Gidgee under the Cross : a History of the Diocese of Rockhampton
22 July, 2025
The Diocese of Rockhampton is large, significantly larger than Germany which has 27 dioceses. And it is diverse. Most dioceses have a central city, serving the surrounding area. Rockhampton diocese consists of four cities on the seaboard and country towns scattered through the inland. The livelihood of the people of the diocese is just as diverse: from broadland farming to sugar cane farming on smaller acreage, from mining to tourism. Then there are the variety of service industries that serve these communities.
Writing a history of such a diocese is an extraordinary undertaking and one that Maree Ganley had done well. Gidgee Under the Cross-Coal dust and sugar in the blood witnesses to the faith and diversity of the people who have formed this diocese.
In such a church history, one expects the stories of the bishops and priests and the churches they founded, and the religious and the schools and hospitals they opened. And this is done. But this history does so much more. It witnesses to the deep and lively faith of the pioneering communities. And it chronicles the changes in the expression of this faith over time.
I have only lived in this diocese since 2002, but as I moved through the book reading the stories and seeing the many, many pictures over and again I saw surnames that I know: the forbears in faith of this diocese.
Maree Ganley has produced a remarkable record of life in the Rockhampton Diocese with a comfortable blend of factual information, statistics, records and reminiscences.
Gidgee under the Cross will be launched on the 2nd August at the Kevin Castles Conference Centre, 152 West St, Allenstown.
Where to Purchase your copy:
St Joseph’s Gifts & Books
238 Murray Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700
sjgiftsbooks@rok.catholic.net.au
07 4921 2170