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FORMER Bass Coast mayor Pamela Rothfield’s history of the Phillip Island cemetery has been shortlisted for the Victorian Community History Awards.
Ms Rothfield, who is secretary of the cemetery trust, has researched and documented the first 73 occupants of the Phillip Island cemetery.
In an article published in the Post earlier this year, she relates that her interest in her own family history expanded into an interest in other pioneer families and the stories held by their descendants.
“I led a few walking tours of some of the graves and found there was great interest in these walks and a desire to know more about our pioneers and the lives they had led.
Ms Rothfield, who is secretary of the cemetery trust, has researched and documented the first 73 occupants of the Phillip Island cemetery.
In an article published in the Post earlier this year, she relates that her interest in her own family history expanded into an interest in other pioneer families and the stories held by their descendants.
“I led a few walking tours of some of the graves and found there was great interest in these walks and a desire to know more about our pioneers and the lives they had led.
“Those early years on Phillip Island were certainly daunting. There were no roads, no medical attendance; water was scarce. The pioneers were hardy and faced countless challenges and often tragedy.
“I soon discovered that many descendants of other Island pioneer families also had stories and information, which have been passed down through generations. I felt compelled to preserve these histories and bring them together so they could be shared with today’s Islanders.”
Ms Rothfield has squeezed her research around her public duties as Bass Coast mayor from 2016-18 and a current councillor. She is now researching and writing the second volume of the history.
Though much information is available online these days, her research involves frequent journeys to the Public Records Office of Victoria in North Melbourne. “I’m like a kid in a lolly shop,” she says.
“I soon discovered that many descendants of other Island pioneer families also had stories and information, which have been passed down through generations. I felt compelled to preserve these histories and bring them together so they could be shared with today’s Islanders.”
Ms Rothfield has squeezed her research around her public duties as Bass Coast mayor from 2016-18 and a current councillor. She is now researching and writing the second volume of the history.
Though much information is available online these days, her research involves frequent journeys to the Public Records Office of Victoria in North Melbourne. “I’m like a kid in a lolly shop,” she says.
This year, 25 print publications and 17 history projects from across the state have been shortlisted for the awards. They include the Phillip Island and District Genealogical Society which has been shortlisted for compiling a searchable database of properties within the Old Shire of Phillip Island from 1872-1900.
The nominees are in the running for prizes ranging from $500 to $2000, with one to be named the winner of the $5000 Victorian Premier’s History Award.
Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings will announce the major award and category award winners at a ceremony at the Melbourne Arts Centre on October 14.
At Home on the Hill: Pamela Rothfield’s meticulous history of the first 73 occupants of the Phillip Island cemetery provides a moving snapshot of this fledgling society.
The nominees are in the running for prizes ranging from $500 to $2000, with one to be named the winner of the $5000 Victorian Premier’s History Award.
Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings will announce the major award and category award winners at a ceremony at the Melbourne Arts Centre on October 14.
At Home on the Hill: Pamela Rothfield’s meticulous history of the first 73 occupants of the Phillip Island cemetery provides a moving snapshot of this fledgling society.
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I was heavily involved and one of the instigators in the Victorian Community History Awards many decades ago. The name might have changed since then. But I feel a great sense of pride that they are still continuing to give acknowledgement to wonderful researchers and writers.
Really looking forward to reading Part 2 of your book that will be launched in April at the 150th Anniversary.
I would love to buy this book and also have a walking tour of the cemetery.Please let me know when the next tour is. Can I purchase the book from the Rhyll General Store or the Historical Society? Please let me know when the next tour is. I am at Rhyll part time.
If you leave your contact details at the Rhyll Store - or the Phillip island and District Historical Society - I will make sure I let you know when we will do the next one. Possibly in late Febuary - or March. Yes - both the store and the Historical Society have copies of the book. Cheers Pam