Post Haste the Millennium:
Opportunities and Challenges in Local Studies

12-13 November 1999

2nd National Local Studies Conference, Rose and Crown Hotel, Guildford, Western Australia

National Conference Report

Jenni Woodroffe, Conference convenor

A varied and stimulating program. Excellent venue. Generous hospitality. Informative. Exciting. Learnt new concepts and ideas. Friendly. Enjoyable. Met interstate visitors and made new friends. Superb team effort. These are but a few of the accolades the 1999 Conference committee received from delegates to Post Haste the Millennium: Opportunities and Challenges in Local Studies held at The Rose and Crown Hotel, Guilford, 12-13 November 1999. As we sat in the lovely Ballroom of The Rose and Crown Hotel and heard mine host, Frank Lazzari, tell of the proposed demolition of the hotel some years ago we had a timely reminder of how easily our cultural heritage can disappear.

From the sounds of the didgeridoo played by Mort Hansen, Vice-Chairperson of the Aboriginal Advancement Council, after giving the traditional Nyoongar welcome, to the haunting strains of Loch Lomond as Glaswegian, Professor Joe Hendry, drew the Plenary Session to a close, we were introduced to many of the cultural traditions that make up the mosaic of modern Australia.

Mort Hansen, Vice-Chairperson of the Aboriginal Advancement Council.

Jenni Woodroffe, Conference convenor and Jan Partridge, National President.

The tradition of the family remittance to people back in the old country that is intrinsic to the family care pattern of Eastern European and Asian cultures was highlighted by Dr Cora Baldock. Dr John Yiannakis helped us to understand the influence of one small Greek Island for the Greek community in Western Australia. Pamela Buselich honoured the sheer hard work of life in the vineyards for the Croatian community and Sister Anne Carter revealed the role of education for children in the last century. The generous hospitality and love of good food and wine so typical of the Italian community was demonstrated by Councillor Charles Gregorini, OAM, JP and his wife Sandra, as they hosted the Farewell Function in the Council Chambers of the Midland Town Hall.

The Nuts and Bolts stream proved very popular as delegates sought practical solutions for their own situations. Linda Allery and Jan Partridge provided ideas and suggestions for reaching out into the community for assistance. The thirty-three concurrent sessions were diverse in range and scope, providing something for everyone, while Joe Hendry introduced us to ways in which another country had chosen to celebrate the approach of the Millennium.

Professor Joe Hendry, Cumbria Heritage Services, Carlisle, England; visiting Professor, University of Strathclyde, UK.

Dr Cathy Clement, Public Historian.

The social programme was a chance to enjoy the past in the present. Carnation corsages greeted each guest as they met for the Pre-Theatre Dinner at Padbury's Café Restaurant, where Janice Twartz and Geoff Moor were the winners of the door prizes. Under a starry sky delegates enjoyed the short walk to see a Readers' Theatre performance of Tales of Old Guildford at the Garrick Theatre. The hotel gardens with roses in bloom and refreshments served on white linen tablecloths under large green umbrellas provided an excellent setting for delegates to meet and relax. The historic walk led by Lynda Haythornthwaite gave delegates a chance to connect with Guildford's past and the opportunity to visit the old Anglican church of St Matthew's in Stirling Square. The Guildford Museum was open for delegates to probe deeper into the past of the Swan Valley. And the Champagne Brunch and Awards Ceremony that was part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of The National Trust of Australia (WA) provided the opportunity of visiting Woodbridge House and hearing of the many roles it has played since it was first built.

Our National AGM provided a brief opportunity for national issues to be discussed but unfortunately had to be brought to a close due to programme demands. You will hear more of the outcomes of the AGM in subsequent issues of Local-Link and on aliaLOCAL.

I wish to thank the members of the Conference Committee for their generosity of spirit as they rose to the opportunities and challenges of the Conference. Their efforts in obtaining sponsorship from a wide range of sources greatly added to the tone of the Conference.

With speakers and delegates coming from all States and Territories the Conference provided a base for local studies librarians and enthusiasts from around the nation to consolidate and share their experience and expertise. We look forward to sharing this wisdom with an even wider audience when the Proceedings are published.