Well known local identities Jacye Symes OAM and Bill Church have been synonymous with Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society – especially the Pioneer Museum in Mulwala - since moving to Yarrawonga in the early 1990s.
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Their wonderful work was formally recognized on Monday, September 16 when both were presented with the prestigious Award of Merit by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV).
“These are very special awards for displaying enormous interest in the community like you,” RHSV honorary secretary and chair of awards committee Carole Woods told the two award recipients.
“Your work is absolutely wonderful for Yarrawonga/Mulwala. I thank all the volunteers for their work.”
Master of Ceremonies at the Pioneer Museum on September 16 was Alex Sloane who said the YMHS was pleased to nominate 86-year-old Jacye OAM and Bill, 89, for the RHSV Award of Merit.
“Jacye has always been interested in historical research and publication. Prior to retiring to Yarrawonga in 1993 she co-authored two publications A Journey through the Parish of Karrabumet and Wilby Walkabout,” Alex said.
“On becoming a resident of Yarrawonga, Jacye joined the Historical Society and in 1994 took on the role of Secretary/Treasurer, roles she filled for 18 and 20 years respectively. Her accession to these roles was fortuitous as the Historical Society was in the process of establishing the museum.
“Jacye’s meticulous record-keeping and attention to detail were invaluable. She has catalogued almost 40,000 items at the museum working countless hours open to the public and providing guided tours.
“At the same time Jacye became the research officer for the society and built up a record of people and events that have shaped the history of the district.
“Jacye carried out this role until recently when ill health required her retirement from the position. She has provided information for a number of history publications for other authors and publications. We are aware of acknowledgements in at least 10 other publications.
“Jacye’s research records and her knowledge have been pivotal to a number of successful projects for the Historical Society, including: plaques placed at sites of closed shops, churches and school, Moira Shire Heritage Overlay and The Avenue of Honour Memorial Wall.
“Jacye was a member of the History Book Committee which in 2018 published A Bridge Across Time – A General History of Yarrawonga Mulwala.”
The Award of Merit joins other great awards to Jayce: Citizen of the Year 1996, Life Member of the YMHS in December 2015 and Oder of Australia Medal (OAM), Australia Day 2019.
“The outstanding contributions made by Jacye Symes to the recording and preserving of our district’s history are unsurpassed,” the MC said.
“She has never been one to seek accolades or publicity. She remains a humble and private person while always responding positively to requests for her expertise.”
Alex said Bill Church has always been involved with community activities, serving as a councillor in the Tungamah Shire for 14 years and was the final shire president in1992.
“He became a member of YMHS in 1991/92 when he retired to Yarrawonga and became president in 1994, the year in which the society opened the Pioneer Museum,” Alex said.
“He remained as president until 2008 during which time the society achieved many milestones under his leadership.
“The Pioneer Museum was set up in the premises which had previously been an indoor sports centre. Consequently, there was a need for structural alterations and additions. Bill’s practical skills were important to carry out these changes. He led by example.
“During Bill’s 14 year-tenure as president he oversaw the following achievements by the society: extension of the northern section of the museum building, procurement of the CBC façade, which now provides the entrance to the museum, two murals depicting historic scenes added to the front wall of the museum, The Richard Ruwolt annex addition, the heritage machinery yard fenced and graveled and the machinery shed erected, the historic Yarrawonga Customs House was acquired and located on the Yarrawonga Foreshore adjacent to the traffic bridge, the society installed information plaques at historically important sites during the streetscape project in Yarrawonga’s main street and Mulwala’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2008.
“In 2007 Bill was instrumental in obtaining funding for the Yarrawonga Mulwala history book which was finally published in 2018 after many difficulties were overcome.
“Since stepping down as president Bill has continued to serve on the Society’s committee. He has also been a valuable member of the sub-committees which saw the saving from demolition, of Yarrawonga’s historic railway station and in 2018, the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first survey of the Yarrawonga township. Bill Church was granted Life Membership of our Society in 2015.”
In accepting the award, Jayce said she’d enjoyed every moment of her long involvement with the YMHS, that it is important to showcase history and expressed her appreciation of the RHSV Award of Merit.
She was described as “a stalwart in this museum” by Bill. “Thank you to the Symes family,” he said.
“Jacye and I started together, taking over from Bert Campbell and beforehand, Rex and Dot Spring. It’s been a pleasure to be involved.
“Jacye was a wonderful historian. She’d be asked questions and would tell them everything that’s occurred in the district.
“I thank you to the members of our historical society for all the work they do. They do a lot.”
Journalist