Mabel nee Abraham Rogers produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skillfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. About “Melton Amateurs” and forerunners….. Melton people have always been Active in giving and enjoying Concerts and Amateur Theatricals presented by local talent. Wile is it not possible to mention everybody; names like George Gardiner, Stan Hardy, Jim Murchison, Rita Summers, Annie Riddell, Ethel MacPherson, Harold Bainbridge, Jack Mcguire, Greta Jongebloed, Mary Coburn, Elsie McCorkell, Linda Cameron, Marjorie Myers, Aggie Ross, Bob Butler, bring happy memories to older residents. Over the years, the names change, but the talent is always there, and freely used to give pleasure to others. the Caledonian Society was active about 1925. The Melton Competitions, 1937-37 were very successful and attracted much local and outside talent. The Melton Social and Dramatic Club was operative during the same years, and gave several shows. The first “Melton Amateurs” production was a Revue, in 1950. This was followed by other Reviews, Pantomimes, One-act and Three-act plays, and Musical Comedy. Do you remember Bessie, bob and Barrie Bardsley, and Shirley and Marie Jongebloed, Shirley Wallace, Bill Abraham, Joan Jenkins, Peg Arandt, Winifred Fraser and many other? "Comedy Tonight" prrogramme by the Melton Amateurslocal identities

This photograph is reproduced on page 19 of the 1941 Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine. The 1941 Cricket team had a successful season, but owing to the weather and conflicting arrangements only three matches were played. Scores: Ballarat School of Mines 130 defeated Ballarat High School 114 Ballarat School of Mines 53 defeated Ballarat Church of England Grammar School 34 Ballarat School of Mines 102 defeated Ballarat Church of England Grammar School 101 Eric William Goon was the son of Chinese Herbalist F.S. Goon of Peel Street, Ballarat Black and white photograph of 11 young men dressed in white. The photo depicts the Ballarat School of Mines Cricket team, 1941. Back Row: Eric Goon, D. Eltringham, K. Richard, L. Evans, I. McLachlan, Philip Kempe. Front Row: M. Laurence, J. Elliott, J. Gibbs (capt), Gordon Hale (vice-captain). W. RoweOn back in pencil "1941"eric goon, d. eltringham, k. richard, l. evans, i. mclachlan, philip kempe., m. laurence, j. elliott, j. gibbs, gordon hale, w. rowe, ballarat school of mines, cricket

A yellow hardcover fiction book for children with a coloured picture of children playing a game of red indians outside a decorated teepee. The girl is cooking with a pot over an outdoor fire and the boys are firing a bow and arrow and painting a pot. The title, The Prize is printed at the at the top of the cover in red lettering surrounded by a boy and girl each side. Publisher details are at the bottom. The spine is brown tape. The back cover has a faded red advertisement for Pears Soap.There are advertisements on the endpapers at both front and back. There is foxing and tanning noted on the edges of the pages. There are stories and poems written by various authors and black and white illustrations and coloured plates throughout. The title page is very ornately decorated with a black and white floral design and covered by a tissue paper page. The coloured frontispiece is of three boys playing soldiers with one sitting on a rocking horse. There are Contents, Poetry and List of Illustrations pages. 164p.fictionA collection of varied stories and poems for young children - 1918 ed. There are practical articles as well, such as some on gardening.children's fiction, poetry

Eleven black and white photos of musical instruments, a group and one man playing musical instruments. The musical instruments are (15d) Small Melodean with 'Vox Humanum', (15c) Chromatic Melodeon (2 photos), (18) Bones and Spoons (2 photos), (19) Jew's Harp, (17) Piano with decorative work. Bottom left photo is three men, two playing banjos and the third a concertina. The last photo is a photo of Peter Ellis playing a one-string fiddle. Other musical instruments at his feet. Photo 17/5/1986 by The Bendigo Advertiser.The Bendigo Advertiserphoto, group, male, peter ellis collection, small melodeon, chromatic melodeon, piano accordian, piano, bones and spons, jew's harp, one-string fiddle, peter ellis, the bendigo advertiser 17/5/1986

Two black and white photos pasted onto a sheet of paper. The top photo is a photo of three men, one playing a fiddle, one with a brass instrument and the third is not very clear. They are in front of a hut with branches on the roof and hessian walls. Beneath the photo is typed on a piece of paper - A Bendigo Camp by Mulgarrie W. A. (Boer War Training Camp? Bendigonian Jan. 14 1897. Latrobe Collection, State Library of Victoria. The second photo is three men, dressed in suits and sitting on chairs in front of a building. One has a clarinet, the middle one has a concertina and the other has a fiddle. The men are the Coleman Brothers. The photo was taken by a travelling photographer called Siebart.photo, group, male, peter ellis collection, mulgarrie w a, boer was training camp?, bendigonian 14/1/1897, latrobe collection, state library of victoria, bill coleman, charles coleman, john robertson, singabout vol 6 no 1 1966, siebart, peter cuffley

