I ATTENDED

the opening of the new Nerang Gallery in Preece House, one of two historical cottages in Bischof Pioneer Park on the banks of the Nerang River.

What a gem it is and thanks have to go to curator Lynn Ogden for her foresight in rescuing from certain destruction, two lovely old timber homes (the 1948 Preece House and Ceramic Cottage, circa 1919) and preserving them for posterity.

Against much hostile opposition and disrespect by officialdom, Lynn has turned these cottages into welcoming and caring community and visitor information centres of which all Gold Coasters can be proud. They are places of interest to both local and international visitors. The community would like to thank Lynn and her team of dedicated volunteers for their untiring work in the renovation of the buildings, their care in displaying artifacts of historical significance, and for the vision to acquire for the art gallery, museum-quality images of traditional custodians from the wider local area. What joy descendants of those people expressed on viewing the photos.

It goes to show that quiet determination and respect for a community’s desire to save something of its past can win the battle against the vocal and brash develop-at-all-cost brigade that appears to be ashamed of its heritage.

Well done to Lynn and her volunteers for paying gracious tribute to our history. VAL SHOOTER, SOUTHPORT