The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18, Issue 18

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

BUSHELLS TEA CELEBRATES WITH CUPCAKES

In honour of its 140th birthday, beloved Australian tea brand, Bushells Tea invited Aussie drivers to celebrate with cake over the October long weekend. Mount Morgan was one of two Driver Reviver stops in Queensland to be selected to provide cup cakes

to Drivers.

Joining forces with their charity partner, Driver Reviver, Bushells invited all Aussies hitting the road this King’s Birthday Weekend (Friday, 30 September to Monday, 2 October) to enjoy a delightful

free birthday cupcake with their Bushells tea or coffee at selected Driver Reviver stops across the nation.

As Australia’s national rest stop provider for over three decades, Continued on Page 2

Tidy Town Crew...Page 2-3

Glamping on the Mount...Page 4

New Owners...Page 11

Sadie and Ivy from Toowoomba were the first to enjoy a Bushells 140th Birthday cupcake

Driver Reviver knows the importance of a good cuppa on the open road to refresh and reset during long journeys. That’s why this birthday bash is set to give travellers the sweetest incentive to ‘stop, revive, and survive’ this October long weekend, with cupcakes available for the first 100 drivers at each stop. Locations will include:

• NSW: Brunswick Vallley, Kew, Kiama/ Nungarry Rest Area, Nerong Water Holes, Tamworth

• QLD: Maryborough, Mount Morgan

• VIC: Coleraine, Marong

• SA: Angaston

As Australia’s most iconic and longstanding tea brand, Bushells has a long tradition of bringing Aussies together. Started by Alfred ‘The Tea Man’ Bushell in 1883, Bushells became the country’s very first tea company, and has since become a familiar icon that every Australian has grown up with – a delicious taste of home.

“With early beginnings in Queensland during the 1880s to becoming an Australian family pantry staple, Bushells is proud to be engrained in Aussie culture,” said Sarah Shen, Marketing Manager for Lipton Teas and Infusions Australia.

“As a proud partner of Driver Reviver for 29 years, we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone birthday with Driver Reviver volunteers and sites across the country.”

The King’s Birthday Weekend is one of the busiest weekends for Australian roads, Driver Reviver is proud to partner with Bushells to incentivise Australians to stop in and take a rest” said a Driver Reviver spokesperson said.

Over the past 29 years, Driver Reviver stops have given away 25 million cups of Bushells tea across the country to Australian drivers.

To drive, revive and survive this weekend, Bushells and Driver Reviver are sharing their tips for safe long weekend journeys:

1. Stay hydrated and snack smart: Drink plenty of water throughout your trip to stay alert as dehydration can lead to fatigue. Have healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars readily available and try to avoid heavy, greasy food that can make you feel sluggish.

2. Take breaks every two hours: To maintain energy levels and focus, take 15-minute break every two hours. Stop in at any of the Driver Reviver sites across the country to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and even stop in for a Bushells cuppa and cupcake!

3. Share the driving: If you are travelling with others, take turns behind the wheel to avoid driver fatigue.

4. Hit the tunes or podcasts: Prior to heading on your road trip, create a playlist of some fun, sing along tunes for the drive, or download a new audiobook or podcast to keep you alert and focused.

5. Check the weather and traffic: With the Australian weather forecast often taking a turn very quickly, make sure you check the weather forecast, as well as traffic conditions before you start your trip. Avoid driving in heavy rain or other unsafe weather conditions.

6. Don’t push through!: Enjoy your journey and don’t try to ‘push through’ the road trip. Accidents are more likely to happen when you don’t take regular breaks. Stopping in at the towns along your way for a bite to eat can also help to support the local communities!

PASSION FOR RECYCLING INSPIRES CREATIVITY

Ilustrious illustrations and rolling rhymes are two characteristics of Tidy Town Crew a children’s book inspired by a love of recycling and the environment.

Michelle Wilson has always felt that she could write a book, but what to write about has always eluded her.

Spending 12 hours driving a rubbish truck and seeing the common recycling mistakes people made gave Michelle the

subject for her first book, and it’s a topic that will also allow her to write sequels... in fact after a recent operation, Michelle has nearly completed all of the art work for the second in the Tidy Town Crew.

“I started recognizing a lot of the problems that go with the waste and recycling industry.

“The recycling wasn’t happening the way it should have been happening.

“I thought about putting it into a

book, but I didn’t know how - then I came up with the idea of the Tidy Town Crew and the book flowed from there,” she said.

“The kids really love the rubbish truck and that’s why I have used a children’s book to get my message out there,” she said.

