Newsletters

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=200 BGCOLOR="#CCCC66" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B><U>GPO Box 1440</U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Canberra ACT 2601</U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Ph: 02 6251 1696</U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Fax: 02 6251 1696</U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Email:</U></B></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto: ascribe@cyberone.com.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: ascribe@cyberone.com.au"><U><B><U>ascribe@cyberone.com.auu</U></B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>*******</B></div> <div> <B>Newsletter</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#from_the_president" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">From The President</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#historical_society_of_the_northern" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Historical Society of the Northern</U></A> Territory</div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#fahs_archive_policy_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">FAHS Archive policy </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#conference_for_centenary_of_women_s" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Conference for Centenary of Women’s</U></A> Suffrage</div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#royal_historical_society_of_queensland_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Royal Historical Society of Queensland </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#2005_merit_awards_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">2005 MERIT AWARDS </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#productivity_commission" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Productivity Commission</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#tasmania_s_major_historical_events_2005" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tasmania's major historical events 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12_m.htm#the_royal_historical_society_of_victoria_1" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Newsletters"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700b400000000.png" HEIGHT="12" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Royal Historical Society of Victoria.</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Site directory</U></B></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Title 1"><U><U>Home</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who we are"><U><U>Who we are</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Committee members"><U><U>Committee members</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id9.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related sites"><U><U>Related sites</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id10.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Publications"><U><U>Publications</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.history.org.au/future" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.history.org.au/future"><U><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700a033993300.png" HEIGHT="11" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Looking to the Future - A Guide to the collection of cultural material by historical societies</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#339933" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.history.org.au/future" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.history.org.au/future"><U><U> </U></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.history.org.au/guide" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.history.org.au/guide"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700a033993300.png" HEIGHT="11" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">FAHS Heritage Handbook: A Guide for Historical Societies</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id14.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Directors"><U><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700a033993300.png" HEIGHT="11" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Directors responsibilites - a guide for historical societies</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Privacy"><U><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700a033993300.png" HEIGHT="11" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Privacy policies - a guide for historical societies</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Publishing"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700a033993300.png" HEIGHT="11" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Publishing History:A guide for historical societie</U></A>s</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ***</div> <div> <A HREF="id11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Productivity"><U>Productivity Commission</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RCA"><U><U>Regional Clultural Alliance</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="NCHF"><U><U>National Cultural Heritage Forum</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Awards"><U><U>Awards</U></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=94 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <IMG SRC="005c64a0.jpg" border=0 width="454" height="74" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=386 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#669966" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B>FAHS Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="from_the_president"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>From The President </div> <bR> <div> Since the publication of the previous FAHS Newsletter much has been happening. One issue that has taken up much of the attention of delegates has been addressing their concerns over our finances. The FAHS is dependent upon funding under the GVEHO Program for its continued existence. However, it was not until April of this year that calls for GVEHO grant applications for the current financial year were advertised. It became apparent very early in the year that our 2004/2005 budget estimates would need to be reviewed and possibly amended to take into account </div> <div> the late arrival of our grant. This was done at our last teleconference (28 February 2005) and although some changes were made, we will be able to continue to operate effectively. We will continue to meet via teleconference. </div> <div> Our office in Canberra, managed by our Executive Officer, Mr Gerard Hogan, will be retained and we will continue with our activities. These include: maintaining and updating our website; publication of the Newsletter; production and distribution of the publishing history guide; and our delegate, Dr Ruth Kerr, will remain an active participant in the National Cultural Heritage Forum </div> <div> and the Regional Cultural Alliance. I am pleased to report that we have been successful with our GVEHO grant application. What is particularly pleasing is that the approval covers a three year period. This will result in greater certainty for our planning. </div> <div> The Hon. Secretary, Ms Lennie McCall, and I were granted a meeting (4 April 2005) with the Hon. Minister for Environment and Heritage, Sen Ian Campbell, to discuss FAHS matters particularly our concerns over the GVEHO funding process. Unfortunately, the Minister had to cancel the arrangement at the last minute but kindly offered a meeting with one of his advisors, Ms Libby MacKinnon.  