Editing Muttaburra

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{GeoGroup}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                = town
| name                = Muttaburra
| state               = qld
| image               = Muttaburra Library, Aramac Shire, Queensland.jpg
| caption             = Muttaburra Library
| coordinates         = {{coord|-22.5944|144.5469|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Muttaburra (town centre)}}
| pop                 = 158
| pop_year            = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes       = <ref name=Census2021/>
| established         = 1878
| postcode            = 4732
| area                = 36.0
| timezone            = [[AEST]]
| utc                 = +10:00
| dist1               = 121 <!-- road distances as per template instructions -->
| dir1                = NNE
| location1           = [[Longreach, Queensland|Longreach]]
| dist2               = 152
| dir2                = NW
| location2           = [[Barcaldine, Queensland|Barcaldine]]
| dist3               = 731
| dir3                = W
| location3           = [[Rockhampton]]
| dist4               = 1224
| dir4                = NW
| location4           = [[Brisbane]]
| lga                 = Barcaldine Region
| stategov            = [[Electoral district of Gregory|Gregory]]
| fedgov              = [[Division of Maranoa|Maranoa]]
| elevation           = 21<ref name=globe/>
| maxtemp             = 
| mintemp             = 
| rainfall            = 
| near-n              = [[Prairie, Queensland|Prairie]]
| near-ne             = [[Aramac, Queensland|Aramac]]
| near-e              = [[Aramac, Queensland|Aramac]]
| near-se             = [[Ilfracombe, Queensland|Ilfracombe]]
| near-s              = [[Longreach, Queensland|Longreach]]
| near-sw             = [[Longreach, Queensland|Longreach]]
| near-w              = [[Corfield, Queensland|Corfield]]
| near-nw             = [[Corfield, Queensland|Corfield]]
}}
'''Muttaburra''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ʌ|t|ə|b|ʌr|ə}} is an [[outback]] town and [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] in the [[Barcaldine Region]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref>{{Cite QPN|23679|Muttaburra|town|access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite QPN|47089|Muttaburra|locality|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref> Muttaburra was the discovery site of the ''[[Muttaburrasaurus]]'', one of Australia's most famous dinosaurs.

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Muttaburra had a population of 158 people.<ref name=Census2021/>

== Geography ==
Muttaburra is in the [[Central West Queensland|central west]] of Queensland. The town is located on the banks of the [[Thomson River (Queensland)|Thomson River]], which is part of the [[Lake Eyre drainage basin]].<ref name="globe" /> The [[Hughenden–Muttaburra Road]] enters from the north and exits as [[Muttaburra–Aramac Road]] to the east.<ref>{{Google maps |url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Muttaburra+QLD+4732/@-22.6004907,144.5032341,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6a338eb0fd7918e5:0x400eef17f209530!8m2!3d-22.5932902!4d144.5469904 |access-date=29 January 2023 |title=Muttaburra}}</ref>

The region is with  a sub-basin of the [[Great Artesian Basin]]. The Great Artesian Basin supplies water from bores to the towns of Muttaburra and [[Aramac, Queensland|Aramac]]. The area is well known for its good quality land that is used for sheep and cattle grazing.<ref>[http://www.muttaburra.com/community/businessdirectory.php Muttaburra<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120905212054/http://www.muttaburra.com/community/businessdirectory.php |date=5 September 2012 }}</ref> The main industry of the Muttaburra area is grazing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.australianexplorer.com/muttaburra.htm |title=Muttaburra, Outback, Queensland, Australia<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=17 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115171051/http://www.australianexplorer.com/muttaburra.htm |archive-date=15 November 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The undeveloped town of '''Scarrbury''' is within the locality ({{Coord|-22.9333|144.7000|type:city_region:AU-QLD|name=Scarrbury}}).<ref>{{Cite QPN|30087|Scarrbury|unbounded locality in Barcaldine Region|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> Scarrbury is located on Aramac Creek along Vera Park Road.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1393332|title=Official Notifications.|date=27 November 1876|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|access-date=15 January 2020|location=Queensland, Australia|page=3|via=Trove}}</ref><ref name="globe">{{Queensland Globe|access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref>

== History ==
Muttaburra lay on the traditional tribal lands of the [[Iningai]]. [[Iningai language|Iningai]] (also known as Yiningay, Muttaburra, Tateburra, Yinangay, Yinangi) is an [[Australian Aboriginal languages|Australian Aboriginal language]] spoken by the Iningai people. The Iningai language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the [[Longreach Region]] and [[Barcaldine Region]], particularly the towns of [[Longreach, Queensland|Longreach]], [[Barcaldine, Queensland|Barcaldine]], Muttaburra and [[Aramac, Queensland|Aramac]] as well as the properties of [[Bowen Downs Station|Bowen Downs]] and catchments of [[Cornish Creek, Queensland|Cornish Creek]] and [[Alice River (Barcoo River)|Alice River]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/iningai-18?embed=true|title=Iningai|website=[[State Library of Queensland]]|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095554/https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/iningai-18?embed=true|url-status=live}}</ref>

The name of the town derived from an [[Iningai]] clan name, the Muttaburra, who were the [[traditional owners]] of this area. According to some sources, muttaburra meant "the meeting of waters" or "camping ground" or "meeting place".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.muttaburra.com/|title=Muttaburra|website=Muttaburra|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228044816/http://www.muttaburra.com/|archive-date=28 February 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The area was once part of a vast inland sea.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sunzine.net/outback/aramac/muttaburra.html |title=muttaburra queensland outback<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=17 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013080846/http://www.sunzine.net/outback/aramac/muttaburra.html |archive-date=13 October 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Muttaburra developed as a town in the 1870s. In the [[Brisbane Courier]] of 10 October 1877, the local correspondent noted that, <blockquote>"The Land Commissioner has been round this way lately, and surveyed the new township, one and a half-mile from Mount Cornish; its name I do not know, and I don’t think anybody else does, as it is undecided. I hear there is a store open now, also a public house, and I suppose there will be other business places shortly."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1367057|title=Landsborough River.|date=10 October 1877|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|location=Queensland, Australia|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095555/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1367057|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>The town was officially declared in 1878.<ref name="herqldout">{{Cite book|title=Heritage Trails of the Queensland Outback|last=Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland)|author-link=Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland)|publisher=State of Queensland|year=2002|isbn=0-7345-1040-3|pages=147}}</ref> Bruford Street, the main street, took its name from a saddler, Mr. Bruford, who established a saddlery repair shop there, in that same year. The need for other services, such as hotels, the Cobb & Co changing station, blacksmiths, banks and general stores were also soon accommodated.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=http://www.muttaburra.com/historic-sites/dr-arratta-memorial-museum/|title=Dr Arratta Memorial Museum|date=2015-03-12|newspaper=Muttaburra|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095556/http://www.muttaburra.com/historic-sites/dr-arratta-memorial-museum/|url-status=live}}</ref> 50 allotments of Crown Land were made available to the public for sale by public auction at [[Aramac, Queensland|Aramac]] on 18 June 1878,<ref name="Muttaburra Town Heritage">{{Cite news|url=http://www.muttaburra.com/historical-milestones/muttaburra-town-heritage/|title=Muttaburra Town Heritage|date=2015-03-11|newspaper=Muttaburra|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095557/http://www.muttaburra.com/historical-milestones/muttaburra-town-heritage/|url-status=live}}</ref> at which "Mr Sword, Land Commissioner, disposed of forty six town allotments situated at Muttaburra. They were one acre divisions, upset price £10. Twenty three fetched the upset price, the remainder sold at a considerable advance, two of the lots realising £50 each."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1373482|title=Northern News.|date=15 July 1878|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|location=Queensland, Australia|page=3|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095558/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1373482|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first post office was built in 1887 and then replaced with a modern building in 1926.<ref name="herqldout" />

In March 1881, the [[Queensland Government]] held a land sale, auctioning 60 town lots in the town of Scarrbury.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183949067|title=GOVERNMENT LAND SALE.|date=19 February 1881|newspaper=[[The Week (Brisbane)|The Week]]|access-date=15 January 2020|location=Queensland, Australia|page=5|via=Trove|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002004735/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/183949067|url-status=live}}</ref> The government had set aside {{Convert|4|mi2||abbr=}} of land for the town in November 1876.<ref name=":7" />

