The Mount Morgan Argus, Volume 15, Issue 8

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 8

WWW.MOUNTMORGAN.ORG.AU

20 MAY - 3 JUNE 2020

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.

Grand Renovations...Page 3

Message to Home...Page 7

Photography Comp...Page 13

Year 12 Students - Sheryl Bannah, Jackie Wilson and Jaiden Roadfeldt share their learning experiences...Page 2

NEW LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR STUDENTS

LEARNING FROM HOME

As the first day of the school year dawned, little did any of Australia’s Year 12 students realise that 2020 would be one of their hardest yet.

Jackie, who plans on becoming a nurse, felt that she coped quite well with the forced learning from home.

Not only would these students have to study hard in their final year of high school to ensure that they achieved the required Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), but they would have to learn in a completely different manner for some of those weeks.

“I am probably one of the more fortunate students as I have a lot of devices in my house.

Normally, they have a range of teaching aids, but suddenly they have only paper-based learning to keep the students engaged.

“I thought it was easier for me because I get so distracted with other students here. I was in my own environment, getting work done, so it was really productive for me,” Jackie said.

All students agree that now they are back at school with teacher support they will be able to catch up with subjects that they struggled with when learning from home.

Jaiden, who wishes to pursue a career in law said he found learning from home challenging, especially when it came to completing assessments.

Sheryl, Jackie and Jaiden all had worries about the progression of the pandemic, on how it impacted on them personally and how it impacted on the their loved ones.

“However, I found that I could make my own schedule and work to that. I could do what I wanted to do at that time,” Jaiden said.

“My father has medical issues and I was worried for him,” Jackie said.

This year is the first year that ATAR will be used in Queeensland, so the pressure on Queensland Year 12 students following the forced isolation due to the pandemic, has increased exponentially.

Three Mount Morgan State High School Students - Sheryl Bannah, Jackie Wilson and Jaiden Roadfeldt are now back at school, but the four weeks missed (one week in Term 1 and three in Term 2) brought different worries and learning challenges for all three.

Sheryl - who has aspirations of becoming a Seconday School Teacher - the time away from school was made difficult due to the lack of resources.

“It made it quite difficult with a lot of the students because we are in such a small community.

“We didn’t have the resources that we normally would. I know a lot of students struggled with that,” Sheryl said.

All three students feel that they did fall behind in some subjects, but were able to get ahead in other subjects.

“I know a lot of people started out okay with it, but by the end of the third week, they were starting to struggle a lot,” Sheryl said.

“It was a bit difficult without teacher help as they are trained in a particular area and they can provide us with feedback and help,” he said.

All three students felt that a lot of other students would struggle to catch up and this would be impacted by some students being further advanced than others in their work.

Jackie felt she was able to achieve at different levels across her subjects.

“I completed two weeks of work in one day for one subject, but I found I struggled a lot with my business subject,” she said.

Some of the difficulties were caused by students not having the same computer programs at home as they did at school, for example the microsoft suite of programs.

The students felt that the teachers were also on a big learning curve as well.

Sheryl, who had recently moved to Rockhampton said the coronavirus was scary because of how it impacted on her - she lost her job as a result and her school work was impacted as well.

Jaiden said he wasn’t worried at first because he thought it would be over quickly, but as it started getting worse, he became worried because his mother is not well.

“I work at IGA and deal with a lot of people and I didn’t want to catch it and pass it on to her,” he said.

All three students are happy to be back at school and all believe that some people’s actions were crazy and that media outlets went overboard in their reporting.

All believe that the pandemic has taught businesses and schools they have to be more flexible and have taught people about being more hygenic.

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

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MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

20 May - 3 June 2020

GRAND RENOVATIONS

MOUNT MORGAN

POLICE NEWS

The Mount Morgan Police would like to thank the community for their support and compliance with COVID19 restrictions these last few months.

This has been a difficult time for everyone however we can now see the tail end. By July we will (mostly) be back to normal. Please be mindful of the QLD Premier’s plan for returning to normal and ensuring you comply with each stage of the restrictions. Penalties still apply to those persons and businesses found breaching these rules.

Above: Corinna Gasler helps with the painting during the Covid-19 shutdown of the Grand Hotels.

This May is the Domestic Violence Prevention Month. This is an annual event held every year to raise awareness in the community of Domestic violence and how we all play a role in preventing it.

