In oral history interviews, memories of water often incorporate broader conversations about environmental change, community histories, personal identities and political debates. Whether in the complexities of water management, the witnessing of changing climates, the trauma of disaster, or the pleasures of swimming in a river or the sea, the ways in which people talk about water can tell us a great deal about their relationships to place, community, the past and the present. In this panel discussion, three oral historians will reflect on their interviews about water, including its politics, joys and risks on a heating planet.

Time: 6pm-7pm
Date: Thursday, 11th September
Location: Online via Zoom

Speaker bios: 

Dr Scott McKinnon is an award-winning oral historian, curator and writer. A highly experienced interviewer, Scott has worked on a range of oral history projects for universities, government departments, community groups and collecting institutions, including the National Library of Australia and the State Library of NSW. Scott has published extensively on the impacts of disasters and environmental change on individuals and communities, including as co-editor of Disasters in Australia and New Zealand: Historical Approaches to Understanding Catastrophe (Palgrave, 2021). He is an Honorary Research Fellow at La Trobe University and the vice president of Oral History NSW. 

Dr Margaret Cook is an environmental historian and a Research Fellow at the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University and an Honorary Research Fellow at La Trobe University.  Margaret has been conducting oral histories about waterways and environmental change in the Murray-Darling Basin. Margaret is a regular contributor to The Conversation, radio and television. She is the author of A River with a City Problem: A History of Brisbane Floods (UQP, 2023) and co-editor of Disasters in Australia and New Zealand: Historical Approaches to Understanding Catastrophe (Palgrave, 2021).

Katie Holmes is Professor of History and Director of the Centre for the Study of the Inland at La Trobe University. Her work integrates environmental, gender, oral and cultural history and she has a particular interest in the interplay between an individual, their culture and environment. Her recent research, which includes working closely with oral histories, is on the cultures of drought in regional Victoria, and water cultures and conflicts in Australia’s Murray Darling Basin. Katie’s books include Between the Leaves: Stories of women, writing and gardens (2011), the co-authored Mallee Country: land, people, history (2020) and Failed Ambitions: Kew Cottages and Changing Ideas of Intellectual Disability (2023). Katie is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science Australia, and was the Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Visiting Chair in Australian Studies, Harvard, 2023-24.

This event is presented online by Oral History NSW as part of History Week 2025

Throughout the year we will be offering focus themes and topics for each drop in session to get the conversation flowing.
Please join committee members online from Oral History NSW to informally discuss all things oral history. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 28 August 2025

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Throughout the year we will be offering focus themes and topics for each drop in session to get the conversation flowing.
Please join committee members online from Oral History NSW to informally discuss all things oral history. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 26 June 2025

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Please note this event has been cancelled and will be reoffered at a later date.

In this introductory seminar, Oral History NSW committee member Dr Eureka Henrich will explore some of the key ideas behind oral history as a research methodology and will outline important steps in planning oral history projects, including tips on preparing for, undertaking and preserving interviews.

details:

Please note this event has been cancelled and will be reoffered at a later date.

About the Presenter

Dr Eureka Henrich is a historian of migration, memory and health, with a particular interest in postwar migration to Australia. For many years she led the University of Hertfordshire Oral History Team, which brought staff, students and community members together to undertake training and record local memories. Recently she has interviewed a dozen Australian historians as part of the Australian Historical Association's 50th Anniversary history project.  

Enquiries events@oralhistorynsw.org.au

Our online drop in sessions are back for 2025!
Throughout the year we will be offering focus themes and topics for each drop in session to get the conversation flowing.
In April we will look at the Grants and Awards offered by Oral History NSW and how they support our members.

Please join committee members online from Oral History NSW to informally discuss all things oral history. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Wednesday 9 April 2025

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

In this introductory seminar, Oral History NSW Vice President Scott McKinnon will explore some of the key ideas behind oral history as a research methodology and will outline important steps in planning oral history projects, including tips on preparing for, undertaking and preserving interviews.

details:

Saturday 22nd March 10am-12noon.
Online via Zoom.
Link and login details will be emailed the day before. This event will not be recorded.

Cost

$20 - Oral History NSW & Oral History Australia members
$30 - Non-members
Not an OHNSW member? Join our community today and find out more about the benefits!

About the Presenter

Dr Scott McKinnon is a historian and curator at The National Library of Australia and vice president of Oral History NSW. Scott is author of Gay Men at the Movies: Cinema, Memory and the History of a Gay Male Community (Intellect 2016) and co-editor of Disasters in Australia and New Zealand: Historical Approaches to Understanding Catastrophe (Palgrave MacMillan 2020).

