A doctor, teacher, gardener and spy. These are four real-life Australians who attracted the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). But who were they and why was ASIO interested in them? What role did social and political activism have to play in this? Come along to find out more!

Two world wars, a global depression and the Cold War transformed the social fabric of Australia. For many teachers with a desire to make a better world for women and children, this meant action beyond the classroom. Presented by Dr Cheryl Griffin, this presentation looks at how prominent Victorian teacher and activist Doris McRae addressed social, industrial and political issues such as equal pay and employment opportunities for women.

Petitioning government is a fundamental right in Australia’s democracy. This seminar will explore citizen activism through petitions submitted to the Australian Government. The National Archives collection includes a wide range of petitions relating to a number of areas for change including land rights for First Australians, equal voting rights and the internment of enemy aliens. Not all petitions relate to the big issues, with some asking for intervention on more local or personal issues.

For History Month, the National Archives of Australia are partnering once again with the RHSV to present, Off the Drawing Board, where members and friends can discover more about the history of their local community through Victorian architectural drawings. Did you know that National Archives holds thousands of architectural drawings for public buildings across Australia and Victoria? Dating back as early as 1849, these drawings document not only famous Melbourne landmarks but also humbler suburban and rural facilities, such as local post offices and drill halls. This makes these drawings an invaluable resource for anyone researching local history and heritage. Many of the drawings are also beautiful works of art in their own right.

Following the 1938 annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, many members of Vienna’s vibrant Jewish community sought safe havens overseas to escape growing persecution. Amongst them were Michael and Regine Weiss and their family. Their story, as told through records held by the National Archives of Australia and other information provided by their descendants, reveals much about Australia’s attitudes towards Jewish refugees during these dark days.