Eight of these letter books contain letters written by the Warrnambool lawyer George Mackay. They are mostly letters written to contacts while he was living in Scotland and letters sent from Warrnambool to Scotland to his daughter, Margueretta (Meta) who was studying medicine. Scottish-born George Sutherland Mackay (1850-1926) opened a legal practice in Kepler Street, Warrnambool in 1891 and in 1893 bought the business of the late James Fletcher, with the business known as Fletcher and Mackay. In the 1920s John Taylor became a partner and the firm of Mackay, Taylor & Co. (later Mackay Taylor) continued until 1999 when it merged with Taits Solicitors to form Tait Taylor (now Taits Legal). George Mackay was a Warrnambool Councillor and the first Mayor to hold office for four successive years. He was instrumental in getting the Warrnambool High School established and was the Chairman of the first School Council. Two of these letter books contain letters written by Ernest Powling. One letter book contains letters written by James Mack, a Warrnambool accountant These letter books are of considerable importance as they contain letters relating to legal matters in Warrnambool and district from the late 19th century to the mid 1940s. The letters also give an insight into the private life of a prominent Warrnambool lawyer, George Sutherland Mackay..1 This letter book has a dark blue cover, brown leather binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and handwritten letters. The spine is damaged. .2 This letter book has a dark red cover with red binding, an alphabetical index with tabs, a handwritten label on the front cover, information on the ledger maker and the handwriting of the letter writer inside the front cover. The spine is slightly damaged. .3 This letter book has a dark red mottled cover with white binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and a handwritten label on the front cover. .4 This letter book has a dark red cover with white paper binding and a handwritten label on the cover. .5 This letter book has a dark blue cover, red binding, and alphabetical index with tabs. The spine is slightly damaged. A loose receipt is inside the front cover. .6 This letter book has a mottled blue and pink cover, black binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and handwritten personal letters. .7 This letter book has a dark green cover, brown binding, an alphabetical index with coloured tabs and handwritten private letters. .8 This letter book has a mottled cover with black binding and an alphabetical index with tabs. Many of the letter copies are upside down. .9 This letter book has a dark green cover with red binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and handwritten personal letters. .10 This letter book has a dark green cover with buff-coloured leather binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and copies of typed letters. The leather is torn on the front cover. .11 This letter book has a green cover, a brown leather spine and a paper label pasted on the cover. This book has the spine detached and is badly waterstained .2 G Sutherland Mackay 1874 Private Letter Book james mack, warrnambool, ernest powling, port fairy, george mackay, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

The Ozone Coffee Palace was built in 1890-1891. It was designed by Mr J McLeod. It was grand in design and decoration. The term Coffee Palace was used to describe temperance hotels which were built during the 1880’s -1890’s. They typically were multi-purpose and had a large number of rooms for ballrooms and leisure activities. Coffee palaces were aimed at families in coastal areas and inner city locations. Examples of some are The Windsor Hotel Melbourne, Ozone, Queenscliff and Kilbreda Convent in Mentone. The bottom part of the advertisement is a testimonial written by Brassey and Sybil De V Brassey, Lord Brassey being Governor of Victoria around 1895. Their visit to Warrnambool and their stay at the Ozone sparked a much needed interest in the Ozone. In 1896 the price to stay at the Ozone was two pounds two shillings and it remain in business for several years but in 1910 it closed after losing money for many years. It remained closed until it was bought by Mr Howard Lawson in 1920. It continued to struggle financially. It was burnt down in February 1929. When the Ozone was built in1891 it was the largest building in Warrnambool. It occupied a prominent position on the corner of Koroit and Kepler Streets. The grand architectural style in which it was built, was used for a number of similar buildings throughout the state. The fire which destroyed the building was one of the largest in the town.Large photograph glued to the top of the card with text in various styles underneath. Photo is sepia and card is cream. The bottom part of the piece has broken away. Jordan in bottom LH corner of photograph. “L.N. Moore 2 Landcox St Nth Brighton” written in pencil on back. warrnambool, ozone coffee palace warrnambool, mansions hotel, hotel warrnambool, ozone fire 1929

