28/05/2026
THE EVANS HEAD LIVING MUSEUM NEWSLETTER - May 2026
Welcome,
This year, the Museum has gratefully welcomed new members and
volunteers, strengthened our capacity to preserve our rich heritage, and
strengthened links to local groups and supporters. From hosting school
visits, attending Richmond Valley community functions, pursuing strategic
grant opportunities, and securing significant acquisitions, the Museum
continues to evolve as a vibrant space for learning, reflection, and local
pride.
JEAN HARTAM-BAYES - THE TRIANGLE NEWSPAPER
Marj Henderson Lecture Series Number 3
The Jean Hartam-Bayes event was a respectful tribute to a
remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the local
community. At the event, her niece, Judith McCormack, beautifully
read a poem about Jean written by Australian author and poet Neil
Creighton, her nephew.
The Triangle weekly newspaper was first published in 1954 with June
McMaster Yabsley as the editor. It was produced on Thursdays and
distributed to Woodburn, Evans Head, Broadwater and Coraki. Jean
Isobel Hartam-Bayes froM Evans Head took over in 1959 and continued to
publish for the next 15 years.
If any of you have old copies of The Triangle we
would love to see them. The museum has digitised
extracts from 80 editions, and for a small research
fee, the transcripts can be examined for family
history references. Please e-mail for more information.
NEIL CREIGHTON - AUTHOR "MY BLOOD'S COUNTRY"
Marj Henderson Lecture Series Number 4
The Museum was delighted to welcome English and Drama teacher Neil Creighton, nephew
of the subject of our most recent lecture, Jean Hartam Bayes. Neil is the author of seven
books of poetry and has a lifelong association with — and deep love for Evans Head.
His most recent book, My Blood’s Country, explores the colonisation of the Clarence and
Richmond River Valleys, focusing primarily on William and Magdalen Yabsley, the founders
of Coraki. The collection also includes poems about cedar sawyers, bullock drivers,
shipbuilders, heroic tales of salvage, the impact of colonisation on First Nations people, and,
of course, his enduring affection for Evans Head.
Those in attendance were deeply moved by Neil’s powerful and
poignant recitation of his beautiful poems. Neil has promised to return
later in the year for another performance. One not to miss!
The next Marjory Henderson Lecture Series No 5 will feature the
renowned botanist Ellen White on Wednesday, 17th June 2026 at 5:30 pm.
NEW VOLUNTEER - LIVING AVIATION HISTORY
We are delighted to welcome a new volunteer, G*i Taylor, to the Evans Head Living Museum.
G*i is the daughter of renowned Australian aviation pioneer Sir Patrick Gordon Taylor. She
was also a founding member of the highly successful Great Eastern Fly-In. This much-loved
event remains an important part of Evans Head’s aviation story.
Sir Patrick Gordon Taylor was one of Australia’s great aviation
pioneers. His passion for flying began during World War I in Europe
and continued throughout his life, leading him to become both an
aviation leader and a respected author. He wrote eight books
recounting his remarkable flying experiences and achievements.
Taylor served as second pilot and navigator aboard the famous
Southern Cross alongside Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on several
historic flights between Australia and New Zealand. In 1933, he also
navigated two significant flights between Australia and England with
Charles Ulm. In 1934, he made aviation history by completing the first
crossing of the Pacific from Australia to the United States via Fiji and
Hawaii.
One of Taylor’s most courageous moments came on 15 May 1935, during the
first trans-Tasman airmail flight. When mechanical failure threatened the
aircraft, Taylor repeatedly climbed outside onto the wing mid-flight to transfer
oil between engines, helping prevent disaster. Thanks to his extraordinary
bravery and quick thinking, the aircraft was able to return safely to Sydney. In
recognition of his courage, he was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal, later
replaced by the George Cross.
ANZAC DAY 2026
Museum representatives attended local ANZAC Day Services at the State Heritage Listed
Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome and the Dawn Service. The Aerodrome Service focused on
commemorating those who trained and served at No. 1 Bombing & Gunnery School and No. 1
Air Observers School. More than 1,000 of those who trained here, under the Empire Air
Training Scheme, lost their lives during the War, many in Bomber Command. Some also died
during training and are buried in the Commonwealth War Grave site at the Evans Head
Cemetery.
KOORIE WW1 DIGGERS REMEMBERED ON ANZAC DAY
Edward and George Kapeen
This year, our Museum displayed the history of two Aboriginal men from Cabbage Tree Island,
Edward Capeen and George Kapeen. Edward Capeen #4039, an Indigenous Australian,
enlisted as a Private in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) and was posted with the 31st
Infantry Battalion and sent to fight on The Western Front in France.
