Nannup Oral History Project

Published on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 at 4:17:13 PM

The Shire of Nannup has successfully been awarded funding to deliver an Oral History Project through the Department of Communities Age-friendly Communities Connectivity Grants Program in partnership with the Local Government Professionals WA.

The 2025 Oral History Project in the Shire of Nannup is a community-driven initiative involving local organisations and seniors in its design and implementation. The project will develop a themed script for a documentary and podcast series, capturing Nannup’s heritage and seniors' personal stories.

The Shire of Nannup will work with the community to co-develop the content, ensuring authentic and engaging stories celebrating Nannup’s community spirit and cultural heritage. Below is the link to the Expression of Interest form, which will be open for input until 31 January.

How you can participate

Please fill out this Expression of Interest Form. If you would like any help completing this, the Shire of Nannup can assist. Drop into our office or give us a call on 9756 1018 to arrange a suitable time to go through the form and capture your story.

Please complete the Expression of Interest Form here

The intended outcomes of the 2025 Oral History Project are:

  1. Enhanced Social Connection: Foster stronger social bonds by engaging seniors in storytelling, reducing loneliness, and improving connections within the community.
  2. Challenging Ageism: Create a positive narrative around aging by showcasing the valuable contributions of seniors, helping to change perceptions and reduce ageist attitudes in the community.
  3. Cultural Preservation: Preserve Nannup’s heritage by documenting and sharing the oral histories of senior residents, ensuring that their stories and experiences are captured for future generations.
  4. Community Engagement and Participation: Encourage participation from seniors, including those who are socially isolated or disadvantaged, by providing accessible opportunities to contribute to the project.
  5. Increased Community Awareness: Raise awareness of the importance of valuing seniors’ voices and contributions, promoting a more inclusive, age-friendly environment in line with local and state strategies.
  6. Accessible Heritage Resources: Create accessible heritage resources, including a visual documentary and podcast series, that can be easily accessed by the wider community, enhancing the visibility of Nannup’s rich cultural history.
  7. Empowerment of Older Adults: Empower seniors by giving them a platform to share their stories, enhancing their sense of purpose and belonging within the community.

The Expression of Interest form is to assist with the content development. The above outcomes and below questions aim to ensure that the project captures the rich and diverse experiences of Nannup’s senior residents, highlighting their contributions and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within the community.

Points to consider are:

Personal History and Background
For example, consider interesting things about your early life and childhood. What was your family like growing up? Where were you born, and what was the community like at that time? Can you share any stories about your parents or grandparents? What was your education like?

Community Life
How has Nannup changed over the years? What were some key events in the history of our community that you remember? Can you describe the role community gatherings played in your life? What traditions or customs were significant in the community when you were younger? Are there any local stories, legends, or historical events you think we should remember?

Work and Daily Life
What kinds of jobs or work did people in Nannup commonly do? Describe a typical day in your life during your working years? How did people interact and trade before modern conveniences? What were the main challenges you or the community faced?

Cultural and Social Practices
What celebrations or festivals were most important in the past? How were major life events like births, weddings, and funerals observed? What role did music, art, or storytelling play in the community?

Indigenous and Multicultural Perspectives
Do you have stories or experiences about interactions with the Wardandi Bibbulmun Nation or other Indigenous groups? Are there important lessons or traditions from Indigenous culture that you think the community should embrace? How has the relationship between different cultural groups in the area evolved?

Wisdom and Reflection
What do you believe the younger generations can learn from? What are you most proud of in your life? What do you think is the most important thing about our community that should never be forgotten? Is there a story or lesson that has shaped your life significantly?

World Events and Their Impact
How did global or national events like wars, economic changes, or technological advancements affect Nannup? Can you share your memories of events like World War II, the Great Depression, or other significant historical periods?

Looking to the Future
What are your hopes for the future of Nannup? Are there traditions or stories you hope will be passed down to future generations? What do you think the community can learn from its history?

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