WATTLE DAY - A BLOOMING SUCCESS
Months of planning for the annual Mount Morgan Wattle Day Festival paid off for Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc [MMPAD].
Event coordinator on the day and MMPAD President, Mr John Steinberger said the success was a direct result of planning and marketing, the generous support of sponsors, the magnificent assistance of volunteers and patronage and support of not only
Mount Morgan residents, but from the wider Central Queensland Community.
“Let’s not forget our project officer’s many hours of unpaid toil to put all the event planning and administration together to get to the operational stage.
“I may have been the day event coordinator, but Eve-lyn certainly was the event planning organizer.
“It was a combination of the
tremendous support received across the board, that made this year’s event such a success, This was evident with over 1000 people in attendance for the free community family event,” he said . As in previous years, there was a lineup of excellent entertainment with Aliza Ruth and Leyton, Aleisha and Amanda Sealey, Jaymon Bob, Mackenzie May and
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Alex Wyman hosted floral artistry workshops.
the Boss Katana Band.
“I would especially like to thank John Bidgood, who despite the tragic loss of his Baralaba hotel the weekend before, still honoured his commitment,” Mr Steinberger said.
Wattle Day would not be Wattle Day without the free Mount Morgan Wattle seedlings that were donated by the Golden Mount Nursery.
“Every year, the Golden Mount Nursery has been extremely generous in supplying the seedlings and MMPAD is grateful for this continued support,” he said.
“This gives everyone, including visitors to the town, the opportunity to take a seedling home to plant and grow and remember Mount Morgan as it flourishes to maturity.
“I would like to also thank Jeremy Jones from ABC Capricornia for his participation not only in agreeing to compere the day’s event, but for the enthusiasm he showed on the day,” he said.
New to this year’s Wattle Day celebrations was the inclusion of the Eden Bann Cuties Petting zoo. This was a great hit with all the younger generation
Cr Drew Wickerson again provided a Wattle Day Cake which was enjoyed by many festival attendees.
The 2024 lineup of activities also included the art, woodwork and photography workshops. This year the activities included A Shade of Illusion paint pouring and friendship bird activity. This activity was funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund [RADF], which is a joint partnership between Arts Queensland and the Rockhampton Regional Council.
Thanks to Donna Anderson for the Welcome to Country and performing traditional dances with daughter, Storm. Other activities included woodworking with the Mount Morgan Men’s Shed, photography with Emily Eborn, calico bag printing and other crafts with Wild Mount Morgan Clay and floral arranging and weaving with Wild Wonder Bloom.
Mr Steinberger said this year also saw the expansion of the Festival area to include an area on the western side of the railway complex.
“Each year MMPAD has tried to incorporate new activities or attractions to ensure that the event stays fresh and continues to attract visitors within the region.
Two competitions were held for the primary and secondary students in Mount Morgan and the
winners were Marley Kay (Prep to Year 3), Jayde Brant and Joanna Williams (Years 4-7) and Mia Ward (Years 7-9) and Lisa Pankhurst (Year 9-12).
The event was sponsored by Heritage Mineral’s, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Community Assistance Program, Stanwell Corporation and Member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew.
Raffle and lucky door prizes were sponsored by the Grand Hotel, IGA Mount Morgan, Stewarts Towing and Service Station, the Rainbow Café and Discover Real Estate.
Donna and Storm
Pictured: Aliza Ruth
Above: Paint pouring with Pauline.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER
Above: ABC Capricornia Breakfast Show Announcer Jeremy Jones.
Above: Hope Carson with a “little cutie”
Above: Art and poetry competition winners and encouragement award certificate winners - Kelisha, Lisa, Kayla, Marley and Jayde.
Crs Latcham, Rutherford and Hilse at the opening of the Wattle Day Festival.
Pictured: John Bidgood from Baralaba recited bush poetry
Pictured above: Aleisha and Amanda Sealey
Above: Leanne learns the finer photography tips from Emily Eborn.
Expanding the free-range egg dream
Earlier this year, the Mount Morgan Argus ran a story on Jemma and Matt Dingle and their free-range egg dream. Now the Blue Sky Heritage egg production is not only up and running, but is expanding
At the time of the first story, the couple still had a little ways to go before operations began. Their official egg sales started on the Golden Mount Festival weekend. At the beginning they started with 300 chickens and one chicken caravan.
