Hazel de Berg was a trailblazer and prolific oral historian who recorded voices in every Australian state and territory, as well as in London and New York where she interviewed expatriate Australians. The collection documents trends and practice in the field of oral history; including recording technologies, tape formats and the development of different interview forms and structures. Hazel de Berg’s influence on oral history in Australia was profound. Oral History Australia’s most prestigious award is named in memory of Hazel de Berg. The collection is mostly digitised and continues to be widely used for research and personal interest.

The Hazel de Berg oral history collection at the National Library of Australia has immense historical, social and research significance. The recordings provide primary source material documenting the growth of a distinct national culture and changing gender roles in Australia in the mid-twentieth century. The range of interviewees is extensive, and includes recordings of Indigenous people, artists, writers, poets, composers, actors, anthropologists, historians, art and book collectors, scientists and ‘ordinary’ Australians from rural towns in New South Wales.

The voices recorded include distinguished individuals such as Howard Florey, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in developing penicillin; renowned children’s author May Gibbs; celebrated portrait and landscape artist Sir William Dobell; New South Wales leader of the Australian Labor Party and New South Wales premier Jack Lang; prominent Australian historian Manning Clark; and playwright David Williamson. The collection includes a recording of William Liu, a business leader, and the earliest known recording of a Chinese-Australian migrant. The scope of subject matter is broad and progressive. It includes celebrated Australians talking about Indigenous issues, feminism, migrant experiences and documents changes in Australian culture and way of life.