The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Historically significant commemorative plaqueMetal plaque relating to special Council meeting to mark centenary of Kew, 13th December 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.A Special Meeting Of The / Kew City Council Was Held In / This Hall On 13th December 1960 / To Commemorate / The Centenary of Kew / Cr. W.H.S. Dickinson, M.B.E., J.P., / Mayorkew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), cr. w.h.s. dickinson, local government -- kew (vic.)

Metal badgeRoyal Australian Engineeers

Brass memorial medallion on USA RAN with 36 names on reverse, There is an eagle in the centre of the medallion with the writing of USA RAN and EMU.Vietnam 1967 - 1972, Get the bloody job done.medallon, usa, vietnam, cerberus collection

Used by President of N.H.S. , Valda Arrowsmith, while serving of Committee of Management of Yarran Dheran ReserveGold coloured oblong badge with 'Valda Arrowsmith/Yarran Dheran' printed in black.numismatics, badges

Women’s Auxiliaries were formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the First World War. In May1918 a small band of women from the "Friendly Union" organised themselves,under the leadership of Mrs F C Purbrick, into a Women's Auxiliary of the Wangaratta Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). Their first task was to furnish club rooms for the RSA and this was achieved by seeking donations and raising money by selling jams, jellies and posies of violets by selected girls wearing special badges in the street. Over the years funds have been raised through raffles, competitions, street stalls and catering at numerous events to assist the aims of the Returned Services League. In 2018 the Wangaratta RSL Women's Auxiliary celebrated its centenary. Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community. Today, there are more than 1200 auxiliary members in Victoria.Red timber shield mounted on brown laminated base of particle board in a larger shield shape with metal emblem. Women's Auxillary RSL on metal logo with Crown and Australian Flag mounted on red shieldwomen's auxiliary, wangaratta rsl

Black cloth covered board with two badges, RAAC and RAR ; two medals ; Queens Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; two citation bars.badge, medal, vietnam, raac, rar

Found in garden shed of Mr Harry Barratt [WWI Gallipoli] and donated by his grandson. In 1877 Swan island was designed to defend shipping in Port Phillip and Hobson's Bays. The scheme, involving massive expenditure, comprised a forward defence system of forts at Port Phillip heads dominated by Fort Queenscliff and South Channel Fort (artificial island), and a network of coastal batteries. Some development of fortification had occurred in the 1850s, but it was the impetus of the Jervois-Scratchley reports which led to major work being undertaken in the 1880s. The overall defence plan involved a combination of guns, mines (known as electric torpedo) and ships to defend the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Swan Island Fort would be used to protect the minefields in the harbour, Naval observation countermine charge 500lbs wet G.C Standard mine from 1877 to 1905 when charge was removed and mines used as buoys. In 1914 mines were recharged and used for defensive mining until Armistice.Brass plaque inscribed with information on naval countermineNaval observation or countermine charge 500lbs wet G.C. Standard mine from 1877 to 1905 when charge was removed and mines used as buoys. In 1914 mines were recharged and used for defensive mining until the Armistice.sea mine, plaque, pre wwi, naval countermine, swan island

WW11 MedalsAustralian Service Medal 1939 - 1945, Defence Medal 1939 - 1945, War Medal 1939 - 1945.50054 R.S. Wright

Made by internee at Camp 3, TaturaHandmade wooden wall plaque. Two small pin holes at the top with length of cotton threaded through as hanging device. Adhered to plaque :handcarved white, yellow centred flower in middle and 'banner' at top with, in German script, two words, translating as "love me". Painted leaves on plaque in green.Wied, Nellyplaque, wood, bissinger g, wied k and n, camp 3, tatura, ww2, handcrafts, woodcarving

