New course keeps local history alive

A group of librarians, rangers, conservationists and community members are helping to keep local history alive through an engaging new study.

The nationally accredited oral history course was recently launched in Broome by well-known local oral historian Dr Elaine Rabbitt, to help interested people become qualified in recording community history.

Dr Rabbitt wrote the course in conjunction with Oral History WA, and counts as a unit of competency in a certificate IV qualification.

The three-part training teaches beginners how to record and document personal stories through interviews using digital recorders.

Participants from Broome and Derby enrolled in the course, and attended the workshops led by Dr Rabbitt at Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation.

The first workshop was held on September 3, and gave an introduction of oral history.

During the second workshop, participants learned how to use the recorders and practised their interview skills during one-on-one sessions.

The group will meet again next month for the final installment of the inaugural course to learn how to use the information and recordings efficiently.

Dr Rabbitt, who has a PhD in oral history, said it was a dream to be able to write the course in conjunction with Oral History WA, to get accredited and impart her skills to other people in the community.

She said the skills participants learned from the course would help them increase their knowledge and understanding of Broome and its people.

Participant Cassie Rahman had the opportunity to enrol in the course through her employer, Madjulla Incorporated, to enhance her skills.

"At the moment, we are trying to get information from our elders and record it so we can pass it on to the younger generation," she said.

Fellow participant Larissa Searle said her focus was developing her interview skills and learning how to use the recording equipment.

"It's a work in progress, but I now have more confidence and knowledge," she said.

Ms Rahman said she would recommend the oral history course to other people. "It's such a good experience to learn how to do oral history recordings and capture the history of someone's life," she said.

For more information, contact Dr Elaine Rabbitt at Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation on 9193 7100.