As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, the Malinauskas Government has today announced it will fund $6.3 million in heritage conservation works required at the Migration Museum on Kintore Avenue – a much-loved museum of the History Trust of South Australia.

The Migration Museum opened in 1986 and occupies the heritage listed former Women’s Wing of the Destitute Asylum and State Chemistry Department buildings. Since its opening significant changes to building codes – and the passage of time – mean that some substantial structural repairs are needed to allow the Museum to continue as one of our quality educational institutions for future generations of South Australians.

The expanded works are expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. To ensure the safety of visitors, staff and the collection, the Migration Museum will close temporarily for a part of this period.
No ongoing jobs will be lost due to the temporary closure of Museum and all contracted hours will be maintained. You will receive notification of the closure dates once the timing and scheduling of these works are established.

I am delighted to see these critical works funded and look forward to a brighter future for the Migration Museum. I congratulate the History Trust of South Australia on its continuing commitment to the preservation and presentation of our state’s unique stories.

All the best,
Blair

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The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Elizabeth Ho OAM, and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Mackie OAM, are pleased to announce the appointment of the History Trust’s first two Regional Ambassadors, Ms Angela Goode and Mr John Voumard.

As respected community contributors, these inaugural Ambassadors will represent the History Trust at local community events and activities in the State’s Southeast and Mid- North regions.

Ms Goode and Mr Voumard will promote the important work of SA History Network member groups and build stronger ties between the regions and the History Trust.

They will connect local history groups with support and opportunities provided through the History Trust’s annual grant programs and encourage and promote regional participation in, and showcasing of, local history in South Australia’s History Festival.

Working with individuals and community groups, the Regional Ambassadors will look out for philanthropic opportunities to assist history initiatives and will act as local contact points for prospective object donations to the State History Collection.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Elizabeth Ho OAM said:

“The creation of Regional Ambassador roles is more proof that the History Trust of SA is determined not to be city centric. Our community grants support many local history projects across our State and we are proud to see the difference they make. Our Regional Ambassadors will be encouraging that local knowledge and community pride through the sharing of our compelling and unique stories”.

Greg Mackie OAM, CEO of the History Trust of South Australia, said:

“The Trust welcomes the appointments of Mr Voumard and Ms Goode to the honorary Regional Ambassador positions. Both John and Angela are upstanding community members and supporters of cultural life. They are well positioned in their communities to represent the Trust and enhance the work of local history groups”.

Ms Angela Goode said:

“I am delighted to be the South-east Ambassador for the History Trust of South Australia. I love the stories of our past. They invigorate me and have informed much of my writing life.

Whatever rich personal or community heritage we carry with us, we bring insights of the past to share with others.

‘Museums and historical displays throughout our region, with support from the History Trust, give exposure to past events, people and artefacts. Our treasured histories are protected to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. As an Ambassador for the History Trust, I will encourage communities in our region to protect and research their history and take steps to achieve this,” said Angela.

Mr John Voumard said:

“Having previously served as a Trustee, I know how helpful the History Trust can be to regional historical societies and local museums. It will be a pleasure to serve in this honorary capacity in the mid-north and ‘fly the flag’ for this passionate and well-regarded organization”.

About the Regional Ambassadors:
Mr John Voumard is a former HTSA Trustee and current Chair, Yorke Peninsula and Northern Local Health Network Governing Board. Mr Voumard resides in Jamestown and will serve as Regional Ambassador to the Mid North region of South Australia.

Ms Angela Goode is a published author and former rural journalist for the Advertiser newspaper, ABC Radio and the Weekly Times. Ms Goode resides in Mount Gambier and will serve as Regional Ambassador for the Southeast region of the State.

Read more about our Regional Ambassadors here.

History Trust of SA Regional Ambassadors are appointed by the Board of Trustees on an honorary volunteer basis for an initial three-year term.

