The Mount Morgan Argus Volume 18 Issue 7

Page 1

3
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS VOLUME 18 - ISSUE 7 WWW.MOUNTMORGAN.ORG.AU PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY MOUNT MORGAN PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENT INC. ABN 21 391 526 801 | 1 RAILWAY PDE, MOUNT MORGAN, Q 4714, AUSTRALIA. 3-17 MAY 2023 Ride4Lives...Page 10
Rodeo...Page
Anzac Day...Page 6
“BLACK PEARL” SAILS TO VICTORY

Beautiful weather, wonderful crowds and fun were the three ingredients for the success of the 2023 Golden Mount Festival.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s “Black Pearl” procession float sailed home to win the coveted “Best Overall Float”. The theme of “Fantasy and Magic” saw some interesting entries. The Best Commercial Float was Mount Morgan Hospital and QAS, Best Non-Commercial was Marie Maroney and family and Most Innovative went to the Coombes family. A Highly Commended prize was awarded to the Central State School for their “Hogwarts” theme float. Best Business Display was the Grand Hotel.

Gold Dig winners were Under 11 - Jai Rogan (gold), Savannah Latcham (silver) and Georgia Rogan (copper) and Over 11 - Under 17 winners were Tyler Cowley (Gold), Jonathan Stegar (Silver) and Eloise Lang (Copper).

Running the Cutter winners were - juniors - Bouldy Boys (first) and Murrilicious (second) and senior winners were Team Gray Street and the Wallys (second). Golden Mount Festival Association President, Mr Gavin Finch said while numbers were down, everyone who attended had a great day.

(A full report and more photos in the next edition).

Page 2 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023
Best Non Commercial Winner - the Maroney Family
The
expressed herein are not necessarily those of the
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.
Donna Anderson welcomed everyone to Country. MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER
The Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan.
opinions
publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right
MMPAD Executive

The dust was certainly flying at the 2023 Mount Morgan Rodeo.

Prior to the rodeo’s start, the speed demons - the daschunds - taking to a 20 metre track with Duke Goody (above left) taking line honours followed closely by Sassy and Lucky Answer.

Barrels, bulls and broncs were all to follow the excitement of the Daschund dash. President Karley Goody said she was pleased with the crowd.

More photos and results in the next edition.

Page 3 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Contracting for early works and engineering procurement is now underway at the Mount Morgan Tailings Processing and Rehabilitation Project.

Key points:

•Early works and detailed engineering design commenced.

• Conditional finance and funding support from the Australian and Queensland Governments confirmed.

• Improved labour market and economic impact in Mount Morgan and Rockhampton.

• Strong local partnerships supporting the project.

Heritage Minerals has already received conditional approval of finance from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Invested in Queensland program. With regulatory approvals also in place, Heritage Minerals has moved to initiate various early works activities ahead of full financial close anticipated in mid-2023.

Last month Heritage Minerals held a Community Information Session at the Mount Morgan School of Arts to brief the community on recent activities. The event, preceded by a Welcome to Country, was attended by more than 100 community members and addressed by various community leaders including the Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tony Williams.

With the support of an array of local stakeholders, led by Advance Rockhampton, Heritage Minerals has also started to progress its hiring plans. Hiring will largely be done in two phases. During the initial construction phase, to begin in the second half of 2023, 250 jobs are expected to be created, led by the engineering contractor. And during operations, from late 2024, 150 jobs are estimated to be generated on an ongoing basis.

Heritage Minerals is pleased to see that the economic fortunes of Mount Morgan and the wider Rockhampton region have steadily strengthened since Heritage Minerals’ acquisition of the project in June 2020 and subsequent commencement of project delivery activities in January 2023.

Mount Morgan’s unemployment rate has fallen from 20% in June 2020 to 11.1% in December 2022. Meanwhile the Rockhampton local government area’s unemployment rate in that same period has fallen from 7.9% to 3.9%. Heritage Minerals Managing Director Malcolm Paterson said that while working with the Rockhampton Regional Council to source local labour and supplies to deliver the project, the company had identified that Mount Morgan andRockhampton’s unemployment rates had been among the strongest improvers in Queensland over the last two years.

