Celebrating Women Teachers - the 62nd Pioneer Women’s Ceremony
2023-01-30 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden, Kings Domain, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
The National Council of Women Victoria celebrates Victoria’s pioneer women, past and present at this annual event.
As 2022-23 is the 150th Anniversary of Free, Secular and Compulsory Education in Victoria, our focus will be on pioneering women teachers. Dr Deborah Towns OAM, co-author of A Secondary Education For All? A History of State Secondary Schooling in Victoria and author of articles on education and teachers in Government, Independent and Catholic schools, will highlight women pioneers in education and early schools in Victoria.
Deborah will begin by recognising that before white people settled in Australia, and established schools and worked as teachers, Aboriginal men and women had taught their culture to the next generation. For centuries their elders taught traditions, skills, and beliefs through sophisticated oral teaching and technical experience. In a few early colonial schools and missions, Aboriginal children were taught how to read and write in English and were forcefully encouraged to ignore traditional Aboriginal culture. Later some worked as assistant teachers and then were trained in teachers’ colleges. This continues and there are Aboriginal women leading as teachers and in educational management in schools and universities. Today education for Indigenous students and education about Indigenous lifestyles, histories, language, and culture are increasingly taught to all
students and embedded in key educational documents.
Celebrating other women’s pioneering activities in education will follow. Religious women in Catholic Education showed remarkable leadership in the early years of Australia’s colonisation, often teaching in challenging conditions as well as establishing and heading up large schools. Other pioneering women established private single sex and coeducational schools, some of which are well into their second century today. In the government system women taught in large city schools and one teacher schools in rural areas over a century ago. They even taught in the gold fields in tents.
Over time women got equal pay and became heads of coeducational high schools. In recent decades they head up single-sex boys’ schools and manage state and national education departments which would have been considered impossible 150 years ago. Women pioneered the first kindergartens recognising the significance of early years learning over a century ago. These women and their pioneering activities will be described and celebrated.
Photo: Dr Deborah Towns OAM (on right) with Kara Krushe, Project Manager of the 150 Years of Public Education Project, Department of Education and Training, Victoria.
This is a COVID safe event, with distancing and sanitising included. Chairs, canopies and water will be provided, but please bring your own water bottle/cup. Melway Map: 2G A10
Please notify NCWV of your attendance on info@ncwvic.org.au so we have enough chairs.

Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
2023-02-02 - 2023-06-30 | RHSV Gallery Downstairs, 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Simmie & Co was a prominent building company in Melbourne (1924-1978) and in Canberra (1926-1969). In Melbourne the company was highly successful and built many iconic buildings, churches, monasteries, schools, housing, factories, defence works, the Shrine forecourt (1939-45), offices and theatres including some heritage-listed constructions (one designed by Robin Boyd).
In Canberra, Simmie & Co was responsible for building a wide range of iconic constructions, including the first Northbourne Avenue shops on London Circuit, Albert Hall, the Australian War Memorial, St Andrews Cathedral, Institute of Anatomy (now the Film and Sound Archives), US Embassy, several other embassies, R G Menzies Library, a range of housing from heritage listed homes in Forrest to worker’s cottages in Narrabundah, schools, halls, theatres and commercial sites.
The founders were three Victorian brothers, all born in the last decade of the nineteenth century and all worked at the Sunshine Harvester factory before World War One – William, Jock & George. All were World War One veterans (two were Gallipoli veterans). All were wounded and survived. Two were closely involved with the Master Builders Association in Melbourne.
Discover their story of a pioneering building company of the early to mid-twentieth century, of World War One veterans, of courage and a willingness to take a risk, of the beginning of the capital city of Australia and the workers, the unsung heroes, who made it all happen.
ABOUT THE R J SIMMIE COLLECTION
The R J Simmie Collection has been put together over many years by Dr Richard Simmie, a grandson of Jock Simmie, one of the principals of Simmie & Co. The Collection contains records of the Simmie family connected to Simmie & Co and also historic farm Harpsdale. These comprise an extensive collection of photographs, construction and farm business records, artefacts and ephemera, even historic farm machinery. The R J Simmie Collection is the major sponsor for this exhibition, both in Melbourne and Canberra.
ABOUT THE CURATOR AND AUTHOR
Dr Andrew Kilsby, is an independent historian (www.connect-history.com), and published author. He holds a PhD in history from UNSW. Dr Kilsby has a background in military and diplomatic service, public relations and corporate communications both in Australia and in Asia-Pacific. Recent publications include The Big Garage: 65 Years of Motoring History; The Case of Eichengruen-Edwards and Continental Tyres (Commendation Community History Awards 2019); The Forgotten Cruiser: HMAS Melbourne I, 1913-1928; The Riflemen: A History of the NRAA 1888-1988 and as co-author, A Reputable Set of Men: The Sandringham Club 1913-2013 and Sigma Pharmaceuticals 1912-2012. His new publication Family Business: The Simmies of Simmie & Co and Harpsdale, will be launched at the exhibition opening.