And the message is an age-old one, but one that no one seems to pay mind to - that if everyone just does one thing towards recycling

Continued on Page 3

From Page 2

it will make it a better world for everyone.

“The book also aims to help people understand the waste and recycling industry better.

“Through better understanding of the process we can all play our part it can have a major impact on the environment for the children of the next generation,” Michelle said.

Even though trying to empty about 1200 bins a day can be busy and challenging there’s still a lot of “alone time” on your hands.

“This loneliness can turn to bad thoughts at times so I changed it all around by characterising the people and processes of the waste industry.

“It gave me a lot of joy and I realised that this was they way in which turn the children’s and public’s thinking around.”

Michelle says a lot of people don’t read the tops of their bins which indicates what waste products to put in the bin.

“I think recycling just gets confusing and people just can’t be botheredbottles are going in with the lids on and people throwing batteries and green waste into the recycle bins.

“As a result - there’s just so much waste of recyclable materials.

“Through showing children what happens rather than telling them

not to do it is a better way to educate them.”

Michelle believes that the demon of all landfill and recycling bins are disposable nappies.

“We are really a throwaway society - and it’s sad to see the amount of rubbish we are throwing away - this is another reason, why I wrote the book.

“The amount of rubbish we are accumulating has to go somewhere and one day there will be nowhere left to put it.”

Michelle is hoping that through her first book and subsequent books that it helps children develop a sense of responsibility towards their environment and understanding of the impact of their actiions, and how one small positive action can make a difference.

“By reducing waste we can all become active participants in creating a greener future. I am hoping the book fosters a sense of pride in our community - show the children how we can all work together to achieve this.

“Teaching recycling early in life instills good habits that can last a lifetime,” she said.

Michelle worked mostly for Livingstone Shire when she was driving, prior to which she worked in the hardware store in Mount Morgan. She moved back

to Mount Morgan about 12 months ago and no longer works driving rubbish trucks.

The process of writing the book was not an easy one for Michelle who is not computer literate.

“I had to get people to do the typing for me, but I did all of the writing and created the illustrations.

“When I did my first set of drawings and sent them away, the paint showed through the scans, so I spent about three or four months redrawing and repainting each illustration.”

As any self-publisher knows getting a book published is not an easy task, espeically when you are dealing with people from overseas.

“My friends who were helping would be getting phone calls at midnight or one in the morning to discuss some issue with the bookthat makes it hard when you have to be up at three to go to work.

Michelle chose to use rhyme for the book - as she had difficulty writing prose.

“I have never written a poem in my life and the only thing I can contribute my ability to was that I had a friend who used to work for John Sands and he would bring home suitcases full of cards and I would sit and read the verse,” she said.

With characters like Ruby the Rubbish Truck, Louie the Loader, Champ the Compactor, Reggie the Recycler and Sparkles the Sweeper the book is full of interactive moments such as when Sparkles says:

“Down the drain the rubbish flows, Into the ocean is where it goes, So my job is to go, go, go Sweep, sweep, sweep, to keep the rubbish off the streets”

Michelle plans to do book readings in schools as well as create activities and excursions.

“I don’t just want to read the story and then walk away and leave it at that. I want to be the Steve Irwin of recycling - I even have a uniform for this - this will be my job”.

Continued on Page 5

“GLAMPING” - MEYENBURG STYLE

Lizzy Hope is well on her way to turning her dream of an early retirement through real estate into a reality.

Lizzy owns and runs Meyenburg Bed and Breakfast and Golden Mount Rest and between the two properties can host up to 66 people, plus additional people who bring their own tents.

In 2022, Lizzy started preparing tent and camper vans so she could offer “glamping” accommodation.

“Glamping” is a portmanteau word or blended word that has found its way into the English Language and is a mix of “glamourous” and “camping”.

Lizzy said she first started offering the “glamping” tents to singles and couples who were homeless and looking for emergency housing through charities, mainly Anglicare and CQID around the April School Holidays in 2022.

“This gradually evolved into offering “glamping” because I was at the point where I had nothing available and so many enquiries,” Lizzy said.

“I have been getting great feedback from visitors from all over the world and within Australia. Most guests say they didn’t expect such a comfortable stay for the budget friendly price.

“I can accommodate up to 14 guests just in the tents and camper van, plus plenty of tent spaces,” she said.

“Glamping” is only offered during the cooler months and peak tourism season.

“It has been great for business in the colder months when the demand is higher,” she said.

“I get all sorts of guests from over-nighters, back packers, people want to take a break from camping - people who want a proper shower or may have been caught in wet weather. This gives them an opportunity to dry out their camping equipment or do their washing.

