VOLUME 18 - ISSUE 22
WWW.MOUNTMORGAN.ORG.AU
29 NOVEMBER - 13 DECEMBER 2023
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY MOUNT MORGAN PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENT INC. ABN 21 391 526 801 | 1 RAILWAY PDE, MOUNT MORGAN, Q 4714, AUSTRALIA.
High School Awards...Page 2
RSL...Page 10
MM In Pictures..Page 14
YEAR 12 GRADUATES OF 2023
Mount Morgan Twilight Christmas Concert
friday, 15 December, 2023 | 6 - 8.15 pm | historical railway station Live Entertainment | Food, Coffee & ice Cream Vans | visit from Santa & More!
MOUNT MORGAN STATE 2023 GRADUATING CLASS
Top left and right: Year 12 students Raphu Herbohn and Chloe Best exit from the Guard of Honour formed by their fellow students on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. Above: Amarni Goody arrives in style for photographs; above right Kaitlyn Emery and right: Jacob Sealy, Lilly Lahiff, Ellah Donald and Ecjuan Wilkes-Hayden at the official photography session at the Mount Morgan High School. In farewelling the Year 12 students, Principal, Mr Dan Petersen said as the Year 12 cohort, they had to endure more than their fair share of adversity over the last six years. MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER The Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right to alter, omit, reclassify or postpone publication of articles, photographs or advertisements in the Mount Morgan Argus. MMPAD takes all possible care with the publication of news, names and other information sourced by MMPAD representatives. It does not, however, take responsibility for erroneous information or spelling supplied by external sources. Please take care and ensure that information is correct and names are spelt correctly before submitting any items to this publication. MMPAD Executive
Page 2
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
Live Entertainment!
grand hotel mount morgan
Join us for our
MEGA
Christmas RAFFLE
SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER - FROM 2.30 pm LIVE MUSIC | JUMPING CASTLE | FACE PAINTING | MUCH MORE
MEET SANTA
PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS AT THE BAR Call the Grand Hotel to book your Christmas party today. 4938 2300 29 November - 13 December 2023
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 3
MOUNT MORGAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL
2023 AWARDS NIGHT
CHLOE PROVES TO BE BEST
School and Paterson House Captain, Chloe Best (pictured left), proved that she was the “best” when she was awarded the Tomky’s Memorial Prize for Dux of the School. Chloe was also awarded the Trainee of the Year, the Gladstone Ports Corporation Bursary and U17 Female aged champion. The awards night was held on Tuesday, 14 November at the Mount Morgan School of Arts. Top students in each year level were as follows - Top Year 7 – Beccy Ireland,Top Year 8 – Victoria Connolly, Top Year 9 - Matilda Kenny,Top Year 10 – Emmasyn Hoad, Top Year 11 Essential & Applied Subjects – Codie Zimmerlie and Top Year 11 ATAR Student – Kasia Davis (below right). Other awards went to: Barker Family Bursary – Destiny Veber; Netballer of the Year – Kahlen Garrett; Footballer of the Year – Zavyeon Leisha; Sports Person of the Year – Lilly Passmore; 2023 CQU Vice President Rockhampton Region Award – Alex Faulkner and 2023 CQU Senior Writers Award – Abbie Tyne; Trainee of the Year – Chloe Best; Top Vocational Education Student – Katelynn Gatt; Scott Family Quiet Achiever Award – Nate Grozinger; Porter Family Community Services Award – Mystique Lemire; School Services Award – Alex Toner; 2023 Maureen Stone Memorial Year 7 Encouragement Award – Bella Cox; Member for Mirani Year 8 Encouragement Award – Frankie Kenny; Stephen Kearney Memorial Year 9 Encouragement Award – Monifa Steger; Year 10 Encouragement Award – Keeley Marshall; Year 11 Encouragement Award – Alisa Williams; Year 12 Encouragement Award – Ellah Donald, Gladstone Ports Corporation Bursary – Chloe Best; MAS National Vibrant Futures(winner) – Kasia Davis and MAS National Vibrant Futures (runner up) – Lyle Schneider and Long Tan Leadership Awards – Year 10 – Lewis Janssen and Year 12 – Raphu Herbohn (pictured far left).
Continued on Page 6 Page 4
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
29 November - 13 December 2023
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 5
High School Awards...From page 4
– Abbie Tyne, U16 Male Age Champion - KYearan Brady, U17 Female Age Champion – Rachael Bannah, U17 Male Age Champion – Zayveon Leisha and Open Female Age Champion – Lara Martin.
Rotary Bursaries were presented to Year 7 - Beccy Ireland, Year 8 – Victoria Connolly, Year 9 - Matilda Kenny, Year 10 – Emmasyn Hoad and Year 11 – Kasia Davis Sporting awards – Athletics -U12 Female Age Champion – Ava Marshall, U12 Male Age Champion – Ryker Broome, U13 Female Age Champion – Lilly Passmore, U13 Male Age Champion – Marcus Toby,U14 Female Age Champion – Halarney Bishop, U14 Male Age Champion – Kellen Duncan, U15 Female Age Champion – Destiny Veber, U15 Male Age Champion – Travis Ireland, U16 Female Age Champion – La’Zariah Leisha, U16 Male Age Champion - KYearan Brady, U17 Female Age Champion – Chloe Best, U17 Male Age Champion – Zayveon Leisha, Open Female Age Champion – Lara Martin and Open Male Age Champion – Raphu Herbohn. Cross Country - U12 Female Age Champion – Ava Marshall, U12 Male Age Champion – Ryker Broome, U13 Female Age Champion – Beccy Ireland, U13 Male Age Champion – Koby Darnill, U14 Female Age Champion – Halarney Bishop, U14 Male Age Champion – Jordan Zane,U15 Female Age Champion – Destiny Veber, U15 Male Age Champion – Travis Ireland, U16 Female Age Champion Page 6
Netball - 7C Netball Most Valuable Player – Beccy Ireland, 7C Netball Most Improved Player – Jill Harbord, 8C Netball Most Valuable Player – Amarli Martin, 8C Netball Most Improved Player – Ella Curtis-Bryant, 10C Netball Most Valuable Player – Chloe Gray, 10C Netball Most Improved Player – Mikhaila Grange, 11C Netball Most Valuable Player – La’Zariah Leisha, 11C Netball Most Improved Player – Mystique Lemire, C2 Senior Netball Most Valuable Player – Lara Martin, C2 Senior Netball Most Improved Player – Kasia Davis, Coaches Award for Sportsmanship – Codie Zimmerlie, Rugby 7’s Most Valuable Player – Lara Martin, Rugby 7’s Most Improved Player – Amarni Goody and Rugby 7’s Coaches Award for Sportsmanship – Laicey Gibson. Rugby League - 7 & 8 Rugby League Most Valuable Player – Jharal Hixon, 7 & 8 Rugby League Most Improved Player – Ryker Broome, 9 & 10 Rugby League Most Valuable Player – Zaine Wright, 9 & 10 Rugby League Most Improved Player – Lewis Janssen, 11 & 12 Rugby League Most Valuable Player – Zayveon Leisha, 11 & 12 Rugby League Most Improved Player – Raphu Herbohn and Coaches Award for Sportsmanship – Jharal Hixon. Basketball - Senior Male Most Valuable Player – Zayveon Leisha, Senior Male Most Improved Player – Tyler Anderson and Coaches Award for Sportsmanship – KYearan Brady. Pictured bottom left: Mis McClintock, Chantelle Berry, Chloe Best, Tay-Len Richter, Beccy Ireland, John LambertSmith.