Enquiries

events@oralhistorynsw.org.au

PANEL: Working as a freelance historian and/or oral historian in NSW

The PHA NSW-ACT and Oral History Association of NSW have partnered to bring you an informative discussion about working as a freelance historian and/or oral historian.
You are invited to hear from three experienced freelancers, who will hopefully answer many of your questions such as:

• How do I set myself up to work as a freelance/consultant historian?

• Can you provide some advice on those boring practicalities such as tax, insurance, and an ABN?

• How do I get work and clients?

• Should I be promoting myself on social media such as LinkedIn?

• What are some of the pros and cons of being a freelancer?

This is a hybrid presentation (in person and online) and free for all PHA and OHA members.

Chair: Dr Naomi Parry Duncan, PHA NSW-ACT President and currently working as a freelance historian https://naomiparry.net/consulting/.

Panel members:

• Dr Martina Mueller - Storialines https://www.storialines.com.au/

Dr Martina Muller is a professional historian who has worked in Sydney’s heritage sector for over a decade. After her employment at heritage consultancies such as GBA and NBRS, she set out on her own four years ago and now works as a freelance historian in NSW and adjacent states. Her main areas of expertise are research and writing for heritage and developing content for interpretive media. Martina has been actively involved in the PHA NSW & ACT, recently serving four years as treasurer, which has proved invaluable for her career.

• Dr Paul Irish - Coast History and Heritage https://coasthistory.com.au/

Paul Irish is a historian and director of consultancy Coast History and Heritage. He started working about 25 years ago as an archaeological consultant specialising in Aboriginal heritage, working for other consultancies and also running his own projects as a ‘sole trader’ business. After training as a historian he set up Coast History and Heritage as a company employing both historians and archaeologists to undertake both heritage and history projects. Since 2024 Paul has hung up his trowel to focus fully on working as an Aboriginal history consultant, working collaboratively with Aboriginal community members, particularly in the Sydney area.

• Dr Margaret Leask

Formerly an arts administrator in London and Sydney, Margaret has worked as a freelance oral historian and performing arts historian since 2004. Her first project included 80 interviews for the 50th anniversary of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). She researches and records oral history interviews for the National Library of Australia, State Library of NSW, National Film and Sound Archive, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. She has also recorded interviews for the Australian Theatre for Young People, Parramatta City Council and for the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust which resulted in the 2021 publication of Warwick Ross: Making Music, based on a 36 hour oral history interview.

Registration is essential to receive the Zoom link and for catering purposes.
Non-members are welcome to attend for $10.

5.30pm - refreshments served at History House, 133 Macquarie Street
6.00pm - panel discussion facilitated by Naomi Parry Duncan
7.00pm - questions
7.15pm(ish) close - attendees may choose to go out for dinner afterwards.
DETAILS:
Monday 3 March at History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney AND online via Zoom
To register: https://www.phansw.org.au/upcoming-events/

• In-person and online free for OHNSW and PHA members

• Non PHA or OHA members in person and online – $10.00

Members are cordially invited to attend our online Annual General Meeting.

DATE: Wednesday 30th October 2024
TIME: 17:30pm
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

If you would like to attend, please register using the form below by Sunday 27th October to receive your Zoom link for the meeting.
There is no charge to attend the Annual General Meeting, however registration in advance is necessary. If you’re not attending, please inform us using this form and you will be included as an apology.

You can view or download the AGM Agenda here and also view or download
the committee nomination form here.

Committee nomination forms and additional agenda items are due by email to secretary@oralhistorynsw.org.au by 5pm Wednesday 23 October.

We look forward to seeing you online soon!

THANK YOU - REGISTRATIONS TO ATTEND THE AGM HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to informally discuss all things oral history. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Wednesday 14 August 2024

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Our next drop in session for the year will include a special focus on pre-interview preperation and considerations.

In 2024 we will be offering focus themes and topics for each drop in session to get the conversation flowing. Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to informally discuss all things oral history. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 13 June 2024

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

In this introductory seminar, Oral History NSW Vice President Scott McKinnon will explore some of the key ideas behind oral history as a research methodology and will outline important steps in planning oral history projects, including tips on preparing for, undertaking and preserving interviews.

Time

10am-12noon,
Saturday 25th May 2024

Location

Online.
Log in details will be emailed to you on the afternoon of Friday, 24th May.

Cost

$20 for Oral History NSW members,
$30 for non-members

*** EVENT CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED***

We look forward to seeing you online soon! All future events, seminars and training will be advertised on our website, Network News and social media pages.

About the Presenter

Scott McKinnon is a historian and curator at The National Library of Australia and vice president of both Oral History NSW and Sydney’s Pride History Group. Scott is author of Gay Men at the Movies: Cinema, Memory and the History of a Gay Male Community (Intellect 2016) and co-editor of Disasters in Australia and New Zealand: Historical Approaches to Understanding Catastrophe (Palgrave MacMillan 2020).

