As the year draws to a close, the Dictionary of Sydney Trust has had the sad task of farewelling two of our staff, Victoria Keighery and Emma Grahame. The Dictionary’s Executive Officer, Victoria Keighery, was crucial in overseeing the project’s shift from research project to operational organisation. The Dictionary of Sydney is one of the few ARC funded research projects that has managed to continue beyond its research phase; we have just reached the milestone of three years live. Vic set up systems, managed the board, and drew around her a happy team of staff, both paid and volunteer, who have tirelessly worked together to deliver the Dictionary’s content.

Emma Grahame joined the research project in its infancy back in May 2007. She has been the Dictionary’s editorial coordinator for over 5 years and has cast her discerning eye over all of the content you see in the Dictionary. Emma has been a powerhouse of activity. She has been the touchstone for our authors, guiding and editing their contributions. Not only has she ensured the Dictionary hit our one-millionth-word published, Emma also established our blog, which regularly highlights new content, recent discoveries, relevant events and provides a guided short-cut to accessing the Dictionary’s ever-growing content.

On behalf of the Trust, and all our stakeholders, we wish both Vic and Emma well in their new endeavours and thank them for their enthusiasm and commitment to the Dictionary over so many years. They have helped make the Dictionary what it is.