The Lower Burdekin Historical Society was inaugurated on 15 November 1967 with approximately 80 members from Ayr and Home Hill. Inaugural committee members included Bill and Isobel Cislowski, John Hawkins, Robert Collins, Ray Menkens, Allan and Jess Ey, J. Bessel, Ray and Margaret Conley, and Sandra Cameron.
The Society researched the history of the Lower Burdekin, from early exploration and settlement in the 1860s to the establishment of industry and business. Wherever possible, members visited both nearby and remote areas, marking and recording historical sites and milestones. Among the many locations documented were the MacMillan Bridge between Millaroo and Dalbeg, Airville School and the James Morrill Memorial Stone, Airdmillan Mill on Burstall Road, Inkerman Station’s centenary site, Plantation Creek Wharf, Airdmillan and Barratta Wharf, lone graves at Clare, the Burdekin’s original river-road crossing and Telegraph Station, Ayr Railway Station, Inkerman Bridge, Home Hill Courthouse, Post Office and Railway Station, the first Home Hill Cemetery, and Cape Upstart during bicentenary celebrations.
The Society’s extensive photographic collection is now housed at the Burdekin Library. In 2004, a display at the Power Station Museum in Home Hill recognised the Inkerman Irrigation Scheme and Power House. In 2007, the Bridging the Gap display and book commemorated the jubilee of the Burdekin High Level Bridge, and in 2015 the centenary of Home Hill was celebrated with an exhibition. These efforts were made possible through the tireless work of members including Graeme Haller, Herb Lennox, Jim and Jewel Gist, Jan Wallace, Loretta Liessmann, and others.
The Burdekin Shire History: Black Snow and Liquid Gold by historian John D. Kerr was compiled with assistance from Society members. John Drysdale’s Dream and Mastering the Dream, written by Laura A. Scott, marked the centenary of Home Hill. Laura Scott and Glenis Cislowski also contributed significantly to recording and sharing the region’s history through the local media—an endeavour Glenis continues to this day.
The Society’s most recent active members included Kevin “Rusty” Armstrong, Doreen and Arthur Berryman, Harold and Glenis Cislowski, Jim and Jewel Gist, Graeme Haller, John Hawkins, Herb Lennox, Loretta Liessmann, Trina List, Ray and Rosemary Menkens, Roy and Karen Page, Blair and Laura Scott, Don Thomson, and Bill and Jan Wallace.
The Lower Burdekin Historical Society Inc. was officially disbanded on 30 June 2023. At that time, it was resolved that the Society’s remaining funds should stay within the Burdekin. In recognition of the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists' ongoing work, these funds were donated to the organisation.
The decision to contribute $8000 towards the display of the Inkerman No. 1 locomotive stands as a fitting legacy for the Society. On Monday 7 July, Bruce Munro, President of the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists, gratefully accepted the donation from former Society secretary Laura Scott and president Trina List. Members and guests enjoyed a morning tea at the Brandon Historic Precinct to mark the occasion.
Contributed with thanks to Fiona Scott
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
