Darren Harris

SEVEN SPEAKERS helped the indefatigable Graeme R. Davis OAM launch the second edition of his book In Pioneer’s Footsteps at Seppenfelts, on Saturday 13 February.

The book is an invaluable guide to Deloraine’s history, built heritage and scenic drives and walks in Meander Valley.

The Hon. Guy Barnett officially opened the book launch, with long term friend and 30 year Deloraine resident Michael McBain acting as MC.

Other speakers included Cllr Frank Nott, Judy Dixon, Pat Woods (Deloraine Dramatic Society), Channel 7 news presenter Kim Miller, and Philip Browne (organiser).

Graeme said he started updating the 2nd edition on 1 March last year and finished it in late December. ‘I put my time during Covid to good use’, Graeme told the audience.

Mr Davis was awarded an OAM on Australia Day 2009 for service to the community, particularly through the Rotary Club of Deloraine and a range of arts organisations.

The launch was well attended by Meander Valley locals and others who travelled in to support Graeme, purchase the book and get their copy signed.

Mr McBain said Graeme updated the book the old-fashioned way by visiting people and phoning them. ‘Graeme volunteered at Deloraine House to take groups on walks and

drives through Deloraine and the valley for three years prior to the first edition. The second edition has 49 additional pages and a few errors corrected.

‘Graeme was a farmer here in the area for years. He was involved with the Deloraine Dramatic Society, a District Governor of Rotary, and he launched more new rotary clubs than any other person in Tasmania.’

Mr McBain said the first edition took a few years for Graeme to complete. Philip Browne helped Graeme complete the second edition by acting as organiser, distributor, researcher, editor, and indexer.

In Pioneer’s Footsteps is available at Seppenfelts in Deloraine and other stockists.