Project to document south Invercargill history
The aim of the project is to gather the unique stories of south Invercargill from pre-human times through to current day.
It was well-known poet Maya Angelou who said, “You can’t really know where you are going, until you know where you have been.”
Something the team behind the Grace Street community hub are embracing by launching an ambitious south Invercargill heritage project.
The Grace Street Project, is future focused on providing new opportunities in south Invercargill, however they understand the importance of reflecting and celebrating the history of the area. It’s hoped that preserving these stories will foster intergenerational connection, enhance learning opportunities for children and young people and help with imagining the future for the community.
The aim of the project is to gather the unique stories of south Invercargill from pre-human times through to current day. These will then be told in a variety of ways including through exhibitions, models and video once the story themes are identified.
Janette Malcolm, Chairperson of IC2 believes that this heritage project will assist in developing greater feelings of belonging, inclusion, pride and optimism in the community.
“The project will have a wide range of direct benefits including a stepping stone to engage with personal heritage, building social cohesion and understanding, and provide a reason for the community to engage.”
David Dudfield, an historian and social scientist who worked as a curator at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, is undertaking the heritage project, which will be delivered in two stages.
Stage one was already underway which involved gathering information through a range of methods including background research, literature reviews, connecting with individuals and groups and interviews with the community. Stage two is the delivery and installation of the exhibitions and experiences.
Dudfield was excited about the project. He believed south Invercargill boasted a rich history but felt it was underrepresented. This project would complement the South Alive outdoor heritage trail already underway.
“We are empowering the local community to take charge of their heritage, he said. The two projects together increase the spotlight on south Invercargill in a really positive way and allow us to tell a bigger story.
Aurora College students were asked to be involved with the research phase as a way to encourage input from the elderly residents, as well as the youth in south Invercargill. Students had developed interview questions for Peacehaven residents that used to live in south Invercargill.
Principal of Aurora College, Craig Taylor said it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to engage with the community.
“I’m thrilled that our students can be a part of this initiative. We know that connection between the different generations in our community is important but opportunities like this are rare.”
The project is being supported through funding from the Invercargill City Council Wellbeing Fund and the Southland Regional Heritage Fund and it was expected that stage one would be completed at the end of August. Malcolm said they were extremely grateful for the funding support and they looking forward to seeing what stories would be unearthed through the heritage project.
“We want to encourage those that may have memories to share, to do so through our website or Facebook page.”
It is time now for Council to recognise the south city hub is vital and effective , and extend the brief of South Alive to “ ripple outwards “?, using their resources and expertise to foster connection and hubs, and playgrounds and oversight of other Invercargill suburbs? Because absolutely the needs of south invercatgill are in fact the social and community needs of residents across the WHOLE city.. The resources and funding should inow extend to policies of a “ ripple effect” of making “ INVERCARGILL suburbia alive”. Suburb by suburb. Eg could south Alive start by creating monthly (or fortnightly?) SATELLITE drop in centres at suitable venues in other suburbs. Sorry but Waikiwi is JUST as needy as south Invercargill!! ? Why does council not require South Alive to now be an umbrella organisation to recreate a small level of outreach into day two other trial suburbs .?????? Even the upgrade to Elizabeth Park prefers south Invercargill - as though it is more deserving or more needy than other suburbs. WHAT IS COUNCIL PROCESS or COUNCILS BIG PICTURE POLICY to revitalise ALL suburbs - can the expertise be shared to instill small changes in other suburbs too? I love South Alive tho . Give it MORE funding ! To reach outwards???