A photo of a smiling girl wading in the ocean. It came from an envelope with other camp photos. Junior Legatees attended Somer's Camp over summer holidays organised by Melbourne Legacy. The newspaper article on 12 January 1977 says it was a day where junior legatees were treated to sailing activities by yachtsmen of Westernport. The boys were at Somers Camp and the girls had been holidaying in the Legacy Camp at Kew. The Legacy envelope was marked "P6 Junior Legatee Camps and Hols" in red pen, and dated Jan 1977 in pencil. The contents will be items 00418 to 00425. Melbourne Legacy provided camps for junior legatees - the children of deceased servicemen. It started with outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring. Permanent camp buildings were built and with an association with Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) it was called Somers Camp. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children.A record of Junior Legatee camps.Black and white photo of a girl at the beach.Handwritten on the back "Holiday Camp at Somers" in blue pen. Stamped "Melbourne Legacy" and "11 Jan 1977" in purple ink. Stamped "Copyright The Herald and Weekly Times" in blue ink. somers camp, junior legatee outing, beach

Undated but stapled to a further copy of 00130 which was dated 'Xmas 1932'. Pages headed 'Camp Savige, Monday' indicate that it was created for a camp at Stan Savige's property. It recounts the cricket competition between the Dark Blues, Light Blues, Green and Orange teams. Written and illustrated by Pat Hanna in a satirical style it was clearly intended to entertain as much as to inform, but the humour would be seen to be heavy handed or not funny at all today. Nevertheless it demonstrates that campers enjoyed their stay at Somers. See also 01290 and 01291. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays.Illustrates the sort of activities considered appropriate to occupy camp participants, and the amateur enthusiasm of the newsletter producers in the early half of the twentieth century.3 typed foolscap sheets black on cream, pencilled corrections and linesLegacy symbol hand drawn in pencilnewsletter, savige property, legacy somers camp, camps

Dated 'Xmas 1932'. Pages headed 'Camp Savige, Tuesday' indicate that it was created for a camp at Stan Savige's property. It recounts the cricket competition between the Dark Blues, Light Blues, Green and Orange teams. Written and illustrated by Pat Hanna in a satirical style it was clearly intended to entertain as much as to inform, but the humour would be seen to be heavy handed or not funny at all today. Nevertheless it demonstrates that campers enjoyed their stay at Somers. See also 01289 and 01291. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays.Illustrates the sort of activities considered appropriate to occupy camp participants, and the amateur enthusiasm of the newsletter producers in the early half of the twentieth century.Foolscap sheets x 3 pages, black on cream, penciled drawings, corrections and linesLegacy symbol hand drawn in pencil. Penciled 'please return ARB'newsletter, camp savige, legacy somers camp, savige property

Undated but stapled to a further copy of 00130 which was dated 'Xmas 1932'. Pages headed 'Camp Savige, Wednesday' indicate that it was created for a camp at Stan Savige's property, recounting the cricket competition between the Dark Blues, Light Blues, Green and Orange teams. Written and illustrated by Pat Hanna in a satirical style it was clearly intended to entertain as much as to inform, but the humour would be seen to be heavy handed or not funny at all today. Nevertheless it demonstrates that campers enjoyed their stay. See also 01290 and 01289. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays.Illustrates the sort of activities considered appropriate to occupy camp participants, and the amateur enthusiasm of the newsletter producers in the early half of the twentieth century.2 typed foolscap sheets black on cream, pencilled correction newsletter, legacy somers camp, savige property, camps

A black and white photo of a group of people holding camping items in the garden of a house. From other photos it appears to be a house often used for gatherings and may be on Stan Savige's Balnarring property. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. This photo was with a group of photos from around the 1930s from the early days of Legacy, including cricket team, football team, and camps at Balnarring/Somers (saved as 01915 to 01934). Mention has been found that the Savige holiday house at Balnarring was next to the campsite and sometimes provided support to the campers.A photo of a group of founding legatees or some of the first junior legatees. Legatee Savige was an important figure in Legacy's history and his property at Balnarring became very important for Legacy providing outings and camps for junior legatees.Black and white photo of a group of people at a house with camping items.Stamped 'Kodak print S 856' on back in grey ink.camp, junior legatee, legacy somers camp, savige property

