Heritage projects recognised at glittering awards ceremony

The 2019 National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards were held at the Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane on Tuesday (October 29).

The awards are an acknowledgement of the quality of heritage work that is carried out across Queensland in 2018-2019.

They showcase the entrants’ work, promote best practice approaches, and encourage innovation and collaboration to celebrate the diversity of heritage places in Queensland.

Councillors Karen May and Fran Mann represented council at the awards.

Cr Mann said our volunteer efforts were especially highlighted with awards in two categories.

“The Friends of Greenmount picked up a Silver Award, which is fantastic recognition for this small but dedicated group of volunteers, who all help to make Greenmount a great success.

“Friends of Greenmount volunteer Nicholas McDougall also received an individual Rising Star Award for his outstanding contribution to heritage conservation.

“Nicholas continually seeks new opportunities to promote the Greenmount Homestead and highlight it’s history and significance for Mackay,” Cr Mann said.

The Sarina Field of Dreams received a High Commendation in the Adaptive Re-use category.

Cr Karen May said the vacant Sarina railway station was refurbished to be used as a Visitor Information Centre for the Mackay region.

“This facility is now a bustling hub of activity for the local community and visitors to the Mackay region.”

Also taking out a High Commendation was the ‘After the Storm’ digital story.

January 2018 marked the Centenary of Mackay’s disastrous 1918 cyclone – the region’s most significant natural disaster, devastating the town and claiming 30 lives.

The ‘After the Storm’ project was Mackay Regional Council Libraries’ contribution to the Centenary Exhibition.

Features of ‘After the Storm’ included: a professionally produced digital story titled, ‘Mackay’s 1918 Cyclone’, featuring historical anecdotes by local historians, Berenice Wright and Terry Hayes; a dedicated webpage; over 300 digital images; a HistoryPin page; and a static photographic exhibition.

“It is fantastic to see our projects and people recognised for their efforts in helping conserve and promote heritage in the Mackay region,” Cr May said.