Details of publications which have details of History of Mackay and the Pioneer Valley. a listing of the Books published dealing with History of the Mackay and Pioneer Valley area. 

Please note it is not comprehensive but will give you an idea of what has been published and contains details of Local History , Families etc.

I have endeavoured to include a paragraph on each book giving a general overview and a picture of the cover in case you are looking for it.

I will endeavour to update this list on a regular basis as I scan more covers and obtain more books etc.

Most are available through the Mackay City Library so if you live in Queensland you may be able to get them through the interlibrary loans.

Alternatively the Mackay Museum may have some for sale please refer to the page for details of those that are available. Contact the museum  at mackaymuseum@gmail.com

   Some of the older ones are no longer in print but I myself have picked some up going through second hand bookstores and antique book stores  ("They called me Artie" was located in the antique bookstore in Charlotte Street, Brisbane).


1901 - Our-Future's Past

By Raymond Evans, Clive Moore, Kay Saunders, Bryan Jamison

Published 1997 by Sydney Macmillan

ISBN 0732908914

295 pages

A history of Australians at the time of Federation. A Homebush house once owned by the Matsen family features on the front cover and includes Ole Matsen's documentation of life at the turn of the century.

 

A Century of Sugar

By John Kerr

Published 1988 by Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited, Mackay QLD

ISBN 0 7316 3739 9

224 pages

An excellent history of the development of the Racecourse Sugar Mill. Includes history of other mills of the area south of the Pioneer River.

A House Well Filled

By Betty Clark

Published 1992 by Mackay Historical Society, Mackay QLD

ISBN 0 646 07500 4

128 pages

A history of the Cook and Atherton Families researched by Betty Clark using the resources and memoirs in the Greenmount Homestead archives.

A Selection of Memorials and Plaque Inscriptions of Mackay & District

co-ordinated by Shirley Jones

Published 2002 by Mackay Whitsunday branch, National Trust of Queensland.

60 pages

A Small booklet listing a selection of district memorials including inscriptions and locations. 

  Albie... a knight to remember

By Ray Braithwaite

Published 2005 by Ray Braithwaite, 54 Bedford Road, North Mackay 4740

ISBN 0975247131

138 pages

A biography on one of Mackay's longest serving Mayors, sir Albert Abbott.

An Electric Beginning, A History of Electricity Supply in the Mackay Region 1924-1983

By Raye Williams

Published 1983 by Mackay Electricity Board, Mackay QLD

ISBN 0 72421229 9

140 pages

A history of the supply of Electricity from the first connections in 1924 through to the developments and improvement to the Supply network to 1983.

Angor to Zillmanton - stories of North Queensland's deserted towns.

By Colin Hooper

Published 1995 by Colin Hooper

ISBN 0 646 00629 0

436 pages

A comprehensive history of the history of abandoned townships surveyed mostly in the 1800's.  Includes original survey maps and photographs and locations of deserted towns in North Queensland.  Mackay region townships listed from page 310 to 325.

Australia's Worst Aviation Disaster: 70th Anniversary Commemoration Edition

by Robert S. Cutler

published 2014 by Boolarong Press, Salisbury, QLD

ISBN 9781925046342

126 pages

Revised and updated edition of original book Mackay's Flying Fortress: The Story of Australia's Worst Air Crash in World War II originally published in 2003.

 

Behold Nebo

by George Mayes

published 1991 by R & R Publications, Glenden, QLD

ISBN 0 646 06018 X

270 pages

A comprehensive history of the Nebo Shire Council from 1883. Includes many early photographs. Produced for the Nebo Shire Council, this book goes through the early settlement of Nebo and surrounding areas and the Council's history to 1991.

Below these Mountains

by Lyall Ford

published 2001, Taipan Press, Freshwater, QLD

ISBN 0959077618

256 pages.

A Family History of 19th Century Photographer John Henry Mills. Includes a history of the Mount Britton goldfield and over 100 photographs taken during his time. J.H. Mills was a pioneer in early Queensland photography.

for more details, Reviews etc go to the Below These Mountains website

Biosketches of the Fallen - 70th Anniversary Commemoration - Bakers Creek Air Crash in Worl d War II

Edited by Robert S. Cutler

published 2013 by Bakers Creek Memorial Association (U.S.A.)

66 pages

contains short biographies of 28 of the 41 men in the crash of the B17 that crashed at Bakers Creek in June 1943. 

 

Bloomsbury, St. Helens & Jolimont Stations 1860-190": their first forty years

by Desmond R. Dunn

published 2014 by Desmond R. Dunn

ISBN 9780646572901 

192 pages

Chronicles the story of European settlement to the North of Mackay including the early settler families and their history.

