25 MURGON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE VOLUNTEERS THANKED On Tuesday the 16th December Volunteers from the Murgon Visitor Information Centre travelled to Moffatdale Ridge for their annual Christmas party. The 15 volunteers enjoyed the afternoon accompanied by Councillors Barry Green, Damien Tessmann, Ros Heit and Kathy Duff. The volunteers were thanked on behalf of the Mayor for contributing 2360 hours to the centre this year and serving over 7700 visitors. Wondai Council Volunteers thanked Over 60 volunteers from the Wondai Timber Museum, Woodcrafters Workshop, Heritage Museum and Art Gallery gathered to celebrate their annual Volunteers Christmas party at Dimities Cottage on Saturday 6th December. Volunteers were rewarded for their service to the Information centre with Judy Trace receiving a 5 year service award and Jean Reinke receiving a 10 year service award. The luncheon also provided an opportunity for Councillor Ros Heit on behalf of the Mayor to formally thank Audrey Moustoukas for her 13 years volunteering service to the centre and to say farewell. Photo L-R: Audrey Moustoukas and Cr Ros Heit and Judy Trace and Cr Ros Heit
Transcript
25
MURGON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE VOLUNTEERS THANKED On Tuesday the 16th December Volunteers from the Murgon Visitor Information Centre travelled to Moffatdale
Ridge for their annual Christmas party. The 15 volunteers enjoyed the afternoon accompanied by Councillors Barry Green, Damien Tessmann, Ros Heit and Kathy Duff. The volunteers were thanked on behalf of the Mayor for contributing 2360 hours to the centre this year and serving over 7700 visitors.
Wondai Council Volunteers thanked Over 60 volunteers from the Wondai Timber Museum, Woodcrafters Workshop, Heritage Museum and Art
Gallery gathered to celebrate their annual Volunteers Christmas party at Dimities Cottage on Saturday 6th December.
Volunteers were rewarded for their service to the Information centre with Judy Trace receiving a 5 year service award and Jean Reinke receiving a 10 year service award. The luncheon also provided an opportunity for Councillor Ros Heit on behalf of the Mayor to formally thank Audrey Moustoukas for her 13 years volunteering service to the centre and to say farewell.
Photo L-R: Audrey Moustoukas and Cr Ros Heit and Judy Trace and Cr Ros Heit
26
MATRON, EDITH JANE MACKAY decorated for her services in the war but who never discussed that part of her life. Goomeri and district were extremely fortunate to have had the services of such a highly qualified, outstanding nurse for so many years. She will always be fondly remembered by the townsfolk. This is an outstanding story.
Edith Jane Mackay was born in 1873 and passed away in 1959 in Byron Bay. Edith’s vocation in life was to care for others. She did this by taking on a nursing career. Edith found herself in Great Britain at the time when World War 1 hostilities broke out. In 1915, she joined the Scottish Women’s Hospital Association and was sent to Lourdes France to work for the French Red Cross. In 1917, Edith was sent to Corsica to nurse war veterans. She became the Matron of a military hospital in Ajaccio Corsica from 2nd October 1917 to 27th September 1918. Whilst she was in Corsica Edith became a very much-loved member of their community and was given a beautiful Brooch by the town’s people. This gold brooch was a small stiletto with a coral handle which fits in its own engraved gold sheath. Many years later, this brooch would be passed onto a person who had become very special in Edith’s life during her time at Goomeri. Edith would forever be considered a second Mother to that little girl.
Edith then moved on to the Balkans and she was in Serbia in 1919 where she received the Serbian Medal for Zeal and later performed relief work during the Russian famine. Edith also nursed in England and Belgium during her time over there.
Below is an extract written by Sister Edith Mackay from a book that was published about Serbia and the atrocious conditions for its people and its devoted nursing staff during and after the end of World War 1. This time was extremely difficult and a strong sense of compassion and the need to help others was the driving force for this extraordinary woman.
Australian Nurse Edith Mackay described the sad situation she witnessed at a Serbian Hospital. “all day long sick, illfed and scantily clad Serbs flock around the little dispensary. Tottering old men, weather worn pale and harassed looking women, sick children in their arms. The day’s work commenced at sunrise and ended sometimes long after sunset. People came long distances mostly on foot for treating and medicine and dressings for malaria, typhus, typhoid, influenza, diseases, accidents, dog bite etc.”
Eventually Edith returned to Australia and ended her nursing career in Goomeri. She opened up a private hospital around 1926 on the outskirts of town on the Murgon Road. This was called ‘Stirling Hospital. In 1930 she moved into another house in Hodge Street. It would seem she named her hospitals ‘Stirling Hospital’ after her very good friend Alice Mary Stirling. They nursed together in all forms of the war throughout Europe. Sadly, Alice passed away in London on 25th April 1925. She was the Daughter of Sir Edward and Lady Stirling of Mount Lofty, South Australia. They would have spent some horrendous times together but as we know the 2 Australian ladies would have put their shoulders to the wheel (so to speak) and got on with the job.
Alisa Stanton (nee Perrett) was delivered by Matron Mackay and Dr Underwood in 1930 and spent the first 12 years of her life between her home (next door to the hospital) and the Goomeri Stirling Hospital. Matron Mackay was to be known to Alisa as ‘Grandpa’ for the rest of her life. Later on, this would become embarrassing for Edith when she retired and received telegrams on Mother’s Day from Alisa addressed to’Grandpa’. Everyone down Byron Bay thought she was a single lady. They thought the addresses should have been Grandma. I bet that set the tongues a wagging.
Below are some recollections of Matron Mackay written by Ailsa Stanton.Matron Edith Mackay was a devout, humane lady who lived her Christianity daily with all she met, particularly
those in need of tender nursing care.Although Grandpa employed nursing staff and domestic/maintenance help from time to time she always liked
to do her own cooking. The wood stove not only cooked the meals but provided warmth in so many ways. Much of the ceiling was lined with timber and rope clothes lines were worked by pulleys. Here the damp clothes dried and the babies’ clothes were kept warm. No baby ever had a cold nappy. To bath the babies, “Grandpa” would sit on a wooden stool with a dish of warm water on another stool and a warm, soft towel across her lap. Each babe would be undressed on her knee, bathed and fondled in the warm water, then returned to her knee for drying and dressing. She called the babies ‘Gifts from Heaven’.
