Our members are academically trained and qualified, but work in the public field rather than in universities. Some work as heritage practitioners.
The Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania) Inc represents a thriving, dynamic community of professional historians who communicate history in diverse ways. The skills of professional historians are invaluable in documenting, interpreting and presenting history on many levels and, accordingly, our members work in a variety of areas. Some professional historians consult, working o
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/
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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?
Australians are hungry for new history books – but historians are pressured not to publish locally 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!
Historians were given much to think about at the recent Archives to Algorithms workshop, presented by PHA members Deb Lee-Talbot and Mike Jones. There are already calls for part 2!
03/06/2026
Oral History Australia's 2026 awards are now open! Three awards are on offer:
* the Hazel de Berg Award for Excellence in Oral History; * the OHA Book Award, * the OHA Media Award.
The deadline for submissions is 31 July. Visit the website for more information.
https://oralhistoryaustralia.org.au/news/oha-2026-awards-now-open/
