Welcome to North Pine Historical Society
About Us
In 1994/5 before amalgamation was even thought of Petrie Historical Society was formed by a group of local people coming together under the guidance of Patron David Dwyer and the Pine Rivers Shire Council Strathpine Local Studies Librarian, to record the history of the area and its’ people with stories and photographs.
This information was and is today kept at the Strathpine Library.
In March 2006 under the guidance of Leith Barter the then Local Studies Librarian. He encouraged the society to become Incorporated, take control of our own destiny and expand to take in a wider area of the Pine Rivers area. North Pine Historical Society Inc became our new identity.
We have flourished under our new banner, still collecting stories and photo’s, doing our own research and projects, obtaining grants to enhance the history of the Shire.
Do you have information on:
- Local families
- Local Buildings
- Places of interest
- Early Settlement
Items such as maps, books photographs, etc pertaining to the Pine Rivers District may be donated to the Society and would be greatly appreciated.
Latest News
Melva Ann Welch 1935 – 2022
Melva Welch OAM
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a true lady, Melva Ann Welch OAM. Born in New Zealand as Melva Brass, she married the love of her life, Colin (a Queenslander) in 1959 and they moved to their home in Arana Hills in 1961 where they raised their family.
In her own words; She did not consider herself to be an author, although she has created publications, she prefers to be known as a Researcher and Recorder of Local History.
From 1964 she assisted the Pine Rivers Shire Council through the District Library service creating databases suitable for Family and Local History research.
Melva received a Centenary Medal on the 1st of January 2001 and followed this up with the Order of Australia Medal on the 14th of June 2004. Both medals were awarded for her services to the Community through researching and recording Local History in the Pine Rivers Shire and Arana Hills District.
Although she was a member of many organizations, Melva was noted as a Life Member of our group, the North Pine Historical Society, in 2013 as the greatest thank you we could give her for her tireless assistance, support and research.
After many books such as, ‘Toponymy’ – a list of Place names; ‘Not Pineapples, not Pine Trees but Pine Rivers’; ‘In Loving Memory of’ – the history of burials in the Pine Rivers Shire; ‘Laceys Creek’; ‘Cradle to Grove’ – Toowong Council; ‘Bowling along with the Patricks’ at Mt Pleasant homestead’ – Tales of the Patrick family; ‘Reigning Supreme’ – Camden Park Scout Group 1970-1990; ‘Bunya School No 147 1875-1965’; ‘Cranwel’ and ‘BERGIN BEAUTY’.
We will miss this irreplaceable Researcher, with her amazing recall and her invaluable assistance to all. I find that there is not enough paper to write what Melva has managed to fit into her dash.
Melva receiving her Life Membership from Judy Dohle, President NPHSI
USC Site Update
These are the latest time lapse photos of the USC Site on the old Petrie Papermill site.
100 Trees Dedication Ceremony
The North Pine Historical Society Inc completed the AMACC 100 Tree Project with a dedication ceremony held at Norths Leagues and Services on Monday 23rd April 2018, followed by the planting of the Name Plaques at the 6 locations along Anzac Avenue in time for Anzac Day 2018.
This event signifies 100 Trees for 100 Servicemen in the 100th year of ANZAC. The day was a great success and well attended. The photo above is of some of the members of the former AMACC Group responsible for initially implementing the project, from left to right Darryl Neild (Naval Association), David Dwyer (Former Div 7 Councillor), Gus Dundas (Naval Association), Brent Ledez (RAAFA Pine Rivers and Sandgate), Judy Dohle (North Pine Historical Society), John Cootes (North Pine Historical Society), Judy Kranen (RSL Sub Branch), Tony Watson (North Pine Historical Society).
See full pictorial under Gallery.