By JOLENE OGLE
BEHIND the unassuming exterior of the Tewantin CWA hall, a large group of descendants from the original pioneering families of the shire met for lunch last Wednesday to share fond memories of a much less complicated era.
Fourth-generation fisherman and long-time local Trevor Clarey said the people gathered in the room were the pillars of the Noosa and Tewantin regions.
“Forget the council and greenie groups, these are the people who have done the hard work,” he said.
The annual reunion lunch, organised by the Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society, brings together the families and descendants of families who have played a major role in creating the Noosa and Tewantin so many enjoy today.
The reunion lunch was hosted by George Pearce, local historian, Information Hut volunteer and long-time resident of Tewantin, who first visited the region on a family holiday in 1938 at age six.
Mr Pearce and his family moved to the area permanently in 1942, where he also met his wife and raised his family.
Mr Pearce recalled idyllic memories of a childhood spent fishing on the Noosa River and exploring the river that has helped make Noosa such a sought-after holiday destination.
“Noosa was far cooler back then,” he said.
“There was freedom on the water, fewer boats, no houseboats and lots of fish.”
Mr Pearce said, of his wonderful memories, his favourite would have to be fishing in the afternoon and then sharing the family’s catch with the whole street.
“Mind you, there were only eight houses on Hilton Terrace at that point,” he said.
Among the lunch guests was Marion Dunstan, the great-granddaughter of William Wallace, who recalls many happy memories growing up in the home that is now called Wallace House.
Now used by the Noosa Arts and Craft Group and community, Ms Dunstan recalls always having to use the back entrance to the home.
“We always used the back stairs,” she said. “Because a fierce Siamese cat guarded the front steps.”
As memories were shared it was easy to see the connection enjoyed by the families, some of whom have spent more than 70 years in the local area.
Long-time local activist and former Noosa councillor Olive Donaldson said she was in hospital at age 13 having her tonsils removed the same day fellow lunch guest, Ben Johns, was born.
Mr Johns said 13 years later he was back in the same hospital to have his tonsils removed. Mr Johns has lived in Tewantin for 76 years, and he and his wife Pat still live in the Johns family home, nestled on the banks of the river.