A cream programme with red and black print. On the front cover are the words, ' Bendigo Repertory Society inaugurated 1929 Has Much Pleasure in Presenting J. B. Priestly's Drama 'An Inspector Calls' A Play in Three Acts. Girton Hall Friday & Saturday August 6th & 7th, 1948. Programme 6s. Cambridge Press, Bendigo. Also included is a small newspaper cutting dated 5/8/48 from the Bendigo Advertiser showing a photo of a scene from the play.program, theatre, bendigo repertory society, lydia chancellor, collection, event, theatre, play, entertainment, drama, girton hall

The Herald on 10 August described the Festival offerings as: "Varied 10-Day Programme For Kew Arts Festival Opened last night, the Kew Arts Festival in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, provides an interesting and varied programme for the next 10 days. Today at 8.15 p.m. Mr George Bell and Mr Colin Badger will have a public discussion on "What Is Modern Art?" The Vice-chancellor of the Melbourne University of Melbourne (Mr JDG Medley) will preside. Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. Junior students of the Methodist Ladies College, directed by Dorothy Dwyer. will show how they learn to speak and move on the stage, and will present three short plays. Tomorrow night Elise Steele and Violet Ewart (violin and piano) Beryl Batten (songs) and Edith Parnell (accompanist) will give a concert. Paintings and other works of art will be on show from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. On Monday night. Mr Colin Badger will speak on "Dead Wood and Green Shoot: Australian Literature Today" and on Tuesday night there will be "Ballet in Story and Action"— the story told by Norman Macgeorge, with Joan Burnett as ballerina and Fred Manners-Sutton at the piano. Wednesday night will have an illustrated lecture "Contemporary Art Education." by John Bechervaise. Remaining nights will be taken up with a performance of Somerset Maugham's "The Circle" presented by the Little Theatre, a youth concert, and another concert with songs and piano. On Saturday morning, August 18, there will be a special concert for young people. The festival will end on Sunday week with a chamber music programme in the afternoon."Important local arts festival initiated during the Second World War and continuing till the early 1950s. The souvenir programmes produced for successive festivals are historically and artistically significant records of visual and performing arts practice in Melbourne during this period.11 page souvenir program for the Kew Arts Festival, held in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, Kew from the 9th to the 19th August 1945. The content of the program can be viewed through the image carousel.kew arts festival - 1945, visual arts - kew (vic), performing arts - kew (vic)

Thousands of volunteers work tirelessly to conserve and protect the environment of Geelong and the Bellarine. Their work often goes unnoticed. In 'The Work of Nature' the National Wool Museum and the Environment Department at the City of Greater Geelong worked with photographer Nicole Marie to showcase the significant contribution of environment volunteers in our region. Each of the eight people showcased in these portraits were nominated by their peers and members of the community for their significant contribution to conserving and protecting the environment. Dr John Newman - Geelong Field Naturalists Club Over almost twenty years John Newman has organised large groups of volunteers to conduct surveys across Geelong and the Bellarine for shorebirds and waterbirds. Understanding and collecting important environmental data helps in the effort to preserve important sites, much of this data is collected by volunteers. The information collected in Geelong and the Bellarine also forms part of national and international datasets that helps in understanding global patterns of migratory birds, such as sharp-tailed sandpiper, red-necked stint and the critically endangered curlew sandpiper. The data collected at the Moolap Saltworks (since 1981) and co-ordinated by John since 2003 highlighted the importance of this site for these three species and played a crucial role in protecting the area as a conservation site. Photo at Taits Point, Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve by Nicole Marie.Image showing an environmental portrait of a man holding binoculars with a water landscape in the background.environment, conservation, portraits, geelong, nature, exhibition, work of nature, geelong nature forum, volunteers, lake connewarre

MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

Eltham Plans £2.5m Community Centre Over Next 15 Years THE people of Eltham have drawn up a plan to make their township a model community centre in the next 15 years. And yesterday the Chief Secretary (Mr Rylah) inspected the plan at the Eltham shire offices before declaring it open for public inspection In the picture (right) Mr. Rylah (centre) is shown inspecting the new plan with town planner and former councillor, Mr. Howard Bartlett, and the shire president, Cr. C. Pelling. The result of six years' work by shire officers, the plan provides for a business centre, public buildings and recreational reserves. The shire council expects that £2,500,000 will be invested by Government departments, banks, private firms and sporting bodies to implement the plan. 500 Car Park A feature of the business centre will be a quadrangle car park surrounded by shops, and with parking space for 500 cars. The public buildings will include new municipal offices, a public auditorium, a library and meeting rooms. The council plans to realign the course of Diamond Creek near the town to provide extra land for playing fields. Three Ovals The plan proposes three ovals, including improvements to an existing one, as well as a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and bowling greens. In the 15 years which the shire council hopes to carry out the plan, the shire population of 18,000 is expected to increase two and a half times. Opening the display of maps and a model, Mr. Rylah said he commended the shire council's invitation to the citizens to suggest improvements to the plan. Eltham shire had grown tremendously in the past 20 years, from a sleepy country town to an important shopping centre. Digital file only of copy provided on loanauditorim, bowlong green, charis pelling, eltham community centre, rylah, howard bartlett, car park, library, forward plan

Alma Trio, Wilson Hall. Music Viva Society, 23 May, 1958. Third Subscription Concert under the sponsorship of Shell Chemical (Australia) Pty. Ltd.. Presenting The Alma Trio, Maurice Wilk-Violin, Gabor Rejto-Cello, Aldoph Baller-Piano. The Violin Holds A Secret. Why is the tone of an old violin superior to that of a new instrument? The question has produced a variety of answers but the most widely accepted view is that it lies in the . . . Musica Viva Society. Is registered as a limited liability company and is a non-profit making voluntary orgainsation working for the promotion of chamber music . . . The Alma Trio. Maurice Wilk-violin, Gabor Rejto-Cello, Aldoph Baller-piano. The trio came into being with at first no motive than the delight of three fine artists playing chamber, music together. During the summer of 1944, Jeno Lener, violinist and Gabor Rejto, 'cellist, both of the famous Lenor Quartet, were guests of Yehundi Menuhin at his home in the Santa Cruz mountains south of San Francisco. There they enjoyed many . . . Programme. Annotations. Ludwig van Beetoven (1770) . . . Joannes Brahms (1833-1897) . . . The Council of Musica Viva acknowledges with gratitude the assistance of the organizations which have sponsored the 1958 subscription concerts: The Advertiser, Aldwych Advertising, Ampol Petroleum Ltd., Ansett-A.N.A., Australian and New Zealand Bank, Bank of Adelaide, B.E.A. Distributors Ltd., Bradford Cotton Mills Ltd., City Development Association, Clyde Industries Ltd., Coca-Cola Industries Ltd., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Containers Ltd., Farmer & Company Limited, Freighters Ltd., Hicks Atkinson Ltd., Mutual Life and Citizens' Assurance Co. Ltd., Rothmans of Pall Mall (Australia) Ltd., Shell Chemicals Pty Ltd., South Australian Associated Brewers, Tip Top Paints Ltd., Wilckens & Burnside Ltd., World Travel Service, and five others who wish to remain anonymous. Advertisements: Shell Chemical (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Musica Viva Society, A E Smith & Co. Pty. Ltd., TAA, Federal Hotels, Orbit Travel Services Pty. Ltd., H Rowe & Co. Music Lounge.program, music, musica viva society, wilson hall. music viva society, 23 may, 1958. third subscription concert under the sponsorship of shell chemical (australia) pty. ltd.. presenting the alma trio, maurice wilk-violin, gabor rejto-cello, aldoph baller-piano. the violin holds a secret. musica viva society. a non-profit making voluntary chamber music. the trio came into being 1944, jeno lener, violinist and gabor rejto, 'cellist, both of lenor quartet yehundi menuhin santa cruz south of san francisco. programme. annotations. ludwig van beetoven (1770). joannes brahms (1833-1897). the council of musica viva acknowledges with gratitude the assistance 1958 the advertiser, aldwych advertising, ampol petroleum ltd., ansett-a.n.a., australian and new zealand bank, bank of adelaide, b.e.a. distributors ltd., bradford cotton mills ltd., city development association, clyde industries ltd., coca-cola industries ltd., commonwealth bank of australia, containers ltd., farmer & company limited, freighters ltd., hicks atkinson ltd., mutual life and citizens' assurance co. ltd., rothmans of pall mall (australia) ltd., shell chemicals pty ltd., south australian associated brewers, tip top paints ltd., wilckens & burnside ltd., world travel service, and five others who wish to remain anonymous. advertisements: shell chemical (australia) pty. ltd., musica viva society, a e smith & co. pty. ltd., taa, federal hotels, orbit travel services pty. ltd., h rowe & co. music lounge.

