VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2
WWW.MOUNTMORGAN.ORG.AU
17 FEBRUARY - 3 MARCH 2021
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.
New Doctor...Page 6
Looking Back...Page 10
Sketch Artist...Page 12
CELEBRATING 93 YEARS
CELEBRATING 93 YEARS green keeper. “Mount Morgan was a busy little place,” Bette says. Bette’s happiest times in Mount Morgan were during the days of the Mount Morgan State High School Past Pupils Association. “We were all encouraged to become a member of the Association when we left school,” she said.
Well-known Mount Morgan personality, Miss Bette Broom celebrated her 93rd birthday with friends on 13 February. Bette was born to Mary Dora (nee Arnold) and Fred Broom in Mount Morgan in 1928, just before the Great Depression set in. This was also just before Open Cut Mining started at the Mount Morgan Mine – a mine at which Bette worked for 47 years, starting out at age 15 as a junior clerk when she completed the Year 10 (Junior Equivalent) at Mount Morgan State High School. From junior clerk Bette moved through various positions in the General Office including clerking in the pay section, assistant cost clerk and ledger clerk, being put in charge of the accounting machines (the first in Central Queensland) to the eventual position of Office Manager (the first female Office Manager for Mount Morgan Limited). Bette’s father Fred (who came from England) was a baker (one of five in the town at the time), a grocer as well as working at the mine and Welfare Bowls Club as
“These were some of the happiest days – we would organise entertainment such as parties, trips away, beach excursions and tennis matches to name a few. All of these events were alcoholfree, but everyone still had a great time,” she said. Two of Bette’s great loves included golf and tennis and it was through the latter that she formed one of her longest lasting friendships. “Elaine and I were first paired up for tennis when I was 11 at school. Elaine was two years older than me and she left school and got a job in the bank before I finished school.” Elaine and Bette teamed up for many A-Grade tennis matches throughout their lives. “Mount Morgan at one time had 15 tennis courts and it was nothing for between 150-200 people to play tennis fixtures on the weekend.” Bette has also travelled extensively, spending 17 weeks overseas in England, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali and Phillipines. She has also travelled to New Zealand and throughout Australia. Australia remains her favourite country. Bette has had some good life-long friendships.
“The sad part about reaching my age is that a lot of your friends are gone – friends like Jean Jenkins, Greta Boyle and Charlie and Joyce Lowrie. I have had a heck of a lot of friends.” Bette believes wholeheartedly in volunteering and she has volunteered for a wide range of Mount Morgan organisations. “I find volunteering to be very rewarding. As well as being instrumental to forming friendships, volunteering is the heart of any community and can lead to so many wonderful experiences,” she said. Bette has seen Mount Morgan’s good and bad days and believes while the town has lost much, it still has a lot of history that should be promoted. “It would be good for a “top-notch” tourism operator to be employed whose sole responsibility would be to promote Mount Morgan.” Her other dream is that Mount Morgan will get a proper water scheme. “The town looks pretty after rain… with a water scheme, it could look pretty all of the time. Who knows it could also encourage people to live in the town?” Bette and a couple of her friends also spent time researching the “Pride in Your Town” articles which ran in the Mount Morgan Argus every edition for over 12 years. Pictured front page (left to right) are Valerie Crone, Chris O’Leary, Merle Curtis, Kathleen Francois and Margaret Hall with Bette Broom at the Grand Hotel on Saturday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETTE!
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
17 February - 3 March 2021
Helping the region promote Mount Morgan!
The ‘Rocky Host’ program is an educational series of fact sheets created for frontline service operators in the local area to ensure, as a region, we are providing a welcoming community for visitors staying and passing through. Produced by Advance Rockhampton, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Economic Development, Tourism, Events and Destination Marketing Unit, this free series provides frontline customer service staff with all the tools they need to promote the region to visitors and learn some interesting facts along the way. There are 10 fact sheets in the first series with one dedicated wholly to Mount Morgan as well as being featured throughout other fact sheets like one promoting great day trips. The facts sheets will assist with increasing length of stay in the region, increasing visitor spend and will allow visitors to leave with a positive experience and a reason to come back by showing them how to ‘live like a local’. Link to fact sheets: https://www.advancerockhampton. com.au/Industries/Tourism-Events/Rocky-HostProgram.
