Category: History Beyond the Classroom – HSTY3811 – 2024

As someone who has held a deep passion for cinema for many years now, the endurance of artistic collaboration and a sense of community provided through the shared endeavour of cinematic creation has always been a defining aspect of the medium – one whose success relies on the connections formed with others. 

The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has become one such organisation where camaraderie endures. Founded in Sydney in 1933 by veterans of the motion picture industry, the society has remained dedicated to the recognition of its members who have contributed 20 or more years of service to the Australian Motion Picture Industry – whether involved in distribution, production, exhibition, administration and education.

As membership numbers have increased over the years, various state branches have been formed nationally. Regardless of where you may find yourself across Australia, there will be a branch of the society where members can encounter other industry professionals, reconnect with colleagues, or form new friendships. The society often organises social functions – networking events, film screenings, dinner catchups – and holds annual award presentations of National and State Cinema Pioneers of the Year, where members are recognised for their decades of influential contributions across various sectors of the Australian Motion Picture Industry. The community celebration of the achievements of individuals is at the forefront of the values of the society. 

Although I had never encountered The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers before, I was immediately struck by the sense of community displayed online when researching possible organisations. The group photographs, written celebratory praise of awarded members, social media and group activities – an organised but communal sense of collaboration appeared on screen before me. I suppose I had never considered the importance of a society for industry professionals beyond film production sets, boardrooms, and other formal spaces, where a community can come together for their shared passion for cinema and love of the industry. A society which reflects the values of community crucial for the cinematic medium as a whole, and for film spectators like myself, who form our own connections based around the dedicated work of these industry professionals. 

To be expected, the past 91 years have seen various organisational changes. 

After conducting research and collaborating with a member of the society, the startling piece of information which immediately grabbed my attention was the admittance of membership for women only occurred in 1989. For 56 years the society was for men only, even though there remained a substantial female presence in the Australian film industry for decades. How then has the society become so diverse and inclusive since 1989? My project will focus upon this question among many others, uncovering how women changed the community of the society from 1989 until now.

As the Australian Motion Picture Industry has become increasingly inclusive, diverse, and equitable for women since 1989, The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has evolved to reflect the changing demographics of the cinema community. In doing so, the shared sense of community provided by the society has never been so widespread and enduring, across all ages and genders, as it is today. 

         In 2011, Jan-Maree Ball, a former officer in the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force, ignited a drive to ensure Australia’s service members deployed overseas would feel the support of their country. The idea arose after learning that an Australian soldier in a German hospital had received a quilt from an American volunteer. Moved by the notion that Australian Defence Force (ADF) members should experience such gestures from their own country, Jan-Maree began what would grow into a national project dedicated to sending personalised quilts and laundry bags to ADF members far from home. Initially a small, personal effort, Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags), quickly gathered momentum as quilters across Australia rallied to the cause. By 2015, over 10,000 quilts had been crafted and sent, each personalised to reflect the recipient’s name, unit, or interests—a lasting reminder that they were remembered. Jan-Maree’s commitment was recognised when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), and despite a devastating fire that destroyed her home and the project’s headquarters in 2016, the community’s support ensured that the initiative continued without pause. To date, thousands of quilts and laundry bags have been sent to Australian Defence Force personnel across the globe, reflecting both Jan-Maree’s vision and the generosity of countless volunteers.

         More than just providing physical items, the sewing project has created deep connections between the volunteers and recipients. Many of those who craft these quilts and bags are veterans or have family members in the military, and for them, quilting offers a way to channel their feelings into something tangible. The care taken in selecting fabrics, designing patterns, and stitching each quilt and bag is an act of personal connection, with the final product representing far more than just a practical gift. For recipients, receiving a quilt or bag becomes a profound emotional moment. The personalised touch reminds them that, even in distant and challenging locations, they are not forgotten by those at home. Some recipients have described receiving their quilt or bag as a turning point, offering comfort during dark times. One recipient shared how the quilt helped him through a difficult period, while a Vietnam veteran reconnected with an old friend through the insignia sewn into his own. Such stories reveal how these items are imbued with personal meaning and can rekindle memories, provide strength, and maintain a connection with home.

         The broader impact of the project lies in the community it has created. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, united by a common cause, have formed a tightly woven support network. This spirit of connection and purpose transcends geographical boundaries and social divides, fostering a national sense of care and solidarity. As the project moves into its second decade, it provides physical comfort and an enduring link between ADF members and the Australian public. Each lovingly crafted quilt and bag serves as a reminder that no matter where they are, these recipients are part of a broader community that values and supports them. The threads that tie these quilts and bags together also weave a deeper network of care, resilience, and remembrance as strong as the fabric itself.

I was not raised in Australia yet has been studying Sociology and Australian History here in Sydney for a few years, and have listened to different histories told through stories throughout the past few years when I am on domestic trips to places like Uluru, Ballarat and more. During the visit to the Maritime Museum, I learnt about artefacts that did not have the opportunity to be publicly exhibited despite their historical importance, such as the ballasts thrown off HMB Endeavour in 1770 by Lieutenant James Cook and its crew. And a visit to Uluru last year allowed me to learn about how First Nations peoples have different epistemologies and how they pass on knowledge through storytelling and lore (My apologies for not being able to tell the stories here, as some of them must be learnt on-site, and mostly importantly, I prefer not to represent First Nations peoples without the consultation with them). Therefore, I wonder what it is like to tell Australian history as an “outsider.” I believe there must be more of these “untold” or “unpopular” stories or artefacts that should be made known to the public, and potentially to connect peoples in society with these histories.

When talking about all the histories and stories behind different societies and peoples, it is clear that the Australian National Maritime Museum is not just about boats. It is the waters which shaped our nation, it is the people who lived through a diverse experience and explored the land and the ocean. By preserving and sharing the stories of people from different communities, I believe that the public interest and curiosity towards the relationships between us and the ocean can be sparked, providing more opportunities for us to explore our diverse cultures, lifestyles and narratives – to continue respect and cultivate what “multiculturalism” really means.