View source for Duaringa

{{Use Australian English|date=August 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                     = town
| name                     = Duaringa
| state                    = qld
| image                    = Duaringa sign October 2019.jpg
| caption                  = Duaringa sign on Capricorn Highway
| image_alt                = 
| coordinates              = {{coord|-23.7144|149.6708|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title}}
| relief                   = 
| pushpin_map_caption      = 
| pushpin_label_position   = right
| map_alt                  = 
| pop                 = 262
| pop_year            = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes       = <ref name=Census2021/>
| poprank                  = 
| density                  = 
| density_footnotes        = 
| established              = 
| abolished                = 
| gazetted                 = 
| postcode            = 4712
| elevation                = 
| elevation_footnotes      = 
| area                     = 687.3 <!--combined -->
| area_footnotes           = 
| timezone                 = 
| utc                      = 
| timezone-dst             = 
| utc-dst                  = 
| dist1                    = 703
| dir1                     = 
| location1                = Brisbane
| dist2                    = 113
| dir2                     = 
| location2                = Rockhampton
| dist3                    = 159
| dir3                     = 
| location3                = [[Emerald, Queensland|Emerald]]
| lga                      = [[Central Highlands Region]]
| lga2=Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda
| region                   = [[Central Queensland]]
| county                   = 
| division                 = 
| stategov                 = [[Electoral district of Gregory|Gregory]]
| fedgov                   = [[Division of Flynn|Flynn]]
| url                      = 
| maxtemp                  = 
| maxtemp_footnotes        = 
| mintemp                  = 
| mintemp_footnotes        = 
| rainfall                 = 
| rainfall_footnotes       = 
| near                     = 
| near-n              = [[Balcomba, Queensland|Balcomba]]
| near-ne             = [[Gogango, Queensland|Gogango]]
| near-e              = [[Boolburra, Queensland|Boolburra]]
| near-se             = [[Gainsford, Queensland|Gainsford]]
| near-s              = [[Barnard, Queensland|Barnard]]
| near-sw             = [[Coomoo, Queensland|Coomoo]]
| near-w              = [[Wallaroo, Queensland|Wallaroo]]
| near-nw             = [[Goowarra, Queensland|Goowarra]]
| established_footnotes    = 
| visitation_num           = 
| visitation_year          = 
| visitation_footnotes     = 
| managing_authorities     = 
| footnotes                = 
}}
'''Duaringa''' is a rural town in the [[Central Highlands Region]] and a [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] split between the Central Highlands Region and the [[Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda]] in [[Central Queensland]], Australia.<ref name="qpnt">{{cite QPN|10638|Duaringa|town in Central Highlands Region|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="qpnl">{{cite QPN|46948|Duaringa|locality in Central Highlands Region|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Duaringa had a population of 262 people.<ref name=Census2021/>

== Geography ==
Duaringa is on the [[Capricorn Highway]], {{convert|116|km|mi}} west of [[Rockhampton, Queensland|Rockhampton]]. The [[Dawson River (Queensland)|Dawson River]] forms the eastern boundary of the locality, while the [[Mackenzie River (Queensland)|Mackenzie River]] forms the northern boundary.<ref>{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Duaringa+QLD+4712/@-23.6951474,149.5336419,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6bc40ede1762f779:0x400eef17f209a30!8m2!3d-23.7177455!4d149.6727251 |title=Duaringa, Queensland |access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref>

The Mackenzie River crossing on Apis Creek Road is approximately 20 kilometres north of the Duaringa township.  Motorists are able to use the gravel road to travel through to [[Marlborough, Queensland]] but the low level crossing at the Mackenzie River can quickly succumb to river rises during wet weather and heavy rain upstream, closing the road.<ref>[http://www.ewn.com.au/traffic/road-closed-apis-creek-road-duaringa-160439.traffic Road Closed: Apis Creek Road, Duaringa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220101833/http://www.ewn.com.au/traffic/road-closed-apis-creek-road-duaringa-160439.traffic |date=20 December 2016 }}, Early Warning Network, 3 February 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.</ref>

The Dawson River, which supplies Duaringa's town water supply,<ref>[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/duaringa-under-water-restriction/733120 Duaringa under water restriction]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]'', 30 December 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2016.</ref> flows to the east of the township.  The Capricorn Highway crosses the Dawson River and its [[anabranch]] approximately 12 kilometres east of Duaringa.  Due to the height of the bridges, only major flooding of the Dawson River closes the highway.  Aroona Road, an unsealed road which runs parallel next to the railway line, also provides rural residents with an alternative crossing at a newly built low-level bridge which crosses the Dawson River, 12 kilometres east of Duaringa and seven kilometres downstream from the Capricorn Highway crossing.<ref name="Boolburra" />

The Dawson River and the Mackenzie River both join up north-east of Duaringa to form the [[Fitzroy River (Queensland)|Fitzroy River]] which eventually flows through the city of [[Rockhampton, Queensland|Rockhampton]].  A mural depicting the three rivers is painted on the back of the Duaringa Historical & Tourism Information Centre, facing the Capricorn Highway.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/ABCCapricornia/photos/a.155232064490255.30472.135975469749248/1384574638222652 Photo: Duaringa mural] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050232/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FABCCapricornia%2Fphotos%2Fa.155232064490255.30472.135975469749248%2F1384574638222652 |date=12 July 2022 }}, [[ABC Capricornia]] Facebook page, 21 September 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.</ref>

== Etymology ==
There are a number of stories relating the origin of the name "Duaringa".

The [[Government of Queensland|Queensland Government]] proclaimed the town reserve on 30 October 1878, an area of {{Convert|4|sqmi|}} which was resumed from the Nundubbermere pastoral run.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 1878 |title=Queensland Government Gazette 1878 Volume 23 |url=https://www.textqueensland.com.au/item/journal/093e7529d3f644239d4cda6f2535e7da |access-date=11 December 2018 |page=919 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224710/https://www.textqueensland.com.au/item/journal/093e7529d3f644239d4cda6f2535e7da |url-status=live }}</ref> It believed the name derives from an early pastoral run, believed to be an Aboriginal word, meaning ''[[She-oak|she oak tree]]''.<ref name="qpnt" /> The [[Queensland Railways Department]] claimed that the origin of the name for the [[Duaringa railway station]] meant ''oak''.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 April 1914 |title=SKETCHER. |page=8 |newspaper=[[The Queenslander]] |issue=2455 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25505433 |access-date=11 December 2018 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913013525/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/25505433 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A book that was published by [[Duaringa Shire|Duaringa Shire Council]] in 1981 to mark 100 years of local government explored three versions but concluded that no version could be verified with 100% certainty.<ref name="Duaringa" />

The first version published in the book explores the possibility that the word Duaringa originated from the word "djuaringe" possibly used by [[Aboriginal Australian|Aborigines]] in the traditional [[Wakawaka language|Wakawaka]] or [[Barunggam language]]s in southern parts of Queensland.  The word "djuaringe" is believed to mean "to turn oneself around" or "to turn into something".<ref name="Duaringa" />

