MMPAD NEWS

from The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18 Issue 11

by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc.

Fire spate strains regional resources

MMPAD as part of its core business continues to manage the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Explore Centre under contractual arrangements with Rockhampton Regional Council as well as producing the fortnightly Mount Morgan Argus.

Nearing the end of the Financial Year, visitation statistics show an increase on numbers from 20212022.

MMPAD continues to work with Advance Rockhampton on various promotional and developmental local community projects.

Grants

MMPAD has continued to apply for funding for community-related projects and the purchase of new equipment.

New Equipment - GCBF

MMPAD was advised that they were successful in receiving over $21,000 for the purchase of new equipment including a PA System, BBQ, Baine Marie, chairs and more.

Business Basics - Branding Project

After a rigorous process, MMPAD has been advised that its application for a $5000 Business Basics Grant was successful. MMPAD and various community members consider that Mount Morgan’s identity or brand appears to be “getting lost” amongst the regional marketing push.

Mount Morgan still has various established attractions but this grant will help reestablish a brand for Mount Morgan using a professional, independent facilitator. Businesses and community organizations will be called to provide input and attend the facilitated workshop.

CBD Project

MMPAD was also successful in receiving $12,000 from the Federal Government’s last round of Stronger Communities Funding for the Mount Morgan CBD Project – Links to its historic past.

Rockhampton Regional Council has also provided funding to assist with this project. This project involves the establishment of five QR-coded signs which will have short videos showcasing Mount Morgan’s CBD over the years, with images and stories from the busy mining town until the present day.

The short productions for the QR Posts are being undertaken by Busby Films. This company has been contracted by Heritage Minerals to produce the Mount Morgan Mine documentary and have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of Mount Morgan’s incredible history.

The QR-coded signs are to be coordinated with existing interpretive signage in Morgan Street and will be placed in Morgan, East, and Dee streets at appropriate locations.

This project will include the production and placement of brass plaques on the footpaths outside businesses in the CBD. Information on the plaques will reflect the previous lives of these locations. This project will be finished by December 2023. Please keep a lookout for our initial short promotional video describing some details and an overview of the project. This marketing tool will be used across social and other media outlets.

MMPAD has been assisted by some passionate locals on identifying some names and locations of previous businesses. Mount Morgan Historical Museum has also contributed many historical photographs. This assistance has been outstanding, but to ensure that the information in the videos is as comprehensive as possible, MMPAD is still seeking further assistance.

If anyone has information, stories or photos of the old shops in Mount Morgan’s CBD area including the Dee and Central Street corner vicinity, please contact MMPAD on mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au.

Events

MMPAD is currently planning for Wattle Day which will be held on 2 September 2023. There will be free creative workshops and amusement rides as well as market stalls and entertainment. Headlining the entertainment will be Brittany Elise and Band who are currently playing in the home of country music - Nashville, Tennessee and professional Rockhampton entertainer, Denveh. Local entertainers Amanda and Alisha Sealey, Sabaya Belly Dancers, John Batley and family, Peter Howcroft and the crew from Blue Eagle Productions - Clint, Ian and Jodie will ably support the main acts.

Murray and Diane Hare from the Golden Mount Nursery have come on board again this year, growing and providing Mount Morgan Wattle Tree seedlings given to patrons free of charge. We are also having Devonshire Teas. It is certainly shaping up to be a fantastic event. If you would like a stall form, please contact mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au.

MMPAD is also looking forward to working with the business community for the 2023 Buy Local Campaign. MMPAD is also planning Christmas Events and Activities.

Accreditation

Each year the Mount Morgan Explore Centre (formerly the Visitor Information Centre) undergoes a rigorous process as part of our commitment to business excellence. Being an Accredited business under the Quality Tourism Framework means that MMPAD has been recognised for delivering quality promotion for the community attractions and businesses.

Rollingstock

The Hunslet Locomotive is now alongside the platform as a static display with thanks to volunteers and Aurizon for their wonderful efforts. A full report on this appeared in Issue 6 of the Argus. MMPAD is working with Aurizon to assist with the relocation of other rollingstock to be in a preferred location to allow restoration.