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE AWARDS NIGHT IN ISSUE 23 OF THE MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
29 November - 13 December 2023
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 7
PHONE LIZZY ON 0408 262 505 That Truck & Bobcat Bloke
New Homes Extensions Restumping Car Ports
ABN: 35 347 197 734
Call Geoff: 0411 707 741 Based at Razorback, MOONGAN gnarnold226@gmail.com
Small acreage clean ups, land clearing, fence lines, fire breaks, shed pads & more. Post hole borer & spreader bar
Swaffield’s Property Maintenance ABN: 68 537 641 178 Mobile: 0432 448 530 • •
Renovations Alterations Decks Driveways
FULLY LICENSED QBCC: Lic. No. 19514 FOR HIGH CARE & DISABLED OPEN PLAN BATHROOM REBUILDS RAMPS STAIR LIFTS
Tony Harney Plumbing
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
Available for all domestic and commercial work. Septic to Sewer Connections Blocked drains, leaking taps or any other maintenance issues
Phone Tony
0429 669 499 Servicing Mount Morgan
ABN : 76 171 835 370
Mark Humphreys’ Electrical 8 Baldwin Street Mount Morgan 4714 Electrical Lic. No. 74711
QBCC 1110090
M.A.W Mowing & Handyman Services ABN: 30 706 300 266
Phone: 0439 727 609 FAX: 4938 2885
Mark Williamson
Domestic, Rural, Commercial Installation and Repairs,
Promptly Servicing
Mount Morgan & Wowan Districts
0403 571 561
Email: mawmowing@live.com
DAWSON’S DO & CHARGE ABN: 24 757 904 038
Dawson Green - Mount Morgan Local NO JOB TOO SMALL!
CALL DAWSON ON 0413 825 787 Email - hdgreen@bigpond.com
Most Home Repairs - Doors, Windows, Walls, Gates, Patch & Paint
Clinic 1st Tuesday of the Month
I will not accept jobs over $3,300.00 Page 8
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
TELEPHONE: MOUNT MORGAN 0417 006 591 OUTDOORS
RAINBOW CAFE MOUNT MORGAN
METAL DETECTORS & PROSPECTING EQUIPMENT -FOSSICKING ADVICE CAMPING GEAR -FISHING GEAR & BAIT - 4X4 GEAR - ARCHERY GEAR DAKEN ELECTRIC FENCE EQUIPMENT
DINE IN - TAKEAWAY OPEN 7 DAYS
GIFTS & COLLECTABLES - MILITARIA TV ANTENNA SALES & INSTALLATION
phone 4938 2758
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
Thinking of Selling your Home? sals
prai p A e e
Fr
New & Used Guns - Secure Storage - Permits to Acquire Ammunition - Firearm Accessories
WE BUY GUNS
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
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
Tilt Truck Service, Excavator Slashing, Mowing, Tractor and Poison Spraying Licenced Poisons Contractor 29 November - 13 December 2023
fmckfunerals@live.com.au
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 9
MOUNT MORGAN BRANCH UPDATE Submitted by Arlene Roberts - Secretary
The stars are shining bright yet the wind at times can be quite strong. Our lovely town has many seasons of weather in a day, but it is mostly sunny, warm and very pleasant. Not far away is the start of cyclone season and with dry winds and high fire danger we must all take stock of what we should do and be prepared in case we do have to move to a safer area. History shows that these situations can spring up at any time so don’t be complacent be prepared. Since our branch opened in 1950 members have helped with many disasters and we are always ready to help if the time was to come that help is needed. This year marked the Queensland Country Women’s Association 100th Conference which was held from 30 October to 1 November. This conference was held in Toowoomba just as the first State conference in 1923. Members attended the State expo on 28/29 October which included all the Q.C.W.A. State Competition entries plus workshops in various craft activities. There were various dinners and small meetings that members attend and enjoy each year. Members at the conference took part in various conversations including lobbying government on topics of health care, banking and much more. Lobbying is something we do and through our history this has resulted in many items being implemented such seat belts, immunizations, food labelling initiatives, education, age care, and homelessness of women. So, as you can see it was a full week of conversations, workshops, education, better eating programmes and a lot of advocacy and social interaction, meeting dignitaries and meeting up with friends. Our annual project statewide is ‘’Homelessness of women over 50’’. Our new Country of Study for 2024 is ‘’Morrocco’’ and our product of study for 2024 is ‘’Pumpkin’’. So, as you can tell we cover a very diverse array of topics at our state conference which in turn will improve the lives of women, children and families in our communities. You can find out more on our Q.C.W.A. website which is qcwa.org.au and view the many functions which are held. On 18 November we held our Giant yearly Cent sale. As you opened the door you were greeted with six trestle Tables covered with more than 300 prizes. Plants, potting mix, along with other large prizes were under each table and 2 extra tables were filled with multi draw prizes. We also had a raffle. The morning was not what we had hoped for at the start as the weather turned miserable. It was overcast, raining and cool but we went ahead with our function anyway. To our surprise more than 50 adults and 14 children came along for a fun filled afternoon. This was our main fundraiser for the year allowing us to have the funds to continue our work in the community including school bursaries and domestic violence packs. Page 10