Enquiries

events@oralhistorynsw.org.au

Our online drop in sessions are back soon for 2024!

We are excited to announce that our first session for the year will include a special presentation from our 2023 Community History Award recipient Margaret Gray about the project The Silent Generation.

In 2024 we will be offering focus themes and topics for each drop in session to get the conversation flowing. Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to informally discuss all things oral history. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 11 April 2024

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

You are cordially invited to attend our online Annual General Meeting.

DATE: Saturday, 28th October 2023
TIME: 10:30am -12 noon
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Registrations for this event closed at the end of Wednesday 25th October.

Presented by Oral History NSW, Mastering The Recording is a hands-on training day to help you become confident with the technical side of oral history.

In this full day training workshop, you will learn

• the recommended ways to set up your digital recorder

• microphone placement

• editing and processing audio

• backing up and archiving

You will NOT just be watching how it's done. You will be actively involved in each stage.

As this is very hands-on, it is essential that you bring with you your own digital recorder and laptop computer.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL.

This event is fully subscribed.
No more bookings can be taken.

WHERE

SMSA - Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts
280 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

DATE AND TIME

• Saturday, 19th August 2023

• Arrive at 9:30am for 9:45am start.

• Expected completion is 4:30pm.

Morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided.
Lunch may be brought from home or purchased from nearby cafés.

COST

• $160 for members of Oral History NSW.

• $180 for non-members.

• $190 to attend and also become a new member of Oral History NSW.

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 10 August 2023

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 13 July 2023

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 8 June 2023

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday 11 May 2023

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

In this introductory seminar, Oral History NSW Vice President Scott McKinnon will explore some of the key ideas behind oral history as a research methodology and will outline important steps in planning oral history projects, including tips on preparing for, undertaking and preserving interviews.

Time

10am-12noon,
Saturday 29th April 2023

Location

Online.
Log in details will be emailed to you on the afternoon of Friday, 28th April.

Cost

$20 for Oral History NSW members,
$30 for non-members

BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT.

About the Presenter

Scott McKinnon is a historian at La Trobe University and vice president of both Oral History NSW and Sydney’s Pride History Group. Scott is author of Gay Men at the Movies: Cinema, Memory and the History of a Gay Male Community (Intellect 2016) and co-editor of Disasters in Australia and New Zealand: Historical Approaches to Understanding Catastrophe (Palgrave MacMillan 2020).

Enquiries

events@oralhistorynsw.org.au

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Wednesday 5 April 2023

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Join committee members online from Oral History NSW to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We’d especially be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event.

Date

Thursday, 9 March 2023

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom - meeting link is here

We will be hosting regular online chats throughout the year and look forward to meeting you!

Oral History NSW members are warmly invited to join us online via Zoom at our 2022 AGM to find out about the organisation’s work in the past year and our future plans.

We will also hear from some of our members who will discuss their recent oral history projects.

DATE: Saturday, 29th October 2022
TIME: 10:30am - 12 noon

You can view or download the meeting agenda and committee nomination form below:

Agenda for 2022 Annual General Meeting - PDF

Committee Nomination Form - PDF (Nominations due 22 October)

Bookings have now closed for this event.

Join committee members from Oral History NSW online to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We would like to keep everyone connected in some way during these strange times, and we’d be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

There is no charge for this event, but bookings are essential.

Date

Thursday, 29th September 2022

Time

5:30 pm for approximately one hour

Where

Online via Zoom

A link to the Zoom session will be emailed on the afternoon before the event.

BOOKINGS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Presented by Oral History NSW, Mastering The Recording is a hands-on training day to help you become confident with the technical side of oral history.

In this full day training workshop, you will learn

• the recommended ways to set up your digital recorder

• microphone placement

• editing and processing audio using Audacity

• backing up and archiving

You will NOT just be watching how it's done. You will be actively involved in each stage.

As this is very hands-on, it is essential that you bring with you your own digital recorder and laptop computer.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Bookings have now closed for this event.

WHERE

SMSA - Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts
280 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

DATE AND TIME

• Saturday, 6th August 2022

• Arrive at 9:30am for 9:45am start.

• Expected completion is 4:30pm.

Morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided.
Lunch may be brought from home or purchased from nearby cafés.

COST

• $160 for members of Oral History NSW or RAHS.

• $180 for non-members.

• $190 to attend and also become a new member of Oral History NSW.

Join committee members from Oral History NSW online to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We would like to keep everyone connected in some way during these strange times, and we’d be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

BOOKINGS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Join committee members from Oral History NSW online to talk all things oral history.
This is a casual forum to discuss, share and ask any questions, advice or thoughts you might have on oral history with us and each other. We would like to keep everyone connected in some way during these strange times, and we’d be interested to hear about projects or interviews you’re working on or planning.

BOOKINGS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE CLOSED.