I was born and raised on the North Coast of NSW, and have had an interest in Family & Australian History since childhood when my grandmother told me stories of bushrangers, gold mines, and colourful family characters. You can visit my other blog to find out more about my ancestors.
After graduating from Armidale Teachers’ College, I taught for many years in the Grafton District. During that time I became passionately involved with family and local history research, and now have over forty years experience in these fields.
I have undertaken extensive studies and have a Diploma in Family Historical Studies, (SAG) and an Associate Diploma in Local & Applied History (ACAE), and was awarded a college medal for excellence in my course. The only one to have been awarded.
Although I no longer undertake a professional research and writing projects in local and family history for clients, I am is still very involved in the Family and Local History scene.
‘Who Do You Think You Are? (Australian) and Australian Story, have been two T V series I have been a guest researcher on.
I have a huge private library and archives and am working to catalogue and document these so, I can open these to other keen family historians.
My life is always busy, as I am still involved in many community projects. My last big one was a history of Carrs Creek, a small district on the edge of Grafton, which was first settled in 1840. The book ‘Life and Times of Carr’s Creek 1839-2013’ was published several years ago.
At long last I have returned to researching and writing not only about our own ancestors, but local history too, and will share the journey with relatives and friends through my blogs.
Hello, I have just started a support Facebook page for Australian Local and Family History Bloggers. If you would like to join we’d love to have you. Please let me know your name so I know to look out for you. 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1070035523030558/
LikeLike
Thanks Jennyfor the invitation to join. My name is Nola Mackey. I have not been active in blogging on Local History on this blog this year, due to health issues, but planning to get back to it all in the New Year.
LikeLike
Hello Nola
I am descended from several Grafton families from the 1800’s- including Fink/Krink from Germany, and Olive/Robinson on the other side. Could you please let me know if you still have copies of the book about the German Community of Clarence River Valley, and whether the Carr’s Creek book is still available and if it covers Grimsby House that was built by my Robinson ancestor?
Many thanks
Penny S
LikeLike
Hi Penny, Both books are still available. Can I have an email address please and I will contact you with further details.
LikeLike
Hi Nola, I was wondering how I go about purchasing “European Settlement in the Clarence River District before 1850” book. Thanks!
LikeLike
Good morning, I will contact you privately.
LikeLike
Hi Nola
I am interested in purchasing European Settlement in the Clarence River District before 1850, it says small number in stock so I was wondering if you still have any.
Regards Karen
LikeLike
Hi Karen, Thank you for the contact. I will email you with the details. Regards Nola
LikeLike
Hello NOLA
I am from the Bell/ Wood family. Am in Australia at the moment. We have conversed before. Are you at the same address. Love to catch up
Judy (Wood) Dawson
LikeLike
Hi NOLA,I am a teacher at glenaeon rudolf steiner school. I am interested in Lute Drummond. Do you have any photos of the girls? Thank you,
Glennis
LikeLike
Good morning, Glennis I have sent a private email to you.
LikeLike
Nola, Sorry but I clicked on comment after I had supplied my email etc. before I went back to finish message
What I was wanting to know do you have a list of Mayors for Grafton say from 1890 to 1910. Regards Pat Davis
LikeLike
Grafton Mayors 1890-1910
Richard Dobie Bawden 1909-10
Duncan Beatson 1882, 1893, 1899
Edmund Hockey 1891-92
Wilford John E Johnson 1915-16
Peter Kritsch 1904-5
Frank Norrie 1894
Charles Page 1908
Samuel See 1883-90, 1900-3, 1910-11
Charles Strauss 1912-14
LikeLike