This year we put together many domestic violence packs and we are putting together more to be handed over to the local police station before Christmas. These packs are for adults and children to help them through the difficult situation they have been faced with. I would like to thank those who have sponsored our cent sale and domestic violence packs. Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 10 o’clock. We always have a cuppa and a chat beforehand. Our next meeting will be held on 15 January 2024. On the fourth Monday of each month, we hold our branch social day. This includes handcraft, cookery and gardening. Depending on what ladies would like to do at the time or by prearrangement. These days start at 10am. Our next social day will be on 22 January 2024. Recently our branch has taken on running raffles on a regular basis. These are held in the main street including a display of what Q.C.W.A. does and we also have our cookbooks for sale. Today the Mount Morgan Branch has a membership of 11 members and two associate members who are very dedicated to our branch. We are always happy to welcome new members from the age of 18 years. Girls under 18 are able to join as Associate members. So, we accommodate for all ages to be members. On 1 December we will be taking a break for the festive season, and we will return on the 15 January 2024. Don’t forget our cookbooks are for sale at the Mount Morgan Railway Museum/Explore centre. For more details please contact Arlene Roberts branch Secretary on 0428 457 461.
RSL FELLOWSHIP
RSL Mount Morgan Sub-Branch welcomes former and serving defense force members and/or their families at their new premises each fortnight. This is a supportive environment with plenty of room for relaxed conversation, laughs, light refreshments and the odd meat raffle or two. Thursday, 30 November from 3 pm to 7 pm will be the next get-together at 1 Cornes Street, near the swinging footbridge. Look out for the RSL banner. There is plenty of seating in air-conditioned comfort if the weather is hot. Pictured below are Bob Collins, Mary Cox, Howard Simcoe and Elizabeth Elliott.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB GANGSTERS AND MOLLS: Despite the rainy weather, we had a fantastic turnout for the last dance for 2023. With elaborate decorations consisting of palm fronds and ostrich feather arrangements in gold and black, silver draped curtains, fairy lights and bunting, and a stunning bouquet by Cherylee’s Paper Petals…. the scene was certainly set! The majority of patrons donned flapper dresses and gangster suits, and we had a sprinkling of jailbirds and even a rap gangster with all the bling. The ever wonderful Capricorn Dance Exchange recited a playlist of songs from the roaring 20’s, along with traditional and contemporary favourites. A highlight of the night was a surprise appearance by the notorious Koch and Boules, who came to arrest Di Coburn for a ”copyright infringement”…..but their folly was foiled when the hat was passed around to keep Di from being carted off to the joint (pictured below). Many laughs were had with their clever impromptu style of comedy, and we thank them very much for coming along and supporting our event. Look out for new episodes which are in the pipeline. Thanks also to our Volunteers, whom we would be lost without! RENO UPDATE: Things are slowing down for the festive season, with Members deserving a wellearned break, though you may see a few of us pop in now and again to do some odd jobs. The pace will be picking up again in the new year, especially for the Arts Precinct, so if you would like to come on board, we welcome and value new and existing Members. HALL HIRE: Bookings 0419 605 662. Other enquiries email- mountmorgansoldiersrooms@gmail.com or message on our Facebook page. K. Swain -Secretary.
NEW LOGO FOR MOUNT MORGAN
Pictured above is Mount Morgan’s new logo and brand which is available for use by businessess and community organisations. The Branding Project was funded by a Business Basics Grant through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. Residents and businesses were provided with an opportunity to comment on three logos which were presented following a public meeting. The above logo was decided upon by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development [MMPAD] Inc (grant recipient) following the incorporation of feedback from a range of residents, businesses and organisations. If you wish to use the logo, please contact MMPAD via email on mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au. On behalf of MMPAD, thank you to those who participated in the development of the brand.
