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Cressbrook Station

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24.01.2022 CRESSBROOK & THE INTRODUCTION OF RED DEER TO QUEENSLAND On 30 September 2017, members of the community are invited to attend the unveiling of 'Norman', the bronze red deer stag sculpted by local artist Bodo Muche at the Somerset Regional Art Gallery - The Condensery by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland. His Excellency will be joined at the ceremony by Christopher McConnel of Cressbrook Station, in a testament to the 144-year history of t...Continue reading

22.01.2022 Victoria Chapel, Cressbrook Station | Photo: Sarah Chandler Photography

22.01.2022 Congratulations to Hayden & Paris on their recent wedding! Cressbrook Station hosted the newlyweds on their surprise wedding day for their wedding photos, taken by Tall Timber Studio. Hayden & Paris's wedding day was styled by Bebe's Country Weddings.

19.01.2022 Today, Caitlin McConnel had the pleasure of meeting Pinky Singh, the LNP - Liberal National Party Candidate for McConnel. The Brisbane Central electorate was re-named in honour of Caitlin’s great-great-great-grandmother, Mary McConnel, in 2017. Mary is the matriarch of the McConnel family at Cressbrook, and was responsible for establishing the first school in Queensland, and the Hospital for Sick Children in 1878 (now the Queensland Children’s Hospital). ... The McConnel family are grateful for Ms Singh’s interest in Mary McConnel’s legacy, which forms the foundation of healthcare and education for children in Queensland. Caitlin presented Ms Singh with a re-published copy of Mary’s memoirs, which detail the early history of the electorate and significant milestones in Mary’s life.

19.01.2022 Thank you to Indulge Magazine for featuring our 175th celebrations! Photography by Sarah Chandler & Lou Gilbert.

17.01.2022 The McConnel family would like to congratulate Jack Fogg for being announced as the 2017 Queensland Rural Ambassador Runner-Up at the 2017 Marsh Rural Ambassador State Final and Awards Presentation on Saturday! Jack is a proud member and contributor to the Toogoolawah Show Society and was the West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber representative for the awards. This is an exceptional achievement, and one befitting Jack's passion for, and dedication to, our local community and the agricultural industry. The McConnel family wish Jack all the very best in his new role.

15.01.2022 AUSTRALIA BY DESIGN On 22 July 2017, the Somerset Regional Art Gallery - The Condensery, featured on Australia by Design on Channel 10. Australia by Design gathers design, building and property leaders to judge the top 10 architectural statements for the year in each state and territory in Australia. The Somerset Regional Art Gallery - The Condensery was listed as number 8 in the top architectural statements for Queensland and is praised for its ability to overcome challenge...s associated with restoring existing buildings. Caitlin McConnel, member of Somerset Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee was honoured to join Brant Harris of PHAB Architects in promoting The Condensery on Australia by Design. The Cressbrook Condensed Milk Factory was originally built by Caitlin's great-great-grandfather, James Henry McConnel in 1898 and was sold to Nestles in 1907. In the early 1920's Nestles built the packing shed, which is the building that has been restored to what is now The Somerset Regional Art Gallery - The Condensery. The Condensery features in the link below from 4 minutes.

15.01.2022 179 YEARS AT CRESSBROOK Today, the McConnel family celebrate 179-years of settlement and custodianship at Cressbrook. Cressbrook is now run by fifth-generation descendant Christopher McConnel, with his wife Susan and their daughter Caitlin. Their home, the House at Cressbrook, is the oldest residence and third oldest building in Queensland, and they are the oldest identified family business in Queensland. ... In the words of Madge McConnel (nee Kent of Jondaryan), wife of second-generation owner of Cressbrook, James Henry McConnel, the story of Cressbrook would not be complete without reference to old friends, and employees whose memory we value, and whose descendants some of them are still with us or settled near us. Madge’s words continue to have relevance today, over 100-years on. Today, Christopher, Susan and Caitlin not only celebrate this historic milestone, but more importantly, it provides an opportunity for them to be grateful for, and to acknowledge the continued support of friends, family and members of the public who hold their story, and the history of agriculture and development in Australia, dear to their hearts.

14.01.2022 A great initiative by the Somerset Regional Council, drawing upon a significant event in our region and the McConnel family’s history.

