Mount Morgan Argus 10th-24th September 2015

Volume 10 Issue 16

People in Profile Page 4

www.mountmorgan.org.au

10 September - 24 September 2015

Miners Memorial Day Service Page 6

Lorna McArthur Page 10

Developing our Future Leaders

Mum and Dad having fun with playdough and goop at “Early Childhood Educators Day”. Story page 9

Improvements for Tourists at Rail Museum

There are exciting new improvements at Mount Morgan’s Rail Museum for visiting tourists. Thanks to a generous grant from the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Community Assistance Program the Rail Museum now has brand new interpretive signs at the complex. The new signs which have been erected along the station platform replace the time worn and faded signs which were becoming too difficult to read.

The Rail Museum is also proud to introduce our new volunteer tour guide and Information Centre Officer Faylyn Cook (nee Lamb). Faylyn, of the Warabul Tribe, is a descendant of Granny Lamb and grew up here in

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Mount Morgan. She has 22 years’ experience working in hospitality and tourism and has been a tour guide on Great Keppel and Fraser Islands.

“Volunteering at the Information Centre and Rail Museum is great because I get to give back to the community I love”, she said. “Getting to meet people from all over Australia and the world and sharing knowledge about Mount Morgan with them is fantastic. I really enjoy enhancing the visitor experience so that they forever have fond memories of this great town.”

Pictured: Top. New signs at Mount Morgan Rail Museum Bottom. (left to right) Jeff Thomson (Berrigan, NSW), Faylyn Cook (Mount Morgan) and Jim Wilton (Mildura, VIC)

Pride in Your Town There is an old saying ‘Variety is the Spice of Life” and this week our Pride article will be just that. So to start we will just give a few “Snippets of History”.

The year is 1973. On the 11th September that year about fifty young people decided to form the Rotaract Club of Mount Morgan and held their initial meeting in the Boy Scouts Hut in Dee Street. The sponsorship was from the town’s Rotary Club. Sadly enthusiasm waned after some time and the club disbanded in future years.

In February of that year the State High School erected the Manual Training building at a cost of $69,000 in the grounds formerly occupied

by Carlton House. The old wooden and iron building in the school grounds had served the purpose since 1912. Carlton House was the residence of visiting Directors of Mount Morgan Limited. It was a spacious residence with 13 bedrooms and many ensuites. The grounds were always immaculate and also had a large fish pond. The house was relocated and became part of St. Faith Girls College in Yeppoon.

On the 9th August in that year history was made when a local boy, Gregory Barnes was ordained as a Catholic Priest at a public ceremony in the School of Arts by the Archbishop of Brisbane Rev. Francis Rush D.D.. Gregory Barne’s parents managed a drapery store in Morgan Street.

In December heavy rain fell in the Struck Oil area and completely filled the Big dam which overflowed and the Central part of the town became a flooded area. That particular year finished with 54.55 inches of rain.

With rain falling in every month of the year it was one of the best years of recorded rain.

In the April meeting of the Mount Morgan Shire Council, with the suggestion from the local Historical Society the Council adopted the Silver Wattle (acacia podalyriaefolia) as the floral emblem of the Mount Morgan Shire. This wattle tree is one of the prettiest of the species and it is sad that more trees are not grown in the town area. The best display of the trees is located on the western side of the Mine, a lovely site when in bloom. That concludes our Snippet notes.

Now for some truths on different aspects of life, firstly, truths that little children have learned.

1. No matter how hard you try, you cannot baptize a cat.

2. When your Mum is mad at your Dad, don’t let her brush your hair.

3. If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4. You cannot trust dogs to watch your food.

5. The best place to be when you are sad is Grandma’s lap.

All so very true, don’t you agree? As usual, Think Clean and Be Tidy.

Australian Life through a lens Twenty two images of Australian Life from across the country have been selected as finalists from more than a thousand entries in the prestigious Art & About Sydney photography competition.

Established and upcoming photographers from around the continent submitted images portraying Australian life in all its forms in a bid for one of the country’s biggest photography prizes.

With images of swimming pools and footy, the sea and sunset, finalists’ images capture the essence of Australian life.

This year’s finalists include: • Before The March: a group from all walks of life awaiting the Anzac Day march • The Big Splash: showing people playing in the water at Coogee • A yacht is dwarfed by an approaching storm as it tries to outrun it in Megaburst Approaching • Foam takes over Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta in They Came From The Sea • Local children cooling in the sea at Arnhem Land in Children Cooling Off At Dhiari Homeland • The backyard pool is one man’s pride and joy in Dad’s Pool • Currumbin Valley: shows swimmers and jumpers at Rock Pools in Queensland • A young girl plays on a smart phone during a Muslim men’s evening prayer in Call To Prayer.

“Last year we opened this competition to photographers across the country to give us their unique take on what Australian Life means to them,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“The images submitted are thought-provoking and inspiring.

“Selecting these finalists has already been a challenge for our judges and to pick an overall winner will be no mean feat.”

Event submissions may be emailed to mmpad@bigpond.com or via the wesite contact form at http://www.mountmorgan.org.au/contact; submitted in person at the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Tourist Information Centre or by phoning Angie on 4938 2312 (Project Officer, Tues Fri) 3

People in Profile ..

Natasha Lamb

by Heather Quarry

Due to popular demand, People in Profile articles are once again included in the Argus. I’d like to personally thank everyone who has been in contact with me about starting up this segment once again in our local paper. I think it is fitting to start with an interview that hadn’t gone to print earlier in the year, from one of our locals taking her journey into the life of medicine.