An example of her dedication is the case of the poor mother who lived with several children in a hessian shack about a mile out of town. She gave birth to twins, one of which died at birth. The other was so small, ‘Grandpa’ rolled her in cotton wool, put a bootee on her head and placed her in one of her pie dishes. This was her bed till she was big enough to move to a cot and eventually she grew to a normal child and returned home to her mother. This lady has the pie dish to this day. Such was the dedication and wonderful ability of a lady who said all babies were gifts from God to be cared for, treasured and loved.
Not only were babies delivered in this hospital, but broken limbs were repaired, some minor surgery performed and any general nursing care carried out.
27
Tales of the generosity and compassion of this woman are many. Ability to pay was never a consideration when people needed care. No one in need of medical attention was ever refused admittance. All were treated the same.
I was reminded recently by one of ‘Grandpa’s’ many patients, of my sitting under some patient’s bed signing ‘When it’s Springtime in the Rockies’. We were ahead of the rest of the medical fraternity providing piped music from under the beds.
Such was her dedication, that working alone as she mostly did, ‘Grandpa’ would sit all night in a chair beside any patient for whom she held concern, ready to comfort them and attend to their needs.’Grandpa’ would tell me of her nursing experiences overseas and how in Russia, for her own protection, she wore a pistol on her belt twenty-four hours a day.
Here was a lady who had been decorated for her services in the war but who never discussed that part of her life. She obviously felt she needed to leave those times behind her and start afresh in a small town that desperately needed a hospital and a Matron who wanted to devote her life to a new community.
In 1942, Matron Mackay retired to Byron Bay so she could be closer to her Family. It was during the packing process Ailsa found a war medal. When asked, Edith admitted being decorated in the war but had never sought recognition of this in her life in Goomeri and chose not to go into any details. Her time of leaving coincided with Ailsa leaving Goomeri to go to Boarding School.
The people of Goomeri and district were extremely fortunate to have had the services of such a highly qualified, outstanding nurse for so many years. She will always be fondly remembered by the townsfolk.
I, on the other hand, feel privileged that this gentle lady found time in the business of running a hospital and caring for so many sick people, to share her life with me, showering me with so muich love and devotion.
Doris Harris also has many fond memories of working for Matron Mackay. Doris said “once there were 14 patients and some had to be nursed out on the verandah. At night, Matron would have to rig up a towel up over the heads of the patients so they didn’t wake up drenched from the condensation of the verandah roofing iron. Doris said Matron was a ‘stickler’ for cleanliness and hygiene and she had to scrub the many steps (at lest 20) at the back of the hospital every 2 days. Clearly here was a woman who left a profound impression on those she came into contact with.
Sadly, Matron Edith Jane Mackay passed away in 1959 and is at rest in the Byron Bay Cemetery.When Edith passed way, Ailsa was given the beautiful Stiletto Brooch she had received in Corsica. This takes
pride of place in Ailsa’s home. Ailsa Stanton (nee Perrett)
Councillor Kathy Duff and Proston stalwarts the Dionysius brothers at the Proston Christmas Carnival
28
VOLUNTEER POWER KEEPS CHERBOURG SAFEDisaster can strike within seconds. A Wattle Camp house had its roof swiped clean off by a tornado during a
December storm. A pile of mud from the dirt carried within the twister then swamped the insides of the home. It’s the stuff of movies but it does happen locally.
In 2010 Cherbourg people were left without food when a flood isolated the town so Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have held a Get Ready Cherbourg event for the past three years.
The last of these was on December 10 where a Get Ready Cherbourg video was launched. It included locals explaining how residents could prepare for future disasters and of the resources they could use.
It will now be made available on YouTube and distributed throughout the community.Get Ready Cherbourg has also enabled 10 community volunteers to be recruited and trained to hold further
education activities. The group can also be mobilised to knock on doors and warn people of a possible event they need to be prepare for.
QFES community engagement officer Julie Bruynius said the three Get Ready Cherbourg events had had a positive effect. “The council told us people were a lot less concerned about the 2013 storm the town experienced,” Julie said. “They knew where to get information and were better informed.”
Cherbourg council’s community services manager, Edwin Stewart, said Get Ready Cherbourg volunteers were an added resource the community didn’t have before. “People are now able to rely on people they know and feel comfortable with,” Edwina said. “This is important should they feel stressed or traumatised and there’s camaraderie amongst the volunteers.” Julie said volunteering enabled people to build connections within the community, raise their confidence and strengthen their skills for future employment.
“It helps everybody,” she said.People wanting to become a Get Ready Cherbourg volunteer or help with other community organisations can
see Edwina at Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council or phone her on 41681866.
Photo: Man, that fairy floss looks deadly: back, l-r, Murgon fire captain Peter Angel, Murgon Ambulance paramedic Trent Wrayford, Marhella Saltner and Murgon Ambulance paramedic John Cross eye off Shontay Hegarty’s treat.
29
30 YEARS CONTRIBUTION TO QUEENSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY
The Kingaroy Information Art and Heritage Precinct volunteers celebrated a busy year at the Precinct with an end of year Christmas party. During this celebration, Councillor Damien Tessmann, on behalf of Mayor Wayne Kratzmann, presented Joyce Nicholls with a special award from Tourism Queensland for her 30 year contribution to the tourism industry as a volunteer. “Joyce Nicholls has been volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre in Kingaroy since 1984, never missing the opportunity to share her local knowledge and help visitors to enjoy their stay in our region.” Councillor Tessmann said.
