Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia
When we decided to stay in Cloncurry for an extended time, everyone said: "Great! You can now attend the races and the "Beat the Heat" festival!" We were also advised that after this event, the Curry quietened down as the weather heated up.
We haven't stopped since we arrived with event after event at school and in Cloncurry. Not to mention moving house as well! Our blended family of four adults and five children are happily residing in a new abode in Cloncurry! We are also thrilled that Jill and George have joined the cycling brigade and that they are cycling the 3km ride to school with us each day.
First, there was book week where Jackson, Abigail and Audrey all dressed up as characters out of the Magic Faraway Tree. It was a fun morning where we admired all of the creativity in Cloncurry.
In conjunction with the adopt-a-cop program, St Joseph's ran a road safety poster competition. Abigail proudly won in the junior school, despite her spelling error...
Next, we enjoyed a Queensland school fete, complete with a cent sale. There are sadly no " cent sales" in Victoria. Once the concept was explained (see https://www.fundraisingdirectory.com.au/idea-cent-auctions/ for an explanation), Jackson promptly put all of his tickets in the one and only prize he wanted to win. He was thrilled at the end of the night when his number was drawn and he won a mini air hockey table. Abigail meanwhile won a Monopoly game with just one ticket! Each class had done a wonderful job of creating a fun stall.
The haunted house and the laser tag amongst the hay bales were both favourites with the kids.
The school events kept on coming with the Annual St Joseph's Bush Dance evening. Each class had learnt a dance that they had to perform before inviting their parents up to dance. In between class dances, there were plenty of bush dances for everyone to enjoy. Mum especially enjoyed dancing the night away with all of us kids.
The "Beat the Heat" festival is a long weekend event that began on the Thursday night with a free 80's musical performance by a Brisbane trio. The Friday night street festival kicked off with a Paw Patrol show, followed by the Curry Cook Off challenge: that's right, a Curry in the Curry! Locals cooked their favourite curry and gave away free sample sizes for everyone to taste and vote upon. We enjoyed the curry feast. The Mine Cart Rally is always a crowd favourite where each of the local mines build and race their own cart down the main street. The night continued with live music and free unlimited side show rides. An amazing evening for a small town to offer at the low price of $10 per adult. Kids were all free!
There was no resting this particular weekend as the Cloncurry spring races were held that Saturday afternoon. Thanks again to friends and our local Vinnies for dressing us for this event. Abigail had fun entering the fashions with her friends. Jackson enjoyed the free lollies and hay bale fun afterwards, until a straw pierced deep into his finger. This resulted in a late Saturday night visit to the Cloncurry hospital. Fortunately, it wasn't busy and mum became friends with one of the nurses.
On Sunday morning, we went to Mary Kathleen Memorial Park to enjoy the local markets, and more side show alley attractions. We also visited another Cloncurry attraction: The Unearthed Museum where we learned more about the history of Cloncurry and the many minerals in the surrounding hills.
One of Jackson's friends showed him a shortcut to school, which took him across the rugged Cloncurry dirt and ravines. Our folding bikes are great, but not so great off road. After Jackson stacked it one morning riding to school, Cousin Trev had to use some of his veterinary supplies to patch Jackson up!
We still aren't convinced that things will quieten down in this town with the friendly heart in north west Queensland! We are so, so lucky to be able to experience a normal 'covid-free' life here whilst many friends and family can not.
2025-05-22