Postmaster knows her village

Lillian Salisbury, now 87, spent her postal career ensuring that mail operations flowed smoothly in this former mill village by the Pawtuxet River (USA). Sorted, stamped and delivered, in timely fashion. Customers treated with respect.  So too, did Salisbury’s grandfather, grandmother and mother: a succession of postmasters whose collective service dates to 1918; nearly a century all told.  For the full story click here.

Coca-Cola in China

The Coca-Cola Company re-entered China in 1979 after a three-decade absence following the Communist takeover. Today, it is the company’s third-largest market, soon to be its biggest. This is the story, as told by executives who were part of the push.  Coca-Cola’s reentry into China was a minor revelation. In 1979, thirty years after the Communist Party’s takeover when foreign brands were kicked out, China’s economy was just starting to open. The symbolism of red and white bottles in Red China rang heavy: The country was announcing itself open to foreigners, foreign trade, and even a touch of capitalism.  For full story click here.

Australian Whaling

In the conservation movement there is a story still told of the whaler with a heart, the Australian harpooner who, swayed by the 1970s Save the Whale campaign, turned his back on the killing.  It is unlikely that many, except for a handful who were there, will remember his name or even believe he existed.  But exist he did.

Rabbit Plague

“THE introduction of a few rabbits could do little harm and might provide a touch of home, in addition to a spot of hunting,” said Thomas Austin, rather grandly, in 1859.  Upon arriving in Australia, Austin asked his nephew in England to send him “12 grey rabbits, five hares, 72 partridges and some sparrows” so he could continue his hobby of hunting.  For full story click here.

Leeton’s Oral History

THE quality of Leeton's oral history is cemented in film and plated with gold, with TAFE Riverina NSW Leeton Campus awarded for it's town focused film – From The Edge.  Students at TAFE worked in partnership with the Aboriginal Land Council and were led by project manager Karen Davey and Kerrie Ross when making the film last year.  For full story click here.

Blayney – Family History Month

The Blayney Shire Local and Family History Group was established on February 19, 1992 by a group of eight people concerned that there was a need for such a group.  Their aim remains the goal of the group today.  The Group promotes the research and collection of records and documents of the family history of individuals and also the local history of the Blayney Shire, complementing the work of the villages' historical groups, particularly at Carcoar and Millthorpe.  For full story click here.