Professional Historians Association Victoria & Tasmania

04/08/2026

Interested in undertaking a history PhD? This PhD scholarship is part of a new project: Australia’s first history of disability: Making a more inclusive Australia, based at Monash University.

The project aims to uncover the lived experience of disability in Australian families between 1945 and the Disability Royal Commission of 2019–23, using innovative methods to co-produce data with people with disability and their families.

You will need a history-focused academic track record to apply.
https://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/697008/phd-scholarship-in-disability-history

Image courtesy of Australian Human Rights Commission.

04/08/2026

👋 Meet the 2026 State Library Victoria fellows.

From rare Australian children's fantasy literature to the secrets of magic, our newest fellows are set to uncover fresh stories, surprising histories and bold ideas in the State Collection.

13 creatives and scholars have been awarded a share of $180,000, dedicated workspace and expert support to bring our collection to life in new and interesting ways – from prototypes and performance to a participatory sound and sculpture work.

These projects will open new chapters in how we understand our shared history, identity and culture. Stay tuned as their ideas take shape.

📷 2026 State Library Victoria Fellows in La Trobe Reading Room. Credit: Eugene Hyland

15/07/2026

There is still time to register for this year's Wilson History Oration tomorrow!

Join Karen George as she reflects on being a social justice historian: connecting kin, locating the lost and advocating for change.

Thursday, 16 July at 6 pm (SA, NT), 6.30 pm (Vic/NSW/Qld), 4 pm (WA)

Register for the Zoom link.: https://phavic.wildapricot.org/event-6726318

13/07/2026

Congratulations PHA (Vic & Tas) member Katrina Kittel on the launch of her new book: The Long Journey Home! The book examines the perilous escapes of ANZAC POWs from fascists in wartime Italy, including Katrina's father.

Katrina invites you to the book launch on Sunday 19 July, at Tobruk House, Albert Park, Melbourne from 1.30 pm. Tickets $10 including afternoon tea.

To let Katrina know you're coming, visit her website: https://katrinakittel.com.au/contact/

13/07/2026

The Jane Hansen Prize for History Advocacy is now open for applications!

If you know an individual or organisation who has made an impact by advocating for history in Victoria this year, visit the website for more information on how to submit a nomination.

Nominations (by others, or by self) require the submission of examples of the person’s advocacy of history (e.g. through radio, tv, newspaper, social media, letter-writing etc.) plus the results and responses. The prize is valued at $1,000.

https://historycouncilvic.org.au/prizes-and-competitions/jane-hansen-prize-for-history-advocacy/


hashtag
hashtag

08/07/2026

Do you have someone you could nominate? We can help with your application!

🏆 Applications for the 2026 HCV Jane Hansen Prize are now open!

The Jane Hansen Prize for History Advocacy is awarded to an individual or group who has advocated for the value of history, the work of historians and/or the importance of an education in history.

Do you know someone who has worked hard to preserve, celebrate or promote engagement with history in Victoria? Recognise their work by nominating them now! The winner recieves $1000 and a certificate to be awarded at our prestigious 2026 Annual Lecture in September.

Applications close August 21.

➡️ Read more and apply here: https://historycouncilvic.org.au/prizes-and-competitions/jane-hansen-prize-for-history-advocacy/

30/06/2026

A very interesting article in The Conversation today. Thoughts?

A new study shows that workplace priorities for Australian historians make it harder for their work to reach Australian readers – despite strong public interest.

24/06/2026

Charles Thatcher was one of the best-known entertainers of the Australian goldfields during the 1850s and 1860s. The Queensland Tiger has revived the songs he performed throughout the Victorian goldfields, transforming contemporary events into witty and often satirical songs that provide a remarkable insight into everyday life during the gold rush era.

Visit the Queensland Tiger to download and listen to the songs (no charge): https://thequeenslandtiger.com/albums/

16/06/2026

This year's Wilson History Oration, hosted by PHA (SA) and presented by Karen George promises to be a fascinating exploration into the difference historians make in our lives.

Thursday, 16 June 6 pm (ACST) 6.30 pm, EST
Presented in person at Adelaide University or via Zoom. Register for the Zoom link below.

https://phavic.wildapricot.org/event-6726318

16/06/2026

The Victorian Community History Awards 2026 are now open!

If you've produced a community history project – or know someone who has – now is the time to put in a submission. There are nine categories covering a wide range of history work:

- The Collaborative Community History Award

- The Community Diversity Award

- The Local History Project Award

- The Oral History Award

- The History Publication Award

- The History Interpretation Award

- The Digital Storytelling Award

- The History Article Award

- The Small History Publication Award

Submissions close Tuesday 30 June, and this year's awards cover work completed between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026 – so there's plenty to celebrate.

Head to https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/victorian-community.../ for the submission form and full terms and conditions. Good luck to everyone entering!