Friday, August 26, 2016

100 years of Red Cross records donated to State Library of New South Wales

Australian Red Cross is donating 100 years of its NSW archive to the State Library of NSW, providing an extraordinary record of a global organisation that was practically launched in Australia with a pair of hand-made knitted socks.

According to NSW State Librarian & Chief Executive, Alex Byrne: “Red Cross has been on the front of almost every significant event in recent history starting with the First World War to more recent natural disasters – so this significant archive, dating from 1914 to 2014, is an invaluable addition to the State Library’s rich collections relating to life in Australia.”

The archive tells the story of Red Cross’ humanitarian work, its volunteers, supporters and the people it has helped across NSW through some 7,400 photographs, over 500 boxes of manuscripts, posters and memorabilia, 40 framed pictures and Red Cross publications.

Full media release here

Look Who's Talking - Local History - Maitland City Library

Horseshoe Bend
Characterised by narrow streets and laneways, as well as a mixture of architectural styles spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, Horseshoe Bend was one of the earliest settled areas in Maitland. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Bend’ and so named for the shape of the river when Europeans first settled there, Horseshoe Bend has a unique and intriguing history.

Join us as we take to the streets of Horseshoe Bend to meet local identities in celebration of NSW History Week. 
Sunday 4 September
10.30am - 12.00pm
Meet at Maitland Regional Art Gallery 10.15am
Free

Book now
Look Who's Talking 2016 

History Week 2016 : Neighbours

History Council of New South Wales.
Download the History Week postcard (PDF 976 KB) or poster (PDF 2 MB). If you would like copies of the postcard or poster, please contact us.

Annual History Lecture
Neighbours – and heroes
When: 6pm-9pm, Wedesday 7 September 2016
Where: The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Tickets: $45 HCNSW members / $50 General admission (excl fees)
Contact: 02 9252 8715, admin@historycouncilnsw.org.au
BOOK NOW
How have Australians thought of themselves as ‘neighbours’ in the Asia-Pacific region? Professor Heather Goodall will look at how many Australians have had the courage to cross borders – taking risks to build relationships across old borders and new borders, cultural borders and ethnic borders. Find out more

Gould Genealogy new website

“Brand new website!” that’s what you’re greeted with when you go to www.gould.com.au now. That’s right, we’ve finally updated our website. We know it’s been needed for a while, but it’s not been an easy task finding something that can cater to our website’s needs. Anyway we have one. It’s up. And it’s bright and shiny and hopefully you will find it works well for you (if not, please do let us know).
This year (2016) marks our 40th birthday, and of those years we’ve actually been online for 20 of them, so it seemed very timely to get a new website to celebrate.

Maitland Library fountain in working order again

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The fountain, on land opposite Maitland Courthouse near the Belmore Bridge, was switched on again this week, as work continued on the grounds around it.
Maitland City Council workers have renovated and repaired the fountain, which was built in 1972.
Cr Penfold has been a vocal advocate for the revamp.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 23 Aug 2016.

Vietnam Veterans recognised in Maitland and Cessnock 50 years after Long Tan

From the Maitland Mercury report:
In August 1966, 108 ANZAC soldiers stationed outside Long Tan fought off thousands of hostile Viet Cong in one of the first, and one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam war.
Half-a-century later, at the site of the battle and at memorial sites across the Hunter and the nation, Australians reflected. In Maitland a crowd filled Maitland Park to lay wreaths at the cenotaph.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 18 Aug 2016.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Motorfest Maitland 2016 on Sunday

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Fans of chrome-covered classic beauties will rejoice as Motorfest Maitland returns to the Showground on Sunday.
For the last six years, Motorfest has driven to make the Hunter a mecca for the type of car lovers who fanatically restore and modify hotrods, street machines, bikes and trucks.
Part exhibition of amazing machines and human creativity, part trade show with hundreds of cars on show.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 17 Aug 2016.

Vietnam Veterans recognised in Maitland and Cessnock 50 years after Long Tan

From the Maitland Mercury report:
In August 1966, 108 ANZAC soldiers stationed outside Long Tan fought off thousands of hostile Viet Cong in one of the first, and one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam war. 
Eighteen Australians died and 24 were injured. The battle of Long Tan came to identify and symbolise the plight of Australians soldiers who served in the conflict. 
Half-a-century later, at the site of the battle and at memorial sites across the Hunter and the nation, Australians reflected. In Maitland a crowd filled Maitland Park to lay wreaths at the cenotaph.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 18 Aug 2016.

RAHS/OHNSW – Oral History in Conversation: Across Communities and Contexts

August 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

In this panel discussion, three oral historians will discuss their use of oral history across a range of communities and institutional contexts. Based in a museum, a council and a hospital, three oral history projects are working to collect a diverse range of stories.
  • Sydney Jewish Museums’ “community stories” project uses oral history to assist members of the Jewish community to record their life histories.
  • City of Sydney Council’s Barani project has collected stories from local indigenous communities.
  • The Sacred Heart Community Palliative Care Biography Service offers the opportunity for people reaching the end of their lives to record their memories.
In this “in Conversation” event, the panel will reflect on the practice of oral history today and examine its role in the lives of families and diverse communities.
The event will be held prior to the Oral History NSW Annual General Meeting.
Cost: RAHS/OHNSW Members $15; Non-Members $20
BUY TICKETS

