Townsville Gem & Mineral Club Inc.

Townsville Gem & Mineral
Club Inc.

Club Details

96 Mooney St, Gulliver,
Townsville 4810

For further details please contact:-

Club Secretary:- Graham Smith
Phone:- 074773 6990
email:- grahamsmith.01@bigpond.com

Membership Details:-

Joining Fee:-
Adult $25   Junior:- $15
Annual Fee:-
Adult $30   Junior:- $15

On joining members receive a club sticker and Lapidary kit. Members are posted a
monthly newsletter.

Workshop Times:-

Mornings: 9.00am—12pm -------------------- Evening: 7.30pm—10pm
Lapidary - Wed, Sat            -------------------- Lapidary - Mon, Wed, Fri
Faceting - Tues, Wed         -------------------- Faceting - Mon
Silversmithing - Tues          -------------------- Silversmithing- Tues, Wed
Wire wrapping - Wed, Sat   -------------------- Wire wrapping - Wed

Workshop Fees per session:-
Adults:- $5
Pensioner:- $4
Except Facetting:- $5
Junior:- $4

About:-

Way back in 1965 ninety-three people gathered at a local High School in response
to press and radio invitations about the formation of a gem club. At the first official
meeting the name “Townsville Gem and Mineral Club” was adopted. The club
became incorporated in 1996 and has been established for 41years.

The first workroom /meeting place was a car showroom in the Townsville
Showgrounds, which was kindly offered by a car dealer with the only expense to
the club being the electricity charges. This showroom consisted of a roof, one wall
of fibrolite and three walls of arch mesh and a dirt floor. The work sessions were so
well attended that members formed queues to use the equipment thus giving
members plenty of time to talk as they waited for the their turn, (you crossed your
legs rather than leave the line for any reason). The initial equipment was
purchased with money obtained from interest free loans from members. A Sander/
Polisher unit made by one of the members is still in use today.

Eighteen months later the club was asked by the show committee to find
alternative accommodation. The Salvation Army came to the rescue and for a
nominal rental the club was able to set up a workshop in an old house. As this was
only a temporary arrangement, fundraising activities began in earnest by its
members to acquire their own place. In late 1970 a furniture warehouse was
purchased by the club. Next came the battle with the City Council to allow the
building to be used for a workroom.

Situated in a residential area the objection was noise from the machinery to be
used. The club was also required to install sewerage and a toilet block to the
council’s regulations and off street parking. These problems were worked out and
the club’s equipment was transferred to its new home in 1971. The then president
returned the next morning to get “just a few more things “ from the old house only
to find the building demolished - “We had only just got out in time”.
Christmas of the same year Cyclone Althea struck Townsville and the building lost
part of the roof, front door and had extensive rain damage. Eventually, the loan on
the building was paid off and the clubhouse was ours.

Field Trips:-

Have been with the club since inception, the first one being to Cape Hillsborough
which is now a National Park. These days we have trips throughout the year. Some
are day trips and others over a longer period. We have an Annual Field Trip to
Agate Creek over the Easter Break. Other areas we go to are Chudleigh Park,
Ravenswood, Mt Gibson, Keelbottom Creek, Mt Fox.

Lapidary, Silversmithing, Faceting and Wirewrapping:-

Sessions are offered and many members enjoy these sessions held at the
clubrooms. The club would like to hear form any persons experienced in these
fields or other related fields to run workshops to improve our level of members’
expertise.

Annual Gem Show:-

Saturday 18th July, 9am to 4pm, and Sunday 19th July, 9am to 1pm. is held on the
club premises. The weekend show hosts a large display of gems and minerals with
lapidary, silversmithing and wirewrapping displays and demonstrations, club
competitions, tailgaters and market stalls. Come and visit or be a part of the
annual show and at the same time enjoy our magnificent Townsville winter
weather.

Established in 1965

Safety In The Workshop

Don't have loose clothing around any moving machine parts and keep
guards on equipment at all times.
Wear safety glasses while grinding and using any pickle or acid
compounds.
Wear a filter face mask if required.
Don't spill water on any electric motors. Electricity and water don't mix.
Keep fingers and hands clear of sharp moving parts.
Wear rubber gloves if handling any acids or pickling solutions.
Use tweezers when handling hot soldered jewelry.
Have a first aid kit near by at all times.

Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the
right gear like gloves, boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and
ledges that could collapse while digging below.
Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can
never be guaranteed.
Always where safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more
prone to finding these critters than others.
Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you
if there isn't a proper place to leave it.
Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something
goes wrong!
Always have a first aid kit close by.
If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map
with you so you don't get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
Where a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property
owner at any location when searching for gemstones before you enter any such
property. You may also be required to possess a fossicking license as per state
laws.

Tips & Safety On Field Trips

Our Club Photos