The nomination of the Award for the Lithgow Legend for November has been made by the National Trust Group in recognition of the tireless efforts and commitment given by Kanimbla resident Joan Kent.
Joan has contributed many long hours of dedication to her role as a professional historian and since moving to Kanimbla in 1999 she has become involved with many community groups in the greater Lithgow area.
As a member of the Lithgow branch of the National Trust Joan has served in a number of positions including secretary and her skills and expertise have been invaluable.
Her passion for the work and the objectives of the Trust is reflected through some 30 years as a member, and in recent times Joan has become an individual member of the Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage Association as part of the Management Committee and also as Lithgow’s representative on the Crossing of the Blue Mountains commemoration activities.
A significant component of this historical event was a display at the old Hartley School and Joan was instrumental in planning and organising this feature.
The display, ‘A Moment in Time’, came as a result of many hours of research and became the focal point of the celebrations.
Joan has now written a book based on the exhibition which was launched very successfully at Lithgow Public Library last month.
With the significant level of planning that is now under way for the 2015 commemorations of Governor Macquarie’s visit to Bathurst along Cox’s Road across the Blue Mountains, Joan continues to participate as a member of the committee charged with organising this event, and once again her knowledge and passion will greatly enhance these activities.
Joan is also involved with the Hartley District Progress Association, it’s School Restoration Committee, and the Hartley Highway Action Group, while still maintaining a deep interest in local indigenous groups, as well as in other heritage sites across the area.
When a member of the community becomes involved and gives a commitment, each of us benefits, and the work that has been undertaken over the past few years by Joan Kent is immeasurable.
Joan received her award from Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole and Lithgow Mercury Managing Editor, Len Ashworth.
Text from Lithgow Mercury, with some corrections to the original text by Diane Green.
Photo is from the launch of Joan’s book, A Moment in Time.
Congratulations Joan. Good job!