July 31, 2017
More than 90 former residents returned to the tiny timber town of Benarkin at the weekend to swap memories, tell tales and catch up on what’s been happening in their old home town.
The Back To Benarkin Bush Picnic was organised by the Blackbutt & District Tourism and Heritage Association (BDTHA), the same group that organised the successful Googa Creek Bush Picnic earlier this year.
Former residents gathered at the Blackbutt Benarkin Lions Club barbecue shelter in First Settlers Park to enjoy a barbecue lunch and listen to talks.
BDTHA members Noeleen Bird and Iris Crumpton related stories the association had dug up, and copies of historic photographs of the town were passed around.
South Burnett councillor Gavin Jones, who grew up in the Blackbutt area, shared memories, and Mayor Keith Campbell also spoke.
Visitors travelled from all over Queensland, and from as far away as Sydney and South Australia, for the day.
The BDTHA is now debating whether to make Bush Picnic a regular event, to be held every two years.
- Related article: Picnic Will Recall Benarkin’s Early Days