John Hitchen was the manager of the first Cheltenham Post Office that opened 1/8/1857 in a boot and shoe store. Mail was transported to and from St Kilda to Cheltenham by coach 6 days a week and an additional service twice weekly to Tootgarook via Frankston also by coach. 1868 Post office Savings Bank began operation and the Telegraph office was established at the Railway Station 1885. A new building was built 1891 in Point Nepean Road for the official Cheltenham Post Office and a new manual telephone exchange began 1899 with 24 subscribers. By 1909 100 subscribers, 1951 there were 1700 and in 1974 12,000 subscribers . Hence this new building was designed by Oscar A. T. Gimsey & Assoc. and built by T W Morris & Sons Mordialloc. Mr G Clayton Federal MP Isaacs, opened the Post Office with Moorabbin City Council Mayor C.R McHutchison, Mr WJB Pollock, Director Posts and Telegraphs, and hands the Key of the post Office to Mr L De Longville Postmaster.The Post Office was an integral part to the development and prosperity of the Cheltenham area as the area grew from pioneer settlers in the 1850's to flourishing market gardens c1900 and industrial diversity of 1974.Program for the 'Official Opening of the Cheltenham Post Office' November 29th 1974 with a black and white photo of the building.city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, post office, telegraph, st kilda station, tootgarook, frankston, clayton g mhr, mchutchison r.p mayor, pollock w j b mp, market gardens, early settlers, horse coach, de longville l postmaster

The American Bible Union was formed in 1850 by Baptist members of the American Bible Society (ABS) who wanted the Society to produce translations that, in their view, more accurately reflected the original text. One place where they ran into conflict with other members of the ABS was over the translation of the Greek word baptize. Most English translations (including the Authorized or King James Version) simply transliterate the word rather than translate it as “immerse.” Between 1852 and 1861, they published a series of quarto edition that contained proposed revisions for most of the New Testament. A complete New Testament was published beginning in 1862 with a Second Revision published in 1865. A series of Old Testament volumes was also published between 1856 and 1884. In 1883 the American Bible Union ceased operation and turned over their activities to the American Baptists. The American Baptists continued their work and published an Improved Edition of the New Testament in about 1891 (this was published in two version – in one baptize is translated as immerse and in the other it is left as baptize.) They also published a complete Bible in 1912.A small Prayer Book Cover 'AMERICAN BIBLE UNION' Inside front page 'AMERICAN PRAYER BOOK'baptist church, early settlers, pioneers, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, market gardeners, bibles, prayerbooks, american bible union, american bible society

William Webster married Annie Martha Chisholm in 1891. He was born in Kapunda, S A in 1858; was a teacher and died in Bright in 1941. She was born in Ararat in 1860 and died in Surrey Hills in 1926. Their 4 sons were: 1. Rupert Chisholm (b1892; d 1953; m Ethel Cross in 1916) - occupation: public servant (became assistant taxation commissioner) 2. Clarence William Willoughby (b 1895; d 1980; m Jessie Mona Stuart Grant in 1924) - occupation: solicitor. 3. Basil Thomas Ross (b 1900; d 1983; m Isabella Rodger in 1934) - occupation: clerk / salesman 4. Ian Bruce (b 1904; d 1983; m Doery Annie Breen in 1935) - occupation: dentist. The family lived in View Street, Mont Albert. Clarence served in WW1 (SERN 36844) The family had strong associations over successive generations with Surrey Hills and the Methodist Church. Mona Webster wrote the history of the Mont Albert shopping centre.A black and white photograph of a family group of a man and a woman and four young boys.william webster (mr), annie webster (mrs), annie chisholm (miss), rupert webster (mr), ruper chisholm webster (mr), ross webster (mr), basil thomas ross webster (mr), clarence webster (mr), clarence william willoghby webster (mr), bruce webster (mr), ian bruce webster (mr), mona grant (miss), jessie mona stuart grant (miss), mona webster (mrs), jessie mona stuart grant (mrs), clothing and dress

This photo was taken in c1910. ‘Warlingham’ has many typical Victorian features and has been restored and extended. The first owner was Thomas Kennedy Vernon Coburn, a solicitor. His wife was Sara Ethelwyn (Winnie) Cornell; they married on 26 March 1890. They had a large family and their eldest son (Arthur Wheeler Coburn) was born at 'Wannacul' Surrey Hills on 11 January 1891. The Coburns seem to have moved often and Thomas was declared insolvent in 1894, in part it would seem as a result of the land crash. The next owner was George Lumsden, grocer who is believed to have been there 1892-1896. He was married to Emma Louise Sim. During the years c1913-1919 Mr William Joseph Trenerry (manufacturer) and his wife Elsie (nee Capon) lived here. In the 1919 electoral roll the house name is given as 'Mosman', which may be a reference to Elsie Trenerry's origins; she came from Sydney. See also SHP1927 and SHP1384. A black and white photograph of a Victorian style house with lacework around the verandah. There is a lady and young girl with plaits wearing her school uniform standing in front of the house. Two young boys are watching and are standing on the verandah.clothing and dress, warlingham, guildford road, surrey hills, house names, mr william joseph trenerry, mrs elsie trenerry, miss elsie capon, mr thomas coburn, mr thomas kennedy vernon coburn, mr arthur wheeler coburn, mrs sara ethelwyn coburn, mrs wynnie coburn, miss sara ethelwyn cornell, mr george lumsden, miss emma louise sim, mrs emma louise lumsden

Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891 and then to Shelley on 13 June 1916. Shelley was the highest station in Victoria. It extended further on to Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and finally reached Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. The line had 1 in 30 grades and trestle bridges that have been heritage listed. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961. The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976. These stamps were used by Joh Murray who for many years worked with Victorian Railways based at Wodonga.A leather pouch with belt and lock. It bears a metal name tag inscribed with name of railway station. The pouch contains 3 station stamps, a date stamp and 2 carriage keys.On pouch WODONGA On stamps: BONEGILLA 1470/ EBDEN 1471/ BANDOLIER 1473cudgewa rail line, victorian railways, closed victorian railways, railway stamps

Alex Reid was born in 1891 and began work on the Victorian Railways in 1907. He enlisted with the A.I.F in 1915. He served in Egypt and the Suez Canal but was discharged on medical grounds having contracted typhoid and dysentery. In 1917 he re-enlisted in the Anzac Light Horse. On his return to England, he survived the torpedoing of HMAT Ballarat and then served in France. On discharge from the army, Alex returned to the Victorian Railways and transferred to Wodonga. He was employed driving the “Spirit of Progress” and remained as “Driver in Charge” until his retirement in 1956. Alex was awarded the MBE in 1951 and the OBE in 1963 for his tireless efforts on behalf of Returned Servicemen and their families. He continued to work as a welfare officer for the RSL. As well as continued service to the RSL, Alex served as a member of the Wodonga High School advisory committee for 35 years and sat on the bench in the Wodonga Court for 15 years in his capacity as Justice of the Peace. Alexander Frederick Reid O.B.E died in Wodonga on 7 January 1979.This image represents a farewell work function for an outstanding member of the Wodonga community.A large black and white framed photo of a group of men attending a send off function in Wodonga in 1956.Alex Reid send off 1955 Back Row L to R Stan Warnock, F. Fulford, W. McEachern, S. Egan, P. Doolan, K. Moore, A. Smyth, M. Seymour, W. McAnanly, M. Flanagan, L. Gregson, L. Snow, H. Fraser, R. Cooper, W. Squires Second Back Row L to R K. Williams, W. Toomey, K. Coleman, F. Thistleton, K. Ziebell, P. Gough (S.M), C. Hughes, F. Dempsey, C. Craig, W. Baldock, J. Robinson, W. Odgers, C. Whitehead, G. Taylor, J. Muir, P. McDonald, W. Riley, A. Thompson, K. Robinson, B. Strachan, W. Walsh, T. Willoughby Seated second Row L to R J. Schmidt, A. Wagner, J. O’Donnell, J. Dawe, F. Leitch, J. Anderson, T. Brown, A. Elvish, F. Boadle, A. Reid, J. Draper (Police). N. Davey, F. Caine (P), A. Padgett, L. Burroughs (P), B. Saul, F. Weatherall, H. Binder, D. Sutton, T. Cosgriff, C. Clancy, ? , M. Nowadice, J. Karugan Front Row Seated L to R D. Shannon, S. Cuper, L. Cheesley. C. Williams, L. Madgeric, V. Snow. ?, A. Beach, L. Cross, C. McNamara, ? , Don Shepard.alexander frederick reid, eminent wodonga residents, ww1 veterans wodonga, hmat ballarat