A photo of a large group of teenage boys and men from Big Camp, January 1970. Big camp was held at Lord Somers Camp for older youths. This is a large group, approximately 27 boys and 7 adults. Another item at 00427 also is labelled as 1970. Melbourne Legacy provides camps for junior legatees. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children. It started with camps on the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring, close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. Including two other camps in the Somers area: Lord Somers Camp and the Somers School Camp (owned by the Education Department).A record of Junior Legatees attending camps.Black and white photo of Legatees and senior boys at Big Camp 1970.Front of photo has typed text over the photo: "Big Camp Jan 10 - 17 1970". On reverse "D / Legacy" written in blue pen.junior legatee outing, big camp, lord somers camp

A photo of a teenager hanging out from sail boat in a harness. It came from an envelope with other camp photos. The newspaper article on 12 January 1977 says it was a day where junior legatees were treated to sailing activities by yachtsmen of Westernport. The boy was Wayne Cowards 15, of Morwell getting some practice on the trapeze of a Flying Dutchman. The boys were at Somers Camp and the girls had been holidaying in the Legacy Camp at Kew. The Legacy envelope was marked "P6 Junior Legatee Camps and Hols" in red pen, and dated Jan 1977 in pencil. The contents will be items 00418 to 00425. Melbourne Legacy provided camps for junior legatees - the children of deceased servicemen. It started with outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring. Permanent camp buildings were built and with an association with Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) it was called Somers Camp. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children.A record of Junior Legatee camps.Black and white photo of a youth leaning out of a small sailboat.Handwritten on back "Holiday Camp at Somers" in blue pen. Stamped "Melbourne Legacy" and "11 Jan 1977" in purple ink. Stamped "Copyright The Herald and Weekly Times" in blue ink. somers camp, junior legatee outing, boats

Four black and white photos of Somers camp, in 1931. One show a corrugated iron building that had been built and what looks like a prank being played on a Legatee in suit and cap. Also one of junior legatee Graham Billett by some camp buildings. Another shows Gwen Smith. Plus a group of youths on the beach. All are from the same film. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. This photo was with a group of photos from around the 1930s from the early days of Legacy, including cricket team, football team, and camps at Balnarring/Somers (saved as 01915 to 01934).Legatee Savige's property at Balnarring became very important for Legacy providing outings and camps for junior legatees.Black and white photo x 4 of Somers Camp in 1931.Handwritten on 01931.1 'Left to right x x Ron Rimmer' in blue pen. Handwritten on 01931.2 'Graham Billett' in blue pen. Handwritten on 01931.3 'Gwen Smith' in blue pen. All four are stamped '4 38' in blue ink meaning they are from the same film and have '1931' in pencil on them. Also all have 'Printed by Harringtons' in purple ink. All on Velox paper.junior legatee outing, legacy somers camp, savige property, camp

A photo of a large group of teenage boys and men from Big Camp, January 1974. Big camp was for older junior Legatees at Lord Somers Camp. Melbourne Legacy provides camps for junior legatees. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children. It started with camps on the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring, close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. Including two other camps in the Somers area: Lord Somers Camp and the Somers School Camp (owned by the Education Department). It came from an envelope with other Big camp photos. The Legacy envelope was marked "P5 Power House" in red pen, and Box 15 in blue pen. The contents will be items 00427 to 00430. A record of Junior Legatee camps.Black and white photo of Legatees and senior boys at Big Camp 1974On reverse "P5 Legacy" written in blue pen, and "second week Lord Somers Camp / Jan 19 - 26 1974" in pencil.somers camp, junior legatee outing, big camp, lord somers camp

A photo of a large group of teenage boys and men from Big Camp, January 1971. Big camp was for older junior Legatees at Lord Somers Camp. One of the men is Sir Rohan Delacombe, the Governor of Victoria and patron of Legacy (sixth from the left). Melbourne Legacy provides camps for junior legatees. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children. It started with camps on the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring, close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. Including at two other camps in the Somers area: Lord Somers Camp and the Somers School Camp (owned by the Education Department). It came from an envelope with other Big camp photos. The Legacy envelope was marked "P5 Power House" in red pen, and Box 15 in blue pen. The contents will be items 00427 to 00430.A record of Junior Legatee camps.Black and white photo of Legatees and senior boys at Big Camp 1971.Front of photo has text over the photo: "Big Camp Jan 9 - 16 1971". On reverse "P5 Legacy" written in blue pen.somers camp, junior legatee outing, big camp

