Wauchope District Historical Society (WDHS) was started by women who, like Wendy, were descendants of the pioneers who settled the area. In the face of progress – apt to often annihilate the past – they decided to save the stories and artefacts from the beginning of the hinterland’s history, including the rich heritage of the Birpai, who, with thousands of years of connection, are still a vital part of the country.

Of the present committee, only one, our stalwart Jeannette Rainbow, is not a recent arrival, though having discovered Wauchope and the hinterland, the rest of us are determined to stay. At the AGM on 15 August in the library, a new president and committee will be elected.

The difficulties facing WDHS are well known to readers of the Gazette. We have been trying to find somewhere to relocate our heritage-listed church building. It now sits neglected, deteriorating and unavailable to the society. We have storage under Wauchope library for photographs, files, and smaller artefacts, kindly provided by PMHC.

We have a vast archival records that are crying out for a suitable repository where they can be curated, made accessible to the public and safely preserved for the future. These are unique to the people who live here and are the true soul of the community. After a campaign to save the 100-year-old school building on the corner of Campbell and Waugh Streets, we have been offered the chance to move it. There is, as yet, no site available.

Wauchope is doing well as a shopping destination. To really thrive, it needs to offer visitors and tourists interesting things to do in the vicinity. A hinterland museum, telling the stories unique to Wauchope, would be a great drawcard.

Such a museum would promote the town’s sense of community, while preserving its history for future generations. If no-one cares, all will be lost. The school building could house a museum and provide space for workshops and many community activities not presently able to be accommodated in existing spaces.

The fight is not over yet. While some WDHS committee members are retiring from the fray, WDHS needs new blood; those with the pioneer blood running through their veins, like Wendy Wallis, will be welcomed with open arms. WDHS needs to hear their suggestions for solution of present problems and be given their enthusiastic support.

September sees the Bicentenary of John Oxley’s 1818 expedition. The trek from Mount Seaview to the coast at the ‘disemboguement of the Hastings’ will be commemorated in fine style. All are invited to be part of it.

As well, all interested in Wauchope’s history are invited to join WDHS. Bring your ancestors’ fighting spirit to the adversities that now confront the hinterland! Wendy, please come with your friends. Be part of making the future for Wauchope, your children and your children’s children. See you at the library on August 15.

Jean Hegarty (Retiring President, Wauchope District Historical Society) 

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