Jason Henderson on Lost Melbourne

Under the chairmanship of Chris Hanson,  Jason Henderson an ex Queenslander who moved to Melbourne in 2006 shamed us all with his passion and enthusiasm for uncovering old images and facts about Melbourne.  As one who gains great enjoyment in researching local history, Jason explained that Lost Brisbane a reasonably established Facebook site which invites contributors to forward old photos and stories about Brisbane was the prompt in him setting up the Lost Melbourne Facebook site. 

Jason,a BMW motorcycle parts coordinators forgotten past. It started as a hobby, but Jason has been overwhelmed with the interest shown (over 34,000 people visiting his site).

Set up in late 2012 this new site coordinates the efforts of Jason and range of like minded colleagues each with relevant special skills but varied backgrounds (for example a retail store manager, historian/meteorologist, a photo researcher, social media player, librarian, emigrant focused contributor).  Already the site www.facebook.com/lostmelbourne has a fascinating collection of old photos and inputs from the public about these photos.

In the course of his address Jason showed a sample of material. It was more than shots of old buildings but images which provided a jog to memories of past citizens, events, and life style.

Alas a lot of the audience was able to relate to buildings long since demolished, dated practices,and old promotions (the Little Bourke-William streets corner,the corner grocer, biscuit labels).  Jason’s snapshot into the Lost Melbourne site was fascinating and we can understand the galloping interest and increasing contributions to it.