| Community Heritage Project: Wattan Report |
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It is important to unravel the diverse meanings of the terms “history” and “heritage” for different people – collectively and individually. This Project cannot ignore the significance of war and occupation on the lives of Lebanese and Arab Australian people. While it may not feature strongly in the identities of the descendants of the first and second waves of migration (1870 to 1960s), war and occupation have determined the lives of many Lebanese and Arab Australians (1970s to 2000). This continues for the most recent waves of migrants and refugees, especially from Iraq.
In order to provide a small insight into the diversity of community perceptions, following are two very different perspectives of “history” and “heritage”. There can not be any comparisons nor judgements, as each quote reflects a specific relationship to a personal / collective history, and to the vastly different experiences of periods of histories within Lebanon and within Australia.
Dr Helen Bashir, at the launch of the Australian-Lebanese Historical Society / Lebanese Archive, State Library of NSW, Nov. 30, 1999.
A quote from a newsletter of the Australian-Lebanese Historical Society (to be published).
“On behalf of the Organising Committee, Dr Helen Bashir spoke of the overwhelming interest and support the group had received since the idea of the Society was first raised. The desire to establish an Archive at the Library and a Historical Society of wider interest was a reaction to the realisation that as the older members passed away, so too did the wonderful stories, the history and the experiences of the early years of our settlement in Australia. Important documents, diaries, photographs and business materials were lost and discarded and, with them, the chance to establish a coherent story or record of history. Not only was there a need to establish a formal repository for such materials, but as well it seemed important that members of the Community be reminded of the treasures in their possession both in a material sense and in the memories and experiences of themselves and their older relatives.”
“By now, many of us have become Seniors and much to our surprise, we have become the custodians and this has become our responsibility.”
“The excitement, support and commitment of everyone we have approached, identifies a great love and respect for our forebears and a great sense of pride in their achievements. We can best honour their memory and contribution by ensuring them a proper place in the history of our country.”