The Lake Illawarra Authority is seeking community involvement in developing the Lake Illawarra Memory and Place (MAP) project.

The project aims to develop a series of short films (digital storytelling) made from photographs and film and/or video, created by local people who live around the lake. Each film (2-4 minutes) would contain a strong sense or ‘memory’ of the lake; its environment, cultural or historical significance to individuals and the community. It is envisaged that people of varying ages, backgrounds, interests, association with the lake etc who have a recollection about the lake would contribute toward the project.

The project will be co-ordinated by Mr Phillip Crawford an Australian Film Institute award winning film maker. Mr Crawford has extensive experience in short films and community projects.

Initially up to 50 films for the MAP will be produced. A number of workshops are planned to be run involving artists / writers to help people with their stories. These films will start a collection that will be able to be accessed through an interactive screen map of Lake Illawarra. A website for the project has been established http://www.lakeillawarramap.info.

The project is expected to commence in August 2008 and should be completed by the end of the year.

If you would like to be involved in the MAP project and have an interesting story to tell about the lake you can register your interest by contacting Mr Garry Clarke of the Lake Illawarra Authority on (p) 4224 9613.

Brian Dooley

Executive Officer