The Mount Morgan Rotary Club is busily planning the Australia Day celebration event for 2024 following a successful grant from the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Australia Day Fund. The event will be held at the historic Railway Complex on the morning of 26 January 2024. The club welcomes the support from Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc in making the site available and helping with the celebrations. It is hoped that holding the event at the Railway Complex will attract more local residents, especially children, to enjoy the celebration of Australia Day. The plans include entertainment and attractions for the children and a free sausage sizzle for attendees. Craig Edmonston - President
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. 29 November - 13 December 2023
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 11
LIBRARY NEWS Christmas closure
School holiday fun at the library School holidays are a great time to visit your library. Beat the heat and hang out in our air-conditioned spaces with free Wi-Fi, Nintendo Switches and computer access. Bring the family to check out the colouring and craft take-home packs, browse our collection of puzzles, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and books. Keep your eyes peeled for The Summer Reading Club from 1 December. Summer Reading Club is hosted by the State Library of Queensland with a series of fun reading challenges, online competitions and book reviews. For more information please visit your local library. Craft, STEM, origami, virtual reality, and Play|Read|Sing sessions will continue to run throughout the school holidays. Please check the Rockhampton Regional Council events page for times or call the Library Administration on 4936 8043 for more information. Financial Seminars There are only two financial seminars left in 2024! So, if you have financial questions make sure you head to one of these sessions run by Services Australia. Please call the Library Administration on 4936 8043 for more information. Fri 01 Dec 9:30-12 Insurance and protecting your assets Mount Morgan Fri 15 Dec 9:30-12
Money options Southside
DEE RIVER OLDIES Friday, 24 November saw a good turn up of Dee River Oldies’ members for our Christmas Lunch at the Grand Hotel, Mount Morgan. It was a good day where members caught up and enjoyed a lovely lunch and a cold drink. We had plenty of lucky raffle winners. So good to see new members join us for the Christmas lunch.. Our members have enjoyed Morning Teas and Bus Trips throughout the year. In March we travelled to Bauhinia House. We joined in their St Patrick Day celebrations and enjoyed a lovely morning tea and lunch. In June, we visited the Archer Park Rail Museum, where we had a cuppa and some beautiful scones for morning tea then travelled on to the Westwood Hotel for lunch. October saw us go to the Emu Park Markets then on to the Keppel Sands Hotel for lunch. Our Morning Teas have been well attended, with Page 12
The Christmas Season is fast approaching so make sure you add a library visit to your to-do list! All Rockhampton Regional Libraries will be closed from Saturday, 23 December and will reopen on Tuesday, 2 January in Rockhampton and Gracemere, and Wednesday, 3 January at Mount Morgan. Each library member can borrow up to 20 items so come in and stock up on puzzles, music, DVDs, books and magazines before the end of the month. If you forget to stock up, or just can’t make it into a library before Christmas, don’t worry … our supply of online books, comics, magazines and films will come to the rescue! Look for Library Online Resources on the Rockhampton Regional Council website or eLibrary on the Rockhampton Regional Libraries page. A library card number and password will be needed to access these resources. Please contact your library to confirm your card’s password before the closure period. 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. guest speakers keeping our members up to date about what is out there. In July we had our 'Christmas in July' themed Morning Tea, then August saw our yearly 'Damper Day at the Hall'. Members enjoyed damper on arrival and had savoury mince and rice for lunch. We thank everyone who helped throughout the year to make our days roll along - our members who help out at meetings, morning teas and make donations, our bus drivers who got us home safe, and the musicians who entertained us. We are looking forward to what 2024 has to offer. Come along to our last meeting for the year on 12 December 2023 starting at 2 pm. It is held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). This meeting is held a week earlier than usual. Stay happy and healthy. The Steering Committee Carol Glover 4938 1995 and Colleen Constable on 0427 161 131.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
