Since 2020, Mount Gambier Library’s Immersive Storytelling project has connected the community to local history and places of interest through VR (virtual reality) technology. Originally conceived as a series of short films pairing 360 degree footage of Mount Gambier with oral histories and historical photographs, the Immersive Storytelling project has been successful as an outreach program and an armchair travel activity within the Library.

In this new phase of the project, the Mount Gambier Library is launching Immersive Storytelling: Home Discovery, a borrowable collection of dementia-friendly kits to bring VR and other technology into people’s homes, expanding the reach of the original materials.

Library Programs Officer Ricky Koopman, who has led Immersive Storytelling since its inception, said “This project strengthens community connection by giving senior members of the community immersive VR experiences that spark memories, encourage conversation, and support meaningful social interaction. It also provides a positive opportunity for older adults to confidently engage with new technologies in an accessible and enriching way.”

The centrepiece of the collection is the VR at Home kit, featuring a VR headset loaded with the Immersive Storytelling short films to experience them from the comfort of home. As VR therapies become more widely available in aged care and dementia care facilities, the kit can be an introduction to the technology before entering a care setting.

These kits are complemented by Nostalgia Caddies, packed with local history materials such as photographs and newspaper articles, jigsaw puzzles, and a dementia-friendly Koto music player to listen to the Immersive Storytelling oral histories.

Finally, the Oral History at Home kits provide a voice recorder and easy conversation cards to encourage remembrance, empowering families to work together on preserving their oral histories.

“We are proud to contribute to ageing well within our community, providing opportunities for people living with dementia to relive memories and share their stories,” said Sally Mann, Team Leader of Library Operations.

The kits were designed with the help of local dementia carers, advocates, and aged care providers to ensure they are locally relevant and engaging for people with different support needs.

The Immersive Storytelling: Home Discovery collection is now available to borrow through the Mount Gambier Library, with support available for both individuals and care providers who wish to use the kits

For more information, please contact the Mount Gambier Library on 08 8721 2540 or email publiclibrary@mountgambier.sa.gov.au.

The Immersive Storytelling: Home Discovery collection is supported by an Office for Ageing Well Age Friendly SA grant.