“It’s a real mixture and it mostly depends on people’s budgets.

“I think the name speaks for itself - you can experience the camping without all the work. Glampers really enjoy the clear night sky and the bird song in the morning,” she said.

POSITION VACANT

PART-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER MOUNT

MORGAN

4 hours per day

The successful applicant must be:

• Experienced in basic office/computer skills;

• Be an effective communicator;

• Possess a friendly manner. Job specific training will be provided on appointment to the position.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday, 13 October 2023

Applications with resume addressed to: The Manager PO Box 241 MOUNT MORGAN, QLD. 4714

DO YOU HAVE A GREAT IDEA FOR AUSTRALIA DAY? APPLICATIONS NOWOPEN

Rockhampton Regional Council is seeking applications from community groups in the Region to apply for a grant to organise Australia Day activities in 2024. Australia Day Community Events Grants are open to community groups and not-for-profit charity organisations to enable people to celebrate Australia Day in the way that best fits their own community. For more information and an application form, visit www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CommunityAssistanceProgram or phone Rockhampton Regional Council on 4936 8368. Applications close 3 November 2023.

Web: www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au

Ph: 49368368 Email: CommunityServicesSponsorship@rrc.qld.gov.au

Above: Illustrations from Tidy Town Crew. The book can be purchased from Wattle Bee Next or directly throug the Facebook Page or tidytowncrew@outlook.com.

UNIQUE DESIGNS CREATED ON THE MOUNT

business was made due to the growing demand for my unique style, all original designs crafted by me."

She started with a market stall once a month at the Baree Markets in 2021. At the end of 2021 she moved from there to the Art Gallery

once a week when it was in Morgan Street.

"As interest and demand for my creations grew, I then moved to three to four days a week. Late last year, I decided to turn my little stall into a business, commencing business studies in January this year and started my business on 1 April, but I didn't open the shop until 9 August 2023.

"The weather played a major role in my decision to open another shop."

Faylyn started drawing the cartoons out of the Morning Bulletin when she was four years old. From there she progressed to drawing birthday cards that her family received each year.

"By the time I was seven years old I knew I wanted to be an artist. Most of my spare time was spent drawing. In High School I took art as a subject and knew I was on the right path when I scored the highest marks in Queensland. So, I guess you could say I've been an artist since I was four years old," she said.

Apart from taking art at High School, Faylyn is totally selftaught.

Faylyn Lamb has made a name for herself with her unique aboriginal art paintings and designs. Her designs are available not only as paintings, but also as shoes, shirts, and lamps! Faylyn is now working from 61 Morgan Street and her shop Piruwanni Aboriginal Art and Design is moving ahead in leaps and bounds.

"I am looking at employing someone very soon," she said.

The name of her business was derived from the Aboriginal name "Piruwanni" which her mother gave her in 2012. The meaning of Piruwanni is "Gifted One".

Almost 10 years ago, Faylyn closed her Morgan Street business which was opened to try and fill a gap in the local market for gift lines and costume hire.

Creating Aboriginal art and designs was not always on Faylyn's radarshe painted landscapes, portraits, and animals before 1983 and in the 1990's she created funky 70's pieces to help with her depression and anxiety.

Faylyn has had hundreds of requests for commissioned work since she started painting Aboriginal art in 1983, as well as commissions for portraits, landscapes, and animals.

"The decision to reopen another Continued on Page 7

GOLF CLUB NEWS

Baralaba, one of the smallest clubs in Central Queensland won this year’s historic Robinson cup teams’ event at the Wowan Golf Club on Sunday, 24 September with the three best Nett scores to count with their number one team of John Jarvis with a 68 Nett score, Dan Evans and Dillon West both a 70 Nett to give their team the winning Nett score of 208. The team won the event by just one stroke from the Middlemount number one team of Peter Oram 67, Scott Hannah 69 and JohnMartin 73 to give them a aggregates gross score of 209, but they had to survive a count back from Capella. Gladstone’s Ray Foster won the 18-hole gross with a two under 68 from Wowan’s Daryl Myles one shot back on 69, The best Nett went to Capella’s Kurt Sullivan on a count back from Middlemount’s Peter Oram when both players carded a 67 Nett score. Against a field of 175 players out of 24 clubs, Middlemount took home the carton of beer for their efforts, with Golf Central Queensland defeating the Central Highlands by just point six of a stroke in the Inter-association event. Long drives on the day went to Moranbah’s Jetsen Fletcher in the A grade, B grade Moura’s Justin Elliott and C grade Duaringa’s Mark Dunne, the pin shots went to Blackwaters Dave Whitfield in the A grade, B grade Middlemount’s Peter Oram with Duaringa’s Jim Vanderwerff the C grade.

