The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Inc
Members Only - Australian Geography Competition Question Pack Mailout
Location: RGSQ Level 1, 28 Fortescue Street, Spring Hill Qld 4000.
Dates: Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 March 2019 Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm each day
Event Description:
Members' assistance is requested to help with the mailout of the Australian Geography Competition Information Packs and teacher reminder letters. This mailout requires labels to be stuck on large envelopes and a few items placed in the envelopes.
Australian Geography Competition Information Packs are sent to all Australian high schools.
RGSQ Lecture Series
By Matthew Wengert
History knows it as the ‘Spanish Flu’––the world’s deadliest pandemic of infectious disease, killing more people in a year than the two world wars combined.
Australian governments called it Pneumonic Influenza (PnuFlu). It was our nation’s worst natural disaster, leaving more than 12000 dead in a few months––but the epidemic also caused massive social and economic chaos as it travelled through the country, from cities to towns, along highways and down every street, and into nearly every house. Never before or since has any emergency brought such intense and pervasive government control of most aspects of daily life. PnuFlu regulations governed many basic interactions and movements––closing down mass entertainments, suspending public transport, and even forcing churches to shut their doors to prevent people infecting each other.
Matthew's talk will discuss the movement of the epidemic as it spread north and west of Brisbane, and use several examples of the impact of the disease on population centres throughout the State (including the islands of the Torres Straits, among the last places on Earth to suffer that 'Flu' pandemic).
Matthew Wengert is an independent curator and professional historian who has lived in Brisbane since the 1980s. Following his BA (Hons) in Media Studies at Griffith University he worked there as a researcher and tutor for close to ten years, while also researching for ABC and SBS documentaries. He attained an MA (Writing, Editing and Publishing) from University of Queensland in 2014. His main research interests are the violent history of Queensland's colonial frontier and the medical history of epidemics. He has worked closely with Cherbourg's Ration Shed Museum for several years as a curator and manager of Indigenous art projects (and he is a passionate collector of Queensland Indigenous art). Matthew was the 2018 recipient of the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Helen Taylor Research Award and author of the recently published book, ‘City in Masks.’
'City in Masks' documents Brisbane's dramatic exposure to the world's deadliest pandemic - the 'Spanish Flu' - in 1919. This influenza epidemic was Australia's worst natural disaster, and led to severe and widespread disruption to everyday life for the entire population. 'City in Masks' tracks the emergency as the disease moved across the city, carrying illness and death into every suburb - and bringing out surprising stories of heroism and humanity wherever it went.
Map Group Event
Aim of tour/ visit:
This is the second visit Map Group will make to the QSA. The visit will concentrate on early historic maps of Queensland - e.g. explorer's maps/charts of Queensland, early land settlement maps, early town maps.
Lunch:
Bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee available.
QSA has imposed a limit of 12 attendees. Map Group will accept 10 registrations and 5 reserve reservations, just in case the limit is relaxed. As part of this Registration process, members are asked that those who went to State Archives in 2016, allow other Map Group members to go in March, 2019 (i.e. those who have not been to State Archives before).
Information:
Bob Abnett email: abnett@powerup.com.au Telephone: (07) 3820-2621 0412-135-794
Map - Queensland State Archives
Treks & Activities Event
A bus trip to examine the impact of the new airport runway on the natural wetland environment of Nudgee beach and Nundah Creek? Guided tour of the the new Brisbane Airport Runway by the BAC Community Engagement Officer, including the new Dryandra Road underpass, a vital piece of the infrastructure for Brisbane’s new runway system.
Lunch (main meal, coffee/tea and cake) at DFO and chance to shop.
Bus pickup and return Eagle Junction: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Coordinator: Jeanette Lamont
Map Group Presentation & Gathering
Presenter Background:
Peter Griggs is a geography lecturer and lectured at JCU for many years, prior to semi-retirement. He is still doing part-time geography lecturing, whilst being an active member of RGSQ. Peter was a member of RGSQ back in the 1980s and wrote a History of the RGSQ from inception to the mid-1980s and this is still the definitive history of the RGSQ to this day.
