End of an era as Busselton Historical Society takes control of Busselton Oral History Group operations

It is the end of an era for the Busselton Oral History Group as its operations are taken over by another community organisation. The Busselton Historical Society has taken control of the group’s physical and financial assets after it agreed to the proposal by the group at its annual general meeting last month. Society president Stephanie Piper said the move was made due to the declining membership of the Busselton Oral History Group. “The Oral History Group was originally formed out of the (BH) Society, and so the decision to have it return under its management and continue the good work was fully supported by all society members,” she said. In return for taking over the group’s operations, the society has agreed to continue managing oral history activities in the city. This includes ongoing recording, editing and publishing the life stories of Busselton residents and the sale of the group’s publications. Two members of the organisation will also join the society’s committee. Ms Piper said several previous members of the Busselton Oral History Group will now lead the society’s oral history project. “They are also on the lookout for potential new interviewers who will be offered relevant training,” she said. Margaret Tickle and Margaret Dawson were integral members of the group. Ms Tickle helped start oral history in Busselton in 1985, while Ms Dawson has been interviewing, editing recordings and transcribing from the outset. A total of 352 interviews have been conducted by 57 community members over nearly 40 years, with about another 60 volunteers helping transcribe 626 hours of edited recordings. All are available through the State Library of Western Australia online. Those interested in joining the project can contact oralhistory@busseltonhistoricalsociety.org.au.