Mr Paterson noted that he expected to see continued improvements in the local labour market as the project’s hiring plans started to come into effect.

Mr Paterson said he was pleased to see so much progress.

“Contracting for preliminary works on the project is occurring. These forthcoming works include the commencement of early-stage earthworks for a new access road to take heavy traffic out of the centre of Mount Morgan, a drilling program and further work on the water balance model, improvements to the administration buildings and a drain to divert freshwater captured on the site to a freshwater storage as a new way to lessen acid mine drainage that emanates from the site.” In addition to earthworks and civil works, other early works in 2023 relate to the supply and fabrication of steel, an upgraded power line and transformer, engineering for a water treatment plant, and tailings storage improvements. Additional detailed engineering design work continues to progress and on 21 April 2023 expressions of interest close for the primary engineering (EPCM) contract. It is anticipated that a contract will be finalised with the successful EPCM firm in May or June 2023.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tony Williams, said there was a lot of support for the project across the Mount Morgan community.

“It was great to see Heritage Minerals engage with locals and provide a detailed overview of their plans to process tailings at the mine. This will be an important economic driver in our local economy and will mean new jobs and opportunities for Mount Morgan residents. Council is proud to partner with Heritage Minerals to support the project and ensure we see the very best outcomes achieved for our region.”

Mr Paterson noted that everything that had been achieved so far would not have been possible without the high level of support from and coordination with the local, state and federal governments, all of which were supporting the project’s focus on local contracting and employment and the project’s Indigenous Engagement Plan as well as improved environmental outcomes.

“The partnership with all levels of government has been crucial in the development of the project, and it will now be crucial in the project delivery,” Mr Paterson said.

“The collaborative approach we have adopted is to develop and deliver this project with as much local content and as many local hands as possible. This will be as important to the success of the new project as it was to the original mine. We remain hopeful of commissioning the project on schedule in late 2024.”

About 250 tonnes of gold and 360,000 tonnes of copper were extracted from the Mount Morgan mine with about 134 million tonnes of waste rock and tailings generated.

Page 4 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023
Page 5 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS MOUNT MORGAN OPEN 8AM to 7PM - 7 DAYS 38 DEE STREET, MOUNT MORGAN PH: 4938 1243 WEDNESDAY 3RD MAY. TO SUNDAY 7TH MAY. LAMB L EG ROAST $9.99/KG SAVE $10 CRUMBED LAMB BBQ CHO PS $12.99/KG SAVE $18 B ROC C OLI $3.99/KG SAVE $4.50 1KG S OUP PAC K $5.99/KG SAVE $3.50 PINK LAD Y APPLE S $5.99/KG SAVE $3.50 1KG PRE-PAC K CA RROT S $1/KG SAVE $1.40

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Anzac Day 2023 in Mount Morgan was certainly a day to remember with some changes to both the services.

The Mount Morgan State High School and Mount Morgan Central State School commemorated the day with simultaneous services on 24 April.

High School Leaders focussed their presentation on the young boys who joined up, some without parents before the age of consent, the majority of who did not return.

On Tuesday, 25 April, over 100 Mount Morgan

Continued on Page 7

Page 6 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023
Above: Andrew MacLean and Right - Bryan “Jim” Lynch .

From Page 6

residents

Don related four stories of service through various objects - a photograph of his grandfather, an ash tray made from a three inch anti-aircraft shell, pack and webbing from the Vietnam War and the floppy hat and arm band he wore during peacekeeping operation in Bougainville. The Dawn Service was followed by the Gunfire Breakfast and then the Anzac Day Parade where the address was given by Captain Philip Bell, form the 31st/42nd RQR. Captain Bell spoke about the sacrfice of those who served and that the service is about remembering the sacrifice not glorifying war.

The names of all Mount Morgan men who served were read throughout the two services.

This year the Last Post and Reveille were played on a trombone by Andrew MacLean who has recently relocated to Mount Morgan. Pastor Justin Morgan said the prayer at both services.

