Migration is part of Australia’s story, and post-war migration changed the country is fundamental and far-reaching ways. This project sought to understand migration to Victoria from the 1940s, just prior to the end of the Second World War. Currently Victoria’s heritage listings only reveal a part of the many stories of migration, and this project was the first step towards filling that gap.

The project shaped a thematic history designed to help uncover places, objects and collections associated with those who participated in this period of major change. A second component involved a partnership between the City of Darebin and Heritage Victoria. The Context team and The Connies (a cultural performance group) worked to identify migration heritage stories and places by engaging with specific migrant communities in the City of Darebin. This pilot project also sought to test out community engagement principles and methods.

The project offered a sound foundation on which to base further work to uncover Victoria’s post-war migration heritage. It also highlighted the importance of engaging all communities and cultural groups to reveal and celebrate Victoria’s diverse heritage. Guidelines on how best to do this featured in the final project report. [Source: Context]