Sad that Oliver (letters, October 16 ) can attend a talk at the local library and not ask the questions of the staff there, that he poses in a letter to the editor.
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There are wonderful sources of local history in Ballarat.
The nearest and most highly recommended are the research library staff at the library.
Edith Fry and Simon Jacks make all inquirers most welcome and are great ambassadors for Ballarat and its history.
In fact, I would recommend all library staff that I have ever approached.
While Deakin Place is not the most visible square in the city, it does tempt discovery if the tourist visits the art gallery.
Apart from the major visual centres such as the library, Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, M.A.D.E, the visitor information centre and the Town Hall/Phoenix building front desk for the Ballarat community directory of groups and services, there are wonderful historical groups such as the Ballarat Historical Society, Genealogical Society, National Trust and the overarching Central Highlands Historical Association, which represents the interests of more than 60 history bodies across the region.
The people that constitute membership of these bodies are all interested in our history and are ever-ready to share and to help.
If the large civic buildings mentioned don't attract the interested inquirer and one is not into print media and cannot pick up a services directory from an information outlet, there is always Google or Facebook.
Also I would refer Oliver to the weekly guide 'Community News' in The Courier every Thursday.
I would invite the writer to contact one of the above-mentioned bodies and he will be greeted with open arms, made most welcome and members would be only too happy to make him welcome to the town and to the historically interested people best able to answer his needs.