Cane Tramways and Locomotives of the Mirani Shire

by John Browning

published 1993 by Mirani Shire Council, QLD

ISBN 0 64613 940 1

21 pages

Booklet providing a brief history of Cane Tramways and Locomotives that transported Sugar Cane to the Sugar Mills in the district. Includes photographs of Steam Locomotives.

Captain Tom

by G.T. McLean , Edited by Colleen Davis

published 1986 by Boolarong Publications, QLD

ISBN 80 00 0 1616 8 

103 pages

A book following the history of Tourism in the Whitsunday Islands and Captain Tom McLean's involvement in the development of the Tourism industry and Roylen Cruises.

Celebrating 50 years at Candlestick Park : 1961-2011

by ?

published 2011

? pages

history of Mackay Basketball.

(More information si required if anyone can help)

 

Changing Horses: The Life of R.S. Porteous

by Rob Laurent

published 2001 by Blue Flyer Publishing, QLD

ISBN 0 646 40979 4

239 pages

An interesting Biography of R.S. "Skip" Porteous.  He was a Light-horseman in World War One, Commercial artist in 1920's Melbourne, Jackeroo then part-owner of a vast Central Queensland Cattle run, Pioneer tourist launch operator to the Great Barrier Reef Islands, First Mate on a US Army merchant ship in World War Two and a writing career that culminated on the prize winning outback classic Cattleman in 1960.

 

Chelona State School, Centenary Book 1893 - 1993

Compiled by Ken Stien

Published 1993 by Chelona State School Centenary Committee, QLD

ISBN 0 646 13749 2

148 pages

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Chelona State School. Contains history of the School as well as the Chelona area, and families.

Coningsby State School, 1884 - 1984

Edited by Aileen and Geoff Smith

printed 1984 by Coningsby State School, QLD

63 pages

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Coningsby State School. Contains history of the School as well as the Coningsby area, and families.

Coningsby State School, Established 1884 - 125th Anniversary

produced by Coningsby State School P&C Committee.

Published 2009 by Coningsby State School, QLD

194 pages

Book produced in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the opening of Coningsby State School. Contains history of the School as well as the Coningsby area, and families. Includes greatly updated information from the 1984 publication.

Available through Coningsby State School   http://www.coningsbss.eq.edu.au/

Cooks Forth Journey ?

By Perce Leivesley

Published 1999 by Perce Leivesley

139 pages

A history of the Association of Perce Leivesley with the Cook Family of Greenmount Homestead documenting his relationship with Tom and Dorothy Cook and his role as trustee of the Cook Estate after Tom Cook's Death in 1981.

Dows Creek State School, 1895 - 1995 - Faces, Places and Memories.

Written and Compiled by Paul Asprey

Published 1995 by Dows Creek Centenary Committee, via Mirani, QLD

168 pages

Produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Dows Creek State School. Contains history of the School as well as the Dows Creek area, and families.

Early Settlers of Mackay 1860-1885

by Mackay Family History Society

published 2009, by Mackay Family History Society

ISBN 9780646515007

526 pages

A comprehensive book providing details of early Mackay families. Over 400 photographs with many not published before and over 250 families represented.  An excellent resource on early Mackay History.

Copies available from Mackay Family History Society. Hardcover $70.
For contact details go to the MFHS website at info@mackayfamilyhistory.org.au

Eimeo Road State School, Golden Jubilee, 1934 - 1984

Compiled by Joyce Shuttlewood

Published 1984, Eimeo Road State School

64 pages

Published for the 50th Jubilee of the Eimeo Road State Primary School. Includes history of the Eimeo, Blacks Beach and Bucasia areas.

Eimeo Road State School, Celebrating 75 years 1934-2009.

Compiled by Trish Jones

Published 2009, Eimeo Road State School

86 pages

Published for the 75th Anniversary of the Eimeo Road State Primary School. Includes history of the Eimeo, Blacks Beach and Bucasia areas.

 

Eton North State School, Centenary 1895 - 1995

Published 1995 by MADEC, Mackay, QLD

73 pages

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Eton North State School. Contains history of the School as well as the North Eton area, and families.

Eungella State School: School in the Clouds - Golden Jubilee - 1928-1978

Printed 1978 by Hatfields Printers

16 pages

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Eungella State School. 

Eungella State School: 1928-2003 - 75th Anniversary

Printed 2003 by Eungella state School.

