Harry Roberts is the 2024 President of the Geelong Historical Society. He has worked in the education sector and has an abiding interest in Australian history.
April Lecture – Rob & Deb Robinson a sad local landmark that’s seeking a new vision OLD GEELONG GAOL – FASCINATING AND SPOOKY! Yes, that describes our April Meeting as our members toured the Old Geelong Gaol under the direction of Rob and Deb Robinson. Lights flickered, and hidden stairs and doorways were revealed as…
February Lecture – Alan McLean the 1891 disaster off Moonlight Heads The Wreck of the Fiji Alan McLean spoke to us about the wreck of the cargo ship Fiji off Moonlight Heads in 1891. His interesting and informative presentation discussed the cause of the wreck and rescue of the passengers and crew. He presented the…
March Lecture – Harry Roberts DIMINUTIVE but significant Geelong’s First Custom House Geelong’s First Customs House was the topic presented by Harry Roberts. His presentation began with the establishment of the Port Phillip District and the settlement of Melbourne in 1836 when the area was controlled by the colony of New South Wales. The large…
Phoebe Wilkens – Geelong Stories. Our July meeting was well-attended with over forty members and visitors being the lucky recipients of an engaging presentation by Phoebe Wilkens, a local Geelong historian and genealogist. Phoebe began with a short account of her professional journey beginning first with volunteer and then full-time positions at the Royal Historical…
May Lecture – Dr Roslyn Otzen The Bengalat of the Wadawurrung Dr Roslyn Otzen spoke about the impacts of the collision that occurred on the Bellarine Peninsula after the European settlers landed at Indented Head in 1835. Her work on the Wadawurrung arose after a request by the Baptist Church to research that institution’s engagement with…
June Meeting Our Future : Thriving by Looking Outward to the Future A Shared Vision for the Future A new era has begun in the Geelong Historical Society. After 17 years at the helm, David Bunton has decided it’s time to pass over the presidency of the Society. At this handover Harry Roberts, the incoming…