A new committee of 10 members was elected at the AGM of the Port of Yamba Historical Society on Friday August 9. Society members were enthusiastic in their welcoming applause and expressions of confidence. There are three changes from the previous committee – the new president Lesley Pickering has taken on the leadership role from former long-standing president Marea Buist who has retired; Graeme East has become vice president; and former Yamba business owner Mary Drum has volunteered her time and skills for the first time.
The 2019/2020 PYHS committee: president – Lesley Pickering; vice president – Graeme East; secretary – Anne Dinham; treasurer – Kerry Hulm; Jan Angelo; Mary Drum; Margaret Lawrence; Bev Mansfield; Brenda Salisbury; Barbara Whale.
The AGM was a special occasion in acknowledging the outstanding contribution to the Society over 20 years by Marea Buist and her husband Bob. A very warm and comprehensive tribute was given by Gary Whale who detailed Marea’s involvement from 1999 with the bicentenary of Matthew Flinders’ arrival to her work as curator, then president in 2006 and the subsequent success of numerous exhibitions, and well-deserved regional and state level praise. Gary highlighted Marea’s foresight in getting funding for the old Presbyterian Church to be moved onto the museum precinct site:
“Through Marea’s submissions and persistence, The Old Kirk has become the cultural hub of Yamba with Museum exhibitions, local art exhibitions and concerts and film nights. She rightly describes it as one of her major achievements.”
The Old Kirk will be the focus for the new committee’s first event on Saturday September 7 from 12 noon when two Melbourne Cups will be on display. With support from the Victorian Racing Club and the Myers of Yulgilbar Castle, tickets at $50 per person are selling steadily at the Museum’s front desk or from Eventbrite on the Museum’s website. The cost includes lunch from Yamba’s Karrikin restaurant, a glass of bubbly, interview with a winning Cup jockey or trainer, a film on the making of the cup, a special appearance by the chairman of the Victorian Racing Club, Amanda Elliott, and the chance to be photographed holding the Cup – wearing white gloves! Don’t miss out on viewing $400,000 worth of gold.
Lesley Pickering