Natasha Lamb was born on the 20th of December 1973 and is the eldest of four children born to Rhonda and Trevor Lamb of Mount Morgan.

Born in Tamworth, N.S.W (where her mum’s family is from), Natasha says “I may have been born in Blues Territory, but I bleed Maroon; I am a Queenslander through and through. My dad just happened to be working in Tamworth when he met my mum.”

Primary and High school educational years were both carried out in Mount Morgan. In primary school Natasha remembers being teased a lot but looking back is thankful that it wasn’t as bad as it is these days with internet bullying via social media outlets such as Facebook. She liked playing sport but feels she wasn’t great at it and remembers having foot races with her father and brother down at Newman Oval when she was younger. She would have to start 20 metres ahead and still lost. Her dad would say “I wasn’t built for speed. I was built for endurance. In my later years at high school I would win races from the 400 metres upwards so I guess I was okay at it. I just enjoyed running. I was also in the swimming club in high school and I enjoyed being fit. I also enjoyed learning Tae Kwon Do”.

At school Natasha didn’t mix in big groups. “I had great friends which I still have contact with. I didn’t get into the *group* scene as we were always too busy with the Swimming Club and I think that helped me develop more as an individual. I am the first to admit I’m not a genius, and I have had to work hard to get where I am, but I don’t see that as a bad thing”. In high school, Physical Education (P.E.) and Science were the two areas of interest that stayed with her. “I wanted to be a P.E teacher straight out of high school. I had also applied to the University of Newcastle and was accepted into medicine through the Indigenous Program there but didn’t go at that time. I have had some terrific opportunities in my life.”

Following high school Natasha continued studying in the form of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Central Queensland (now CQ University) where she would later work as an Associate Lecturer. She Majored in Psychology and Counselling and after graduating worked at North Rocky High as an Indigenous Parent Participation Officer involved with working with parents and increasing their participation in the High school and across the associated Primary Schools. Natasha increased the ASSPA Committee member numbers, worked with parents from preschool through primary and high schools, being a link between the school and the home. She also introduced parents to literacy classes and Tafe courses. She found it rewarding and enjoyable being a link between school and home.

“I also passed my Masters of Research in Human Movement Science studies and was one of the first Indigenous Research Masters Graduates at CQU”.

Natasha had big dreams of running a Marathon but didn’t get around to it.

“It is still on my bucket list but I might have to make it a mini marathon now, or maybe a 5km walk”. Teaching, Medicine and becoming a Police Officer were some of the other fields she considered working in, but

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decided against the police force when she realised she couldn’t ever shoot anyone. Her field of choice finally became medicine, and even though there were a couple of hiccups with her degree, such as having her daughter, Eden, at the end of her fifth year, she graduated last year in November. “Without support from mum and dad I’d probably not have been able to finish. They helped so much, especially these last two years so I could graduate and finish my Intern year.”

When asked who the biggest influences in her life were, Natasha didn’t hesitate in her reply. “Dr Arthur Pascoe, a friend and colleague, has an amazing personal story and journey. He always told me *Courage is the antidote to fear* and if you want to change something, you are the only one who can make that change. Mum and dad were also a big influence in my life. They are very strong minded people, and I don’t think they realise how special they are. They raised all of us to be good people”.

Her advice for people in general is “there are always obstacles in life and it is up to you to choose how you respond to those obstacles – do you allow them to stop you from getting what you want or do you keep going after it anyway; it is up to you!”

There is much more to Natasha’s life than what is summarized in this one article. Hopefully we can bring more of her journey to you in later Argus issues.

Note: If you have access to the internet and use Facebook, there is a page called Mount Morgan Pride which gives not just updates on positive aspects of the Mount, but also has vast posts on the history of the town and its people that you might find interesting.

If you know of someone or you are someone that would like to share a little of your life with the people of Mount Morgan please give me a call on 0438135213 to organise an interview time.

WILDLIFE Matters

by Trish & Greg Mathers 0400 591 504

This is a tiny Feathertail glider with her four babies. They were all found on the ground in their nest at Lowmead. It would have been high in a Eucalypt tree and had been blown out by strong winds.

They were very fortunate to have been found by someone who realised that they were not just mice but a very precious local marsupial. They are very easily recognised by their flattened tail that resembles a feather. They have a gliding membrane between their elbows and knees and can glide more than twenty metres. They live in forests and eat pollen, nectar, sap and insects. They often live together in quite large family groups. They are rarely seen as they are so tiny but sometimes they may be brought home by cats so please check.

If it is a dead female, remember that there may be live babies in the pouch so contact a wildlife carer as soon as possible.

This family stayed with a carer for one night to be checked but was returned to the rescuer the following day. The nesting material was placed in a small nestbox and placed back in the same tree. It is very important to return wildlife to their original habitat if possible.

People who deliberately light fires are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of our beautiful native animals. They die horrific deaths from smoke inhalation to being burned alive. Ones that remain have lost their habitat and food supply. Please be more responsible.

MEDICARE TO LIST 30-MINUTE BREAST CANCER TREATMENT An innovative radiotherapy technique that has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of early breast cancer will become available and affordable for all eligible women under Medicare from tomorrow.

Leading breast cancer surgeon Professor Christobel Saunders, deputy head of UWA’s School of Surgery and consultant surgeon at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital and St John of God Hospital (Subiaco), said it was exciting to see Medicare approve a new treatment for the first time in many years.

