70 YEARS OF TWIN LIFE
Seven Decades of Twin Life
For seventy years, Jill and Judith, identical twins born and raised in this historic mining town, have shared an unbreakable bond. As they approach their milestone birthday on 9 July, they reflect on a lifetime of shared experiences, mischievous adventures, and the unique connection that only twins can truly understand. Their
story offers a fascinating glimpse into growing up in Mount Morgan during a bygone era, all seen through the extraordinary lens of twinhood.
The Early Days: Two of a Kind
From their earliest memories, Jill and Judith were a unit.
"About two years old," Jill recalls when asked about the moment
she realized she was a twin. While many twins might dabble in identity swapping, these two rarely did.
"We were very shy and stayed together most of the time," Judith explains, which naturally prevented any elaborate trickery. Their mother, Colleen, often dressed them identically, a common practice for twins of their
generation. It wasn't until around the age of ten that they began to assert their individuality, choosing different outfits made by their talented mum.
The advantages of twinship quickly became apparent.
"We had each other to play with and friends," Jill says, highlighting the built-in companionship. The biggest disadvantage, however, was a common refrain for twins
"Friends and family would mix us up, and we got through this over the years."
But beyond the external confusion, an unspoken understanding flourished.
"We had our 'twin language' when we were younger and no one else could understand this," Judith said.
This private lexicon, along with a profound empathy, meant they instinctively grasped each other's feelings – a bond so deep it extended to moments like feeling depressed or when the other one was in labour with their children.
Their personalities, while close, developed distinctively.
"We had a pretty close bond," Jill notes, "I was always the forward one, while Judith was the shy one."
Their parents, Colleen and James Leigh, seemed to take raising twins in their stride. "Mum always said it was easier to raise twins than one baby," Jill proudly recounts.
In an era before routine ultrasounds, their arrival was even a surprise to their mother. "Mum didn’t realise she was having twins until about an hour after Judith was born,” Jill, the youngest twin said.
Mount Morgan Memories: A Childhood Uniquely Shared
Born on 9 July, 1955, Jill and Judith’s lives are deeply intertwined with the fabric of Mount Morgan. Growing up here, they agree, was "a really good place." Their father worked at the mine, and one of Jill's fondest memories involves waiting for him to walk home from work each afternoon to their house in Walter Hall.
Their childhood was filled with a mix of innocent mischief and spirited exploration. Jill vividly recalls a moment from their early years.
"Mum said we climbed a ladder which dad had left near the house. We climbed up to the roof. We were about three or four years old. Mum said she almost died of shock when she saw us up there.” Luckily, their twelve-year-old neighbour, Malviene Ingram, spotted them and alerted their mother.
Living across from the Walter Hall school provided
another opportunity for youthful antics. "When we were four, we would go over to the school when they were in class and pinch their lunches. We were always in trouble,” Jill said.
Their favourite playground was the dry bed of Dairy Creek near Walter Hall.
"When we were seven, we would climb trees and explore," Judith remembers. Armed with Vegemite sandwiches for snacks, they knew it was time to head home when the 4 o'clock hooter from the mine sounded. One adventurous outing took a painful turn.
"One time Judith followed me down and decided to race me to the bottom by falling down instead of climbing," Jill says with a chuckle.
"I broke my arm and had to have stitches in my lip and under my chin,” Judith adds, recalling the consequences of her shortcut.
Annual highlights included the cherished Linda Picnic, a train ride to Emu Park that they eagerly anticipated each year, and being part of the local swimming club, even if they weren't competitive swimmers.
School life for the twins also had its unique aspects. Their mother's sewing skills came in handy, but also served a practical purpose.
"Our mum made our school uniforms and would put our names on the pockets so that stopped us from playing tricks on people," Jill explains.
They attended Walter Hall Primary School until Year Six, then moved to the Central State School. This transition was a bit of a shock.
“There were too many children," Judith recounts, compared to the close-knit 40 students at Walter Hall. They completed their schooling at Mount Morgan State High School up to Year 10.
After school, the twins embarked on their first jobs in town: Judith at Paul Marendy's Rainbow Café and Jill at Geopeko Limited, sampling core and soil. Their paths then diverged into marriage and family. Judith married Richard Curtis at 18 and went on to have three boys, now with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jill married Ivan Bryant from Wowan at 21, and they had two children, a boy and a girl, leading to five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
Mount Morgan has undergone significant transformations since their childhood.
"All the stores were occupied in Morgan Street – you could always buy anything you wanted – Morgan Street was always bustling," Judith reminisces about the town's vibrant past. The old hospital where they
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MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER
were born was firstly replaced by a new hospital and more recently a multipurpose centre.
