Croydon Shire Council PO Box 17, 63 Samwell Street Phone (07) 4748 7100 Croydon Qld 4871 Fax (07) 4745 6147 Email [email protected] www.croydon.qld.gov.au Edition 2: March 2015 ______

THE MAYOR’S DESK THE DEPUTY MAYOR’S CHAIR

Mayor Trevor Pickering Cr Michelle Martin

Hi all in incredible Croydon. Well it looks like Well another month nearly over and we are another so called wet has passed us by with still hoping for more rain, let's hope it comes well below average rainfall in most parts of soon. Please remember we are still on level the shire. 3 water restrictions and need to be very conservative with our water in case our wet Council have been very busy of late with the season is over for the year. Elected Member Update (EMU) in Normanton, then Joanne and I travelled to Hughenden for the Northwest ROC Next time you are on a computer have a look at the Croydon meeting followed by the Regional Roads Group meeting where True Blue Information Centre Facebook page, you will find many we met the new transport and main roads Minister Mark Bailey interesting facts on there. The ladies at the centre have been and his Director General Nick Scales. Joanne made him aware very busy with many projects in the pipeline. If anyone has that we had completed all that was asked of us inside the time community notices please email them through to, line and we now need more. We had a forum on the Hann [email protected], and they will post them on the site. Highway, even though it is not something that is high on Croydon's agenda I make it a point to support all our neighbours The caravan park is all set for our two new cabins arriving this where ever I can. I spoke at length with Robbie and Bob Katter week, and will be ready for use next month. These extra cabins and asked them what they are going to do about losing Croydon will be a credit to our caravan park encouraging more tourist to in the last election, Robbie said it hurts his feelings and knows stay in our town. The council receives many positive comments he must visit more. Then it was home on the Friday night but from tourists on how lovely and inviting our caravan park is and no time to relax I had to open the batting the next morning. it is a credit to Ron and Karol for all the hard work they do in planting and maintaining the gardens and caring for the We had our council meeting and it was off to Normanton where facilities. we stayed overnight for the GSD meeting. It was good to do some networking with Burke Shire. Joanne and I have another Now that the resealing of our town roads are finished, council is busy month ahead of us with road trips to Julia Creek and arranging as soon as possible to have the line marking people Ingham. In closing I just want to let people know I will be asking here to redo the pedestrian crossings, parking and centre lines. for help soon when I have round two with young Mr Katter. Once the storms are gone council will again erect the shade cover over the pool and swings. Stay safe and good luck to all the kids this week on and off the field. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Drought Breaker Project on Saturday, 4 April at the Grounds, I think this See you in the next Tele. will be a fabulous event and a great way to relax over Easter.

Stay safe over the holidays.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF while we partied). The green and purple cake and lamingtons EXECUTIVE OFFICER were especially impressive. Congratulations to Denise and her team for organizing the event.

Joanne Jacobson

It is unbelievable that we’re already a quarter of the way into the year. Sadly the wet season has been disappointing and lack of water will be a major concern for the shire again this year. On the bright side, we have some great community events coming your way and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Drought Breaker Festival Easter Weekend.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

At the February Council Meeting Councillors approved a donation of $10,000 to support the Poddy Dodgers Festival in June. They discussed the upcoming Local Government

Election (March 2016) and agreed that there would be booths Drought Breaker Event 4 April: Easter weekend is for voting on the day of the election rather than whole-shire approaching rapidly and plans for the event at the Showground postal voting as has occurred in previous years. The Pool will are well underway. It will be a very big day. continue to be free and open on weekends for the remainder of the season. Future Date Claimers: Keep 11-17 May clear for Heritage

Week activities; Tuesday 19 May for Artour ‘Squaring the At the March Council Meeting Councillors agreed to donate Wheel’; and Wednesday 3 June for the Colonial Picnic at $5,000 to the Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan a lobby Golden Gate. [Note that this date has changed.] group for better roads funding in inland Queensland, and approved an application for the building of a new shed for Bynoe Tourist Season: The tourists are starting to trickle into town Community Advancement Cooperative Society on the corner of with increased activity noted at the Information Centre and Samwell and Helen Streets. Caravan Park. Tourism is an important part of the town’s

economy and we do our best to welcome the visitors and Meeting minutes contain detailed department reports and can encourage them to stay a night or two. be found on the Council Website.

OTHER MEETINGS / EVENTS

House Fire: We had a kitchen fire in one of our council houses School Events: The annual Croydon State School Touch this month. We are very fortunate that Leonie Folie and her Football Carnival, Gulf Club Swimming Championships and the partner were by, saw the smoke, and rushed to assist. dance eisteddfod are all happening in the last week of March. Acting Sargent Lawrence said that without Leonie’s prompt Mornington Island, Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Gulf Christian action we could very well have lost the whole house. Please College, Forsayth, Burketown, Karumba and Normanton commend Leonie next time you see her. And the best news is schools are all coming to Croydon so get ready for the town to that no one was injured. start humming.

