SCHOOL LEADERS INDUCTED
It was a day of dual significance at Mount Morgan State High School as the students and parents gathered to honour the past and empower the future. The school officially marked its 114th Birthday, celebrating over a century of educational excellence atop the Golden Mount, while simultaneously inducting the student leaders who will steer the school through the 2026 academic year. Taking the helm as School Captains are Matilda Kenny and Justin Berry, who will lead a diverse and energetic student leadership team. They are supported by Makenzie Muskett, who steps into the vital role of Student Council Chair, providing a direct voice for the student body.The spirit of competition and school pride was also on full display as the new House Captains were announced - Kendall - Austin Janssen and Zachary Dobson; Paterson
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In a ceremony defined by community spirit and family pride, Mount Morgan Central State School officially inducted its student leaders for 2026 on Wednesday, 11 February.The morning was particularly poignant as the school invited parents and guardians to take centre stage. In a symbolic gesture of support, families had the honour of pinning the leadership badges onto their children’s uniforms, marking the official start of their journey as role models for the year. The newly minted leaders will carry the responsibility of upholding the school’s core values and mentoring their younger peers. Leading the primary school cohort this year are:School Captains - Fred and Rhyley and Vice Captains - Princess and Romain. These four students will serve as the primary ambassadors for the school, representing Mount Morgan Central at community events and leading weekly assemblies. With the school’s various sporting activties on the horizon, the House Captains were also sworn in, ready to lead their respective teams with energy and sportsmanship. House
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MOUNT MORGAN ARGUS DISCLAIMER
The Mount Morgan Argus is published by Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers. MMPAD reserves the discretionary right to alter, omit, reclassify or postpone publication of articles, photographs or advertisements in the Mount Morgan Argus. MMPAD takes all possible care with the publication of news, names and other information sourced by MMPAD representatives. It does not, however, take responsibility for erroneous information or spelling supplied by external sources. Please take care and ensure that information is correct and names are spelt correctly before submitting any items to this publication. MMPAD Executive
Above: Mrs Emery (Principal) and Mr Chan (Year 6 teacher) with the Mount Morgan Central State School’s new school captains and Vice Captains - Fred and Rhyley (Captains) and Princess and Romain (vice Captains).
Little boots - big beginnings!
The historic halls of Mount Morgan Central State School echoed with a new kind of energy as the newest cohort of Prep students officially began their educational journey on 28 January . Swallowed by oversized hats and carrying backpacks nearly as big as themselves, the “Class of 2026” stepped onto the heritage-listed campus to start their first year of formal schooling.
For many of these young learners, the transition was made easier by the school’s “Step into Prep” transition program held late last year, where they caught glimpses of their new classrooms and met the teachers who will guide them through this pivotal year. True to the school’s motto, “Always Our Best,” the new Preps are already being introduced to the core values that define the Mount Morgan Central community.
Central State School Inductions - From Page 2
Captains are Gold House - Franklin and Domonic, Blue House -Tayla and Ari and Green House - Alannah and Blaze. The inclusion of parents in the ceremony highlighted the school’s belief that leadership begins at home and is nurtured through the partnership between families and staff. As the students stood tall with their "shiny" new badges, the atmosphere was one of shared commitment to making 2026 a year of growth and achievement.
The induction of these young leaders ensures that the "Learning Heroes" of Mount Morgan Central have a dedicated team of peers to look up to as they navigate their own educational paths.
The inclusion of parents in the ceremony highlighted the school’s belief that leadership begins at home and is nurtured through the partnership between families and staff.
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Leadership inductions from Page 1
Principal Mr. James Lye delivered a stirring address to the inductees, emphasizing that leadership is defined by action and integrity rather than the "shiny badge" on a lapel.
"Good leaders understand that success is not a destination. Nor is failure," Mr. Lye remarked. "HOW we work together is as important as what we will achieve. The quality of our relationships with staff and students will be a mark of our success this year."
Mr. Lye challenged the leaders to move beyond popularity and focus on the school’s core values: be respectful, be responsible, be safe, and be a learner.