“We got our temporary accreditation through on 3 May. We weren’t expecting it to come through so I had to spend Friday figuring out how to fashion a cloud shaped stamp to ensure we stayed compliant with stamps on our eggs since you can’t sell eggs without a stamp,”
“If I hadn’t made one myself, we would have had to wait another 6-8 weeks to be able to sell. Luckily we managed to sell eggs to IGA that Saturday and they were our very first retailer,” Jemma said.
Four months later, they now have 1050 hens, a second chicken caravan in operation, with a third one ready to go once another 500 or so chickens arrive.
The journey to this point has not been one of clear sailing.
“There have been many hiccups. We didn’t inherit our farm and had to start from nothing and with zero knowledge on egg farming.
“The first time we tried to move the hens to a new area we accidently let around 200 of them loose and had to wait until dark to gather them all back up.
“Luckily, we have learned a lot along the way and have found some really great mentors in the industry who have been really helpful with helping us train the dogs and how to clean and pack the eggs,” Jemma said.
At the moment they are producing around 600 eggs a day, but that number is increasing steadily now that the weather is warming up.
Blue Sky Heritage currently has six distributers and
as well as supplying eggs to a few cafés and bakeries.
“At the moment we are working on getting a full supply going again. Most of our stockists have increased their orders, so we need the “girls” to get up to full production so we can fill orders easier, Jemma said.
Blue Sky Heritage eggs are stocked in Rockhampton, Mount Morgan, Biloela, Monto and Blackwater at the moment.
“It’s both been what we expected and not what we expected! It’s busier and more time consuming than we expected, but that’s because we have tripled in size in just a few months. We have been absolutely blown away with the amount of support we have received from everyone. We are currently selling out of eggs every single day, which is amazing.
“It’s kept us really busy, but its wonderful to see the desire within the community for healthy, fresh farm eggs. This desire is what has pushed us to expand so quickly,” she said.
In the initial interview Jemma said she has always had a fascination with chickens - this fascination has only increased since their first chickens arrived.
“I just love watching them. They really do get to know you, even at the numbers we have. They love a good cuddle and there are a few on the farm that have very distinct personalities,” she said.
The chickens are ably watched by maremmas.
“The dogs are absolutely loving it. They’ve gotten really protective of the flock and its great to see how the dogs and chickens communicate with each other. So far the dogs have stopped all losses and we haven’t had any predators (dingo’s) take any of the birds which is fabulous,” Jemma said.
“We are intending to get another 1500 hens in the near future and then sit back and breathe for the rest of the year. We then have plans to double to 3000 hens by the end of 2025, but that depends on a number of things like time and finances. We are family run, so we have a few limitations that bigger companies don’t have,” she said.
The egg collection point inside the chicken caravan.
STALWART CELEBRATES 90 YEARS
One of Mount Morgan’s much-loved stalwarts, Freda McDougall (nee Diconoski) celebrated her 90th birthday at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms on Thursday, 29 August 2024.
The event was organised to coincide with the weekly meeting of the Golden Mount Social Group.
Born into a dairying and cotton growing family at Dululu, Freda was the eldest of five children.
When her mother died of septacemia Freda assumed the mothering role to her younger siblings.
Freda, at the age of 16, first came to Mount Morgan in 1950 to work as a nurse at the hospital.
In 1953 she married Ron McDougall and for the first couple of years of married life, the couple looked after cattle properties around Banana.
Upon returning to Mount Morgan in the late 1950s, Ron McDougall secured a job at the Mount Morgan Mine where he worked until it closed down.
Freda and Ron had two children - Rhonda and Gary.
In 1978, Freda became interested in the Frail and Aged Day Care - a group which she spent over 20 years as an active member, taking on the role of president of the group for many years.
In an interview with the Mountain Echo in 1998, Freda described her time with the Frail and Aged as rewarding but difficult.
“One of the hardest aspects of working with the Frail
and Aged is knowing that these people will not always be around.
“I look on the group that comes each week as a necklace with each member forming one of the links - you can certainly tell the difference when one of the links is missing,” she said.