A large number of players started arriving at the Wowan golf course on Friday afternoon and set themselves up in either tents or caravans adjacent Wowan show grounds in preparation for a big weekend with golf commencing in the pre-Robinson cup event a four ball Stableford on Saturday with the Mount Morgan pair of Josh Antcliff and Doug Wooffindin returning a

Unique

In the late 1980s she first started creating Aboriginal designs on t-shirts.

"I actually made the t-shirts and hand painted them with Hobby Tex and eventually screen painting," she said.

"It was when I had my last shop that I started handpainting shoes and lamps. I realized then that the sky was the limit."

Piruwanni Aboriginal Art and Design’s product line includes t-shirts (hand painted, sublimated, and tiedyed), shoes, slippers, thongs, caps, hats, lamps, vases, planting pots (all hand-painted), beanies (all crocheted), small and large coffee mugs, bags, handmade clocks, mats, ladies and men’s wallets, gift cards and of course artworks.

"I am expanding my product range all the time, introducing new products every month.

"My art is a significant part of me. I enjoy creating, the evolution and the joy it brings to everyone."

Stableford point score of 48 points winning the event by just 2 points from Rockhampton’s Glenn Watt and Gracemere’s Steve Sondergeld finishing on 46 points.

One of the highlights of the weekend was watching two Queensland teams win their way into the grand finals in the A.F.L. & NRL semifinals that was being shown on a big portable screen.

Short history of the cup

The tournament is a single stroke teams event played over 18 holes with two teams of 4 players per club invited to attend with the best three net scores to count in each team.

The Robinson Cup event was introduced in 1935 by Mr. J. Robinson the owner of a Rockhampton popular sports store of the day, who also donated the perpetual trophy that is still played for to-day, Gladstone Golf Club was the first club to host the event, who went onto win this inaugural historic event Golf Central Queensland took control of the event in 1941 who successfully supported the event to try to assist the smaller clubs within Central Queensland financially and create a men’s inter-club competition that suited all levels of competitor golfers with a maximum handicap of 24 which was later increased to 27. And a roster was introduced. Gladstone went onto win the Robinson Cup another 9 times last winning in 2005, with Rockhampton has been the most successful club by winning the event 12 times, Emerald has only won it once in 1964 against 27 clubs, with a possible of 54 teams of 216 competitors. Mount Morgan holds the record of having 178 players when held at their club.

Gurney T. CLAMP

0439 751 170 Email: golfcq@bigpond.net.au

Inspiration for her artwork comes from her Ancestors.

"My Ancestors help me by sending me pictures. At other times, I sketch and paint the design onto a card and scan to my laptop. Sometimes it might take me a couple of weeks to create a design," she said.

Faylyn loves her business.

"I like the challenge, the innovation, creation of new products, meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the world.

“To see people, smile and also to see someone walking down the street wearing one of my designs makes me happy.

“There is nothing I hate about being in business. The long hours to build my business are demanding, but necessary."

"I am blessed to have been given such a wonderful gift and to put a smile on so many faces with the products I create,” she said.

Faylyn has travelled and worked all over Queensland and on the islands mostly in tourism and hospitality.

MOUNT MORGAN OUTDOORS

TELEPHONE: 0417 006 591

METAL DETECTORS & PROSPECTING EQUIPMENT -FOSSICKING ADVICE

CAMPING GEAR -FISHING GEAR & BAIT - 4X4 GEAR - ARCHERY GEAR

DAKEN ELECTRIC FENCE EQUIPMENT

GIFTS & COLLECTABLES - MILITARIA

TV ANTENNA SALES & INSTALLATION

69 Morgan street, mount morgan

MOUNT MORGAN GUNS

69 Morgan Street Mount Morgan Queensland AUSTRALIA 4714

Firearm Dealers License No. 50001499

Phone - 0417 006 591

New & Used Guns - Secure Storage - Permits to Acquire

Ammunition - Firearm Accessories WE BUY GUNS

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

MOUNT MORGAN BUSINESS AND SERVICES

DIRECTORY

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

Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz

Mobile Dog Clipping

Phone Des: 0447 275 402

Finlayson & McKenzie

Funerals

Sandi Wood (nee Inslay) from Mount Morgan was born and raised within the Mount and is well aware of the needs of the Mount Morgan community.

Bob Wheeler 0419 663 277 Po Box 91

Mt Morgan

Tilt Truck Service, Excavator

Slashing, Mowing, Tractor and Poison Spraying

Licenced Poisons Contractor

Sandi is Mount Morgan’s funeral consultant and is available for all funeral advice.