History Council of New South Wales -Annual History Lecture

Neighbours – and heroes

When: 6pm-9pm, Wedesday 7 September 2016
Where: The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Tickets: $45 HCNSW members / $50 General admission (excl fees)
Contact: 02 9252 8715, admin@historycouncilnsw.org.au
BOOK NOW
How have Australians thought of themselves as ‘neighbours’ in the Asia-Pacific region? Professor Heather Goodall will look at how many Australians have had the courage to cross borders – taking risks to build relationships across old borders and new borders, cultural borders and ethnic borders. Find out more

Friday will mark 67 years since the first migrant ship arrived in the Hunter

From the Maitland Mercury report:
It may be 67 years on but Vitaly (Victor) Lupish, remembers disembarking the MV Fairsea at Newcastle’s Lee Wharf as if it was yesterday.
Aged 14, with no English and eyes as big as saucers, Mr Lupish set foot on Australian soil to begin a journey that would shape the rest of his life.
Friday marks the 67th anniversary of the arrival of the Fairsea which carried 1896 refugees from Europe to Australia. It was the first migrant ship to Newcastle.
Mr Lupish said every year at this time he stops to pause and recall that day he and his family entered a brave new world, a move they would never regret.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 17 Aug 2016.

Cranky Handle Rally returns

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The Cranky Handle Rally, the Hunter’s showcase of vintage machinery, will be held this weekend at the Richmond Valley Railway Museum.
The museum is located just south of Kurri Kurri and the rally will run from 10am Saturday until 4pm Sunday.
Vintage stationary engines, steam engines, tractors, vintage cars, trucks, bikes and memorabilia will all make an appearance.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 16 Aug 2016.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Australian War Memorial - Big things in store

Hosted at the Memorial’s conservation facility and storage hub in Mitchell, Big things in store is a unique opportunity for the whole family to experience one of the world’s greatest military collections.
Saturday 10 September
9 am to 3 pm
Treloar Technology Centre, Mitchell

Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to support the work of the Australian War Memorial.

Cranky Handle Rally - Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club Inc.

20th & 21st August 2016

at Richmond Vale Railway Museum

Located in the historic Richmond Main Colliery site, Leggett's Drive (B82, Richmond Vale4km south of Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley, NSW

In association with Richmond Vale Railway Museum, an invitation for all with a love for old machinery and equipment, to see engines, tractors, trucks, cars, machinery, bikes and memorabilia, at the 2016 Cranky Handle Rally.

See a large display of vintage agricultural machinery, lovingly restored while some remain in their "working clothes".

Stationery engines, tool collections, tractors, trucks, cars and bikes from yesteryear, on display at the Historic Richmond Vale Railway Museum. Inspect the mining museum in the old Administration Building, view underground mining equipment and enjoy a train ride to Pelaw Main.

For further details contact the Show Organiser:  Peter DRAPER - 02 4966 2813 OR 0418 673 816

The Hunter’s history - photos

From the Maitland Mercury:
Take a look at what the Hunter used to look like, thanks to the Fairfax archives.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 11 Aug 2016.

Building the Maitland bypass in the late 1980s

From the Maitland Mercury
Work has started to wrap-up on the New England Highway overpass at Maitland. Before the new road is unveiled, take a look back at one of the largest road construction projects in Maitland – the bypass.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 4 Aug 2016.

Friday, August 5, 2016

History Werek 2016 - Links Forged with Neighbouring Towns: Dungog Cottage Hospital

The Dungog Historical Society Inc present an exhibition at the Dungog Library, which will showcase the links forged by Dungog and nearby communities through the Dungog Cottage Hospital.
When: Saturday 3 September to 11 September 2016, 10:00am-5:00pm.
Where: Dungog Library, Mackay Street,
Dungog NSW 2420
Cost: Free
Contact: mkingston5@bigpond.com or 02 4992 2094
Presented by the Dungog Historical Society Inc.

History Week 2016 - Neighbours: Maitland Walking Tour

Characterised by narrow streets, laneways and a mixture of architectural styles spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, Horseshoe Bend was one of the earliest settled areas in Maitland. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Bend’ and so named for the shape of the river when Europeans first settled there, Horseshoe Bend has a unique and intriguing history. Join the Maitland City Library as they take to the streets of Horseshoe Bend to meet local identities in celebration of NSW History Week.
When: Sunday 4 September 2016, 10:30am-2:00pm
Where: Meet at Maitland Regional Art Gallery
230 High Street
Maitland NSW 2320
Cost: Free
Contact: programmes@maitland.nsw.gov.au or 02 4933 6952
Find out more
Presented by Maitland City Library.

Tocal's Peek Into the Past 2016

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Plumes of gunsmoke, the smell of campfires, the metallic clink of the blacksmiths hammer – Tocal Homestead was alive with the sights, sounds and smells of Australia’s colonial past for Peek Into The Past.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 31 Jul 2016.

Photographer-in-residence program will focus on showcasing Maitland Library precinct

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland Library is about to take on a new look with a photographer-in-residence program set to transform the landmark building.
Earlier this year council engaged professional photographer Paul Foley for the program.
The program includes a series of themed photoshoots, guest curation of the #mymaitland Instagram account, photo walks in which members of the public could participate and an exhibition of a selection of the images taken during the program.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 30 Jul 2016.