The Port of Yamba Historical Society and Museum held its Annual General Meeting on Friday August 12 in The Old Kirk. We were honoured to have Mayor Ian Tiley as Returning Officer. Mayor Tiley thanked the members for the important role they play in preserving and documenting our local history for prosperity.
It was with great pride President Lesley and Anne Dinham, awarded Judi Greig with Life Membership for her 15 years of volunteer service to the Museum. Mayor Ian Tiley presented Judi with a picture of Yamba’s early lighthouse as Judi and her husband were avid sailors. Judi welcomed visitors to the museum for many years and put in place meticulous training for new front desk volunteers. Now retired from duty we all wish the very best for Judi in her coming years
All the 2021-22 Committee were resolved, and the new 2022-23 Committee elected as President Lesley Pickering, Vice President Gai Pritchett, Secretary Anne Dinham, Treasurer Kerry Hulm, Committee Graham Young, Phil Cousemacker, Brenda Salisbury, Jan Angelo, Margaret Lawrence and Jude McBean. President Lesley Pickering summarised the past 12 months activities, events and visitor statistics. Covid-19 and flooding in our area certainly left an impact with 1000 less visitors. This affects the overall Museum income and moral of volunteers. However, Graham Young was able to steam ahead completing building works, maintenance and security tasks.
Brenda Salisbury spoke of the mammoth task the Collection team have undertaken in sorting and documenting items donated during the past three years. Brenda stressed the importance of information to accompany donated items which then forms part of its story, also how this is documented. The team have applied new computer systems and have commenced a complete audit of the 2300 plus items in the Museum collection. The ‘team’ had also travelled to learn how to properly care for and maintain a collection. This was done with extreme care and a genuine interest in preserving our historic heritage.
Gai Pritchett spoke on publicity and marketing during the past 12 months. Working with the CVC Tourism team on their Instagram sites, local newspapers, Facebook, museum website, newsletters and the new project to be released next month the eNewsletter.
Although our wings were clipped, we managed to hold a number of highly successful exhibitions. Geologist and artist Dr John Jackson enthralled with his talk on how the earth formed, and the creation of the Clarence Valley. So much so we had to put on a second talk to accommodate the high number of interested listeners. The Australian Maritime Museum’s travelling exhibition “Remarkable – Aussies and their Boats” was embellished by a museum volunteer team who included local stories into the exhibition. This incorporated our own Kay Cottee’s remarkable solo sail around the world. Kay’s two talks were also a sell-out, her story was presented with slides from her historic voyage. We are grateful to both Dr Jackson and Kay for donating their ticketing fee to the Museum.
If you are looking to contribute to your community, there are many areas of interest to appeal to you at Yamba Museum. We are always encouraging volunteers and would be thrilled to talk to you, either pop in or contact us at yambamuseumnsw@gmail.com
Gai Pritchett