Category: Local Issues

OUR COMMUNITY HUB

On Sunday 24th October 2021 the village of Paluma celebrated the 20th Anniversary of our Community Hall. A morning tea was held to mark this important occasion and was attended by some 50 people, including past and present residents. We were delighted to see the return of many past, long-time residents of Paluma whose families established and built the Community Hall. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank these people and their extended families for their hard work in making the village what it is today.

The gathering was joined by Councillor Margie Ryder, Nick Dametto (Member for Hinchinbrook), Helaine Gordon (Area Director, Townsville Rural Fire Service) and Lewis O’Rourke (SES, Deputy Local Controller). Our many dedicated local and resident service volunteers from the Rural Fire Brigade and SES were also in attendance, since the Community Hall is the headquarters for both the Paluma RFB and the SES. Lynn Hyland provided a comprehensive history of the Hall and how it came to be in its present form.

All of the speakers on the day spoke warmly about Paluma and what our little village means to them. The common theme was COMMUNITY. Our sense of community at Paluma is no better represented than in the walls of our Community Hall. Yesterday was a glowing example that the community spirit is alive and well in Paluma. We work together to get things done and when it matters, we are there for one another. With enough community spirit you can even build a Hall!

The morning tea provided enough food to feed an army and the Hall was filled with lively chatter of days gone by and good things to come. Special thanks to the many volunteers who organised the event – you know who you are.

Here’s to the next 20 years of celebrating community in our village hub.

Text & Photos by Michele Bird

IF WE DON’T DO ANYTHING – WE WILL LOSE IT!

The Rainforest Walk is a short approximately 600m track that starts opposite the Community Hall, runs down to a small creek with evidence of stone pitching from the tin mining days and ends back on the main road opposite Sarah Swan’s Glass Art Studio. For many years this track has been maintained by QPWS, together with the ‘H Track’, but as a cost cutting measure the QPWS has decided to stop all maintenance on the Rainforest Walk because this track is not in the National Park. This track is situated on Unallocated State Land (USL). The ‘H Track’ is only 10% in National Park and 90% on the same block of USL, but QPWS are happy to continue to maintain the ‘H Track’……..You Figure It Out??!!

The Rainforest Walk is a very popular track and it is an invaluable tool to introduce anybody who can walk to the delights and diversity of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and it is ideally located right in the middle of our community!

The start of the Rainforest Walking Track opposite the Community Hall.

After discussions within the group and getting the support of the USL Department, the Walking Track Volunteers (we look after over 100 km of walking tracks around Paluma, the Dam and Mount Spec) have decided to take on the responsibility to keep this track open and maintained to the same or better condition than when QPWS looked after it. We have already replaced a rotten board on one of the walk platforms and have begun to install galvanized chicken wire on the wooden platforms, as they were very slippery during wet weather (most of the time in Paluma). The biggest job on the maintenance list is the re-surfacing of large sections of the track with Deco, that has been dumped at each end of the track and needs to be taken by wheel burrow to the washed-out sections of the track. Whilst doing this, we will also install some drains across the track to channel rain water away from the track, rather than have it wash the Deco away again on the sloping sections of the track.

We will make a start on this work at a Working Bee to be held on Saturday 16th October, from 2pm to 4pm. We would like to appeal to all residents and community members to come and join us with a wheel burrow, shovel and rake, and a bit of elbow-grease!. Remember the saying – Many hands make light work!! A refreshing drink will be made available at the Community Hall after the Working Bee. Feel free to contact Wilfred  on 0447 822 626 if you have any questions.

Article by Wilfred Karnoll.

It’s Still Raining at Paluma

Just a point of clarification on my last post (of 1 September) referring to the Paluma rain gauge overflowing with a recording of 25.4 mm. Judging from some of the feedback I received, I think I may have created some confusion?! 

The Paluma rain gauge consists of two main receptacles for collecting rainfall. The inner-most receptacle can collect just over 20 mm of rainfall. This container has a detailed ruler for measuring the amount of rain collected. The recent excitement amongst some of us was because this internal receptacle reached capacity for the first time since the new rain gauge became operational in early August 2021.

The inner container sits in a much larger water-tight steel container. This secondary container can collect several hundred millimetres of rainfall. The new rain gauge has the capacity to collect large amounts of rain and it will be able to capture every drop of those wet season deluges that Paluma is so famous for. Indeed, if the large outer steel receptacle ever looks like overflowing, then we will all need to head for the Ark!

I have previously mentioned the great work done by Wilfred to stabilise and protect the rain gauge on the Village Green. Just last week, Barry created a rather ingenious water tight plastic container (from large polypipe) to store the BOM rainfall data sheet. Great innovation and an ongoing collective community effort in recording Paluma’s rainfall record.

And the good news. A total of 1.2 mm of rain was recorded last Saturday and 4.2 mm recorded on Sunday (4 and 5 September 2021).

Wilfred’s paving and fencing work to protect our rain gauge.
Barry’s water tight container for the rainfall recording sheet.

Article & Photos by Michele Bird

Paluma’s New Rain Gauge Overflows……

Barry Smith, our dedicated weekday rainfall recorder at Paluma has reported some very exciting news on this the first day of spring.

