Grant Scheme
To apply for a grant for assistance with an oral history project, please click here to download the application form.
To apply for a grant for assistance with attending workshops and conferences, please click here to download the application form.
Congratulations to our latest grant recipient.
Quarter ended October, 2011 is
The University of WA Theatre on Campus History Group (UWATCH).
UWATCH is a not-for-profit group of volunteers dedicated to the identification, retention and retrieval items associated with campus theatre at UWA since the founding of the University Dramatic Society in 1917.
They received $500 for the cost of hiring recording equipment. The materials and interviews collected will be housed in the UWA’s Scholars’ Centre at the Reid Library. We look forward to hearing more about the project as it progresses.
Introduction to Oral History
The Introductory course presented by the Oral History Association of Australia (WA Branch) provides the foundations for those wishing to set up an oral history project – be it a family history, community history or university research project.
There are very clear guidelines that should be followed when conducting oral history interviews. This course covers the importance of ethical practice and informed consent when undertaking interviews.
The nitty gritty of putting your project together is discussed including:
- ethics, defamation and the importance of clear guidelines and consent forms;
- defining the project and the proposed outcomes;
- setting up the interview;
- contacting the Interviewee;
- interview preparation and research;
- the interview process and what is involved;
- transcribing and finalising the interview.
Participants have the opportunity to conduct a practice interview in pairs and to discuss the interview experience. Where possible, practice is given on digital recording equipment.
Dates for 2012:
Saturday 10 March, Saturday 14July, Saturday 27 October
Members $100 / Non Members $125
Place: National Trust, The Old Observatory, 4 Havelock St,West Perth
Using Digital Recorders
These ‘hands on’ workshops help you to gain skills and confidence in using the Marantz PMD 660 and Marantz PMD 671 digital recorders that are available to members of the Oral History Association of Australia (WA Branch) and are used in many other West Australian organisations for recording oral histories. Topics to be addressed include:
Using the equipment to record and play back
Transferring sound files from digital recorder to computer
Burning sound files on to CDs and/or DVDs
Dates for 2012:
Saturday 24 March, Saturday 28 July, Saturday 10 November.
Members $55 / Non Members $75
Place: State Library of Western Australia
For further information and registration please contact:
Doug Ayre
tel: 9307 9312
mob: 0430 405 633
email: history@westnet.com.au
OHAA WA acknowledges and thanks the State Library of WA and National Trust WA for providing the rooms in which our workshops take place
Equipment Available for Members' Use
Digital equipment
- Marantz PMD660 recorder with microphone and compact flash card for $100 per week or $20 per day
- Marantz PMD671 recorder with microphone and compact flash card for $100 per week or $20 per day
Users will be asked to sign a form agreeing to pay insurance excess in the case of loss or damage while equipment is in the user's care.
A $100 refundable deposit is required.
Analogue Equipment
- Sony tape recorder (suitable for playback of tapes when transferring analogue interviews to digital files. Not suitable for recording) for $15 per week or $3 per day
- Transcriber with headphones and foot-pedal for $10 per week or $2 per day
This equipment can be obtained from:
- City of Perth Library
Law Chambers (lower ground floor), 573 Hay Street, Perth
Contact: Jan McCahon-Marshall, 9461 3598 jan.mccahonmarshall@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
The annual meeting provides an opportunity to meet and socialise with other members of the Association. An entertaining and informative talk on a subject related to oral history is presented by an invited speaker, and refreshments are provided free of charge.
The 2011 AGM was held in September at
State Library of Western Australia
Our thanks to the State Library for the use of their facility.To read the 2011 AGM report please click here.
WA branch holds a number of successful and well-attended seminars on a wide range of subjects, including new technologies, sensitivity in interviewing, memory and history, and the experiences of interviewees. Check Play Back or contact the Association for information about upcoming events.
Suggestions for seminars or requests for speakers are always welcome.
An annual conference is hosted by the W.A. Branch, which alternates yearly with a country location and a metropolitan location.