94 pages

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the opening of Eungella State School. 

 

Faith of our Fathers, A journey of three Fatnownas 1866-1999.

by Teresa Fatnowna

published 2002 by Teresa Fatnowna, Mackay, Qld.

ISBN 0 9581382 0 6

134 pages

A loving tribute to the memory of Christian Fatnowna (1927-1999) by his wife Teresa. The book provides a wonderful history of three generations of Chris' family from his father the first generation to live in Queensland after being blackbirded from the Solomon Islands in the 1880's.

 

Farleigh State School Centenary 1909-2009

Compiled by Farleigh State School Centenary Committee

Published 2009, Farleigh State School

160 pages

Published for the 100th year centenary of the Farleigh State Primary School. Includes history of the School and contains many stories, memories and photographs of past students.

Available through Farleigh State School   http://farleighss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/

Fields of Sorrow - An Oral history of descendants of the South Sea Islanders (Kanakas)

Edited by Cristine Andrew and Penny Cook.

published 2000 by Cristine Andrew, Mackay, QLD.

ISBN 0 9578055 0 0

196 pages.

An excellent compiled book of oral histories covering the South Sea Islanders families who came to the Mackay district in the 1800's. Contains many photographs and deals with parts of Mackay Historic events the South Sea Islanders were involved in.

Finch Hatton and Cattle Creek Memories

Compiled by Kay Nash

published April 2000 by Finch Hatton - Cattle Creek Reunion Committee

223 pages.

A compilation of personal memories of life past by former and current residents of the Finch Hatton District. Includes many photographs and drawings and various histories of the families who are well known in the area.

Copies available from the Finch Hatton Railway Station for $20.

 

Finch Hatton State School - Through the Mists

Compiled by Beth Higham

Published 1984, Finch Hatton State School

90 pages

Published for the 75th Jubilee of the Finch Hatton Primary School. Includes history of Netherdale as well as of the Finch Hatton area.

 

Finch Hatton State School - 100 Years of Memories - The School on the Hill

Compiled by Finch Hatton State School P&C Committee

Published 2009, Finch Hatton State School

225 pages

Published for the Centenary Celebrations of the Finch Hatton Primary School. Includes history of Netherdale as well as of the Finch Hatton area.  Also includes information on Netherdale, Mt. Dalrymple and Gorge Schools.

Available through Finch Hatton   State School http://www.finchattss.eq.edu.au/index.htm

Fragments of a Lost Heritage

by Noel Fatnowna

Published 1989 by Angus and Robertson Publishers, North Ryde, NSW

ISBN 0 207 15738 3.

185 pages

Details the History of the family of Noel Fatnowna a descendent of the South Sea Islanders brought to Mackay in the late 19th Century to work as labourers on the Sugar Plantations in Mackay.

From Humble Beginnings - Mackay Maltese Pioneers 1883-1940

researched and compiled by Carmel Baretta and Laraine Schembri.

published 2001 by Carmel Baretta and Laraine Schembri, Mackay, QLD.

ISBN 1876711 49 3

520 pages.

An excellent researched book covering the Maltese families who have emigrated to the Mackay District and have provided a major contribution to the development of the Sugar Industry in the Mackay Region and to Australia. Contains many photographs and deals with parts of Mackay Historic events the Maltese settlers were involved in.

If You wish to purchase this book , click on image to obtain details of publisher and contact details.

From Lord's to Harrup Park, The Story of Cricket in Mackay

by Terry Hayes

Published 2012 by Mackay Cricket Association Inc.

ISBN 978-0-646-58159-0

220 pages.

Detailing the History of the Sport of Cricket including notable matches and players from the first game in the 1800's and the development of Cricket in the Mackay Region.

Gargett State School: 75th Jubilee 1914-1989

Printed 1989 by Mercury Printing Services

48 pages

Printed for the 75th Jubilee of the Gargett State Primary School . Includes sections on the now closed Beatrice Creek State School and Owens Creek State School.

 

Glenella State School: Centenary 1879-1979

Printed 1979, Glenella State School

16 pages

Printed for the 100th Anniversary of the Glenella State Primary School formerly the North Mackay State School and the first on the northern side of the Pioneer River

Glenella State School, 1879 - 2004, 125 years

Published 2004, Glenella State School

52 pages

Published for the 125th Anniversary of the Glenella State Primary School formerly the North Mackay State School and the first on the northern side of the Pioneer River. 

 

Habana Revisited

Edited by Margaret James and Carmel Duffy

Published 1999 by Habana & District Progress Association Inc, Mount Pleasant, QLD

ISBN 0 646 36596 7

137 pages

Details the History of the Habana area including many photographs, memories and details of local families from the area.