The second and most popular theory is that the town's name is derived from the aboriginal words 'D'warra D'nanjie', meaning a meeting place on the swamp oaks.<ref name="Duaringa" /> This is the officially recognised origin of the name Duaringa.<ref>[https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/qld/environment/land/place-names/search#/search=Duaringa&types=0&place=Duaringa10638 Queensland place names search: Duaringa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209003022/https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/qld/environment/land/place-names/search#/search=Duaringa&types=0&place=Duaringa10638 |date=9 February 2018 }}, Department of Natural Resources & Mines, Queensland Government website. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

A third version and arguably the most outlandish theory, explored the likelihood of whether the name is linked to a local pioneering family.  The book explains that a local well-liked woman named Inga Anderson lived and worked in the Boolburra area.  It has been said that the area where she lived was known as "Inga's Place" or "Dear Inga's".  It's claimed that her descendants believe that the Railways Department invited Inga to see her name "Dear Inga" painted on the Duaringa Railway Station when it opened in 1876 and somehow was corrupted into the name Duaringa. Anderson went on to marry Moses Wafer of the pioneering Wafer family that settled in the [[Dingo, Queensland|Dingo]] area.<ref name="Duaringa" />

As Duaringa was being established as a railway town in the 1870s, the settlement was known as either "The Dawson Seven Mile" or "Colo".

In an article in the 27 November 1875 edition of ''[[The Capricornian]]'', it was stated that the newspaper understood that the [[Postmaster-General's Department|Postmaster-General]] deemed it undesirable to adopt the name of Colo, as there was already a [[Colo, New South Wales|Colo]] in [[New South Wales]].  The brief article also mentioned that the native name of the area was said to be "Duarininga" but it was considered too lengthy.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65733122/6759762 Local & General News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150712/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65733122/6759762 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Capricornian]]'', 27 November 1875. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

On 4 December 1875, ''[[The Capricornian]]'' reported that "a suitable designation had been found for Colo, alias Seven-mile."  The article reported that the native name of Duarininga had been discarded as it was thought to have been too difficult to pronounce, and a "euphonious and expressive" name of Thorn Town had been selected to honour the Postmaster General, [[George Thorn]], who became the 6th [[Premier of Queensland]] the following year.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6759778 Local & General News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150748/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6759778 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Capricornian]]'', 4 December 1875. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

However, in the following week's edition of ''[[The Capricornian]]'', the newspaper retracted their previous report which stated the Dawson Seven-mile township would be called Thorntown, instead of Colo. The newspaper explained their announcement was found to have been premature as those who decide such matters had gone on to reverse their original decision and finally decided to officially call the town by its native name, although "slightly contracted" from Duarininga to Duaringa.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65732998/6759810 Local & General News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150703/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65732998/6759810 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Capricornian]]'', 18 December 1875. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>
 
Although Colo Post Office opened on 10 November 1875, it was renamed the following month to the town's new name of Duaringa.<ref name="Post Office">{{Cite web |last=Phoenix Auctions History |title=Post Office List |url=http://www.phoenixauctions.com.au/cgi-bin/wsPhoenix.sh/Viewpocdwrapper.p?SortBy=QLD&filter=*Duaringa* |access-date=19 January 2021 |publisher=Phoenix Auctions |archive-date=12 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050235/http://www.phoenixauctions.com.au/cgi-bin/wsPhoenix.sh/Viewpocdwrapper.p?SortBy=QLD&filter=%2ADuaringa%2A |url-status=live }}</ref> The Postmaster General's Office placed a newspaper advertisement in several editions of ''[[The Morning Bulletin|The Rockhampton Bulletin]]'', dated 30 December 1875, advising that the post office would be known as the Duaringa Post Office.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51902119 Advertising: Notice from Postmaster General's Office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150724/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51902119 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin|The Rockhampton Bulletin]]'', 12 January 1876. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

== History ==
Duaringa was close to the northwestern boundaries of the [[Kangulu]], and the eastern frontier of the [[Kanolu]] peoples.<ref>[[Norman Tindale]], [https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/114913/2/b13565965.pdf ''Aboriginal Tribes of Australia,''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135806/https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/114913/2/b13565965.pdf |date=12 June 2018 }} [[Australian National University]] 1974 p. 174.</ref>

=== 1800s ===
Like many towns in the [[Central Queensland]] area, Duaringa was first established as a settlement for railway workers during the construction of the [[Central Western railway line, Queensland|Central Western railway line]] during the 1870s.  However, the decision to create a settlement where Duaringa exists today was only determined after a devastating flood in 1875.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51786515 The flood at the Dawson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150808/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51786515 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin|Rockhampton Bulletin]]'', 1 March 1875. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref> Prior to the flood, the government had surveyed land where the railway crosses the [[Dawson River (Queensland)|Dawson River]] for a major service centre for the railway to be established there.  As such, the township of Boolburra was established with many families settling on either side of the river.<ref name=Rockhampton>Bird, J T S (John T S), ''The early history of Rockhampton'', published 1 January 1904 by ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]''</ref>

The bridge across the Dawson River was almost finished in February 1875 when torrential rain began to fall which continued over several days.  The relentless rainfall caused the river to rise rapidly catching many people in Boolburra unaware.  In late February, 1875, a series of urgent telegrams<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51786500 Telegraphic dispatches: Rocky Creek] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150514/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51786500 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[Rockhampton Bulletin|The Morning Bulletin]]'', 1 March 1875. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref><ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51783712 The flood: official telegram from Rocky Creek] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150604/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51783712 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin|Rockhampton Bulletin]]'', 2 March 1875. Retrieved 9 December 2016</ref> began being received in Rockhampton reporting that the whole area was underwater and that many people in Boolburra were stranded on rooftops, in trees and on any high ground they could find.<ref name=Rockhampton/>

Upon receiving the news, the superintendent of the railways Robert Ballard<ref>{{Citation |last=Bell |first=Jacqueline |title=Ballard, Robert (1839–1912) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/ballard-robert-2925 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-07-12 |archive-date=2 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802062446/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/ballard-robert-2925 |url-status=live }}</ref> set men to work to build [[punt (boat)|punts]] to rescue people.<ref name=Duaringa/>

When the rescuers arrived, they found thirty residents on the roof of Sheehy's Hotel, while others were stranded on the top of Beattie's Hotel or their own rooftops.  Many were suffering from insect bites and severe sunburn.  Almost 300 people were rescued from the floodwaters, including four Chinese men who had been without food for five days.<ref name=Rockhampton/>

While the loss of life was expected to be substantial, the death toll was much less than first anticipated.  Several people did lose their lives, including a German man and his three children, though his wife and their baby were found alive on top of a pile of [[railroad tie|railway sleepers]].  The people of Rockhampton began donating items to the Boolburra flood victims including blankets, clothing, loaves of bread, meat and rations.<ref name=Rockhampton/>

