Register your interest for time capsule message

As works to complete the construction of the Murwillumbah Civic Centre and Library were underway in October 1973, the Murwillumbah branch of community service organisation, Apex, deposited a time capsule behind the Foundation Stone at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre. The capsule was to be opened 50 years later on 31 October 2023. Another capsule was placed by Tweed Shire Council and a third capsule – a small, wax-sealed glass jar placed by Civic Centre construction workers – was a surprise find.

Apex announced at the time that their capsule contained messages from the Governor, Shire President, and many other local dignitaries. Members of the public were also encouraged to add their own messages in specially printed envelopes and add them to the time capsule.

Fast forward to 2023 and Tweed residents are recounting stories of personal connections to messages placed in the Apex time capsule, either from older generations of family members or themselves.

Capsule retrieval

Council staff, with the support of former members of the Murwillumbah branch of community services organisation Apex Australia, made the difficult decision to open the three 50-year-old time capsules in a controlled environment due to public health concerns.

At the 50-year mark in October this year, the capsules were made available for public viewing for several weeks while still in their resting place. However, the contents appeared to be damaged by condensation and mould spores which posed potential risks to public health. In collaboration with Apex representatives present at the sealing and burial ceremony in 1973, Council made the difficult decision to open the capsules in a controlled environment offsite, where the state and preservation of the contents could be safely assessed.

The process was undertaken Thursday 9 November by staff who are qualified to handle historic items, joined by Apex members Garry Smith and John Henley. Unfortunately, the seal on Apex’s time capsule had failed while it was buried, leaving its contents exposed to the elements beneath the ground. The three capsules were originally found buried in the dirt with no protection from the elements. The contents of Apex’s community capsule were damaged to varying degrees – from completely disintegrated through to sodden and covered in active mould.

Apex’s community capsule contained messages and memoirs in specially printed envelopes from the NSW Governor, the Tweed Shire President, other local dignitaries and the community. Council’s capsule contained newspapers, Council papers, a small number of photographs and several sealed envelopes. The third capsule – the workers’ glass jar – contained papers and letters. The contents of the Apex capsule were slowly removed and transferred to a plastic sheeting in the sun to assess and neutralise active mould. The remaining two capsules’ contents, which were less affected by moisture and mould, were laid on a table to dry.

Former Apex member Garry Smith said it was disappointing their time capsule had been compromised, however community members would potentially still have an opportunity to view their family's sodden goods.

Register your claim

Tweed Shire Council is inviting owners or descendants of community members who contributed a message to the Apex time capsule some 50 years ago to come forward to claim their items.

Please complete the online form below by Wednesday 20 December to register your claim.