This piece of music, ‘First Love’, dates from the 1850s and was composed by Henry Farmer (1819-1891). Born in Nottingham, Farmer was an organist and composer and conductor of the Nottingham Harmonic Society from 1866 to 1880. He dedicated this music to Miss Hal Chaworth Musters. It is not known who ‘Miss Hal’ was but the Chaworth name was an ancient one in Nottingham and marriage with a member of the Musters family brought into being the name ‘Chaworth Musters’ and the estates included Annesley, Edwalton and Wiverton. The signatures on the front cover indicate that this music is connected to two early families in the district. Stephen Henty owned Cadnook (Kadnook), near Harrow, in the 1850s and sold it to Mordaunt Smalpage (or Smalpaige) in July 1859. Stephen Henty, who came to Victoria in 1836, was the brother-in-law of Captain Helpman, the Warrnambool Harbour Master from 1861 to 1869. They were co-owners of the ‘Champion’ which plied between Portland and Melbourne until it was wrecked off Cape Otway in 1857 when it collided with the ‘Lady Bird’.This is a most significant item because of the signatures on the front cover. Stephen Henty was important, not only in the history of Victoria, but also in the history of Warrnambool because of his connection with coastal shipping and his relationship with Captain Helpman. As far as we know the Hentys never lived in Warrnambool but it is possible that this music was played on the ‘Henty’ piano that was donated to the old Warrnambool Museum in 1889 and is now in the Warrnambool Art Gallery. The Hentys brought six pianos to Victoria in 1837. The music is also important in social history as an example of the music that was played in mid-Victorian drawing rooms. This is a piece of music of seven pages printed back to back (cover and 11 pages of musical notation) The pages have black printing on white with a multi-coloured front cover. The cover has a stylized portrait of a man and woman in period costume. The woman is holding an urn of flowers. Some of the pages are loose and the page folds and corners are tattered and torn. The name ‘Smalpaige ‘is written in ink and the name ‘Henty’ is written in pencil. Front Cover: ‘Mrs Smalpaige, Cadnook, 8th Aug/59’ ‘S.Henty, 8 August 1859’ ‘First Love’, ‘Valse dedicated to Miss Hal Chaworth Musters by Henry Farmer, London, Published by Joseph Williams, 123, Cheapside, Solo, 4, Duet, 4, Septett, 3/6, Full Orchestra, 5/-, Ent. Sta. Hall.’ stephen henty, mrs smalpaige, warrnambool, first love sheet music, history of warrnambool, henry farmer

The spraying units were manufactured in Australia by REGA Products. Ltd. in 1926. They established themselves as leaders in the production of agricultural and horticultural spraying machines, including smaller knapsacks. Knapsacks were quickly adapted to a range of applications and were widely used by the C.F.A (Country Fire Authority). They were also widely used for defence during World War II. REGA was later purchased by the Garrard family and still operate as part of Garrads Pty Ltd. This sprayer was one of the units used by the C.F. A. in Wodonga. The Country FIre Authority was established in 1945 following a Royal Commission into the 1939 Black Friday fires which recommended a single firefighting authority for country Victoria, bringing together the Bush Fire Brigades, Country Fire Brigades and Forest Commission. The first fire brigade, the Wodonga Urban Fire Brigade was formed in 1891 and registered in May 1893. Since that time its volunteers have provided ongoing support to the Wodonga and District communities through events such as urban fires, bushfires and other emergency situations. This item is representative of the Wodonga Country Fire Authority and its many volunteers.A knapsack sprayer designed to be used for spraying insects. The unit includes brass fittings, leather straps and a spray arm and nozzle attached. It was also adapted to be widely used by firefighters.On front: REGA / C.F.A. Around lid: REGA SPRAYERSrega sprayers, cfa region 24, cfa volunteers, cfa wodonga, wodonga urban fire brigade, fire fighting equipment

William Smerdon Holmes married Violet Mary Macfie (1859 – 1942) on 9 April 1890 at Geelong. William and Violet lived at "Sauchieburn", Ascot on the 291 ha (720 acre) property that William inherited from his aunt Catherine Coghill (nee Holmes). William and Violet Holmes had four children: • Violet Catherine (1891- 1949) married Samuel Gordon Spittle 11 August 1920; Mary Coghill (1892 - 1979); • William Edward (1894 - 1964) married Charlotte Anne Alexander 20 June 1933; • Henry Smerdon (1897 - 1954) married Edith Sarah Pickford 28/2/1922. William Smerdon Holmes was the grandfather of Henry John (Jack) Holmes (1922-1972) William Smerdon Holmes (1927-1993), David Coghill Holmes (1929-1950) and Mary Elizabeth Chatham (Elizabeth) (nee Holmes) (1932 - 2006). William Smerdon Holmes died in June 1914 and is buried at the Ballarat New Cemetery. A black and white photograph glued into card. It shows a moustached man in coat, collar, tie and tie-pin. It is William Smerdon Holmeschatham family archive, chatham, holmes, william holmes, william smerdon holmes, ascot, sauchieburn

