The Collie Public Library's Local Studies archive is able to reignite its Oral Histories project thanks to a generous donation from the Collie branch of the Veteran Car Club of WA inc.
The club fundraised for and donated a Zoom voice recorder to the Local Studies 'Jan Wallace' Room, which will allow for high-quality recording for the Oral Histories project.
Library assistant and Local Studies researcher Tania Roberts said the library was grateful to the club for their support of the project.
"Having a quality digital voice recorder means we can continue the work collecting oral histories that previous Local Studies volunteer Jan Wallace had begun," she said.
"Jan had gathered stories from many early Collie identities over the past 40 years, and copied them to the Battye Library in Perth for future reference and to make sure they are accessible for everyone in the future."
Shire of Collie Information Services Manager Shannon Wood said the Oral Histories project was important in the preservation of Collie's history.
"The oral history project is important as it captures the history of Collie through the voices of those who call it home," she said.
"It captures a time in history told from the perspectives of locals, but it also gives local identities the chance to record their life story for their families to keep."
Veteran Car Club of WA inc., Collie branch secretary Hamish Pipe said they were glad they could support a project that helped to preserve the town's history.
"We thought the Oral History Project was a worthy one to support," he said.
"The donation was made possible through the collection of recycled car batteries by Veteran Car Club member Tony Edward, providing a public service to help put money back into the community.
"We just want to say thank you to the sponsors who give us the batteries and the collection bin is located at Collie Mowers & More for those who wish to donate."
The Local Studies 'Jan Wallace' Room is located at the Collie Public Library and assists staff and public with local historical research requests and houses a collection of Collie's historical records.