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COMMUNITY A fitting tribute to Val Robertson as museum room is named in her honour

MARIA GIRGENTI

INNISFAIL & District Historical Society stalwart, Val Robertson, was again recognised last month for her outstanding contribution to the organisation, with the front room of the museum being dedicated and named in her honour, at a special afternoon tea.

A special morning tea was previously held on February 21, 2020, in Johnstone Shire Hall, in conjunction with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, to acknowledge Val’s 32 years of voluntary service to the Historical Society.

Unfortunately, in 2020, members of Val’s family were unable to attend, so last month’s event was held with her family members travelling from Brisbane to be part of the auspicious occasion.

Robertson, originally from New Zealand, but who has been living in Innisfail for 60 years, said that it had been an honour to be part of the museum. "The museum has been my second life after I came to Australia and started researching my family history. However, my interest was ignited after discovering the history of Innisfail had links to my birthplace in New Zealand through the Explorer, Thomas Fitzgerald."

Val Robertson became a member of Innisfail & District Historical Society on April 24, 1987, and became President on March 3, 1988, and so held this role for 32 consecutive years until 2020.

Over the years, Val has observed many changes since the museum started in 1984 and took the museum from one room in the upper floor to eventual occupation of the entire two floors in the School of Arts Building.

In 1997, a partnership with the Queensland Art Gallery, and Val, and then Secretary, Carol Huddy, on behalf of Innisfail Historical Society, arranged for the restoration of two valuable paintings of the See Poy children.

Val has also been involved in the planning, setting up, and manning of special displays in Central Arcade and Shire Hall, such as Vale Johnstone Shire Council, 100th anniversary of the name changes from Geraldton to Innisfail, opening of new Jubilee Bridge, ANZAC Day, and many others.

Val, along with other members of the Society, and Council staff, were involved in the production of a book and event at Shire Hall to mark the centenary of 1918 cyclone, which was named Event of the Year at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards in 2019.

She has been involved with acquiring grants for educational purposes, as well as for the purchase of additional equipment and display cases, including two large glass cases complete with LED lighting to highlight the artefacts.

During her long association with the Society, Robertson has been instrumental in recognising the contribution of early settlers and undertook the huge task of preserving this history with a variety of memorabilia including photographs, books, and lots more.

Long-time volunteer member, Val Robertson, was recognised for her huge contribution to the Innisfail & District Historical Society, with the front room of the museum named in her honour. Val Robertson celebrated the special moment with her two sons, Glen and Scott, granddaughters, Kaitlinn, Natalee, Mandie, and Matasinn, and great granddaughter, Olivia, aged 19 months.

Cassowary Coast Council announces new corporate plan

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has unveiled the new Corporate Plan for 2021-2025, which has been developed to ensure Council delivers a sustainable future for our region.

The Corporate Plan for 2021-2025 is a key strategic document that provides a framework and guides Council in decision making and setting policy to prioritise and deliver services, programs and facilities to the community. The strategic priorities identified for the next five years are Community: Our People, Economy: Our Future, Infrastructure: Our Built Environment, Region: Our Natural Resources and Organisation: Our Team.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said the Council worked closely with representatives from the community to ensure the range of services, infrastructure and facilities the Council provides, remains relevant for the community and provides for future needs.

“The Plan seeks to strike a balance which is central to our community’s desire to see the whole of the Cassowary Coast Region as a place with increasing opportunities for residents to live and work, where the region’s assets meet the community’s needs, a place with healthier and more sustainable lifestyles, and a place that has a healthy natural environment.

“To develop this Corporate Plan for 2021-2025, Cassowary Coast Regional Council considered local and regional issues as identified by Councillors and the executive management group at a series of workshops and discussion forums. These priorities were then reviewed by Councillors and feedback was also sought from the Cassowary Coast Consultative Group and the general public.

“In the development of the Plan we also reviewed and renewed our corporate goals in line with Council’s new direction and organisational culture. The goals of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council are the result of consultation with the community and staff and represent the overarching vision that we share for the Cassowary Coast region.

“As a Council we aspire to provide great experiences, deliver value and create a sustainable future for our community. Delivering outcomes that embrace value in everything we do is fundamental to a vibrant and prosperous community that ‘loves the place we live’ and is summed up in our vision statement - ‘One Coast: Cassowary Coast,’ said Mayor Nolan.

Mayor Nolan has requested that the 36 strategies within the Plan be reviewed and a report presented to Council at a future meeting taking into consideration any further cost efficiencies that can be applied to the upcoming budget.

To review the Corporate Plan visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ downloads/file/3120/ccrc-corporateplan-2021-2025-final