​Kingaroy State School's four sporting houses: Alford, Haly, Markwell and Russell are named in honour of pioneering families and individuals who played significant roles in the early settlement and development of the Kingaroy region. Here's a brief history of each:
🟦 Alford House
Alford House is named after the Alford family, early settlers whose contributions helped shape the growing town of Kingaroy. Their name lives on in Alford Street, the very road Kingaroy State School stands on today. The Alford family played a key role in the establishment of the local community and their legacy is honoured through this house.
🟩 Haly House
Haly House is named in honour of the Haly brothers, early pastoralists who established Taabinga Station in the 1850s. Just southwest of modern-day Kingaroy, Taabinga Station was one of the region’s first sheep runs. The Haly family were instrumental in developing agriculture in the area and Haly Street now serves as a reminder of their enduring influence.
🟨 Markwell House
Markwell House is named after the Markwell brothers, who settled in the Kingaroy district in 1878. They took up land on what was known as the ‘Kingaroy Paddock’ converting part of Taabinga’s holdings into freehold land. Their efforts were a major part of Kingaroy’s early development and they are remembered as key figures in the town's growth.
🟥 Russell House
Russell House honours Henry Stuart Russell, an explorer and squatter who selected land at Burrandowan west of Kingaroy in 1843. As one of the first Europeans to explore and settle in the South Burnett region, his adventurous spirit and early contributions to the area are recognised in the naming of this house.​
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