Adavale-Outback History South-Western Queensland in Adavale, Queensland, Australia | Arts and entertainment

Adavale-Outback History South-Western Queensland

Locality: Adavale, Queensland, Australia

Address: 1 ADA STREET 4474 Adavale, QLD, Australia

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11.02.2022 Does anyone have any information on the man pictured here? A Lady is trying to reconnect her father with him. The man's name is Vic Elliot.

08.02.2022 An old Bushman, a most audacious theft, an almost universal hatred of the squattocracy and a verdict that would shake the very corridors of power. Many of you would be familiar with the exploits of Harry Readford or Redford as he became known, when he devised a plan with the help of two accomplices, William Rooke and George Doudney to steal 1200 cattle from Bowen Downs Station near Aramac to the north of Adavale in early 1870 and drove them down the Cooper and into South Aust...Continue reading

07.02.2022 Just a bit of water around.

01.02.2022 Little old Adavale comes up trump's! Photo and info in comment section.

24.01.2022 The main building to the far left in the b&w photograph was the last of three structures which were of the Adavale hospital. The building to the far right of the picture was originally the Doctor's residence and became the nurse's quarters when Doctor's ceased being transferred to the town sometime in the 1930's I think. From then on, the hospital was run by a Matron or senior Nurse until its closure in the late 1960's when it then became a private residence. I am unsure as t...o exactly when the Nurses quarters became a private residence but I hazard a guess it was most probably in the 1930's. This building (colour photograph) is now the home of Adavale's newest business, 'The Elegant Emu Patisserie'. Picture sources: picture 1. State Library of Queensland. Picture 2. Cathy Murray 2021.

23.01.2022 Hi folks, my family spent the early part of the 20th century out around Charleville, Eromanga way. Their first property was Oakleigh at Middle Creek near Char...leville, then they developed Corowa Downs near Eromanga and finally Wahgunya near Adavale. I had my father write the family history. Is this of interest to any on this page? See more

21.01.2022 On this day 37 years ago, twelve men boarded a Beech 200 Super King Air VT - KTE Aircraft at Windorah airport, taking off at 9:27pm bound for Toowoomba. At Adavale, 200 km east of Windorah, an evening tennis tournament under electric lights powered by a portable generator had concluded and the participants were attending a barbecue. At approximately 9:44pm a noise resembling thunder was heard. The night was clear and there was immediate speculation concerning the noise. The ...power generator was turned off to assist with hearing and a few seconds later, another unusual sound was heard as of a heavy vehicle crash towards the south in the direction of the Adavale - Quilpie red road. A ground fire was then seen in the area. The Adavale Police Officer was called up and a number of persons in several vehicles departed to investigate the fire. The fire itself was brief but after searching for some time, the fuselage of the Beech 200 Super King Air Aircraft was found in the light of a newly risen moon 3.5 km from Adavale. There were no survivors. On board the doomed flight were 10 field crew from an oil drilling rig near Windorah, the general manager of the drilling Company and the Pilot of the aircraft. The subsequent air crash investigation concluded that there were insufficient evidence to determine the circumstances and factors which led to the in-flight break up of the aircraft. In 1985, the Mother and Sister of one of the men travelled to the crash site and erected a stone memorial to the men. A short time later, local property owner David McCabe and Sen. Constable Phil Baker, at their own expense, gravelled and fenced the monument to protect it against damage from cattle. This tragedy that occurred on that fateful evening on the 28th August 1983 tore apart 12 families and traumatized this small outback community. This evening we remember them. Kenneth Robert Raby Moore aged 45 Pilot. Ronald Allen Strate aged 35. John William Duane aged 21. Allan Raymond Vidler aged 29. Rex Downman aged 32. Stephen John Kirwan aged 21. Peter Frederick Peck aged 39. Geoffrey James Anderson aged 22. Mark Anthony Samuels aged 33. Colin James O'Brien aged 50. Kenneth Harry Wetter aged 41. Stephen Buchanan aged 25. These adopted sons of Adavale are forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Sources: The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation. Historian Liz Cameron. Photos: Page Admin. Footnote, It is envisaged that another more personal memorial to these men will be added to the Adavale Community Hall pending consultation with the families involved. Contact: email [email protected]

