The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 19 Issue 10

The information contained in this article is from a previous edition of the Mount Morgan Argus.

Elaine Millers is undisputably one of Mount Morgan’s stalwarts and at the age of 99, she has many fond memories of the town she grew up in.

A small gathering of family and friends was held on Thursday, 23 May 2024 to help Elaine mark this very special occasion.

Elaine was born in Mount Morgan in 1925 and has lived and worked in the town all her life.

After attending both the Central State School and Mount Morgan State High School, Elaine began her working life as a shop assistant at Woods Drapery Store in Morgan Street.

Elaine’s next role was as Secretary to the Manager of the Commonwealth Bank, a position she held for seven years until her marriage in 1950.

In 1953, Elaine began working at Mount Morgan Limited as a clerk in the cost office, although she was often shifted around to

other departments to supervise.

The office was an extremely busy work environment with employees working an eight hour day.

Shorthand and typing were essential skills when Elaine worked at the Mine.

Elaine was a member of the Mount Morgan Past Pupil’s High School Association.

The association members would often attend dances, the pictures, take trips away and playing tennis.

Elaine was known for her prowess on the tennis court and often partnered Bette Broom in the A-grade competitions.

Elaine was also involved in the Mount Morgan Amateur Drama Society where she was a founding member.

The group consisted of students, teachers, mine employees, retirees and shop keepers and was a great avenue for newcomers to find their niche in the town. The mine built a stage and room for the productions, in the building which now houses the Historical Museum.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER

Elaine performed in many of the productions and even managed to win best actress on one occasion.

Elaine was also involved in the Presbyterian Church choir who sang in four parts, with Harry Weir as conductor and Irene Sturgess as pianist. Elaine was in a quartet as part of the Past Pupils annual dinner along with locals Margaret Hall, Chris O’Leary and Jan Emerton.

Elaine retired from Mount Morgan Limited in 1981. Never one to sit idle, she commenced delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, as well as off-siding as cook and was President of the committee for several years. This was when the meals were cooked in the East Street premises.

In 1986 the Mount Morgan Shire Council gave the newly formed Mount Morgan Arts and Crafts Group Inc, the Welfare Building to hold sewing, knitting and crochet classes for locals.

Elaine was a key player in this group for many years helping it to grow and expand.

Elaine’s hobbies over the years included playing tennis and golf, sewing, crochet and arts and craft. Her family have been the happy recipients of her many crocheted rugs and tea towels. She also enjoyed travelling with friends, including embarking on a 17 week holiday to Europe in 1973.

Her tireless community involvement resulted in her winning both the Australia Day Citizen of the Year award in 1993, and Golden Mount Festival Volunteer of the Year.

Elaine has lived a very full 99 years. She is a devoted mother, grandma and great grandma and is dearly loved by her family.

Elaine has never considered living anywhere else and will always call Mount Morgan Home.

Above top: Elaine with her family.

HAVE YOUR SAY FOSSICKING AT NO 7 DAM

WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?

Residents of the Mount Morgan district are encouraged to have their say on the potential establishment of a fossicking area at No 7 Dam, with community consultation now open.

Rockhampton Regional Council is considering the creation of a General Permission Area (GPA) at No 7 Dam as part of its Advancing Mount Morgan Strategy. The GPA would allow licensed fossickers to search for gold in the area.

Strict conditions would be enforced to ensure the preservation of the natural environment and safety of No 7 Dam. Mandatory special conditions would be applied for anyone fossicking in the identified area.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS WOULD BE ENFORCED?

• Fossicking would only be permitted in designated areas, as shown on the map

• A ban on fossicking within 20 metres of the highwater level mark of the dam, and within 50 metres of any dam wall, embankment or dam apron

• A ban on fossicking in proximity of walking trails, mountain bike tracks, recreational facilities, infrastructure and stock

• The requirement to immediately refill excavations, which must not exceed 2m x 1m or a depth of 0.5 metres, and to only use hand tools

• A ban on entering private property

• General rules consistent with public use of No 7 Dam (eg – around camping, lighting fires, pets and rubbish removal)

• NOTE - Additional conditions are outlined in the draft Terms of Reference on the Engage Rockhampton website

WHY IS FOSSICKING BEING CONSIDERED?