When asked what they miss most about the old Mount Morgan, the twins quickly point to the bustling Morgan Street and the strong sense of community that permeated every aspect of life.
Reflecting on 70 Years: A Bond That Endures
As Jill and Judith prepare to celebrate their 70th birthday, their reflections offer wisdom gleaned from a lifetime shared.
What advice would they give their younger selves?
"Be careful when you’re climbing,” Judith quickly quips, a nod to her childhood fall. Jill's advice is more philosophical: "Enjoy your lives as much as possible."
Reaching this significant milestone together means the world to them. "We’re still together and working and watching our families grow," they affirm, a testament to their enduring connection.
Life has taught them profound lessons. For Judith, it's "always follow your heart and don’t let anyone deter you from it." Jill's wisdom is equally poignant: "Treat others with respect."
Their relationship as twins has only deepened over
the decades.
"We’re just as close, if not closer than we ever were, even when Jill lived away," Judith shares. Jill's move to Blackwater in 1976 for her husband's work in the coal mine tested their proximity, but not their bond. Ten years later, Judith, Richard, and their family followed when the Mount Morgan mine closed, and Richard found employment at South Blackwater Coal Mine. Eventually, both sisters found their way back. Jill and Ivan returned in 1998, and after Richard's retrenchment, Judith and her family sold up and came back to Mount Morgan in 2009. Both consider Mount Morgan "paradise."
Their greatest achievement, they both agree, is their family. Looking ahead, they anticipate retirement and embarking on trips around Queensland. They even share a love for the same kind of music, a bond so strong it led them on a fan club holiday to Ireland to see Daniel O'Donnell.
Jill and Judith's story is a heartwarming reminder of the unique journey of twins, woven into the rich tapestry of life in Mount Morgan. Their seventy years together have been a testament to companionship, resilience, and an unwavering bond that continues to thrive.
CQ Crane Hire Goldrush Hill Sprint Returns in 2025
A driver waits for the flag to fall in the 2024 CQ Crane Hire Gold Rush Hill Sprint. Photo: Courtesy peterscottphotography.com
The engines are revving, and the excitement is building as the CQ Crane Hire Goldrush Hill Sprint 2025, proudly powered by Rockhampton Regional Council, is set to ignite the historic town of Mount Morgan from Friday, 18 July, to Sunday, 20 July. This year promises an expanded program and thrilling action as approximately 120 competitors from across the nation descend upon the region.
The 2025 event kicks off on Friday, 18 July, with a spectacular new addition: a Street Parade through Mount Morgan. From approximately 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, a diverse array of unique competition vehicles will parade through the town, offering a fantastic opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with the machines and drivers.
The parade will depart from the Struck Oil/Burnett Highway intersection, travel south into Mount Morgan, head left onto Morgan Street, loop around the East Street roundabout, and then return west up Morgan Street, crossing the Burnett Highway to park in front of the Mount Morgan School of Arts Building for a static display. This new initiative aims to not only showcase the vehicles but also highlight the charm of Mount Morgan to competitors and their national teams.
Saturday, 19 July, marks the start of the competitive action, with racing from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The day will conclude with a dedicated sausage sizzle for competitors and officials from 5:30 PM onwards. Sunday, 20 July, sees racing continue from 7:00 AM until 1:00 PM, followed by the highly anticipated presentations from 2.00 PM.
The CQ Crane Hire Goldrush Hill Sprint relies heavily on the generous support of its sponsors.
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This year's event is made possible by CQ Crane Hire (Naming Rights Sponsor), Rockhampton Regional Council (Powered By Sponsor), CQ Towing Services, BFB Scaffolding, O’Ryan Signs & Designs, Lawrences Motors, Knights Consulting Engineers, Seven Network, Revs Paint Supplies, Menzies Auto Service, Depco Drilling, Bob Jane T-Marts Rockhampton, All Industries Group, Paleso Finance Group, One Agency Property Connect, JMS Mechanical, Bishopp Outdoor Advertising, Studio 53 Productions and Mount Morgan Hot Bread Shio,
As the Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club, organisers of the event, stated, "Without the support from our sponsors and their generous donations, the event would be pushing into the realms of $250,000-$300,000 to setup and run. As a not-forprofit organisation, the event would not be feasible without the support from these businesses, local and statewide." The event's overall cost is approximately $100,000-$120,000, thanks to significant in-kind support.
