The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18 Issue 13

Left: Sub Branch President, David McKenzie, Diane Miltenburg and Ian Traynor

Friday, 21 July heralded a new era for what locals affectionately call “Footbridge Corner”, when the venue was officially handed over to the Mount Morgan RSL Sub Branch.

The Mount Morgan Community Support Centre Inc. (known as Footbridge Corner) due to it being located next to the tourist stop of a footbridge, had its starting point February 2001 with doors opened May 2002, from a result of a high incidence of suicides within the community.

Incorporation was achieved in August 2001, with the building purchased with a grant from Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Fund, and the Official Opening was held on Saturday, 1 November 2003.

Life Line C.Q. was instrumental in helping with set up costs and what started out with the valued help of many Volunteers, providing a safe place to meet for a cuppa and chat, evolved into a ‘hub’ of a multi-cultural facility which bridged the community and promoted the empowerment of individuals.

Footbridge Corner partnered with Qld Health with ‘after school activities’ commencing May 2004 and the Community Garden officially commenced September 4 of the same year, with the planting of our first fruit tree by the then Mayor Stan Lean.

Some of the many services and activities have included; the Centrelink Agent, the ATO Tax Help programme, Emergency Relief Programme, Youth Justice, Work for the Dole projects, Neighbourhood Watch, Service Clubs and other organizations, JP Service, Scrapbook Workshops, Weight Watches and Lighten Up Programme, just to name a few.

In accordance to the rules of Incorporation, the Footbridge Corner building has now been transferred over to the Mount Morgan Sub-branch of the RSL to continue with a renewed vision, to not only serve the returned service men and women but the Mount Morgan community as a whole.

The need to re-establish the RSL brand within the community and be able to provide support to Veterans of Mount Morgan was

the driving force behind the Sub Branch looking for alternative premises, according to Secretary, David McKenzie.

“When the Sub Branch was reraised in 2020, the plan was to provide a hub for ex-service personnel of all arms of the services, could use to access information and assistance, weather they are a member of our local Sub Branch. The Sub Branch will continue as a Community support hub for small non for profit groups and will become more active in community through short VET courses.

The Sub Branch intends to use the building as a hub to bring other veterans groups with the view to assist veterans whether they are members of our Sub Branch or the RSL.

“We began looking in 2021/22, with the RSSILA building having been sold to the community in 2000, while the building is the RSL’s traditional home, it didn’t suit our needs to provide assistance to community and Veterans today,” he said.

SUMMIT COTTAGES CLOSURE

Since the news of the impending closure of Carinity Summit Cottages in Mount Morgan, there has been a range of media coverage and community concern. The below is a summary of the reasons behind closure and future plans as outlined by Carinty’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Mr Brett Maunder.

• The decision to close Summit Cottages was purely based on the organisation being unable to attract and retain a sustaianable long-term registered nurse workforce in Mount Morgan.

• This is currently being filled by staff from other locations in the regiona and is not a viable long-term solution.A number of options were considered, but closure was the only viable option. While December has been flagged as a closure date, there is no set date for this to occur.

• The organisation will look for opportuities to redeploy Summit Cottages staff to other Carinity services in the Rockhampton areas.

• Where no alternate positions can be identified, staff will be paid a redundancy along with their accrued entitlements.Carinty has committed to work with residents and their families to find suitable alternative accommodation. In a majority of cases, this is likely to be in Rockhampton

• Residential aged care has operated in Mount Morgan since 1993, with Carinty operating the facility since 2013.No decision has been made on what will happen to the Summit Cottages property.

Member for Flynn, Mr Colin Boyce has written to the Federal Health Minister on this matter but has not received a response. Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc [MMPAD] supports Mr Boyce’s action in sending a letter to the Health Minister and awaits further information following the response. MMPAD is empathetic towards the community’s concerns about the closure and hopes for a satisfactory resolution for all involved .