Left: Captain Philip Bell takes the parade salute as it passes by; below left a member of the catafalque party bows his head during the service and below Raphu Herbohn speaking about the boys who fought in World War One during the High School Service.

A new flag pole donated by the Rotary Club of Mount Morgan was dedicated on 24 April, following the Anzac Day service. The Flag Pole was dedicated to the memory of Mr Abbie Rowe, a long-serving Rotarian. Pictured above Mr Craig Edmonston and Dan Petersen (High School Principal).

Page 7 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
gathered at Anzac Park for the Dawn Service where the main address was given by Don Deakin-Bell.

PHONE LIZZY ON 0408 262 505

That Truck & Bobcat Bloke

ABN: 35 347 197 734

New

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

RAINBOW CAFE

MOUNT MORGAN

DINE IN - TAKEAWAY

OPEN 7 DAYS phone 4938 2758

Mark Humphreys’ Electrical

8 Baldwin Street

Mount Morgan 4714

Electrical Lic. No. 74711

Phone: 0439 727 609

FAX: 4938 2885

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

DAWSON’S DO & CHARGE

ABN: 24 757 904 038

Dawson Green - Mount Morgan Local NO JOB TOO SMALL!

CALL DAWSON ON 0413 825 787

Email - hdgreen@bigpond.com

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

I will not accept jobs over $3,300.00

FULLY LICENSED QBCC: Lic. No. 19514 FOR HIGH CARE & DISABLED OPEN PLAN BATHROOM REBUILDS RAMPS STAIR LIFTS

Tony

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

Discover the difference!

Meet Angela Douglas: Local area agent

Knowledgeable about the local community Listens to your needs

Proven results over and over Free, no hassle appraisals

Angela Douglas: 0401 953 882

www.discoverrealesate.com.au

Clinic 1st Tuesday of the Month

Page 8 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023
1110090 ABN : 76 171 835 370
Harney Plumbing QBCC
Decks Driveways
Homes Extensions Restumping Car Ports Renovations Alterations

TELEPHONE: 0417 006 591

MOUNT MORGAN OUTDOORS

Firearm Accessories – Militaria- Fishing – Bait

- Archery – Ammo – Gifts – Television Antenna

Sales & Installation - Metal Detectors and Prospecting Gear - Camping Gear!

ABN 86 894 469 085

Eric J Stevenson. DNRME License to Sell Explosives 1300622

69 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan

Firearm Sales / PTA’s still from 11 Glen Gordon Street by appointment

Firearm Dealer License No. 50001499 Mount Morgan Guns

CNR YAAMBA RD & MAIN ST

NORTH ROCKHAMPTON

Phone: 4928 3511

trendrok@bigpond.net.au

PROUDLY SERVING MOUNT MORGAN FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

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

Page 9 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

SUICIDE AWARENESS RIDE - A PERSONAL JOURNEY

from “strength to strength”. It has been able to train bereavement and suicide counsellors to assist people who are struggling with personal loss. A couple of their members have even become trainers.

“This organisation while creating suicide prevention awareness also provides opportunities for those who have personal experiences with suicide to turn their pain into purpose,” Mark said.

For Mark, riding a motorbike helps his mental health and it was from this love of riding and his mental health improvement that the idea for a ride was borne.

“There was also a lack of support around suicide awareness and this had to change,” he said.

Founding and organising the Ride4Lives - Suicide Awareness Ride has been a personal journey for Gladstone-based Mark Brookes and wife, Karen.

Mark has first­hand experience with dealing with suicide and it has been this understanding of what people experiencing suicidal tendancies go through that places Mark in the“driving seat” to create awareness.

Ride4Lives is a not­for­profit organisation established in 2017 to assist in creating awareness around suicide intervention, training and suicide awareness and bereavement support in the Gladstone and greater Central Queensland area. Starting the ride was not an easy task.

“Even though there are several organisations that focus on mental health and suicide, there is still a stigma attached to suicide that made it hard to start the ride.

“There are still negative views in the community - it’s not a topic that people open up about, so this made it hard to start the organisation, but it’s grown quite a bit,” he said.