Following a "regrowth" year in 2024, the new committee gained valuable insights. The focus was on stripping the event back to basics, operating as a driver-focused event to ensure its viability with current volunteer numbers and resources. Key learning outcomes revolved around budgeting and resource management, with the goal of safeguarding the event's long-term sustainability.
According to Aaron Black, Vice President of the Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club for 2025, the committee is building on these successes.
"The approach for Goldrush 2025 is to stick to the operation and management strategies proven
successful in 2024, while taking on feedback from competitors, spectators and the community to find out what areas require attention." The improved budgeting and resource management from last year allow for better allocation of resources, enhancing existing areas and adding exciting new components,” he said.
This year's event will feature two primary race categories: Road Registered Vehicles and Race Vehicles, each with subcategories: 0-2000cc, 2001cc-4000cc, 4001cc and over, 4WD up to 3500cc, and 4WD over 3501cc. A total of 10 categories will compete, with organisers aiming for at least six runs per competitor over the weekend. Approximately 120 competitors are expected to push their limits against the clock.
Spectators will once again have access to the pit area and start line, offering a unique opportunity to get up close to the race cars – a rarity at many motorsport events. Food and drinks will be available, and spectators can witness the powerful launch of the cars as they tackle the first chicane.
Running an event of this scale requires considerable volunteer hours, funding, and community support. The Goldrush team, entirely volunteer-based, dedicates significant time to making the event a reality.
The organisers welcome additional volunteers and support from local businesses and the community. "With more volunteer power and community support, the Goldrush event has the potential to be a nationally recognised event," Vice President, Aaron Black said.
Mark your calendars for a thrilling weekend of motorsport on the Mount Morgan Range.
A Duet of Dedication, Healthcare, Harmony, and Community
Their
particularly in Mount Morgan.
Hainian’s path to opera began unconventionally. Though initially drawn to pop music, a high school singing teacher, who happened to be an opera singer, sparked his interest.
He pursued a four-year classical singing performance degree at the University of Queensland, involving intense one-on-one lessons, recitals, and linguistic studies in Italian, German, and French.
Hainian describes his singing journey as "quite a windy one," with experiences outside university equally vital to his development.
Naomi, too, discovered classical singing organically. Surrounded by music from a young age, formal training began around 16. For her, music and singing are a deep passion, an "amazing way to connect with other people" and "a gift that keeps giving." Opera captivated their evolving musical tastes, revealing rich stories and emotions.
Their shared passion for music was the foundation of their relationship. They met at the start of their Bachelor of Music with Honours degree at the University of Queensland.
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Hainian Yu, a final-year medical student, and his wife, Naomi, a midwife, (above) embody a unique blend of dedication to healthcare and a profound love for opera.
journey, rooted in classical music training, has blossomed into a shared mission of community enrichment,
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This shared pursuit not only brought them together but continues to enrich their lives, allowing them to encourage each other and extend their love for music to family and community.
For Hainian, opera is an emphatic "definitely" a passion. He loves its storytelling, finding the theatrical narratives "funny, moving, and many times profound," enriching his understanding of human emotion.
The "visceral way" opera impacts him, making him "almost physically feel its presence," is another powerful draw, connecting to a "primal sound" of human expression.
He cherishes the communal nature of classical music, finding favourite musical experiences are "shared with friends." Finally, the sheer beauty of the music, an "endless box of treasures," fuels his ongoing discovery. Naomi echoes these sentiments, simply stating opera "made me feel happy."
Their training has led to performances in esteemed venues like the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Brisbane City Hall. Hainian has performed for six years in a row as part of the Lord Mayor’s Seniors Christmas Parties, alongside Naomi as part of a quartet. Their experience extends to diverse venues, from cathedrals to intimate home performances.
Both balance their artistic pursuits with demanding healthcare careers. Hainian is a final-year medical student, gaining extensive practical experience across various Queensland Health facilities, including the Mount Morgan Multipurpose Health Service. Naomi has been a midwife at Rockhampton Base Hospital since January, the primary reason for their move to the region. They have "really fallen in love with the community atmosphere."
While the idea of music as a full-time livelihood was considered, Hainian had already secured his place in medicine before his music degree. He has chosen to prioritize the "stability of following the medical route," while continuing to develop his musical performance seriously. Naomi shares this sentiment, noting that a full-time music career would involve "a whole lot of moving and uncertainty and financial stress."
They prefer to focus on the "people and music itself rather than making it all about trying to make money," believing that keeping music a passion maintains its inherent joy.
Their recent experiences in Mount Morgan have inspired them to share their musical gifts. Hainian expresses gratitude for the community's warmth.
