The Arts

Oral Histories

Image: Gracia Baylor with her husband and baby in the mid-1960s, around the time she entered politics.

This series of short audio stories introduces three women who have been involved with political and community change in the Yarra Ranges and beyond, Mrs Betty Marsden OAM, Gracia Baylor AM, and Marisa Pennuto. These edited recordings are from the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum’s oral history collection, which capture the personal stories of our special region.

Episodes 1-3: Changemakers

Protecting the Dandenongs

Listen to a conversation with Mrs Betty Marsden OAM about her environmental activism since the 1970s, including her role in establishing Birdlands Reserve

A young mother from Healesville breaks political barriers

In this interview Gracia Baylor AM shares stories from decades of political experience and reflects on what it takes for women to create change.

Parents create a supportive community for their disabled children

Marisa Pennuto helped establish a special needs boarding school in Wandin Springs in the 1970s, as a farm-like setting for her autistic son Frank to grow up in. The ceramics program is still operating as the social enterprise Fire and Clay.

About the oral history collection

These three audio stories are from the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum oral history collection. To find a full listing of oral histories held at the museum explore our online collection database. Access to transcripts or recordings can be arranged by contacting the Collections and Curatorial team at museumcollections@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Project Credits

Photographs and audio stories by Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

Audio production by Tiny Empire Collective

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum gratefully acknowledges the Local History Grants Program and Public Record Office Victoria, supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund.

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