FUNDING SECURED FOR CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY DIGITISATION PROGRAM

The Clarence River Historical Society has been awarded $12,000 under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program to support a major digitisation project, Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson has announced.

Mr Williamson said the funding will enable the Society to purchase specialised scanning equipment to digitise key areas of its collection, including photographs, paper records, catalogue cards, negatives, and large-scale prints.

“This grant is a fantastic boost for the Clarence River Historical Society,” Mr Williamson said.

“Once digitised, these irreplaceable materials documenting the Clarence Valley’s cultural and social heritage will be accessible online allowing researchers, students and the public to explore the museum’s archives from anywhere in the world.

“It will help preserve our unique history while making it more accessible to everyone. Digitisation ensures these records are protected for future generations and allows our community to engage with our local heritage in exciting new ways.”

Steve Tranter, President of the Society, said the funding will allow the Society to protect and share history like never before.

“Digitisation opens the door for deeper public engagement with our collections, while safeguarding fragile materials for the long term,” Mr Tranter said.

Work on the project has now begun and is expected to be completed by 2030. The Society thanked member Wendy Ford for her work on the grant application, the NSW Government for the grant, and Richie Williamson for his support.

PHOTO: Richie is pictured with volunteer members of the Clarence River Historical Society L-R: Committee Member - Rosemary Marshall, Textiles and Display Coordinator – Nita Child and President - Steve Tranter.