Sponsors Allis Massage Therapy | Collectables and Memories Discover Real Estate – Angela Douglas | Fox Video Grand Hotel | IGA | Lorna’s Black Cat Studio Mane Street Hair Studio | Mount Morgan Historical Museum Piruwanni Aboriginal Art & Design | Railway Hotel Rainbow Café | Stewarts Towing and Service Station That Truck and Bobcat Bloke | Wattle Bee Next | Wild Healing
Retailers
Allis Massage Therapy | Acacia Owl Dreaming | Collectables And Memories| Fern's Miners' Rest | Fox Video Golden Mount Store | Grand Hotel | IGA | Lifeline | Lorna's Black Cat Studio | Mane Street Hair Studio MAW Mowing And Handyman Services | Mount Barber | Mount Morgan Hardware Mount Morgan Historical Museum | Mount Morgan Hot Bread Shop | Mount Morgan Motel And Van Park Mount Morgan Post Office | Mount Morgan Promotion And Development Inc Piruwanni Aboriginal Art And Design | Railway Hotel/Motel | Rainbow Café | Silver Wattle Caravan Park Stewarts Towing And Service Station | Swaffield Property Maintenance | That Truck And Bobcat Bloke Tony Harney Plumbing | Wattle Bee Next | Wild Healing
29 November - 13 December 2023
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 13
Mount Morgan in Pictures By Catherine McIntosh, descendant of the colonial Stubbs family of Mount Morgan
Little writing desk comes home Mount Morgan Argus columnist, Catherine McIntosh, recently visited Mount Morgan from Sydney. The main reason behind her visit was to see a traditional piece of furniture for the first time – a family desk – in a special location. The Argus asked Catherine some questions about the desk’s background, discovery and new home. What is the history and provenance behind the desk? My Mount Morgan-born maternal grandfather, Robert Francis (‘Bob’) Stubbs (1901-1984), handcrafted the desk from timber on the family’s Moonmera farm in about 1933. He made the desk for his cousin, Thomas Allen Nagle (1903-1970), a fellow local school teacher. The cousins were close because they had both lost their mothers, who were sisters (née Ryder), at a young age – Lillian Stubbs (my great-grandmother) died of pneumonia in 1915 (aged 46) and Florence Nagle of peritonitis (a bacterial infection) in 1924 (aged 50).
Why was the mine site chosen for the desk? We chose the mine site because it has a significant connection with my family, and the desk is in a place where it can outlive us. My great-grandfather, Upsall Stubbs (1868-1954) (pictured below, sawing with his son, Bob), stoked the furnaces at the Mount Morgan mine in the late 1880s when Wesley Hall was the first general manager of the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company Limited. He then supplied firewood to the mine by horse and cart. In the early 1900s, he was a gardener to the mining company’s general manager, Captain Richard. One of his other sons and First World War veteran, Allan Foster (‘Lal’) Stubbs (1897-1985), worked at its successor, Mount Morgan Limited.
The desk remained in the Nagle family for three generations, firstly in Rockhampton, then in Brisbane. How and why did the desk come into your possession? You could say the desk found me. A granddaughter of Thomas Nagle contacted me about the desk in 2021. Her father, the last Nagle custodian of the desk, had just died (aged 94) and had left behind a handwritten note about the desk’s history. One of his dying wishes was to find the desk a good home for another 90 years. I felt a sense of duty to preserve the desk on behalf of the Nagle and Stubbs families. Were you surprised to learn about the desk? I wasn’t totally surprised that my grandfather had made the desk because I knew he was a cabinetmaker in his spare time. My mother owned one of his desks when I was growing up – a simple desk with a drawer and side cabinet, which she fashionably painted lime green in the 1970s. What amazed me was that this desk still existed (and in such good condition) and how important it was to the Nagle family. Where is the Moonmera desk located now? The Queensland Department of Resources kindly allowed us to house the desk in the General Manager’s Office at the heritage-listed General Office Building on the Mount Morgan mine site. The Nagle family arranged for the desk to be professionally transported from Brisbane to Mount Morgan in August 2022.
Above: 1930s / Moonmera Qld / Stubbs family farm / Cabinetmaker, Bob Stubbs (back to camera), sawing timber felled from the farm with his father. The timber was used for furniture and farmhouse extensions / Stubbs family photograph. Continued on Page 15
Page 14
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023
MM In Pictures from Page 14
Would you call it an ‘antique’ desk?
What were your first impressions of the desk in the General Manager’s Office?
Generally, an object has to be over one hundred years old to be called ‘antique’. At this stage, I’d say it’s ‘vintage’, but it hasn’t long to go – about ten years.
