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No. 165, 3rd July 2017
Contents:
Margaret Anderson welcomed as new FAHS delegate
Launch of Thredbo Historical Society Publication
Copyright Amendment Bill
2017 Queen's Birthday Honours
Featured Historical Society - History Redcliffe
Exhibition of Salvaged Heritage Items, Sydney
A Web-Based Toolkit for Heritage Conservation
Genealogical Library donated to the RHSV
Travelling Conference, Tasmania
2017 RAHS Conference, Cowra
Talk on the Arnhem Land Tidal Zone, NT
Public Lecture, History Trust of SA
Bishop's Palace Tour - RWAHS
Museum & Gallery Building Improvement Program (BIP), NSW
Holsworth Local Heritage Trust Grants, Victoria
Transport Heritage Grants Program, NSW
Seminar: Indigenous Oral Histories, Sydney
Margaret Anderson welcomed as new FAHS delegate
The FAHS welcomes Margaret Anderson as the new Victorian delegate to the Federation of Australian Historical Societies.

Margaret Anderson offered many years of excellent service as SA delegate to FAHS before moving to Melbourne where she became a member of the RHSV Council. She is a fellow of the FAHS and and a member of the Board of the History Council of Victoria. 
Launch of Thredbo Historical Society Publication

L to R: President Alan Fredericks and Marta Dusseldorf; Chas Keys, signing books; cover image of 'Thredbo: Pioneers, Legends and Community'


The FAHS Outreach Officer, Bernadette Flynn attended the launch of the Thredbo 60th anniversary book at History House, Sydney on 27th June. 

After a welcome from EO of the RAHS Suzannah Holohan, the President of the Thredbo Historical Society Alan Fredericks made a short address to a packed crowd of over 100 people. A five minute film encapsulating the six decades of Thredbo history was shown, and Society Patron and resort management Chairman Alan Rydge spoke briefly on those years. Marta Dusseldorf, acclaimed Australian actress and granddaughter of the legendary Dick Dusseldorp, Chairman for many years of Thredbo Resort Company spoke of her childhood memories at Thredbo and launched the book.


Chas Keys, the author of the book spoke about the process of writing the book - the story of pioneers and trailblazers from Australia and from Europe, many fleeing persecution during and after the second world war; the people who turned an isolated snowy range into a premier destination with vision, determination and resolve in the face of harsh elements; and the keepers of the architectural legacy along with the Thredbo ski patrol; Thredbo Historical Society; Community Centre and the various lodges and clubs. He thanked all of those who made Thredbo what it is today and into the future.

The book is available from the Thredbo Alpine Museum and all good booksellers (Hardback $65.00).
Copyright Amendment Bill
The Parliament of Australia has passed the Copyright Amendment (Disability Access and Other Measures) Bill 2017. 

From 1 January 2019, unpublished materials will be out of copyright 70 years after the death of the creator.
The changes enabled by the Copyright Amendment (Disability Access and Other Measures) Bill 2017:
  • Simplify the statutory licences for education and make it easier for students to access material and extend the exception for exams to online exams
  • Simplify and update provisions that enable libraries and other collecting institutions to make ‘preservation copies’ of material in their collections such as manuscripts
  • Introduce a fixed term of protection for unpublished works (that are currently covered by copyright indefinitely) making it easier for libraries to exhibit material to the Australian public
  • Simplify and update the provisions that allow accessible format versions for people with disabilities
Further information
https://www.copyright.com.au/2017/06/copyright-amendment-changes-model-future-reform/
2017 Queen's Birthday Honours
The FAHS congratulates the people listed below who were in the 2017 Queens Birthday Honours List and whose Biographical Notes (as published on the Honours website) include mention of significant service to historical societies, history or heritage. Recipients are shown in the list below in exactly the same way as they appeared in the published official list.

     Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Ms Jean (Judy) BIRMINGHAM Pottsville NSW 2489 For significant service to higher education, particularly to historical archaeology, as an academic, and to professional associations.

