News
Issue 1 Migration Heritage Project Newsletter June 2003
In this issue:
- Who is the MHP
- About the Migration Heritage Project
- Important dates to remember
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| Turning over the toast before
returning the trays to the wood fired oven - a twice weekly
ritual performed by a local baker |
Who are we?
An introduction to the Migration Heritage Project
The Migration Heritage Project (MHP) was the inspiration of Mendo
Tracjevski from the Macedonian Welfare. Two years ago he had the
vision of establishing a migration museum in the Illawarra and
he began garnering support from interested people in the region.
A committee was formed to pursue this venture and in 2002 we were
delighted to receive a grant of $25000 from the IMB Community
Foundation. This grant allowed the committee to employ a Project
Officer to develop ideas and strategies to ensure a sustainable
migration museum project in the Illawarra.
Our aim is to ensure that migration heritage is both valued by
the Illawarra community and made more broadly accessible so that
a wider rage of people can enjoy and learn from the historical
significance of migration to the area. This may or may not involve
finding a place to house or exhibit items of heritage relating
to migration.
The project has been very active in the last six months. Our
activities have included; workshops on heritage issues with small
groups; an excursion to museums in the Illawarra to identify themes
and approaches to exhibits, (of which we have a video documentary);
discussions with the University of Wollongong about the future
of the Nissen Huts; and we have made close links with the Wollongong
Regional Art Gallery for a major exhibition to be opened in September.
We have also been busy applying for funding from a variety of
sources and have successfully received funding the WCC Heritage
Advisory Committee to have a thematic study written, which is
currently in progress. We were also successful in obtaining further
funding from the IMB Community Foundation for a second year that
will allow us to continue to develop the aims of the project.
The project is still in its infancy and we would welcome interested
people and volunteers to work with us. For instance, it would
be great for groups to begin to register items of heritage value
in their own communities, for example embroidery, so that we would
have a catalogue of items available for exhibitions.
I am excited by the energy and commitment of our community for
this project and I look forward to seeing people enjoy and learn
about the migrant heritage of the Illawarra.
Franca Facci
Chairperson June 2003
Become involved
Interested persons or organisations are welcome to join the Migration
Heritage Project.
Membership fees: Joining fee $5 Annual fee $10
Membership forms are available from the Wollongong Public Library
or the Project Officer.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at Wollongong
City Council, level 10 Conference Room, 5.30 pm.The MHP would
like to collect the stories of migration from community groups
in the Illawarra. Contributions to the newsletter are also welcome
and can be e-mailed to the Project Officer. The closing date for
the next issue is August 30th 2003.
Contact Details
Project Officer: Eva Castle
C/- P.O Box 1589
SCMC NEW 2521
E-mail: mhp@1earth.net
Ph. (02) 4251 4710 (mon-tues)
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| Early Italian immigrants with
AIS in the backgorund Wollongong 1952 |
What is the Migration Heritage Project
About
The Migration Heritage Project is dedicated to
researching and preserving the rich history of migration that
has helped to shape our region. As part of that vision, in September
2003, the MHP will hold an exhibition at the Wollongong City Gallery
that reflects the fascinating personal stories of migrants.
What are the Migration Heritage Project aims?
- Help preserve items of heritage interest and value, e.g. historical
records, artefacts, music, language, recordings of dance, theatre,
traditional skills and trades
- To catalogue these heritage items and make them accessible
for public viewing
- Contribute to research and education on the history of migration
- Develop and promote migration heritage and involve migrant
communities throughout the Illawarra
Who is behind the project?
The Migration Heritage Project members are individuals and community
organisations that share the common aim of recording our migration
heritage. The MHP is funded by the IMB Community Foundation. Many
other organisations have provided support including the Wollongong
City Council, University of Wollongong Department of Creative
Arts, Italian Social Welfare, Macedonian Welfare, the Illawarra
Ethnic Community Council, Illawarra Folk Festival and Downstairs
Graphic Design.
Celebrations: Spirit of Communities
13 September – 2 November 2003
Mark your diaries! This exciting exhibition is presented by the
Migrant Heritage Project and curated by Linda Raymond. It is an
exhibition about community and family celebrations through the
eyes of several local communities. It will include the food, the
everyday objects and the experiences of Wollongong People.
Community News
The former Fairy Meadow Migrant Hostel has been listed as a heritage
site by NSW heritage. This means they will have to stay on the
site, and plans to preserve them developed.
Membership of the Migration Heritage
Project
Interested persons or organisations are welcome to join the Migration
Heritage Project. Membership fees: Joining Fee (individual): $5.00
($2.00 pensioners) Annual Fee (individual): $10.00 ($5.00 pensioners)
a total of $15.00 ($7.00 pensioners) upon joining. Joining Fee
(organisations) $10.00 Annual Fee (organisations) $10.00 a total
of $20.00 upon joining.
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