13.01.2022 Last week, Caitlin McConnel represented the Future Farmers Network on the ABC’s 7.30 Report to celebrate and champion the role young people are playing in shaping the future of the agricultural industry. The Future Farmers Network is dedicated to providing opportunities and services to support the future of Australian agriculture by retaining young people in the agricultural industry. For more information about the FFN Community Survey, and to participate, visit the FFN Facebook page at the link above.

11.01.2022 THE McCONNEL FAMILY & THE RNA FOUNDATION Today, the RNA Foundation was launched at the 2017 Ekka High Tea Fundraiser by RNA President, Mr David Thomas. The RNAF has been established to aid agricultural heritage preservation, agricultural education and agricultural awareness and development. The inaugural fundraising project of the RNAF, with the Ekka High Tea Committee lead by Mrs Jane Thomas, is to raise funds for the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital School. Significantly,... the RNAF and its fundraising efforts for the LCCH School have a remarkable link to the McConnel family of Cressbrook. In 1877, Mary McConnel (matriarch of the McConnel family) used the first RNA branded Exhibition to raise funds to establish the Hospital for Sick Children (then the Royal Children’s Hospital and now the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital). In 2017 140-years later - her great-great-great-granddaughter, Caitlin McConnel has been appointed as a Director of the RNA Foundation. This is a significant and historic connection, and one which the McConnel family are proud to share. In memory of Mary’s legacy, and in aid of the work undertaken by the RNAF in supporting the LCCH School, the McConnel family are very proud be sponsoring the RNA Future Directions Committee 2017 Ekka Ball, in circumstances where profits from the Ekka Ball will go towards the RNA Foundation and its fundraising efforts for the LCCH School.

10.01.2022 CRESSBROOK & HIGHLIFE MAGAZINE At a time in our history when everything is so fleeting, so quickly overtaken by something new and different, it is so encouraging to find an enclave where the values of continuity hold sway. The McConnel family are honoured to be featured in the Autumn 2017 edition of Highlife Downs Living (online and in hard copy). The article, written by the immensely talented Jane Grieve, and with photos by Sarah Chandler and Lou Gilbert, provides a small ...insight into the early history of the family at Cressbrook and further details of the family's 175th anniversary celebrations held last year. The McConnel family would like to thank Highlife Downs Living Magazine and Jane Grieve for sharing Cressbrook's story.

10.01.2022 MARY McCONNEL & THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN Today marks 140-years since Mary McConnel established the first children’s hospital in Queensland (second in Australia to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne). It was on 11 March 1878 that the Hospital for Sick Children (then the Royal Children’s Hospital and now the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital) was officially opened. On 8 March 2018, Mary’s great-great-great-granddaughter, Caitlin McConnel, had the honour of speakin...g at the Children's Hospital Foundation International Women’s Day breakfast, where the Foundation officially launched the Mary McConnel Career Boost Program for Women in Paediatric Research. Caitlin spoke about Mary’s arrival in Australia, and her establishment of both the first school and first children’s hospital in Queensland; by sharing with guests parts of Mary’s personal memoirs; a re-published copy of which Caitlin and her parents, Christopher and Susan donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Mary McConnel Career Boost Program for Women in Paediatric Research, named in honour of Mary, is aimed achieving gender equality in paedeatric research. It will provide financial assistance and mentoring support for up to four outstanding female researchers to increase research delivery and dissemination. Caitlin, in her speech, thought that it was apt that the launch of the program was on International Women's Day, a day where the theme was Press for Progress. It was true to say that Mary herself pressed for progress, for the establishment of acceptable facilities for the nurturing of children, which remain irreplaceable assets to society. Caitlin was also of the view that, the program, which is pressing for progress in gender equality in paediatric research; embodies the very passions Mary held so dear to her heart, being that of education, children's health care and the underlying importance of, and respect for, the family unit. The McConnel family thank the Children’s Hospital Foundation, unreservedly, for honouring Mary McConnel in a way in which will ensure that her legacy will be cause for inspiration for modern women wanting to make their own contribution to the nurturing of children. Mary's final words, in her memoirs, were that her desire was for the children's hospital, an institution that she held so dear to her heart, would ever prosper. So it has, and so it will continue to due so, through the passion of those in paediatric research and all of those individuals involved with children's healthcare.