He was born at Broadwater NSW to Jack and Charlotte Capeen in 1895 and was working as a labourer when he enlisted at Lismore on the 4th July 1916. He trained in Brisbane before embarking for overseas on board HMAT Boona in October 1916.
George enlisted in April 1917 and served with the Number 1 Light Horse Brigade in Africa and the Middle East and was initially sent to the island of Malta. Both men returned home and were awarded the British War
Medal, the 1914-1915 Star, and the Victory Medal for their service to our country in The Great War.
They were recognised for their Service at a special Remembrance Day Ceremony held at
Coraki on 11th November 2018 which marked 100 years since the end of World War One.
Thank you to Halden Boyd for his research.
SCHOOL VISITS
St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino
Richard Gates delivered an extensive lecture on local geology, biology, and archaeology to
senior students from St. Mary’s Catholic College in Casino. We value his expertise in these
areas and are very grateful for the time he dedicated to his presentation on these fascinating
subjects. The insights he shared enhanced the students’ understanding of their local area and
sparked their curiosity about the geological, biological, and archaeological features of the
region.
Thank you Richard, for your invaluable contribution to our learning!
THE NORTHERN RIVERS HOME SCHOOLING COMMUNITY
The Evans Head Living Museum also hosted a highly successful, and engaging, educational
experience for the Northern Rivers Home Schooling Community.
The program featured an informative PowerPoint presentation based on the museum’s seven
key themes, providing participants with a deeper understanding of local history and heritage.
An interactive Environmental Awareness activity invited students to take part in a beach
debris sorting exercise, highlighting the importance of responsible plastic disposal and care
for our coastal environment.
Students and parents also enhanced their knowledge of the museum’s displays by participating in the “Seek
and Find” Challenge Booklet, encouraging active exploration and discovery throughout the museum.
The visit concluded with a reading of Dave the Deckie by local author David Burston (Mr Chipz), which was warmly received by all participants.
The enthusiasm, manners and engagement of all the students, was praiseworthy. Participants
were thanked for their positive responses and encouraging feedback.
A sincere thanks to G*i Taylor and David Burston, museum volunteers, for their valued
support and assistance.
RICHMOND VALLEY COUNCIL COMMUNITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANT
Richmond Valley Council’s ongoing support for the Museum was extended this year by
support for our Grant application ‘Strengthening Evans Head Living Museum Operations and
Community Engagement through Digital Infrastructure’. The Museum looks forward to the
extra capacity the new computer systems will provide.
The Museum is very grateful for Life Member, Paul Goodyer’s hard work in delivering the
systems upgrades.
NORTH COAST CHAPTER MEETING MUSEUMS & GALLERIES NSW
Michael Ryan and I recently attended the North Coast Chapter meeting of Museums &
Galleries NSW, held at Crawford House, Alstonville. It was a valuable opportunity to connect
with other museum volunteers and deepen understanding of best practices in collection
preservation and conservation. It was helpful to learn how the State Library of NSW focuses
on legal deposit and compliance of publications, and Trove focuses on national discovery,
digitisation partnerships, and usage analytics. The Museum is working on strengthening
relations with both organisations.
WORK, HEALTH and SAFETY POLICY
For compliance, the committee is currently drafting a Work, Health and Safety Policy. We are
seeking support from Museums & Galleries NSW to review the document and include the
appropriate legislation. We will advise members when this process is complete.
CONSTITUTION UPDATE
A Special General Meeting was held on Thursday 14 May to consider an update to the
Museum’s Constitution. Two Special Resolutions on one motion were passed unanimously.
This was a routine update to our Rules, which was required due to changes in the
Government Acts and Regulations. Thanks to all the Members who attended.
RITCHIES IGA COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Ritchies IGA runs a Community Support Program, and we encourage our members to obtain a
Ritchies card and nominate the Evans Head Living Museum as their chosen beneficiary.
Thanks to the generosity of Ritchie’s and participating shoppers, we currently receive a small
but much appreciated ongoing contribution to support the Museum’s ongoing work.
OPENING HOURS - VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WELCOME
We warmly welcome new volunteers to join us in supporting the Museum's important work.
The Museum is currently open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am
to 1:00 pm.
Ways you can help include: Welcoming visitors, research tasks, scanning, labelling and
cataloguing, designing exhibitions, event planning, conserving collection items, grant writing,
future strategic planning, maintenance, and so much more…
LOOKING AHEAD
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on deepening community connections and
preserving our local heritage for future generations. Thank you to all who support our Living
Museum and help bring history to life.
Kind regards,
Megan Boyd
President - Evans Head Living Museum
