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      girraween > history > a glimpse of girraween


Chapter 4 - Girraween Guardians


The special areas in Girraween National Park can only be enjoyed by today's visitors because of the hard work done by the team of dedicated and talented people who have been the hands and heart of Girraween over the past four decades.

Since 1966, more than 50 employees have helped develop, maintain and care for the protected areas of Girraween National Park. Girraween provides a dynamic, rewarding and challenging workplace for its employees.

Tom Ryan, the first overseer for Girraween National Park, still talks affectionately about his days working in Girraween. Tom, together with the Goebel brothers (Bill and Hock), gave the valley's previously farmed paddocks a huge facelift - transforming orchards and farmlands into the camping and day-use areas used by today's visitors.

While much of a ranger's day was long and strenuous, there was still time for a bit of fun. There are many humorous anecdotes that have been passed down from these early days...


Previous...   Chapter 3 - Building a Special Place

Next...   Chapter 5 - Nature's Extremities

  Tom Ryan on Girraween's first "patrol" vehicle.
© Girraween National Park - Tom Ryan.

Tom Ryan on Girraween's first "patrol" vehicle.




© Vanessa and Chris Ryan, 2009 | Copyright Details and Disclaimer
Last updated: 7th May 2014