The Mount Morgan Police would like to remind everyone we are all responsible for ensuring our community remains free of violence.

If you or any one you know is experiencing Domestic Violence then please reach out to a support service, of which there are many.

If you are ever in immediate danger or know someone who is, please always contact 000. If you need any information about domestic violence support services or anything in general, please contact us at the Police station.

Above: The newly furnished bar and below the sanded floor waiting for the polish.

As always please ensure your cars, businesses and homes are always locked and secured. We are still seeing property crime in the community, of which a great percentage would be prevented if owners simply took the time to secure their valuables.

Stay safe everyone and don’t forget to abide by the COVID19 restrictions as they are slowly relaxed.

They can just as easily be taken away.

Matt Harling Mount Morgan Police were in the third week and if there was time, some of the upstairs rooms would also be freshened up.

Mount Morgan’s Grand Hotel is one of the many hotels throughout Queensland forced to close due to efforts in curtailing the spread of Covid-19. Before the introduction of the Jobkeeper Payment some of the employees faced unemployment. However, the management of the hotel decided to use the shutdown to freshen up the hotel bar area.

Melissa Chandler (Manager) said the renovations 20 May - 3 June 2020

There are five employees who are currently working on the renovations and with the recent announcement of the easing of some restrictions and the promise of further restrictions being eased, the work will be stepped up.

Melissa said she was eagerly awaiting for the return to full operations.

“I can’t wait to see our regulars back,” she said.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

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THE SOUND OF MUSIC “If the power went out during a storm at night, Dad would always play the piano.

“My Mum’s mother apparently was a champion contralto when she was young so I suppose, I was always encouraged to sing,” she said.

The sound of music has and will always remain a vital part of the life of Christina O’Leary (nee Cole). Born in in 1940 Chris was the only daughter of Fred and Ena Cole.

Growing up in an environment where music was an important part of day to day life, it was only natural that Christina was encouraged from an early age to participate in the family’s musical musings.

“I have sung for as long as I can remember. My first memory of singing in public was when I was at the Calliungal North State School.

Our school used to have a concert once a year at the Baree School of Arts. I can vaguely remember them, but I can clearly remember the song I sang – “I have a Dolly dressed in blue”.

“My mum made my doll a lovely blue satin dress. We even took our show to town and performed in the Mount Morgan School of Arts,” she said.

Chris (as she is known) remembers that there was always music in her family’s house. Her father had a dance band – the Fred Cole Trio.

He was never taught piano, nor could he read music, so he played without the aid of music sheets.

Page 4

Chris was in St Enoch’s Church choir from a young age and in the early 1970’s she joined the Rockhampton Musical Union [RMU] choir which she really loved. She stayed with the RMU for many years. The choir was an eisteddfod choir and still does Broadway shows.

“I sang my first solo in Rockhampton at the opening week of the Pilbeam Theatre in 1979, to a full theatre. I was very nervous, but I loved it.”

She has always loved most styles of music, but her favourites are classical and musicals. She began learning piano when she was eight years old and continued to learn until she was 16 when she decided to stop the classes and concentrate on her senior studies.

“I should have continued with my music. When my children were still in primary school, I decided to start learning piano again and sat for Grade 7 AMEB exam. I did fairly well and still play when I can,” she said.

wings, the Bouldercombe Singers travelled to all of the aged care facilities in the Rockhampton and Mount Morgan area,” she said.

Chris also has the honour of being Mount Morgan’s second female steam locomotive driver. The opportunity to learn to drive not only the steam locomotive, but the “Silver Bullet” Railmotor as well arose when she was volunteering at the Information Centre.

“On my 59th birthday, I got my Basic Boiler Ticket which allowed me to drive the steam loco,” she said.

Chris was an only child, but she never considered herself to be lonely.

“I can remember only a happy, carefree childhood.

There were plenty of kids around the neighbourhood and we could go out for the day and as long as we were home by dark that was okay by our parents.

“Back then, Dairy Creek used to flood often and there were great waterholes for us to swim in. Another hobby was catching “crawchies” in the creek using

In 2019, at age 79, Chris took up playing the ukulele which she is thoroughly enjoying.

“I am not very good, but I enjoy it and I have met some lovely new friends,” she said.

Chris joined the Bouldercombe Singers in 2000 and still sings with them at functions in and around Mount Morgan including the Carols in St Mary’s and Mount Morgan Wattle Day celebrations.

