RHSV Historical Societies Support Committee – Regional Seminar Weekend

The second RHSV seminar for 2023, and first in rural Victoria, is being hosted by Birchip Historical Society with optional activities at Nullawil (afternoon and evening, Friday 19 May) and Donald (morning, Sunday 21 May).

The needs of societies in the region have shaped our program, but RHSV members Victoria-wide are invited to attend, to learn from informed speakers as well as different societies’ experiences and simply enjoy the Wimmera-Mallee. The presentations and visits will strengthen the best of most historical societies’ and individual members’ existing work and inspire fresh approaches.

Further to the all-day Saturday seminar, there are options of a pre-seminar Friday afternoon tour of the distinctive Nullawil Historical Society Heritage Museum and dinner, and a Sunday morning post-seminar morning tea and tour of the Donald Historical Society collection. Indeed, for potential attendees unfamiliar with the unique qualities of the towns named and wider region, why not make a longer break?

SATURDAY 20 MAY PROGRAM

10.00am REGISTRATION, coffee and networking

10.30-10.40am PROGRAM START: Acknowledgement of Country, welcome, housekeeping

Speaker: Rosalie Triolo

10.40am -12.10pm Capacity-building: Leading and retaining volunteers, and attracting new visitors and members

Speakers: Paul Fearon + Rosalie Triolo

Audience questions and sharing of experiences

12.00-12.45 LUNCH and mingling/networking

12.45-2.05pm Archives and research: Managing and maintaining an archive, and creating fascinating stories

Speakers: Helen Laffin + Richard Broome

Audience questions and sharing of experiences

2.20-3.30pm Writing to be Read: Writing for publications, exhibitions and on-site tours

Speakers: Richard Broome will offer practical advice on writing well for a wide readership + Rosalie Triolo will offer advice on writing exhibition labels as well as appealing visitor ‘self-guide’ tours.

Audience questions and sharing of experiences

3.30-3.45pm SUMMARY and final sharing of successes
Participants will share any final achievements or challenges not already discussed but which they believe others would benefit from knowing. The day’s main points will be summarised, participants might share contact details and everyone will be wished well.

3:50pm The seminar is followed by an optional tour of Birchip Historical Society & Museum, 2 Cumming Avenue, Birchip, 3483. Entry and tour of collection. Gold coin donation on day. No need to book.

SPEAKERS

PAUL FEARON FAICD FCPA FIPAA (Vic) joined the RHSV Council following a 40-year career in the energy industry and as a government regulator. He has also held director roles in two small volunteer-based charities; has arts, business and finance degrees; and, has commenced a PhD in History. Paul will provide a ‘primer’ on principles and techniques in leading and retaining effective teams of volunteers.

Dr ROSALIE TRIOLO, FRHSV is RHSV Vice-President and HSSC Chair. Rosalie has enjoyed over 40 years in History education, including multiple, long-term, volunteer Victorian and national History leadership roles; teaching Australian history in diverse Victorian rural and city government schools, including Boort and Derrinallum; publishing for general, as well as tertiary, secondary and primary education audiences; and, facilitating the development of specialist teachers of History for 25 years at Monash University. Rosalie will offer strategies for catering to, and attracting, newer groups in communities so they might visit, join and contribute to societies.

HELEN LAFFIN holds a Master of Cultural Heritage, Deakin University, and is currently Acting-Curator at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and on the Schwerkolt Cottage Museum Complex heritage team. She has exercised a strong interest in local history through paid and volunteer work with Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West, CERES archives, Coburg Historical Society and Whitehorse Historical Society. Helen will share practical knowledge from her experience with archives.

Emeritus Professor RICHARD BROOME AM, FAHA, FRHSV taught history at La Trobe University for over 30 years and has authored and co-authored 20 books on Australian and Indigenous history. His recent books include Mallee Country. Land, People, History (2019) with three others; he has co-edited a four volume VCE textbook, Analysing Australian History (2021); and, has recently co-authored a book on Kew Cottages, Failed Ambitions (2023). Currently RHSV President, Richard will tell the story of one man who lived in different towns in the area: In search of Mulga Fred Wilson: Aboriginal rodeo rider, horse trainer and Pelaco icon.

3 day program

You have the option to design your program over three days – pick and choose what suits you.

FRIDAY 19 MAY from 2pm (optional) NULLAWIL

Nullawil Historical Society and Nullawil Heritage Museum

https://www.facebook.com/people/Nullawil-Historical-Society/100054448721590/

94 Nullawil-Quambatook Road, Nullawil, 3529

Further information, Kaylene James: 0428 935 270

2pm Entry and tour of museum. Gold coin donation on day (no bookings necessary)

5:30pm Two-course ‘country hospitality early dinner’ on site ($25pp). Bookings essential – see below

SATURDAY 20 MAY 10am – 3:45pm, BIRCHIP

Birchip: Strengthening your societies and communities through History Seminar Day

@ Birchip Senior Citizens’ Centre.

Bookings for the Saturday seminar should be made below

The seminar is followed by an optional tour of Birchip Historical Society & Museum, 2 Cumming Avenue, Birchip, 3483 (no cost)

SUNDAY 21 MAY (optional) DONALD

Donald Historical Society
https://donaldhistory.org.au/.

56 Woods Street, Donald. 3480.
(03) 5497 2287

10.30-11.00am Entry and tour of collection with morning tea (scones!). Gold coin donation on day. No need to book.

DO YOU NEED ACCOMMODATION? CAFES? MEALS INCLUDING ‘CLASSIC PUB FARE’?

Available in Birchip, Wycheproof, Donald, Charlton and surrounds. See Buloke Shire Tourism: https://www.buloke.vic.gov.au/buloke-shire-tourism