A story worth telling: Mallee project shares its success

A country Victorian project that has captured more than 120 life stories from older people is now hoping to inspire other communities to preserve their own living histories.

Every family and every community has older people whose stories help explain who we are and where we have come from. But unless someone takes the time to sit down, ask the questions and listen, the memories can all too easily be lost.

The Mallee’s Living Histories project is bringing together storytellers, writers and experts for a special forum in Mildura, sharing what has been learned during the project’s eight-year journey. It will also provide practical resources to help other communities establish similar projects of their own.

“We don’t want people to leave simply thinking this is a lovely project,” Mallee’s Living Histories instigator Vernon Knight AM said.

“We want them to leave thinking, ‘We could do this in our community too’.

“There are wonderful stories sitting in every community, just waiting for someone to take the time to ask and listen. We hope this forum gives people the confidence and the practical tools to go home and start capturing them.”

To be held at SuniTAFE on Saturday October 3 2026 the CONVERSATION, CONNECTION, COMMUNITY forum will explore the power of storytelling to connect people, strengthen communities and ensure the experiences and wisdom of older generations are not lost. The forum is open to the general public and registrations are now being taken.

The forum has grown from increasing interest in The Mallee’s Living Histories from people outside the region wanting to learn how they could establish similar projects in their own communities.

The forum will be live-streamed at no cost. Registrations are now open.

“We are currently preparing Book 8 of The Mallee’s Living Histories for publication and launch in December, with another 21 stories. That takes the number we have published over the past eight years to more than 120,” Mr Knight said.

“The interest from other communities planted the seed for this forum – not only to celebrate what has been built here in the Mallee, but to share what we have learned and encourage others to begin capturing the stories within their own communities.”

The Mallee’s Living Histories began in 2018, inspired by Mr Knight’s experience helping an elderly Mildura woman record and publish her memoir.

Against the backdrop of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the project developed from a simple but powerful idea: that taking the time to ask older people about their lives, experiences and memories could help address isolation and loneliness while affirming the value of their knowledge and contribution.

Mr Knight said while the published stories created an important legacy for families and the wider community, the conversations between writers and storytellers were at the heart of the project.

“The books provide a lasting record for children, grandchildren and future generations, but just as importantly, the process gives older people an opportunity to reflect on their lives and know that their experiences matter.”

The forum will feature three guest speakers. Peter Kenyon, Director of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S will speak on the importance of building caring and connected communities. Peter will be followed by Dr Sean MacDermott, Director of the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research. Sean’s presentation will focus on the critical role of storytelling in ageing well. The final guest speaker will be children’s author Phil Kettle. Phil will be sharing his views on the art of writing and the joy of reading.

Their presentations will be followed by two panel discussions.

The first will explore how stories connect people and add meaning to their lives, while the second will take participants behind the scenes of The Mallee’s Living Histories project, with writers and a storyteller sharing their experiences and lessons learned over the past eight years.

Importantly, the project team will also make its resources available, at no cost, to participants and invite those interested in starting a Living Histories project to join a future online session where they can ask practical questions about getting started.

There will be ample opportunity over the luncheon break, and at the end of the day, for participants to meet with the project team and guest speakers to discuss the Mallee’s Living Histories project.

The forum has been made possible through a Quick Response Grant from Mildura Rural City Council and the support of SuniTAFE.

General registrations to attend in person are $25. Livestream registrations are available now at no cost. Participants attending in person will receive a gift bag and light lunch. Tickets can be booked at https://www.malleelivinghistories.com.au/

Copies of the latest edition of The Mallee’s Living Histories will also be available for purchase on the day.