The first ride, in 2017, had 100 riders and by 2023 there were over 300 riders.

Mark said he would like to see it as a national ride, with organisations around Australia coordinating rides on the same day.

“We are the only organisation in Australia that does this ride and it would be great to see other organisations hosting a ride simultaneously,” he said.

Mark said he was expecting over 300 participants in this year’s ride. This year the riders will stop at the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Explore Centre for their morning tea which will be provided by the Mount Morgan Branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association. The ride takes place on Saturday, 13 May, 2023.

“We have riders from New South Wales and Hervey Bay who travel each year to participate in the ride,” he said.

Since founding Ride4Lives the organisation has gone

“The stigma and age-old airing dirty laundry ideas in the community makes every achievement special. Although runs on the board are slow to achieve, everyone we help reaffirms what we are doing and what we give up our time to do,” he said.

Mark said taking the time to lend an ear, could also be lending a hand.

“It’s good to be nosy if it saves a life. People who go through suicide talk inside themselves, they need to talk outwards to create a different story.”

Over 400 kilometres, the ride visits small communities such Ubobo, Bajool, Raglan, Jambin as well as Mount Morgan.

Page 10 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023

One hundred and eight years ago, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The landing was part of the ill-fated Dardanelles Campaign – the Allies’ attempt to break the stalemate on the Western Front by opening a second front that also sought to force Ottoman Turkey out of the war. Bitter fighting took place over the following months, resulting in dreadful casualties on both sides. With no chance of success, a withdrawal commenced; and in December that year, the remaining Australians were evacuated.

Of the 50,000 Australians who served on Gallipoli, more than 8,700 died and almost 18,000 were wounded. Gallipoli was one tragedy within the greater catastrophe of the First World War. A war which engulfed a generation and defined the times which followed.

We pay tribute to all Australians who have served and died in wars and operational service. Those who fought to end evil and topple tyranny, those who worked to protect and promote peace, those who returned from service physically wounded and mentally scarred and those who gave their lives, sacrificing their days so that we could live ours.

On this sacred occasion, we also thank the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. Those people who today carry on the duty of defending our nation and its interests. Men and women serving at home, in our region, and far beyond it. They contribute to our national responses to the pandemic and natural disasters.

They support our Pacific friends and neighbours. And they help maintain maritime security in the very important Indo­Pacific region.

They assist in international peacekeeping, humanitarian, and security operations around the globe. Australians are grateful for, and proud of the efforts of our servicemen and women who keep Australia safe and secure. And importantly today, we acknowledge their families.

The wives, husbands, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and grandparents who make a sacrifice in their own right while their loved ones are away on training or on mission.

Australians across the nation will commemorate Anzac Day in many ways. Some will attend dawn services, local memorials and parades.

Many will watch the televised national service here at the Australian War Memorial and importantly observe one minute’s silence.

Others will proudly wear medals – awarded in service

or handed down by loved ones. But the manner of commemoration is not as important as the mere act of commemorating. For in remembering the original Anzacs – and those that followed them – we not only recall their deeds, but also recognise the best qualities that defined them.

Qualities which represent the highest standard for the Australian character and the society that we desire to live in. A society defined by sacrifice, not entitlement. By mateship, not malevolence. By egalitarianism, not tribalism.

By responsibility, not resentment. And by optimism, not cynicism.

On Anzac Day, we express gratitude through tribute, we nurture community through commemoration, and we find meaning in remembrance. Lest we forget.

Page 11 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS M.A.W Mowing & Handyman Services ABN: 30 706 300 266 Mark Williamson 0403 571 561 Email: mawmowing@live.com

The Golden Mount Festival has entertained young and old once again but did you know that this celebration was previously called the Back to Mount Morgan festival?

On 7 June 1950 The Morning Bulletin ran a devoted supplement on the Back to Mount Morgan festivities. This was a week for current and former Mount Morgan residents to celebrate their pride in the town and its past while also looking forward to the future.