Muttaburra was also the scene of one of the most daring acts of [[cattle duffing]] ever performed in Australia. [[Captain Starlight|Henry Radford]] stole cattle from [[Bowen Downs Station]] and drove them {{convert|1300|km|mi}} through the mostly unexplored [[Central Australia]] region to the Blanche Water station in northern [[South Australia]]. He sold the livestock for £5000, and was later charged with theft and tried at the Roma District Court. Despite overwhelming evidence from the prosecution and no witnesses put forward by the defence, a jury found him not guilty within an hour. He was greatly admired for crossing Central Australia unscathed.<ref name="ta">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Queensland/Muttaburra/2005/02/17/1108500203635.html |title=Muttaburra |access-date=14 November 2010 |date=8 February 2004 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |publisher=The Age Company |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106040359/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Queensland/Muttaburra/2005/02/17/1108500203635.html |archive-date=6 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The transcript of the delivery of the verdict reads, "Judge: What is your verdict? Foreman of the Jury: We find the prisoner 'Not Guilty'. Judge: What? Foreman of the Jury: Not guilty. Judge: I thank God, gentlemen, that the verdict is yours, not mine!"<ref name="ta" />[[File:StateLibQld 1 197339 Family of George and Edwina Bunning, 1912.jpg|thumb|Family of George and Edwina Bunning, 1912, descendants of the Edkins family.]]
One of the prominent early settlers to establish themselves in Muttaburra was Edward Rowland (Rofley) Edkins, who was the first Manager of Mt. Cornish, the original outstation of Bowen Downs.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/edkins-edward-rowland-rofley-3468|title=Australian Dictionary of Biography|last=Denholm|first=Zita|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|location=Canberra|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202033847/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/edkins-edward-rowland-rofley-3468|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also Chairman of the Aramac Divisional Board (1882, 1886 - 1888, 1891, and 1902); a member of the Muttaburra Hospital Committee (1885); Muttaburra Jockey Club President (1891); Muttaburra Hospital Committee President (1891); and Marathon Pastoral Society President (1891).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.muttaburra.com/family-histories/e-r-edkins/|title=E. R. Edkins|date=2015-04-02|newspaper=Muttaburra|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095626/http://www.muttaburra.com/family-histories/e-r-edkins/|url-status=live}}</ref> He died at [[Drummoyne, New South Wales|Drummoyne]], [[Sydney]], on 14 August 1905.<ref name=":0" /> Edkins married Edwina Marion Huey, daughter of Dr Walter Huey (1797-1843) of [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]] in [[Tasmania]].<ref name=":0" /> Edwina was well known in the district, and also a composer of a number of musical works, related to the area, including ''Malboona Gavotte'',<ref>{{Citation|title=Malboona gavotte|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8823806|publication-date=1903|author1=Edkins, Edwina|publisher=W. H. Glen & Co|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095630/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8823806|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Wee Bimba: waltz'',<ref>{{Citation|title=Wee Bimbah : waltz|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8823707|publication-date=1900|author1=Edkins, Edwina M.|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095635/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8823707|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Women of the West''<ref>{{Citation|title=The Women of the West|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8823582|publication-date=1900|author1=Edkins, Edwina M.|author2=Evans, G. E.|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095635/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8823582|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ''LC5 Waltz''<ref>{{Citation|title=LC5 waltz|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/189940076|publication-date=1890|author1=Edkins, Edwina M.|publisher=[ Sydney, N.S.W.; Brisbane, Qld.] Nicholson & Co|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095638/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/189940076|url-status=live}}</ref> She was remembered as "the most kindly of kind hostesses and the wife of one of the most outstanding men of the pastoral industry in Australia".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128611628|title=EDWINA MARION EDKINS|date=3 December 1941|newspaper=[[The Longreach Leader]]|location=Queensland, Australia|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095639/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/128611628|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:MUTTABURRA HOSPITAL IN MUTTABURRA, QLD - 1913.jpg|thumb|Muttaburra Hospital, 1913]]
In 1884, a hospital was built with funds raised by the local community. The first doctor was Dr Overend from Melbourne and Mr Lawry was the first Wardsman. By 1901, the Muttaburra Hospital was equipped with one of the earliest x-ray units to be installed in any country hospital.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hayman |first=John A |date=December 1997 |title=Snapshots: Mosey up to Muttaburra's medical memorial museum |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1997.tb138925.x |journal=Medical Journal of Australia |language=en |volume=167 |issue=11-12 |pages=605–605 |doi=10.5694/j.1326-5377.1997.tb138925.x |issn=0025-729X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The Muttaburra Hospital closed in 1974 due to the small population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aramac Shire {{!}} Queensland Places |url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/aramac-shire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202035823/http://queenslandplaces.com.au/aramac-shire |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=2017-01-26 |website=queenslandplaces.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

