Gunnedah & District Historical Society stalwarts Bob Leister and Shirley Coote and Esther and Don Underwood were recently honoured with life membership in recognition of their enormous contribution to the society in many different ways.
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Bob Leister has served as president for the past 13 years and is a wealth of local knowledge, while Shirley Coote has served many terms as treasurer and is heavily involved in family history.
In 1996, Mrs Coote launched her book Gunnedah's Lost Folks (Resting in Hunter Street Cemetery and Some Unknown Places), after researching and recording every grave at the Hunter Street cemetery. This book has become invaluable as a family history resource tool.
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Esther and Don Underwood are quiet "behind-the-scenes" members who take on many tasks involving the displays and hanging of framed material. Their contribution to the excellent signage and placement of framed items and memorabilia is immeasurable.
Life membership certificates were presented by vice-president Kay Wilson at the society's annual general meeting. Everyone agreed that the honour was well deserved.
In his annual report, Bob Leister reflected on a very busy and successful year for the society, with the launch of the Vietnam Veteran murals on Anzac Day a highlight.
Visitor numbers have increased almost 500 per cent since the murals were listed on the Australian Silo Art Trail.
The mural project was a finalist in the prestigious Australian Street Art Awards. This has had a positive spin-off for the local community with travellers stopping to see the town while they are here.
The society is in the process of sourcing funding to have a third mural added to the eastern wall. The whole museum will then be UV coated to preserve the amazing art works by Jenny McCracken from Zest Events International.
The society was also involved in the 140 Years of Rail celebration in September and received the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day award in the community organisation/Community event category.
During the meeting a new constitution was adopted and Bob Leister was returned as president with Kay Wilson as vice-president. Marie Hobson was elected secretary with Alan Barker retaining the treasurer's position. Colin Rosewell was elected to the committee position.
The society is always on the lookout for new members and would welcome anyone interested in helping to preserve the town's history. Meetings are held at the museum on the third Monday of the month at 10am.