Murrumba Homestead Grounds (former)

Our Lady of the Way church and school are located in a highly significant property, once owned by Tom Petrie (1831-1910). He was the third son of Andrew Petrie, the first non-convict, non-military European settler in Queensland. The family arrived in Moreton Bay in 1837 when Tom was six years old. As a child, Tom mixed freely with the local Turrbal people, learning their language and culture. The ability to communicate with the local indigenous people, made Tom invaluable to explorers, businessmen, and government bureaucrats. He was able to assist in locating timber resources and marking roads, later leading William Pettigrew to the Maryborough region which he logged. On the advice of his friend and elder of the North Pine Clan Dalaipi, Tom settled on land at the mouth of the Pine River, purchasing a ten square mile lease. He developed the property on funds amassed from his timber interests. Murrumba Homestead was built in 1864 and sold for removal in 1952. Interpretive signs on the property describe the Petrie family occupation. The only evidence of built structures is a section of hand-made brick paving, although there are substantial trees including Camphor Laurels, Hoop Pines, Bunya Pines and Kauri Pines.