Mr Peter John BURNESS Holt ACT 2615 For significant service to the preservation of military history as a researcher, curator, author and guide.

Mr Ian Clifton CARROLL OAM Killara NSW 2071 For significant service to conservation, particularly through management of the built, cultural and natural heritage sector.

Mrs Lynette Ann DANSIE, Marion SA 5043 For significant service to the community of South Australia through a range of voluntary roles with service organisations, and to youth.

Dr Anne Mary GRAY Mosman Park WA 6012 For significant service to the visual arts as a curator, scholar and historian, to Australian artists, and to the promotion of cultural heritage.

Colonel Raymond Ross HARDING (Retd) O'Connor ACT 2602 For significant service to the veteran community through preserving and documenting the history of modern Army Aviation in Australia.

Mr Leslie Charles LAUDER Fremantle WA 6160 For significant service to the community through contributions to the history and preservation of Australia's built and natural heritage.

Dr Francis Joseph LEAHY, Heidelberg VIC 3084 For significant service to surveying and mapping through research and innovation, and to education as a lecturer and mentor.

Professor Ann Margaret McGRATH OAM Australian Capital Territory For significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of Indigenous history, and to tertiary education.

Mr Michael Gregory PIGGOTT, Cook ACT 2614 For significant service to the community as an archivist with national and international educational and cultural institutions, and as an author.

Professor Merle Calvin RICKLEFS, Tawonga South VIC 3698 For significant service to tertiary education, particularly to Asia and Pacific research and scholarship, and to the development of programs for Indigenous students.

Dr Dianne Maree SNOWDEN Hobart Tas 7000 For significant service to the community as an historian and genealogical researcher, to higher education, and to heritage groups.

Mr Frank Samuel VAN STRATEN OAM South Yarra Vic 3141 For significant service to performing arts heritage and conservation as a theatre historian, as an author, and to the broadcast media.
 


    Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Mrs Phyllis Ann BARNES, Bunbury WA 6231 For service to the community of Bunbury.

The late Mr Graeme Thomas BARROW Late of Hackett ACT 2602 For service to bushwalking and local history in the Australian Capital Territory.

Mr Ian Alexander BLACK Hamilton Vic 3300 For service to community history.

Lieutenant Colonel John Edward BULLEN (Retd) Weston Creek ACT 2611 For service to military history preservation and education.

Mrs Jennifer Jean CAMILLERI Broken Hill NSW 2880 For service to community history.

Mr Eric Brettell CAUSER, Hamilton VIC 3300 For service to veterans and their families, and to the community.

Mrs Wendy Georgene CHARLESTON Wilmot Tas 7310 For service to heritage preservation, and to the community of Wilmot.

Mr Roger John COOPER Holbrook NSW 2644 For service to maritime history, and to the community.

Ms Bonney Annette DJURIC Summer Hill NSW 2130 For service to heritage preservation, and to the community of Parramatta.

Mr Alan Francis DYER Devonport Tas 7310 For service to community history.

Mr Anthony Bryan FORSYTH Wynnum Qld 4178 For service to the promotion and preservation of mineralogical history.

Mr George Nelson FREW Botanic Ridge Vic 3977 For service to the preservation of maritime history.

Mrs Susannah Christine FULLERTON Paddington NSW 2021 For service to literature as an author, lecturer and historian.

Ms Jocelyn GRANT, Point Lonsdale VIC 3225 For service to the community of Queenscliffe.

Mr Harlan Evans HALL, Bowral NSW 2576 For service to the community of Berrima.

Mrs Lynette Patricia HALL, Bowral NSW 2576 For service to the community of Berrima.

Ms Helen Mary HALLIDAY, Balaclava VIC 3183 For service to the community of Port Phillip.

Mr John Thomas HANLON, Benalla VIC 3672 For service to the community of Benalla.

Mrs Joan Helene HARRIS Wahroonga NSW 2076 For service to community history.

Mrs Myrle Cynthia HUNTER Hinton NSW 2321 For service to the community as an author and historian.

Mr Howard Campbell JONES Albury NSW 2640 For service to the print media, to historical societies, and as an author.