"Wearing a badge looks great... however, does it show you as a leader who will have the courage to show confidence in that which you believe?" Mr. Lye asked. "Modelling what you believe to be the
Soldiers’ Rooms
MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB
Welcome to 2026! Last year, we delivered over 20 community events—dances, karaoke, art exhibitions, workshops, historical days and more. These were great fun, however we have taken the step to reduce our events calendar to a more suitable frequency. We thank those that filled out our survey, and we found there was demand for earlier start times more suited to young families, with dances, trivia nights and karaoke gaining the most votes. Activities for youth was also raised. We will now commence locking in diverse events, dates and performers.
If you are interested in getting involved, we have a broad range of roles and would gratefully welcome any assistance. Many of our current committee members have served long term and are now balancing health, ageing, family commitments, and new life directions. Our long-term plan has always centred on continuity and smooth succession, ensuring the buildings and the club remain community owned, functional and financially viable for future generations. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, the Mount Morgan Citizens Club has a can-do attitude, loves new ideas, encourages the nurturing of community, and provides training and transition support Together, we can build a collaborative, sustainable, communitydriven plan for 2026 and beyond.
Enquiries, email mountmorgansoldiersrooms@ gmail.com or call 0411 865 621
Mount Morgan Art Gallery
With a series of four free workshops over the holidays, the end of 2025 went off with a bang! Check out the wildflower mural done by local kids that adorns the wall of the building, adding some creativity as we wait
right actions, regardless of what others may see as sometimes the more popular course of direction, is the challenge that good leaders accept.".
The celebration of the school’s 114th Birthday served as a reminder of the long line of leaders who have come before. By connecting the school’s historic milestone with the induction of new leaders, the ceremony highlighted a commitment to growth and self-improvement.
As Mr. Lye noted, "Because we are not perfect, there is always room for us to grow, and for our school to become a better place. This will be our challenge to our Seniors, school leaders, and our student body throughout the year."
With the Class of 2026 at the lead, Mount Morgan State High School enters its 115th year with a clear vision, strong character, and a student voice that is ready to be heard.
for funding to paint. Keep an eye on our FB page for future public art opportunities.
Tuesday, 17 February, we were proud to host a free sound bath for the community to bring in the Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse. Facilitated by the amazing Tammy Wildheart and Lorna of Black Cat Studio fame, this was an ethereal experience for many.
Our first exhibition for the year is” Culture Collision” and will explore how other cultures have influenced our identity, as well as the impact our culture has had in return. Artworks must be delivered and ready to hang by 26 February, for the Exhibition Opening on 28 February. “Culture Collision” is open to artists and novices to participate in, and everyone is welcome to attend the opening, and view some amazing art.
We are also celebrating ELECTRICITY! Finally, the gallery has new fans, track lighting has been installed, safety spotlight at the front stairs, and festoon lights refitted. This is a game changer for us, and we are thrilled after such a long wait. Many thanks to Paul Reynolds Electrical and RACQ Foundation for the funding.
Above: Lights on at the Art Gallery.
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Setting the Gold Standard James Francis and the Mine
When Heritage Minerals sought a leader to navigate the complex rebirth of the historic Mount Morgan Mine, they looked for someone who understood that modern mining is as much about environmental stewardship as it is about geology.
They found that leader in James Francis.
Having officially relocated to Rockhampton in early October 2025, James has stepped into the role of General Manager at a definitive turning point for the site.
With 35 years of global experience—from the West Australian goldfields to the remote landscapes of Guinea—he is now applying a lifetime of expertise to one of Australia’s most storied and environmentally sensitive resource projects.
James is no stranger to the high-pressure environment of mine startups. After earning his post-graduate qualifications in Mine Geology at the Camborne School of Mines in the UK, he built a career defined by international challenges.
Most recently, he served as General Manager for the commissioning of gold mines in Indonesia and West Africa. However, the move to
the Mount Morgan Mine represents a personal and professional homecoming of sorts. Having previously worked at the Cracow Gold Mine in Queensland, James was already familiar with the “legacy” of Mount Morgan through stories shared by colleagues whose families had worked the site for generations.
To ensure the project’s success, James and his wife, Claire, have made Rockhampton their permanent home.
“Being residential allows me to provide leadership continuity as we transition from construction to operations,” he said.
“It’s about being present for the team and the community.”
The dual outcomes of resource recovery and environmental rehabilitation is a “win-win” model for the industry.
“This is very important to me as the project delivers both financial and environmental benefits at the same time.
This was the project’s primary draw for James.
“Commercial success is required to fund the project,” he says, “and this allows the rehabilitation work to be carried out to improve the environment and the Dee River in particular.”
A key piece of this puzzle is the ReCYN process, developed by partner Green Gold. This innovative technology:
• Captures valuable minerals previously lost in tailings.
• Reduces reagent consumption by 50%.
• Detoxifies the tailings stream, ensuring clean water discharge
As the project moves toward commissioning, James is focused on a rigorous 12-month “operational
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readiness” plan. The goal is to reach a nameplate production rate of 2 million tonnes per annum.
Critical Milestones:
• May 2026: Commencement of mining operations to build ore stockpiles.
• July 2026: Final construction completion.
• Late July 2026: Successful commissioning of the process plant.
Beyond the immediate timeline, James is also overseeing concept studies for a 13-year expansion case, which could see the site producing sulphuric acid and recovering further precious metals from pyrite concentrate.
James’s leadership style was forged in high-stakes environments. He recalls a massive fuel terminal fire in West Africa that threatened his site’s operations. His decision to execute a controlled shutdown and evacuate non-essential staff prioritized safety and environmental protection over short-term gains—a philosophy he brings to Mount Morgan.
Closer to home, his focus is on the people. The project will employ a mix of seasoned veterans and “new-to-industry” locals. Heritage Minerals is committed to maximizing local procurement and indigenous employment, tracking these metrics as a core part of their business performance.
Looking five years into the future, James defines success through two lenses: business growth and ecological restoration. He envisions a site that has met its financial goals while significantly improving the alkalinity and biota of the Dee River.
OUTREACH CLINIC
“Mount Morgan is historically one of the biggest gold mines in Australia,” James concludes.
“It has every potential to again be a significant gold producer, but this time, it will be a blueprint for sustainable resource recovery globally.”
27 February 29 May 28 August 20 November
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BOULDER CREEK WIND FARM UPDATE
Round two community benefit fund recipients announced
Congratulations to the recipients of Round 2 of the Boulder Creek Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund! We’re proud to support the following local groups and projects that will make a meaningful difference across the community:
• Bouldercombe Recreational Complex Hall to assist with a refurbishment project.
• GM Shooters Association to support the purchase of a rainwater tank to supply water to the toilet block and animal troughs.
• Golden Mount Festival 2026 to assist with event costs.
• Mount Morgan Citizens Club to assist with the Upper Dee Hall Window Restoration Project.
• Mount Morgan Promotion and Development inc to support the digitisation of services for the visitor information kiosk.
• Westwood Hall to support the installation of picnic tables and seating.
• Westwood School to fund the construction of a grandstand.
Applications for Round Three of the fund opened on 16 February. To apply, visit https://www. bouldercreekwindfarm.com/community
Switching Station construction update
One of the critical components currently underway is the construction of the switching station (pictured), which is accessed via the Eastern Access Route –
comprised of Boulder Creek Road and Showgrounds Road, connecting to the Burnett Highway.
Civil works for the switching station bench are now complete and Powerlink is scheduled to begin the electrical construction phase in February.
The electrical construction period is expected to last approximately six months, during which an increase in construction-related traffic is expected.
Minor road upgrades are planned to support safe and temporary access for construction vehicles on the Eastern Access Route. Noise and dust mitigation measures will be in place and traffic management will be implemented as needed to ensure safety.