Researchers from The University of Western Australia trialled the “targeted intra-operative radiotherapy” or TARGIT technique on almost 300 patients at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre as part of a worldwide study examining its effects on a total of more than 2,000 patients aged over 45.

The research found that 30 minutes of in-theatre radiation using TARGIT, could replace external beam radiotherapy and with less side-effects. The latest results of the randomised clinical trial were published in 2014 in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet.

“We’re delighted to see good evidence-based research translated into policy for the benefit of so many women, and at times, in the face of some fierce opposition,” Professor Saunders said.

“For eligible patients with early breast cancer, 30 minutes of in-theatre radiation could replace the more expensive and inconvenient six weeks of external beam radiotherapy. As well as the obvious benefits of completing all the necessary radiotherapy in a single session at the time of surgery, this method also almost completely avoids irradiation of other parts of the body such as the heart, lung and oesophagus.

Co-chairman of the TARGIT steering committee and consultant radiation oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Clinical Professor David Joseph said the Medicare-subsidised treatment would also mean reduced waiting lists and substantial savings for health-care systems in which breast cancer may account for a third of the workload in radiotherapy departments.

“The side effects of the TARGIT treatment were also less than those experienced with external beam radiotherapy,” Professor Joseph said.

The approval was announced in the May Federal Budget with the new listing to take effect from September 1.

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Miners Memorial Service 2015 in Mt. Morgan The historic central Queensland mining community of Mount Morgan will host the annual Miners Memorial Day Service on Saturday, 19 September 2015, 10.30am at the Historic Mount Morgan Mine site.

The service is held every year on 19 September, the anniversary of Queensland’s worst mining disaster at Mount Mulligan when 75 miners were killed in 1921.

The service is open to the public and gives families, mining industry workers, union representatives, mining companies and government the opportunity to gather and commemorate the lives of more than 1500 miners lost during three centuries of mining in Queensland.

It is also an opportunity for everyone associated with mining to recommit to a goal of zero harm in the industry.

Mount Morgan has a long history of mining dating back to 1882 when it was founded as a gold mining town. The historic Mount Morgan Mine operated until 1990 and was the largest gold mine in Queensland during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

There are over 150 recorded fatalities related to mining activities in the Mount Morgan district since 1889.

The annual Miners Memorial Day Service is organised in partnership between the Queensland Government, the mining industry, workers and unions.

For further details on the service and to register your attendance, visit www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or call Cara Gurnett 3199 8260.

ALAN CORNICK REAL ESTATE Do you have a property to sell or rent?

For Professional Services call Today Alan 0418 792 888 Natarlee 0488 046 522 Karen 0488 046 512

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Pampered Pets Seven years ago a family of young Rotty x Mastif lost fur souls were destined for the pound, but the devotion to animals by our local Animal Ranger at the time saved them all when he mentioned them to Heather Quarry. Heather and her family found loving homes for them all.

T’Pol was pampered by Heather’s Rotty x Shepherd, RuDog who was fretting after losing his best friend, a cat named Tiger, that had been taken by a snake a few weeks prior, so it was decided there and then that she would live with the Quarry family and become one of them from that day forward. Her and RuDog were inseparable and did everything together.

She lost RuDog to cancer three years ago and has not let at least one of her adult parents out of sight for long ever since.

From the first day, T’Pol’s favourite place was in the middle of the bed and seven years later it is still her favourite spot. She has always thought of herself as a lapdog and even though she has grown bigger than most people’s laps, she still finds herself a lap to sit on when she feels like it. Because of cancer and health issues herself now, T’Pol can’t fly, but enjoys trips in the car, especially long trips when her mum takes off to Melbourne. She has a vet and staff that help the Quarry family keep her as healthy as possible.

T’Pol loves walking and people, and is wonderful around children. Her favourite food is steak. At 8.30 each night she has a spoonful of fruit and yoghurt when her dad has his dessert. If it is late, she lets him know.

How did she get her name? Her daddy was a Trekky fan and loved an Enterprise character called T’Pol.

Public help sought to find local Yaxley artworks

In the 1970s and 1980s, prominent Australian artist William Yaxley lived and worked in Central Queensland. From his studio in Byfield on his mandarin farm, he created paintings and sculptures that have been displayed nationally and internationally.

In preparation for an exhibition in 2016, titled The Adventures of William Yaxley, Rockhampton Art Gallery is hoping to hear from locals who may have works created by Yaxley during his time in the region.

The exhibition will feature works from state and national collections, but the Gallery is hoping to feature some locally owned pieces.

Yaxley grew up in Shepparton, Victoria, and, as an adult, lived in Byfield. In 1989 he moved to Tasmania and established a winery, where he currently lives.

He is a story-teller, and his paintings depict idyllic scenes of farming life and of his travels around Australia. Yaxley also works in sculpture, often creating surreal-like, humorous creatures out of recycled materials.

This combination of larrikinism, sense of irony in the everyday, and an essentially raw approach to art-making has made Yaxley a collectable artist with an understated respect in Australian art.

He concentrates on the elements of texture, shape, colour, and movement, which he combines with an aerial perspective to depict regional locations and subject matter with an irreverent sense of humour.

Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council’s Communities Committee, Cr Rose Swadling said that Rockhampton Art Gallery would love to hear from locals who may own a Yaxley painting or sculpture.

“The Gallery is excited to present The Adventures of William Yaxley, which will be on display from 9 April to 29 May 2016,” she said.

