A new exhibition at Sherwin Rise Retirement Village in Wollert is utilizing artificial intelligence to engage residents with the region’s history. Titled A Journey Through Time – The History of Wollert, the exhibition features a collection of AI-generated photographs that recreate historical maps and images sourced from the Victorian State Library and the Whittlesea Historical Society (WHS). The exhibition opened on February 18, 2024, with a talk by WHS president Barbara Miller, who emphasized the importance of connecting the community with its past.
“This exhibition is more than just a display,” Miller stated during her speech. “It’s a celebration of the people and places that shaped our community.” She highlighted how modern technology can play a vital role in preserving local stories and historical information. The exhibition showcases recoloured and detailed photographs that reflect Wollert’s heritage as a dairy and farming community dating back to the mid-1800s.
As Wollert has expanded, the landscape has transformed significantly. Miller noted that the area now has more homes than ever, as development on the volcanic terrain became easier while profitability from farming has diminished. “Now there is only an occasional little farm left standing surrounded by homes,” she remarked.
The desire for new residents to learn about the area’s history remains strong. “People still want to know where they are living and the history of the area,” Miller explained, adding that while many local farms exist only in history books, their family names endure. “Those early names still live on in the district,” she said, encouraging individuals to share their personal stories with WHS.
The WHS headquarters, located at the Pioneer Pavilion within the Whittlesea Agricultural Society Showgrounds, is open every Monday morning for community members to share their narratives. Miller expressed her enthusiasm for collecting these stories, emphasizing their value in understanding the region’s past.
The History of Wollert exhibition at Sherwin Rise Retirement Village is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 15:00 until March 6, 2024. Visitors can access the venue through the gates at 40 Chetwynd Grove and park at the retirement village clubhouse. Through this innovative use of technology, the exhibition not only preserves history but also fosters a sense of community connection and pride among residents.
