The passage of time takes its toll at Boolburra

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But our memories live on By Warren Nunn In several trips to Boolburra over the years, I’ve photographed the site where my grandparents Alex and Bella Dobbs onced lived. In about 1995 my uncle, Jim Dobbs, had the house removed from the site and relocated to...

Thank you, Pop Dobbs, for having patience with me

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In reflecting on growing-up years, it’s worth remembering those who influenced you and what they did and said that had a long-lasting effect. My Pop was the grandparent who touched my life in a real, tangible way. He was patient with a wilful, impetuous,...

No surprise that Dawson River floods at Boolburra

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A cursory look at this satellite view should make it obvious there were many challenges for those trying to make a living from the land in the Boolburra district west of Rockhampton, Queensland. While some of the river-front land offered opportunity for crops and...

Harry and Emma Coker of Kabra

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While Harry Coker was Alex Dobbs’ natural father, he had no part to play in his upbringing. Nevertheless, he was an interesting man who worked in the Mt Morgan gold mine alongside Charles Dobbs. Harry* Coker (1868-1924) and Emily Ellen Sophia Aldridge (1876-1970) The...
Life at Boolburra

Life at Boolburra

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Boolburra is the central point of a once-thriving  community on the banks of the Dawson River about 100km (60 miles) west of Rockhampton, Queensland. In the 1870s when the town plan was laid out and the school opened, those who lived in the community saw a prosperous...