NEWSLETTER of the Richmond River Historical Society

v.4, no.1, January 2007

Conversations by the River
'Conversations by the River' is a public consultation in an informal social atmosphere which aims to celebrate, share and record stories about the Wilsons River & its upstream tributaries in the Lismore environs. It is an important part of the Wilsons River Experience Walk Project, a Lismore City Council initiative which aims to stimulate interest and knowledge in the social history of Lismore and environs.

The project is being managed by Southern Cross University who are working closely with the Richmond River Historical Society, the local Indigenous owners, Land Care groups and other interested parties to create interpretive sites that instill local pride of place, stimulate local knowledge and provide a pleasurable and informative focal point for locals and visitors.

The "Gathering Place - Burbang Mah" story site in Riverside Park was launched last year. Since then we have been working on the beginning of the story - Living Together - Galamah - which maps the discovery and habitation of Lismore from both an aboriginal & European perspective until around 1900, and its sequel River Crossings -Mirring which focuses on the Ballina St Bridge site, industry and pre-contact aboriginal lifestyle. The three story sites will be clustered in Riverside Park within sight of each other.

It is hoped that Conversations by the River will generate information, stories, recorded memories and photos of memorabilia that will contribute to the interpretation of future sites and printed material that will be developed as part of this project. All records will of course be archived by the Richmond River Historical Society.

So what will happen at Conversations by the River? Wander down to the boat ramp area during the afternoon to relax, sit a while and take the opportunity to:

-share stories and rekindle memories
-bring along photos or memorabilia to show the Historical Society research team (they will scan or photograph the items)
- have a memory recorded - we will have a trained team available
- meet others
- learn more about the river and Lismore
- contribute to Lismore's recorded history
- preview snapshots of the next two sites

Come and visit us for five minutes or stay all afternoon! Refreshments available!

Time: 3.00- 5.30 pm
When: Friday March 2
Where: near the Boat Ramp, Riverside Park, Lismore
Need more information? Phone: Anne Hart on 6626 9423

Cultural Precinct/Art in the Heart
Lismore City Council debated the future of this project on 12 December 2006. Council resolved to proceed with the design of a new building on the Magellan/Keen Street site, which will accommodate the Lismore Regional Gallery and some exhibition space. It was also resolved that the Richmond River Historical Society and Regional Museum would remain at 165 Molesworth Street. Council will provide a lift, additional space downstairs and investigate air-conditioning. [Geoff Foley]

Strategic Review of RRHS at 165 Molesworth Street
Council resolved to commission a Strategic Review of the Society and its needs if it remains at 165 Molesworth Street. Lois Randall, CEO of Arts Northern Rivers, and Peter Wood, also of Arts Northern Rivers, will carry out this review. They have already met with Bernie Childs, Robbie Braithwaite and Geoffrey Foley of RRHS, and with Linda Raymond, Museum adviser. The review will be completed during February 2007. [Geoff Foley]

$25 000 legacy to RRHS
Edward Palmer, a life member of RRHS, who lived at Evans Head and more recently at Ballina, died late in 2006. He bequeathed $25 000 to the Society for general purposes. [Geoff Foley]

Volunteer Small Equipment Grant
The Department of Families, Community Service and Indigenous Affairs has granted $3 000 to RRHS towards the purchase of a laptop computer, data projector and digital camera. These will be particularly useful in recording the Society's activities and collections, and for use for addresses at general meetings and with groups. [Geoff Foley]

Books for Sale
Mrs Dorothy Buckley has kindly given a number of copies of Sword and Lance and Northern Rivers Lancers to RRHS for resale. We are very grateful for this gesture. These two volumes tell the story of cavalry units on the Northern Rivers from the 1880's to the 1940's. They may be purchased from the Society at a cost of $25 each plus postage. [Geoff Foley]

We also have copies of Annette Potts new book about Indian settlement on the North Coast [Richmond River Raga] and of course the late Bill Olley's book on cattle stations [Squatters on the Richmond].

New Display Cases
Four new acrylic display cases, with cabinets to mount them on, have been ordered for the Lifestyle displays and the photography displays. These will enhance the displays and provide greater security. [Geoff Foley]

Special Newsletter this time
This is a special newsletter being sent mainly to local members because of the first item concerning the River Walk Project, and postage will therefore be covered by the Project.

All the best for now.

Margaret Henderson.

Some happy little workers: Margaret, Shirley and Janette!

Bundjalung Yanha display