Muttaburra State School is one of the oldest schools in the district. The school was opened on 18 February 1884 with an enrolment of 17. Its highest enrolment was 112 students in 1903.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://muttaburss.eq.edu.au/Ourschool/Pages/Ourschool.aspx|title=Our school|website=muttaburss.eq.edu.au|language=en|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202033653/https://muttaburss.eq.edu.au/Ourschool/Pages/Ourschool.aspx|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="qfhs">{{Citation | author1=Queensland Family History Society | title=Queensland schools past and present | publication-date=2010 | publisher=[[Queensland Family History Society]] | edition=Version 1.01 | isbn=978-1-921171-26-0 }}</ref> In 1937, the new school building and teacher's residence were completed.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="qfhs" /> In 2009 at the school's 125th anniversary, a total of 1593 students had enrolled through its history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-20 |title=History |url=https://muttaburrass.eq.edu.au/our-school/history |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Muttaburra State School |language=en}}</ref>

The town dam was built in 1885 by Mr Hudson.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52042024|title=MUTTABURRA.|date=21 September 1885|location=Queensland, Australia|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|newspaper=[[Morning Bulletin]]|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095642/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52042024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52045011|title=MUTTABURRA.|date=30 December 1885|newspaper=[[Morning Bulletin]]|location=Queensland, Australia|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095644/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52045011|url-status=live}}</ref> For some years this dam was the source of water for the town and water carted into town in casks. Residents paid 2/6 per cask although double this amount was not uncommon. Later the dam was also used as the town's swimming pool.<ref name=":3" />

St Joseph's Catholic Church was built in 1888. In 1943, it was destroyed by cyclone.<ref name="QRPD-5890">{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Thom |title=St Joseph's Catholic Church (1888) |url=https://www.thomblake.com.au/qc_new/view_p_n.php?id=5890 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=Queensland religious places database}}</ref> A new church was built in 1948.<ref name="QRPD-4091">{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Thom |title=St Joseph's Catholic Church (1948) |url=https://www.thomblake.com.au/qc_new/view_p_n.php?id=4091 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=Queensland religious places database}}</ref>

In May 1891, approximately 400 shearers camped near Muttaburra during the [[1891 Australian shearers' strike]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MUTTABURRA. - [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] - Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954) 5 May 1891 |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52344733 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095651/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52344733 |archive-date=7 October 2020 |access-date=2017-01-26 |website=Trove}}</ref> Union Hole is where the shearers drew water and carted it back to their camp by dray. There are still some remains of the campsite visible today.<ref name=":3" />
[[File:Anglican Church at Muttaburra, Qld - very early 1900s.jpg|thumb|Anglican church, early 1900s]]
All Saints Anglican Church was built from [[corrugated iron]] in October 1903 by Mr Hack.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 October 1903 |title=MUTTABURRA. |page=6 |newspaper=[[Morning Bulletin]] |location=Queensland, Australia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52994495 |accessdate=26 November 2022 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> It was opened and dedicated on Wednesday 18 November 1903 by [[Anglican Bishop of Rockhampton|Bishop of Rockhampton]], [[Nathaniel Dawes]]. He [[Confirmation|confirmed]] 70 young people as part of the visit.<ref name="QRPD-731">{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Thom |title=All Saints Anglican Church |url=https://www.thomblake.com.au/qc_new/view_p_n.php?id=731 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=Queensland religious places database}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 November 1903 |title=RELIGIOUS. |volume=LX |page=12 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=14,308 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19252365 |accessdate=26 November 2022 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-12 |title=Anglican Church – All Saints Church |url=https://www.muttaburra.com/historic-sites/anglican-church-all-saints-church-muttaburra/ |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Muttaburra |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All Saints' Anglican Church |url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/anglican/directory/1369-all-saintsand |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Churches Australia}}</ref>

