An immersive story-telling project combining the past and the future is about to be launched in Mount Gambier. The Mount Gambier Library Immersive Storytelling project combines 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 has also been created to promote mental, social and emotional well-being for those in aged care. It was supported by the Office for Ageing Well with 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 roll-out was postponed due to COVID-19.

The library’s Programming Officer Ricky Koopman said with VR becoming more accessible to the general public, the creation of local content and the overlay of oral stories from residents within the community would 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,” he said. “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. “Not only are we ensuring history is collected now, but this initiative also gives people a chance to revisit these areas.”

The project will be launched at City Hall on February 15 at 10:30am and the launch is open to the public and bookings are essential as seats are limited. Contact the library on 8721 2540 to book.