Contact Sandi for more information and competitive prices with burials, cremations or prepaid funerals.

Sandi Wood your local consultant

Phone: 4922 1269

fmckfunerals@live.com.au

ALTERNATIVE HEALING ON THE MOUNT

touched release old negative thoughts and patterns and allow positive thoughts to flow," she said.

Lorna also offers relaxation massages and readings.

Lorna started learning Reiki about 30 years ago after watching a Reiki Master treat a client who was treating a patient with cancer.

"Unfortunately, the internet back then was not the best and I never saw how this treatment went," she said. After considering career options such as nursing (which she considers herself to be too soft a person to do) she chose to follow the path of Reiki and studied the first two levels with her sister-in law.

"However, life took hold, and I got caught up with raising my family and it was 10 years before I started again. I learnt Reiki and then qualified as a Master/Teacher and can now teach whoever wants to learn."

Mount Morgan has two new businesses that offer alternative healing services for the body and soul.

Lorna's BlackCat Studio and Acacia Owl Dreaming are at 61 Morgan Street.

Lorna's BlackCat Studio

The name of Lorna Walters' business has been on Lorna's mind for quite some time.

"It's a name that I thought of some time ago and now just feel is the right time to put it out there. I love cats and the colour black is very 'witchy'," she said.

Lorna opened her business on 11 September 2023 but had been offering healings from a shop in Rockhampton called Splendiferous Health.

"I have been waiting for a shop space to become available here in Mount Morgan for about two years, but nothing seemed to be what I was actually looking for," she said.

"When Faylin moved into the front shop, I heard there were rooms behind her, so I approached her to see if she was interested in renting and here, I am," she said.

"This felt right and as Daryl from Acacia Owl Dreaming had also been working from Splendiferous, I asked him if he would be interested in going in with me to create a healing space for the local people," Lorna said.

Lorna offers services such as Reiki - a form of energy healing from Japan.

"Some call it hands on healing, but I do not put my hands on a client. Reiki allows positive energy to flow into the body through the hands of the practitioner," she said.

Scientifically, Reiki has been shown to decrease pain levels, speed healing and relax the body and mind.

Lorna offers Access Bars which eliminates the negative thoughts of a person's mind that hinder a person's growth.

"Bars use 32 points on the head which when lightly

Lorna has Level One and Two and Master/Teacher Level 3 in Reiki, a Certificate of Completion in Access Bars, Certificate in Relaxation Massage. She also has completed a practitioner's course for kinesiology, Level Three Master Spiritual and Psychic Development with Daniel Hawken, and Diploma in Magic Herbalism, Feng Shui for Australians, and aromatherapy.

Acacia Owl Dreaming

Daryl Jacobson shares the space with Lorna's BlackCat Studio under the banner of Acacia Owl Dreaming.

"Acacia Owl Dreaming came to life during my third initiation in the Shaman/Medicine Man ceremony. Owls are my spirit animal and acacia is the sacred plant. Dreaming derives from the perspective that we are souls in a physical incarnation and dream, lucidly our world, life into physical reality," he said.

After completing Level One and Two in Shaman training, he began to operate from home in Mount Morgan and then when he was initiated into the third level of his craft, he began operating through Splendiferous Health in Rockhampton.

"Prior to this, I practiced as a Reiki healer since 2012, doing house calls primarily," he said.

"I felt it was time to venture out and create my own base from which to continue my work. Lorna and I were drawn to Mount Morgan, our community, and when the opportunity arose thanks to Piruwanni Aboriginal Art and Design we opened our new businesses.”

Acacia Owl Dreaming offers a unique and specialised form of healing.

"It's based on the causes of the illness or disease of the client," Daryl said.

"My perspective is based on 'as within, so without'. Our thoughts, our emotions, our traumas, and relationships affect us internally, consciously, unconsciously, and subconsciously. In time these will present themselves physically in the guise of illness.

" I assist my clients to journey within, discover or uncover

these and heal them," he said.

There are more in-depth services offered by Acacia Owl Dreaming such as energetically cleaning homes, properties, workspaces, Angelic Healing, Sacred Geometry, Sacred Healing, Ancestral Trauma, Karmic Healing, Karma cleaning and Inner Child Healing.

Daryl believes he was born into this form of healing. "From a young age I had begun to see the world differently. I could talk to the animal kingdom, I understood the language of the trees, I saw people differently. It truly gripped me when I was 27 and my son was in hospital with an unknown illness that the medical professionals couldn't diagnose or break. In what was considered his last night, I lay with him and through mindful prayer, doing hands on Reiki, I brought my son back from the throes of death.

