The Way We Were - The EMU Tree - Oral Histories

Colin Wagener SX28635 Full Interview

DOB 

2/12/1917

As of late 2025/early 2026, Colin Wagener is recognized as one of Australia’s oldest living World War II veterans, celebrating his 108th birthday on December 2, 2025. A former Sergeant and signaller who served in Borneo, a fascinating insight into his life. 

Colin Wagener SX28635

A short story of coming home from war. December 1945.

Alison Smith. The RSL A Time To Celebrate

Alison Smith DOB 2/9/1931 talks about life growing up in the Waikerie district. A fascinating insight into life in the region and her younger years. 

Barton Williams - The RSL A Time To Celebrate - Operation Babylift 1975

On April 4th 1975 Barton was airlifted out of Vietnam as part of Operation Baby lift and sent to Adelaide. A fascinating account of how this impacted on his life and his journey to seek others who have also travelled a similar path.

Paul Fernandez A46229 - The RSL A Time To Celebrate

A great story teller, Paul shares his life in the RAF. 

Gary Stewart 4721736 - The RSL A Time To Celebrate

DOB 11/2/1951

4721736

Gary shares his experiences of his time at Nui Dat in 1971. A very interesting interview.

Don Ross - All things Tanunda.

The Way We Were - Celebrating Our Community documenting the history and heritage of the Barossa Valley. 2018.

A partnership program between The EMU Tree, Education and Music in Unison and The Barossa Council. 

This is an opportunity for residents of the Barossa to share their stories and stories passed down by their parents and grand parents, all themes were encouraged whether serious events ie WW1 or WW2, old traditions, traditional foods, life in the wine industry, town show days, vintage festivals, life on the farm, early school experiences or humorous escapades in youth.

This was a multi phased program which included local primary school students interviewing aged care residents to share insights and experiences of their childhood years in the region. Participants included, Angaston Primary School, St Jakobi Lutheran School, Tanunda Primary School, Williamstown Primary School, Barossa Village and The Abbeyfield Society District of Barossa Inc. 

The programs facilitator is Christian Teusner, formerly from Tanunda. Christian has worked extensively with youth development in the region and is following his parents contributions to local heritage. Christians parents Roger and Myrene Teusner were passionate and committed to local history and the libraries. Both authors of numerous publications reflecting life in the Valley for earlier generations. 

The aim and objective of this program is to capture and preserve an insight into the history of the region which can be shared as an online resource to globally promote the region and it’s heritage.

James Maitland - The Barossa Village Oral History Project , 2024

James Maitland DOB 14/1/1948 James and Prue talk about life as a young jackaroo, life on the land, local council and community roles which result in a very deserved AOM.

James Maitland AOM,

"We had chooks for egg production, we sent away up to 20 dozen eggs a week, we had 250 chooks".

Gordon Weibricht -The Barossa Village Oral History Project, 2024

Gordon Weibricht DOB 3/12/1944 A fascinating chat with Gordon and Cheryl about early Barossa memories, life and families in Moculta, Holden cars and building a 132' water bore.

“I got a Morris 14 which had the same basic motor as what the MG had at the time, used to go alright too!” 

Elaine Scott - The Barossa Village Oral History Project, 2024

Elaine Scott DOB 26/3/1938 Elaine discusses life growing up in regional districts including Peterborough, Naracoorte and Kapunda.  "I just loved swimming, my dad he taught me to swim, we would go to the beach every summer, they didn't seem to have pools at that time!"