4 page A4 printed document. Achievements of Peter Ellis (for consideration for the Order of Australia) Peter is regarded as one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra. Peter has been collecting for many years and has collected with the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi amongst others. Peter has literally travelled Australia collecting over the past thirty years. He has extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection, for example. Most of his recording has been in North Western and Central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of his material from Harry McQueen ( Castlemaine), which led to a double CD of Harry's music. Harry had played in dance bands for over sixty years in Central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. Founder, Charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo. Life Member of the Victorian Folk Music Club. Recipient of the Graham Squance award (for the person who has done the most to promote folk dance and music in Victoria)) from the Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria. Member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over twenty-eight years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time). Founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (twenty-nine years old in 2010) Emu Creek has made many CDs of dance music as listed. Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop, Three double CDs called 'Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded, under Peter's guidance, so they would not be lost to posterity. A triple CD called 'Take Me Back To Bendigo' with heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation (solely organised and financed by Peter) These CDs show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and groups from the Koorie, Chinese, Cornish, German, Irish, Italian, Scots, English and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by Emu Creek Following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity Peter liaised with other musicians to record some tracks which were revived from almost two hundred years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. A three volume set of Bush Concert recordings (Vol 1 Goornong (launched Australia Day 2006 with any profits going to the Soldier's Memorial Hall Committee), Vol 2 Heywood and Vol 3 Maldon/Sutton Grange, already recorded and to be released as money from other projects becomes available. NOTE: None of these CDs have led to any profit. All money raised is put back into the community and further heritage recordings, books and videos through the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. In 2009 a full collection of all Peter's book and CDs was donated to the John Gorton Library as part of the recognition of the fifty year career of the Gay Charmers Dance Band from Lake Charm. 'Music of the Diggings' (4 tracks by Peter or Emu Creek). In addition the Emu Creek Band, under Peter's leadership, has appeared on a CD backing Bruce Watson on his song, 'The Old Bush Dance'. Emu Creek has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and several times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for over twenty years as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter has written and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include Three volumes of 'Collectors Choice' which is musical notation for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts. 'Two Hundred Dancing Years - How to run a Colonial Ball: (co-authored with Shirley Andrews (A.M.), 'Music Makes Me Smile - The Music of the Nariel Valley' (co-authored with Harry Gardner). The Merry Country Dance' (292 pages) a companion to the three double CDs. He has also been a contributor to Verandah Music' authors Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australia Folklore' Ed Graham Seal. Peter is also a regular contributor to 'Trad and Now' Magazine. His latest completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' and is over three hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions. It was completed with the assistance of a Victorian Government Heritage Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter has taught many children about old time musicianship through the junior bands which have functioned over the years with many children joining Emu Creek and then going on to follow their own musical inclinations. He has trained several young concertina and button accordion players over the years. Peter has been a regular tutor with Continuing Education in tin whistle, harmonica and old time dancing for many years. Peter has conducted workshops in music dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National folk Festivals. He has also done this at Maldon for many years, Port Fairy, Glen Innes, Jamberoo and Kiama Festivals. For over thirty years Peter has been a guest player and MC for the dances at the Nariel Folk Festival (Australia's oldest continuing Folk Festival) Peter is very well known in the Corryong area as a collector and the co-author of the book, Music Makes Me Smile, about the Klippel/Simpson dynasty in the Nariel Creek Band. This book is currently being revised for re-issue as more material has come to light since the original publication. For many years Peter trained Debutante Sets in the Bendigo District. Peter was an instigator of the annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk for the past thirteen years. At this ball three bands play for a quarter of the night and then join together for the final part of the evening. The bands are Emu Creek, The Wedderburn Old Timers and the Gay Charmers. Up to four hundred dancers, many in heritage costumes have attended this dance. The ball also pays tribute to, and involves, the old MC's. Through this example their skills have been passed down to a younger generation of MC's. All profits are returned to the Dance Club to foster our musical heritage. Each Ball includes presentations designed to promote social dancing in Australia. Over the years several young musicians have been presented with musical instruments at the Ball, libraries have been given copies of Peter's books and CDs and one year a keen young dancer was presented a pair of dancing shoes. Peter is a trained ballroom dancer and has gained gold medal status in this field. Peter is an accomplished musician and is one of Australia's foremost button accordion players. He is also highly accomplished on the tin whistle, bones and harmonica. He is the only exponent of the Swanee whistle that I have seen. Peter also plays the piano and ukulele. Thirty six years membership of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, Secretary in the 1970s and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). Peter was also extremely active in the establishment of the Salomon's Gully and Jackass Flat Flora Reserves in Bendigo which have now been saved for posterity. Peter has also been involved in efforts to save One Tree Hill and this area has now been included in the Greater Bendigo National Park. He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagates Australian plants. Peter takes regular guided tours of interested people through the Whipstick each Spring on wild flower educational tours. He is a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. Life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists. Peter contributed text and photographs to their publication 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. When the Victorian State Parliament had its first historical sitting outside Melbourne Emu Creek played during lunch for the guests and public. They have also played at functions such as the Centenaries of Federation, the Bendigo Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel and the opening of the new Melbourne Museum and the Federation Museum in Bendigo. The band regularly plays for Seniors week and at homes for the aged such as Bethlehem, Mirridong, Bignold Park, Bendigo Village and others. Peter has been instrumental in getting the band to play for fundraisers such as schools, scouts and environmental groups. The band plays many charitable 'gigs'. The band supports the Bendigo Easter Fair and the Eaglehawk Fair when able and has appeared in several parades over the years. The above list shows the invaluable contribution that Peter Ellis has made towards the collecting and distributing of Australia's musical and dance heritage. No one has done more than Peter in this area. He has also been active locally and nationally in his endeavours towads saving the natural environment. He has put many years of time and energy into both area's and has many on going projects in mind for the years ahead. The awarding of an honour from Australia would be just reward for a man who has preserved so much of our musical and dance heritage for future generations. Knowing Peter I have no doubt he would treasure such an honour as he has given so much to preserve Australia's music and dance heritage over most of his sixty plus years. Compiled by John Williams. Handwritten notes at bottom of last page reads: Referees Jacinta Allan MLA Steve Gibbons MHR Willie Carney ex Mayor of Bendigo Supporting letter Mary Smith Sec. Bush Dance + Music Club.person, individual, peter ellis oam