The Cassimatis Store opened in 1914 but was closed in 1978 having been a bank, green grocery, haberdashery, emporium, cafe, white goods merchant, and liquor store.<ref name=":3" /> In 1911, Andrew Andrew (A.A.) Cassimatis and his son George left the island of [[Kythira]] (which lies between [[Crete]] and the mainland of Greece) to come to Australia. They worked in [[Sydney]] and [[Bundaberg]] before establishing themselves in Muttaburra.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2015-03-12 |title=Cassimatis General Store |language=en-US |newspaper=Muttaburra |url=http://www.muttaburra.com/historic-sites/cassimatis-general-store/ |access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref> They built their own general store in 1918, after renting local properties for a number of years. The Cassimatis became one of the oldest agents in Australia for [[Mobil Oil Australia|Mobil Oil – Australia]] – previously known as The Vacuum Oil Company of Australia. They also bottled their own methylated spirits and kerosene, using their own label.<ref name=":4" /> George Cassimatis was a J.P. and Councillor representing Muttaburra on the [[Aramac Shire Council]]. He sat on various committees and played a significant role in the developmental history of Muttaburra. The store was reopened in 2001 after a full renovation. Fire destroyed the store in the morning of 6 January 2009.<ref>[http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/news/view.asp?id=2492 Tuesday 6 January 2009 Morning Round Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520090415/http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/news/view.asp?id=2492|date=20 May 2009}}. Department of Community Safety.</ref> However the shop and service station has now been rebuilt by A. E. Rose Constructions (Peter Rose), and is open for business again.  Originally a drover's cottage was situated alongside the family's general store; it was built in 1903 and purchased by George Cassimatis in 1934.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heritage Trail |url=http://www.muttaburra.com/tourist-info/heritage-trail/ |access-date=2017-01-26 |website=Muttaburra |language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2015-03-12 |title=Cassimatis General Store |url=https://www.muttaburra.com/historic-sites/cassimatis-general-store/ |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=Muttaburra |language=en-AU}}</ref>

90 men and women from the Muttaburra district served in some capacity in the First World War.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.muttaburra.com/records/war/|title=War Records|website=Muttaburra|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007095643/http://www.muttaburra.com/records/war/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015 a new memorial was designed and installed by J.H. Wagner & Sons. The front face of the memorial has three bronze sculpture badges for Australian Army, Australian Navy and Australian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jhwagner.com.au/muttaburra-war-memorial.php |title=Muttaburra War Memorial |access-date=2017-01-26 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126064435/http://jhwagner.com.au/muttaburra-war-memorial.php |archive-date=26 January 2017 }}</ref>

The Muttaburra branch of the [[Country Women's Association]] was formed in August 1927 with 34 financial members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126015544|title=Queensland Country Women's Association (Muttaburra Branch)|date=9 September 1944|newspaper=[[The Longreach Leader]]|location=Queensland, Australia|page=7|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=26 January 2017}}</ref> The Ruby Bayliss QCWA Hostel opened in 1955 to provide accommodation for out-of-town expectant mothers.<ref name="Muttaburra Town Heritage" />

