What is the History Council of Western Australia?

We are the peak body representing history in this state

What does the History Council do?

  • We advance the practice and place of history at all levels and in all settings
  • We advocate for historical interests on behalf of the whole community.
  • We make submissions, write letters and issue media releases where appropriate on matters such as 
    • History curricula in the primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors
    • Arts funding, in particular cultural institutions
    • Access to family records
    • Digital archives and digitisation of records
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and heritage
    • Heritage.

  • We also advocate for the inclusion of historians on relevant committees

  • We welcome public input on all matters relating to the practice and preservation of history.

Do we hold events?

  • We host an annual History Council Lecture at which an eminent speaker shares fresh thinking on historical matters and events or provides new evidence on an historical topic.
  • We publicise coming events to be held by our corporate members.
  • We host Ideas Forums for our members to gather their views on various issues
  • We host an annual Christmas function for our members
  • We host other events from time to time as opportunities arise.

How is the organisation structured?

  • The governing body of the History Council is a 17-member Committee, which includes two Indigenous representatives.
  • Our Executive includes President, Vice President, Secretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer
  • Elections to the Committee of the History Council of WA take place annually at our AGM. Only members are eligible to nominate and vote in elections. 
  •  Members of the History Council of WA are encouraged to approach us with items for consideration by the Committee. These items should be issues of concern or for information for the history sector. Agenda items are included at the discretion of the President.

When does the Committee of the History Council of WA meet?

Our Committee meets five times a year to develop policy and respond to advocacy issues. The Executive Committee meets six times a year.

Who can join the History Council?

There are two types of membership:

  1. Individual: history enthusiasts and supporters, history students and/or professionals including those in museums, libraries, archives and professional organisations
  2. Corporate: our corporate members encompass large, medium and small organisations. These range from government departments to local history organisations.

Full details and a membership form are available on our Membership page