This photograph was taken in 1911 at Three Mile Creek, about five kilometers south of Beechworth town. Significant digging took place at this location from late 1855, which led to a flood of workers and stores to follow, though daily earnings were slim compared to the nearby Woolshed site. This remained the case even after workers at Three Mile Creek attempted to protest around Beechworth during an election in November 1855. Three Mile Creek was one of seven significant divisions of the Beechworth Mining District formalised by the Governor-in-Council in 1858, though by the time this photograph was taken, the boundaries of the original seven districts had shifted to create seventeen divisions. The Three Mile Goldfields was a site of rich alluvial gold deposits located about 5km south of Beechworth in Victoria. Today, the location of this gold deposit is called Baarmutha. It was a popular area for gold mining in the 1850s but became largely abandoned by the following decade. In 1865, a man named John Pund (a man second from the left in the back row of this photograph shares this surname) recognized that the area could be potentially rich if a better water supply could be obtained. He secured a 15 year license with three other miners. Within the next five years, these men had constructed 19 km of water race going from Upper Nine Mile Creek to Three Mile Creek. By 1881, these four men had delivered 950,000 gallons to the Three Mile Sluicing area which is depicted in this photograph. Pund would later go into partnership with John Alston Wallace who would become owner of the Star Hotel in Beechworth. The Three Mile sluicing location continued to be operational until 1950. The eleven miners in this photograph are: Back row: Led Guthrie, P. Pund, F. Beel, [Unknown] Miller Front row: Paddy McNamara, J. King, W. Beel, [Unknown] Garland, J. Clarke, J. Ryan, H. Bartsh In the background of the photograph is a huge dirt wall that appears to suffer damage caused by hydraulic sluicing. Hydraulic sluicing is a specialised mining technique that involves directing high pressure water flows at dirt to uncover gold. The technique played a significant role in shaping Beechworth's landscape during the gold rush to create the topography seen today.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. Images, like this one, of Australian gold rush history can reveal important information about the social and environmental impact of this period. This image depicts diggers standing in a mining location and therefore, this image has the capacity to reveal or support significant information for researchers studying the fashion and social status of diggers in Australia in approximately 1911. It can also provide information on the landscape of Australia in this period and the impact of mining for gold on both society and the Australian landscape. The Burke Museum is home to a substantial collection of Australian mining photographs which can be used to gain a deeper understanding into life on the gold fields, technology used in mining, the miners themselves and the impact of the gold digging on the environment.Black and white / sepia rectangular reproduced photograph printed on glossy photographic paper mounted on board.beechworth, beechworth museum, mining, mining team, three mile creek, sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, photography, gold sluicing, gold mining, pund mining

