Each attendee who has a relation to someone buried in Pioneer Park wore a brooch to symbolise their connection.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The Pioneer Library, home to the Seymour and District Historical Society, was a full house on Wednesday, August 26 as community members came together to celebrate the launch of a groundbreaking book.
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Aside from her regular duties at the society, local historian Nancy Halpin has been kept busy with a publication venture, turning Seymour’s history into a physical, glossy book.
The book, which details the stories of a number of people buried in Pioneer Park, is the result of Ms Halpin’s tireless research and dedication.
Seymour Historical Society life members Geoff and Nancy Halpin, and Tony Wallis, celebrated the launch with Mitchell Shire councillors Andrea Pace, Ned Jeffery and Mayor John Dougall.
Photo by
Billie Davern
She said it was also made possible with the support of one individual, who had chosen to remain anonymous.
“It took a long time. It got put to bed many times,” Ms Halpin said.
“It probably would have still been sitting in a drawer if it wasn’t for one person, and it was through his encouragement and help that the book is where it is today.
“I’m really grateful and indebted to him for doing that, he’s been a great support.”
Avid historian Nancy Halpin was pleased with the support from the community.
Photo by
Billie Davern
With countless hours pouring into the book’s creation, Ms Halpin was in awe when it had finally been printed and was ready to be distributed throughout the community.
“I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t believe it when the girl from where we had it printed rang and said it was ready to go,” Ms Halpin said.
“I just hope people enjoy reading it.”
Geoff Halpin, Tony Wallis and Nancy Halpin toast the official launch of the book.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The book was officially launched at the historical society, with society members, community groups and locals coming together to celebrate Ms Halpin’s work.
Mitchell Shire North Ward councillors Andrea Pace, Ned Jeffery and Mayor John Dougall also attended the launch, with the latter delivering a speech to congratulate Ms Halpin on her achievement.
A large group of individuals with relation to a person, or people, buried in Pioneer Park were also in attendance, and honoured their connection to the Seymour site by wearing a brooch handed out by the historical society.
The book details the history of those buried in Seymour’s Pioneer Park.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Ms Halpin said she was grateful to all of the people who attended.
“It means a lot,” she said.
“It means, to me, that people in Seymour really care about their history, and that’s why I put the book together — to give people an insight into who was in there and some of their stories.
“(These stories) can now be passed onto their grandchildren and through to future generations.”