Topic Overview:
The Presentation will include issues such as:
⦁ What was mapped (e.g. electoral districts, towns, railway routes)
⦁ Who was mapping (not only government)
⦁ The commencement of cadastral mapping
⦁ The challenges faced making maps in an era when lithography still used
limestone stones.
Location Map
Nataleen Kilburn, St Laurence's College Urban Farm coordinator will introduce the College's Urban Farm.
Further details will be upload soon, SO WATCH THIS SPACE!
If you cannot wait, the following is a story about the College's Urban Farm:
http://www.westendmagazine.com/urban-farm/
This activity begins at Lowood in the Lockyer Valley. Attendees to self drive and meet outside at 10 Patrick Street Lowood for a 10am start.
Pete’s Hobby Nursery is a well-established small nursery specialising in shrubs, trees and plants, including rare and endangered species. (For sale at reasonable prices!). We will have a cuppa while Pete explains his philosophy and nursery and he will also take us on a short easy walk to the adjacent Brisbane Valley Rail Trail where he has planted 5500 species along the old rail track. Much more information is at https://www.peteshobbynursery.com.au
We will have lunch locally (at own cost). Details to come. In the afternoon, we will do an optional self-guided walk around Lowood Township using the Lowood Heritage Trail Walking Guide which will be provided to participants.
Cost: $10 members and $15 non-members by 8th April (includes tips to Pete for the cuppa!) Register early as this event is limited to 20 people.
Directions: From Brisbane, take the Warrego Highway and turn off at the Brisbane Valley Highway towards Fernvale. Approach Lowood either through Glamorganvale or Fernvale. From Toowoomba take the Warrego Highway and turn off at Plainland towards Lowood. (Allow approx. 75 minutes from both places). From Walters Street in Lowood, turn right on to James Street, first left on to Pryde Street and first right on to Patrick Street.
Google Maps for Pete's Hobby Nursery
Coordinator: Chris Spriggs
The museum has a range of permanent displays about the Quandamooka people, convict history, shipwrecks and maritime history, the story of sandmining on the Island, as well as lots of photos of the old fishing shacks, boats and buses that helped kick off the tourism industry on Straddie. As well as this they will provide us access to their small but interesting map collection. The visit includes morning tea.
Transport Note/Meeting Point:Members to meet at the Water Taxi Terminal (Stradbroke Ferries), 12 Emmett Drive Cleveland, QLD 4163 at 8.40am. Ferry departs at 8:55am. Visitors to purchase own ferry tickets.
Lunch will be at the Island Fruit Barn, a short walk from the museum.
Return to the Mainland:
Return water taxi to Cleveland. Members may choose to stay longer on Stradbroke Island and catch a later water taxi back to Cleveland. Water Taxis depart at 1:25pm, 2:25pm, 3:55pm, 4:55pm.
Map Stradbroke Ferries Cleveland
Map - North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
This walk in the O`Reilly`s area of Lamington National Park will be approximately 10kms but there are places that people many leave if they do not want to go that far.
We will walk down the Wishing Tree track, along the upper reach of Morans Creek, along a 4WD road to a lookout area and have morning tea here.
From here we follow the Morans Falls graded track uphill to meet the road. There are a few steps here also a good view of the Falls. Then out to Python Rock with good views. From here we will if the group, or some of the group, wish to continue on a trail to the fabulous West Cliff for lunch. After this back to O`Reilly`s for coffee at the cafe.
Must take : A small backpack with rain jacket, small first aid kit, torch (although you shouldn`t need it !) something warm to wear and morning tea, lunch and 1/12 – 2 L water. Sturdy shoes/boots must be worn as the ground is rough. Don`t forget sun and insect protection and a hat. A walking stick may be useful.
Meeting: We will meet in Canungra opposite the Post Office at 8.00 a.m. at the Canungra Hub Cafe. This cafe opens at 6.00 a.m.so you may like to come early for breakfast or coffee.