“Until

Covid-19

clipped

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

our

Chris at age 7 Continued on Page 5 20 May - 3 June 2020

For nearly 80 years – Chris celebrates her birthday on 4 December – she has witnessed the good and bad times in Mount Morgan and has seen many changes in the town.

Sound of Music...From Page 4

“Most changes are great like the upgrade of Morgan Street and the lovely picnic area and playground at the Big Dam. As happens in many smaller towns, the changes I don’t like are the empty shops and the high unemployment.

When I started work in 1959 there were plenty of jobs available.

Chris at Age 18 a length of string with a piece of meat tied to it.

Chris went to North Calliungal State School at Baree from Prep one to Grade six.

“I used to ride my bike part of the way and then leave my bike at a friend’s place and walk from there,” she said.

She then went to the Intermediate School and Mount Morgan State High School.

“You had to pass Scholarship to go to High School. If you got a pass, you could go to high school for free. If we wanted to go to senior, we had to go to Rockhampton State High School,” she said.

“Towards the end of our Grade 10 year the offer was made by the Education Department that if they could get enough students interested than a senior class would be reinstated. We all received a letter during the holidays to say that Grade 11 and 12 would be happening. I think we all had jobs, so we left them and went back to school for two years.

We were the first senior class at Mount Morgan State High School for nearly 30 years,” she said.

After leaving school, Chris began working at Mount Morgan limited as a typist and a couple of years later she was transferred to the Accounting Machine Office with Bette Broom as her boss. She 20 May - 3 June 2020

married John O’Leary in 1969 and finished working in 1971, as her husband and her wanted to travel.

However, before they left on their travels, she discovered she was pregnant with twins. Kerry and Shaun were born in 1972. Taking doctor’s advice to stay home, Chris’s travel plans were put on hold. Kerry and Shaun have provided Chris with grandchildren and Kerry’s children have given Chris three great-grandchildren.

She has worked as a relief counter assistant at the Mount Morgan Post Office, a cleaner with Community health and then in 1977 she started working as a Teacher Aide at the Mount Morgan State High School where she remained until 1995. It was during her time at Mount Morgan State High that her husband left her. The couple eventually divorced in the year 2000. Her husband died in 2019.

“All in all, however, I love the town that is why I have never left.”

Christina, for many, will always represent the sound of music in Mount Morgan and throughout the years, she has certainly ensured that the hills were alive with this music.

Above: Chris at her debut and Chris two years ago.

She met her current partner, John Tuxworth in 2001 when he came to the Teahouse that Chris and two friends opened in the old family home in 2000. John came in for a cup of coffee, wanting to know about the town – Chris was on hand to tell him, and the rest is history.

Meeting John meant that she moved house for the first time in her life – just under six kilometres away.

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School sends messages to students at home

Last week, the staff at MMSHS wanted to send a message to all our students learning from home to let them know we are thinking of them during this crazy time. They have all adapted well to this new way of learning and we want to acknowledge them all for their hard work so far this term. “Keep up the great work! We’re all in this together.

We miss you! From all of us at Mount Morgan State High School”.

At Mount Morgan State High School this year the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) team committed to their purpose of ensuring that parents/ carers, students, staff and the community were all on the same page.

Our PBL success was coming in leaps and bounds, then Covid-19 became our new reality. We thought this would be our undoing, little did we realise our real success would come through our improvement in parent and community engagement by remote learning. We personally delivered remote printed Learning Packs to students’ homes, where staff engaged in conversations with parents/carers and students. We made sure that students’ who actively participated in their remote learning were recognised by the inclusion of a ‘Outstanding Student Certificate” hand written by their teacher, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

The staff at MMSHS enjoyed catching up with students, and their furry friends, as well as their not so furry friends (snakes! Ah!) on Friday afternoon delivering the next round of Learning Packs for Weeks 3 and 4.

Thank you to all families for your warm welcome, when we distributed the packs.

The school also used social media platforms to engage students, parents and the community in the dynamic and diverse running of a school during a lockdown. All of these posts saw the highest recorded engagement within the school’s social media page since it was created. The staff participated in group photos that promoted support and encouragement (while practicing social-distancing).

