Stats for the day by Brocky Yates and Brett Shipp
Distance: 139 kms
Ride Time: 4hrs 21
Ave Speed: 32km/h
Max Speed: 85 km/h
Climbing: 576 metres
Min Temp: 20 degrees
Max Temp: 28 degrees
Blog Dedication to Adam and Maria Smiddy - See below
This final blog I would like to dedicate to my mate Adam Smiddy, gone now for ten years but still very much alive within my heart and soul. Also to his dear Mum Maria Smiddy, who is back in Adam's arms as of May last year. Two people from the one family; a small family of four, the most special of all families, the Smiddy family, four beautiful humans cut in half by a disease we are desperate to eradicate. I miss Adam and Maria each and every day, and through these wonderful Smiddy events we are keeping their memories alive.
Blog Reading
Thank you Anthony 'Richo' Richardson for reading out today's blog. Quite a few times Richo has thanked me throughout the past seven days for starting this ride and that he was honoured to be part of it. I know that he had a bad fall off his bike not so long ago. So to come back into a moving peloton for eight days, bringing with him a cold, he has done extremely well and earned this honour.
Anne Clarke Rings The Cow Bell
The final ringing of Kevvy's 100 year old infamous family cow bell was rung by our host in Anne Clarke. Anne was extremely close to Maria Smiddy and I know she was absolutely delighted and honoured to send the riders on their way with this beautiful tradition.
Prior to roll out the last big pack up of all the trucks and vehicles began. With the rain last night starting in the early hours of this cloudy morning, the dry swag scenario we were hoping for did not eventuate. What this means is all the swags now need to be taken off the truck in Townsville and dried out in the afternoon sun in the car park of the Mercure Resort.
I am back in the car until the first leg to morning tea at Reid River at 76 kilometres. The rider group have just stopped for a water/toilet stop at 48 kilometres by the side of National Highway A6. Conditions are perfect being overcast, 20 degrees and a gentle tailwind pushing them steadily forward.
Morning Tea Festivities
Getting to morning tea is always a treat for the riders, for the road crew have a massive purge of anything edible left in the ladies food truck. It is the last time the road crew feed the riders as lunch is provided by the lovely ladies of CWA at Woodstock. All the old hands know not to stuff themselves at morning tea, for the feed at Woodstock is a gastronomical delight, and many a rider has walked out of there two kilograms heavier over the many years they have been looking after us.
It's All About Habo
At morning tea I asked Brooke if she could organise a photo of all us ugly blokes that have grown the beard for this ride, which she did. Then tonight, lined up in the same order another photo but once the shave down is complete. The change is remarkable and it takes years off a riders appearance, well for me it does, as for Habo, he is always going to look like an old man! Oh and while on the subject of Habo; apparently he did catch Ken and Damien in the sprint last night. When the blog was read out in Charters Towers by David Smiddy and he didn't get a mention he was seething, spitting chips, cranky as Larry, silly as Jilly, so I hope this amends some of that unhappiness old mate - even if you did still lose to Damien! Ha. Ha!
Feelings Of Joy And Sadness
Even though I am not in the peloton at the moment I know exactly how the majority of them are feeling right now. Sad/happy. It is a weird feeling as you are extremely proud and pleased to have got to this final day and you do not want it to end. But then you want it to end, so that the soreness goes away and you get to reunite with your family and friends.
Afterwards there is a sense of fulfillment but also of emptiness. You long to be with your blood family, but at the same time your heart and soul wants to be with your Smiddy family.
A mild feeling of depression can be felt at this stage and it does pass in time, but I always suggest that the rider or road crew set themselves another immediate goal. Whether that be another Smiddy event, or another goal that you wish to reach for.
For me, I know I get to do it all over again in four weeks time when the Half Smiddy Challenge begins, so those feelings are not as strong these days. That was not always the case when in the first five years of Smiddy rides we had just the one event. So reach out guys to a mate and sign up for something to get those senses tingling.
Woodstock to The Mercure
As I write this I am back in my room at the Mercure and the 11th edition of this emotional roller coaster of a ride has finished safely as we achieved our goal of riding from Brisbane to Townsville over eight days. The lunch at Woodstock went down as suspected and we all pushed off a few kilos heavier. A few family members of the riders turned up here and shared lunch with the crew. The rain held off and the kind tailwind remained. We had one stop at our Bottlemart sponsor hotel, The Sun, for a quick celebratory drink.