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

12 AUGUST 2023

8.00 AM TO 8.00 PM

LICENSED BAR SIDE SHOW ALLEY

MARKET STALLS

HORSE & CATTLE EVENTS

ARTS AND CRAFT

PHOTOGRAPHY

LEGO COMPETITION

COOKERY AND PRESERVES

FARM, GARD EN AND HORTICULTURE

POULTRY

CAGED BIRDS

HISTORICAL MOTOR BIKES DISPLAY

FREE ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDES –

GILMORE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

PIG AND DUCK RACES

FIREWORKS

EDEN BANN CUTIES PETTING ZOO

CURLY LOU’S TWISTED BALLOONS

PARTY FACE FACE PAINTING

MINERS CHELLENGE

Gat e Fees

Pathways to Bright Futures

The staff from Mount Morgan High School had the privilege of touring the Heritage Minerals Mount Morgan Mine site on Tuesday, 18 July.

The group was hosted and escorted on the historic site by Heritage Minerals, Mine Manager and Site Senior Executive (SSE) Shane Charlton.

The visit was incredibly informative and provided an in-depth understanding of the project and the scope of work that is planned for the historical site. The school has been in consultations with Heritage Minerals taking a proactive approach in preparing to support local students and the community with future career opportunities in the mining industry.

This initiative is aimed at helping bridge the gap between education and industry, providing students with valuable insights and potential pathways for their future careers. By engaging with mining companies like Heritage Minerals, the school can not only offer valuable learning experiences for the students but also create avenues for work experience, traineeships/apprenticeships, or other forms of collaboration that could benefit both the students and the innovative company in the long run.

Mining is a significant industry that can offer diverse career paths, from engineering and geology to environmental science and management.

By fostering these connections and exposing students to the industry at an early stage, the school can play a crucial role in nurturing an industry ready talent pool as well as supporting the local community’s economic development.

The school plans to integrate this knowledge into its educational programs and career development initiatives for the students with the potential to create positive impacts on the community’s future.

Story submitted by Justene Webb

Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc is one of 18 Community organisations in the Flynn electorate sharing in over $150,000 in funding for small-scale projects, upgrades and new equipment that they need and deserve.

MMPAD received $12,000 towards the “Mount Morgan CBD – Links to its historic past” project which involves the development of QR-coded interpretive signage and production of brass plaques affixed to the footpath outside of businesses in Morgan and East Streets. This project will provide self-guided tour opportunities.

Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Programme is providing local governing bodies and community

groups funding for projects of up to $20,000.

Announcing the successful grant recipients, Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce said more funding for the Flynn electorate would deliver the infrastructure and equipment our communities need to be successful and grow.

“This funding of between $2,500 and $20,000 to community groups will allow them to spend more on their essential activities,” Mr Boyce said.

“This type of investment brings people together by strengthening social connections, building community participation, and delivering a brighter and more vibrant future for communities.

FLYNN COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS SHARE IN OVER $150,000

July 1 has been dreaded by age care providers across the country, the 24/7 registered nurses requirement hits the sector amidst a severe workforce crisis.

Just recently, it was announced Carinity Summit Cottages (Summit Cottages), the residential aged care service located in Mount Morgan will close. They advised the ongoing nation-wide shortage of aged care staff, combined with Mount Morgan’s regional location, has made staffing the facility increasingly difficult in recent months.

Analysis shows that an additional four fulltime registered nurses and 6.5 fulltime personal care workers are required to have a sustainable long-term workforce at Summit Cottages. Despite ongoing efforts, Carinity has been unable to recruit sufficient staff to fill these vacancies.

Given the national care workforce shortage and increased difficulty recruiting staff; the low likelihood this can be overcome in Mount Morgan; and the increase in expectations from the community and regulators regarding staffing levels in aged care

communities, the only viable option for Carinity is to commence a staged closure of Summit Cottages. The Department of Health and Aged Care has revealed that over the next three months, the aged care sector is 8,100 nurses short of being able to meet Labor’s staffing requirement, which they brought forward against the recommendation of the Royal Commission.

As the aged care sector deals with the immense stress of trying to fulfill this requirement when the workforce is just not there, we know that facilities have already had to close and many more are considering this option – forcing older Australians out of their homes.

I intend to speak on this issue at the next sitting of Parliament as our regional communities and older Australians deserve better.

Parliament will not be sitting until next week. In the meantime, I have written a letter to the Health Minister, but have yet to receive a reply.