After the flood, the government decided to abandon their plan to use Boolburra as the major railway centre it was proposed to be, and instead create a separate settlement seven miles further west along the railway line for that purpose.  Boolburra then became an ordinary [[layover|wayside]] station instead of its original purpose.<ref name=Rockhampton/>

The railway line from Boolburra to Duaringa opened on 28 March 1876.  A free excursion for people to travel by train from Rockhampton to Duaringa was organised to mark the occasion.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51903290 Queensland Northern Railway: Opening to Duaringa (advertisement)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150740/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51903290 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin|The Rockhampton Bulletin]]'', 24 March 1876. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref> Secretary for Public Works, [[Henry Edward King]] was among those that made the trip.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51903336 Duaringa Railway Excursion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150737/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51903336 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin|The Rockhampton Bulletin]]'', 30 March 1876. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

Duaringa Provisional School opened on 3 June 1879. It became [[Duaringa State School]] on 23 November 1899.<ref name="qfhs">{{Citation |author1=Queensland Family History Society |title=Queensland schools past and present |publication-date=2010 |edition=Version 1.01 |publisher=[[Queensland Family History Society]] |isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}</ref>[[File:Duaringa council office September 2017.jpg|thumb|Duaringa council office, 2017]] In September 1880, it was decided that the portion of the Banana Division west of the Dawson River should be excised to form a new local government division due to communication difficulties within the Banana Division.  As a result, the Duaringa Divisional Board was formed to administer the excised area.<ref name=Duaringa>Turner, Denise, ''Duaringa Shire: 100 years of local government (1881-1981)'', published in 1981 by [[Duaringa Shire|Duaringa Shire Council]], {{ISBN|978-0-9593293-0-8}}</ref>

The first meeting of the Duaringa Divisional Board took place on 10 August 1881.<ref name=Duaringa/> Another two meetings took place in 1881 where road repairs, a request to the government for accounting books, a set of by-laws and permission to use the Duaringa Railway Station as a meeting place were among the issues discussed.  A rate of sixpence in the pound was levied and sent to all ratepayers in the newly formed division.<ref name=Duaringa/>

Tryphinia Provisional School opened circa 1898 and closed in 1905.<ref name="qfhs" />

=== 1900s ===
[[File:Duaringa Library, 2017.jpg|thumb|Duaringa Library, 2017]]
The Duaringa Divisional Board held its last meeting on 11 June 1903 just prior to the name change to [[Duaringa Shire|Duaringa Shire Council]].  A council office and residence was built in 1919.<ref name=Duaringa/>

The existing council chambers on the corner of William and Elizabeth Street was officially opened by Minister for Local Government [[Wallace Rae]] on 28 November 1970. The construction of a new council library in Elizabeth Street followed, which was opened in October 1977.<ref name=Duaringa/>

Laurinel State School opened on 23 January 1984 and closed on 11 December 1987.<ref name="qfhs" />

=== 2000s ===
The town served as the administrative centre of the Duaringa Shire Council up until 2008 when the council area was amalgamated into the newly formed [[Emerald, Queensland|Emerald]]-based [[Central Highlands Region|Central Highlands Regional Council]].<ref>[http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-structure-governance/our-council Our Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204205312/http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-structure-governance/our-council/ |date=4 December 2016 }}, Central Highlands Regional Council website. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref> The council chambers are still used for administration purposes, and the council remains a major employer for people who live and work in the town.<ref>[http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/contact-council Contact Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204152807/http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/contact-council/ |date=4 December 2016 }}, Central Highlands Regional Council website. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

Apart from farming properties scattered throughout the area, there is nothing of significance remaining at Boolburra that would indicate there was once a thriving township located on the Dawson River. Central Highlands Regional Council continues to maintain and make improvements to the rural road network in the Boolburra area.  A new low level bridge has been built across the river to provide quicker access to Duaringa for local property owners in the Boolburra area<ref name="Boolburra">[http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/news/improved-flood-access-horizon-duaringa-locals Improved flood access on the horizon for Duaringa locals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225054622/http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/news/improved-flood-access-horizon-duaringa-locals/ |date=25 February 2017 }}, News, Central Highlands Regional Council website, 4 November 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref> and a complete bridge replacement was executed across Herbert Creek at Boolburra to re-establish access to the Capricorn Highway.<ref>[http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/news/safe-crossing-at-herbert-creek-bridge Safe crossing at Herbert Creek bridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221090023/http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-council/news/safe-crossing-at-herbert-creek-bridge/ |date=21 December 2016 }}, News, Central Highlands Regional Council website, 8 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.</ref>

== Demographics ==
In the {{CensusAU|2011}}, the locality of Duaringa had a population of 478 people, while the town of Duaringa had a population of 260 people.<ref name=Census201130510>{{Census 2011 AUS|id=SSC30510|name=Duaringa (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref><ref name=Census2011UCL>{{Census 2011 AUS|id=UCL322035 |name=Duaringa (UCL)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Duaringa had a population of 278 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30889|name=Duaringa (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Duaringa had a population of 262 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL30882|name=Duaringa (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>

== Heritage listings ==
Heritage-listed sites in Duaringa include:

* [[Duaringa State School]], Charlotte Street ({{coord|-23.7163|149.6683|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|display=inline|name=Duaringa State School}})<ref>{{cite QHR||Duaringa State School|650097|access-date=15 October 2021}}</ref>

== Attractions and local landmarks ==


=== Mackenzie Park ===
Duaringa's Mackenzie Park is located on the [[Capricorn Highway]] at the eastern entrance to the town and is a popular place for travellers to stop.<ref>[http://www.capricornholidays.com.au/destinations/duaringa/attractions/mackenzie-park Mackenzie Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221060402/http://www.capricornholidays.com.au/destinations/duaringa/attractions/mackenzie-park |date=21 December 2016 }}, Capricorn Holidays website. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

Due to the park being RV-friendly, Mackenzie Park is especially popular with interstate tourists travelling long-distances in [[recreational vehicles]], who frequently use the area in the north-eastern corner of the park as a temporary campground to utilise the 48 hours of free camping permitted by Central Highlands Regional Council.<ref>[https://www.cmca.net.au/services/rv-friendly/destinations/483-duaringa Duaringa: Mackenzie Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220093940/https://www.cmca.net.au/services/rv-friendly/destinations/483-duaringa |date=20 December 2016 }}, Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia website. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

The park is anchored by the Duaringa Historical and Tourism Information Centre which is managed by a group of local volunteers who provide tourists with historical information about the local area and attractions in [[Central Queensland]].  Some local events are also held at the centre, such as the Duaringa Playgroup's 'Afternoon Tea in the Park' events.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/duaringaplaygroup/photos/a.688464084624899.1073741828.685589394912368/719714338166540 Flier: Afternoon Tea in the Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050234/https://www.facebook.com/duaringaplaygroup/photos/a.688464084624899.1073741828.685589394912368/719714338166540 |date=12 July 2022 }}, Duaringa Playgroup Facebook page, 24 July 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

