General News
30 March, 2026
Joe’s love of shiny gems
AT just 12 years of age, Joseph Jensen is already making his mark in the world of gemstones and impressing seasoned fossickers along the way.
As the youngest active member of the Tully Gem Club, Joe is quickly mastering every step of the gem journey, from digging stones out of the earth to transforming them into sparkling, faceted jewels.
After a recent fossicking trip to Mount Surprise, around 285km southwest of Cairns, Joe brought his topaz back to the Tully Gem Club to begin the intricate process of faceting.
Club spokesman Mel Bowman-Finn said under the guidance of founding member and long time club secretary, Bob Van Den Bogaart, he successfully completed a standard faceting design of notable complexity, an impressive achievement for someone so young.
“Faceting is both an art and a science, requiring patience, precision and a steady hand. The process involves cutting flat surfaces at exact angles on a rotating abrasive disc to maximise brilliance, colour and light reflection,” he said.
“Club members were delighted to see Joe’s growing skill and enthusiasm, congratulating him on his accomplishment and are eagerly awaiting his next fossicking and faceting project.
“The Cassowary Coast Regional Council has also funded the replacement and installation of new windows at the clubhouse. The upgrade has improved ventilation, comfort, safety and the overall appearance of the building.
“These improvements will benefit club members and visitors for many years to come, and the club expressed appreciation to Council for supporting local community facilities and helping groups like theirs continue to thrive.”
The Tully Gem Club, at the Tully Showgrounds, is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 12 noon.
For expressions of interest or inquiries about gemstones, contact the club at tullygemclubinc@gmail.com, or follow their Facebook page.
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