COMMUNITY Noticeboard
The Sewell family made their presence felt at a family reunion in New Farm on 20 March. The gathering at the Brisbane Powerhouse included family members from as far away as Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the Darling Downs.
Many new faces were introduced to one another and a family tree was displayed along with some photo albums and descriptions of family history. A summary of the project of gathering all the names, photos, addresses and records of a huge range of family was given by Ingrid and Peter Sewell.
Ingrid was the driving force behind the project and has spent many hours and kilometres of travel to collect it all together. Other members of the family spoke of their family’s part in the network and everyone listened intently to how the family had developed.
Ingrid also organised a decorated cake that had the photos of the earliest ancestors printed on the top (below). A digital record in the form of a USB was distributed to members of the family to share around to those that could not get there. Brisbane was selected for the gathering because it was the area that the earliest ancestors resided. Later family members move to other parts of Australia.
• Information by George Cowin
Keep that will up to date
In the leadup to Queensland Wills Week (3-7 May) State Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace has urged Queenslanders to ensure that they have a valid will.
“Every Queenslander over 18 needs a valid will, regardless of their age or the value of their estate,” Ms Grace (pictured) said. And there was no better time than Wills Week to have one made.
“Making your will lets you specify how you would like your assets distributed, nominate guardians for your children, set up trusts and donate money to charity.” Ms Grace said The Public Trustee had been making free wills for Queenslanders since 1916, a tradition the Bligh Government was proud to continue supporting.
“This is about the Toward Q2 vision of a fairer Queensland where everyone can access a free will,” she said.
“There’s no better time than Wills Week to think about the importance of having a will made, and the benefit it could have for your family.” Ms Grace said a will was a living document that required updating as life changes.
“The birth of a child, marriage, going overseas, natural disasters, retirement, separation and divorce and entering a de facto relationship are all times to make sure your will is up to date,” she said. The Public Trustee of Queensland Peter Carne said the majority of Queenslanders wouldn’t have to travel too far to have a will made for free by The Public Trustee.
“We have offices in 16 regions across Queensland that employ local staff who understand their local communities,” Mr Carne said. “There’s also outreach service of courthouses, Centrelink officers and QGAP agents to assist with will making for those who don’t live near an office.”
• To contact The Public Trustee, phone 1300 360 044 or visit www.willsweek.pt.qld.gov.au.
