Historical Society Celebrates 50 Years

Mackay’s oldest history research group celebrated a special milestone last week, with a special lunch attended by more than twenty current and former members, patrons and supporters.

The Mackay Historical Society’s 50th anniversary ticked over on August 10, with the celebratory lunch held on August 14 at Souths Leagues Club.

Following the lunch, formalities for the 50th anniversary were conducted with historical society member Steven Pritchard opening the proceedings. After being introduced, recently appointed Vice President, Danielle Jesser then read a copy of the minutes from the Formation Meeting of the Society which had been held on Thursday, August 10, 1972, at 7.45pm at the since demolished Australian Sugar Producers Association (also known as the ASPA) Board Room in Wood Street (now the site of the Westpac Bank).

The Minutes included names attending such as: Berenice Wright, Frank Rolleston, John Henry ‘Jack’ Williams Junior, John Renton (who had called the meeting to form the society) and Rod Manning.

Those attending were then asked to share, if they wanted to, their memories of the society’s long existence. Reminiscing about their time with the society at the function were: Helen Martin, MRC Councilor Lawrence Bonaventura and Wayne Miller.

Memories from Historical Society member Terry Abbott were also shared at the anniversary lunch. Helen Martin was also to read a list of current and former historical society presidents as part of the formalities.

Also attending the lunch were: Brian Osborn (former MRC Museum’s Coordinator), Doug Petersen (Local Historian), Dr. Julia Pittman (Reverend of St Paul’s Uniting Church and the Armitage Uniting Church), Ray Braithwaite (former Federal Member for Dawson and Local Historian) and Terry Hayes (Local Historian) amongst others.

The current Mackay Historical Society committee was also in attendance: Jack Armstrong (President), Danielle Jesser (Vice President), Helen Martin (Treasurer), Judy Stewart (Honorary Secretary) and Steven Pritchard (Research and Publicity Officer).

The societies registrar, member and Local Historian Glen Hall was unable to attend the lunch.

Mr Pritchard said, “It was great to have so many attend our special 50th anniversary lunch.

“The fact we are still here today celebrating our 50th anniversary is quite an achievement, considering the changes that have occurred in accessing historical information compared to fifty years ago.”

Mr Prichard added that a lot has changed over the years.

“However, the collection of books, maps, newspaper clippings/supplements and photographs that has been built up by the society over the years is still very much being used, with the requests sent to us and those visiting us, looking for information,” he said.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us and been members of our society during the past half a century.

“We hope to be still here for many years to come.”

Contributed by Steven Pritchard

Attendees of the Mackay Historical Society’s 50th anniversary lunch. Photo contributed

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