GROUPS in the south-west have won grants of more than $40,000 to delve into the history archives.
Nine organisations throughout the region are among 63 across Victoria that have received funding under the state’s Local History Grants Program.
The biggest grant has gone to the Portland Family History Group which will use its $11,600 to produce a DVD documenting the history of Borthwick’s abattoir, including the stories of former workers.
The Framlingham Aboriginal Trust was awarded $8000 to bring together 150 years of memories from the Aboriginal community since it was first established as a mission in 1861.
The end project will be a digital reproduction of photographs, written material and oral histories and stories from residents which tells the history of Framlingham.
Hamilton History Centre received $3548 to digitise a collection of microfilm copies including Hamilton rate books 1926 to 1971 and the Hamilton Spectator from 1860 to 1878.
Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens was awarded $3000 to develop interpretive signage documenting the history of the garden’s 130-year-old well.
Young people in the Port Fairy district will be encouraged to document their family stories as part of the town’s Ex Libris festival weekend in September. With the help of a $3000 grant the children will record the stories in a project as a lead-in to the festival.
The Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society was awarded $3110 to develop a heritage walk highlighting the significance of the wool and agriculture industries in the district.
Cudgee Primary School received $6000 to produce a historical account of the past 150 years of the school. A historian and artist will work with pupils and residents to document the history, create a visual display and produce a book.
A grant of $3000 went to the Derrinallum and Lismore Community Association to publish a book featuring the memoirs of local residents recorded over the past 10 years.
Warrnambool Fire Brigade won $2000 to digitise its minute books dating from 1863 and make them available online as part of the brigade’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria said the various projects would ensure the legacy of Victoria’s fascinating past was preserved, recorded and shared.
“Victoria has a rich and diverse history with significant local collections, stories and important cultural treasures spread across the state,” Ms Victoria said.
“In addition to showcasing the places and people who have made Victoria what it is today, the program recognises the work of the passionate volunteers and community organisations who ensure our remarkable history is recorded and shared with future generations.”
malexander@fairfaxmedia.com.au
