Mulgrave Shire Historical Society

28/05/2026

We have distributed our latest Bulletin to all members, and it promises to be an enjoyable read. You can view it at the Mulgrave History Museum. Additionally, members can obtain a copy as part of their Mulgrave Shire Historical Society membership.
For further details regarding membership, please click here.

https://mulgraveshirehistoricalsociety.weebly.com/membership.html

BULLETIN NO. 502 - Gordonvale State High School Canecutter Mural by Jocelyn Webb on behalf of the 1968 Art Class and Peter Bell

People interested in preserving history Researchers History enthusiasts Membership Benefits Monthly bulletins Free entry to Mulgrave History Museum 10% off books sold at Mulgrave...

25/05/2026

We have Sarah Collins' book From Springfield Station with Love, is available for purchase from the Mulgrave History Museum $25 each

24/05/2026

More photos from our recent event "An Evening at the Museum". We really appreciate all the photos shared and hearing everyone's experience of the night.

24/05/2026

What a remarkable evening we had, with nearly 50 attendees in attendance. We would like to extend my our gratitude to everyone who supported our "An Evening at the Museum" event. A special thank you goes to our distinguished speakers of the night: Dr. Sarah Collins, along with sisters Yvonne Gordon and Katina Davis.

The presentation showcased Gordonvale history through the eyes of Doctor Davis family's perspective, graphically displayed from the late 1950s until his death. Dr Sarah Collins then provided an interesting look at station life in far north Queensland and boarding school experiences at Herberton in the 1920s.

Thanks to all the hard working volunteers behind the scenes, particularly Sallyanne, who initiated the evening's activities.


Sarah Collins
Gordon
Davis

23/05/2026

Thanks Lost Cairns & District for posting these wonderful photos and write up of our event this evening.

22/05/2026

Its Volunteer Week. This is a little thanks and acknowledgement to all our volunteers at Mulgrave Shire Historical Society.

For the volunteers of the Mulgrave Shire Historical Society

History is not preserved by buildings alone,
but by volunteers giving time they could call their own. Julie shares Streets Ahead stories with care, while Sallyanne’s newsletters keep members aware.

David researches tales from long ago,
and Bo records the meetings so plans continue to flow.Damien keeps the Air Raid Shelter standing proud, while Jeff works behind the scenes without needing a crowd.

Gloria creates costumes that bring Ghosts to life, and Jenny keeps Mulgrave memories shared online day and night. Michael and Lyn build displays for all to enjoy, Stephen uncovers history with remarkable employ.

Pauline edits our bulletins with patience and skill, while Colin welcomes visitors with knowledge to fill.
Wendy keeps our pages and website alive,
while Travis guides the Society and helps history survive.

Betty, Erin and Mary quietly help wherever they can, Maree keeps track of finances with a careful hand. And Desma’s famous scones remind us along the way, that community and history belong together every day.

Because of volunteers like you, the stories of Mulgrave Shire continue to live on.

Happy Volunteer Week!

ChatGPT poem.

21/05/2026

We will have a stall at the Gordonvale Sugar Solstice showcasing photos of Gordonvale organisations celebrating milestones this year. We will once again be offering our Mosaic Walk tours which tell the stories that go with each of the footpath mosaics in Gordonvale. See you there starting with the street parade!

21/05/2026

Please take a moment to read the story that Sallyanne has submitted to Pyramid Views regarding one of the footpath mosaics. If you're interested in learning more, we will be offering Mosaic Walk tours during the upcoming Gordonvale Sugar Solstice on Saturday, 13th June. There will be three tours at 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM, gold coin donation, where we will share the stories associated with each of the footpath mosaics located in Gordonvale.

MAIN STREET MOSAIC TRAIL
The trail of 22 mosaics starting in Norman Park and continuing on the opposite sides along Norman and Gordon Streets was a project of a community minded group, the Friends of Gordonvale. The group was formed in the early 1990s with the aim of retaining the character of Gordonvale before it became a suburb of Cairns. The mosaics tell stories of the area from the Yidinji tribe and their creation legend of Djarragun (Walsh's Pyramid), to early traders, to the development of a sugar industry. This feature in Pyramid Views will share the background of one mosaic each edition, in the hope that you will walk along those streets with your eyes down, occasionally and enjoy the stories the mosaics have to tell.
MAIN STREET MOSAIC TRAIL
The trail of 22 mosaics starting in Norman Park and continuing on the opposite sides along Norman and Gordon Streets was a project of a community minded group, the Friends of Gordonvale. The group was formed in the early 1990s with the aim of retaining the character of Gordonvale before it became a suburb of Cairns. The mosaics tell stories of the area from the Yidinji tribe and their creation legend of Djarragun (Walsh's Pyramid), to early traders, to the development of a sugar industry. This feature in Pyramid Views will share the background of one mosaic each edition, in the hope that you will walk along those streets with your eyes down, occasionally and enjoy the stories the mosaics have to tell.

The Lyric Theatre 1934-1939
The Lyric Theatre was built by Mr J English and family and opened on 22 June 1934 by Mr W M Simmonds, Chairman of the Cairns shire Council. The Catholic Building Fund Committee ran the opening function which took the form of a monster euchre party and dance. The M.C. was Mr Kev Hoolihan. The hall was ‘gaily bedecked with bunting, a large Union Jack and Australian flags adorning each end. Palms adorned the walls.’ Cairns Post 25/06/1934
The hall was used for balls, local meetings, touring companies and moving pictures. It was used by the Farewell and Welcome Home Committee during WW2, so it was fitting that the RSSILA purchased the hall in January 1953 and remodelled it.
As the RSL Hall, the tradition of hosting many Gordonvale events was continued. Saved from demolition several years ago, the RSL Hall is in the final stages of being restored.
Samantha Fermo created this mosaic which can be viewed outside the RSL Hall on Gordon St.

Contributed by Sallyanne Powell- MuMulgrave Shire Historical Societylocalhistorymatters