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Quilpie is located 953 km west of Brisbane via Toowoomba, Roma and Charleville. It is 210 km west of Charleville. The town's name is taken from a Margany Aboriginal word for the largely nocturnal bird, the "stone curlew". Beyond the town and the tiny settlements of Toompine and Eromanga lie the deserts and marginal lands of western Queensland with their endless sand dunes, scrubby mulga and gidgee vegetation, dirt roads heavy with bulldust, annual rainfall of less than 350 mm and summer temperatures which have been known to reach 47°C (116.8°F). The Quilpie district is known for its opals and is one of the world's leading providers of boulder opals. Boulder opals are recognised as being particularly beautiful as they are backed by ironstone. The Bulloo River is an ideal spot to birdwatch and enjoy the natural sounds of the bush. Source: www.aussietowns.com.au/town/quilpie-qld

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Historic St Matthew's Church facing closure THE imminent closure of historic St. Matthew's Church and Hall will be a tragic loss, not only to Howard, but the whole Fraser Coast community. By Rosiejay THE imminent closure of historic St. Matthew's Church and Hall will be a tragic loss, not only to Howard, but the whole Fraser Coast community. Located in William Street next to Brooklyn House, it is set on land donated by William Rankin. The Rankin family is well-known for their past political contributions, through Col. Colin Rankin and Dame Annabelle Rankin DBE. Whilst the present congregation of St. Matthew's is small, their dedication and love for their church and its rich history is evident. The peeling paint on this little timber church belies its well-kept interior. Its stained glass windows depicting the Church's namesake, St. Matthew, overlook the altar draped in crisp, white linen, neat rows of wooden pews and gleaming polished plaques bearing the names of long-past parishioners. An aura of warmth pervades, no doubt from the love of many generations who have been a part of this welcoming church. The original church was built in 1883. This church became a hall when it was replaced in 1913 by the current church. During World War 2 the hall was utilised as a field hospital. Today it still serves the community as a meeting place for local group activities. The Parish of Howard was formed in 1891, with St. Matthew's being the only Church of England in the area. In the following years, St. Matthew's curate would make the then long, difficult journey to Pialba to minister to the people there. Nowadays, the situation is reversed, though the journey is much easier. Whilst financial circumstances should be considered, other factors must also be taken into account. As St. Matthew's is an active part of the Howard community, its closure will affect many more than the congregation. The fellowship of the congregation, many of whom come from other communities, will be torn apart and scattered. Irreplaceable history will be lost forever. Can it be saved? St. Matthew's Church and Hall will be taking part in Coalfest this Saturday with free tours of the church, sausage sizzle, floral displays, an art exhibition in the hall, and much more. Source: www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/histo...