Freda also spent 14 years with the Mount Morgan Horsesports, has been a member of the Mount Morgan Show Society since it was reformed in 1999, and was also a member of the Golden Mount Festival Association and Youth Activity Service.
Her love of country and western music and her singing and guitar playing ability has meant that she was often called upon to perform at many community functions.
Her love of country music began from a young age. After dark by the light of an old hurricane light, Freda and the family would listen to the wireless and play gramophone records. Shirley Thoms, Buddy Williams and Tex Morton were household names for Freda. She was taught to play the guitar by her aunt and styled her yodelling on Shirley Thoms.
The birthday celebrations were organised by daughter Rhonda and Doris Tremaine (Golden Mount Social Group). The hall was beautifully decorated by Doris whose flair and creativity added greatly to the birthday celebrations. The day was a complete surprise for Freda who is pictured above with Doris Tremaine (left) and daughter, Rhonda (right)
A LIFE OF TWISTS AND TURNS FOR ELLEN
From a childhood dream of becoming a morse code operator in the Australian Navy, a young Ellen Smith (nee McEvoy) has led a life that has had many twists and turns.
Ellen (pictured above) was born on 7 January 1953 in Rockhampton and grew up on “Mount Lucas” cattle property in the Kabra district. It was a cattle fattening property, and then converted to breeding in the early 1970’s. Her grandfather bred racehorses in the early days and later on the family bred horses.
One of three girls in a family of four children, Ellen attended the Gracemere State School for her primary education and the Range College Girls High School for her high school years.
“Mount Lucas” was originally 6000 acres and Ellen has many fond memories of growing up on the property.
“I had my own herd of cattle and enjoyed mustering with all the family. Other family friends used to join in as well sometimes.
“They were usually long, hot days, as we walked our bullocks from Bouldercombe to the property and for a time they were walked to the Gracemere Saleyards before cattle semi trailers were invented. We also had heaps of cattle dogs, tabby cats, guinea pigs, chooks, goats and any other animal that was brought home,” Ellen said.
Riding horses was not only essential it also provided Ellen with a pastime.
“There was no time for any other sport in our family, everyone rode horses. We mustered on our competition horses and worked them before and after school in the Show Season.
“You could say I lived on a horse. I competed for 25 years at horse events, shows, pony club gymkhanas, one-day events, sports days and even rode racehorses at track work. My claim to fame is winning the first Ladies Race at the former Wilpeena Races in 1975 after training on my Show jumpers,” she said.
Since here early years, Ellen has seen many changes.
“There are more women leaving school and working on the family properties, and taking over the family business.
“I completed my Senior education and then worked on the property mainly because my Dad was quite ill, and I wanted to help out. My ambition was to be a Morse Code Operator in the Navy, but then came down to earth and settled for School Teaching, which I think I would have done well.
“Leaving High School with a good pass and being offered Teaching Scholarships which I turned down, to work on the family property was not something that many women did in those days.”
Ellen first married in 1976 and later in 1992. Unfortunately both marriages ended in divorce. Ellen does not have any children.
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“I was the ‘Queen of Endometrosis’, which made sure I couldn’t have any children. However, my siblings made up for me as I have 11 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece - a total of 29.
Ellen finished school and worked on the family property for five years. With the decline of the cattle industry, she worked afternoon shift in the canning department at the Lakes Creek Meatworks, now Teys.
“I was offered full time work at a Service Station and was then employed in the Fuel Industry for over 30 years, both in wholesale at the Ampol and Mobil Depots, and numerous Service Stations.
“My last stint was at the Bouldercombe Service Station from 2004-2012. I have also worked in Retail at the former Reids in East Street selling dress material, and at Stockmans Corner.
“Perhaps my best job was in Disability Respite Care for three years part-time, which was my third job before I was elected to Rockhampton Regional Council [RRC]. It was at this job when I realized that my real calling was to be a nurse, the same as my grandmother and great-aunt,” she said.
Following on from her Grandfather, John McEvoy, Ellen nominated and was elected for the Fitzroy Shire Council in 2000.
“You could say that Local Government is in my blood with my Grandfather, John McEvoy or JJ as he was called, elected to the first Fitzroy Shire Council and served for 15 years, with two years as Chairman. You served as Chairman, now Mayor, for one year at a time in those days.