If you would like to follow the media I have done on this topic you can do so by following:

https://www.facebook.com/100064002399357/ videos/242984128538438.

Colin Boyce - Member for Flynn

MEN’S SHED CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

and benefit from an interchange of skills and information. Each shed is different, catering for local needs and interests under a broad set of national objectives.

Up until the covid outbreak the shed operated at the hospital with the donation of some woodworking machinery. Wodturning was the main activity but members were able to turn up for a cuppa and a chat with no obligation to be active. A number of hospital patients became involved including the late Joe James.

When the hospital required what was the workshop, the group was able to use the former mower shed at the Dee Bowls Club. With some grant money and some donations the group was able equip this space to make a reasonable workshop.

The shed membership has remained small – about 10 members- but active with limited resources. There has been a number of projects undertaken which has raised funds to improve the facilities. Some members undertake personal projects that are able to raise funds for their hobbies as well as the shed. The shed’s focus is dynamic, dependant on members interests, skills and finances.

“We haven’t built a boat, but we could,” President Andy Johnson said.

The Mount Morgan shed has chosen to welcome female members and has benefit from a wide range of skills.

It is said that “necessity is the mother of invention” and this is certainly the case with Mount Morgan’s Men’s Shed which celebrated 10 years on 15 July.

The ‘new’ Mount Morgan Hospital was built with a space next to the doctors surgery with the intended purpose of providing an activities area suitable for male long stay patients. It was later realised that there was a national organisation whose aims aligned sympathetically with the hospital.

An open meeting was advertised with the intention of forming the Mount Morgan Men’s Shed and an interim committee was formed with the intention of becoming an incorporated oganisation.

The shed movement intended to improve men’s mental and physical health by providing a venue where men could gather with a common goal

Some of the ladies who join wish to learn some basic skills, for example if they are renovating. Others are already skilled in wood work, eg, Angela (or one of our ladies) has been woodcarving and working with wood for over 30 years.

In the early days of settlement it was often the woman’s job to make the artifacts for the home, including some of the furniture whilst the men did the hard yacka in the mines or the fields.

NEW BUSINESS IN MORGAN STREET

The shop incorporates the latest security measures to ensure it is compliant with the standards for firearm storage as legislated by the Queensland Government. Owned and operated by Licensed Firearm Dealer, Eric Stevenson. The business sells New and Used firearms, categories A, B,C,D and H and holds the Firearm Dealer License Number 50001499. They also buy suitable used firearms and are an active participant in the ongoing National Firearms Amnesty. You can hand into Mount Morgan Guns any unregistered or unwanted firearms or ammunition with no penalty.

Please call Eric Stevenson on 0417006591 to arrange drop off or pick up of firearms, ensure the firearm is covered, unloaded with bolt and magazine removed if possible.

A new business has opened in Morgan Street. Mount Morgan Guns has been a licensed Firearm dealer since 2014 and has opened a Queensland Police Weapons Licensing approved retail shop at 69 Morgan Street between Mount Morgan Outdoors and the Bakery .

Community Information Session

Mount Morgan Guns also sells a variety of firearms accessories and ammunition, offers secure storage of firearms and can process Permits to Acquire at the shop as well.

Mount Morgan Guns services the needs of Sporting Shooters and the farming Community where firearms are an essential tool to control feral pests such as wild pigs.

Heritage Minerals will host a sausage sizzle for all interested residents at 5pm 31 July 2023 at the Mount Morgan High School. The BBQ will be an opportunity for staff from Heritage Minerals to mingle with members of the Mount Morgan community. Heritage Minerals will provide a brief project update and there will be an opportunity for everyone to discuss the latest project news.

All Mount Morgan residents are welcome.

PHONE LIZZY ON 0408 262 505

That Truck & Bobcat Bloke

ABN: 35 347 197 734

New

Renovations

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

DINE IN - TAKEAWAY

Mark Humphreys’ Electrical

8 Baldwin Street

Mount Morgan 4714

Electrical Lic. No. 74711

Phone: 0439 727 609

FAX: 4938 2885

Domestic, Rural, Commercial Installation and Repairs, Promptly Servicing Mount Morgan & Wowan Districts

DAWSON’S DO & CHARGE

ABN: 24 757 904 038

Dawson Green - Mount Morgan Local NO JOB TOO SMALL!

