July 6th 2017

We have had a busy 3 hours in Cloncurry today. Firstly we visited the Information Centre which is also known as 'Cloncurry Unearthed Museum'. A short film preceded our wander through the display area. I had not realised that Cloncurry was also known for a wide variety of minerals and gem stones most importantly copper. The display encompassed all of these as well as the first Settlers and their properties. Lastly there was a display of home made gowns, sewing equipment and early school readers and exercise books. It was an excellent introduction to the history of settlement and development of the area.

Sculpture of  John Flynn

 We enjoyed our lunch in the courtyard of John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery.The Museum provides an excellent overview of the John Flynn Legacy. I really enjoyed the stories and short films about early life and the hardships experienced during the time that John Flynn was developing the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It is unique to Australia and invaluable to the health of people who live in the Outback.

 Interestingly, in 2008, I made a quilt to enter in an exhibition,called 'Under Flynn's Wings, which was part of the 80th Celebrations for the Flying Doctor Service.
 John Flynn's aim was to develop a 'mantel of safety over the outback' and this is the inspiration I used. I was lucky enough to sell the quilt on the night of the Exhibiton Opening and ended up donating the money to The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

June pictured with her Quilt 'Safety Net'

Mid afternoon in 30 deg heat we chose a site at the Corella Dam Camping area. There were about 150 camping rigs already settled in and many more came as the afternoon went on. Just too many neighbours for us!