This photograph depicts members of the Beechworth Band at a 'Liedertafel' concert in the main hall at the Burke Museum in 1999. The concert was associated with an exhibition titled, 'From the Liedertafel to the Skating Rink: Entertainment in Beechworth 1852 - early 1900s', which celebrated the rich and diverse entertainments that were a part of Beechworth life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Marching bands, choirs, circus acts, theatrical performances, races, and seasonal activities, such as Mr. Spiller's roller skating rink, founded in the late 1860s, were among the attractions on offer. 'Liedertafel' is a tradition that accompanied German settlers to Australia. It refers to a friendly society of men united by an enthusiasm for singing. The Beechworth Brass Band was formed by Mr. H. Vandenberg in 1887. The Beechworth Liedertafel was established 14 March 1894 at the London Tavern, Camp Street, Beechworth, by Mr. A.A. Billson, and a visiting conductor, Mr. H. Fielder. German clubs, complete with marching bands, athletics associations and Liedertafel choirs, were centres of social activity attracting wide audiences not limited to members of their own ethnicity. Alfred Arthur Billson was the youngest son of Mr. George Billson, who served as Beechworth’s mayor between 1869-1871. In 1872, George purchased the Oven’s Brewery in Last Street, which became Billson’s Brewery, one of the oldest continuing beverage manufacturers in Australia. An active member of Beechworth’s cultural, business and political life around the turn of the century, A.A. Billson served on Beechworth Shire Council from 1884 to 1893, and from 1895 to 1910, with three terms as president (1888–89, 1899–1901, 1908–09). He founded the Beechworth Progress Association in 1891 and produced an ‘Illustrated Guide to Beechworth and Vicinity’ to develop tourism potential. This photograph of the Beechworth Band playing at the Burke Museum is historically significant for the information it conveys about an exhibition at the Burke Museum between September and November 1999. The use of the contemporary Beechworth Band in a 'Liedertafel' performance provides insight into curatorial approaches at the turn of the twenty-first century and improves our understanding of how exhibitions use objects in the Burke Museum's Collection to tell stories about the past in the present. The image is historically and socially significant for attesting to the enduring appeal of local musical associations, which were a popular means of entertainment that fostered social connections among settlers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Rectangular colour photograph printed on matte photographic paper. Reverse: 7029 / Label: 7029 / Source / Burke Museum / Beechworth / Band / 1999/2000 /liedertafel, beechworth band, burke museum, from the liedertafel to the skating rink, entertainment in beechworth 1852 - early 1900s, gold rush, immigration, beechworth's german heritage, london tavern beechworth, beechworth's first brick tavern, spiller's skating rink, vandenberg's beechworth brass band, protestantism, teetotallism, skating carnivals, beechworth german association, yma's, beechworth skating rink, progress societies, billson's brewery, german-australians, beechworth progess association, lodges, freemasonry, colonial australia

Woolshed is a small area about five kilometres north west of Beechworth, and almost about 225km north east of Melbourne. When gold was discovered at the nearby Spring Creek in February 1852, Woolshed was one of three settlements set up to house miners and their families. At its peak in 1857, Woolshed was also populated by 29 storekeepers and 14 hotels, as well as the Woolshed State School, which stood near where this photograph was taken. The school often played host to public meetings, as well as a public dance in 1897. The school was subject to some controversy in 1874 when one parent complained about the head of the school in the local newspaper, the Owens and Murray Advertiser, and at least three letters to the editor were exchanged between the two. According to the parent, C. O'Donoghue was not providing enough amusement for the children and was disrespectful to parents and staff. When the State Governor, Sir Reginald Talbot, visited Beechworth in 1906, the school organised a celebratory welcome. The Woolshed State School was ultimately closed in 1922 as miners had exhausted the Spring Creek gold supply and were moving elsewhere. This photograph, taken in about 2000, shows the trees that grew on or near the site of the original school. The Woolshed State School Honour Roll, with a list of the men from the school who served in the First World War, also still exists. It is stored in the Beechworth RSL as of 2015.This photograph is significant for its connection to an important site in Beechworth's gold mining history. Woolshed served a significant community of miners, with a population of at least 138 according to the 1911 census, with families that needed the school site to ensure their children's education. The image is also useful for prompting discussion about how Beechworth has changed over time, with the photograph taken 78 years after the school closed down.A colour rectangular photograph printed on glossy photographic paper.Woolshed State. / School site / 2000 / - remnant trees / / cobeechworth, burke museum, school, education, trees, nature, state school, woolshed, gold mining, teachers, over time, owens and murray advertiser, public meetings, public dance, c. o'donoghue, spring creek, state governor, sir reginald talbot, miners, honour roll, world war 1