“My other Grandfather James McEvoy served a term on Fitzroy Shire and for some time on the Calliungal Shire Council until its amalgamation with the Mount. Morgan Shire Council. He owned land in the Upper Ulam area at the time where the family bred horses mainly for the war effort.
My brother, John McEvoy served on the Fitzroy Shire with me from 2000-2008.
Ellen didn’t have any aspirations of becoming a councillor.
“It wasn’t an ambition, but I was coaxed into nominating by the late Mr. Pat Galvin from Upper Ulam who had served on the Fitzroy Shire Council for an incredible 42 years. Bouldercombe was in his Division, and he wanted a local to take his place. I was the Treasurer of the local Bouldercombe Progress Association and he thought I did a good job, so I decided to give it a go,” she said.
Following the Local Government amalgamtion, Ellen again sought and was successful in obtaining a seat on the RRC. Of the two councils, Ellen prefers the time she spent on the Fitzroy Shire.
“Other Councillors were like-minded, that is. they
were mainly all rural people. My brother was also on the same Council and it was good to be able to discuss (and argue) things with him. I couldn’t quite reach him to ‘kick him under the table though. There was a lot less stress then. It was part time and I had two other jobs.”
When on council her greatest achievement was the development of Cedric Archer Park which in 2012 had no Master Plan, and was nothing more than a huge area with a few concrete paths and an overgrown Touch of Paradise Park.
“With the support of the Mayor at the time, Margaret Strelow and Cr. Rutherford the Parks and Sport Councillor, we were able to build a Playground, Skate Park, Water Play, and a Pump Track which was the longest one ever built in Australia at the time.
“The Library would have to come a close second. Fitzroy was the only Shire in Queensland without a Library, and we were close to building one but the rural ratepayers didn’t want the Council to borrow any more money, even though the debt was minute. I am also one of the many people who have pushed for a High School in Gracemere. It is great to see this finally happening after all these years,” she said.
“If I had the power to change anything it would have been to lobby more for funding for upgrading unsealed roads to bitumen. Rural Councillors are outnumbered on large councils, as the large majority of residents are in the city and towns. Rockhampton Region is the Beef Capital and some of the roads that carry the cattle are atrocious, especially in weather events. They are also very long roads and the cost to upgrade is now in the millions.”
Ellen has strong family ties to Mount Morgan.
“My family’s association with Mount Morgan goes back well over 100 years when my Grandfather, who was one of the first Councillors on the Fitzroy Shire, had a contract to supply timber to the Mount Morgan Mine. Where l grew up at Kabra, we were in the Mount. Morgan area, so we could get our Drivers Licences, both car and truck in Mount Morgan. The only road we used was the Range as the Razorback was unsealed. I have relations who were born and bred Mount Morgan people, and had a large association with the town, owning several businesses. When I was first elected to RRC, seeing I had the Struck Oil area and around Mount Morgan up to the Banana Shire boundary, I used to go to all the primary and secondary school and other events that were held there,” she said.
Eight days after the Poll was declared Ellen started work in Disability Care at the same place where she was first employed at 15 years ago, same client, same family. She has always been interested in Disability, work and had a lot of training in past employment.
MIRANI MESSAGE
With Stephen Andrew, MP
Update on projects relating to the southern end of the Mirani electorate:
1. Concerning the Mount Morgan Post Office and a disabled person access, it has been discussed and the Mayor has agreed to work with us to review this and see what can be done to get a solution.
2. The Mayor briefed me on the South Yaamba Irrigation Development project which will develop a business case for irrigation in the region and help increase horticulture and ag opportunities which is long overdue.
South Yaamba Irrigation Project
·Stakeholders are developing the Fitzroy Food Bowl which will encourage agriculture development in the largest and most reliable water catchment on Australia's east coast.
·Already, infrastructure upgrades within the Fitzroy River Supply Schemes are unlocking under-utilised and highly productive bulk water access with a focus on unused water allocation to support new investments in lychee, macadamia, avocado, mango, mandarin, cotton and grains
·As a next step, $800,000 has been secured to develop a business case for the South Yaamba Irrigation Project through the Queensland Government’s Regional Economic Future Fund (REFF).
·The project will allow stakeholders to develop the necessary information and data on the benefits of irrigation within the South Yaamba region and support potential future funding applications through the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund.