They will be in Mount Morgan again on 18 July at the Uniting Church. There will be other concerts and workshops at Mount Morgan venues.
This initiative aims to "empower, connect and bring joy to the community," provide access to music for hospital patients, and "encourage local young people to have a positive engagement with music." Their overarching hope is for their music "to make a positive difference."
They acknowledge initial "aversion" to opera due to its perceived over-dramatic nature, linguistic barriers, and feeling "hard to feel like I was 'in the know'." This personal experience drives their desire to make opera accessible.
They realized that "the stories it tells and the emotions it conveys through the universal language of music were actually in fact accessible to every single person."
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Gordon took out the Mount Morgan State High School House Cup with 868 points at the annual carnival held prior to the start of the school holidays.
Kendall placed a close second with 838 points, boosted by an impressive 120-point contribution for House Spirit! and Paterson finished third with 598 points.
The 2025 Age Champions were - 12 Years – SaydiLee Coombes and Codey Harris, 13 Years – Ambah Wright and Aidan Romaroag, 14 Years – Ava Marshall and Braxton Somerfield, 15 Years – Beccy Ireland and Jett Marianetti, 16 Years – Mikhaila Grange and Alex Allen, 17 Years – Ava Leisha and Jai Anderson and 18/19 Years – Abbie Tyne and Jack Davis/Lewis Janssen
A huge congratulations to the following students who broke school records:
Ava Leisha (17Y) – 100m in 13.64s, Codey Harris (12Y) – Long Jump (3.89m) & 100m (14.8s), Kerri Gilbert (17Y) – Shot Put (8.34m) andTravis Ireland (17Y) – Discus (28.88m).
Above: Caleb Steedman and below: Gordon House Captain Mikhaila Grange being presented the shield from the principal Mr James Lye
That Truck & Bobcat Bloke ABN: 35 347 197 734
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Small acreage clean ups, land clearing, fence lines, fire breaks, shed pads & more. Post hole borer & spreader bar
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Mark Humphreys’ Electrical
8 Baldwin Street Mount Morgan 4714
Electrical Lic. No. 74711
Phone: 0439 727 609 FAX: 4938 2885
Domestic, Rural, Commercial Installation and Repairs, Promptly Servicing Mount Morgan & Wowan Districts
Have something you need printed? or laminated?
Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.
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
MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB INC
Meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10.30 am.
Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street, Phone - John Tuxworth 0429 055 165
One stump or a complete
Country calls welcome and prompt attention
Please contact Gary on 0428 542 705. QBCC Licence 51455.
Have something you need printed? or laminated?
Come down and see the friendly people at MMPAD. Contact us on 4938 2312 for prices or for further information visit us at the Railway Museum.
Discover the difference!
Meet Angela Douglas: Local area agent
Knowledgeable about the local community Listens to your needs
Proven results over and over Free, no hassle appraisals
Angela Douglas: 0401 953 882 www.discoverrealesate.com.au
Tony Harney Plumbing
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
QBCC 1110090
ALAN HOUSMAN BUILDER
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Sandi Wood (nee Inslay) from Mount Morgan was born and raised within the Mount and is well aware of the needs of the Mount Morgan community.
Sandi is Mount Morgan’s funeral consultant and is available for all funeral advice.
Contact Sandi for more information and competitive prices with burials, cremations or prepaid funerals.
Sandi Wood your local consultant Phone: 4922 1269 fmckfunerals@live.com.au
Unlocking Your Past
If you have always wondered about your anscestors and what they did and where they come from then now is your opportunity to harness the tricks to discovering your family tree.
Shauna Hicks, an acclaimed genealogist, who will be in Rockhampton on 12 July at the behest of the Central Queensland Family History Association (CQFHA) is thrilled to host a special workshop with acclaimed genealogist Shauna Hicks OAM on Saturday, 12 July 2025.
This 2.5-hour session, held at the Central Queensland Family History Association (CQFHA) Library from 1-3.30 pm, offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of Australia's leading experts in family history. At just $20, including afternoon tea, it's an accessible way to enhance your research skills.
Shauna Hicks brings a wealth of experience, having witnessed a revolution in the accessibility of historical records. "Accessibility is far greater now through the internet, digitisation of records and use of email and platforms like Zoom," she notes. This stands in stark contrast to the past, where finding and sharing information was a significant challenge. Her diverse qualifications, including a Master of Arts in Australian Studies and a Diploma in Family Historical Studies, underscore her commitment to academic rigour in genealogy. Shauna emphasizes the crucial role of "sources and citations" and the importance of "context" in understanding family histories, observing a shift in genealogy towards a more academic approach.