In Australia, precious opal is found in Cretaceous age sandstones and mudstones. These sedimentary rocks were deeply weathered and this weathering released silica into the groundwater.Australia is the only part of the world where opalised animal and plant fossils have been found. Opal artefacts several thousands of years old have been discovered in East Africa. As early as 250 BC the Romans prized opals, thought to have come from mines in Eastern Europe, the ancient world's main source of opals. There are many aboriginal dreamtime stories that feature opal. Australian opals discovered during the late 1800's found little favour with European markets but their commercial value increased in the 1900's and in 1932 Australia took over as the major producer of opals in the world and remains the largest producer to this day. Opal is found around the world (Brazil, Mexico, Honduras and the western US) however Australia produces 95% of the world's precious opal and it is our official national gemstone. Opal was first mined commercially at Listowel Downs in Queensland in 1875 and later at White Cliffs in NSW. Today, Coober Pedy (SA) is the main producer of white opal, though in recent years this field has expanded and all types of opals are found. Other centres in SA include Andamooka and Mintabe. Lightning Ridge (NSW) is renowned for black opal and formerly White Cliffs was a large producer of high quality opal. Boulder opals (opals in concretionary ironstone) are mined in Queensland from numerous localities in a zone extending from the Eulo and Cunnamulla district in the south and northwest for a distance of over 700 km to Kynuna in the north. The towns of Quilpie, Yowah and Winton are the main opal mining and wholesale centres. Opals are considered gemstones and have been used in jewellery for thousands of years.Throughout much of history, opals were actually believed to be good luck. The Romans thought that opals were one of the luckiest gemstones and a symbol of hope. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to be bestowed with all the positive properties of coloured gemstones due to its rainbow-like play of colour. Finally, there is a superstition that you should not wear an opal unless it is your birthstone otherwise misfortune will befall you. This, of course, is far-fetched, but the notion could have been promoted in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries by diamond traders who were trying to increase sales of diamonds and deter people from buying opals. Possibly related to this is the thought that you should set opal jewellery with diamonds as their powers of good fortune will override any negativity held by the opal. The great majority of opal does not show play of colour and is called common opal or potch however this is not the case with a precious opal. Opal is a precious gemstone, like rubies, emeralds or diamonds. Opal is rare, and it is expensive to prospect and mine for.Silica is one of the most common minerals on the planet, but precious opal is very rare – far more rare than diamonds. Precious opal is rare because the natural processes that create it rarely occur.Most (at least 95%) of the opal found by miners is common opal without gem colour. In Australia we call it potch. It can be white, grey, black or amber coloured. Even when a miner finds gem-coloured opal, most of it can’t be cut into gemstones because it’s too thin, or sandy. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.It is not known where this opal originated, except that it is probably from Victoria, as it has been recorded from many localities in the State. Common Opal is formed from silica-rich water circulating through rocks near the Earth’s surface. It consists of minute spheres of silica arranged in different ways. In common opal, the spheres are of different sizes and randomly arranged, unlike in precious opal where the spheres are of similar size and uniformly arranged in three dimensions. These differences account for common opal generally being translucent to opaque and without the play of colours, or opalescence, displayed by precious opal. Common opal is found in many localities and different geological environments throughout Australia and the world. Precious opal requires special conditions to form and is much less common. Australia produces most to the world’s precious opal. burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, precious opal, opal, brazil, mexico, honduras, queensland, coober pedy, gemstones, jewellery, play-of-colour, light blue

Carving of a large male head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. The sculpture has been roughly hewn from a single piece of wood.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of the man's face featuring heavy eyebrows, moustache and beard.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, carving, wooden sculpture

Carving of a small female head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. The sculpture as been roughly hewn from a tree limb with multiple branches.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of a face, featuring a wide nose, protruding eyes, and flat mouth. On a limb section that extends above the head is a carving of a small totem-like face. Two small limb sections protruding from the back. Pen lines and figures on nose and ears.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, sculpture, wood carving

Carving of a small female head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. A grid has been drawn across the top with Romanian letters written within the cells.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of a woman's face, featuring a thick hair style, slanted eyes, delicate mouth, and long neck. Pen notations on top of sculpture.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, sculpture, wood carving