The journalists wrote about dances, parades, concerts and picnics while residents wrote about their school days and other fond memories. There are photos of bark and thatch houses used by early settlers, a short article on how the town got its name (and was nearly re-named) and other interesting facts about the town. Our history shows us where we have been and

LIBRARY NEWS

who we are now. The Rockhampton Regional Libraries have a collection of archives relating to the Mount Morgan area. These can be viewed at the Rockhampton Regional Libraries History Centre which is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00am –5:30pm. The History Centre staff are experienced in researching the past and preserving records so come and visit next time you are in Rockhampton. General history books on the Rockhampton area are available to borrow from all libraries.

It’s nearly time for one of the highlights of the library calendar! National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual event held in Australia and New Zealand where libraries, schools and childcares read the same book at the same time.

This year, National Simultaneous Storytime is on Wednesday 24 May. NSS is a great opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate reading, storytelling and Australian literature. The book chosen for this year’s event is The speedy sloth written by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Heath McKenzie. Event details are still being finalised so keep an eye out for NSS events at your local library!

Don’t forget that the Mount Morgan Library has four internet enabled computers, a printer/copier and free Wi­Fi for your laptops and devices. Library staff are happy to help you get connected and tech savvy.

Rockhampton Regional Libraries are located in Mount Morgan, Gracemere, South Rockhampton and North Rockhampton. It is free to become a library member. For more information please call the Mount Morgan Library on 4936 8169 or the Rockhampton Regional Library Administration Office on 4936 8043.

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.

Page 12 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023

MOUNT MORGAN BRANCH UPDATE

Hello what a busy time we are all having yet it is the best feeling when you can connect with people from different areas at functions such as our Golden Mount Festival. Our Branch was very happy to hold a stall at the festival as we have done for many years. With a 7 o’clock in the morning start to set up it was going to be a rather busy day. We set up the gazebo, put up the tables and set up our display of country kitchens, cook books that were for sale, history books and a raffle for the day. Then it was time to have a quick cup of tea and wait to greet the people who would come along and enjoy the day. We have had the pleasure of being a part of this events since our branch began 73 years ago and each year, we try to take part showcasing what Q.C.W.A. is all about and how we help and can help in our community. At the festival this year it was a real pleasure and it was very interesting meeting ladies who had been members of Q.C.W.A. and many of these had been members of the Mount Morgan Branch in past years. Some families looked at the history books and found images of family members who had been members. So it was nice to see them take a copy of the history book to read. Our branch cook books were very popular and we are looking at increasing these in the near future. Our next book is already in the planning stages. We also had for sale other Q.C.W.A. Cook books including the well-known Bundaberg cook book which has been in print since 1928.

It was also a joy to meet new members of our community who wanted to know more about our branch and who hope to come along and possibly join. This brings ladies from all parts of society together and it shows that no one needs to feel alone we are a community based organisation who is there for all women. As I told some of the ladies yesterday the jug is always on and a smile will meet you as you come in the door. We welcome all ladies and children. This year we are again continuing to package domestic violence packs and several donations have been made to our branch from businesses and individuals to make these packs the best we can make them so victims know they are cared for. This includes the children who are victims as much as the adults are. Thank you to our supporters of this project. As we move forward with this project we hope to improve the packs to allow victims to feel they have what they need to support them at such a hard time.

On 13 May at the Mount Morgan Railway Station ‘’Ride4Lives ‘’ Suicide Prevention will be stopping at the Railway Station for morning tea. There will be approximately 300 motor bikes participating - big road bikes, dirt bikes, push bikes and support vehicles. The group is based in Gladstone. The bike riders are here to meet with the town’s community and are happy to talk with people. Some of the riders are trained

counsellors. This is a big opportunity for our town to meet with the riders. Our branch is supplying morning tea. Mark Brookes is the man in charge of the riders and is looking forward to meeting people on the day. They will start coming around 11 am. To find out more about Ride4Life please look at their website.

On 22 May we are looking at holding a Country Kitchens Workshop. This will incorporate our country of study which is Trinidad Tobago this year. Dragon Fruit is our product of study for 2023 and this will also be featured. We have many projects in mind which include world tree day, Mount Morgan Show, Mount Morgan Wattle Day and we are having a giant centsale on the 18th of November. We lobby to the governments to improve living conditions, education, health care, road conditions, water supplies, street lighting, school zones, food labelling, food security and any important issues that are brought forward and agreed upon.

