In April 2002, illustrative panels were set in place at Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park designed to inform visitors about significant aspects of the reserve and its tower. One of these deals with its indigenous story, another portrays its original 1920 memorial, a third has upon it Will Longstaff’s famous war painting, “Midnight at Menin Gate.” This sign establishes a connection with the First World War by way of the painting "Menin Gate at Midnight". (NL 144) The artist William Longstaff lived in Eltham; his son attended school at Kangaroo Ground. The orignal of his painting is on permanent display in the Australian War Memorial. Since this photograph was taken (date unknown) the information panel has been restored and re-erected by staff of the Shire of Nillumbik who replicated the wooden side frame pieces with the same wood-turn design as seen here in the original. Colour photographMENIN GATE AT MIDNIGHT Will Longstaff, 1927 Oil on canvas, Size 135cm high x 254cm wide Collection: Australian War Memorial The artist Will Longstaff was born in in Ballarat in 1879 and died at Littlehampton, Sussex, UK, 1953. Will Longstaff for many years lived in Eltham, his son Tommy, attending school at Kangaroo Ground. As an Official War Artist, will Longstaff depicted in his alegorical painting the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. The Memorial unveiled on 24th July 1927 honours by name over 50, 000 allied soldiers who fell in the Great War and have no known graves. The names of 6,208 men of the first Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) are listed within the Memorial on stone tablets. The painting held huge emotional appeal to Australians when it arrived from England in 1928, attracting an estimated one million viewers, many of whom interpreted the field of red poppies in the foreground as the spirits of the dead rising from their unknown graves. The painting is to be found in the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.menin gate at midnight, william longstaff, kangaroo ground memorial, information panel, shire of eltham war memorial

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, kangaroo ground, memorial park

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, kangaroo ground, manna gum, display panel

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, interpretative signage, interpetation panel, indigenous history, moor-rul viewing platform, kangaroo ground

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalwar memorials, shire of nillumbik, indigenous history, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, interpretation panel, display panel

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalwar memorials, shire of nillumbik, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, interpretation panel, display panel

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalwar memorials, shire of nillumbik, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, interpretation panel

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, kangaroo ground

Includes photograph of WW1 local enlistment John Bell. The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalworld war 1, war memorials, shire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretation panel, interpretative signage, lest we forget, shire of eltham war memorial, john bell, display panel

Coloured map of the world on blue including the words for the "Lest We Forget" lament. The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalworld war 1, war memorials, shire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, kangaroo ground, shire of eltham war memorial, interpretative signage, interpretation panel, map, display panel

"Melbourne soil types" The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, interpretation panel, display panel

Collage of black and white historical photographs of people. The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, moor-rul viewing platform, kangaroo ground, interpretative signage, interpretation panel, display panel

Welcome panel including information on William Barak. The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, memorial park, kangaroo ground, interpretative signage, indigenous history, moor-rul viewing platform, william barak, display panel

The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. This panel includes a frame of an eagle feather. See ID 02224-47 As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, interpetation panel, display panel

"The Scots were the first Europeans to farm this place". The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery.Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, interpretation panel, indigenous history, display panel, early settlers