CALL DAWSON ON 0413 825 787

Email - hdgreen@bigpond.com

Most Home Repairs - Doors, Windows, Walls, Gates, Patch & Paint

I will not accept jobs over $3,300.00

Servicing

Lic. No. 19514

ABN: 30 706 300 266 Mark

MOUNT MORGAN OUTDOORS

TELEPHONE: 0417 006 591

camping gear and Metal detectors [Prospecting Equipment & Metal detectors] Fossicking advice

Gear - Fishing Gear - Bait - Archery - 4 x 4 Gear

Gifts & Collectables - Militaria

Television Antenna Sales & Installation

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

MOUNT MORGAN BUSINESS AND SERVICES

DIRECTORY

Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc is continually updating its Business and Services Directory used at the Mount Morgan Visitior Information (Explore) Centre and Railway Museum. If you have any new contact details that you would like to include or if you are unsure if you are listed, please contact MMPAD on 4938 2312 or email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au. This information is

Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 Po Box 91

Mt Morgan

Tilt Truck Service, Excavator

Slashing, Mowing, Tractor and Poison Spraying

Licenced Poisons Contractor

Discover the difference! Meet Angela Douglas: Local area agent

Knowledgeable about the local community Listens to your needs

Proven results over and over Free, no hassle appraisals

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

Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz

Mobile Dog Clipping

Phone Des: 0447 275 402

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.

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.

Sandi Wood your local consultant

Phone: 4922 1269

fmckfunerals@live.com.au

There are many reasons to visit Rockhampton Regional Libraries, with regular events, special activities and competitions taking place throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the comfortable air-conditioned reading and study spaces, free wifi and computers, and dedicated children’s areas. Sign up for a free library card to take home a selection of magazines, DVDs, audiobooks and books for no cost, or access our great range of online digital resources from your own device 24/7.

Author Talks

Fans of bushrangers, true crime, and local history should head on down to the Rockhampton Southside Library on Friday 28 July for a fascinating talk by local author Jane Comollatti. She will be sharing her recently published book Bushrangers: Crimes against the Postal Service which features the stories of bushrangers Frank Gardiner, Frederick Ward and James Alpin MacPherson.

On Thursday, 24 August, there’s a connection to the Mount, when journalist and author Warren Nunn presents an illustrated talk at Southside about his book I’ll show you gold This biography of

LIBRARY NEWS

the life of Mount Morgan resident goldminer, butcher and publican, Henry Aldridge is one of surprising twists, turns and scandal!

Both author events start at 10:00am and are free and open to all. Please call Library Administration on 4936 8043 for more information or to book your spot.

Play ǀ Read ǀ Sing

A free regular activity aimed at children under five, Play ǀ Read ǀ Sing runs every Monday morning at the Mount Morgan Library, and is an exciting half-hour filled with rhymes, songs and books.

Did you know that singing songs and rhymes to young children helps them to understand spoken language, recognise sound patterns (such as rhyming words and common rhythms) and exposes them to words and concepts they may not encounter in regular daily life?

If you have a little one, why not sign them up for their very own library card? Children under five receive a free First 5 Forever (F5F) bag of goodies, including their very own picture and nursery rhyme books, and a F5F rubber duckie to make bath time even more fun!

Please note that Play ǀ Read ǀ Sing

DEE RIVER OLDIES

Hearing the news of Carinity Summit Cottages closing in December has been disturbing news for many Dee River Oldies members, especially when many are nearing the age for the consideration of future options.

While we are aware that not all Mount Morgan’s residents call Carinty Summit Cottages home, there are a good number of people in Mount Morgan who will require this facility at some stage.

At the heart of the problem is the need for a registered nurse to be on staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is now a requirement of the Government that was introduced to ensure that occupants of these facilities always have access to a high standard of

is now at the new time of 10:00am.

