Who we are

Formed in July 2010, the Group aims to gather, preserve and promote Darlington’s history for current and future generations.
The committee meets regularly, conducts community events, encourages local participation and works collaboratively with other like-minded organisations.

Contact Details

The email addresses below are links ‐ click on them to send an email.

Chair (Joint) Val Shiell admin@dhg.org.au. 9299 6868
Vice-Chair Cliff Burns cliffburns@iprimus.com.au. 9299 6696
Archivist (Joint Chair) Lyn Myles dhgarchivist@gmail.com. 9298 8604
Publicist Ursula Sharman publicity@dhg.org.au.
Webmaster & Joint-Secretary Rob Borsje secretary@dhg.org.au. 0416 295 407

DHG Committee Members

Val

Val Shiell - Joint Chair

Val has been our Chairperson
for many years and has extensive
experience in Disability and Arts.
She keeps a firm hand on the tiller.
Always pleasant! moreThe story of her and husband Denis's property can be found under 'History Resources' > 'Accommodation' > 'Glen Doone, Victor Road' or click here.

Lyn Myles - Archivist &
Joint Chair

My background and connection
to Darlington starts with
my father who came here
as a baby in 1927 while my
mother came as a teenager
during WW2.
moreThey met here and married just after the war, consequently I was raised in Darlington and attended the old Darlington Primary School.
My career spanned 35 years as a Secondary Biological Science teacher in both metropolitan and Hills schools.
I have interests which include belonging to the WA Naturalist Club as well as the Darlington History Group.
I also enjoy researching my family (and others) genealogy which resulted in a keen interest for doing Military History including a tour to Gallipoli and The Western Front in 2009.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last decade being part of such a dynamic and diverse group as the DHG who get things done and come up with great ideas.

Cliff

Cliff Burns - Vice Chair

Researched and authored 7 local
Darlington books. A cricket tragic
who still plays. A mad trekker all
over the World. Organises and
conducts Sunday Walk Group. Loves
to get dirty in his home vegie garden.

Liz Rusha - Treasurer

Another always-pleasant person
is Liz. Known to be calm at all
times.

Rob

Rob Borsje - Joint Secretary

Rob does IT, photography and
web work and is the co-secretary.
Want to know what a bad
hair day looked like in 1977?
Tap/Mouse over the image.
moreRob researched and self published 'A History of Parkerville & Stoneville' in 2017. He actually doesn't live in Darlington (mainly because he failed the entrance exam miserably), so he lives in Parkerville ‐ hence the book. He has lived in Darlington in the past. His horse knows its way today due to the well-trodden path between the two townships!
Rob interests are playing golf, photography and web design.

Christine Stoney ‐
Joint Secretary

Christine is a former 'chalkie',
well known for instilling stern
discipline in errant school
children. She also shares
the secretary duties with Rob.

Ursula Sharman ‐
Publicist

Ursula is a proud Darlington
resident. She has a broad
range of interests and
skills and is currently
preserving, restoring and
conserving an old home.
Passionate about gardening
especially with a particular
interest in historical
gardens. Loves reading,
researching and writing.

Susan Hopper ‐
Committee Member

Susan recently relocated to
Darlington from Queensland and holds
a PhD in acupuncture, degrees
in geology and planning, with a
background in regional airspace
management, airforce, navy,
and commercial/public sectors.
Additionally, she is a landcare
enthusiast with 20 years of
experience in flying
infrastructure.


Fund-Raising

DHG's fund raising activities centre around the annual Bunnings 'sausage-sizzle'
and sales at the Darlington Arts Festival of books and bric-a-brac.
We also use Shire and State Govt grants for specific purposes or projects.
Our thanks go out to Midland Bunnings, the Darlington Arts Festival Committee, Shire and State Govt departments!heart

Membership & Donations

Would you like to become a member of the Darlington History Group?
The membership form can be downloaded, filled in and brought along to the next or any DHG meeting, or the completed form can be rescanned and emailed to membership@dhg.org.au.
You can also hand it to one of the current members.
The annual membership fee is $5.00. and is due each year on Aug 31st.
We can then add you to our membership list.

What are the benefits?
We welcome new members to join us in exploring the history of Darlington, its places and people.
Our projects require input and help from the community: become involved and contribute your expertise to record Darlington’s history. You could help us document our history by being the interviewer or interviewee to record or elicit knowledge about this unique village in the hills.
Our Guest Speaker meetings cover a range of interesting topics, you can also learn about our activities and projects or simply contact the Group for more information to register your interest.
Our Guest Speaker nights are advertised in the Darlington Review, posted on this website and available by email. We would encourage you to come and catch up with past and present residents at these stimulating evenings.
Join our email list and be kept up to date about upcoming Guest Speakers.

You can make a donation or pay your membership by direct deposit.
Our BSB account details are:
  Darlington History Group Inc.
  BSB 633-000
  Account 156049264

Please ensure you include your name(s) and email details or contact telephone/mobile numbers when
making payment by direct deposit (otherwise we won't know who has remitted the payment).

‐Or, if you prefer, you can pay membership fees or donate by attending one of our talks nights and using our EFTPOS terminal. ‐