“We are focussing on just one thing,” local historian and one of the society’s first members Peter Lacey told the Merimbula News Weekly.

“And that is sharing our incredibly interesting history of the NSW South Coast with more people.”

Mr Lacey said interest in our local history has largely been the preserve of a small number of members of local history societies.

“There are an enormous number of fascinating stories about the local area which deserve to be recorded and more widely shared, and now, with the launch of the South Coast History Society, we are striving to do just that,” he said. 

The society’s first aim is to publish a magazine that highlights aspects of the area’s intriguing history, made available free to anybody who is interested.

There are also plans for a seminar to be held in February next year exploring facets of the region’s history and factors that have contributed to the South Coast’s unique character.

“The topics being discussed will have wide appeal to locals who have any interest at all in the local area, even if they have not previously had any special interest in the history of the area,” Mr Lacey said. 

The seminar will be followed by a ‘fun’ history-related event in March.

Mr Lacey suggests that anyone interested in learning more about our local history, or interested in the activities planned by the society, registers their interest by sending their email address to southcoasthistory@yahoo.com.

“They will immediately receive more details about the Society’s plans and we will ensure they are also the first to receive information about the availability of our first free magazine,” he said.

The South Coast History Society’s activities are being aiming at a broad cross section of local residents.

“Some locals will simply enjoy reading our magazine, which will mean we are immediately achieving one of our aims. But others may choose to become more involved by taking up membership of the Society, or by helping us with research and writing about local history,” Mr Lacey said.

“Our philosophy is that our local history really belongs to everybody, so it should be shared with everybody. And, therefore, anyone who wants to join us to help discover more about our history and help promote it will be warmly welcomed.”

The South Coast History Society’s activities will complement and expand on the services currently offered by local museums, genealogy societies and history groups.

“But we will be aiming to excite other, perhaps new, sections of the community such as the younger generations and those studying history at school or at university.”

For more information about the South Coast History Society email southcoasthistory@yahoo.com.