Financial Information Sessions

Services Australia have been running financial information sessions at all Rockhampton Regional Libraries throughout 2023. These free workshops are led by Margie from Services Australia, and are relaxed, informal sessions with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The next Mount Morgan session is on the topic of planning for retirement and will be held on Friday 1 September at 9:30am. Please call Library Admin on 4936 8043 for more information or visit your local library for a full list of upcoming dates and topics across all branches.

The Mount Morgan Library is located at 31 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan and can be contacted on phone 4936 8169. Members can borrow and return library items from any of our Rockhampton Regional Libraries in Mount Morgan, Gracemere and Rockhampton.

For more information about library services or membership, please contact the Libraries Administration Office on phone 4936 8043 Monday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.

health care available.

These facilities are caught between a rock and a hard place – if no registered nurses are on staff and something happens, this opens the door for litigation.

We are keen to be involved in a community meeting with all stakeholders that may offer a resolution to the present situation, without which, will inevitably worsen in time.

The indomitable spirit of Mount Morganites will ensure that we can pull together to pursue a solution for the betterment of all residents – both young and old.

Check out the ‘Save the Date’ on the back page of the Argus for upcoming happenings.

Submitted by the Steering Committee - Carol Glover 4938 1995 or Colleen Constable on 0427 161 131.

MINERS’ MEMORY HONOURED IN MUSIC

The Mount Morgan miners who died in Mine accidents in the early 1900’s will be remembered in music when local musician Suzie Camm writes the music for “Linda Memorial, Mount Morgan’ a project which she received funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. The instrumental piece is being written for two violins, a viola and a cello and will be performed hopefully at the Linda Memorial site in the Mount Morgan Cemetery. Suzie has lived in Mount Morgan for nine years, where she completed my PhD in music following her Masters at Melbourne University.

“This project follows on from works I composed during the Doctorate which were based on music for grief and how we respond to grief with music,” she said.

“I had two field trips, one to the 15th anniversary of 9/11 (which I composed a symphony in response), and Belarus and the Ukraine, including a visit to Chernobyl to compose a work for strings in dedication to the liquidators who gave their life in the clean up.”

“Mount Morgan is a welcoming town, so having the opportunity to commemorate something that makes the town what it is, like the mine, is a privilege. It’s all too easy to forget these dark days of the mine, except perhaps for relatives still living.

“I would like to reach out to anyone who has a connection with these miners that were lost to tell their story by contacting me, in turn this will assist in the writing process of the string quartet and make it authentic as it will be based on the memory of those with a connection to the mine itself,” she said.

The serenity of the town has given me much inspiration as a composer, so it’s great to give backusing my craft,” she said.

Mount Morgan in Pictures

By Catherine McIntosh, descendant of the

Stubbs family of Mount Morgan

Dr Oliver Smithson, F.R.C.S.

The above 1915 caricature of Mount Morgan medico, Oliver Smithson, depicts a confident, moustachioed gentleman in a suit with whimsical eyebrows, smoking a cigar at the corner of his mouth and holding a cane. A photograph of the doctor has proved difficult to find, so his caricature is the next best thing.

Titbits about the doctor’s character and abilities can be found in the verse to his caricature. By way of background, research suggests that the doctor was personable and well-travelled. He would entertain his many friends with amusing anecdotes about his journeys to far-flung places. He was also an athlete, having won trophies for running. However, in an era when horses (‘gee-gees’) were the main mode of transport, the doctor was apparently a poor rider. In patient emergencies, he would, therefore, walk or run (‘foot it’).

The verse reads:

‘An interesting man to meet (Friends like to hear the doctor talk), Who on a horse can’t keep his seat, So has to cycle or to walk, In fact, in urgent cases he Is asked (this is the way wits put it): Not to depend upon gee-gee, But if he’d save his patients, “foot it”’.

Oliver Cromwell Smithson was born into a distinguished medical family in West Yorkshire, England, in 1872. Continuing the family tradition, he qualified as a physician in England in 1896 and became a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (F.R.C.S.) (Ireland) in 1909. He practised at a hospital near London for almost a decade before coming to Australia.