Teachers posted fun brain teasers, competitions

Submitted by Mount Morgan State High School Page 6

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Continued on Page 7 20 May - 3 June 2020

THE ORANGE DOT

By Larry at Fox Video

Movie Review 1917 When he was just a youngster, Sam perched eagerly in front of his Portuguese Creole paternal grandfather, Alfred Hubert Mendes, now in his seventies, listening attentively to every word that flowed effortlessly from the old man’s mouth.

Front in the 1st Rifle Brigade, was awarded a Military Medal for distinguishing himself on the battlefield, was overcome in the trenches by inhaling poisonous gas rained down upon them by their enemy the Bosche, and was sent back to England to recover.

An occasional tear issued from those piercing eyes and tracked down his lifeworn face. Now and then he’d join his grandad exploding in gales of raucous belly-laughs... Sam was riveted by the tale the veteran had to tell.

Despite all of this, you’ll be pleased to know that Alfred lived to the ripe old age of ninety-four. Now THAT looks like victory.

Because Alfred was not a tall man, only five-foot-four (163cm), and because the fogs and mists Alfred was born in the West Indies that shrouded the battlefield were in the fading hours of the 19th most often six-feet high (183cm), century and he would grow to Alfred was often selected to carry become a famous and awarded messages through the perilous author some decades later. territory known as no-mansAs a teenager, he was being land. He was most difficult educated in England when The to detect as he moved swiftly Great War unleashed itself on the through the mist. planet.

It was just such a tense and After first working with enlistment dangerous mission that Alfred was services, as soon as he was old describing, and which was keeping enough, Alfred joined up and went his grandson Sam completely off to war. He fought for two years enthralled. Only he wasn’t taking in Flanders, along the Belgian about himself this time. He was

recalling the adventures of two young Lance-Corporals named Blake and Schofield.

Young Sam never forgot the stories of The Great War told to him by his grandfather, and while he grew up to be voted one of the UK’s 100 Most Powerful People and was knighted, now Sir Sam Mendes, he also became one of the world’s greatest film-makers.

1917 is Sam’s grandad’s story.

Featuring George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman (Billy Elliot’s all grown up!), 1917 also boasts turns from Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Rated MA15+ for “strong war themes’, 1917 runs for 119 gripping minutes.

1917... Loved it!

Messages to students...From Page 6 and fitness videos to increase engagement and challenge those at home. Staff set up a weekly day to buy lunch at local businesses that were struggling and students that remained at school were also given the opportunity to make a purchase.

This was all done with one goal in mind, having everyone on the same page, and COVID-19 has let Mount Morgan State High School do this in a way we never expected.

Consequently, Mount Morgan State High School would like to thank all parents/carers, community members and students for their time and effort during remote learning.

The show of appreciation during this time towards staff has been tremendous and we feel privileged to have such a strong and supportive school community.

20 May - 3 June 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

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SPOTLIGHT ON GALLERY ARTISTS We hope you are all travelling well during this time of uncertainty.

Mount Morgan No7 Gallery is preparing for re-opening on 28 May, with the shopfront facelift complete, and our Artists rearing to show off their wares.

As a celebration of the relaxation of Covid 19 restrictions, the Gallery courtyard has had some new additions in line with the “All in this together” rainbow movement.

Three more sculptural totem poles have been installed, featuring an interpretation of flowering vines created using recycled plastic bottles.

Smaller clusters of staked flowers have also been placed around the garden, and the public are invited to make a version of their own to contribute to the space in a show of community connectedness.

Video Instructions on how to make them can be found on the “Mount Morgan Gallery” Facebook page. the United States, she brought back with her a wealth of knowledge and skill, which she has consistently expanded on in Australia. She often runs classes at the Walter Reid Centre, and has had a workshop previously at No7. Ruby is also the Author of “Fancy Discovers Clay”, a delightful book designed for the young, to foster an interest in clay-making, available from the Gallery.

Continuing on with the snapshot of our exhibiting Artists….moving on to our Regional contributors.

Tricia Summerhayes - We begin with Gracemere local, Tricia Summerhayes.

Multi-award winning, the bright colours and bold patterning are distinguishing features of Tricia’s works, be it paintings, clocks or her heartwarming tic tac toe boards. Often quirky, her pieces are uplifting and joyous, and always bring a smile to faces.

Kaye Duggan - Hailing from Yeppoon, Kaye has been a proactive supporter of No7 since its conception, introducing friends and consistently checking in with much appreciated advice and assistance. Along with the fantastic hand-painted Gallery sign writing, her large realistic oil paintings of flowers always draw admiration, with stunning renditions of Roses, Frangipanis and Grevillea.

