ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collections

HMSS 0400 Reg Alder Photographs 

Scope and Content Notes 

The following obituary by Len Haskew appeared in the NPA Bulletin (journal of the National Parks Association of the ACT), December 2003.

“NPAACT lost one of its icons when life member Reg Alder succumbed to cancer on 6 October 2003. When presenting his eulogy for Reg at the Namadgi Visitor Centre, Matthew Higgins described Reg as a "man of the mountains." I am sure that all who knew Reg and his tireless and constant interest in both bushwalking and the environment would agree with this description of him. Reg began bushwalking with the Sydney Bushwalkers in 1938 and he quickly developed a consuming interest not only in the activity itself but also in the natural and cultural environment which he had begun to explore. These interests lasted all his life and he was never happier than when he was out among the gum trees or sitting enjoying a cup of coffee on the verandah of one of the mountain huts.

He came to Canberra in the early '70s and immediately became a member of NPA. He soon made his mark on the Outings Program. Reg' s influence saw longer, more challenging day walks being undertaken as well as overnight and extended trips. In the '70s Namadgi was largely an "unexplored" area for bushwalkers. Reg had an ability to read maps as easily as others read novels and he opened up new destinations and routes for NPA members. Many of these routes have become well-trodden footpads today. As well as pathfinding and leading walks, Reg introduced many members to the pleasures of packwalking. He encouraged so many to undertake a new activity and he was extremely generous in imparting both his skills and knowledge.

At the memorial service Neville Esau told the gathering that he regarded Reg as a "mentor" and I believe he was seen in this light by so many NPA members. Several of today's skilled navigators and map readers readily acknowledge Reg's contribution in developing their skills. Reg had an uncanny ability to remember with great detail so many of the areas he had visited. It may have been 30-odd years since he last walked a particular route but he could remember the terrain with great clarity and could caution about those spots where the map would tend to lead a walker astray.

By the mid '70s Reg was actively involved in the administration of NPA and he was a long time Committee member. He was Editor of the NPA Bulletin for six years and during this time it grew to the fine publication it is today. Characteristically, Reg paid meticulous attention to every detail and changed printers frequently to ensure that it was ready on the first day of the appropriate month at the very latest. Throughout all his membership he was active on sub-committees (particularly for Namadgi and the Bulletin) and he maintained this interest even when his health began to fail. For many years he was NPA's representative on the Australian National Parks Council and he  was, for a time, its National Coordinator. Reg was made a life member of NP A in 1984—an honour of which he was extremely proud. 

Reg was always actively involved in the many issues that were important to NPA. He was largely responsible for cultural heritage becoming part of the association's aims and objectives. He contributed ideas to many submissions and was instrumental in the relocation of the Yankee Hat carpark and then the rehabilitation of the inappropriately sited and constructed alternative. He was a keen and willing participant in most NPA work parties. Work party coordinators could rely on Reg to bring along the appropriate tools and he was always able to advise on the best way to undertake and complete a task. Thanks to his vision and perseverance Orroral Homestead has been restored and the Yerrabi Track constructed. These two projects on their own will be lasting and much appreciated memorials to Reg.

As a keen photographer and skilled darkroom worker Reg contributed many superb photographs to the Bulletin. For many years it was the very odd edition when one of Reg's photographs was not on the front cover. He was still contributing photographs and perceptive (sometimes provocative) articles until ill-health prevented him. It is because of people of the calibre of Reg that NPA is a well-respected and forceful voice in the ACT's environmental community. As Matilda House said, He was a well respected Elder.”

A large collection of Reg's photographs and his personal papers are held at the National Library of Australia.  It is possible that the photographs in the collection detailed below also exist in those collections. 

This collection of 37 large prints of photos taken by the late Reg Alder was donated to the National Parks Association ACT by Reg Alder’s daughters soon after his death in October 2003. Subsequently the association donated this collection to the ACT Heritage Library where it is now held. Some photos were dated and titled but most were not. Fiona Macdonald Brand and Syd Comfort provided as many details of the photos as they could and these were recorded in February 2007 and are set out below. The dates shown for photos refer to the year in which the photos were taken. In this listing of these captions the photos are identified by numbers which have been pencilled on the backs of the prints. 

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