The Butler family were Magnetic's first European settlers. They began the first holiday accommodation on Magnetic and it seems their hospitality was extended to all who came their way - from tourists, quarantined travellers and the Island's Traditional Owners the Wulgurukaba. Now the MI History and Craft Centre are saluting the Butlers with a fascinating exhibition and the release of a recipe book from the "unsurpassed table" of Nell Butler.

When the Queensland Heritage Council put the former Butler's Health Resort at Picnic Bay on the Heritage Register in 2004 it gave just recognition to the Butler family contribution to the cultural heritage of Magnetic Island. Despite the listing being overturned on appeal by the developers, the significance of the Butler contribution remains. MIHCC president Zanita Davies feels strongly that, 'The heritage listing was a formal statement of how important this family is to Magnetic Island cultural heritage, but it was more about the preservation of the buildings than about the Butlers themselves. The Butler family lasting impact on the social fabric of Magnetic Island can never be overturned!'

The last Butler hut was relocated to the reserve land beside the Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre in the former Picnic Bay School at MIHCC expense. This preserves the last remaining link to the first holiday accommodation offered on Magnetic Island back in the nineteenth century. Appropriately, the MIHCC exhibition about the Butler family - 'The Butlers did it!' - will be opened at 2.00pm on Saturday 25 June in the old Picnic Bay School and will be displayed daily until 17 July.

According to Zanita Davies, "The Butler story and the history of Magnetic Island are closely interwoven. 'The Butlers did it! will reveal the diversity of Butler family achievements: successful relations with the local indigenous peoples, sympathetic assistance to those quarantined at Picnic Bay, establishment of their ferry service, productive farming for example."

The Butler family is best known for its association with the tourist business on Magnetic Island. Nell (Butler) Fraser sold the guesthouse in 1941 after sixty-five years on the guesthouse property. The hospitality of the Butlers was well reported and 'unsurpassed table' and 'the cuisine is unexcelled' indicated the quality of the Butler establishment. Fittingly the book Nell's recipes will be launched at the opening of the exhibition, all proceeds going to the restoration of the Butler hut.

For more information about the book and exhibition phone Zanita Davies on (07) 47785007 (9.00-5.00 Tues to Fri)