A10 Statement of Significance: Jan Wegner visited Croydon Live Learn Leap Competition: The games on Monday nights week ending 6 March to start on the Statement of Significance at the Rec Ground has been well attended. It is great to see for our train (one of the RADF projects). It was a successful visit regular sporting events being held for our young people. and we look forward to her report.

International Women’s Day: We had a morning tea 9 March to Water Supply: Sadly the cyclone has passed us by and there celebrate Women’s day. It was an opportunity to celebrate isn’t much good news heading our way so water supply will be women’s economic, political, and social achievements. a major concern this year. We continue to work on fine tuning Everyone came decked out in pink and purple and the event our water treatment plant to maximise our water quality. In was well attended by council staff and community members (the addition we are working on bringing Butterfly North on-line in the men answered the phone and attended to the front counter near future to supplement the town dam and bore.

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financial year to keep Council equipment and staff gainfully Rodeo Grounds: The cold room in the big shed has had the employed with some additional assistance. wooden floor replaced with a cement slab. This will ensure that the room can be cleaned appropriately and hygiene standards ROYALTIES FOR REGIONS FUND APPLICATION: Advice are maintained. We have also done some work on the electrical has been received that Croydon was not successful with our wiring and lighting at the facility. submission to connect the bitumen segments on Richmond Road near Woodstock. This project was considered highly and Outside School Hours Care: The facility is well patronised at will be resubmitted again in the future if and when additional the moment particularly on the days that swimming is funds are released. scheduled. We have replaced the glass for the doors in the OHSC building as it has come to our attention that they did not BRIDGES RENEWAL PROGRAM FUNDING APPLICATION: contain safety glass. Advice has been received that Croydon was not successful with our submission for the upgrading of Belmore Creek on Guilford Rates Levy: Property rates for January to June have been Road and Esmeralda Creek on Richmond Road. The Federal issued. Payments received before 13 April receive a prompt Government committed $114M in round one of this program, payment discount. and committed a total of $300M over five years from 2014/2015. These projects will be resubmitted in future rounds to upgrade Animal Registrations: Renewal letters have been sent to all this site which would greatly benefit nearby properties. dog owners in town who have previously registered their pets with Council. If you did not receive a letter registration forms are WATER SUPPLY: Investigations into the problem that has been available at the front counter. occurring with the water treatment plant associated with the media in the filter chambers resulted in the outcome that the ……………………………………………………………………………… filter media has to be renewed. This work has to be undertaken in a short term so the water treatment plant operates trouble free and continues to provide quality water. One filter cell has been done immediately and the other 5 will be carried out as soon as FROM THE CROYDON SHIRE it can be arranged in the program. ENGINEERS DESK WATER TESTING EXCEEDENCE: There was an exceedance Ray Kirkman of the guidelines in one of our tests for routine water quality. This has been overcome almost straight away by changes to the CROYDON ENGINEERING Water Treatment Plant and water quality now complies with all requirements. It will continue to be monitored to provide high TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS quality drinking water. WORKS: Road Maintenance Performance Contract work for the Department of ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY: An investigation into Transport and Main Roads carried out was providing an alternative water supply to obtain water for heavy shoulder grading on the Croydon to Georgetown Road Croydon from already existing sources to provide ample water for the single lane bitumen sections. Slashing work on the supply for Croydon even during the driest circumstances so shoulders is being carried out as part of our RMPC maintenance water restrictions can be lifted and would not need to be applied contract also. Line marking around town has been arranged for in the future. Test pumping of bores at the southern side of after Easter as the earliest date we could obtain. Croydon towards the Hospital has been carried out. At this point it seems that connecting Butterfly North Pit will be the best SHIRE ROADS: Croydon streets still have some work to be solution. done including on Pilbrow Street which will be sealed when the bitumen companies are next available. There is a small amount An expert specialist has been commissioned to prepare a of resealing yet to do which will be carried out the next time the detailed separate report related to this aspect in conjunction with bitumen companies are in town. a costed proposal for implementation of a third water supply option utilising water from Butterfly North Pit. Assessment and FLOOD DAMAGE: Flood damage for our only approved flood options for provision of irrigation water for town gardens and damage submissions for the 2014 event is to be carried out after recreation areas will also be included in this document. the wet season shutdown. This funding is our only significant source of work will not be a major project in terms of funds. It BUILDING: Four additional cabins are currently being installed will be carried out over the 2 years allowed for the restoration. in the caravan park to increase our ability to cater for tourists Approximately half will be this financial year and half next and travellers.