“If you have a Yaxley painting or sculpture that you would be happy to loan, then the Gallery would love to hear from you,” she said.

Anyone who may be able to help should contact the Rockhamtpon Art Gallery on 4936 8248, or email an image to gallery@rrc.qld.gov.au.

Rockhampton Art Gallery is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.

Saint Mary’s Anglican Church Parish Mount Morgan STALLS

FETE

MORNING TEA

SATURDAY

17th OCTOBER 10am — 2pm T MEN AIN T R E ENT by F CLIF ER N CHE MIT

RAFFLES LUCK GATE

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

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favourites of the students. During the more hands on assessments I get to study with my friends as well as show off what I know and what I’ve learned.

Assessment Time If there is one thing I never thought I would say it would be that I like doing my assessments. I used to think of it as a boring and tedious task until I started seeing the positives. I realised that my assessments were actually a chance to be creative and have fun.

Sometimes you have assessments that just require you to write and the majority of students try to avoid this kind of assessment. But not all assessments are like that, the more practical assessments are fun and enjoyable for most students. Classes like art, English, agricultural science, etc. are the most likely classes to have practical assessments, which is why these classes are more popular and are generally the

Variety Night It is on again!

Prepare to be entertained by all the talent Mount Morgan SHS has to offer.

When

11 September 2015, gates open at 6.00pm and show starts at 6.30pm.

Where Manual Arts MPA

I use my assessments to not only show off but to be creative, which is not something you can usually do with your normal classes. Students get to show their true colours by producing a one-in-a-million artwork or express themselves through stories. Assessments allow us to take what we are passionate about and put a whole new spin on it that may not have been noticed otherwise.

One of the best things you can get out of assessments is that feeling of accomplishment you get from seeing that all your hard work paid off.

That feeling compares to nothing else especially if you weren’t expecting to do well. Another good thing is the look of pride on your parent’s faces when you go home for the day, and show them that you achieved the very best that you could. I know that pride is enough to make any person believe in themselves and that they can conquer even the greatest of tasks.

So next time you hear the word assessment you don’t need to groan and sigh. Remember that assessments aren’t as bad as you think they are and that they have their positives, they can be fun.

Welfare Bowls Club Update Hello Readers. The members of the Welfare Bowls Club would like to say HELLO, and would like to share some of our news with you. Firstly we had a very lovely and friendly birthday party on Friday night, for a special girl who turned 18, (OH!! to be 18 again). The young lady had a good night and there was good music plus lots of food. We hire the hall out for parties, wakes and special events, so if you need a hall give us a call. Reasonable rates. You can contact the Secretary on 49381617.

Our repairs are going well, and we look like we are on track to get our night bowls started soon. Welfare went to Gracemere for a return play for the Millers Shield (BOWLS), we lost by 4 points. Never mind there is always next year.

(back of the school)

What to expect

Student performances, fun competitions, sausage sizzle and soft drinks available to purchase.

Cost

$2 per adult and $1 per student (primary and secondary), $5 for families (2 adults and 3 children).

Mick & Karin, Monica, Gary & Paulie Blake send our love & condolences to Daphne Kennedy and family on the Passing of Brian Kennedy.

I’ll try hard to make your plum puddings the way you show me.

Brian & his walking s�ck Be�y will be sadly missed R.I.P old mate.”

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Early Childhood Education — “Walk in My Footsteps”

On Tuesday 1st September, Red Frog 4 Early Childhood Education celebrated Early Childhood Educators Day. This is an annual event that acknowledges the important role that Educators play in educating and caring for tomorrow’s leaders. In recognition of our Red Frog Educators – Shyan, Korinda, Kiara-Che, Phivie, Dana and Erika’s commitment and dedication to early childhood education, we invited our families for an event we called “Walk in my Footsteps”. The families were invited to

come in play clothes and bring a hat and their morning tea to experience the morning’s activities from 9.30 to 11.00am with their children. The Mums and Dads could create a special easel painting alongside their child, rediscovered playdough, goop, played ball games, sandpit play, dancing, singing and group times to name a few. Mark and Cecilia also put on a special lunch for their valued Educators. A fun morning was had by all.

News from The Dee River Oldies

Happy 90th Birthday Betty

To celebrate Seniors’ Week, we held our usual Damper at the Dam Day on Wednesday August 26th. Fifty-five people enjoyed damper and fried scones with syrup and curry and rice while being entertained by Bruce and Jenny of “Sounds Good”.

We were joined by seven members from 60 & Better Rockhampton.

One of our members, Mrs Betty Inslay, celebrated a very important milestone on the day by turning 90 years of age. Hopefully we’ll help her celebrate a lot more.

We would like to thank Steven for bringing Ray, Bessie, Madeline and Elaine, Long Stay patients at The Mount Morgan hospital, along for the day.

The Raffles, three breakfast trays from I.G.A. were won by Lenore Barney, Frank Clark and Rosemary Izzard.

A big thank you must go to Betty, Barbara, Dawn and Carolyn for making the dampers & scones also to Bevan, Jack and Arthur for helping Doug get the tables, chairs and BBQs up to the dam.

Our next bus trip will be to Baralaba on Thursday September 17th 2015, Leaving 8.30am.

At our last meeting it was decided to increase the price for future bus trips from $40 to $50.

The next street stall will be held on Thursday October 16th 2015.

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Lorna McArthur — “Doctor Lorna” Lorna McArthur was a well known personality in her beloved hometown of Mt. Morgan. She worked hard in the community and enjoyed sharing her laughter, brilliant smile and conversation.

