History Beyond the Classroom - HSTY3811 - 2024 Archives - Page 3 of 3

DAS Neerlandia: A True Community Organisation

DAS Neerlandia is a community organisation founded 70 years ago in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. This group was founded out of the community built around Het Tentenkamp, a tent city in the Northern Beaches following World War 2 and the influx of immigration it brought with it.

The Dutch like many under the occupation of the Nazis were returned to a country destroyed, and many rather than rebuilding sought to find a new life of opportunity and peace in Australia. However, the 14000 km distance was and is still an enormous way to go. Further, the Dutch community unlike the Italian, Greek or German community had no organisations helping resettlement of people to Australia. DAS was born out of this absence.

Centrally DAS was a club focussed on continuing Dutch culture, language, food, and drink. But also, in the early foundation of the club, it was a mutual cooperation, which played a vital role in establishing migrants into the area. Reading their own historical book which was written 20 years ago by Mijntje Hage shows how the club in its earliest years focussed on mutual cooperation. When one family would move out of Het Tentenkamp one more would move in buying the plot and a ladder of the Australian dream would be climbed. But the club also had a hand in the dramatic arts, games, sport, travel, and ‘discos’.

I first found out about this club as I searched for a place for my partner who is Dutch to feel gezillig and at home just a little. It has a brick-and-mortar club house nowadays which is its centre of activities compared to roaming between community centres from the 50’s to the 80’s.

The club has an ageing population which is getting smaller due to the passing of time and a lack of migration from the Netherlands. This is understood by the President and Secretary who are constantly trying to gain more members. This is hard as COVID changed the fabric of the community and individuals are more atomised than ever before. This club is really special and plays an important part in the community still and that is why I’ve chosen it for my project as places like these need to remain in the community.

I intend to create the historical project around the people of the club, and not the institution itself. Why? Because the club is the volunteers, it is the Klaverjas club, it is the Oma’s who come every year with their huge families to eat bitterballen and vlaai. I will be able to interview them through a plan help devised by a classmate (Rose I think her name is please forgive me if it’s not). I as a bartender by trade will volunteer behind the counter and be able to have a captive audience of people. They will then be surveyed on their life at the Dutch club. From that, I am creating a multimedia website to collect the sounds, sites, and histories of the club. To help them I also am going to be adding survey questions to ask the clientele what they want to see more at the club and what will make them come more.

This club is so special. In an Australia in which community organisations like Workers Clubs, RSLs, and Bowling Clubs are dominated by problem drinking and the massive stain of addictive poker machines the Dutch club stands pure. Community organisations are supposed to serve the purpose of helping the community, and this is the sole purpose of this club.

Dankewel en Tot Ziens.

Public History Drafts: “They Answered Their Country’s Call”

In Week 4 of this semester, I was still thinking about possible organisations to work with. On a Saturday, my dad found that near our old house, they had turned the old library into a small museum, and suggested we check it out. There, in the City of Canada Bay Museum, I had an incredible opportunity to join an existing project the museum had ready – thus began my work.

The City of Canada Bay Museum is a small museum that first opened in 2009 at its current premises, housing a collection of over three and a half thousand items significant to the local community. For example, they have one of the original Victa Lawn Mowers, which Mervyn Victor Richardson invented in his Concord backyard. The museum also has a host of Arnott’s memorabilia, as Arnott’s also has a history in the area and is currently based in North Strathfield. The City of Canada Bay Heritage Society also manages the Yaralla Estate, the home of Eadith Walker.

With a grant given to the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society, a past museum member created over 1600 biographies of World War 1 veterans from the Canada Bay area – this project was called “they answered their country’s call.” It became a ‘virtual memorial’, a large digital collection of unique individual histories directly related to the local community’s families. However, their issue arose when trying to share these with the community. The project I have been working on is a series of posters that can publicise and direct people to the virtual memorial, allowing the community to find their ancestors and see the tangible history of their community.

Over the last few months, I have started volunteering and working with the City of Canada Bay Museum on Saturdays. I have helped to plan and create many drafts of the possible posters. The current plan is to create four different posters for four locations: Five Dock Library, Concord Library, Five Dock RSL, and a travelling poster that will be used in markets, schools and other opportunities. Each poster will feature a different person’s biography and a photo of the person. Below are some of the drafts I’ve designed with the key elements of the poster – the title, “They answered their country’s call”, the subheading, “More than a name”, the four future locations of the posters, a QR code that will link to a website and/or directory, the person’s face, name and details, and a reference to the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society. (Note: in place of the actual people, I have used an image of myself. This will not be the final image used – I don’t think I’m Gertrude, and it is probably incorrect to make people think I am Gertrude.)

This is an image of a poster. The poster reads as follows: In dark navy blue text, "They answered their country's call. More than a name." Below, an image of Vanessa sits to the right of the words, "Matron Gertrude Moberly RCC. Army. Royal Red Cross, 1st Class." Underneath in yellow is: "Do you have an ancestor from WWI? Find out more at:" Underneath, a QR code sits to the left of, "City of Canada Bay Museum, Five Dock Library, Concord Library, Five Dock RSL" in dark navy blue. At the bottom of the poster, in dark navy blue, is: "In association with the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society." The background of the poster is a dull green colour with a paper-like texture. There is a small decorative yellow piece on each corner of the poster, acting as a border. A small red poppy is in the top left corner of the image of Vanessa. The full image is covered with the word 'draft' repeated as a watermark. — This is the first draft I made of the poster on the 24th of August using Canva.

