Our Shire Our Stories
‘Our Shire, Our stories: a Celebration of Heritage in the Coolamon Shire’ is a collaborative project, aiming to unveil the personal stories and recollections that truly define the history of community and place. The project began with extensive consultation with the six towns and villages that make up the Coolamon Shire. The respective community committees from each town was tasked with identifying both interviewers and interviewees to participate. Eight volunteers were then provided training to conduct interviews in their communities.
An astounding thirty-two interviews took place in kitchens, living rooms and dining tables across the Shire The result of these interviews was a truly personal recollection of what it means to be a part of a community.
The stories that were unveiled reveal a history that is not told in books.
Like many rural communities, the Coolamon Shire is shaped largely by its residents and their stories. Reflecting on the history and heritage of our community allows us to appreciate and celebrate the past, and the experiences and memories that create our community. There is a resounding fear of losing vital parts of community heritage and history as time goes by and stories are no longer told. By mapping our heritage and past with an oral history project we widen the scope, we bring history into, and out of the community. Regardless of age, status, gender, culture, each individual story or experience of a time allows us to create a sense of belonging.
Why Radio and Newspaper?
During the evening of 23 November 1923 people across Sydney gathered eagerly in their homes around pieces of wondrous new technology to hear the first radio broadcast in Australia.
Australia's nationhood coincided with the beginning of the radio age, and radio has always played a central role in our history and social life. We took to the new invention immediately and enthusiastically, and it soon became an inextricable part of Australian life. Also, because of the vast distances involved, it provided a lifeline for rural and regional Australia, and an invaluable link to Europe and the rest of the world
This exhibition aims to pay homage to forms of communication from the past. It is hoped that as you move the dials on the radios and turn the pages of the newspaper you are taken back to a time when news and stories were shared among the community by a wireless on a mantle and printed press.
Ardlethan
These recordings feature..
Ardlethan Tin Mining featuring the voices and stories of John Stewart, John O’Brien and Neville Caldow. These recordings unveil personal recollections and memories of the tin mining industry in Ardlethan
Powering Home Life featuring the voices and stories of Eileen Gaynor, Vera Davies and John O’Brien. These recordings give insight into home and domestic life in Ardlethan, including the introduction of electricity
Beckom
These recordings feature..
Farming through the years featuring the voices and stories of Lindsey Smith, Noel ‘Buster’ Fairman, George Cox, Jim Gardner and Errol Foster. These recollections share an insight to the importance of farming to the Beckom district.
Growing Up in Beckom featuring the voices and stories of Lindsey Smith, Noel ‘Buster’ Fairman, Jim Gardner and Errol Foster. This recording shares fond and personal memories of growing up in the Beckom community.
Coolamon
These recordings feature..
Coolamon Memories featuring the stories and voices of Barrie Holden, Colin Patterson and Barbara Carmichael. A personal insight to living and working in Coolamon
War Years in the Shire, featuring the stories and voices of Val Brill, John Stewart, Pat Quinn, Laura Evans and Dan McIntyre. This recording provides a glimpse into life in the shire during the War years
Ganmain
These recordings feature..
Hay Stacks, featuring the voices and stories of Barrie Logan and Bernadette Milne. These recollections share the history of the sheaf hay industry in Ganmain
Town Hall Dances, featuring the stories and voices of Val Brill and Bernie Quinn. This recording provides beautiful memories of balls, dancing and socialising in the shire.
Marrar
These recordings feature..
Wheat and Sheep, featuring the voices and stories of Eric ‘Porridge’ McKelvie, Dan McIntyre and Brian McKelvie. These stories share the rich agricultural history of Marrar
York Street, featuring the stories and voices of Bob Hodge, Eric McKelvie and John Seymour OAM. This vivid retelling of the main street of Marrar in the past.
Matong
These recordings feature..
Heart of the Community featuring stories from Helen Hatty. Hear a truly personal retelling of the importance of the Matong Public School and other community groups
Matong in the forties featuring stories from Laura Evans. Recollections of days gone by and changes for the Matong community
Browse the Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers Review edition for ‘Our Shire, Our Stories’. Click on the image to download your copy.
We wish to thank….
Coolamon Shire Council wish to thank the following interviewees for taking part in this project. Ann Cameron, Barb Carmichael, Barrie Holden, Barrie Logan, Bernadette Milne, Bernie Quinn, Bob Hodge, Brian McKelvie, Colin Patterson, Dan McIntyre, Eileen Gaynor, Eric ‘Porridge’ McKelvie, Errol Foster, George Cox, Helen Hatty, James Gardner, John Doherty, John O’Brien, John Seymour, John Stewart, John Wood, Kevin Corbett, Laura Evans, Leo Patterson, Lindsey Smith, Neville Caldow, Noel ‘Buster’ Fairman, Pat Quinn, Stan Maslin, Val Brill, Vera Davies and William ‘Nobby’ Clark
Coolamon Shire Council wish to thank the following interviewers for their invaluable contribution to this project.
Bernadette Bodel, Carolyn Cox, Clare Munro, Deb Reisinger, Jim Slater, Joanne Langtry, Karen Wood and Vicki Langtry.
This project was made possible by the New South Wales Government Office of Environment and Heritage, Community Heritage Projects Steam.
