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40th Anniversary Wrap Up (25th Aug – 2nd Sept)
We may be a small rural town, but there was nothing small about the festivities to celebrate 40 years of Tieri and Oaky Creek Mine. Between 25th August and 2nd September, there was a full schedule of events that included:
A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to everyone who played a part in putting together these incredible celebrations of the history of our town, the mine and the community that has, and continues to call Tieri home. In case you missed them, here’s a snapshot of some of the events that took place to mark our 40th anniversary.
Friday 25th August: Grand Opening and Tieri Book Launch
Over 300 people turned up to the Opening celebrations that kicked off at 10am on Friday 25th Aug at Tieri Shopping Centre. A Welcome to Country address was given by Jonno Malone, followed by a traditional dance from the Western Kangoulu people, upon whose lands on Tieri is situated.
It was the perfect launch to the festivities. The children loved the Traditional dances and embraced the opportunity to take part in one of them.
Free Tieri 40th merchandise was handed out to attendees and there were speeches by Damien Wynn,General Manager at Oaky Creek Coal (OCC), Joel May, Environment & Community Manager, OCC and author, Ray Christison who was commissioned by OCC to write a book documenting the 40 years of Tieri and Oaky Creek Coal.
Ray has done an incredible job capturing the history of Tieri in the ‘Top Little Town’ book. With so many wonderful photos and stories, it’s a fabulous memoir of the mine, the town and the community, past and present. Copies of the book are available at the Tieri Town Services Office for $10. All funds raised will be donated to the Cancer Council. A community copy has been provided to each of Tieri, Middlemount, Capella, Emerald and Queensland State Libraries for cataloguing into their local history section.
Tieri State School Captains formally opened the Tieri 40th Pop-Up Shop at the Community Space, displaying memorabilia from the last four decades. The contents of the time capsule that was buried behind the Lions Wall during Tieri’s 21st birthday celebrations was also on display. Unfortunately some of the contents had water damage, but it was still interesting to see the small signed quilt, CD ROMs, Cornett’s Food Store catalogue, and more.
There was plenty of seating available within the space for people to sit and take their time viewing the hundreds of photos and items on display and remembering special moments in the history of Tieri and Oaky Creek mine. Katie Duncan and Kelly Barns dedicated so much time to create this sensory trip down memory lane for everyone to enjoy – thank you.
Thanks as well to Joyce Smith for cutting the 40th birthday cake on behalf of late partner, Graham Cooke. Graham was one of the first people involved in the construction of the Tieri township, so it was fitting for Joyce to honour his memory and contribution to Tieri at the 40th celebrations.
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Saturday 26th August: Markets & Kids Box Car Races
Tieri Lions Park was full of hustle and bustle as 250 people rocked up to peruse the markets, enjoy the rides and take part in the Billy Cart Derby and Kids Box Car Races.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the Billy Cart Derby unfortunately couldn’t go ahead, but that didn’t dampen people’s spirits. “A huge thank you to the Tieri Community. Even in the face of disappointment that we could not run the Billy Cart Derby, you still came out and made it a tremendous family day. That’s the Tieri spirit,” said Kath Hema from CTM LINKS, who organised the event.
And what a day it was!
Amusement rides including a merry-go-round, rock climbing wall and mega super slide were provided by MEU Oaky North Lodge.
Central Highlands Karate, supported by MEU Oaky North Lodge, held a very successful all-day BBQ, serving burgers that attendees described as “delicious!”.
Peak Downs Pirates JRL held a successful Pit Stop Café, supported by CTM LINKS. The Trulander Petting Zoo featured alpacas, goats, ducks, chicks and guinea pigs. And market stalls from providers across the Central Highlands were selling produce and gifts galore. Feedback from stall holders really emphasised the community spirit we have here.
“I enjoy coming to Tieri, the community always supports my business very well and I really enjoy the people and the community of Tieri,” said Kristina from The Vault.
The Jamies from Modern Day Pantry agree: “We are so happy we attended the Tieri Markets. The interest was outstanding. We will definitely be back. Thank you Tieri.”
Kerry Walker, from ‘Made by Mumz’, described her experience of the day: “What a wonderful morning it was. So very well attended by a great number of market stalls, all with a lovely and varied choice of items for sale. The bacon and egg rolls made and served by the Karate Club were absolutely delicious, and kept the team very busy with cooking and serving. The coffee made so professionally by our very own Peak Downs Pirate Football Club warmed our bellies and tasted great. We had many people coming through and my market stall kept me very busy with so many generous customers buying The Australian Handcrafted Babies’ and Children’s clothing I stock. Happy faces and catch ups with old friends, along with long chats about Tieri living, old and new. The children’s playground was abuzz with laughter and little ones climbing and swinging and enjoying time with their little friends. Their bright faces painted so beautifully by Krissy and helpers. Just before the box cart race was about to start, there was a great influx of families with their children and box carts… so lovingly made. Tieri Markets was a great success and so well attended by all from near and far. I would personally like to thank Kath and Stacey for all their amazing work making this event so special and successful. You really are a great team girls.”
