Oral histories are recorded life stories with people telling their own stories in their own words, and they safeguard rare and valued community insights.Oral histories represent the people of this place and add to the shire’s historical records by sharing collective experiences. The preservation of oral histories can help us respond to future challenges.
Talking Together: A Bega Valley Shire Library oral histories project focusing on COVID-19. The library has collected community stories of strength, generosity, grief and resilience, to capture an enduring record of the COVID-19 years. Talking Together celebrates the resilience of the Bega Valley by recording and sharing community stories of everyday inspiration during the pandemic. Together, this collection of oral histories creates a snapshot of our community’s diverse experience from a local point of view. Click here to listen to these stories, or click here to access the podcast
Wonboyn Fire Oral History Collection: On the 4th of January 2020 the coastal town of Wonboyn came under direct threat from the Border Fire which had crossed the Victoria/NSW border on New Years Eve. This collection of seven accounts of Wonboyn locals and visitors charts the events and aftermath of the out-of-control bushfire. Stories of strength, bravery and generosity reflect a deep sense of belonging and provide insight into how we act in times of distress. With time, the value and significance of these recorded histories will continue to emerge. Click here to listen to these stories.
Please note that these interviews contain descriptions of bushfire events and evacuations that may be distressing to some listeners.
You can access the full list of oral histories by clicking here:
Supplement your listening with a peek at some old photos. Check out our historic photograph collections.