Preserving Victorian Community History

The Allan Labor Government is preserving the history of Victoria by providing funding for organisations at the heart of local communities to research, record and showcase local history.

Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams today announced that 42 organisations will share in $350,000 of funding from the Labor Government’s Local History Grants Program, confirming that the program will continue into 2025.

The projects include newspaper and photograph digitisation works, memorial websites, digital histories, oral histories and archiving projects. 

Deafblind Victoria was awarded $13,465 for their web and video interview project capturing the stories of the Deafblind community since 1988, while City of Ballarat Libraries received $10,000 to preserve two volumes on Australian flora from a 1792 French expedition.

The Ethnic Community Broadcasting Association of Victoria was awarded $14,950 to record a series of oral histories of long-standing volunteers, and the North Richmond Community Health Centre received $14,909 for its 50^th anniversary oral histories and e-book.

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre was granted $9,140 to catalogue its collection of images, artefacts, and documents for its 75^th anniversary, while Bendigo Heritage Attractions will receive $9712 to preserve the history of its gold mine, tramways and Joss House Temple.

Taungurung Land and Waters Council will receive $13,545 to catalogue its Aboriginal heritage artefacts, while Glen Eira Historical Society was given $8,000 to capture oral history from residents and workers around Caulfield Racecourse.

The Labor Government is supporting the next round of the Local History Grants Program and Victorian Community History Awards, with applications to open later this year.

A detailed list of all the projects funded through the Local History Grants Program can be found at prov.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams

“The projects we are supporting through the Local History Grants Program will celebrate Victoria’s history and preserve it for future generations.”

“Community groups across the state do important work showcasing our local history, and we are proud to support them through the Local History Grants Program.”

Quote attributable to Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood

“For 22 years, the Local History Grants Program has ensured the stories and collections of Victoria’s history are not forgotten. We are pleased to see $350,000 shared among such worthy projects in 2024.“