The inspiration behind her numerous family history guides stems from frequently asked questions at
Duet of Dedication...From Page 6
When performing for new audiences, they observe initial surprise transform into "immense appreciation and gratefulness." Naomi humorously debunks common opera stereotypes, aiming to show "everyone how great it is."
While direct "content wise" overlap is limited, profound synergies exist. Hainian believes learning music fostered "a strong appreciation of the humanities, of the subjective and of expression of the human condition in general," which translates seamlessly to patient care.
The expressive nature of music aids in communication and understanding diverse stories. Naomi succinctly summarizes:
"Basically, health and music are both healing. One is
seminars. Topics like "Where do I start?" led to the creation of practical resources, alongside guides born from personal interest in specific records like mining and asylums.
Shauna's own family history journey began in 1977, driven by a desire to understand her paternal grandfather's Norwegian ancestors, a topic shrouded in silence. A DNA discovery in 2015 unveiled a surprising truth about her biological grandfather, deepening her dedication. Her ongoing PhD research at Griffith University, focusing on the incarceration of women in colonial Queensland, further intertwines her personal history with broader societal narratives. "A number of my ancestors were on the wrong side of the law," she reveals, highlighting how her research delves into the compelling stories of these women.
Sharing her vast knowledge is a rewarding aspect of her work. "I love teaching others how to research their own family history," she says, finding success when attendees discover new resources. As a Fellow of the Queensland Family History Society and Patron of History Queensland, Shauna believes these organizations are vital for fostering "camaraderie" and providing a space for learning and support that online resources alone cannot offer. Her blog, "Diary of an Australian Genealogist," recognized for permanent preservation by the National Library of Australia, serves as another platform for sharing information and family stories.
Receiving the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to community history was "a great honour." Shauna hopes this recognition underscores the importance of every individual's story as part of the wider family and community narrative. For those just starting their family history journey, Shauna's key advice is clear: "Join a society and make some new friends. ... Don't go it alone. Be part of the family history community and make great friends and learn together."
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Shauna Hicks OAM and connect with the CQFHA community. The CQFHA library is located at 16 Highway Street, Park Avenue.
healing for the body and one for the soul,” Hainian said. Their favourites include Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Korngold’s Die Tote Stadt, Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd, and Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.
Beyond opera, Hainian’s "absolute top favourite composer is J.S. Bach," particularly his vocal works. Franz Schubert’s Winterreise is also a favourite. Naomi is "a sucker for folk music" and loves Ralph Vaughn Williams.
You can catch up with Hainian and Naomi at the Uniting Church on Friday, 18 July from 5.00 pm.
Hainian and Naomi will also perform at the Mount Morgan Arts Precinct later this year.
The LNP Government handed down their first budget last month, with the focus of getting Queensland back on track.
Mount Morgan is set to benefit from my election commitment to provide $50,000 for a tourism feasibility study, looking at ways to encourage and grow tourism into Mount Morgan. With the history and natural resources of the town the growth potential for tourism into the Mount is enormous and we need to be capitalising on this to help grow the opportunities here.
Mount Morgan will benefit from investments into health in Rockhampton with $36.9 million to deliver a cardiac hybrid theatre at Rockhampton Hospital, $91.9 million for the refurbishment and delivery of an expansion to the Rockhampton Hospital mental health ward as part of our Hospital Rescue Plan, and $2.2 million for a refurbishment of the Rockhampton Community Child and Youth Mental Health Facility.
We’re helping to create opportunity for our youth by making it easier for Central Queensland kids to stay in Central Queensland with a new $95 million health sciences academy to help train our budding health workers right here in Central Queensland. For those youngsters who are better with their hands than their head there’s $61.11 million for a new TAFE Excellence Precinct at Central
Queensland University, opening up more trade school opportunities and freeing up the land at the old Tafe campus to expand Rockhampton hospital and unlock that land for new homes.
For roads, this budget contains $9 billion to deliver improvements all along the Bruce Highway. Something that anybody who has driven it in the last couple of years know is very needed. This is in addition to $100 million across the state for the Country Roads Connect program, which will be used to weatherproof roads that get cut off during severe weather events. This is incredibly important to all of Central Queensland with many of our roads currently getting flooded during heavy rainfall, leaving many people without access.
This budget also contains the early stages of bringing the Rowing to Rockhampton, as part of our 2032 Olympics plan. The money has been allocated to start work on the athletes village at the railyards, making use of a historical landmark in Rockhampton that has been left to decay for too long.
