Tell us a bit about yourself …
We are a local historical society with around ninety members.
The Society’s aim is to collect, catalogue, preserve and share the history and heritage of the local area.
Although called ‘Greensborough Historical Society’, we also collect information on the surrounding areas: Watsonia, Macleod, Montmorency, Briar Hill, St Helena, Lower Plenty and Bundoora.
What draws you to writing and curating?
Over the past decade, we have identified gaps in the recorded history of the area, and have produced four books on the local area.
So, tell us about your books?
Our first two books – As I Recall and Do You Recall? – are personal stories of people who lived in the area in the mid-twentieth century.
Our third book, Early Days, is a history of Greensborough and St Helena.
Our latest book, Memories of the Shire of Diamond Valley (1964 – 1994), is another collection of personal stories by people involved in the local government area of the Shire of Diamond Valley, including councillors, council staff and community members.
Each of our books has been compiled or edited by a different Society member, but it’s a collaborative effort.
Where did the idea come from?
Our ideas for books come from individual interests in aspects of the local area.
What’s the story you’re trying to tell?
Our stories all have the same basis – preserving and sharing the history of the area.
And what do you hope your readers will draw from your writing?
We hope they draw an interest in the local area.
What’s your writing process?
Often we will begin by interviewing for our oral histories, or encouraging the subjects to write their own memoirs. Once we have enough for a book, the editing process begins.
Tell us one thing about your book, or your writing process, that nobody else knows.
As a group, we don’t always agree on the direction the book should take.
What are you working on next?
We are presently working on a small, two-part volume of self-guided walks around Lower Plenty, pointing out sites of historical interest.
When readers talk about you as a group, what do you hope they’re saying?
That our books are interesting and fill a gap in what has previously been published.
Any advice for other writers?
Have a good idea about where you want your story to go. Don’t be thrown off track by others.
Finally, where can people get your books?
All of our books are available from Greensborough Historical Society via our website.
See items for sale: www.greensboroughhistorical.org.au/ForSale
Links
Greensborough Historical Society on Facebook www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077405451688