SHOW SOCIETY
The annual general meeting of Mount Morgan Agricultural Show Inc was held on Sunday, 14 February 2021. The outgoing committee of Brian Glover, President, Noel Barker, Vice President, Heather Barker, Secretary and Michael Rowe, Treasurer were re-elected unopposed. President, Mr Brian Glover said the committee was working towards staging a Covid safe 2021 Show to be held on Saturday 14 August 2021. Mr Glover said that although Covid still offered some obstacles, he was confident that they could be overcome.
AUSTRALIA DAY Numbers were down with the 2021 Australia Day celebrations, but those who attended had the opportunity to enjoy the entertainment and food on offer. Acting Secretary, Del Rowley said the club was used to serving over 300 people throughout the day. The Rotary Club of Mount Morgan paid for the food and drinks which included lamingtons, watermelons, sausages on bread and popsicles. Rockhampton 17 February - 3 March 2021
Business support packages coming to Mount Morgan
Advance Rockhampton’s Economic Development Unit is in the final stages of development with the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) for a suite of online training workshops for small businesses. There will be a variety of workshops delivered, including: starting up a business, business planning, websites and social media. Detailed information on workshops will be out shortly. • ASBAS is also initiating a business advisor service that can provide guidance on business continuity planning, finance management, staying connect to customers and advice on accessing COVID-19 stimulus packages for small business. • Information on both initiatives will be promoted through the Advance Rockhampton website: https:// www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Home, Advance Rockhampton newsletter – sign up here: https:// www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Contact-Us and through the Mount Morgan Argus.
DEE RIVER OLDIES
With the month of January behind us, the Dee River Oldies Group members are looking forward to a better year than the last. A morning tea with a guest speaker is planned for Wednesday, 24 February, 2021. It starts at 10 am and the cost is $5. It will be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. Members are asked that if they are unwell, or have been in contact with anyone who has been sick or overseas to please stay home. The morning tea will be run with COVID restrictions in place. Signs will be up advising of social distancing, hand washing and sanitising. Our bus trip to the Moura Mine Memorial is on Saturday 20 March, 2021. The bus leaves from the Morgan Street bus stop at 8.30 am. The cost is $50 and that includes morning tea and lunch. Please pay your money at the February morning tea or contact one of the steering committee. Stay happy and healthy. Submitted by the Steering Committee Carol Glover 49381995, Melray McNamara 0411144316 and Colleen Constable 0427161131. Regional Council paid for the hire of Funtime amusements who brought face painting, jumping castles and a popcorn shop along for the day. Local musician and 2020 Australia Day award recipient Dianne Coburn organised the entertainment on behalf of Rotary. Entertainers included the Mount Ukes, Freda McDougall (Australia Day Citizen of the Year during the days of Mount Morgan Shire Council, Alma Graham (bush poetry) and Di, herself.
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MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
17 February - 3 March 2021
17 February - 3 March 2021
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MMMPHS NEWS Mount Morgan MultiPurpose Health Service, and private practice clinic, this year welcome a new husband-and-wife doctor team. Dr Shahbaz Sattar and Dr Rabiya Sajjad are both loving their new home, and they’ve been welcomed with open arms by the community. They had been based in Bundaberg from 2017-2020 doing their GP training, and they both enjoyed the flexibility of life in a small town.
Rabiya says there’s a lot of catch-up for patients with chronic illness that haven’t had access to a regular doctor, and she’s enjoying making a difference and learning from her patients. She loves living in the doctor’s quarters in the hospital grounds and being able to duck home for lunch or to check on her daughters, aged 7, 4 and 7 months, when she can. They’re kept very busy with three small daughters but enjoy travelling and look forward to exploring Queensland more when they get the chance. Welcome to Central Queensland Shahbaz and Rabiya, it’s great to have you here!
When they finished their training, they went to work on the Gold Coast for nine months, but when they saw the Mount Morgan position advertised, they realised it was the right place. Rabiya has just returned from maternity leave after having their third daughter, and a busy home life with small children meant work in a smaller location would give the right balance. Shahbaz says they’ve had a good run so far, with plenty of support from the hospital and the community. He says working with his wife is great. “It’s much better than working separately. If I’m busy Rabiya can take my patients and if she is busy, I can jump in and help out.” So far Shahbaz has been covering the hospital and Rabiya has been kept busy in the private GP practice.