The earliest newspaper records of the doctor in Australia appear to be in 1910. He advertised a medical practice in Brisbane, specialising in ‘diseases of women’. He also wrote a highly publicised scientific paper on ‘Mossman fever’ that same year (‘Mossman’ as in tropical North Queensland).

colonial

Above: c. 1908 / View of Mount Morgan from the General Hospital on Hospital Hill (Photograph by J. H. Lundager, State Library of Queensland). Inset: 1915 / Caricature of Dr Oliver C. Smithson (18721919), Mount Morgan (Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 19001954), 14 March 1915).

Mount Morgan In Pictures...From Page 14

In February 1911, the doctor secured the prestigious position of Resident Surgeon at Mount Morgan’s first hospital, the General. The hospital paid him a generous annual salary of £600 and provided him with a furnished house, including utilities. His employment contract stipulated that he wasn’t allowed to run a private practice.

True to form, the weekly tabloid, Truth, which published the above caricature, satirised the doctor on his appointment:

‘Dr. Oliver Smithson, who is an expert in the many beastly and peculiar diseases of the tropics, has been appointed Head Carver [surgeon] at Mount Morgan hospital …’

Fifteen months and 300 operations later, the doctor resigned from this role, possibly because he wanted to start his own practice. The General Hospital immediately re-employed him as Assistant Medical Officer with a salary of £250 per annum (still a large amount for those days) and the right to practise privately. The doctor advertised his new practice in the Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 18781954) in April 1912:

‘Campion Street, Mount Morgan. Dr. Oliver Smithson has commenced PRACTICE at the above address’.

Although the doctor had demanding work commitments, he was involved with several local boards, committees and clubs. For example, he was a member of the Mount Morgan Medical Board, Ambulance Brigade Committee, School of Arts Committee and Gun Club.

With the First World War looming, the doctor joined the Australian Army Medical Corps as Captain (provisionally). His service record at the National Archives states he held this rank from 1913 to 1915, and there’s no indication he served abroad.

Always looking for new challenges, the doctor took up a position as Medical Officer to Emerald Hospital, Central Queensland, in mid-1915. Before his departure from Mount Morgan, the Morning Bulletin commented that he was a ‘general favourite’ about town, who ‘will carry with him the good wishes of a large circle of friends’.

The genial and talented (with the exception of riding) doctor became ill in early 1919 when he was Government Medical Officer at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. He passed away later that year of heart disease in Inverell, northwest of Coffs Harbour (aged 47). His wife survived him. As the above verse points out, he was ‘an interesting man’ – to say the least.

The Australian Country Hospital Heritage Association displays images of the General Hospital, Mount Morgan, and its early medical and nursing staff at www.achha.org.au.

Get snapping for the Sustainability in Action Photo Competition

It’s time to get your cameras out as today marks World Environment Day and the opening of Council’s Sustainability in Action photo competition.

Water and Environmental Councillor Donna Kirkland said whether you’re fighting food waste, recycling right, using active transport, finding energy efficiencies, being water wise or looking after our local habitat and waterways, this competition is for you.

“The Sustainability in Action photo competition recognises and celebrates how our local households and schools are putting sustainability into action in their everyday lives,” Cr Kirkland said.

“I’m always so impressed by the calibre of entries received in this competition and am excited to open it up to not only schools this year, but also the broader community.

“The addition of the household category will allow us to showcase how simple household habits can make a big difference to our local environment.

SES NEWS

“So, get your cameras out and photograph how your household or school is putting sustainability into action as we celebrate World Environment Day.”

Top photo tips

• Feature the people (eg. people tending to the kitchen garden)

• Capture the theme (eg. growing your own food)

• Highlight the action (eg. regularly watering the kitchen garden)

The competition is now open to all Rockhampton Region residents and closes at 5pm on Friday, 4 August 2023.

For more information or to submit your entry, please visit:

https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/ CommunityEvents/Environmental-Sustainability/Getinvolved/Sustainability-in-Action-Photo-Competition

Morgan Chapter 158, Order of the Eastern Star. These funds will go towards improving Mobile Phone reception at the SES facility on Showgrounds Rd.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Committee of the Mount Morgan Chapter 158, Order of the Eastern Star for their support over the years and would like to extend that thankyou to Alan Todd who is always a great promoter of the SES to the Masonic Lodges in the area.