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Council meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month commencing at 9.30am in the boardroom at the Council To obtain a copy of Council’s public notices and information, Chambers, 63 Samwell Street, Croydon. Meetings are open to including Croydon’s Bush Telegraph, email the public and meeting agendas and minutes are available on [email protected] to be added to the distribution list. Council’s website www.croydon.qld.gov.au ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………

Croydon Shire Council’s website – www.croydon.qld.gov.au You can find information on tenders, Council Meeting Agenda & Thursday 16 April 2015 Minutes, fees & charges, policies & reports, positions vacant, Thursday 21 May 2015 land for sale, OSHC programs, public notices & community Thursday 18 June 2015 services, animals, emergency services and much more. Thursday 16 July 2015

Thursday 20 August 2015 ……………………………………………………………………………… Thursday 17 September 2015 Thursday 15 October 2015 Thursday 19 November 2015 Thursday 17 December 2015 If you have any new items for our newsletter please email to [email protected] Items will be approved at Council’s ……………………………………………………………………………… discretion.

If you would like to advertise in our newsletter advertising rates are: ¼ page $12.00 per issue Mayor Trevor Pickering ½ page $18.00 per issue Mobile: 0409 456 235 Full page $24.00 per issue Fax: (07) 4745 6147 Email: [email protected] ………………………………………………………………………………

Deputy Mayor Michelle Martin Ph: (07) 4745 6154 A/H Mobile: 0429 456 154 A/H Email: [email protected] The Rates Levy for the period 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2015 Councillor John Pickering has been processed. Rates notices have been posted out, Ph: (07) 4745 6203 please note the due date for payment is 13 April 2015. Mobile: 0427 456 203 Email: [email protected] If you have any queries or did not receive your rate notice please contact Council on (07) 4748 7100.

Councillor Peter Kennedy ……………………………………………………………………………… Ph: (07) 4745 6280 Mobile: 0427 072 748 Email: [email protected]

Councillor Kim Gaynor If you require information on roads, road conditions and road Ph: (07) 4745 3536 closures please use the Main Roads website Mobile: 0409 913 150 www.131940.qld.gov.au This website is real time information Email: [email protected] and is updated locally.

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ANIMAL REGISTRATIONS 2015

Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, all Open: Tuesday and Friday 9am to 2pm cats and dogs must be registered with Council (this excludes working dogs on rural land as defined below). Council Appointments are preferred maintains a register of cats and dogs and a Regulated Dog database. The Croydon QGAP Office will be closed from 21 to 24 April 2015 due to staff training Registration Fees apply for a calendar year and are currently set at:  $85.00 per whole dog/cat QGAP Services are also available at:  $25.00 per desexed dog/cat (Veterinary Certificate to QGAP Georgetown Phone: 4062 1204 be provided) QGAP Normanton Phone: 4745 1177

Up to two (2) dogs can be kept on premises within the town area, Croydon QGAP above which requires a permit. There is no current limit on the 63 Samwell Street, Croydon QLD 4871 number of cats which may be kept. Ph (07) 4748 7101 Fax (07) 4745 6147 Email [email protected] Permit fee for keeping of more than two (2) dogs is $40.00 per additional dog.

Animals not under effective control can be seized and impounded. A person must pay a daily pound fee as well as a ……………………………………………………………………………… release fee.

Breaches of the Act carry regulatory penalties, penalty units are set by the State Government and are currently valued at $113.85. Breaches include unregistered dog or cat, dog or cat without registration tag, dog or cat wandering at large, dog Library Hours - The Library is open Monday to Friday 8.30am attacking or worrying another person or an animal. The to 4.30pm. maximum fine for dog attack is currently $34,155 with the maximum fine for an unregistered dog is currently $2,277 Library membership is free – join today.

Important Note on Working Dogs: The Library also has The Courier Mail, The Weekend Post and Working dogs which meet the definition under the Act are not The Post (daily) newspapers available to read. required to be registered. A working dog means a dog usually kept or proposed to be kept on rural land by an owner who is a primary producer, or a person engaged or employed by a primary producer primarily for the purpose of: Broadband for Seniors Internet Kiosk is located at the Croydon  droving, protecting, tending, or working, stock; or Library, Samwell Street Croydon and is available during opening  being trained in droving, protecting, tending, or working, hours. stock. It does not include a class of dog prescribed under a regulation. YOUR LIBRARY ONLINE The Rural Libraries Queensland online catalogue is available to Registration Forms can be obtained from Council’s all members of the Croydon Library. You can now get access Administration Office or downloaded from Council’s to over a quarter of a million books, music, movies and more just website www.croydon.qld.gov.au by using your library membership card online anytime.

If you require any further information, please contact As a library member you will be able to search the collection, Croydon Shire Council’s Local Laws Officer Ronnie Willmot reserve a title, renew your loans and view a list of items you on 4748 7100 or 0419 613 243. currently have on loan. There are also a number of free online resources available to you.

