This area is on the traditional lands of the Butchulla people, the custodians of K’gari and the surrounding region.

We acknowledge and respect the enduring connection the Butchulla people have with this land, its waters, and its culture.

Long before European settlers arrived, Toogoom was part of the traditional lands of the Butchulla people, who are the Indigenous custodians of the Fraser Coast and K’gari. The word “Toogoom” is believed to derive from a Butchulla term meaning “place of wild flowers” or “swamp.” The area provided abundant resources for the Butchulla people, with its tidal creeks, estuaries, and surrounding bushland offering fish, shellfish, waterfowl, and edible plants.

For the Butchulla people, the land and waterways were central to daily life as well as cultural and spiritual practices. The creeks around Toogoom, particularly Beelbi Creek and O’Regans Creek, were important sources of food and gathering sites for community activities. The connection between the Butchulla and their environment was governed by traditions and laws that emphasised respect and sustainable use of resources, principles that remain an integral part of Butchulla culture today.

European Settlement and Early Industry

European settlement in the Wide Bay and Fraser Coast region began in the mid-19th century, with pastoralists and timber-getters moving into the area. The fertile soils and proximity to waterways made the Toogoom district attractive for farming, while the surrounding forests provided valuable timber for construction and shipbuilding.

Timber, in fact, became one of the earliest industries in the wider region. Logs were hauled by bullock teams to creeks and rivers, where they could be floated downstream and shipped to markets. Sugar cane farming also expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in neighbouring areas. Although Toogoom itself remained relatively small and isolated, it was influenced by the economic growth of the Fraser Coast, which developed around industries such as timber, agriculture, and later tourism.

Fishing was another activity that helped define Toogoom’s early European history. The creeks and shallow waters were rich in fish, crabs, and prawns, supporting both subsistence and commercial fishing. Families often combined farming with fishing, creating a mixed rural economy that sustained the small community for generations.

The Development of a Community

While Toogoom remained a quiet and sparsely populated locality for much of the 20th century, gradual development began to shape it into a recognisable community. Families moved to the area to take advantage of its natural resources and peaceful setting. Over time, fishing shacks and modest holiday homes appeared, particularly as nearby Hervey Bay became increasingly popular as a seaside destination.

The mid-to-late 20th century saw Toogoom begin to emerge as a township in its own right. Improved roads and transport links made it easier to travel between Toogoom and Hervey Bay, encouraging more people to settle permanently. Community organisations, local businesses, and social clubs slowly grew, bringing a sense of identity and cohesion to the village.

One of the enduring traditions in Toogoom has been its focus on fishing and community gatherings. The establishment of fishing clubs and the hosting of local competitions have long played a role in strengthening bonds between residents. The Toogoom Family Fishing Competition, held annually, remains one of the highlights of the local calendar and demonstrates how fishing has remained central to the town’s character.

Toogoom and Tourism

Tourism has become increasingly important to Toogoom’s history and identity, particularly from the late 20th century onward. The natural beauty of the area—its sandy beaches, tidal estuaries, and views across to K’gari—made it an appealing destination for visitors seeking a quieter alternative to Hervey Bay.

Holiday accommodation, such as small motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and rental houses, began to appear to meet the growing demand. Tourists were drawn by the opportunity to fish, kayak, birdwatch, and explore the surrounding environment. The calm waters of Toogoom Beach also made it a popular spot for families with young children.

While tourism brought economic benefits, it also contributed to shaping Toogoom’s identity as a seaside community that balances development with preservation of its natural assets. Local groups and residents have often emphasised the importance of maintaining the village’s charm and avoiding overdevelopment, ensuring that Toogoom retains its relaxed atmosphere.

Modern Growth and Lifestyle

In recent decades, Toogoom has experienced modest but steady growth as part of the broader expansion of the Fraser Coast region. Hervey Bay’s rise as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and tourism has influenced Toogoom, with more people choosing to live in the village while commuting to work or accessing services in the city.

Residential development has increased, with new housing estates and modern homes appearing alongside older fishing shacks and holiday cottages. Despite this growth, Toogoom has retained its small-town character. Its streets remain quiet, with a mix of permanent residents, retirees, and holidaymakers enjoying the peaceful lifestyle.