New heavy vehicle route in place
Since January, heavy vehicles have been using a new temporary transport route to provide safer access for trucks turning on and off the Capricorn Highway when travelling to and from the project site.
Heavy vehicles now turn on and off the highway at the Westwood General Store and use a new access track to Coverley Street that connects to Arthur Street. The new route will remain in place until the purpose-built, permanent route via Roger Street is completed around mid-2026.
Boulder Creek Wind Farm would like to thank local residents for their patience over the past six months as project roadworks and construction activity brought increased traffic activity to the area. The Boulder Creek Wind Farm welcomes your feedback and questions. To get in touch, phone 1800 983 637 or email info@bouldercreek.com.au.
KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE AT MOUNT
Mount Morgan residents may notice some activity at ANZAC Park with the temporary removal of the historic cannons.
Rest assured — the cannons will be safe. They are being transported to Rockhampton for specialist refurbishment as part of a broader project to preserve and showcase Mount Morgan’s military heritage for generations to come.
The SFH13 German Howitzer and the 95 mm Smoothbore Turkish Gun will be restored in partnership with an Australian heritage expert.
They will be returned after new protective shelters are constructed to support their long term preservation and ensure continued public access.
These guns were captured at Beersheba in 1917 by the Australian Light Horse.
The German gun was displayed at the entrance to ANZAC Parade (from the QN Hotel to West Street) while the Turkish was originally displayed in front of the Mount Morgan Fire Station.
They were moved to ANZAC Park following the construction RSL Cenotaph in 1967.
The works are expected to be completed before ANZAC Day.
Above: Top - the two guns to be restored and Right - A 3D representation of the finished shelters over the guns.
FREE Vision Screening for Children @ Mount Morgan Library
On Friday, 20 March, the Lions Eye Health Program will be set up at the Mount Morgan Library to provide free vision screening for young children from 3 years old, from 9.15am – 12.45pm.
Led by a group of committed Lions volunteers, the program aims to reduce the incidence and impact of vision loss in Australia through education and awareness activities, promoting eye examinations and conducting free children’s vision screenings.
The Lions team recently delivered this life changing program at the Gracemere Library where 18 children were screened. Several children were referred to an optometrist as part of this screening which will make a world of difference in their learning.
Now it’s Mount Morgan’s turn! The Mount Morgan Library will be set up with a few simple screening stations on Friday 20 March - these will consist of detecting vision issues such as visual acuity (long distance vision); colour vision perception; stereodepth perception (binocular function of the eyes for close work); and a spot vision screener (a state of the art camera which takes a photo of the child’s eyes).
The activity stations are fun, and parents or carers can stay with their child to support them during the short screening period. Bookings are not required for the Lions Eye Health Screening Program - just drop into the library. Look out for the large white and blue LEHP banners outside the entrance of the Mount Morgan Library on the day.
The Mount Morgan Library is located at 31 Morgan Street, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm- and every alternate Saturday from 9am-12noon.
Mount Morgan Library is part of Rockhampton Regional Libraries. Phone 4936 8043 for more information.
MOUNT MORGAN BRANCH UPDATE
Submitted by Elizabeth Elliot - President
Cards, Crafts, Conversation and a Cuppa. Ladies of Mount Morgan and surrounding areas are invited to the Green Shed on Thompson Avenue, near the swimming pool, each Wednesday morning from 9am to noon.
A safe and welcoming environment hosted by your local CWA branch. This is open to all ages and there is no requirement to be a CWA member.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while you make new friends, play a few hands of cards or just sit and chat. Learn a new craft, make something to decorate home or just for fun.
Call Liz on 0488 337 798 for more information or just pop in. You are most welcome.
I recently rose in Federal Parliament to speak about law-abiding gun owners in the region as well as the clubs and their members that promote the safe and effective use of firearms.
From the Gemfields to Gladstone, Mount Morgan to Mundubbera and everywhere in between, the Flynn electorate has many gun clubs filled with members of all ages and backgrounds.