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To get started you will need your library membership number Public nuisance – threatening $341 and a PIN. These can be obtained by visiting the Croydon behaviour Library during opening hours or by contacting the Library on 4748 7130. Public nuisance – threatening $683 behaviour – in/near licensed premises Croydon Library Phone: 4748 7130 Email: [email protected] Public nuisance – violent $341 behaviour

Public nuisance – violent $683 behaviour – in/near licensed premises

Public nuisance – language only $113

Public nuisance – language only – $341 in/near licensed premises

Public urination $113

Public urination – in/near licensed $227 premises

Fail to leave premises immediately $569 when required by an authorised Unfortunately there have recently been several incidents at the person Club Hotel requiring my attendance. Due to these indiscretions by the minority of patrons I will now be taking a zero tolerance Enter or attempt to enter premises approach to poor behaviour in and around the hotel. when refused entry $569

Bar staff and management are obligated to monitor patron Disorderly on licenced premises Notice to appear at court, behaviour and ensure the supply of alcohol adheres to their maximum 25 penalty units responsible service of alcohol requirements. If a member of staff believes you have had too much to drink and that you are On a more positive note I would like to congratulate Tony, unduly intoxicated, they are required to stop serving you and Leonie, and Aidan FOLEY for their quick action in extinguishing may ask you to leave. If you become abusive and/or aggressive a kitchen fire at a local residence earlier this month. If not for towards staff you will be asked to leave the premises, I will be their quick thinking I have no doubt the fire would have taken contacted and you will more than likely be banned from the hold and more than likely destroyed the residence, possibly premises for a period of time. causing injury or worse to the occupant. Their actions are indicative of the country spirit of helping out your mate. Below I will list an example of some of the enforcement options available to me. This list is by no means exhaustive: In an emergency, call ripple zero (000) – For Police, Fire, Ambulance Offence Penalty When should you call triple zero (000)

Public nuisance – disorderly $341 - If a crime is happening now. behaviour - When a life is threatened. - When the event is time critical, for example a fire Public nuisance – disorderly $683 behaviour – in/near licensed premises Not an emergency call Policelink 131444

Public nuisance – offensive $341 behaviour

Roland LAWRENCE Public nuisance – offensive $683 Acting Sergeant behaviour – in/near licensed Croydon Police Station premises

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thing. These all go hand in glove of course with respect, honesty, openness vulnerability and so on. So there you have it; the “healthy relationship recipe” This is an oversimplification obviously but these are the essential by Crispian Jones elements.

I don't know anyone who signs up into a relationship and actually wants to sign up into what could become a living hell. Sadly it is the living hell that I see so often in my work and that is as true out here in the bush as it is “in

town”. It is the lack of the above-mentioned ‘recipe’ that I have been asked recently about the type of work I am creates the toxic environment that I often see. It is this doing out here in the bush and ‘is it different to the work framework that is lacking in a high percentage of you are doing in Cairns’? relationships, hence the stress and martial discord that I am seeing i.e. ‘the living hell, in this area of my work. Since I am now into my 12th month of working in the Etheridge and Croydon shires I am in a good position to Someone recently said to me, “It’s the environment, answer that. Co-incidentally I did a radio interview last stupid”. In other words the place within which we live week on the issues of relationship counselling as the (both our internal space ie our heads/thoughts, and/or Government has released $1.6 Million for relationship the external space ie the station, the home or the office), counselling in the bush. This was timely, as I am actually can either work for us or against us and this is dependent doing a lot of relationship counselling in my work out on how we respond to those environments. The obvious here. The drought and accompanying stressors are way to resolve martial conflict or deal with stress and widening the cracks in those relationships that may have depression and anxiety is to change the environment, already been under stress and in general people have not either the internal environment, the external had the skill sets required to get things into a different environment or if needed, both. Imagine a fishpond: space (I also do a lot of other work including but not green, fetid, slimy, not oxygenated. In other words it is a limited to areas such as: stress, anxiety, depression, sick, toxic, environment. This pond has a fish in it that is weight issues, smoking cessation, self esteem, grief, somehow, barely surviving, as one would expect (feel like PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder), phobias, insomnia, you?). Take that fish and put it into a mediation and so on) so I thought to do a short article on brand new fresh clean pond with some aspects of relationships. waterfalls, flowing water and a good quality food source, how is that fish likely Loving, happy, healthy relationships are firstly about to respond? Well obviously it will respond favourably to having your partner’s needs at the centre of the the change in its environment, and will become healthy. relationship and doing what you can to meet those needs Take the then healthy fish and put it back onto its old in the other person. Bearing in mind it is not possible for pond and yes, it will become sick again. So, the point? one person to meet ALL of another’s needs and it is important for people to have interests outside the To regain health once lost or even to gain it perhaps for relationship, but the core needs that bind us together the first time, is possible given the right environment and need to be met within the relationship. It is the satisfying in this case the right skill and mind set. That is what I can of these core needs that make a relationship work. help people to do in terms of the relationship work that I do …i.e. to get out of the toxic pond, go In general the basic core needs include: emotional, over to the new one and learn the skills physical, social and security needs (belonging and required to stay there. We humans are companionship), spiritual, intimacy and sexual very “plastic” i.e. adaptable and can readily fulfilment. If those needs are met within a relationship learn new skills if we want to. We don't and are supported by good communication skills, anger have to settle for second best in relationships. If you management skills, conflict resolutions skills, ‘fighting learn to become skilled and comfortable with the fair skills, and good assertion skills you will have a great essential skills set I mentioned above, it is very possible foundation for making a relationship a truly beautiful to transform oneself and the relationship. Remember it