Just as a side note, when I joined the peloton at morning tea, until we rolled into the Mercure at 2:15pm was a 95 kilometre stretch. And get this, partly due to the great conditions, but also because this group of riders were so strong by this stage of the game, that section of pave the average speed was 34.8 km/h for 95 kilometres! Bloody impressive stuff. It was also great to see that every rider did the entire distance today.
After the Bottlemart drinks we got a sponsor photo and rode the short distance to the Mercure, where we were greeted by family and friends. There was plenty of hug and congratulations going on for a good 15 minutes, before I surprised the group with a Chuddle. Not long after 95% of the riders and crew ended up in the pool. Belly flops and 'bombies' were of course the order of the day.
Getting in early meant family time for those riders whose love ones flew in, drinks by the bar for others, an afternoon kip for the weary, and the truck, and Smiddy cars, repacked for their journey back to Brisbane.
Ten Moments Throughout The Past Eight Days I Am Grateful For
Each night our guest speaker and their reasons for being part of this journey. I take my hat off to you and thank you for being so brave to show your emotions through your heartfelt words spoken each night. David Smiddy's talk last night on Adam I will never forget.
The past four days Mother Nature ramped up the heat and and wind. Each day the riders responded. Each day I was in awe of this amazingly strong bunch of riders. How lucky we are at Smiddy and the Mater Foundation to have these guys and girls join the rapidly expanding Smiddy family.
Smiddy riders, if they complain about anything on the ride, it is normally body aches and pains. So the biggest complaint I heard amongst riders for this trip was of a sore butt. Which reminded me of a story from the 2008 edition when Haylee Lewis, super strong rider but was suffering from an incredibly painful butt, asked me back then; "Sharky is it possible to die from a sore butt?" While it was funny at the time I am happy to say; "to this day we have yet to lose a rider to this ailment."
Smiddy traditions. Original ones and new. I cannot explain in enough words how important this is to me. Mess with any single one of our traditions and it would cut me like a knife. I thanked the riders and road crew for this last night at Charters and would like to thank them again through this blog for their understanding and for respecting these traditions.
Our road crew and especially David Smiddy, for each year allowing this event to continue. We, the riders, are in awe of your sacrifice to give up 8 days of your time each September and we are indeed extremely grateful.
Every year the local communities step up and nothing is ever too much. Their kindness and incredible generosity is amazing. Our billets at Biloela, Clermont and Blackwater we will never forget. This event would not be possible without this never-ending support each year. Thank you!
The bonding between the Smiddy riders is a joy to behold. Complete strangers becoming like blood brothers warms my heart to no end. 32 riders who would do anything for their fellow rider. I am indeed fortunate to being able to call you my friends and thank you for taking up this immense challenge. Hold your head high when you tell people you are a Smiddy rider, as it is the highest compliment anyone can give you!
Every once in a while, on the completion of a special Smiddy event, I throw in a Chuddle. A Chuddle is my combination of a Huddle and a Cuddle. David Smiddy is always in the centre, while everyone else creates a tight circle around him, and while it may all look a little silly to outsiders, I love it for the energy it creates. This energy is my gift -our gift- to David, which I know helps to get him through those tough times ahead until the next Smiling for Smiddy event.
I know the lads love the go-at-your-own-pace sections throughout the eight days of riding. The final one of the entire tour was down the range coming out of Charters Towers at the 80 kilometre mark. With a tailwind the lead group saw speeds of 85 km/h plus and we all arrived at the bottom breathless and exhilarated from the effort.
And finally, but in no way any less important than any of the other nine points above, thank you to all the love one's and supporters of their chosen Smiddy rider. For without you and your kind donations and support there would be no money coming in for cancer research.
Thanks everyone for your ongoing support over the past eight days. I am going to give you a well deserved rest from reading this blog, but only for one month, as that is when the four day Half Smiddy Challenge begins. We still have places available if anyone out there got motivated through these blogs.
Take care all.
Sharky
History of Townsville
Traditional Landowners
Traditional owners and custodians, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People are the first people to have lived in the Townsville region.
