About Us
What we do
The Mackay Historical Society is the region's longest established history research group. For many years the society was based at the historic Greenmount Homestead near Walkerston before moving to the Mackay Museum at 4 Casey Avenue, South Mackay.
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The Mackay Museum was established by Mackay Historical Society in 2004. The museum and collection are now owned and operated by Mackay Regional Council. It is one of four council-owned museums including Greenmount Homestead, Sarina Museum, and Pioneer Valley Museum (Mirani).
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Mackay Historical Society operates from Mackay Museum and researches the history of Mackay and the surrounding district. We also help answer inquiries for historical information or photographs of Mackay and the surrounding district. Note use and supply of photographs may be subject to copyright clearance by Mackay Regional Council.
Items in the Mackay Regional Council Museum Collection include original documents, parish and subdivision maps, photographs and objects. The Mackay Historical Society archives hold local history books, newspaper articles and supplements. We also have a limited number of biographies and obituaries of well-known locals. Part of our work has also included researching and writing several local history books.
Celebrating 50 years in 2022
On Sunday, August 14, 2022, more than 20 current and former members, patrons and supporters attended the Mackay Historical Societies 50th anniversary lunch.
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​The event celebrated 50 years since the Mackay Historical Society was formed at a meeting held at the Australian Sugar Producers Association Board Room (since demolished) in Wood Street on August 10, 1972.
The ASPA Board Room site, is now occupied by the current Westpac Bank at the corner of Victoria and Wood Streets.
Following the lunch, Historical Society Member, Steven Pritchard opened the official proceedings, which was followed by Vice President Danielle Jesser reading the first meeting’s minutes.
Lawrence Bonaventura, Helen Martin and Wayne Miller then shared their memories of their time with the society and memories from member Terry Abbott were also read.
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Helen Martin, currently the societies longest serving member, and society treasurer was also to read a list of former and current presidents that had occupied the position since the societies formation.