Local nominees praised for the preservation of local history

THE Victorian Government is celebrating the efforts that individuals across the state have made in preserving the state’s history for the education of future generations.

2021’s Victorian Community History Awards Shortlist was announced to acknowledge excellence and originality in historical storytelling, and this year’s shortlist comes jam-packed with a handful of local nominations.

“These awards are an important way for us to recognise those working tirelessly to bring Victoria’s history to life,” Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson said.

“Congratulations to the nominees for their work and thank you for continuing to capture, preserve and share our state’s history, so it is never forgotten.”

Amongst the featured nominations is the book written by author Maggie Stowers named Dwellers of Fisherman’s Flat, which focuses on the history of an area of land in the town of Queenscliff that was used over several generations by a number of families.

Ms Stowers uses original images from the Queenscliffe Historical Museum collection and extracts entries from diaries, journals, and ledgers in a unique portrayal of the lives of the early fishing families.

The publication has also included photographs and stories about women previously missing from the recorded histories of this area.

The rest of the shortlist nominees tell stories ranging from war and industry to pandemics, sport, and murder, and includes biographies, articles, feature-length documentaries and interactive digital experiences.

There are several nominations for history preserved in the Geelong area such as a biography on Albert Pompey Austin written by Roy Hay, remembering the first Indigenous person to play top level football in Victoria, who played for Geelong in 1872.

The Wadawurrung Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with the National Wool Museum has been recognised for their new exhibit recognising the Wadawurrung peoples, their culture, and traditions as well as their impact on the wool industry in the region.

The Wool Museum is also nominated for another exhibition for its documentation of the wool industry here in Australia – the first major exhibition on the history of Australian wool for over two decades.

Lastly, the Geelong Heritage Centre has been nominated for its Geelong Honours Them project which identified, located, and digitally photographed more than 200 World War One Honour Boards from the Geelong region providing unprecedented access to ANZAC history.

The 2021 Victorian Premier’s History Award recipient and eight Victorian Community History category winners will be chosen once a date is confirmed in October, during History Month.

For more information regarding the Community History Awards head to prov.vic.gov.au/community/grants-and-awards/community-history-awards.