This is an account of the development of a tiny rural settlement in Queensland from the late 1840s when the squatter invasion was just beginning. During this period, the small settlement of Widgee Widgee developed from one of the last outposts of civilisation in the virtually unknown bush. Widgee, as the place is now called, is part of the Kilkivan Shire, and not the Widgee Shire which surrounds the town of Gympie.The township lies nestled in among spurs of the Great Divide about 20 kilometres west of Gympie. However, to begin this story, we must go back to the days before Gympie was even thought of, and when the settlements around Moreton Bay were very few.FIRST LEASES In 1842 when free settlers were allowed within the limits of the former convict settlement of Moreton Bay, they spread out in all directions from Brisbane Town. The South Burnett country was soon occupied and settlements such as Burrandowan, Taabinga, Tarong, Baramba and Nanango were established. As more squatters came, they followed the spread of settlement north-eastward, taking up all the good land in that direction, and so the promising Widgee Widgee country was discovered.29 pages. Compiled and edited by gilburrigilburrigilburrigilburrigilburri