Maurice Shadbolt, William Malone and Chunuk Bair

 

School of Humanities and Social Science,
The University of Newcastle
2012, Semester 1

Held in the Cultural Collections (near the Information Desk)
Level 2, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus

Friday 18^th May, 10:00am, followed by morning tea

 Dr James Bennett

School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Newcastle University

‘Maurice Shadbolt, William Malone and Chunuk Bair:  Gallipoli and late 20^th century New Zealand cultural nationalist productions’

With some notable exceptions, representations of Gallipoli (especially popular ones) have long been confined to singular national (and nationalistic) interpretations of the campaign that are typically built around the elevation of mythology, national identity and sentiment. Peter Weir’s 1981 feature film, Gallipoli, a near classic version of the Anzac legend, is perhaps the most influential text ever on this historical turning point.

Given the audience’s familiarity with Weir’s feature film, the paper will introduce it as a comparative anchor for the discussion around Maurice Shadbolt, architect of a cultural nationalist moment in 1980s New Zealand. Particular emphasis will be given to Shadbolt’s dramatic 1982 stage play, Once on Chunuk Bair, and his related writings from other genres on the First World War. The 1991 adaptation of the play into a low budget feature film will also be briefly considered. The paper will interrogate Shadbolt’s motivation for this incisive intervention in New Zealand public life, situating it in an era when the nation was transitioning to decolonisation and cultural independence.

In order to place discussion of Gallipoli and cultural nationalism in a broader context, the presenter will also briefly speak to the issue of a key shift in Gallipoli studies over the past decade underpinned by a growing body of revisionist historical scholarship on the campaign. This work informs two significant transnational documentaries made to mark the occasion of the 90^th anniversary in 2005. Both are important tools in helping us to transcend the national paradigm and to rethink the campaign in more holistic and complex ways.

Broadmeadow Roundhouse

Cultural Collections Seminar Cultural Collections Reading Room Level 2, Auchmuty Library The University of Newcastle Friday 18 November 2011 10am- 11am (followed by morning tea) Broadmeadow Roundhouse Shane Blatchford Shane has worked at both Broadmeadow and Cardiff Locomotive Depots. He will be sharing his experiences and stories of the people behind the railway that made it run. He will also cover the history of the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot. RSVP: Brenda.Sullivan@newcastle.edu.au or 02 49215824

Climate archive to help predict extreme weather events

Algernon Belfield's 1882 Meteorological Observing Book for the year 1882

Click Here to View Images from the Belfield Ceremony 9th March 2011 on Flickr

Historic climate data never before used by researchers may provide the key to helping communities better prepare for extreme weather events, such as the recent Queensland floods.

The data, collected between 1877 and 1907, by a New England pastoralist, will be used by University of Newcastle researchers to map the future climate of the region.

“The Bureau of Meteorology did not start collecting detailed, official climate data in the New England area until 1961,” University meteorologist Martin Babakhan said.

Sample page from the 1882 Meteorological Observing Book

“This data could be applied to create an early warning system to help climatologists and meteorologists better predict the extreme weather events that we have seen across Australia in the last six to 12 months.

“The information is extremely detailed and will help fill significant gaps in knowledge, and when applied to computerised climate modelling, will help us better predict climate and weather events in that region.”

The research will help predict adverse and beneficial climate events for the agriculture industry, as well as for planning, development and business investment in rural and regional areas.

“Climate management is all about knowledge. With this information we can understand why and how our climate is changing and the likely impacts, which are vital to better understand the climate of tomorrow,” Mr Babakhan said.

Sample page from Belfield's 1877 Meteorological Observing Book

Sample page from Belfield's 1877 Meteorological Observation Book

The climate data, collected by astronomer and meteorologist Algernon Henry Belfield at his Eversleigh Station in the New England region, has been donated to the University of Newcastle Cultural Collections and it is also being archived by the University of New England Heritage Centre.

Mr Richad Belfield, grandson of Algernon Belfield, examining his grandfather's records

“Most families on the land have detailed historic data about weather and climate that can be used by scientists to answer important questions about our climate,” Mr Babakhan said.

“It is important that they come forward with this information to help fill the gaps in knowledge and answer these vital questions about our nation’s future.”

Researchers, climate change believers and sceptics will attend a launch of the Mapping our Climate collection at the University of Newcastle, Cultural Collections, Level 2 Auchmuty Library, Callaghan, at 10am on Wednesday 9 March.