Lorna was my wife for almost 60 years. She was a loving and sincere person.

She was born Lorna Tull in Mt. Morgan and loved this town as her home.

She was adventurous and loved the idea of travel. I met her in Saint Lawrence when she worked in the Railway Refreshment Rooms. It wasn’t long until this meeting blossomed into romance, marriage and a new life in Mt. Isa, where there was work with the mine and big money! After five years in the Isa, mining opened up job opportunities which led us to Port Kembla in New South Wales, along with our two young daughters Debra and Rhonda. Living in Port Kembla provided many happy times, however there was tragedy when we lost Rhonda in a car accident at five years old.

Later we returned to the sunny state of Queensland, with our son John, eventually to settle back in the Golden Mount. Lorna was a hard worker and had worked many jobs from cooking, to running a cafe and selling fashion. However she always had a real passion for education. She returned to school studies at the T.A.F.E and completed her education as a mature student. Her interest in health led to an appointment as an Indigenious Health worker, doing home visits and health care and education. She worked with Aboriginal Health for 18 years, finally working solo from her office in the Mount Morgan and becoming well known in the community. Some people even called her “Doctor Lorna” in respect to the caring and wonderful work she did. Even after retiring, Lorna would often be greeted with a big hug and a kiss when she was out, with people recognising her from her health work and happy smile. In retirement, she would often get phone calls from people asking for health advice and she willingly helped. Despite starting late in her career, she achieved so much and was proud of her achievement. She loved her work and held that passion for education, for health care and a genuine concern for people.

This work was formally recognised during Naidoc week in 2015, when she was awarded a certificate for her contribution to the community. It stated ‘ she provided a role model for future generations so they could stand tall and strive for their dreams”.

During these last years, Lorna suffered from diabetes and kidney disease. However she kept dreaming, kept planning for a tomorrow and kept caring. On the 28th of June 2015, she passed away in her sleep.

I am proud of Lorna and she will be deeply missed by all she loved.

Ron McArthur

MOUNT MORGAN RODEO ASSOCIATION Upcoming Events Our Father’s Day Raffle

will be drawn on the 6th Sept and the winners will be announced in the next edition of the Argus.

Don’t forget

Barefoot Bowls

on 12th Sept at the Welfare Bowls Club starting 2pm.

A new item of interest is the

“Create A Logo/Flag” competition

Being run for children at the Mt. Morgan High and Primary Schools.

Great prizes to be won. Please see the office staff for more information.

Apologies for two Date Claimers not removed from the previous Argus- 5th Sept Car Boot Sale and 26th Sept Kids Gymkhana. These two events are not happening.

AUTOMOTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA

26th Sept at the Mt. Morgan Showgrounds.

There will be old cars, new cars, little cars, big cars, remote control cars. How about Motorbikes and old motors. There will be markets and swap meet, food and kids fun area.

Something for everyone. Do you know someone who would like to show off their special vehicles, or have something to sell? Let them know.

Keep an eye out for our flyers.

For more information please contact: Barb 49381092, Storm 0459414120, Pete 0432692392.

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Mountain Mick’s Apple Grilled Pork Loin Chops © Mountain Mick Blake Baree Mount Morgan 2001

Mountain Mick’s Apple Grilled Pork Loin Chops with grilled mushrooms & zucchini with steamed Chat potatoes & butter.

People say to us you eat a lot of pork Mick and I have to say we do but, Karin my wife is of German extraction her parents are German/Austrian and they eat a lot of pork and I suppose when you look at it, I just grew up eating a lot of pork so I’m sorry if it offends people but I’m not in the blame game, I’m in the eating game. This recipe really works well. It’s nice on a cold evening but just as well it’s nice served up at a BBQ in the middle of summer. You can partly char grill pork chops then place into a pan and cover with the apples and vinegar mix. Either way this is a really nice recipe that most people are going to enjoy and I think if you give it a chance, and give it a go you will enjoy it and it will work well. If you don’t want loin chops you can use shoulder chop any sort of chop you like. I wouldn’t use lamb chops.

8 French dressed loin chops 4 apples, peeled and cut into quarters 500g sliced mushrooms 8 Chat med potatoes 4 zucchini, sliced long way thickly 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper pinch of salt 1/2 cup of brown sugar 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon oil.

Now simply prepare the apples, mushrooms and zucchini. Set the zucchini and the mushrooms aside.

Brown the pork chops in the oil on both sides you need a hot pan. (A fast fry to give a nice crust on both sides of pork chop). Once the pork chops are brown, cover with the apples which have been mixed with the brown sugar and spices and the apple cider vinegar; smother the pork chops in it in the frying pan or pot, (these can also be cooked in the oven but either way you have to cover, either with a lid or with alfoil) and cook until the pork chops are well done and tender. The fat has to render and you end up with this beautiful apple sauce to serve with it. While the pork chops are resting you got about 10 or 15 minutes where you can grill your zucchini slices and your mushrooms you don’t want any liquid with them, a little bit of salt and pepper, you can brush with a bit of garlic oil and grill them so nice and charred. Same with the mushrooms, you can char grill them if you got a char grill or you can do in a frypan. Either steam or microwave your chat potatoes, (if you are going to microwave potatoes get a toothpick and just jab 4, 5, 6 holes around each potato and that stops him from exploding in the microwave). Once your potatoes cooked assemble dish to pork loin chops per person covered with the apples and with the mushrooms grilled zucchini and split the chat potatoes into 4 and either a dollop of butter or sour cream. You can use light sour cream if you wanted as it holds up a lot better - it’s a lot thicker.