The much-treasured Mrs Holden’s Holden – a 48-215 model also known as the Holden FX – will be staying at the National Motor Museum permanently following a State Government acquisition to preserve a part of the State’s history.

It comes as visitor numbers to the museum jumped by 42 per cent over the past financial year – from 44,456 in 2021-21 to 62,884 in 2022-23 – with specialised collections driving the jump.

Mrs Holden’s Holden was owned by a private collector, and through a generous long-term loan, has been on display at the National Motor Museum but the owner’s desire to sell the car risked losing an important part of South Australia’s heritage.

Built in Adelaide and assembled in Victoria in 1948, Mrs Holden’s Holden is one the first Holdens sold. The very first Holden is also on display at the National Motor Museum.

The museum is host to Holden Heroes: 1948 to 2017 a retrospective that showcases 18 of the most special vehicles from Holden’s Heritage Collection thanks to a partnership with General Motors.

On display is the Hurricane (1969), the unique Torana GTR-X (1970), as well as the Number One Holden (1948) and the very last Australian made Holden, a VF Commodore Series II SS Redline (2017).
GM plays a significant role in South Australia’s cultural and economic history and its important these relics are celebrated and not forgotten.

This year, GM celebrates the 75th anniversary of the release of its first all-Australian manufactured car. Mrs Holden’s Holden is now permanently on display in the National Motor Museum’s exhibition Sunburnt Country.

For more information on the National Motor Museum visit
https://motor.history.sa.gov .au/

Quotes attributable to Blair Boyer

I am thrilled we have been able to support the permanent public display of a significant piece of South Australia’s automotive history.

The Holden 48-215 became the first mass-manufactured and sold car in Australia and Adelaide is the home of Holden, and its birthplace. Its origin story runs deep in our state and of course Mrs Holden is a part of that story.

The vehicle also reflects South Australians’ innovation and engineering skills and can inspire future generations of innovators.

Quotes attributable to History Trust CEO, Greg Mackie OAM

Significant vehicles like this are one of the driving reasons people visit the National Motor Museum.
The History Trust has over 350 vehicles on display in the Museum.

Many are exceptionally rare, and others simply evoke nostalgia and fond memories.
I encourage you to visit the National Motor Museum in Birdwood and see this beautiful vehicle up close.

Understanding the intersection between mental health responses and human rights will be the focus of the Jennifer Cashmore Oration, Wednesday 6 September 2023, at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

The History Trust of South Australia is proud to present the Jennifer Cashmore Oration featuring Dr John Brayley MBBS FRANZCP, Chief Psychiatrist at SA Health.
South Australia’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr John Brayley MBBS FRANZCP, will deliver his oration
“From Asylums to Community Care and Beyond – Human Rights and Mental Health: Lessons from History,”

taking his audience towards understanding contemporary practice and challenges.
Having previously held roles in both mental health and general health, Dr Brayley has been Director of Mental Health for South Australia, the Public Advocate for South Australia, and Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in Canberra.
Greg Mackie OAM, CEO of the History Trust of South Australia said “The Jennifer Cashmore Oration offers an exceptional platform to reflect upon the historical underpinnings of mental health care and human rights”.

“From the world of lived experience and wellbeing to health system responses, the recognition of the influence of mental health on our society has grown apace. “
“Dr. Brayley’s insights will undoubtedly illuminate the complexities of this evolving landscape “, said Mr Mackie.

The Jennifer Cashmore Oration is delivered in honour of Jennifer Cashmore AM, a former member of the South Australian House of Assembly, Minister of Health, and Minister of Tourism. As a parliamentarian, Ms Cashmore was the critical figure of her time in cementing the transformative principle of patient consent to medical treatment that has shaped our modern societal responses.