Consideration for a General Permission Area to allowing fossicking aligns with the Advancing Mount Morgan Strategy. If successful, fossicking could be a tourism drawcard for Mount Morgan, supporting greater visitation to the town and in turn creating new opportunities for local businesses and groups.

CONSULTATION CLOSES JULY 1

Provide your feedback at engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au or in person at the Mount Morgan Customer Service Centre 32 Hall Street

Contact Advance Rockhampton for more information 07 4936 8282 advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au

Local jobs expo coming to Mount Morgan

Rockhampton Regional Council, through its lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton is proud to announce its partnership with Workforce Australia, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and various Job Active agencies to deliver the Mount Morgan Jobs Expo on 12 June.

Following the successful Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo in Rockhampton, this tailored event will cater specifically for the Mount Morgan community and will be attended by several local employers including Heritage Minerals, Aula Energy and Rockhampton Regional Council.

Rockhampton Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Drew Wickerson, said improving employment outcomes for Mount Morgan was a priority identified in the Advancing Mount Morgan Strategy.

“High-value employers are opening up jobs in Mount Morgan and the surrounding areas, and these are ready to be snapped up by local residents,” Deputy Mayor Wickerson said.

“There is so much going on in and around the Mount Morgan area at the moment, it is really exciting for the local community and local business.

“A great example of the opportunities available is Heritage Minerals and its desire to have as many Mount Morgan residents working on its Tailings Processing and Rehabilitation Project as possible.

“In addition to that, we know Mort and Co need to recruit staff for its Feedlot and Fertiliser Facility at Gogango, and Mount Morgan is perfectly positioned to provide a workforce for the Boulder Creek Wind Farm.

“These three projects alone will need hundreds of construction and operational workers over the coming years and are great opportunities for local residents to secure skilled and well-paid employment.”

Deputy Mayor Wickerson said the connection between schools and local employers is critical.

“This event is such an outstanding opportunity for our students and

young people who might be considering what they want to do when they finish their education,” Deputy Wickerson said.

“The more we can support the next generation and give them opportunities right here in our region and close to home, the more prosperous our region will be.

“Mount Morgan has an incredibly proud history, and I believe a strong future ahead. This expo will demonstrate the opportunities young people have in their own backyard and I encourage everyone to come along and take part.”

The Mount Morgan Jobs Expo will be held on Wednesday 12 June from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Mount Morgan’s School of Arts building. The event is supported by Rockhampton Regional Council through in-kind support.

For more information on the expo or job opportunities in the Mount Morgan region, visit https:// advancerockhampton.com.au/ mountmorganjobs.

THE MINERS’ CHALLENGE IS ON

The Mount Morgan Show Miners’ Challenge is back again for 2024. From its humble beginnings in 2023, the Show Committee is keen to build this event into an important part of each year’s annual show.

Challenge teams must consist of 3 members and all team members must compete. There will be three classes of competition – Class One for teams 18 years and over, Class Two for teams made up of members 12 years to 17 years and Class Three for teams made up of members 11 years and under.

Nomination fees range from $30 per team for Class One, $20 per team for Class Two and $10 per team for Class 3. Teams will be competing to win prizes of 1st - $90, 2nd$60 and 3rd - $30 for Class One; 1st - $60, 2nd - $30 and 3rd - $15 for Class Two and 1st - $30, 2nd - 20 and 3rd$12 for Class Three.

The competition will involve heats of two teams racing against the clock to load tools, stake a mining claim, load their gold bearing rocks and cart them back for processing at a wash point with water transferred from “dam”. Successful transfer of the water will finalise mine production and release their reward – bags of money for

each team member who then dash with their bounty to the finish line where they celebrate with a drink. The winning team is the one where all members finish their drinks first.

Nominations will be taken on the day and the event will take place at approximately 4 O’Clock. So get your teams together and come along and have a bit of fun.

After being out-gunned by a younger team, the Mount Morgan Paramedics team will be looking to reclaim their pride and the prize in this year’s Miners’ Challenge.

Consultation begins for Mount Morgan No 7 Dam fossicking

Residents of the Mount Morgan district are encouraged to have their say on the potential establishment of a fossicking area at No 7 Dam, with community consultation now open.

Rockhampton Regional Council is exploring the creation of a General Permission Area (GPA) at No 7 Dam as part of its Advancing Mount Morgan Strategy. The GPA would allow licensed fossickers to search for gold in the area.

Under the proposal, Council would apply strict conditions to ensure the preservation of the natural environment and safety at No 7 Dam.

These would include, but are not limited to:

• Designated areas where fossicking is permitted

• A ban on fossicking within 20 metres of the high water level of the dam, and within 50 metres of any dam wall, embankment or dam apron

• A ban on fossicking in proximity of walking trails, mountain bike tracks, recreational facilities, infrastructure and stock

• The requirement to immediately refill excavations, which must not

exceed 2m x 1m or a depth of 0.5 metres, and to only use hand tools

• A ban on entering private property

• General rules consistent with public use of No 7 Dam (eg –around camping, lighting fires, pets and rubbish removal)

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams, said Council was seeking new ways to encourage economic growth in Mount Morgan and support its proud gold mining heritage.

“Mount Morgan draws in tourists from across the country and opening No 7 Dam up for fossicking is one way we can encourage more people to travel to the region and experience the thrill of finding gold,” Mayor Williams said.

“The establishment of a General Permission Area can help increase tourism and spending within the community, supporting local jobs and businesses.”

Division 5 Councillor, Cherie Rutherford, said this was an important opportunity for the Mount Morgan community to have its say and help shape the proposal.

“We want to work with the local

community to ensure we get the balance right between use and opportunity and we build support for these measures,” Cr Rutherford said.

“There are a number of measures proposed to protect the natural environment and keep residents who use the dam safe. I encourage anyone with feedback to visit the Engage Rockhampton Region website and have their say, so we can act in the best interest of the Mount Morgan community.”

Consultation on the GPA and its proposed measures is open now and will close on 1 July.

A report summarising feedback and recommendations on a way forward will be brought to Council following the consultation process. If endorsed by Council, implementation of a GPA will also require a new Land Management Plan (LMP).

The new LMP will be required to include fossicking as part of its identified use of the site.

Both the GPA and new LMP will be required to be approved by the Queensland Department of Resources.

The identification of the No 7 Dam as a potential GPA site follows consideration of two alternative sites at Horse Creek and Leydens Hill which were deemed unsuitable following detail consideration and consultation.

For more information on the Mount Morgan No 7 Dam GPA, including to provide feedback on the proposal, visit the Engage Rockhampton website.

Have something you need printed or laminated?

Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 or email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.

Habitat enhancement to boost fishing opportunities at Mount Morgan Dam

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Rockhampton Regional Council have reached the final stages of a habitat enhancement program designed to boost fishing opportunities at Mount Morgan Dam.

DAF staff recently planted native water snowflake lilies to create a protective habitat and attract prey for saratoga, which will be released into the dam later this year.

The fish are expected to breed, creating a top-class fishery that will attract anglers to Mount Morgan.

This will boost tourism and support local businesses affected by the mining downturn.

Other enhancements completed as part of the $300,000 Mount Morgan Fish Habitat Rehabilitation program include:

• installation of a variety of fish-attracting structures, to make it easier for anglers to target golden perch.

• deployment of sleepy cod breeding structures.

• construction of rocky reefs to improve survival of stocked golden perch fingerlings.

DAF principal fisheries biologist Dr Michael Hutchinson said the snowflake lilies would provide much-needed cover for saratoga, which are vulnerable to attack from sea eagles, ospreys and whistling kites.

"When the water snowflake beds are established, mature saratoga will be released into the dam,” Dr Hutchinson said.

"It is hoped they will breed successfully and develop a fishery that attracts tourists to the town of Mount Morgan."

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams said the Mount Morgan Fish Habitat Rehabilitation program was a key initiative of the Advancing Mount Morgan Strategy.

"This is a great initiative and one that Council strongly supports.

"Developing a range of fish habitat areas will assist the rehabilitation of fish stocks at the dam for locals and fishing tourism."

Mount Morgan Dam is currently under consideration to join the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) to further boost fish numbers in the impoundment.

Mount Morgan Promotion and Development President, Mr John Steinberger said it was good to see the finish of the Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Program with the planting of the snow lillies.

“MMPAD will continue to restock annually with Golden Perch and other native fish species under its impoundment stocking permit,” he said.

MMPAD released over 8500 Golden Perch fingerlings late in March.

The habitat enhancement program also involved the placement for four rocky reefs.

“These fingerling reefs proved to be beneficial when MMPAD released the fingerlings in March,” he said.

“They will provide areas where fingerlings can hide from their predators.”

“We are looking forward to the future release of the Saratoga by DAF.”

Above: Planting the snow lillies in the No. 7 Dam by DAF.

Above: Snow lillies close up.

Small Business Month celebrated

Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc President, John Steinberger and Rail Coordinator/ Project Officer, Eve-lyn Rogers attended the Small Business Month Celebration in Rockhampton on 24 May.

The event highlighted the pivotal role small business played in the Rockhampton Region’s economy and gave local businesses the chance to hear from inspiring small business owners - Elize Hattin, Prue Saxby and Tracey Siddins.

The three speakers presented topics on writing and updating business plans, Branding and Marketing and Grant Writing Myths Busted.

Mr Steinberger said all topics presented were informative.

“While speakers only had a small amount of time to

deliver their presentations, they certainly provided exceptional content learned from their own business journey,” he said.

“The topics covered are ones that all small business owners could benefit from.

“It was good to be included in this event,” he said.

At the luncheon, Rockhampton Regional Council

Mayor Tony Williams called for more to be done to support local jobs and economic growth across the region.

The event which was run by Rockhampton Regional Council and its economic development arm, Advance Rockhampton, recognised the hard work of small businesses across the region and discussed how business and the economy was evolving.

Mayor Williams thanked the 150 business representatives attending the event and highlighted Council’s plans to grow jobs and industry for the future.

Small businesses remain a large and key part of the local economy representing almost 2 in 5 businesses across the region.

Small businesses also collectively employ tens of thousands of local residents across every part of the region and contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of the Rockhampton Region.

Scouts practice skills on the water

Mount Morgan has had a strong history with the Scouting movement. While no group exists in Mount Morgan today, there are still opportunities for Mount Morgan’s youth to participate in Scouts.

The Gracemere Scouting group, which has some Mount Morgan members, came to Mount Morgan on Sunday, 19 May to learn and practice water skills. This included water safety, water rescue, paddling as well as what to do when the canoe capsizes. Currently, there are 20 members and three leaders in the Gracemere Scouting group.

Capricornia District Commissioner for Scouts, Nyree Johnson said the Scouts were undertaking their Adventurous Activity for canoeing.

Ms Johnson said some of the skills learned at the No.7 Dam would contribute towards invidual members’ badges.

“There are three levels that every Scout must attainCamping, Bushcraft and Bushwalking,” she said.

Ms Johnson said Scouting was once a very popular activity for the youth, but it has died off over the years.

She attributes this to a change in the family and community dynamics.

“It has also been challenging attracting leaders,” she said.

Ms Johnson said being a scout leader was a worthwhile cause and now that Scouting Australia is a Registered Training Organisation, skills and courses undertaken can form part of a VET Qualification for leaders over the age of 16.

Members of the Gracemere Scouting group attended the World Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 and New Zealand in at the start of 2024.

ALAN HOUSMAN BUILDER

0401 953 882 www.discoverrealesate.com.au

69 Morgan street, mount morgan

MOUNT MORGAN GUNS

69 Morgan Street Mount Morgan Queensland AUSTRALIA 4714

Firearm Dealers License No. 50001499

Phone - 0417 006 591

New & Used Guns - Secure Storage - Permits to Acquire Ammunition - Firearm Accessories WE BUY GUNS

MIRANI MESSAGE

With Stephen Andrew, MP

Registered on the Australian Heritage Database 11 August 1987, the Mount Morgan Post Office is an example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style in the detailing with piers extending above the roof line and the use of stucco to provide a contrast for decorative elements.

19.1% of the Queensland population or just less than 1 in every 5 Queenslanders have a disability. Like everyone else, all these people deserve the right to access their local post office.

It is important to note that no ramp can be instated prior to current works being completed as scaffolding encroaches into the area to construct a ramp. I am looking for quotes to have a superficial ramp to cover the existing ramp and floor retained and restored to preserve its heritage value. If you can assist, please contact my Electorate Officer.

Fireclay Caverns

In recent weeks I have continued the conversation with Rockhampton Regional Council and the Minister

for Resources and Critical Minerals in a push for the re-opening of the town’s Fireclay Caverns which are home to hundreds of theropod and ornithopod dinosaur footprints which date back 195 million years to the Jurassic period.

The Fireclay Caverns were excavated between 1906 and 1927 at the Mount Morgan Mine site for clay to supply local brick production, but the attraction has remained shut since 2011.

The long-awaited report in 2019 was hoped to be the catalyst to reopen this extremely significant attraction and help Mount Morgan to realise its incredible tourism potential. However, this has not been the case.

In order to facilitate potential future tourism opportunities, and as part of the transfer of mining leases to Heritage Minerals in 2020, the Qld government removed mining tenure from the Fireclay Caverns, to make them available for any potential future tourism venture.

In July 2021, Rockhampton Regional Council said they were committed to reopening – here we are in 2024 and this has still not happened.

The Fireclay Caverns are key to reviving Mount Morgan, I’m asking that you all support me in calling for the gates to be unlocked.

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB

Sandstone Blocks

Many thanks to independent contractor, Mick Weidman for generously volunteering his time, machine, and expertise to enable us to place sandstone blocks for our garden roundabout.

As spectators, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon, surveying such an expert operator in action! The result is a larger, more formal garden space, with new permanent flagpole and up-lighting.

We are now just awaiting the plaque outlining the history and significance of the Soldiers’ Rooms. Thank you to the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, for allowing us to honour those who served.

Sunday Garden Party

To celebrate the completion of the painting of the Soldiers Rooms, the sandstone garden, and many other renovations, we invite all to come have a look and join us for a free morning tea, an awards presentation, and afterwards if interested, our monthly meeting at 10.30 am Sunday, 30 June. Here we discuss the progress of the Arts Precinct and Soldiers Rooms matters, as well as community concerns and events/programmes that we run under our charity banner. We welcome newcomers and look forward to proudly showcasing what has been achieved.

Dance Calendar

Our dances are always a night of good fun, with raffles, lucky door prize, best costume and of course dancing! You can learn the steps in some of the traditional dances or cut loose at your leisure. The bar is open, tea and coffee available, as well as snacks for purchase.

The events are 29 June – Red Carpet Glamour, 27 July – Hillbilly Hoedown, 28 September – Happy Days: Mods & Rockers, 26 October – Mexican Fiesta: Day of the Dead, 30 November – Tropical Hawaiian Luau.

Mount Morgan Arts Precinct Fundraiser

Donate online at www.mycause.com.au/p/343976/ mount-morgan-arts-precinct or if you are interested in sponsorship or donation of prizes for our raffles, please email us at mountmorganartsprecinct@gmail. com or call 0411 865 621.

Contact Details

For SOLDIERS ROOMS Hall Bookings, please call 0419 605 662,

Submitted by Kirra Swain

Boulder Creek Wind Farm Project COMMUNITY MEETING

HOSTED BY AULA ENERGY

When: Tuesday, 18 June 2024 Time : 5.30 - 6.30 pm at

Where: Uniting Church Hall, Gordon St, Mount Morgan

This is an opportunity to have your questions about this proposed project answered.

If you have questions that require in depth responses, email Kate Beresford at: kate.beresford@cqgroup.com.au

A free sausage sizzle will follow at 6.30 pm

Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au for catering purposes only.

A STEP BACK IN TIME

Howard Simcoe (pictured above) is an avid re-enactor with a vision to form a group of men and women to bring to life a World War One (WW1) Field Dressing Station.

“This would involve women in WW 1 Australian Nurses service uniform and a support group of men in WW1 uniform as stretcher bearers, medics, doctors and padres,” Mr Simcoe said.