Hampden Cemetery Uncovered

by Hampden State School

published 2004 by Hampden State School

76 pages

Culmination of work done by students of the Hampden State School in uncovering the forgotten Hampden Cemetery and restoring it. Includes history of the Cemetery as well as biographies on the persons buried there.

Available through the Hampden State School.

Hampden State School, Centenary 1987, Incorporating The Leap State School 1893 - 1969.

Edited by Rob Pym.

Published 1987, Hampden State School

64 pages

Published for the Centenary of the Hampden State Primary School. Includes history of the Hampden as well the Leap State Schools.

Homebush State School - Glimpses of the Past

by Leonie Fanning

printed 1989 by Homebush State School, QLD

100 pages

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Homebush State School. Contains history of the School as well as the Homebush area, Homebush Sugar Mill and families.

If The Leichhardt Tree Could Talk - An account of the establishment of the Williams family in Mackay, Queensland

by Lesley Williams

published 1987 by L.M Williams, 64 Freemont Drive, TAMBORINE NORTH, QLD 4272

ISBN 0731601416

328 pages

The story of Mackay Pioneer , John Henry Williams  who came from Wales in the United Kingdom to settle in Mackay in 1873.

In their own hands

by Ken W. Manning

published 1983 by Farleigh Co-op Sugar Milling Association Ltd., Farleigh, QLD

ISBN 0 9592350 0 0

328 pages

An excellent research resource detailing the history of Sugar Plantations north of the Pioneer River. Includes detailed histories on the various early Sugar Mills and early identities of Mackay. Detailed history of Farleigh Sugar Mill from 1883 to 1983.

 

James Perry Remembers Mackay

Compiled by Vyvian Mengler

published 2000 by Albany Advertiser, W.A.

ISBN 0 646 38687 5

81 pages

A Collection of articles written by James Perry an earlier Pioneer of Mackay and Nebo. The articles were written for the Daily Mercury newspaper in the early 1940's. Plenty of first hand experiences on the early cattle stations around Mackay and Nebo as well as early identities.

Kanaka - A History of Melanesian Mackay

by Clive Moore

published 1981 by the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies and University of Papua New Guinea Press, Papua New Guinea

ISBN 9980-68-000-8

420 pages

A comprehensive and excellent researched history of the South Sea Islanders in early Mackay and interaction with the community, problems, social history etc.

Lamberts - The Economic Stores

by Ian Hamilton

published 2003 by Ian Hamilton, North Mackay.

151 pages.

A comprehensive history of local business icon "Lamberts" which operated in Mackay for 114 years until 2000. Includes brief outline of the history of the Lambert family as well as the business operations from the early days in Mackay in the 1880's to the day of closure.  Includes many original photographs.

Lesson of a Lifetime - An Anzac Day pilgrimage

Edited by Mike Goodwin

published 2002 by Mackay North State High School - Education Queensland.

ISBN 0.646 41881 5

88 pages

The story of students from Mackay North State High School who attended the 2002 Commemorative Tour and their stories from the trip locating graves of local servicemen killed at Gallipoli and the Western Front. An insight into their feelings and emotions and tour highlights including photographs of the tour and memorials and graves.

Mackay 1988 - A Bicentennial Portrait

by John Elliott

published 1988 by Boolarong Publications for Mackay District Cane Growers' Executive.

ISBN 0 7316 2092 5

144 pages

A Pictorial Book showing people places and event s of a contemporary Mackay in 1988.

 

Mackay and District, on the threshold of its Second Century

Designed by Olive Ashworth Publicity Services, Brisbane

Published 1962

54 pages

Published to coincide with Mackay's Centenary. Contemporary Stories and photographs from the Mackay Region showing its industries, recreation and people.

Mackay Central State School - Reflections - 125 years of Education

Published 1996 by Mackay Central State School 125 years Celebration Committee.

183 pages

Published for the 125th Anniversary of the Mackay's first School.  Many stories about early school development and identities of the school.

Mackay Mosaic

by Jean R. Williams

published 2005 by Homecoming Publications

ISBN 0 646 45742 X

131 pages

A Collection of stories from the life of noted Mackay Historian, Jack Williams. Many Mackay's earliest personalities and events is contained in the book.

Mackay North State School, 75th Anniversary, 1915 - 1990

Edited by Robert Shaw and Lena Saunders

Published 1990, Mackay North State School

48 pages

Published for the 75th Anniversary of the Mackay North State Primary School.