Launch of "Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 - 1978" exhibition
2023-02-02 17:00 - 19:00 | RHSV Gallery Downstairs, 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Join Dr Andrew Lemon FRHSV AM when he launches the exhibition, Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978 and book, Family Business: The Simmies of Simmie & Co and Harpsdale, both created by historian and curator, Dr Andrew Kilsby.
Simmie & Co was a prominent building company in Melbourne (1924-1978) and in Canberra (1926-1969). In Melbourne the company was highly successful and built many iconic buildings, churches, monasteries, schools, housing, factories, defence works, the Shrine forecourt (1939-45), offices and theatres including some heritage-listed constructions (one designed by Robin Boyd).
In Canberra, Simmie & Co was responsible for building a wide range of iconic constructions, including the first Northbourne Avenue shops on London Circuit, Albert Hall, the Australian War Memorial, St Andrews Cathedral, Institute of Anatomy (now the Film and Sound Archives), US Embassy, several other embassies, R G Menzies Library, a range of housing from heritage listed homes in Forrest to worker’s cottages in Narrabundah, schools, halls, theatres and commercial sites.
The founders were three Victorian brothers, all born in the last decade of the nineteenth century and all worked at the Sunshine Harvester factory before World War One – William, Jock & George. All were World War One veterans (two were Gallipoli veterans). All were wounded and survived. Two were closely involved with the Master Builders Association in Melbourne.
See their story of a pioneering building company of the early to mid-twentieth century, of World War One veterans, of courage and a willingness to take a risk, of the beginning of the capital city of Australia and the workers, the unsung heroes, who made it all happen.
At the launch, Dr Richard Simmie, grandson of Jock Simmie, will announce a philanthropic gift to the University of Melbourne named for his grandfather.
Harpsdale is a substantial and elegant pastoral homestead at Yuroke, just outside Melbourne. Designed for David Brodie by JAB Koch in 1875, it is a large brick single-storey homestead with two-storey brick stables, extensive gardens with contemporary exotic trees, including an avenue along the driveway, and outbuildings. It was purchased by Jock Simmie in 1941, is still being farmed and is still in the Simmie Family.
ABOUT THE R J SIMMIE COLLECTION
The R J Simmie Collection has been put together over many years by Dr Richard Simmie, a grandson of Jock Simmie, one of the principals of Simmie & Co. The Collection contains records of the Simmie family connected to Simmie & Co and also historic Harpsdale. These comprise an extensive collection of photographs, construction and farm business records, artefacts and ephemera, even historic farm machinery. The R J Simmie Collection is the major sponsor for this exhibition, both in Melbourne and Canberra.
ABOUT THE CURATOR AND AUTHOR
Dr Andrew Kilsby, is an independent historian (www.connect-history.com), and published author. He holds a PhD in history from UNSW. Dr Kilsby has a background in military and diplomatic service, public relations and corporate communications both in Australia and in Asia-Pacific. Recent publications include The Big Garage: 65 Years of Motoring History; The Case of Eichengruen-Edwards and Continental Tyres (Commendation Community History Awards 2019); The Forgotten Cruiser: HMAS Melbourne I, 1913-1928; The Riflemen: A History of the NRAA 1888-1988 and as co-author, A Reputable Set of Men: The Sandringham Club 1913-2013 and Sigma Pharmaceuticals 1912-2012. His new publication Family Business: The Simmies of Simmie & Co and Harpsdale, will be launched at the exhibition opening.

Refreshments are served from 5pm and the formal part of the evening will commence at 5:40pm.

Eltham Lower Park
2023-02-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Eltham Senior Citizens’ Centre, Library Place, Eltham, VIC, 3095, Australia
Prior to the extension of European people into the lands of the Nillum-bik in the late 1830s the Wurundjeri people had been meeting in the area now known as Eltham Lower Park for thousands of years. Waterway junctions had a particular attraction as tribal meeting places and the junction of the Diamond Creek with the Yarra River (Birr-arung to the Wurundjeri) was one such important location in terms of aboriginal culture. The sculpture “Not Just a Pretty Place” by Aleks Danko, located near the junction of these two watercourses pays tribute to this important cultural location.
The first European settlers were squatters or leaseholders and itinerants such as timber workers. Records of their early occupation are sketchy but the Eltham Lower Park area was probably included within the pastoral run established in 1841 by Henry Foley. He sold his leasehold in 1845 to Joseph Wilson who in turn sold it to Frederick Faulkner soon after.
From this early history the Eltham Lower Park area has undergone many changes and has been developed to provide residents and visitors with a range of passive and active public open space, including even being used for various horse racing events.
At the Eltham District Historical Society’s next meeting, Jim Connor will explore the history of Eltham Lower Park and touch on various individuals and groups involved along the way. As always, Society members and visitors are most welcome to attend this meeting.

Book launch. Trade Winds: A Voyage to a Sustainable Future for Shipping
2023-02-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Readings State Library of Victoria, State Library of Victoria, 285 Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join Readings as Dr Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer in Culture & Climate, at The University of Melbourne celebrates the release of his book, Trade Winds.
In 2020, Christiaan De Beukelaer spent 150 days covering 14,000 nautical miles aboard the schooner Avontuur, a hundred-year-old sailing vessel that transports cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Embarking in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, he wanted to understand the realities of a little-known alternative to the shipping industry on which our global economy relies, and which contributes more carbon emissions than aviation. What started as a three-week stint of fieldwork aboard the ship turned into a five-month journey, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced all borders shut while crossing the ocean, preventing the crew from stepping ashore for months on end.
Trade winds engagingly recounts De Beukelaer’s life-changing personal odyssey and the complex journey the shipping industry is on to cut its carbon emissions. The Avontuur’s mission remains crucial as ever: the shipping industry urgently needs to stop using fossil fuels, starting today. If we can’t swiftly decarbonise shipping, we can’t solve the climate crisis.
Free, but bookings essential.
Please book here.

See https://www.readings.com.au/events/book-launch-trade-winds
See https://www.theage.com.au/world/central-america/months-at-sea-with-no-internet-sailing-ship-heads-back-to-a-different-world-20200430-p54osi.html