Mrs Aylene Alice KIRKWOOD, Eaglehawk VIC 3556 For service to the community of Eaglehawk.

Mrs Carla Carol MAGAREY, Loxton SA 5333 For service to the community of Loxton.

Mr Peter Ashley MAGAREY, Loxton SA 5333 For service to the community of Loxton, and to plant pathology.

Mrs Sherry Josephine MORRIS Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 For service to community history.

Mrs Karin Susan ORPEN, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 For service to local government, and to the community of Ferntree Gully.

Major Paul Anthony ROSENZWEIG (Retd) Blakeview SA 5114 For service to military history preservation.

Mrs Rosemary Joan SAMIOS, Double Bay NSW 2028 For service to the Scottish community of New South Wales.

Mr Joseph Andrew STEINER Stonyfell SA 5066 For service to the visual arts, and to community history.

The late Mr Rex Hamilton TATE Late of Alexandra Vic 3714 For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Mr Harry WOODING, Albury NSW 2640 For service to cricket.

The above list was compiled by the FAHS EO, John Davies
Featured Historical Society - History Redcliffe 
Established in 1967 as the Redcliffe Historical Society, the name was changed to History Redcliffe in 2014.

History Redcliffe aims to Research, Collect, Evaluate, Preserve, Inform, Promote and Honour Redcliffe History.
The Redcliffe Historical Society was formed in February 1967 by a small group of people who were passionate about local history and preserving it.  As reported in the Redcliffe & Bayside Herald (June 18th 2017), founding president and Moreton Bay Regional Councillor James Houghton's interest in the ­Peninsula’s past was sparked when he realised that despite being the first European settlement in Queensland the area had nothing to show for it. As a young man he saw how historic buildings and artefacts were disappearing and set out to establish a society by holding a public meeting at Redcliffe Council Chambers. 

From its inception the society developed a collection including a wide range of objects, textiles and documents and ran a museum for over 28 years. After leasing various premises and faced with the challenges of collection conservation in less than ideal buildings, the collection was transferred to council custodianship. Redcliffe Museum - a professionally designed museum managed by Redcliffe City Council was opened in 2001 in the renovated Sacred Heart Memorial Church. Financed by Redcliffe City Council with the help of society funds it preserves and exhibits the Society's historic collection.  

An active partnership with the council has ensured the survival of the collection and provides room and space for society activities. In turn society members volunteer at the museum and contribute to exhibitions and visitor services. 

History Redcliffe is now focusing on ways to develop and promote local history research and attract younger members. A few of these strategies are a greater community focus, and the use of social media and podcasts.  A strategic plan developed in 2014 initiated a name change from Redcliffe Historical Society to History Redcliffe.  The aim of the strategic plan was to lift the profile of the organisation and in the words of president Errol Deller 'to blow away the dusty historical society image'.  

The Society undertakes research, publishes local history books, postcards and DVDs and conducts regular historic walks.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 2 pm with a guest speaker -  a presentation on the first sawmill in Redcliff - the Thurecht Sawmill is to be held in August.  The society has over a hundred members, of which about 30 or 40 are actively involved in research and society functions. A newsletter - Humpybong and After is published every three months.

The society is also active in advocacy. It has successfully lobbied for archaeological assessments and protected heritage sites in the area, including the Old Cattleyards in the Botanic Gardens. Through its endeavours Comino’s Arcade and Woody Point Memorial Hall are now on the Queensland Heritage Register. Society members are currently working to establish a Heritage Precinct in collaboration with Councillors and Council staff. 

History Redcliffe hosts a number of blog style stories on the people, places and faces of Redcliffe, and invites the community to share recollections of local characters and events. One such example is the story of Billy Goat Man from the 1930s and 1940s. Billy Goat Man was a gentleman by the name of Curtis, who offered rides to children in a gig drawn by a goat on Suttons Beach.  The rides would cost one shilling each (10 cents). He also offered to take photographs for another shilling, and would then develop them on the spot while you waited – usually taking about 15 minutes. Other local stories can be found on the website.  