Don’t forget on the fourth Monday of each month we are holding our craft days. These will also include our Gardening section and if wanted we can include cooking. This is a social function and is for any women who would like to come along. You can bring your own crafts to do if not we have some craft supplies to get you started. We start at 10 am. As I mentioned earlier our branch has written cookbooks these are as follows—Fruit Cakes, Biscuit delights, Main Meals, Deserts, and our new cook book is Jams and Preserves. These are all available through our branch and at the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Explore Centre.

Our aim is to bring together ladies in the community to meet with the members and if they would like to join that would be amazing. Our meetings and functions are held at the green shed near the swimming pool on Thompson Avenue. If you would like to find out more please contact Arlene Roberts branch president on 0428 457 461 or email me on arleneroberts@ bigpond.com

Page 13 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
Above: the CWA cook Books on Sale at the Mount Morgan Explore Centre.

Mount Morgan in Pictures

R. B. Hetherington: law and order on the Mount

(Brisbane, Qld. : 1900-1953), 29 November 1914).

Gladstone-born Robert Blain Hetherington (1861-1944) (caricaturised above) served as Police Magistrate and Gold Warden in Mount Morgan from 1912 to 1914. He worked at the Mount Morgan Court House and Police Station Complex in Hall Street (pictured above), which today is State heritage-listed used as the Mount Morgan Police Station.

Mr Hetherington’s 1914 caricature is accompanied by a verse, which provides some information about his important public roles and character:

‘As Warden and as Magistrate His record will inspection bear; More anxious to be loved than great, And ever courteous, kindly, fair, He does his duty day by day, Heedless of what the world may say’.

Criminal matters before Mr Hetherington regularly

involved drunkenness, obscene language, theft and assault. A couple of examples are as follows:

‘At the [Mount Morgan] Police Court this morning, before Police Magistrate, Mr. R. B. Hetherington, James Jackson was again fined £1*, with the option of seven days in the cells, on a charge of drunkenness’ (‘Police Court’, Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878­1954), 26 October 1912). *£1 was a large portion of the average weekly wage in 1912.

‘At the [Mount Morgan] Police Court this morning before the Police Magistrate, Mr. R. B. Hetherington, William Pelin, aged forty-nine years, labourer, pleaded guilty to the charge of having used obscene language. He was fined £2, with the option of fourteen days imprisonment’ (‘Mount Morgan’, Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878-1954), 20 September 1913).

Mr Hetherington also presided over the Licensing Court – mainly dealing with hotel and slaughtering licences. Considering the vast number of pubs in the local area at the time, Mr Hetherington would have been kept busy with hotel licence applications, renewals and transfers.

Continued on Page 15

Page 14 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023
descendant of the colonial Stubbs family of Mount Morgan Above: c. 1902 / Mount Morgan Court House and Police Station / State Library of Queensland. Insert: 1914 caricature of Police Magistrate, R. B. Hetherington, on the bench, by Pets MM [Mount Morgan] (‘Pretty Pets’, Truth

Mount Morgan in Pictures from Page 14

Mr Hetherington held another significant role as Mount Morgan’s Gold Warden. During the weekly sitting of the Gold Warden’s Court, he dealt with, for example, mining disputes and applications for miners’ homestead leases. In this role, he also wrote a monthly report to the Queensland Minister of Mines about the Mount Morgan mine – published in the Queensland Government Mining Journal. An extract from one of his reports shows that he was abreast of the latest local mining news and developments:

‘The following is the report forwarded to the Mines Department by R. B. Hetherington, Gold Warden, Mount Morgan … A total of 18,723 tons of copper gold was extracted and sent to the smelters … Included in this month’s returns is 2793 oz. of gold worth £11,753, obtained from the mundic works clean­up,

which is almost completed … Old Dee River rush –several men are testing the alluvial ground on the banks of the Dee River and its beds, with fairly good results. Struck Oil – there is some talk of opening up the old Struck Oil claim…’ (‘Mount Morgan Goldfield’, Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878-1954), 9 November 1912).