Today was the first day the new rain gauge at the Village Green overflowed!  

Barry reports that the glass beaker in the rain gauge holds 20 mm of rain before it then overflows into the larger stainless steel chamber. So, the rainfall reading for the past 24 hours at Paluma Village is 25.4 mm.

The BOM is predicting higher than average rainfall this spring, so here’s hoping for some more overflows in the coming weeks and months!

Thanks to Barry for his diligence in recording our rainfall and reporting this welcome news for us gardeners.

Whilst on the topic of the Paluma rain gauge, I believe special thanks are due to Wilfred for the new fencing and the very flash paving now installed around the rain gauge. This will ensure the gauge is stable and protected from mowing and maintenance works at the Village Green and other interference.

Great job Wilfred and much appreciated. I must add that the fence height is just perfect – I am glad you took into account that some of us are vertically challenged!

Article by Michele Bird with information provided by Barry Smith

Wanted – Volunteer Rainfall Recorders

Jamie’s post on 2 August 2021 provided information on the new Paluma rainfall gauge at the Village Green. Most of you have probably seen the new rain gauge by now. You can’t miss it on the lawn near the PEEC side of the Village Green behind the Community Hall.

Since the installation of the new gauge the daily rainfall data has been checked and recorded, mostly by two very dedicated community volunteers. Barry Smith from PEEC has been taking the readings on weekdays and ever reliable Colwyn Campbell has been the rainfall recorder on weekends. The task involves visiting the Village Green every day at the same time to check the gauge and record any rainfall for the past 24 hours on the BOM record sheet. 

Last weekend (14 & 15 August) with Colwyn being unwell with severe sciatica, it was my turn to step up and take a turn in checking the gauge. I was looking forward to the task, even more so when it began to rain on Friday evening. How exciting – there would be something in the gauge for my first recording!

Paluma’s gardeners will be pleased to know the rainfall stats for last weekend were 5 mm and 4.2 mm respectively for Saturday and Sunday 14 and 15 August. 

Jamie Oliver is still seeking additional volunteers to compile a list of back-up people to assist with the rainfall recording, if and when necessary.

If you would like to volunteer and put your name on the list, please contact Jamie. You might only be called on once in a while to stand-in when other residents are unable to perform the task.

I can attest to the fact that it is a rewarding job in playing a (small) part in contributing to the historical record of Paluma’s rainfall. Not only that, but you can multi-task whilst recording the rainfall and take your best mate for a walk!

Article by Michele Bird

Freedom of the Township of Paluma

On Saturday 7 August 2021 the crew of the HMAS Paluma (4) exercised their right of passage of the township of Paluma by a ceremonial march through the centre of the village. It was organised by Townsville City Council and to everyone’s pleasure it was a perfect winter Paluma day with clear skies, warm sunshine and just a tad of winter coolness.

The main thoroughfare through the village, Mt Spec Road, was closed between PEEC and Smith Crescent from 10.45 am to 11.45 am. The crew were marshalled outside PEEC where they were inspected by Councillor Margie Ryder who attend the ceremony on behalf of Mayor Jenny Hill (who sent her apologies as she was in lock-down due to Covid restrictions).

The party then marched along Mt Spec Road until accosted by Rollingstone Police OIC Tony Jacob. The official framed document which granted them the freedom of entry – conferred on the vessel on 14 October 1990 – was produced and the parade was able to continue the march to its dispersal point on Smith Crescent.  Two drummers brought up the rear of the parade – doing a splendid job of keeping the beat, especially since the remainder of the band could not attend the ceremony due to Covid restrictions.

The Rainforest Inn catered light refreshments for the Navy crew and distinguished guests, while the local Paluma residents and some visitors enjoyed a free sausage sizzle provided by the PDCA. Thanks to Jamie and Colin for manning the BBQ and keeping everyone fed. The sausage sizzle proved very popular and supplies ran out before too long.

Inside the Community Hall Margie Ryder made a speech before presenting the Captain of the HMAS Paluma  a scroll confirming the “Final Right of Entry”. A copy of this was presented to the PDCA as a momento of the occasion and this was gratefully accepted by Les Hyland, on behalf of the Paluma community, the PDCA and the Paluma History Project. Les assured the gathering that this would be embodied in one of the Paluma History Albums for the four ships named “Paluma”.

There was a great turn out of local Paluma residents to support this event and it’s not every day that we see a Navy crew marching down Mt Spec Road in our little village in the mist.

Text by Les Hyland and Photographs by Denise Soars & Les Hyland

Recycle and Raise Funds

To all Paluma Residents,

Jill Meads is currently fund-raising for the Children’s Cancer Institute.

She is collecting all recyclable cans, tins and plastic bottles – all those recyclables eligible for the 10 cent refund. If you have any recyclables to donate please drop them at 26 Mt Spec Road, or give Jill a call and she can pick them up.

Thanks All.

