COCKSCOMB HISTORY
Cockscomb, a dream that came true...
Cockscomb Veteran Camp came about from an idea that was developed about July 1997, between a number of the Vietnam Veterans in the Central Queensland area. The Veterans came up with a plan to develop an area somewhere in the bush as a reasonably isolated camp. A place where fellow veterans could go, when things were getting tough, or when they felt the need to be out of it and alone for a while, or the need to lean on someone for moral support, or find someone that could walk the walk, talk the talk and understand the burden. It was promoted as an idea amongst interested parties.
After some discussions within our own ranks and with Bruce, he offered us the use of a section of land on some 60 acres he had.
However after a couple of years this was not possible and one (1) Hectaire of land was surveyed off to become a permanent piece of land asigned to Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat in an area known as Cawarral. An old gold mining and farming community, approx 30 km’s from Rockhampton; half way between Rocky and the Capricorn coast. This was considered to be an ideal location and the gracious offer was accepted.

First meeting


CAMM's Road was named after the Camm Family who lived in the Cawarral District many years ago. Mrs Camm was a Matron and Mid Wife for the district.
At the time Gold had been discovered in and around Mt Wheeler. The time was about mid 1868. A 12-year-old boy found one of the largest nuggets ever found in the area on the 14th July 1869.     The nugget weighed 258oz. Another boy found a 178oz nugget the following day. 
By 1889, Cawarral was a flourishing township with a population of 1000 - all supported by the Gold mines. Mt Wheeler gold was obtained easily and quickly. The field proved not to be extensive and the population soon dwindled down to less than 100.  Gold is still to be found in the area. There are still open shafts and care should be exercised when moving near these old workings.

Looking at the Department of Mapping and Surveying map "Mining Field: Cawarral Plan Ln.2279" the area of Reserve R948 and portions 42 and 111 make up the largest portions. Portion 1628 bound by a road on all sides and to the south of R948 is Cockscomb Farm.  The Reserve area has been resurveyed in early 2005 and now looks roughly like the Map below

 
 
COCKSCOMB & Mt Wheeler
 
 
 
     
 
© 2003 Cockscomb Veterans Camp