Local businesses, including cafés, restaurants, and convenience stores, have helped support the community. The Toogoom RSL and community hall serve as gathering places for social events, meetings, and celebrations. Events such as markets and fishing competitions continue to bring people together, reflecting the strong community spirit that has always been a feature of Toogoom life.

Environmental Importance

The natural environment of Toogoom has played a central role in both its history and its identity. The tidal creeks and wetlands around the village are ecologically significant, supporting diverse species of fish, birds, and marine life. O’Regans Creek, in particular, is known for its pristine mangroves and serves as a breeding ground for fish and crabs. Birdwatchers flock to Toogoom to observe the wide variety of species that inhabit or migrate through the area.

Efforts to protect and preserve these ecosystems have grown in importance as development and tourism increase. Community groups and environmental organisations have often advocated for sustainable practices to ensure that Toogoom’s natural beauty and biodiversity are preserved for future generations.

The history of Toogoom near Hervey Bay is a story of continuity and change. From its deep connections with the Butchulla people to its role in early European settlement, and from its traditions of fishing and farming to its gradual emergence as a seaside village, Toogoom has always been shaped by the natural environment around it. Its transformation into a modern coastal community has brought new residents and visitors, yet the village has managed to retain its relaxed charm and sense of community.

Today, Toogoom stands as both a peaceful residential haven and a destination for those seeking to experience the beauty of the Fraser Coast. Its history reflects resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to preserving its unique identity. As Toogoom continues to evolve, its past remains an essential part of its character, grounding the community in the traditions and landscapes that have sustained it for generations.

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The Construction and Early Years of the Maheno

The Maheno was built in 1905 in Scotland by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company. Commissioned by the Union Company of New Zealand, the ship was designed as a luxury passenger liner to service the trans-Tasman route between Australia and New Zealand. At the time of its launch, the Maheno was considered one of the most advanced vessels in the southern hemisphere. Measuring 400 feet (approximately 122 metres) in length and weighing around 5,000 tonnes, it was powered by steam turbines, making it faster and more efficient than many of its contemporaries.

The ship was fitted out with a level of comfort that reflected the standards of early 20th-century luxury travel. Passengers enjoyed opulent dining rooms, plush cabins, and refined amenities. The Maheno became known for its reliability and comfort, ferrying travelers across the often rough Tasman Sea. For over a decade, it faithfully served the Union Company, linking New Zealand with Australia and contributing to growing ties between the two nations.

The Maheno in Wartime Service

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Maheno’s purpose shifted dramatically. In 1915, the ship was requisitioned by the New Zealand government and converted into a hospital ship. Its luxurious fittings were stripped out and replaced with medical wards, operating theatres, and accommodation for medical staff.

The Maheno was deployed to serve in major theatres of war. It played a critical role in transporting wounded soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign, one of the most significant and devastating battles for Australian and New Zealand forces. The ship carried injured servicemen away from the frontlines, providing essential medical treatment on board before returning them to safer territories. After Gallipoli, the Maheno continued to serve in the Middle East and Europe, evacuating casualties and ferrying them to hospitals in Britain.

By the time the war ended in 1918, the Maheno had served with distinction. Thousands of soldiers had passed through its wards, and the ship had earned a place in the shared memory of both New Zealand and Australia as a lifeline for the wounded. Following its decommissioning from military service, the ship returned to civilian duties as a passenger liner.

Decline and Sale

Although the Maheno resumed its passenger role after the war, the maritime industry was changing rapidly. New ships were being built with improved technology and amenities, and by the late 1920s the Maheno was becoming outdated. After more than two decades of service, the Union Company decided to retire the vessel.

In 1935, the ship was sold to a Japanese company for scrapping. Its final voyage was meant to take it from Sydney to Japan, where it would be dismantled. The Maheno, however, never reached its intended destination. Instead, fate intervened and delivered the ship into the history of K’gari.

The Final Voyage and Shipwreck

The Maheno left Sydney on 25 June 1935 under tow by the ship Oonah, as it was no longer capable of sailing under its own power. Both vessels headed north along the Australian coast. However, in early July, the ships encountered a strong cyclone off the coast of Queensland. Heavy seas and fierce winds battered the vessels, and the towline connecting the Maheno to the Oonah eventually snapped.