·Developing agriculture and primary production is a key part of Economic Development with water playing a critical role in facilitating this growth and investment.
·RRC will refine and agree on the project parameters with the Queensland Government and provide further updates to local residents and stakeholders in the coming months.
I’m pleased to announce the Growing Regions Program Round 2 will open on September 5.
Not-for-profit organisations and government entities are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program.
Grants between $500,000 and $15 million are available to support capital works projects for community and economic infrastructure in rural and regional Australia.
More funding for the Flynn electorate will deliver the infrastructure our communities need to be successful and grow.
Regional communities are the lifeblood of Australia. Investment into communities through these types of funding programs deliver an immediate injection into the economy and supports more local jobs.
Many organisations right across the Flynn electorate have directly benefited through funding opportunities similar to the Growing Regions Program.
The previous Coalition Government’s popular Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) delivered millions of dollars in funding for critical infrastructure projects to numerous communities in Flynn.
Unfortunately, Labor’s October 2022 Budget axed the Building Better Regions Fund, a blow to regional and rural communities including for the Flynn electorate.
Expression of interest submissions close for the Growing Regions Program at 5.00pm AEDT on the 10th of October 2024. More information can be found here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/ growing-regions-program-round-2
I encourage all eligible applicants to apply.
MOUNT MORGAN BRANCH UPDATE
Submitted by Elizabeth Elliot- President
QCWA has elected a new committee. President is Elizabeth Elliot, Secretary is Julie Highman, Treasurer is Marlene Anthony, International Officer is Julie Ann Cross and Vice President is Barbara Thompson.
We meet weekly, on a Wednesday, at various locations in town, for chats, craft and outings. On the third Wednesday of each month we meet at the Green Shed from 9.30am. New members are welcome.
You can contact Elizabeth on 4938 1499 or 0488 337 798.
OPENING DATE SET FOR ICONIC, RESTORED HOTEL
There is still time to go online and put a bid in for the first “poured” beer at the revamped Dululu Hotel. The official opening date will be 6 October 2024which is the NRL Grand Final weekend as well as the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Currently, the bidding stands at $1000 and while the interest has died down in the last month or so, hotel owners Nicole Newman and Rob Johnstone are expecting the bidding to speed up as the opening draws nearer. Funds raised from the online auction will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service [RFDS].
RSL SUB BRANCH
The Sub-Branch is confidently moving forward after the recent election of a new board. The Secretary, who was in the role of Caretaker after the resignation of the previous board members early last month, is happy to hand over the reins. The newly elected Board,
Howard Simcoe (new President), Ray Story (new Vice President) and Gavin McKenzie (new Treasurer) is focused on support for veterans, current service members and their families.
While the Veteran’s Hub is primarily designated for this purpose, it is also open for the public to pop in for a chat and a cuppa every Friday from 9am to 1.30 pm.
Keep an eye on the building as repairs, upgrades and maybe an addition are planned, and work will commence soon. Although there is a wait for the real progress to start, the Mount Morgan RSL Sub-Branch is open for business. Each Friday the Veteran’s Hub 9am to 1.30pm. Events coming up include Remembrance Day on 11 November.
Nicole is proud of the restoration of the hotel which has been subject to the ravages of fire.
“It has been a “artistic” restoration with care and imagination in every detail,” Nicole said.
Nicole and Rob also own the Banana Hotel-Motel and Accommodation Village under the banner of the Dawson Hospitality Group and have recently bought the Theodore Hotel.
Nicole and Rob purchased the hotel in March 2023 and have poured creativity and love into its refurbishment.
The hotel has an interesting history with strong ties to Mount Morgan. The original hotel was built in 1928 but was razed to the ground by fire in 1934.
In 1935 the owners of the day purchased the Mount Morgan Railway Boarding House and relocated it to the site where the hotel now stands. Fast forward to 2015, the hotel was once again damaged by fire.
The opening on 6 October will again create a social hub for the people of Dululu and nearby Wowan.
Nicole is planning to welcome the hotel back from the ashes with a festival-styled, family event with activities for children and adults. For the NRL fans, there will be a massive screen located on the back deck
“Our Facebook page indicates that there are 80 people definitely going and 1000 people interested in going. The event will be held in the carpark,” Nicole said.
