Dr Robin McLachlan has spent many decades of his life researching the many facets of Bathurst's proud history to preserve for future generations, and for that, he has received an Order of Australia Medal [OAM].
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Having dedicated much of his life in Bathurst to investigating and documenting some of the lesser known stories of local history, Dr McLachlan, in all his humility, expressed disbelief at the OAM acknowledgement.
"It's a terrific honour, and I feel much obliged to those people who went to all the trouble to nominate me," he said.
"But it's not just my award, it's an award for the many people who've worked with me- on a play, an exhibition, a publication or a guided walk- over the years to bring forth Bathurst's rich history and heritage."
A big part of Dr McLachlan's contribution to the community is the Pillars of Bathurst, which recognises, in the historian's own words, "the second XI of persons and families historically significant to the region."
"Through my time as a lecturer at Charles Sturt University [formerly Mitchell College of Advanced Education], my students and I were often coming across these interesting historical figures who, at the time, hadn't been recognised publicly," he said.
"We already had a walk reflecting people who come here for one week a year to win a car race, so I felt people across Bathurst's deep history [European and First Nations] warranted more acknowledgement."
"This led to what we have now: 20 pillars in Bicentennial Park with four plaques to a pillar, and we're physically finishing the project this year, but it will continue digitally."
Dr McLachlan has also been a key player in the Bathurst Town Square Group, which has involved guided walks for the Autumn Colours program to raise awareness of its significance.
"There aren't too many towns in inland NSW with a preserved town square still mostly in tact, and if anyone needs a reminder, observe the nearby signs with green and yellow borders," he said.
"I like to bring Bathurst's history in touch with the people, and being the first inland settlement, this region is a laboratory of information regarding Australia's colonial history, as well as the First Nations who occupied the land first; for historians, it's like being a kid in a candy store."
Dr McLachlan also lobbied for the recognition and protection of Bathurst's settlement site at Bicentennial Park [and the flagstaff that was erected in 2015] and for hosting the biennial Theo Barker Memorial Lecture since 2003 in honour of Bathurst's best known historian.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News