"There have been many instances of such occurrences throughout my life since that moment and that inspired me to do what I do now."

Daryl left the army in 1990 and was guided to study various religious, spiritual, and healing modalities, whilst working as a chef. He has 30 years’ experience as a chef and is also aware of the connection between food, health, and healing.

In 2010 Daryl trained in Reiki One, Two and Three. This was followed by obtaining Levels One and Two Shamanic/Medicine Man modalities and was initiated into Level Three in 2020.

"I have studied with various medicine people including a Shaman focussed on plant medicine and Grandmother Michaela of the Cherokee nation. I connected with my ancestry on my mother's side who are of the Bungandidg people of Mount Gambier.

Both Lorna and Daryl love what they do, especially because it gives them an opportunity to heal their traumas and disease and make healthier life choices.

"Seeing them stand in their power, believing in themselves and loving their life, living their dreams is my highest reward," Daryl said.

NEW OWNERS FOR MINER’S REST

and no one," she said. The couple have adjusted to life in Australia with alacrity.

Since arriving, Sandy with her clinical Mental Health Background and Kevin with an IT profession (he still has a company in Sydney) have lived in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast and have decided to make the move to Mount Morgan.

"I grew up on a farm in South Africa and coming to Mount Morgan makes me feel that I have come full circle - the town and the landscape is similar to where I grew up," she said.

Mount Morgan's Fern's Miner's Rest is now under new ownership. Sandy and Kevin Bowden officially took possession on 24 May this year. The new owners are in the process of freshening up the three cabins and house. The house is a former site office from the Mount Morgan Mine Site and was brought down from the Mine Site in the 1980's. The house will be used as the couple's residence with a reception area/office for taking bookings.

Each cabin will receive a coat of paint, new tiling in the bathrooms and new furniture. One of the cabins will be available to rent prior to Christmas, while the two remaining cabins will be ready early in the new year. All cabins will be for short-term rentals only.

Sandy and Kevin, originally from Pretoria, South Africa, migrated to Australia 25 years ago with a young family. Their main motivation for migration was the increasing crime rate in South Africa.

"The statistics for violent crime in South Africa were increasing," Sandy said.

"Migration is not an easy thing to do - you are leaving everyone behind - all of your support systems and family and going to a place where there is nothing

Sandy hopes to establish a weekend retreat for married couples who wish to undergo marriage counselling and later, they plan to build a smaller facility on site where these retreats can be hosted.

"There are a lot of impacts on marriages - long-time grief issues, job loss or illness - the retreat will be about connecting back to each other," she said.

The couple, after spending 10 months in Vanuatu were looking for an area that has a smaller community and somewhere with a country feel about it when they came across the Fern's Miner's Rest on Domain and after investigating, felt that this was town to spend the next chapter of their lives.

Kevin and Sandy are doing most of the work themselves, except for electrical and plumbing. Where possible they are using local tradesmen.

"We are not scared of hard work," Sandy said.

Sandy said they were very happy to be in Australia and Queensland was their favourite state.

Sandy, who had her own counselling company, also plans to offer counselling services, and become more involved in the community once the cabins have been completed and are up and running.

October in Queensland is Seniors Month, with the International Day of Older Persons (Oct 1) and National Grandparents Day (Oct 29) also falling in the month. Rockhampton Regional Libraries welcomes customers of all ages to visit, attend activities and join the library.

One of the main purposes of libraries is to be ‘community hubs’, a place where anyone can come, work, rest, learn and socialise. This means that libraries are a perfectly placed for the theme for 2023 Queensland Seniors Month: Social Connections.

So how can the library help build social connections?

1. Free, fun programs

Come along to one of the regular free programs running at Rockhampton Regional Libraries. Laugh your way through Laughter Yoga (Rockhampton Southside, Oct 9), knit along with friends (Rockhampton Southside, Oct 11), keep your brain exercised with Trivia Tuesday (Rockhampton Northside, Oct 16) or share coffee and conversation at the

LIBRARY NEWS

Cake Club (Gracemere Library, Oct 24). There are also two new programs launching in October: ‘Writing Monday’ (Rockhampton Southside, weekly from Oct 9), an opportunity to meet and share ideas with other writers, and ‘On the Verandah’ (Rockhampton Southside), a casual conversation and simple craft session that starts Friday, 6 October.

