Mrs King said her passion for history was in her DNA.
“You don’t do this for any recognition, you do it because you love it,” she said.
“I think everybody in here – and there are some very auspicious historians in this room – we all do it for the one reason, it is because we like what we’re doing.
“I think it’s probably our DNA from a very young age, I think it was in mine.”
Mr Proctor read Mrs King’s citation that accompanied her nomination, adding it was ‘utterly impossible’ to do justice to anyone who had contributed 30 years in 450 words.
“Evelyn has played the major role in the presentation of historical displays, throughout the courthouse, and at other sites around the town, including Dimboola Print Museum, Westerfield’s garage, and the Victoria Hotel,” he said.
“As a result of Evelyn’s diligence, there is a professional and engaging vibe at the society’s museum, and her group clearly relishes Evelyn’s ability to delegate tasks to others capably.
“She has been consistently involved in projects promoting the significance and role of history within our community, welcoming various community groups to the courthouse and speaking at other groups’ meetings.
“Evelyn consistently engages with and takes on an advocacy role with Hindmarsh Shire Council, chiefly in regard to the preservation of local heritage sites.
“Evelyn not only has the enthusiasm and drive to keep history alive, she has a passion for items on display, and the organisation and presentation of these displays in the courthouse complex are testament to this.”
Mrs King negotiated the purchase of two rare film projectors from Dimboola’s Star Theatre for use in the museum, lobbied strenuously to obtain cases for displays, and has represented the society in various community projects, such as the Nine Creeks Wetland walking and cycling track project, the town’s 150-year celebration committee, and the railway station refurbishment group.
She regularly represents the society at regional history meetings and conferences, and has long been supportive of the Western Victorian Association of Historical Societies in contributing advice and offering to chair meetings or take minutes.
“Evelyn’s contagious enthusiasm for local history is reflected in the support the society receives from the local community,” Mr Proctor said.
In accepting her award, Mrs King shared her accolades with her fellow society members.
“This doesn’t happen without a whole group, and we’ve got a great group here – we have always been very cohesive and gotten along really, really well,” she said.
“We’ve had some wonderful past members who are no longer with us, and it was a real joy to work with them.
“This belongs to the society itself and we’ll continue to look after Dimboola’s history as much as we can and are allowed to do.
“It’s just lovely to be recognised, but it belongs to everyone. And this goes for every other historical society – there’s wonderful work being done.” – Bronwyn Hastings
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