Cairns Historical Society

The Cairns Historical Society was proud to have won the prestigious John Oxley Library Community History Award for 2016.  The Society was commended for its efforts in continuing its programs despite the closure of the museum while the building is undergoing major renovations.  Imaging Manager, Mrs Pauline O'Keefe received the certificate on behalf of the Society and acknowledged the contribution of the group's members over the last sixty years.  Mrs O'Keefe was also honored recently by been awarded with the S.E. Stephens History Award for 2016.  A most deserved recognition of her extensive efforts for the Society since she becoming a volunteer in 2004.  Another long-time member, Mr Geoff Wharton was recently awarded in recognition of his service to the preservation of history.  Geoff received an Order of Australia medal for his thirty-five year involvement with recording Western Cape York history and his work with the indigenous communities.  The Society reported on their successful field trip to the Goldsborough Valley which began at the site of the early Pyramid Sugar Mill and ended with a picnic lunch at Kearney's Flat.  The last quarterly lecture series was held at the Cairns Library Meeting Room with a theme of 'pioneering families'.  Papers on the Wilkinson, Mohammed and Earl families were presented.  Many members attended the 'Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience' exhibition which told the story of Australia's involvement in the First World War.  The Society provided a number of images and stories on the local World War One story to complement the broader national ANZAC narratives.  The Society also gave notice that their AGM is to be held on Monday 19 September at 10.00am at the Old Post Office centre in Grafton Street.  The agenda will include an update on the Museum Refurbishment project which appears to running on schedule.