Published Friday, 29 February, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Gorrie family honoured with D’Aguilar Highway bridge naming
The contribution of the Gorrie family to Esk Shire and the Toogoolawah community has been honoured, with a bridge near the township of Moore named after the family today.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the new Gorrie Bridge over Wallaby Creek, located on the D’Aguilar Highway 29km east of Yarraman, would commemorate the Gorrie family’s long-standing commitment to the local community.
“The Gorrie family was synonymous with the Toogoolawah area, having lived and served in the local community for more than 100 years,” Mr Pitt said.
“It is fitting that the bridge near Moore be named in the family's honour, and I was pleased to grant this request.”
Main Roads district director Murray Peacock attended the ceremony to mark the event, and said the bridge’s new name would link the family’s connection to the area.
“The Gorrie family’s connection to Toogoolawah started when John Morris Gorrie moved to Toogoolawah in the 1880s,” Mr Peacock said.
"He purchased Yimbun Station just north of Toogoolawah around that time and farmed there until the 1930s.
"His son, William Morris Gorrie, or Morris as he was commonly known, operated a blacksmithing business at Yimbun for many years and in later years, operated as an auctioneer and commissions agent in the area.”
Morris was an Esk Shire councillor, representing division three for 22 years, and was secretary of the Show Society for 21 years. He was also a justice of the peace, and held office as coroner for the district of Toogoolawah for many years.
William Morris Gorrie's children Norman, James, John (Jack) and Florence lived and worked in the area at various times.
Mr Peacock said the Gorrie family had shown it was dedicated to the Toogoolawah community and Esk Shire.
"The succeeding generations of the family continued their involvement in the community, with children from the Gorrie family attending the school up until 1968.”
Mr Peacock thanked Esk Shire Council for suggesting that the bridge – previously known as Wallaby Creek Crossing No 3 – be named after the Gorrie family.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the new Gorrie Bridge over Wallaby Creek, located on the D’Aguilar Highway 29km east of Yarraman, would commemorate the Gorrie family’s long-standing commitment to the local community.
“The Gorrie family was synonymous with the Toogoolawah area, having lived and served in the local community for more than 100 years,” Mr Pitt said.
“It is fitting that the bridge near Moore be named in the family's honour, and I was pleased to grant this request.”
Main Roads district director Murray Peacock attended the ceremony to mark the event, and said the bridge’s new name would link the family’s connection to the area.
“The Gorrie family’s connection to Toogoolawah started when John Morris Gorrie moved to Toogoolawah in the 1880s,” Mr Peacock said.
"He purchased Yimbun Station just north of Toogoolawah around that time and farmed there until the 1930s.
"His son, William Morris Gorrie, or Morris as he was commonly known, operated a blacksmithing business at Yimbun for many years and in later years, operated as an auctioneer and commissions agent in the area.”
Morris was an Esk Shire councillor, representing division three for 22 years, and was secretary of the Show Society for 21 years. He was also a justice of the peace, and held office as coroner for the district of Toogoolawah for many years.
William Morris Gorrie's children Norman, James, John (Jack) and Florence lived and worked in the area at various times.
Mr Peacock said the Gorrie family had shown it was dedicated to the Toogoolawah community and Esk Shire.
"The succeeding generations of the family continued their involvement in the community, with children from the Gorrie family attending the school up until 1968.”
Mr Peacock thanked Esk Shire Council for suggesting that the bridge – previously known as Wallaby Creek Crossing No 3 – be named after the Gorrie family.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819