Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe with Yarra Ranges Regional Museum co-ordinator Maggi Solly, Casey MP Tony Smith and local artist Sara McPherson launch a memory bank project. 49999
By Tania Martin
YARRA Ranges residents are being urged to make their mark on history and share their memories.
This comes as the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum last week (8 July) launched its Memory Bank project.
A politician, comedian, artist and local councillor have been the first to take part.
The project aims to capture the life and times of residents living in the region from the 1950s onwards, providing an historical treasure trove for years to come.
Mayor Len Cox and Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe have both contributed to the project, along with artist Sara McPherson and comedian Michael Connell.
The theme of the project is ‘My Life, My Yarra Ranges’ with many people already contributing photographs of significant moments in their lives.
Cr Cox said it didn’t matter if the photographs were new or old, it was welcome.
“If you have a picture with a story to tell, the museum would love to record it,” he said.
“You don’t have to be famous or well-known to contribute an image… this is a community project and having images and stories from a range of people in our community is what will make the project interesting and successful.”
Ms Fyffe said she was honoured to take part in the project.
“As someone with a keen interest in history, I believe it’s important that we not only pay tribute to the major events in our history but also what everyday life was like for past generations so we can see how far we have come,” she said.
“Hopefully future generations enjoy seeing the photographs in the project.”
Mr Connell said he was attracted to the project because it was a new and interesting way to record local history. “It’s recording the history of anyone who wants to get involved, and is accessible by anyone who is interested,” he said.
There have been a number of sessions organised for people wanting to take part in the project.
The first will be held on 20 July at the Lilydale Library from 10am to 5pm, followed by Wednesday 21 at Belgrave Library from 10am to 5pm and on 22 July at the Healesville Memorial Hall from 10am to 4pm.
Residents interested in placing their mark on history can call 9295 6313 to make an appointment to submit their photographs.
