Community & Business
15 April, 2026
Celebrating 50 years
A CELEBRATION lunch has been planned for this Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Eacham Historical Society.
From a modest beginning the society has grown into a highly respected organisation, having published 32 local history books to date.
The members and volunteers have developed a well-equipped history archive and research centre in Malanda with an extensive library, documented information files, photographs and research facilities for Tableland historians along with email requests from people all over Australia.
“Our archives include all locations in the Tablelands Regional Council and beyond,” society secretary Petrina Callaghan said.
“Millaa Millaa is the home of our excellent folk museum which collects and preserves the visual history, with a large selection of historical items.
“The society seeks to promote interest in local history and family research inquiries has become a large part.”
In addition to the 32 books the group has already had published, another two are planned for this year.
“These books are available direct from the society, local bookshops and TRC visitor centres and captured and record our history for future generations to enjoy and learn from,” Petrina said.
“We have over 100 financial members, some from different states of Australia who still call the Atherton Tablelands home.
“Members have the opportunity to attend day visits to interesting local history locations and from these field trips, much knowledge and fun is had.
“The society regularly participates at community events, where we have displays of photographs, information and our books.
“We also have school children and other groups visit our centre where they gain knowledge about the early years.
“We are all volunteers and welcome anyone interested to call in and say hello at either the Malanda Archive & Research Centre in James Street or the Millaa Millaa Museum in Main Street.”
Petrina said the society had branched into social media with a very popular history site which has attracted over 15,000 members to their two sites – The “You Know You Grew Up on the Atherton Tablelands and REMEMBER WHEN” and “You Know you Love the Atherton Tablelands NOW” which has more current content.
“We also have an Eacham Historical Society group Facebook page along with our web page – all these promote the Tablelands, particularly showcasing our wonderful history and earlier days,” Petrina said.
Anyone wishing to attend Sunday’s luncheon can contact the society by emailing to eachamhistorical@live.com.au or phone 4096 6239.
