The Victorian Government is supporting community history projects across the state, making Victoria’s rich local history more accessible for all Victorians.
Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson has announced the 52 projects that will share $350,000 Local History Grants, a program run by Public Record Office Victoria to support community and history organisations to preserve, record and share Victoria’s local history.
“Our history shows where we’ve come from and helps us see where we are going, which is why we are so proud to support these 52 innovative projects that capture our past for future generations,” said Minister Pearson.
“I congratulate all this year’s successful projects, which reflect the diversity, innovation and creativity of community groups and local historians across Victoria.”
This year’s successful grant recipients include Melbourne’s famous Museum of Chinese Australian History, who will develop a podcast on Chinese Australian family stories. Chinese Australian Whispers will explore the historical lives of families with Chinese background in Victoria and reflect on recent family experiences across the state.
The rich history of Victoria’s Muslim community will be explored through a project by the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations. They will create video stories highlighting the challenges faced by Turkish migrants in Shepparton, Mildura and Melbourne from 1968-1974.
The Palais Arts Fund is receiving support to capture oral histories that tell stories of events at Geelong’s Palais, set against the backdrop of the city’s evolution into a multicultural city.
Other successful projects will help Victoria’s history reach everyone in the community through interactive online exhibitions, podcasts, e-books, history apps and oral histories.
“Public Record Office Victoria is delighted to support these projects and the fantastic work of local historians through our Local History Grants,” said Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood.
For more information and full list of recipients, visit: www.prov.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Black silk jacket donated by Clair Williams – photo courtesy of Museum of Chinese Australian History