Category: Village news

Paluma Sunday Market

Sunday September 30 was a beautiful fine sunny day at Paluma with a breeze keeping temperatures to about 26 degrees.  There were 8 stallholders set up before opening time at 09.00 hrs and thanks to Don Battersby, Ross Hyne and Sonya Bryce, the barbeque was operational before 08.30 hrs.

After a slowish start there was a steady stream of customers in the hall and most also patronised the sausage sizzle. For the first time we were able to take advantage of the community hall extension, with two stalls set up in the new meeting room and people making use of the now extended square verandah.

Stall holders and customers at Paluma Market

The steady flow of customers continued until the sausages ran out at 12.40 hrs and about the same time the crowd in the hall diminished. Nevertheless, the feedback from the stallholders was very positive many, including newcomers, declaring their intention to return with their stalls at Easter. Altogether, a highly satisfactory day which will yield a modest profit that the Paluma & District Community Association needs.

Text & Photo by Les Hyland

 

Opening of the new extension to the Community Hall

John and Junita Tubman in front of the new “John Tubman Room”

On Saturday (Sept 22) more than 30 Paluma residents, PDCA members, visitors and the Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto met in the Community Hall to celebrate the completion of the new training/meeting room.  In recognition of his long history of contributions to the Community and to the construction of the main hall, the extension was named the John Tubman Room.  Head of the local SES, James Jackson, paid tribute to John’s dedicated work on and with the PDCA  over more than 2 decades and in the planning of the new hall.

James Jackson pays tribute to John Tubman

John Tubman was clearly overwhelmed and deeply appreciative of this formal recognition.

The PDCA president, Jamie Oliver also made special mention of the crucial  work done by Micheal Drew in securing the majority of the funding for the hall extension and for his tireless oversight of the building contract.

Nick Dametto and Jamie Oliver unveiling the new Honour Board

Following the cutting of the ribbon to open the new hall, Nick Dametto unveiled the new “Honour Board” which recognizes the many people who were involved in the construction of the main Hall in 2001, and lists the many people who have served as president of the PDCA over the last 42 years.  Nick congratulated all Paluma residents on their work to create such an important community facility.

After further wine and cheese, Jamie Oliver gave a brief presentation on the PDCA vision for the future of Paluma.  A copy of this presentation is available for downloading here.  There was a lively discussion following the presentation that covered a range of topics, including the need for more attractions (and signage) to encourage people up to the top of the range from the Little Crystal Creek Bridge, the importance of more accommodation and camping facilities in the village, and the need for ongoing vigilance on the issue of power boats on the dam (a matter that has gone into abeyance for the time being).

Over 30 people attended the meeting

More photos from the event can be  seen below.

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Jamie, Nick, James, John resize
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Buddhist’s Retreat At Paluma

This week has seen the annual Buddhist’s Retreat held at the Paluma Community Hall. This is the thirteenth year this event has been held at Paluma. The course is organised by Buddhist Chaplain Phil Heang.

The teachings are provided by Lama Choedak, a Tibetan-born Buddhist. Lama Choedak trained as a monk for nine years, spending three and a half years in solitary retreat sponsored by The Dalia Lama.

Lama Choedak

The three day course focuses on ‘Calm Abiding Meditation’ which is the most fundamental of all Buddhist meditation practices. The teachings focus on using the tool of mindfulness to bring a sense of stability and clarity to the mind. Calm Abiding Meditation can assist in understanding the origins of stress and mental confusion and it can assist in coping with life’s problems.

Some 15 participants took part in this week’s course, some traveling from as far afield as Hervey Bay and Melbourne. Lama Choedak is based in Canberra and enjoys his annual visit to Paluma. Lama Choedak and Phil Heang would welcome Paluma residents to join the course next year. The course is usually held in early September.

Participants at the Buddhist’s Retreat

Working Bee at the Village Green

A very successful Working Bee was held on Saturday (25 August) at the  Village Green at Paluma. Fifteen very enthusiastic volunteers congregated at the Green to spread some mulch and topsoil around the Green and at the Trees In Memory. A very big ‘THANK YOU’ to all those attended to lend a hand and make light work of the tasks to be done.

The band of volunteers included:- Don Battersby, Graham & Judy Malpass, Len Cook, Wilfred and Suzanne Karnoll, Graham Pope, Jamie Oliver, Juanita Poletto, Peter Klumpp, Beth Snewin, Colwyn Campbell, Roy Mackay, Wayne Pellow and Michele Bird.

Volunteers at the Working Bee

Special mention goes to Graham Pope for bringing along his tractor!. Roy Mackay kept a close eye on operations and thanks to Suzanne for the tasty sausage rolls. The generosity and community spirit that exists in Paluma makes this village a very special place indeed!