The area also incorporates an [[public toilet|amenities block]], an [[artificial waterfall]], barbeque facilities, a children's playground, picnic tables and an Anzac [[cenotaph]].  Mackenzie Park is home to numerous [[Lysicarpus]] trees.<ref>[http://www.outbacknow.com.au/index.php/tours/detail/queensland/capricorn_burnett/duaringa/mckenzie_park Duaringa Tours and Attractions: Mackenzie Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220090739/http://www.outbacknow.com.au/index.php/tours/detail/queensland/capricorn_burnett/duaringa/mckenzie_park |date=20 December 2016 }}, Outback Now website. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

The Duaringa Lioness Club holds weekly "Breakfast in the Park" events at Mackenzie Park's barbeque facility for locals and visitors to the town.  The breakfasts are held throughout the cooler months of the year, usually commencing in May and concluding in September.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1729154123991285&id=1723111877928843 Photos: Breakfast in the Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050234/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D1729154123991285%26id%3D1723111877928843 |date=12 July 2022 }}, Duaringa Lioness Club Facebook page, 11 June 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> The town's annual [[Anzac Day]] service on 25 April takes place at the cenotaph which is located in Mackenzie Park.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/893594954057224/photos/a.917587521657967.1073741827.893594954057224/998389440244441 Photo: Anzac wreaths on cenotaph] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050235/https://www.facebook.com/893594954057224/photos/a.917587521657967.1073741827.893594954057224/998389440244441 |date=12 July 2022 }}, Duaringa District News & Events Facebook page, 25 April 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

=== Duaringa Hotel ===
[[File:Duaringa Hotel September 2017.jpg|thumb|Duaringa Hotel, 2017]]Part of the existing Duaringa Hotel in Edward Street was built in 1886 by two brothers, Bill and Peter Diamond.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52061794 Duaringa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150849/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52061794 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 6 October 1886. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

A provisional liquor license was granted to Peter Diamond in July 1886<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52051230/5035866 Provisional license granted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150832/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52051230/5035866 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 15 July 1886. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> before he was granted a full license for the Duaringa Hotel in October 1886.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52064320 New country license] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150817/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52064320 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 7 October 1886. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

Peter Diamond later served as chairman of the Duaringa Divisional Board from 1910 until 1912 and again in 1919.

Since the Diamond Brothers established their business in 1886, numerous licensees have managed the hotel and it continues to operate today.

=== Duaringa Picture Theatre ===
The town's old picture theatre is located on the corner of Alice and Edward Streets.

The business was established by local man George Fletcher<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75436118 Obituary: Mr G E Fletcher] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150814/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75436118 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''Central Queensland Herald'', 10 March 1955. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> in 1890, and apart from a picture theatre, Fletcher also ran a general store from the building.<ref>[http://www.bonzle.com/c/a?a=pic&fn=4tjbdx01&s=3 Fletcher's Shop and Regent Theatre] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828104240/http://www.bonzle.com/c/a?a=pic&fn=4tjbdx01&s=3 |date=28 August 2016 }}, "matey", Bonzle.com, 14 January 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> Fletcher also rented out the building as a hall for local social events.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54989097 Duaringa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150852/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54989097 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 18 December 1936. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

The theatre ran for many years, participating in promotions such as "Paramount Week" in 1936, celebrating the 25th anniversary of [[Paramount Pictures]],<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54972577 Paramount Week (advertisement)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150846/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54972577 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 29 August 1936. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> and showing many films including ''[[Phantom of the Opera (1943 film)|Phantom of the Opera]]''.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/56455848 Duaringa Pictures (advertisement)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150826/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/56455848 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 29 October 1946. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

The theatre is now used as a private residence.  In 2013, the owner of the building was pictured sitting on the theatre's roof in a photo which was part of a series taken by local Rockhampton radio station [[ABC Capricornia]].<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/07/19/3806457.htm The characters of Duaringa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082925/http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2013/07/19/3806457.htm |date=20 December 2016 }}, Alice Roberts, ABC Capricornia, 19 July 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

=== QCWA Memorial Hall ===
[[File:Duaringa Hall September 2017.jpg|thumb|left|Duaringa Hall September 2017]]The QCWA Hall in Edward Street<ref>[http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/91315-duaringa-cwa-memorial-hall Duaringa CWA Memorial Hall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220085455/http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/91315-duaringa-cwa-memorial-hall |date=20 December 2016 }}, Monument Australia website. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> was officially opened on 26 November 1932,<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55489386 CWA Memorial Duaringa Branch: Official Opening Ceremony] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150843/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55489386 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]'', 30 November 1932. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> six years after a local branch of the [[Country Women's Association|Queensland Country Women's Association]] was established in the town.  In 1925, the organiser of the QCWA visited Duaringa with the aim of garnering enough interest to create a local branch.  The first meeting was held on 21 September 1925.<ref name=Duaringa/>

After the hall had been opened for a year, Duaringa Shire Council gifted two honour boards bearing the names of local soldiers from the Duaringa area who had enlisted in World War I.  The chairperson of the Duaringa Shire Council, Edward Adams conducted the ceremony where the boards were first unveiled.  The names on the boards were inscribed by Sidney Porteous from local cattle station Coomooboolaroo.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54753672 Honour Board: Duaringa Memorial Hall - Unveiling Ceremony] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150838/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54753672 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]'', 29 November 1933. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

As the local branch of the QCWA faced dwindling membership and difficulty meeting the expenses associated with maintaining the hall, it was decided to put the venue up for sale in 2014.  The building was first offered to Central Highlands Regional Council to buy, but council decided against purchasing the hall.<ref>[http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2014/06/qcwa-halls-being-sold-off.html QCWA Halls being sold off] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220081321/http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2014/06/qcwa-halls-being-sold-off.html |date=20 December 2016 }}, Jacquie Mackay, ''Breakfast with Jacquie Mackay'', [[ABC Capricornia]], 23 June 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-23/dwindling-support-blamed-for-cwa-hall-closures-across-queensland/5543284 Dwindling support blamed for CWA Hall closures across Queensland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082950/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-23/dwindling-support-blamed-for-cwa-hall-closures-across-queensland/5543284 |date=20 December 2016 }}, Megan Hendry and Jacquie Mackay, ''[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]'', 23 June 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

It was announced in February 2017 that the hall would once again be utilised after being purchased by the [[Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council]].  The council announced plans to give the Duaringa hall a $132,000 upgrade, enabling it to be used as a [[cultural centre]] and [[museum]].<ref>[https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/revealed-38-new-cq-projects-to-deliver-229-jobs/3145832 REVEALED: 38 new CQ projects to deliver 229 jobs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419005835/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/revealed-38-new-cq-projects-to-deliver-229-jobs/3145832/ |date=19 April 2017 }}, Michelle Gately, ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]'', 21 February 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.woorabinda.qld.gov.au/visageimages/Jobs%20for%20Queensland%20Project.pdf Media Release: Job Opportunities Works for Queensland Program (W4Q 2016-2017)]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Emil Moul, [[Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council]], 3 March 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2017.</ref>

=== Duaringa Post Office ===
[[File:Duaringa Post and News October 2019.jpg|thumb|left|Duaringa Post & News, 2019]]The existing post office in Duaringa has been providing the town with postal services from the same building for more than 80 years, opening around 1936.

