Collecting your stories: Indian Diaspora in Australia | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Collecting your stories: Indian Diaspora in Australia

Published on 05 Mar 2025

We have been working to grow our collection so that it better and more fully reflects stories by and about Australians with Indian heritage. The experiences, traditions, work, and other endeavours within this community are rich and diverse, and we want our collection to reflect this. 

Our current Indian Diaspora in Australia collecting project will help us to build a collection that ensures future generations of Australians see themselves and their history represented in our national collection. 

Now, to ensure we are documenting the community events, activities and interests that are important to Indian-Australian society today, we’re inviting you to send us your ephemera. 

Brochures from various years of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on a black surface

Ephemera from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, collected in 2024

Ephemera from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, collected in 2024

What is ephemera?

Ephemera includes materials such as posters, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, invitations, programs, badges, stickers, and so much more. This material might relate to sports groups, language schools, community associations, dance or music groups, or events that you have attended in the past or are currently organising. 

Three brochures relating to Indian-Australian history and community groups

Ephemera collected as part of the Indian diaspora collecting project

Ephemera collected as part of the Indian diaspora collecting project

How can material be sent?

Smaller items (A4 size or smaller) can be sent for free using our reply-paid address. Think about the condition of your donated material and please don’t donate damaged material.

Indian Diaspora ephemera

Curatorial & Collection Research

National Library of Australia

Reply Paid 83399

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Thank you for your support for the national collection. 

What else is being collected?

As part of this project, we have already collected oral histories, books, newsletters, photographs and websites. These items provide unique insights into language, art and culture, community values and events. 

Learn more about the Indian Diaspora in Australia collecting project

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