The Jennifer Cashmore Oration
Admission: Free
When: Wednesday 6 September 2023, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Where: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI),
North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
For more information and ticketing details, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/jennifer-cashmore-oration-2023-tickets-684452725527?aff=oddtdtcreator]

Media Contact
Sophie Tooth
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Phone 8151 3245
Email stooth@history.sa.gov.au
History Trust of South Australia
www.history.sa.gov.au

Job Title: Board Member, History Trust of South Australia

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Remuneration: Board members receive remuneration in accordance with the South Australian Government’s Board Remuneration and Allowances Framework.

The History Trust of SA are seeing expressions of interest to join the Board as a member

The Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Hon. Blair Boyer MP, is seeking highly motivated and experienced individuals to join the History Trust of South Australia Board as a non-executive member. The successful candidates will be advocates for history in South Australia and will have a strong commitment to advancing the objectives of the Trust and delivering on its 10-Year Goals.

About the History Trust of SA:

The History Trust of South Australia is a statutory authority responsible for the preservation, management, and promotion of South Australia’s rich and diverse history and cultural heritage. The History Trust operates under the South Australian History Trust Act 1981 and is governed by a board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of South Australia in Executive Council.

The Trust’s mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of South Australia’s rich history and cultural heritage through collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting objects and stories that reflect the State’s diverse communities and traditions. To achieve this, the Trust manages a unique portfolio of educational offerings and visitor experiences, including the Migration Museum, the South Australian Maritime Museum, the National Motor Museum, and South Australia’s History Festival.

About the role:

As a Board member, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the History Trust, ensuring that our work remains relevant, accessible, and engaging to all South Australians. Working alongside your fellow board members and with the CEO, you will attend regular meetings, participate in decision-making processes and provide expert advice in your field.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in regular board meetings to provide strategic guidance and oversight of the History Trust of SA’s operations
• Assist in the development and implementation of the History Trust of SA’s strategic plan and 10-Year Goals
• Promote the History Trust of SA’s mission and values within the community
• Attend relevant events and functions to represent the History Trust of SA
• Contribute to fundraising and development initiatives to support the History Trust of SA’s operations

Requirements:

• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of South Australian history and heritage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively with other board members
• Experience in governance, preferably in a not-for-profit or government context.

The appointment will be for a three-year term. Board members receive remuneration in accordance with the South Australian Government’s Board Remuneration and Allowances Framework.

The History Trust of SA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace culture. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people from regional and remote areas, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with disabilities.

To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications, experience and suitability for the position.

Applications should be addressed to the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, and submitted via email to hr@history.sa.gov.au by COB Monday 20 March 2023.

Today the History Trust of South Australia announced Security House L2, 233 North Terrace, Adelaide, as its new headquarters. It will occupy the entire second floor of Security House, appropriately located on Adelaide’s premier cultural boulevard, from April/May 2023.

After 18 years at the Torrens Parade Ground, the History Trust has temporarily relocated to level 12, 77 Grenfell Street, enabling the Department for Veteran Affairs, Returned Services League (RSL) South Australia, Vietnam Veterans Association, Air Force Association, and Legacy Club of South Australia and Broken Hill to achieve the vision of a “veteran’s hub” in the Drill Hall.

Elizabeth Ho OAM, Chair of Trustees at the History Trust of SA said ‘We are delighted to announce the relocation to Security House 233 North Terrace, a historically significant and prestigious central building on Adelaide’s premier cultural boulevard.

‘Our new home will underpin our intent to be the leading voice for making the legacy stories of South Australia relevant to all ages and accessible world-wide. We are grateful for the SA Government’s support to ensure that we can create the right physical and digital environment for this important history work into the future. This includes strong outreach to schools, major event development, a creative digital museum think-tank, and expert assistance to the history network across our State.’

‘The History Trust will offer a hub for the history community and fulfil our mission to give the past a future with many forward looking projects from Security House. Given our relationship with the Department for Education, our shared state collecting role with other North Terrace institutions, strong research links with all of our universities, and our UniSA education futures and public program partnerships, it is important to be within the city mile. Our new location will also mean that partners, members of the history network and volunteers will be able to meet, share and collaborate effectively with our History Trust team’, said Elizabeth.

