Local History Prize is back for 2024!

Image: City Beach 1956 [from the Illawarra Images collection]

Entries are now open for the Wollongong City Libraries’ biennial Local History Prize. The prestigious award encourages people to submit an original research paper that documents previously unexplored topics relating to the Wollongong Local Government Area.

To help researchers get started, they’re encouraged to make use of the Wollongong City Libraries’ extensive physical and online Local Studies collection as well as external resources.

Running since 2016, the Local History Prize is proudly supported by the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries. This year it will award $3,000 for first place and $1,500 for second-place entries that contribute something new to our knowledge of the history of our city.

In 2022, first place was awarded to Michael Samaras for his research paper which uncovered previously unknown information about the past of Bob Sredersas.

Read more in the media release: ‘Recognising the importance of documenting local history’.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that Wollongong City Libraries was once again on the hunt for original research papers that delved into new aspects of Wollongong’s history that have yet to be explored.

“The Wollongong City Libraries Local History Prize is a great way for armchair sleuths and history buffs to explore the history of our region and to add to our knowledge of who and what shaped our past and influenced the story of Wollongong,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Over the years, we’ve collected a number of great local history papers through this competition, of which have been added to our local studies collection. This is a great expansion of knowledge and it’s wonderful to see so many people take an interest in the history of their community.

“This year, we’re looking for well researched and referenced papers of between 5,000 and 10,000 words on any topic that’s related to the history of Wollongong. I look forward to seeing the thoughtful work submitted to the competition and wish all entrants the best of luck on their project.”

The Wollongong City Libraries Local History Prize is open to people aged 18 years and over. All entries must be submitted and received by Friday 28 June 2024.

For more information, including terms and conditions, visit the Wollongong City Libraries website.

Entries from previous years can be loaned and are found via the library catalogue. Just search for – Friends of the Wollongong City Library Local History Prize.