The Andrews Labor Government is preserving Victoria’s past with the Local History Grants program, making the state’s rich history and the lived stories behind it more accessible to all Victorians.

Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson today announced $350,000 for the program which will support projects that preserve, record and share Victoria’s history.

Managed by Public Record Office Victoria, the program is now accepting applications for funding up to $15,000 per project, for local historians and community organisations across the state.

The Local History Grants have seen the diverse tapestry of Victoria’s local history enshrined, with last year’s fund attracting 52 community groups who explored their unique stories across multiple mediums.

Museum of Chinese Australian History delivered Chinese Australian family stories in a podcast series, while Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations created video stories depicting challenges faced by Turkish migrants in regional Victoria from 1968 to 1974.

Palais Arts Fund captured oral histories in a series of events held at Geelong’s Palais, setting the stories against a backdrop of the city’s evolution into a multicultural metropolis.

Other successful projects have helped reach more Victorians by capturing the state’s history in new ways, including interactive online exhibitions, e-books and apps.

Community groups can apply for funding at prov.vic.gov.au/community.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson

“Capturing Victoria’s diverse history allows us to celebrate, reflect and learn – which is why we’re supporting the innovative and creative work to keep our history alive through the Local History Grants program.”

“This funding for community and history groups will help to preserve and share Victoria’s rich local history for generations to come.”

Quote attributable to Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood

“From sports club and school anniversary projects, to historical society and museum collection preservation works, we encourage all groups committed to sharing Victoria’s history to apply for the Local History Grants Program.”