OPENING OF THE VIEWING PLATFORM AT KANGAROO GROUND Nillumbik Council has advised that the viewing platform at Kangaroo Ground 27km NE of Melbourne is to be opened to the public on Wednesday, March 26th 2008 (Melway 271 , G10). The function of the platform is to provide shelter adjacent to the War Memorial Tower whilst allowing all people to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. From the platform you. can see the Dandenongs, the city of Melbourne, the You Yangs, Mount Macedon, the Kinglake Ranges and the Mt Baw-Baw Ranges where the Yarra River starts. This landscape covers all the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri and some of the wider Kulin nation land. The platform has been given the name Moor-rut, a name which described the fertile soils of the Kangaroo Ground area in contrast to the poorer (Silurian) country of its surrounds, which the Wurundjeri knew as 'Nillumbik' or less rich country. The full 360 degree view can be seen from the adjacent Tower of Remembrance which has 53 stairs. The viewing platform however can be accessed by wheelchair. Inside the viewing platform there are eight double sided interpretive panels giving the history and information regarding this special area. The viewing platform's interpretive panels set out the Aboriginal and European history of the area and also the geology and the local flora and fauna, so that the casual visitor comes away understanding more about this significant part of Victoria. The concept of the viewing platform is part of the refurbishment project for the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park which has taken place since 1997 with the active approval and financial assistance of the Nillumbik Shire Council. This project has been guided by an Advisory Committee with volunteer community representatives from the local Historical Societies, the Country Fire Authority, the Returned Services League and the Wurundjeri people. Other allied groups such as the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group have been called upon for their expertise. The initial idea for the viewing platform came from Dean Stewart when he was the caretaker while living at the park. He discussed this idea with local author Mick Woiwod and Harry Gilham of Eltham District Historical Society when they were planning the refurbishment of the War Memorial Park in 1996. When the committee was formalised by the Nillumbik Council in 1997, Nicholas Pelling, representing the CFA and RSL, joined the group. Dennis Ward, local architect, then volunteered to develop the concept plan for the refurbishment of the park and later drew up the plans for the viewing platform. The Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park and its Tower of Remembrance is located on one of the highest locations in the Yarra Valley. The Tower of Remembrance is a unique war memorial constructed from local stone standing 14 metres high. It was built in the style of a Scottish watchtower reflecting the strong Scottish influence of the first European settlers of the district from the 1840s onward. The park was opened in 1921 and the Tower of Remembrance was dedicated in 1926 recognising the local people who served in the First World War. Those who served in the Second World War were recognised by plaques dedicated in 1951 and more recently those who served in Korea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam by plaques unveiled in 2001. Harry Gilham, Advisory Committee Convenor - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter N0 179 March 2008fay bridge collection, garden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park, moor-rul viewing platform

Early stages - no display panels installed. OPENING OF THE VIEWING PLATFORM AT KANGAROO GROUND Nillumbik Council has advised that the viewing platform at Kangaroo Ground 27km NE of Melbourne is to be opened to the public on Wednesday, March 26th 2008 (Melway 271 , G10). The function of the platform is to provide shelter adjacent to the War Memorial Tower whilst allowing all people to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. From the platform you. can see the Dandenongs, the city of Melbourne, the You Yangs, Mount Macedon, the Kinglake Ranges and the Mt Baw-Baw Ranges where the Yarra River starts. This landscape covers all the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri and some of the wider Kulin nation land. The platform has been given the name Moor-rut, a name which described the fertile soils of the Kangaroo Ground area in contrast to the poorer (Silurian) country of its surrounds, which the Wurundjeri knew as 'Nillumbik' or less rich country. The full 360 degree view can be seen from the adjacent Tower of Remembrance which has 53 stairs. The viewing platform however can be accessed by wheelchair. Inside the viewing platform there are eight double sided interpretive panels giving the history and information regarding this special area. The viewing platform's interpretive panels set out the Aboriginal and European history of the area and also the geology and the local flora and fauna, so that the casual visitor comes away understanding more about this significant part of Victoria. The concept of the viewing platform is part of the refurbishment project for the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park which has taken place since 1997 with the active approval and financial assistance of the Nillumbik Shire Council. This project has been guided by an Advisory Committee with volunteer community representatives from the local Historical Societies, the Country Fire Authority, the Returned Services League and the Wurundjeri people. Other allied groups such as the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group have been called upon for their expertise. The initial idea for the viewing platform came from Dean Stewart when he was the caretaker while living at the park. He discussed this idea with local author Mick Woiwod and Harry Gilham of Eltham District Historical Society when they were planning the refurbishment of the War Memorial Park in 1996. When the committee was formalised by the Nillumbik Council in 1997, Nicholas Pelling, representing the CFA and RSL, joined the group. Dennis Ward, local architect, then volunteered to develop the concept plan for the refurbishment of the park and later drew up the plans for the viewing platform. The Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park and its Tower of Remembrance is located on one of the highest locations in the Yarra Valley. The Tower of Remembrance is a unique war memorial constructed from local stone standing 14 metres high. It was built in the style of a Scottish watchtower reflecting the strong Scottish influence of the first European settlers of the district from the 1840s onward. The park was opened in 1921 and the Tower of Remembrance was dedicated in 1926 recognising the local people who served in the First World War. Those who served in the Second World War were recognised by plaques dedicated in 1951 and more recently those who served in Korea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam by plaques unveiled in 2001. Harry Gilham, Advisory Committee Convenor - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter N0 179 March 2008 Black and white inkjet print on paper 14 x 21 cmmoor-rul viewing platform, garden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park