Photograph: Billy Goat Man from History Redcliffe

Further Information:
Website: http://historyredcliffe.com.au
Phone: (07) 3284 1466
Email:  info@historyredcliffe.com.au 
Contact: PO Box 370, Redcliffe, Queensland 4020

Sources: Redcliffe & Bayside Herald; History Redcliffe website and interview with President, Errol Deller. 
Exhibition of Salvaged Heritage Items, Sydney

Local residents who have been protesting incessantly against the WestConnex project have turned their activism into art.

Disconnex: Reframing Resistance opened at the Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown on 28th June and runs to 9th July. The exhibition showcases salvaged heritage items from homes acquired and destroyed during the motorway's construction. Among the items are stained-glass windows, doors, intact fireplaces and ceramic sculptures.

Photographs: The exhibition will showcase heritage items from 11 homes acquired due to WestConnex. (ABC Radio Sydney: Amanda Hoh)

To represent the changing face of his local area, Haberfield resident Chris Elenor created a diorama made from wood panelling with coat hooks still attached, timber valance from the home at 17 Wattle Street, old pipes, ceramic tiles and plastic figurines.

'What I've created ... shows what WestConnex is doing to my suburb and the inner west and right as far down as the national park,' he said. 'So we have scenes of them cutting down trees of the ironbark forest down the M5, we have scenes of them putting motorways through these areas, we've got scenes of what I call the WestConnex money machine. 

Bronwyn Tuohy, curator of the exhibition, said it was important that heritage items, some of them more than 100 years old, were preserved. 'We're responding to the idea that heritage seems to be something that can just be destroyed in Sydney at the moment,' she said. 'Heritage and conservation areas are just not being respected anymore, so we really wanted to, in the short amount of time, with the little funding we've had, but with the enormous amounts of passion that we do have, represent these houses and the stories of the people who lived in those houses over 100 years ago.'

Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Pidcock St, Camperdown NSW 2050
Extract from:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-28/westconnex-protesters-turn-salvaged-heritage-items-into-art/8659138


A Web-Based Toolkit for Heritage Conservation

The Australia ICOMOS Heritage Toolkit aims to share new methodologies and approaches to conservation practice, by providing access to information and sources that its own members find useful.

This online reference collection of benchmark 'best practice' websites and documents is being progressively assembled by and for members of the Australia ICOMOS.

The entries identify the range of work being done world-wide to advance the development of heritage principles and technical research that is worth sharing to assist in the conservation of Australia’s heritage.
If you are an Australia ICOMOS member please nominate your favourite heritage tools by emailing the Australia ICOMOS Secretariat.

Include the following:

  • The Name of the Webpage or Publication
  • The electronic link
  • A short summary of why the website, webpage or publication is considered useful to AICOMOS members

http://australia.icomos.org/resources/australia-icomos-heritage-toolkit/


Genealogical Library donated to the RHSV


Image -  L: Crates of GSV books delivered to the RSHV; R: Shelving in the Armoury Stack Area.

The Genealogical Society of Victoria has recently relocated to smaller premises and has donated the bulk of its library collection to the RHSV.  GSV retains a small research collection at its new offices.

The collection of 480 large crates of books and periodicals was delivered, together with shelving, to the RHSV in late March. This created problems in terms of storage space but fortunately a large basement area known as ‘The Armoury’ on the VCO side of the Drill Hall became available. This secure room was used to store weapons in earlier times. It has now been converted into a library ‘stack’ area. Much of the GSV collection is stored there on its own shelving, from which retrieval will be quick. Some reorganisation of the library upstairs was necessary. The large wooden bookcases have been moved closer together to allow additional bays of shelving. The most used sections of the GSV collection (Victorian local history and family histories) are housed there awaiting checking and cataloguing.

