FAQs

Any questions relating to Darebin Libraries can be found here.

Frequently asked questions relating to the Darebin Heritage website or Darebin’s local history are below. If you have any other enquiries, please click here.

I have an item I would like to donate to a local history collection. How do I do this?

We will accept donations deemed relevant to Darebin’s history. If you have old photographs you do not wish to part with but would like us to have copies of on the website we can scan relevant images and give originals back to you. We will aslo be able to give you the file of the scan.

Does Preston/Northcote/Darebin have a local history society? Can I join? How do I contact them?

At this time there are no active local history societies operating within Darebin. Any local history enquiries can be dealt with by Darebin Libraries through the link above.

What family history resources are provided by the library? Is there a charge for any of them?

Darebin Libraries provides a wide range of family history resources accessible at our Preston branch, and some resources (such as ancestry and findmypast) available at all four branches. For full details please click here.  There is never any charge for use, however any printing will cost 20 cents a page, or $2.00 a page for colour.

I want to start researching my family history but don’t know where to start. Can someone help me?

Darebin Libraries offer a free one-to-one session to introduce you to our resources and get you started on your research. Please contact one of the Reference/Information and Community Learning Team on 1300 655 355. It is advisable that you have as many names, dates and places as possible before you begin your research.

How do I find old planning permits for my home located within Darebin?

Old Preston Council and Northcote Council planning permit files are held in private offsite storage. Requests for access to particular permit files should be referred to the Council's Statutory Planning Department:

Statutory Planning
Ph: (03) 8470 8850
Fax: (03) 9261 4830
Mail: PO Box 91, Preston VIC 3072
Email: townplanning@darebin.vic.gov.au

Planning Services Counter:
Monday to Friday - 8.45am - 4.45pm
1st Floor, 274 Gower Street
Preston, 3072

What about old Council meeting minutes? Where can I find them?

Old City of Preston and City of Northcote council minutes are held by the Public Records Office of Victoria.