2015-09-16
I had the great pleasure of attending the Knox Historical Society's 50th anniversary celebration in Wantirna. The society was established in 1965 to ensure that the history of the Knox region was collected, stored and treasured. The geographic area covered by the society includes the former Scoresby riding of the Shire of Berwick until 1889, the Shire of Ferntree Gully until 1963, the Shire of Knox until 1969 and subsequently the modern-day City of Knox. The society's mission is to preserve, conserve and promote history. At a public meeting held in the Bayswater public hall on 14 May 1965 it was decided to form a Shire of Knox historical society. The inaugural meeting of the historical society was held on 21 June 1965. It was a tremendous celebration.
With that, I would acknowledge the society's president, Graham Hansen. Mr Hansen has been the one constant at the society, serving it for 50 years in a number of roles, including as editor of the Knox Historian publication, secretary, vice-president and president, as well as attending every annual general meeting.
In honour of his contribution Mr Hansen was awarded the Local Hero award by the Knox City Council, which is very diligent in its support of the society. I can only hope that under a rate-capping scenario we do not see valuable council support withdrawn from such an important community organisation, a custodian of the history of the region.