While 69 former Fairbridge residents are part of a class action in the Supreme Court seeking compensation for abuse they allegedly suffered at the school, the Molong Historical Society is eager to document the period that has shaped a large part of their town.

The Fairbridge Story exhibition that will go on display at the Molong Museum next year is expected to give a factual and objective look into the foundation’s history.

A $4500 grant from NSW Migration Heritage Centre will allow the exhibition to develop into a potentially great tourism and historical attraction.

“The Molong Historical Society has a collection of photographs of the men and women of Fairbridge as children on the farm,” Molong Historical Society member Marie Hammond said.

“The Molong community continues to hold endearing warmth to all old Fairbridgians as they are part of our common history.

“We welcome any stories, publications and photos that may be given to us.”

Fairbridge is the centre of much controversy, but the Molong Historical Society is focused on providing the farm’s history.

“There’s a lot of feeling here in the town, it needs to be a place where the facts are given and repeated truthfully,” museum consultant Margot Jolly said.

“The museum’s job is to put out the facts.”

The exhibition will feature many photos of the Fairbridge days, digital archives, as well as records and memoirs from some of the 1200 British and Australian children who lived there between 1938 and 1973.

Many Molong residents are supporting the exhibition and are looking forward to seeing a significant part of the town’s history documented.

“It will be a rare place when it’s finished,” Mrs Hammond said.

“It’s as important as any hardship story we have.

“Fairbridge had its own culture, and it was also our culture.”

erin.somerville@ruralpress.com