Heat no barrier to reunion

Johnny Eastwell, Joan Bradford and Vince Eastwell at the reunion.

By Jeremy Sollars

More than 60 hardy souls braved Saturday’s 40-plus heatwave to roll up for the annual Swanfels State School reunion, now in its 10th year.
The reunion is held at Swanfels’ Pioneer Park, recently the scene of local outrage after the Southern Downs Regional Council recently demolished historic shelter sheds – originally located at the former school – due to white ant damage.
Many Swanfels and surrounding residents were furious at the lack of notice and consultation by the council, which has since committed to installing a new shelter structure by the end of 2017.
The council provided a gazebo for Saturday’s reunion, along with seating.
Former Swanfels student and reunion organiser Ruby Johnson said she was thrilled with Saturday’s turnout, with some travelling from as far away as Rockhampton and the Gold Coast for the event.
The reunion is always held on the second Saturday in February – heatwave or not.