The highlight of the day though was undoubtedly the Kids Box Car Races.
In the months leading up to the event, Foodworks had provided cardboard boxes to Tieri Daycare, Tieri Kindergarten and Tieri State School. Teachers and Educators had guided children and students to build their very own Box Car to compete with on Race Day. A Build-Your-Own-Box-Car stall was also available on the day, at the markets.
Thanks to CHMS, a wonderful racetrack and pit stop area was designed and mapped out with chalk on the lawn at Tieri Lions Park, right in the heart of the market area, making the racing the key feature.
Box Car Race Announcer, Ron McGowan, did an outstanding job running the races and encouraging everyone to participate…he even set up an impromptu adult box car race!
“As a Dad and a Poppy, the excitement and joy of children’s laughter and general fun fills me with pride. To be asked [at] extremely short notice to assist and essentially MC the box car racing was one of my personal highlights of the whole event,” said Ron.
“The dedication of the CTM LINKS team, the School and the Mums and Dads (quite a few of whom I know) was unreal. Kids having fun is what living in a small community like Tieri is what the lifestyle here is all about. And me being me, I was proud to throw in some jest and comedy to compliment what was a fantastic event, albeit a bit of tongue in cheek. To be acknowledged as a person on the spot to do it was an honour, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat”.
“It was so wonderful watching children running the box car race with gusto and glee,” reflected Kath Hema. “Thanks to the CHRC Tieri Parks & Garden team, the Lions Park looked outstanding; very manicured and presentable. And of course, a big thank you to all the volunteers from the day, they are the silent champions that bring community events together.”
Monday 28th August: 40th Birthday Party
Molly and Mikaela, facilitators for Tieri Possums Playgroup organised a special “40th birthday party” playgroup session at Tieri Library.
Eight families attended, with a total of 10 kids. The children enjoyed playing with the balloons and singing “Happy Birthday” to Tieri. And everyone – including the adults! – enjoyed the delicious birthday cupcakes, kindly provided by Siobhan Randell.
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Monday 28th August: 40th Birthday Dinner
Oaky Creek Coal Joint Venture Partners, Oaky Creek Coal Managers, Tieri 40th Committee Members, Neighbouring Landholders, Traditional Owners and members of local health, education and council came together for a dinner to celebrate the last 40 years of Tieri and the Oaky Creek Coal business.
The 30 attendees enjoyed exceptional food and service at Tieri Bar & Grill, thanks to Stephen, Raewyn and their team.
The joint venture partners presented Tieri with a large framed photo showing a past and present aerial image of the town. The photo will be displayed in the Tieri Bar & Grill Meeting Room.
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Monday 28th August & Tuesday 29th August: Shell Blessing Beads & Essential Oil Candle Making Workshop
CTM LINKS had the pleasure of inviting back much-loved past CTM LINKS Tieri Community Development Officer, Stacy Davies to hold two creative workshops.
Stacy held the CTM LINKS position from 2014 – 2019 and was well renowned for her fun and creative events.
The workshops entailed making Shell Blessing Beads and Essential Oil Candles.
Blessing beads are looped strands of beads that celebrate the fortunate events, wonderful people, and beautiful things in your life. The elegant, understated wooden beads remind you of the value in simplicity and the importance of celebrating the little things, while the gold oyster shell pendant reminds you that you’re surrounded by an ocean of love.
Aroma candles are made with essential oils that have aromatherapeutic properties for holistic therapeutic care and for providing well-being to the body, mind and spirit.
As well as leaving with their creations, each participant was presented with a beautiful handmade soap from Stacy.
“Thanks for a wonderful morning, I was reminded of how much fun we had living in Tieri,” commented Helen Bonne on Facebook.
“Great workshop with fun company. Thanks Kath and Stacey for organising. Love love my candle and beads,” said Susan Hickey.
“Thanks to Cheryl at Tieri Brolga for setting up and providing a fantastic space,” said Kath Hema. “And to Tieri Cheese & Kisses and Tieri Bakery for providing the catering.”
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Tuesday 29th August: Outdoor Family Movie Night
It was a perfectly beautiful clear night to watch the Super Mario Bros movie under the stars.
“It was so wonderful to see families coming along with picnic blankets, beanbags, camping chairs, even doonas and pillows, finding their prime spot to view the movie on the big screen,” said Kath Hema, organiser of the event.
With funding from the Tieri Social Cohesion Project – a joint initiative with Glencore Oaky Creek Coal, CTM LINKS has purchased a Cinema Popcorn Machine.
On the night, to make the movie experience so much more authentic, CTM LINKS offered an endless popcorn box, a bag of lollies and a matchbox car (in honour of the movie) for a gold coin donation.
The feedback from the community was extremely positive, with many saying they would like to see more outdoor movie nights in the future.
“A massive shoutout, thanks and kudos must go to the Tieri Youth Group – I’m so, so proud of you! You took ownership of the event, everything from the set up, to running the popcorn, lollies and water station, to packing up at the end,” expressed Kath.