The first post office to serve the town was the Colo Post Office which opened in November 1875 during a debate on what to call the town.  After it was finally decided to call the newly established settlement Duaringa, the Postmaster General's Department advised that from the start of 1876, the post office would be called the Duaringa Post Office.

When postmaster Frank Murray took over the post office in 1934, he moved swiftly to gain approvals to build a new post office on the corner of Alice and William Street.  The Postmaster General approved, on the condition Murray provided half the cost for the project.

The new post office and residence were subsequently built and opened in 1936.  The Duaringa LPO still operates from the same building today.<ref>[https://auspost.com.au/pol/app/locate/post-office/QLD/Duaringa/4712/Duaringa-LPO-436410 Duaringa LPO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220091510/https://auspost.com.au/pol/app/locate/post-office/QLD/Duaringa/4712/Duaringa-LPO-436410 |date=20 December 2016 }}, [[Australia Post]] website.  Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref>

In the mid 1990s, the building underwent some minor refurbishments to allow the business to provide additional [[Newsagent's shop|newsagency]]-like services and products rather than just postal needs.  The business changed its name to Duaringa Post Office & News, as they began selling newspapers, magazines, stationery items, greeting cards and [[scratchcards|scratch-it]] tickets as well as a limited array of grocery items.

=== Duaringa Ambulance Centre ===
[[File:Duaringa Ambulance Station December 2012.jpg|thumb|Duaringa Ambulance Station, 2012]]The local ambulance station, opened in 1970, is unique in the fact that it was built almost exclusively by voluntary labour performed by local Duaringa residents.

After local postmistress Nancy Andrews donated a substantial parcel of land for the purpose of establishing an ambulance station next to the Duaringa Post Office, the Rockhampton Ambulance Committee engaged the services of architect [[Edward Arthur Hegvold|Edward Hegvold]] to draw up plans for the proposed building.  Once the plans were approved, the voluntary labour commenced construction.  Six local residents donated timber, gravel and sand for concreting.  Falling, loading, haulage and conversion of the timber was done free of charge.  Working bees were held over a number of months which is involved a total of about 80 personnel.  43 people assisted with the foundations and concreting, 30 worked on the carpentry and plumbing, 14 people helped with the painting while two people installed the electrical work.<ref name=Duaringa/>

At the official opening on 30 May 1970, Sir Douglas Fraser<ref>[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fraser-sir-douglas-were-12509 Fraser, Sir Douglas Were (1899-1988)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220092406/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fraser-sir-douglas-were-12509 |date=20 December 2016 }}, Kenneth Wiltshire, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 17, 2007. Retrieved 10 December 2016.</ref> said that it must be a proud and happy day for the people of Duaringa.  Fraser also said that he felt honoured at opening a building that had been almost completely constructed through voluntary local effort which was a wonderful example of community self-help.<ref name=Duaringa/>

== Education ==


=== Primary ===
[[File:Duaringa State School September 2017.jpg|thumb|left|Duaringa State School, 2017]]Duaringa State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 3 Charlotte Street ({{coord|-23.71590|149.66848|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Duaringa State School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018">{{cite web |date=9 July 2018 |title=State and non-state school details |url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |access-date=21 November 2018 |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-09 |title=Duaringa State School |url=https://duaringass.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Duaringa State School |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422081023/http://www.duaringass.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, the school had an enrolment of 46 students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Duaringa State School: Annual Report, 2023 |url=https://duaringass.eq.edu.au/supportandresources/formsanddocuments/annualreports/annual-report-2023.pdf |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=Duaringa State School |page=2 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001202714/https://duaringass.eq.edu.au/supportandresources/formsanddocuments/annualreports/annual-report-2023.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first school in Duaringa was Duaringa Provincial School which was essentially a {{Convert|4.8|×|3.7|m|ft|adj=on}} bark hut. It was opened on 3 June 1879 with 17-year-old Mary Ann Simpson as head teacher whose sole education experience consisted of being a monitor at Port Curtis Road State School near Rockhampton for a short period.  As her teaching skills grew, Simpson was later transferred to a bigger school and was replaced in 1883 by Kate D'Arcy who had received training in [[Ireland]].  At the end of her tenure, D'Arcy was teaching between 50 and 60 students in four classes.<ref name="DSS">Murtagh-Scott, Anne, ''Duaringa State School Centenary (1879-1979)'', published 1979 by Duaringa State School</ref>

By 1892, Duaringa had grown to such an extent that the residents began calling for a more suitable and permanent facility – a state school.  The District School inspector was reluctant and in late 1892, after a building committee for a new school had been formed, advised that he was unsure of whether Duaringa was likely to become a permanent settlement.  In spite of this, the department warned that the existing Provincial School was inadequate and warned that if improvements weren't made, the school would be closed.  The bark hut was repaired and extended to {{convert|7.9 by 5.5|m}} to provide more room for the students and teacher.<ref name="DSS"/>

By 1898, Duaringa had grown further due to the local timber industry flourishing.  The building committee raised sufficient funds and a tender to build the new school building was finally accepted.  The new school building was completed by October 1899 and was occupied the next month, meaning Duaringa State School was finally established.  Throughout the 20th century, the school continued to grow.  Two high set buildings were constructed on either side of the first building allowing more rooms to be added to incorporate additional classrooms, staff rooms, offices and a tuckshop.  In 1979, Duaringa State School celebrated its centenary.  By then, the school had grown to a four-teacher school with 110 students.<ref name="DSS"/>

In 1989, a 15-metre swimming pool was added.  The school celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2004.<ref>School Celebrates 125 Years, Ruth Miles, ''The Blackwater Herald'', 8 June 2004</ref>

The school's student population fluctuates from year to year.  In 2012, the school had 36 children enrolled which decreased to 18 the following year but increased to 27 in 2014.  In 2016, the school had 14 students attending.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/statistics/enrolments.html|title=Enrolments|first=Department of Education and|last=Training|website=Education.Qld.gov.au|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920192126/http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/statistics/enrolments.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Secondary ===
A daily school bus service operates from Duaringa to Blackwater enabling high school students in Duaringa to attend Blackwater State High School.  Alternatively, high school students can choose to attend private [[boarding school]]s in Rockhampton or Yeppoon to complete their secondary education.

== Amenities ==
The [[Central Highlands Regional Council]] operates a public library at Elizabeth Street.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/locations/|title=Locations|website=[[Central Highlands Regional Council]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131041006/http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/locations/|archive-date=31 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=31 January 2018}}</ref>

== Sport and recreation ==
Duaringa has active cricket, golf, social tennis, and rodeo clubs.

=== Cricket ===
The Duaringa Cricket Club uses the Duaringa Cricket Ground for local competitions and charity events such as the [[McGrath Foundation]]'s Pink Stumps Day which was held in Duaringa on 19 November 2016.

