The Paluma Push 2021

The twentieth anniversary of the “Paluma Push” was different for all the right reasons. Sam Stedman and Aline of “Outer Limits” are to be heartily congratulated for masterminding the operation, but one must also say that it would not have been possible but for all the various helpers who were involved both before, on, and after the day of the race.


The principal difference was the holding of the race on a Saturday [July 17th] instead of a Sunday, as in all previous years.  This permitted the Saturday evening to host a huge party at Hidden Valley Cricket Oval right at the race finish.


It was also a most beautiful sunny winter day, although there were a lot of water issues, many of them on the Paluma Dam Road which is in a deplorable condition.  It was repaired in November but with material that did not stand up to the Paluma wet season and was studded with deep water filled potholes and gullies through a great deal of its length.

In the Community Hall a collection of 15 of the 20  “Paluma Push” tee shirts over the years was mounted and so much admired that it was moved to Hidden Valley for Saturday night.


The race start was on Smith Crescent in Paluma and there were five categories this year. The new one was the 100km “Crazy Course” with an extra 20km “Mt Fox Loop” at the last part of the race. There was the normal 70km and a 53km course divided between e-bikes and mountain bikes. The popular 42km Recreation Course was well supported. There were almost 650 competitors and although there were mechanical problems there were only two injuries one of which was sustained riding back on the road from Hidden Valley to Paluma after the race!


There were three electronic mats in use recording the competitors passage at Checkpoints 1, 4 and 6 reducing the number of volunteer manual number takers and improving accuracy. For the detailed results and times go to the Outer Limits website and look for: palumapushresults.


The Hidden Valley Cricket Oval was in use for camping on Friday night, but on Saturday it was transformed into a party ground with the bar run by the PDCA, three food outlets and the band “Shots Fired” providing music for dancing and created a good ambience for the really huge number of competitors, volunteers and others who seemed to all be having a great time especially those sitting around the very large bonfire that was kept blazing.


This is but a brief overview of this remarkable event but it hopefully conveys what an outstanding event the 20th “Paluma Push” was.

Text & Photos by Les Hyland

Let the Games Begin…..

Saturday night (29/05/21) was Games Night at Paluma. A good crowd gathered at the Community Hall from 4 pm to take part in a series of games and sporting activities. Four main teams were formed and they rotated through the various activities including pétanque, darts, table tennis and quoits. The competition was fierce amongst the rival teams – even if the skill level was sometimes questionable. What we lacked in skill, we made up for in enthusiasm!

The Games Night was hosted by Dorothy and Peter Klumpp who provided some excellent coaching tips. Peter did his best to control some rampant cheating amongst the team members. Lynda was in charge of the BBQ, cooking a gourmet sausage sizzle, complete with coleslaw, caramelised onion and sauerkraut. Barman Les was on hand to supply drinks to the thirsty competitors. The overall winning pair on the night were Colwyn and Danno, proving that age, wisdom, charm and cheating are a winning combination!!

A great deal of fun was had with laughter, cheering and banter echoing from the Community Hall. Special thanks to Peter, Dorothy, Lynda and Les for making the night a great success. And thanks to all those who participated, keeping the spirit of community alive and well in the little village of Paluma.

Let the pictures tell the story!

Text By Michele Bird. Photos by Michele Bird & Peter Klumpp.

Reminder: Games Night at the Hall Saturday 29 May

GAMES NIGHT at the Community Hall will be held this Saturday 29th May, commencing at 4 pm.

This will be an afternoon/evening of games, sport and most of all FUN to be hosted by none other than Peter (Captain) Klumpp. Come along to join in on a game of social table tennis, darts and pétanque, or all three. You can rotate through the activities and play them all if you wish!

Don’t know how to play? – Don’t worry, you can learn the games on the night. The emphasis is on FUN, LAUGHTER and COMMUNITY.

The Bar will be open for drinks and the PDCA will provide a $2.00 Sausage Sizzle with Lynda at the BBQ.

Come along and join in!