eNewsletter
Newsletter February 2026
From the President
As we move towards festival season, the HCSA has been very busy! We have opened the rounds for our Historian of the Year Awards (be sure to get your nominations in!), we’ve opened this year’s round of the Wakefield Press Essay Prize, as well as organised an event on South Australian history and historians in the space where Writers’ Week should have been (already sold out!). With an eye to the coming election, we’ve also compiled a ‘wish list’ of priorities for the history sector on behalf of our members. But more on all of this below! Take care, Matt
News
Historian of the Year Awards
The 2026 Historian of the Year Awards are now open! These awards seek to recognise the outstanding achievements of an individual or group who have made a major contribution in the field of history in South Australia. These achievements can encompass, but are not limited to, history teaching, historical research and scholarship, raising community awareness of our history and heritage (for example through presentations, exhibitions, traditional and digital publications), and strengthening the profile of history.
The awards may be awarded in the following categories:
- Historian of the Year
- Emerging Historian
- Life Long Historian
- Digital Technologies Award (Individual or Group)
- Community History (Individual or Group)
- Regional History (Individual or Group)
- Oral History Excellence
The Nominations for the 2026 Historian Awards are open. Submissions close at 5pm, Friday 3 April 2026. Nominations can be entered here.
Wakefield Press Essay Prize
The prize is given for the best essay on a topic relating to the history of South Australia.
The prize is open to anyone who, during the previous year, has written or published an essay dealing substantially with some aspect of South Australian history. The word length should be between 2,000 and 10,000 words (including footnotes/endnotes). The prize consists of a $500 book voucher from Wakefield Press. Submissions will close on the 3rd of April 2026. The winner will be announced at the History Festival Closing Celebration, 31st of May 2026. Essay submissions must be emailed to [email protected] by 5 pm on Friday, 3rd April 2026
Election News
The HCSA has released sent out a press release entitled ‘Tarrkarri, Truth Telling and 2036 Planning Top History Sector Wish List for March State Poll’. The press release can be accessed here [PDF].
We would urge all of our members and friends to disseminate it among their circles and talk to their local candidates about some of the issues it addresses.
Save the Queen: The Priscilla Project
A project is underway to restore the Priscilla bus from the film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. She was discovered on a property in rural New South Wales, having survived fire, floods, and exposure to the elements. The History Trust of South Australia is seeking donations to restore the bus and display her at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.
Lectures, exhibitions, and events
What’s the Story with History?
The HCSA and the Professional Historians Association have organized an evening to celebrate the breadth and vitality of history writing in Australia. Sponsored by the Marsden Szwarcbord Foundation, it will be held at Ern Malley Bar, Magill Road, Stepney, from 5.00–8.00pm on Thursday 5 March and features two lively panel discussions exploring both historical non-fiction and historical fiction. Across the evening, leading historians and novelists will discuss their craft, research, storytelling, and the challenges of bringing the past to life for contemporary readers. The program includes two 45-minute panels, separated by a 30-minute break.
The historical non-fiction panel, chaired by HCSA president and author Matthew Fitzpatrick, features:
Paul Sendziuk, co-author of A History of South Australia (Cambridge)
Martin Thomas, Clever Men
Janet Scarfe, Her Great Adventure: Dorothy “Puss” Campbell, WW2 Army Nursing Sister
The historical fiction panel, chaired by HCSA vice-president and author Lainie Anderson, features:
Molly Murn, The Heart of the Grass Tree
Lyn Dickens, Salt Upon the Water
Beverley McWilliams, Spies in the Sky
Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night through Matilda Bookstore. Tickets are available via Humanitix.
**UPDATE** The event is now sold out but a wait list is still open.
Port Adelaide heritage bus tour
Departing from the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre, this guided bus tour will take you past heritage buildings and iconic sites.
