Chamber of Arts and Culture News
news on submissions made by the Chamber in 2018. They also farewelled inaugural Executive Director, Henry Boston and welcomed Shelagh Magadza back to the Western Australian arts and culture sector as the new Executive Director.
A Continuing Issue: The Burrup Rock Art
You may recall that in November Robin Chapple MLC Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region called on HCWA members to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Authority calling for action in regard to the threat to Burrup Rock Art by the North West Shelf Project Extension & the Pluto North West Shelf Interconnector Pipeline. Many HCWA members replied within the tight deadlines set for response by the EPA and Woodside. The Burrup situation is ongoing.
Feature Article 1: Ancient History in Education
The study of Ancient History has undeniable charm, it is easy to succumb to its wiles … what is there not to love? Dastardly deeds, notorious bad guys whose actions seem to have been completely unrestrained by culture or ethics, bloody battles across continents, heinous injustice, leaders who were condemned/misunderstood/reviewed by turns – exactly the stuff kids of all ages love. Articles from Dr Lara O’Sullivan of UWA and the Editor.
Feature Article 2: On the Fringe
A short history of the world’s largest alternative performance arts event.
The origins of the Fringe festival reflect the desire of the WWII generation to reunite following the global catastrophe and division which characterised its youth. As such the Festival represents an intriguing turning point in cultural history, and has gone on to not only redefine performance festivals, but to articulate the sexual revolution, embrace equality, provide a platform for alternative culture, and tackle often otherwise unspoken confronting historical and sociopolitical issues through various forms of performance art. Its success has been truly remarkable.
BOOK NEWS & REVIEWS
One copy of 3 new books is available to 3 lucky HCWA members. Contact President Jenny Gregory directly (jenny.gregory@uwa.edu.au) for your free copy. First in best dressed. The only requirement is that the 3 lucky winners agree to write a review of the book for the HCWA Autumn Newsletter.
Family History WA — events throughout the year
This dynamic organisation has a huge selection of events occurring throughout the year. A variety of Special Interest Groups — Legacy, Irish SIG, WA SIG, Convict SIG, European SIG, the Writers Group are just a few — have regular committee and other meetings planned promising a wide selection of fascinating discussions and activities.
Royal Western Australian Historical Society — events throughout the year
The programme for the RWAHS’s 2019 General Meetings and Community Talks is now out. See https://www.histwest.org.au/activities/tours-and-events for details and dates of a fascinating line up of talks on Bishop Hale (Father Ted Doncaster), Prosecuting Crime in WA (Peter Handford), Rural Medical Practices (Geoff Clarke), Pharmaceutical Education (Bruce Sunderland), and Margaret Forrest (Lenore Layman).
President’s Report
Best wishes for a very happy Christmas and New Year to all History Council members. It’s been a busy year and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a relaxing break.
Our advocacy work has continued unabated over the last few months. With other History Councils of Australia we have lobbied the Federal Government for an Indigenous voice in the Australian Parliament, and to express concern about proposed changes to Marriage Certificates. Our continuing advocacy work at the State level is in support of the State Records, Office the Eastern Guruma people, the World Heritage nomination of Murujuga (Burrup), and against the Redaction of Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates.
AHA-Copyright Agency Limited Early Career Researcher Mentor Scheme
If you are a historian resident in Australia who is a member of the Australian Historical Association and received their PhD within the past two years (i.e. 2017 or 2018), you should submit for the AHA-Copyright Agency Ltd Early Career Researcher Mentor Scheme. Note that at least three awards will go to applicants based outside NSW, VIC, and the ACT.
Ernest Scott Prize 2019 Applications Open
The prestigious annual Ernest Scott Prize is awarded to the most distinguished written contribution to the history of Australia or New Zealand, or to the history of colonisation in these countries