Mr Simcoe hopes to establish a display with other WW1 groups in the region to bring another dimension to public historical demonstrations.

Just Married...Again!

“In the beginning I would hold a few classes to teach people/group members the history of a medical dressing station and life in general during WW1; show members where to get WW1 clothing and how to wear it.

“This will give people ideas for their own historical impression through movies. I would also like to have a working bee to build a tent/fly shelter set up to give the group a base to showcase displays,” he said.

Prior to moving to Australia around 18 years ago, Howard was an avid re-enactor in Napoleonic War re-enactments and English Red Coats (Canadian militia) vs American Fenians in their battles. When he migrated to Western Australia (WA), he found a group in Perth that did a little Napoleonic re-enactment and shows in Perth and the South West of WA.

Members of this group also did field displays of a WW1 Hospital Station - the head of the group is a doctor and an historian with a huge collection of medical memorabilia from the Boer War through to WW2, but mostly focusing on WW1.

Howard said a field dressing station was not as fancy as a hospital station and because of this did not need as much medical equipment to make up a display.

Howard said the WW1 historical era enabled people to be involved with minimal cost in getting together an historically accurate kit of clothes

“It is a continuing opportunity to showcase the wonderful job the nurses and stretcher bearers did in very difficult and adverse conditions in the early 1900's,” he said.

If any readers have an interest in WW1 history and want to be part of a group of like-minded people bringing history to life, please contact Howard for further details. Email howardsimcoe@hotmail.com or via the facebook page World War One Field Dressing Station.

Archer on 11 May 2024.

While every bride dreams of having the perfect wedding day their first ceremony was anything but perfect when the couple, who had been dating since 2005, decided to tie the knot.

“Whatever could go wrong, went wrong,” Cass recalls of her first wedding.

Two weeks out from the wedding, the Marriage Celebrant advised the couple that he had doublebooked himself and was going to be in Bali when they were supposed to be married on 11 May 2007 and asked if they could change their date as not only had the celebrant planned a trip to Bali, but he also forgot to file the paperwork which was due a month before the date.

Despite this initial hiccup Cass and Aaron decied to go ahead with a “fake” wedding with Cass’s father acting a “celebrant” for the occasion.

Continued on Page 13

Cass and Aaron Donald (above) recently renewed their wedding vows in a special ceremony on Mount

“We had everything booked - so we thought why not,” Cass said.

The date, 11 May was significant to Aaron as it was his mother’s birthday and he wanted to honour her memory by marrying on that date.

However, the celebrant debacle was a harbinger of things to come. The bridesmaids and flower girls were two hours late, which made Cass late as well.

“When we went to pick up the flower girls, they were still in the bath and their hair was dripping wet,” she said.

So...Cass decided things couldn’t get worse and decided to have a couple of drinks.

Little did she know, that they could!

Arriving two hours late meant the couple weren’t getting “married” with the setting sun as a backdrop, but by torchlight!

The “real” wedding rings were left at home, and the “fake” rings, which didn’t fit over our first knuckles were brought instead. And then when we finally got the real rings they were dropped on the way the into the wedding venue,” Cass said.

The rings were eventually found, but the day was topped off when the reception venue staff cleared away Cass and Aaron’s plates with their wedding cake on. Essentially, the couple never tasted their first wedding cake. Cass and Aaron eventually married at the Rockhampton Courthouse in September that year.

Whether anything went wrong at their recent vow renewal, it wasn’t noticeable and certainly nowhere in the league of the first wedding. It was made more special by the inclusion of all their children and grandchildren being part of wedding. The Mount Archer vow renewal was followed by a reception at the Frenchville Sports Club.

From the Archives

Historical records are valuable to communities worldwide. These records can come in a variety of formats - old photos, treasured letters and let’s not forget the humble newspaper or newsletter.

Recently, the Mount Morgan Historical Museum secretary, Robyn Marshall discovered a letter in their archives written by Jacob Cleary to the Mount Morgan Town Council, requesting that Council supports the formation of the Mount Morgan Argus.

ROD HARMS RURAL

Who would believe that 102 years after this letter, the name Mount Morgan Argus is still being used?

