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Graduate writes book on Palmview history
The redeveloping landscape around Caloundra Road near Palmview has prompted a University of the Sunshine Coast graduate to release a second volume to her original local history book.
Rowena Walters recently launched the 160-page, self-published book, “Mitta-Keri”, at the Rustic Cabin, Glenview.
Rowena said the “Mitta-Keri” property had been home to the Maskall and Walters families from 1949 to 1993, when it was sold. She grew up there.
“When it became apparent in 2006 that the property was once again to be resumed for roadworks I revisited my original family history, held in the Caloundra Library Local History section.
“Volume one was completed in 1984. Volume two follows the saga of the road’s re-routing until the last cloud of dust disappeared in 2008.”
Rowena said even though her family was no longer tied financially to the location, they still felt emotionally connected and regretted the loss. “The book is not a dry collection of dates but rather a story of laughter and loss told through photos, maps, oral and anecdotal history and more.”
Rowena graduated from USC in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts (Environment and Planning). She received a Dean’s commendation. She paid tribute in the book to her USC lecturers “for teaching me the craft of writing and the art of research”.
Since then she has worked in the community sector and at Sunshine Coast TAFE. She said the aim of her ‘Eco Social Perspective’ website was to create healthy, sustainable communities through linking social and ecological needs.
It is available at the Landsborough Museum and at the Rustic Cabin.
— Julie Gatehouse