Data released by the Queensland Police Weapons Licensing revealed that there were over 1 million registered firearms in Queensland.
Furthermore, there were over 218,000 Issued Weapons Licences to almost 200,000 Individual Licensees.
This equates to about 5 registered firearms per licensee.
I like many people in the Flynn electorate have a gun licence and firearms.
The Flynn electorate has a wide range of shooters and shooting activities.
Including, target rifle shooters, smallbore and air rifle shooters, and clay and target shooters.
There are also many licensed rural shooters who uses firearms for pest control and hunting. Feral pigs, wild dogs, foxes, feral cats, deer and goats cause billions of dollars in damage to Australian agriculture each year. Licensed rural shooters are critical in protecting food production, safeguarding native ecosystems and biosecurity.
Law-abiding gun owners and gun clubs can often be demonised by the media and politicians, but I say thank you for the important role they play in upholding safety standards, supporting regional communities and passing on a culture of responsibility.
DEE RIVER OLDIES
The Dee River Oldies Group had their 'Welcome to 2026' Morning Tea on Wednesday, 21 January, 2026. It was a good morning catching up with our members after our Christmas break.
Our February Monthly Meeting is on Tuesday, 17 February, 2026 at 2 pm and our February Morning Tea is on Wednesday 25 February, 2026 starting at 10 am. The cost is $5. Both are held in St Mary's Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). There will be a raffle and lucky door prizes.
We have a proposed bus trip to the Dreamtime Centre in March. Come along to our February Morning Tea to find out more details. The cost is $50. If you are
interested and want to secure a seat on the bus, please pay at the morning tea.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Stay happy and healthy.
The Steering Committee
Dee River Oldies Group
Carol Glover 4938 1995
Colleen Constable 0427 161 131
SAVE THE DATE! CLASSIFIEDS
FEB 22: Life and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson presented by Australian Champion Poet, Gregory North. Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street. 2 pm. Entry Fee: $20.00.
FEB 17: Dee River Oldies Group - February Monthly Meeting. It starts at 2 pm and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). New and existing members welcome.
FEB 25: Dee River Oldies Group - February Morning Tea. It starts at 10 am and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes. Please pay the $50 for the proposed bus trip to the Dreamtime Centre at this morning tea.
Details of bus trip to be advised.
MAR 17: Dee River Oldies Group - March Monthly Meeting. It starts at 2 pm and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Come along and put your ideas forward.
MAR 25: Dee River Oldies Group - March Musical Morning Tea. It starts at 10.00 am and is held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). Cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes.
MOUNT MORGAN CITIZEN’S CLUB INC
Meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10.30 am. Soldiers’ Rooms, 18 Morgan Street, Phone - John Tuxworth 0429 055 165
ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN
1st & 3rd Thursdays of the monthGrand Hotel - 6 pm for 6.30 pm. Visitors Welcome! E: mount.morgan@rotary9560.org
MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC.
Meets 9 am - 12 noon - Wednesdays & Saturdays Phone: John 0429 055 165
LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT
Green Shed from 7 pm. Phone 0412 502 937
AGM: Men’s Shed Annual General Meeting - 25 February 2026 at 10 am. Contact John Tuxworth0429 055 165.
presents
“Life
and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson”
A presentation by three times Australian Champion Poet Gregory North
At Soldiers Rooms, 18 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan
2.00 pm - Sunday, 22 February 2026
See and hear of the remarkable life of Australia’s most-loved poet, with some of his famous poems. Celebrating 125 years since Banjo’s visit to Mount Morgan in 1901
TICKETS AT THE DOOR - CASH OR EFTPOS.
TRASH AND TREASURE
Trash and Treasure, 21 Gordon Street.
Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Clothing $1.00 unless otherwise marked.. Any donations please leave at 21 Gordon Street during opening hours
THE NEXT EDITION WILL BE PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY, 4 MARCH 2026
All inclusions required by: Tuesday, 24 FEBRUARY 2026 by 4 p.m. Ph: 4938 2312
Email: mmpad@mountmorgan.org.au
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