Serve either with a nice cold ale or even a nice fruity Australian white wine or a nice sweet red wine would do. Something like a Pink Moscato.

Now enjoy. I’m hoping that you like this as much as I have bringing it to you Mick

A COUNTRY MAN

A COUNTRY MAN BY MARK WILLIAMSON When a country man says that he has a sub-woofer on his Ute, he’s not talking about his sound system. What he means is that he’s got a noisy pup.

He drives a big Ute instead of a Fairy car for a good reason. Because he needs it.

The Bullbar isn’t for show, it’s to defend against roos.

There’s a reason why he smells of animal manure & it’s got nothing to do with his cologne.

A new tractor may not seem very important to you, but it is to him.

Don’t expect him to be the life of the party after 10 pm. He’s probably been up since 4 am.

He will think of feeding his animals before he feeds himself.

He has pity for men who spend all day driving a computer and can’t do a REAL day’s work.

VARITY NIGHT at

SCHOOL OF ARTS Saturday, 10th October, 6pm Proceeds to

LIFELINE SUICIDE PREVENTION Entertainment by various artists.

Lucky Door Raffle $1, Sausage Sizzle $2.50 Adults $10.00 Children (School Age) $2.

Donations to Doris at LIFELINE.

MULTI DRAW

2pm on the 3rd October COMMUNITY SERVICE HALL Tickets $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 Extra Raffle $1.00 each All Proceeds to

LIFELINE SUICIDE PREVENTION

TRADES AND BUSINESS

TV ANTENNA SALES & INSTALLATION Mount Morgan

• Extra TV outlets and cabling • TV Tuning • Telephone outlets and extensions

Eric Stevenson Ph: 0417 006591 ACMA License No. T 14409

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Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 PO Box 91 Mt Morgan

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My “Journey of Discovery”

by John I was named after an Uncle I never knew. I remember my Grandparents telling me when I was a young boy that the man in the picture on their lounge room wall was my Uncle John, he was killed in the war and you were named after him, his name is on the wall at the Canberra War Memorial. That is all I ever knew about this man. My father was only 10 years old when his brother volunteed in the RAAF so he never knew his older brother. My father passed away in 2001, the only thing he ever told me about his brother was that John was killed in the Battle for Britain.

Dad was 13 when John was KIA. Now when I think about it I’m sure Dad never knew any more than he told me. My Grandparents never kept any personal items of John’s, only a few pictures and some documents. Memories can be just too painful, and life has to go on.

I wish now that my Grandparents had kept just one small personal item.

Just to be able to hold an item that my Uncle had treasured would be so special to me.

On Mother’s Day 2014 I rang my Mum to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day; Mum then told me about a friend of hers at the bowling club, who asked her if she knew the story of John Marsh. Mum told her John is her son. No the friend said, the John Marsh who was KIA in WW2.

Mum didn’t know that much about John, only things my Grandmother had told her and a few bits and pieces that were tucked away in a small box.

Well Mum’s friend said that John was mention in a book her husband had purchased, written by Richard Munro, the Son of Jim Munro the Bomb Aimer and Forward Gunner who flew with John, the Rear Gunner. The book titled “Holidaying on the Continent’’.

This was the beginning of “My Journey of Discovery” of the Uncle I never knew.

My story has been and still is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and amazement. From the Mother’s Day phone call, to sitting down with Mum and going through the small school port. This is all my Grandparents had kept. Pictures of John and his crew mates, a scroll from the King that all parents of servicemen killed in action were sent, the letter from the King and Queen to my Grandparents. What a morning it was, going through the pictures and talking with Mum about what she knew of John. Mum didn’t know very much at all.

With the pictures there was a picture of African tribesmen pictured with Servicemen around tents. This a mystery picture to us. Why would there be Africian tribesmen in picture that John had sent home.

On reading through HOTC again we find out.

The transport ship Westernland had horrible conditions onboard. These young volunteers were going to defend king and country, but they weren’t going to be treated like a mob of sheep. So after mutinying to get off the ‘Westernland’ and waiting in South Africa for their new troopship is where that picture was taken.

It must have been horrible conditions as mutiny in wartime is the equivalent to treason - I guess the ‘powers that be’ couldn’t execute several hundred aircrew, so they let them swelter in tents in the hot sun of Africa as their penance.

Then when we got to the bottom of the old school port, there was an old envelope addressed to my Grandparents. Opening and reading the letter was so emotional. Here was a letter written to my Grandparents from Jim Munro. The man the book “Holidaying on the Continent” was written about.

When Jim was repatriated back to Australia after the war had ended. He wrote to my Grandparents, the letter is dated 26th September, 1945. Jim wrote extending his sympathy of the loss of John during their last sortie over Berlin. Jim advised that it came as a great shock to him and the other survivors of the crash that their other four crew mates had not made it and had been killed.

Now when I think of the letter and the man, who after going through what he did in the lead up to and including the fateful night of 23rd August 1943 and his time in POW camps he had the kindness and thought to sit down the write to my Grandparents........He would have been a great friend to John and a great man to my Grandparents, and to me also.

