In 1973 the Orange Lions Club commenced a project to raise funds to give the people of Orange a ladies rest centre and bus shelter in Robertson Park. Fundraising activities were undertaken including inviting people to purchase an envelope at a cost of $1 in which to place items of interest to be interred in a time capsule, to be revealed in 50 years’ time – June 2023.
Purchasers were given a card and told to place it with their will, or in a secure place which could be located in 2023. This card gives authority to the holder to receive the envelope. Items placed in the envelope included photographs, stamps, coins, letters, or trinkets.
The capsule, made by TAFE students, is reported to be 6ft 6in (1.98 metres) tall. At a meeting held on 25th February 1974, the Parks and Trees Advisory Committee recommended that permission be granted to the Lions Club to bury the time capsule in Robertson Park at a location to be recommended by the City Council Engineer. Although the capsule was scheduled to be buried in Robertson Park in 1973, it was not until 29th June 1974 that the capsule was interred.
Orange City Council and the Lion’s Club are working on a program to unearth the capsule on 29th June 2023. Card holders can claim envelopes on 1st July 2023.
Members of the Orange Lions Club are asking that card holders contact the Club by emailing olc.timecapsule@gmail.com and stating name on card, card number, claimants name, claimants’ email and phone number. Alternatively, the information can be returned to Orange Lions Club Time Capsule, PO Box 499 Orange 2800. On receipt of your information the Club will send you details on how to collect the envelope.