When Europeans first arrived in Townsville, they presumed that no one occupied or owned the land because there were no boundaries, marked by farms or fences. However the Bindal and Wulgurukaba Peoples had been living here for many, many generations. Archaeological sites near Townsville have been dated over 10,000 years old.
The Bindal People
The Bindal people call the country “Thul Garrie Waja”. An important symbol for the Bindal people is the shooting star. They believe that wherever the star fell, or the the direction the star fell meant there was either danger coming or someone from that direction was in need of help or in danger.
The Wulgurukaba People
The Wulgurukaba people call their country “Gurrumbilbarra” Wulgurukaba means “canoe people”. An important symbol of the Wulgurukaba people is the carpet Snake. Wulgurukabas creation story tells the story of the creation snake that comes down from the Herbert River, went out to sea creating the Hichinbrook Channel and down to Palm and Magnetic Islands. His body broke up leaving parts along the coast. The tail of the snake is at Halifax Bay, his body is at Palm Island, While his head rests at Arcadia, Magnetic Island.
In 1819, botanist, Alan Cunningham and Captain Phillip Parker King were the first Europeans to record a landing in Cleveland Bay. They collected botanical specimens to take back to England.
In 1846, James Morrill was one of 14 crew members on board the barque, the Peruvian which was shipwrecked on the Great Barrier Reef. Cast ashore near Cape Bowling Green 42 days after the wreck, he was the first European to inhabit the area for an extended period of time.
In 1864, John Melton Black, then in partnership of Robert Towns, despatched Andrew Ball, Mark Watt Reid from Woodstock Station (south west of Townsville) to search for a coastal site where a suitable port could be established. Ball's party reached the mouth of Ross Creek in April 1864 and they set up camp below the rocky spur of Melton Hill (near the present Customs House on the Strand). After further exploration of the surrounding area, Ball returned to Woodstock Station and reported the discovery of a site for a settlement.
The first party of settlers, led by WA Ross, arrived at Cleveland Bay from Woodstock Station on the 5th November. Andrew Ball helped establish the settlement that would become Townsville.
During 1865, the first road to the hinterland was opened. This provided pastoral properties in the hinterland with direct access to the Port.
The first sale of allotments on Cleveland Bay was held at Bowen on the 31st July. James Morrill was permitted to select and purchase an allotment at an upset price.
Cleveland Bay was declared a Port of Entry on the 23rd September 1865
In 1876 Harry Butler and his family came to Picnic Bay and became the first permanent white settlers on Magnetic Island.
In 1876 the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland was founded and the census listed the population as consisting of 1148 females and 1527 males.
In 1876 the North Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Association was formed. The first show was held in 1876 at the Botanical Gardens Reserve. The industrial and horticultural exhibits were displayed in the old Supreme Court building on Melton Hill which was then the School of Arts.
In 1878 construction began on Townsville's first prison. The prison was situated in North Ward and was superseded by a new prison at Stewarts Creek (now Stuart Creek) in 1891. The original prison's administration block is now used by the Central State School and parts of the prison wall can still be seen in the grounds of the school.
A major fire destroyed a number of commercial premises between Stokes and Denham Street in 1877. A second fire in 1878 damaged the Town Council offices, with a large number of Council records lost.
In 1879 the Thuringowa Divisional Board was created. The board covered an area of approximately 3219 square kilometres. The area included Ross Island, Hermit Park, Magnetic Island, extended to Crystal Creek to the north; to the Burdekin River in the south; and to the top of the range near Mingela.
The first bridge from Flinders Street to Ross Island (now South Townsville) was completed but subsequently dismantled as prior to its opening
In 1866, Robert Towns, entrepreneur and businessman agreed to provide financial assistance to the new settlement. Although he only visited Townsville briefly, the settlement was named Townsville in his honour. Towns died in 1873. A memorial to him is located at the top of Castle Hill.
Townsville was declared a municipality in February 1866, with John Melton Black elected first Mayor of the new municipality.
It was also the year the first steamship arrived in the port.
A boiling down works was established at Hermit Park, sugar plantations were established at Hyde Park and Hermit Park, and a cotton plantation was established at Railway Estate.
The first newspaper, the Cleveland Bay Herald, was distributed on the 3rd March 1866 and in the same year, the West End Cemetery was established. It operated as Townsville's General Cemetery until 1902.