=== Golf ===
Duaring Golf Club's nine-hole golf course is located on the southern side of the Capricorn Highway in the Duaringa township and is used by local members as well as for charity events.<ref>[http://www.cqnews.com.au/news/no-talent-needed-to-enjoy-charity-golf-day/1384065 Charity golf day set to be a smash] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921145002/https://www.cqnews.com.au/news/no-talent-needed-to-enjoy-charity-golf-day/1384065/ |date=21 September 2017 }}, ''Central Queensland News'', 18 May 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2016.</ref><ref>[https://www.pressreader.com/australia/central-queensland-news/20140912/281908771344111 Golfers tee off to help charity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220125335/https://www.pressreader.com/australia/central-queensland-news/20140912/281908771344111 |date=20 December 2016 }}, Meghan Kidd, ''Central Queensland News'', 12 September 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2016.</ref> The Duaringa Golf Club operates a clubhouse which is part of the Duaringa Sports Complex.

=== Campdrafts and Bullaramas ===
Duaringa Rodeo Club hosts Australian Campdraft Affiliated Campdraft [[campdrafting]] events in Duaringa,<ref>[http://www.campdraftcentral.com.au/media/1162/duaringa-program-2016-pdf.pdf Duaringa Rodeo Club poster: Duaringa Campdraft 2016]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Campdraft Central website. Retrieved 15 December 2016.</ref> while the Central Rodeo Cowboys Association holds "[[rodeo|Bullarama]]" events at the town's sports complex each year.<ref>[http://www.cqnews.com.au/news/cowboys-limbering-up-for-bucking-beasts-bull-ridin/1414395 Cowboys limber up for Bullarama]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Tara Miko, ''Central Queensland News'', 13 June 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.pressreader.com/australia/central-queensland-news/20160401/281822872937823 Bullish event returns] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220125806/http://www.pressreader.com/australia/central-queensland-news/20160401/281822872937823 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''Central Queensland News'', 1 April 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2016.</ref>

=== Horse racing ===
The town previously had an active [[horse racing]] club which organised local race meetings.  The first annual race meeting in Duaringa was held on 26 May 1883.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91149041 Duaringa Race Meeting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220182322/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91149041 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''The Morning Bulletin'', 29 May 1883. Retrieved 15 December 2016.</ref>

A restructure of horse racing in regional Queensland in 2002, which included the number of race meetings throughout Queensland being reduced, led to the club's demise.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/qld/content/2002/s742608.htm Industry restructure threatens country racing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220123953/http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/qld/content/2002/s742608.htm |date=20 December 2016 }}, Annie Guest, Stateline, ABC Television, 6 December 2002. Retrieved 15 December 2016.</ref> The old race track and horse racing infrastructure such as stables and barriers are still visible at the Duaringa Sports Complex.  About 1000 racegoers attended the Duaringa Races in 1995.  Australian rugby league player [[Allan Langer]] was a special guest at the 1996 Duaringa Races, which was a fundraising event for the [[Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia]].  More than $10,000 was raised at the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7uigMKQNy4  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/t7uigMKQNy4| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Duaringa Races|author=Bridie Barry|publisher=[[WIN News|WIN News Central Queensland]], [[WIN Television]]|date=24 October 1996|access-date=15 December 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Religion ==
Duaringa has two churches; until December 2015, it had three.

=== St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church (closed) ===
[[File:Duaringa Anglican Church January 2015.jpg|thumb|Duaringa Anglican Church, 2015]]
On [[Michaelmas|Michaelmas Day]] in October 1904, the St Michael and All Angels [[Anglican Church of Australia|Anglican Church]] was dedicated by [[Anglican Bishop of Rockhampton|Bishop]] [[Nathaniel Dawes]].<ref>{{cite news |date=5 September 1904 |title=Barcaldine Budget |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75607411 |accessdate=24 May 2024 |newspaper=[[The Western Champion and General Advertiser for the Central-Western Districts]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=XXIV |issue=660 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032411/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75607411 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 October 1904 |title=DUARINGA. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71961374 |accessdate=24 May 2024 |newspaper=[[The Capricornian]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=31 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=30 |issue=41 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032435/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71961374 |url-status=live }}</ref> From 1904 until 2015, the church remained relatively unchanged in its location in Elizabeth Street opposite the Duaringa Library. However, when Duaringa was hit with a severe storm in November 2015, strong winds blew the church off its stumps causing extensive damage. The church was beyond repair and it was removed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mackay |first=Jacquie |last2=Moore |first2=Blythe |date=2015-12-01 |title=Duaringa church unlikely to be rebuilt after storms |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-01/century-old-church-unlikely-to-be-rebuilt-after-wild-storms/6990452 |access-date=2024-05-24 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116165126/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-01/century-old-church-unlikely-to-be-rebuilt-after-wild-storms/6990452 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=St Michael and All Angels {{!}} Duaringa |url=https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=3239&St%20Michael%20and%20All%20Angels%20Duaringa |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Queensland Religious Places Database |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032403/https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=3239&St%20Michael%20and%20All%20Angels%20Duaringa |url-status=live }}</ref>  Anglican services are now held at St Kevin's Roman Catholic Church.

=== St Kevin's Roman Catholic Church ===
[[File:Duaringa Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|Duaringa Catholic Church, 2015]]
St Kevin's [[Catholic Church in Australia|Roman Catholic Church]] was opened in Duaringa in September 1902 by [[Roman Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton|Bishop]] [[Joseph Higgins (bishop)|Joseph Higgins]].<ref>{{cite news |date=20 September 1902 |title=DUARINGA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68871483 |accessdate=24 May 2024 |newspaper=[[The Capricornian]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=17 |via=National Library of Australia |volume=28 |issue=37 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032349/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68871483 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=St Kevin's Catholic Church {{!}} Duaringa |url=https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=6112&St%20Kevin%27s%20Catholic%20Church%20Duaringa |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Queensland Religious Places Database |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032403/https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=6112&St%20Kevin%27s%20Catholic%20Church%20Duaringa |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later replaced with a more modern low-set brick building on the corner of Edward and Mary Street in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St Kevin's Catholic Church {{!}} Duaringa |url=https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=5488&St%20Kevin%27s%20Catholic%20Church%20Duaringa |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Queensland Religious Places Database |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032430/https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=5488&St%20Kevin%27s%20Catholic%20Church%20Duaringa |url-status=live }}</ref>  Anglican services are also now held in this church following the destruction of St Michael and All Angels Church during a storm in November 2015.

