Soldier settlement, as one of a range of post-World War I repatriation programs, was intended to reward soldiers for their service and support their reintegration into civilian life, however, the prevailing sentiment is that the scheme was a failure politically and economically as well as for the individual settlers.
Inspired by wanting to know more about her grandfather’s soldier settler experience, historian Jane Harding undertook a micro-study of the Boyneside (Queensland) Soldier Settlement that included following the life course of the selectors in this community.
The study revealed that there were positive outcomes for both the returned servicemen and the local community, some of which have endured into the present day suggesting that there are important elements of success in the scheme.
Jane will be guest speaker at the Cooroy-Noosa Genealogical and Historical Research Group general meeting where she will present her findings in her talk, Soldier Settlement: success or failure?
This presentation will include an overview of the WWI soldier settlement scheme, discussion on how to find records of soldier settlers (with a focus on WWI settlers in Queensland) and what information these records contain that can add to the story of an ancestor or community.
The meeting will be held on 9 August at 1pm in the Heritage Centre, 17 Emerald Street, Cooroy. All visitors welcome.
Entry charge will be $5 for members and $10 for visitors (non-members).
For more information phone 3129 0356 or email info@genealogy-noosa.org.au Website genealogy-noosa.org.au
