Former members of the discontinued Murwillumbah branch of community service organisation Apex Australia alongside the Tweed Shire Council (TSC), came to the tough decision to open the three 50-year-old time capsules in a controlled environment due to public health concerns.
Surprise capsule
When the building of the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre began in 1973 the time capsules were buried for the community, one by the Tweed Shire Council and another by Apex Australia.
An unexpected third capsule was also found, buried by the Civic Centre construction workers.
The capsules were put on display and made available for public viewing in October this year to commemorate the 50 years since they were buried. However, the capsules contained mould spores which could present health risks and the contents had been affected by a build-up of moisture.
Council and Apex representatives who were present at the 1973 sealing and burial ceremony of the capsules decided to open them in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of those present at the 50-year opening of the time capsules.
This operation began on Thursday, November 9 with staff experienced in handling historic items and were joined by Garry Smith and John Henley from Apex who were witnessing the opening.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry broke the news that sadly the seal on Apex’s time capsule was unsuccessful in preserving its contents.
‘Sadly initial concerns for the conditions of the contents were warranted,’ Cr Cherry said.
‘The three capsules were originally found buried in the dirt with no protection from the elements. The contents of Apex’s community capsule were damaged to varying degrees – from completely disintegrated through to sodden and covered in active mould.’
Printed envelopes from the NSW Governer and other important community figures were held in Apex’s capsule, along with items that hold value for the community. The TSC’s capsule held newspapers, photos and sealed envelopes. The mysterious third capsule contained letters from the workers.
Luckily the council and worker’s capsules were able to be dried and assessed, but there was much disappointment for former Apex member Garry Smith and community members whose capsule was not preserved.
(L to R) Suzanne, Geoff, Richard, Beverley and Margaret. Photo supplied
‘We were so looking forward to an opening ceremony where we could all view and celebrate this moment in Murwillumbah’s history,’ Mr Smith said.
‘But unfortunately, the capsule did not stand the test of time and succumbed to the elements.’
Major floods have affected Murwillumbah, especially since 1974, which likely contributed to the damage to the capsules.
Despite the disappointment in the community, one family received items left by their ancestor, a descendant of Clarrie Hall, who luckily left letters in the Council time capsule.
Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/time-capsule to submit an application by Wednesday 20 December 2023 to claim identifiable contents. All unidentified damaged items will be disposed of.
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