Donations for structural improvements were often acknowledged via plaques. These plaques were on the walls of Kelaston then later the Vision Australia office in Ballarat until it closed in 2021. Anna Jane Bolte was a resident of Kelaston whose son, Sir Henry Bolte became the longest serving Victorian Premier. William Buckland Trust supported safe housing for vulnerable Australians, such as the residents of Kelaston. Other generous local donors who were also acknowledged are Thomas & Cora Turnbull and the work of Mrs C.M. (Edith) Nunn, who joined the Ballarat Auxiliary in 1949 as they sought development of a home for the blind.Digital images of cast bronze plaquesThe Anna Jane Bolte Room Named in memory of the late Anna Jane Bolte, a resident of Kelaston, in recognition of the service given by her son, the Honourable Sir Henry Bolte, G.C.M.G., as Chairman of the Guiding Light Appeal 1974. 20 April, 1979 In recognition & appreciation of the financial assistance received from the William Buckland Estate, 1979. This plaque acknowledges outstanding service to the blind people of the Ballarat district from 1948 until her death in 1975 by the late Mrs C.M. (Edna) Nunn, 1979. This room commemorates the generous support to Kelaston by Thomas & Cora Turnbull.nameplates, kelaston

The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown. Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescottmayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan

See Cats 2481.2 and 5556.2.This is a single sheet of paper printed in black ink. At the top centre is the Australian Crest. Army form A.A.F. C23. Titled "Course of Instruction for Gun Fitter" for VX79511 Pte J.A. McDonald, AA OC TRG DEPOT VIC. The soldier's entries are typed with a pass mark of 93%. On the rear is typed Artillery types on the course:- 2 Par, 18 Par, 25 Par, 6"26 cwt Howat 2.There are 3 signatures at bottom of page. 1 rubber stamp "Major Commanding AAOC Trg Depot. At top LHS are the numbers 1/42.ww2, artillery, training

Ruben John TYRER No V150812. Refer 1813.5 for his service history.Illustrated certificate with coloured illustration of servicemen & women, black print, British & Australian flags. City crest.“The Citizens of Bendigo express deep thankfulness To R J TYRER” Right lower corner: Red seal of Bendigodocuments- certificates, civic mementoes - presentations, bendigo, tyrer

Badge made for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust for use by employees as a free pass to travel on their tram services. c1916. Made by Stokes & Sons Melbourne.Demonstrates a HTT employees pass.Badge - made from a pressed or cast metal, stamped '85' on rear with the manufacturers name at the base. Fitted with a steel ring through an eyelet at the top.passes, travel passes, htt, tramways, employees

A Melbourne Junior Legacy certificate that was awarded to Derithe Ames for highest marks in the Tuesday 6.30pm Senior Girls Class in December 1961. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. Their skills were showcased in the Annual Demonstration. The certificate shows there were prizes and recognition for achievements. The certificate was with a group of items donated by Legatee Derithe Harrison, including several certificates, a silver metal trophy, and a green Junior Legacy patch for a uniform.A record of the recognition Junior Legatees received for achieving excellence in their classes.Printed certificate on white card awarded to Derithe Ames for highest mark in Tuesday 6.30pm Senior Girls Class. Signed in black ink by the Class Leader (illegible), the instructor Miss Enez Domec-Carre, and the Chairman of Girls Group (illegible). junior legatee, derithe ames, girls classes

Sergeant John Arthur Ahern of the 70 Operational Training RAF died at the age of 20 in an non-operational cross-country exercise in Kenya.Stone plaque with blue, green, brown, black, yellow and gold mosaic design and text. The plaque has the RAAF insignia above the text and holes drilled in each corner.'IN MEMORY OF OUR LOVED SON AND BROTHER JOHN ARTHUR AHERN, R.A.A.F. KILLED BRITISH EAST AFRICA 23RD APRIL 1942 WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT"world war 1939-1945, sergeant john arthur ahern r.a.a.f.