Adrift without power or control, the Maheno was driven toward the shoreline of K’gari. On 9 July 1935, it was carried onto the sandy beach where it became firmly grounded. Efforts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful. The Maheno was abandoned, and its fate as a permanent fixture on K’gari’s coastline was sealed.

The Wreck as a Cultural Landmark

Since 1935, the Maheno wreck has remained on K’gari’s eastern beach, slowly deteriorating under the harsh conditions of salt air, sand, and surf. Over the decades, the ship has corroded into its now-iconic skeletal form, a rusted silhouette rising from the sand. Despite the decay, it remains instantly recognizable and continues to draw thousands of visitors every year.

The Maheno wreck has become more than just a tourist attraction; it is a cultural and historical marker. For many, it symbolizes the link between Australia and New Zealand during times of both peace and war. Its wartime service is remembered as part of the ANZAC legacy, while its final resting place highlights the unpredictable nature of maritime travel in the early 20th century.

The wreck has also been woven into the broader narrative of K’gari, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural significance to the Butchulla people, the island’s Traditional Owners. While the Maheno itself is not part of Indigenous heritage, its presence has become part of the island’s layered history, blending natural and human stories.

Preservation and Legacy

Over the years, various discussions have taken place about the preservation of the Maheno. However, the realities of corrosion and exposure to the elements mean that the wreck continues to break down naturally. Attempts to move or restore it were deemed impractical. Today, the wreck is protected under Queensland heritage laws, ensuring that it remains undisturbed as it gradually returns to the sea and sand.

The legacy of the Maheno endures in multiple ways. For historians, it represents the evolution of early 20th-century naval engineering and the impact of global conflicts on civilian vessels. For descendants of ANZAC soldiers, it serves as a reminder of sacrifice and survival. For visitors to K’gari, it is a striking and tangible piece of history that enriches the island’s landscape.

The story of the Maheno is one of transformation and fate. From luxury liner to hospital ship, from proud service to tragic wreck, the Maheno’s journey mirrors the turbulent history of the early 20th century. Its final chapter on the sands of K’gari has ensured that it will never be forgotten. The wreck stands as a lasting memorial, not only to the ship itself but also to the people whose lives it touched. As the sea and time continue their work, the Maheno remains a hauntingly beautiful testament to resilience, history, and the enduring connection between people and place.

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The Toogoom & District Sub Branch is open each Friday from 3pm til 7pm.

We have a relaxing outdoor area with braziers in the cooler months, a fully enclosed children’s playground and air conditioning inside  for the summer  months.  We have a well-stocked bar with drinks at very reasonable prices and we produce the best hamburgers and sausage in bread if you want to have something substantial to eat with your drinks.  We have two raffles each Friday for meat trays and wine and towards Christmas , we  raffle hams instead of the trays.  We are a family oriented sub branch, all fun, no pokies and great camaraderie.  Plenty of parking, quiet location, just up the hill from the Community Hall and we warmly welcome all visitors and prospective members.  Remember, you don’t have to be ex-service to be a social member of the RSL. Come and check us out on any Friday 

Address

138 O’Regan Creek Road, TOOGOOM, QLD, 4655

Phone

0447767793

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As a valued member of our club, you’ll have the chance to take part in our monthly fishing competitions, held on the first full weekend of each month (including the Friday).

Each event concludes with a weigh-in at 2:00 p.m. on the Sunday at the Green Shed, next to the Toogoom Community Hall.

Throughout the year, we also host a variety of social activities. Our biggest annual fundraiser is the popular Toogoom Family Fishing Competition, held every September. A couple of times a year, we gather for social functions, including our much-loved spit roast nights at the Green Shed.

If you’d like to learn more about the Toogoom Fishing Club, you’re warmly invited to join us at a monthly weigh-in. Just drop by the Green Shed on the corner of Toogoom Road and O’Regan’s Creek Road, right next to the RSL—bring along a cold drink and enjoy the afternoon.

New members are always welcome. You can download and print the membership application form, complete it, and bring it along to any weigh-in. Membership fees are $25 per year for individuals, or $50 per year for families (up to 2 adults plus children). Club shirts are also available at cost when ordered.

We’d love to see you there!

Start By Visiting Our Website

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There are three types of hire available – 

• Regular Hire, being organisations or individuals hiring the Hall more than ten (10) times in a calendar year. 