Leslie The Legend

On Saturday night (12/06/2021) Paluma hosted a 90th birthday party for our local living legend – Leslie Hyland. About 40 of Les’ friends and extended (Paluma) family joined him to mark the occasion with dinner and drinks. The Community Hall was transformed into shades of emerald green and orange to honour Les, his Irish heritage and his enormous and ongoing contribution to our village community. The whisky and wine flowed as freely as the lively conversation, before everyone enjoyed an amazing banquet of food to rival any restaurant. As always, Paluma’s cooks were outstanding in producing enough food for a small army. No-one went home hungry, that’s for sure!

Some outstanding presentations were made in honour of Les by Lynn, Peter, Jamie and Anne. Lynn compiled and presented a photo essay of Les’ life from birth to 90. Peter, Jamie and Anne were eloquent in expressing the great respect, appreciation and love we all have for Les Hyland and each gave renditions of the remarkable contribution he has made to the Paluma community over the past 35 years. There were a few Irish jokes, a lot of Irish whisky, good humour and camaraderie. Les received an array of birthday gifts including enough whisky to last him until the next birthday!

Special thanks to all those who contributed to making the occasion a special night for Les including Lynn, Peter, Jamie, Colwyn and Charlie. Lynda was exceptional as always at multi-skilling with her decorating and bar-tending.

Les’ birthday is actually on Monday (14 June) so we all wish him the very best on the day. And just to let you know Les, we are already planning your 100th birthday party!!

Text & Photos by Michele Bird

PALUMA AT RISK OF LOSING RURAL FIRE BRIGADE

ATTENTION PALUMA RESIDENTS

The Paluma Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) is formed of residents from the Paluma community and it cannot function without members and their involvement. With the recent resignation of several senior members of the brigade we are presented with the challenge of trying to keep the brigade functioning and to maintain its assets within the community. If the brigade is unable to recruit new members, the Rural Fire Service may need to close the Paluma brigade and move the fire truck to another community. If this occurs, the only guaranteed response if there is a fire in the Paluma area will be a Fire and Rescue (red) truck from Townsville, Ingham or the Waterfall Creek RFB – and these services are not always available.

This notice is to advise Paluma residents that we are planning to undertake a recruitment drive with a lunchtime BBQ on Saturday 1st May 2021.

You are invited to attend:

A Public Meeting/Recruitment Drive, Saturday 1st May 2021 at 11 AM.

To be held at the Paluma RFB Station (Community Hall).

Without your support this vital community service may be lost from the Paluma community. Staff from the Rural Fire Service Townsville Area Office will be in attendance to discuss the future of the brigade with the community, including explaining what it means to be a rural fire brigade member.

If you have any questions and to RSVP to attend this meeting, please contact the Rural Fire Service Area Office on (07) 4796 9082.

You can also ring the local contact person and serving Paluma RFB member Ross Hyne on 0427 447 415.

We look forward to seeing you at this meeting.

Paluma Social Events for 2021

Dear Members of the PDCA, Paluma Residents, Friends & Neighbours,

Please note that your PDCA has a newly formed sub-committee known as the ‘Social Committee’ (or perhaps more aptly termed the ‘Any Excuse for a Get-Together Sub-Committee’!!).

Your new Social Committee Members are:- Lynn Hyland, Les Hyland, Colwyn Campbell, Lynda Radbone and Michele Bird.

The inaugural meeting of this new sub-committee was held just recently and we have set about in planning an array of Social Events over the coming year. We hope there will be plenty of opportunities in 2021 for you to get out of the house, dust off your best outfit, catch up with friends and neighbours and also dress up and be a bit silly on the odd occasion, should you feel inclined…..!

We do encourage all Paluma residents and PDCA Members to contact us with your thoughts, ideas and feedback on upcoming and future Social Events. We are sure many of you have some great ideas for future Social Events and we would love to hear from you.

A working list of the planned Social Events for 2021 is outlined below and regular posts will be added to the website to remind you of upcoming events. Please join us to support your PDCA, to share some great food, good company, good humour and the odd beverage. All are very welcome.

The exciting events to come are:-

Saturday 20 February Chinese New Year Social (Evening)

Saturday 20 March St. Patricks Day Social (Evening)

Sunday 4 April PDCA Paluma Markets

Saturday 24 April PDCA Annual General Meeting with BBQ (Lunch)

Saturday 15 May Petanque (Bocce) and Nibbles on the Green (Afternoon)

Saturday 12 June Les Hyland’s 90th Birthday Party (Evening)

Saturday 26 June Bush Dance – Wattle n Gum

Sunday 27 June Paluma PDCA Markets

Saturday 17 July Paluma Push Bike Race (Outer Limits Event)

Saturday 7 August International Night Social (Evening)

Saturday 11 September Back to the 70’s Social (Evening)

Sunday 3 October PDCA Paluma Markets

Saturday 9 October ‘Paluma-Fest’ Social – BBQ, Beer and Bonfire Night

Sunday 24 October Community Hall 20th Anniversary (Morning Tea)

Sunday 31 October Paluma Trail Run (Outer Limits Event)

Saturday 6 November Return of the Monsters & Mayhem on the Mountain

Saturday 11 December Tropical BBQ Social (Evening)