"AWARD OF MERIT" CONGRATULATIONS
The formal presentation of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria ‘Award of Merit’ to MDHS President Bernadette Wells at the August 22nd 2023 MDHS General Meeting by RHSV Councillor, Dr. Nikita Vanderbyl, Adjunct Research Fellow in History at La Trobe University, Mildura. Bernadette was nominated for the award by member, Jenny Bennett, who stated (an excerpt): "Bernadette Wells has made enormous and meaningful contributions to many facets of the Merbein District Historical Society’s activities and has been a passionate member since joining the MDHS in 1998 in its second year. She is a born leader, able to inspire and motivate Society members to work together to get things done. Bernadette leads a vibrant, growing society (54 members) whose volunteers open MDHS rooms weekly. She is also involved in documenting Merbein’s history, cataloguing our collection and recently, facilitated our shift to large, refurbished premises where she facilitated and collaborated with 3 teams of members to create amazing themed displays".
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This year on the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Merbein District Historical Society (MDHS) in 1997, we celebrated by inviting the public to the MDHS rooms to see our movie footage of The Queen’s Sunraysia Visit (25th March 1954) & The Opening of the Original Merbein Football Club Rooms (9th July 1955).
Over 50 people attended the movie picture show, enjoying the memories they brought back. Our guest speaker, Cr Stefano de Pieri, presented an interesting talk about culture and in passing, congratulated the Society, saying "what a shining example we were".
Over 50 people attended the movie picture show, enjoying the memories they brought back. Our guest speaker, Cr Stefano de Pieri, presented an interesting talk about culture and in passing, congratulated the Society, saying "what a shining example we were".
VALE: HONOURARY LIFE Members
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Leon Wagner OAM 1946 - 16/10/2019
Leon was the inaugural president of the Merbein District Historical Society founded in 1997, serving as president until 2007. In addition Leon had been a continuous and contributing member of the executive and a meticulous treasurer for eleven years. He also willingly volunteered his professional catering skills and equipment, free of charge, to help the Society fundraise on many occasions. Leon was posthumously awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours 2021 for "Services to the Merbein Community" |
20th Anniversary of the MDHS celebrated at the RSL Rooms Merbein - Sunday June 4th 2017
Over forty people attended a celebratory afternoon tea held in June, 2017, to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the MDHS, established in 1997.
Guests attending included, Peter Crisp MLA Mildura, Cr. Mark Eckel (MRCC), members from the Merbein, Mildura, Wentworth and Red Cliffs Historical Societies, along with members from the Mildura & District Genealogical Society, Lower Murray Water and the Merbein Dried Fruits Growers Union.
The 1997 executive of Leon Wagner (Inaugural President), Bill Bennett (Treasurer) and Jenny Bennett (Secretary) were all present, along with several other foundation members. Leon (Treasurer) and Bill (Vice President) are also members of the 2017 executive committee. Other members of original interim 1997 committee present were Max Whiting and Cr. Sue Nichols.
Cutting the MDHS 20th Anniversary Fruit Cake: Max Whiting (President 2007 – 2012, Honorary Life Member Dec 10th 2013) and Leon Wagner (Inaugural President 1997 – 2007, Honorary Life Member 2007)
Guests attending included, Peter Crisp MLA Mildura, Cr. Mark Eckel (MRCC), members from the Merbein, Mildura, Wentworth and Red Cliffs Historical Societies, along with members from the Mildura & District Genealogical Society, Lower Murray Water and the Merbein Dried Fruits Growers Union.
The 1997 executive of Leon Wagner (Inaugural President), Bill Bennett (Treasurer) and Jenny Bennett (Secretary) were all present, along with several other foundation members. Leon (Treasurer) and Bill (Vice President) are also members of the 2017 executive committee. Other members of original interim 1997 committee present were Max Whiting and Cr. Sue Nichols.
Cutting the MDHS 20th Anniversary Fruit Cake: Max Whiting (President 2007 – 2012, Honorary Life Member Dec 10th 2013) and Leon Wagner (Inaugural President 1997 – 2007, Honorary Life Member 2007)
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Celebrating the Centenary of the Birdwoodton Soldier Settlement on 29 May 2017 at the site of the original channel on Pump Hill.
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The Merbein Channel Duck Race took place on Jan 17th 2015. It was conducted by MDHS, in partnership with Lower Murray Water, to mark the conclusion of 106 Years of Channel Supplied Irrigation Water in Merbein.
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MDHS members, Max Whiting and Bernadette Wells along with Mayor Cr. Glenn Milne, at the opening of the Blandowski Walkway and Stairs to Chaffey Landing on 16th May 2015
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