The collection significantly enhances the RHSV Library, including some local histories not currently held; family histories not already owned by the RHSV or any other public institution; and material on individuals and their contexts. A very welcome component is a set of Sands and McDougall Melbourne Directories. These are used extensively at RHSV for site searches and other research and the RHSV set is becoming increasingly fragile. They are available on CD and the State Library has started a program of digitisation but many people still prefer the paper version. Also included are general genealogical resources for Australia and other countries.

A team of volunteer library technicians has been recruited and will be checking and cataloguing the collection for incorporation into the RHSV Library. The RHSV welcomes GSV members and others to use the collection at the Drill Hall.


Source: RHSV History News,  Elisabeth Jackson - Chair of RHSV Collections Committee


Travelling Conference, Tasmania
Travelling Stories, 
10-14 October 2017, Tasmania.



The first-ever collaboration between the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology (ASHA) and Interpretation Australia (IA) will bring people together for a conference in Tasmania to explore new ways of telling stories about the important landscapes, places and environments in which we live and work. 

A conference with a difference -  the theme is 'Travelling Stories: connecting people and landscapes' and will be a travelling conference, moving through venues from Launceston to Hobart via key places along the Midlands Highway including the World Heritage-listed Brickendon; Ross; the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the Shene Estate. 

Registrations are now open for the Travelling Stories Conference.
portarthur.org.au/activities/travelling-stories


2017 RAHS Conference, Cowra

Planning is well underway for the 2017 RAHS Conference, which will be held in Cowra on 28th – 29th October.

The theme of the conference is Finding Lost Places, Lost People. Pre-conference drinks will be held at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre on Friday 27th October. Further details at http://www.rahs.org.au/rahs-conference/
Talk on the Arnhem Land Tidal Zone, NT
Talkin’ Maypal, Mayali’ ga Wäŋa Shellfish, Meaning & Place

Dr Bentley James, social and cultural anthropologist, linguist and educator will present stories from his new book at GalleryTwoSix, Winnellie. Maypal, Mayali’ ga Wäŋa: Shellfish, Meaning & Place is a bilingual identification guide to shellfish of Arnhem Land for schools in six languages. 
Public Lecture, History Trust of SA


Tuesday 18 July at the Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground

The History Trust of South Australia presents Gallows and Governance at the Old Adelaide Gaol.

The Adelaide Gaol once housed some of South Australia’s most notorious criminals, from petty thieves to the very worst lawbreakers. Dr Steven Anderson will talk about the criminals who were executed at the gaol. He will show that rarely did an encounter with the colonial hangman go to plan - botched executions, misbehaving criminals and rowdy spectators were all commonplace. Rhondda Harris, author of Ashton’s Hotel: The journal of William Baker Ashton, first governor of the Adelaide Gaol will discuss the early years of the gaol and how the recent discovery of Ashton’s gaol journal has revealed a hidden story of the underbelly of early Adelaide.

This public lecture is part of History Trust of South Australia's Talking History series.

5.15pm for a 5.30pm start.
Entry is free. Book online


Bishop's Palace Tour - RWAHS

The Bishop's Palace was constructed in 1861, well before Government House, and was the largest building in Perth for many years.

This tour of the Palace is an opportunity not to be missed.


17th July at 1.30pm
 
Meet either 12 noon for lunch (own cost) beforehand at the Grosvenor Hotel in a private room (opposite Perth Mint) where Ron Bodycoat will briefly discuss the history of this iconic hotel
or
outside St Mary's Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth at 1.30pm. The group will be divided as the Palace tour has restricted numbers - the alternate group touring the Cathedral.

Bookings essential
Cost: $20.00 members; $25.00 non members
Tel: 08 9386 3841
Email: admin@histwest.org.au

https://www.histwest.org.au/activities/rare-chance-see-inside-catholic-bishops-palace
Museum & Gallery Building Improvement Program (BIP), NSW
Does your building work for your museum or gallery?

Do you think there could be areas of improvement in terms of collection care?

Could you improve visitor access and environmental sustainability?
The Museum & Gallery Building Improvement Program (BIP) offers two opportunities for museums and galleries in NSW to improve their buildings.