For those that love taking out a boat and casting out a line, there’s $500,000 in this budget for a pontoon at Inkerman Creek boat ramp, which will help improve safety when entering and leaving the water. For the parents, we’re providing $200 vouchers for kids to play a sport of their choosing, and $100 back to school vouchers to help those struggling families get the kids into the classrooms with the supplies they need.
This budget is about taking our state forward and delivering for all of Queensland, and I’ll continue to advocate for the electorate of Mirani, and Mount Morgan to ensure that the Mount doesn’t remain a forgotten community.
World Youth Skills Day: 15 July
This World Youth Skills Day don’t let subscriptions or paywalls stop you from learning: turn to your library card!
Download the Libby app for the most popular selfimprovement books and audiobooks, like “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, “Atomic Habits” and “The 5 Second Rule”. Additionally, through your library, you can watch LinkedIn Learning courses on general professional skills, such as “30-minute Resume Refresh” and “The Successful Young Leader”, but that’s not even scratching the surface…
Interested in entrepreneurship? Using AI? Blender 3D modelling? How to speak so people will listen? Graphic design? Curing impostor syndrome? Recording and mixing music?
Sign into LinkedIn Learning with your library card for immediate, FREE access to all this training and more!
Gold Rush Hill Sprint: 18-20 July
Inspired by the CQ Crane Hire Gold Rush Hill Sprint to fix up that car in the backyard? Haynes car and motor manuals are available at your library. While the model and year range of hard copy manuals is limited
GOLF
CLUB NEWS
Mount Morgan’s Shaun Antcliff was the A-grade Gross Champion on 62 in the Men’s Central Queensland Sand Green Open Championships played in Mount Morgan on Saturday, 28 June 2025. Runner up was Wowan’s Darryl Myles on 66.
B-grade Gross Champion was Brenton McFadzen (74) and runner-up was Gavin Cawthray Miriam Vale (78); C-grade Gross Champion - David Forder (78) and runner-up Kelvin Sinclair (82). A-grade Nett Winner was Brock Siegert (66) and runner-up was Scott Hannah (67), B-grade Nett winner was John Gunzler from Rockhampton (71) and runner-up
LIBRARY NEWS
by space, on the Haynes website you can access full digital copies, searchable and printable.
Go to the library website for the link to sign in with your library card!
Refreshed Children’s Area
Come and play with our new toys, games and craft kits at the Mount Morgan Library. The charming space at the rear of the library has been refreshed with some new items for our youngest customers to enjoy.
— Mount Morgan Library Opening Hours —
The library is open 9:00am-5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:00-2:00pm) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
On weekends, Mount Morgan Library and Gracemere Library open 9:00am – 12noon on alternate Saturdays:
Gracemere Library 1 Ranger Street
Mount Morgan Library 31 Morgan Street 12 July 19 July 26 July 2 August 9 August 16 August
was Hayden Armstrong (73) from Calliope; C-grade nett winner was Ted Kay (68) from Mount Morgan and the runner up was Paul Hinchliffe (69) from Wowan. Pin shots were – A-grade Damien Ling (in the hole), B -grade Gavin Cawthray and C grade Chris Shepherd and Ted Kay (in the hole). Open tee shot was Aaron Reif, A Grade Long Drive No 9 - Scott Gibbs, B Grade Long Drive No 9 - Brenton McFadzen and C Grade Long Drive No 9 -Steve Bryant.
The Ladies CQ Sand Green Open Championships were also played on the same day with the winner - A Grade Gross: Lisa Scantlebury (73), Rockhampton and runnerup Bernie Antcliff (75) Yeppoon, B-grade gross Keri Wilson (81) Yeppoon and runner-up was Cathy Jacques (86) and C-grade Gross winner - Sue Dunne (95) and runner up was Selena Edmistone (114). A-grade nett winner was Nadine Battilana (69) – Yeppoon and runner up was Marree Briese (71), B grade nett winner was Linda Zimitat (70) (on countback) and runner-up was Nola Taylor (70) – Rockhampton and C- grade nett winner - Sandi Brill 72. Pin shots – A-grade - Bernie Antcliff (4.52m), B-grade, Jenni Tidd (0.87m), C-grade - Sandy Brill, (in the hole) and Open - Cathy Jacques (1.28m) and long drives – A-grade - Shai Pearce, B-grade - Carolyn Pease and C-gradeSandi Brill. The Ampol Shield is an old shield that is played in conjunction with the CQ Sand Green Championships. This year Yeppoon won with a combined nett score of 207, on a countback from Mount Morgan. Yeppoon Team members were Keri Wilson (68), Nadine Battilana (69) and Bernie Antcliff (70) – 207 and Doug (Louie) Antcliff 77 (4th score used for Countback).
MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB
SOLDIERS ROOMS
Thank you to everyone who came along to our Historical Open Day on Sunday, 29 June. We had a good turnout, and enjoyed some enlightening chats with visitors, who shared stories and memories. Some more information was gleaned about the Returned Servicemen portraits that we are trying to identify, and we had a phone call regarding one of the recently located dedication plaques.
As a prelude, please be aware, the following may be upsetting to some. The lovely Valma Young called from the long stay ward at our hospital and shed some light on the story of her folks and brother, who supported the Community Services Club, as it was known at the time, by selling raffle tickets without fail for many, many, many years. Lionel, Mabel and Lyle Hayes were dedicated to their community throughout their lives, and this was evident even in their passing, sadly all within a year, 198788. Lionel tragically had a terrible fall down the steps of the building, and passed later that day, Mabel on her birthday, and Lyle at the Welfare Bowls Club. Right into the twilight of their lives, these outstanding human beings were an intrinsic part of the fabric of this wonderful community. We thank Valma for sharing their story and would like to assure their descendant’s that the plaque will once again, have a prominent place at the Soldiers Rooms on our Wall of Gratitude.
ARTS PRECINCT
We would like to welcome Satya Yoga, 7 am Saturdays, into the sheltered and art adorned walls of the Gallery during these cooler Winter mornings. For the first session, the light streaming in was called magical, and we love sharing the vibe. Jo is an easy-to-follow guide, catering for all abilities, and the practice leaves you invigorated, ready
DEE RIVER OLDIES
At our June Morning Tea the members of the Dee River Oldies Group enjoyed their cuppa and morning tea while listening to Adam. He joined us on the day and was the guest speaker from Public Trust. Keeping our members informed is what we try to do.
Lyn Barnes was the lucky winner of our breakfast tray raffle. The raffle tray of breakfast meat and eggs is very popular. Our July Morning Tea is on Wednesday 23 July 2025 starting at 10 am. The cost is $5. We will be having musical bingo. This month our raffle will be a selection of mystery boxes e.g. you may choose a Cruskit box, but it may contain a pair of bed socks, a hand towel or something else. There will be a variety of boxes to choose from with multiple draws. The cost of a raffle ticket is $1.
Our July Monthly Meeting is on Tuesday 15 July 2025 starting at 2 pm. Come along and put your ideas forward. Please check out 'Save the Date' on the back page of the Argus for our Meeting and Morning Tea dates. Both our Meetings and Morning Teas
for the weekend and in a blissful, positive frame of mind. BYO mat or use one provided, $10 for an hour, a great value investment in your health and wellbeing. Running on from a place of gratitude, we would like to acknowledge all the new Members and Management Committee! They have been consistently getting stuck into whatever needs to be taken care of on a daily basis, as well as inspiring with new ideas and improvement initiatives. We thank those looking after the Community Garden also, and it is so lovely to see lasting connections made over the humble turning of earth. Excess herbs and veges are free for the taking, and you can find the harvest in the food basket inside the Gallery, along with plants for sale and of course, amazing art! Artist and Volunteer Enquiries please call 0411 865 621.
are held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church).
We thank our members for their ongoing support to our group. Your help is appreciated. Rug up and stay warm.
The Steering Committee
Carol Glover 4938 1995
Colleen Constable 0427 161 131
Mount Morgan in Pictures
By Catherine McIntosh, descendant of the colonial Stubbs family of Mount Morgan
Street procession - through the eyes of a visitor
When you live in a community you often forget to take stock of your surroundings. It is always interesting to look at photos of a town taken by visitors to see how they have captured that which we take for granted.
Mount Morgan In Pictures author, Catherine McIntosh, visited Mount Morgan for the Golden Mount Festival on the May long weekend. This was Catherine’s first time attending the festival and watching the street procession. She describes the ‘Heroes and Villains’ parade as ‘a lot of fun, with colourful costumes, impressive vehicles, music and sirens’.
As a lover of photographic images - both old and new - Catherine had to cover a lot of ground in a short time to capture these images, while at the same time trying to include Mount Morgan’s historic buildings and mine site as a backdrop.
Upon returning to her home base, Catherine forwarded a collection of photos depicting various aspects of the procession. The photos selected have been chosen for their composition and the different angles and perspectives captured.
