Mount Alford, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Alford Queensland
Paddocks to the north east of Mount Moon
Mount Alford Location in Queensland
Population	294 (2021 census)
• Density	7.332/km2 (18.99/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4310
Elevation	120 m (394 ft)
Area	40.1 km2 (15.5 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	13.9 km (9 mi) SW of Boonah 53.0 km (33 mi) W of Beaudesert 60.3 km (37 mi) SSW of Ipswich 100 km (62 mi) SW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Scenic Rim Region
State electorate(s)	Scenic Rim
Federal Division(s)	Wright
Localities around Mount Alford: Moogerah Charlwood Bunjurgen Wallaces Creek Moogerah Mount Alford Coochin Moogerah Croftby Croftby

Mount Alford is a small country town and area (called a locality) in the Scenic Rim Region of Queensland, Australia. It's known for its beautiful farmlands and quiet community life. In 2021, about 294 people lived in Mount Alford.

Geography and Landscape

Mount Alford General Store

Mount Alford is a typical community in the Scenic Rim area, surrounded by rich farmland. The Teviot Brook flows just to the east of the town. Further downstream from the brook is the Wyaralong Dam.

To help the environment, the local council and SEQ Catchments have worked on farms to reduce dirt washing into the water. This helps improve water quality. In the southwest of the area, the land goes uphill towards Mount Moon. To the north and west of Mount Alford, you'll find Moogerah Dam and the Moogerah Peaks. The larger town of Boonah is nearby, with main roads connecting to Ipswich and Beaudesert.

History of Mount Alford

St Peters Church of England, circa 1919

Mount Alford was once known by a different name: Reckumpilla. It was later renamed after Thomas Alford, who managed a large property called Coochin Coochin station starting in 1868.

A general store opened in the town around 1888, started by August Anders. The building was rebuilt in 1913. Today, this historic building is home to the Scenic Rim Brewery.

Early Schools and Churches

Mount Alford Provisional School first opened its doors on April 4, 1888. On January 1, 1901, it officially became Mount Alford State School.

Plaque marking the location of St Peter's Anglican Church and cemetery, Mount Alford, 2017

Anglican church services began in 1898, held at the school. In April 1914, Mrs. Gertrude Augusta Bell donated money to start a fund for building an Anglican church. The foundation stone for St Peter's Anglican Church was laid on November 16, 1918. It was built by Mr. Kelleher and officially opened on November 25, 1919. The church was made of wood with a shingle roof. The church held its last service on December 25, 1969. Today, Bowman Park is on the site of the former church and cemetery. A plaque there remembers the church and the Bell family.

Former St John's Lutheran Church, Mount Alford, 2005

The first Lutheran services in Mount Alford were held in the School of Arts building. In October 1908, people decided to build a church, and Mr. Wissemann offered land for it. The Lutheran church was built by the Behrendorff family and opened on May 7, 1909. An English Sunday School started in 1911. The church building was updated in 1936. This church later closed and is now used as a private home, but a sign above its door still says "St John's Lutheran Church – Estd 1909".

The Methodist church in Mount Alford opened in December 1921.

War Memorial

War memorial at Mount Alford State School, 2016

A special monument was put up at Mount Alford State School on May 25, 1918. It remembers the people from the area who served and died in World War I. This monument has the smallest "digger" (a term for an Australian soldier) statue on a war memorial in Queensland.

Population Information

Memorial for Gertrude Augusta Bell, Bowman Park, Mount Alford, 2017

In 2016, Mount Alford had a population of 268 people. The average age was 53, which is a bit older than the national average. Most people were born in Australia (88.3%), and English was the most common language spoken at home (94.4%). The most common backgrounds people identified with were English, Australian, and German.

By 2021, the population of Mount Alford had grown slightly to 294 people.

Important Local Sites

Mount Alford School of Arts established 1906

Mount Alford has some places that are listed for their historical importance:

• 889 Reckumpilla Street: Mount Alford School of Arts
• 898 Reckumpilla Street: Mount Alford General Store

Education in Mount Alford

Mount Alford State School is a government primary school for students from Prep (the first year of school) to Year 6. It's located at 942 Reckumpilla Street (28°04′06″S 152°35′41″E / 28.0682°S 152.5947°E / -28.0682; 152.5947 (Mount Alford State School)). In 2018, the school had 62 students.

There isn't a high school in Mount Alford itself. The closest secondary school for older students is Boonah State High School in Boonah, which is to the north-east.