We took up his offer and we believe our time with Ms MacKinnon was productive. We are confident that our relationship with the Minister's office and his department will continue to be mutually beneficial. </div> <div> The Committee has responded to the Federal Department of Environment and Heritage draft document, "Educating for a Sustainable Future, A National Environmental Education Statement for Australian Schools, 28 October 2004". While we support the principles of the Statement, we have concerns that there are important omissions with regard to sustainable heritage, teacher training and teaching resource materials. </div> <div> In addition to our Newsletter, brief notes on important matters arising in our teleconferences are being made available for publication in our member societies' newsletters. The Committee hopes that these notes will stimulate a greater interest in the Federation's activities and perhaps encourage historical societies across the country to raise issues of concern to them that require the kind of support and action that the Federation can provide. If any organisation wishes the Federation to address any such issues please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of your State or Territory delegates (<A HREF="id8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Committee members"><U>click here to see list of delegates</U></A>). </div> <div> Just after Easter I visited Darwin to present Professor David Carment's FAHS Fellowship Award. I did this at the Historical Society of the Northern Territory's Annual General Meeting (30 March 2005) which was held over dinner at the Yum Cha restaurant. Prior to the dinner I met with HSNT Council members and we talked over a number issues relating to FAHS relationships with its member organisations. I was grateful for the feedback I received on this occasion and will be taking it forward to our Committee. I certainly enjoyed my time in Darwin. I was warmly received and entertained at the dinner by the President, Dr Brian Reid, and the Council. Ms Yvonne Forrest, one of the HSNT's delegates on the FAHS Committee very kindly gave me most interesting tours of Darwin and I had a most enjoyable dinner with Yvonne and Dr Janie Mason, a member of the HSNT and Senior Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Darwin, at a wonderful restaurant in Fanny Bay. </div> <div> Thank you to everyone who made my stay so memorable. </div> <div> Dr Helen Henderson<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Helvetica" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="historical_society_of_the_northern"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Historical Society of the Northern Territory </div> <bR> <div> We have been in recess since November 2004 although members gathered for a most enjoyable brunch to celebrate Christmas. </div> <div> There is still no resolution to our need for office space but the Chief Minister has said that we may continue to store our archives at the Northern Territory Library Service offices at Winnellie.   Unfortunately the space there is very limited and there is no possibility of being able to work with our documents -the area is also not open to the public. </div> <div> Our lecture series this year will cover the multicultural history of the Territory -speakers included Maisie Austin (Aboriginal -23rd February), Helen Haritos (Greek), Daryl Chin (Chinese). These are held on the third Wednesday of the month usually at the Museum Theatrette. Visitors are most </div> <div> welcome. </div> <div> Our weekend trip this year (July 22-24) will be to the Limmen Bight National Park on the Gulf of Carpentaria. The proposal to drive the Murranji Track is difficult as permission has to be given by various landowners in the area but this will be looked at at a later date. We are proposing to develop a database that will include all written articles and documents on the history of the Northern Territory. As yet in the development stage, we are now looking at speaking to IT people who can assist. </div> <div> Our constitution is to be presented at the next annual meeting (Wednesday 30 March) with slight changes to agree with the current Northern Territory Associations Act. We are also looking </div> <div> forward to welcoming Helen Henderson, president of FAHS to our meeting to present a Fellowship of the Association to David Carment. </div> <div> The 2005 copy of our journal is almost ready for printing and will be distributed soon. We are looking at a second edition of Creed Lovegrove's book 'Brolga at Large' as the first edition sold out within weeks and we have received funding for a book on Southport. </div> <div> We look forward to a most interesting year. </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="fahs_archive_policy_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>FAHS Archive policy </div> <bR> <div> The Federation of Australian Historical Societies is obliged by its Constitution, when it wishes to archive its records to place them in the National Library of Australia. </div> <div> We have sent the Federation’s records for the period 1977 to 1997 to the NLA. The Committee has determined that access to these records should be available for research on the following basis: </div> <div> The National Library of Australia Archives has been informed of the Committee's decision to allow access to researchers with restrictions placed on sensitive parts of minutes on resolution of the Committee. </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="conference_for_centenary_of_women_s"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Conference for Centenary of Women’s Suffrage</div> <bR> <div> 2005 marks