History

Pre European Settlement

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the Mapleton area was home to the Gubbi Gubbi people. This was Nalbo territory, and now, it is part of the Jinabara federation’s Native Title lands.

The Gubbi Gubbi people lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, with hunting, fishing, and gathering forming the basis of their subsistence. They had a deep connection to the land, and their culture was closely tied to the natural environment. The Gubbi Gubbi people used a variety of tools and weapons, including spears, boomerangs, and digging sticks, which were made from local materials such as wood, stone, and bone.

The Mapleton area was also an important meeting place for Indigenous groups from across the region, who would gather to trade goods and hold ceremonies. The area was rich in resources, with abundant wildlife and a variety of plant species that were used for food, medicine, and other purposes.

With the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, the Gubbi Gubbi people were displaced from their land and suffered greatly from the impacts of colonization. Today, efforts are being made to preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture in the Mapleton area, and to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of the traditional custodians of the land.

• The Gubbi Gubbi people have inhabited the Sunshine Coast region for thousands of years, with estimates of their presence dating back at least 20,000 years.
• The Mapleton area was an important meeting place for Indigenous groups, who would gather to trade goods and hold ceremonies. One example of this is the Bunya Festival, which was a significant cultural event held every three years by Indigenous groups across southeastern Queensland. The festival was centered around the harvest of the bunya nut, which was an important food source for many Indigenous groups in the region.
• The Gubbi Gubbi people had a deep connection to the land, and their culture was closely tied to the natural environment. They had a complex knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and used a variety of tools and weapons made from local materials. For example, they would use the fibrous bark of the kurrajong tree to make string and rope, and the leaves of the paperbark tree to wrap food.
• With the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, the Gubbi Gubbi people were displaced from their land and suffered greatly from the impacts of colonization. European settlement led to the loss of traditional hunting and gathering areas, as well as the introduction of diseases that had devastating effects on Indigenous populations. In 1867, the Queensland government declared the Gubbi Gubbi people to be extinct, although this was not true and Indigenous people continued to live in the region.
• Today, efforts are being made to preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture in the Mapleton area. For example, the Kabi Kabi Cultural Centre in nearby Yandina offers tours and cultural experiences led by Indigenous guides, and the Sunshine Coast Council has established the Kabi Kabi First Nations Reference Group to help inform decision-making and promote cultural understanding.

In addition to the Gubbi Gubbi people, who were the traditional custodians of the land in the Blackall Range area, there were several other Indigenous groups who lived in the region. These included:

• The Dallambara: This was a group of Indigenous people who lived in the area around the Conondale Range, which is located to the west of the Blackall Range. The Dallambara were part of the wider Kabi Kabi group and shared a language and cultural similarities with the Gubbi Gubbi people.
• The Jinibara: This was another Indigenous group who lived in the region around the Blackall Range, particularly in the area around Mount Mee to the south of the range. The Jinibara were also part of the wider Kabi Kabi group and had their own distinct language and culture.
• The Wakka Wakka: This was an Indigenous group who lived to the north of the Blackall Range, in the area around Kingaroy and the upper reaches of the Brisbane River. The Wakka Wakka were part of the wider Wakka Wakka language group and had their own distinct culture and traditions.

It’s important to note that Indigenous groups often had complex relationships with each other, which could involve trade, marriage, alliances, and conflict. The boundaries between different groups were also fluid and could change over time, depending on a range of factors such as environmental conditions, population movements, and cultural practices.

The 20th Century

In the early 1900s, the development of infrastructure continued to shape the growth of Mapleton.

The railway line, which was originally constructed in the late 1800s, was part of a wider network that connected the Sunshine Coast region to Brisbane and other major centres. The line was extended to Mapleton in 1915, which made it easier for farmers to transport their produce to market, and also opened up the area to tourists and other visitors.

The railway station at Mapleton was a hub of activity, with goods and passengers passing through on a regular basis. The station was an important link between Mapleton and other nearby towns and cities, and it played a vital role in the development of the region’s economy.

In the early days of the railway, steam trains were used to transport goods and passengers, and the railway line was an important employer in the region. The railway played a crucial role in the growth and development of Mapleton, providing improved access and opportunities for local residents.

Today, the railway line is no longer in operation, but the railway station building remains a heritage-listed structure, and it is an important part of Mapleton’s history and heritage. The building has been restored and renovated over the years, and it is now used as a community space, housing a range of local businesses and organisations. The railway continues to be an important part of Mapleton’s identity and history, and it remains a source of pride for many local residents.

Throughout the early 20th century, Mapleton continued to grow and develop as a hub for agriculture and tourism. The town became known for its dairy farming, with many of the local farmers supplying milk to the nearby Butter Factory in nearby Nambour. The growth of the tourism industry saw the establishment of a number of guesthouses and boarding houses, which catered to visitors who were attracted to the natural beauty of the area.

World War II

The 25th Battalion and 27th Battalion were both infantry units of the Australian Army that served during World War II. The 25th Battalion was originally formed in 1915 for service in World War I and was later re-formed for service in World War II. The 27th Battalion was also formed in 1915 and served in both World War I and World War II. During World War II, both battalions were stationed at various locations throughout Australia for training and deployment. The 25th Battalion was stationed at Azalea Street on the Blackall Range from around 1943 to 1944, while the 27th Battalion was also stationed on the Blackall Range in the about same period, but on the southern side of Ensbey Road, Flaxton.

The soldiers of the 25th Battalion underwent intense training at the Azalea Street camp, which included weapons and jungle training, drill, and physical conditioning. In early 1944, the battalion was deployed to New Guinea, where they saw active service against the Japanese in the Pacific theatre.
The 27th Battalion, meanwhile, also trained on the Blackall Range before being deployed to Papua New Guinea in late 1943, where they saw action in the battles of Finschhafen and Sattelberg and later in the operation to clear the Huon Peninsula. The battalion later fought in the Philippines campaign in 1945.

Both the 25th and 27th Battalions were heavily involved in the fighting against the Japanese in the Pacific theatre during World War II. They suffered significant casualties, and their service is commemorated in memorials throughout Australia. The camp’s locations are commemorated with signs at the entrance to both roads.

After the war, Mapleton continued to evolve and develop. The establishment of the Sunshine Coast as a tourism destination in the 1960s saw a further boom in the local tourism industry, with many visitors attracted to the region for its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and excellent climate. The town also continued to develop as a hub for agriculture, with farmers diversifying into crops such as avocados and macadamias.

In more recent years, Mapleton has become known as a desirable location for both tourists and residents. The town has a strong community spirit, and a range of local events and festivals are held throughout the year, including the Mapleton Easter Carnival and the Mapleton Country Markets. The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve remains a popular destination for visitors, and the reserve has been expanded and improved over the years to ensure its ongoing preservation and protection.

Today, Mapleton is a thriving community that continues to celebrate its rich history and natural beauty. The town offers a range of services and facilities for residents and visitors alike, including shops, cafes, and accommodation options. It remains a popular destination for those seeking a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle, and it is highly regarded for its strong sense of community and connection to the natural environment.