Mackay State High School, 75th Jubilee, 1915 - 1987

Published 1987, Mackay State High School Magazine Committee

152 pages

Published for the 75th Anniversary of the Mackay State High School. Includes history of school and photographs.

 

Mackay Region Pilot Heritage Study

by Graeme Butler & Associates

published 1994 Fairfield Victoria

ISBN 0 646 19669 3.

334 pages

A study into locations cultural importance in the Mackay City, Mirani Shire and Pioneer Shire Council areas. Commissioned by the National Trust the study includes many photographs and details of historic buildings and locations in the Mackay District.

Mackay Revisited

by Kett Kennedy

published December 2002, by Mackay City Council

ISBN 0-646-41947-1

419 pages

A comprehensive local history on the Mackay region including many contemporary stories and recollections of Mackay History. Includes over 100 historic photographs many not published before and alternative points of view on the early discovery of Mackay and debunks some folklore.  A must have book for anybody wishing to research and read about Mackay History.

Released in December 2002 and copies available from Mackay City Council. Hardcover $45, softcover $32.

Mackay's Flying Fortress - Remembering Australia's Worst Aviation Disaster in World War Two

by Robert S. Cutler

published  2003, by Central Queensland University Press.

ISBN 1 876780 27 4

107 pages

An investigate story about the Worst Aviation Accident in Australia when an USAAF B17C transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Mackay airport on 14 June 1943 killing 40 servicemen. Delves into the history of the aircraft and circumstances leading to the accident and report. 

Copies Available from Mackay City Council Library.

Mackay's Own: A Biographical Register of the men from Mackay and district who died in the Great War of 1914-1918.

by Glen Hall

published  2016 by Mackay Historical society & Museum Inc.

ISBN 9780994313102

376 pages.

A comprehensive record of the men from Mackay and district who died in the Great War of 1914 to 1918.

Copies Available from Mackay Museum.

Marian & District, 100 years

Published 1986 by Marian Centenary Celebrations Organising Committee

64 pages

Published to coincide with Marian's Centenary. History and stories and photographs from the Marian Region showing its industries, recreation and people.

Marian & District, 120 years on

Published 2006 

edited by Joan Vickers and Dennis O'Reily.

80 pages

Printed to add to the original book produced updating the last 23 years and adding more stories and history and photographs from the Marian Region showing its industries, recreation and people.

 

Marian State School, Centenary, 1886 - 1986.

Compiled by Desley Helsham

Published 1986, Marian State School Centenary Booklet Committee

36 pages

Published for the Centenary of the Marian State Primary School.

Mater Hospital Mackay 1927 - 1987

Edited by R.J. Manning

Published 1987 by The Mackay Mater  Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee.

ISBN 0 7316 0476 8.

97 pages

Published to coincide with the Mackay Mater Hospital's 60th Anniversary.  Contains many photographs and stories about former staff and the development of the hospital since 1927.

Matsen Centenary - From the branching tree to the budding leaf - 1887-1987

Compiled by ?

printed 1987 by Prestige Press, North Mackay

44 pages.

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Matsen Family residence in the Homebush district. Contains details of the children and families of Ole and Emma Matsen.

 

Memories of Finch Hatton Gorge, The Last 100 years

By Graeme Ware

Published 2000, Info Publishing Pty. Ltd., Mackay, QLD

ISBN 0 9585832 8 5

119 pages

A collection of short stories by current and former residents of Finch-Hatton Gorge from when the gorge was first settled to the present time.

Mirani State Primary School, Centenary 1892-1992.

Published 1992, Mirani State School

92 pages

Published for the Centenary of the Mirani State Primary School. Includes history school and reflections over the past 100 years.

More than just a name.

by Sarina R.S.L. sub-branch Inc.

published 2015.

319 Pages.

A book providing Biographies ans service details of the 114 men listed on the Sarina Cenotaph.

More than the Foley Shield - A Hisstory of Rugby League in North Queensland 1908-2014.

by Tony Price.

published 2014 by CPX Printing and Logistics, Kelvin Grove, QLD..

ISBN 978-0-646-92820-3

426 Pages.

A chronicle of the history of Rugby League in North Queensland including notable names and players through the ages.

 

Narpi State School, 75th Anniversary, 1926 - 2001

Published 2001, Narpi State School

56 pages

Published for the 75th Jubilee of the Narpi State Primary School. Includes history school and reflections over the past 75 years.