Greg Mackie OAM, CEO of the History Trust of SA said, ‘We cannot wait to share our new home with South Australia’s extensive and dedicated history community. Being centrally located and easily accessible in a heritage building ticks all our boxes.’

‘Throughout our 41 years the History Trust of SA’s headquarters have been in significant historical buildings – our past locations have included the Institute Building, Old Treasury Building (now the Adina), Edmund Wright House and, for the past 18 years, the Drill Hall at Torrens Parade Ground. The difference now is that Security House on North Terrace will give us our first customised space and technology fit-out in our entire 41 years – and that is critical to our 21st century goals.‘

‘Working with the Department for Education and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport options for a permanent home for the History Trust were explored over the past year. We now have an assured home for several years in a location that reflects the important role that we play in the cultural life of this State.’

‘We have lease arrangements with renewal rights that mean we can look forward to occupying 233 North Terrace from February 2023 up to and beyond 2030. We sincerely thank the Department for Education and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport for the significant and diligent assistance we have received to achieve this move.’

‘We look forward to expanding our important state-wide work to support history needs and interests, including those of teachers and students, major urban museums, vital regional museums, history groups, and important state events such as the marvellous May History Festival and the beloved Bay to Birdwood,’ Greg said.

About Security House 233 North Terrace, Adelaide

Security House is a heritage building, close to the Central Business District, and in an accessible location along the cultural boulevard. It is close to other cultural collecting institutions of North Terrace and to university precincts. It is a short distance from the History Trust’s Migration Museum, and the Centre of Democracy, a History Trust gallery jointly presented with the State Library of South Australia.

Security House is an inter-war commercial palazzo style building with Art Deco elements. Built in 1926 and designed by Eric H McMichael the building has style and sophistication reminiscent of the era. Formerly known as Kelvin House it was for many years the home of the Electricity Trust of South Australia. The building was refurbished in 1964. Further redevelopments were undertaken in 1980 with service and fire upgrades, along with a redesign of office layouts that have largely been retained.

Other occupants and owners of 233 North Terrace include Australian Fashion Labels.

The History Trust relocation is planned for April/May 2023.

Australia Day has been the centre of political debate in recent years with arguments for changing the date and calls to rename 26 January Invasion Day or Survival Day and cases for maintaining the status quo on the other. The first argument puts the case that choosing 26 January to celebrate ignores more than 60,000 years of Australian history, and is choosing a day that will always be problematic for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. The latter argument is that 26 January marks the beginning of what we have become as a nation. With the commentary running hot once again this year, we felt it timely to reflect a little on the history of commemorating Australia Day.

It is sometimes stated that Australia Day marks the arrival of the ‘First Fleet’. In fact, the ‘First Fleet’ arrived in Botany Bay between 18 January and 20 January in 1788. Commodore Arthur Phillip and his party found the Bay lacking (and not up to Cook’s review) so the ships sailed on to Port Jackson, which Phillip named Sydney Cove, and weighed anchor there on 26 January. Once the business of establishing the colony had been taken care of, and British arrivals in New South Wales began to reflect on their own history – as separate to the ‘mother country’ – people chose this day to commemorate the establishment of the colony. In the early nineteenth century people in Sydney began referring to this event as ‘First Landing Day’ or ‘Foundation Day’.

Governor Macquarie officially acknowledged ‘Australia Day’ as a public holiday in Sydney in 1818. In 1838 it was proclaimed as an annual event. The event continued to grow in New South Wales. As a sense of Australian identity began to develop among some groups, there began to be a push for a wider commemoration. The Australian Natives Association (ANA) was among the groups which sprang up in the nineteenth century advocating for a sense of Australian pride. Established in Victoria, it quickly spread to the other colonies. Membership was exclusively Australian-born people of European background (primarily British) and for many years exclusively male, a separate branch called the Australasian Women’s Association (AWA) formed in 1900. The ANA was to play a role in advocating for Federation, and later a national Australia Day.