Croydon’s Bush Telegraph – Edition 1: February 2015 7 takes two people to make a relationship work and two you it does not mean you are crazy or have a problem. I people to destroy it and the only way to change another am just seeking to make a contact visit and even if you person’s behaviour is to change your own. We get so are OK you may know someone else who would value a bogged down in our perception and visit. This has happened and people have been asserting that how we see things is how they appreciative. are and “why don't you just agree with me and it will all be ok”, that we forget that our ‘internal So nuff said… I look forward to catching up with you. map’ i.e. the way we see things, is just that OUR PERCEPTION and may not be the only legitimate way to Cris - Seachange Psychology 07 4041 4147. see things! Space does not permit me to elucidate more on that here, but sufficeth to say it is important to have the notion of “first seek to understand before being 8/61 McLeod St, Cairns understood” as an underlying mantra in all of our relationships.

So why am I prattling on about relationships? Well as I ……………………………………………………………………………… said it is a significant part of my work in the bush in addition as I said above helping people with a host of others issues so I thought to put a few ideas out on paper…

On another matter: My current contract has 3 months to run and I have started to work on having it renewed for Article by Lorraine Wellby at least another 12 months. I am really enjoying the Pictures courtesy of “Buck Yeah Photography” work, and feedback from those with whom I am working, The long haul from North Queensland to Tamworth for the is that there is good being achieved through what I am recent 2015 Australian High School Rodeo Finals has paid off offering which is by the way, a free service to your front for Braydon Wellby and Cowgirl Katrina Hickey. “gate”. Braydon and Katrina have shown growing up in Georgetown Qld hasn’t not stopped them from reaching the stars with both I am very aware however, that I have not been able to competitors recently winning the prestige Australian High get to as many stations as I would like, as a lot of my work School All Round Cowboy and Australian High School All Round now, is following up with those folk with whom I have Cowgirl titles. made contact and who need the ongoing support. I am making the odd cold call when I might be driving past a A season of hard work and dedication has paid off for the duo station that is not too far off the main drag in the hope where they contested throughout the year to gain points of a short ‘meet and greet’ cuppa and to qualify for the Australian High School Rodeo Finals in introduction before moving on to my ‘set’ Tamworth. appointment. This has a about a 50% success rate as sometimes people are out Braydon qualified for 5 events at the finals, Bull ride, Saddle mustering or fencing or playing around Bronc, Bareback, and Rope and Tie while with pumps and bores and the like and are not home Katrina qualified for 3 events, , Barrel race when I call in. The model of service delivery that I am and . using out here is a little different to that in my clinic in The finals were contested over three rounds. Cairns. There, people who need or want support ring in and make an appointment. Out here, I am making the Katrina was super consistent in the breakaway to be the only calls mostly, and offering to drop in at girl to rope all her calves. She won 2 rounds and second in least for a coffee and a chat. If you another round. In the Pole Bending, Katrina and her horse Pee would like me to call in please do call Wee showed unison with great runs for a win and a 3rd. In the me on 0402 289577 or email Barrel Race Katrina placed 4th in two rounds. [email protected] and I will put you into my schedule. I will also be doing more cold phone calls as a way of introducing myself. When I call

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Braydon showed determination and how talented he is with 2 They will both form part of the Australian Rodeo High School wins in the bull ride and rope and tie, placing in every round in team and will travel over to compete and represent at the Bareback and third in a round of steer wrestling. the National High School Rodeo Finals in July at Rock Springs, Wyoming. The National High School Finals rodeo is the Overall these two competitors showed determination, passion ‘’World’s Largest Rodeo,’ featuring approximately 1500 and commitment throughout the three rounds. With points contestants from across the United States, Canada and gained at the finals and points gained throughout the year Australia. Athletes vie for national titles, assorted prizes and Braydon and Katrina were awarded prestige buckles. their share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships.

Katrina won the Australian High School All Round Cowgirl, Australian High School Rookie All Round Cowgirl and the ……………………………………………………………………………… Australian High School Breakaway champion and Runner up Australian High Pole Bending Champion.

