Archives forum looks at ways to preserve our history

Looking at the question of how to preserve archives which document the region's cultural, environmental and historical heritage will be the focus of a conference at Invercauld House tomorrow (Friday July 7).

The Regional Archives Forum is being sponsored by Southern Cross University's Office of Regional Engagement.

The forum will present information about the many organisations which hold archives relating to the Northern Rivers.

Various speakers will address the forum including Graham Irvine, lecturer in the School of Law and Justice at the University, who will talk about the Aquarian Archive Incorporated.

This archive holds material that relates to the 'intentional community' and 'new settler' movements which swept the region following the ground-breaking 1973 Aquarius Festival.

Richard Neville, manager of the original materials branch, State Library of NSW, will speak on issues relating to the Rainbow Archive, which his library holds, and how the various regional collections could be conserved and accessed for the benefit of the wider community.

The Rainbow Archive is a collection of sound, film and print media archives, letters, personal diaries and photographs, dating from the mid 1970s, which relate to the socio-cultural and environmental history of the region, stretching from Bellingen to The Tweed.

Ros Derrett, head of the Office of Regional Engagement, will lead a panel discussion on how to best proceed with the conservation of archived material while providing public access to it.

The forum, from 1 – 4pm at Invercauld House, 161 Invercauld Rd, Goonellabah, is open to the public. The cost is $16 and you can pay at the door.


Media contact: Zoe Satherley, media officer, 6620 3144, 0439 132 095.