I sent a scanned copy of the letter to Richard Munro. Richard’s reply

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Marsh was WOW..........So I mailed the original letter to Richard so he and his brothers could read the original letter written by their father. Richard’s father, Jim passed away in the 1960s, so Richard and his brothers didn’t get to know their father in their adult years. They now have copies of the letter for their families history. Posting the original letter so Richard and his brothers could hold and read the words their father had written so many years ago was my way of thanking Richard for all the information he had freely given me.

Through further research I found out that my uncle’s War Service Medals had never been issued. So with the kind help from Richard Munro, Jim Collins (Nephew of F/S Jim Collins), and myself applied for and were granted our Uncle’s War Service Medals and Bomber Command Clasp.

Now from starting my journey knowing very little, I now have a wealth of knowledge. And treasured items that will keep alive F/S John Marsh’s memory.

Anzac Day 2015 was the first time F/S John Marsh’s medals were worn.

Proudly worn by my Granddaughter. It was a real proud and emotional day for me.

John Enlisted in the RAAF on 13th September 1941 in Rockhampton.

Then to Training Stations: 3 Initial Training School, Sandgate, Qld., 3 Wireless Air Gunners’ School at Maryborough, Qld., 1 Bombing and Gunnery School at Evans Head, NSW, 3 Embarkation Depot at Sandgate, Qld on 7-7-1942.

Embarked 2ED, Sydney 24-8-1942 on the SS Westernland – arrived UK 18-11-1942. From 16-1-1943, in England he trained with 7 Air Gunnery School at Stormy Downs, Bridgend, South Wales.

Kevin Gay, Jim Munro, John Marsh and Jim Collins had met each other in Training Stations in Australia prior to embarking on the Westernland for the UK. Prior to their first flight at 27 Operational Training Unit, pilots were asked to select their crew. Kevin Gay, Jim Munro, John Marsh and Jim Collins, had already colluded and agreed to be on the same crew as: Navigator, Bomb Aimer/Front Gunner, Rear Gunner and Wireless Operator respectively. The group of four must have agreed after evaluating and discussing the character and strengths of the available pilots they selected Alex Richards to join their crew. Alex had his pilot training in Canada. Officially the pilot usually chooses his crew, however it was they who picked a pilot they believed would best get them to the target and safely back home.

After 3 weeks of lectures and instructions, the crew moved to Church Broughton in Staffordshire, only ten kilometres from Lichfield, where they were stationed for the next six weeks to do their operational training.

John and the rest of the crew arrived at 1662 Conversion Unit, located at Blyton Airfield, Lincolnshire on 6 June 1943. Two RAF men, Bill Finlay and Thomas Smale joined them as Flight Engineer and MidUpper Gunner, respectively. The crew to fly Lancaster ED421 was now complete.

On 27 June 1943 the crew was posted to 460 RAAF Squadron at Binbrook, Lincolnshire, a squadron already famous in RAF Bomber Command.

On Monday 23 August 1943, the Battle of Berlin began. ED421 was air tested and parked beside the other 23 Lancasters of 460 Squadron scattered across the Binbrook tarmac, With everyone ready Alex Richards confirmed that ED421 was OK to take-off. The briefing had warned them to expect the anti-aircraft barrage to be intense.

They knew just what that would be like. After 10 prior missions.

Having suffered severe flack damage over Mannheim only two weeks before, but this was different. This was far worse, death seemed to be everywhere around them.

As they continued with their flight there was suddenly a loud bang, the aircraft shuddered violently and the whole port-side fuselage was peppered with shrapnel. The far engine was on fire and the immediate concern was that the fuel tank would explode. Bill Finlay’s voice calmed everyone telling them that he had extinguished the fire and the other 3 engines were functioning normally.

Alex asked everyone for damage report and they were all fine except John Marsh - his rear gun turret was not functioning. Finally came the ‘bombs gone’ call.

HEADING HOME Lancaster ED421 headed home on its three engines, with severe flak damage on the port wing and holes all along the left side of the fuselage.

The rear turret was out of action.

Unknown to the crew of ED421, Hauptmann Wilhelm Herget (German Ace Pilot) must have sighted the damaged Lancaster as it was leaving the target area. As Herget approached the rear of ED421, John Marsh in his useless turret, must have seen the fighter against the glow of the burning city below, and warned Alex who was able to take successful evasive action on only the three engines. Herget came in for a second attempt, but again John Marsh warned Alex and again he was able to successfully evade the fighter. However, their luck was running out as the Messerschmit came in for a third time, Alex was again notified and evaded critical damage. On one of these attacks a bullet had hit Alex in the leg reducing his capacity to fly the plane properly.

Herget launched his fourth attack and this time, succeeded in setting fire to the starboard inner-engine. The crew knew they were doomed.

The bomber was out of control and spinning as Alex gave the order to abandon the aircraft. Before that could happen, at about 13,000 feet the aircraft exploded, throwing Alex, Jim and Kevin clear and into mid-air darkness in parachutes over enemy territory and no doubt in a state of immediate panic at their situation.

At some stage the dead crew members were found on the ground with parachutes unopened. John Marsh was probably killed in the battle with Herget’s night fighter. The other three were either killed when the aircraft exploded or were rendered unconscious and were not able to bale out or open their parachutes.

By the end of that fateful day, three survivors were in the hands of the enemy in Reservekazartt, the Templin District Hospital and hopefully receiving good medical attention and the four dead men had been recovered and were buried by the Germans at Stalag IIc, later to be reburied in the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Berlin.

SEARCH FOR NEWS OF CREW MEMBERS As well as 460 Squadron personnel not knowing the fate of the ED421 crew, those at home were also in the dark.