21.01.2022 Crickey everyone it has certainly been hectic behind the scenes lately which is why posts here have been a little thin on the ground. I have been in contact with the copyright holder Max Ellis of Constance Jane Ellis' remarkable pioneer memoir 'I Seek Adventure' and things certainly look promising with regard to a possible reprint of this important historical document . I've had several emails from sources regarding enquiries of old Boondoon station to the near north of Ada...vale in the 1890's regarding a sad death of a blacksmith and a previously unknown connection between two prominent families well connected with this old district which will enrich and enhance our understanding of the pioneer heritage of the old Adavale district. This page works very closely with similarly historically themed pages such as Vintage Queensland, Lost Queensland etc. to share and promote historical images and information which is vital to preserve the disappering history of our past. The page, Growing up in Charleville is yet another rich resource of pictures and memories that connects us with the past and this is where I have found the following photographs which were posted by Michaelle Krause McDonald of which has been a rich and regular contributor to both Adavale and Charleville history. The first picture is of the Green Gate Hotel Adavale. When first licenced it was named as the "Green Gates Hotel" . The date of this picture is not known. Those with a keen eye and knowledge of vehicles may help with the dating of this picture. The second pic is of a news clip from 1974 when the pub/Store moved to the old hospital building after the original Green Gate Pub mysteriously burnt down in 1972. Cheers and thanks for reading, Craig Murray-admin.

21.01.2022 The old and (almost) forgotten historic cemetery at Langlo Crossing on the Charleville - Adavale road. Thankfully it has been fenced off in the last few years. All photo's courtesy Dave Kirk.

19.01.2022 I am looking for photos of my grandmother, Ethel Brooks who was born in 1896 in Adavale and grew up in Charleville and married my grandfather Charles Crust. He...r father was John Thomas (Jack) Brooks, a groom with Cobb & Co, and her step-mother was Rose Hannah Hansford. Her brothers and sisters were Edith (Crompton); Henry Brooks, Mary (Yeoman); Esther (Farquhar;) Jessie (Broomfield, Nicolls and Bromley); Jack Brooks and Jim Brooks. If anyone has any photos of Ethel or the Brooks family I would be very grateful. See more

18.01.2022 There are numerous historical and contemporary publications that detail the Great Shearers strike of 1891 with Stuart Svensen's book 'The Shearers War' first printed in 1989 with a revised edition printed in 2008, considered to be the definitive book on this subject. Well researched and written as it is I was disappointed with the lack of information regarding Adavale and her experience with the Shearers Troubles. Remote and less populous than her neighbour's to the north a...Continue reading

18.01.2022 Blackwater Creek at the outskirts of Adavale is now flooding and is closed to all traffic. If it’s flooded; forget it.

18.01.2022 With a growing back-log of incredible stories, history and pictures of this old part of Queensland and still with out a working PC, I am reduced to posting tidbits on an old tablet which is not ideal and incredibly frustrating but at least it is something I guess. I recently was posted some historical photos of numerous Stations, one of which, I have in my files, a very illuminating historical recollection of memories of Gumbardo Station, recorded in the early part of the twe...ntieth century. Gumbardo is located to the South-East of Adavale and is still a working property today. The two pictures presented here are of the old Gumbardo meat house, taken about 45 years apart. The first picture was taken in 1938. The man standing in the front of the picture was Barney Brassington. Barney's Great Grandparents, Samuel and Mary, founded the settlement of Augathella some years before in 1864. Barney's parents, George and Ada Brassington, first made their way to Adavale in about 1912 when George, took up a job on Milo Station after their home and belongings were destroyed by a fierce storm at Strachun's tank, a Cobb & Co change station on the Charleville to Adavale road. (The remnants of this tank can still be seen today if you look carefully). The story of the storm that forced this family from their home, penned by Author Col Brassington, is but another fascinating insight into life at that time that I hope to post sometime soon. The second picture is of the same meat house but taken in the early 1980's. I do not have a recent photograph of this structure but I assume that it is no longer standing, which is a mighty shame. Picture credits: Picture 1. Photographer unknown. Gumbardo Station Meat House 1938. (Presented to me by the current owner of Gumbardo, Rob Rennick). Picture 2. Gumbardo Station Meat House ca. 1983?. Sent to me via Susan Vetters.

15.01.2022 I have been thinking about this book over the last few days so it is rather ironic that today out of the blue, I received a message and an email from a relative of the Author and copyright holder of the book- I Seek Adventure by Constance Jane Ellis. For those unfamiliar with this book, it is an autobiographical account of pioneering experiences in Outback Queensland 1889 to 1904. Constance sailed alone from England to Brisbane in 1889 and almost immediately secured employmen...t as a Lady Companion to the wife of the owner of Kyabra station located between Adavale and Windorah. She provides a vivid picture of life in 19th century outback Queensland through the eyes of a young English woman and is therefore a remarkable, unique and important manuscript that was originally published because of it's intrinsic importance to our history and heritage. In this book she describes people, places and scenery on her journey from Brisbane to Charleville, Adavale, Thargomindah, Cunnamulla, St George, Surat, Moura and Mt Morgan in Central Queensland as well as many pastoral stations in between. This publication has been out of print for nigh on 40 years and is therefore extremely rare to find. Whilst I cannot pre empt what plans the copyright holder has for this publication, I am cautiously optimistic that there may be a possibility that this important document may once again be available on Australian bookshelves. I will keep you posted, cheers from your Page Admin, Craig Murray.