After two years in Mount Morgan, the Justice Department transferred Mr Hetherington to Bundaberg, then Warwick, where he retired in 1931 (aged 70). His career as magistrate spanned twenty­five years. He passed away on the Sunshine Coast in 1944 (aged 83).

The following three local men, also caricaturised as ‘Pretty Pets’ in the historical weekly tabloid, Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900-1953), knew Mr Hetherington through their work.

MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB

Please continue to donate to the donation box located at the counter of Wattle Bee Next NewsXpress or online donations at mycause.com.au/page/297958/ save-our-history.

The Citizen’s Club held a stall on Saturday at the Golden Mount Festival where we received a lot of interest for our projects.

Colonial Bush Dance: Coming up on Saturday, 20 May is a Colonial Bush Dance with Nicholai, the Capricornia Dance Exchange, Line dancing and dance moves led by Tony. Always a fun time!

Doors open at 7pm, Adults $10.00 entry, and children

$3.00. Refreshments and snacks available, bar is open.

There will be raffles and a lucky door prize. We really appreciate everyone who comes along, with each fundraiser we get closer to completing the restoration of our beloved Soldiers Rooms’.

Hire: The Soldiers’ Rooms is available for events, and we have chairs and trestle tables available for events elsewhere. For Bookings call 0419 605 662 for availability. Members receive discounted rates.

Next Meeting: Sunday, May 21 at 10:30am at the Soldiers Rooms. New Members welcome. To get in touch, email mountmorgansoldiersrooms@gmail. com.

Like and follow “Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms” and “Mount Morgan Arts Precinct” on Face book to keep up to date.

Submitted by Kirra Swain

Page 15 3 -17 May 2023 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
This author has made best efforts to provide accurate information for this publication of ‘Mount Morgan in Pictures’. From left to right: James Darling Murray+ (Mount Morgan solicitor) (1914) / Senior Sergeant In Charge, Roderick Mackenzie+ (Mount Morgan) (1914) / Detective William Henry Lipp (Mount Morgan) (1914). +Officially welcomed the new Police Magistrate and Gold Warden, Mr Hetherington, to Mount Morgan in 1912.

SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS

MAY 6: CQ Junior Sand Green Championships. Mount Morgan Golf Club, Burnet Highway.

MAY 13: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

MAY 16: 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).

MAY 20: Colonial Bush Dance. Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, Morgan Street. Adults - $10 entry and children - $3.00. Refreshments and snacks available. Bar Operating.

MAY 24: 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.

MAY 26: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

JUNE 10: Baree Markets. Baree School of Arts, Creek Street Baree. From 8 am until 12 noon.

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

JULY 18: Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment.

JULY 22: Karaoke competition, open to all ages. Special Guest MC, prizes and much more. To be be held in the Soldiers’ Rooms for Mount Morgan Citizens Club.

AUG 12: Mount Morgan Show. Mount Morgan Showgrounds.

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

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

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

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

OCT 29-30: Mount Morgan Citizens’ Club Photography Competition and Exhibition at the Soldiers’ Rooms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE/SWAP: Sell furnished house, Mount Morgan. New roof, stairs, solar panels & inverter, plus solar hot water system. Consider exchange on home in Rockhampton with some cash adjustment. Phone 0428 380 106.

ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN

DINNER MEETING - THURSDAY - GRAND HOTEL

6.00 for 6.30. Interested people are encouraged to attend or send an Expression of Interest to PO Box 2, Mount Morgan

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

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

MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.

Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays

Phone John on 0429 055 165

NEXT EDITION

WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 2023

All inclusions required by:

Tuesday, 9 MAY 2023 by 4 p.m.

Ph: 4938 2312

Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au

If you don’t receive your Argus, please contact us.

Page 16 MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS 3-17 May 2023
MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH
Home Haircuts Mobile Hairdresser Over 30 years experience Please call to make an appointment 0438 861 319
Tracey Finch

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.