Etty Bay SLSC Club History
Etty Bay has long been recognized as one of the most picturesque beaches in Queensland, which no doubt led to its popularity as a picnic and camping spot from the early days of settlement in the Innisfail district. Access to the beach for many years was by boat only; either by traveling down the Johnstone River from Innisfail or around from Mourilyan Harbour.
It was in the early 1900’s, that the name ‘Etty Bay’ was thought to have been derived. It was the practice of a group of friends to regularly picnic at the various beaches in the area, travelling by boat. Among the group was a young lady, Miss Ethel Johns, (later married Walter Firth) who was known in this circle of friends as Etty.
The choice of beaches for the days outing was taken in turn, with the favourite beach of Miss Johns being called Etty’s Bay; similarly, Ella Bay became known after one of the other ladies. The name apparently came into common usage with the ‘s being dropped in time and this scenic beach became Etty Bay thereafter.
Later land access to Etty Bay was gained by a track established by Mr W Horsford, to haul timber to his sawmill. Not surprisingly the formation of Etty Bay SLSC on 12th November 1935 coincided with the formation of a road to Etty Bay.
A historic meeting took place on 19th April 1936, which instigated the formation of the North Barrier Branch to encompass clubs from Etty Bay, Picnic Bay, Arcadia & Ayr. Etty Bays first bronze squad was examined on Sunday the 26th April 1936. The club held its inaugural carnival 12 months later on the 1st November 1936 with the official opening of Etty Bay Road. The anticipated crowd exceeded expectations, when 5000 people were said to have packed the beach.
The club colours were initially blue and gold, however due to a clash with a southern club were changed. The new colours chosen were green with a gold lightning stripe.
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