Dear Sir,

An open letter to members of the Parkes and District Historical Society.

I have nominated for the position of president of the Parkes & District Historical Society for the ensuing year.

When I called to the museum to pick up a nomination form, I enquired about speaking about my nomination at the AGM or obtaining a list of members so I could explain my reasons for standing.

I was told that I would not be allowed to address the members at the AGM, nor would I be allowed to access a list of members because of provisions in the Privacy Act.

It seems rather unusual that I can’t speak at the AGM, so I have written this open letter as it appears to be the only way I can tell members what my vision for the society is and why they should consider my nomination for president for the next year.

For some time I have disagreed with the executive of the Historical Society, and various aspects of its operation.

With my comments being open and hopefully constructive – anything I have said in letters to the paper I have said to the current president Councillor Hutton herself.

I have a high regard for Cr Hutton and my criticism is not personal.

During my time on council, Cr Hutton and I had much in common and often championed the same causes and I still feel a close association with her.

I believe the prolonged ill-will of the society towards council has been detrimental and contributed to feelings of mistrust by members and confusion in regard to council’s motives.

As outlined in the recent letter to the Champion Post by the Mayor Robert Wilson, council has provided some $2m in financial and other support and stepped in to virtually rescue the society from a dire future when the previous museum building was condemned.

Good faith on both sides could have seen a close working relationship, particularly during the construction stages of the new museum.

This however was not the case and, as president, Cr Hutton must assume at least some responsibility for the breakdown in relations which occurred and the resultant delays in completion of the museum.

In nominating for the position of president of the Historical Society I offer myself to provide a whole new direction and purpose, not only for the society but for the members as well.

The Parkes Historical Society holds in trust and controls a most valuable community collection and I believe the time has come when a change in leadership is desirable to set the course for its next phase of development and progress.

If elected, my vision and hope for the society will include the following developments and reforms:

1. My first task will be to arrange a meeting with the appropriate council staff and/or councillors to set the society on a firm path of good will and co-operation with council.

I recognise the financial and moral support council, councillors and council staff have provided to the society over the years and I feel we must acknowledge that support and work with Council in a co-operative and pro-active way for the betterment of the society, its members, the museum and the town generally.

2. I am strongly in favour of incorporating the Tourist Office within the museum complex and would welcome the support and involvement of the Tourist Office staff in the day to day running of the museum.

3. I would also encourage and promote the offers by council of curators to assist, arrange and organise specific displays of the society’s collection.

I feel that we, as a society, may not be adequately equipped to run a modern museum therefore this kind of support should be welcomed.

It would also give us the opportunity to get on with what we are all about – being an Historical Society, collecting, recording and cataloguing, and preserving our local history and heritage.

4. Members would be encouraged to attend and participate in all meetings, including executive meetings.

They would be free to contribute at any time in the meetings, take notes if they wish and generally participate in the business of the society in an open and friendly way.

5. Minutes of meetings would be sent out to all members including Life Members.

6. I would instigate a membership drive, encouraging local support of the society and museum.

Membership forms would be readily available at the museum.

7. I would personally canvas business houses and offer a unique membership for local businesses.

8. I would also contact all local schools to arrange a special visit to the museum (hopefully accompanied by parents as well as teachers) and offer a junior membership to promote early interest and appreciation of our historical past.

9. Nomination forms for executive and committee positions would be simplified.

To encourage participation by members they would be sent out with the notice of AGM and also made freely available at the museum.

10. Subject to the appropriate variation to the constitution, I would allow voting at the AGM to be open to all financial members, regardless of when they paid their current subscription.

11. A modern museum must be seen to be fresh and progressive and as one small gesture to this I would suggest the provision of uniforms – free or partly funded – for volunteer indoor and outdoor members.

12. I would initiate talks with the Men’s Shed organisation in the hope of agreeing on projects of common interest for the benefit of both bodies.

13. Discuss ideas for the collection and storage of today’s work, leisure, everyday and trivia items – items which will one day become valuable memorabilia and the stock of a future museum.

14. All organisations must operate under the terms and conditions of a constitution, however in any committee I have been associated with, this is always done with some degree of flexibility.

In consultation with, and with input from the members, I will conduct a full review of the constitution and if necessary, recommend amendments to facilitate a free-flowing document which works for the benefit of the members.

15. Finalisation of an overall museum package, including antique machinery, galleries, moat cottage and eventually the antique car museum.

This would incorporate a conducted tour of the museum complex features - and with widespread promotion, the museum could become a regular group tour attraction.

16. Investigation into the possibility of a coffee shop/food outlet to be leased out to a private operator.

17. I will be open to listen to any other ideas from members to promote or improve the operation of any aspect of the museum or the society.

I have been a member of the Parkes Historical Society for many years, although I have not been active in a committee or volunteer role.

However, I have an abiding interest in the history and heritage of the area and have been involved in many community organisations over the years, some as president.

I served for 12-and-a-half years as a councillor on Parkes Shire Council, during which time I was council’s representative on the Historical Society for about eight years.

I have been a local businessman for the past 30 years.

I believe my experience, local knowledge and ability to get on with most people hold me in good stead to effectively lead the Parkes Historical Society.

In offering myself for the position of president, I am offering members an alternative to the present situation – an option for members to consider.

The election process gives the opportunity for change – if the current president is re-elected I will accept that decision and acknowledge that the members are happy with the status quo.

If however, you are a member of the society and recognise a need for change and perhaps agree with my thoughts for a revitalised society, I ask for your support in this endeavour and urge you to attend the AGM which is being held in the new museum building at 1.30pm this Sunday, 6 July, and vote for that change.

Yours etc,

Ian Chambers.