On Saturday 16th March, an Afternoon Tea was held at the Rainforest Inn to honour the memory of the late Roy Mackay, one of Paluma’s most loved, admired and respected residents, who passed away on the 12th February.
A year ago, the community helped Roy celebrate his 90th birthday at the Inn. Roy was born on the 18th March. It had been hoped that he would be here for his 91st birthday, but sadly, he did not make it.
The Inn was crowded, with more than 55 guests, not only residents but also others whom his life had touched – birdwatchers, students, taxidermists, fellow nature lovers – all came to reflect on his life and share memories. Again and again, his enthusiasm for life, his kindness and his generosity were mentioned. Many who were unable to attend the afternoon tea sent messages recalling their association with Roy.
Beth Snewin gave a Power Point presentation she had compiled, showing photos and commentaries on Roy’s remarkable life. A guest book was also passed around in which people shared anecdotes and reminiscences. This book will be kept in the Paluma History display as a tribute to this remarkable man’s contribution to the people of Paluma – our very own national treasure.
Always a very sociable man – we are sure Roy would have enjoyed this tea party immensely.
Paluma traditionally celebrates ‘La Feile Padraig’ [The feast of Patrick] on the Saturday nearest to the actual day, 17th March. This year we were one day ahead on Saturday 16th. Due to the afternoon tea in celebration of the late Roy Mackay the starting time was delayed to 19.00hrs, but in the event it was near 19.30 hrs before we were eating. There was a great selection of dishes with an Irish flavour including, potato bake, chicken casserole, devilled eggs and many others. Desserts included a wonderful green creamy delight, Guinness brownies, bread and butter pudding and pavlova.
With over 30 people attending, it is needless to say the bar did a brisk and lively trade but, surprisingly, there was some Guinness left over. There was a lucky shamrock under a chair and it is amazing how difficult it proved in finding just which chair!
Many attendees wore their best green gear and several leprechauns appeared out of the Paluma mist, so that the community hall was a sea of Irish green.
Lynn took on the role of Quiz Master for the evening – she said that Les’ questions were too hard – challenging geographic, musical and Irish general topics. There were several participants who scored 13 out of 17 which is an extremely good show of knowledge. The tie-breaker question saw the winner – Wendy Kaus – collect her bottle of wine. Les threw in a few Irish jokes and the buzz of conversation lasted late into the evening.
The highly efficient washing up crew’s work was greatly appreciated. It was a most enjoyable night.
Assistant Editors Note: Many thanks to Les and Lynn Hyland for their hard work in decorating the hall, stocking the bar and making the event a great success!
St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17th, but in Paluma we will celebrate it on Saturday the 16th March.
In view of the afternoon tea in honour of Roy Mackay that same day, we will start at 7 PM this year instead of 6.30 PM, allowing time for participants to both events to prepare a dish to share in the usual fashion. Yes, potatoes are allowed!
The bar will be open and there will be a limited stock of Uncle Arthur’s beverage – the founder of Guinness Brewery was Arthur Guinness. If you have any Irish jokes to share do bring them along and there will be a quiz about Ireland [No Googling Allowed!!!!!!]. So, sharpen your brains about things Irish. And wear something green !
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Tom Conner. For almost 80 years of his life Tom was connected with Paluma.
In 1938 Tom moved to Taravale Road with his mother, father and grandfather. Tom said that their shelter was ‘up-market’ for the area as it had hessian walls. Tom’s father and grandfather were timber cutters. At the start of World War 2 the government conscripted his father (Tom Senior) and his grandfather into the Civil Construction Corp. His father was put in charge of the timber camp at Taravale Road.
Tom spent most of the war years at the Taravale camp. A simple monument at about 0.7 km down the road (off the Mount Spec-Ewan Road) marks the camp site. (Although Taravale Road is a private road it is possible for people to drive down the road – with caution – to visit the monument).
After the war, Tom lived in various houses in Paluma and became a timber cutter and a timber truck driver, delivering loads to the old Moongobulla rail siding (now gone). After his marriage to Freda, Tom moved to Townsville and worked for the electricity industry, selecting power poles to harvest in the Mount Spec area for many years. In retirement, Tom and Freda owned a house in the Paluma village. Freda is the granddaughter of the Cavill family, pioneers of the Paluma area.
Tom’s favourite sport was tennis. He hit many a ball on the war time court opposite Ivy Cottage. Tom will be remembered as a gentleman and for his knowledge and incredible memories of the Paluma area.
Our sincere condolences go to Tom’s family and friends.
It has been the practice over recent years to celebrate the significant birthdays of Paluma residents with an afternoon tea at the Rainforest Inn. In March last year (2018), we celebrated the 90thbirthday of Roy Mackay. It was a very happy occasion and the Inn was packed with well-wishers.
