CAPRICORN CHAPTER
Established 24 May, 2008
Capricorn Chapter MGCC country members living in the Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Biloela and Moura districts can now enjoy more social activities with the Capricorn Chapter being officially recognised following the meeting in Rockhampton.
Founding members from these existing Chapters joined club President David Miles and Assistant Treasurer Kevin Ponting in Rockhampton for the occasion. Gurney Clamp was appointed Co-ordinator of the club's newest regional Chapter, joining Wide Bay and Darling Downs. After holding that position for 10 years, he resigned at the end of 2018 and the role has been taken over by Gary Kunst.
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Phil Henry is the Coordinator of the Capricorn Chapter.
His contact details are :
Phone: 0434 017 132
Email: phil@ph7consulting.com.au
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Deputy Coordinator Gordon Kelsey will be leading the Chapter until 24 May, 2025
Click here for our Facebook page.​
MGCC of QLD., Inc. Capricorn Chapter.
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Run Report – High Valley Dawn/Keppel Sands - 20 July 2025
by Phil Henry
Photos by: Phil Henry, Clare Lynam and Gordon Kelsey
A perfect Capricornia winter’s day greeted today’s run participants as they gathered first in Rockhampton and then by Fig Tree Creek in Yeppoon. Soon the group was tootling down the coast road before diverting a little bit inland and then down a dusty road to the first destination, Ross O’Reilly’s High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm.
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Having been forewarned that the track into the farm had some tests for vehicles with low to no ground clearance, everyone took great care and arrived without incident in front of one of the buildings, parking where indicated by Ross.
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Once the group was settled in for morning tea, Ross began the fascinating history of how the farm came to be. This is as much about Ross’s own story and the many experiences and influences that have formed his outlook on life as it is about permaculture. Suffice to say it is very much well informed, “big picture” and with a clear eye to what we all need to do to secure a livable future.
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Following this background, Ross then led us around some of the farm’s different components, often providing more stories to better explain what we were looking at. There was fruit, uncontaminated by any chemicals, to pick and eat off the trees and insights into how to build communities, prepare the next generation to look after the earth and live off grid. Chapter members were also intrigued by the Maremma dogs who look after the sheep as well as the turkeys and other not so wild life.
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​All in all, many ideas and notions to take away and contemplate – many thanks, Ross.
Eventually we had to say goodbye and trot on down the highway to the Keppel Sands pub, which was packed as it usually is on a Sunday. Our pre-ordering might have cut a few minutes off the time for lunch to appear (sorry Ewen!) but soon we were tucking in and chatting, as is usual for MG runs, before heading off home after another enjoyable outing.
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We were joined at lunch by Richard Hughes and Diana Dawson. Richard continues to recover slowly from his badly damaged ankle, but has graduated from a wheelie walker to a walking stick. We all send Richard our best wishes for a complete recovery.
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A couple of extra things.
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Bronwyn Fidler in Emerald advises she is holding a rally in the Gemfields on 16th and 17th August. It’s the weekend after Gemfest / Jewel of the Gemfields. Accommodation might be a problem now as it’s only 3 weeks away. All meals, 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners are provided plus mining tour and fossicking with a cost of $125 per person. Nomination forms can be emailed for those wishing to take part, let me know if you are interested.
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Pat Sullivan has a gearbox for sale: Mk1 MGB, 4 speed/3 syncro, 5000 miles since reconditioned. If you are interested, please let me know and I’ll pass on contacts.
Participants:
Ewen and Meredith Sutherland - BMW Z3
Gary Whight and Doris Lisle - Triumph 2500TC
Gordon Kelsey - Jaguar E-type
Paul and Clare Lynam - MGA
John Rowe - MGA
Martin and Narelle Adamson - MGB
Phil White - MGB
Gary Kunst - Series 3 Landrover
Paul and Joanne Davey - MGB
Phil Henry - John Cooper Works Mini
MGCC of QLD., Inc. Capricorn Chapter.