=== Uniting Church ===
[[File:Duaringa Uniting Church September 2017.jpg|thumb|Duaringa Uniting Church, 2017]]
Duaringa's [[Uniting Church in Australia|Uniting Church]] in Edward Street at the northern entrance to the township is no longer used for regular services, although it is still used for an occasional funeral or wedding. The timber church was first opened in December 1907 as the Methodist Church.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 January 1908 |title=DUARINGA. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53145824 |accessdate=24 May 2024 |newspaper=[[Morning Bulletin]] |location=Queensland, Australia |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia |issue=13473 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032432/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53145824 |url-status=live }}</ref> It became the Uniting Church when the union of Presbyterian, Congregational and Methodist churches took place nationally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Duaringa Methodist Church {{!}} Duaringa |url=https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=5487&Duaringa%20Methodist%20Church%20Duaringa |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Queensland Religious Places Database |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524032838/https://www.qldreligiousplaces.net.au/View.php?id=5487&Duaringa%20Methodist%20Church%20Duaringa |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Military history ==


=== Local WWI and WWII enlistments ===
A plaque located at the town's [[cenotaph]] in Mackenzie Park lists 66 names of locals who served in [[World War I]] and 99 names of locals who served during [[World War II]].  Eighteen of those listed were killed, or believed killed, in action during the two conflicts.

Among the World War I service personnel listed at the cenotaph are Percy Laver<ref>[https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R2040927 Roll of Honour: Percy George Laver] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050236/https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2040927 |date=12 July 2022 }}, [[Australian War Memorial]] website. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref> and Henry Laver,<ref>[https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1639237 Roll of Honour: Henry Stephen Laver] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050236/https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1639237 |date=12 July 2022 }}, [[Australian War Memorial]] website. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref> uncles to Australian tennis player [[Rod Laver]] whose family lived in the local area.  Henry Laver was killed in action on 12 July 1917 aged 34.

Another noteworthy soldier from Duaringa was Corporal Vincent (Bill) Anderson who became known for capturing an [[anti-tank gun]] with only a spade and a rifle during World War II.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/50155275 Queensland AIF Strike at Desert Nazis: Hero from Duaringa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183802/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/50155275 |date=20 December 2016 }}, Kenneth Slessor, ''[[The Courier-Mail]]'', 7 September 1942. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref> The gallantry of Anderson and other Queenslanders was acknowledged in communication dispatches for good work, including advancing two miles into enemy territory, where they remained for four hours before returning with a number of German prisoners.<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71443750 Queensland Gets Special Mention] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183759/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71443750 |date=20 December 2016 }}, ''[[The Worker (Brisbane)|The Worker]]'', 14 September 1942. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref> Anderson was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery.<ref>[https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1512915 Honours and Awards: Vincent Anderson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050237/https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1512915 |date=12 July 2022 }}, [[Australian War Memorial]] website. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref>

=== Camp Wallaroo ===
Camp Wallaroo was an American training camp and ordnance dump established during World War II, situated in the Duaringa State Forest, north of the former small settlement of Wallaroo, ten kilometres east of Duaringa.<ref name=Wallaroo>[http://www.ww2places.qld.gov.au/places/?id=585 Queensland Government WWII Historic Places: Camp Wallaroo and Ordnance Dumps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301121934/http://www.ww2places.qld.gov.au/places/?id=585 |date=1 March 2017 }}, Queensland Government website. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref>

The camp was established soon after the land was acquired in July 1942.  The last unit of occupation was African-American unit, the 636 Ordnance Company.  All areas at Camp Wallaroo were vacated by 1 January 1944.<ref name=Wallaroo/>

During its existence, the camp consisted of a campsite, motor pool, mess kitchen, bathhouse, recreational building, administration office, water tanks, latrines and a watch tower.  Construction of the camp was undertaken by the Public Works Department, builder Robert Leonard Schofield and troop labour.<ref name=Wallaroo/>

Camp Wallaroo was one of a number of American training camps in the Central Queensland area during World War II including Camp Rockhampton, [[Camp Caves]], Camp Nerimbera, Camp Thompson's Point, Camp Keppel Sands and Camp Yeppoon.<ref name=Wallaroo/>

It is believed one soldier walked to Duaringa to see a girlfriend every time he had recreational leave, before walking back to camp.<ref>[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/local-club-metal-detecting-returning-9-dog-tags/3069153 Your story: Metal Detecting Club returns nine dog tags] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221172729/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/local-club-metal-detecting-returning-9-dog-tags/3069153/ |date=21 December 2016 }}, Anthony C Egretz, ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]'', 28 July 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref>

== Indigenous culture ==
The [[traditional owners]] of the land in the Duaringa district are the [[Gangulu people]], and the local area is believed to be a significant centre for [[Indigenous Australians|Aboriginal]] peoples.  In the {{CensusAU|2011}}, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 11.1% of the people counted in the Duaringa district.<ref name="Census2011">{{Census 2011 AUS|id=UCL322035|name=Duaringa (Urban Locality)|access-date=7 January 2017|quick=on}}</ref> Duaringa is located 60 kilometres north of the Aboriginal community of [[Woorabinda]], where there was a former reservation. Indigenous people were granted small parcels of land in the Duaringa area under Queensland native title legislation. There are Aboriginal rock art sites at [[Blackdown Tableland National Park]], south-west of Duaringa.

== 1968 Railway collision and aftermath ==
At 8:18&nbsp;pm on 7 November 1968, a coal train and a passenger-goods train collided at Duaringa, killing the coal train's driver and his fireman.  The assistant station master, 23-year-old David Dunnett, who was on duty at the time of the collision, was charged with unlawfully killing the driver of the coal train and a date was set for a trial at the Rockhampton Supreme Court, which was due to begin on 3 March 1969.

On the eve of a manslaughter trial, 48-year-old station master Royce Joseph Stickens murdered his 41-year-old wife Audrey and two young children before committing suicide.

The bodies of Royce Stickens, his wife, their 12-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter were found by a local police sergeant who had called around the morning before the trial to remind Stickens that he was due to give evidence at the trial the following day.  The body of Royce Stickens was found with an automatic rifle beside it, indicating that a murder-suicide had taken place, possibly connected to the fatal railway accident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107081465|title=FAMILY OF FOUR FOUND DEAD - The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926–1995) - 4 Mar 1969|access-date=28 January 2017|archive-date=12 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712050308/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/107081465|url-status=live}}</ref>

''NB:  Some media incorrectly reported the station master’s surname as Strickens, instead of correctly referring to it as Stickens.''

