The Victorian Government is celebrating contributions to the preservation of the state’s rich history for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson today announced the shortlist for this year’s Victorian Community History Awards, as well as the prestigious Victorian Premier’s History Award.
The 2021 nominees tell stories ranging from war and industry, to pandemics, sport and murder, and include biographies, articles, feature-length documentaries and interactive digital experiences.
The rich histories of Aboriginal and LGBTQ+ people across Victoria feature prominently in the shortlist, alongside many untold stories, including the hidden past of Little Lon in Melbourne and the fishing families of Queenscliff.
Projects also explore the histories of major Indigenous cultural leader Bill Onus, prominent Goldfields businesswoman Fanny Finch, bookseller EW Cole, and the last man to be legally executed in Victoria, Ronald Ryan.
All shortlisted nominees are up for prizes ranging from $500 to $2,000 – with one to be named the winner of the $5,000 Victorian Premier’s History Award.
Final award winners will be announced in October as part of History Month.
These awards are supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund. For the full shortlist, visit or .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson
“These awards are an important way for us to recognise those working tirelessly to bring Victoria’s history to life.”
“Congratulations to the nominees for their work and thank you for continuing to capture, preserve and share our state’s hsitory, so it is never forgotten.”
Quote attributable to Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood
“This shortlist is a testament to the continuing effort of local historians, many of whom found inventive ways to share Victorian stories and programs remotely in 2020-21 – we look forward to announcing the winners in October.”
Quote attributable to President of the Royal Historical Society Victoria, Emeritus Professor Richard Broome AM
“Every year the Victorian Community History Awards reveal how creative community historians in Victoria can be in the ways they present the past to the present.”
Reviewed 17 September 2021