The 35 volunteers working at the Precinct during 2014 looked after over 15,000 visitors to Kingaroy. Each volunteer contributed over 200 hours this year to keep the doors open and visitors smiling. The Precinct, located across from the Peanut silos in Haly Street, is free entry to the regional art gallery and museum.
30
YR-12 GRADUATES TO MASTER OWN DESTINY
The South Burnett’s 26 Indigenous Year 12 graduates are brimming with confidence and set to make a mark in the world. They aim to achieve and a record number of Murgon State High School Year-12 leavers are confident in their ability to obtain the goals they’ve set themselves.
Principal Greg Smith said 14 of the school’s 56 Year-12 Graduates were Indigenous. This means their graduation rate is almost on a par with their non-Indigenous counterparts who started in Year 8.
They have plans for their future and their employment prospects are great. Greg said one of the main aims of educators was to have their students prepared and confident in their ability to chase their dreams.
Greg arrived to lead Murgon State High School on the same day his 2014 graduates began their secondary education and believes definite progress has been made in improving Indigenous outcomes.
“The school’s now in a great position to move forward,” Greg said.“It’s well-resourced and with Great Results Guaranteed funding we’ll be able to give greater support to our
students.“If parents, families and friends continue to encourage their children’s learning from the day they’re born we’ll
be able to work together in partnership to guarantee great results for all our students.”
Kingaroy HighKingaroy State High School principal Helen Maudsley believes a previous sense of “shame” put on students
who made an effort to succeed had diminished over the years. She was confident her six graduates would do well in life and said Keanu Cullen was a high achiever who planned to travel before possibly studying law. Other Kingaroy State High School graduates have completed a school-based traineeship with the National Bank or overcome life challenges to complete their schooling.
“Tylor Johnston is the first from her family to finish Year 12 and our staff are very proud of her efforts to succeed,” Helen said.
St Mary’s South Burnett Catholic CollegeSt Mary’s principal Mike Nayler is passionate about improving education outcomes and works closely with
Cherbourg families and community organisations to ensure this occurs. “Our parents are pretty amazing,” he said. “They send their kids on an hour’s bus trip to get here and they have high expectations.
“We’re seeing the results with students going on to university, apprenticeships, traineeships and work.”
31
St Mary’s is set to have more than 50 students travel from Murgon and Cherbourg next year and Mike won the Catholic Leader’s School Leader of the Year award for 2014.
NanangoNanango State High School principal Darryl Early said his staff were delighted by the effort of its Year-12
graduates who had great prospects. Jasmine McCormick graduated with two TAFE certificates, Anthony Flanagan had three and wants to be a chef and Eddie Gesler and Courtney Eagle have university aspirations. Courtney wants to study a dual Science and Urban Environment Planning degree at Griffith University. Eddie hopes to study law at the same university.
Darryl said: “We have an unwritten rule for students and it’s ‘you can do anything’.“These students have certainly lived up to that.”Photo: Attending the South Burnett Year-12 Indigenous Graduation Ceremony were L-R front, Coby Sullivan,
Barwoo Fisher, Kalina Bond, Izzy Williams and L-R back, Natalie Geia, Bowman Murray, Mikira Fisher, Frank McGregor, Laurita Alberts, Joshua Renouf, Jacob Sullivan, Siehanna Mickelo and Nakita McGregor. Many other graduates from South Burnett secondary schools were unable to attend and boarding school graduates were unable to be catered for this year due to funding.
TRUSS CONGRATULATES LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONSFederal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss has announced the latest round of
successful applicants from the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions program. “It is pleasing to see so many talented young sporting men and women in our region, competing in state and
national competitions,” Mr Truss said. “I congratulate the winners and I hope that the funding will help them to achieve their sporting goals.“The Local Sporting Champions program assists young sportsmen, women and teams, to compete in significant
competitions, such as state and national championships. Grants of $500 per individual are available for people aged between 12 and 18 years to meet the costs of participating in those events, including travel, equipment, uniforms, and accommodation.
In order to be eligible to receive a Local Sporting Champions grant, applicants:• must be aged 12 to 18 years (inclusive); • must be required to travel a distance of 250 kilometres or more, return. • be participating in an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state or national sporting
competition, or national school sport competition. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the
program, with grant recipients chosen by a local panel.Applications for grants can be made at any time throughout the year, either through the Australian Sports
Commission by visiting the website www.ausport.gov.au/champions or by contacting Mr Truss’ office on 1300 301 968.
The South Burnett successful applicant was:Heather Sandow Cherbourg Queensland Girls Rugby League Carnival
32
Welcome to Murgon’s new web siteLots of stories, photos, events
download the Murgon MomentsA great place to Live, Work & Play
murgon.net.au
Newest members of the Proston Lions Club Noel and Helen Young with sponsor Bevin Barsby and Zone Chairman Ken Sippel.
Murgon State High School were part of the Murgon Show Society Art Gallery competition held recently at the SB PCYC in Murgon.
Reporter: Can you give us some health tips for reaching the age of 101?Hattie: For better digestion I drink beer. In the case of appetite loss, I drink white wine. For low blood pressure I drink Red Wine. In the case of high blood pressure I drink scotch. And when I have a cold I drink Schnapps.Reporter: When do you drink water? Hattie: I’ve never been that sick
33
ADVERTISING CHARGESMURGON MOMENTS
Single Mthly 12 Mthly Price PriceFull page in Colour $548.90 $499.00
1/2 page $185.00 $165.00
1/4 page $100.00 $90.00
Large matchbox $65.00 $57.00
Comb large matchbox $130.00 $125.00
Rh small matchbox $45.00 $40.00
Lh small matchbox from $35.00 $30.00
COLOUR EXTRA CHARGE
1/2 page $115.50 $115.50
1/4 page or Comb L/mbox $65.00 $65.00
Large matchbox $40.00 $40.00
Rh or Lh small matchbox $20.00 $20.00
Combination large matchbox front page (max 3 cons issues) in colour $214.50
All prices include GST
3000 copies printed
The elderly priest, speaking to the younger priest, said, “You had a good idea to replace the first four pews with plush bucket theatre seats. It worked like a charm. The front of the church always fills first now.” The young priest nodded, and the old priest continued, “And you told me adding a little more beat to the music would bring young people back to church, so I supported you when you brought in that Rock ‘n Roll Gospel Choir. Now our services are consistently packed to the balcony.” “Thank you, Father,” answered the young priest. “I am pleased that you are open to the New Ideas of Youth.” “All of these ideas have been well and good,” said the elderly priest, “But I’m afraid you’ve gone too far with the Drive-thru Confessional.” “But Father,” protested the young priest, “my confessions and the donations have nearly doubled since I began that!” “Yes,” replied the elderly priest, “and I appreciate that.... But the flashing neon sign, ‘Toot ‘n Tell’ or ‘Go to Hell’ cannot stay on the church roof.”
