Everyone has a story, but often its memories and moments are lost to time. This is where The Life Story Project steps in.
Through the loss of a family member, professional photographer Yve Lavine learned that she was only the keeper of a small part of her father's life and that there was much more to the story.
"Last year my father died," she told the Newcastle Herald.
"I was working on his funeral, a eulogy, and talking to my uncles and aunties and getting stories, I realised how much I didn't know about my own dad.
"Recognising people beyond our own personal relationship to them, we often don't think of that. It was a catalyst."
While Ms Lavine went for a visit to see family in the UK, she decided to do a bit of a project with her mother and an uncle. She found out a bit more about them and put the stories together as a keepsake.
"It was like the stars aligned," she said of the idea.
In March this year she decided to launch The Life Story Project, which offers the same service to other families.
"We start by discussing the intentions of the project; what you want to achieve out of it and who's it for, and the areas that you want to explore," she said.
"It might a particular chapter of your life or interest. We would create a plan, mapping it out, and then we would set the interview dates. I set a recorder up and sit and chat, and I would ask questions. It's recorded, transcribed and fashioned into a book in the voice of the individual."
The cost of the service depends on the number of interviews required and the size of the book.
Already clients have ranged from older people reflecting back on their favourite times in their lives and people who have had a health diagnosis, who want to ensure they have memories locked away just in case.
"Memory has a way of revealing what matters to us. We live through lots and lots of different moments, and revisiting these moments, we discover that the smallest things that have happened in our lives are the details that give it the most deepest meanings."
More details about the project can be found at lifestoryproject.com.au
It is an open house, but not as you know it. Metricon is holding a free event in Hamilton at the Studio M selection centre. This is where Metricon customers personalise their homes selecting colours, fittings, fixtures and finishes.
The event on Saturday August 15 is the second time the brand has opened the centre to the public.
Guests will have the chance to tour Studio M, hear from Metricon design consultants, get styling tips and meet some of Metricon's supplier partners, including Carpet Call, National Tiles, Reece Bathrooms and Dulux.
Registration is required via Eventbrite, for more information call 1300 638 742.
Domestic violence charity Got Your Back Sista believes creating safer communities starts in the workplace.
The organisation has launched a corporate education program, equipping workplaces with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, respond and refer when someone may be experiencing domestic and family violence.
The interactive sessions provide practical tools, real-world strategies and increased awareness.
Interested in bringing this program to your workplace? Contact 02 4989 2777 or email info@gybs.com.au