“Thanks to your efforts and to the community’s generous donations we are $168 closer to getting your slushie or snow cone machine…whichever you decide. Mackenzie, Madelyn, Aiden, Tristan, Odin, James, Hillary, Evie, Payton, Lane, Bill & Nicole, you are all champions!”
Big thanks also goes to CHRC Youth Development Team for loaning and setting up their outdoor movie system; Tieri State School for providing water coolers to offer free cold water; MEU Oaky North Lodge for the donation of lolly bags and Helen Daly for free glow sticks.
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Wednesday 30th August: Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
At 9:30am over 50 people from Tieri and Capella descended on Tieri Town Centre to enjoy the Biggest Morning Tea and raise money for Cancer Awareness.
As well as coinciding with Tieri’s 40th birthday, it also marked 30 years of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea…so of course, there was plenty of cake to celebrate!
There were raffles and a Mystery Auction, where the highest bidder wins. These went for between $30 – $100 dollars. It was fun and lots of laughter, as every winner had to open the box and reveal the contents inside.
A silent auction had four items up for grabs: a beautiful patchwork quilt raised $500, a diamond art framed piece raised $100, a hamper raised $80 and a creative knife $100.
At the end of the morning the tinned daffodil table centrepieces were auctioned off, raising a further $360. In total, the Biggest Morning Tea raised over $4,000 for the Queensland Cancer Council!
There was also a raffle for The Kids Cancer Project which raised just over $1,000 which will be used to purchase 16 Cancer Bears for children who are receiving cancer treatment.
It was an enjoyable morning out, full of fun, laughter and delicious food. Everyone is already looking forward to next year.
Events like these don’t happen without the generous donations from the Tieri and Capella communities who supplied food and goodies for the Mystery Auction, including: Blackdowns, Brogla Hotel, Catherine Windsor, CTM Links Tieri and Capella, CWA Ladies Capella, Foodworks, Glencore, Jim’s Orchids, Koa Hair, Middlemount Butchers, Monica Reid, Tieri Ampol, Tieri Angels (Church Shop), Tieri Pharmacy and Watts in Style…a huge thank you to you all.
And of course, thanks to Nurse Sue Hall, Kerry Walker, Tracey Ryder/Slatter who organised the event, with a helping hand from Denise Studt, Ryl Gardiner and Susan Hickey.
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Thursday 31st August: Tieri LAC Trivia Night
Tieri Civic Centre hosted over 80 people eager to showcase their local knowledge and win some prizes at the LAC Trivia Night.
Teams were put to the test with five rounds of 10 questions based on Tieri through the ages and the “A Top Little Town” book by Ray Christison.
Kudos to the 4709’s who were crowned the winners, and generously donated their $500 prize money back to the Tieri LAC.
And congratulations to The Cool Kids for coming 2nd and Miner Minds for securing 3rd place. The teams took home $200 and $100 prize money, respectively.
Shout out to Kate Sullivan for being MC on the night; Yvette Martin, Jen Farquhar and Khloe Head for helping in the kitchen; Shay Martin for helping behind the bar; and Laughlan Andolfatto for helping with marking and tallying the points. And thanks to LAC committee members – Ashley Edler, Taylor Hurst, Anthony Hurst and Sue Hall – for organising the event.
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25th August – 3rd September: ‘Tieri Through the Decades’ display
School Captains, Orla Daly and Noah May officially opened the ‘Tieri Through the Decades’ display in a ribbon cutting ceremony during the Grand Opening celebrations on Friday 25th August.
Hundreds of different items were presented at the new Community Space in a carefully curated collection showcasing Tieri’s evolution over the last four decades. There was a ‘walk through the decades’ photo display, trophies from sporting clubs, Lions club, Scouts and Girl Guides, mine equipment from Oaky Creek, and items gifted from the Joint Venture group.
In the weeks and months leading up to the 40th festivities, Katie Duncan, Site Administrator at Oaky Creek Coal, collected the precious memorabilia from the old club houses with the committee’s permission, the mine site, and from locals and committee members. Contributors included Tieri Football Club, Girl Guides, Dorward Family, Joyce Smith, Tieri Swimming Club, Flood Family, Farrer Family, Town Services and Oaky Creek Coal.
With the help of CHMS, Kelly Barns, Symone Dorward and Lily Wilson, Katie designed an easily accessible display of the items in the new Community Space in the town centre. “We chose the Community Space to house the collection because it’s a clean, empty space that we could make our own.”
Everyone who saw the display was amazed and thankful for the effort that had gone into it, each person cherishing a different item or photograph for different reasons.
For Katie, her favourite piece was a tennis trophy that was made to look like a sheep station. “I thought it was very funny as they were ‘playing for sheep station’. Saving this piece from the abandoned tennis club was quite the mission. I had to carefully step on the floor so I didn’t fall through, then carefully throw the piece to Kelly Barns who was standing just outside the door!”
Thanks to Katie and the team for curating the display and to the contributors for generously donating their photographs and memorabilia for inclusion.
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