The Mount Gambier Library Immersive Storytelling project will be launched at City Hall on Monday 15 February 2021 at 10:30am. Combining the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, oral history recordings and photographs from the Les Hill Historic Collection to create customised local content, the project aims to promote mental, social and emotional wellbeing for those in aged care.
With Virtual Reality becoming more accessible to the general public, the creation of local content and the overlay of oral stories from residents within the community will enable aged care residents to recall significant events and how things around the city once looked while sharing their own memories and experiences.
Not only is this a unique collection of local history and potential tourism promotion, Immersive Storytelling will also benefit the wellbeing of residents with a disability or in aged care.- Mount Gambier Library Programming Officer Ricky Koopman
Immersive stories have been created on the Valley Lakes, the Queen’s visit to Mount Gambier, Commercial Street traders and the Leg of Mutton, with future stories being collated for further projects.
“Many of Mount Gambier’s popular attractions are either at the bottom of a sinkhole or at the top of a volcanic crater, meaning they are inaccessible to those with mobility issues, age or disability,” Mr Koopman said.
“Not only are we ensuring history is collected now, but this initiative also gives people a chance to revisit these areas.”
The launch is open to the public and bookings are essential as seats are limited. To book, contact the Library on 8721 2540.
This initiative is supported by the Office for Ageing Well thanks to a $16,900 Age Friendly SA grant received by Mount Gambier Library in 2019. The project was one of eight successful initiatives chosen from across the state, however the rollout was postponed due to COVID-19.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson at awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8721 2577.