08.01.2022 Christopher and Susan McConnel were delighted to attend the Esk Club Hotel Heritage Branding Ceremony today as representatives of the McConnel family from Cressbrook. The Esk Club Hotel are recognising the rich agricultural history of our region, through showcasing the cattle and horse brands of some of the oldest families in the region. Prior to the separation of Queensland from New South Wales in 1859, and the establishment of the Queensland Brands Register, the McConnel ...family at Cressbrook only had a two-piece brand, namely MC. Upon the establishment of Queensland Brands Register in 1872, the McConnels moved to the compulsory three-piece brands, which are still used by the family today, namely MC0 and MC1. The family also have a registered symbol brand, being the pipe. Christopher, Susan and Caitlin McConnel would like to thank the Esk Club Hotel for their hospitality today, and for sharing another important part of our regions agricultural history.

08.01.2022 SUSAN McCONNEL & THE CONDENSERY Until 8 October 2017, Susan McConnel Art is holding an exhibition of her works with Bodo Muche Studio Foundry at the Somerset Regional Art Gallery - The Condensery. This exhibition is iconic, in its collection of pieces depicting Australia's rich agricultural history, including the history of the Somerset Region. ... Significantly, Susan's exhibition is being held 119 years since her husband's great-grandfather, James Henry McConnel established the Cressbrook Condensed Milk Factory in 1898. The building now known as The Condensery was originally a packing shed within Nestles configuration of structures at the factory and dates back around 100 years (circa 1920). Susan and her daughter, Caitlin McConnel are also proud to be on the Somerset Condensery Gallery Advisory Committee. Be sure to visit this remarkable exhibition before it's too late!

07.01.2022 On Saturday, Christopher McConnel of Cressbrook Station was honoured to represent the McConnel family at the unveiling of 'Norman', a bronze red deer stag sculpted by Bodo Muche, in honour of 144-years since the release of red deer on Cressbrook as a gift from Queen Victoria, for naming the State of Queensland in her honour. It was a tremendous event, and very fitting that Norman has a home at the Somerset Regional Art Gallery - The Condensery, being the site where James Henry McConnel built the first condensed milk factory in Australia in 1898. Norman is the first sculpture to be placed in the sculpture garden at the gallery, and represents a significant story in our region's history.

06.01.2022 A historic moment at Cressbrook today. We’re unloading the first ever external delivery of hay in our 179-years. We hope it’s not a sign of the season to come, especially given some of the (very welcome) rain we’ve had this week. We’ve traditionally grown and baled our own hay, but due to lack of rain fall in recent years, we’ve been strip grazing our lucerne instead. A very big thank you to ThriveAgri for the delivery.

06.01.2022 MARY McCONNEL & THE ELECTORATE OF 'McCONNEL' It is with overwhelming pride that we share with you an honour recently bestowed on the matriarch of the McConnel family in Australia, Mary McConnel by the Electoral Commission of Queensland. In its recent redistribution of the Queensland State electorates, the inner city electorate of Brisbane Central has been re-named ‘McConnel’ in recognition of Mary McConnel’s pioneering efforts in education and healthcare for children in Que...ensland. Born in 1824 in Scotland, Mary married David Cannon McConnel of Cressbrook and arrived in Moreton Bay aboard the ‘Chaseley’ in 1849 to begin life in a relatively unexplored country. Mary gave birth to eight children, two of which died in infancy. It was through her experiences in childbirth and knowledge of the lack of healthcare available for children at the time, that influenced her establishment of the first children’s hospital in Queensland, namely the Hospital for Sick Children in 1878 (later becoming the Royal Children’s Hospital and now the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital). Mary was also responsible for establishing a school at Cressbrook, which pre-dated any government-funded school in Queensland. Mary's accomplishments as we now celebrate them bare no indication of the difficulties associated with the age or enormity of the tasks. It was an uncomplicated and important time of development in this country. Through reflection by the McConnel family on their personal family records, it is obvious that Mary’s pillars of motivation and energy in her community and humanitarian work were driven by religious faith, high morals and respect. Mary was the quintessential caring, loving and religious matriarch, who cared deeply for people, but particularly for the young and disadvantaged; emanating almost entirely from the loss of her own children as infants and of those families of all classes with whom she lived and worked. The McConnel family are honoured that Mary’s educational and humanitarian legacy continues to be recognised some 107 years since her death and indeed, 168 years since she set foot on Brisbane soil at the tender age of 18 as a young bride. Christopher, Susan and Caitlin McConnel, and the extended McConnel family would like to thank the Electoral Commission of Queensland for this significant honour and are grateful that Mary’s accomplishments have been recognised in such a significant manner. For more information on the six other women honoured in the re-naming of Queensland electorates, visit: http://www.abc.net.au//seven-women-honoured-qld-ne/8301884

