Saving history
Writer and philanthropist Vera Deacon grew up on Moscheto Island (now part of Kooragang Island) with her parents and six siblings in the early 1930s.
Despite suffering many of the era's hardships, Vera's happy upbringing in an enquiring, knowledge-driven family created a lifelong thirst for history that led in 2008 to the formal establishment of the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund, under the umbrella of the University of Newcastle.
"While my mother was very ill she had planted the seed about researching the history of the islands and that is how I came into contact with the University of Newcastle, especially the staff in the library," Vera said.
The purpose of the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund is to support and encourage regional history through the acquisition, preservation and study of valuable regional historical resources.
Library archivist Gionni Di Gravio said Mrs Deacon's generosity threw the community a lifeline to its past: "Thanks to Vera's generous financial support, we can uncover, preserve and safeguard important Hunter region archives."
Vera's contributions to the University's Cultural Collections began in 1995 while she was researching the history of the islands on which she grew up.
Humble about her contribution, Vera simply hoped for valuable links to the region's past to be strengthened for the benefit of all.
A historic visualisation of the convict lumber yard in Newcastle in 1825. This 3D artwork was created by Charles Martin in 2017, thanks to support from the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund. The 3D rendering is available online and has been used by researchers and community members who can explore an immersive view of the area during the early European colonial settlement.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.