Engineer turned historian, Graham Mackie will shortly release his fourth book encompassing stories written in the last two centuries about Kiama, Jamberoo, Gerringong, Minnamurra and parts of the Illawarra, titled ‘Kiama and District - the Original Histories’.
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His research has unearthed a myriad of important histories, authored by writers known to very few residents of the Kiama district, such as Judge Alfred McFarland, Frank McCaffrey, William Burless, A.M.Trevallion, Rev. James Mullan and 40 others of no less importance.
He originally intended to celebrate the life of Joseph Weston, undoubtedly Kiama’s most influential person during the years 1856 until his passing in 1913.
As the founder of the Kiama Independent, Joseph championed almost every advance in the town during his lifetime. To chronical his legacy including all aspects of those years would have produced a tome of weighty proportions and the views of others of his era may not have been properly recognised.
A list of Joseph’s editorials are included in this book and these give a clear indication of his foresight and determination to see the town progress against all odds.
Graham’s first book ‘The Chronology of Kiama’ was completed in 2011, followed by ‘Blowhole Point’ - My Kind of Icon’ in 2014 and then the life story of ‘Eleanor Pamilla Weston’, mentor to Academy Award winner Orry Kelly, in 2016.
This book makes the writings of past years available in an easily accessible way, using Trove - the National Library website as well as local contacts or services.
Graham hopes that by presenting a comprehensive list of authors, their backgrounds and their accounts of events and people, readers will be encouraged to selectively discover and enjoy the detailed gems he has unearthed.
The sources and dates of publications or where they can be found is the basis of the book.
He expects the book to be launched in August.