Dr Ian Willis is an an historian and honorary fellow at the University of Wollongong. I completed my PhD in 2004 at UOW in local studies. My current research projects involve an examination of the New South Wales Red Cross 1914-1945, investigating the challenges confronting communities on Sydney rural-urban fringe 1973 to present, and the Cowpastures from 1795-1840. My area of interest are varied and include: Local studies; community history; place and sense of identity; local government; the country press; the Australian homefront; philanthropy and volunteering ; Red Cross; small museums I write a local history blog Camden History Notes which tells the stories of place. I am a member of the Professional Historians Association (NSW & ACT), the Independent Scholars Association of Australia, History Council of NSW and the current president of the Camden Historical Society.