THE HISTORY OF DIGS
1950
Digger’s love affair with “up the beach” started in the early 1950’s. He built his own barge that was rowed across the Noosa River and traveled up to Double Island Point to visit the Lighthouse Keeper.
1960
Many day trips, family camping and fishing trips occurred during these years to Double Island.
1970
In the early 70’s Digger and his wife Emily started taking their young family Robyn, June, John, Peter, Leanne and son-in-laws to Fraser Island for camping holidays. These were enjoyed with extended family and friends exploring much of the island without passing other vehicles.
1976
Lee Markwell obtained a lease for land in Happy Valley prior to 1960 from the Forestry Department. He built a beach shack with a small shed containing a shower and toilet and would travel up to the island in his own plane. At this stage the road was on the southern side of the house. In 1964 the government surveyed Happy Valley with blocks being offered at an auction in Maryborough on Tuesday 10 March. Lee Markwell’s dwelling is one of only 6 in the front valley and 3 in the second valley indicated on these plans. In July 1976 Digger and Emily purchased Lot 106 Happy Valley Drive from Lee Markwell for $12,900. Digger had been camping and had some car trouble and was waiting for a part to be brought over to the island. Lee let him wait on his property.
Digger expressed his love of the property and was offered first option when he sold. For the next couple of years the family continued to camp at White’s Creek in the Summer holidays and Waddy Point in the Winter break.
1978
Digger purchased the old Nambour Post Office building. Digger’s son John remembers coming home from school and assisting with carefully demolishing, removing nails etc. so the material could be used to extend the shack at Happy Valley.
Many weekends were spent travelling to Fraser with the truck loaded with materials to build the renovations. The bottom floor was extended and a top floor with 2 bedrooms, sleep out, bathroom and veranda were added. Life long friends best mate Wally Owens and brother-in-law Noel Poole were invaluable in the renovations to this home. Their families spent many many happy holidays together on the island.
Digger become a well-known member of the Happy Valley Community. Joining the Rural Fire Brigade and Progress Association. He brought a piano up to the house and held concerts inviting all of the valley fundraising for the area. As a non-drinker he was renowned for his billy tea. It was always said that the valley knew when Digger had arrived by the smoke from his fire. Everyone was invited to join them for a cuppa and some of Emily’s pumpkin scones.
1980
Digger loved to share Fraser with all his friends and for many years Emily would assist him with tours. Many local and church friends still talk about these trips. Usually 5 days with a day spent up the beach and one inland each time and of course Emily’s home cooking.
1990
Digger’s second son Peter and his wife Brenda operated a 4WD hiring company out of the house during 1990’s.
2020
In February 2020 Digger’s eldest son John purchased the property from his Mother
enabling her to move into a retirement village. Emily in her 90th year still visits the home enjoying swims in front of the Valley and watching family fish. John, his wife Jenny and family spent 18 months renovating and upgrading.