There are camping areas available for those who wish to stay overnight.
The event will kick off from 3 pm with the official “first pour” taking place later that evening.
SES SERVICE RECOGNISED
SES Week commenced on 24 August and continued until 31 August.
This is a week when SES members are thanked and recognised for their service to the community.
Saturday, 24 August saw the first of many award ceremonies take place in Mackay. Then on Sunday 25 August it was Rockhampton’s turn with a ceremony held at the Frenchville Sports Club.
MC for the ceremony was David Limburg, Area Controller of Gladstone. During the ceremony, members were presented with Meritorious Service Medals, National Medals or clasps for these medals, representing years of service, some up to 45 years. SES Week Certificates were also presented.
Members who worked through the devastating 20192020 bushfires were also presented with clasps for their National Emergency Medal. These awards were presented by SES Regional Director Andrew Wyatt, Acting Chief Superintendent of Police, Mark Burgess and Neville Ferrier, Banana Shire Mayor.
Two of our Mount Morgan members were eligible for their 20 year service clasps for their SES Meritorious Service Medal.
Melvene Stewart (below right)has been a regular at our weekly fundraising raffles, selling tickets to raise funds to assist with the daily running of the Group and purchase equipment that will assist the community when major events occur.
Alan Todd who was unable to attend on the day was presented with his award at training on Monday night by Cheryl Baartz, SES Area Controller. Alan has been an active member of the Mount Morgan Group, attending and delivering training and has also been on numerous deployments within Queensland and NSW. Alan has also been responsible for ensuring the maintenance of equipment and vehicles within the Mount Morgan Group. (centre right)
Congratulations to both Melvene and Alan and thank you for your continued service.
Lyn Porter (right top) was presented with a clasp for the National Emergency Medal for the 2019-2020 Bushfires. During the fires, Lyn worked for two weeks in the Incident Control Centre at Gladstone as part of the Logistics Function. This role entailed sourcing crews, vehicles and equipment, accommodation, food, fuel, water and anything else that was relevant to the smooth operation of the crews on the fire ground.
Lyn also received a surprise when she was named as a recipient of one of the coveted SES Week Certificates. This was awarded for “special contribution to the SES through building the training capability in the Mount Morgan SES Group and throughout Central Region”.
A huge thankyou must go to all of the SES office staff
who worked tirelessly to coordinate this event and get so many SES members from such a wide area in the same place at the same time. Thank you.
Submitted by Mount Morgan SES
MMMPHS NEWS DEE RIVER OLDIES
Community Advisory Network [CAN] - Community Meeting: As our facility is a multipurpose health service, we are required to conduct a three- yearly community consultation process.
In previous years, this has been conducted in many formats including public meetings and mail outs. This year we decided to hold a public meeting with businesses and clubs targeted with individual invitations and wider community members advised of the meeting via the Mount Morgan Argus. On Thursday, 22 August health service held a community meeting, and subsequent sausage sizzle, to talk about current health matters and future plans.
More than 35 people attended this very productive meeting. Various suggestions and ideas were discussed, which will be important considerations during future planning processes. Those in attendance commended the health service on the functions of the CAN, community support and the team work of all staff.
Thank you to those individuals who nominated to be a CAN member. These nominations will be discussed at a future CAN Meeting. Nominees will be contacted in due course to advise of the status of their application.
The preparation for this meeting, the meeting itself, the sausage sizzle, and the set-up and clean-up afterwards was a big team effort.
Thank you to the current CAN members, Operational Services Manager and Staff, Administrative Team, staff and others who assisted in any way to make this meeting successful.
Appointments: A reminder that appointments are required for most outpatient services. These can be made by phoning 4912 5100 during business hours.
PTSS: The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme has recently undergone some changes. The accommodation subsidy for eligible patients is $70 per night, plus $70 per night for eligible escorts. The accommodation subsidy is only paid for the patient when they are in the accommodation (ie: not an inpatient in hospital).
The mileage reimbursement for eligible patients is now 34 cents per kilometre. A reminder that patients need to apply for PTSS before travelling to their appointment.
Optometrist: Russell Cooper, a private Optometry provider, uses a room at Community Health House, on site at the hospital, to conduct clinics once a month on a Saturday.
