Premier congratulates community history winners
Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu has congratulated the group of history-making Victorians who were this week honoured at the 2012 Victorian Community History Awards.
“From the Indigenous creation stories of this land to the many perspectives of those who live and work in our contemporary community, the story of Victoria is multifaceted and constantly evolving,” Mr Baillieu said.
“The Victorian Community History Awards recognise and honour the projects and the people who work to capture the stories of our state and share them with future generations.”
The major award, the $5,000 Victorian Community History Award, was presented to writer, photographer, designer and illustrator Maree Coote for her book The Art of Being Melbourne, a celebration of Melbourne through the eyes of the artists who have lived in, worked in and created art inspired by the city.
The other projects honoured at the Awards ceremony included a walking guide to Victoria’s goldfields, a DVD documenting the construction of the Great Ocean Road and a database and online resource kit that details the history of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station in the Yarra Valley.
Mr Baillieu said the winning projects were chosen from a record 160 entries, highlighting the important role local history plays in shaping the identity of Victoria.
“This year’s Awards showcase projects from right across the state and highlight the dynamic ways that people can engage with our history, including smartphone apps, websites, DVDs and walking tours, which all help to tell these important stories to new and diverse audiences,” Mr Baillieu said.
“Congratulations to the winners, and to all the historians, community groups and individuals who work all year round to tell the stories of how we came to be and where we are headed.”
Established in 1997, the Victorian Government’s Victorian Community History Awards are managed by Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. To find out more about the Victorian Community History Awards, visit prov.vic.gov.au or historyvictoria.org.au.
