Let’s celebrate Landsborough

By Sonia Isaacs

THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of the Landsborough and District Historical Society, a volunteer led organisation established in 1973 to research, collect, collate, and conserve documents, artifacts, photographs, and stories that capture the history of the region.

This impressive milestone is a testament to the hundreds of volunteers who have contributed their time, energy, and expertise over the years to create a successful and vibrant community heritage organisation.

The very first meeting of what was then known as the Shire of Landsborough Historical Society occurred on October 19, 1973.

Over the following few years, plans were made to establish a local headquarters and museum, and a lease for the old Landsborough Shire Council Chambers from (what was then called the Caloundra Shire Council) was subsequently secured.

The building provided a base for the Historical Society, and a space to exhibit and store their rapidly growing collection of memorabilia, objects, and research material.

In April 1976, the Landsborough and District Historical Society officially opened the Landsborough Museum, and for the next 45 years, their volunteers managed the heritage listed museum and cared for the collection.

Over the years, tasks of the Society have included publishing newsletters, opening the resource library to the public, and compiling genealogical information on local pioneers of the area.

In recent years, the Society have produced a number of major exhibitions that showcase the stories of the Sunshine Coast. Current Landsborough and District Historical Society President Graeme Goss said it was a remarkable achievement for a community organisation to run continuously for 50 years and he credited the commitment of the members, some of who like Gwen Davis have been involved for over 20 years. He said the society would be continuing to focus on researching local heritage and providing volunteers to the museum. “Anyone with an interest in local history is more than welcome to join the society or volunteer on the committee. We are proud we are of this area, and a part of the stories that make up the history of our community and we look forward to continuing to tell those stories for many years to come,” Mr Goss said.

Long term volunteer Rosey Fields has been busy behind the scenes putting together information about the history of the Society which will be featured in displays at the museum.

To mark the 50 year milestone and to relaunch the Landsborough Historic Museum as a free council managed facility; a special street festival will be held on Saturday, May 13.

Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said the street festival was also a celebration all the volunteers who had helped maintain and interpret the museum and its collections and who continue to play an important role in helping provide support and research advice to the museum and the community.

“The Landsborough and District Historical Society has made such a wonderful contribution to the region’s heritage over the past five decades. It is only because of the dedication and research of these volunteers, and their predecessors, that the significant collection of more than 14,000 objects is catalogued, allowing us to interpret, continue to collect and share these incredible local stories,” Cr. Baberowski said.

LANDSBOROUGH STREET FESTIVAL: Free Saturday, May 13 from 10am to 2pm Heart of Landsorough Heritage talks, classic cars, live music, exhibitions, cake, food, storytelling and more.