Records with Heart: A Personal Story Shared

Hope you don't mind but I just wanted to share some information with you.

I sometimes get asked why I work in Records and Information Management – I certainly don't 'skip into work' wanting to file all day…………!

• On a personal note, I wanted to share one realistic reason why 'records / information assets' are important to me, as we head towards Anzac Day this Friday.
• Attached are some copies of my dad's WW2 Australian War Service Records. I came along late in life as a 'surprise' for mum and dad hence the large age difference.

Dad and his ANZAC mates helped protect this beautiful country of ours from invading forces and saw active conflict in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Borneo as a machine gunner. 

He did also mention once that he was on the ship next to the one where the Japanese armed forces officially surrendered in The Pacific in 1945.

He never spoke much about the war as there was no PTSD or depression from World War 1 to about the 1980's - this also meant he protected us kids from the horrors of war. Mum told us of Dad's nightmares and a recuring dream he had of heavy conflicts in PNG.

It was only after his death in 2003 and years later that us kids (I've got 3 older sisters) were able to view his war records – when he enlisted, where he went and when he finished his active duty.

The Australian War Memorial and Nation Archives Australia have done a brilliant job in scanning / managing and making available these and many other historical records……….along with plans for current and future records.

Interesting fact – I've heard that the whole concept of defined Records Management might have actually started by Australian medical staff of the Australian Imperial Forces during WW2 – cannot confirm.

• So, with reference to most organisations - we should be looking at scanning the valuable and vital records from the past and making sure they along with current and future records are managed electronically and available to the people that need them the most.

So, if someone ever tells me that managing records / information isn't important……………….I've got my own personal reasons and beliefs for respectfully disagreeing with them.

Kind regards 

Paul Fechner Life MRIM

The story above has been shared on the RIMPA Community, where others have also contributed their own personal reflections. If you’d like to read more or join the conversation, head over to the RIMPA Community.