One of a collection of over 400 sketches & photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandSketch of the leaves and buds of the Swamp Gum - a favourite food of the Koala - drawn by Dr R T Patton, University of Melbourne.Swamp Gumlocal history, illustrations, pen & ink, leaves & buds of swamp gum, black & white sketch, phillip island flora, koalas, dr r t patton, john jenner, bryant west

Study of Winter's Swamp commissioned by BEN and completed by BHS. The swamp was named after one of the first European settlers in the district. Winter Swamp LAT -37 32 LONG 143 47, Parish of Dowling Forest, County of Grenville Winter Swamp, on the southwest corner of Ballarat West Town Common, was not included in the original proclamation of the Common in 1861. However, being marshland, it was not considered suitable for grazing, so was added to the Common soon after 1861. Winter Swamp is a large wetland with native and exotic pasture significant for wildlife. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery.The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Digital images of Winter's Swampwinter's swamp, ballarat, john winter, ballarat environmental network, mullawullah

This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. Like many species of quail, the Brown Quail is often difficult to see, as it inhabits rank, overgrown grassy areas, often in damp, low-lying patches beside wetlands. They are difficult to flush from this cover, preferring to squat among the grass or run quickly off through the vegetation rather than fly off. As is the case with many species that inhabit dense habitats, the Brown Quail may be heard more often than it is seen, with its characteristically mournful two-note call whistle often heard at dawn and dusk. The Brown Quail is found across northern and eastern Australia, from the Kimberley region in Western Australia to Victoria and Tasmania, as well as in south-western Australia. It is also found in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, and has been introduced to New Zealand. The Brown Quail feeds in the early morning or evening, on the ground, mainly on seeds and green shoots, but also on insects. In some area, quails will readily cross roads and may be seen feeding along roadsides.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. The Brown Quail is a small, plump ground-dwelling bird. It is variable in colour, ranging from red brown to grey brown with fine white streaks and black barring above, and chestnut brown below. The eye is red to yellow, the bill black and the legs and feet orange-yellow. In Tasmania, this species is called the Swamp Quail and tends to be larger and darker than mainland birds, with a pale yellow eye. Female Brown Quails are larger and may be more heavily marked with black and paler below than males. Young birds are like adult females, with less distinct markings and a dark brown eye.Label: 33. / Swamp Quail / See Catalogue, page 30 / Mount: 09/taxidermy, quail, brown quail, taxidermy bird, burke museum taxidermy

The swamp was named after John (Jock) Winter. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery. BHS were commissioned by Ballarat Environment Network for a project on Winter's Swamp and Skipton Common. Winter's Swamp was part of Ballarat West Common. The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Mary can’t remember any photos in the Skipton Historical Society that pertain to the Common. Digital photos of Winter's swamp surrounds, later known as Mullawullah.winter, winter's swamp surrounds, winter's swap, john winter, ballarat environmental network, ballarat, mullawullah

Black and White photo of trees beside the swamp at Boort Lake. Inscription on the back of photo 2400 412a. Trees beside the swamp - Lake Boort.place, landscape view, boort lake, boort lake

1910 photograph of Nobles Swamp Aireys Inletnobles swamp, aireys inlet

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Royal Spoonbill. Rhyll Swamplocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, royal spoonbills, rhyll swamp, phillip island

Colour photograph of Winter's Swamp on the outskirts of Ballarat.winter's swamp, ohn winter, ballarat environmental network, ballarat, environment

B&W photographAnnotated on back [Showing swamp ... with Ellis Stones]

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of Black Swan's nest and eggs in Rhyll Swamp.local history, photography, photographs, natural history - birds, coloured photograph, birds, black swan, nests, john jenner, bryant west

Notes on plants in the area, including swamp/water plants.Maps, b&w illustrations, b&w photographs, colour photographsdandenong ranges national park, indigenous vascular plants, weed management

Colour photograph of a sign at Winter Swamp on the outskirts of Ballarat.winter's swamp, john winter, ballarat environmental network, ballarat, environment

South Beach Development Coloured photograph of Earthworks in foreground with white dog swamp in background407/30 (since removed 2021)south beach, development, earth works, dog

Digital images of the former opening of the Merri River - now Kelly's Swamp.victoria, moyne, kelly's, swamp, former merri river, kelly's swamp, river, mouth, coast, ocean, illowa

Collection of newspaper clippings from Scrap Book 1960 - 1973Article about the bird nesting sites being made in the Rhyll Swamp area.rhyll swamp phillip island, bird nesting sites, phillip island, newspaper clipping, jean jamieson

The lady's clothes help us to date these images, circa early 1890s. She is standing at the steamer landing place; the first steam boat on the Lake was built in 1865 - from 1880 to 1910 the Lake was the social centre of the district, particularly on Sundays, when many people would arrive by steamer from the eastern shore. Previously unknown image of Ballarat. The set and its subjects indicate these images were produced to promote Ballarat and were perhaps aimed at tourists.Lake Wendouree, originally Yuille's Swamp, pictured from the western, or Gardens side.

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Black Swan's nest and eggs. Rhyll Swamp. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, black swan's nest, birds eggs, rhyll swamp, phillip island

Boodcarra - I Ritchie EsqBlack and white photograph of side wall of Boodcarra homestead and view to the Goose Lagoon Swampboodcarra, i ritchie esq

"Maud Glover-Fleay b. 1869 A painter who studied under Frederick McCubbin, Glover was regarded for her natural history subject matter. She was also a writer and music teacher, and in the 1930s she established a reputation for painting Australian marsupials. Work is included in the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Ballarat, Victoria painting Signed: Glover-Fleay 35 (lower right) Verso: DRY SWAMP

One of a collection of photos donated by Daryl JohnsBlack & White photograph of Woolamai Bight - swamp water breaking through the channel onto the beach.woolamai bight, phillip island, daryl johns

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph -two young and eggs of Eastern Swamp Hen in nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, eastern swamp hen, eastern swamp hen young, birds eggs

Charcoal on paperTitled, signed and dated 'THE SWAMP Bellany '83' in lower right corner of drawing.

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian Birdscolour Photograph - two young Royal Spoon Bills in nest - Rhyll Swamp. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, royal spoonbills, rhyll swamp, phillip island

Subdivided to preserve the wetland, locals estimate it occurred between 1976 and 1983A3 plan of subdivision showing the outline of the swamp bounded by Hamilton St, Charles St and Cumming St. peterborough, survey map, golden pond

One of a collection of photos donated by Daryl JohnsBlack & White Photograph of Woolamai Bight. Water and land masses. Swamp water broke through the channel to the beach.phillip island, woolamai bight, daryl johns

Digitised directly from 'Blackfellows of Australia' by Charles Barrett and A.S. Kenyon (Sun Books)Aboriginal woman known as "Queen" Aggie of the Moolta Tribe is dressed in European costume stands in a bark canoe. Four children sit in the canoe. Title - Bark Canoe on a Murray Swamp. "Queen" Aggie (standing) was the last of the Moolta Tribeaborigine, aboriginal, j.t. millen, bark canoe, murray swamp, queen aggie, moolta tribe

One of a collection of photos donated by Daryl JohnsBlack & White photograph of Woolamai Bight - swamp water broken through channel onto the beach. Channel scooped out.woolamai bight, phillip island, daryl johns