By Dominique Tassell
The Granite Belt community came together on 15 May to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Stanthorpe being proclaimed a town.
Locals were treated to a historical re-enactment, titled From Tin to Town: A Living History of Stanthorpe.
Stanthorpe was officially proclaimed a town in 1872, and the performance aimed to transport locals and visitors back to this time to experience the unique stories of those who made the proud town home.
Stanthorpe Little Theatre Co helmed the re-enactment alongside Southern Downs Regional Council.
The five separate scenes offered a look into the everyday lives of Stanthorpe residents from yesteryear, from the local magistrate to shop owners, the constable and many more colourful characters.
In anticipation of his role in the milestone re-enactment and to capture the essence of the era, Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi spent six months growing a beard. Following the re-enactment, he then shaved his beard in aid of Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
“It is with great honour that we come together as a proud community to celebrate the origins of Stanthorpe from the humble establishment of tin mining to the vibrant tourism and agriculture powerhouse we see today,” Mayor Pennisi said of the re-enactment.
“History tells the story of where we have come from and it is so important that we don’t forget it or ignore it. If we forget history and only debate the present, we are ignoring our future.
“This significant milestone is a chance to reflect on the past 150 years while coming together as a community to look forward to our next 150 years.
“I would like to personally thank the S150 committee, the Stanthorpe Little Theatre and local community groups who have made this possible and dedicated time and effort to bringing this moment to life.”
To complement the performance, attendees were able to purchase homemade sweet treats and damper and billy tea, as well as visit a miner’s cottage, store and tannery, and two hotel pubs.
