The 2024 Lesley Muir Address
The 2024 Lesley Muir Address
Writing a ‘Local’ History of Australia
The 2024 Lesley Muir Address will be presented during the 2024 RAHS Conference at Campbelltown by Emeritus Professor Mark McKenna FAHA.
In early 2022, Mark McKenna set out to write a short history of Australia, which will be published late next year by Black Inc. In this year’s Lesley Muir Address, he will explain how local history will form the foundation of his history of Australia.
All too often, history is filed according to its geographical span – local, regional, state, national or global – as if certain histories are only of interest to certain readers. But how can we challenge and enlarge our view of Australian history by dismantling these boundaries? And how might close observation of local history help to radically shift our understanding of the writing of Australian history?
Mark McKenna is one of Australia’s leading historians. He is Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney and the Australian National University. He is the author of several prize-winning books, including From the Edge: Australia’s Lost Histories, Looking for Blackfellas’ Point and An Eye for Eternity: The Life of Manning Clark, which won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for nonfiction and the Victorian, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian premiers’ awards. His latest book, Return to Uluru, won the Northern Territory History Prize and was shortlisted for the Australian History Prize in the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
Learn more about the Lesley Muir Address and past addresses.
Find out more about the 2024 RAHS Conference at Campbelltown.
For his commitment and service since 2003. Murray has served as Membership Officer and Secretary since 2020. Through his generosity and dedication, Murray has raised significant funds by selling, collecting and recycling discarded and donated items. His attendance, advocacy, and support for the museum, its committee, and its members have inspired everyone within the Society. The Society acknowledges and appreciates Murray’s continuous and selfless contributions and dedicated service.
For her commitment and service since 2018. In 2020, Sarah was elected to the committee and appointed Publicity Officer. She manages the Society’s social media and, as part of a sub-committee, recently upgraded the website and oversees its ongoing maintenance. Her recent publication, 75 Treasures: Celebrating 75 years of the Bathurst District Historical Society, has been well received by local historians. The Society’s members appreciate Sarah’s invaluable and worthwhile contributions.
For her commitment and service since 2003. Marnie has served as Secretary since 2005 and organises events and activities. She is involved with the recording and cataloguing of the museum collection. Her displays in the museum and support for fundraising events have always been appreciated. Marnie’s caring involvement also extends to her local community. The Museum acknowledges Marnie’s longstanding participation and enthusiasm throughout the years.
For her commitment, enthusiasm and outstanding service to the Society and its museum since 2006. Sylvia’s tasks since 2007 have included preparing volunteer rosters, training volunteers and maintaining the museum’s grounds and gardens. As a sub-committee member, she performs counter duties and museum cleaning and assists with group bookings and functions. The Society recognises Sylvia’s significant contributions, local knowledge and cheerful manner.
For his commitment and contributions since 2010. John currently serves as Museum Manager, attending to the archives and museum, arranging group bookings, functions and promotions, and welcoming visitors. His many hours supporting the Society and other volunteers, instructing new members, having reliable attendance, and being able to sort out problems with a good sense of humour and patience are well received. He is passionate about passing on Berrima’s history to all visitors. John’s tireless efforts and dedication are worthy of the Society’s recognition and praise.
For his commitment and service since 2001. Peter’s research into Greek heritage in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales has resulted in a website and two publications. Peter has also written on the history of Mullumbimby for the Society. Since 2010, he has written and compiled the Society’s newsletter and researched relevant local information. Peter has also assisted in maintaining and conserving the Society’s exhibits and park grounds and helped with the clean-up after the 2022 floods. The Society and the community recognise and appreciate Peter’s worthwhile contributions.
For her longstanding commitment and service since joining COSHA as a foundation member in 2000. Currently in her nineteenth year as President, Beverley has also served as Treasurer, General Secretary and Minutes Secretary. She organises the events, liaises with the presenters, maintains the website and social media, and chairs the monthly meetings. The Association acknowledges Beverley’s invaluable work and outstanding achievements. Her diligence and ethical management in these roles, and with assistance from members of its executive team, have ensured COSHA’s continuing success.
For his invaluable contributions over two decades with COSHA. John served as Newsletter Editor from 2007 to 2019 and as Treasurer and Membership Officer for the last four years. He continues to organise the printing and distribution of the newsletter. His commitment to members ensured they received their newsletter, their main form of interaction and communication during the lockdown restrictions of 2020–2021. John’s monitoring and management of finances and memberships are invaluable to the Association’s continuing success.
For her commitment and service since 2018. Sue is a researcher, script editor, historian and speaker. She has volunteered for the Addison Road Community Organisation and has worked with the Addison Road Army Depot veterans. Sue’s published work has contributed to the history of Sydney and the Marrickville area. An ardent supporter of local and state libraries and archives, she has been vocal and proactive in lobbying for improved and accessible local study resources. The Society acknowledges Sue’s work as a promoter of local history.
For her commitment and service since 2014. Ronda’s contributions include guiding tours and presenting talks to members and other heritage groups. Since 2015, she worked as a Hambledon Cottage Guide and is involved with the Parramatta Female Factory Friends, serving as Secretary, Editor and Publicity Officer. Ronda has also been a Parramatta Heritage Partners Secretary since 2017. The Society recognises Ronda’s dedication to local and community history.
For her contribution to the RAHS website and for supporting RAHS operational activities. Jessica initially joined the RAHS as a Macquarie University intern. She worked with RAHS staff and Councillors to deliver the website 
RAHS Affiliated Societies are crucial in promoting local and community history throughout New South Wales. Has one of your members made an outstanding contribution to your historical society? Why not consider nominating them for the Certificate of Achievement award?
As the RAHS embarks on a new chapter in the history of its Journal, I want to express our appreciation for the incredible work and dedication of the previous editorial team. Adjunct Associate Professor Carol Liston AO edited the Journal from mid-2002 to 2022. Under Carol Liston’s guidance, the Journal has flourished, offering an important platform for historical research and scholarly discourse. For more than 10 years, Joy Hughes has proofread the articles, corrected historical inaccuracies, spent hours amending hundreds of reference notes and followed up elusive citations at the Mitchell Library and the NSW State Archives. Joy Hughes’ commitment and precision have left an indelible mark on the Journal, and we recognise her invaluable role in ensuring the excellence of its content. We also extend our utmost gratitude to Bruce Pollock, our Production Editor, who will be continuing in this role, for his meticulous attention to detail. We acknowledge and thank Donna Newton for her ongoing assistance in the production of the Journal over many years, in particular in locating suitable images to accompany the articles and in managing the despatch and return of the books for the reviews.
The RAHS would like to offer condolences to those close to Queen Elizabeth II who are experiencing a profound personal loss at her death. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, the late Queen will be remembered for her enormous dedication to the role she performed for more than seventy years.
