Just a year after his passing, the legacy of New Farm local and history enthusiast James “Jim” MacDonald has been immortalised in an annual history encouragement award at New Farm State School.
The inaugural award was presented to Ally Hold on December 9 at the Grade 6 graduation ceremony, alongside a copy of Reflections on New Farm by Gerard Benjamin.
The school introduced the Jim MacDonald History Encouragement Award (JMHEA) with the intention of encouraging “a genuine interest in history and a deep curiosity for ‘things of the past’” that extended past the school curriculum, much like Mr MacDonald during his life before he passed in 2024.
When Connie Hamer from the New Farm and Districts Historical Society (NF&DHS) suggested creating the award, she wrote to the school: “It was Mr Jim MacDonald’s sincere desire to leave a legacy celebrating and recognising his love for the New Farm area and its community and his passion for history”.
The society described him as “a witty, knowledgeable and quintessential gentleman” who will be remembered for his invaluable memories of New Farm, remarkable collection of memorabilia, and his warm friendship with fellow society members.
Mr MacDonald attended New Farm State School between 1940 and 1948 and reportedly “had very fond memories”.
He spent his life documenting these memories – and numerous others – for the enjoyment of people of all ages.