I was struck by its small size and unusual design. The top folds up on a hinge to save space like a Wooten desk of the Victorian era. It’s not a desk for the modern age – the hinge wouldn’t take the weight of a computer or printer. I also thought the desk matched the other period pieces of wooden furniture in the office.
How do you think your ancestors would react to the desk’s new home? They would probably be surprised, and hopefully, chuffed, to have the family’s handiwork back in the region and in such an historically important building.
Imagine you are in the 1930s sitting at the new desk. What do you see inside the desk? I can see gold-embossed writing paper and matching envelopes, a burgundy and gold fountain pen, a pot of blue ink and a new paperback of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
Proudly representing Mount Morgan
Above: August 2023 / Mount Morgan / General Manager’s Office, General Office Building, Mount Morgan mine site / Catherine McIntosh beside her family’s 1930s handcrafted desk made of Moonmera timber, with a framed description of the desk’s history on the top / A Mount Morgan Limited chair is in front of the desk. Above right: the little desk in the General Manager’s Office. 29 November - 13 December 2023
Colin BOYCE MP Federal Member for Flynn
76 Goondoon Street, Gladstone QLD 4680 colin.boyce.mp@aph.gov.au
colinboyce.com.au
4972 5465 ColinBoyceMP
Authorised by Colin Boyce MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 76 Goondoon Street, Gladstone QLD 4680.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Page 15
SAVE THE DATE!
DEC 2:Conquer the Mountain Golf Tournament. Mount Morgan Golf Club. Start at 8 am. DEC 3: Conquer the Mountain golf tournament. Mount Morgan Golf Club. Start at 9 am. DEC 9: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon. DEC 10: Mount Morgan Agricultural Show Society Inc. AGM 9.30 am. Mount Morgan Showgrounds. All welcome. DEC 10: December Monthly Medal. Mount Morgan Golf Club, Start 8 am. 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 DEC 13: Mount Morgan Buy Local Promotion finishes. DEC 15: Mount Morgan Twilight Christmas Concert. Mount Morgan Railway Station, 1 Railway Parade. DEC 17: Monthly Medal Final and Christmas breakup. Mount Morgan Golf Club. Start 8 am. JAN 26 - 2024: Mount Morgan Australia Day Celebrations at the Mount Morgan Historic Railway Station.
CLASSIFIEDS 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 Market Stall Sale Saturdays and Sundays – old movie theatre. Gemstones, fossils, collectables and souvenir. 8 am to 3 pm weekly. IN MEMORIAM: SEALY, Hilda May. Taken 27 October 1957, aged 36 years. Fondest Memories, Margaret.
Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz Mobile Dog Clipping Phone Des: 0447 275 402
MOUNT MORGAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY, BOXING DAY AND NEW YEARS DAY. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! MOUNT MORGAN RSL SUB BRANCH INC The Mount Morgan Sub Branch meets at 1 Cornes Street on the third Saturday of the month at 10 am. Trash and Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8 am to 12 noon. Bags of clothing $5. Any donations please phone Margaretta 0428 179 604 MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH Meets every third Monday at the Green Shed Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.
ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month Grand Hotel - 6 pm for 6.30 pm. Visitors Welcome! E: mount.morgan@rotary9560.org
Get your Free current market Appraisal from the ONLY LOCAL Real Estate Agent in Mount Morgan. Multi-time winner of ‘Agent of the Year’,
Angela Douglas. 0401 953 882
angela@discoverrealestate.com.au www.discoverrealestate.com.au
Page 16
LETTERS TO SANTA Santa and his reindeers are getting ready for Christmas. It’s time for children to sit down and write to him. Please address your letters to Santa North Pole PO Box 9999 MOUNT MORGAN QLD 4714 Don’t forget to write your name and address on the back of your letter so Santa knows where to send his reply. Santa’s mail should be in from 27 November to 13 December 2023. MOUNT MORGAN RAILWAY MUSEUM & EXPLORE CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED ON 25-26 DECEMBER 2023 AND 1 JANUARY 2024 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
NEXT EDITION - LAST EDITION FOR 2023 WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2023
All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 5 December 2023 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312 Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au If you don’t receive your Argus, please contact us.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
29 November - 13 December 2023