Map of Meeting Place
Important: When registering please give your phone/mobile number, suburb and whether you are prepared to drive as we will arrange car pooling where possible.
Coordinator: Mary Comer
Keith Treschman is a Science Teacher and has taught Science in secondary schools for over 40 years. He has a passion for Astronomy and has written curriculum materials on this topic for teachers. His PhD is on “Astronomical Tests of General Relativity”. He is responsible for the installation of an observatory at Brisbane Girls Grammar School - this is at its outdoor centre near Gympie. In this facility are 4 telescopes, 3 of which are operated by the students robotically from their computers.
Earth has latitude defined from the equator, longitude based on Greenwich and height referred to sea level. How is this done on Mars? What are the features on this planet?
Come spend a day with us exploring the wonders of the Cobb & Co Museum in Toowoomba
Where: 27 Lindsay St Toowoomba
When: 10:00am Wednesday 5th June 2019
Cost: Members $30.00; Non-members $35.00
(includes concessional entry and sandwich platter lunch, excluding drinks)
Transport: Own transport
Parking: Free Parking is available behind the museum off Lindsay Street.
Details: Cobb and Co Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and houses the National Carriage Collection and focuses on horse-drawn vehicles and heritage trades. The museum conducts courses in many of the disappearing arts and trades and mounts exhibits on a wide array of topics as well as holding The Lost Trades Fair. This link provides an introduction to the many facets of the museum. https://cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au/
The day visit will start with members and guests arriving at the museum by their own means to enjoy morning tea (own cost) at the Cobb’s Coffee Shop, located in the Museum building.
At 10:30am a guided tour of the Museum will be conducted by the Curator, Mr Geoff Powell (subject to his availability), or an experienced volunteer guide, followed by lunch in the café at 12:30pm.
Following lunch, members and guests are welcome to explore the many exhibits and displays on their own until 2:00pm when the Curator or his guest speaker will present the monthly Curator Conversations on a topic which at this stage remains a secret.
Following the Curator Conversation members and guests are welcome to explore more of the beautiful city of Toowoomba or make their own way home.
Limit: 20 participants
Co-ordinators: Wayne Mackenzie 0414 432 476 (before the event until 28th May). Kevin Teys or the office after 28 May 2019.
RGSQ Traveller Discovery Tours
more details here. . .
If you are not ready to make a booking for this trip, which requires payment of a deposit, you may register your interest while you consider your options. We will let you know any further developments or changes which may help you in deciding to join this amazing journey.
There is no obligation in registering your interest and you can cancel at any time.
Map Group visits own library at RGSQ headquarters - exploration and explanations by Map Group Members Peter Nunan, Peter Lloyd and Jim Graham. The presenters will delve into the unusual, rare and bazaar maps and books in our collection.
Lunch at the International Hotel, 525 Boundary Street Spring Hill. Good meals at a reasonable price are available.
Trek Leader: Ian Stehbens
INTRODUCTION:
The Upper Yabba is a very special place. Bold landscapes such as that of Baiyambora Gorge, or the gorge down the Kingaham, are charged with majesty and serendipity. To this one must add the rich diversity of other places that have real artistic appeal. Then there are the variable weather events that generate changing moods and atmosphere.
The first people, the Baiyambora clan, who belonged to the Kabi Kabi nation, hosted major bunya feasts in this top catchment, and as their western neighbours belonged to the Waka Waka nation, they were significant cultural events because of the social and linguistic interactions that took place.
It is also a very special place for geomorphologists and paleo-zoologists, for the top catchments of both the Yabba and the Kingaham formerly drained northwest to the Burnett system. Through stream capture both headwaters now drain towards the Mary, having to descend through their gorges to do so. The Yabba plunges over Yabba Falls - the Kingaham drops down the back steps over a diverse series of smaller waterfalls. It is thought that this stream capture may have contributed to the fact that the Australian lungfish (Ceratodus mullerii) and the Mary River cod, although derived from the inland rivers of the Murray-Darling system, are now also residents of the Mary.