15.01.2022 Not sure which store this was, but it was the Fitz-Walter family that brought my grandfather to Queensland from his home town of Corowa!

14.01.2022 From Ally Petelski. This is my Great Great Grandfather John Strathbelly Richmond born in Maryborough 4 March 1862. His Parents John Richmond and Mary Cusack were married in Gayndah in 1856. John Snr had been transported to Port Jackson on the Ship James Pattison in 1837 at the aged of 17 for sheepstealing with his brother Robert. In 1846 he was granted leave to remain in the service of Masters Fawcett and Mayne at FairyMount station which later became Kyogle.

13.01.2022 This is John Strathbelly Richmond( my great great grandfather)whose gravestone is in Adavale( 4-3-1862 - 11-1-1914) I believe he and his family went out from Rockhampton to work on Milo Station near Adavale. He was a blacksmith. More history to come..... regards Ally Petelski (nee Willmot)

13.01.2022 The Green Gate Hotel Adavale in the mid to late 1950's in the days before it was lifted on higher stumps. This photograph is part of the Lines family collection of whom Sydney Lines was a GP in Quilpie 1955 - 1962.

12.01.2022 THE MIN MIN LIGHTS Although the Town of Boulia approx. 950 kms by road north-west of Adavale lays claim to be the home of the mysterious Min Min Lights, tales of this phenomenon abound throughout Western Queensland and Adavale is no exception. My own experience with these strange lights occurred around 1971. Two of my uncle's and I were travelling on the Quilpie road to Adavale one evening when the men in the front seat noticed what appeared to be headlights some distance beh...Continue reading

11.01.2022 Does anyone have any information on the man pictured here? A Lady is trying to reconnect her father with him. The man's name is Vic Elliot.

10.01.2022 I often receive enquiries from people from time to time asking for information on relatives who had some form of connection to this old part of Queensland's South-West, while I have more misses than hits, occasionally I am fortunate enough to have precious information on hand to help with an enquiry which in turn helps me piece together a story of their lives particularly those that are buried in the district. Recently a Lady named Shirley Contacted the page seeking informati...on on a relative that was previously unknown to her and revealed during a family history search. The person in question was an Aunt who died in infancy and was buried in the Adavale cemetery. After a short search I was able to locate the gravesite as well as a few photographs and some information on the property that Shirley's Grandfather worked on. Little Heather May Aldridge was born in Longreach on the 22nd of May 1923, the ninth child of what would be ten children to George and Alice Aldridge. Soon after, the family moved to Adavale where George had work as a fencer on Bulgroo Station to the west of Adavale. Little Heather May developed gastroenteritis and succumbed of asthenia (weakness) and heart failure aged just 10 months and eleven days. Her tombstone reads: In loving memory of "Baby" Heather May Aldridge Died April 2nd 1924 aged 10 months, eleven days. Precious Darling she has left us, left us, yes, for evermore. But we hope to meet our loved one, on that bright and happy shore. "Whiter than snow". Annual in memoriam notices were published in various newspapers right up to 1941. It is most likely that it was due to inconsolable grief that Shirley's Mother never spoke of her sister again. Pictures 1 & 2 Craig Murray. Pictures 2 & 3 source and description contained in photo.

08.01.2022 ADAVALE GOLD RUSH. There were two minor gold rushes in the old Adavale district, the first occurring around the turn of the 20th century. This rather tongue in cheek report of the second rush appeared in the Charleville Times November 1932.... "The Adavale district is at present the centre of a mild gold rush. Gold hunters swarmed over a portion of Stella Vale Station on Sunday the 6th inst. and many claims are now pegged. The owners of these claims follow quite a varied lot of occupations and are mostly from Charleville. Amongst them are Doctors, solicitors, shearing contractors, school teachers, post masters, station managers, selectors etc. The only occupation that does not appear to be represented is that of a miner. Car loads of specimens were taken back to Charleville and rumour has it that there is not a microscope to be bought in the town. This field will be remembered by old hands as having caused a rush years ago and the only colour obtained was imported. But colour was plentiful on Sunday last on the claim owners arms and faces, the sun being particularly severe on those who do not usually follow outdoor occupations. Based on the previous record of this 'field', the public would do well to investigate fully before launching out in expensive equipment. One claim holder being the born optimist has adopted the policy of "wait and see" and is camped on the spot." Picture: for illustrative purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.org Article was printed by the Charleville Times Friday 11th November 1932. Obtained via Trove nla.

