Enhancing Dutch Australian Cultural Heritage Together
Over the past few years, you have undoubtedly noticed the gradual expansion of Dutch-Australian cultural information within our database. We hold a strong belief in the significance of documenting and safeguarding our Dutch-Australian heritage, with a primary focus on the following areas:
- Dutch explores, VOC, Dutch maritime history,
- Netherlands as an ally in the WWII war in the Pacific and East Asia,
- Migration history and personal stories
- Dutch-Australian Art
- Dutch Australia Science, Technology
- Literature and Language
- Dutch businesses in Australia
- Dutch sport clubs
To ensure our continued relevance and the accessibility of our archives, we are in the process of systematically digitising our content. This endeavour enables you and individuals worldwide to access a wealth of information at your convenience. We want to emphasise that membership is not a requirement; our services are open to all.
To this end, we are actively seeking individuals who share our conviction regarding the importance of heritage preservation. We extend a special invitation to those intrigued by this topic to join us at an elevated level of engagement. WE have a high-quality research team with members across Australia and the Netherlands, we also have representatives across Australia. These people in collaboration with our Board, act as a forum for shaping the future of the DACC. Within this context, we would openly exchange ideas on strategies, action points, and other pivotal matters. Your input and participation in these discussions would be greatly valued. Since this group will encompass an (inter)national scope, communication will occur primarily through email, and when appropriate, platforms like Zoom and other digital media.
To express your interest and learn more, please send an email to dutchaustraliancc@gmail.com
We are seeking assistance in several key areas:
1. Archives: We are in urgent need of people based in Sydney to assist with our archives. While a background in archiving is beneficial, a genuine interest in research is essential. Our current researcher is departing but will remain available for guidance and training. Discoveries from the archives are transformed into articles for publication on our website and inclusion in our monthly e-newsletter.
2. Library: Our library boasts over 2000 books, and we are currently in the process of digitising and electronically cataloguing them. Additional support here would be immensely valuable.
3. Research: We are keen to collaborate with individuals who can conduct research, write articles for the website, share their personal stories, interview other,s in general people who are passionate about preserving or Dutch-Australian heritage. Numerous examples exist on our website, covering a range of topics within Dutch-Australian culture and history. We are also open to fresh ideas and suggestions in this domain.
4. Australian-wide Liaison Officers: We envision having DACC liaison officers across Australia and in the Netherlands. Collaboration is central to our future sustainability, particularly as interest wanes compared to the influx of migrants in the 1950s and 1960s. We are exploring new directions that demand pooled resources and activities, necessitating individuals on the ground to assist. We are still missing people who can represent us in South Australia and Northern Territory.
5. Netherlands: With diminishing support from the Dutch Government, it has become imperative for us to establish networks with organisations in the Netherlands relevant to our mission, including migration, VOC history, WWII history, literature, language, and art. We require assistance in contacting these organisations, introducing them to our work, and forging collaborative relationships. Once again, this necessitates individuals based in the Netherlands.
6. Funding: Over time our aim is to establish a professional organisation with paid staff, this requires significant funds, we are open for suggestion regarding legates and naming rights as well as other forms of funding.
We eagerly anticipate initiating a deeper dialogue with you. Send us an email and I will contact you.
Best regards,
Paul Budde
President, Dutch Australian Cultural Centre (DACC)
PS
We understand that not everyone can contribute in the same way, but we have a simple yet impactful way for all of you to support us: by becoming a Friend of the DACC. Apply here: DACC Friends form 2023-2024