Tour of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons & Museum (RHSV members only)
2023-02-15 10:15 - 12:00 | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 250 - 290 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
We are delighted to offer RHSV members a tour of the The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) museum and building. Because of the limited number of places available for this tour, it is limited to those who are current members of the RHSV.
RACS was founded in 1927, by a group of leading surgeons who saw the need for a professional institution to improve and maintain the standards of surgery practised in Australia and New Zealand. Almost immediately a small collection of artefacts and surgical instruments, as well as a small library, started to form. The College building was completed in 1934. Provision was made on the upper floor for a library and museum, but it was not until the 1960s that a pathology museum was established.
In 2006, space became available for a museum dedicated to surgery, and on 27 February 2007 the College of Surgeons Museum was opened by the then president, Dr Russell Stitz and still exists today. The College of Surgeons Museum was formed as a teaching collection for surgical trainees. Today it provides an educational experience for Fellows, Trainees, the surgical and medical professions, and the general public. The College collections which support the Museum are large and diverse. They can be divided into four major groups:
• Works of art
• Rare and historic books
• Surgical instruments and equipment
• Gifts from Fellows and affiliated Colleges
A tour includes a viewing of the Hughes, Council, Hailes and Anne Kolbe rooms which include a walk through the College as well as a visit to the RACS museum.
RACS would prefer that all visitors be vaccinated against COVID
For those with some mobility issues, the tour does include a reasonable amount of walking and some stairs.
Transport
The Museum is easily accessible by public transport:
• By train to Parliament Station (Lonsdale Street exit)
• By tram on Routes 86 (Bundoora RMIT), 96 (East Brunswick) and City Circle, Stops 8 and 9 in Nicholson Street.

Getting to Know Your Family History, Koo Wee Rup
2023-02-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, VIC, 3981, Australia
This is a series of talks on the third Thursday of the month, starting on 16th February 2023. Presented by Jane Rivett-Carnac, President of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group and Heather Arnold, President of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.
Gold coin donation appreciated. No bookings required. Parking available at rear of museum.
https://www.facebook.com/kooweerupswamphistory

CATALOGUING CLINICS 2023
2023-02-16 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, Join from anywhere in the world
Join Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections Manager, each month is this informative and easy-going Zoom forum on all aspects of cataloguing collections for historical societies. Jillian has a different topic each month and is happy to be guided by those who attend as to what they would like covered in upcoming clinics. This is an interactive space where questions are encouraged. The RHSV does not endorse any particular cataloguing software – we believe it is horses for courses – and Jillian will talk about issues that impact on cataloguing whether you are using cataloguing cards or software.
The one-hour clinics are free and the Zoom log-in below is used every month in 2023, however, we do ask you to register each month as this enables Jillian to send you extra material / links etc after each session.
The Cataloguing Clinics 2023 will be held at

Thu 16 Feb 11am – 12noon (AEDT)
Thu 16 Mar 11am – 12noon (AEDT)
Thu 20 Apr 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 18 May 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 15 Jun 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 20 Jul 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 17 Aug 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 21 Sep 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 19 Oct 11am – 12noon (AEDT)
Thu 16 Nov 11am – 12noon (AEDT)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86065204468?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 860 6520 4468
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZItceyqrj8uHNyeZRXkEGbD7ZUBvzw25bH8/ics?icsToken=[REDACTED]

St Kilda Presbyterian Church organ history and recital
2023-02-18 14:30 - 16:00 | St Kilda Presbyterian Church, 2 Alma Road, St Kilda, VIC, 3182, Australia
The beautiful organ at St Kilda’s Presbyterian Church, made by George Fincham in the late 1800s, is the sister of the St Kilda Town Hall organ destroyed by the tragic fire of 1991.
St Kilda Historical Society invites you to join us to hear about its history and significance and experience the power and majesty of the organ in the spacious setting and acoustic of this splendid and historic Gothic Revival church.

John Maidment OAM from the Organ Historical Trust of Australia, will tell us more about its history and significance.
There will be a short recital both before and after the talk, where you can experience the power and majesty of the organ in the spacious setting and acoustic of this splendid and historic Gothic Revival church.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served.
This is a free event. All welcome. Bookings essential.
Bookings: St Kilda Presbyterian Church organ history and recital Tickets, Presbyterian Church, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia
and other details from SKHS: info@stkildahistory.org.au
Image caption: Photo courtesy of John Conn, Templestowe, Victoria from Australia’s Christian Heritage website

MARKETING FORUMS
2023-02-20 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, Join from anywhere in the world
Christina Browning, the RHSV Marketing Officer, leads these forums which each month tackle a different aspect of basic marketing for historical societies – they tend to concentrate on social media as it is very available and is free to use, however, Christina will tackle any aspect of marketing which you want to raise. Christina will prepare a topic each month and she welcomes questions and feedback and suggestions for future topics – these sessions are relaxed and interactive. Bring your queries / issues etc. The forums are free and delivered via Zoom. There are always extra documents and links that are sent to you after each forum and it is for that reason we ask attendees to register – otherwise we can’t contact you.
The same Zoom log-in is used for all ten forums across 2023

Mon 13 Feb 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT (rescheduled to 20th February)
Mon 20 Mar 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT (Mon 13 is a public holiday)
Mon 17 Apr 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST (Mon 10 is a public holiday)
Mon 8 May 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 5 Jun 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST (Mon 12 is a public holiday)
Mon 10 Jul 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 14 Aug 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 11 Sep 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 9 Oct 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT
Mon 13 Nov 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82571257942?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 825 7125 7942
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung histories in early colonial Melbourne: Country, Ancestors, and the management of newcomers
2023-02-21 17:30 - 19:00 | RHSV Gallery Downstairs, 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
This lecture is the 2nd RHSV Indigenous History Lecture which forms part of our annual Distinguished Lecturer Series.
This lecture explores Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung histories of the early period of the invasion of their Country. In this lecture, Rachel – a non-Indigenous historian – and Karen – a Wurundjeri Elder and Traditional Owner-historian – outline how we came to work together and the development of our collaborative research relationship as an example of new directions in Indigenous history.
In our work together, we focus on extracting material from the archive that uncovers the lives of Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung ancestors, their defence of their Country, and their custodianship of culture as they manage the invasion of their land. In our lecture, we will outline important examples from our research that illustrate Wurundjeri responses to the invasion and efforts to protect Country and culture. We will also discuss the value of this knowledge for contemporary Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people.
Rachel Standfield is a non-Indigenous historian of colonialism and race relations histories in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, working in the Indigenous Studies Program at the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on colonial histories, histories of Indigenous agency to protect Country and culture, and Indigenous mobilities between Aotearoa me Te Wai Pounamu/New Zealand, the Pacific, and Australia. She works with Indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand, including Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Elders in the Melbourne region and Kāi Tahu people from southern New Zealand.
Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Elder Karen Jones is a member of the Board of Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and a member of the Corporation’s research team. As a Traditional Owner historian and knowledge holder, she undertakes research with colonial documents to support the contemporary aspirations of Wurundjeri people. She has expertise developed over more than a decade in understanding and analysing the archive related to her ancestors and Country.
#RHSVIndigenousHistLect23
Image caption:
William Thomas, pictorial material, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, PXA 1321/no. 1, Sketch of Aboriginal ceremony

HISTORY WRITERS GROUP
2023-02-28 11:30 - 13:00 | ZOOM, Join from anywhere in the world
Dr Cheryl Griffin leads this group which has been meeting since 2020. Most of our events are open to the public but, because of the limited number of people that can participate in this group, we have limited it to RHSV members only.
This group is for people who are tackling writing a history project or two and want a sounding board / source of information / guidance and HELP! Each month from February to November Cheryl convenes the group via Zoom for 90 minutes and they will attack a particular aspect of writing history and also be a sounding board for members problems / queries. Cheryl also has guest writers drop in to talk about their work and how they’ve dealt with thorny issues.
This writing group has a cap on the numbers who can join as we don’t want it to get too unwieldy where questions can’t be answered nor feedback given. Ongoing attendance is encouraged. The group dynamic doesn’t work if you can only drop in to a couple of sessions or you don’t have a current project on which you are working.
So, if you are a newcomer and are interested in joining, please RSVP for the Feb session and we’ll let you know if we have reached the limit of the group or not.

Tue 28 Feb, 2023 11:30 – 1pm AEDT
Tue 28 Mar, 2023 11:30 – 1pm AEDT
Tue 18 Apr, 2023 11:30 – 1pm AEST (a week early to avoid Anzac Day)
Tue 23 May, 2023 11:30 – 1pm AEST
Tue 27 Jun, 2023 11:30- 1pm AEST
Tue 25 Jul, 2023 11:30- 1pm AEST
Tue 22 Aug, 2023 11:30- 1pm AEST
Tue 26 Sep, 2023 11:30- 1pm AEST
Tue 24 Oct, 2023 11:30 – 1pm AEDT
Tue 28 Nov, 2023 11:30 – 1pm AEDT

Granville William Chetwynd Stapylton
2023-02-28 20:00 - 21:30 | City of Melbourne Bowls Club, 603 - 615 Queensberry St, North Melbourne 3051., North Melbourne, victoria, 3051, Australia
A Hotham History Project event …
Learn from the true journals of the story behind an early land surveyor of what colonial Australia was like in the 1830s.
Chetwynd Street in North and West Melbourne was named in Granville’s honor.

Granville William Chetwynd Stapylton (1800-1840), surveyor and explorer, was, in November 1828, appointed an assistant surveyor in New South Wales. He carried out a number of difficult surveys near Sydney and in 1831 was with a party which traced the Abercrombie River from Bathurst towards the Lake George area. In 1833 his work found favour with the surveyor-general, (Sir) Thomas Mitchell. In 1834 he was praised by the Colonial Office and recommended to Governor (Sir) Richard Bourke for promotion. In 1836 Stapylton was appointed second-in-command of Mitchell’s overland expedition to Australia Felix. In this he did a valuable job, but was very critical of his leader and irked by having to take frequent charge of the base camp and thus prevented from sharing the excitement of making new discoveries. A copy of Stapylton’s journal of this expedition is in the La Trobe Library, Melbourne.
Stapylton was sent to Port Phillip to work under the direction of Robert Hoddle; he travelled to Melbourne overland, arriving in April 1838. About this time he appears to have fallen a victim of intemperance, for the administrator at Port Phillip, Captain William Lonsdale, wrote to the colonial secretary on 5 October 1838, that Stapylton had been so drunk that the chief constable had been forced to confine him, and on another occasion he had found him drunk under his dray.
He was suspended from duty by Lonsdale but later reinstated by Governor Sir George Gipps and sent to work under Robert Dixon at Moreton Bay. He was engaged in surveying the coast south from Brisbane on 31 May 1840 when Aboriginals attacked his camp. Stapylton and an assistant, William Tuck, were killed, and another member of the party was severely injured. Tuck’s body was buried on the spot but Stapylton’s was taken to Brisbane.

A celebration of the former Dunach School building and the people who have been associated with it
2023-03-04 | Talbot Museum, 17 Camp St, Talbot, VIC, 3371, Australia
Extensive work has recently been done to restore the 1874 former Dunach School building, which is now part of Talbot Museum. This is almost finished and Talbot Arts & Historical Museum is planning a celebration and re-opening event for the morning of Saturday 4th March 2023, with the Museum to be open all day.
We’re particularly hoping to welcome people with personal or family ties to the building during its different phases of life – as the Dunach school but also serving that area as a local hall and church, as “Dunach” at Maryborough High School where it served as a stand-alone classroom, as part of the Talbot annexe of Maryborough Knitting Mill and also its more recent roles in the town and the museum. We’re asking people to bring any related memorabilia with them on the day.
School assembly (Patriotic Ceremony)
A traditional school assembly will be re-enacted by the current teachers and students of Talbot PS.
Writing workshop for the children. Using the desks in the restored school building, children will have the
opportunity to practice traditional handwriting on individual blackboards that they can keep afterwards.
Memory wall for the adults. Using different colours of post-it notes representing Dunach, Maryborough,
the Mill and the Museum, participants will write their names on each of the colours applicable to them,
with dates and optional comments, and then stick them on the blank wall in the school. The notes will later
be collected and compiled permanently into a memory book to remain in the school building.
Time for exhibition, recording of memories, reconnecting and viewing the museums
Visitors will have time to move around and between the following activities:
• A significant exhibition explaining and celebrating the history of the former Dunach school building;
• Interviews about memories of attending the building in its various roles;
• Scanning photos and documents (these will be returned immediately); and
• Seating and refreshments will be available and the rest of the Museum complex will also be open
for viewing.
Lunch and end of structured program
Lunch will be available from the Court House Hotel across the road for those who choose to participate, or
visitors can bring their own food.
The Museum complex will remain open during the afternoon.
If you have any queries please contact: Marion Miller, Secretary | talbotmuseumsecretary@gmail.com

Kilmore Historical Society: Secondhand book sale
2023-03-04 10:00 - 2023-03-05 16:00 | Old Kilmore Post Office, 2 Powlett Street, Kilmore, VIC, 3764, Australia
Kilmore Historical Society is having a large pre-loved book sale this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.

Eltham South Farms Walking Tour
2023-03-04 14:00 - 16:00 | VIC
For the Eltham District Historical Society’s excursion on Saturday 4th March they intend to walk around the area that was the earlier location of the Eltham South Farms, which is now parkland and residential subdivisions. It will include views of the Diamond Creek valley from Porter Street, the parkland known as Barak Bushland and a traverse of the perimeter of the former Fabbro farm land in Bell Street.
They will discuss the former farmers such as the Falkiners, Wests, Fabbros and Bollas and note the locations of their houses. Maurie Fabbro was the last of the family members to use their land for market garden purposes. Some people may remember him in the fields tending his rows of artichokes and other plantings.
One of Eltham’s oldest houses is the former Souter farmhouse now incorporated into a modern house. Although hidden from the street we can walk past this property.
This walk is about 2.5 km in length and will take 2 to 2.5 hours.
It will start at 2pm at the corner of Ely Street and Falkiner Street. (Melway ref. 21 H8).
This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members. Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.
The phone number for contact on the day is 0409 021 063

Altona Homestead Devonshire Tea
2023-03-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Altona Homestead, 128 Queen Street, Altona, Victoria, 3018, Australia
The Altona-Laverton Historical Society members and volunteers invite you to drop into the Altona Homestead on the first Sunday of the Month (February to December) to enjoy a serve of our famous Devonshire Tea or Cream Tea or Cornish Tea, anyway you look at them they are delicious.
Our Devonshire tea comes with two freshly made scones, home-made mixed berry jam, whipped cream and your choice of a pot of coffee or a pot of tea. We also have fresh lemonade available (and hot chocolate in winter). All in the surrounds of the heritage Altona Homestead building within the beautiful Logan Reserve, Altona

The Altona Homestead provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to take a step back to the time of our early settlers to the region of Altona. Located overlooking the tranquil Logan Reserve in close proximity to the Altona foreshore, the homestead is a unique and treasured part of Altona’s heritage. On display are objects, pictures, paintings and collections that reflect everyday life from 1840 through to the mid 1900s. The property has been used by a number of families as a residence, was used as holiday accommodation, was the council office and meeting place for the Altona Shire before Altona gained city status and moved to new chambers, and was used by a number of community organisations as well as Altona Historical Society.
Restoration works commenced in 1988 and through careful planning and funding provided by the then Altona City Council, ensuring preservation of the homestead for the people of Altona and visitors to enjoy and learn about Altona’s, and the western suburb’s, past.

Balwyn Historical Society: Professor Richard Broome speaking on "The Making of Melbourne 1835 - 1890"
2023-03-09 19:30 | Balwyn Evergreen Centre, 45 Talbot Ave, Balwyn, VIC, 3103, Australia
This presentation is about the rise of a modern metropolis of the times before its fall in the 1890s. Professor Broome will also discuss the creation of the book, ‘Remembering Melbourne’.
Richard Broome is Emeritus Professor of Australian History at La Trobe University and President of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. He is the author of sixteen books, including Aboriginal Australians (5th edition 2019). His most recent book is As Cedars Grow (2023) with David Brown, a Lebanese Australian migration story.

RSVP: balwynhistory@gmail.com

Jessie Webb Society Morning Tea
2023-03-15 10:30 - 12:00 | RHSV Gallery Downstairs, 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
The RHSV established the Jessie Webb Society to honour those who bequeath funds to us and to encourage members to include a bequest to the RHSV in their will. Bequests always have been and always will be vitally important to the ongoing work of the RHSV. They allow us to take leaps forward and to achieve things that fall outside our everyday program. Those leaps forward can be large or small but they all make a very positive difference.
At this Jessie Webb Society event, we are delighted that Richard Simmie has agreed to talk to our members about his passion for history and philanthropy.
Richard is the grandson of Jock Simmie, one of the founders of Simmie & Co in the 1920s. Simmie & Co were builders responsible for many of the buildings we know and love in Melbourne and Canberra. The RHSV is currently hosting a wonderful exhibition about Simmie & Co and their legacy. At the launch Richard spoke very movingly about his growing understanding of the importance of recording stories and history and how this led him to preserve his own family’s history but also, through philanthropy, to create scholarships in perpetuity which honour his grandfather’s life’s work.
We invite all our members to join us at morning tea with Richard Simmie in the RHSV Gallery where Well Built, the Simmie exhibition, is hanging.
You can rest assured that there is no pressure and we don’t hound you! All members are welcome.
Click here to read more about Jessie Webb after whom we named this important society and about making a bequest.
This is a free in-person event only, we won’t be offering it via Zoom.

CATALOGUING CLINICS 2023
2023-03-16 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, Join from anywhere in the world
Join Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections Manager, each month is this informative and easy-going Zoom forum on all aspects of cataloguing collections for historical societies. Jillian has a different topic each month and is happy to be guided by those who attend as to what they would like covered in upcoming clinics. This is an interactive space where questions are encouraged. The RHSV does not endorse any particular cataloguing software – we believe it is horses for courses – and Jillian will talk about issues that impact on cataloguing whether you are using cataloguing cards or software.
The one-hour clinics are free and the Zoom log-in below is used every month in 2023, however, we do ask you to register each month as this enables Jillian to send you extra material / links etc after each session.
The remaining Cataloguing Clinics 2023 will be held at

Thu 16 Mar 11am – 12noon (AEDT)
Thu 20 Apr 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 18 May 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 15 Jun 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 20 Jul 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 17 Aug 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 21 Sep 11am – 12noon (AEST)
Thu 19 Oct 11am – 12noon (AEDT)
Thu 16 Nov 11am – 12noon (AEDT)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86065204468?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 860 6520 4468
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZItceyqrj8uHNyeZRXkEGbD7ZUBvzw25bH8/ics?icsToken=[REDACTED]

Labassa Women: at war
2023-03-19 10:30 - 16:00 | Labassa, 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North, Victoria, 3161, Australia
Labassa’s women lived through two world wars and the social upheaval of the Vietnam War. Take a walk through time and experience some of their stories as told through imagery, object and special tours.
Guided house tours will also be available on the hour from 11am to 3pm.
The tower tours conducted will be at the quarter to the hour from 10.45am until 3.45pm. (Tour groups are limited to 12 people.)
Tea room open 10.30am – 3.30pm.

La Trobe’s Cottage Samplers
2023-03-19 16:30 - 18:30 | La Trobe’s Cottage, cnr Birdwood Avenue and Dallas Brooks Drive, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
LA TROBE’S COTTAGE SAMPLERS
Speaker: Catherine Gay, PhD candidate University of Melbourne, and National Trust volunteer guide.
Catherine will enlighten us on how the samplers on display at La Trobe’s Cottage reflect the importance placed on the development of home-making skills in the education of young ladies during the 1840s and 1850s. You are invited to bring along a family sampler for us all to see.
As it is La Trobe’s Birthday celebration sparkling wine and cake will be served in the Cottage garden.
All welcome. Bookings essential.

MARKETING FORUMS
2023-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, Join from anywhere in the world
Christina Browning, the RHSV Marketing Officer, leads these forums which each month tackle a different aspect of marketing for historical societies – they tend to concentrate on social media as it is very available and is free to use, however, Christina will tackle any aspect of marketing which you want to raise. Christina will prepare a topic each month and she welcomes questions and feedback and suggestions for future topics – these sessions are relaxed and interactive. Bring your queries / issues etc. The forums are free and delivered via Zoom. There are always extra documents and links that are sent to you after each forum and it is for that reason we ask attendees to register – otherwise we can’t contact you.
The same Zoom log-in is used for all 1o forums across 2023. The remaining forums are:

Mon 20 Mar 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT (Mon 13 is a public holiday)
Mon 17 Apr 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST (Mon 10 is a public holiday)
Mon 8 May 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 5 Jun 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST (Mon 12 is a public holiday)
Mon 10 Jul 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 14 Aug 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 11 Sep 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEST
Mon 9 Oct 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT
Mon 13 Nov 2023, 12noon – 1pm AEDT

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82571257942?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 825 7125 7942
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Flos Greig, Australia’s first woman lawyer with Iola Mathews
2023-03-21 17:30 - 19:00 | VIC
When Grata Flos Matilda Greig walked into her first law school class at the University of Melbourne in 1897, it was illegal for women to become lawyers. But though the legal system did not even recognise her as a person, she won the right to practice and helped thousands of other women access justice. In defying the law, Greig literally changed its face.

The first woman to be admitted to legal practice in Australia, Greig was at the vanguard of ‘the graceful incoming of a revolution’ as described by then Chief Justice Sir John Madden, as he presided over the ceremony granting her admission to the Victorian bar in August 1905 (The Advertiser, 1905). Remarkable, courageous, adventurous, involved and articulate, Flos Greig stands as an important trail-blazer for Australian women.

We are delighted that Iola Mathews OAM, will deliver the 2023 Women’s History Month Lecture, part of our Distinguished Speakers series. Iola, journalist and author, has written about her ancestors and her own life in several books. She will talk about her latest book Flos Greig: Australia’s First Woman Lawyer, and will touch on Chequered Lives, about her pioneer ancestors in South Australia, and Winning for Women: A Personal Story, about her time in the women’s movement in the 1970s and 1980s.

This event will be chaired by historian, Dr Judith Smart AM FRHSV.

Please note that this is a hybrid event – offered both in person at the RHSV, 239 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne and via Zoom. Ticket buyers will be automatically sent an email confirmation of their purchase and those attending via Zoom will be sent the Zoom log-in details 24 hours before the event. Please check your Junk or Spam mail folders as sometimes automatically generated emails fall foul of spam filters.
As with all RHSV events, we serve drinks from 5:30pm – 6pm when the lecture will start. Please note that the Zoom event will start at 6pm.
Those attending the event will be given a $10 discount when they buy a copy of Flos Greig. A discount code will be sent to ticket-holders.

An evening with the author of The Simonsens of St Kilda
2023-03-22 18:30 - 19:30 | The Channel, Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road Terrace, Melbourne, VIC, 3006, Australia
An event presented by Theatre Heritage Australia in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, is bound to be of interest to St Kilda history buffs.
Roger Neill is a UK-based arts historian. His new book, The Simonsens of St Kilda, tells the fascinating true story of a family of singers and their pioneering opera company.
Extraordinarily, twelve of the children and grandchildren of Martin and Fanny Simonsen became professional singers. From their noisy house of song in St Kilda, two of them became international stars touring the opera houses of Europe and America, while another went to prison in San Francisco for robbery!
All are welcome. Entry is free, however bookings are required.
Bookings: An Evening with Roger Neill | Arts Centre Melbourne
The Channel,
Arts Centre Melbourne
(Located on the River Terrace between St Kilda Road and Southgate)

Connecting With Boeing’s Australian Heritage
2023-03-22 19:30 - 20:30 | RAAF Association, 24-36 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn, VIC, 3123, Australia
Speaker: Annie Flodin
Boeing Historical Services is responsible for preserving and promoting Boeing history. The team oversees the Boeing Archives and supports a number of teams and individuals both within and outside of Boeing. Boeing’s archives include two repositories, and they incorporate the heritage of companies which Boeing has absorbed over its long history. The main collection is housed in a secure complex in Auburn, Washington state, just south of Seattle and covers the corporate history of Boeing as well as other heritage companies including North American Aviation and Douglas Aircraft Co., among others. Another smaller collection is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and encompasses primary McDonnell Aircraft Corp. and McDonnell Douglas.
In 1997 The Boeing Company acquired AeroSpace Technologies of Australia and then in late 2000, Boeing acquired Hawker de Havilland and merged the two companies. Thus Boeing inherited manufacturing operations and assets in Bankstown, NSW and Fishermans Bend, Victoria, along with the heritage of Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Government Aircraft Factories and Hawker De Havilland. In 2009 the companies were re-named Boeing Aerostructures Australia to better reflect their business as a major exporter of components to Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Bombardier and other aircraft manufacturers.
To better understand the heritage of ASTA and its predecessors, Annie Flodin of Boeing Historical Services has been visiting Australia and exploring the locations and archives where various elements of this heritage can be found. This has taken her on a tour of numerous aviation museums, collections, and meetings with many organisations and individuals.
Her presentation will describe the role and activities of Boeing Historical Services and inform us about the work she’s doing “down under”.
Annie has worked as a Historian for Boeing since January 2019, and previously worked in Executive Communications where she coordinated internal and external communications initiatives in support of Boeing’s Chairman, President and CEO, with an emphasis on Government Operations and Technology. She founded The Great Planes aviation-themed blog in 2017 (www.thegreatplanes.com), writing about the magic of flight and her journey in the industry (she also displays her mastery of the pun, including The Great Planes, The Three Keys, On Cloud (B-Twenty) Nine, Praising Arizona, and my favourite, Weightless in Seattle). She was also a Contributing Editor for Airways Magazine. She has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication and Journalism from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Hybrid meeting – both in person and via Zoom
For more information and bookings: membership@ahsa.org.au

Oral history interviewing for beginners: training
2023-03-25 09:30 - 16:00 | ZOOM, Join from anywhere in the world
Have you always wanted to learn how to create an oral history interview? Perhaps you want to record the memories of elders in your family or community? Are you wondering whether to record interviews remotely or face-to-face? This popular Oral History Victoria two-day online training workshop is for anyone who would like to learn how to prepare, conduct, record and document an oral history interview.
Facilitated by two of Australia’s most experienced oral history trainers, Sarah Rood and Al Thompson, and using Zoom technology, you will learn and practise essential interview techniques and discuss important ethical issues. The workshop will be limited to 16 participants to enable lively discussion and practical work in an online format. Participants will need a computer with Wi-Fi connection – the Zoom link will be provided, along with Zoom instructions.
Feedback from participants on this course 2020-2022:
‘The skills I learnt and the discussions that took place were invaluable’
‘I liked it that our activities really tested our comfort zones. It was just terrific.’
‘Al and Sarah are wonderful educators and facilitators!
‘A wonderful learning experience. I’ve definitely fallen in love with oral history too!’
‘I loved the course – learned so much on so many different levels, far more than I would have expected in 8 hours. Well done on awesome Zoom teaching.’
‘Thanks so much for providing us with such a great course. I have already promoted future courses to my friends.’
Training program and Trainer profiles
The training program can be found on the Event page.
Timing: the workshop takes place over two consecutive Saturdays.
On each workshop day (both Saturday 25 March and Saturday 1 April) the session will go from 9.30 – 4 pm with a lunch break from 12 – 1.15 pm.
Discounted tickets
The discounted member rate is available to current members of Oral History Victoria and other state associations of Oral History Australia. Note that institutional memberships entitle 3 members of an affiliated institution to benefit from the discounted member rate.
Tickets are released first to Victorian members of OHV on 27 January, then to interstate members of OHA affiliated oral history associations on 3 February and finally to non-members one month before the first workshop on 25 February. So get in early!
OHV reserves the right to cancel this event in the case of unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be made.

Bookings via Eventbrite (bookings open on 27 January for OHV members): https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/online-training-oral-history-interviewing-for-beginners-tickets-522170133927
Remember that non-Oral-History-Victoria-members will only gain access to booking from 25 February.

SEMINAR DAY: MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES Strengthen your work within and beyond your society
2023-03-25 10:00 - 15:45 | RHSV Gallery Downstairs, 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Presented by the Historical Societies Support Committee, a committee of the RHSV Council
The seminar days resume in 2023 with the first being held in Melbourne ‘in person’ and ‘by Zoom’. The program is based on information gleaned from calls to societies during lockdowns along with more recent communications. In a day that seeks to strengthen the best of existing work and inspire fresh approaches, all RHSV members are invited to learn from informed speakers and share their society’s successes.
PROGRAM
10:00am
Registration, coffee and networking

10:30 – 10:40am
Acknowledgement, welcome, house-keeping
Dr Rosalie Triolo, FRHSV: RHSV Vice-President and HSSC Chair

10:40am – 12:10pm
Building capacity within: Recruiting, training, leading and retaining volunteers
Speakers
Paul Fearon joined the RHSV Council following a 40-year career in the energy industry and as a government regulator. He has also held director roles in two small volunteer-based charities; has arts, business and finance degrees; and, has commenced a PhD in history. He will provide a ‘primer’ on principles and techniques in leading people and building effective teams.
Helen Laffin holds a Master of Cultural Heritage, Deakin University, and is currently Acting-Curator at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and on the Schwerkolt Cottage Museum Complex heritage team. She has exercised a strong interest in local history through paid and volunteer work with Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West, CERES archives, Coburg Historical Society and Whitehorse Historical Society. She will share knowledge from the above.
Audience questions and sharing of experiences