Oakenden State School, 75th Anniversary, 1910 - 1985

Published 2001, Narpi State School

56 pages

Published for the 75th Jubilee of the Oakenden State Primary School. Includes history school and reflections over the past 75 years.

Our Wesche Connections

researched and compiled by Lorrae Johnson
researched and edited by Robyn Fletcher.

published 1998 by Robyn Fletcher and Lorrae Johnson, Mackay, QLD.

printed by Barry and Heather Kaddatz.

106 pages.

Booklet produced listing the Australian Descendants of Johann Christian Andreas Wesche and Konradine Wilhelmina Tappe. Includes details of Wesche, Kaddatz and Schaper Families. Includes photographs and details of family connections with the Mackay District.

for further information and publications go to Lorrae Johnson's website at:

http://www.lorrae.net/

Pioneer Pageant, A History of the Pioneer Shire.

by John Kerr

published 1980, Pioneer Shire Council.

ISBN 0 9594740 0 5.

232 Pages.

An excellent source of the early history of Mackay and Pioneer Valley. Includes many early photographs. Produced for the Pioneer Shire Council (now part of Mackay City Council) this book goes through the early settlement of Mackay and the Council's history to 1980.

Poorhouse to Paradise

by Lyall Ford

published 2001, Taipan Press, Freshwater, QLD

ISBN 0 646 33254 6

240 pages.

A Family History of Charles Ford who emigrated from England and settled in the Walkerston Area. Contains many photographs as well as many anecdotes and history of around Mackay.

for more details, Reviews etc go to the 
Poorhouse to Paradise website

Pubs of Mackay 1862-1962

by Glen Hall

published 2014 by Mackay Historical society & Museum Inc.

152 pages.

Brief histories and stories and photos of over 100 hotels that have existed in the Mackay Region since 1862. with listing of publicans.

Copies Available from Mackay Museum.

RAM The Man The Legend : A Biography of Ram Chandra the Taipan Man

by Nan Rogers

published 1999 by Kingswood Press, Underwood QLD

100 pages.

Biography of Edward Royce Ramsamy 1921-1998. The Taipan man and his life to become a man well known in the development of antivenin in saving many lives of Queenslanders.

  Regrets I have quite a few: autobiography of Rex Risley

by Rex Risley

published 2001 by Rex Risley

159 pages.

Autobiography of Rex Risley a tourism pioneer who opened up the Cape Hillsborough Resort in the 1960's.

Roads to Riches: Development of the main road network in the Mackay district of tropical Queensland - the first 100 years.

by Lyall Ford

published 2012 by Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

ISBN 9781920719180

537 pages.

A very detailed history on the development of road infrastructure in the Mackay district from first European sttlement.

Sarina Shire in Retrospect

by Patricia C. Phillips

Published 1988 by Sarina Bi-Centennial Committee

326 pages

A very comprehensive history on the township of Sarina. Includes many family histories as well as histories of the various town organisations and institutions. 

Seaforth State School, Jubilee 1935 - 1985

Published 1985, Seaforth State School

12 pages

Published for the 50th Jubilee of the Seaforth State Primary School. Includes a brief history of the school.

Seaforth State School, 1935 - 2010: Seaforth & District - The early years

Compiled by Rebekkah Pollard and Leanne Usher.

Printed 2010

183 pages

Printed for the 75th Jubilee of the Seaforth State Primary School. Includes a  history of the school.

 

Search for the Taipan : The story of Ram Chandra

by Philip Jones.

Published 1979 by Angus & Robertson, Sydney, NSW.

ISBN 0207134405

112 pages

Story of Edward Royce Ramsamy 1921-1998. The Taipan man and his life to become a man well known in the development of antivenin in saving many lives of Queenslanders.

 

St Patrick's Christian Brothers College, Mackay - The First 50 Years, Golden Jubilee,1929 - 1979  

Edited by R.J. Manning

Published 1979, by St. Patrick's Christian Brothers College Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee.

97 pages

Published for the 50th Jubilee of the St. Patrick's College. Includes history of the school and reflections over the past 50 years. Includes many historical photographs.

St. Bees Island, Its History, Life-Styles & Tales.

by Lionel Berck

published 1995, Boolarong Press

ISBN 0 646 21952 9.

142 pages.

A history of the settlement of St. Bees Island off the coast of Mackay. Including stories of life on the island and some of the Island's natural history.

Stand Together: the story of cane grower representation at Mackay

by Bill Kerr

published 2009 by Mackay Canegrowers Limited.

ISBN 9780646510675

176 pages.

A historical record of the Sugar Industry and the Canegrowers organisation in the Mackay Region.