WHEN: Every Wednesday TIME: 6:30pm WHERE: Croydon Recreational Grounds

First Wednesday of each month is BBQ – BYO Food No experience needed, no costs so come on down for some fun!!!! ………………………………………………………………………………

All Shire residents are invited to join in on a fun, social Braydon won for the second year running, the Australian High community initiative that promotes health and wellbeing. School All Round Cowboy, Australian High School Champion, Runner up Australian High School Rope and Tie The group will meet at 5.30pm every Tuesday at the Matron Champion and Runner up Australian High School Bareback Morrow Hall (aerobics DVD) and every Thursday at the Croydon Champion. Swimming Pool (water aerobics). Open to all ages and abilities.

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Croydon Heritage Hangover

We recently received a request for information about Yankee Frank Lucas and his mate William “Greasy Bill” Beakem from Jim McManus, Cooktown Historian.

The discussion is below…

Jim McManus One of the colourful characters that roamed the Cape York Peninsula, the and elsewhere, Yankee Frank

Lucas, a hard case American, who fought in the American Civil The next step for these two talented competitors is that they War died at Croydon in 1888 and is buried there. Frank was one have qualified to represent Australia in the sport of Rodeo. of the first to prospect that dry, difficult Woolgar country. The tales of Yankee Frank and his mate William "Greasy Bill"

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Beakem are legion. You could not open a history book on the Does anyone know anything about Yankee Frank early days pertaining to the North and not find some mention of Lucas? Any passed down stories? He could have been Yankee Frank and greasy Bill. I was surprised when last in buried at the Old Cemetery or the new Croydon Croydon to discover that know-one had heard of him. He was Cemetery. He could have been buried in one of the the son of a Benjamin Lucas. However, I thought that someone others. We don’t have much to go by. in your historical town would be interested. (There would not be many locations in Australia that held the remains of a veteran of the American Civil War --- If this was the USA there would be a Jana Kahabka memorial!) Kindest wishes, Jim McJannett (Historian, Manager Heritage Culture and Tourism Cooktown) Croydon True Blue Visitor Information Centre PS Would you be so very kind as to offer me is grave plot Ph (07) 4748 7152 number? I would like to take a photograph the next time I visit Croydon. Thank you. ………………………………………………………………………………

Jana FOR SALE Our Burial Register for the Croydon Cemetery, gazetted in 1889, At the True Blue Visitor Information Centre starts in 1889 to 2007. Any burials before then were not By Hans Pehl, Blacksmith Artist recorded, to our knowledge. The field started in 1886 and it was 6 different Parrots to choose from a tent city with lots of deaths from one thing or another. $400 each Apparently the hearses passed each other on the way back and forth from the township to the cemetery. The ‘old cemetery’ was the original one but was abandoned early in the piece. We recently ran a cemetery restoration project here using a GPR and GPR grave reader from Sydney University to identify unmarked graves. While GPRing the Old Cemetery we discovered that it was abandoned because it consisted of massive horizontal sandstone beds and the graves had to be blasted into the beds. There are very few grave markers there, in fact the remaining ones are predominantly Asian, and no known register.

While GPRing the present cemetery we marked many graves that are unmarked with pickets and surveyed them. We have no 4 April 2015 information on them other than that they are there. Drought Breaker Event – Croydon Rodeo Grounds

We do have many Lucas residents in the Genealogy Database, 5 April Gulf-Savannah Parish Easter Service 12.00 noon many of whom have Chinese connections, but there is no evidence of Yankee Frank in their records. There are no 23 – 24 April 2015 Beakems at all. Mustering Your Inner Resources

Jim 25 April 2015 Frank Lucas was certainly buried at Croydon where he died in ANZAC Day Commemoration Service 1888. I have his death registration. 11 – 17 May 2015 Jana Croydon Heritage Week Celebrations It is a pity about the records but you never know they might turn 19 May 2015 up one day. I really don’t think the settlement here was ready for Artour ‘Squaring the Wheel’ RADF Program records when the field first opened. It exploded as gold fields do. A lawless, disease ridden place full of drunks (no water for 3 June 2015 drinking and no sanitation). It was dry as it still is and when it Queensland Week Celebration – Colonial Picnic Golden Gate rained it was torrential. 19 – 21 June 2015 Jim Croydon Poddy Dodges Festival As to William Beakem he was beheaded and eaten in British New Guinea in1890. 22 June 2015 Special Holiday for Croydon Shire

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OPENING TIMES 2014-15 SWIMMING SEASON

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed Closed 6am to 8am 6am to 8am 6am to 8am 10am to 1pm 10am to 1pm

9.30am to 11am 9.30am to 11am 9.30am to 11am 2pm to 6.30pm 2pm to 6.30pm

2.30pm to 6.30pm 2.30pm to 6.30pm 2.30pm to 6.30pm

Free Entry

Children under 10 years will be refused entry unless under the active supervision of a person 16 years or older (this does not include the lifeguard).

