Emu Park and Nerimbera to host weekend of historical events

The history forum will be followed by a special Sunday service at St Christopher’s Chapel

Boat races off Fisherman's beach 1896 State Library of Qld

The community is invited to take part and learn more about the significance of Central Queensland’s past during a weekend of reflection and celebration.

Residents are being invited to attend the special event, CQ History Connection on Saturday, July 3 from 9am to 12pm at the Emu Park Cultural Hall, which aims to celebrate the amazing groups in Livingstone preserving the history of Central Queensland.

Event organiser and local author, Claire Ryan, said the event would include history displays, damper making, books and calendars on sale, music, dance and songs, a children’s corner, and the opportunity to chat with local history experts.

Bell Park Tug a War Diggers Picnic 1943 CQU History Archives

“This event is about connecting with people who are passionate about preserving and sharing the best of Central Queensland history,” Mrs Ryan said.

“There will be History VIPs in attendance, who are people with first -hand accounts of life events from the 1930s and 40s onwards, and their oral history interviews have helped produce a variety of historical memoirs in our CQ region.

“This CQ region’s history can bring all our generations together to enjoy their detective roles.

“During my history research for my books, Captain Cook and the Singing Ship and Bell Park Voices, I began to understand the importance of a sense of place in our daily lives, and I hope that everyone gets to share this experience.

“It’s a feeling of belonging that gives strength to our own self -belief and inspires confidence.”

Also taking place on Sunday 4 July at 2pm, local residents and visitors are invited to gather in Nerimbera to celebrate and remember the strong bonds of friendship forged between our region and US Forces during WWII.

The annual event is held at the picturesque location of St Christopher’s Chapel, built by the visiting US Army in 1943, which is the only structure of its kind still standing in Australia and was designated as a World Heritage site in 1992.

St Christophers Chapel ceremony 2019

Mayor Andy Ireland said this service gave the community the opportunity to reflect on the history of the chapel and those who were stationed in the region during WWII, and those soldiers who supported our country.

“Council is proud to have the chapel located within the shire, as the unique, rich historical story behind the construction of the chapel makes it a significant landmark,” Mayor Ireland said.

“When stationed within the area in WWII, the US Army (542 Engineers, Ship and Shore Battalion) began construction on what is now known as St Christopher’s Chapel, which provided recuperating soldiers with a place of solace, reflection, and worship.”

Councillor Pat Eastwood, portfolio holder of healthy and inclusive community said with military exercises like Talisman Sabre (training of US and Australian forces) still taking place biannually in the region, these Independence Day celebrations highlighted the importance of continuing the unity between the two forces.

“The ceremony commences at 2pm and I encourage people of all ages to join us help celebrate a significant part of both the shire and Rockhampton’s history,” Mr Eastwood said.

Young women relaxing on the beach at Emu Park 1920-1930John Oxley Archives State Library Qld

Livingstone Shire Council has accepted the trusteeship of the Chapel and strives to ensure maintenance and preservation for future generations, as it is an important and iconic part of Livingstone’s history.