A photo of a large group of teenage boys and men from Big Camp, January 1972. Big camp was for older junior Legatees at Lord Somers Camp. One of the men is Sir Rohan Delacombe, the Governor of Victoria and patron of Legacy (seated centre). Melbourne Legacy provides camps for junior legatees. The camps gave the children an opportunity of a summer beach holiday with other Legacy children. It started with camps on the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring, close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. Including at two other camps in the Somers area: Lord Somers Camp and the Somers School Camp (owned by the Education Department). It came from an envelope with other Big camp photos. The Legacy envelope was marked "P5 Power House" in red pen, and Box 15 in blue pen. The contents will be items 00427 to 00430.A record of Junior Legatee camps.Black and white photo of Legatees and senior boys at Big Camp 1972On reverse "P5 Legacy 20/1/72" written in blue pen.somers camp, junior legatee outing, big camp, lord somers camp

A black and white photo of men and boys all wearing cowboy style hats. The label implies it is the first Junior Legacy camp at Somers in 1926. Legacy was founded in 1923 so this is a very early photo. The label on the back says: "Extract from 'Legacy' by Claude Blatchford. At Christmas 1926, a camp for boys was held at Balnarring on the property of Legatee S G Savige. It is impossible to over-estimate the advantages and benefits these camps afford. An annual camp, under discipline must be regarded as conferring the very greatest benefits. The first camp in 1926 was for seven day and thirty two boys went under canvas. Seven tents were used, and tent commanders were appointed. The lads were rostered for duties and their time was otherwise taken up in swimming, fishing, shooting and cricket. Standing orders and daily routine orders were issued, and it is to the credit of the boys that the discipline was excellent." (Blatchford 1932). In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. A very early photo of Legatees taking care of the decedents of their deceased comrades.Black and white photo of the 1926 Somers Camp mounted on brown card in a wooden frame under glass. Typed label says 'First Junior Legacy Camp Somers 1926'. Typed extract on reverse is a copy of text from Blatchford's book.camp, somers camp, junior legatee outing

A typed reprint of an article that appeared in The Herald. It is an account of the founding of Somers Camp by Lord Somers. The camp began in 1921 when the Duke of York started a summer camp for boys at Littlestone Aerodrome in England. It was an experiment in bringing together boys from different walks of life to encourage understanding and mutual appreciation of each other. While Lord Somers was Governor of Victoria he started a similar camp here with equal success. Part of the text: "Our aim is to change and improve the mental attitude of the boys to each other — to beget a state of mind in which the two sets merge in each other. As the period of the Camp is short — only one week — every effort is made to give the boys full scope for recreation and play. We do not wish to give them a busman's holiday and saddle them with numerous domestic duties, and so they are free of nearly all these, and can devote the whole of their time to themselves. We wish, too, to give them absolute freedom, with as little hampering discipline as possible, and so long as the simple rules of the Camp, such as punctuality at meals and so on are observed, they can do what they like. The Group Leaders take charge of the organised sports, and as each group is composed of boys from both school and workshop, unity is preserved. Superficial differences in worldly pros perity vanish at the Camp; you can't tell one from t'other; a feeling of comradeship in a common life manifests itself; a spirit of loyalty to each other, and to the ideals behind the camp quickly emerges; artificial barriers tumble down, and we are all one, That, in brief, is the spirit of the Camp. But, of course, that is not the beginning and end of it, for if it were, the benefit would be merely temporary, and the effects would pass off. And so I come to the other and, to my mind, the more important function of the movement which finds expression in what we call the Power House. The Power House is a continuation of the Camp. Every boy who attends the Camp becomes automatically a member of the Power House. The Camp is the Open Sesame to the Power House, and whereas in the Camp the boy has merely enjoyed himself, when he graduates to the Power House he begins to imbibe the spirit of service and to learn that he has responsibilities, both to himself and to others. The Power House has already taken concrete form in the shape of a building in the Albert Park which constitutes a sort of headquarters."A record of the camp at Somers in the words of the founder.Foolscap page x 2 of black type of an article in the HeraldHandwritten 'JL11/10' in black pen, 'Lord Somers and Power House' in blue pen.camp, lord somers camp, lord somers

