The concept of the Oral History Project was indirectly influenced by the amalgamation of local Councils. During a meeting of the ‘Geelong West Community Resource and Acton Centre”, it was suggested that there should be a weekly program on 3YYR - (Geelong Community Radio), to assist in the preservation of the history of Geelong West. Gwlad McLachlan took up the suggestion and the inaugural program ‘went to air’ on the 8th July, 1993 with former Mayors Kevin Kirby and Virginia Todd.

Weekly programs about Geelong West continued during 1993 and 1994. Following the success of the ‘Geelong West Series’, programs of historical interest continued to be broadcast each week, but instead involved all areas of Geelong. People spoke about a wide variety of topics, especially in relation to the arts, education, medical and social issues.

After leaving Geelong Community Radio, Gwlad discussed the possible preservation of the interviews with a number of people from organisations such as the Historical Records Centre, The State Library, The Geelong Family History Group and The City of Greater Geelong. Eventually the ‘Geelong Voices Oral History Project’ was initiated in 2001, with strong support from the staff and volunteers at the Geelong Heritage Centre, the Geelong Family History Group and a small number of dedicated committee members.

A successful application to the City of Greater Geelong for a Community Arts Grant was made and this was crucial in enabling the Project to begin. The archiving is now complete thanks to funding that has been provided at various times over the past seven years by: The Friends of the Geelong Heritage Centre, The Geelong Family History Group, The Local History Grants Program - Vic. Govt., The Department of Veteran Affairs, Geelong Hospital Nurses League, Deakin University, Bethany Family Services and The City of Greater Geelong.

The Geelong Voices Oral History Collection of over 200 audio tapes is now accessible to the public at the Geelong Heritage Centre and the State Library of Victoria.

The Geelong Voices Oral History Project gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Public Record Office Victoria for making this project possible.