22 February, 1-3pm, 65 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide.
Getting Started with AI in Family History
You’ve heard the hype, but where does AI really fit in for the family history researcher? Join Andrew Redfern as he presents a practical, confidence-building introduction for family historians who want to understand how artificial intelligence can genuinely support their research.
Wednesday 4 March at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Free for Genealogy SA members / $20 non-members
Further information and registration through Trybooking
Genealogy SA Mad March Book Sale
Mark your calendar and get ready for Genealogy SA's Mad March Book Sale! Hundreds of books from just $5, including family histories, local histories, general history books, maps, journals and much more.
Saturday 14 March, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Books and Maps $5, Journals 5 for $5, Rare books prices as marked
Further information via Facebook
Using DNA for Family History
Have you taken a DNA test, and you’re not sure what to make of the results? Are you confused about how all those new connections can help you with your family tree? Join Genealogy SA for this online workshop and learn how to get started with your DNA for family history!
Monday 9 & 23 March at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Monday 16 March at 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (optional drop in session)
$89 Genealogy SA members / $139 non-members
Leading the nation: celebrating the 50th anniversary of South Australian gay law reform 1975-2025
An online exhibition that examines the three attempts at gay law reform in South Australia, triggered by the 1972 killing of law lecturer Dr. Duncan.
Beyond Borders: Bob Hawke's International Legacy
This exhibition examines how Hawke and his government helped shape Australia's global identity and left a lasting legacy.
On now until 27 March 2026
Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Hawke Building level 3, Adelaide University City Campus West.
Historical Society of South Australia speaker program 2026
The society have recently released their speaker program for the year.
View the full schedule and further information through their website
The next talk is Mar 6 John Mayo – Two Lives in Adelaide in the 1840s: George Mayo and Maria Gandy.
Burnside City Uniting Church, 384 Portrush Road, Tusmore.
Online exhibition: 1975
This exhibition at the National Library of Australia is open until 9 March 2026, and available to explore virtually online.
Explore the music, fashion, politics, literature, news, film and more from the era that shaped Australian life and transformed the way we saw the world.
View the online exhibition through the National Library website
Book releases
Nooks and Crannies, by the History Council of South Australia
South Australian historical groups and museums keen to boost their income are invited to order copies of the History Council of South Australia’s new publication Nooks and Crannies at wholesale price from publisher Wakefield Press.
Nooks and Crannies: Stories of South Australia is an eclectic collection of short essays on South Australian inventions, migration, industry, heritage, museums and associations, both new and old, Indigenous and settler. RRP: $39.95.
For more information or to order, contact Michael Bollen at Wakefield Press at [email protected]
Please note: wholesale is 40% off the RRP (or $23.97) with free delivery for orders over $100!
Opportunities
The History Teachers' Association SA Conference
The History Teachers' Association SA is currently calling for papers for its 2026 Conference, due 27 Feb. Their conference theme is ‘Accepting History’ and they are seeking proposals which will assist teachers in their implementation of the South Australian and Australian Curriculum as well as shed light on pedagogical approaches.
Proposals should include personal contact details, school / institutional affiliation, title and abstract of 100-200 words, plus a description of which group of teachers it would suit. They should be sent to [email protected] with the subject heading ‘HTASA Conference, Attention : President – David Albano’
Historical Society of SA Grant Scheme
Purpose being to support projects related to SA's history, to promote the study, recording, writing and exhibition of SA stories.
Closes 31 March
Visit the Historical Society of South Australia website for more details.
Jack Cross Fellowship
The Annual Jack Cross Fellowships support small history projects and students researching South Australian history using SA archival collections. Two fellowships of $250 are available to assist with travel, copying, or digitising records, in honour of former President Jack Cross AM. The focus is on research grounded in South Australian archives. Applications close: COB Tuesday 31 March 2025. The fellowship is offered by the Friends of South Australia’s Archives Inc., bringing together archivists, historians, and archive users since 1996.
Apply by letter or email: [email protected], or addressed to President, 14 Tudor Street, Dulwich SA 5065.
