Category: Events

Bush Dance & Paluma Market

There are two upcoming events at Paluma to mark in the calendar for the month of June………..!

The Wattle ‘n’ Gum Bush Band invite everyone to attend their annual Bush Dance at the Paluma Community Hall on Saturday 29th June at 7.30 PM. Details are provided in the flyer below.

After dancing the night away, you can then catch up on your shopping at the Paluma Sunday Market on Sunday 30th June between 9 AM to 1 PM. Celebrate the end of the financial year with a sausage or two at the PDCA Sausage Sizzle.

We are looking for new stall holders for the Paluma Sunday Market so if you have some goods to sell please contact Lynn Hyland at email address: lynnhyland@optusnet.com.au

See you there!

2019 Pioneers Luncheon

The Rollingstone Community Centre will host the 2019 Pioneers of the Townsville Northern Beaches (TNB) Luncheon on 7 June 2019. The event will be held at the Rollingstone Community Centre, commencing at 12.00 noon.

As part of the greater TNB community, Paluma residents 65 years and over are invited to attend the luncheon. Places are limited to 120 people, so if you would like to attend, please RSVP to the Rollingstone Community Centre by 27 May 2019. The flyer below contains relevant information.


A Celebration of Roy Mackay’s Life

On Sunday 21 April many of Roy Mackay’s long-time Paluma friends and acquaintances joined the Mackay family to celebrate and pay tribute to Roy’s long and wonderful life.

Duncan and David Mackay spoke about their father’s life and work, outlining some of their childhood experiences and reminiscences growing up with their naturalist and explorer parents in the wilds of Papua New Guinea. The Mackay family presented a photo essay of Roy’s life, with some unique and remarkable photographic images capturing Roy’s absolute passion for his family, nature, wilderness and the people of PNG.

The afternoon of remembrance was bittersweet as Roy is no longer with us, but sharing his memory with others was a happy and heartfelt occasion.

The overwhelming theme of Sunday’s celebration was that Roy Mackay was a true gentlemen – he was a devoted family man and his time and generosity in sharing his vast knowledge of the natural world was extended to all people from all walks of life. Roy’s passion for nature and for making the world a better place was ever-present right to the end of his life.

The admiration and respect for Roy Mackay is enduring in the village of Paluma. His spirit resides in all those who loved and admired him and he will never be forgotten by the many people whose lives he touched.

The Paluma community sincerely thanks the Mackay family for arranging this celebration of Roy’s life, for sharing their memories and for the wonderful luncheon in his honour.

The Mackay family who attended Sunday’s celebration of Roy’s life and work.

The following are some selected photographs from the event.

Ecologica Exhibition

On Friday evening  5th April Lynn & Les Hyland visited the TYTO Gallery in Ingham for the opening of their new exhibition “Ecologica”, comprising works by three artists : Heather Byrne [Pastel] ; Linda Bates [Clay] and, from Paluma, Sarah Swan [Glass]. Sarah has had a table at the Paluma Markets and her lead-light work is really spectacular. She had a great many pieces on display, in particular, her “Seahorses” took this writer’s fancy.

Sarah owns 18 Mt Spec Rd, and, following the death of Roy Mackay, has also purchased 77 Mt Spec Rd. which she intends to transform into a gallery displaying her work. This she tells us, is a work already in progress.

The “Ecologica” exhibition is open until May 5th 2019 and if you can, do make an effort to see it – time very well spent. TYTO Gallery is open from 10.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs.

A Farewell to Roy Mackay

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 Goes (Irish) Green

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations at Paluma


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!

Text by Les Hyland and Photos by Michele Bird

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

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 ! 

Any inquiries to Les Hyland     lhyland1@skymesh.com.au