This is demonstrative of the cyclic nature of names and ideas.

The Mount Morgan Argus was not Mount Morgan’s first newspaper. This honour went to the Mount Morgan Chronicle and Mining Gazette which operated from 1886 until 1920. Other Mount Morgan newspapers included Mount Morgan Herald (1887), the Mountain Echo (1947 - 1951?) and the Truth (1896-1899).

As well as the Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc’s publication of the Argus, Mount State High School also published the Argus for a time in the late 1980’s.

Planning for retirement

Thinking about the lifestyle you would like to have when you retire – and even picturing what it might look like – is one of the very first steps you need to consider when planning for retirement.

When are you going to retire and what age? What priorities are important to you regarding the lifestyle you might lead? And what income and living costs do you need to weigh up considering your retirement journey? These and many other burning questions will feature at a free Financial Information Services (FIS) session coming soon to your local library.

The next FIS session on ‘Planning for Retirement’ will take place at the Mount Morgan Library on Friday 7

LIBRARY NEWS

June, from 9:30am – 12noon with a representative from Services Australia on hand to answer your questions and help you navigate the retirement process.

If you miss this free session, there will be other workshops held at the Rockhampton library branches during the year, or you can access the free webinars on the Services Australia website featuring all the FIS content. Check these out on the computers in the library whenever the library is open and start getting toned up with your financial fitness.

If you are in Rockhampton on Thursday 20 June, there will be another FIS session on ‘Superannuation and Retirement Streams’ presented from 10:30am12noon in the Fitzroy Room at the

DEE RIVER OLDIES

Our Dee River Oldies members enjoyed our May Morning Tea with plenty of prizes won with our mini cent sale. Pictured are the winners of some beautiful paintings done by one of our very talented members. So good to see the turn out of members who enjoyed their morning tea and a cuppa.

A big thank you for the donations received to make the day and for the help from our members who helped with the set up and clean up afterwards. It really makes a difference.

Our next bus trip is on Wednesday, 12 June, 2024. The bus leaves the bus stop in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan at 8.30 am. We travel to Emu Park for morning tea at the RSL room, then onto the Capricorn Tavern at Yeppoon for lunch.

If you are interested, please contact Carol Glover or Colleen Constable whose phone numbers are below. You will need to pay the $50 to secure your seat as soon as possible.

Check the 'Save the Date' on the back page of the Argus for dates for up coming meetings and morning teas.

With the cold weather on our doorstep, please rug up and keep warm. Stay happy and healthy.

Submitted by the Steering Committee

Carol Glover 4938 1995

Colleen Constable 0427 161 131

Southside Library.

Get inspired with some great books on retirement available from your local library including Noel Whittaker’s Retirement Made Simple, Marc Bineham’s The Money Sandwich and Glen James Sort Your Money Out and Get Invested.

Libby provides online access to digital magazines such as How to Save Money Online, Make Money From Home, Money Magazine and Money-saving Secrets.

Please call the Library Administration office on 4936 8043 or email libraries@rrc.qld.gov.au to find out more about workshops, resources and services available from Rockhampton Regional Libraries.

ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN

1st & 3rd Thursdays of the monthGrand Hotel - 6 pm for 6.30 pm. Visitors Welcome! E: mount.morgan@rotary9560.org

Trash and Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Bags of clothing $5. Any donations please phone Margaretta 0428 179 604

Above: Proudly displaying their Kathleen Francois’ originals are Alyson Hockey, Claire Page, Ailsa Batchelor and Merle Curtis.

Old Time Dance @ Alton Downs Hall

Like many old halls in the area, the Alton Downs Hall boasts a well-sprung wooden floor, a generous amount of seating and a supper room tacked onto the side of the building.

Coming up on the evening of Saturday 27 July, the hall will transition into an old-time dance venue with traditional well-loved tunes performed on stage by talented local musician Syd Stickley, the Keyboard Kid.

These popular social activities are well attended, with a variety of Old Time/New Vogue dances on offer. Like any dance events of yesteryear, more experienced dancers are happy to lend a helping hand to those new to the art of dancing – encouraging the next generation of dancers.