By 1868, Townsville was the major port and service centre for the Cape River, Gilbert, Ravenswood, Etheridge and Charters Towers goldfields. The pastoral industry extended further to the west, and the sugar industry expanded in coastal towns both north and south of Townsville. By the end of 1867, Townsville’s population was approximately 300 people.
In 1869 the National School opened in North Ward. It was located near the Leichhardt Street and Eyre Street roundabout.
In 1873 increased maritime activities prompted an attempt to develop the western side of Ross Creek seawards along the line of the present breakwater. When the attempt failed the Government stepped in to improve existing harbour facilities.
The first mail steamer arrived via Torres Strait.
In 1873 James Burns set up a mercantile business in Townsville. When he went into partnership with Robert Philp the manager of his Townsville operations in 1877 the business became Burns Philp and Company.
From 1868 to 1872, Townsville's population grew to around 2000 people.
1876 - 1879
In 1876 Harry Butler and his family came to Picnic Bay and became the first permanent white settlers on Magnetic Island.
In 1876 the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland was founded and the census listed the population as consisting of 1148 females and 1527 males.
In 1876 the North Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Association was formed. The first show was held in 1876 at the Botanical Gardens Reserve. The industrial and horticultural exhibits were displayed in the old Supreme Court building on Melton Hill which was then the School of Arts.
In 1878 construction began on Townsville's first prison. The prison was situated in North Ward and was superseded by a new prison at Stewarts Creek (now Stuart Creek) in 1891. The original prison's administration block is now used by the Central State School and parts of the prison wall can still be seen in the grounds of the school.
A major fire destroyed a number of commercial premises between Stokes and Denham Street in 1877. A second fire in 1878 damaged the Town Council offices, with a large number of Council records lost.
In 1879 the Thuringowa Divisional Board was created. The board covered an area of approximately 3219 square kilometres. The area included Ross Island, Hermit Park, Magnetic Island, extended to Crystal Creek to the north; to the Burdekin River in the south; and to the top of the range near Mingela.
The first bridge from Flinders Street to Ross Island (now South Townsville) was completed but subsequently dismantled as prior to its opening major flaws in the mechanisms of the drawbridge winches were discovered.
Distance: 139 kms
Ride Time: 4hrs 21
Ave Speed: 32km/h
Max Speed: 85 km/h
Climbing: 576 metres
Min Temp: 20 degrees
Max Temp: 28 degrees
Blog Dedication to Adam and Maria Smiddy - See below
This final blog I would like to dedicate to my mate Adam Smiddy, gone now for ten years but still very much alive within my heart and soul. Also to his dear Mum Maria Smiddy, who is back in Adam's arms as of May last year. Two people from the one family; a small family of four, the most special of all families, the Smiddy family, four beautiful humans cut in half by a disease we are desperate to eradicate. I miss Adam and Maria each and every day, and through these wonderful Smiddy events we are keeping their memories alive.
Blog Reading
Thank you Anthony 'Richo' Richardson for reading out today's blog. Quite a few times Richo has thanked me throughout the past seven days for starting this ride and that he was honoured to be part of it. I know that he had a bad fall off his bike not so long ago. So to come back into a moving peloton for eight days, bringing with him a cold, he has done extremely well and earned this honour.
Anne Clarke Rings The Cow Bell
The final ringing of Kevvy's 100 year old infamous family cow bell was rung by our host in Anne Clarke. Anne was extremely close to Maria Smiddy and I know she was absolutely delighted and honoured to send the riders on their way with this beautiful tradition.
Prior to roll out the last big pack up of all the trucks and vehicles began. With the rain last night starting in the early hours of this cloudy morning, the dry swag scenario we were hoping for did not eventuate. What this means is all the swags now need to be taken off the truck in Townsville and dried out in the afternoon sun in the car park of the Mercure Resort.
I am back in the car until the first leg to morning tea at Reid River at 76 kilometres. The rider group have just stopped for a water/toilet stop at 48 kilometres by the side of National Highway A6. Conditions are perfect being overcast, 20 degrees and a gentle tailwind pushing them steadily forward.
