[ Home ] [ Help To Improve the Book and Museum ]

PLANNING

In 1975, Tuncurry celebrated its Centenary. (John Wright, Abraham Mills, Henry Colvin and Andrew Delore came in 1875). 

The Centenary Committee decided a Museum was needed and a Steering Committee was set up, comprising Mick Constable, Keith Dee, Bryce Higgins, Nan Robinson, Sister Mirium Wright, Sister Patricia, Vivian Wright, Mrs. Nicholas, J Pensini, Gwen Miller, Max Miller, Dr Joan Redshaw, Norma Avery, B & C Kingcott, Mick Mayers and C Johnston with Patrons Mabel Wright and Mrs. A Piper.

The first meeting was held on 1 March 1976, with a good rollup of new members, including Reta Gibson (later Buckley), Dawn & Elliott McMaster, Carmen Nixon and Sheila McInnes. After a lengthy discussion, the name Wallamba & District was chosen (changed to Great Lakes in 1998) and a Draft constitution was established.

THE LAND, BUILDINGS and COLLECTION

A building was obtained when the National Bank in Forster built new premises. The building was transported across bridge in two pieces to Capel Street, Tuncurry to land owned by Lands Department of New South Wales.

With the help of organisations like Forster Rotary, Apex, Buffalo Lodge Krambach, Tuncurry & Forster Bowling Clubs, Literary Institute Taree, Mr. Don Howard from the Picture Theatre and Bryce Higgins, the money was raised to get started.

The Lands Department insisted it become a Cooperative to save fees. Mr. Kendall Tulley handled the legal business and Mr Degotardi donated the surveying work.

The struggle continued with Mick Constable keeping the Museum to the forefront with his "Winds of Change" articles in the "Advocate" (the local newspaper), each week for several years (1980 - 1985).

Gradually more artifacts and buildings were donated. The Mead family gave us a Windmill, which produces wonderful clear water. Mr. Keith Dee donated the original Tuncurry School, the Sinclair family the original Tuncurry Lock Up. Mick designed a logo and Jim Revett asked for help to assemble the "Good Old Days", which went to three editions. To celebrate all of these feats, a grand celebration and launching of stage 1 was held in 1987.

The developer of the "Cheers" property in Bent Street, Tuncurry donated the "Cheers Cottage" and work began in earnest to get the Museum up and running. 

Sadly, Mick never saw the results as he passed away in 1987, but he left a legacy which we as members are trying to improve each year. His "Winds of Change" articles form the basis of a number of books. Daryll & Marie Moran took over the reins and with several new members taking turns at executive positions, we slowly began the task of renovating the new buildings. A Verandah was added, floors laid and a good coat of paint under the guidance of Sheila McInnes and Harry Lyons, the "Cheers Cottage" soon took on a Federation look. Community Service workers soon had a Log Cabin type Machinery Shed erected and a grant from the Hunter Area Assistance Scheme saw the laying of the turf for the lawns.

Mary Nixon, as President, expanded our horizons and then Sheila McInnes worked tirelessly towards our 2nd celebration to open our Stage 2 development. Dawn McMaster's book "Wallis Lakes its River and Villages" was the means we needed to erect a roof over the walkway. Stan Longfield built our Wishing Well and Forge and Allan, a community worker, was a great help in erecting rails and laying floorboards.

Today, we look back with fond memories of all of those people who contributed in some way to our achievements. It really was a community effort

The wonderful photographic collection from the estate of Archie Blanch, a gift of $5000 from the estate of Lady Persia Galleghan, from which we established our Computer Network and wonderful collections from the estate of the late Dr Joan Redshaw and Mabel Wright have added to our displays.

Sadly, in July 1998, we lost our most revered Historian when Dawn McMaster passed away. Her knowledge of the local area was an enormous help in compiling the history of this area and the works we publish will forever be in memory of "Our Dawn". Carol McNeil came at a time when we needed a direction as to how to display our artifacts and has been working behind the scenes in many directions for many years now. Bob Mann, Max Wright, Elva Carmichael, Barbara Barker, Carmen Nixon, Bryce Higgins and Ken McNeill, have made our Society a pleasant and informative place to visit. We can only go forward.

June Wright

June Wright (Hon. Secretary)