We decided to head to SW QLD via Mildura and Broken Hill. Been there previously so we did not linger for long but did visit Australia’s longest running milk bar “Bells”. A visit to Silverton again was worth it for the Mad Max Museum, (which was not there on our last visit), especially if you enjoyed the movies.
We then went to the “Back of Bourke” to visit Fred Hollow’s grave and onto the pretty town of Cunnamulla.
Friends invited us to visit them at Yowah for a few days where we had fun and enjoyed the artesian pools, 38deg and 43deg.
I was happy to see “Cooper”, Australia’s largest dinosaur at Eromanga. What a great set up they have.
A Charleville highlight was the Hotel Corones, the outback Ritz of the time, and also visiting the “Save the Bilby Project”.
Having worked on many projects around Roma, we took a side trip there. A surprise was the old Catholic Church with its beautiful stained glass windows and the Big Rig is a great sight for those wanting to learn about the first oil discovery in Australia. Jane and I went along to the Roma Rotary meeting and were made very welcome.
We had a blast at the chicken races in Tambo and more so at the “Better in Blackall” festival in Blackall. We went to the festival opening night, a great country event as well as the Blackall stock yards whilst sales were running. Roma has the largest sales in the southern hemisphere, but these are nicer with many trees and cooler setting.
Jane has loads of relatives in this area and we caught up with her 3rd cousin Brigit amongst others. A great time.
Now in Longreach which has a lot on offer. We went to a Rotary meeting here as well, once again the local Rotarians made us feel very welcomed.
Next week we head to Winton, choosing to stay a few days at a cattle station not too far out of town. Then the plan is to head over to Julia Creek, on to Cloncurry via McKinlay, and then on to Birdsville, Innamincka, Cameron Corner before heading home. The weather has been perfect each day - around a balmy 25-30C during the day with cold nights dropping down to 10C or below. Stay warm folks!
Cheers
Malcolm
Hotel Corones in Charleville
Campfire at Augathella
Blackall Saleyards
The Black Stump
The Big Rig at Roma
Another campfire
Last Week's Meeting
Malcolm Sutcliffe from Strathalbyn Rotary Club (and a Tasmanian) told us about the Tasman Bridge Disaster from the perspective of the young boy that he was at the time.
'On the evening of January 5, 1975 at 21.59 hours, the MV Illawarra collided with the Tasman Bridge, resulting in the collapse of 124 metres of roadway.'
A very interesting story unfolded - of the ship being off course and travelling too fast. The ship sank within 10 minutes and twelve lives were lost.
However, the collapse and the opening of the new tasman Bridge in 1977 created an impetus for further development on both sides of the Derwent River.
It would be great if everyone could try and sell a couple of dozen to people outside the club. At $140 a dozen it's good value. One of the cafes in Hahndorf is selling the exact same wine for $30 a bottle.
Members Subs
Thank you to those of you who have paid their subs already. The deadline of the end of August is approaching so could you please let me know if you have misplaced your invoice and I can send you another one.