What is special to a geomorphologist is not always special to a geologist, for they have very different interests and perspectives. However, this area is also a very intriguing place, geologically. It is part of the geological entity known as the North D’Aguilar Block, probably the most complex area of southern Queensland. Geographers will arrive with diverse perspectives: landscape aesthetics, access conflicts, visitor growth, refugia for wildlife in the face of climate change, connectivity and protection of ecosystems, 3-D drone imaging, hunger for adventure… This area will not disappoint.
FITNESS
The weekend is appropriate for people with good bushwalking fitness and endurance, though a range of fitness levels can be catered for by some tailoring of the program:
1. easy but rough walk to top of Yabba Falls and Weaner Rock;
2. moderate challenge due to length of slopes gives access into Upper Yabba country and into Gates of Yabba and Baiyambora Gorge;
3. Challenging hike (9km return with 300m descent and return ascent) into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest
Walking will be on unformed tracks through open grazing country including grasses and timbered country, and over rock surfaces. There is no current infrastructure (e.g. paths, safety fences), so caution must be exercised especially in rock locations and cliff areas. Comfortable and sturdy shoes should be worn while walking, and a hat and sunscreen and water are imperative.
LOCATION:
People need to assemble at Borumba Deer Park, 1133 Yabba Creek Road, Imbil by 7.30am on the Saturday morning and again on the Sunday morning. This trek will involve two days, returning to Imbil on both days.
Access to the field site from Imbil requires a 4WD vehicle, so we will be carpooling for those who do not have a 4WD. Please advise if you have a 4WD and are prepared to help transport participants from Borumba Deer Park and back on each day.
SATURDAY 20th, 7.30am RETURN DAY HIKE: Good Fitness required
To enter into the Baiyambora Gorge is to enter into majesty! There is much to discover and wonderful landscapes to assess. There will be opportunity for meditation, and the privilege of entering awesome places will be appreciated. The main hike is challenging, but safe. It is a 9km day hike. The descent is 300m down a spur then following the creek and gorge upstream into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest.
SATURDAY 20th, 7.30am ADVENTURE OPTION: THROUGH HIKE including optional Abseiling descents
The experience of standing beside Top Pool looking up at the plunging falls is unforgettable. To explore The Showerroom is a must. To stand above Gate of Heaven and look down to the second bottom of the gorge is awesome. To do science down there measuring gbh of towering hoop pines, or recording fungi, is important research.
Optional Abseiling Opportunity for up to 5 people only Abseiling will be provided by qualified abseiling guides (Climbing Guides Australia). There will be two descents each between 40 and 60 metres. Those doing abseiling must be prepared to walk out from the base of the falls along a creek bed. This is about a 4km walk, ascending 300m, although alternative steeper ascents are possible.
Optional Abseiling Cost:
Abseiling Cost: $180 each (GST Incl), includes insurance for this activity.
Pre-booking and prior payment essential for this option.
SUNDAY 21st, 7.30am YABBA FALLS
Yabba Falls: Described by the custodians of Conondale Conservation as “Booloomba on steroids!”, Yabba Falls is our primary destination today. It will be a gentler day than the previous one. The falls will be viewed from the plateau, looking down into the gorge from different vantage points above Top Plunge, through Eye of the Needle, from Superb Corner Lookout and Weaner Rock. Opportunities for plant identification, or field sketching, drone photography, or unravelling the structural geology enigmas.
Registration for entire Trek: $25 includes a BBQ (food and non-alcoholic drinks) on Friday Meet and Greet, and Saturday evening. Paid registration by Wednesday 10 July 2019. RGSQ Members only.