Meteorological Observing Book(s) for the Years 1877 – 1907

Compiled by Algernon Henry Belfield (1838-1922)
Eversleigh Station New England District

Linked from this page are optimised PDFs for the 27 extant Observing Books compiled by Algernon Henry Belfield on his Eversleigh Station in the New England District.

The original books were deposited in the Heritage Centre of the University of New England by Algernon Belfield’s grandson Mr Richard Belfield.

The original booklets were digitised for Cultural Collections, University of Newcastle by William Oates, University Archivist at the Heritage Centre University of New England.

NB: Meteorological Observing Books for 1879, 1880 and 1881 are missing.
NB: Each PDF file is around 14-16MB in size. So you might wish to right mouse click on the link and select ‘save link as’ to download the file to your computer.

• Meteorological Observing Books for the years 1877-1878
• Meteorological Observing Book  for the Year 1882
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1883
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1884
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1885
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1886
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1887
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1888
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1889
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1890
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1891
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1892
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1893
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1894
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1895
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1896
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1897
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1898
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1899
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1900
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1901
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1902
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1903
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1904
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1905
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1906
• Meteorological Observing Book for the Year 1907
• Register of Meteorological Observations taken at Eversleigh 1908-1922 (63 MB PDF File) Discovered in December 2011.

Highlights of the Ceremony

RARE CLIMATE DATA HELPING PREDICT WEATHER EVENTS
NBN TELEVISION – BROADCAST 9 MARCH 2011

One farmer's observations to help others - Newcastle Herald 10 March 2011 p.14

Towards UoN50

Newcastle University Establishment Group inspects proposed site for the University, early 1960s.

The University of Newcastle has a rich history. In 2011 we will launch a major project for staff, students and the community that captures our unique past. Towards UoN50 will chronicle and celebrate the milestones, as well as the little known facts, that have made the University what it is today.

The Website is here: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/about/UoN50.html

As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2015 we want to work with students, staff, alumni, volunteer and support groups, and the community who have all had a hand in shaping the institution.

We want to hear your stories.

Towards UoN50 will be celebrated in many ways. There will be permanent and temporary displays across campuses of historical objects and photographs that showcase the University. All current schools and divisions will be involved and can nominate key people, achievements and objects that they consider are an important part of their history.

A working party, chaired by Emeritus Professor Adrian Page, has been established to guide the project. In addition to the on-campus displays, the Working Party will commission a writer to document the past 50 years. The Herald will also regularly feature highlights from Towards UoN50.

Soon you will see Towards UoN50 taking shape with displays in our libraries, and in the School of Education and the School of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Take a look at some of the early photographs on Flickr photo sharing application where over 10,000 images related to the University have been uploaded by Peter Longworth, who volunteers with the Cultural Collections. The Conferring of Degree (Graduation) Booklets (1959-2009) , the University Gazette (1966 to 1988) and University News (1970 to 1974) have been digitised and are also available online.

This is an exciting and important project for the University and the community. We need your ideas and feedback to make it a success so please contact the team at UoN50@newcastle.edu.au

Mapping our Climate

Algernon Henry Belfield

On the 9th March 2011 a digital copy of important climate records dating from 1877 will be deposited with the University of Newcastle’s Cultural Collections.

Algernon Henry Belfield (1838-1922) arrived in Australia in 1855, and was an astronomer, meteorologist and pastoralist responsible to recording 30 years of meticulous weather data at his Eversleigh Station in the New England district.

The original journals date from 1877-1907 and were originally offered to University academic Mr Martin Babakhan to be deposited here. But after consideration of their place of origin the University Archivist recommended the records be housed closer to home at the Heritage Centre University of New England (UNE) at Armidale.

UNE have kindly provided us with a digital copy of the records, and Richard Belfield (grandson of Algernon Henry Belfield) will be travelling from Armidale to Newcastle to present the University with a digital copy of his grandfather’s climate records in person.

Martin Babakhan believes that there are other local pastoral families who may have in their custody similar climate records, and may be able to provide us with similar collections for ongoing research, thus enabling our climate and environmental researchers to comprehensively map our local climate data from the historical records.

All those interested in climate research are welcome to come along.  Professor Tim Roberts, Director, Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, Professor Howard Bridgman Conjoint Professor Editor, Air Quality and Climate Change, School of Environmental and Life Sciences and Mr Martin Babakhan from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology will speak on the day on the importance of such records to ongoing and future research.

When: Wednesday 9th March 2011 at 10 am

Where: Cultural Collections Level 2 Auchmuty Library

All Welcome.