The Sutherland Homes for Children on Yan Yean Road, Diamond Creek cared for thousands of children from when it was opened in 1912. The site closed for this purpose in 1991 and was sold and later developed for commercial and office purposes. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p107 The Sutherland Homes for Children at 14 Yan Yean Road, Diamond Creek, cared for thousands of children since they opened in 1912, after beginning at La Trobe Street, Melbourne in 1908. In 1994 Sutherland Homes (then called Sutherland Child, Youth and Family Services) amalgamated with Berry Street Child and Family Welfare. Together as Berry Street Victoria, they formed Victoria’s largest independent provider of support and accommodation services for children, young people and families in crisis.1 However with the move from institutional to community care, the Diamond Creek site had not been used since 1991 and was sold to private purchasers in 1999. More than 2000 former residents, staff, neighbours and friends attended a farewell in February, 2000.2 The Sutherland Homes red-brick and stuccoed building in Diamond Creek (a rare design in the Eltham Shire), was opened in 1929 by Lord Somers, the Governor of Victoria. Destitute children lived in dormitories bathed in natural light through large windows. However in 1958 as the cottage–parent system replaced the dormitory system, the first of eight residential cottages accommodating ten to 12 children was built. The site also included Special School 3660 and a farm, and the children were able to form relationships with people outside Sutherland, by staying with holiday hosts. Children were originally placed at Sutherland because of extreme poverty, or because single parents could not cope. However later, most placements occurred due to family violence, abuse or neglect. The property was originally bought from the Crown in 1869 by Timothy Mahony. Later owner, Augusta Meglin, ran a 40-acre (16ha) farm there. In 1909 she bequeathed this, including the house, orchards, vegetable gardens, vineyards and the balance of her income to The Sutherland Homes for Neglected Children. Sutherland Homes’ founder, Selina Sutherland, was known as ‘New Zealand’s Florence Nightingale’. In 1888 she became Victoria’s first licensed ‘child rescuer’3 and was to rescue around 3000 waifs from Victoria’s streets and slums.4 Born in Scotland in 1839, Sutherland joined her sister, who had emigrated with her husband to New Zealand. Sutherland trained as a nurse and led the establishment of a public hospital at Masterton. In 1881, while holidaying in Melbourne, Sutherland was so touched by seeing young people living under Princes Bridge, that this determined her future work. Meanwhile Sutherland instigated the Melbourne District Nursing Society, (now Royal District Nursing Service). She also led the founding of The Victorian Neglected Children’s Aid Society (now Oz Child) and the Presbyterian Neglected Children’s Aid Society (now Kildonan). From 1894 Miss Sutherland was Melbourne’s best known woman and cut a distinctive figure, wearing an alpine hat with a prominent feather. In 1906 Prime Minister Alfred Deakin named her Melbourne’s most successful philanthropic worker. However she was to face some difficult times. That year she suffered severely from an injured shoulder and dizzy turns and was pressured to resign as Superintendent of The Victorian Neglected Children’s Aid Society. In 1908 the committee of management offered her 12 months leave with pay. Sutherland declined – but soon after, was dismissed. However she continued her work from Latrobe Street, Melbourne, with the help of Sister Ellen Sanderson and several committee members. Sutherland attempted to register her new organisation but the Victorian Neglected Children’s Aid Society objected to the government, alleging that Sutherland, because of increasing infirmity, was unable to satisfactorily carry out such duties. They accused her of cruelty and of intoxication. However the charges were not proven, so The Sutherland Homes for Neglected Children was registered.5 Sadly, in 1909 Sutherland died, the day she was to move the children to the ‘country property’ at Diamond Creek. At her death she owned less than £10. Today Berry Street recognises Sutherland’s enormous contribution to child welfare with a memorial and an annual Selina Sutherland Award, presented to an outstanding volunteer.This 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. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, diamond creek, sutherland home for children

Event upon the appointment of Lt. Col. The Right Hon. Arthur Herbert Tennyson, the Lord Somers, KCMG DSO MC as Governor of Victoria. He served in the role from 28 June 1926 to 23 June 1931, and administered the Commonwealth as acting governor-general from 3 October 1930 to 22 January 1931.Two cream cards, discoloured with age, printed on one side in black on a pink background. governor arthur tennyson somers,

The right honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Tennyson Somers Cocks, was born in Herefordshire. Served with distinction in the Army and was twice decorated with bravery, before being appointed as Governor of Victoria. This portrait of Lord Somers is the only one in which a Grand Master is not in masonic regalia. Lord Somers insisted he not be seen dressed in a manner which could give offence to any other organization, with which he was associated in Public Life or Private Life. He was deeply involved in the Scouting Movement and was Chief Scout in Victoria and succeeded Baden-Powell as Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth.The portrait of Lord Somers holds great significance as it is the only painting within the Library and Museum collection of a Grand Master without his masonic regalia. Lord Somers stands beside his hat and is in uniform, no apron or other freemason regalia. Freemason Victoria coat of arms in upper left corner.Framed oil painting on canvas with stretcher/strainer. Wood/metal composite brackets used to fix painting to wall. 'Compo' ornamented gilt frame with running designs. Metal placque with two screws holding it to frame. portrait, painting, freemasons victoria, freemasonry, victoria, grand master

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signProtect your forests from firebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signHelp Prevent Bushfiresbushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signbushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs