By Mikayla van Loon
Community history was on full display at the Victorian Community History Awards on Monday 24 March, seeing four finalists from the Yarra Ranges be commended for their contributions.
This included Janice Newton with Karen Phillips and Paula Herlihy OAM from the Mount Evelyn History Group for their publication The Woodlanders of Walden Hut.
Attending the prestigious event at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne, the commendations were handed out as recognition for the effort in telling the untold local stories of the past.
“Whilst we didn’t win, we were in distinguished company and enjoyed a fascinating keynote speaker in Poppy Stockell, the filmmaker who directed the recent highly successful documentary on John Farnham, ‘Finding the Voice’,” the history group posted to social media following the award ceremony.
Phillip Deery was presented with the History Article Award for his Victorian History Journal article A Community in Crisis: Dr Deery and the Healesville Hospital Dispute, 1961-62.
Selby Community House and commissioned creators Tadji Ulrich, Lia Hills and Riley Jordan were commended for The People’s Movement: The Birth of Selby Community House, while Nick Anchen received commendation for his book Whistles through the tall timber, Warburton, Powelltown, Noojee.
“Congratulations to all the authors and creators who dedicated their time, passion and expertise to share the unique histories of Yarra Ranges and its people,” Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Megan Sheehy said.
This congratulations was also extended by Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child, who said the awards recognised the vast history of the region.
“Yarra Ranges is full of unique and fascinating histories, from tall trees and viticulture, to Wurundjeri cultural practices and the work of trailblazing women,” Cr Child said.
“Many of these stories come from the collections and research undertaken by volunteer community history and heritage organisations across the region. It is wonderful to see their work recognised through these awards.”
Government Services minister Natalie Hutchins also congratulated the winners and those who were commended.
“The dedication of local historians not only preserves Victoria’s history but tells us more about who we are and will inspire future generations,” she said.
The Victorian Community History Awards highlights 11 categories of recorded histories of which there were over 100 entries.
“From more than 140 entries, our judges have selected another incredible batch of works, from publications to oral histories, exhibitions and video series. Well done to everyone awarded today,” Royal Historical Society of Victoria President Richard Broome AM said.
While only a select few could be awarded, Public Record Office Victoria director and keeper of public records Justine Heazlewood said the talent and the expertise woven in every submission was once again outstanding.
“This outstanding group of award-winning historians, community groups and museums have shared stories from across the State including art histories, local histories, school histories, and women’s histories,” she said.
“We’re continually impressed by the calibre of entrants for these Awards and this year was no exception.”