In the meantime, for the centenary of the arrival at Sydney Cove in 1888, events were held in many of the Australian colonies to mark ‘Anniversary Day’. South Australia did not have a full public holiday at that stage, but a number of prominent South Australians joined the official events in Sydney, along with representatives from other colonies.

While the attendance of the representatives from the various colonies was an early show of unity, support across the borders was mixed. Reporting from The South Australian Advertiser was not entirely enthusiastic:
It cannot be said that to-day is in any sense the anniversary of a common birthday, for some of these colonies were established on quite independent terms. New South Wales, though the senior, is not the parent colony of all the other members of the group. Nevertheless, the whole of them cordially agree in observing its centenary, and thereby present to the world the spectacle of a united Australia for once at least.
‘The Advertiser: THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1888’

During the late nineteenth century the focus in South Australia remained on our own ‘Anniversary Day‘, or ‘Proclamation Day‘. In 1901 the colonies federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia, but it wasn’t until 1910 that we adopted 26 January as ‘Federation Day’ here in South Australia.

The idea of Australia Day was adopted nationally for a different purpose during the First World War. Various fundraisers were held, marking many different days, and Australia Day badges like those in our picture were sold to raise money for the war effort. The first of these is believed to have been on 30 July 1915 (read more about that on the Australian War Memorial website). Numerous people in South Australia joined in these fundraising efforts, both on 30 July 1915 and on a range of dates in following years.

The first time every Australian state celebrated 26 January as Australia Day was in 1935. This was after a concerted push from the Australian Natives Association, a group of white Australian born men, who lobbied to have a ‘uniform’ celebration across the nation. It was from this campaign that the practice of having a public holiday on the Monday following 26 January was adopted.

From this point the tradition grew, but it was not without its detractors, and the current arguments about recognition of the meaning of the date for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are certainly not new. On the 150th anniversary of the official proclamation of British settlement at Sydney Cove, in 1938, an Aboriginal Day of Mourning was held. The meeting of Aboriginal people at the Australian Hall in Sydney on 26 January that year called for ‘full citizen status and equality in the community’. This protest against the ‘seizure’ of country was in stark contrast to the pageantry of the New South Wales government’s official celebration.

Despite the Day of Mourning, the practice of celebrating Australia Day continued. In the years following the organisation of Australia Day events became more formalised, and new traditions were introduced including the link with Australian citizenship ceremonies. In 1946 an Australia Day Celebrations Committee formed in Melbourne, the precursor to the Australia Day Council. Similar organisations followed in other states, and in 1979 a National Australia Day Committee was established in Canberra. Throughout this time Australians remained legal British subjects, and while the ‘Nationality and Citizenship Act’ symbolically recognised Australian citizenship for the first time in 1948, Australians were officially British subjects until 1984. The same year formal Australian citizenship was fully adopted, the National Australia Day Council, based in Sydney, took over coordination of events on Australia Day. Other practices, such as the Australia Day awards, were established as Australia Day activities continued to evolve. The first Australian of the Year was appointed in 1960. (Read a longer history and timeline from Dr Elizabeth Kwan.)

Shortly after the introduction of Australian citizenship, in 1988, Sydney marked the Bicentenary of British arrival in Sydney Harbour under the catch-cry ‘Celebration of a Nation’. Once again official events concentrated on ceremony and spectacle, and national debates on the historical interpretation of Australia Day were again in the news. Aboriginal people renamed the day ‘Invasion Day‘ and a large protest was staged in Sydney.

Since 1988 conflicting attitudes toward Australia Day have continued to spark debate and often heated commentary in Australia’s news platforms.

Job Title: Digital Content Producer

Full-Time Equivalent: Full-Time (1 FTE)

Are you a skilled digital storyteller and content creator looking to work in the cultural and education sectors?  