Morning Tea Festivities
Getting to morning tea is always a treat for the riders, for the road crew have a massive purge of anything edible left in the ladies food truck. It is the last time the road crew feed the riders as lunch is provided by the lovely ladies of CWA at Woodstock. All the old hands know not to stuff themselves at morning tea, for the feed at Woodstock is a gastronomical delight, and many a rider has walked out of there two kilograms heavier over the many years they have been looking after us.
It's All About Habo
At morning tea I asked Brooke if she could organise a photo of all us ugly blokes that have grown the beard for this ride, which she did. Then tonight, lined up in the same order another photo but once the shave down is complete. The change is remarkable and it takes years off a riders appearance, well for me it does, as for Habo, he is always going to look like an old man! Oh and while on the subject of Habo; apparently he did catch Ken and Damien in the sprint last night. When the blog was read out in Charters Towers by David Smiddy and he didn't get a mention he was seething, spitting chips, cranky as Larry, silly as Jilly, so I hope this amends some of that unhappiness old mate - even if you did still lose to Damien! Ha. Ha!
Feelings Of Joy And Sadness
Even though I am not in the peloton at the moment I know exactly how the majority of them are feeling right now. Sad/happy. It is a weird feeling as you are extremely proud and pleased to have got to this final day and you do not want it to end. But then you want it to end, so that the soreness goes away and you get to reunite with your family and friends.
Afterwards there is a sense of fulfillment but also of emptiness. You long to be with your blood family, but at the same time your heart and soul wants to be with your Smiddy family.
A mild feeling of depression can be felt at this stage and it does pass in time, but I always suggest that the rider or road crew set themselves another immediate goal. Whether that be another Smiddy event, or another goal that you wish to reach for.
For me, I know I get to do it all over again in four weeks time when the Half Smiddy Challenge begins, so those feelings are not as strong these days. That was not always the case when in the first five years of Smiddy rides we had just the one event. So reach out guys to a mate and sign up for something to get those senses tingling.
Woodstock to The Mercure
As I write this I am back in my room at the Mercure and the 11th edition of this emotional roller coaster of a ride has finished safely as we achieved our goal of riding from Brisbane to Townsville over eight days. The lunch at Woodstock went down as suspected and we all pushed off a few kilos heavier. A few family members of the riders turned up here and shared lunch with the crew. The rain held off and the kind tailwind remained. We had one stop at our Bottlemart sponsor hotel, The Sun, for a quick celebratory drink.
Just as a side note, when I joined the peloton at morning tea, until we rolled into the Mercure at 2:15pm was a 95 kilometre stretch. And get this, partly due to the great conditions, but also because this group of riders were so strong by this stage of the game, that section of pave the average speed was 34.8 km/h for 95 kilometres! Bloody impressive stuff. It was also great to see that every rider did the entire distance today.
After the Bottlemart drinks we got a sponsor photo and rode the short distance to the Mercure, where we were greeted by family and friends. There was plenty of hug and congratulations going on for a good 15 minutes, before I surprised the group with a Chuddle. Not long after 95% of the riders and crew ended up in the pool. Belly flops and 'bombies' were of course the order of the day.
Getting in early meant family time for those riders whose love ones flew in, drinks by the bar for others, an afternoon kip for the weary, and the truck, and Smiddy cars, repacked for their journey back to Brisbane.
Ten Moments Throughout The Past Eight Days I Am Grateful For
Each night our guest speaker and their reasons for being part of this journey. I take my hat off to you and thank you for being so brave to show your emotions through your heartfelt words spoken each night. David Smiddy's talk last night on Adam I will never forget.
The past four days Mother Nature ramped up the heat and and wind. Each day the riders responded. Each day I was in awe of this amazingly strong bunch of riders. How lucky we are at Smiddy and the Mater Foundation to have these guys and girls join the rapidly expanding Smiddy family.
Smiddy riders, if they complain about anything on the ride, it is normally body aches and pains. So the biggest complaint I heard amongst riders for this trip was of a sore butt. Which reminded me of a story from the 2008 edition when Haylee Lewis, super strong rider but was suffering from an incredibly painful butt, asked me back then; "Sharky is it possible to die from a sore butt?" While it was funny at the time I am happy to say; "to this day we have yet to lose a rider to this ailment."
Smiddy traditions. Original ones and new. I cannot explain in enough words how important this is to me. Mess with any single one of our traditions and it would cut me like a knife. I thanked the riders and road crew for this last night at Charters and would like to thank them again through this blog for their understanding and for respecting these traditions.
