Hidden in a picturesque Surfers Paradise side-street, unpaid helpers at the Gold Coast and Hinterland Historical Society work tirelessly to preserve local history. However, senior volunteers warn Gold Coast history is under threat of disappearing, advising it may never be recovered if this occurs.
Former Historical Society President and fourth-generation Gold Coaster Bob Nancarrow believes ignorance poses the greatest danger, explaining many residents are unaware the Gold Coast even has a history.
“When I say my family’s been here since 1880, they take about five steps back and look at me and say ‘you’re joking’,” he laughs.
Actually, Bob explains the Gold Coast possesses a diverse, fascinating history. He adds the volunteer-run museum is …show more content…
“Don’t leave old photos to your kids, because they’ll throw them in the tip,” he advises.
Bob confirms the museum has received fewer artefacts lately, explaining many discarded items are irreplaceable, meaning the Gold Coast irrevocably loses segments of history. “A lot of the stuff they throw out can’t be replaced. Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” he sighs.
Consequently, each volunteer feels obliged to preserve Gold Coast history – because if they don’t, no one will. Even so, their dedication belies long-term concerns, as most volunteers are retirees, and cannot fulfil their duties indefinitely.
Yet, according to Elizabeth, younger volunteers are not emerging.
“We’re all getting on in ages, and we don’t have a younger group that’s interested enough, or don’t have the time enough,” she declares. “It’s very, very hard to get young people interested,” Bob concurs.
Nevertheless, founder of ‘Have you seen the old Gold Coast’ Karen Wright, whose popular Facebook page posts historical Gold Coast photographs, reassures interest in history exists among younger …show more content…
“[Kids] get very excited by various artefacts, like the guns, and the cottage,” she says.
Bob’s assessment is more reserved, although he acknowledges slight progress.
“Kids probably are getting a little bit more interested, but there’s still a long way to go,” he summarises.
Nonetheless, John laments the fact recent generations have not received local historical education. “The older [kids] still know nothing about the Gold Coast, or very little about the Gold Coast,” he explains.
Considerations naturally turn to the future, with John and Bob suggesting the council will run the museum if volunteer operation becomes unsustainable. Still, John clarifies this will not occur under the current council.
“This council’s totally pro-development, they’re not interested in history at all,” he asserts.
Bob reflects a council takeover would reap many benefits, but also fundamentally alter the museum, erasing its unique, volunteer-run allure.
“The way we have to run something is very, very different to the way they might run it,” he
Former Historical Society President and fourth-generation Gold Coaster Bob Nancarrow believes ignorance poses the greatest danger, explaining many residents are unaware the Gold Coast even has a history.
“When I say my family’s been here since 1880, they take about five steps back and look at me and say ‘you’re joking’,” he laughs.
Actually, Bob explains the Gold Coast possesses a diverse, fascinating history. He adds the volunteer-run museum is …show more content…
“Don’t leave old photos to your kids, because they’ll throw them in the tip,” he advises.
Bob confirms the museum has received fewer artefacts lately, explaining many discarded items are irreplaceable, meaning the Gold Coast irrevocably loses segments of history. “A lot of the stuff they throw out can’t be replaced. Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” he sighs.
Consequently, each volunteer feels obliged to preserve Gold Coast history – because if they don’t, no one will. Even so, their dedication belies long-term concerns, as most volunteers are retirees, and cannot fulfil their duties indefinitely.
Yet, according to Elizabeth, younger volunteers are not emerging.
“We’re all getting on in ages, and we don’t have a younger group that’s interested enough, or don’t have the time enough,” she declares. “It’s very, very hard to get young people interested,” Bob concurs.
Nevertheless, founder of ‘Have you seen the old Gold Coast’ Karen Wright, whose popular Facebook page posts historical Gold Coast photographs, reassures interest in history exists among younger …show more content…
“[Kids] get very excited by various artefacts, like the guns, and the cottage,” she says.
Bob’s assessment is more reserved, although he acknowledges slight progress.
“Kids probably are getting a little bit more interested, but there’s still a long way to go,” he summarises.
Nonetheless, John laments the fact recent generations have not received local historical education. “The older [kids] still know nothing about the Gold Coast, or very little about the Gold Coast,” he explains.
Considerations naturally turn to the future, with John and Bob suggesting the council will run the museum if volunteer operation becomes unsustainable. Still, John clarifies this will not occur under the current council.
“This council’s totally pro-development, they’re not interested in history at all,” he asserts.
Bob reflects a council takeover would reap many benefits, but also fundamentally alter the museum, erasing its unique, volunteer-run allure.
“The way we have to run something is very, very different to the way they might run it,” he