Local
Heroes on Show
Some of the figures were past or present loca lidentities others did not relate directly to Queanbeyan but were made by local residents. An exhibition of the figures was held in the Queanbeyan City Council Library from 8 October to 17 October 2001.
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Following
the local exhibition, all the figures travelled to Canberra
and were among the almost 5,000 Australian
heroes represented
in the
Peoplescape exhibition on the slopes of Parliament House from 25 November
to 4 December 2001.
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| May Walker,
a long-time Queanbeyan teacher made by students from her former school,
Queanbeyan Public School. Alyson Beltrane and Joy Cross, local Aboriginal Artists made by Queanbeyan South School. Sister Margaret Campbell, a Queanbeyan nurse made by Don Campbell and members of his family. Chris Christian, an agricultural scientist with CSIRO made by his descendant Carol MacKay. Connee Colleen, President of HAPI made by her son Owen Cameron. Heather Donohoe, a long time Queanbeyan resident made by her daughter Heather McNally. John Gale, a newspaper editor who championed the building of the National Capital in this area made by Gillian Kelly and Queanbeyan West Primary school children. Ken Helm, winemaker and former Mayor of Yass made by Robert Joshua for the Viticultural Society of Southern Tablelands of NSW Henry McInnes, World War I veteran made by Alby McInnes and friends. Jean Scott, a Land Army Girl in World War II made by Liz Palmer. Humphrey John Wainwright, an early lace maker in the area made by Gillian Kelly, Australian Society of the Lacemakers of Calais. |
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For more information on some of these historic figures click on the names below.
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Nominated by Gillian Kelly - NSW - Nominated and made by Queanbeyan West Primary School. The following text was submitted to "Peoplescape" to support the makers' nomination for John Gale
John Gale was an early settler in the district who had the vision of a city on the Limestone Plains in the mid-late 1800's. He owned the Golden Age, later to be renamed the Queanbeyan Age and through his paper promoted the concept of this area being the ideal site for the National Capital. A committee was formed, and of course, in the end, their bid won.
As a school and town we feel fairly strongly that there is little recognition given to the reasons for the establishment of the National Capital here - just take a look at the superb exhibition at Regatta Point and you will see what I mean.
Nominated by Queanbeyan City Council and made by Queanbeyan Public School. The following text was submitted to "Peoplescape" to support the makers' nomination for May Walker
The Walker family wee part of Queanbeyan's history from 1961 when May Walker's grandfather Samuel Walker opened his store in the city. It was here that Edith May Leonard Walker was born in 1885. In 1902 Miss Walker's decision to become a teacher necessitated her Leaving Queanbeyan for training and she subsequently taught in many parts of NSW> She returned 20 years later, when she was appointed to the staff of the Queanbeyan Public School in 1922. Stories abound about the tiny lady referred to as the Miss Dove of Queanbeyan in reference to a famous teacher in a movie. The name suited her both in terms of her work as a teacher and in her refinement and gentleness in all avenues of her life. Although students from QPS also remember Miss Walker as having a tennis ball which was thrown when they weren't paying attention. Miss Walker retired from teacher in 1946. The shortage of teachers during the war enabled her to teach until she was 71 years of age. Miss Walker had been a teacher for 54 years and 34 were in her home town of Queanbeyan at QPS where she had also been a student. In later life Miss Walker also served as the Methodist Church Organist for 15 years.
Local Historian Errol LeaScarlett writes that Miss Walker was the best known old identity of Queanbeyan in the 1960's and early 1970's and never missed the opportunity of making a friend during her 90 years. She left behind a great many to remember her and to continue to profit from having known her. Not only by profession but by nature too, she was a teacher and her relinquishing of classroom duties merely provided her with more opportunity for the exercise of her gentle influence as she moved about the town. Miss Walker's influence can readily be measured in a small town like Queanbeyan, where she would have been in contact with generations of people over her lifetime in her career role as a teacher and in her private and social life. At the recent Queanbeyan Public School reunion the most mentioned name was that of Miss May Walker. Everyone had fond memories, respect and admiration for her.
Nominated by Queanbeyan City Council Centenary of Federation Committee and made by the Campbell family. The following text was submitted to "Peoplescape" to support the makers' nomination for Sister Campbell.
Margaret Campbell arrived in Canberra in 1926. Newly married she came over from Perth to attend the Opening of Parliament in the following year and stayed on to become one of the original Canberra Midwives. Coming from Margaret River Hospital where she was the first Matron, to work in the camps of Canberra was a brave step for a young 26 year old who had trained in the Royal Perth Hospital. She soon became involved in delivering the babies of the early mothers who mainly had their children at home, be it under tentage or in the workers' accommodation. The lack of facilities was overcome by Margaret and her contemporaries as their equipment including sheets, binds and sterilizing equipment was carried in a large suitcase which become a trademark. Margaret teamed up with Phyllis Corkhill (daughter of pioneers Catherine and Robert Corkhill) and moved to Queanbeyan in 1936. Here they opened the Lonnen Private Hospital and commenced their service tot he people of Queanbeyan. As the depression was still having its effect, the hospital soon became a refuge for those out of work and a daily issue of sandwiches became routine.
Margaret Campbell became known as Cam or Sister Campbell to the people of Queanbeyan. With the declaration of war, Sister Campbell worked long hours overcoming difficulties of staff shortages and rationing. Sister Campbell continued to serve the people of the Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Captains Flat and Michelago even when her won health was failing. Sister Margaret Campbell was awarded The British Empire Medal by Sir Roden Cutler VC in recognition of her valuable contribution to the community.
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