Dr Joseph Arratta served for thirty-five years at the hospital in Muttaburra from 1925 to 1960.<ref name=":2" /> He was awarded an M.B.E. in 1959 in recognition of his service to medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-26 |title=Doctor and Nursing Staff, Muttaburra Hospital ca. 1936 |url=http://www.achha.org.au/detailed.php?num=285 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126020628/http://www.achha.org.au/detailed.php?num=285 |archive-date=26 January 2017 |access-date=2017-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-11 |title=Dr Joseph Arratta |url=https://www.muttaburra.com/family-histories/dr-joseph-arratta/ |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=Muttaburra |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The Muttaburra Public Library building was opened in 1961.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|title=Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=29 January 2018}}</ref>[[File:Muttaburrasaurus-Dinosaur-skeleton.jpg|thumb|right|[[Muttaburrasaurus]] skeleton at [[Queensland Museum]]]]In 1963, Muttaburra was the discovery site of the ''[[Muttaburrasaurus]]'', one of Australia's most famous dinosaurs, by Doug Langdon.<ref name="herqldout" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Dinosaurs+and+Ancient+Life+of+Queensland/Dinosaurs/Eromanga+giants/Muttaburrasaurus|title=Muttaburrasaurus|website=qm.qld.gov.au|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227114005/http://qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Dinosaurs+and+Ancient+Life+of+Queensland/Dinosaurs/Eromanga+giants/Muttaburrasaurus|archive-date=27 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The dinosaur is believed to have been {{convert|12|m|ft}} long, {{convert|2|m|ft}} high from the hip and weighing {{convert|15|t|ST}}. It was a herbivore, with rows of grinding teeth, and probably ate plants such as ferns, cycads and conifers. It may have lived in herds. ''Muttaburrasaurus'' lived around 100 million years ago, during the [[Cretaceous period]].  Several specimens of this dinosaur have been found in central and northern Queensland, and a few teeth have been found in [[New South Wales]].<ref name=":5" /> There is a full size replica in the town.<ref name="Council">{{Cite web|url=http://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/muttaburra|title=Muttaburra - Barcaldine Regional Council|last=Council|first=Barcaldine Regional|website=barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202043146/http://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/muttaburra|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 November 2019, the [[Queensland Government]] decided to amalgamate the localities in the Barcaldine Region, resulting in five expanded localities based on the larger towns: [[Alpha, Queensland|Alpha]], [[Aramac, Queensland|Aramac]], [[Barcaldine, Queensland|Barcaldine]], [[Jericho, Queensland|Jericho]] and Muttaburra. Muttaburra was expanded to incorporate [[Bangall, Queensland|Bangall]], [[Cornish Creek, Queensland|Cornish Creek]] (western part), [[Sardine, Queensland|Sardine]] (western part), and [[Tablederry, Queensland|Tablederry]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/title/place-names/proposals-decisions/decisions|title=Recent place name decisions|date=22 November 2019|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728203832/https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/title/place-names/proposals-decisions/decisions|archive-date=28 July 2019|access-date=2020-01-15}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1443970/18097-qpn1398-proposed.pdf|title=Proposed Locality Boundaries and Names: Barcaldine Regional: Alpha, Aramac, Barcaldine, Jericho and Muttaburra|date=17 May 2019|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115095803/https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1443970/18097-qpn1398-proposed.pdf|archive-date=15 January 2020|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1461878/18097-qpn1398-decision.pdf|title=Locality Boundaries and Names: Barcaldine Regional Council: Alpha, Aramac, Barcaldine, Jericho and Muttaburra|date=17 May 2019|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115100755/https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1461878/18097-qpn1398-decision.pdf|archive-date=15 January 2020|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
In the {{CensusAU|2006}}, the locality of Muttaburra and the surrounding area had a population of 106 people.<ref name="Census2006">{{Census 2006 AUS|id=SSC36969|name=Muttaburra (Aramac Shire) (State Suburb)|access-date=25 October 2008|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Muttaburra had a population of 88 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC32112|name=Muttaburra (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Muttaburra had a population of 158 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL32094|name=Muttaburra (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>

== Heritage listings ==
[[File:StateLibQld 1 49488 Stockmen at Mount Cornish sheep station, near Muttaburra, Queensland, 1898.jpg|thumb|Stockmen at Mount Cornish sheep station, near Muttaburra, Queensland, 1898]]Muttaburra has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:
*[[Mount Cornish Homestead]] at [[Cornish Creek, Queensland|Cornish Creek]], {{Convert|5|km}} north-east of Muttaburra<ref>{{cite QHR|14784|Mt Cornish Homestead|600009|access-date=6 July 2013}}</ref>

== Economy ==
In 2017, the 4732 postcode (which includes Muttaburra) was one of the lowest 10 postcodes by income level in Australia, with an average income of $21,415.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-17/cost-of-living-queensland-life-in-muttaburra/9056848|title=Cost of living Queensland: Could you live on just over $400 a week and still enjoy yourself?|last1=Bond|first1=Nicole|date=26 October 2017|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211232246/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-17/cost-of-living-queensland-life-in-muttaburra/9056848|archive-date=11 December 2018|url-status=live|last2=Varley|first2=Russell}}</ref>

== Education ==
[[File:Muttaburra State School, 2019.jpg|thumb|Muttaburra State School, 2019]]
Muttaburra State School is a government primary (Early Childhood-6) school for boys and girls at 42 Sword Street ({{coord|-22.5949|144.5436|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Muttaburra State School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018">{{cite web |date=9 July 2018 |title=State and non-state school details |url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |access-date=21 November 2018 |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-20 |title=Muttaburra State School |url=https://muttaburrass.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Muttaburra State School |language=en}}</ref> In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 8 students with 2 teachers (1 full-time equivalent) and 4 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2018">{{cite web |title=ACARA School Profile 2018 |url=https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827085246/https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx |archive-date=27 August 2020 |access-date=28 January 2020 |publisher=[[Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority]]}}</ref>

