Armidale Town Hall played host in April to the gala launch of a book celebrating a sesquicentenary of local government in Armidale.
Armidale 150 years is a comprehensive record of not just the history of local government but the colourful characters, families and organisations that have shaped the Armidale community.
Well over 200 people attended the launch with former Mayor Doug Hewitt as the special guest, giving a lively account of his time as mayor of Armidale and a chronological account of events from the book.
Chair of the Sesquicentenary Committee Councillor Peter O’Donohue congratulated all the contributors for their efforts in providing information and photographs for the book.
“Tonight former mayor Doug Hewitt pointed out some of the rich fabric that has made up the book and gave it a very, very personal touch in his speech.
“This is a book that we can be very proud of, and I think it is one that people will, over the years come to treasure and refer back to in many different ways.”
Armidale Dumaresq Mayor Councillor Laurie Bishop presented coordinator of the book Poh Woodland with the number one limited edition copy of Armidale 150 years and thanked her for the hundreds of hours of work she has put towards getting the book finished.
“The book has been a significant undertaking for many years and Poh has been instrumental in its development.
“I would like to thank Poh on behalf of Armidale Dumaresq Council and everyone who has contributed to this wonderful book that will be treasured for many years to come.”
Copies of the book are now available to the public from council offices.
