Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn has joined 26 of her predecessors on a “wall of fame” at the Bundaberg and District Historical Museum in the Botanic Gardens.
Taking part in tradition, the mayor had her photo hung in the local museum earlier this month.
The wall honours mayors who have served the community and displays 26 photographs which each represent a chapter in the region’s history.
The museum, established in 1969 and staffed entirely by volunteers, embarked on a mission to create a comprehensive display of Bundaberg’s mayors in 2001.
Mayor Blackburn recently took the opportunity to view the wall of fame along with former Mayor Kay McDuff who was visiting the region and had not yet seen her photo featured in the museum.
Coordinator Kimberly Cotton said a grant was secured to research and obtain photos of the region’s mayors for historical purposes.
“The photos that were collected are from the State Archives and the State Library and the museum currently requests a photo from Bundaberg Regional Council after they take the new Mayor’s official portrait,” she said.
The very first photograph placed on the wall was of Mayor Richard Ruddell, who served in various terms beginning in 1881.
His legacy is joined by other figures, including Juanita (Nita) Cunningham, who broke ground as Bundaberg’s first female mayor from 1991 to 1998.
The wall also remembers less celebrated, but equally significant, leaders like John Lamb wo was the second mayor of Bundaberg and served a brief term from November 1881 to February 1882.
Mayor Blackburn’s photo joins a distinguished collection and serves as a testament to the ongoing story of Bundaberg’s leadership.
“As the current and fourth female mayor, I am proud to continue this legacy of dedication and service to the community and have my photo displayed at the museum,” she said.
Visitors to The Bundaberg & District Historical Museum can view the mayoral photo wall along with plenty of other interesting history artefacts, according to coordinator Kimberly Cotton.
“The museum showcases the history of Bundaberg from the early pioneers,” she said.
“It has the Spitfire scroll, a collection of birds from Queens Park in the early 1900s, the world quilt and the Lucke quads pram (specially built) along with early furniture, tools, kitchen and laundry appliances and more.
“The museum currently opens six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm.”
Kimberley said volunteers were needed to ensure the museum could remain open to the community.
“The museum has always been staffed by volunteers since it started in 1969 and is currently in desperate need of more volunteers,” Kimberly said.
To give your time, contact the Bundaberg and District Historical Museum on 41520101.
