Local History Immortalised With New Website And Book

The Mackay Historical Society launched its new website and digital book last week, celebrating 50 years of being the region’s premier recorder and preserver of Mackay history.

‘The River: Mackay in The Nineteenth Century’ by eminent historian Professor Emeritus Clive Moore is exclusively available on the new website and includes information on the Mackay Historical Society as well as local history articles.

Over 14 chapters, the book tells the history of the Pioneer River in the second half of the nineteenth century and the urban settlement that became Mackay.

It is a comprehensive look at the First Nations and pastoral context of the town’s history and offers a rare glimpse into life at that time.

The new book and website were officially launched by Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson, which was attended by more than 50 people including the local first nations and the Australian South Sea Islander community.

Speakers at the official launch included Marion Healy, Phil Kemp, Mr Moore and Mr Williamson, while the Master of Ceremonies was longtime Mackay Historical Society member Steven Pritchard.

Mr Pritchard said the new website and the opportunity to feature Professor Moore’s latest book was a fantastic addition to the Society’s already longstanding existing presence in the community.

“The need to establish a new website for the Mackay Historical Society has been discussed by members for some time,” he said.

“When Professor Moore approached us and asked if we would be interested in including his new book on our new website, we were very excited about the unique opportunity.

“The new website will also make the Mackay Historical Society much easier to contact online.”

Historical Society Committee Members Jack Armstrong and Danielle Jesser were responsible for the building of the website with input from Helen Martin, Judy Stewart and Mr Pritchard.

The new Mackay Historical Society website also lists books for sale at the Mackay Museum and information on how a research request can be made.

Local history articles, researched and written by Historical Society members, are published and featured on the new website.

The new website can be found at mackayhistoricalsociety.com and the Historical Society can be contacted at mackayhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

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Yuwibara Tribe Elder Phil Kemp welcomes to the country those attending the Mackay Historical Society’s new website and Professor Clive Moore’s new online book official launch at the Bluewater Quay, on June 7, 2023. Seated are the Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson, Professor Clive Moore and Marion Healy.  Photo credit: Danielle Jesser