Pictured above: Procession vehicles at the landscaped roundabout on the corner of Morgan and East Streets. From left to right: a rural fire engine, an ambulance, a semi-trailer carrying local school children dressed in costume and a float in tow.
Pictured above: Mount Morgan Town Council's night soil collection truck (Chevrolet, 1928) and porter-loo; Big Stack on the mine site in the background.
Golden
MOUNT MORGAN RSL SUB Branch Inc
Business meetings held 10 am Last Saturday of the month. 1 Cornes Street, Mount Morgan.
Pictured above: procession vehicles heading up Morgan Street facing the mine site, with marquees and spectators lining the street.
Pictured above: Rockhampton Highlanders Pipe Band in front of the Mount Morgan Historical Museum.
Mount Festival Procession Photos supplied by C. McIntosh, 2025.
Pictured above: Overall winner of the day, entered by “The Village”, “Shrek”, with the Big Stack on the mine site in background.
Pictured above: men, women and children in their Sunday best on a parade day, corner of Morgan and Central Streets, Mount Morgan, in 1907, with the Grand Hotel (left) (State Library of Queensland).
SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS
JUL 12: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
JUL 15: Dee River Oldies Group - July Monthly Meeting. It starts at 2 pm and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Come along and see what is on next.
JUL 18: Sacred, Opera and Classical Music - Mount Morgan Uniting Church, Hainian and Naomi Yu - 5 pm - 6 pm.
JUL 19: Old Time Dance, Alton Downs Hall, Ridgelands Road, Alton Downs. 7-11 pm. Phone: 0427 341 166.
JUL 23: Dee River Oldies Group - July Morning Tea. It starts at 10 am and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. There will be musical bingo on the day. Raffle and lucky door prizes.
JUL 26: Mount Morgan Citizens’ Club Men and Women in Uniform @ Soldiers’ Room, Morgan Street from 7 pm.
AUG 9: Mount Morgan Show, Mount Morgan Showgrounds.
AUG 19: Dee River Oldies Group - August Monthly Meeting. It starts at 2 pm and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church ). See you there.
AUG 27: Dee River Oldies Group - August Damper Morning Tea. It starts at 10 am and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes.
SEP 6: Mount Morgan Wattle Day - historic Railway Station.
SEPT 13: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
SEPT 20:Mount Morgan Citizens’ Club Gala Ballcelebrating the Soldier’s Room anniversary, Mine activity and pipeline completion. 7 pm @ Soldiers’ Rooms.
OCT 11: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
OCT 18-25: Solo Exhibition/visual artists 4714Nancy Liddle. Thousand Yard Stare, Baree Hall, Creek St, Baree. 10 am - 2 pm.
OCT 25: Mount Morgan Citizens’ Club - Boho Hippy Night @ Soldiers’ Rooms from 7 pm.
NOV 8: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
NOV 29: Mount Morgan Citizens’ Club - Around the World @ Soldiers’ Rooms from 7 pm.
DEC 13: Baree Markets - held at Baree School of Arts between 8 am and 12 noon.
MOUNT MORGAN SHOW SOCIETY
Meets on the second Sunday of every month at the Mount Morgan Showgrounds, Showgrounds Road
MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.
Meets 9 am - 12 noon - Wednesdays & Saturdays
Phone: John 0429 055 165
LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH
ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN
1st & 3rd Thursdays of the monthGrand Hotel - 6 pm for 6.30 pm. Visitors Welcome! E: mount.morgan@rotary9560.org
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY
To my wonderful sisters - Judith Curtis and Jill Bryant
You’ve given me the greatest gifts a sister can receive - love, laughter and kindness. Today, I give them back to you. Have a great day!
Happy 70th Birthday - Love Lauren
Family Drug Support presents: ‘Stepping Forward’ Mount Morgan
A free information session on “Families & Ice” (Methamphetamine).
Session is open to everyone and will cover: •Drugs Of Concern to The Community •Is Methamphetamine a Problem
•The short- and long-term effects of Ice Use
•Dealing with aggressive and violent behaviour
Venue: Mount Morgan Hospital, Tuesday, 22 July
Mount Morgan Multipurpose Health Service, Black Street, Mount Morgan, 4714
Time: 10:am-12:0 noon - Morning tea provided.
To register contact Belinda to register on 0490 536 976 belinda@fds.org.au
Or
Register Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ mount-morgan-stepping-forward-families-and-icetickets-1397375520799?aff=oddtdtcreator
THE NEXT EDITION WILL BE PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY, 23 JULY 2025
All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 15 JULY 2025 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312
Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au
If you don’t receive your Argus, please contact us.