Outback Junk Lovers (Urandangi, Western Queensland)

            Urandangi was found in 1885 and proclaimed a town in 1891 on the Georgina Stock Route. Here, the Boulia, Cloncurry, and Camooweal mail runs converged. It was also an important stopover for drovers taking Northern Territory cattle to market. In its heyday Urandangi boasted two stores, hotels, a dance hall, a post office, a police station, a school, and several private residences. From the 1920s to the 1940's there were over 400 people living in the area. The dispute over the name Urandangi or Urandangie remains unclear, as many early documents add the 'e' whilst some maps simply use 'i'. 

Small rural cemeteries differ from those in towns. Fewer graves are marked: the headstones were often freighted from Townsville stonemasons like Melrose and Fenwick or Petrie of Brisbane. Many families could not afford such memorials, so timber was used, but in termite country, they rarely lasted. The epitaphs of people buried in the local cemetery may seem mundane, but their contribution in establishing homes and industries paved the way for present prosperity. Aboriginal custom does not allow the name of a deceased person to be mentioned after they have died nor are their photographs shown publicly.

A Country Women's Association (CWA) branch was formed at Urandangi in 1924. Anne Thomas, of Headingly Station, was elected President. She and the community raised funds for the hall and tennis court. They were open in May 1926. Two months later, Ann was buried in the cemetery. She was 56 years of age. The hall was used until its demolition in 1999.

Urandangi once had a terrible reputation for violence and drunkardness. This came to an end when Victorian born Pam Forster purchased the Urandangi Hotel in 2008, after relocating from Western Australia's Kimberley region to take over the notorious hotel. Determined to transform the outback village into a peaceful, clean, bush-connected community, having the keys to the pubs front door meant Forster had the upper hand over degenerate behaviour. If patrons caused trouble, she would close. Gradually, over time, Urandangi become a humble outback community and attracts tourism. There are only two publically accessible settlements between the Queensland and Northern Territory border; Urandangi and Camooweal.

In late 2022 and March 2023 the region saw intense flooding from the Georgina River when waters rose to 7m. Residents were forced to evacuate to Mount Isa whilst many have not returned. The hotel was severely damaged, with a repair bill quoted at half a million dollars. Without an operating hotel, which served the community as a post office, centrelink, and general shop, services in Urandangi are obsolete. The future of the community is uncertain.

Source: Queensland Heritage Trails Network, Boulia Shire Council & ABC News.

Taken on: January 1, 2023

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Sets appears in: • Channel Country (Boulia, Bedourie, & Birdsville)

Groups appears in: • Enjoy the photograph.Exchange with people all over the world. • Transporters Spotters Guide World Wide Guide.

Camera: Nikon D5600, f/8.0, 1/640 sec, 20mm (=30mm), ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D5600
Lens:	TAMRON 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD A037N
Aperture:	f/8.0
Exposure Time:	0.002 sec (1/640)
Focal Length:	20mm (35mm equivalent: 30mm)
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Saturation:	Low
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 12.3 (Windows)
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