There are no secondary schools in Muttaburra with the closest government secondary school being Longreach State High School in [[Longreach, Queensland|Longreach]], 121.6 kilometres (75.5&nbsp;mi) to the south-west. Given the distance, alternatives are distance education and boarding school.<ref name="globe" />

== Amenities ==
[[Barcaldine Regional Council]] operates a library at 20 Bruford Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Libraries |url=http://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/libraries1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607055055/http://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/libraries1 |archive-date=7 June 2017 |access-date=8 May 2017 |publisher=Barcaldine Regional Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Muttaburra Library |language=en |newspaper=State Library of Queensland |url=http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/visit-us/find-a-public-library/branches/barcaldine/muttaburra_library |url-status=live |access-date=2017-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202022922/http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/visit-us/find-a-public-library/branches/barcaldine/muttaburra_library |archive-date=2 February 2017}}</ref>

The Muttaburra branch of the [[Queensland Country Women's Association]] has its rooms at 33 Edkins Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Branch locations |url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/ |archive-date=26 December 2018 |access-date=26 December 2018 |website=[[Queensland Country Women's Association]]}}</ref>

All Saints Anglican Church is at 25 Sword Street ({{coord|-22.595402|144.5455|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=All Saints Anglican Church}}).<ref name="QRPD-731" />

St Joseph's Catholic Church is at 26 Sword Street ({{coord|-22.595023|144.5456|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=St Joseph's Catholic Church}}).<ref name="QRPD-4091" />

There is a Primary Health Care Centre for minor treatments and care, as well as ambulance services and 24/7 emergency on-call services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Muttaburra Primary Health Care Centre {{!}} Queensland Health |url=https://www.health.qld.gov.au/services/centralwest/cwest_mutta_phcc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202023827/https://www.health.qld.gov.au/services/centralwest/cwest_mutta_phcc |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=2017-01-26 |website=health.qld.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref> Muttaburra relies on the hospital in Longreach or [[Townsville]] plus the [[Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia|Royal Flying Doctor service]].<ref>[http://www.health.qld.gov.au/wwwprofiles/cwest_mutta_phcc.asp Muttaburra Primary Health Care Centre Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070304041122/http://www.health.qld.gov.au/wwwprofiles/cwest_mutta_phcc.asp|date=4 March 2007}}. [[Queensland Health]].</ref>

== Sport ==
Muttaburra has a range of sporting activities and facilities including fishing, rodeo, a {{Convert|25|m||abbr=|adj=on}} swimming pool,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Muttaburra Aquatic Centre|url=https://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/directory-record/5154/muttaburra-aquatic-centre?recordID=5154|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408021757/https://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/directory-record/5154/muttaburra-aquatic-centre?recordID=5154|archive-date=8 April 2020|access-date=2020-10-07|website=Barcaldine Regional Council|language=en}}</ref> shooting range, tennis courts and race course.

There is an 18-hole golf course on the Cramsie Muttaburra Road ({{Coord|-22.5748|144.5306|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Muttaburra Golf Club}}). It is open to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Muttaburra Golf Club |url=https://www.golf.org.au/muttaburra-golf-club/ |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Golf Australia}}</ref>

The Muttaburra Racecourse is on Racecourse Road ({{Coord|-22.6070|144.5416|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Muttaburra Racecourse}}).<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Muttaburra Amateur Turf Club |url=http://www.muttaburraraces.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314061501/http://muttaburraraces.com/ |archive-date=14 March 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref>

== Transport ==
Due to the small size of the town there is almost no public transport, however [[Longreach, Queensland|Longreach]] does run a bus service to the town one to two times a month.

[[Muttaburra Airport]] is on Muttaburra Airport Road off the Cramsie Muttaburra Road ({{coord|-22.5848|144.5257|type:airport_region:AU-QLD|name=Muttaburra Aerodrome}}).<ref name="airports">{{Cite web |date=22 October 2020 |title=Airports - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/f5e72c21-4f70-4cca-a22e-f2265b85ee56 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115071531/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/f5e72c21-4f70-4cca-a22e-f2265b85ee56 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |access-date=3 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref> It is operated by the [[Barcaldine Regional Council]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aerodromes |url=https://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/aerodromes/aerodromes-1 |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Barcaldine Regional Council |language=en}}</ref>