Accommodation Choices:
Staying at Imbil in your choice of accommodation, which you arrange yourself. All of the following are suitable and convenient:
B&B's There are Bed and Breakfasts and quality accommodation options in and around Imbil. Three of the best are:
Statement by one of the 2018 trekkers, Oxana Repina:
"We sat with feet dangling over 150 m of air and shadows, sunlight pouring down into pools of water at the top and breaking onto rocks below. It wasn’t like anywhere else I’d seen in Queensland. Boulders jumbled far below – tens of feet in size, looking like little pebbles. Deep green pools perched in grey stone. It was gorge country, easily as spectacular as the waterfalls of New England or the canyons of the Blue Mountains – places protected by great tracts of national park, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. It was a place that just as much deserved to be seen; just as much deserved to be shown in photographs in landscape galleries, just as much should have been a part of the culture of this area.
"No one knew of this gorge here, and no one ever came. It seemed like a glaring oversight, like someone had made a mistake when they drew in the boundaries of national parks just nearby, and had put them just a little too far over, not realising what they missed including. Like somehow in the relentless press of spreading settlement and exploration and recreation, in their haste to get to the Sunshine Coast, people missed this set of valleys here. It was hard to say if it was bad luck or good. It was the sort of place that didn’t deserve steel viewing platforms and boardwalk tracks and warning signs pasted all over. The magic was in its wildness, solitude and quiet expansiveness. It was the sort of place that you wanted to explore by being a part of it. By climbing barefoot over the rocks; by going over the edge with a rope and helmet. Seeing it from all angles because it couldn’t fit into a single glance (or a hundred). We were told if this waterfall, Yabba Falls, were to be described in a single word, that word would be majestic. That was true. In the next valley over, the word was serendipitous. That was also true. There was a second river here, the Kingaham – equally little-known; equally incredible. It traced the boundary between two geologies, and so cavorted between every different sort of form that could be taken, something new around every corner. Both places echoed of longing for respect, and left a powerful impression." Oxana Repina
Neil Simson is a Town Planner. He started his career as a consulting Town Planner to the mid-1990s, before working as the Town Planner for Beaudesert Shire until the late 2000s, then moving onto a far larger local government area (population and urbanisation wise), in Logan City and worked there until 2017. Neil was the chief drafter of Beaudesert Shire’s planning scheme (2007) and he was heavily involved in the drafting of Logan City’s planning scheme (2015).
⦁ History of Town Planning in Logan City
⦁ Issues in Modern Mapping for Town Planners
⦁ What Mapping Tools are Displayed to the Public
People need to assemble at Borumba Deer Park, Yabba Creek Road, Imbil by 7.30am on the Saturday morning and again on the Sunday morning. This trek will involve two days, returning to Imbil on both days. Access to the field site from Imbil requires a 4WD vehicle, so we will be carpooling for those who do not have a 4WD. Please advise if you have a 4WD and are prepared to help transport participants from Borumba Deer Park and back on each day.
Assembly Point: Borumba Deer Park, 1133 Yabba Creek Road, Imbil
SATURDAY 10th, 7.30am BAIYAMBORA GORGE & YABBA FALLS To enter into the Baiyambora Gorge is to enter into majesty! There is much to discover and wonderful landscapes to assess. There will be opportunity for meditation, and the privilege of entering awesome places will be appreciated. The main hike is challenging, but safe. It is a 9km day hike. The descent is 300m down a spur then following the creek and gorge upstream into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest.
SUNDAY 11th, 7.30am KINGAHAM GORGE FIELD DAY
Today the bushwalking will take us into another environment with different geology, landforms including a series of waterfalls, pools and puzzles: Two Step Falls, The Ballroom Pool, Ochre Falls, Broken Mirror Falls, Masons Quarry, Broken Femur Falls, The Greenstone Crater. Serendipity might be the essence of the day. Opportunities abound for landscape aesthetics assessment, landform recording, vegetation identification, photography and drone imaging (if you bring your drone).
Only moderate fitness required for this day, which can be tailored for your level of agility.
Registration for entire Trek: $25 includes a BBQ (food and non-alcoholic drinks) on Friday Meet and Greet, and Saturday evening. Paid registration by Wednesday 10 July 2019.