05.01.2022 The McConnel family of Cressbrook Station was very proud to sponsor Jack Fogg as the Toogoolawah Show Society's Rural Ambassador for 2017. Jack is a stalwart member of our local community, who has continually demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the future of our region and the agricultural industry. Jack was named the West Moreton Brisbane Vally Sub Chamber Rural Ambassador in July, and will represent the sub chamber at the 2017 Marsh Rural Ambassador State Final and Awards Presentation at the Ekka next week. The McConnel family wish Jack the very best of luck at the State Finals!

04.01.2022 This morning, Caitlin McConnel had the honour of being guest speaker at the Children's Hospital Foundation International Women’s Day breakfast, to celebrate and launch the 2020 Mary McConnel Career Boost Program for Women in Paediatric Research. The program is named in honour of Caitlin’s great-great-great-grandmother, who established the Hospital for Sick Children in Herston in 1878 (now the Queensland Children’s Hospital). Mary McConnel is not only the matriarch of the McC...onnel family, but also the matriarch of children’s education and health care in Queensland. Mary forged a path for equality for all, through the establishment of acceptable facilities for the nurturing of children, which remain irreplaceable assets in society today. It is that path, and her achievements that Caitlin, and her mother Susan McConnel, were immensely proud to celebrate today, 142-years later. It was also a privilege for Caitlin & Susan to meet and hear from some the remarkable women benefitting from the Mary McConnel Career Boost Program, and their mentors this morning, including Dr Alex De Young, Professor Sharon Mickan, Dr Natalie Bradford, Professor Elizabeth Coulson and Dr Laura Genovesi. Caitlin would like to thank Rosie Simpson and the Children’s Hospital Foundation for continuing to honour her great-great-great-grandmother in a way which will ensure that her legacy will be cause for inspiration for modern women wanting to make their own contribution to the nurturing of children. : Children’s Hospital Foundation

04.01.2022 On 29 October 2016, Christopher and Susan McConnel with their daughter, Caitlin McConnel held a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate 175 years of the McConnel family at Cressbrook. They are pictured here on the steps of the Victoria Chapel, Cressbrook. Christopher, Susan & Caitlin at Cressbrook are the oldest identified family business in Queensland and the third oldest in Australia. Photo: Sarah Chandler Photography

04.01.2022 The McConnel family would be delighted if you could join them, the Somerset Regional Council and the Condensery Advisory Committee this Saturday at the official naming of 'Norman' by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland at the Somerset Regional Art Gallery - the Condensery. The event is in celebration of 144-years since Red Deer were released on Cressbrook Station as a gift from Queen Victoria to the State of Queensland in 1873. Significantl...y, the release of the deer was 31-years prior to the establishment of the township of Toogoolawah. The event also includes an exhibition of works from Susan McConnel Art and Bodo Muche Studio Foundry, as well as students from the Toogoolawah State School. Notably, the Toogoolawah State School badge encapsulates the Red Deer stag, along with the McConnel family motto 'Victor in Arduis', which was donated to the school by Duncan McConnel in 1954 in honour of the Toogoolawah Jubilee. All community members are welcome to attend this celebration. See more

02.01.2022 In 2017, the Royal Queensland Show is celebrating 140 years (1877 - 2017). Significantly, six generations of the McConnel family of Cressbrook Station has had an association with the RNA or the Royal Queensland Show during its 140 year history. To celebrate this milestone, and to support the RNA in the promotion of its rich and diverse agricultural history, the McConnel family will have a small historical display at the Ekka this year. This display will include a medallion won by David Cannon McConnel (settler of Cressbrook) in 1877 | : @theekka

02.01.2022 Thank you Friends of Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Inc for sharing this beautiful image, and a little of our history. We’re loving the green grass, too!

02.01.2022 Thank you to the Queensland Country Life for sharing the McConnel family's historic milestone. Like all rural families, the Queensland Country Life has played a part in the life of the McConnel family at Cressbrook for generations, in sharing of rural news, as well as reporting on matters involving the McConnel family. Interestingly, at the Garden Party held on 29 October, the McConnel family shared an article written by the Queensland Country Life with guests, which was written to celebrate the family's centenary in 1941.