Page 30 - eMuse Vol.9 No.11

MY HOMETOWN,

BARALABA

written by John Bidgood Nov 2018

Here is a poem of Baralaba on the banks of the Dawson
Never a poem told of it by Banjo, Ogilvie or Lawson
But what a bonza town which was first built on coal.
It has survived droughts, floods & fires and is still on a roll.

A beaut little town tucked away from everywhere.
Just ask a politician, none of them would know or care.
Cameron & The Built on the spirit of tough coalminers and brave settlers
Baralaba has had it all from sawmillers to railway fettlers.
Frog Settled over 100 years ago, its people are resilient and proud
Whenever they hold an event, they always have a tremendous
crowd.
The tourists can fish on the Dawson River for big yellow belly
by John Bidgood Or go to the pub for a beer and wash it down with ice cream
and jelly.
Feb 2019 The historical village is also a very popular tourist destination
Built by Colin and Tinny Major, to keep for the next generation
We had a Canadian work in the pub, Cameron was his name. They tell us from far and wide that Baralaba is the town of sport
He loved his chicken parmie and ice hockey was his fame The population is not large, but no team is ever caught short.
He was strong and well built, He did not fear any man
And when he was not working, he took to the road and ran Rugby League is still played here by our Junior teams
They all play rough n tough and still have childhood dreams
A brave young soul, all the pub did abide We also have cricket, tennis, golf and bowls, just to name a few
Until Jan with a frog stood at Cameron`s side. Then we have netball, touch and swimming, I hope you are
He leapt onto the bar from a standing start getting a clue.
Propelled upwards for sure, with an ear-splitting fart
For sport is in the blood and heart of all the people here
Landed on the hotel bar with two shaking feet. We even have a competition where we race to have a beer
Done a somersault through the door and finished on the street. We also have a car show which is held every second year
When he had recovered stood up straight and said, “What`s To donate money to the Flying Doctors to help them buy
that? new gear.
I have fought grizzle bears in Canada, even knocked them
flat. So, I hope you are getting the idea of a very friendly town
We sometimes get a circus visit with the elephant and the clown
“Took on two bikies at the Gold Coast and they came off Baralaba Show has run for years, it’s in the month of May
second best All the locals come along to have a look and say gidday.
But that little green thing in your hand, will put me to the test.
He`s got four legs, a big mouth and coloured green like the We also have a camp draft to which the cowboys always come
hulk. They ride their horses, chase the cows, then sit down and
He looks viscous, he looks mean, just lacks a bit of bulk” have a rum.
Baralaba has had its ups and downs over many years
“Well Cameron old mate” we said to him “He is more placid But the pub has stood the test of time always serving ice
than a snail” cold beers.
“This frog is kind and gentle, pull up a stool and join him for
an ale.” So, to all you lovely tourists and North travelling grey nomads
Well, Cameron and the frog sat at the bar and drank all night Call in and say, “How are you, Mate?” or we will all be sad
They became best of friends and at the pub it was a sight. And when you leave us all behind, please tell all your friends
Of the great people you have met and the good wishes they
all send.

So, to all you traveling tourists, please come to Baralaba
Hitch up your caravan or camper trailer and pull it in by car
The people are all waiting, they would love to have you here
When you see some smiling faces you know Baralaba is near.

30 eMuse November 2020