Ruby Page 8

Kipling

-

Ruby

is

a

Until next article, a reminder that the “Hometown” Exhibition has been postponed to coincide with Golden Mount Festival 2021.

Ruby Kipling’s Rockhampton potter, with a passionate zest for working with clay. Having studied pottery in MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

We now have a date for the opening of our next Exhibition, “Transformation”, to commence Friday 10th July. ( A month and a half to create something to exhibit!)

Until the Gallery re-opens, please follow us on Facebook at “Mount Morgan Gallery”.

If you would like a viewing, to purchase, or more information, please call 0411 865 621.

20 May - 3 June 2020

Your Local Library Has You Covered

Looking for something interesting to read or watch?

Check out the great range of free ebooks and eAudiobooks available to library members. If you are finding it difficult to download the app from our online library catalogue, give the Rockhampton Regional Council Libraries a call on 4936 8043 and we can remotely help you with a few tech tips.

Title: Random Road Trip Through Science Author: Dr Karl Kruszelnicki Format: eAudiobook Availability: BorrowBox

Are you stuck at home with the family and have nowhere to go? Why not go on a “Random Road Trip Through Science” with Dr Karl.

If you enjoyed Footrot Flats- A Dog’s Tale, Black Sheep, or The Castle, then add this one to your list.

Title: The Magic Misfits : Magic

Misfits Book 1 Author: Neil Patrick Harris Date of publication: 2017 Format: eBook and eAudiobook Availability: BorrowBox Love magic? Want to be a magician? Follow Carter on his adventures as he teams up with a group of magicians and learn how to perform your very own magic tricks to wow your family and friends!

This book is available on BorrowBox and is guaranteed to both entertain and educate the most curious minds.

Did you know? The barcode was invented in the 1940’s but it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the barcode reader was invented.

Find out more on this and many more colourful and interesting facts.

So strap in and get ready for a random ride through the Universe. Who knows where you’ll end up?

Title: The single ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village Author: Joanna Nell Date of publication: September 2018 Format: eAudiobook Availability: RBdigital A very sweet easy read that shows us “young-uns” that there is still life, love, fun and adventure among our senior citizens and that age, a bit of memory loss and reliance on a wheelie walker are no barrier when it comes to living life to the full.

Title: Hunt for the Wilderpeople Date of publication: 2016 Format: DVD, Streamed movie Availability: Kanopy Join “uncle” Hec (Sam Neil) and foster kid turned self-proclaimed “skux gangsta” Ricky (Julian Dennison) for a hilarious and heart-warming story of misadventure through the New Zealand bush

Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc would like to wish all volunteers in Mount Morgan all the best during National Volunteer Week (1824 May 2020). Volunteers are essential to the effective running of community organisations.

In particular, MMPAD would like to thank the volunteers who contribute their time and effort to the Mount Morgan Visitor Information Centre and Railway Museum and the Mount Morgan Argus.

A charming and offbeat story, cleverly adapted from the book Wild Pork and Watercress by screenwriter and director Taika Waititi, Hunt of the Wilderpeople delivers a cleverly crafted and surprisingly emotional tale packaged amid cracking one liners and spectacular New Zealand scenery, without a Hobbit in sight.

20 May - 3 June 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

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Clinic 1st Tuesday of the Month

Tony Harney Plumbing

Stanley Constructions Home Renovations

Available for all domestic and commercial work.

Blocked drains, leaking taps or any other maintenance issues

Phone Tony

0429 669 499 Servicing Mount Morgan ABN : 76 171 835 370

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We specialise in general carpentry repairs & steel Fabrications From design & planning to simple handyman services, we do it all.

Phone Gordon Lee today: 0418 886 997

QBSA 735099

QBCC 1110090

Mark Humphreys’ Electrical 8 Baldwin Street Mount Morgan 4714 Electrical Lic. No. 74711

Discover the difference!

