d027e753317df49ba5ad7ffb14cc67a6
About Contact
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Menu
Fassifern Guardian
Peak Crossing State School 150th anniversary celebrations

Staff Writers

Douglas James of the Ugarapul People led a Traditional Acknowledgement Ceremony called a Dugarbool Ceremony to open the formal portion of the day. Peak Crossing students of indigenous heritage assisted in the ceremony.

Veteran and Vintage vehicles were arrayed in a display of gleaming paintwork in the schoolgrounds including Rolls Royces, Volvos and a model of the well-remembered Datsun 120Y. But the Grande Dame was a 1910 Maxwell Model AA .

The former Limestone Ridges State School building.

Former pupil Mrs Val Ashton (nee Valma Forsyth).

School Principal Andrew Cummings and Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause with the painting of the former Peak Crossing school house and buildings. Milbong artist, the late Frank Love had presented the painting to former Principal Peter Hadfield (1983-1985). In turn, the painting has now been donated to the school and will be a feature on the wall of the school’s Administration building.

A replica of the original World War I Honour Board was presented to the school. The original Honour Board was unveiled by Member for Fassifern, Ernest Bell on December 5, 1919 on the occasion of the school’s annual picnic. For many years the Board hung on a wall at the school, but was taken down while the school was being painted and stored under a building. Unfortunately, time and termites took their toll and the remnants were retrieved with the intention of replicating the board. The pieces were given to the RSL who contacted a suitable restorer who, unfortunately, passed away before the job could be commenced. It took two years before the pieces were located and returned to the community. Several Peak Crossing artisans did construct an exact replica of the original Board using old photographs and local knowledge. This Board was presented to the School community at the School’s 125th celebrations in 1996 but was lost in a school fire in 2004. This year, Kevin Ahearn, Steve and Melinda van der Westen and Mark and Shelly Richards worked together to construct another replica. The Board honours the 51 men of the district, 38 of whom had attended the Peak Crossing School, who served during World War I. At the 150th celebrations, Peak Crossing Hall Secretary Lyle Winks (centre) unveiled the new Board, which was dedicated by Jim Brown (left) who travelled from Mackay for the event. Mr Brown, Padre with the Mackay RSL, had dedicated the 1996 Board. Also part of the dedication was Trevor Forsyth (right).

A train was just one of the activities on offer.

The anniversary cake.

The stallholders were well patronised by the 1,500 who visited.

Leading the way in the school and leading the way in the fundraising department was School Principal, Andrew Cummings, who, dressed in a sunflower costume, volunteered for the dunking tank.

Part of the Milbong and District Classic Tractor Club display.

Teacher Robin Rees braved a water dunking for a good cause.

Pony rides were among the most popular activities.

Queensland Police Pipes & Drums band performing.

SCENIC RIM - On Saturday, September 4, more than 1,500 people helped celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Peak Crossing State School.

Also included in the marking of the significant milestone were former pupils of the Limestone Ridges State School, which operated for almost 90 years before it was closed in 1974.

There were many highlights during the day and these were comprehensively covered in our edition on Wednesday (September 8).

The coverage also included a number of photos to add to the illustrations on this page.

Photos LYLE RADFORD

Latest stories
Media

Clarion win for Guardian journalist

FASSIFERN Guardian journalist Brian Bennion has won a top Queensland award for his reporting on development around the former Deebing Creek Aboriginal Mission.

Staff Writers
24 Oct 2023
Media

Premier backs ‘absolutely vital’ regional newspapers

QUEENSLAND Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has described regional newspapers as “absolutely vital” and the “lifeblood of their communities” in a speech delivered to open the Queensland Country Press Association annual conference.

Staff Writers
31 May 2023
Media

Guardian recognised for excellence in journalism

FASSIFERN Guardian journalist Brian Bennion took out the top journalist award for the second year running at the QCPA Newspaper Excellence Awards at a gala event in Brisbane on Friday.

Staff Writers
31 May 2023
Media

Government ‘obsessed’ with digital reach

A THREE-year Australian Research Council project has debunked commentary that newspapers are dying.

Brian Bennion
28 Mar 2023