We are pleased to advise that our monthly general meetings are now held in the Theatrette Donkin Ave. Moss Vale a bigger and more comfortable space. Visitors are always welcome to attend. 

Thursday  26th February  at 2.00pm: Theatrette Civic Centre, Moss Vale

Irish immigration to Australia  Presenter Peter Rodney

Peter will give a presentation on what was happening in Ireland at the time our forebears migrated to Australia, from approximately 1780 to 1921.  While the 1798 Rebellion and the Great Famine were the most significant events, other social and economic changes were at work.  While the convicts were unwilling emigrants, many of our forebears made a courageous choice. The presentation will shed light on what may have influenced their decision.  The significance of local history will be stressed.  Peter, a member of the BDHS, majored in history at university and taught Modern History for a number of years. 

Thursday  26th March  at  10.30am : Theatrette Civic Centre, Moss Vale

Note new start time for March and May meetings only.

Disasters in the Southern Highlands: A view of the past, with a glimpse of the present and an eye to the future!   Presenter  BDHS member Alan Hayes 

Alan’s father moved to Bowral after the First World War. Alan completed his schooling in Bowral before training as a primary school teacher in Wagga.

Alan held  academic appointments as Lecturer at the University of Queensland and as Professor and Dean of Education at Macquarie University.

 From 2004-2015,he was Director of the Australian Institute of Family

Studies (AIFS) 

 In 2012, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia

(AM) “For service to the social sciences through the Australian Institute of Family Studies and as an academic and author.”

 Since retirement in 2021, Alan has become an active member of the Southern Highlands Anglicare Disaster Recovery team, as well as of Probus. Joining the BDH&FH Society has afforded him the opportunity to rekindle his passion for exploring the past!