Meet Angela Douglas: •Local area agent

•Knowledgeable about the local community

Phone: 0439 727 609 FAX: 4938 2885

Domestic, Rural, Commercial Installation and Repairs,

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Mount Morgan & Wowan Districts Page 10

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

•Listens to your needs •Proven results over and over •New logo, same great person •Free, no hassle appraisals

Angela Douglas: 0401 953 882 www.discoverrealesate.com.au

20 May - 3 June 2020

That Truck & Bobcat Bloke

TELEPHONE:

ABN: 35347197734

0417 006 591

MOUNT MORGAN OUTDOORS Firearm Accessories – Militaria- Fishing – Bait - Archery – Ammo – Gifts – Television Antenna Sales & Installation

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

ABN 86 894 469 085

Stewarts Towing

Eric J Stevenson. DNRME License to Sell Explosives 1300622

& Service Station

Shop 2/83 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan (next to the Museum) Firearm Sales / PTA’s still from 11 Glen Gordon Street by appointment Firearm Dealer License No. 50001499 Mount Morgan Guns

6 Central Street, MOUNT MORGAN Phone: 4938 1283

24 Hour Service - 7 Days a Week

Passmore Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Split system installations Commercial and Rural

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.

5 tonne tipper truck Excavator & Kanga Tractor, Slasher & Poison Sprayer Licenced Poisons Contractor 20 May - 3 June 2020

Sandi Wood your local consultant Phone: 4922 1269 fmckfunerals@live.com.au

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

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Mount Morgan’s finest head to Gallipoli This is Part 2 of the story written by Elizabeth Conway and Pam Garfoot Following the failure of the August offensive, the Gallipoli campaign drifted. Turkish success began to affect public opinion in the United Kingdom and the prospect of evacuation was first raised on 11 October 1915. Autumn and winter brought relief from the heat but also led to massive hardships for the men who were unprepared for the winter conditions. Finally, the British government authorised the evacuation of the allied troops from the Gallipoli peninsula, to begin on 7 December. The last British soldiers had gone by 9 January 1916. The evacuation operation had been the most successful element of the entire campaign.

Of the eight young volunteers who survived the Gallipoli campaign, all went on to serve in other arenas of battle during the remainder of the war. Two, Walter Thompson and Percy Gooch, transferred to other units and fought on the Western Front. Thompson was to suffer more hospitalisations with neurasthenia. The other six remained with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, fighting in Middle East campaigns. None were killed in action in France or in the Middle East, all eventually returning to Australia after the war’s end.

Percy Gooch’s story has an added twist. He spent more than two years at home in Australia. After recuperating from his injuries Gooch took up a role in Army recruiting in Rockhampton before undergoing training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. In early 1918 he sailed for Europe once more, serving on the Western Front in France with the 25th Battalion. Again he was seriously wounded,

this time by a gunshot wound to the chest during the battalion’s final military operation. After a long period in hospital he returned home in June 1919, now a second lieutenant.

Thomas Stacey remained with the 2nd Light Horse throughout the Middle East Campaign and was promoted to military driver. Later he transferred to the Machine Gun Squadron. In November 1918, Stacey returned to Australia on the same ship as his Mount Morgan comrade Charlie Mowbray, who had reached the rank of sergeant. Mowbray had distinguished himself by being awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French President in 1917.

Ernest Crain, now a warrant officer, returned to Australia in January 1919 with another Mount Morgan volunteer, Frederick Hart. Parker Marson, now a lance corporal, returned to Australia in November 1918. Finally, Stanley Simmonds returned to Australia in December 1918, and home to Mount Morgan.

Those ten earnest-faced Mount Morgan men who volunteered so willingly for war could not have known what awaited them. Two gave their lives, and all those who survived Gallipoli had spent time in hospital, some repeatedly, due to illness, battle wounds and shock. The eight young men who eventually returned to Australia no doubt bore significant scars, both physical and mental, of their extraordinary service.

Elizabeth Conway and Pam Garfoot are sisters who, in 2012, published the story of their family in Australia, Making them real: finding a Queensland past, which won the Queensland Family History Society’s Family History Book Award for 2014.

Nature Photography Competition returns for third year Entries are now open for the 2020 Rockhampton Regional Council Nature Photography Competition, with residents being called on to showcase the natural beauty of our area.

Supporting a Better Environment Portfolio Spokesperson Councillor Donna Kirkland said it was wonderful that residents are able to spend a little more time in our stunning scenery now that COVID-19 restrictions were being loosened.

“Usually we launch this competition a little earlier in the year, but safety has to be our top priority and we didn’t want to encourage anyone to do anything that goes against the State and Federal Government COVID-19 restrictions.

“However now that we are able to go out and spend some more time in our natural surroundings, to have Page 12

a walk or go for a picnic, it’s a great opportunity for us to take along a camera or phone and showcase just how beautiful our region is.

“Whether you’re a budding photographer, a passionate nature enthusiast or simply have your camera phone at the ready, this competition is for anyone who lives in the Rockhampton Region.

“We have five different categories, including one for under 18s, and there are prizes in each one.

“Last year we saw some absolutely stunning images, from sunsets to spider webs, and I am excited to see what pictures are submitted this year.

“Please remember it is vital that you follow all government and social distancing guidelines when you are out and about.”

Continued on Page 13

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20 May - 3 June 2020

Photography Competition...From Page 12 Entries close 5pm Monday 1st June 2020 with category winners announced to celebrate World Environment Day 2020. Entry is free.

Nature Photography Competition Categories The competition has five categories which you could enter. All entries must be submitted within the competition conditions of entry found on the entry form.

h t t p s : / / w w w. r o c k h a m p t o n r e g i o n . q l d . g o v. a u / CommunityEvents/Environmental-Sustainability/ Get-involved/Nature-Photography-Competition See the shortlisted 2019 entries here: https://www. facebook.com/pg/RockhamptonRegionalCouncil/ photos/?tab=album&album_id=2125294940845533 Below: “Evening Light” by Russel Prothero, winner of the Connecting with Nature category in 2019.

1. Connecting with nature (open to all ages); 2. Celebrating our natural landscapes (open to all ages); 3. Showcasing our native flora and fauna (open to all ages); 4. Budding young photographer (under 18 years of age); and 5. Professional (over 18 years of age).

For more details on the categories and rules please visit the following website.

DEE RIVER OLDIES

FESTIVAL NEWS

Easter, Anzac Day, May Day Weekend and Mothers’ Day have been and gone for 2020. It has certainly been different this year for many.

Mount Morgan’s Golden Mount Festival started under that name in 1977 and this year was the first time in which the Festival was cancelled due to reasons other than rain (1990’s) or postponement due to bigger celebrations (1981 – ready for the Centenary celebrations in 1982).

All the mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and great, great grandmothers, we hope you had a day to reflect on the joy of family.

Some might have been lucky to see your family or talk to them on the phone, but for many there are just the precious memories made during your lifetime.

The Covid-19 Government restrictions imposed meant that this year’s celebrations had to be cancelled to contain the spread of the virus.

You can be certain that your family were thinking of you. It is a special day.

It certainly was a quiet Morgan Street on the Saturday that the event was supposed to be held and it provided a look at what it could be like if the organizing body does not get any volunteers to help out with the future events.

This time in isolation has made us think of the things that are important to us. As the weeks go on, we hope to see us going back to the way of life we were used to.

Our meetings and morning teas are cancelled until further notice.

When the restrictions are lifted, we will make plans for upcoming events. The Steering Committee are only a phone call away.

Stay happy and healthy and keep warm.

Submitted by the Steering Committee.

Carol Glover 4938 1995, Melray McNamara 0411 144 316, Colleen Constable 0427 161 131.

20 May - 3 June 2020

The GMFA really needs some assistance from the people of Mount Morgan who are keen to help out with running the 2021 Festival. If you have some great ideas and some time to spare to help with the event, you are most welcome to join.

The organisation is planning to hold its Annual General Meeting in late June. Without support the festival cannot continue.

Please call me on 0411 073 974 if you would like to help with one of Central Queensland’s longest running festivals.

Thanks Graeme Meade.

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 13

LOCKDOWN LAUGHTER

Lockdown for many, is either over or almost over, and while we may be happy, there is a great chance that our pets are glad to have everything return to normal as well.

Some of the Facebook posts during the Lockdown have examined the situation from the perspective of the pets...and we mere mortals, don’t really pass muster in our beloved moggy’s or canine’s eyes.

For those that won’t, the coming weeks may be ones when the pets at home, may miss their owners. So before you leave the house, make sure that your pets have plenty of of water and can not escape your yards.

It is hoped that soon everyone can go back to work and we will start making our new “normal”.

Page 14

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

20 May - 3 June 2020

Pride in Your Town

Can you remember the year 1940? Possibly not, as many of our readers may not have entered the world by then. However, it is the year 1940 that this article pertains to.

The pleasures of the city, and the friends they cherished best: For love they faced the wilderness – the Women of the West.