Please RSVP archives@newcastle.edu.au

For more information:

ABC New England Radio Interviews with Mr Richard Belfield

ABC New England Radio – Sample Images from the Weather Records (1877)

Macquarie 2010 Heritage Festival Events

Heritage Festival Events 2010

Miss Porter’s House

A fund raising event: An afternoon of Champagne, Food and Fashion at Carrington Place (cnr Young and Cowper Streets Carrington) is planned for Saturday afternoon 13 March at 2.00 pm. Cost is $35. The fashion is from Batalin Boutique. Profits will go to the National Trust’s Miss Porter’s House. Bookings can be made by phoning Patti Graham at 4953 9034. NB. Miss Porter’s House is Open every second Sunday of each month, between 1pm – 4pm.

Hopes for Newcastle’s Old Government Domain (1804)

Government House

The James Fletcher Hospital site was Newcastle’s original seat of Government, it combines the first government house and garden, military barracks and parade ground, and original convict coal workings, with asylum and hospital buildings.

Governor Macquarie oversaw many of the improvements to Newcastle’s public infrastructure, which included nearby Christ Church with spire, hospital, gaol, three barracks, guardhouse, watch house and Macquarie Pier across the channel. For further information about the Government Domain Committee the blog is here: http://governmenthousebarracks1804.wordpress.com/about/

NATIONAL TRUST FESTIVAL

‘The Making of Our Nation’

Friday 26-28 March  10am-6pm.

Heritage Hunter - Newcastle Show Heritage Exhibition.

Sixteen local community groups present a combined heritage exhibition at the annual Newcastle show.  This year the exhibition will feature “The work of Governor Macquarie from 1810 in Newcastle – The   Making of a Nation”. The exhibition will also serve to promote the many events that will follow later as  part of the “Macquarie 2010” celebrations. Price of ticket entry to Newcastle Show. Contact 0419241731.

Saturday 3 – 18 April.

The Making of Our Nation: Art Exhibition.

John Paynter Gallery, The Lockup.

The exhibition will be opened by Mr  Ron Ramsey, Director of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery at 6.30pm, Friday 9 April 2010 at the John Paynter Gallery, Lock-Up, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle – this will also be the launch of other Heritage  Festival events. See: http://www.thelockup.info/

Friday 9 – 24 April.

Fort Scratchley Historical Society Inc.

Defending a Nation – Exhibition

Take a journey through photographic displays and memorabilia depicting the role Fort Scratchley has played in the defence of our nation. The historic site known as Fort Scratchley for more than 120 years, has played an important role in protecting the harbour and shipping of Newcastle from real and  perceived threats from world powers Russia, Germany, France and Japan.  The exports of valuable commodities such as coal and steel, crucial in Newcastle’s role of making a nation. Barracks Room, Fort Scratchley. Open daily 1pm-4pm closed Tuesdays. Free entry to exhibition. Further information 49 293066.

Saturday 10 April 3.30 pm.

The Maritime Centre

Governor Macquarie Talk

Enjoy a talk Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s second visit to Newcastle including his trip up the river  to Wallis Plains.  The talk is followed by a walk up the harbour hosted by Governor Macquarie himself with Newcastle Commandant James Wallis and Colonial Surveyor James Meehan in attendance.The walk finishing with a free brew shared with the Governor at a local ‘on port’ ale house. $10 includes fee into the Maritime Centre. Enquiries 49 29 2588

Saturday 10 & Sun 11 April 10 am – 4pm.

Friends of Tomago House.

Links to the Past

An exhibition of Miniature Historic House Interiors by the Hunter Miniatures Group, illustrating the growth of affluence from the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie 1810-1822. As well guest  speakers Jan Corr from Port Stephens Historical Society will talk at 2pm on Saturday, and Suzanne Martin will speak on Governor Macquarie’s second visit to Newcastle on Sunday at 2pm.The Windeyer family were the original owners of the house and their historic photographs will also be on display. Craft stall, refreshments and other attractions.  Tomago House, 421 Tomago Rd, Tomago $6/$5 concession.  Bookings 49 301471 or 49 574509.

Saturday 10 April  – 10am.

Wallsend Heritage Group Inc.

A Walking Tour of Wallsend.

Meet at the Rotunda (Cnr Tyrrell & Harris Sts) for a walk (about 2 hrs) to explore Wallsend’s heritage.  Free. Bookings 49 559013.

Sunday 11 April   10am – 12pm.