Centenary issue of the Open Door Magazine that was produced by both staff and patients. The title reflects Mayday Hills "open door" approach to patient care.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. 13-page A4 paper magazine with 4 copper staples.CENTENARY ISSUE / 1867 / The New Open Door / 1967 [The Australian National Coat of Arms]beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills, magazine, centenary

Child-size rocking horse made and sold by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. Purchased in 1978 and used by a family for generations.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A small wooden rocking horse painted in green, white and brown, with carpet lining on seat.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, rocking horse, children's toys

A knitted handbag made by patients of Mayday Hills Asylum.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A blue and white knitted handbag with cane handles, made by a patient of Mayday Hills.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, craft, fibre art

Knitted handbag made by patient of Mayday Hills Asylum.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A pink knitted fabric handbag in moss stitch with plastic handles.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, fibre art, craft

Goongerah is a community on the Brodribb River, located in Gippsland, Australia, north of Orbost. The town's population is about sixty. The first three issues were free and it was published monthly.Local newspapers play a vital role in the communities they are based in. Community newspapers provide a forum for expression. They allow readers to make their voices heard, and they enable ordinary citizens to deliberate on the future of their community. They may also boost the local economy – both through advertising or news coverage. It is likely that the people who produce these newspapers work and live in the communities they cover and understand the issues they write about.Sixty-four copies of a newsletter, titled The Local Rag,published at Goongerah, about 70km north of Orbost. It is a local newsletter containing articles, photographs, advertisements and information. It was printed monthly from 1979 - 1985. The newsletter is all black/white with some hand -written/drawn and some typed.newsletters-goongerah

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance.The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Three minute books for the Orbost Aero Club. Inside are loose copies of correspondence, statements and accounts. They are mostly hand-written with some typed and glued in. 2406.1 has a grey mottled cover and is dated 1969-1975. 2406.2 has a green cover and is dated 1976-1977. 2406.3 has a red/white/blue striped cover and is dated 1991-1997.2406.1 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB 20/9/69 Minute Book 2406.2 has a price sticker 2.55 2406.3 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB P.O. BOX 415 ORBOST 3888 in black texta : Lodge Annual Return to A.S.C. within 1 month after A.G.M. Obtain Audit before A.G.M. orbost-aero-club

The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Three stamps used by the Orbost Aero Club. 2406.13 has a red plastic handle with a circular base. 2406.14 has a black plastic handle with a narrow rectangular base. 2406.15 has a black wooden handle with a small rectangular base. 2406.13 : In centre circle THE COMMON SEAL OF In outside circle ORBOST AERO CLUB INC ACN 004 832 991 on top of handle ESCO 2406.14 On stamp - Orbost Aero Club 2406.15 On stamp Orbost

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the yearsA round Three Nuns Tobacco tin with a petty cash book inside. The tin - 2406.16 - has a red tape label - Petty Cash. The lid has a black circle on an orange background with white and orange print. The book - 2406.17 has a grey vinyl cover It is rectangular with rounded corners, cut to fit inside the tin. It contains hand-writteen records of costs.On top of tin lid - labelling tape - PETTY CASH On book cover in black print - PETTY CASH above black line Three Nuns Tobacco in white ORBOST None Nicer in orange AERO J & F Bell Glasgow in white CLUB On rim of lid - 2 oz Insert coin under lid and twistorbost-aero-club three-nuns-tobacco-tin

These books are part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.These personal documents, photographs, medals and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.Three books used by Edward Vincent Lawless during his service in WW1. 1846.5 has a black cover and contains hand-written notes and diagrams in an exercise book. 1846.6 has a purple cover and contains hand-written notes on bombing. 1846.7 is a small book with a black cover and a ribbon for tying closed. It contains signalling notes1846.5 Edward Lawless 1846.6 E.V. Lawless 1846.7 Ted Lawless A Group Signalling 6th Battalion 22/6 Lark Hill School No 5 Camp No 5 Camp B Coylawless-family ww1 books signalling

The Australasian Bandsman was a monthly journal devoted to bands. It began in the 1890's and was still being published in 2013.The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. Primary Significance Criteria Three journals of the Australasian Bandsman. All have blue covers with darker blue print. Inside are white pages with black text. All are published by E. V. Simons P.O. Box 16 Portland New South Wales. 2085.1 July 1966 2085.2 October 1966 2085.3 November 1966Stamped with ORBOST MUNICIPAL BANDjournal magazine australasian-bandsman music

These books were used by the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Municipal Band.The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. One blue-covered folder containing inward correspondence. Three exercise books ( one blue and two red) and one red covered ledger book which contain minute of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Municipal Band.orbost-municipal-band correspondence documents