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If you have any questions or require more information about activities please contact the Lifeguard on Duty on 0448 456 025

CROYDON SHIRE COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THE POOL AT ANY TIME FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS

Croydon Shire Council Ph (07) 4748 7100 PO Box 17 Fax (07) 4745 6147 Croydon QLD 4871 Email [email protected]

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What’s been happening with Croydon Carneys….

Early last year Mayor Trevor was given $5000 by the Department of Local Government and Community Resilience to run a game of cricket but because the dry times had most people hard at work, we had to hold it over til this year.

Croydon Carneys travelled to Georgetown to play the Joes early in February. Etheridge Shire Council had the oval in tip top condition and the Croydon boys were impressed considering we grew up playing on khaki and goat head burrs up there. The game got underway with Captain Mark Owens winning the toss and sending the Joes into bat. Things were going well with a couple of early wickets to Mark but the arrival at the crease of the Bethel boys, Willy and Jake, seen us chasing 228. Carneys started well but had the top order collapse. It wasn't until Karl Douglas and Marcus Harries steadied the ship that we looked in the game, but with Karl retiring on 50 and Marcus’s dismissal the tail could not hang on and all were out for 157. Mark Owens, Ray Douglas, Cody Harries, Dean Chaplain were standout players. On the bus with Aunty Corrie we headed back to Incredible Croydon.

On the 23 of February the Joes returned to Croydon to visit the sand ridge, home of the mighty Croydon Carneys, it is a ground that has seen the demise of many a great team and is sacred to the Carneys. As much as we lifted our game the Joes lifted theirs even more with the inclusion of a couple of very good players. The Bethel boys fired again along with TJ Whitaker and Mulley Ryan to have us chasing 258, a bridge to far for such an inexperienced team. Mark Owens, Ray Douglas, Cody Harries and Mayor Trevor bowled well. Carneys opened there account with Ray Douglas and the Mayor facing some of the most hostile fast bowling seen in years at the sand ridge from Jake Bethel. The Mayor fought his way to drinks but was dismissed soon after on 19. All the boys put in with the bat but Mark Owens, Ikie, CJ and the Mayor were the standouts. Carneys could only manage 147runs.

One week later the Normanton Railway Bulls travelled to incredible Croydon for the sand ridge challenge. Carneys boys were hell bent on success at home. Cody Harries, Lee Maunder, Dean Chaplain and Ray Douglas trained the house down during that week but we had injuries to a couple of the young fellows so a late call up to Bill Needham from Bellfield Station was on. This proved a master stroke with the Mayor gone for 1, Ray Douglas and Bill set about destroying the Bulls attack. It took a great catch to see Bill on his way to the shed for 32 but Ray went even harder with a timely 64 backed up by Steve Adam 32, Mark Owens 42 and with the rest of the boys putting in to get us to 204. Captain Mark Owens opened the bowling in the best possible way removing the dangerous Selwyn Tucker with the very first ball of their innings soon to be followed by a second and third. The Mayor chipped in with a vital wicket of their number 3 batsman who was brilliantly stumped by Ray Douglas, Cody Harries, Lee Maunder and Darren Owens with some brilliant fielding. Slips catching from Bill Needham backed Mark Owens to a historic win by some 50 runs.

On the following Saturday it was on the bus and down to Normanton where injuries saw Croydon a couple of players short, luckily we had just enough. Croydon won the toss and Mark wasted no time in saying - we’ll bat. Ray Douglas and Steve Adam opened the batting and were under pressure from the first ball. Stevie was the first to go for 4 triggering a top order collapse but the little master was in the form of his life and counter attacked strongly which seen a quick fire 79 runs while Dean Chaplain held one end up for personal best of 43 and 46 from Brenton Murray got Carneys to 195. Carneys started good with the ball and were well on top with all the boys chipping in with wickets and some outstanding fielding from Lee Maunder and Stevie but the combination of the heat and some questionable umpiring seen the Railway Bulls claim the game with 2 balls to spare.

It was a great end to the Cricket season and we can only hope for the same action again next year. I know Carneys will be looking forward to Cricket in 2016.

I would like to thank all the people who made this possible. Croydon Carneys would like to say a special thanks to Croydon Shire Council, especially the gardeners and all who looked after the oval.

On another note I would like to make mention of the other activities that Carneys have happening at present and throughout 2015.

Currently there is a Cricket Bat Raffle, Easter Egg Raffle and $100 board. If you would like to buy some tickets they are for sale at the shops around town or you can call Rebecca on 0428142557 or Leonie on 0448456235.

Carneys are currently running a punters club and footy tipping competition, notices were put out earlier in the year and it is too late to join for 2015 but keep it in mind for 2016. The punters club attracted 14 punters which consist of 2 people betting

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$70 between them each week. The Footy tipping competition has 19 participants, with 1st 2nd and 3rd places looking at sharing $988. Good Luck to everyone involved in punting and tipping.

