Skills boost set to reveal history of the Kimberley

12 Feb 2015

By The Record

Efforts to improve interviewing skills of staff at the Sisters of St John of God (SSJG) Heritage Centre are set to aid further discoveries of the Kimberley’s history. PHOTO: SSJG

Efforts to improve interviewing skills of staff at the Sisters of St John of God (SSJG) Heritage Centre are set to aid further discoveries of the Kimberley’s history.

Sister Pat Rhatigan, Manager and Curator at the Heritage Centre, said there was still a lot to learn from the older generations about their early knowledge of the region, and good interviewing techniques were an essential key to recording information that would enrich the Kimberley’s historical record.

“It’s not a matter of unlocking secrets. It’s about gaining information from people, before many wonderful stories from the past are lost in time,” Sr Rhatigan said.

“Last week, we brought in a professional media advisor to run a workshop and we can already see the benefits in upgrading staff interviewing skills,” she added.

The workshop was conducted by Vanessa Mills, host of the Morning Show at the ABC Kimberley studio Broome on 19 January 2015.

“There was an emphasis at the workshop on the need for good interview preparation, the need to listen closely and be respectful, and at the same time keep on track in discussions. That requires a lot more expertise than you might initially think,” Sr Rhatigan said.

Sr Rhatigan went on to explain that staff and volunteers at the Heritage Centre regularly interviewed people to capture narratives of the Kimberley’s past.

“These stories are often linked with the extensive photographic collection that is available at the Heritage Centre for public viewing.

“It’s not just a matter of our staff getting the best out of interviews, but it is also about helping them assist people in properly recording their own experiences and memories.

“We also interview our own researchers, including volunteers on how they have gathered information on research projects such as the St Mary’s old school building model now on display at the Heritage Centre. That, in turn, provides some interesting material for the visiting public,” Sr Rhatigan said.

Workshop participant Sarah Keenan, Exhibition Support Officer, said staff were collecting and recording stories from people who lived in a very different time and community from today.

“At the Heritage Centre, we speak to many people who want to share their stories.  Improving our interviewing skills has given us the confidence to know how to put them at ease and to produce a quality recording that will stand the test of time,” she said.

The Relationships Exhibition at the award-winning SSJG Heritage Centre is now recognised nationally for its historical records and for its 40,000 plus items in its Photographic Collection, dating back to photos taken in the early 1900s.

Sr Rhatigan said a further workshop was being considered for voluntary staff at the Centre.

“Professional media guidance for our staff will lead to better results for our researchers and contribute to a much more comprehensive and rich view of this region’s history through the eyes of people who live here,” Sr Rhatigan said.

The Heritage Centre is on the corner of Barker and Weld Streets in Broome. Opening hours are Mondays to Fridays, 9-1 and Saturdays, 10-1. The Heritage Centre opens for the 2015 season on 16 February. Everyone is welcome for a short official opening ceremony at 9.30am.