been on maintaining the VIC, it has also continued to produce and print the Mount Morgan Argus free to residents and run other projects where funding and manpower allow.

This year was a “big” event year for MMPAD with catering for the CQ Crane Hill Sprint Welcome Dinner (over 120 people) and the Corporate Box for the Hill Sprint on Saturday, 13 and Sunday, 14 July. We also had a tour on 16 July and a Trivia Night on 20 July.

MMPAD proudly supports local business as much as possible and this is particularly evident during events.

A month

later, MMPAD was Continued on Page 15

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

The Year that Was... from Page 15 again backing up for another major event with the Troy Cassar-Daley concert, which was followed a fortnight later by the Wattle Day and three months later by the Christmas Tree Festival including a Buy Local Program, Christmas Lights Competition and Colouring-in Competition. MMPAD funded free amusement rides for the Mount Morgan Community at Wattle Day and the Christmas Tree Festival.

There was even a shower of rain at the Christmas Tree Festival for which we are happy to take the credit.

MMPAD was fortunate enough to receive a donation from Member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew towards an inspection on the Hunslett Steam Locomotive.

Mr Andrew also arranged for a track inspection by Mooney’s Corp.

The inspection took into consideration a possible laying of track at the northern end of the railway station. With the southern end railway bridge no longer in place, there may be opportunities to put a short track to the north of the station. This is only in the “idea” stage at the moment.

MMPAD recently received funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund to develop an interpretive strategy for the Railway Precinct. This will be one of the projects produced early in the New Year. The thought process behind this is to increase the potential of the Mount Morgan Railway Museum as a destination by providing additional attractions at the precinct.

SHOW NEWS The Mount Morgan Agricultural Show Society Inc held it’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 8 December 2019 at the Showgrounds.

The meeting was well attended by a dedicated band of volunteers.

All positions were declared vacant and the outgoing committee having offered themselves for re-election, the following appointments were made – President: Brian Glover, Vice President: Noel Barker, Secretary: Heather Barker, and Treasurer: Michael Rowe.

The first meeting for 2020 will be held on Sunday, 19 January 2020 at 9 am at the Showgrounds and everyone is welcome as planning is put in place for another great Show in August 2020.

On behalf of the Mount Morgan Agricultural Show Society Inc, we would like to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please take care if you are travelling over the holidays. Heather Barker - Secretary

Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz Mobile Dog Clipping Phone Des: 0447 275 402

MMPAD members also participated in a range of community activities such Clean Up Australia, Containers for Change, fish habitat building, the Advancing Queensland Regional Forums and organised training for the Visitor Information Centre volunteers and other community groups and businesses.MMPAD gained a new Executive Officer in Kelvin Lennox in recent weeks. Kel has been a member for several years and has recently agreed to become a member of the Executive.

As with many organisations, MMPAD is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer at the Centre contact mmpad@bigpond.com.

MMPAD aim to release more fingerlings in the No.7 Dam in conjunction with the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries hopefully in the New Years once the drought has broken.

CNR YAAMBA RD & MAIN ST NORTH ROCKHAMPTON Phone: 4928 3511 trendrok@bigpond.net.au PROUDLY SERVING MOUNT MORGAN FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

MMPAD looks forward to working with the Mount Morgan community in 2020. MMPAD would like to thank the Mount Morgan Argus contributors and hope they will continue to provide information on their activities in the New Year.

If you are travelling over the holiday period, please drive carefully. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Mount Morgan residents and their visitors.

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 15

SAVE THE DATE!

CLASSIFIEDS

Dec 25: Christmas Day - Mount Morgan VIC and Railway Museum - Closed.

Dec 26: Boxing Day - Mount Morgan VIC and Railway Museum - Closed.

Jan 1: New Years Day - Mount Morgan VIC and Railway Museum - Closed.

Jan 11: Blue Care Trash and Treasure, Gordon Street.

8 am to 12 noon. Then the first Saturday of each month.

Jan 15: Dee River Oldies Group Morning Tea. A get together for new and existing members. Enjoy a cuppa and catch up. Starts at 10 am at St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street Mount Morgan.

Jan 15: QCWA Hoy Recommences. CWA Hall from 10 am.

Jan 19: Mount Morgan Agricultrual Show Society first meeting for 2020. Mount Morgan Showgrounds at 9 am.

Jan 26: Australia Day Celebrations. Mount Morgan Dam. Organised by Rotary Club of Mount Morgan.

Feb 1: Blue Care Trash and Treasure, Gordon Street, 8 am to 12 noon.

Feb 29: QCWA Cent Sale. CWA Hall.

PAINTER: Semi retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257.

QBCC No-75608.

Hoy every Wednesday at CWA Hall, East Street at 10 am. Recommences 15 January 2020 Blue Care Trash & Treasure, Gordon Street.

RECOMMENCES 10 JANUARY 2020

Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon.

Bags of clothing $5. Marion’s plants for sale.

Mount Morgan QCWA wishes to thank the residents of the community for supporting the cent sales and raffles. The winner of the wheel barrow with goodies was May and Nev Matheson.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

LOCAL BUSINESS - USE IT OR LOSE IT KEEP YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE! UNLIMITED MOVIES

Ask us How

Open 10:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday - Sunday

LATEST RELEASES

$5* 3 or More

GUNS & AMMUNITION: MOUNT MORGAN. ERIC J. STEVENSON. Dealer Licence 5000149.

PHONE 0417 006 591 ALL COMPUTERS & REPAIRS: Your local computer specialist Nathan. Phone between 10 am to 8 pm. PHONE: 4938 2451 Monday to Friday

PENTECOSTALS OF MOUNT MORGAN

Meeting at the Dee Bowls Club 10 am Sunday for Church Services.

All welcome.

Contact: Pastor Owen Kurth for further details

0421 641 428

FOR SALE: 3 lawnmowers for sale. 1 x 4-stroke $50, 1 x 4-stroke $100 and Electric Ozito Brand new $80. Phone: 0458 033 183.

2020 ARGUS DATES

Publication Dates 5 February 2020 19 February 2020 4 March 2020 18 March 2020 1 April 2020 15 April 2020 13 May 2020 27 May 2020 10 June 2020 24 June 2020 8 July 2020 22 July 2020 5 August 2020 19 August 2020 2 September 2020 16 September 2020 30 September 2020 14 October 2020 28 October 2020 11 November 2020 25 November 2020 9 December 2020 23 December 2020

Copy Due Dates 28 January 2020 11 February 2020 25 February 2020 10 March 2020 24 March 2020 7 April 2020 21 April 2020 5 May 2020 2 June 2020 16 June 2020 30 June 2020 14 July 2020 28 July 2020 11 August 2020 25 August 2020 8 September 2020 22 September 2020 6 October 2020 20 October 2020 3 November 2020 17 November 2020 1 December 2020 15 December 2020

Next Argus:

WEDNESDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2020

All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 28 January 2020 by 4 p.m.

Ph: 4938 2312 Email: mmpad@bigpond.com Page 16

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

18 December 2019 - 5 February 2020