This is an image of a poster. The poster reads as follows: In red text, "Do you have an ancestor from WWI?" Below, to the left in dark green text, "Find out more: Five Dock Library, Concord Library, Five Dock RSL, City of Canada Bay Museum." Besides this is a QR code. Below, in green, the words "More than a name" curve over the top and around the head of Vanessa. The image of Vanessa takes up the bottom 60% of the poster. Directly below Vanessa's face reads "Matron Gertrude Moberly RCC. Army. Royal Red Cross, 1st Class" in white. On either side of these words are a single light red poppy. The words "They answered their country's call" are in yellow. At the bottom of the poster, in white, is: "In association with the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society." The background of the poster is grey. There are green swirls that create a large border around the whole poster. The full image is covered with the word 'draft' repeated as a watermark. — This is the first draft I made of the poster on the 24th of August using Canva.

This is an image of a poster. The poster reads as follows: In pale green text, "They answered their country's call. More than a name." Below, in red, is: "Do you have an ancestor from WWI?" The text is on a small grey background. Below is an image of Vanessa with a small light red poppy in the top right corner. Underneath are the words "Matron Gertrude Moberly RCC" on a grey ribbon banner. Below are the words "Army" in pale green, and "Royal Red Cross, 1st Class" in white. Underneath is: "Find out more." This is white text on a small red background. Below this is: " Five Dock Library, Concord Library, Five Dock RSL, City of Canada Bay Museum" in red. To the right of the text is a QR code. At the bottom of the poster, in yellow, is: "In association with the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society." The background of the poster is a dark navy blue. There are small, thin, curved red lines that make a border around the entire poster. The full image is covered with the word 'draft' repeated as a watermark. — This is a later draft I made of the poster on the 31st of August using Canva.

This is an image of a poster. The poster reads as follows: In pale green text, "They answered their country's call. More than a name." Below, in yellow, is: "Do you have an ancestor from WWI?" Beneath is "Find out more" in white on a small red background, followed by "Five Dock Library, Concord Library, Five Dock RSL, City of Canada Bay Museum" in white. To the right of the text is a QR code. Below is an image of Vanessa with a black border and a small red poppy in the top right corner. Underneath are the words "Matron Gertrude Moberly RCC" on a curved grey ribbon banner. Below are the words "Army, Nursing" in white, a thin white line, and "Thomas Walker Convalescent Hospital Matron, Concord" in white. At the bottom of the poster, in yellow, is: "In association with the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society." The background of the poster is a muted green with a paper-like texture. There are small, yellow branches with small green leaves that form a small border around the entire poster. The full image is covered with the word 'draft' repeated as a watermark. — This is a later draft I made of the poster on the 31st of August using Canva.

I’ve also been able to assist in other ways. The museum itself is fully run by volunteers who come in twice a week to handle any and all requests by the council, schools, libraries, RSL clubs, and members of the public. These people are constantly working from 10am-4pm each day they come, speaking to people who walk in wanting information on their families, handling many new items donated to their collection, and numerous administrative activities. I’ve therefore gotten some opportunities to help out elsewhere. For example, last week I helped to edit an article going into the next edition of their Monthly Newsletter, Nurungi. It was a really cool opportunity to see what else the museum and heritage society has been doing in terms of public history and community engagement.

Over the last few months, it has been an absolute pleasure to see how these people work and help them via this project and in other ways. I have absolutely loved getting to work with these people through this course and am looking forward to further developing these posters for the community.

For more information about the museum or heritage society, check out the following links

https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/city-of-canada-bay-museum

https://canadabayheritage.asn.au/

Cinema and Community: The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers

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.

*Members of The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers in 2023.*

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.

*Cinema Pioneers during the Second Annual Dinner in 1934.*

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.

Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags): Sewing Threads of History and Connection

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.

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) crew members with their quilts. Courtesy of Jan-Maree Ball, OAM https://aussieheroquilts.org.au

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.

Nation Shaped by the Sea

I have been living near Darling Harbour (only a 30-minute walk away) for three years, and I enjoy strolling along the Harbour with a cup of coffee to relax after a busy day of university work. Interestingly, however, it was only my first visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum three weeks ago with my fellow classmates of HSTY3811 History Beyond the Classroom. I must admit that I have been missing quite a lot whenever I visited Darling Harbour – especially as a student studying Australian History.

Australia is a huge island nation, and our histories, narratives, and even daily lives are closely related to the ocean. This is exactly what and how the Australian National Maritime Museum hopes to inform Australians with – connecting past, present and future and challenging existing narratives with a modern perspective of Australian history abounding with stories and peoples who had different relationships with the sea: First Nations Peoples’ living cultural connections to Mother Nature; British arrival and the establishment of the colony; arrivals of immigrants from the gold rush period till nowadays for the opportunities and the praise of multiculturalism here in Australia.

Australia – A nation built on nations and shaped by the sea. (Photo taken by me)

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.

A visit to the Northern Territory in July 2023 (Photo taken by me)

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.