08.01.2022 The former Elliot family home known locally as 'The Hut' located between the former Post Office and the Police station lay abandoned and derelict for many years before being bought by a group of Vietnam Veterans who made the building livable and was a base for rest and recreation for them and for the wider veteran community at the annual ANZAC Day ceremony in Adavale. This property was to be sold but due to the closure of the Alaric Station Veteran's retreat 100km north west... of Quilpie, Tony and his mates decided to donate both the hut and the two blocks to the registered non for profit Alaric Veteran's retreat with the property to be renamed 'The Adavale retreat'. They are awaiting delivery of 2 x 4 bedroom en-suite accommodation modules with the entire property to be refenced, rain water tanks installed, paths, large fire pit, kitchen and gardens with the old hut to be restored as a museum. There are also to be parking for a number of vans as well. Please share this good news story. Pictures and information courtesy of Tony Ey.

08.01.2022 Yes, some amazing stories are coming soon, in time for Christmas! This Photo, courtesy Quilpie Shire Council.

07.01.2022 An old Bushman, a most audacious theft, an almost universal hatred of the squattocracy and a verdict that would shake the very corridors of power. Many of you would be familiar with the exploits of Harry Readford or Redford as he became known, when he devised a plan with the help of two accomplices, William Rooke and George Doudney to steal 1200 cattle from Bowen Downs Station near Aramac to the north of Adavale in early 1870 and drove them down the Cooper and into South Aust...Continue reading

06.01.2022 A follower of this page is seeking help to identify the man in uniform. She thinks that it may be the man pictured third from left in the second picture as there seems to be a resemblance. 2nd picture was taken in Windorah which is around 217 kms west of Adavale. To me, the man in the uniform bares a striking resemblance to King George VI. Your thoughts? Photo source, the Hines family collection.

04.01.2022 Some new information has come to light regarding the tragic death of young George Geiger who was featured in last evenings post from descendent, Stewart Geiger. I’d like to correct the part of the story about my Great Uncle George. My late Father Bill Geiger and my Grandmother Constance Geiger told me that a visitor, maybe a family member from Brisbane way had come out to the JC and had brought shoes for the kids. During the day while wearing his shoes George wandered away ...far enough that he couldn’t find his way back. If he had not had shoes on he would never have gone so far because of the Burrs and Stoney ground. Hence, because we lived on remote stations I was only allowed to wear shoes if I was riding a horse or going to town. I also followed this tradition with my children. I was also told that they found little George’s body 2-3 days later and that he had died of exposure and that Dingos had chewed on his body after his passing. He is buried in the JC grave yard that I have visited many times. Another bit of history not mentioned above is that I have an Uncle buried on the sand dune at the old Curralle homestead site. He was born premature in summer and only lived for 2 days. Dad marked the grave site and took me to it in recent years before he passed away. Young George is seated on his mother's lap in the first photo. Picture, Hines family collection. Second picture, which I neglected to include in the original post is of the Costello boys with L - R. William (featured in the original story), followed by Thomas, John and Martin gathered at the rear of the Cosmopolitan Hotel Windorah. Picture, Mary Jensen (Costello) collection.

03.01.2022 A little known historical mail run, intriguing place names based on indigenous sites and an unsung pioneer of the west. The very earliest mail run in this old district began operating in 1876, four years before Adavale was surveyed and proclaimed and ran between *Thorgomindah and Tambo. The details of this service:...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Evening everyone, it appears that visitor post to this page are going awol for some reason. The security settings for this page are such that when one comes through, I as the sole admin receive a notification to view any post for approval before being allowed on the page. This measure is to prevent spam, scammers, those with malicious intent or inappropriate content from appearing on this page. Your posts to this page are getting through but before I can action them, they ar...e disappearing and try as I might I cannot retrieve them. Your historical contributions, photos, memories, family history and inquiries are always very welcome on this page so if anyone wishes to do so, I recommend you do this either clicking on the messenger icon below this pages profile picture or email to : [email protected] that way I can copy and paste your message to this page. Yours in History, Craig Murray Admin.

03.01.2022 I just happened to spot this on another page. Adavale in flood 1930. Photo source unknown.

01.01.2022 I have been sitting on this story for quite a few years now and as it turns out I'm glad that I did because out of the blue on another page, I spotted around four posts containing dozens of precious old photographs with many directly relating to people and places mentioned in this story. It is unfortunate that I have since found that these posts along with the precious historical photos have been deleted. But I did have the foresight to download some of these pictures when I ...Continue reading

25.12.2021 Little old Adavale comes up trump's! Photo and info in comment section.