Friendly Groups Share Open Day

Genealogical Society secretary Carly Zilm takes a closer look at some of the historic photos which were on show

June 11, 2026

Two local groups with vastly different interests – but with members who love to have a chat! – hosted an Open Day at the old 1913 Council Chambers in Kingaroy this week.

The two groups, the South Burnett Genealogical and Family History Society and the Tuesday Art Group, have some joint members which is how the idea came about.

The Genealogical group mounted a display of historic photos on tables and around the walls of the historic building, as well as having dozens of photo books laid out to peruse.

Secretary Carly Zilm said there were about 750 photos on display, including a mystery panoramic photo taken outside the peanut silos taken in 1937 (see below).

Meanwhile, members of the Tuesday Art Group were working on their artworks, and showing off completed works.

Both groups are very friendly and are keen to attract new members:

The Genealogical Society meets every Wednesday morning between 9:00am and noon at the Kingaroy Library in Glendon Street

The Tuesday Art Group meets every Tuesday from 9:00am at the 1913 Council Chambers in Edward Street, Kingaroy

Coralie Rivas, from Taabinga, was copying this card using soft pastels and pastel pencils

Local artist Thelma Archibald was creating an embroidery “painting”

Murray Beil, at back, with fellow Genealogical Society members Carmel Olsson, Carly Zilm and Pauline Ardley

Just a small part of the large display in the 1913 Chambers on Tuesday

The doyen of local history is Glady Hood who has been the “go to” expert on local stories for decades!

Sue Otto, from Brisbane, with Rhonda Schultz, Kingaroy, and Shirley Lyell, Wooroolin, who were checking out some of the historic photos

Murray Beil, from Taabinga, with a series of photos and unique artworks created by his late brother-in-law, Arthur Steele … Arthur was keen on photographing old buildings around Kumbia and recording their history, but he also was always urging people to keep their plastic bread tags for him …

… Arthur used the tags to create unique models of local buildings; this artwork shows the Beil family home at Alice Creek

Jhetty Vout, from Benarkin, is a member of the Tuesday Art Group, and loves making and painting trains

Some of Jhetty’s detailed train drawings

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Do You Recognise Anyone?

This panoramic photo (the two pieces join together) was taken of workers outside the Peanut Marketing Board in Kingaroy in 1937.

The South Burnett Genealogical and Family History Society is keen to record the names of all the workers, and has already managed to identify several.

Is your relative pictured?

The photos can be examined at the group’s Wednesday meetings at Kingaroy Library.