‘Nameless, faceless, [women’s] stories become communal, not concerned with individuals, dates and deeds but with growth, community and connection.’
– Raylene Brown, Women at the Edge
WHGNE collaborated with The Wheeler Centre to plan and stage the first of a five-event series, Women at the Edge, in March 2020.
Victoria’s north-eastern regions are rich with dramatic scenery – from the majestic Alpine ranges to the storied banks of the Murray River. Indigenous people have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years.
The land is home, first and foremost, to their stories and lore. Since colonisation, this region has been the backdrop, too, to many myths and legends that are imprinted on the Australian national psyche – mostly goldrush stories of bushrangers and manhunts in the high country. Where are the women in all these stories?
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’ll hear from local leaders, historians and experts as they delve into the history of the region and share often unacknowledged stories of the women who have shaped the recent and distant past. Join us at George Kerferd Hotel as we salute our foremothers in style.
Five remarkable women – Liz Conor, Robynne Nelson, Raylene Brown, Dr Jacqui Durrant and Alana Johnson – took to the stage at Women at the Edge: History and Beyond in Beechworth, sharing their insights, experience and knowledge of history with a 120–strong audience.
Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the discussion, but all emphasised the way mainstream history has been used as a tool of patriarchal culture. Women’s stories and experiences – though perhaps unwritten – have been strong threads that stitch together families, communities and cultures.
Listen to a podcast of the discussion here.