The Allan Labor Government is funding community groups across the state to capture, preserve and share the unique stories and histories of Victoria.
Minister for Acting Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson today announced that 17 historical groups, museums, libraries and not-for-profits are the new recipients of the 2025 Local History Grants Program.
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.
Recipients this year include the Bonegilla Memory Project, awarded $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.
First Nations history will be highlighted in the new project William Barak's Visual and Material Legacy: A Catologue for Community delivered through $15,000 to the Wurrindjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
The Down Syndrome Association of Victoria has been awarded $12,623 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.
Victoria's important post-war migration story will also be further explored, with $14,850 granted to the Australian Jewish Historical Society Victoria for the project Community of Fate: Tales of German Jewish Migration to Melbourne (1938 - 1949).
The National Theatre, Melbourne's Digital History Project will come to life thanks to $6,520 in funding. The project aims to capture and share historical documents that tell the story of this seminal Victorian arts organisation.
Other funded projects include newspaper digitisations, oral histories, historical signage, and preservation equipment.
As stated by 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."
"These projects will help us to understand our history for generations to come, ensuring that all Victorians can more easily access stories of their past."
See the full list of recipients below.
Further details can be found at prov.vic.gov.au/community/grants-and-awards/local-history-grants-program
- Australian Jewish Historical Society Victoria Inc. ($14,850)
- BCYF - Bethany Ltd trading as Meli Community ($15,000)
- Balnarring and District Historical Society Inc. ($2,950)
- Birchip RSL Sub-Branch ($9,099)
- Block 19 - Bonegilla Migrant Experience ($11,490)
- Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc. ($12,623)
- Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library ($8,168)
- Kaiela Institute Limited ($13,024)
- Koroit & District Historical Society ($5,149)
- Leongatha & District Historical Society Inc. ($1,158)
- Moonlight Head Cemetery Trust ($1,050)
- PMI Victorian History Library Inc. ($3,396)
- Prosper Australia ($2,110)
- Queenscliffe Historical Museum Incorporated ($5,100)
- The National, Melbourne ($6,520)
- Trentham Rail and Tramway Association Inc. ($2,429)
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation ($15,000)
