Mitchell Museum, recording the past

When I was a secondary school student learning history, I found it difficult to understand the relevance of European history to my life in Australia. Slowly awareness dawned.

Almost every town -- large and small -- has a museum of some sort; a place where history is recorded and articles from the past are displayed. Mitchell in outback Queensland has its museum too.

The Booringa Heritage Group is made up of a band of enthusiastic volunteers who have recently created an excellent museum in Mitchell.

On 14 October 2011, at 5 p.m., the Mitchell Museum will host a 'Meet and Greet' with food and a bar. At this function the book 'Under the Pepperina Tree' by Rosalie Sharpe and Brenda McKenzie will be launched. People who attended Mitchell State School in the 1950s and 1960s will enjoy reading about the past, as well as celebrating the 50th School Reunion.

History matters. By studying the past, we give ourselves the opportunity to learn from our mistakes -- and achievements.