One of eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform at the War memorial park in Kangaroo Ground highlight the area's indigenous history. Wing feathers of the wedge-tailed Eagle (BUNJIL) Courtesy of the Melbourne Museum. "On a clear day a pair of these magnificent birds might be seen soaring high above this platform on rising thermals" For the Wurundjeri people, Bunjil, the Eaglehawk was seen as being the all powerful Being of the Dreamtime, the all-father who created the centre world and its creatures. After the creation Bunjil with his wives and sons went up intothe “tharingbeik”, the sky, where he remains today as the star Attair. Souce: Document compiled by EDHS in 1997 for a series of historic items for Diamond Valley Public Radio. The Moor-Rul Viewing Platform, part of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park opened in April 2007. Eight double-sided interpretation panels on the Moor-rul viewing platform highlight the area's Aboriginal and European history of the area and also details of local geology, flora and fauna. These panels feature high quality graphic design and professionally written text. The subjects covered are: ''Womin Je Ka" Welcome The Kulin Nation Singing, Dancing, Ceremony, Celebration This Country, My Home The Highland Taken Auld Lang Syne "Same Land Different Views" Working the Land Food from the Earth or "Earth's Harvest" Lest We Forget, "And with the going down of the Sun .... (3 panels) This Black Earth Those other indigenous inhabitants - Kangaroo Ground's Wildlife Silent Witnesses - Kangaroo Ground's White Manna Gums Belonging A Place of Reverence and A Tower of Strength Souce: EDHS Newsletter No 173 March 2007. As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance: Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills war memorial, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalshire of nillumbik, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, interpretative signage, eagle, feather, interpetation panel, dreamtime, bunjil

William Hill Irvine was born 6 July, 1858 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He arrived in Melbourne December 1879 and taught at Geelong College. He was admitted to the Supreme Court in 1884 having qualified from Melbourne University and practiced in Melbourne. In 1891 he married Agnes Somerville Wanliss and they had one son, William Mitchell (1901 Armadale) and two daughters, Beatrice Wanliss (1899 Armadale) and Agnes Somerville Wanliss (1903 Armadale). Sir William Irvine sat in the Victorian Parliament (as Liberal Member for Lowan) from 1894 to 1906 and was Premier of Victoria from 1902 to 1904. He then switched to Federal politics and sat in the Commonwealth Parliament (as Liberal Member for Flinders) from 1906 to 1918. He was considered a potential Prime Minister, but his abrupt manner and hard-line conservatism (particularly his attitude to a railway strike) made him unacceptable even to many Liberals: he was known in Parliament as "Iceberg Irvine". He lived at Richmond, but in 1908 purchased land in Laughing Waters Road at Eltham, where he built the house ‘Killeavey’, initially as a weekend retreat. The site, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Yarra River, is of geological importance and has considerable cultural significance to the Wurundjeri. In 1912 Sir William moved to Killeavey and in 1913 purchased more land, extending his property to Reynolds Road. In 1923 he shifted to Toorak, donating Killeavey to his daughter Beatrice as a wedding gift. Sir William was a founding member of the RACV and was Acting Governor of Victoria from 1931 to 1934. He was also a notable public figure involved in several local events including the: 1919 Unveiling of Eltham War Obelisk 1921 Eltham Primary School Extensions 1921 Eltham Primary School Roll of Honour of prior students 1928 Opening of Eltham Higher Elementary School 1926 Unveiling the Shire of Eltham War Memorial in Memorial Park at Kangaroo Ground He died in 1943 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Agnes along with son William Mitchell Irvine and his wife, Dora Haswell Sacred to the memory of William Hill Irvine G.C.M.G. Lieutenant Governor And Chief Justice of Victoria Born 6th July 1858 At Newry, Northern Ireland Died 20th August 1943 Also his wife Agnes Somerville Born at Ballarat 16th Nov 1867 Died at Eltham 16th Aug 1954 W. M. W. Irvine 1901-1975 And Dora Haswell Wife of W. M. W. Irvine 1900-1979Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, agnes sommerville irvine (nee wanliss), dora haswell irvine, william hill irvine, william mitchell irvine

kangaroo ground tower, kangaroo ground tower advisory committee, notice board, refurbishment, shire of eltham memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial

William Hill Irvine was born 6 July, 1858 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He arrived in Melbourne December 1879 and taught at Geelong College. He was admitted to the Supreme Court in 1884 having qualified from Melbourne University and practiced in Melbourne. In 1891 he married Agnes Somerville Wanliss and they had one son, William Mitchell (1901 Armadale) and two daughters, Beatrice Wanliss (1899 Armadale) and Agnes Somerville Wanliss (1903 Armadale). Sir William Irvine sat in the Victorian Parliament (as Liberal Member for Lowan) from 1894 to 1906 and was Premier of Victoria from 1902 to 1904. He then switched to Federal politics and sat in the Commonwealth Parliament (as Liberal Member for Flinders) from 1906 to 1918. He was considered a potential Prime Minister, but his abrupt manner and hard-line conservatism (particularly his attitude to a railway strike) made him unacceptable even to many Liberals: he was known in Parliament as "Iceberg Irvine". He lived at Richmond, but in 1908 purchased land in Laughing Waters Road at Eltham, where he built the house ‘Killeavey’, initially as a weekend retreat. The site, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Yarra River, is of geological importance and has considerable cultural significance to the Wurundjeri. In 1912 Sir William moved to Killeavey and in 1913 purchased more land, extending his property to Reynolds Road. In 1923 he shifted to Toorak, donating Killeavey to his daughter Beatrice as a wedding gift. Sir William was a founding member of the RACV and was Acting Governor of Victoria from 1931 to 1934. He was also a notable public figure involved in several local events including the: 1919 Unveiling of Eltham War Obelisk 1921 Eltham Primary School Extensions 1921 Eltham Primary School Roll of Honour of prior students 1928 Opening of Eltham Higher Elementary School 1926 Unveiling the Shire of Eltham War Memorial in Memorial Park at Kangaroo Ground He died in 1943 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Agnes along with son William Mitchell Irvine and his wife, Dora Haswell Sacred to the memory of William Hill Irvine G.C.M.G. Lieutenant Governor And Chief Justice of Victoria Born 6th July 1858 At Newry, Northern Ireland Died 20th August 1943 Also his wife Agnes Somerville Born at Ballarat 16th Nov 1867 Died at Eltham 16th Aug 1954 W. M. W. Irvine 1901-1975 And Dora Haswell Wife of W. M. W. Irvine 1900-1979eltham cemetery, gravestones, memorials, agnes sommerville irvine (nee wanliss), dora haswell irvine, william hill irvine, william mitchell irvine

William Hill Irvine was born 6 July, 1858 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He arrived in Melbourne December 1879 and taught at Geelong College. He was admitted to the Supreme Court in 1884 having qualified from Melbourne University and practiced in Melbourne. In 1891 he married Agnes Somerville Wanliss and they had one son, William Mitchell (1901 Armadale) and two daughters, Beatrice Wanliss (1899 Armadale) and Agnes Somerville Wanliss (1903 Armadale). Sir William Irvine sat in the Victorian Parliament (as Liberal Member for Lowan) from 1894 to 1906 and was Premier of Victoria from 1902 to 1904. He then switched to Federal politics and sat in the Commonwealth Parliament (as Liberal Member for Flinders) from 1906 to 1918. He was considered a potential Prime Minister, but his abrupt manner and hard-line conservatism (particularly his attitude to a railway strike) made him unacceptable even to many Liberals: he was known in Parliament as "Iceberg Irvine". He lived at Richmond, but in 1908 purchased land in Laughing Waters Road at Eltham, where he built the house ‘Killeavey’, initially as a weekend retreat. The site, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Yarra River, is of geological importance and has considerable cultural significance to the Wurundjeri. In 1912 Sir William moved to Killeavey and in 1913 purchased more land, extending his property to Reynolds Road. In 1923 he shifted to Toorak, donating Killeavey to his daughter Beatrice as a wedding gift. Sir William was a founding member of the RACV and was Acting Governor of Victoria from 1931 to 1934. He was also a notable public figure involved in several local events including the: 1919 Unveiling of Eltham War Obelisk 1921 Eltham Primary School Extensions 1921 Eltham Primary School Roll of Honour of prior students 1928 Opening of Eltham Higher Elementary School 1926 Unveiling the Shire of Eltham War Memorial in Memorial Park at Kangaroo Ground He died in 1943 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Agnes along with son William Mitchell Irvine and his wife, Dora Haswell Sacred to the memory of William Hill Irvine G.C.M.G. Lieutenant Governor And Chief Justice of Victoria Born 6th July 1858 At Newry, Northern Ireland Died 20th August 1943 Also his wife Agnes Somerville Born at Ballarat 16th Nov 1867 Died at Eltham 16th Aug 1954 W. M. W. Irvine 1901-1975 And Dora Haswell Wife of W. M. W. Irvine 1900-1979eltham cemetery, gravestones, memorials, agnes sommerville irvine (nee wanliss), dora haswell irvine, william hill irvine, william mitchell irvine

Memorial plaque created (2006) and mounted on a rock in memory of those Shire of Eltham enlistees in the 1914-1918 war who, having no known graves, are listed in the Menin Gate on stone tablets. John Jell (Steels Creek) Rupert Laity (Queenstown) Ernest Gordon Mills (Hurstbridge) Gordon Francis Mills (Kinglake) Edward Thomas Yates (Hurstbridge) Lest We Forgetedward thomas yates, ernest gordon mills, gordon francis mills, hurstbridge, john jell, kinglake, memorials, menin gate, queenstown, rupert laity, shire of eltham memorial park, steels creek, kangaroo ground

Memorial plaque created (2006) and mounted on a rock in memory of those Shire of Eltham enlistees in the 1914-1918 war who, having no known graves, are listed in the Menin Gate on stone tablets. John Jell (Steels Creek) Rupert Laity (Queenstown) Ernest Gordon Mills (Hurstbridge) Gordon Francis Mills (Kinglake) Edward Thomas Yates (Hurstbridge) Lest We Forgetedward thomas yates, ernest gordon mills, gordon francis mills, hurstbridge, john jell, kinglake, memorials, menin gate, queenstown, rupert laity, shire of eltham memorial park, steels creek, kangaroo ground

The Eltham Shire War Memorial, a tower of remembrance, was built with public donations to commemorate the memory of the fallen soldiers from the shire who enlisted in the 1914-1918 war. The tower is reminiscent of the peel-towers or watchtowers that lined the English-Scottish border from the mid 14th century to around 1600 and is constructed from locally quarried stone. This uncommon and picturesque war memorial, which affords an excellent view of the surrounding district was unveiled by His Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Stonehaven) on November 11, 1926. In July 1922 a deputation of returned soldiers from Panton Hill, presumably the Panton Hill branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), proposed to Eltham Shire Council that the monument should be a cairn of local stone “sufficiently high to form a prominent and conspicuous landmark, and crowned with some suitable device”. Eltham Shire Councillor and President of the Panton Hill branch of the RSSILA, Basil Hall, was credited with being the first to suggest a tower, and with organising a Memorial Park committee to raise funds for the monument in the Memorial Park. A meeting for those interested in the establishing a War Memorial monument in the park was held in January 1924 and the Eltham Shire War Memorial League was formed for this purpose. It appears that the broad and rounded cairn that had been recently built was considered by the League a temporary affair, and not the substantial cairn-as-monument, sufficiently high to form the conspicuous landmark, which had been envisaged by the Panton Hill RSSILA. A design competition was held for the monument. The chairman of the League, Councillor Basil Hall, suggested that the site of the memorial in Kangaroo Ground would lend itself to something rugged, instead of polished stone. By April 1924 thirty designs for a memorial had been received from which three designs were selected and of those, the design by the shire engineer Mr McCormack, for a 70ft tower suitable for construction in rough stone, was chosen. Artist Harold Herbert suggested that a peel tower-like design reminiscent of those along the English-Scottish border would be fitting for the site. Herbert drew up a rough sketch that was approved of, and later, Melbourne architect Percy Meldrum volunteered to draw up the design from sketch to architectural drawings. By January 1925 the Soldiers’ Memorial League had adopted Meldrum’s design for a 50ft high tower. Meldrum had also offered his design and supervision of construction free of charge. The Shire provided the stone to the builders, which was a gift quarried from land owned at Kangaroo Ground by Dr Ethel and Professor William Osborne The Shire of Eltham War Memorial, a tower of remembrance, and honour board were unveiled on November 11, 1926, by the Governor General Lord Stonehaven. At this stage a temporary honour roll was painted on the panels on either side of the tower entrance. In September 1930 bronze plates were added above the portal with the names of men who fell in the 1914-18 war. On November 16, 1951, the Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks re-dedicated the war memorial tower and unveiled the names of men who gave their lives in the 1939-45 war. Two additional bronze plaques which recognise service in the armed conflicts of Korea, Borneo, Malaya, and Vietnam were unveiled November 11, 2001, by the Governor of Victoria, John Landy, A.C., M.B.E. The tower was first used for fire spotting activities following the Black Friday bushfire in January 1939 in response to a request from Mr R.D. Ness, secretary of the Kangaroo Ground bush fire brigade, who asked Council that the tower be used as an observation tower for detecting bush fires, and asked Council to arrange a telephone to be installed. It was suggested that if the Shire were to appoint a caretaker for the Memorial Park, his duties could also include raising the alarm in the event of a fire. Later in 1939 Council applied for a radio transmitter, which the Forestry Commission planned to install at vantage places throughout the state. The first dedicated fire spotter appointed from December1948, was Mr Smith of Warrandyte. A prefabricated glazed cabin was installed in 1974, which involved the removal of the original stone structure around the rooftop exit door. A new fire spotting cabin, which included the latest technology, was installed soon after the 2009 Black Saturday fires and is manned by CFA personnel on high fire danger days. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p123This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. While published in the book in black and white, this collection features the original colour digital photographs. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, garden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial

1951 Aerial photo 1423-110 Run 10 showing the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at centre of image with the newly constructed Caretaker's cottage.aerial photographs, garden hill farm, kangaroo ground, memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial

Shire of Eltham Archives: Series 69, Item 4 This video was produced for the Shire of Eltham by IMP Productions and provides a description of the shire, 277 square km on a north/northeast axis, some 25 km northeast of the centre of Melbourne with a population of around 40,000. Scenes include Yarra River, rural settings and urban settings, housing estates, Shillinglaw Cottage, Pigeon Bank at Kangaroo Ground, the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge with reference to the fight by locals in the 1970s to save it from replacement, Montsalvat, mudbrick making and its use as a building material, the use of mudbrick in the Eltham Community Centre blending harmoniously with the environment. Emphasises people living in the area due to the qualities of life provided. Also the Living and Learning Centre, St Andrews Markets and other local markets, the Eltham Leisure Centre, cricket and horse riding at Eltham Lower Park, the Infant Welfare Centre (part of the Eltham War Memorial), how residents are mindful of protecting their historical heritage, the CBA bank and Allwood House at Hurstbridge, Tracey Naughton about the Eltham "As we are" Community Banner project and the “River of Life banner”, the Parks and Gardens office in the former Police Residence building (now the Local History Centre), Alistair Knox Park, road planning and types of roads, tree canopy, Peck's Dam, green carparks, road drainage, Gordon Ford's garden and natural landscapes, and Were Street shops in Montmorency. Planning for shopping facilities and carparks with a population of 40,000 growing to 55,000, Arthur Street Mall and carpark, local village feel in the shopping centre. Councillors and Council staff featured include Mary Grant, Bob Manuell, Rodney Roschellor, John Cohen, Alan Baker. Also scenes of Commercial Place, Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham Galley, Riverclay and canoeing on the Yarra intermingled with images of the shire from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection.VHS Video cassette Converted to MP4 file format 00:11:56; 79MBshire of eltham, video recording, shire of eltham archives, alistair knox park, allwood house, arthur street, arthur street mall, bob manuell, canoeing, carparks, cba bank, commercial place, council staff, councillors, cr. mary grant, cricket, diamond valley railway, eltham community banner project, eltham community centre, eltham galley, eltham leisure centre, eltham living and learning centre, eltham lower park, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham war memorial, gordon ford garden, horse riding, housing estates, hurstbridge, infant welfare centre, john cohen, kangaroo ground, local history centre, montmorency, montsalvat, mudbrick, parks and gardens, peck's dam, pigeon bank, police residence, river of life banner, riverclay, road drainage, road planning, rodney roschellor, shillinglaw cottage, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, st andrews market, tracey naughton, tree canopy, were street, yarra river, alan baker

Handwritten sketches showing additions to the Police/Emergency services communications tower in 2004. Harry Gilham noted that the cylindrical shaped object was blocking the view from the War Memorial tower to the land area and made suggestions to the Nillumbik Shire Council and CFA that it be raised to the sky area above the Mt St Leonard-Healesville range.Colour photo print 12.5 x 19 cmHandwritten notes on both sides regarding 2004 modificationskangaroo ground, shire of eltham memorial park, emergency services communications tower, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, war memorial tower

Black and white photo print 8 x 4.5 cmElthjam District Historical Society stampeltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, shire of eltham memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial, war memorial tower, garden hill

Black and white photo reproduction print 15 x 10 cmDonor's detailseltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, shire of eltham memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial, war memorial tower, garden hill