You can apply for a Building Assessment Report and, if you’re successful, we’ll arrange for a heritage architect and a conservator to come to your building and produce a detailed assessment report that makes prioritised recommendations for how you can make improvements. This document can be incredibly useful in developing management plans, as well as in approaching Council or other bodies about necessary works.

The second opportunity is direct funding for building work. If you have already received a Building Assessment from the program, or if you have an equivalent report that meets the minimum requirements (see BIP page for details) you can apply for funding for one of the recommended areas of work.

The Museum & Gallery Building Improvement Program is an Office of Environment and Heritage and Heritage Council of NSW program, administered by M&G NSW. 

Further Information, guidelines and application forms at https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/funding/grants-we-administer/building-improvement/
Holsworth Local Heritage Trust Grants, Victoria
The Holsworth Local Heritage Trust, a charitable fund within the Victorian Community Foundation, offers grants to not-forprofit organisations such as historical societies, clubs, schools and museums in regional and rural Victoria. 

Chinese Lepers in Victoria - A Case of Charity and Cultural Clashes was produced by Friends of the Bendigo Cemeteries Inc who received a grant from the Holsworth Local Heritage Trust in 2009.
 
The Trust is interested in supporting enthusiastic community groups and organisations with a true interest in heritage preservation and appreciation, and the enhancement of community life.

Grants of up to $2,000 are available for the publication of any specific or general local history or natural history in rural and regional Victoria. The Trust encourages applications from small organisations with an interest in publishing works of historical value, even where the organisation has little or no experience of self-publishing work. Joint projects encompassing several groups, or annual/special edited journals incorporating submitted historical articles from a wide community, are encouraged. Applicants are required to submit a proposal including details of the intended date of publication. It is expected that considerable research has already been undertaken before applying.

Download an application form from the RHSV website or phone 03 9326 9288 for a mailed copy


Applications must be submitted by 31 July. Further information and application form: http://www.historyvictoria.org.au/programs/ holsworth-local-heritage-trust
Transport Heritage Grants Program, NSW
Funding for Transport Heritage, NSW - Opening Soon 


Image: The Leopard 3753 - Before and after preservation by The Omnibus Preservation Society in 2016 (Photograph courtesy of The Omnibus Preservation Society)

The Transport Heritage Grants Program is a NSW Government funded program, administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS), and supported by Transport Heritage NSW (THNSW). The grants program aims to help the NSW community rediscover the culture, the events and the people that shaped transport in NSW over the past 160 years, as well as support the restoration and conservation of our valuable heritage assets. It runs on an annual basis to assist eligible organisations and individuals with rail, tram and bus based heritage activities.
 
Transport Heritage Grant applications will open on Wednesday July 5 and close on Thursday 31 August 2017. Some wonderful projects completed from the 2016 grant round have included The Omnibus Preservation Society’s preservation of the Leopard 3753, and the Lachlan Valley Railway Society Co-Operative Ltd has completed their interpretative signage for the Cowra Train Station, as a follow up for their 2015 grant for a brochure for the Railway Depot. 
 
Details on the 2017 Transport Heritage Grants Program will be available on the RAHS website on Wednesday 5 July.
Seminar: Indigenous Oral Histories, Sydney
RAHS/OHNSW Seminar: Indigenous Oral Histories

From community driven and university based projects, to the collecting initiatives of libraries, archives and museums, the oral history work being undertaken with Indigenous communities across Australia is extensive.

July 29 @ 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
History House, 133 Macquarie St, Sydney
 
In this seminar, you will hear from Associate Professor Heidi Norman, who has expertise in conducting research about Aboriginal land rights, Dr Dino Hodge, an activist and academic renowned for his explorations of Indigenous Australian queer histories and activist Kirsten Thorpe, who leads the Indigenous Services team at the State Library of NSW. The session will be chaired by Kate Waters, an experienced professional historian with expertise in ethical approaches to conducting oral history interviews with Aboriginal communities.

Registration: Members $20 and Non-members $30

Click here for more information and to register online
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The FAHS e-Bulletin, No. 165,
3rd July 2017
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