Implementation Report – Run to Awoonga Dam
By: Phil Henry
Photos by: Phil Henry, Gordon Kelsey, Gary Kunst
It was 12 brave souls who gathered on a brisk Capricornia morning for this month's getaway to Awoonga Dam. Those with their hoods up or in coupés did not get the full impact of the briskness but soon after, the group was heading down the Bruce under a warming sun.
The first stop at Mt Larcom was purely for comfort – as they say – and after some chats and a coffee for those who needed it, we headed to Awoonga. With time ticking and not knowing exactly how far between the two identified destination points, the decision was made to go straight to the fish breeding facility. It turned out that there was plenty of parking very close by and so the group parked and tucked into smoko.
A bit of an unfortunate point arose when Gary Kunst reported two fresh stone chips in his windshield. The reality of country roads.
Soon our host, Walter Scifleet, from the Gladstone Area Water Board's Aquaculture and Fish Farming Programme, welcomed us into the facility before giving a comprehensive and fascinating lecture on the work being done there. Chapter members with knowledge of fisheries had insightful questions, others had well-directed general knowledge enquiries.
Walter’s talk ended with the daily feeding of the fish, which was fascinating for everyone. ​
Walter informed us that the Centre is about to undergo renovations and expansion, and everyone agreed that we would have to come back in two years once this work is complete.After a photo line-up, the group headed back along the Bruce before peeling off into Caliope and the lunch venue, Coffee Ink.
We definitely hit the jackpot with this place, wonderful food and healthy portions. But s\before too long it was time to pack up and reflect on the highlights of the day, before heading home or doing some shopping at the nearby supermarket. There was some chat about another MGF joining the Chapter, but who can tell with all these urban myths? Certainly the Hamilton’s new Subaru BRZ was appreciated by all.
As the sun began to sink in the west, the organisers decided to congratulate themselves on their work by having a couple of relaxing sherbets at the Raglan Tavern. As you do.
Participants:
Jim Armstrong - MGA
Kev and Yvonne Carr - BMW Z3
Ewen and Meredith Sutherlan - BMW Z3
Ian and Judy Hamilton - Subaru BRZ
Lyle and Pat Fielding - Audi TT
Gordon Kelsey - Jaguar E-type
Phil Henry - MGTF (late model)
MGCC of QLD., Inc. Capricorn Chapter.
Run Report – Classics by the Coast – Sunday 25 May
By: Gordon Kelsey
Photos by: Phil Henry, Gordon Kelsey
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A very early Sunday start demonstrated the commitment of our members to this wonderful charity event. The Rockhampton contingent were greeted by a little fog which turned into patches of pea soup by the time we all came together at Ross Creek.
It was great to see our much loved coordinator Phil present in body although still in the grip of jetlag. The combined group then drove to Emu Park via Tanby Road with the fog clearing for our arrival.
Without delay, all members parked in our favorite position at Bell Park between the gully and the beach front. It was then meet and greet time and the traditional sharing of goodies. Slices offered by the ex-assistant coordinator were well received and as requested, the family recipe is attached.
The cars and bikes on display were truly impressive and there was a huge crowd in attendance making it a spectacular day. Our numbers were slightly reduced because of mixed allegiances with a few joining the dark side to display their cars.​
The Rusty Door prize was won by Kevin Shephard and Brian Russell won Gloria’s Poker Run with a full house.
Gurney Clamp advised that this was the seventeenth anniversary of the Capricorn Chapter’s inaugural meeting!
The next club run will be on Sunday, 15 June. The Awoonga Dam fish breeding program was planned but it may be unavailable. Watch this space!
Those on the Attendance Record were:
Paul & Clare Lynam
Gary Whight & Doris Lisle
Jim Armstrong
Gordon Kelsey
Trevor Andersen
Gurney Clamp
Paul Davey
Phil Henry
Clem & Jean Hill
Brian & Glenis Russell
John Rowe
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