Carneys have their own facebook page which you can join and keep up to date with all the latest info and activities – Croydon Carneys Sports Club Inc.

The State of Origin will be on the door step before you know it, with the mighty battle between maroon and blue. Carneys are currently looking for donations towards the Goose Club Raffle which will be drawn on the 3rd State of Origin game night. If you would like to donate anything please contact Rebecca or Leonie. We have had some great prizes in previous years and hope this year is just as great. Carneys will also be hosting the 3 State of Origin game nights at the recreation grounds with food and drinks on sale. Come and watch the Origin on the Big Screen. Show us your colours - QLD vs NSW. Game 1 – Wednesday 27 May 2015 Game 2 – Wednesday 17 June 2015 Game 3 – Wednesday 8 July 2015

Don’t forget about Cup. Watch this space. Carneys will be holding the annual Calcutta and more will be advertised closer to the date.

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CROYDON’S HERITAGE

Croydon has 15 State Heritage Registered Places. That’s a lot for a small place like Croydon, but reflective of the number of outstanding heritage locations that remain from the days of the gold strike that lasted from the end of 1885 to 1915 – about 30 years. The one they thought would last forever.

The strike waned in the early 1900’s and all able bodied men, Croydon’s mining workforce, left for the war in 1914 - mostly for the money and for chance and adventure. Most didn’t come back at all and of those that did not many came back to Croydon.

When the strike was over people left Croydon in droves. The population fell from thousands overnight to a couple of hundred. Some businessmen tried to keep the town and the gold alive. Along with the businesses the jobs and the financial support of generous businessmen for hospitals and entertainment and welfare in general disappeared.

Most of the buildings were removed – three of our pubs are at Normanton and a church at Georgetown and there are Croydon pubs all over the countryside purchased as Station houses. When there were shortages of corrugated iron, especially at war times, the buildings that were not in use were pulled apart and the iron was loaded onto the train to Normanton and shipped down south. No-one could sell the houses and many were rented for the cost of the rates to the Council. As the old places collapsed from storm and termite damage and neglect, they were dismantled and taken to the dump. Government buildings were moved elsewhere.

There are Croydon street lights in Brisbane and Cairns and no doubt in places closer than that. Some of Croydon’s objects, machinery and buildings were taken to the Herberton historic village. Some were stopped and had to be returned as they are the property of the State and Croydon’s Council and Community.

Amazingly, people still live in some of the original houses that were built as early as 1886. The remaining civic buildings and places of high importance were registered by the Council and the National Trust with the State Government.

The Council worked with State Government to bring our unique collection of steam machinery into town for its protection and conservation. Lots of our heritage objects, the things that tell the story of us, have been taken and sold by collectors for personal gain.

Careful management of our remaining heritage collections means that we can attract a healthy tourism industry. If we didn’t have such a lovely town, rich in heritage, it would be pretty dead all year round instead of just in the hot seasons. Our streets would be empty, our businesses would flounder and it would be harder to live here than it is now. Tourism attracts funding not otherwise available and when the wet season fails and there is less roads work it is essential for a town like this to have something to make people stop and stay here for a few days.

CROYDON’S STATE HERITAGE REGISTERED PLACES

Heritage Precinct Buildings  Court House (former), Samwell Street CROYDON  Croydon Shire Hall, Samwell Street CROYDON  Croydon Police Precinct – Station and Residence, Samwell Street CROYDON

Community Places  Chinese Temple and Settlement Site, Off Gulf Development Road CROYDON  Matron Morrow Hall (Former Croydon SES Building), Sircom Street CROYDON

Four (4) Cemeteries  Croydon Cemetery, Julia Creek Road CROYDON  Station Creek Cemetery, Normanton Road CROYDON  Old Croydon Cemetery, West of the railway station CROYDON  Tabletop Cemetery, Tabletop Road CROYDON

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Croydon Railway Assets  Croydon Station, Normanton to Croydon Railway, Helen Street CROYDON  Normanton to Croydon Railway Line - Normanton to Croydon, CROYDON

Mining Complexes  Golden Gate Mining and Town Complex, Normanton (Gulf Development) Road CROYDON  Content Mine, Gulf Developmental Road CROYDON  Richmond Mine, 10 kilometres east of Croydon and about 1 kilometre north of Gulf Development Road near town CROYDON  Homeward Bound Battery and Dam, property known as ‘The Maid’, Croydon

CROYDON’S LOCAL HERITAGE REGISTERED PLACES  Iguana Consols Mine Site, off the northern end of Sircom Street CROYDON  Croydon Streetlamps, Samwell Street CROYDON  Datum Tree, at the intersection of Brown and Alldridge Streets CROYDON  Bridge Abutments, Samwell Street CROYDON  Bridge Abutments, Brown Street CROYDON  Sandstone Kerbing in Samwell, Sircom, Brown and Alldridge Streets CROYDON

WATCH this space for information about all of these valuable Heritage places.

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