Statement by one of the 2018 Trekkers, Oxana Repina:
"No one knew of this gorge here, and no one ever came. It seemed like a glaring oversight, like someone had made a mistake when they drew in the boundaries of national parks just nearby, and had put them just a little too far over, not realising what they missed including. Like somehow in the relentless press of spreading settlement and exploration and recreation, in their haste to get to the Sunshine Coast, people missed this set of valleys here. It was hard to say if it was bad luck or good.
It was the sort of place that didn’t deserve steel viewing platforms and boardwalk tracks and warning signs pasted all over. The magic was in its wildness, solitude and quiet expansiveness. It was the sort of place that you wanted to explore by being a part of it. By climbing barefoot over the rocks; by going over the edge with a rope and helmet. Seeing it from all angles because it couldn’t fit into a single glance (or a hundred)
.
We were told if this waterfall, Yabba Falls, were to be described in a single word, that word would be majestic. That was true. In the next valley over, the word was serendipitous. That was also true. There was a second river here, the Kingaham – equally little-known; equally incredible. It traced the boundary between two geologies, and so cavorted between every different sort of form that could be taken, something new around every corner.
Both places echoed of longing for respect, and left a powerful impression."
Oxana Repina
The visit will give visitors an insight into the Fryer Memorial Library of
Australian Literature which was founded in 1927 in honour of John Denis Fryer. It has a rich store of books, manuscripts, photographs, architectural drawings, oral histories and much more. This will be the second visit with the aim to see more historic maps of Queensland and Australia.
Pre Event Coffee:
Our group will meet at Merlo’s Café, Duhig Building, UQ St Lucia Campus,
Campbell Rd, St Lucia at 9:15-9:30am
Fryer Library Event:
Tour from 10:00 to 12:00pm
Post Event Lunch:
Approximately 12 noon at Wordsmiths Café Building 4, 2 Staff House Rd, St
Lucia (dependent on completion of Fryer Library visit)
Fryer Library Map
To gain a better understanding of the mapping history of the Darling Downs
and Toowoomba, one of the earliest settled areas in Queensland.
Possible Venues:
Negotiations are underway with a range of Venue Options including –
Toowoomba Regional Council (local history and historic maps); Toowoomba
Art Gallery (Bolton Reading Room); Airborne Insight (drone operating firm);
Australian Rail Track Corporation (inland rail project); Nexus Infrastructure
(second range crossing); Wagner's (Wellcamp Airport); Cobb & Co Museum
(historic transport and possible lunch venue for one of 5 days).
Accommodation:
TBA - Co-ordinator is looking into cabins with own cooking facilities, as a
cheaper option than eating out every night. A possible Cabin Park is within
a 15 minute walk of Toowoomba CBD.
Costs:
Each attendee will cover their own travel, meals and accommodation costs.
Aim of Visit/Tour:
To understand how and where aboriginal habitation occurred in a part of the
Brisbane Region prior to European Settlement. Ray Kerkhove, a well known
researcher of Aboriginal Camp Sites and Pathways within the Brisbane Region prior to and after European settlement will undertake the Tour of Kedron Brook, Nundah.
Tour Requirements:
A bit of walking - along the pathways to Shaw Park - so good shoes, hat, water etc.
Extra Tour Element:
Ray can offer an additional Tour to German Station Park and the Nundah (German) Cemetery located there - to explain the attack that took place here and the camp on this site (the Cemetery is itself worth seeing being a remnant of the original German Station). This Offer is reliant upon numbers willing to register for it. It may extend the overall Tour by a little.
Italian bistro Royal Hotel, 1259 Sandgate Road Nundah
Google Map of Meeting point
Celebration:
A fitting finale to an exciting year! Members are encouraged to bring along an item of geographical significance and share the interesting points of that item with the group.
Group members to bring a plate to share at the end of year celebration.
The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Inc Level 1/28 Fortescue St, Spring Hill Qld 4000Tel 07 3368 2066ABN 87 014 673 068info@rgsq.org.au
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