General News
15 September, 2026
‘Lost’ scroll recovered
A SCROLL that marked the centenary years of Mareeba and Port Douglas in 1977 and was thought to be lost has been recovered.
A SCROLL that marked the centenary years of Mareeba and Port Douglas in 1977 and was thought to be lost has been recovered.
The commemorative scroll, created to mark the special and historic milestone for both towns, was transported from Cooktown to eventually be delivered in Mareeba in 1977.
For the first leg of the journey, the scroll and its metal container was transported by sea from Cooktown to Port Douglas as part of the combined centenary celebrations and events.
Once it arrived in Port Douglas fifty years ago, the scroll was handed to members of the then Trail Riders Club. Club members and over 100 riders then carried the scroll over the famed “Bump Track” through the ranges to Thornborough – once the head of local government, including the Woothakata Divisional Council.
Trail Riders Group leader, the late Alan Roos of Mareeba, and members and horse riding enthusiasts then rode to Mareeba to deliver the commemorative scroll to Mareeba Shire Chairman, the late Cr Cedric Davies.
After much searching to find the scroll on the part of councils, history buffs and organisations, the commemorative item was recently found among files and recorded material at Mareeba Shire Council.
As Mareeba, Port
Douglas and Mossman celebrate their sesqui-centenary (150 years) next year, initial moves are being made to recreate the epic historical ride, with over 70 riders indicating their enthusiasm to be a part of next year’s commemorative ride.
