OUR guest speaker for August, Rory O’Connor, is a Tamborine Mountain local who has spent more than 40 years learning and sharing stories from his Aboriginal community, that traditionally come from Beaudesert, Logan, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
He is a journalist by trade, having worked for each of Australia’s commercial television channels and most of the major newspapers during his career.
He is currently the CEO of the South East Queensland Indigenous Language Centre, where he says they help Aboriginal children, families and organisations learn the traditional languages and stories of South East Queensland
He shared stories of his childhood, growing up with seven siblings, with an Aboriginal mother and an Irish father.
He also spoke about The Drumley Walk, an event he pioneered 20 years ago called. This event was a three-day walking pilgrimage from Beaudesert to Southport that travelled through Tamborine Mountain, to pay respects to the life and times of Rory’s great Uncle, a man called Billy Drumley (1853 – 1951).
The inaugural walk in August 2005 attracted local land owners and Aboriginal community members who shared their stories of old Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain and Southport.
Mr Drumley was part of the local Aboriginal community and was known for his prowess on the athletic track and with the broadaxe. Many of the local landmarks, including the wooden flagpole that adorned the ANZAC Cenotaph in Beaudesert were produced by Drumley’s expert axeman ship.
Rory’s talk touched on the importance of local stories and how we can find ways to bring these to life for the next generation.
His presentation was very professional, informative, entertaining and was thoroughly enjoyed by all members.
Thanks Rory, we may have to get you back for more of the same.
For more information about Tamborine Mountain Probus, and how to become a member, call Barry Chick on 0418 876 191.