JOKE FORTHE MONTH
34
CHRISTMAS PARTY BREAKUP
On the 7th December the Tableland Hall held their annual Christmas party breakup. This year, the farmers who have attended the dinners the Hall Committee provided were invited as well. Thirty odd family’s attended and enjoyed a very nice meal and caught up with neighbours and friends. The children were given a Christmas gift and every family received a bag of sweets from President Joan. Mondee Coffee offered all who attended a free coffee. Thanks Alan and Pat. The Hall Committee is looking forward to the New Year with more dinners planned for the farmers depending of funding. At the Christmas street carnival, the Hall committee had a stall selling Pluto Pups. This was very successful as we sold them all. Thanks to all who helped on the night. The Christmas Raffle was a huge success and a big thank you to everyone who supported us. The winners were: Carol Harvey, Barbara Copeland, Max Ellis, Audrey Connell, Sonya, Carman Reidy, Edna O’Neill, Peter, Sandra Rattey and Paul. The Hall Committee wishes everyone a very prosperous New Year.
MURGON STATE SCHOOL BRIGHTENS UP THE TUCKSHOP AREA IN THEIR SHED
Miss Trish spent approximately 100 hours of her spare time before and after school and on weekends painting this mural in The Shed. It certainly brightens up the Tuckshop eating area.
A huge THANKYOU !! Miss Trish.The School Office will reopen on Monday 19th January 2015. Textbooks, hats and sports t-shirts will be available
from the office from Monday 19th January. All students start back at school on Monday 27th January. See you all in 2015. Pamela J O’Loughlin PRINCIPAL
35
Kathy’s CommentsLooking ForwardMay I wish you all the very best of everything in 2015. Don’t forget to join in the South Burnett Australia Day Awards night that will be held this year at the Kingaroy Town Hall on the eve of Australia Day January 25th 2015. The Qld Dairy and Heritage Museum will be hosting a breakfast on Australia Day. There will also be a breakfast at Hivesville, an afternoon of billy tea and damper with the Proston Scouts and an evening function not to be missed at Boondooma Homestead. This year will be an exciting one as we have secured a grant to help with the upgrade of the Murgon Pool. The Murgon Caravan Park is now a free 48 hour stopover and with some more promotion and signage I am hoping that we can get more people stopping in the CBD in Murgon. We will also be renewing the CBD footpath in Proston early next year.Looking Back January - The South Burnett Australia Day Award Ceremony was held in Blackbutt on the eve of Australia Day. The South Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bill Roberts and Richie O’Neill was awarded the Murgon Local Achiever. Robyn Kersten was the Local Achiever for Proston and Lynne Bennett from Boondooma received the Rural Achiever Award.February – Locals started to rally to support our farmers in drought. Lake Boondooma was the venue for another successful Fishing Comp. Flood road work continued to happen around the region.March – The Show season began with Proston and Murgon hosting successful events despite the prevailing drought. Community Prayers for rain were organised. Murgon hosted the Indigenous Golf Championships. Rotary EarlyAct Group painted the Climbing Wall for Council. Paula Noonan organised a successful International Women’s Day event.April - Anzac Day ceremonies were held throughout the region and Boondooma Homestead hosted another great Heritage week. A very successful Reconciliation Fun Run was held with runners starting at the Murgon Showgrounds and finishing at Cherbourg, A contingent from the South Burnett left for Dodewaard to honour the graves of Australians Patrick Tiernan and Alfie Burns.May - BMRG secured funding for a coordinated Trapping project which our Council coordinated and also contributed some funding to. Council merged our waste contract across the region and the contract was awarded to JJ Richards.June –Shaftesbury College at Ficks Crossing was officially opened by Lord Shaftesbury. Michael Eadie was notified of a transfer from our PCYC. Measures were put in place to secure the Brisbane Bus Line Service linking with the train at Caboolture. The flood works on the roads around the region were finalised.July - The Murgon Men’s Shed was officially opened by the Hon Jeff Seeney and a 2 million dollar cheque was handed to Council for the rail trail.Council handed down the budget which included an increase in the allocation of money to be spent on roads. Money for the Murgon Pool, a footpath for Proston and more cabins for Bjelke Petersen and Lake Boondooma and a new bridge on the Gayndah/Hivesville
Road were some of the highlights.August – Boondooma Homestead hosted a very successful “Scots in the Bush”. I had the honour of officially opening the Wondai Show.September – NRM, Parks and Gardens staff began the move to the Murgon Office. October - The South Burnett & Cherbourg on Show initiative attracted over 60 events and thousands of visitors to our region. The Murgon Gun was returned and a ceremony was held as it was placed in front of the Murgon RSL.November – Rotary hosted another spectacular Murgon Music Muster. Earl Pratt was honoured with a Distinguished Business Award and Murgon Tyre and Auto won the Murgon Award at the inaugural South Burnett Business Excellence Awards. Hivesville held their Anniversary Markets. Doreen Campos was farewelled to her new home in Brisbane. Joan Adams hosted another night out for the farmers at Tablelands. Gordon Buchanan Lookout was revamped and renamed to honour Gordon for his contribution to our community.December – Council secured the funding for the Murgon Pool from Qld Sport and Rec. Murgon MBDA launched their Try Local and Be Surprised campaign.These are just a few snippets of what I felt was a successful but challenging 2014. Thank you to everyone for the support you have given me in my role as a Councillor and I look forward to working with you all again during 2015.
As always I am working on following up jobs and concerns that have been brought to my attention. Please contact me if you have an issue or wish to make an appointment Cr Kathy Duff (Division 5) South Burnett Regional CouncilPhone 07 41680225 or 0437020705 or email [email protected]
36
CLOSING TIMEFor all news items and advertisements is the 20th of each
month and they are to be either EMAILED [email protected] or delivered to
Murgon Business & Development Association. 54 Macalister Street, Murgon
SES EMERGENCY NUMBER132500
HARD TIMES & GREAT OPPORTUNITIES AND WHERE TO FROM HERE BY RACHEL CHAMBERS
Rachel is new to BIEDO, being employed to co-ordinate the BIEDO Town By Town Project. Her job is to firstly motivate, and then coordinate, a town to make improvements wherever they can to achieve a future they want rather than the future they can see.
Rachel has owned 5 small businesses so she understands the good and bad times small business owners have. She has been a part of business associations and worked on community projects and events for the last 20 years. Business and community are her passion.
Rachel grew up in Brisbane but has lived in Katherine (NT) and Moranbah for work, moving to Gayndah 2 years ago where her husband gained employment in Mundubbera. Rachel’s husband was born in Monto and lived in Gayndah until he was 17, then moving to the Sunshine Coast. Rachel has 4 children – 2 grown up boys who live on the Sunshine Coast because Gayndah doesn’t have a beach/surf and 2 little girls who go to school in Gayndah.
Rachel loves bringing up children in a rural community. It’s part of the reason her family moved back from the Sunshine Coast.
The Murgon Business and Development Assoc in conjunction with BIEDO held a very informative dinner meet on the 30th October. Guest Speaker Rachel Chambers held our attention with positive comments and ideas at “The Murgon Business Bucket List” Dinner Forum.
Four main topics were discussedWhat Murgon Businesses are saying about the Future?What can we do about the Challenges?How do we build on the Opportunities?We have a positive Business Community, How do we
build on that? Be part of Magnificent Murgon, Try Local and Be
Surprised.
37
Members of the Murgon Business & Development Assoc Inc at the 2014 Annual Meeting.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2014:
Murgon and our surrounding districts are enduring one of the toughest times since 1940 according to some of our rural community, we are in a severe drought condition in most parts yet our community is banding together and helping each other. During this past year inspite of this we have again worked closely with our council, attending a significant number of meetings to gain the best possible future for an expanding population, and a very progressive community. Our whole community should be proud of our town and its achievements and be a part of it, and with your help continue to improve the local economy and our quality of life.
Most attendances at our meetings during the year have been well attended, especially our breakfast ones, and we look forward to further input from our members in the coming months, together we can do great things.
Our Christmas Fair and Christmas promotion “Try Local” and “Be Surprised” is going to be our 21st. with new major prizes on offer and we wish to thank the Murgon RSL Services Club for being our major sponsor in 2014. It was pleasing to see lots of our members having major input into this year’s fair and promotion..
We have some of the best tourism with Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Boondooma Dam, World class scenic views, 1st class sporting facilities, the Wine and Olive industry and the Queensland Dairy & Heritage Museum, constant cattle sales plus the special yearly weaner sales. We in Murgon excel in promoting these opportunities as well as our courteous and friendly nature.
Our 5 Promotional Blocks (sub committees) namely (1) Promotions & traineeships (2) Tourism (3) Real Estate & Housing (4) New Business (5) Police Liaison, whilst not actively functioning as blocks have seen several members attend many meetings of the above. We will continue to e-mail information to our members. We are the major player in ongoing communications with our Police and Council.
Although we have some shops to fill there has been a major increase in town development with new businesses, New houses being constructed, extensions to their pallet production at Gumnut Place, Major road works, the new Castra, and many new extensions at the Museum, Schools and the Murgon Golf Club. Major extensions to the local Tannery are in the initial stages and should happen in 2014 / 2015.
Once again during this past twelve months we have sadly lost some of our great community workers, volunteers and family and we extend our sympathy to all these families. The relocation of Doreen Campos to the city will be a great loss to our town and district.
We are currently printing a minimum of 3,300 copies, 56 pages and have now printed 103 monthly issues since enlarging your local newspaper, The Murgon Moments (& with now a major part in colour), it is our job to ensure it continues (special thanks to our newspaper experts, script writers, the many story tellers, and committee’s for backing this and to Mick Kemp in delivering to the Murgon town area).
38
I would like to especially thank our hard working Secretary Margaret Long, and all office bearers and promotional committees especially our Christmas Fair committee and all those who presented reports to our meetings and look forward to further working with you. Special thanks must go to Mrs Lyn Koy and husband Darryl for their great effort they give to Margaret and with typing for the Murgon Moments and help in delivering. With everyone’s help and generosity we believe we will remain a major player in the promotion of a progressive and friendly Murgon.
We also wish to thank the volunteers for their commitment to our town at the Visitor Information Centre and the Museum and those responsible for some of our major attractions that have included The Murgon Rotary Music Muster, major Festivities at the Wineries, The Bjelke-Petersen Dam Family Fishing Classic, The Murgon High School Annual Speech Night, South Burnett and Cherbourg on Show and many others.
Special thanks must go to Greg Griffiths and the council staff for their beautification of our central park area, and also to the commitment shown by our area representative Councillor Kathy Duff.
We extend a very big thank you to all our Voluntary organisers, Service Clubs, Police and Security officers and to all concerned in promoting “Murgon at the foothills of Boat Mountain, in the heart of the Burnett Valley part of the Great South Burnett 2.1/2 hours from city or sea and look forward to a great 2015. We would also like to congratulate all our Australia Day Award winners.
To all those wonderful people who created it and update it, Murgon is very grateful for our web site murgon.net.au and our facebook page. Angelfield has once again been an enjoyable place for the Burnett Flyers with an average of 25 to 30 planes a month landing there.
We extend a warm welcome to all our new Murgon citizens and Business Owners to become part of our family. Murgon’s main concerns in the coming year will be to get our share of new development, the maintenance of all our facilities including the Murgon Swimming Pool and the further promotion of tourism at Bjelke-Petersen Dam and establishing further small industry and putting houses on our estates.
During the year I was honoured to represent the Town of Murgon at Patrick Tiernan’s 70th anniversary in the Netherlands, an experience I will never forget and then to lose one of our friends Philomene Tiernan in another plane crash before she could make it home was heartbraking.
I have enjoyed the time in the position but remember New blood can only help, if you believe we are heading in the wrong direction or you would like to lead this organization now is the time to tell us.
Have a safe and wonderful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.LEO GERAGHTY – PRESIDENT
Volunteers of Boondooma Homestead enjoying their Christmas breakup party.
39
MURGON DAIRY & HERITAGE MUSEUMWelcome back everybody to the New Year. I hope that everyone had a great Christmas. We have big plans
for the Museum this year so keep a look out as we continue to work to make the Museum an even greater place to visit. Not only is it a great place to visit, it is also very interesting and suits people of all ages.
There is so much to see and the Museum is open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 12.30pm. We try very hard to have it open 7 days a week but like lots of other clubs and organisations, volunteers are few and we are all getting older and of course can’t do as much as we could several years ago. If you feel that you would be able to spare some time, why not become a volunteer at the Museum. We all have a great time and meet lots of interesting visitors who come from near and far, and they love reading our Murgon Moments.
EVEN A PERSON WHO SAID I USED TO LIVE THERE. Train stop near Oberon NSW in 1943
If you are a ‘handyman’ or ‘jack of all trades’ we could certainly keep you busy. Be assured, there is something to do for everybody, whether you are a handyman or not, and we would love to meet you.
If you would like any further information about becoming a volunteer or the Museum itself, you can phone us on 41 695001. If the Museum is unattended, please leave a message and one of our friendly volunteers will get back to you at the first opportunity.
The Museum is easy to find – it is situated on Gayndah Road, and we have our Museum herd of cows looking through the fence waiting patiently to welcome the visitors – you can’t miss it.
LYN KOY
$39.8m saved by cutting ICT wasteICT reforms have saved Queenslanders $39.8 million since 2012 with the biggest savings achieved by getting
rid of unused phone lines and being print savvy. Information Technology Minister Ian Walker said the technology clean up achieved a further $18.6 million during 2013–2014, on top of $21.2 million in 2012–2013.
“We identified these savings in the 2012 ICT Audit and the government has acted on this, bringing multi-million dollar savings by better management of our IT and leading the way with our cloud-first model.
“We have made government more accountable, more efficient and savvier users of ICT.”Mr Walker said telecommunications was the top driver for these savings with $10.1 million saved in 2013-
2014 by streamlining and standardising telecommunications arrangements with vendors and negotiating value for money services across the sector.
“Key steps to make these savings possible were our ‘cloud-first’ model and three new panel arrangements enabling agencies to move to cloud-based solutions, as well as signing a ‘cloud ready’ contract with Microsoft that saves taxpayers $13.7 million over three years,” he said.
“We have also streamlined ICT procurement across government and now have more than 150 prequalified suppliers who can deliver ICT services to government.” Mr Walker said rationalisation of print devices and simple housekeeping such as unplugging unused phone lines delivered considerable one-off savings.
In the two years since the ICT Audit: 11,802 unused fixed telephone lines have been disconnected, saving $3,725,740. 4,206 unused mobile phone and data services terminated, saving $3,979,307
Saving nearly $11 million in print services, including removing 1880 printers.Jeff Seeney MP
40
GRANT CLOSES CHERBOURG’S SPORTING GAP
Cherbourg women will be given more sporting chances with its council winning a Get Out, Get Active grant. Netball will become part of the town’s sporting complex itinerary which currently includes indoor cricket, basketball and Friday night youth events. Daily after school activities host up to 100 children.
However it was believed more could be done to involve women and girls.
41
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council applied for a grant and was awarded more than $15,000 to employ a coordinator and buy equipment. It’s hoped a social netball competition will evolve and then expand to have Cherbourg teams compete against other towns. “We’re in the planning stages and hope to kick off the new programme early next year,” Cherbourg council’s community services manager, Edwina Stewart said.
“The idea is to start small and grow big. “We want maximum participation across the Cherbourg community.” Ms Stewart said the grant came from the Queensland Government’s Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. “It will bring obvious health benefits to the town in the form of physical, social and emotional wellbeing,” Ms Stewart said.
“Netball is a great way for people to find their 30 minutes of exercise a day and it’s a win for Cherbourg.“We’ve never had a drive for sports and recreation in Cherbourg before. “We’re hoping this will be the first of
many grant wins so we can build a stronger, healthier and happier community.” Photo: Sporting chance to be stronger, healthier, happier...: Centre, Cherbourg sports and recreation
officer Wawida Collins takes aim at providing a netball competition to the town. Her progress is watched by left, South Burnett PCYC Indigenous community sports and recreation officer Max Harvey and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council’s community services manager, Edwina Stewart.
GIRL HOPS TO RESQ BOY ON BUSKyeisha “Ky Ky” Warner was sleeping
soundly on a bus when woken by yelling. She saw a boy looking ill a few seats up and realised he’d fainted. So Ky Ky whipped off her skirt, to leave herself in shorts, and wet its material with water from her bottle. She cooled the boy’s head and sat with him until the bus reached its final destination.
Cherbourg Police community liaison administration officer, Louise Thompson, said Ky Ky used the skills she’d learned through a RESQ ROOOS first aide course she was doing at the time. This was organised by Louise for Ky Ky and 17 other Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers from St Mary’s South Burnett Catholic College in Kingaroy and St Joeseph’s primary school in Murgon. They learned from ambulance officers how to ring Triple 0, deal with snake bites, broken bones, basic CPR and, of course, fainting.
Other events the rangers do throughout the year are: bicycle and road safety, learning how to jump their bikes and ride over rough terrain, 3-D art and many others. “They’re fun activities that teach children life, social and leadership skills,”
Louise said. “It builds their self-esteem so they grow into well-rounded adults.” She said everybody was proud of Ky Ky and how she handled a situation many older children on the bus had no idea how to cope with.
“It shows how the Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers gives real life skills that people can use to build a stronger, better life for themselves and their communities,” she said.
Louise said the Cherbourg Junior Police Ranger Program also allowed officers from Cherbourg Police station to build strong relationships with its participants, their families and the wider community.
Photo: Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers must have high levels of school attendance and community behaviour to be a member. They learn many life improvement skills and Kyeisha Warner’s is pictured with a first aid RESQ ROOS participation medal while Cherbourg Police, acting senior constable, Dan Coleman, holds the RESQ ROOS certificate of completion given to junior police rangers who did its first aid course.
42
The changed night (because of that beautiful rain) of the Murgon Christmas Fare was a great success with a huge crowd, lots of great prizes shared, entertainment by Elvis impersonator, the Wondai Town Band and a Crow Fm organized Murgon’s Got Talent stage competition. There were lots of food stalls and the large amusement rides were well supported. Norm and Joan Walker below were one of 15 people who shared in the $5,000 worth of Murgon prize packages on offer. Many thanks to all the business houses for your support and especially the Murgon Services and Memorial Club for their major sponsorship.
43
Barry Bailey of Harm St Murgon the lucky winner of the Murgon “Try Local and Be Surprised” Christmas promotion 7 day holiday on the Gold Coast said he could now take his mother on a you beaut holiday and Susan Hatchett of Harm St Murgon was the winner of the 2 day holiday at Hervey Bay.
MURGON RSL RECEIVES GRANT FOR NEW CENTENARY OF ANZAC COMMEMORATIVE ARCHWAY
The Murgon RSL sub-branch will receive $5,683 from the Australian Government to help build a new commemorative archway over the entrance to the RSL clubhouse for the Centenary of Anzac, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss announced today.
“The grant will be used to install a new archway above the existing footpath entrance to the RSL that will be fitted with a steel plaque, inscribed with the words, ‘Lest We Forget, 1915-2015’. The archway will complement the existing war memorial in Murgon, which is located nearby,” Mr Truss said.
“The archway will be finished in time for the 2015 Anzac Day service in Murgon, and will help to recognise the contributions made by Anzac personnel from the region and their service and sacrifice for our nation during World War 1.
The funding is being provided as part of a $125,000 allocation to the Wide Bay electorate, through the Federal Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program.The project complements other commemorative activities and projects that are planned in communities across Wide Bay.
For more information visit the website www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.
44
IN WESTERN AUSTRALIAwith Keith Kratzmann
Western Australia is home to more than 12,000 species of wildflowers with some 6o per cent of these found nowhere else in the world. Every year they bring a spectacle of colour and scent that needs to be experienced to be believed with colours scattered across 2.5 million square kilometres of terrain.
The region is one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots and is the only one in Australia that makes the list. You can find no less than 8,000 wildflowers species including 300 of delicate orchids.
The most common wildflowers include wattle, bottle brush, melaleuca, banksia, grevillea, dryandra, kangaroo paw and orchids.
The best viewing period is from mid-August until mid-November although our sightings were abundant in July and the first two weeks of August. National parks totalling 100 provide a deal of wildflowers while quite often tourists stop at roadside to see an abundant of varying colours.
In the lower part of WA where wildflowers are more abundant, a total of 11 trails are on offer.Our venture commenced inland at Kalbarri and Geraldton with varying colours to be seen all the way to the
Southern Ocean ending at Albany.
45
QBSA 57412
Many Thanks Brother John O’Brien, Marist brother of Murgon
who has resided with our community for the last eight years and has worked tirelessly at St Josephs School Murgon has retired to Randwick, Brisbane.
We wish you good health and enjoyment and will sadly miss you around Murgon.
In memoriam“Tanya”
In loving memory of my daughter “Tanya”, We all loved you very dearly.
Rhonda & Gordon Fox, Nai Knuth & Damien, Darren & Deborah.
IN MURGON THIS MONTHParticulars available at the Visitor Information Centre
Thursday 1 2015 New Years Day,Friday 2 Social Tennis, Saturday 3 Bowls, Golf, Dance Lessons Tablelands, Murgon Shed
Men,Sunday 4 Bowls, Golf, Church Services, Catholic Mass,Monday 5 SES, Graham House opens,Tuesday 6 Art classes Graham House, Wednesday 7 Bowls, Murgon Judo Club, Cards (6.30pm Mondure
DATE CLAIMER FEBRUARY 2015Sunday 1 Bowls, Golf, Church Services, Catholic Mass,Monday 2 SES, Murgon Judo Club, Quota, Tuesday 3 Art classes Graham House, Creative Friendships,
Friday 6 Social Tennis, Community Bingo, Shab’s, Last Man Standing night Bowls,
We sadly mourn the loss of:
SIPPEL, Warren David, Late of Nanango
WELDON, Enid Catherine, Late of Orana Kingaroy, formerly of Murgon
LITFIN, Patrick Frank (Pat), Late of Goomeri
SILBURN, Sydney Kay, Late of Goomeri
KREGENBRINK, Ronald James (Ron), Late of Wondai
PERKINS, Lionel Bernard, Late of Kingaroy, formerly of Proston
46
Murgon’s Local News The South Burnett’s Local Station Bringing You the Local Issues The Burnett’s Best Music Mix
Working together to bring you the issues that matter most
ABBOT POINT WETLAND STRATEGY STEP CLOSERA key strategy to protect the Great Barrier Reef and create up to 28,000 jobs in Galilee Basin mines has been
submitted to the Commonwealth Government for approval. The Abbot Point Port and Wetland Strategy will pave the way for dredge material from port development to be used on land instead of disposed at sea.
Since our election in 2012 we have worked hard to develop a plan that eases Queenslanders concerns about off-shore disposal of dredge material and allows for the sustainable development of a world class port to support Queensland’s resources sector.
What is even more exciting is that this strategy provides an opportunity for nearby wetlands to be preserved and enhanced for the benefits of locals and visitors to North Queensland.
We are inviting the local community and environmentalists to work with us to restore freshwater flows to degraded areas of the wetland, expand its area and consider access points for the general public to boost tourism activity in the area.
I am proud of our State Government’s record in scaling back Labor’s plan to dredge 38 million tonnes of material from channels at Abbot Point.
We have reduced that to just 3 million tonnes and will next month introduce legislation to Queensland Parliament to restrict port development in Reef waters to existing ports.
Our government is determined to strike a balanced approach that will deliver jobs and business opportunities to communities like Bowen, Mackay, Townsville and Rockhampton and at the same time protect the Great Barrier Reef and nearby environment.
Pending Commonwealth Government approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Action 1999, construction work on the onshore area will start in January 2015, enabling dredging to start on schedule in March 2015.
I’m very pleased to submit our plan to the Commonwealth Government and have been greatly encouraged by the initial response from the Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
I look forward to working with the Commonwealth and the local community to bring this plan to life.For more information on the project, or to provide feedback visit:www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/wetlands or email: www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/wetlands
AUSTRALIA DAY The South Burnett Australia Day Awards night will be held this year at the Kingaroy
Town Hall on the eve of Australia Day, Sunday January 25th 2015 .The Queensland Dairy and Heritage Museum Murgon Inc. will be hosting a breakfast on Australia Day 26th January 2015. Come along and celebrate the day set aside for our great nation. The breakfast is always yummy and our local Australia Day awards will also be handed out to our very deserving recipients, so come along and support our Australia Day awardees and have a great morning amongst family and friends.
_______________________
Aussies let us sing our songs, throw a prawn on the barbie, the rellies from the big smoke have rocked Sunday arvie. The fellas are watching footie, the esky’s in the ute, we reckon this great land of ours is really pretty beaut.
We’ve crocs as big as Mallee bulls and joey’s jumping free., we’ve a bonza rock out in the center and billabongs by the sea. If you go out back of Bourke, you can make a quid or two, but don’t forget the blowies, by crikey they’ll get you.
You can learn the dinky di lingo and read the local rag, maybe try some Aussie tucker and go off the main drag. Tho there’s droughts and floods and fires, cyclones and stormy thunder, let’s raise a glass to OZ, the wide brown land down-under.
MEMORIESA friend visited Murgon recently and brought me back a copy of the Murgon Moments. In it there were a couple
of activities about the Historical Museum and Anzacs.As my grandparents (Mr & Mrs Gray) started the first shop in Murgon in 1906 and lived there until about 1926.
I was interested in reading your paper and thought someone may be interested in the enclosed cuttings.I did live at Redgate Murgon for 2 or 3 years and went to school there, as did my 3 brothers – Stan, Nigel and
Charles Tett. They did attend Murgon school for a while, riding in from Uncle Charles Prices’ farm, before we moved to the old Gray farm, at Redgate. These boys served in the Army in New Guinea, at Milne Bay, and were later in ‘The Biscuit Bombers’ flying with the Americans at Nadzale, Lae. Nigel is still alive (he is 99 next February) and in a Stanthorpe Home and has great memories of Billy Meade and his horses at Murgon. Stan died at 97, and Charlie at 95.
The Boarding on Flight 2015 has been announced.......
Your luggage should only contain the best souvenirs from 2014.....
The bad and sad moments should be left in the garbage.......
The duration of the flight will be 12 months.
So, tighten your seatbelt
Wishing you and your family an enjoyable trip on board flight 2015....
GR
EA
T R
AN
GE
OF U
SE
D C
AR
S IN
STO
CK
!
54 Macalister S
t, Murgon P
h 416 8 1066C
LIFTO
N M
OTO
RS
�������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������
5833785af
WE
LC
OM
ES Y
OU
TO
BE
PA
RT O
F O
UR
CO
UR
TE
OU
S M
OTO
RIN
G F
AM
ILY
FIN
D U
S O
NLIN
E A
T c
liftonhold
en.c
om
.au
2006 HOLDEN RODEO 4X4 DUAL CAB
$17,990DRIVE AW
AY
3L turbo diesel, manual, bullbar, tow
bar, canopy, air conditioning, side steps, local vehicles, excellent condition
2005 HOLDEN RODEO 4X4 DUAL CAB/CHASSIS3.0L T/Diesel, 5 spd m
anual, bullbar, towbar,wood/steel tray, air cond, keylessentry, local car,log books, radio-CD
toilet/shower, double bed, gas cooktop/oven, fridge, awning, low km
, locally owned
4.9L turbo diesel, automatic, alloy drop side tray, bullbar, air conditioning, dual air bags, bucket/bench seat, pipe racks, ABS brakes, new tyres all round,one local owner
2012NISSANX-TRAIL ST 2WD WAGON
2.5L, 4 cylinder petrol, automatic, nudge bar, driving
lights, reverse sensors, power windows, cruise control,only 43,000km
toilet/shower, double bed, gas cooktop/oven, fridge, awning, low km
, locally owned
4.9L turbo diesel, automatic, alloy drop side tray, bullbar, air conditioning, dual air bags, bucket/bench seat, pipe racks, ABS brakes, new tyres all round,one local owner
2012NISSANX-TRAIL ST 2WD WAGON
2.5L, 4 cylinder petrol, automatic, nudge bar, driving
lights, reverse sensors, power windows, cruise control,only 43,000km