The dates for the remainder of the year are 7th September, 5 October, 2 November and 7 December.
Clients are required to have an appointment for these clinics. Appointments can be made by phoning 4922 6996 Monday to Friday.
Feeling sad and blue and wondering where you go from here. Open up the window, get some fresh air on your face and know that you and only you can make a change for the better. Get back to basics. Take some time to have a cup of tea and try and work out how you can change your day. It starts with you.
The Baralaba Hotel fire means our lunch plans have now changed. After morning tea at the Baralaba Historical Village we will then go to Goovigen for lunch. Our bus leaves the Morgan Street bus stop at 9 am on Wednesday 11 September, 2024. It should be a good day out with plenty to see.
Our Damper Day had a good turn up of members. The guest speaker on the day from Cardiac Rehab gave a thorough talk about heart health and what to be aware of. A very big thank you to all who helped make it a great day. Your help is always appreciated.
As we roll into September our next meeting is on Tuesday, 17 September, 2024 starting at 2 pm. Our September is on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 starting at 10 am. Both are held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). We look forward to seeing you there.
Stay happy and healthy.
Submitted by the Steering Committee
Carol Glover 4938 1995
Colleen Constable 0427 161 131
Trays of damper at Damper Day
Above: Dee River Oldies Members enjoy Damper Day.
Try your hand @ a Library Competition
Harold and the Purple Crayon, the imaginative and colourful story of young Harold - who brings drawings to life with his magic purple crayon - was first published in 1955. Fast forward to the 2024 September school holidays, and you could win one of four Event Cinema double passes to see the new fantasy movie featuring this lovable character, just by entering our colouring competition. Entry deadline is 5:00pm on Friday 13 September, so grab your violet, indigo, mauve and lavender pens, pencils and crayons and start colouring! (and you can even use a few of other colours too).
CapriCon literally exploded at the Rockhampton Showgrounds on 31 August with a huge variety of activities, workshops, authors and special guests as part of CQ’s signature pop culture event. But did you know that CapriCon actually started on a Saturday afternoon at the Rockhampton Southside Library in 2016, as a National Youth Week event? The event now runs on a much larger scale, attracting great community response.
To celebrate the 2024 event, try your hand at our Pop Culture competition, which features seven different quiz categories – Doctor Who, Marvel/DC Comics, Cult Sci-Fi TV, animated films, Harry Potter, Cult TV and Star Trek/Star Wars/Stargate. You might need to do some research, so don’t forget our libraries are a great place to start with finding answers!
The competition closes Saturday 21 September, with seven prizes (one per category) to be drawn, of the winner’s choice of a $30 gift voucher from Kmart, Big W or QBD Books.
School Holidays
Join us on Monday 23 September for a holiday Spring Garden-themed craft activity; the session will run from 10:30-11:30am, and bookings are appreciated to help ensure we have enough supplies. Please call the Mount Morgan Library on 4936 8169 or Library Admin on 4936 8043 to register. There’s also lots of great activities on offer during the September school holidays across all our library branches, so pick up a school holiday flyer next time you’re in the library.
Our popular Take Home Craft Kits will also be available, to make an owl in the first week of the holidays and a bee in the second week. You can work on the activities in the air-conditioned comfort of the library or take the kit home to complete; kits are free and available for all ages.
Plus there will still be all our regular library activities - such as puzzle and colouring booklets, scavenger hunts, jigsaw puzzles and board games, LEGO®, Nintendo Switch™ gaming and free internet access -
LIBRARY NEWS
to help you while away some leisurely holiday hours. F5F book giveaway
Held during Children’s Book Week in August, the First 5 Forever book giveaway was a great success, with over 650 books distributed across the Rockhampton Region. The 2021 census puts the target 0-5 years audience for the Mount Morgan statistical area as 103 so – with 76 books given out – nearly 75% of our eligible kids got a free book to keep!
The Mount Morgan Library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am-1:00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm, and every alternate Saturday with Gracemere Library. The Mount Morgan Library will be open 14 September and 28 September.
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
Annual General Meeting
Mount Morgan Citizens Club Inc held their Annual General Meeting on the 25 August 2024. There was a great turnout of members, and after the President’s report praising our progress and thanking members for the last 12 months, the election of our Executive Committee commenced.
