Historical Society of the Northern Territory Patron: The Hon Austin Asche AC NEWSLETTER APRIL-MAY 2015 NO:79 PO Box 40544, Casuarina NT 0811 Mobile: 0487 413 709 www.historicalsocietynt.org.au Email: hsnt@iinet.net.au Newsletter Editor: Bev Phelts HSNT Committee President: Earl James; Vice President: Bev Phelts; Secretary: Janie Mason; Treasurer: Rosemary Chalmers; others - Brian Reid; Alan Powell; Judy Boland; Clayton Frederickson; Barry Russell; Stephen Hamilton & Matthew Stephen Vice President s Message from Bev Phelts The AGM last Saturday had a very good turnout with twenty members attending. Although a bit warm, we enjoyed the garden atmosphere and the excellent afternoon tea. We thank the lovely National Trust ladies, Anna Harris and Judy Richardson for the delicious food and for volunteering to look after us. Emeritus Professor Don Garden, President of the Federated Australian Historical Societies gave a very informative talk on the role of the FAHS and how the organisation can assist our Society. The FAHS will provide support to the Society in its quest to find suitable accommodation where we can be visibly seen. Our 2015/16 elected committee consist of President: Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary: Councillors: Earl James Bev Phelts Rosemary Chalmers Janie Mason Brian Reid, Alan Powell, Clayton Fredericksen, Judy Boland, Barry Russell, Stephen Hamilton & Matthew Stephen Outgoing are Robyn Smith and Kathy De la Rue. Robyn has kindly offered to remain on one of our sub committees. We welcome back Matthew Stephen to the fold. I thank the outgoing committee for its support this past year. Easter is nearly here, and as for myself, I will be away visiting my grandchildren in Adelaide and my father in Melbourne. I hope you all enjoy your Easter break and take care. 1
HSNT AGM Graham & Kath McMahon & Dr Val Asche photo supplied by Judy Richardson Don Garden & Wendy James 2
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Saturday 11 April to Tuesday 26 May - The National Trust Heritage Festival Contact the NT National Trust for a program Wednesday 22 April at the NT Archives Centre, Kelsey Crescent 5.15pm for 5.30 start Dr Matthew Stephen will be speaking on Smoke Socials, Meat Works and Rebellion: Darwin 1914-1919. A smoke social was held to farewell the first World War 1 contingent of volunteers from the Territory. Matthew will take you back in time to this event and to what the Territory was like at the time. This will be the first in a series of three talks on World War 1 and the Territory. Bookings are required by Tuesday 21 April. Phone 89996890 or email: ntac@nt.gov.au Friday 24 April - National Trust & Historical Society Talk at Burnett House 5.30 for a 6pm start Dr Silvano Jung will be speaking with the title to be announced at a later date. Dr Jung is involved with aviation archeology and research with Charles Darwin University. He is a keen advocate on preserving wreck sites and has instigated important heritage legislation for their protection. Entry: $2 for members, $5 for non-members Telephone enquiries to Julie: 8946 6835 BH, 8927 9459 AH Members and guests are reminded that food and drink cannot be taken inside Burnett House Tuesday 12 May at Charles Darwin University 3-5pm - International Nurses Day & the Launch of The Not So Silent Night The Charles Darwin University Nursing Museum will be celebrating International Nurses Day in the Building Red 1.3 (above the coffee shop). Sue Sayers book: The Not so Silent Night, Cyclone Tracy Stories from Doctors, Nurses and Health Workers, Darwin, December 1974 will be launched. The book will be on sale at the launch price of $25. In addition there will be a celebration of Florence Nightingale s birthday with a small exhibition. The exhibition will feature advice to nurses from Nightingale s Notes on Nursing and Elizabeth Durack s lecture notes. For any queries, contact Janie Mason on 89466385 or Janie.mason@cdu.edu.au 3
2015 Chief Minister s Northern Territory History Book Award The Award was established in 2004. It is presented to the most significant book on Northern Territory history published in 2014 with the primary focus on the contribution that the book has made to the cultural and intellectual life of the Territory. Closing date for entries is 1 April. Entry forms are available for the NT Library or can be downloaded at www.ntl.nt.gov.au Seeking a photo of the Haritos shack/hut on Hudson Beach/Mica Beach This year the Haritos family celebrate their centenary in Darwin. A book on the family will be published and launched at the annual Greek Glenti in June. Helen Haritos is hoping that any members might have a photo of the above which will be included in the book. If you have, please contact Helen. Her contact details are: Phone: 89205176 BH; mobile: 0438 805294 or email: helen.haritos@nlc.org.au or hharitos@bigpond.net.au 4
Highlights from Past Events The Final Albert Borella Ride This remarkable journey for the grandson of Albert Borella ended on Stokes Hill Wharf. Richard Borella and his companions Tim George and Charlie Cloos had covered a 12 day journey, 1100km trek from Tennant Creek. Richard arrived by horse accompanied by the two men he had spent the last 12 days with. Crowds flowed onto the wharf to witness the end of the journey and its official ceremony. The wharf was decorated with vintage cars, motorbikes, a horse and cart, Borella and defence displays; and people dressed in 1915 costumes. Queen Mary2 happened to be in port at the time and made a beautiful backdrop to the colourful displays. The NT Government and organisers are commended for running such an outstanding event. Albert Borella arrives at Stokes Hill Wharf to board the ship SS Aldenham HSNT members, Bev Phelts, Jan Hills & Judy Boland dressed up for the event Darwin High School students 5
Locals readily dressed up to wave goodbye to Borella Queen Mary2 in the background Adam Giles, Chief Minister and Ray Martin, Master of Ceremonies speaking at the official send off ceremony Richard Borella is joined by his mother, Mary and father Rowan at the farewell 6
Ted Ling s Book Launch The launch of Blame and Martyrs: The Commonwealth Government and the Northern Territory Cattle Industry 1911-1978 had an excellent turnout. The HSNT thanks NT Archives Service for supporting the launch and providing the wonderful refreshments Ted with Cathy Flint, Judy Richardson & Alastair Burns Jane Moore & Kathy De La Rue Pearl Ogden & Trevor Horman Col Beard, Alan Powell, Ted & Bev Phelts Francois Barr & Steve Farram Brian Reid, Ted & June Tomlinson 7
Pearl Ogden s Book Launch at the Stan & Audrey Kennon Estate On Friday 13 th March, Pearl s latest book Territorians and their Way of Life was launched by our Lord Mayor, Katrina Fong Lim. Dawn Lawrie was the mistress of ceremonies Katrina Fong Lim launching Pearl s book Katrina with Pearl Ogden Judy Richardson, Don Garden, FAHS president & Judy Boland Wendy James, Katrina Fong Lim & Maisie Austin Janie Mason & Bob Schultze 8