Then began a string of official correspondence about the downed aircrew.

Time and care was taken by the RAF and RAAF to communicate every small detail about the aircrew to their next of kin and to follow up on each and every lead and question.

Before taking off on 23rd August 1943, my uncle (John Marsh) had written a cable to be sent home by the RAF station personnel. They had not delivered it to Binbrook Village Post Office until the next day and by that time, ED421 had been shot down and John had been killed. That mix-up of dates, resulted in several very sad communications between the RAAF and my Grandfather, who could not understand how his son could possibly have been killed prior to 24th August, 1943. The RAAF wrote to my Grandfather on 21 October 1943 explaining what had happened.

Over a period of time my Grandfather wrote several letters to the RAAF. I have been able to read these letters through the Australian National Archive web site.

Seven young men who started the last day of their air war together in Lancaster ED421, were destined to not finish together. Four never returned home but the three survivors never forgot their mates who paid the ‘ultimate price’ on 23rd August 1943.

Sergeant Thomas Smale (RAF), Sergeant William Armstrong Finlay (RAF), Flight Sergeant John Marsh (RAAF) and Flight Sergeant James Geoffrey Collins (RAAF) are buried at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Berlin.

“G FOR GEORGE” “G for George” is a Lancaster Bomber displayed in the Canberra War Memorial. “G for George” flew with the 460 Squadron. It was withdrawn from active service in 1943 and was flown back to Australia by Eddie Hudson and his crew. Eddie Hudson was a Rocky boy. It was then flown around Australia for fund raising for the war effort.

ALL BY CHANCE One mans’ interest in “G for George” is what set me on my “Journey of Discovery”.

John Phillips interest in “G for George” and the connection to 460 Squadron is why he purchased the book “Holidaying on the Continent”.

When John was a boy 7 or 8 years old his father took him out to the Rockhampton Airport to see “G for George” when it landed there on the 11-11-43. The interest grew from there.

Richard Munro wrote the book about his fathers’ experiences in World War II and his time as a POW. In writing the book Richard researched all the crew members of the Lancaster Bomber ED421. To think now if it wasn’t for Richard’s doggered research and determination, the fact that he enter all the information into the book, my family and I would be none the wiser. My Uncle would still be a forgotten member of my family.

Thanks to John Phillips and Richard Munro we now know all there is to know about F/S John Marsh. His life before and during his service in the RAAF. Like so many young men of the time John’s life was cut short by war. John was 21 years old when he was killed in action.

Now when I sit and think about what I have learned it amazes me to think it all come about by pure chance.

One man writes a book, another man reads the book and his wife just happens to be friends with my mother.

What are the chances of that?

In the back of the book Richard had a note asking if anyone knew the families of the crew members would they make contact with him.

So I did. Richard was kind enough to tell me so much more than is in the book. Since contacting Richard, I now have been in contact with the Nephew of Jim Collins (the other Australian) who was KIA with my uncle, his name is also Jim Collins.

Jim Collins and his wife have been to Berlin and have been to the grave site.

Jim has sent me pictures of the grave site with our uncles head stones and picture of the beautiful Commonwealth War Cemetery. It really looks to be a respectful final resting place.

Well readers, that’s my story.

If there are people reading this and are in a similar position as I was I would urge those people to spend some time on the Canberra War Memorial website and the National Archives website. You may be pleasantly surprised, and be set off on your own journey.

Anzac Day 2015

A proud day for Granddad

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PUBLIC NOTICES Next Argus: Out Thursday, 24th September 2015.

If you have something you’d like included in this issue, please note that inclusions are required by 4pm Friday, 17th September. For details: mmpad@bigpond.com / 4938 2312.

CLASSIFIEDS NEED AN ELECTRICIAN?: RJ Electrician Pty Ltd. Licence no. 72288. Phone: 0431 576 101.

MOBILE RWC: Mobile Road Worthy Certificates phone Bruce on 0447 903100 PUPPIES FOR SALE: $200.00 each. Sharpai X Boxer, wormed & vaccinated. 9 weeks old. Ph 0497 443207.

HOUSE FOR RENT: 328 Quay St, Rocky, 3 bedroom, air-con lounge, fans, recently renovated. Sorry NO pets. $250 pw + bond. References required. Ph 0426 210 860 or 0419 673 203.

DATE CLAIMERS 11 September at 7.30pm at the Baree School of Arts Hall. Old Time dance, music by Two Can. $10.00 entry, lucky door and raffles. Beaut supper. Bring a friend. Phone 49382484 or 49371145 for more info.

12 September: Barefoot Bowls - Welfare Bowls Club 2pm start. BBQ, bar, teams of 4.

12 September: Blue Care Trash and Treasure - Uniting Church, Gordon St. 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

13 September: Dance, Billy Lawton Band. Community Services Hall 1pm-5pm, . Entry $6 adults $2 children. Raffle & Lucky Door, Light Supper.

19 September: Market & Car Boot Sale. School of Arts Hall 8a.m. to noon.

19 September: Mount Morgan Rugby Union Grand Fnal in Rockhampton. For location and game time please see Noticeboards and Facebook.

26 September: Massive Cent Sale for Leukaemia at School of Arts, 2 p.m. Enquiries phone Carol 4938 1459.

26 September: Automotive Enthusiasts. Mt. Morgan Showgrounds, 10am-4pm. Fun for all the family.

21 November: Market & Car Boot Sale. School of Arts Hall 8a.m. to noon.

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