 

 Sugar from the Scrub

by Pat Hamilton

published 1994, Boolarong Press

ISBN 0 646 2170 0.

90 pages.

An excellent reference source on the history of Walkerston and surrounding area from first settlement. Includes much research on the township buildings and people including illustrations by the Author.

Sugar Mills of Mackay

by Glen Hall

published 2008 by Mackay Historical Society & Museum Inc.

152 pages.

History of the 40 sugar Mills that have existed in the Mackay region since European settlement.

Copies Available from Mackay Museum.

Sweet Settlement, The Making of Mackay and the Pioneer Valley 1860 - 1918

Edited by Martin Hislop, Clive Booth, Bernadette Howlett, David Myers

Published 1995, Central Queensland University Press, Rockhampton, QLD

ISBN 0 908140 98 3

196 pages

A collection of contemporary newspaper articles, personal recollections and diary entries for example showing contemporary thoughts of early residents of Mackay and the hardships and trials of life in a new settlement. Includes many historical photographs of early Mackay.

Sweet Talking, A collection of oral histories from the Australian sugar industry.

Collated and edited by Denise Neville

Published 1999,Australian Sugar Industry Museum, Mourilyan, QLD

ISBN 0 959 6395 2 7

154 pages

A collection of oral histories from people involved with all facets of the Sugar Industry. Includes interviews with people from the Mackay area.

The Broadsound Story

by Frank Rolleston

published 1983 by Broadsound Shire Council, QLD

ISBN 0 9591728 0 7

208 pages

A comprehensive history of the Broadsound Shire Council from Captain Cooks navigation of the coast in 1770. Includes many early photographs. Produced for the Broadsound Shire Council, this book goes through the early settlement of St. Lawrence and surrounding areas and the Council's history.

  The Camilleris 'Ta'Palalu': our journey from Mosta, Malta in 1911 to Mackay, Australia in 2004

by Therese Townley

published 2004 by Info Publishing, Mackay, QLD

ISBN 0958138281

557 pages

a family history on the Camilleri and associated families who came to live in Mackay.

The Dark Daughter, A Mackay Story

By Jan Smith

Published 1998, Palmate Press Australia, Gordon, ACT

ISBN 0 9586029 0 5

220 pages

Based on the factual life of Miss Gloria Arrow who was the housekeeper to Tom and Dorothy Cook of Greenmount Homestead. Partial dramatisation of Gloria's life from child at Homebush to the time when Greenmount Homestead was bequeathed to the people of Mackay.

The Defiance, The story of the North Eton Co-operative Milling Association Limited 1887 - 1987.

By Frank Rolleston

Published 1987 by North Eton Co-operative Sugar Milling Association Limited, North Eton via Mackay QLD

ISBN 0 7316 1327 9

175 pages

An excellent history of the development of the North Eton Sugar Mill. Includes history of other mills of the area south of the Pioneer River around the Eton area.

The Discovery and Settlement of Port Mackay, Queensland.

By Henry Ling Roth

Published 1908 by F. King & Sons Ltd, Halifax, England.

114 Pages

 

An excellent history of the development of Port Mackay and most comprehensive source of history of early settlement and aborigianl history.

AVAILABLE ONLINE. Click here for Link

 

The end of the beginning - The history of Porters since 1883

By Ray Braithwaite OAM

Published 2008 Ray Braithwaite OAM, Mackay QLD

ISBN 978-0-646-49408-1

204 pages

An extensive history about the history of Porters Hardware from the arrival of founder Charles Porter and the development of one of the oldest business' in Mackay. Produced for the 125th birthday celebrations.

Available through Porters Hardware

The Good Old Days, "My Life Story"

by Norman Hiram Smith.

published 1978 by Norma Smith, Walkerston, QLD.

printed by Hatfield Printers, Mackay, QLD.

82 pages.

Booklet produced recounting the life stories of Norman Hiram Smith who was involved in the hotel industry and movie theatre industries in the Mackay district for over 50 years.

The Flor Family - The First 100 Years

Compiled by Alwyn Flor

printed 1987 by ?

28 pages.

Booklet produced in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Flor Family from Germany to Mackay. Contains details of the children and families of Friedrich and Henrietta Flor.

The Howards, From Norfolk to Mackay

by Beverley Close and Yvonne Peberdy

published 2001 by Beverley Close and Yvonne Peberdy, Mackay, QLD.