== 1996 Satellite city proposal ==
In October 1996, investors and representatives from South Korean religious group Canaan Farmers met with local government representatives in Duaringa to outline plans to build a satellite city on the eastern outskirts of the Duaringa township.  Originally reported to cost $30 million, it was later touted as a $230 million international village which would have housed 1500 people, and would have included a shopping centre, hotel, golf course, an international school, a church and an industrial area and a noodle factory.  On the day the original plans were unveiled to the public, the development co-ordinator for the village told local media that the satellite city was the brainchild of South Korean spiritual leader, Reverend Jong-Il Kim who had the intention of promoting international goodwill.<ref>Watson, Rhett "Duaringa chosen for $30m village" ''The Morning Bulletin'', Rockhampton, 24 October 1996</ref><ref>Grant, Hilary "Koreans outline satellite city plan" ''The Blackwater Herald'', Blackwater, 29 October 1996</ref>

Duaringa Shire mayor Tom Hall accepted an offer in November 1996 to visit South Korean to publicise the Duaringa Shire in the hope of securing the international city.<ref>Grant, Hilary "Mayor's visit forges closer relations with Korean businesses" ''The Blackwater Herald'', Blackwater, 19 November 1996</ref>

In December 1996, it was reported that the Korean investors were considering situating the satellite city at Blackwater, 85 kilometres west of Duaringa, because Blackwater already had many facilities in place.<ref>Grant, Hilary "Blackwater in line for satellite city" ''The Blackwater Herald'', Blackwater, 3 December 1996</ref> However, attention shifted back to Duaringa when the original $30 million proposal was upgraded by the investors to a new $230 million investment.  Copies of the new plans were sent to Duaringa Shire Council and the Department of Tourism, Small Business and Industry.<ref>Rutherford, Michael "Mini city for west", ''The Morning Bulletin'', Rockhampton, 28 December 1996</ref>

In January 1997, a group of 30 Korean business people visited Duaringa to further discuss their plans for the satellite city.  Mayor Tom Hall said that Duaringa Shire Council fully supported the development and that he hoped the city would be operational by 1998.  It was reported that the project depended on the construction of a water storage facility on the Dawson River.<ref>"Koreans to visit Duaringa city site", ''The Morning Bulletin'', Rockhampton, 7 January 1997</ref>

In August 2001, it was reported that problems with land entitlements in Duaringa and political upheaval in Korea had prevented the satellite city from going ahead.  However, a delegation of Chinese business executives including China Delong Group general manager Zhang Yongde were planning to visit Duaringa on 11 September 2001 to inspect land and infrastructure.  They had indicated to Duaringa Shire Council that they were interested in a possible major development for the town, and had requested copies of the original proposal put forward by the South Koreans in 1996 which had failed to get off the ground.<ref>Mitchell, Geraldine "Chinese look into Duaringa project", ''The Morning Bulletin'', Rockhampton, 18 August 2001</ref>

== Media ==
Duaringa is home to ''Graziher'', an independent national rural magazine which is published quarterly and is aimed at women who live and work in rural areas of Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.graziher.com.au/pages/about-us|title=About Us|website=www.graziher.com.au|access-date=21 April 2016|archive-date=22 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422070330/http://www.graziher.com.au/pages/about-us|url-status=live}}</ref> The magazine's editor compiles the magazine from her family's cattle property near Duaringa, where she lives.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-31/young-female-grazier-telling-stories-of-rural-women/7289120|title=Young female grazier telling stories of rural women in Graziher magazine|newspaper=ABC News|date=31 March 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|archive-date=20 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420074022/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-31/young-female-grazier-telling-stories-of-rural-women/7289120|url-status=live}}</ref>

Like much of Central Queensland, Duaringa mainly receives traditional local media services such as newspapers, radio and television from Rockhampton.

== Popular culture ==
In 2004, Australian country music performer [[Melinda Schneider]] filmed parts of the music video for her song "Real People" in Duaringa<ref>[http://uninewsarchive.cqu.edu.au/uninews.cqu.edu.au/UniNews/viewStory830a.html?story=1596 CQU building used in music video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419104749/http://uninewsarchive.cqu.edu.au/uninews.cqu.edu.au/UniNews/viewStory830a.html?story=1596 |date=19 April 2017 }}, CQUni News Archive, [[Central Queensland University]], 28 April 2004. Retrieved 19 April 2017.</ref> and other parts of Central Queensland, including Rockhampton.<ref>[https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/doris-day-story-is-close-to-heart/3028907 Country musician will bring Doris Day's story to the stage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420151829/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/doris-day-story-is-close-to-heart/3028907/ |date=20 April 2017 }}, Sean Fox, ''[[The Morning Bulletin]]'', 24 May 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2017.</ref>

Schneider indirectly refers to Duaringa in the first line of the song by singing: ''At a [[roadhouse (facility)#Australia|roadhouse]] an hour out of [[Rockhampton|Rocky]]...'', before she sings about a conversation she had with an employee at the local service station, who also features in the film clip.<ref>Real People MELINDA SCHNEIDER (music video), ''Gotta Go Country: Good Friends, Real People & A Six Pack Short – The Compass Brothers hits so far'' (DVD), Compass Brothers Records, first Published 2008.  Accessed 19 April 2017</ref>

''Real People'' was awarded the [[Australian Performing Right Association|APRA]] Song of the Year at the 33rd [[Country Music Awards of Australia|CMAA Awards]] in Tamworth in 2005.<ref>[http://alldownunder.com/australian-music-country/2005-country-music-awards.htm 2005 Country Music Award Winners: 33rd CMAA Country Music Awards Ceremony] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630004046/http://alldownunder.com/australian-music-country/2005-country-music-awards.htm |date=30 June 2016 }}, AllDownUnder website. Accessed 19 April 2017.</ref>

== Notable residents ==
* '''[[George Barnard (zoologist)|George Barnard]]''', '''Harry Barnard''', '''Charles Barnard''', '''Wilfred Barnard''', '''Mabel Barnard''' and '''Ernest Barnard''', Australian zoologists and naturalists.<ref>[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/barnard-henry-greensill-harry-9435 Barnard, Henry Greensill (Harry) (1869-1966)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220102737/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/barnard-henry-greensill-harry-9435 |date=20 December 2016 }}, Glen Ingram, ''Australian Dictionary of Biography'' (Volume 13), 1993. Retrieved 11 December 2016.</ref> The Barnard family moved to local property Coomooboolaroo, south of Duaringa, in 1873.  The patriarch of the family, George Barnard, built a collection of insect and bird eggs and specialised in moths, butterflies and beetles. George's wife Maria was an artist who drew specimens.  George's collection grew so large that a private museum was built on the cattle station.  Upon his death, George Barnard's collection was acquired by [[Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild]]'s [[Natural History Museum at Tring]] but his children continued similar work, making names for themselves with their own achievements. The Barnard property hosted many internationally renowned naturalists and zoologists including [[Albert Stewart Meek]], and [[Carl Sofus Lumholtz]].  Charles and Harry Barnard both served as chairmen on the Duaringa Divisional Board at various times.
* '''[[Vince Lester]]''', Australian politician.  Lester hitchhiked to Duaringa in 1962 to take over the Duaringa Bakery.  Lester has claimed he only had enough money to put down a deposit on the business and that the first six months were difficult but made the business a success with the support of the people of Duaringa.<ref name=Duaringa/>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Duaringa, Queensland}}
* [http://queenslandplaces.com.au/duaringa-and-duaringa-shire University of Queensland: Queensland Places: Duaringa and Duaringa Shire]
* [https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-duaringa-1980.jpg Town map of Duaringa, 1980]

{{Central Highlands Region}}{{Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda}}{{Central Queensland}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Central Highlands Region]]
[[Category:Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda]]
[[Category:Localities in Queensland]]