Region's history an open book on Libraries' new online platform

Published on 21 October 2024

Western Downs Libraries' popular online archive of historical photographs, the Picture Western Downs collection, will soon become more accessible to residents as it moves to the new Recollect platform.

The Picture Western Downs collection has been delighting students, historians, and locals since it launched in May 2023 following a massive effort to digitise and research the stories behind hundreds of invaluable historical regional photographs and artifacts.

Previously hosted as part of the Western Downs Libraries online catalogue, the region's premiere repository for historical imagery will soon have a platform of its own which will allow locals to more easily access these important resources, as well as contributing their own stories, photos and local knowledge.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, Councillor Peter Saxelby, said that preserving and sharing our region's rich history is incredibly important, and the Picture Western Downs project plays an integral part in doing that.

"The vibrant, active communities that we know and love today were shaped by the people and events of our region's past," Cr Saxelby said.

"Picture Western Downs is not only an incredible resource for both students and history buffs alike, it also helps to safeguard the unique and valuable history of the Western Downs. It's important that these memories are not kept shut up in dusty boxes and photo albums, but preserved and shared so that the contributions of those who built our region will not be forgotten or lost."

One of the most exciting parts of the new platform is the ability for residents, community groups and clubs to actively participate and contribute to the preservation of the history of the region.

"We like to say that on the Western Downs, it’s the people that make it. The relaunch of the Picture Western Downs collection on the new platform will make history not only more accessible, but also more interactive," Cr Saxelby continued.

"Our community groups and clubs will be able to digitise and preserve their own precious records, and locals will be able to contribute their own local memories and knowledge to the archive by providing additional information and context to photos and images in the collection."

"The Western Downs may be a region at the forefront of a changing world, but thanks to fantastic initiatives like the Picture Western Downs Project, we will always be able to remember where we came from and where it all started."

Residents are invited to take a sweet trip down memory lane at the Miles Historical Village on Monday 4 November 2024 from 10am to celebrate the re-launch of Picture Western Downs and 'International Candy Day'. Attendees will be able to purchase a delightful selection of sweet treats at nostalgic prices to savour while immersing themselves in the region's history.

This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through the State Library of Queensland.

For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.westerndownslibraries.com

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