What did happen in 1940? Why so important? Well, it was the year one of our Pride writers became a student at the Mount Morgan State High School….a long time ago. One of the first things that one noticed was that all the teachers were more mature than those of present times and they were very strong in wanting full respect for themselves and also for your fellow class mates.

The roar, and rush, and fever of the city died away, And the old time joys and faces-they were gone for many a day; In their place the lurching coach-wheel, or the creaking bullock-chains, O’er the everlasting sameness of the never- ending plains.

The next step was to learn the School was divided into” Houses” for sporting competitions. There were five houses in those years (now three); Evans, Gordon, Kendall, Paterson, and Lawson.

Each house had its own colors; Evans – mid blue, Gordon - blue, Kendall - red, Paterson - green and Lawson – Yellow. Both Lawson and Evens were terminated about 1950, and then in the 60’s Evans was resurrected and colour yellow (distinct from Gordon).

Where possible, siblings were placed in the same house that previous members of the family had been in. The Houses were named after five famous Australian poets. So in our next editions we will tell you a little of the life of each poet and one or two verses of one of their famous poems.

Let’s start with Evans. George Essex Evans was born in London and had one brother and two sisters. George was partly deaf but an excellent athlete. George’s Dad died when he was only a few months old. In 1881 when only 17, his Mother and Family migrated to Australia and bought land on the Darling Downs. George’s hearing got worse and so he turned to teaching at a Private School then later became agricultural editor of “The Queenslander”.

In 1888 he became the District Registrar of births deaths and marriages, first at Gympie then later at Toowoomba. He married and had two sons, but one died at five and a half years. They then adopted two daughters.

In the slab-built, zinc-roofed homestead of some lately taken run, In the tent beside the bankment of a railway just begun, In the huts of the new selection, in the camps of man’s unrest, On the frontiers of the Nation, live the Women of the West.

So that is a little history of George Essex Evans, our first House poet and just a sample of one his wonderful poems. Hope you enjoyed the three verses. In the next edition we will tell of Adam Lindsay Gordon.

Please join us. Until then, think clean and be tidy.

CNR YAAMBA RD & MAIN ST NORTH ROCKHAMPTON Phone: 4928 3511 trendrok@bigpond.net.au PROUDLY SERVING MOUNT MORGAN FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

They built their home on the eastern slope of Toowoomba where George founded the Austral Society to promote music, art, literature, science and industry. George Evans died at 46 in 1909. He had over 200 poems published. Situated in Webb Park in Toowoomba stands a memorial to honour him. We have chosen three verses from his famous poem.

Women of the West They left the vine-wreathed cottage and the mansion on the hill, The houses in the busy streets where life is never still, 20 May - 3 June 2020

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

Page 15

SAVE THE DATE!

CLASSIFIEDS

May 28: No7 Gallery re-opens.

Jul 10: "Transformation" Exhibition Opening @ Mount Morgan No7 Gallery..

PAINTER: Semi retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257.

QBCC No-75608.

Please note that as events, meetings start to return to normal, can you please email your copy for Save the Date columns to mmpad@bigpond.com to ensure that we include everyone’s events or meetings.

ALL COMPUTERS & REPAIRS: Your local computer specialist Nathan. Phone between 10 am to 8 pm. PHONE: 4938 2451 Monday to Friday

FOR SALE – Firewood. Bagged for BBQ and camping.

Trailer load delivered and dumped or available for pick up. 61 Archer Road Struck Oil. Quick delivery and reliable service. Text Eric 0406 418 737.

WANTED KNOWN If you wish to place a notice on the Community Noticeboard or in the Mount Morgan Argus please drop it off at FOX VIDEO in Morgan St or email to mmpad@bigpond.com or ‘Phone: 4938 2312

M.A.W Mowing & Handyman Services ABN: 30 706 300 266 Now offering Ironing & Housecleaning Services Mark Williamson 0403 571 561 Email: mawmowing@live.com

LOCAL BUSINESS - USE IT OR LOSE IT KEEP YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE! UNLIMITED MOVIES

Ask us How

Open 10:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday - Sunday

Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz Mobile Dog Clipping Phone Des: 0447 275 402

LATEST RELEASES

$5* 3 or More

Next Argus: WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 2020

All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 26 May 2020 by 4 p.m.

Ph: 4938 2312 Email: mmpad@bigpond.com Page 16

MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS

20 May - 3 June 2020