An examination of Wollongong Cenotaph's century-long presence in our city, and a tale of peaceful beachside resistance have scooped this year's Local History Prize.
First awarded in 2016, the biennial prize, generously supported by the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries, asks entrants to submit an original research paper documenting previously unexplored aspects of Wollongong's history.
An esteemed panel of judges unveiled this year's winners at Wollongong Library on Monday night, with Marilyn Hood awarded the $3000 first prize for her paper: Loss, bereavement and memory – Wollongong's Cenotaph – 100 years on.
The panel determined that Ms. Hood's entry "places the history of the cenotaph and its significance to the local community in the context of a wider discussion of changing understandings of Australian experiences of conflict and public commemoration."
The judge's report also said the paper has "a clear narrative, makes good use of primary and secondary sources, uses clear referencing and provides a well-constructed bibliography."
John Corker collected second prize for his entry: The Valentine's Day Blockade Bulli, NSW, Thursday 14 February 2002: An Historical Account, an examination of the development battle at Sandon Point.
Judges said the paper offered a "compelling narrative of active, but peaceful community resistance" that "made use of oral histories and original photographs and showed an awareness of cultural connections and significance."
Judges, Jo Oliver (WCL local studies specialist), Sarah Taylor (Manager Libraries + Community Facilities), Meredith Hutton (National Trust representative member of WCC Heritage Reference Group) and Lorraine Neate (President of Illawarra Historical Society) considered six entries covering a wide variety of topics. Entries were limited to one per person for the first time, with the panel's final determination a unanimous one.
This year's winners had the added honour of being unveiled alongside a new exhibition documenting the contribution of migrant settlers and refugees to the rich cultural life of Wollongong.
Created in partnership with the Migrant Heritage Project, the exhibition includes forty images documenting the many ways Illawarra's migrant settlers and refugees from diverse cultural backgrounds have enriched our society.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said both winning entries will be valuable additions to Wollongong City Libraries' extensive local studies collection.
"We're proud to support the important work of local researchers and historians," Cr Bradbery said.
"Since its inception in 2016, the Local History Prize has attracted a high calibre of researchers exploring fascinating corners of our region's past. Their research into our past is immensely valuable, both today and into the future.
"This year's Local History Prize winners have been added to our local studies collection and are now available for members of the public to read. Located at Wollongong Library, the local studies collection features a wide variety of materials, including maps, research papers and publications, that can be read and referenced by members of our community for years to come."
The winning entry, and the runner-up, are both available to view online.
The presentations form part of History Week. Generously supported by the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries, the 2024 edition carries a theme of 'Marking Time' and includes a series of Storytime activities for kids at five library locations.
History Week Storytimes schedule
- Tuesday 10 September – Thirroul - 10am
- Tuesday 10 September – Warrawong – 10.30am
- Wednesday 11 September – Wollongong – 10am
- Wednesday 11 September – Corrimal – 10am
- Friday 13 September– Dapto – 10.30am
