The National Library is recording interviews with a diverse range of Australians to ensure that stories of the COVID-19 pandemic are captured for present and future generations.

The first Australian case of the COVID-19 virus was recorded on 20 January 2020, about one month after the virus was first identified. By the end of October 2024, Australia had officially recorded over 25,000 deaths and 12,000,000 cases of the virus, with unreported figures thought to be higher still.  

There’s no doubt that the impact of the pandemic continues today. Lockdown restrictions, social constraints, financial disruptions and resource shortages have changed the way Australians engage with one another and their environments.

The oral history project

To ensure that stories of the COVID-19 pandemic are preserved, the Library is recording interviews to be added to our ever-growing oral history collection.

To capture the diversity of Australian experiences, we’ve been speaking with people of diverse cultural backgrounds, ages, genders, geographic locations and abilities. And we’re including a range of perspectives on public health issues and policies.  

More than 150 interviews have already taken place, with many available to be heard in our catalogue.

Interested in participating?

Get in touch if you're interested in participating in this project and adding your story to our oral history collection.

All interviews are conducted by trained and experienced oral historians who are commissioned by the National Library of Australia and must be completed by 31 May 2025.

Learn more about the project and explore some of our completed interviews.