• Casual Hire, being for limited hire, for example private party or celebration, wedding etc. 

• Government Agencies, e.g. Fraser Coast Regional Council, Electoral Commission of Queensland or Australian Electoral Commission 

Unless otherwise specified, these terms and conditions apply to all hire types. 

Basis of Hire and Use 

1. The Hirer must complete a Hall Hire Registration Form (see attached) 

2. Only the Hall, kitchen area and bathroom facilities may be used, and only for the day/s and time period confirmed. 

3. Any time required for setting up the venue or for cleaning up at the end of the hire must be included in the period booked. 

4. The venue must be vacated by the time stated in the Registration Form 

5. The Hirer must be at least 18 years of age and proof of age may be required 

6. Special conditions may be imposed for some types of events, including additional security requirements 

7. The maximum capacity of the Hall is 100 persons, and this number must not be exceeded at any time. 

8. Right of refusal – The Management Committee reserves the right to refuse any application for use of a facility where the Management Committee Booking Officer believes such booking to be contrary to the public interest or due to non-disclosure or the supplying of misleading information. 

9. The Memorial Wall, associated plaques, plinths and gardens are strictly out of bounds and must not be interfered with in any way whatsoever. 

10. Changes to contact details – any changes to contact details as completed on the registration form must be communicated to the secretary as soon as possible. 

Payment of Bond and Hire Charges (all fees quoted are inclusive of GST) 

11. Casual Bookings are for a minimum of one hour and in half-hour periods thereafter at an hourly rate as set by the Management Committee. 

12. Casual Bookings will attract a bond of $500.00 which will be made to secure the booking.  The bond and calculated hire fees must be paid no later than thirty (30) days prior to the event.  For bookings made within one month of the event, the bond and hire charges must be paid immediately to confirm the booking.  In the event that all charges are not paid in full by the due date, or booking conditions are not met, the booking will be cancelled and access to the venue will be denied. 

13. Regular Bookings hire charges will be calculated on the basis of either $5.00 per attendee, $40 per hour, or any other fee, at the discretion of the Management Committee.  No Bond applies 

14. Government Agency Hire Fees are set by negotiation at the time of booking. 

Payment of Bond and Hire Charges (Cont’d) 

15. Hire Charges are set annually in late June for the following financial year, commencing on 1 July.  For bookings contracted before the review date, charges will remain as agreed.  

Refund of Bond 

16. The bond will be refunded via bank transfer providing the Hall has been left in a condition acceptable to the Management Committee or their representative. 

17. Any reduction in, or retention of the bond will be at the Management Committee’s discretion and applicable if – 

1. Any additional time, equipment or facilities are spent/used. 

2. After inspection, the venue is found to have any damage, including but not limited to marks or stains on carpet or timber flooring, damage to paintwork or equipment etc. following the hire period.   

3. The facilities (including the outside of the venue, paths and gardens as well as bathroom facilities) are not left in a clean and tidy condition, with floors swept, spills cleaned up, kitchen equipment cleaned, and all decorations and rubbish removed.  All rubbish must be placed in the appropriate bins provided externally. 

Termination of Hire 

18. The Hirer acknowledges and accepts that the Management Committee may terminate, at its absolute discretion, the hire of the facility at any time and without notice to the Hirer during any period of the hire of the facility.  This condition relates to for example Disorderly conduct, noise nuisance, damage to the facilities. 

19. If the Management Committee does exercise its discretion referred to in section 17, the Hirer acknowledges and accepts that as Hirer of the facility there can be no claim of loss or compensation of any kind against the Management Committee whatsoever arising out of or incidental to the hire of the facility. 

20. Upon termination of the hire of the facility the Hirer must vacate the facility immediately and the Hirer acknowledges and accepts that the Management Committee has no obligation of any kind whatsoever to relocate the Hirer to another facility. 

Cancellations (all cancellation fees as described will be inclusive of GST) 

21. Cancellation of a booking must be made in writing to the Booking Officer a minimum of 48 hours prior to the booking date. 

22. Regular Hirers will not be charged for cancellations however they acknowledge that from time to time the organization may have to utilize the facility for other purposes and the Hirer will be given notice of applicable dates in a timely manner. 

