Ravenshoe School History

After many years of research, the folk of Ravenshoe have finally seen the impressive centenary book on the history of the Ravenshoe State School completed.  The book entitled 'Ravenshoe State School P-12 Centenary 1912-2012' was launched recently, although some four years late, for the school's centenary celebrations.  Many past students have added accounts of their experiences at the school and the book is well illustrated with many hundreds of photographs.  This large 218 page volume also briefly mentions the many smaller schools of that local district where the local children did their early schooling.  The book is a credit to the dedication of the many people who worked over a number of years on the project to bring this detailed history to the public, particularly Mrs Starr West.  At times Mrs West didn't think it would ever get finish but it came together in the end and is now a great addition to the recorded history of the tablelands. Congratulations to all those involved in this project.

Douglas Shire Historical Society

At the Society's September meeting held at the Port Douglas CWA rooms, Peter Lloyd spoke about the historic steam tram 'Faugh-a-Ballagh'.  Peter has teamed up with the Port Douglas Men's Shed to undertake some restoration of the old engine, with paint kindly supplied by Bunnings.  The 'Diggers of Douglas' project continues with filming of the descendents' memories of their World War One soldies relatives.  Alan Crees, Marveen Hodgson and Bob Korotcoff have been filmed by Mike Stent and these interviews will soon be added to the touch screen presentation units on display at the Court House Museum and the Mossman Library.  Some history of the road transport of sugar from Mossman to the Cairns Wharf was covered by John White at the August meeting along with some Francis family history by Jocelyn White.  The Society held a very successful history walk through the Mossman Cemetery recently on a beautiful sunny afternoon.  About fifty people listened to Mossman Librarian, Judy Coulthard as she told stories about some of the people remembered there.  The group has already had requests to organise another walk which they will consider in the near future.  Recently the Society was very fortunate to have a visit from the local Shire Council and was able to show the Mayor and all the Councillors around the Museum and Dixie's Shed.  It's wonderful to know they are so interested in the community's heritage.  Members are reminded that the next meeting will be held on the new date of the 10th October at the Mossman Community Centre with Laurie Taylor as the guest speaker.

Innisfail District Historical Society

Some of the Society's members and friends had a great day out on the recent bus trip to Cairns which was organised by the Sugar Heritage Centre to see the Anzac Experience.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and the exhibition was well worth viewing.  It was great to see the Society's trench periscope from World War One which was lent to the organisers to add some local content into the display along with all the other great exhibits.  The group had a social event by celebrating a 'Christmas in July' at Richies Cafe at South Johnstone (old Gee Kee building) and what a great time was had.  All in all, it was a wonderful evening and meal.  Another recent event was the Society's display in the No.1 Pavilion at the Innisfail Show.  It was wet, cold and admissions were down but it was still a quite good Show.  The stall sold quite a few copies of the new South Johnstone Memories book, plus other publications so it was worthwhile being there.  To all those people chasing the Memories book, please email the Society on idhs1234@gmail.com and they will arrange to get a copy to you.  But the big event for the Society was the recent centenary day at South Johnstone and what an evening it was.  A record crowd turned up for the town history walk and to hear the stories of old South Johnstone town.  Many thanks to the great story tellers who brought to life some of the events and people who gave South Johnstone such an interesting history.  Thanks also to the local Policeman and Ambulance who added to the colour - and what would it have been without the sugar locos trundling in and out of the mill.  Such atmosphere.  Thanks also goes to the South Johnstone State School committee who provided refreshments after the walk and to top it all, it didn't rain.  The Society also had a successful launch of their photographic collection book 'Memories of South Johnstone'.  For those who missed out on this fun event, it is hoped to hold a Cemetery Walk there some time in October.  So put that in your diary and come along and meet some of the ghostly past.  And for all those interested people who have responded to the page for local sporting heroes - thank you for your input.  If you are in Innisfail, please call by and see the window display which has lots of photos of Innisfail's sportmen and Women and the group would be grateful to receive more names and would love photos.