Category: Events

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

Last Social for 2018 – Tropical BBQ

Last Saturday night (8 December) the annual Tropical Xmas BBQ was held at the Community Hall to close out the Paluma Social calendar for 2018. Up to 20 residents attended the event, with a few people coming and going over the course of the evening.

A sumptuous feast consisting of  BBQ meats and an array of salads and sweets was enjoyed by all. The ‘BBQ-er’ for the evening was Ross Hyne, closely supervised by ‘Mr. BBQ’ himself, Don Battersby. As usual, the Bar and Beverages were expertly dispensed by Les Hyland.

The ‘dish of the night’ was awarded to Jennie Robinson for her very special and unique recipe for ‘sweet but salty’ berry dessert cake! The encouragement award goes to Jim for his very special ‘do-it-yourself cucumber and egg salad’.

It was great to see many people embracing the ‘Tropical’ theme with their colourful shirts and other attire.  We were lucky enough to have two of Santa’s Elves attend as well (Ross & Sonya).

As with all Paluma Social Events, many of us ate too much food, drank a little too much wine and laughed a lot! A happy and fun-filled Paluma time was enjoyed by all.  Merry Xmas!

 

REMINDER: TROPICAL XMAS BBQ THIS SATURDAY

     

  • When: Saturday 8th December, 6.30 pm
  • Where: Community Hall
  • BYO meat, sausages or whatever you want on the BBQ
  • Please bring a salad or sweet to share
  • The Bar will be OPEN with the usual low priced drinks
  • Come and join us for the last Social of 2018
  • EMBRACE THE TROPICAL THEME – WEAR YOUR BEST PALUMA ‘TROPICAL’ SHIRT, PANTS OR FROCK!!!!!

    

Telstra Mobile Tower Launch Celebration

Some of the community arrived a bit late for the 10.30 am start time last Saturday 1st December, but all up there were at least 17 residents in attendance to celebrate the provision of a tower giving Telstra mobile coverage over quite an extensive area in and around Paluma. 

Rachel and Joanne from Telstra came up from Townsville and were welcomed by PDCA President Jamie Oliver who acknowledged  the great benefits from the installation, not only in the township, but  as far as the Dam turnoff and quite a way down the Range Road. There is also reception on some of the walking tracks which has an obvious safety benefit – hopefully rarely needed. Lynn Hyland also spoke of the benefit to the PRFB and the SES who have on occasions found that their technology was useless in Paluma due to lack of mobile connection. Rachel replied mentioning that she had not fully realised the extent to which the tower would benefit the area. Participants were presented with a complimentary gift bag from Telstra containing a power pack – a very useful gift !

A scrumptious morning tea was provided by the Rainforest Inn and it was after 12.00 hrs that the group finally dispersed.

Article by Les Hyland

Telstra Paluma Mobile Tower Launch Celebration

     Paluma Mobile Tower – Launch Celebration

Telstra (Regional Australia, North Qld) and the Paluma & District Community Association (PDCA) invites all Paluma residents to attend a Morning Tea to celebrate the launch of the new Paluma Mobile Telephone Tower.

When: Saturday 1st December 2018, 10.30 AM

Where: Rainforest Inn, Paluma

Morning Tea will be provided courtesy of Telstra.

The PDCA encourages the attendance of Paluma residents, so please pass the word about this upcoming event!