Australian Society for the Study of Labour History

The “Australian Society for the Study of Labour History (Perth Branch)” is quite simply a doyen of Western Australian history. Endurance and enduring are words that personify this organisation. Its impressive bibliography as well as the CVs of its members (and tireless volunteers) confirm its contributions and successes in all matters relating to the study, writing, teaching, advocacy and keeping of history.  The society connects to so many aspects of Western Australian history beyond what might be perceived as just “labour history”. In this way, it has formed diverse partnerships, participated widely and nurtured strong relationships with academics, professional historians, archivists, unionists, workers and local communities in the metropolitan and regional areas. Its long-standing journal Studies in Labour History is a stand out both for its academic rigor as well as breadth of content.   

Valerie Cavill

Valerie Cavill is a deserving winner of this award as her work in collecting, preserving and advocating for the place of needle art in the canon of Western Australian history is critical. The collection and associated histories that it articulates are vital to a deeper understanding of this often-overlooked aspect of the domestic and material culture of WA. It is especially important as much of the work represents the hidden products of women’s domestic space and rituals. Valerie Cavill, through her dedication, and willingness to learn and explore her subject and thereby amass and preserve a collection of international significance is a worthy winner for this outstanding contribution to the history of Western Australia and its people.

Galup Project

The Galup project explores untold stories of the lake through performance, virtual reality, online history and educational resources, that seeks to bring people together through truth-telling, connection and healing. Located in the suburbs of Leederville, Wembley and Glendalough, Lake Monger is wetland to rich bird life and is used by thousands of locals and visitors each week for recreation and exercise. Yet few people know its complex, buried history. Lake Monger is a traditional Noongar camping and meeting place known as Galup (Kaarlup) - a place of fires. In 1830, it was a site of a colonial massacre of Noongar people. The Galup project goal is to change that oversight, through an innovative arts’ project involving local Noongar spokes people and arts’ professionals — filmmakers, dancers — and researchers.  

Friends of ANZAC Cottage

The Judges’ acknowledged the cultural heritage significance of the cottage in Mount Hawthorn and the work of the Friends group to ensure the place is well-known to those within the local and wider community. In particular, the work of the Friends group to establish ongoing relationships and connections to local school and community groups was commended. Their lateral thinking to attract new ways to promote the significance of the cottage through a range of ways made it clear to the judges that the Friends of ANZAC Cottage is a worthy winner in the significant contribution to local history award.

Fremantle History Society

The Fremantle History Society continues to make an outstanding contribution to Western Australian history since its founding in 1994.

The centerpiece of its activities is the Fremantle Studies Day. This event brings together the presentation of original research papers, the fostering of discussion and debate, and the opportunity for historically minded people to socialize. The Studies Day is backed by a series of general meetings throughout the year.

The research output is published as Fremantle Studies, one of few locally produced history journals.  

The Fremantle History Society has a strong record of engaging with the Fremantle and nearby communities in promoting knowledge of history, in working with local and state agencies, and being response to matters of concern.

Shire of Christmas Island

The ‘Our Streets Are Our Museums’ is a public art program that brings to streets of Christmas Island its history and culture through a series of murals adorning public places and spaces. The judges were all unanimous in their response to this submission. This had the “WOW” factor! Not only were the details of this project thoughtfully and beautifully conveyed, but we also learnt so much more about the difficult historical narratives that have shaped and continue to shape – but which should not necessarily define - this unique part of Australia, as well as the joyful and rich traditions of its eclectic community.