You can learn something new at one-off author talks, with Roger Marks (below left) launching his latest book Rockhampton WW2 vs now … from an American Archives’ photo viewpoint (Rockhampton Southside, Oct 5) and Helen Joy below centre) sharing practical tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing from her book Coffee stains for balanced brains (Rockhampton Southside, Oct 06).

Or look after your financial health with our monthly financial seminars presented by Services Australia; this month’s topics are ‘Money Options’ at Gracemere (Oct 16) and ‘Superannuation and Retirement streams’ at Rockhampton Southside (Oct 27).

For more information about session times, bookings, etc. call

the Library Admin team on 4936 8043 Monday to Friday, 8.30-5.00.

2. Technology

So much of modern life is taking place online, including social connections. Each Rockhampton Regional Library has free Wi-Fi and computers for library members to use.

Library staff are able to give basic assistance with devices and online tasks. We also have Large Type keyboards for customers with visual difficulties.

The Library Technology Centre (located at Rockhampton Southside) has borrowable Samsung Tablets that will let you explore what is possible. Library staff will get you started and provide you with a self-paced user guide. Tablets are available for a three-week loan with a current library card and can be reserved to pick up at the Mount Morgan Library.

3. Hang out spaces

Libraries are equipped with comfortable chairs, study desks and large tables. Take advantage of the air conditioning and read your book, magazine or newspaper, meet your friends for a chat, or spend time on one of our jigsaw puzzles or boardgames. Libraries don’t have a time limit, so stay as long as you like (though we will ask you to leave if we are closing!)

The Mount Morgan Library is located at 31 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan and can be contacted on phone 4936 8169.

Borrow and return library items from any of our Rockhampton Regional Libraries in Mount Morgan, Gracemere and Rockhampton.

For more information about library services or membership, please contact the Libraries Administration Office on phone 4936 8043 Monday to Friday.

Safeguard your property and family this bushfire season

With bushfire season upon us, Rockhampton residents are urged to take action to safeguard their properties and families against the potential threat of bushfires.

Deputy LDMG Coordinator Councillor Drew Wickerson is emphasising the importance of having a well-prepared property and a comprehensive Bushfire Survival Plan in place.

“Preparing in advance is crucial, as it can significantly reduce the impact of bushfires on lives and properties,” Cr Wickerson said.

“With our region now heating up, we are heading into the high-risk part of bushfire season so residents must take proactive steps to protect their homes and loved ones by ensuring properties are well maintained and prepared to minimize risk.

“Preparing is simple and can ultimately save your life and property if a bushfire occurred."

Rockhampton’s Rural Fire Service Area Director, Matthew Eckhardt said residents have a significant role to play in bushfire preparation.

DEE RIVER OLDIES

Last week we had our September Morning Tea. It is always a good morning out to catch up and enjoy a cuppa. Our guest speaker was Mike Griffin, the weather man, who gave our members a good overview of the weather and what is ahead of us for the summer. Members were able to pay and secure their seat for our next bus trip.

Our Bus Trip on Sunday, 15 October, 2023 we leave the bus stop in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan at 8 am. We are going to the Emu Park Markets, then onto the Keppel Sands Hotel for lunch. The cost is $50. Check to see if there are any seats still available.

October Monthly Meeting is on Tuesday, 17 October, 2023 starting at 2 pm.

The October Morning Tea is on Wednesday, 25

“QFES is always ready to deal with bushfires and our highly skilled and well-trained firefighters are ready to respond, but bushfire preparation is a community effort,” Mr Eckhardt said.

“Taking simple steps such as mowing your lawn regularly, trimming overhanging branches and getting rid of flammable materials from around your home can all help to reduce your bushfire risk.

“Now is the time to ensure you have a Bushfire Survival Plan and that everyone in the house understands what you will do in the event of a bushfire. If you need to put your plan together, head to the QFES website. It will only take a few minutes and could make all the difference.

“Power tools and machinery can spark dangerous fires, so if you are carrying out any work during heightened fire conditions, be aware of the dangers and carry a water supply and firefighting equipment.” For more information and resources on bushfire preparedness, visit https://emergency. rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/.

October 2023 starting at 10 am. The guest speaker is Jill Griffiths (Aged care specialist Officer). The cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes.

Both our Meetings and Morning Teas are held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). No Morning Teas to be held in November or December, 2023.

Mark the date on your calendar for our Christmas Lunch on Friday, 24 November, 2023. It will be held at the Grand Hotel, Morgan Street, Mount Morgan. Entry is from 11.30 am. Cost to be advised. Put your name down and pay at our October Morning Tea. Looking forward to what is ahead of us for the year. Keep happy and healthy.