== Climate ==
Muttaburra has a subtropical climate with very hot summers. Temperatures over {{convert|37|°C|°F}} and heat waves are common, however in winter the temperature can go as low as {{convert|8|°C|°F}}, if not lower.  Frosts occur rarely.  Most of the rainfall occurs in the summer months with falls around the {{convert|400|to|550|mm|in}}, Flooding can occur most years and in the "big wets" large areas of the major watercourses are inundated. Droughts are not uncommon. The wettest month ever recorded was September 2010 when 162&nbsp;mm fell.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/10/04/3029089.htm?site=northwest |title=A record-breaking September |author=Julia Harris & Amy Phillips |access-date=14 November 2010 |date=4 October 2010 |work=[[ABC North West Queensland]] |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112010229/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/10/04/3029089.htm?site=northwest |archive-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Attractions ==
Bush-walking, water-skiing and fishing are some of the main recreational activities in the area. The headwaters of the [[Thomson River (Queensland)|Thomson River]] and the camping area at Broadwater and the Muttaburra Pump Hole, is where species such as Yellowbelly and Black Bream can be caught.<ref name="Council"/>

Other attractions are found in Muttaburra itself, including the Memorial Medical Museum and the Cassimatis Store.<ref name=":8" /> The Memorial Medical Museum commemorates Dr Joseph Arratta.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/medicine/display/92132-dr-arratta-memorial-museum|title=Dr Arratta Memorial Museum {{!}} Monument Australia|website=monumentaustralia.org.au|language=en|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040744/http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/medicine/display/92132-dr-arratta-memorial-museum|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum is housed in what once was the Muttaburra Hospital. After its closure the building was converted into a historical display and museum<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/tourismmuttaburra|title=Muttaburra - Barcaldine Regional Council|last=Council|first=Barcaldine Regional|website=barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115015340/http://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/tourismmuttaburra|archive-date=15 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and named in honour of Dr Arratta.<ref name=":2" />  The store and of George and Stavroola Cassimatis and their five children has been restored and is open to the public.<ref name=":8" />

The Muttaburra rest area provides the first two nights stay free plus meals and accommodation are also available at the Exchange Hotel on the main street. The Caravan Park has powered sites, barbecues and a washing machine. Hot food, groceries and fuel are available at the local store.<ref>[http://www.traveldownunder.com.au/Queensland/Outback_Queensland/Muttaburra_Caravan_Park_and_Rest_Area.asp Muttaburra Caravan Park and Rest Area – Travel Downunder – Discover the real Australia<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823051753/http://www.traveldownunder.com.au/Queensland/Outback_Queensland/Muttaburra_Caravan_Park_and_Rest_Area.asp |date=23 August 2006 }}</ref>

== Events ==
On the first Saturday of June each year the Landsborough Flock Ewe Show is held.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.queenslandshows.com.au/events/landsborough-flock-ewe-show-society-inc|title=Landsborough Flock Ewe Show Society Inc|website=queenslandshows.com.au|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202061247/http://www.queenslandshows.com.au/events/landsborough-flock-ewe-show-society-inc|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The show has sheep and wool judging, cattle displays, trade displays, ladies pavilion, shopping, activities for kids, cattle drive plus dinner and entertainment.

The Muttaburra Amateur Turf Club was established in 1919 and runs an annual race day called the Muttaburra Cup in August.<ref name=":9" />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Citation |author1=Whitcomb |first=M. R. |title=Muttaburra saw us : a history, compiled to celebrate 100 years of the Muttaburra State School |publication-date=2007 |edition=2nd |publisher=Betty Wakley-Bunkell Muttaburra Domain Name Trust |isbn=978-1-921151-67-5}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Muttaburra, Queensland}}
*{{cite web |url=https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-muttaburra-1980.jpg |title=Town map of Muttaburra |date=1980 |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}
*[http://www.muttaburra.com/ Muttaburra: Home of the Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni]
*[http://www.kythera-family.net/en/photos/diaspore-cafes-shops-cinemas/cassimatis-family-muttaburra-central-western-queensland Cassimatis Family. Muttaburra. Central Western Queensland.]
*[https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/1dejkfd/alma99183253019202061 Muttaburra and District Photographs 1910-1929], [[State Library of Queensland]]

{{Barcaldine Region}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1878]]
[[Category:Barcaldine Region]]
[[Category:1878 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Localities in Queensland]]