As you know, Roy had been recently living in Regis Aged Care in Townsville. Several of us had planned to bring Roy to Paluma for the weekend nearest to his 91st birthday, provided he was well enough to travel. He had looked forward to this, but sadly, did not make it. Roy passed away on 12thFebruary, 2019. Roy’s birthdate was 18 March.
In response to many requests from Roy’s friends, we have decided to hold an afternoon tea in his honour so that his friends can gather to celebrate the remarkable life of a remarkable man. This will be held at the Rainforest Inn on Saturday 16 March at 3.30 pm. We look forward to seeing many of Roy’s friends and to sharing reminiscences of his exploits and life adventures and the memories of the many ways he touched our lives.
We would request that attendees bring a plate of finger food to share – savoury or sweet.
Drinks can be purchased at the Rainforest Inn.
For any enquiries please contact one of the following:
Not sure if you have heard yet but TCC are putting on a BBQ this Saturday, just a bit of a get together post Flood. Our city has been through one of the biggest natural disasters and we need to continue the community spirit.
I know a lot of you have personally been affected, which I am so sorry. Really keen to make sure everyone shares this invite and as many people as possible know about it, so please help share the news.
This Saturday 2nd March from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Bluewater Community hall.
Approximately 80 species of Neolitsea are found in the rainforests of tropical Asia and Australasia. Three are found in Australia with two of these being found from the south coast of NSW to Cairns in Queensland. Neolitsea dealbata is a common under-storey tree growing to about twelve metres and is especially noticeable in spring when, soft drooping, pale new leaf growth appears, giving the tree a chandelier-festooned appearance. They are a member of the Lauraceae Family.
The soft pale leaf growth of the white bollygum
White Bollygum and the very similar Green Bollygum (Neolitsea australiensis) share many common names with species of the closely related Litsea. Being known by common names can be the cause of much confusion to a non-botanist, often leading to incorrect identification.
For example, some of the names Neolitsea dealbatais known by are: White Bollygum, Velvet-leafed Bollywood and Grey Bollywood, while Litsea australiensisis known as Green Bollygum. Across the species, Litsea and Neolitsea share common names of Grey Bollywood, Bollygum, Bollywood, White Bollygum and White Bollywood. It can be very confusing!
The name ‘dealbata’ derives from dealbatus, meaning ‘covered with white powder’. The underside of the leaves of this tree have a waxy coating which gives them a powdery, whitish bloom. Leaves are simple, between 80-220 mm x 35-85 mm in size and are clustered in groups of three or five. They are usually hairless on the upper side, but may be slightly hairy at the leaf base or along the mid-rib. Leaf twigs are clothed in white or pale brown hairs which may persist on mature twigs.
Perfumed flowers usually appear from March to July. These are tiny white or yellow clusters growing on branches or in leaf axils. They are so tiny, between pin head and match head size that they are almost unnoticeable. Male flowers are 2.4 mm, the female is only 1.7 mm.
The tiny flowers appear on the leaf axils.
The clusters of fruit which follow, from January to July, are small, 9 mm, globular drupes, (fleshy with seeds enclosed in a woody endocarp), containing one seed. The fruit goes from red to black when ripe and is relished by cassowaries.
The fruit appear in clusters. These fruit are green and will colour to black when fully ripe.
There are many of these trees in and around Paluma, notably clustered in amongst many other trees in the Gumburu gardens and the forest edge outside Paluma Environmental Education Centre. They are easier to spot when new leaves appear, nevertheless the distinctive leaves make it easy to identify.
From: Engagement Northern <engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au> Subject: Update for Mt Spec Road, Paluma Date: 21 February 2019 at 12:11:09 pm AEST
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is pleased to share that substantial progress has been made this week to remove debris from Mt Spec Road, following the record rainfall and resulting landslips.
Both lanes of the road have now been cleared of debris, and an assessment of the significant cultural and heritage features of the area has been undertaken.
We expect to remove the last of the stockpiled material in the coming days. Geotechnical engineers are currently assessing the range slopes for stability. This investigation will inform us if further works are required to stabilise the slopes prior to removing the travel restrictions currently in place. A further update on our progress will be provided tomorrow.
Kind Regards,
Dana Customer and Stakeholder Management | North Queensland Region Program Delivery and OperationsBranch |Infrastructure Management and Delivery Division | Department of Transport and Main Roads, Floor 5 | Townsville Government Office Building | 445 Flinders Street | Townsville Qld 4810 PO Box 1089 | Townsville Qld 4810 1800 625 648 engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au www.tmr.qld.gov.au