The Steering Committee - Carol Glover 4938 1995 and Colleen Constable 0427 161 131.

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE NEEDED

Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Explore Centre

Do you have an interest in local history? Or perhaps would like to be involved in town promotions? Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc would like to warmly welcome all interested individuals to become a part of the team! Workforce Australia and Centrelink Mutual Obligations also available. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Eve-lyn at MMPAD on 4938 2312 or email mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au.

Mount Morgan in Pictures

Columnist visits Mount Morgan

Mount Morgan Argus columnist, Catherine McIntosh, recently visited Mount Morgan from Sydney. Her first stop during her busy three days in the local area was the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Mount Morgan Explore Centre.

The last time Catherine visited was in late 2017. The reason for the recent visit will be revealed in a later issue.

“The heritage-listed Mount Morgan Railway Station, built in 1898, takes me back to when the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company Limited was going gangbusters. Imagine some of the characters who would have arrived at and departed from that station – Mount Morgan pioneers, Walter Hall and Wesley Hall, and superstar opera singer, Madame (later, Dame) Nellie Melba – to name just a few.

“It was wonderful to see the collection of rail memorabilia, including the restored Hunslet Steam Locomotive and ‘Silver Bullet’. The soundscape to the platform added atmosphere to the visitor experience, and the volunteers were informative and friendly,” Catherine said.

“The Rack Locomotive Pinion Mechanism on display is special to me. My family’s connection to the old rack-railway goes back more than a century. My mother’s family, the Stubbs family, moved from Rockhampton Road (now James Street), Mount Morgan, to a farm in Moonmera in about 1918. They travelled up and down the steep Razorback Range between Moonmera and Mount Morgan on the rackrailway for work, school and other activities until its closure in 1952.”

Catherine was impressed with the refurbishment of the Morgan Street traffic island, in particular, the naming of the picnic shelters paying homage to minerals extracted from the mine.

“I really liked seeing the majesty of the historic buildings, particularly the Leichhardt and Grand Hotels, Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, the Masonic Hall and the Morgan Street shop fronts.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Mount Morgan for the Golden Mount Festival next year,” Catherine said.

Above left: Mount Morgan Railway Museum / Left to right: Eve-lyn Rogers, Rail Co-ordinator and Project Officer, Mount Morgan Promotion and Development (MMPAD) Inc; Catherine McIntosh, visitor to Mount Morgan and column author of ‘Mount Morgan in Pictures’, Mount Morgan Argus; John Steinberger, MMPAD President. Above right: Catherine aboard the ‘Silver Bullet’ rail motor, making small talk with an unidentified passenger.

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

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

OCT 15: Dee River Oldies Group - Bus trip to the Emu Park Markets with lunch at the Keppel Sands Hotel. Cost is $50. Put your name down to secure your seat. Bus leaves the bus stop in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan at 8 am.

OCT 16: Mount Morgan Buy Local Promotion starts.

OCT 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).

OCT 19: Mount Morgan RSL Sub Branch social night for Veterans and interested community members. RSL Building near Footbridge in Cornes Street - 4 - 8 pm. Raffle and light refreshments available.

OCT 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). Raffle and lucky door prizes.

NOV 4: Mount Morgan Arts and Craft Group Cent Sale at Baree Hall, Creek Street Baree. Doors open at 12 noon and cent sale starts 2 pm . Christmas theme. All welcome.

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

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

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

NOV 21: 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).

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

DEC 13: Mount Morgan Buy Local Promotion finishes.

DEC 15: Mount Morgan Twilight Christmas Concert. Mount Morgan Railway Station, 1 Railway Parade.

NOV 24: Dee River Oldies Group - Christmas Lunch to be held at the Grand Hotel, Mount Morgan. Entry from 11.30 am. The cost to be advised. Raffle and lucky door prizes. Put your name down and pay at the October Morning Tea. Advise us if you have special dietary requirements.

DEC 12: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting to be held a week earlier then usual. Starting at 2 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). There are no Morning Teas held in November and December.

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

1st & 3rd Thursdays of the monthGrand Hotel - 6 pm for 6.30 pm. Visitors Welcome!

E: mount.morgan@rotary9560.org

SEWING

Caravan curtains made up; hems on pants, skirts and dresses. Minor alterations.

PLEASE PHONE ALISON ON 0447 177 003

BRANDING WORKSHOP

This is your opportunity to help create a “brand” to be used for the promotion of Mount Morgan. Businesses, community organisations and residents are invited to a facilitated workshop on:

4 October 2023

at the Baree School of Arts Hall

5.30 pm for 6 pm start.

Light refreshments available.