The Opportunity:  The Digital Content Producer reports to the Manager Education Programs and is responsible for providing digital content creation and design services for the History Trust of South Australia in support of education and public engagement projects across the History Trust and its museums.

Key components of the role:          

• Contribute to the development and publication of digital content to support History Trust education programs that tell the rich stories of South Australia through curriculum-aligned education resources.
• Develop professional and creative video and other digital content for digital storytelling and marketing through History Trust communications channels including websites, video, social media and email newsletter campaigns.
• Capture and source video and photographic content at History Trust museums and the Centre of Democracy, including organising and managing internal video shoots with staff.

About you:                                        

• A collaborative, innovative and energetic communicator who works well independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to prioritise varying workloads, use initiative and be self-motivated.

Special Conditions:  Some out of hour’s work may be required. Occasional weekend work may be required. Engagement in this role is subject to a satisfactory Department of Human Services Working with Children Check. Intrastate and interstate travel may be required, and a current driver’s licence is essential.

Location: History Trust of South Australia, Adelaide CBD

Award/Agreement:  South Australian Public Sector Wages Parity Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2017

Classification: AS04

Salary Range: $74,315 – $77,901 – increment relating to experience.

Eligibility: Open to everyone

Employment Period: 6-month contract (may be renewed)

Employment Type: Contract

Enquiries to: 
Michelle Fulham, Manager, Education Programs
mfulham@history.sa.gov.au
8207 7696

How to apply: To apply for this position, applicants are required to submit a CV, Pre-Employment Declaration, Cover Page and a Capability Statement demonstrating their suitability for the role by addressing the selection criteria (Section B of the Role Statement).

Applicants should include the name, address and contact number of three (3) current referees.

Please email your application to:
Amber Berkelaar, HR Manager
hr@history.sa.gov.au  

Closing Date: Applications close 6pm, 7 February 2023

How To Apply
Application Coversheet
Role Statement – Digital Content Producer
Pre-Employment Declaration

Event registrations are now open for South Australia’s History Festival, 1-31 May 2023. This state-wide festival is unique in the world, bringing together communities, collectors, clubs, historical societies, and museums large and small, to showcase their passion for history in a month-long celebration.

South Australia’s History Festival is a major initiative of the History Trust of South Australia and brings together around 400 event organisers hosting almost 600 events across our state.

The theme for the 2023 festival is WONDER and South Australia’s History Festival, invites presenters and audiences to ponder the wonderment of the past, as we celebrate the many historical objects, stories and experiences that evoke amazement, “Our 2023 theme will encourage our event hosts and presenters to explore the many ‘wonderful’ ways we interact with history and material culture,” said History Trust of South Australia CEO, Greg Mackie OAM.

“These last few years have reminded us all just how important it can be to belong. Being together in real time and in person is the best way to share stories, experiences and our histories. South Australia’s History Festival creates opportunities for people to gather as communities, to share stories about our past, our present and future, to celebrate the people and objects we value – and to consider who we are today, – and perhaps even ponder what our collective future might hold” Mackie said. “We can’t wait to see what wonderment presenters provide as they interrogate and celebrate our state’s stories.”

Background

The 2022 History Festival program featured over 500 events across the state presented by 257 event organisers and attracted some 100,000 attendances. It was a cornucopia of engaging opportunities for South Australians to immerse themselves in history. From performances, exhibitions and behind-the-scenes tours, through to thought-provoking talks, bus and bike tours to bushwalks and venues ranging from galleries to graveyards, the events are always fascinating.

To be part of the 2023 History Festival, interested groups need to register their event online by 5:00pm, Tuesday 14 February. Early bird registrations due by 5:00pm, 15 January 2022.
To discuss a potential event, call the events team on 08 8207 7585 or email historyfestival@history.sa.gov.au

More information and registrations www.historyfestival.sa.gov.au
Interviews available with Greg Mackie OAM, CEO History Trust of South Australia.