GLENCOE’S historic woolshed recently hosted the Kanawinka Writers and Historians as the group celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The network of Limestone Coast writers and historians was formed in 1989 as South East Book Promotions by late Mount Gambier historian Pam O’Connor.
“In 1988 the (federal) government was spending a lot of money on books and so there were many local histories being written,” Kanawinka president Noel Boyle said.
“We are a small group which likes to promote local books, as there used to be none in the shops and information centres.”
Mr Boyle became involved in the group after the South East Family History Group published its books, with the recent celebrations emphasising the importance of connecting through oral history.
“I spoke about going to the picture shows when I was a child,” Mr Boyle said.
“We would have fish and chips and lollies and watch the cartoons or old Charlie Chaplin films.
“Everyone could remember what it was like to go to the picture shows and this is what people want to know about when you’re giving your life history.
“When you’re passing history down to your family, they’re interested in these stories and experiences.”
Mr Boyle also spoke about the history of the Kanawinka Writers and Historians, which changed its name in 2013 in recognition of the Western Victorian members of the group.
One of the group’s first projects was a dozen titles – the Celebration Series – which marked 150 years of European settlement in the South East.
Other titles include Exploring the anatomy of a region and Through the eyes of Goyder, both of which were critically and commercially successful reference works.
Current projects include the publication of Mount Gambier pioneer William Clayton’s biography by group member Judy Murdoch and a second Celebration Series.
