Thursday 10 July 2025

FUNDING BOOST TO PRESERVE LOCAL HISTORY

Organisations across Victoria will receive funding to help capture, preserve and share the unique stories and histories of Victoria.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced historical groups, museums, libraries and not-for-profits were awarded as part of the 2025 Local History Grants Program.

Bonegilla Migrant Experience will receive $11,490 for their work in collecting memories of ex-residents of the Bonegilla Migrant Camp via a digital platform. Memories will be shared with the wider community, highlighting the stories of this significant heritage site.

Kaiela Institute Limited in Shepparton will receive $14,326 to acquire two professional grade scanners to digitise nationally significant Indigenous community collection, supporting an innovative Makutu digital preservation project on Yorta Yorta Country.

Birchip RSL Sub-Branch will receive $10,000 to assist in bringing the stories of four war veterans to life on four interpretive panels at the Birchip Cenotaph, so that the community history can be preserved.

The Local History Grants Program is administered by Public Record Office Victoria, and supports community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians.

Other recipients this year include the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria for the archiving of their heritage collection, dating back to the Association’s establishment in 1978, establishing a legacy to educate, inspire and inform all Victorians.  

Other funded projects include newspaper digitisations, oral histories, historical signage, and preservation equipment. 

Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson

“We’re backing the historians and local heroes bringing Victoria’s stories to life and out into the world.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This funding means that these organisations can continue to work as the heartbeat of our community by preserving the stories, people and places that make our region so unique.”