The Australian Book of Memories aims to preserve the memories of people who have died who have been part of Australia. Entries in the Australian Book of Memories are written by the family and friends who want to ensure that there is an enduring record of that person. The entries include so-called ordinary people as well as well-known individuals. The entries can include personal histories or biographies but they can also capture the spirit of what those people meant to the people left behind.
The entries encompass different aspects of the lives of the people being remembered in the Australian Book of Memories. The material included is diverse and includes photographs, documents, paintings and medals. There is no limit to the number of pages permitted for each person, but each page requires a financial contribution to the National Trust.
The goal is to produce an expanding set of volumes that will provide a progressive and personal record of the lives of people connected to Australia over the decades and centuries.
The entries are printed onto archival paper with a minimum storage life of 500 years and are being bound into volumes. Copies of the volumes are to be placed in each State, Territory and National Library. Copies of the entries are also available on the Australian Book of Memories website.
The National Trust of Queensland initiated the Australian Book of Memories in liaison with National Trusts across Australia. The Hon Neil Roberts MLA has spoken on the Australian Book of Memories in the Queensland Parliament, recorded in Hansard as a Matter of Public Interest.