the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage for Queensland elections. In 1903 women were able to vote in Federal elections after the passage of the Commonwealth Electoral Franchise Act of 1902, and this increased the effort to persuade the politicians in Queensland to extend the vote to women for Queensland elections. It was a long struggle carried out by many notable people including some strong minded women until, after much debate, the legislation was passed on Wednesday 25 January 1905. Many events have been planned for 2005 to mark this anniversary but the Royal Historical Society of Queensland started the year with a major conference: “A Celebration of the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage in Queensland and the Achievements of Queensland Women in Parliament”. This was held on 5 February in the Red Chamber (the former Legislative Council Chamber) of Parliament House with the approval of the Speaker. It was a hugely successful day. There was a full house for a most informative and entertaining conference. </div> <div> Particularly interesting and revealing were the accounts from sitting and former members of Parliaments, both State and Federal, about their experiences as women in government. Historians and political scientists gave excellent presentations on the background of campaigns for votes for women and the attempts to gain women representatives in parliament. </div> <div> At midday a short walk along William Street to the Commissariat Store, the Society’s headquarters, brought the delegates to a well presented and delicious buffet lunch, the first one held in the building since the refurbishment four years ago. It was a stimulating day and gave the Society an opportunity to introduce many people to the Commissariat Store. During the year other commemorative events will be held and the Society plans to hold a conference on “A History of Women in Queensland from convicts to the demise of Miss Australia” in August to bring more attention to the status of women. </div> <div> Jean Stewart </div> <div> President, RHSQ </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="royal_historical_society_of_queensland_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Royal Historical Society of Queensland </div> <bR> <div> In recent months the Royal Historical Society of Queensland has held a number of successful historical and cultural functions, promoted its research services and raised the society's profile. </div> <div> One of the most important activities for this year is the research and publication of a photographic book on William Street, Brisbane, a significant heritage area of inner city Brisbane on the Northbank. </div> <div> A field trip to the southern Darling Downs on the last weekend of May was booked out within two weeks. Last year's tour on the northern Downs was a great success. </div> <div> The Commissariat Store is being well regarded for holding cultural activities. The State Library of Queensland recently launched its new website for its manuscripts at the Commissariat Store with around 100 people and a chamber music group in attendance. </div> <div> The Society is planning a conference in August on the History of Women in Queensland including topics such as rural women, the Commandants' wives, the Miss Queensland Beauty Contest, women scientists, architects, medical practitioners. </div> <div> There has been an increase in number of visitors to the Commissariat Store and volunteers and guides continue to provide around 400 or more hours of volunteer time per month. </div> <div> Three nineteenth century illuminated addresses -one the Workers' address to the first Queensland Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen in 1859, and two for Thomas Glassey, a prominent Labor politician and Senator from 1901 to 1903, are being conserved utilising a National Library of Australia grant. </div> <div> The Society is also contributing to the local debate on the review of the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. </div> <div> Council has met with the Events Manager in the Department of Premier and Cabinet about the new Advisory Planning Committee for Celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the Separation of Queensland, and is seeking to have a historian appointed to it. The Society is forming a Working Party of Historians to provide input to the celebrations in 2009 and to mark the occasion with worthwhile new history publications. </div> <div> Dr Ruth S. Kerr </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="2005_merit_awards_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> 2005 MERIT AWARDS </div> <div> CALL FOR NOMINATIONS </div> <bR> <div> The Federation of Australian Historical Societies (Inc.) (FAHS) is calling for nominations for its 2005 Merit Awards. Up to five Merit Awards will be awarded annually to individuals. These awards will take the form of a Certificate of Merit. </div> <div> For details look at <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Awards"><U>awards</U></A> on this website.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> The FAHS makes its submission to the  <A NAME="productivity_commission"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Productivity Commission</div> <bR> <div> The Federation has made its submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry into the maintenance of Australian’s heritage buildings.  The submission reflects a broad appreciation of the cultural heritage environment of Australia and was developed for us by Dr Ruth Kerr (RHSQ), Dr Ian Jack (RAHS) and Dr Marilyn Truscott (Canb & Dist HS), with significant input from all constituent members of the Federation. </div> <div> The full text of the Submission can be found under the heading<A HREF="id11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Productivity"><U> Productivity Commission</U></A> on this website</div> <div> The Commission has advised us that although the date for formal submissions has passed, that is, submissions from people who wish to make a formal presentation at a hearing of the Commission, it is still open to receive written submissions on its terms of reference. </div> <div> We consider that the outcome of the Commission’s inquiry is very important for the long term health of heritage protection in Australia, because it will inform all governments, Commonwealth and State, about the value of heritage activity and help to raise its profile with those who control public funding. </div> <div> We would encourage all societies to make some form of submission, and to back it up with facts and figures. </div> <div> The Commission’s website is <A HREF="http://www.pc.gov.