Vera Deacon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vera Frances Deacon OAM (née Pember, 19 July 1926 – 16 May 2021) was an Australian historian, writer and philanthropist.[1][2][3][4]

Biography[]

Deacon was born in the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield and raised on Dempsey and Mosquito Island (also known as Moscheto), on the Hunter River.[5]

In 2019 her book Singing Back The River was published and includes her recollections of life on the Hunter River.[6]

She first started donating to the University of Newcastle’s archives in 2001 to support regional history through the acquisition, conservation and research of significant regional historical resources.[7]

Recognition[]

The Vera Deacon Regional History Fund was established in her honour in 2008. She was named Freeman of the City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia in 2019.[8]

In 2020 Deacon was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community history and to conservation.[9][10][11]

References[]

  1. ^ North, Marilla (2012). "Vera Deacon: A Pen Portrait Part 1: 1926-1946". Hecate. 38 (1–2).[dead link]
  2. ^ Deacon, Vera (1997). "Memories of Mayfield West and Platts Channel". University of Newcastle Library.
  3. ^ Bevan, Scott (25 September 2019). "Newcastle writer, historian and philanthropist Vera Deacon awarded Freeman of the City". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  4. ^ "Newcastle loses a legend: Vera Deacon passes away, aged 94". Newcastle Herald. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  5. ^ "Vera Deacon given City's highest honour". City of Newcastle. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  6. ^ Deacon, Vera (2019). Singing Back The River. Leura, NSW: Yarnspinners Press Collective. ISBN 9780648134251.
  7. ^ "Vera Deacon Regional History Fund". Cultural Collections, UON. 2008. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  8. ^ Bevan, Scott (16 June 2018). "Child of the river, icon of the city". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  9. ^ Kelly, Mathew (8 June 2020). "A Driving Force of Nature". Newcastle Herald.
  10. ^ Kelly, Mathew (7 June 2020). "Hunter Queen's Birthday recipients come from diverse backgrounds but all have made equally amazing contributions to our community". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  11. ^ "Vera Deacon for service to community history, and to conservation". University of Newcastle News. 8 June 2020.
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