Over one hundred people gathered at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club last Sunday to celebrate the launch of an 800-page historical ‘book of knowledge’ that has been put together by local author Doug Petersen.
The Northern Beaches resident has spent most of the last decade compiling a ‘lifetime of experiences’ into a book that captures the history, the culture and the working foundations of this now thriving region of Mackay.
Mr Petersen has lived in the Northern Beaches since he was 24 and has direct family ancestry all the way back to the 1930’s.
His knowledge of the area and connections with pioneering families has given him a unique ability and broad insight into collecting stories for his historical endeavour.
“I’ve had so many cups of coffee and pieces of cake!” he said when asked how he sourced his information.
“It’s been helpful that I’ve known who’s who and a lot of the older names – I’ve also been to the archives and sourced clippings from old newspapers.”
Following the lives of beach house owners who were pillars of the Mackay community, famous local growers, farmers and prize piggeries, there is a wealth of knowledge held inside the book.
There are also several pages in Aboriginal language and sections on South Sea Islander history, showing the cultural influence and unique contribution to society throughout the ages.
A broad and inclusive snapshot of history, Mr Petersen said that he has witnessed so much change over the years.
“Blacks Beach used to be all farms and I remember walking across the creek back when there were no crocodiles,” he laughed.
Originally starting the book for his grandchildren, Mr Petersen said he is proud to have now collected such an extensive list of stories.
This is not the first historical novel he has authored, previously writing 61-pages about the Bucasia Orphanage, which saw 19 young souls perish from 1880 to 1885.
His latest book about the history of the Northern Beaches is entitled Salt Air and Sweet Soil and is available by pre-order only at a cost of $75.
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