Victorian Goldfields stories
We uncovered hidden stories to inspire the development of new products and experiences in the Goldfields Villages and spark the interest of new audiences.
In 2020, the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive engaged SHP to develop a storytelling strategy for the villages of the central Victorian goldfields. The project aimed to drive tourism to the whole region by creating products and experiences based on authentic stories unique to each village.
Client: Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive/Visit Victoria
Location: Central Victorian goldfields, Victoria
Date: 2020 – 2021
Scope of works: Historical research, interpretive framework, community and stakeholder consultation; storytelling model and strategy; story mapping and zoning; story synopses linked to product and experience development; writing, design and illustration of stories for each of the 14 Goldfields Villages (95 stories); content and production a themed Podcast.
We uncovered a rich treasure trove of tales through detailed primary source research, including unsolved crimes and tales of the paranormal as well as stories that revealed aspects of the lives and culture of Aboriginal people, migrants, women and children. We also consulted with local stakeholders to identify how we could link the Goldfields stories to local businesses and attractions in order to create further economic benefits for the region.
In Stage 2 of the project, we wrote and designed 15 booklets featuring 95 tales from 14 Goldfields Villages and one region-wide set of stories. Featuring the stories of people who mined, worked and experienced the triumphs and hardships of daily life on the Victorian, along with a series of vivid illustrations, our booklets connect closely to the not-so-distant past and to the people, landscape and natural and cultural heritage of the Victorian goldfields region.