Category: Village news

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 by Paluma Artist

One of Paluma’s very own artists, Sarah Swan will join two of her esteemed artistic colleagues, Heather Byrne and Linda Bates, to present the upcoming ‘Ecologica’ Exhibition at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery in Ingham.

The ‘Ecologica’ Exhibition will run from 5 April to 5 May with opening hours of 10 am to 4 pm daily. Entry to the Exhibition is free of charge and all are welcome.

Sarah invites her Paluma friends and family to join her at the Exhibition Opening on Friday 5 April at 6.30 pm.

Information on the Exhibition is outlined below:-

‘Ecologica’ is the result of the collaboration between three artists who are passionate about the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet. We live surrounded by outstanding landscapes. From the brilliant ochres of the desert, to the lush greens of the tropical rainforest there are more colours around us than our eyes are capable of seeing. ‘Ecologica’ has given us, as artists, the chance to explore these landscapes through our chosen media. Our work is inspired by the life nurtured in our chosen landscapes from the clean tang of saltwater, through the expectant hush of a woodland clearing.

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

Vale Tom Conner 1931-2019

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.

Post courtesy of Bill Pyne

TMR Range Road Update Thursday 21 February

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