ISBN 0-646-41417-8 (Part 1)
ISBN 0-646-41419-4 (Part 2)
ISBN 0-646-41420-8 (Set)

2 Parts

Part 1 448 pages
Part 2 520 pages
Total 968 pages

An Excellent and very well researched and laid out history of the Howard family who migrated from Norfolk, England to Mackay in the latter part of the 1800's and the early 1900's, and their descendents to the present day.

The Life story of Ole Matsen

By ?

Published 2002?. 

51 pages

Biography of Danish sugar cane farmer Ole Matsen b. 1850.

 

The Mackay Harbour Story

By H.A. Moore

Published 1978, Mackay Harbour Board, Mackay QLD

ISBN 0 959 8168 4 4

80 pages

History of the Mackay Harbour Board from the beginning of Mackay as a port of entry in 1863. Includes many historical photographs of the wharves on Pioneer River and the Mackay Outer Harbour.

The Marian Story

by H.A. Moore

published 1980 by Marian Mill Co-operative Society Ltd., Marian QLD

ISBN 0 9594907 0 1

52 pages

A history of the Marian Sugar Mill from 1883 including many historical and contemporary photographs.

The Roof Garden of Mackay

by Norm Foster.

printed 1985-1986?

124 pages.

History of the Crediton locality next to the Eungella National Park.

 

The South Sea Islander Garden of Memories

Compiled by Pat Hamilton

printed 1998 by Canegrowers, Mackay, QLD.

72 pages.

Booklet produced listing the original South Sea Islander families and from around the Mackay District. Gives details of the original family members and their stories of how the were blackbirded or indentured in the 19th Century Queensland Sugar Industry.

The story of Eton State School: Centenary Year 1883-1983.

Compiled by Frank Rolleston

published 1983

74 pages

A history of the Eton State School from 1883 to 1983.

 

The Whitsunday Islands - An Historical Dictionary

by Ray Blackwood

published 1997 by Central Queensland University Press, Rockhampton, QLD.

ISBN 1 875 998 27 6

283 pages

A comprehensive and very well researched guide to the history of the Whitsunday Islands and Cumberland Islands and Coastal locations along the coast from Mackay to the Whitsunday area. Includes the origins of the place names and short histories of the locations. A good read.

 

They Called me Artie, The Memoirs of Sir Arthur Fadden.

By Sir Arthur Fadden

Published 1969, Jacaranda Press Pty. Ltd., Milton, QLD

SBN 7016 0307 0

196 pages

The life story of Artie Fadden, including the story of his early life in Walkerston, first job at Pleystowe Mill as well as his job as Mackay Town Clerk. The country boy who made it all the way to becoming the Prime Minister of Australia in 1941.

Those People North of the River -"The Northsiders" 1939 to 1945

by Ian Hamilton

Published 2014 by Ian Hamilton.

164 pages.

History of Families who lived in the North Mackay Area around the time when the author was a child during the Second World War. Including local institutions and celebrities.

Three Abel Men

by Colin Abell

published 2007 by Colin Abell

ISBN 978-0-9802884-2-1

softcover. 266 pages.

A comprehensive history of the Abell family, one of the first group of settlers in the Airlie Beach area of the Whitsundays.  Includes the family history of the Abell family and a lot of local history of the Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands.  Contains many historical photographs and family reminiscences.

Top Mill in the Valley

by John Kerr

published 1991 by Boolarong Publications

ISBN 0 646 06298 0

120 pages.

History of the Cattle Creek Sugar Mill in Finch Hatton from 1906 to 1990.

 

Victoria Park State School, 75 years, 1926 - 2001

Edited by Berenice Wright

Published 2001, Victoria Park State School

ISBN 0 9578055 4 3

160 pages

Published for the 75th Jubilee of the Victoria Park State Primary School. Many stories about early school development and identities of the school.

  Waiting for Maggie (The story of Septimus and Maggie Braithwaite)

By Ray Braithwaite

Published 2002 by Ray Braithwaite

ISBN 0957805586

263 pages

A family history of a Pioneer Valley family, The Braithwaites.

Walkerston State School, Celebrating 125 years of Education 1874 - 1999

Published 1999, Walkerston State School

128 pages

Published for the 125th Jubilee of the Walkerston State Primary School. Many stories about early school development and identities of the school.

We, Us & Co. :  The Pratt Family and Pioneers of St Helens : An account of the Development of Calen

By Isabel Dunn and Alan Dunn

Published 2016 by Alan Dunn

ISBN 978-0-9945720-0-4

286 pages

A history of the Pratt Family who settled in the Calen area as well as Pioneers of St Helens and district.

 

If you wish further details or can provide information please contact by EMAIL
Glen Hall


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