NO 7 GALLERY UPDATE No7 Art Squad workshops have begun, and boy are we happy to have the sound of kids having fun, echo around the Gallery walls. This is a very special term, as we are implementing a series of activities, based on empowering our youth to make change, and understand the processes to do so. During hands on creative activities, we will be discussing what issues are concerning in their young lives, and through group conversation, allow them to formulate direction and actions towards solutions. Their artworks will reflect their activism, and be a catalyst for the possibility of greater change. All ages welcome.
Tuesdays – By Appointment only…Reiki and Access Bars with Blu Tree Holistic Healing. Please Book at least 24 hours prior. Call Lorna 0475631010.
Kirra Swain
Wednesday/Thursday – Gallery Open 10am – 4pm. Friday – Gallery Open 10am – 4pm. Art classes with Nicholai von Tonslamann by Appointment. $10/ person. Ph 0412557052 Friday – No7 Art Squad, free workshops for kids and youth 3:30pm – 5pm.
Our regular events are as follows:-
Saturday to Sunday – Gallery is open 10am – 2pm.
Mondays- 6pm Acacia Owl Dreaming. Ph 0431 586 798
Our next Exhibition, “Diversity” opens on Saturday 13th March
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and will be a showcase of art, cuisine, music and dance. All are welcome. Artists are to submit works by Wednesday 10th March. Contact 0411865621 for submission forms and follow our Facebook page for updates.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
17 February - 3 March 2021
VET NEWS Pets and Snakes At this time of year, snakes are on the move. So here are a few things to look out for if you think your pet has been bitten by a snake. Should your pet show any of these signs or for any reason you feel concerned about your pet’s health contact us on 4922 8138 ASAP. Several factors will determine what sort of reaction your pet has to a snake bite. The type of snake (some species of snake are more venomous than others), the amount of venom injected (depends of the size and maturity of the snake) and the site of the snake bite are all contributing factors. Dogs and cats are most often bitten around the head and limbs. Usually the closer the bite is to the heart the quicker the venom will be absorbed into the pet’s system and distributed around the body. Signs of a snake bite: •
Sudden weakness followed by collapse.
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Shaking or twitching of the muscles.
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Vomiting.
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Dilated pupils not responsive to light.
re-incorporated as Mount Morgan Citizens Club Inc @ The Soldiers Rooms, Membership forms can be collected from the Mount Morgan Post Office, and for sponsorship or to book the hall, follow and send us a message on our “Mount Morgan Soldiers Rooms” Facebook page, or join our meetings on the last Sunday of each month at 11am. Kirra Swain
BRICK UPDATE Just an update to advise purchasers that we do have their engraved bricks, and they will be laid during the next school holidays, all going to plan. Delays have been unavoidable, not only due to Covid with people restricted from entering school grounds over holidays, but to fully appreciate the proposed space, extra funding through a Grant from UNICEF was applied for and won. This was a slow process but has allowed us to purchase seating and pavers to make a much larger and more functional area. If anyone is able to assist with the laying of the pavers may take place on 2, 3 or 4 April. Please contact the P&C Secretary on 0411 865 621 if you can assist. We appreciate everyone’s patience. Submitted by Kirra Swain
In the later stages paralysis may occur and your pet may have blood in his or her urine. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake you should immobilise your pet and try to keep him/ her as quiet as possible. It is vital that you take your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of survival. If possible and IF SAFE try to identify the snake, or get a description of its colour and approximate size, there are several types of antivenom available and it will assist the veterinarian to determine the correct one. Our next visit to Mount Morgan is Tuesday 2 March. We have extended our hours, we are there 10:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Bookings are required, please call 49228138.