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.pc.gov.au"><U>www.pc.gov.au.</U></A> </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="tasmania_s_major_historical_events_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Tasmania's major historical events, 2005</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Companion to Tasmanian History </B></div> <div> March saw the launch of the Companion to Tasmanian History, the latest in the series of State/territory/national Companions to History. The Tasmanian Companion contains 1074 articles by 418 authors, ranging from 125-word biographies to eighteen 3,000-word thematic articles on major topics such as Identity, Britishness and Aboriginality. There are articles on topics ranging from politics to sport, ethnic groups to mining, covering all periods and all areas of Tasmania. </div> <div> The Companion was compiled by a committee consisting of Michael Roe, Henry Reynolds, Stefan Petrow and Alison Alexander from the School of History and Classics, University of Tasmania; well-known Launceston historians Jill Cassidy and Barbara Valentine; and Michael Sprod of Astrolabe Books. Alison Alexander was the Editor. Controversial topics are included, with several having two articles from writers on either side — notably forestry, and the fabrication or otherwise of Aboriginal history. Tasmania's specialities are included, from the Thylacine and horizontal scrub to the Flinders Island Spotted Fever. There are four maps and thirty illustrations. </div> <div> If you cannot buy a copy in your local bookshop — on the mainland you may well not be able to — send a cheque for $67 to the Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 81, Hobart, Tasmania 7001. </div> <div> <B>State conference of historical societies Burnie, 6 November 2005 </B></div> <div> Every two years, Tasmanian historical societies hold a one-day statewide conference on a different topic, hosted by a different historical society. This year </div> <div> the conference will be held at Burnie, hosted by the extremely active Burnie Historical Society under its president, long-term Burnie resident Lloyd Harris. </div> <div> The theme is 'Our History's Characters'. For information, email Brian Rollins on <A HREF="mailto:Brian.rollins@pda.com.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Brian.rollins@pda.com.au"><U>Brian.rollins@pda.com.au</U></A>. </div> <div> The Tasmanian conferences began after a member attended a Queensland conference in the early 1990s and was inspired to reproduce it in Tasmania. The conferences have been most successful, and the Tasmanian societies would like to thank the Royal Queensland Historical Society for planting the idea. </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="the_royal_historical_society_of_victoria_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#CCCC66" FACE="Helvetica" >The Royal Historical Society of Victoria</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Over the next six months the RHSV will focus on two essential activities; to achieve a degree of financial stability; and to plan to become a Society that grows in strength by providing a service to its members and volunteers. </div> <div> Forward planning for the financial viability of the society will encompass the following strategies; </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a decrease on the reliance of grant income (which has often brought its own heavy costs); </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">and instead an emphasis on earned income through membership drives, sponsorship and actively seeking donations. The RHSV has appointed a part time development officer specifically to seek untied income. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Aligned with the financial development of the society is the implicit need that the RHSV must be providing services both for its current members, and to be seen as a worthwhile "investment" for prospective members. In developing this, the RHSV is working closely with other "providers" such Museums Australia(Victoria Branch) and Arts Victoria to ensure that our programs are complimentary, supportive of Statewide initiatives and filling gaps (usually very low budget gaps) where they are needed. </div> <div> The Council of the RHSV is also taking steps to position the RHSV more strongly "politically" within Victoria. A council or panel of advisors is to be established with the purpose of creating stronger networks. </div> <div> Currently Council is developing the scope and position of this panel within the broader organization of the RHSV. Many well established programs are continuing within the RHSV. The IT support for societies in developing computer cataloguing continues; the RHSV has now developed an online Thesaurus, and as societies transfer their collections onto the RHSV server, the research value of </div> <div> historyvictoria data base grows. Societies are also adopting MC2, the RHSV electronic community. In the recent MAPDA awards the RHSV on line exhibition why Melbourne? won first prize in its category for websites. It was also short listed on the Information Victoria Community History Awards. Outreach continues through Joan Hunt and the History Victoria Support Group. Practical workshops have been run throughout the State and with the abolition of state committees the History Victoria Support Group is more responsive to the regional societies. This year the RHSV was able to work particularly closely with country based societies as its exhibition Making Tracks progressed throughout the State. Managed by a project co-ordinator. Making Tracks is a travelling exhibition commemorating 150 years of rail. At each destination the project co-ordinator has worked closely with a number of societies to include panels and objects that tell the local history of rail. This exhibition has become a model for the RHSV, bringing together locally based societies to work on projects, strengthening their own local networks and raising the profile of local historical societies within their communities. </div> <div> The Victorian History Journal will continue to be produced as two editions a year but the Newsletter has been reduced to a bi-monthly publication. </div> <div> Planned for the end of the year is the major exhibition funded by the Multi-Cultural Commission looking at immigration, and the School of Historical Research which will investigate the history of sound recordings, the work of various bodies in collecting sound and the curation of popular music ephemera such as record sleeves, tickets and posters. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>