23. For Casual Hirers, once the bond has been paid, the following cancellation charges will apply and may be deducted from the refund of any hire fees, or the bond being held – 

1. Where cancellation is received more than one (1) month prior to the event date no cancellation fee is charged. 

2. Where cancellation is received within one (1) month prior to the event date, 25% of the hire charge will be charged as a cancellation fee. 

Cancellations (Cont’d) 

3. Transferred bookings will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking hire fees if ultimately cancelled. 

Alcoholic Beverages (where applicable) 

24. Our organization holds a ‘Community Other’ Licence
25. , and as such provides basic beverages.  Any additional drinks purchased by the Committee at the Hirer’s request which have not been sold must be reimbursed by the Hirer at cost price. 

26. The conditions of the existing Liquor Licence pertaining to the venue must be observed at all times by the Hirer and their guests. 

27. The licence conditions permit consumption of alcohol only in the Hall or on either verandah.  Consumption of alcohol anywhere else is strictly forbidden.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure this condition is enforced. 

Public Liability Insurance 

28. As the Hirer is using the Hall with the approval of the Management Committee, they along with their guests will be considered to be operating as a function of the Management Committee and will be covered under the Association’s $20 million Public Liability Policy. 

Hirer’s Other Obligations 

29. Chairs and Tables:  The setting up, stacking and storage of tables, chairs and other equipment is the responsibility of the Hirer.  For safety reasons, it is essential that chairs must not be stacked more than 16 high on the trolleys provided and follow the stacking instructions displayed on the trolleys.  Make sure that furniture is not dragged across the floor. 

30. Additional Furniture or Equipment required other than that provided must be supplied by the Hirer at the Hirer’s expense and shall be the liability of the Hirer.  All electrical equipment must be safe and in perfect working order. 

31. Prohibited Items – Barbecues, gas bottles, open flames, portable stoves or ovens, fireworks, kerosene or spirit type lamps, spit roasts or kegs must not be used inside the premises.  Candles may only be used if secured in a glass (or similar) holder that will contain the flame if knocked over and which will prevent wax from dripping on tables or floors. 

32. Confetti, rice or glitter is prohibited.  Bubbles must be confined to outside areas only. 

33. Decorations – Drawing pins, nails or screws must not be used to affix decorations.  All decorations are to be removed after the event (including any associated fixings).   

34. Breakages, theft or damage – The Hirer is responsible for any breakages, theft or damage caused to the venue or supplied equipment.  Should such an incident occur, the Booking Officer must be advised immediately.  Where such loss exceeds the amount of the bond paid, the costs must be paid within thirty (30) days of the event date.  Unpaid amounts may attract interest and enforcement costs.  The Toogoom Community Association inc. or its Management Committee shall not be liable for any loss, theft or damage sustained by the Hirer or any person associated with the Hirer or attending the event. 

35. End of Hire Period – The Hirer must ensure that at the end of the Hire period, all lights, fans, air conditioners and cooking appliances are turned off, windows closed, curtains drawn, and all doors locked prior to leaving the facility. 

Hirer’s Other Obligations (Cont’d) 

36. No Smoking is permitted within any part of the Hall.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure this condition is strictly enforced.  Any cigarette butts in the surrounds of the building are to be collected and placed in the garbage bins provided. 

37. Noise – Amplified music and general noise levels must be kept at a level that will not disturb people living near the venue and will comply with the conditions of the licence.  The Hall PA equipment may be used if requested but must not be interfered with in any way. 

38. Cleaning – The Casual Hirer is responsible for ensuring that the venue is left (as at the end date and time recorded on the registration form) in a clean and tidy condition.  See 17c for details.  The Regular Hirer is responsible for ensuring that the venue is left in a clean and tidy condition as per 17c at the end of every hire.  For Government Agencies, cleaning fees and cardboard removal fees are negotiable at the time of booking. 

39. Children (under 18 years of age) must be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times and must not enter the kitchen or bar areas. 

40. Rubbish Removal – See 17c.  Any rubbish that will not fit in the exterior bins provided must be removed by the Hirer. 

Privacy Notification – Hire of Facilities 

The personal information that the Management Committee has collected or is collecting from you is personal information for the purposes of the Information Privacy Act (2009) (Qld).  The intended recipients of the personal information are officers of the Management Committee, the Fraser Coast Regional Council or any other agent/contractor of the Management Committee and other Statutory Authorities. 

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