Firstly with the launch of Graham Mackie’s latest book titled Kiama and Districts Original Histories.

The launch was held at the Sebel Harbourside Kiama, with Dr Graham Tucker presiding. He called it a “definitive book” on the histories of Kiama, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Minnamurra over the past 150 years.

The book includes not only the history of these areas but also the story of almost every organisation in the area.

Other historians are recognised and the book is now for sale at Kiama Library.

Dr Tucker also made the point that when travelling on railways you are supported by basalt quarried in Kiama and Bombo.

The second event to take place was a talk for the Kiama District Historical Society by three members of the Carson family, who spoke about the Carson’s contribution to quarrying in the region and their involvement in infrastructure throughout the past 100 plus years.

Colleen, Kevin and Steve Carson grew up opposite Black Beach, next to the now Sebel Hotel.

Colleen headed up the talk with recollections of life in Kiama in their younger days and reminisced on the various buildings that played a big part, such as the Oddfellows Hall and the original ambulance station. 

The family provided a comprehensive photo display of our early quarries, the machinery and workers in the heyday of the industry.

It was interesting to note that of the almost 100 present, only five had grown up in the town or district.