Last updated:

13 December 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting community organisations to preserve and share local history and distinctive local voices with a new round of the Local History Grants Program.

Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson announced the opening of the program’s 21st round, with $350,000 available in grants of up to $15,000 to foster the preserving, recording and sharing of Victoria’s fascinating history.

The program funds community-based organisations to tell the stories of their communities, preserve significant historical collections and increase opportunities for public engagement with the past.

The most recent round of grants saw 40 projects across the state funded for a range of projects and publications, making local history more accessible.

Recipients included the Nagambie Historical Society for important upgrades to its museum, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company to archive its 30-year history and the Australian Queer Archives to digitise its collection of press clippings.

Other projects previously funded include websites, oral histories and podcasts, interpretative signage, collection cataloguing and Auslan translations.

The Local History Grants Program is managed by Public Record Office Victoria and supported by the Labor Government. Applications for grants close on Monday, 30 January 2023.

For more information, to register for an online grants information session to be held at 6pm on Thursday, 15 December, and to apply for funding go to prov.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson

“Local history is an important part of Victoria’s memory, and we’re proud to support projects that showcase and preserve the diverse voices that make up the state’s past.”

“Whether it is for the digitisation of records, the publication of local history stories or an upgrade to a museum, the Local History Grants Program ensures that the stories of our past are available for future generations.”

Quotes attributable to Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood

“Historical societies, museums, schools, sports clubs, theatre groups and volunteer organisations of all descriptions have fascinating stories of trials, triumph and community to share.”

“We look forward to receiving applications from groups with history to preserve for the benefit of all Victorians, now and into the future.”

Media releases

stick image newspapers

View our recent media releases

Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples