Warragul and District Historical Society new executive and committee members (back, from left) Ras Lawson, Colin Silcock, Di Harrison, president Wayne Hardie, Helen Wallace, Pip O'Connor, David Malady; (front) Helen Valena and Robert Kippen.

New Warragul and District Historical Society president Wayne Hardie with guest speaker Baw Baw Shire Cr Suzanne Allen.
Warragul and District Historical Society elected Wayne Hardie as president at its recent annual general meeting.
The meeting was well attended with more than 30 members and guest Baw Baw Shire Cr Suzanne Allen.
In her final report, outgoing president Josephine Dickson reflected on the many achievements of the past three years during her time in office, noting the time had come for her to step down.
She outlined the three key areas the historical society focused on - the museum, which houses 3D objects and allows for direct interaction with visitors; the cataloguing of information and photographs; and, research activities.
Mrs Dickson also highlighted the regular inclusion of guest speakers at monthly meetings, whose presentations are summarised in the monthly bulletin - a publication she has edited for the past 11 years.
Mrs Dickson expressed her appreciation for her involvement with the society and extended her best wishes to the incoming committee for the year ahead.
As guest speaker, Cr Allen spoke of her family's origins in the Netherlands during World War II and migration to Australia at the time of the Olympic Games in November 1956. After a time at Bonegilla Migrant Camp the family settled in Box Hill before her father took up dairy farming at Fumina.
Her interest in the community was inspired by the support given to her family by the Hill End community after the early death of her father. She trained as a nurse at Warragul Hospital in 1985 and has worked in emergency and aged care.
After 50 years in the Baw Baw Shire she is now supporting her community as a councillor.
Cr Allen conducted the election of office bearers and committee members.
The 2025-26 committee includes: president Wayne Hardie, vice president Di Harrison, secretary Ras Lawson, treasurer Helen Wallace and committee members Robert Kippen, Helen Valena, Colin Silcock, David Malady and Pip O'Connor.
Mr Hardie thanked members for electing him president. He congratulated incoming committee members on their election and while noting the return of several members gave continuity to the society's governance, he welcomed new members Colin Silcock and Pip O'Connor.
The society recorded its thanks and appreciation to Bill Cropley for his long-standing and valuable contribution. His leadership and behind-the-scenes work over many years have played a significant role in the society's development.
The society also acknowledged Malcolm and Jo Dickson for their tireless and passionate commitment over many years. Their leadership and dedicated involvement in various roles have been instrumental in advancing the society to its current standing.
Mr Hardie said his family had a long association with the district dating back to 1874. He acknowledged the challenges facing historical societies, as the third generation of settlers were now aging and the next generation were not yet interested and engaged in its activities.
Mr Hardie explained the need to develop a strategic plan for the society which would help identify what the future roles the society should play in the community and how it would relate to other organisations, particularly other local history groups and the genealogical society.
He encouraged members to engage with him and committee members to develop a vision for the society's future.
The society's next meeting will be Monday, August 25 at 7:30pm in the Old Shire Hall, with supper to follow. New members welcome.