12:10 – 12:45pm
Lunch

12:45-2:05pm
Maximising use of the collection: Preparing exhibitions and on-site tours
Speakers
Margaret Anderson, FFAHS, is a public historian who is the current Director of the Old Treasury Building. She has held senior museum positions in South Australia and Western Australia and, between museum posts, taught history and museum studies at Monash University. She is on the RHSV Council and will speak today about presenting history in exhibitions.
Rosalie Triolo has enjoyed over 40 years in History education, including multiple, long-term, volunteer organisational service and leadership roles; teaching Australian History in geographically diverse rural and city government schools; publishing for tertiary, secondary, primary and public audiences; and, training History teachers at Monash University for 25 years. Her focus will be the clever use of ‘objects’.
Audience questions and sharing of experiences

2:05-2:20
Short break

2:20 – 3:30pm
Working for and with history in the community: Heritage protection, advocacy and walking tours
Speakers
Dr Judith Smart AM, FRHSV, is a member of the RHSV Council and its Heritage and Publications Committees, and co-editor of the Victorian Historical Journal. Her publications focus on Australian women’s organisations, women and political protest, and Australia’s World War I home-front. She will talk about heritage protection and advocacy and share some lessons learned on the Heritage Committee.
Isabel Simpson is a history enthusiast and accredited professional tour guide who, for 20 years, has researched, designed and led many walking tours. Isabel delights in interpreting the city’s past and present by combining our history, architecture and crucially the ‘people’ who make up Melbourne’s social fabric.
Audience questions and sharing of experiences

3:30 – 3:45pm
Summary and final sharing of successes
Participants will share any final achievements or challenges that have not been discussed above but which they believe others would benefit from knowing. The day’s main points will be summarised and participants might share contact details.

FUTURE SEMINARS IN 2023
Plans are underway for seminar events in western, north-central and eastern Victorian regions. Because the programs will likely differ in terms of topics and speakers relevant to locations, regional RHSV members might still gain value from attending this event by Zoom. When finalized, regional dates and programs will be released with advance notice across 2023.

National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale 2023
2023-03-25 10:00 - 2023-03-26 16:00 | North Magdelan Laundry, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, VIC, 3067, Australia
Shop vintage and designer clothing from the late 1800s to the present day.

It’s time to mark your Melbourne fashion calendar, the iconic National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale is returning to our new space.

We’re bringing a huge range of genuine vintage and designer garments and accessories to an even more spacious venue, with exceptional pieces at affordable price points. There will be women and men’s fashion, children’s wear, millinery, shoes and bags, alongside vintage haberdashery, and linen, all in one place for one weekend only.

Donations to the sale include pieces from designers such as Armani, Zandra Rhodes, Alexander McQueen, Marimekko, Diane von Fürstenberg, and timeless wardrobe staples.

All proceeds from the sale support the work of the National Trust in conserving and protecting Victoria’s natural, cultural and built heritage. Thank you for your ongoing support of the the sale, we are looking forward to seeing you again in March 2023.

Polish Museum and Archives in Australia: 30th Anniversary Celebration
2023-03-26 15:00 | Polish Club Albion, 19 Carrington Drive, Albion, VIC, 3020, Australia
In March the Polish Museum and Archives of Australia celebrates its 30th anniversary (slightly delayed because of COVID!) and all are welcome to join in
Entry is free and food, entertainment and speakers are included. No BYO but drinks can be purchased at the bar.
Bookings essential: polishmuseumarchivesaustralia@gmail.com
or Barbara Capewell on 0402 002 429
or Alinela Kociuba 0419 188 696

The Polish Museum and Archives in Australia was established in 1991 as an initiative of a number of people who saw the importance of collecting and preserving historical materials that reflected the individual and community life of Polish immigrants living in Australia. The organisation was incorporated in 1992.
The aims of the organisation are to:

Collect and preserve documents, medals, objects, photographs and other materials that have historical significance to the Polish community and the wider community in Australia.
Make materials available to members of the general public and academics for research and other activities, such as exhibitions.
Work cooperatively with organisations that have similar goals.
Publish reference materials and books about the history and experiences of Polish immigration to Australia.
Seek support for the Polish Museum and Archive’s activities from mainstream, government and non-profit organisations and individuals.

Current Activities and Projects:
The Polish Soldier Migrant Project:
In 1947 and 1948 Australia accepted a very specific Polish migrant. Over 1,500 former members of the Polish military based in the United Kingdom arrived in Australia aboard the “Asturias” and the “Strathnaver”. These men represented various military services including the Carpathian Brigade, the Air Force, Armoured Division and the Second Corps. A sizeable number worked on the Hydro-Electric Scheme in Tasmania; but many were sent to various parts of Australia. These men were vital to the establishment of Polish community structures in the following decades. They also represent a significant prelude to the massive post-war Polish migration from the displaced persons camps scattered throughout Western Europe.
Collections Project:
The Polish Museum and Archives continually seeks significant objects, documents and photographs that relate to the story of Polish post war migration experiences. It would be a lost opportunity to make our mark on the multicultural mosaic of Australia and for our own sense of cultural identify, if we were to lose these treasures, just because their true significance was not recognised at the time.
Oral History Project:
The post-war Polish immigrants are today our senior citizens. It is therefore important to document the experiences of these early pioneers. Such experiences include:

Pre-war life.
War-time experiences.
Early life in Australia – life in migrant hostels, the two-year work contracts.
Establishing homes, community structures and cultural life.
Reflections on Polish migrants’ lives today.

It is vital that these stories be recorded and passed down to future generations of Polish Australians. They should also be documented as part of the greater multicultural Australian experience.