Roles remain almost unchanged, with the exception of farewelling our Vice-President Kelly Lennox, who will be heading off travelling.
We thank Kelly for his committed efforts during his time with us, and may they have many fun adventures on the road!
The Executive Committee is as follows – President –John Tuxworth, Vice President – Welcome to Jamie Thompson, Treasurer – Chris O’Leary, Secretary –Kirra Swain, Bookings Officer – Angela Johnson and Executive Member – Doris Tremaine. Thank you to all for your dedication, and congratulations.
Mount Morgan Arts Precinct
With the change of town plan process being submitted to the State Government, we are now playing a bit of a waiting game. Once it comes through we can commence works.
Upcoming Dances
28 September – Happy Days: Mods and Rockers, 26 October – Mexican Fiesta: Day of the Dead, 30 November – Tropical Hawaiian Luau.
Contact Details
For SOLDIERS ROOMS Hall Bookings, please call 0419 605 662,
ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN
1st & 3rd Thursdays of the monthGrand Hotel - 6 pm for 6.30 pm. Visitors Welcome! E: mount.morgan@rotary9560.org
Trash and Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Bags of clothing $5. Any donations please phone Margaretta 0428 179 604
MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH
Meets every third Wednesday at the Green Shed Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.
MOUNT MORGAN RSL SUB Branch Inc
Business meetings held 10 am Last Saturday of the month. 1 Cornes Street, Mount Morgan.
SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS
SEPT 11: : Dee River Oldies Group - Bus Trip to Baralaba leaving at 9 am from the Morgan Street bus stop. Cost is $50 which includes Morning Tea at the Baralaba Historical Village, then onto Goovigen for lunch.
SEPT 14: Baree Markets from 8 am until 12 noon. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street, Baree.
SEPT 15: Sunday. CQ Sand Green Championships, Mount Morgan Golf Club.
SEPT 17: 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).
SEPT 21: Old Time Dance @ Alton Downs Hall, 7pm11pm. $12.
SEPT 25: Dee River Oldies Group - Morning Tea starting at 10 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes. Come along and enjoy the morning.
SEPT 28: Happy Days - Mods and Rockers, Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. From 7 pm. Bar operating. Snacks and refreshments available.
OCT 8: Well Women’s Clinic - Phone 4912 5100 for bookings.
OCT 12: Baree Markets from 8 am until 12 noon. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street, Baree.
OCT 19: Car Boot Sale held by Mount Morgan Rodeo Association Inc. Mount Morgan Showgrounds. Gates open at 7 am. Gold Coin donation.
OCT 26: Mexican Fiesta: Day of the Dead. Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. From 7 pm. Bar operating. Snacks and refreshments available.
NOV 3: Country Music Afternoon. 12 noon until 4 pm. Afternoon tea provided. Raffle and Lucky Door. Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street.
NOV 9: Baree Markets from 8 am until 12 noon. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street, Baree.
NOV 30: Tropical Hawaiian Luau. Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. From 7 pm. Bar operating. Snacks and refreshments available.
DEC 14: Baree Markets from 8 am until 12 noon. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street, Baree.
PAINTER:
Semi-retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257.
LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT
Green Shed from 7 pm. Phone 0412 502 937
MOUNT MORGAN RSL SUB BRANCH INC
Mount Morgan RSL Hall open Fridays 9 am - 1.30 pm Pop in for a chat, free coffee/tea, Veteran’s support and info.
1 Cornes Street, Mount Morgan
Lawn Mowing: Grass cut, yards cleared. All usual services. Good rates. Job prompt and reliable. Phone 0408 501 472.
Garage Sale: Saturday, 14 September – 7am
15 Gilmore Court, Gracemere
Household items, Tools, Garden ornaments/pots and quality plants, fans, ceramic paints, thunder eggs, books, Mount Morgan Memorabilia and much more.
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
Swaffield’s Property Maintenance
ABN: 68 537 641 178 Mobile: 0432 448 530
• Lawn Mowing and hedge trimming
• Yard cleanups and rubbish removal
• Wood chipping and dump runs
• House move out assistance
• Public Liability Insurance
No job too big or too small! Call Jason on 0432 448 530
NEXT EDITION
WEDNESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2024
All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 17 September 2024 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312
Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au
If you don’t receive your Argus, please contact us.