Our Cultural Heritage section celebrates the wealth of knowledge, creativity and identity preserved in books and historical materials. We believe that literature, archives and storytelling are not just entertainment or information — they are living records of who we are and where we come from.
Preserving Shared History
From ancient manuscripts to out-of-print local histories, many cultural treasures risk being lost through neglect or obscurity. By digitising and providing access to these works, we aim to ensure that future generations can explore:
- Foundational texts of world religions, philosophy, and science.
- Regional histories and Indigenous narratives that reflect diverse Australian voices.
- Classic literature and folklore that capture the values and struggles of earlier eras.
Our approach combines careful curation with modern technology so that these works remain accessible, verifiable and respectful of their origins.
Why Cultural Heritage Matters
Cultural heritage isn’t abstract; it shapes language, law, art, and daily life. When readers encounter a scanned colonial-era diary or a restored Indigenous language text, they connect across time. Understanding those connections builds empathy and awareness in a way no summary ever could.
For educators, researchers and the public, access to authentic sources provides:
- Context for modern debates on culture, law and identity.
- Primary materials for study and teaching.
- Opportunities to engage with multiple perspectives, not just dominant narratives.
Our Initiatives
We support cultural heritage preservation by:
- Partnering with libraries, archives and community organisations to identify and digitise rare works.
- Hosting freely accessible e-books and documents where copyright permits.
- Offering guidance to authors, historians and educators on best practices for digital preservation.
- Highlighting works that expand understanding of Australia’s place in a global context.
Looking Ahead
As technology evolves, so does our ability to recover and share hidden or endangered materials. Future projects will include oral history transcripts, annotated image collections, and expanded access to multilingual works. Wherever possible, we consult with source communities to ensure accuracy and respect.
If you have or know of a cultural document or project that should be preserved digitally, please contact us. Together we can protect and promote the rich heritage that belongs to all of us.