Our road crew and especially David Smiddy, for each year allowing this event to continue. We, the riders, are in awe of your sacrifice to give up 8 days of your time each September and we are indeed extremely grateful.
Every year the local communities step up and nothing is ever too much. Their kindness and incredible generosity is amazing. Our billets at Biloela, Clermont and Blackwater we will never forget. This event would not be possible without this never-ending support each year. Thank you!
The bonding between the Smiddy riders is a joy to behold. Complete strangers becoming like blood brothers warms my heart to no end. 32 riders who would do anything for their fellow rider. I am indeed fortunate to being able to call you my friends and thank you for taking up this immense challenge. Hold your head high when you tell people you are a Smiddy rider, as it is the highest compliment anyone can give you!
Every once in a while, on the completion of a special Smiddy event, I throw in a Chuddle. A Chuddle is my combination of a Huddle and a Cuddle. David Smiddy is always in the centre, while everyone else creates a tight circle around him, and while it may all look a little silly to outsiders, I love it for the energy it creates. This energy is my gift -our gift- to David, which I know helps to get him through those tough times ahead until the next Smiling for Smiddy event.
I know the lads love the go-at-your-own-pace sections throughout the eight days of riding. The final one of the entire tour was down the range coming out of Charters Towers at the 80 kilometre mark. With a tailwind the lead group saw speeds of 85 km/h plus and we all arrived at the bottom breathless and exhilarated from the effort.
And finally, but in no way any less important than any of the other nine points above, thank you to all the love one's and supporters of their chosen Smiddy rider. For without you and your kind donations and support there would be no money coming in for cancer research.
Thanks everyone for your ongoing support over the past eight days. I am going to give you a well deserved rest from reading this blog, but only for one month, as that is when the four day Half Smiddy Challenge begins. We still have places available if anyone out there got motivated through these blogs.
Take care all.
Sharky
History of Townsville
Traditional Landowners
Traditional owners and custodians, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People are the first people to have lived in the Townsville region.
When Europeans first arrived in Townsville, they presumed that no one occupied or owned the land because there were no boundaries, marked by farms or fences. However the Bindal and Wulgurukaba Peoples had been living here for many, many generations. Archaeological sites near Townsville have been dated over 10,000 years old.
The Bindal People
The Bindal people call the country “Thul Garrie Waja”. An important symbol for the Bindal people is the shooting star. They believe that wherever the star fell, or the the direction the star fell meant there was either danger coming or someone from that direction was in need of help or in danger.
The Wulgurukaba People
The Wulgurukaba people call their country “Gurrumbilbarra” Wulgurukaba means “canoe people”. An important symbol of the Wulgurukaba people is the carpet Snake. Wulgurukabas creation story tells the story of the creation snake that comes down from the Herbert River, went out to sea creating the Hichinbrook Channel and down to Palm and Magnetic Islands. His body broke up leaving parts along the coast. The tail of the snake is at Halifax Bay, his body is at Palm Island, While his head rests at Arcadia, Magnetic Island.
In 1819, botanist, Alan Cunningham and Captain Phillip Parker King were the first Europeans to record a landing in Cleveland Bay. They collected botanical specimens to take back to England.
In 1846, James Morrill was one of 14 crew members on board the barque, the Peruvian which was shipwrecked on the Great Barrier Reef. Cast ashore near Cape Bowling Green 42 days after the wreck, he was the first European to inhabit the area for an extended period of time.
In 1864, John Melton Black, then in partnership of Robert Towns, despatched Andrew Ball, Mark Watt Reid from Woodstock Station (south west of Townsville) to search for a coastal site where a suitable port could be established. Ball's party reached the mouth of Ross Creek in April 1864 and they set up camp below the rocky spur of Melton Hill (near the present Customs House on the Strand). After further exploration of the surrounding area, Ball returned to Woodstock Station and reported the discovery of a site for a settlement.
The first party of settlers, led by WA Ross, arrived at Cleveland Bay from Woodstock Station on the 5th November. Andrew Ball helped establish the settlement that would become Townsville.
During 1865, the first road to the hinterland was opened. This provided pastoral properties in the hinterland with direct access to the Port.
