A little piece of history sits amongst the mountains in the Scenic Rim, Tamrookum Memorial Hall, which remains a reminder of the settlers from years ago.“Where once huge herds of fat cattle grazed and nothing disturbed the peaceful somnolence of the surroundings beyond the sound of the birds and the clip clop of an occasional horse attached to a buggy or a wagon as it passed along the dirt track that led to Rathdowney, all is today thriving activity,” says Lani Deeran, President of Tamrookum Memorial Hall.
“Watered by the Logan River, the Tamrookum area contains agricultural and dairying land as rich as will be found anywhere,” Lani says.
“The progress of the little centre with its vast contribution to the welfare of the Beaudesert district by what it produces and the families it keeps, has been ample evidence of making this land available for close settlement.”
Lani explains that the Tamrookum Station property was taken up around 1842 by John Campbell who came from Nova Scotia.
“He soon sold it to William Barker who remained in possession until 1877, when the 5,000 acres were purchased by John Collins of Mundoolun and it was with the Collins family that the history of the place really began, for they are one of the State’s greatest pioneering families,” Lani says.
“In later years, other properties were purchased until the Collins holdings in Logan amounted to 40,000 acres.”
Lani says in 1879, Robert Martin Collins settled with his family, and played a big part in the development of the State of Queensland. He realised the need for closer settlement and consequently, from time to time, disposed of various parcels of land which have become great dairy producing properties. The final sub-division when the homestead blocks were sub-divided took place in 1933 after the death of Mrs R M Collins, and an area of about two acres was set aside for public purposes.
“It is on this piece of land that the memorial hall has been built,” Lani says of the hall which was opened in 1952, and has also undergone an extensive restoration program thanks to various grants.
Recently, the hall was officially opened at a ceremony of 631 people.
“Last Saturday was a proud night for the settlers of the Tamrookum centre, about twelve miles from Beaudesert, for their memorial public hall for which they had striven for a number of years, was officially opened under most happy circumstances in the presence of a great throng of friends and well-wishers,” Lani says.
“It has moved with the necessity of the times but there still remains and there will always remain, memories of the past and of the people who laid the foundation of this prosperous little district.
“The district is fortunate that the land, when it became available to other people was taken up by men and women who held the same ideals as their predecessors – to not only make a living, but to make the country better for themselves and for those who follow.”
If you’re interested in celebrating the 70th Anniversary of this incredible hall, head to their socials for more information or to buy tickets.