Do you want to become a State Emergency Service Volunteer?

If you are interested and are able to join the SES (State Emergency Service), please visit:- www.qfes. qld.gov.au/join-our-team for further information about the SES and “Register your interest” through the link on the site.

For many years now there have been several SES (State Emergency Service) Groups in our area that have been beneficiaries of donations of money and equipment from the Masonic Lodges in the area. Mount Morgan SES Group has been one of those beneficiaries on several occasions of donations of equipment and funding over the years. Some of the items were, funding towards an equipment shed, 12 Volt Vehicle Fridge, e Flare Kits to provide safety to SES Volunteers conducting Traffic Control Operations and CPR Manikins for training.

On Monday, 3 July 2023 the Mount Morgan Group received a visit from Mr Alan Todd who is the Treasurer of the Lodge and also an active SES volunteer. Alan presented Group Leader – Lyn Porter (pictured) with a cheque for $1400.00 which was from the Mount

Chapter 158 of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) also made a donation of $1400 to the Mount Morgan State High School which will be divided into three portions and presented to students who are pursuing tertiary education. The OES is winding up after operating in Mount Morgan for more than 60 years. OES Members Bruce Rogers and Allan Todd are pictured with High School Principal, Dan Petersen.

Trail riders pass through Mount Morgan

Many people set themselves goals to achieve in life. A group of riders have set the goal of travelling Australia’s National Trail (formerly known as the Bicentennial Trail). This group of trail riders are in their fourth year of traversing the 5000-plus kilometre trail. The group try and ride a section over a two-week period each year – there are a total of 12 sections.

Organiser, Phill Yates said the National Trail Maps have been updated, with the National Trail being intended to be traversed by foot, on horse or on bike, the trail follows the back streets of Mount Morgan to avoid the main road via travelling along Showground Road, East Street South, Darcy Street East Street and Baree Road.

“We have completed sections 1,2,3 and now only just completed section 4. Our small team commenced riding the National Trail heading out from Cook Town in 2018 - however we were interrupted by Covid 19,” Phill said.

“This year, our team consisted of 10 riders and 1 support crew, this is most riders that we have had on our annual ride since commencing.”

“Over the past four rides, we have carried out fund raising for the Sporting Chance Cancer foundation. On the previous three rides, we have been raising funds to provide for self-administering equipment for children with terminal cancer in regional and remote areas of Queensland.

This equipment allows the children and parents to remain at home rather than in hospital, often great distances from home.This year the riders have focused on raising funds to assist Susan Johnson in her Oncology Psychology support role for kids with cancer at the Brisbane Childrens Hospital.

So far they have raised approximately $17,500.00 with the Sporting Chance Foundation matching our fund raising - Dollar for Dollar so we are hopeful of raising close to $ 40,000.00.

“We have raised approximately $70,000 in total which along with Sporting Chances matching of funds raised, this would equate to approximately $ 140,000.00 over the 4 rides.

“The idea of riding the National trail was suggested by Paul Maher, my good friend of nearly 55 years, whom I started kindergarten with in 1969.

“Incidentally Paul turned 60 on the 20th July, I can remember watching a very grainy image of the man landing on the moon along side Paul,” Phill said. Next year, the riders will continue to raise funds for the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, Our focus will be advised by Sporting Chance prior to commencing our 5th section of the ride.

“While we raise funds as a group, we are also raising funds individually for the same cause.

“Fund raising is often done by emailing to family and friends, advising them of our cause and requesting their support.

“As we ride along the track, we run raffles at a few of the venues which we pass through, A chat with Macca on “Australia All Over” saw a local farmer track us down and providing us with a very generous donation while passing the Cania Gorge.

“Our single support crew, is our mild mannered reporter “Greg West” who drives “Smokey” our old 80 series Landcruiser and supplies trailer.”

Greg follows the team and often has to divert around difficult sections of the track, travelling distances of up to 250 kilometres to meet the team further along the track, while also carrying out re-fuelling and topping up of supplies. The costs to participate on the ride is approximately $ 2,500.00 per person. This covers flights, accommodation [where available], food and fuel.

Phil said he would like to pass on their thanks to Debi and Dave at the Silver Wattle Caravan Park for looking after the crew and for their extreme generosity.

The National Trail follows historic coach and stock routes, old pack horse trails, mail runs and country roads for over 5000 kilometres through Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. Wherever possible, along its great length, the Trail provides a living history of our country, following the routes of early pioneers and highlighting historic and heritage sites and artifacts along the way.As it winds along Australia’s eastern seaboard the Trail reveals some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. It traverses lush tropical rainforests, rugged mountains, valleys and gorges, remote dry plains, alpine meadows, snowfields and wilderness.

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

JULY 26: 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. Come along and enjoy the morning catching up.

JULY 29: Christmas in July Cent Sale held by Mount Morgan Rodeo Association. School of Arts, Morgan Street. Doors open 12 noon for 1 pm start.

JULY 29: Ladies’ Open Championships Mount Morgan Golf Club, Burnett Highway. 9 am Shotgun start.

JULY 30: Men’s Open Championships Mount Morgan Golf Club, Burnett Highway. 9 am Shotgun start.

AUG 5: Country Music Afternoon. Adults $10, Children - $3.00. Raffles, Lucky Door and snacks available from the bar. 12 noon to 4 pm. Mount Morgan Soldiers Rooms, 18 Morgan Street.

AUG 12: Mount Morgan Show. Mount Morgan Showgrounds.

AUG 15: 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).

AUG 23: Dee River Oldies Group - ‘Damper Day at the Hall’ starting at 11 am to be held at St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Damper and syrup for morning tea followed by savoury mince and rice for lunch.

SEPT 2: Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc - Wattle Day Festival from 9.30 am until 2.30 pm. Live entertainment and more.

SEPT 9: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

SEPT 12: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

SEPT 23: Mount Morgan Citizen’s Club Medieval Dance at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. Starts 7 pm $10 Adults. $3 children.

OCT 14: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

NOV 11: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

NOV 18: QCWA Cent Sale. School of Arts, Morgan Street. More details to be advised.

NOV 21: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

DEC 9: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

NOTICE TO SHOW EXHIBITORS

When leaving show entries at the Mount Morgan Railway Station, please ensure that all paperwork and money is in an envelope with your name clearly printed on the front. For futher enquiries contact: mountmorganshow@gmail.com

LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH

MILL FIREWOOD FOR SALE

$80 WITH TRAILER

$100 DELIVERED MOUNT MORGAN

PHONE: 0428 277 421

Funeral Notice: Peter Bell (Belly) will be laid to rest at 10am Graveside Mount Morgan Cemetary on 27 July 2023.

Have something you need printed? or laminated?

Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.

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

MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH

Meets every third Monday at the Green Shed - Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.

Blue Care Trash & Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8 am to 12 noon Bags of clothing $5. Marion’s plants for sale.

MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.

Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays

Phone John on 0429 055 165

NEXT EDITION

MOUNT MORGAN WATTLE DAY FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER | 9.30AM TO 2.30 PM

MOUNT MORGAN RAILWAY COMPLEX

Free live entertainment with the Brittany Elise Band, Denvah and local artists

Devonshire Teas

FREE Balloon Twisting & Face Painting

Collect your Free Mount Morgan Wattle Seedling

Market Stalls and food Vans

BBQ Lunch

Free Amusement Rides

all at the mount morgan Wattle Day Festival!

FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

This is your chance to participate in:

• Indgenous Art Workshops with Faylyn Lamb

• Pottery and Mosaic Workshops with Louise Jones

• Circus Workshops with Meraki Circus

• Painting Workshops with Nancy Liddle

• Bush Survival and Fibre making Workshops with Rocky Instincts

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST WITH THE ARTISTS WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE MOUNT MORGAN WATTLE DAY FESTIVAL

MOUNT MORGAN

WATTLE DAY FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER | 9.30AM TO 2.30 PM

MOUNT MORGAN RAILWAY COMPLEX

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING BRITTANY ELISE BAND, DENVAH AND MORE!

FREE AMUSEMENT RIDES | ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS | MARKET STALLS

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT