Above: Carmel proudly shows her letter from the King and Queen; inset left: Carmel in her WAAAF Uniform and Inset right: Carmel at her River Street home.
A Century of Love, Loyalty, and Service: The Remarkable Life of Carmel Boyes
The life story of Carmel Boyes (née Venaglia), who celebrated her 100th year on 26 October, is a tapestry woven with threads of deep family loyalty, unwavering community service, and a true, enduring partnership with her late husband, Jack Boyes. Their story is a testament to the grit and heart of Central Queensland, founded on “love, loyalty, blood, sweat and tears.”
Carmel’s journey began in Toowoomba on 26 October, 1925, where she was born the third youngest of eleven children—a bustling family of six girls and five boys. Yet, thanks to an early administrative bungle, official records listed her birthdate as 29 October, 1925. This discrepancy only came to light when Carmel joined the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air
Force (WAAAF) at the age of 18 in January 1944.
When she sought advice on correcting the error, she was given a piece of enduring, celebratory advice: She was told to have two birthdays a year. To this day, the family typically marks the original date, 26 October.
Continued on Page 2
Life on the family property in Toowoomba, where Carmel completed her schooling, was busy and self-sufficient. Her father, Peter Venaglia, ran cattle, owned butcher shops, and maintained extensive gardens for fresh produce. A key life lesson came when a long-time gardener won the Casket (a lottery) and promptly quit. Carmel recalled, “The children all had to contribute to the gardening.” It was here that her lifelong love of gardening was born, with the family producing their food without chemicals, a remarkable feat of self-sufficiency. “We were completely self-sufficient on the property,” she said. The property was also unique for being one of the few with a telephone, often waking the family in the middle of the night for neighbours needing to use it.
In 1944, driven by a desire to contribute to the war effort, Carmel enlisted in the WAAAF as a rigger, with her duties involving essential work on the wings and fuselage of aircraft. Her postings took her across the country, including Sandgate, Maryborough, Sydney, Melbourne, and Oakey.
It was at the Oakey base that a significant chapter of her life began. Carmel met her supervisor, Jack Boyes, a young man from Mount Morgan, and a romance blossomed. Before her discharge in 1945, Jack brought Carmel home to Mount Morgan to meet his family. The following year, in 1946, the couple married at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms, a fitting location given Jack’s father, JC Boyes, was a driving force in the RSL. “Jack was an only son, so I thought it would be good for us to be married in Mount Morgan,” Carmel explained.
The newlyweds initially resided in Bundaberg. During their time there, their commitment to community service was already evident, with Jack joining the Scout organisation and rising to Scout Master, while Carmel was recruited as the Cub Master.
In 1953, the family returned to Mount Morgan when Jack’s uncle, Charlie Grey, offered him a job at the Gas Works, where Jack had worked before the war. Carmel also took on a role, working in the Gas Works’ office selling fittings. Despite medical complications preventing her from having biological children, Carmel was blessed with the joy of motherhood through adoption, welcoming Ian in 1951 and Karen in 1953.
In 1961, the Gas Works was sold to Boral. Jack then began a new chapter at Mount Morgan Limited as an Ambulance man. It was during this period that Jack’s extraordinary dedication to the Scouting movement and local history left a lasting mark on the town.
He is remembered for salvaging the Mafeking Bell, which was originally used to notify of fires at the Mount Morgan Shire Council. Jack noticed a crack in the bell, gained permission to repair it at Mount Morgan Limited, and later arranged for its placement in the scout area. After a major flood, the bell was moved to its present location in Dee Street.
Jack’s most significant contribution was the design and construction of the Scout Hut at Dee Street. Upon hearing
of the demolition of the Woman’s Ward at the hospital, Jack obtained the timber. With a team of volunteers—including Carmel, who had returned to the movement—he led the construction. The work was done entirely with voluntary labour, and on its opening day, the building was heralded as the best-designed Scout Hut in Queensland. In his lifetime, Jack Boyes built six Scout huts in the region, including one at Struck Oil.
Carmel worked hard alongside Jack on the Dee Street Hut but later stepped away from the movement to become his full-time carer when Jack became ill. This was a transition of service: from building a community asset to serving her soulmate.
Outside of the Scouts, Carmel was an immense community contributor, dedicating many years to Meals on Wheels as both a deliverer and a cook, finally being persuaded to give it up at the age of 87 because she was “getting too old,” a thought she found “incredulous” for a strong community worker.
The couple shared a deep bond reflected in their hobbies, which included shell and rock collecting. “We would rent a boat and travel along the Queensland coast looking for shells or rocks... We helped each other,” Carmel remembered. Today, Carmel still resides in the house she and Jack renovated together—it was much smaller when they moved in—until he passed away in 1997. She recalls her happiest days as her wedding day and the two separate days she brought her children home; her saddest day was losing Jack, her soulmate.
At 100, Carmel’s mind remains sharp. She is still an avid gardener, a talent born on her childhood property, and has an eye for home renovations. While she now participates in the Mount Morgan community as an onlooker, she has seen many changes since her arrival in 1953, noting the decline in the town’s businesses and the closure of the mine in 1990, which caused many friends to leave.
Despite the challenges, she believes a strong community spirit and lots of history endure. The secret to her long life is simple and profound: “To listen to your body.” Carmel Boyes is a living piece of Mount Morgan’s history, embodying the spirit of dedication and partnership that built the community.
Above: Carmel with her children, Ian and Karen.
MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER
from 11.30 am
TUESDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2025
COLD BUFFET LUNCH, complimentary GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE on entry AND SELECTION OF DESSERTS - CHICKEN, LEG HAM, PRAWNS AND a SELECTION OF SALADS
• SELECTION OF DESSERTS
• Sweeps AND fashions on the footpath - best dressed male and female
• best fascinator
MOUNT MORGAN RESIDENTS REQUESTED TO WATCH WATER CONSUMPTION
Rockhampton Regional Council is urging residents to reduce water consumption following several weeks of high usage across the region, with local reservoirs under increasing strain.
Water Councillor Edward Oram said the call comes as warmer weather drives up demand, placing pressure on treatment infrastructure, particularly in Mount Morgan.
“Higher temperatures naturally lead to more water use, which is understandable,” Cr Oram said.
“That being said, the recent spike in consumption is higher than we’d like to see.”
While the Fitzroy River Barrage and Mount Morgan No.7 Dam remain at healthy levels, Cr Oram explained the challenge lies in the capacity of Council’s treatment plants to keep up with demand.
“Our treatment plants have defined processing limits and require consistent water levels to refill reservoirs throughout the day,” Cr Oram said.
“Smaller plants, like the one in Mount Morgan, face greater challenges due to their limited treatment capacity.
“Over the last few weeks, the treatment plant has struggled to recover between peak periods during the day and is not reaching its optimal fill levels.
“Given this, we’re asking Mount Morgan residents to
Photo: Mike Farragher
CELEBRATIONS FOR HERITAGE MINERALS
It was a cause for celebration at the recent Community Information Session hosted by Heritage Minerals on Wednesday, 15 October at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms.
The main topic under discussion was the announcement of the company reaching Financial Close after the company has complied with all government requirements.
More than 120 people, including Heritage Minerals personnel attended the meeting. Discussion topics
be especially mindful of their water use and to limit non-essential activities.”
Cr Oram said that while the pressure was felt largely by the Mount Morgan Water Treatment Plant, the increase in consumption has been consistent right across the region.
“The Glenmore Water Treatment Plant has recorded a significant processing increase, rising from an average of 65 million litres per day in September, to over 91 million litres per day in October - a jump of 26 million litres per day in just one month,” Cr Oram said.
“It’s a timely reminder for us all to try and be more waterwise – especially with this week marking National Water Week.”
Tips to reduce water consumption:
• Outdoor watering accounts for around 75% of total water use - being mindful how you water your yard makes the biggest difference
• Avoid watering between 9am and 4pm when most of it evaporates in the sun
• Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering
• Water deeply and less often rather than lightly all the time - it’s more effective and better for your garden.
included constructiorn progress to date, including the construction of the tailings containment wall, employment, the appointment of Mr James Francis as the new General Manager and the Gordon Lane access.
Questions were taken from the floor and included topics such as the Fireclay Caverns, the stack, employment and project starting date.
Heritage Minerals Director of Corporate Affairs Craig Wilson said it was expected that production would start after mid-year 2026.
Pictured left: Peter Mellor, Malcom Paterson and Craig Wilson and below Andrew Grabski, Malcolm Paterson and Mayor Tony Williams cutting the celebratory cake!
1000 Yard Stare Exhibition heralded a success
It is not often that global issues are presented at the fore of regional communities. We grapple enough with our own local concerns and dramas that events on the other side of the world are ignored or forgotten. For the last nine days in Baree School of Arts just outside of Mount Morgan a very special albeit confronting exhibition has evoked the experience of war throughout history for all who have walked through it.
On opening night, the first station in the walk-through immersive exhibition was a projection of the black and white film ‘The Great Dictator’ starring Charlie Chaplin. As his stirring words moved some of us to tears, the tone was set for our walk over the anti-war propaganda posters that formed the path through the hanging portraits. In centre stage was a table of excess, the “warmongers” celebrated their wealth on the back of the war machine. Nancy’s four acrylic paintings of mothers and child were made poignant by the addition of tiny shoes, toys and wrapped bodies - the evidence of grief.
‘A thousand yards and further still. His mind a void, his heart stands chill. He fought a war then came back home. But left his soul where bullets roam’. Our local celebrity Eve-lyn Rogers coined these words and more in response to this beautifully rendered
display by Nancy Liddle. And it is indeed the eyes in each portrait hung that haunt and challenge; the artist has depicted a variety of people in charcoal, pastel and acrylic paint which are indeed windows into the soul of each - the mother, the soldier, the child.
Nancys renditions are expressive, loose, distorted and gestural, alternately bold harsh strokes and soft subdued tone. Some are in vivid colour, others pastel and a handful monochromatic; her use of contrasting black and white is especially powerful. Each visitor to the exhibition has found at least one face which resonates and fifteen of these portraits has found a new home as a result.
These works were created by Nancy in response to the Russian films ‘Come and See’ which documents the har-rowing journey of a young Byelorussia boy caught up in war. On display also are other antiwar film and book titles, research articles on effects of war and a large world map visually displaying which countries have manufactured arms and/or made money from war in modern history. As a final act on conclusion of the walk through are Nancy’s artistic depiction of Flyora, the lad in Byelorussia through time; a challenge for each visitor to order these portraits chronologically as his eyes are transformed from childlike and innocent to deadened stare.
"23 Ezels" Picture Painting Competition back on track with $2000 in prizes!
A unique celebration is back on track, offering artists the chance to win a share of $2000 in prize money!
The "23 Ezels" picture painting competition, the brainchild of John Tuxworth, was initially conceived as a special way to mark his 75th birthday. Despite a temporary cancellation due to health issues, the competition has been revitalized thanks to the dedicated support of VisualArtists4714. John Tuxworth, who has generously provided the entire prize pool, is thrilled to see his vision come to life. Artists are now invited to submit their interpretations of the theme "Celebration." Entries must be no larger than 900mm in size and must be available for sale.
The stakes are high with an attractive prize breakdown: First Prize: $1500, Runners-up Prize: $250 and People's Choice Prize: $250.
Aspiring participants need to act fast as entries close on 5 November. The submitted artworks will then be proudly displayed to the public on Friday, 7 November at the Mount Morgan Soldiers’ rooms in Morgan Street. For more information and to register your interest, please contact: John Tuxworth: 0429 055 165 or Louise Jones: 0427 314 410 Don't miss this exciting opportunity to showcase your talent and be part of a truly special celebration!
Photo: Mike Faragher
The Boulder Creek Wind Farm is investing in local social initiatives to build a positive benefit for the community.
Our Community Benefit Fund aims to support community projects that improve environmental and social outcomes in the Mount Morgan, Dululu, Westwood and Bouldercombe communities.
A working group of the Boulder Creek Wind Farm Community Liaison Group will review applications and make funding recommendations.
To apply, visit www.bouldercreekwindfarm.com/community
Applications close 7 November 2024
October 2025 11 am - grand hotel - $35.00 Join us for a traditional High Tea menu of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a variety of scrumptious cakes, petit fours, quiches and mini pies as well as a beautiful selection of teas. Book by phoning 4938 2300 or simply drop in!
John McArthur: A Mount Morgan Artist’s Global Palette
Earlier this year the Argus ran a short article about John McArthur and his return visit to Mount Morgan - this article looks at his artistic Journey. John is pictured above with friends and classmates from Mount Morgan High, Janelle and Desma.
The artistic journey of John McArthur, a native son of Mount Morgan, is a vibrant testament to the enduring power of place, history, and a commitment to perpetual creative evolution. From the rich earth tones of his Queensland childhood to the dynamic cultural currents of Hong Kong, John’s work -often characterized by bold colour, evocative line, and a deep sense of connection - reflects a life lived at the intersection of local inspiration and global experience.
John’s earliest memories of growing up in Mount Morgan paint a picture of freedom and natural beauty. He recalls fond memories of the area’s vivid blue skies, green trees, and rich earth tones, an environment that instilled in him an early appreciation for the landscape and profoundly influenced his signature use of bold colours in his artwork. Owning a horse and exploring the natural surroundings were seminal experiences.
Attending school in the historic mining town provided a great foundation, forging life-long friendships and leaving a lasting impression of the town’s significant past. During his secondary school years, John selected art, where he was exposed to diverse techniques, including calligraphy, painting, and printmaking. Crucially, his art teacher proved to be an unwavering supporter,
encouraging him to pursue formal art studies at university, guidance that was truly pivotal in shaping his passion.
The natural environment and historical features, such as the old buildings of Mount Morgan, continue to inspire his artistic output. John finds the town’s peacefulness conducive to reflection and its palpable sense of history a reminder of the importance of the past.
In the pre-internet era, the pursuit of art in a small town presented challenges, primarily the limited access to resources and exposure to the broader art world. However, this isolation carried an advantage: it fostered a deep connection to his immediate surroundings, giving him a unique perspective that continues to inform his work. This environment, coupled with the encouragement of his art teacher and the intrinsic beauty of the area, cemented his decision to formally study visual arts.
John’s commitment to art led him to University of Southern Queensland where his formal training provided impactful experiences. His time there expanded his understanding of art techniques and art history, giving him the necessary context to develop his personal style. He refined his technical skills and deepened his appreciation for the broader cultural and historical aspects of art, establishing the foundation essential for his eventual career and the establishment of Spitting Gecko Studio.
John’s artistic development did not stop with his formal education; it was significantly enriched by international
workshops and travel. Attending sessions in places like Hong Kong, Italy, and the USA exposed him to diverse art forms and cultural perspectives, making him more openminded and continually shaping his evolving style.
This global exposure translates directly into his artistic practice. He consciously draws on techniques from different cultural art forms, with his work often incorporating elements like calligraphy and the use of bold colours and textures. For John, the evolution of his style is an ongoing process of experimentation, discovery, and reflection, fuelled by meeting other artists and engaging with different environments.
Spitting Gecko Studio was established 16 years ago with the guiding goal of creating a space where people could connect and explore their creativity. Now in a new physical space, the studio fosters an inclusive and vibrant artistic community. It serves as a dynamic hub for life drawing, painting sessions, and crucial cultural exchange, successfully encouraging connection through shared creativity and exploration.
Life in Hong Kong has provided a rich new tapestry of influences. John finds a particular fascination in the vibrant colours and intricate designs of Cantonese opera costumes and masks. For him, these elements possess a direct connection to culture, history, and identity themes that recur throughout his oeuvre.
His sketchbook acts as a visual diary, documenting the intricacies of daily life in Hong Kong, capturing the interactions, movements, and cultural details that are later translated into finished pieces. In his artistic process, line, shape, and texture are essential components, used to express emotion and movement, especially when focusing on the human body and portraits, creating a dynamic and engaging visual language.
Spitting Gecko Studio actively contributes to Hong Kong’s art scene through collaboration with other artists and cultural organizations. Interestingly, John notes a difference in audience interpretation: Hong Kong audiences often connect more readily with the cultural elements, such as Cantonese opera, while Australian audiences tend to focus on the technical aspects of his work.
Dululu Hotel Opens Its Doors for Good
Well, it’s been a long time coming, but the Dululu Hotel is officially open permanently and what better way to celebrate than with a big, fabulous Melbourne Cup Day event!
Locals will know the last couple of years has seen plenty of activity at the old Dululu, with renovations bringing new life to the historic country pub.
Nicole Newman and her husband, Rob Johnston, of Dawson Hospitality Group, bought the Dululu Hotel in March 2023 after it had been closed for nine years following a fire and have spent millions on reviving the old pub.
“To say there’s been a lot of blood, sweat, tears and swearing would be an understatement,” said Nicole.
“We’ve worked around the clock to get the place looking the way it deserves. Now we can finally throw open the doors properly and celebrate with everyone who’s supported us along the way.
“We’re going to get to the finish line with the starting line, which is Melbourne Cup,” she said.
The Melbourne Cup event on Tuesday, 4 November will be one to remember, with roaming canapés, bubbles on ice & premium cocktails, Lucky Door Prizes, Fashions on the Field, games and prizes throughout the day, the race shown live (of course!) and plenty of laughs, great company and country hospitality Guests are encouraged to purchase a ticket, dress up and enjoy an historic day.
The Dululu Hotel has been part of the local landscape
for generations, and the reopening marks a brandnew chapter for the iconic pub. Whether you’re a local, a traveller passing through, or just keen for a day in the country, everyone’s welcome at the Dululu!
As well as the Dululu Hotel, the Dawson Hospitality Group owns the Banana Hotel Motel, Hotel Theodore and the 130-room Banana Accommodation Village.
Hammo’s Landscape Supplies
•
•
•
• Granite
•
•
•
•
•
• 20 mm Emerald Honey
• 20 mm River Stone
• 20 mm Agg Rock
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 That Truck & Bobcat Bloke ABN: 35 347 197 734
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
Available for all domestic and commercial work.
Septic to Sewer Connections Blocked drains, leaking taps or any other maintenance issues
Phone Tony 0429 669 499
Servicing Mount Morgan
Tony Harney Plumbing QBCC 1110090 ABN : 76 171 835 370 Mark Humphreys’ Electrical
Please contact Gary on 0428 542 705. QBCC Licence 51455.
Discover the difference!
Angela Douglas - Local agent: Part of the local community Award winning results Free, no pressure appraisals
11 Central St Mount Morgan ORDER in store or online at topofthemount.com.au
HISTORICAL CHARGE COMMEMORATED
Beersheba Day is normally commemorated on 31 October each year, however the 5th Mount Morgan Light Horse Regiment commemorated this special day on Saturday, 25 October 2025 with a ride through Morgan Street and a service at ANZAC Park.
Beersheba Day was a pivotal moment in the nation’s military history. This day remembers the legendary charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade at the Battle of Beersheba in Palestine, on 31 October, 1917, during World War I. This daring and audacious action is often regarded as one of the last great cavalry charges in history.
The battle was part of a wider British offensive to break the Ottoman defensive line stretching from Gaza to Beersheba. Previous frontal assaults on Gaza had failed, leading British General Sir Edmund Allenby to devise a new plan: outflank the enemy by capturing the town of Beersheba. The town was strategically important because of its deep wells, which were crucial for supplying water to the thousands of Allied troops and their horses.
By the afternoon of 31 October, the battle had been raging all day. The British infantry, supported by Australian and New Zealand mounted divisions, had made some progress, but the town’s defences remained
unbroken. With daylight fading and the water supply for the horses dwindling, the commander of the Desert Mounted Corps, Lieutenant General Harry Chauvel, made a bold decision. He ordered the 4th Light Horse Brigade, led by Brigadier General William Grant, to make a mounted charge directly at the Turkish trenches.
This was a highly unconventional move. The Australian Light Horsemen were not trained as traditional cavalry with swords or lances.
They were mounted infantry, who typically rode to a battle and then dismounted to fight on foot. However, the open, flat terrain and the lack of barbed wire in front of the Turkish trenches presented a unique opportunity. The men of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments fixed their bayonets to their rifles, holding them like swords, and began their charge across 6 kilometres of open ground.
The speed and unexpected nature of the charge caught the Ottoman defenders by surprise. The Turkish machine gunners and riflemen, whose weapons were zeroed for long-range targets, struggled to adjust as the mounted force galloped towards them. The thundering hooves of the horses created a cloud of dust, making it difficult for the enemy to aim
accurately. The Light Horsemen rode straight through the enemy lines, with some dismounting to engage in fierce hand-to-hand combat while others galloped on into the town. The charge was a spectacular success. Within an hour, the Light Horsemen had overrun the Turkish positions, capturing the town and, most importantly, the vital wells.
The capture of Beersheba was a turning point in the campaign, leading to the collapse of the Ottoman line and paving the way for the Allied advance into Palestine. The cost was remarkably low, with 31 Australian Light Horsemen killed and 36 wounded, but the victory was immense.
Beersheba Day honours the bravery, resourcefulness, and determination of the Australian Light Horse. It stands as a testament to their fighting spirit and their pivotal role in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.
The charge remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the ANZAC legend, representing a unique and decisive moment in a war defined by the brutal stalemate of trench warfare.
Pictured above: Members of the 5th Mount Morgan Light Horse Regiment preparing for the Beersheba Day service. Photo: Mike Faragher.
AND LAND
MULTI AWARD WINNING Real Estate Agent, ANGELA DOUGLAS is offering No Obligation, FREE appraisal for ALL Property types. From Renovator “Delights” to the upper end of the market, Angela Douglas is the ONLY Local Agent. With over 15 years of experience selling in Mount Morgan, she truly KNOWS her home market.
The Heartbeat of Culture: Natalee Forder and the Gangulu Language Revival
The preservation of a language is the preservation of a culture. For the Gangulu people of Mount Morgan, this is an urgent, deeply personal mission. At the heart of their revitalization movement is Natalee Forder, a passionate advocate and educator whose journey to reclaim her heritage has become a beacon for an entire community. From the fragmented words of her childhood to the thriving language classes of today, Forder’s work is a powerful testament to the resilience of a people determined to keep their cultural heartbeat strong.
Forder’s journey began with an innate calling to reconnect with her heritage. As a child, she was surrounded by echoes of her family’s languages, Gangulu and Ghungabula—not complete languages, but "fragments of words, phrases, stories.” She felt a pressing urgency: if her generation didn't act, these fragments would vanish forever. With only 5-10 partial speakers remaining, the critical state of the Gangulu language made her responsibility clear. She felt a profound duty “to teach, to preserve, and to empower others to reclaim what is rightfully ours.”
A pivotal experience teaching at Numbulwar School in the Northern Territory solidified her purpose. She witnessed a community that spoke their language, Wubuy, fluently. To teach English, she had to learn their tongue, experiencing a deep cultural connection.
“I was in awe of how fluently they communicated with one another, and it reinforced for me how language is the heartbeat of culture,” she reflects. This experience made her realize what was missing in her own community and the vital work that lay ahead.
Natalee Forder’s teaching methodology is a direct reflection of her personal connection. Her approach isn't merely academic; it’s deeply rooted in cultural integrity and emotional connection.
“I don’t just deliver lessons,” she states, “I embed spirit, story, and protocol.” For her, Gangulu is a living language, not a historical artifact.
Her classes are shaped by the wisdom of Elders, the rhythms of the land, and the specific needs of the younger generation—a relational, intergenerational, and deeply respectful process.
One of the most significant challenges is the lack of formal resources. The only existing materials are historical dictionaries written by non-Indigenous linguists. These documents, while valuable, contain fragments that must
be interpreted through a living cultural lens. As Forder explains, she has learned to “listen for the smallest details in conversations with Elders connecting their memories to the written records, recoding and referencing their versions in Gangulu.” This painstaking work, guided by relationships and lived memory, allows her to “authenticate the language” and ensure it is taught in the Gangulu way, the Murri way.
The impact of this work on the Mount Morgan community has been immediate and profound. Forder describes teaching Gangulu to students as one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey. The children embraced the language with confidence and pride. A simple greeting like “gubu” became a cultural touchstone in the schoolyard.
A memorable example is the body parts song, a warmup activity: “Dilli, Binang, Manu, Gu” (Eyes, Ears, Mouth, Nose). This simple, repetitive song helped students internalize the words effortlessly. Parents shared heartfelt stories, such as their children spontaneously using Gangulu words at home, like saying “Binang” when pointing to their ear. These moments proved that the language was no longer confined to the classroom; it was traveling home, becoming an intrinsic part of family life.
To overcome the scarcity of fluent speakers and resources, Natalee Forder has a strategic plan. She founded the Gangulu Language Reference Group with community Elders—a collective effort to gather and collate all available materials, focusing on East Gangulu (AustLang E40) in strict alignment with cultural protocols. The group is building essential foundations: source materials, educator training programs, and a language platform to ensure long-term viability.
Her journey began with teaching at Mount Morgan Central State School in 2023, but at the beginning of 2025, she made a strategic shift. After receiving a grant from First Languages Australia, she stepped away from the school to teach the “mob directly.”
This allows her to focus on creating more Gangulu speakers and, crucially, to train them to become educators themselves. This approach ensures the language can flourish from within the community, independent of institutional structures.
The Reference Group is now finalizing materials, training the first wave of community educators, and establishing the language platform, while Forder strengthens partnerships across the region.
The work extends far beyond the school walls. Natalee observed that students became “cultural ambassadors.” This impact continues through community-led learning, where families and Elders are actively involved. Community engagement has flourished, particularly with lessons at No. 7 Dam. This open-air space has become a “cultural classroom” where generations gather to learn, share, and connect, fostering organic mentorships.
With grant-supported work now underway through her organization, Forder Aboriginal Language Consultant, she is expanding efforts, bringing the Gangulu language into homes, workshops, schools, camps, and various community spaces. Resources are designed to be culturally embedded and accessible, including pronunciation guides, visual aids, worksheets, and digital tools.
Continued on Page 15
A Gangulu language library is in development, alongside in-home support tools like language cards, empowering families to engage with the language every day.
The results are clear: interest has grown across all age groups. Families are actively seeking resources, community members are attending workshops, and schools are looking to partner. The language is becoming visible once again, a visibility that is sparking action, pride, and a renewed sense of ownership.
Natalee Forder’s aspirations are ambitious and community centred. Her primary goal is to build a network of at least five qualified Gangulu educators who can teach across schools, community programs, and businesses. She envisions a future where the language is spoken in homes and seamlessly embedded into everyday life.
“The goal is not just education, but cultural transformation,” she says.
Expansion plans are already in motion, including partnerships with nearby schools and universities, and programs in early childhood centers and adult education.
Weekly adult classes are held at the Dreamtime Centre in Rockhampton and the Mount Morgan Soldiers Rooms, making the language accessible to a wider demographic.
To ensure long-term sustainability, she is pursuing grants, developing business pathways through her consultancy, and strengthening partnerships.
For her, sustainability means embedding the language into critical systems like education, health, and youth programs, supported by policy, funding, and strong community leadership.
Natalee’s ultimate vision for the Gangulu language in Mount Morgan is one of a living, thriving community. In the next five to ten years, she envisions a place where Gangulu is spoken in homes, schools, and public spaces as a lived reality, resulting in stronger relationships, improved wellbeing, and a deeper sense of cultural pride.
Through her tireless efforts and the collective commitment of her community, the Gangulu language is being carried forward as a living legacy for generations to come.
They’re off …… and racing!
An article from The Morning Bulletin of Tuesday 7 April 1925 (p.11) provides a fascinating insight into the early horse racing activities in Mount Morgan. The Mount Morgan Pony and Racing Club had relapsed for a period, but a meeting held on 6 April saw a tiny meeting of interested parties reform the club and run a selection of races. The description of the wild antics reads as follows:
‘…The attendance was very small, but the racing, considering that some of the horses were not in good condition, was very interesting. In the Fourth Division, Attendance, ridden by D. Evans, gave a good display. When the barrier lifted, Attendance put down his head and started pig rooting, but after he had gone about half-a-furlong he was straightened up and eventually won pulling up by four lengths. Two bookmakers operated and they seemed to come out all right. Mr. W. Grenfell acted as judge and Mr. W. Coleman made an efficient starter.’
This article was found online via Trove (trove.nla.gov. au), a free online research portal providing a single point of entry to a vast treasure trove of artefacts, curiosities and stories from Australia’s cultural, community and research institutions. Browse a wealth of digital items via this platform on any topic with your device or computer. Free computer access and Wi-Fi is provided at all library branches, with four computers available at the Mount Morgan Library and five computers available at the Gracemere Library. Escape the heat and spend time in our airconditioned library branches exploring the virtual shelves of this impressive resource.
Use the ‘Historical Images Search’ function on the online library catalogue to find interesting archival images held in the Central Queensland collection at the Rockhampton History Centre, located in the Rockhampton Southside Library. ‘Horse racing’ reveals a selection of old images of races held at Callaghan Park, jockeys and horse owners – with a great deal more hard copy archives and ephemera available for research purposes held in this significant regional collection.
If you are one of the many readers who loves the rural
LIBRARY NEWS
and outback romance genre (think Fleur McDonald, Rachael Treasure, Tricia Stringer and Lucy Walker), then gather some friends together and head down to Rockhampton for a special literary event.
Rockhampton Regional Libraries are thrilled to be partnering with Penguin Random House to be offering a Literary Lunch with touring author Fiona McArthur (pictured below left) on Friday 14 November 2025, from 12 noon-2 pm.
The event will be held in the Parker Room at the Criterion Hotel, with a fee of $30 covering a delicious lunch of Lemon Dill Butter Barramundi or Haloumi Salad plus a cuppa and slice and the opportunity to listen to a rising bush romance author speak about her new book, The Lightning Ridge Ladies. Be quick to book as seats are filling fast!
QBD Rockhampton will also be hosting a pop-up stall with the author’s books from 2:00pm-3:00pm in the foyer of the Criterion. Enquiries on 4936 8043.
This fantastic illustration of a buckjumper comes from the book Loom of the desert by Idah Meacham Strobridge (1907) on Project Gutenberg, which is copyright-free and in the public domain.
Mount Morgan has seen some of the biggest increases in house prices in the country with a rise of 31% in the past 12 months. This is a sign of the growth potential that is being unlocked with all the activity going on in the mount and increasing demand as a somewhere people want to live.
With Heritage Minerals reaching financial close the mine will be operating again with reprocessing of the tailings and this will see 250 jobs during construction and 150 ongoing jobs created in the town. This will help underpin the town’s economy, creating even more jobs as the people working there spend their hard-earned salary around town.
The town was previously limited by the access and reliability of water, but with the new pipeline from Rockhampton due to be turned on early next year this will ensure that there’s plenty of opportunity for new housing right here on the mount, with a much lower risk of the town’s supply of water being at risk of running dry. This is also opening up the dam to more recreational opportunities once it is no longer required to act as the town’s water source.
These are a couple of the reasons fuelling the sellers’ market for homes in Mount Morgan, which with the growth and positive feeling around town I can’t see it slowing any time soon.
Mount Morgan used to be the powerhouse of Queensland, the high school being one of the first state schools in Queensland a sign of how important Mount Morgan was considered to the state.
This sort of history is something I know MMPAD are trying to leverage as part of their $50,000 tourism feasibility study funded by the Crisafulli Government.
I fought for this money, growing up in Kalapa Mount Morgan has a special place in my heart, so I could see Mount Morgan unlock that potential and opportunity that the town used to thrive in.
The community in Mount Morgan is part of what makes it so great, at my recent town hall, it wasn’t just complaints people were coming forward with but also potential solutions to issues and ways to take the town forward. This sort of thinking is such a positive reflection on the town, because community led solutions are always the best way to ensure that the most benefit is derived from whatever actions are taken from governments of all levels.
The growth being unlocked in Mount Morgan has the potential to bring a strong sustainable future for the town, and I will continue working to make sure that as a community you have every chance possible to harness it and put Mount Morgan on the map.
DEE RIVER OLDIES
On Wednesday, 22 October 2025 the Dee River Oldies Group members enjoyed their morning tea catching up with other members while enjoying some delicious food and a cuppa. There was a guest speaker from Footprints letting us know what they are about.
Members were able to put their names down to secure their seat for our Christmas lunch. If you are interested in going, please let us know as soon as you can. Christmas lunch is booked at the Grand Hotel for Wednesday, 26 November, 2025. The cost to members is $15 being $10 towards lunch and $5 for the raffle. The Dee River Oldies Group will cover the difference for your meal. Entry is from 11.30 am. There will be Christmas hampers and other prizes to be won. It is always a good day with a delicious lunch to be enjoyed. If members wish to add anything to the raffle, please put it on the prize table. It all helps to make it a good day.
Our meetings are on Tuesday 18 November and Tuesday 9 December 2025 starting at 2 pm. The December meeting will be held a week earlier. Our Meetings and Morning Teas are held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).
We send our condolences to the families that have lost their love ones in the past few weeks. Our thoughts are with you.
Stay happy and healthy.
The Steering Committee
Dee River Oldies Group Carol Glover 4938 1995 Colleen Constable 0427 161 131
Have your say on the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme
Rockhampton Regional Council is entering the next phase of its major review of the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme - and your input is a vital part of the process.
Council is preparing a major amendment to the current scheme and is inviting community feedback during the early consultation phase.
This is your chance to tell us what’s working, what’s outdated, and what could be improved as your input will help shape how our region grows and develops into the future.
We want to know how easy the current scheme is to use, what parts might need improvement, whether it reflects our region’s long-term goals, and any other ideas you’d like to share.
You can find out more and have your say by visiting one of Council’s upcoming Planning Scheme Pop-up Stalls across the region.
Mount Morgan residents can have their say by coming along to the rotunda (opposite Hot Bread Shop and Cafe) in Morgan Street, Mount Morgan on Wednesday, 29 October between 9am to 2pm.
Mount Morgan in Pictures
By Catherine McIntosh, descendant of the colonial Stubbs family of Mount Morgan
Business as usual on Morgan Street
Above: 1913 / Commercial buildings along Morgan Street, Mount Morgan / State Library of Queensland.
The above 1913 streetscape image is one of the best representations of Morgan Street businesses in the early twentieth century. It depicts an eclectic mix of at least fifteen shops, stretching westwards from the building of the printers, Lee & Humphreys, on the corner of Morgan Street and Morgan Lane (far right), to shops near Central Street.
The clear building signage is one of the distinguishing features of this photo (particularly, if the image is digitally enlarged). The signage reveals prevailing consumer goods and services and the names of local business stalwarts. Thriving local occupations of the time can also be read on the facades, such as ‘tailor’, ‘mercer’ (fabric merchant), ‘draper’, ‘clothier’, ‘milliner’, ‘boot and shoe importer’ and ‘ironmonger’ (hardware store).
This part of Morgan Street offered the professional services of a pharmaceutical chemist and optician (their premises are pictured near Morgan Lane). Thomas A. Hempenstall (M.P.S., Ph. C.) made up prescriptions and provided advice on minor ailments. S. W. Jones ground lenses, adjusted spectacles and advised on frames.
Local women monopolised food businesses near Morgan Lane in about 1913. Visible is the building signage, ‘A. Sparkes’, referring to Mrs Annie Sparkes’ grocery and produce store. To recharge the batteries during or after a busy shopping expedition, Mrs J. Winter served a variety of specialty teas and home-baked goods, such as cinnamon cake, at the Arctic Fountain.
An invaluable historical record, this 1913 image
captures the main business section of the town before it was largely destroyed by fire in the early hours of 7 December 1939. Stocked for the Christmas trade, seventeen commercial buildings, which stood to the left of the prominent, brick building of tailor, Sidney Gray, lay in ruins from the fire (Pictured on Page 19). At the time of the fire, Richard. E. Bond, bootmaker and draper, traded from this building.
The 1913 businesses above (from right to left) are:
• Lee & Humphreys, booksellers, stationers, artistic printers;
• S. W. Jones, watchmaker, jeweller, optician;
• Henry McLean, boot and shoe importer;
• Sidney Gray, tailor and mercer;
• The Arctic Fountain, Mrs J. Winter’s refreshment rooms;
• Pharmaceutical chemist, Thomas A. Hempenstall;
• D. D. O’Connell & Co., clothiers, drapers, tailors, milliners;
• A. Sparkes, Mrs Annie Sparkes’ grocery and produce store;
• Davis & McDougall Ltd, boot and shoe importer;
• Fergus J. McFarlane, ironmonger;
• J. A. Bukowski & Co., tailor and mercer;
• Mellor’s Music Warehouse, pianos, organs, Edison phonographs;
• The People’s Cash Store, grocery and produce store; and
• Woods & Co., drapers, milliners, clothiers.
Continued on Page 19
Above: 1913 / A closer view of shopfronts near the corner of Morgan Street and Morgan Lane / (l-r): A glimpse of Mrs J. Winter’s Arctic Fountain refreshment rooms; Sidney Gray, tailor (Mount Morgan Outdoors occupies this building today; previously, the Ramm family for over fifty years); Henry McLean, boot and shoe importer (a pair of white canvas button boots appear on the signage); S. W. Jones, watchmaker, jeweller and optician (the signage includes an image of a pair of ‘granny glasses’); Messrs. Lee and Humphreys, printers (Mount Morgan Hot Bread Shop currently trades from this building) / State Library of Queensland.
Above: 1939 / Looking up Morgan Street from Central Street at shop ruins after the fire / The remains of the brick facade of Woods & Co., draper (front left), were demolished soon afterwards for safety reasons / The tall, brick building of Richard E. Bond, bootmaker and draper (back left), survived the blaze. Mr Bond’s brick wall prevented the fire from spreading to the east end of the street / National Library of Australia.
SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS
OCT 31: Day for Daniel, Grand Hotel, from 11.30 am, NOV 8: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
NOV 1: Mount Morgan Arts and Crafts Cent Sale. Doors Open 12 noon 2 pm start.
NOV 1: Mount Morgan Halloween Walk. Saturday. Assemble at Mafeking Bell in Morgan Street at 3.15 pm. Walks starts 3.30 pm.
NOV 3: Bouldercombe Bingo at Bouldercombe Recreation Hall. Doors open 9.30 am, calls start at 10 am.
NOV 5: “23 ezels picture painting prize” entries due. Phone 0429 055 165 for more information.
NOV 7: “23 ezels picture painting prize” Exhibition Opening, Mount Morgan Soldiers’ Rooms 5-8 pm.
NOV 11: Remembrance Day Service, starts 10.45 am approximately at ANZAC Park. All welcome.
NOV 14: Story through Art Exhibition OpeningRhonda Billet. Live music and refreshments. Free Entry. Exhibition runs until 12 December. Mount Morgan’s Arts Precinct, 79 East Street.
NOV 15: Old Time Dance, 7-11pm $12pp. Music by Syd Stickley. Alton Downs Hall.
NOV 18: Dee River Oldies Group - November Monthly Meeting. It starts at 2 pm and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).
NOV 26: Dee River Oldies Group - Christmas Lunch at the Grand Hotel, Morgan Street, Mount Morgan. Entry is from 11.30 am. Will let you know cost and menu when we know.
NOV 29: Mount Morgan Citizens’ Club - Around the World @ Soldiers’ Rooms from 7 pm.
DEC 9: Dee River Oldies Group - December Monthly Meeting. This is a week earlier than usual. It starts at 2 pm and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).
DEC 13: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
DEC 17: Mount Morgan Buy Local Promotion finishes and judging of “Light up for Christmas” Lights competition.
DEC 19: Mount Morgan Twilight Christmas Concert. and Mount Morgan Buy Local Draw, Mount Morgan
PAINTER: Semi-retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257.
LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT Green Shed from 7 pm. Phone 0412 502 937
Wanted to Buy: Motorcycle in working order. Phone Mike - 0422 921 705.
Garage Sale: Saturday, 8 November from 8 am. Workshop tools, household items, furniture, garden items and more. 50565 Burnett Highway, Hamilton Creek. 4.5 km south from Mount Morgan Post Office.
MOUNT MORGAN AGRICULTURAL SHOW SOCIETY INC
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SUNDAY, 07 DECEMBER, 2025 AT 9.30AM
MOUNT MORGAN SHOWGROUNDS EVERYONE WELCOME
For further information contact Noel on 0418 729 122
MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.
Meets 9 am - 12 noon - Wednesdays & Saturdays Phone: John 0429 055 165
TRASH AND TREASURE
Trash and Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Clothing $1.00 unless otherwise marked. Any donations please leave at 21 Gordon Street during opening hours
THE NEXT EDITION WILL BE PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2025
All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312
Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au
If you don’t receive your Argus, please contact us.