Spreading mulch at the Trees In Memory

Paluma Dam Good Run

The annual trail run at Paluma, organized by Outer Limits Adventure Fitness, will be held on October 28 this year.

This is the 6th run in the Outer Limits Trail Run Series 2018.

10419519_1517312395246211_8916466485446616935_nRace HQ, start and finish for all distances will be at the village green in the Paluma township. There is an array of trails around the village crossing creeks, passing water falls and lookouts. Paluma is cooler then the coastal region and it makes for great trail running in October.

We have $2000 worth of great prizes for our top 3 winners for each distance and first place in each age group. This includes some new trail running shoes and hydration vests from Salomon!
Tickets are on sale now!

Registration opens 1st January 2018. Click here to register

Go to the website for more details

Feedback requested on future night-time closure of Bruce Highway

Do you use the Bruce Highway through Yabulu (north of Townsville) at night?

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is seeking feedback from people who regularly travel the Bruce Highway through Yabulu at night, about upcoming temporary highway closures.

The feedback will be used to inform when these closures occur, so as to have the least impact on motorists. We will provide two weeks notice once the closure dates have been determined, so that road users can plan their journeys accordingly.

Further information about the closures and how you can have your say, is outlined in the attached flyer.

We encourage you to circulate this notice to others who regularly travel this section of the highway at night.

Feedback should be directed to TMR’s Customer and Stakeholder Management team by telephone on 1800 625 648, or by email at engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au no later than close of business Friday 3 August 2018. Thank you for your assistance.

 

Kind regards,

Customer and Stakeholder Management Team
North Queensland Region

Customer and Stakeholder Management Team
North Queensland Region
Program Delivery and Operations Branch | 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

Flyer_Seeking feedback_Bruce Highway closure_yabulu

 

 

Paluma Residents shown the inner workings of our new water treatment plant

 

Councillor Margie Ryder (center) with Paluma residents

On June 23, shortly after the grand opening of the High Ropes facility, residents were treated to an tour of inspection of our new water treatment plant. This tour was organized by Councillor Margie Ryder.  Townsville Water engineer Julian Tickle gave and detailed explanation of the whole treatment process, pointing out key components including the ultra-filtration modules and UV sterilization unit.  The result is that Paluma residents now enjoy safe and crystal clear drinking water that is higher quality than that provided to much of Townsville.

Townsville Water Engineer Julian Tickle explains the inner workings of the containerized water treatment plant.

PDCA President, Jamie Oliver took the opportunity to congratulate Margie Ryder and the Council on its decision to fund this major new facility and to Julian and his staff for their expertise in ensuring that we attained such a high standard of water quality.

 

Grand Opening of the High Ropes Facility

Councillor Margie Ryder, with Sam Stedman, cuts the ribbon to open the new high ropes facility.
Sam Stedman, with Councillor Margie Ryder address participants in the grand opening.

On Saturday (June 23) Paluma saw the first opening of a major new tourist facility in many years. Councillor Margie Ryder, the PDCA executive and a high proportion of Paluma residents turned out to celebrate this
milestone.

 

Sam Stedman with Councillor Ryder, Wilfred Karnoll and Outer Limits Adventure staff

Sam Stedman, the Director of Outer Limits Adventure Fitness, which runs the facility, provided some background to its development, from the early conceptual phase with partner Wilfred Karnoll, through local permitting to the final construction. He paid special tribute to  his dedicated staff and also thanked the community for its support.

Following the ceremony several groups of brave visitors successfully negotiated the course urged on by more cautious spectators below.

Paluma hosts visit by Nick Dametto, Member for Hinchinbrook

This Monday (May 28th) the Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, spent the morning visiting Paluma and talking to PDCA members, and other business owners and residents. Nick was shown the new Community Hall extensions (now more the 50% complete) and was briefed on a number of Paluma initiatives including the 100 km network of volunteer-established walking tracks and key events hosted in Paluma  such as the Bush Dance and Paluma Push. He also listened to our concerns about road safety and maintenance and the possible re-introduction of motorized boats on Paluma Dam as well as our interest in promoting increased visitor numbers in the village.

Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto (3rd from left) at the Rainforest Inn with various Paluma residents

During further wide-ranging discussions over coffee at the Rainforest Inn, Nick indicated a strong desire to support Paluma in its plans and aspirations for enhancing our village for both residents and visitors. We anticipate taking up Nick’s offer of support in the coming months.   Afterwards Nick visited Paluma Dam with Jamie Oliver, Lyn Hyland and Les Hyland.