The first sale of allotments on Cleveland Bay was held at Bowen on the 31st July. James Morrill was permitted to select and purchase an allotment at an upset price.
Cleveland Bay was declared a Port of Entry on the 23rd September 1865
In 1876 Harry Butler and his family came to Picnic Bay and became the first permanent white settlers on Magnetic Island.
In 1876 the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland was founded and the census listed the population as consisting of 1148 females and 1527 males.
In 1876 the North Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Association was formed. The first show was held in 1876 at the Botanical Gardens Reserve. The industrial and horticultural exhibits were displayed in the old Supreme Court building on Melton Hill which was then the School of Arts.
In 1878 construction began on Townsville's first prison. The prison was situated in North Ward and was superseded by a new prison at Stewarts Creek (now Stuart Creek) in 1891. The original prison's administration block is now used by the Central State School and parts of the prison wall can still be seen in the grounds of the school.
A major fire destroyed a number of commercial premises between Stokes and Denham Street in 1877. A second fire in 1878 damaged the Town Council offices, with a large number of Council records lost.
In 1879 the Thuringowa Divisional Board was created. The board covered an area of approximately 3219 square kilometres. The area included Ross Island, Hermit Park, Magnetic Island, extended to Crystal Creek to the north; to the Burdekin River in the south; and to the top of the range near Mingela.
The first bridge from Flinders Street to Ross Island (now South Townsville) was completed but subsequently dismantled as prior to its opening
In 1866, Robert Towns, entrepreneur and businessman agreed to provide financial assistance to the new settlement. Although he only visited Townsville briefly, the settlement was named Townsville in his honour. Towns died in 1873. A memorial to him is located at the top of Castle Hill.
Townsville was declared a municipality in February 1866, with John Melton Black elected first Mayor of the new municipality.
It was also the year the first steamship arrived in the port.
A boiling down works was established at Hermit Park, sugar plantations were established at Hyde Park and Hermit Park, and a cotton plantation was established at Railway Estate.
The first newspaper, the Cleveland Bay Herald, was distributed on the 3rd March 1866 and in the same year, the West End Cemetery was established. It operated as Townsville's General Cemetery until 1902.
By 1868, Townsville was the major port and service centre for the Cape River, Gilbert, Ravenswood, Etheridge and Charters Towers goldfields. The pastoral industry extended further to the west, and the sugar industry expanded in coastal towns both north and south of Townsville. By the end of 1867, Townsville’s population was approximately 300 people.
In 1869 the National School opened in North Ward. It was located near the Leichhardt Street and Eyre Street roundabout.
In 1873 increased maritime activities prompted an attempt to develop the western side of Ross Creek seawards along the line of the present breakwater. When the attempt failed the Government stepped in to improve existing harbour facilities.
The first mail steamer arrived via Torres Strait.
In 1873 James Burns set up a mercantile business in Townsville. When he went into partnership with Robert Philp the manager of his Townsville operations in 1877 the business became Burns Philp and Company.
From 1868 to 1872, Townsville's population grew to around 2000 people.
1876 - 1879
In 1876 Harry Butler and his family came to Picnic Bay and became the first permanent white settlers on Magnetic Island.
In 1876 the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland was founded and the census listed the population as consisting of 1148 females and 1527 males.
In 1876 the North Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Association was formed. The first show was held in 1876 at the Botanical Gardens Reserve. The industrial and horticultural exhibits were displayed in the old Supreme Court building on Melton Hill which was then the School of Arts.
In 1878 construction began on Townsville's first prison. The prison was situated in North Ward and was superseded by a new prison at Stewarts Creek (now Stuart Creek) in 1891. The original prison's administration block is now used by the Central State School and parts of the prison wall can still be seen in the grounds of the school.
A major fire destroyed a number of commercial premises between Stokes and Denham Street in 1877. A second fire in 1878 damaged the Town Council offices, with a large number of Council records lost.
In 1879 the Thuringowa Divisional Board was created. The board covered an area of approximately 3219 square kilometres. The area included Ross Island, Hermit Park, Magnetic Island, extended to Crystal Creek to the north; to the Burdekin River in the south; and to the top of the range near Mingela.
The first bridge from Flinders Street to Ross Island (now South Townsville) was completed but subsequently dismantled as prior to its opening major flaws in the mechanisms of the drawbridge winches were discovered.
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