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STATE AWARD FOR CHS & CAIRNS MUSEUM

SOCIETY NEWS: 15 JUNE 2016

2016 JOHN OXLEY LIBRARY COMMUNITY HERITAGE AWARD

 

The Cairns Historical Society has won the prestigious John Oxley Library Community History Award for 2016.

The award recognises excellence and innovation in the preservation, recording and sharing of Queensland history by community organisations. It is open to any community-based organisation in Queensland and it is the first time it has been awarded to a North Queensland organisation.

Judges noted that despite the closure of the Society’s premises, the Society had maintained its commitment to bringing the stories of Cairns and its region to life, through its Museum programs, Library and archive, photographic collection, Society publications and newly developed web portal.

The award is focussed on organisations that work effectively to communicate local history in a range of platforms and formats.

The judges also commended the support of Cairns Regional Council and the Society’s members in enabling the Society to grow and strengthen its role in caring for, and providing access to, significant resources and collections relevant to far north Queensland.

Society President Clive Skarott says the award as a recognition for the work of the Society’s volunteers over the organisation’s 60 years of history in Cairns.

Pauline O’Keeffe and Dr Dawn May travelled to Brisbane to accept the award on the Society’s behalf.

Ms O’Keeffe told the audience that the Society was built on solid foundations, with 60 years of volunteer physical and intellectual effort in collecting, conserving and presenting the history and heritage of Cairns and the region.

But she said the Society is also looking to the future

“We are now planning for the next era with the move back into the School of Arts building, a brand new museum and greatly improved facilities and premises, made possible by our partnership with Cairns Regional Council. Watch this space!”

The Society thanks the John Oxley Library for the honour of the 2016 award and for its recognition of the valuable contribution volunteer organisations make to the preservation of Queensland history and heritage.

Find out more about the JOL Awards here:

http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/awards/qmawards/jchaward

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