SOLDIERS’ ROOMS To commence fundraising for 2021, we will be starting up a weekly numbers lotto. We thank those that have come on board with donations, and weekly pledges. If you are interested, or know of a business or someone who would like to join our list of donors, please send us an email at mountmorgansoldiersrooms@gmail. com. Keep an eye out for the ever-amazing Deb Alley selling tickets! To join/update your membership, now that we are 17 February - 3 March 2021
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•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
GOLDEN MOUNT
TAXI 0459 131 008
New Homes Extensions Restumping Car Ports
Renovations Alterations Decks Driveways
FULLY LICENSED QBCC: Lic. No. 19514 FOR HIGH CARE & DISABLED OPEN PLAN BATHROOM REBUILDS RAMPS STAIR LIFTS
Tony Harney Plumbing Available for all domestic and commercial work. Blocked drains, leaking taps or any other maintenance issues
Phone Tony
Clinic 1st Tuesday of the Month
0429 669 499 Servicing Mount Morgan ABN : 76 171 835 370
QBCC 1110090
Mark Humphreys’ Electrical
Stanley Constructions Home Renovations
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 Page 8
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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
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
QBSA 735099
17 February - 3 March 2021
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 - Metal Detectors and Prospecting Gear - Camping Gear! ABN 86 894 469 085 Eric J Stevenson. DNRME License to Sell Explosives 1300622
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
M.A.W Mowing & Handyman Services ABN: 30 706 300 266
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
Mark Williamson
0403 571 561 Email: mawmowing@live.com 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. Sandi Wood your local consultant Phone: 4922 1269
Tilt Truck Service, Excavator Slashing, Mowing, Tractor and Poison Spraying Licenced Poisons Contractor 17 February - 3 March 2021
fmckfunerals@live.com.au
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
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2020 A YEAR TO REMEMBER Last year was certainly a “year to remember”! While the world was and still is engulfed by the threat of the Covid 19 Pandemic, there were many positive lessons and outcomes from the year. This edition of the Mount Morgan Argus takes a trip down the “2020 Memory Lane”. People became more creative thinking up new lyrics to old songs that brightened the dark times with their parodies about the virus, living in lockdown and the manic rush to ensure that toilet paper supplies never ran out. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of creativity is how Australians commemorated ANZAC Day with the Light Up the Dawn initiative. Across the country parents and children embarked on creative activities making wreaths, poppies, decorating gates and driveways. 2020 was 102 years since the end of World War One and the beginning of the Spanish Influenza, so it was a fitting tribute to see former veterans, children, parents and the family pets gathering at their gates and in their driveways to commemorate those who gave their all. Below former veteran, Barry Lollback at his front gate, paying tribute to all who served.
Throughout the year, people became more resilient with shutdowns, wearing face masks, sanitising hands and filling out paperwork (for dining). Page 10
There were also some disappointments with events (both major and small) in Mount Morgan (Golden Mount Festival, Mount Morgan Show, Wattle Day) and throughout the region being cancelled. Despite cancellations, the Mount Morgan Rodeo Association Inc still held the inaugural Junior Rodeo in September and were back again in November with the full rodeo. As well as this the group held two fundraising Cent Sales – all Covid compliant! The year started off like any other year, with Mount Morgan’s Dianne Coburn and Tyson Ireland waving the Mount Morgan Flag at the Australia Day Awards in January and the Mount Morgan High School Leader Induction and birthday celebrations in February. The Riders for Awareness event held by the Grand Hotel was the last event for Mount Morgan prior to shutdown. Despite lockdowns, the quadrennial Local Government Elections still went ahead with Mayor Margaret Strelow being returned with about 70 percent of the vote. The lockdown also allowed some businesses to carry out refurbishments and renovations at their premises. School students starting online learning, all coped, but some struggled with the lack of regular contact with educators and the frontline support for the elderly, Meals on Wheels ensured that in these uncertain times the aged were well taken care of. In June, there was news of renewed activity at the historic Mount Morgan Mine Site and the Old School Bicycle Show was held for the second year in a row. In July, the Mount Morgan Argus also reported the upcoming restoration works on Anzac Park and the handing over of a collection of school books, memoirs and photographs by Dr Athol Brewster to the CQ Collection.
In August, Claude McKnight (above) celebrated his 100th birthday, receiving congratulatory letters from the Queen and the Prime Minister to name a few. In September another successful Cancer Fundraising night was held at the Grand Hotel and Mount Morgan was featured on the Today Show with a Channel Nine film crew onsite at the Mount Morgan Railway Station for the live weather crosses. Beersheba Day was celebrated at the end of October and Remembrance Day in November a sense of normalcy was returning with these events. In November, for the first time, the Year 12 students held their Formal away from Mount Morgan. November also saw the official opening of the Golden Mount Shooters Association’s New Chum Range. A two-decade low water level in the Mount Morgan Mine Open Cut was also reported in December. December was bigger than normal month with the Buy Local, Christmas Lights Competition and Twilight Carols on the Mount, Christmas Concert. Congratulations to the Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc Buy Local Winners - 1st Prize $600: Ruby Royes, 2nd Prize $400: Drew Osborne and 3rd Prize $200: Colleen Howells. Winners of the four $100 consolation prizes are: Judy Drake, Gayle Gill, Beau Randall and Lyn Barnes. Continued on Page 11
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
17 February - 3 March 2021
2020 A YEAR TO REMEMBER From Page 10
Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc Christmas Lights Competition was won by Trudy Larsen (Coronation Drive), 2nd - Wayne Ireland (Burnett Highway), and 3rd - Allen family (Racecourse Road). Commercial winners were – 1st - QAS, 2nd - No.7 Gallery and 3rd - the Mount Morgan Hub Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc also organised a Christmas Carols concert following the suggestion of a Carols Evening by the Mount Ukes. MMPAD pulled together the evening which included getting permission to use the Railway venue, preparing Covid-Safe and Risk Management plans, programs, inviting special guests, ordering food and organising chairs. All of this was done within a twoweek time frame once permission had been granted.
Above: Channel 9 Weather man, Tim Davies presenting live from the Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Visitor Information Centre. Below: The official opening of the New Chum Range.
MMPAD would like to thank the entertainers for the event – the Mount Ukes, Sing Australia, Peter and Suzie Camm and Mark Hamilton and the impromptu performance from Cr Donna Kirkland. The event would not have been achievable without the assistance of the volunteers who manned the gates, Covid-tables, prepared and served food, served at the counter and those who helped maintain a high standard of cleanliness throughout the evening.
Right: Celebrating Beersheba Day and below, the Grand Finale at the Twilight Carols on the Mount held at the Mount Morgan Railway Station.
17 February - 3 March 2021
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ARTIST CAPTURES MOUNT’S BEAUTY
Jeff Kitchen’s (pictured above with volunteer Ken Winter) visit to the Mount Morgan Railway Museum provided a trip down memory lane.
By Narelle Dowling Visiting sketch artist, Daphne McKinnon (above) is currently staying in Mount Morgan for a six to eight week period. Exploring our surrounding creeks, river and fields, Daphne has been capturing the local sites, wildlife and nature in her colourful drawings and sketches. As a former resident of D’Arcy Street of eight years, Daphne, who was a registered nurse at Rockhampton Base Hospital, has many happy memories of her time here. One of her memories, which was very comical was living beside the Council flats where a lady used to try to feed and save all stray cats. Daphne said even though the probably eventually got out of hand, she also tried to feed the hungry kittens.
Now retired to Noosa, in his working life, Jeff was a painter for Queensland Railway for many years and was one of the painters who painted the Mount Morgan Railway buildings between 1963 and 1965. Government buildings painted at the time were painted three colours in the “stone” colour range (light to mid dark stone). During these days the coal trains were still running through Mount Morgan from the Callide Mines.
Visiting the area again, Daphne described the local landscapes and vistas as compelling her artistic talents to capture the vibrant colours and contrasts to put it down on paper.
Mount Morgan State High School students are partaking in Term 1 Interschool sport in Rockhampton.
Her vision for the future is to someday to see her work in print – for example on post cards or in a coffee table photo book.
The sports offered this term are Boys Senior Futsal and Girls Rugby Union. Mount Morgan State High School is again looking for support of our students and their sporting endeavours during 2021. The school is immensely thankful to the past, present, and future sponsors, without the support of the community there would not be the outstanding amount of low cost sport at Mount Morgan State High School.
Daphne feels that while, in her opinion, the mine has devastated the local landscape, the contrast of raw earth and natural vegetation and abundant wildlife are essential elements that combine to create Mount Morgan’s unique beauty.
SCHOOL NEWS Enrollment numbers at Mount Morgan State High School show a nine percent increase at the start of the school year. Acting Principal, Mr Dan Petersen said that while this number was a good indicator for numbers, there may be fluctuations. Mr Petersen said the increase could be attributed to changing dynamics with people living outside of Mount Morgan sending their children to the High School. Page 12
Some of the new students are from Gracemere which is outside of the catchment area which includes Bouldercombe and Wowan. Mr Petersen said he was happy with these numbers and was looking forward to the new school year. The High School leader induction ceremony will take place on 19 February 2021 in conjunction with the school’s birthday celebrations *** MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
The sponsorship goes directly to supporting students with: Transport to and from venues; Training gear and First Aid Supplies and Sporting apparel. If you are interested in sponsoring please contact the school. Please contact the school if you wish to assist. 17 February - 3 March 2021
Mount Morgan in Pictures By Catherine McIntosh, descendant of the colonial Stubbs family of Mount Morgan
Miss Gladys’ Class IIIA
This is an old family photograph of Class IIIA at Mount Morgan Girls’ and Infants’ State School taken just before the First World War. My mother’s beloved Auntie Glad Stubbs (1906-1997) is in the back row (circled), wearing white ribbons in her pigtails.
c. 1913 / Mount Morgan / Mount Morgan Girls’ and Infants’ State School / Headmistress: Miss Caroline Emily Hardy (1858-1937) / Teacher of Class IIIA: Miss Annie Jane Shannon (1894-1973) (former pupil at the school) / Number of pupils in the class: 50.
At the time of this photograph, she was about seven years old. Her full name was Florence Ada Gladys Stubbs, but she went by her middle name of Gladys (later shortened to ‘Glad’). The youngest of five children, she was born and grew up in a house in Rockhampton Road (now James Street), Mount Morgan (I can confirm that the house still stands there). Her father, English-born Upsall Stubbs (1868-1954), was an employee of the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company, attending to the gardens of Carleton House (directors’ quarters) and the general manager’s residence.
Back row (l-r): Jessie Charles, Ida Pugh, Winnie Meikle, Lil Luscombe, Margaret McNeil, Ena Creagh, May Duggan, Gladys Stubbs, Beatrice Pattison, Isabel Bricknell, Liz Bishop, Lily Furnie, Lilian Hennegan.
I met Auntie Glad several times as a child. However, while she had a generous nature, conversation between us was limited. For example, my question as to why she didn’t have air-conditioning in her Rockhampton house in such a hot climate (I was visiting from Sydney) was dismissed as: ‘we don’t like air-conditioning - never have, never will!’. She was of the old school that believed children should be seen and not heard. A young Gladys wrote the names of her classmates and the name of her teacher on the back of the photograph in pencil. She even mentioned a few of the girls’ names on the verandah. The spelling of some of the names may be incorrect here because it was difficult to decipher her handwriting in faded pencil. Is one of them your ancestor? 17 February - 3 March 2021
Second back row (l-r): Phyllis Williams, Jessie Dorf, Thelma Gibson, Edna Babel, Grace Asmus, Ida Kuhn, Sylvia Rockett, Edna Hodgson, Lily Pill, Jean Shearer, Nellie Jenks, Alice Stirling. Second front row (l-r): Lilly Pickering, Martha Ansford, Madge Pattison, Rose Murray, Ruth Large, Jean Scott, Ivy Curry, Connie Kirkman, Frances Gordon, Dorothy Forshaus, Thelma Ritchie, Miss Shannon (teacher). Front row (l-r): Evelyn Scott, Elma Curry, Jessie McKenzie, Myrtle Young, Myrtle Easton, Ivy Grose, Florence Sturgeon, Ruth Tomkeys, Olga Minutchin (holding the class sign), Myrtle Callaghan, Annie Coates, Lina Gudman, Euphemia Anderson, Vera Carr. Looking from verandah: Maggie McDonald, Stella Richardson; looking through the blind, Laura Barclay. Photographer unknown. Stubbs family photograph. This author has made best efforts to provide accurate information for this publication of ‘Mount Morgan in Pictures’.
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THE ORANGE DOT By Larry at Fox Video
Movie Review SLIM AND I Growing up in outback Queensland there were just two big events each year that we all looked forward to, counting down the days. These were the annual Agricultural Show and the annual Rodeo. The local “Townie” kids, except for a few stalwarts who fancied their chances, tended to avoid the Rodeo Ball in large numbers as the travelling roughriders and stockmen were always keen to have a little fun with them - a little “sport”, if you follow... Once The Rodeo and The Show were over we commenced the preparation and long wait to the the middle of next year for them to roll around again. That was it...
“White Rabbit” superbly, make it look easy.
AND
The term “Hillbilly Music “ was coined in 1925, just two years before Slim was born. Unplugged acoustic instruments, often a chorus of voices and the musical flavours of Appalachia, The Ozarks, Cajun, Bluegrass and Cowboy swept the world via that newfangled gizmo called ‘The Radio” (which had only become commercially available just a few years before in the early 1900’s). Parents of the time were aghast at the influence this unbridled foot-stomping, kneelifting, body-part-jiggling music out of the USA was having on their youth. (Those same youth were to react the same way with their own But then, every couple of years a kids just a couple of decades later huge caravan of fifteen to twenty when “the Devil’s Music”, Rock vehicles would rumble into town. ‘n’ Roll exploded on the scene.) Trucks, sedans, station wagons; Even Elvis, in his early career, was vans: the caravan itself was a known as the “Hillbilly Cat” for his spectacle worth lining up for. performances of “Hillybilly Boogie”, Huge, colourful signs all over left later known as “Rockabilly”. David no doubt as to who had arrived - “Gordon” Kilpatrick thought this The Slim Dusty Show was in town. stuff was pretty awesome, and They would take over the Town by the age of eleven had chosen Hall, or set up a huge marquee the name “Slim Dusty”. The next on the vacant block in the main sixty-five years were then devoted street. The whole town would be to music, an authentic Australian buzzing with excitement. Then sound, writing and performing - and the show; and it wasn’t just Slim once he met Joy McKean, a major and Joy. They’d bring big stars talent and national star in her own with them like Little Patty, Lucky right, the die was truly cast. From Grilles, Chad Morgan, and some then on it was about their love, super guitar wiz-kid who’d play their family, their music and most
WELFARE BOWLS The Welfare Bowls Club is open and very happy to say. President Wally and his committee have now received grants to the total of $97,700 in the last four years that has allowed the club to purchase 12 sets of new bowls, paint inside and outside the club building, a large solar panel system, a ride-on mower, security cameras and security fence in front of club, motorised bowling green mower and roller plus Covid funding. Page 14
of all, OUR AUSTRALIA. Joy, who will be ninety-one this year, managed Slim. She wrote many of his biggest hits and kept the show on the road - especially once they started touring Australia, 50,000 klms per year, 10 months per year, from 1964 and on. She was a superwoman, the true secret source of Slim’s strength and the greatest reason for his success. They were the undefeatable team. No-one paid their dues to Australia and it’s people like Slim and Joy. The small towns and settlements all over the country that the big stars would never deign to waste their time on were the most important to Slim and Joy; they were filled with their fellow Australians, their brothers and sisters who loved them and needed them to brighten their lives, blow their troubles away and put stars in their eyes. Slim and Joy were the true stars of Oz, and whether you’re a fan of their music or not, we must always carry them in our hearts with the deepest respect the greatest gratitude and love always... SLIM & I, a truly wonderful movie. See Oz as it really is... Loved it!
The Goose Club raffle are now being drawn at the Grand Hotel at 2 pm on Saturday afternoons. Thank you to Melissa from the Grand Hotel and Mumma Kath’s Kitchen for donating a $20.00 voucher every week. The Welfare Bowls Club is open from Friday Night at 6 pm and Sunday morning at 9 am. Visitors and new players are welcome. Phone 4991 7644 and 0428 828 830. Submitted by the Welfare Bowls Club.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
17 February - 3 March 2021
Telling the Stories of the CQ Bushfires of November 2018 ‘Scary.’
‘A sense of panic’ ‘It was a very emotional experience.’ These are just some of the emotions that Judy described while recounting her memories of the CQ Bushfires and the evacuation of Gracemere back in November 2018. Her story is echoed by many other people who experienced the sudden and busy evacuation of the Gracemere township and surrounds just a few years ago. Judy was happy to share her story in a brief oral interview recorded at the Gracemere Lions Market recently. This story will be transcribed and digitally added to the regionally significant archival Central Queensland Collection, held in the Rockhampton History Centre at the Southside Library. The story will be one of many helping to illustrate the social history of the community. We are encouraging locals to record their story with staff at the Gracemere Library so that these important memories are not lost and can be kept for future posterity. Each person who shares a recorded story, photograph, drawing or poem will be given a free Disaster Bag filled with goodies to promote Disaster preparedness and resilience. This includes a torch, four-in-one radio, document wallet, mug, useful magnets and other information to help you get ready in an emergency. Be quick to tell your story though, as stories need to be captured before 31 March 2021. Contact the Gracemere Library on phone 4931 5454 or the Libraries Administration office on 4936 8043 to find out how you can help contribute to this project.
CNR YAAMBA RD & MAIN ST
Mount Morgan Library, 31 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan
NORTH ROCKHAMPTON Phone: 4928 3511
Gracemere Library, 1 Ranger Street, Gracemere North Rockhampton Library, 154 Berserker Street, North Rockhampton Rockhampton Regional Library, 230 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton
trendrok@bigpond.net.au PROUDLY SERVING MOUNT MORGAN FOR OVER FORTY YEARS
The CQ Bushfire Project: Recording Resilient Stories of Today for the Future is jointly funded under the Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Arrangements.
Deslea’s Cutz for Mutz Mobile Dog Clipping Phone Des: 0447 275 402
17 February - 3 March 2021
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
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SAVE THE DATE!
CLASSIFIEDS
FEB 23: Well Women’s Clinic - Mount Morgan Hospital. Appointments - 4912 5100. FEB 24: Dee River Oldies Group - Morning tea with guest speaker to be held at St Mary’s Hall starting at 10 am. Cost is $5. MAR 13: Baree Markets. Baree Hall from 8 am. MAR 16: Well Women’s Clinic - Mount Morgan Hospital. Appointments - 4912 5100. MAR 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) MAR 20: Dee River Oldies Group - Bus trip to the Moura Mine Memorial. The cost is $50 which includes morning tea and lunch. Bus leaves from Morgan Street bus stop at 8.30 am. MAY 2: Mount Morgan Rodeo held by Mount Morgan Rodeo Association Inc. MAY 18: Well Women’s Clinic - Mount Morgan Hospital. Appointments - 4912 5100.
PAINTER: Semi retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257. ALL COMPUTERS & REPAIRS: Your local computer specialist Nathan. Phone between 10 am to 8 pm. PHONE: 4938 2451 Monday to Friday Wanted: Two goats. Phone 0427 183 798. Wanted Known: The World Day of Prayer Service for 2021 in Mount Morgan will be held earlier this year on Friday, 26 February at 10 am in the Uniting Church. Wanted: Single Car port. Phone 4938 1804. For Sale: Walker $100 Phone 4938 1804. For Sale: Show dog trailer. $400 as is. Phone 0427 183 798.
MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC. Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays Phone John on 0429 055 165
Blue Care Trash & 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. Marion’s plants for sale. MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, 24 February 2021 Hospital at 1800 hrs (6 pm) Phone Secretary on 0429 055 165
LOCAL BUSINESS - USE IT OR LOSE IT KEEP YOUR LOCAL VIDEO STORE! UNLIMITED MOVIES
Ask us How
Open 10:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday - Sunday
LATEST RELEASES
$5* 3 or More
MOUNT MORGAN BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc is continually updating its Business and Services Directory used at the Mount Morgan Visitior Information Centre and Railway Museum. If you have any new contact details that you would like to include or if you are unsure if you are listed, please contact MMPAD on 4938 2312, 0492 885 350 or email: mmpad@bigpond.com. This information is provided to local residents and visitors.
WASTE TRANSFER STATION HOURS
Mount Morgan Waste Transfer Station Closed Tuesday and Thursday Open 9am to 3pm all other days NEXT EDITION: WEDNESDAY, 3 MARCH 2021
All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 23 February, 2021 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312 OR MOB: 0492 885 350 Email: mmpad@bigpond.com Page 16
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS
17 February - 3 March 2021