Two member badges from the The Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The number 68 on the front could be 1968 as it is detachable and could be updated each year. The badge with 1921 could be the year of membership. The member number is engraved on the rear. The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. The RSSILA was the precursor to the Returned Services League (RSL) and provided support for returned servicemen after World War One. Worn by members of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, those eligible being members of all services, both wars, including nurses, who have returned from active service outside Australia. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).The RSSILA was an important organisation for ex-servicemen and many Legatees would have been members.Enamel badges from the R.S.S.I.L.A. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. 01124.1 Front has '68' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'V92210 Badge remains the property of League'. 01124.2 Front has '1921' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'R 3871' and 'C.C Roeszler and Son Pty Ltd Melb.'world war one, rssila

A black board with withe text about Distingushed Conduct Medal (DCM) award to 5 RAR recipients. The medal includes a round silver metal with text "Elizabeth II Dei Gratia F.D." and a ribbon with two big separated red stripes on a black background. the Distinguished Conduct medal (DCM) was (until 1993) the 2nd level military medal awarded to other ranks. The Victoria Cross (VC) was the highest. It is the "other ranks" equivelent to the Distinguised Service Order (DSO) 5RAR Recipients were Sgt B K London, Sgt A B McNultyDistinguished Conduct Medal (DCM);'s details and names of recipients.medal, 5 rar, distinguished conduct medal, sgt b.k. london, sgt a.b. mcnulty, replica medals

Certificates of Discharge for Geo (George) Hossack from "HMS Nairana". Two periods of service as seaman boathand. .01 - 30/7/35 to 26/8/35 .02 - 23/9/35 to 15/12/35maritime, transport - shipping, don hossack, george hossack

Unused certificate for Second Prize for an Exhibitcertificates, second prize

GOLD CIRCULAR MEDAL WITH NAME PLATE ON CHAIN ABOVE SMALL SHAMROCK ATTACHED. NAME PLATE - LT M A WILLIAMSON 23RD BN AIF GOLD MEDAL : IN THE SHAPE OF A WREATH "GREAT WAR" 1914TO LIEUT M WILLIAMSON FROM THE CITIZENS OF CLUNES AS A MEMBER OF AIFlocal history, numismatic, medals, military, military medals

Item belonged to Victor Henry Evans No 418655 RAAF. Refer Cat no 1760.4.Summer uniform cloth badge for WWII RAAF Wireless Operator. Khaki coloured, oval shaped, depicts a hand holding lightning bolts.uniforms-insignia, military history-raaf, wireless

A green, grey and white Ballarat Like Minds Certificate made out to University of Ballarat. Noel Coxall Chair of the Boarduniversity of ballarat, ballarat likeminds, noel coxall

Catherine Ritchie House was opened on 19th December 1991 at 10 Glamis street, Mount Martha for the use of Presbyterian Deaconesses. Catherine Ritchie was the Principal of Rolland House, the Presbyterian Deaconess and Missionary Training Institute at 97 Rathdown street, South Melbourne. Catherine Ritchie was Principal at Rolland House from 1945 - 1968. Deaconess Blanche Boyd was the Principal of the Presbyterian Deaconess and Missionary Training College from 1914 to 1923, she died in 1944. Deaconess Greve was known as both Winnie and Minnie. She died in Adelaide in 1944.Cream coloured ceramic tile memorial plaque in a stained wood frame. The plaque has brown text."TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEACONESS BLANCHE BOYD FORMER PRINCIPAL OF THIS COLLEGE THE VICTORY WINDOW WAS GIVEN BY STUDENTS AND FRIENDS THE LEADERSHIP WINDOW BY DEACONESS WINNIE GREVE"presbyterian deaconess blanche boyd, presbyterian deaconess winnie greve, presbyterian deaconess minnie greve, catherine ritchie house mount martha

Edward Harold Hildebrandt VX25591. Refer 546, 1026, 1028.2, 1029.2P.Certificate of Discharge No 291081 for VX25591 Pte.E.H Hildebrandt. Certificate details name, rank, unit, enlistment and discharge. certificates, discharge, 2nd aif