An oral history project at Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre has been recording stories from local residents, which are being transcribed to be lodged at the State Library.
About 100 interviews with people from across the region have already been documented by more than 50 volunteers, with more needed to complete the project.
In 2007, students on placement at the Yarrawonga aged care facility decided to record stories of the elderly.
The former Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House got behind the idea, and obtained a State Government grant, which provided funds for microphones, technology and promotion.
Volunteers were recruited and taught how to interview, record and create digital stories.
Residents embraced the opportunity, which allowed them to reminisce on key moments from their lives.
Among them, those impacted by the 2009 Yarrawonga drought and the 2013 Mulwala tornado, recounted their experiences.
Project leader, Heather Kelly said she was an admirer of history, and had always wanted to be involved with the oral history group.
“When I was the executive officer at the Neighbourhood House, I would often look in envy at the group of volunteers who were absorbed in collecting oral histories,” Heather said.
“It’s a reflection of the social fabric of our past.”
Heather said that her family’s tendency to keep stories from the past alive was her inspiration for doing the same.
“I have been surrounded by people with an appreciation for the past and grown up with a deep love of hearing people’s stories,” she said.
“I have scrapbooks that my grandmother started in 1920, and that my mother carried on until her death in 2004.”
YMCLC is looking for new volunteers to join the group to help record the stories from the past.
Interview, technology and audio editing training for new volunteers is provided.
Contact 03 5744 3911 for more information.
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