Motoring Legacy Remembered - FULL ARTICLE

Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 9th of May 2025

Cr Julie Mathews, Jess Griffin. Catherine McCabe, Cr Kate Hastie, Cr Alan Barr, and Mayor Liz Schmidt at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the replica commemorating the region’s first motor cars at Goldtower Central

A 3.5-ton replica of one of the region’s first motor cars has been unveiled at Goldtower Central.

The sculpture was revealed during the North Queensland Volunteers Conference, hosted by Charters Towers Regional Council, in front of an audience of 80 volunteers.

Goldtower owner Paul McIver said the REO Motor Car replica honours Harry Bishop, who opened the region’s first motor dealership, NQ Motors Ltd, and his daughter Dorothy Bishop, Queensland’s first woman to be certified as a pilot.

"This REO replica is more than just a large replica of Motoring History — it’s a story,” Mr McIver said.

“It’s about ambition, innovation, and the unbreakable bond between generations who shaped Charters Towers and beyond.

“We’re incredibly proud to honour Harry and Dorothy Bishop in this lasting tribute."

Mr Bishop would go on to complete many motoring firsts in the region to prove the capability of the REO against competitors including taking the first car up Towers Hill, down the Mingela Range to Townsville and across the Flinders River to Hughenden for a race day picnic.

Locals and tourists can freely visit the replica themselves and learn more at Poppet Head Plaza, Goldtower Central.