The Mareeba Historical Society
Member Profile
~~ Mr Max Croft ~~


Max and his wife moved to Mareeba from Atherton about four and a half years ago.
Q: What prompted you to join the society?
A: I've always been interested in history, particularly the local history about where I live. I have heaps of books on local history. It's something I think should be kept and handed down. The aims of the society such as ours are just so important.
The first four or five meetings I attended were at Lyons Street. There's a vast difference now: room to set out records, leave them out and finish off research next day. Unlike the old place there's room to do that now.

Q: What about organised activities?
A: I like the field trips - gives everyone a chance to see some of the places where our heritage started.

Q: What about improving meetings?

A: I think our meetings are improving I can remember when there were just a handful of members turning up - now look at it! I like the end of the meetings when each member gets to have their say. I don't know all the members, not that they all attend, but that helps to see what they've been up to and gives them a chance to get involved.
I reckon if people are interested enough to join then they should keep up with what's going on and attend more meetings. That would be an improvement!

Q: What about between meetings?
A: Same thing! Trying to involve people is probably the hardest part. But if they don't come to meetings you won't drag them along in between. I'd also like to see us more in the public eye. The media is not always the answer, although that Wolfram Camp article was great. The book sales have lifted our profile.

Q: Do you think research is important?

A: Yes I do! Research is another way of involving people. Everyone should do it. Either go along and lend a hand or pick a subject and put something up for the newsletter. I'll have to see if I can make a better effort myself. That can be my new year's resolution.