In the Footsteps of Macquarie Walk

Join members of the National Trust & Newcastle University’s Coal River Working Party in a new informative walk from Macquarie Pier to Christ Church, tracing Macquarie’s ambitious building program that helped to transform Newcastle from a convict camp to a township.  The walk will finish at Christchurch Cathedral with a bring-your-own picnic in Cathedral Park overlooking the city.  Meet at Nobbys Surf Club, Nobbys Beach. Cost $10. Bookings essential 0438509139.

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 April   10am – 4pm.

Miss Porter’s House: The Making of a Home.

Newcastle was originally a secondary penal settlement, but developed into a thriving city.  Miss Porter’s house is  a house museum which reflects the changing lifestyle of the two generations of the Porter family.  The contents  of the house remain as Miss Porter left them.  Visit the house museum which reflects the changing lives of the two generations of the Porter family. $7Adults/$5Conc/Free for NT members. 434 King St Newcastle West.  Enquiries 49 270202

Saturday 17 April   2-5 pm.

Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust

High Tea with Mrs Macquarie at Monets’

Join us for high tea with Mrs Macquarie at Monet’s the former Military Hospital, 1842 in the grounds of historic James Fletcher Hospital, adjacent the site of the “ Government House “ where Governor Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth, stayed on their visits to Newcastle. Heritage architect John Carr will outline the rich history of this site, and its colonial buildings, of this is an extraordinary site, rich in convict and mental health history over the past 200 years. As well, the inaugural Australian Bonafide History Awards will be presented,  sponsored by the Hunter Heritage Network, recognise the excellence in the   writing of, promotion, or documenting of local and regional history or some other related heritage based projects that use heritage as the catalyst for interpretation and design. $30 (NT members) $35 (non- members) Bookings on 49 275135

Saturday 17 April 7 pm.

Friends of the Regal

The Making of Our Communities – The Role of Local Cinema

Speakers are Frank Embleton, former operator of the Wallsend Empire Cinema, and Gionni di Gravio, Newcastle University archivist. Refreshments will be followed by a short 1950s film. Donation welcome.  Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, 44 Mordue Pde. Bookings 49 511611.

Saturday 17 April 9 am- 4 pm.

Newcastle Family History Society

Open Day All library resources available, over 5,000 publications, exchange journals with over 100 societies,CDs and microform resources; cemetery records for Hunter Valley and other Australia-wide districts, unique indexing of Newcastle Morning Herald, parish card index (180,000 entries) and more.Come and view the wide range of resources available at the institute.Mechanics’ Institute, 68 Elder St, Lambton.  Free. Enquiries 49 573276

Saturday 24 April 10.30-11.30 am.

Newcastle Family History Society Back to Basics

Introductory talk on beginning family history, resources available locally and in other repositories,breaking down brick walls and organising your material. Mechanics Institute, 68 Elder St, Lambton. Free. Enquiries: 49 578296

Sunday 2 May  2 pm. 

Friends of Grossman House.

Heritage Walk – East Maitland – Southern Precinct

Grossman House

Meet at the car park at Stockade Hill, East Maitland for a historic walking tour of the heritage sites of  the southern precinct. Visit the site of the original Administration Cottage Governor Macquarie stayed in 1818 and 1821, and named the settlement Wallis Plains. Refreshments afterwards at Brough House. $15 NT members  $20 non-members. Bookings 49 33 6452 or 49 332253

Wednesday 21 April 7- 9 pm.

Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust

Governor Macquarie Forum

‘The Making of Our Nation’: Governor Macquarie and Newcastle.

Newcastle City Hall, Hunter Room.

Governor Macquarie

Three distinguished historians will throw new light on Governor Macquarie, whose bicentenary is being celebrated this year, and who made three visits to Coal River (Newcastle).  Dr Grace Karskens, University of New South Wales, will examine the influence of Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth, on his building program and his vision for the colony. Mr. Robin Walsh, Macquarie University Library, will reveal Macquarie’s character through the eyes of his Indian manservant, George.  Lisa Slade, Newcastle Region Art Gallery, will discuss the Macquarie Chest, a collector’s chest, almost certainly made in Newcastle in 1818, with painted views of the area and a precious record of the flora and fauna of Coal River in Macquarie’s time.$20 / $15 Conc & NT members. Bookings 49 275135.  Refreshments included.

Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust blog site: http://nationaltrust-hunternewcastleregion.blogspot.com/

For all Macquarie 2010 Events please see the official website: http://www.macquarie2010.nsw.gov.au/