Besides a Lucky Door and Monte Carlo, the delicious home-made supper is a keenly anticipated activity midway through the evening. Cost is $12pp.

The Alton Downs Hall on the corner of Ridgelands Road and Nicholson Road Alton Downs is a short 39-minute drive from Mount Morgan.

So, if you are young, or young at heart, keep this date free to trip the light fantastic out in the bush!

Enquiries: Peter 0427 341 166

MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.

Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays & Saturdays

Phone John on 0429 055 165

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB INC

Meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10.30 am. Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street, Phone - John Tuxworth 0429 055 165

* Massage * Reflexology *Lyphatic Drainage

Contact: Karen - 0428 202 037 or message via Facebook Page Mount Morgan

Contact the Mount Morgan Argus

MYNELINK DISABILITY SERVICES

Is located in Mount Morgan NDIS Registered for personal assistance, household tasks and community access. MDS welcomes rural clients within 50 km radius.

Contact Kathleen on 0418 194 514 Self-managed, plan-managed, agency-managed clients welcomed. 4WD access not a problem.

HOUSE LEVELLING AND RESTUMPING DECKS & STAIRS

One stump or a complete house. No House too low.

Country calls welcome and prompt attention guaranteed

Please contact Gary on 0428 542 705.

QBCC Licence 51455.

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

JUN 8: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

JUN 9: Country Music afternoon CANCELLED

JUN 12: Dee River Oldies Group - Bus Trip to Emu Park for morning tea then on to Yeppoon for lunch. Bus leaves at 8.30 am from the bus stop in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan. Cost is $50 which includes bus trip, morning tea and lunch. Please pay your money to secure your seat.

JUN 18: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).

JUN 22: Saturday - Wally Hall Memorial 3 Person Ambrose, Mount Morgan Golf Club.

JUN 26: Dee River Oldies Group - Musical Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be helod in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes.

JUN 29: Red Carpet: Hollywood Glamour at Soldiers’ Rooms. 7 pm start.

JUL 13: Baree Markets, Baree School of Arts, Creek St, Baree. 8 am start. 12 noon finish.

JUL 16: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Come along and put your ideas forward.

JUL 21: Country Music afternoon 12 noon till 4 pm. Multi-draw raffle. Lucky Door. Adults $10, children $3. Bar operating. Light refreshments available. Soldiers’ rooms - Morgan Street.

JUL 24: Dee River Oldies Group - ‘Christmas in July’ Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes. Come along and enjoy the morning.

JUL 27: Hillbilly Hoedown - Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 7 pm start.

JUL 28: Men’s Shed Tool Sale. 8 am start. Dee Bowls Club.

JUL 28: Sunday. Men’s and Ladies’ Open Championships, Mount Morgan Golf Club.

JUL 30 : Well Women’s Clinic - Phone 4912 5100 for bookings.

AUG 10: Mount Morgan Show. Mount Morgan Showgrounds.

AUG 27: Well Women’s Clinic - Phone 4912 5100 for bookings.

SEPT 1: Mount Morgan Morgan Wattle Day. Mount Morgan Railway Complex. Starts 9 am - finishing 2.30 pm.

SEPT 15: Sunday. CQ Sand Green Championships, Mount Morgan Golf Club.

SEPT 28: Happy Days - Mods and Rockers, Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Room from 7 pm.

LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH

Green Shed from 7 pm. Phone 0412 502 937

MOUNT MORGAN RSL SUB BRANCH INC

Social gathering 2nd and 4th Thursdays monthly 3 pm to 6 pm.

Business meeting 3rd Saturday monthly 10am 1 Cornes Street, Mount Morgan

FOR SALE: Fire wood, Struck Oil now. Ute or trailer

$120. Delivery $90. Pick up yourself, 61 Archer Road, Struck Oil. Phone: 0428 277 421.

STALL HOLDERS WANTED

1st SEPT. 2024 9 am - 2.30 pm Historic Mount Morgan Railway Complex For more information contact: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au

NEXT EDITION WEDNESDAY, 19 June 2024

All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 11 June 2024 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312

Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au

If you don’t receive your Argus, please contact us. PAINTER: Semi-retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257.