Flusher Ushers Celebrate 250,000th Visitor to the Cistern Chapel

Imagine her surprise to have such a fuss made of her flush, as Kathy became the 250,000th person to visit the golden loo.

A quarter of a million people have visited the Cistern Chapel since it opened in May 2022 after a community project to sensationally redecorate the dingy toilets.

The magic number of 250,000 was reached today when Kathy Peck of Toowoomba was astonished to be feted with a loudly ringing bell and gifts as she walked up the ramp to see the famous dunnies.

On hand to mark the milestone and present gifts of a gold toilet key ring and toilet roll earrings was Councillor Daniel Sanderson, who in 2021 allocated a substantial lump sum from his discretionary fund to bulk up the community fund.

Also at the fun event were some of the stalwarts who worked to make the toilets a reality and have been dedicated since to making them a success.

Pictured are (from left) Mary Inc. President Jacqui Elson-Green, Mary Inc. Membership Officer and Chapel stalwart Nan Ott, Cr Sanderson, Flusher Usher Helen Darnell, surprised star Kathy Peck, Flusher Usher Maree Oliver and Cistern Chapel ‘Mother Superior’ Carmel Murdoch.

Carmel, who runs the roster of almost 100 volunteers, said she was ecstatic about reaching the 250,000 milestone and loved the way the people of Maryborough supported the Chapel.

“It’s wonderful – we seem to have a constant flow of people offering to be volunteers as some move on for various reasons.”

Maree was enjoying the fun of her first day as a Flusher Usher volunteer and with the 250,000th visitor celebration, reckoned the experience “ticked all the boxes”.

Meanwhile Kathy from Toowoomba declared the Cistern Chapel “absolutely fantastic”. “It’s out of this world – brilliant.”

By Nancy Bates