Agnes (b 1894, Linton; died 1977, Box Hill) had been a masseur before entering medical school at Melbourne University. She transferred to Edinburgh and graduated from there. She joined her sister Amelia Roberta, known as Roberta, at ‘Luxmee’, 4 Windsor Crescent. She was born in 1891 and died at Surrey Hills on 1 May 1972. She had a long illness before her death. Agnes is seated left foreground; Roberta is standing at the right. Their father James Blair Donaldson had been a doctor at Linton, near Skipton and a brother, James Blair Donaldson Jnr (1888-1971) was a doctor in Skipton. A second brother Alexander Somerville Donaldson (1887-1963) also lived in Surrey Hills. He had a number of addresses and occupations including: 1927 - 44 Albany Crescent (Chauffeur); 1949 - 5 Beatrice Avenue (mechanic) and 1963 - 28 Albert Crescent (gardener). Their mother was Amelia Jane Emerson. Transcription of grave in Section C, Baptist in Melbourne General Cemetery gives further family details: “In affectionate remembrance of Jane Duff the beloved wife of Robt. DONALDSON who died at Carlton, Victoria, 8 Aug 1889, age 56 years and of their children David Russell and Mary McIntosh who died in infancy. Until the Easter glory lights the skies; until the dead in Jesus shall arise and He shall come, but not in lowly guise Good night. East also Agnes SHEPHERD mother of Jane D. DONALDSON born at Dundee Scotland 30 Apr 1800, died at Carlton 8 Apr 1891. West also Robt. DONALDSTON teacher died 13 Jul 1910, age 80 years Emily Mary DONALDSON died 24 Jan 1923, age 64 years Alexander Somerville DONALDSON beloved husband of Mary died 26 Oct 1963 Dr. James Blair DONALDSON of Linton, Scotland born 11 Mar 1859, died 7 Sep 1944 also Amelia Jane beloved wife of the above born 11 Nov 1859, died 13 Jul 1946 beloved parents of Somerville, Blair, Roberta and Agnes.” A black and white photograph of seven ladies on the porch of a building.miss agnes donaldson, miss roberta donaldson, dr roberta donaldson, dr agnes donaldson, miss amelia roberta donaldson, dr amelia roberta donaldson

These newsletters were created as an ACCESS project at the Orbost centre of TAFE (Technical and Further Education). Community newsletters are published by local groups and provide community news and information. In small rural communities they are an important communication medium.Three issues of a newsletter titled The Crunch. This was a newsletter for the Orbost community and contains articles on Orbost events. Most articles refer to TAFE Outreach Services. 2407.1 and 2407.2 are printed on yellow paper. 2407.3 has 3 orange sheets and 2 yellow sheets. All are stapled. 2407.1 has a label on the front with East Gippsland Shire Library and a bar code. 2407.2 has a bar code and LOCAL Newsletter written in pencil. 2407.3 has a stamp - EAST GIPPSLAND LIBRARY SERVICE and LOCAL written in pencil.newsletters tafe-orbost

This book provides details of the origins of visiting seafarers.The logbook provides an insight into which ships and the origins of their crews were visiting Melbourne in 1996-1997. On the cover are the words: Visitors book 28-2-95 to 20-4-96logbook, visitors, nationality, crew, ship, sailors, seamen, seafarers, mission to seafarers, seamen mission, flinders street, china, malaysia, indonesia, papua new guinea, india, phillipines

A tabulated guide between military and civilian rank structure concerning Mess and Club elegibility.A single A4 paper page Army Minuteroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

These tickets were sold from 12.11.1996 - 13.12.1996 and drawn on 16.12.1996 with the results in the Bendigo Advertiser on 18.12.1996. The proceeds of this yearly effort was in aid of the Bendigo RSL Patriotic Building Fund. These raffles are believed to have began pre 1950 and ran until 1999. Refer Cat No's 8130P and 8221.Book of raffle tickets, yellow colour stapled in lots of twenty, tickets are in two sections, tear off for purchaser, and but for drawing the raffle, tickets are 50 cents each, stocking value $250.00, 10,000.00 tickets, these are ticket No's 6741 - 6760"Bendigo R.S.L. Monster Xmas Stocking"brsl, smirsl, xmas, stocking, 1996

Paper patterns have been used by seamstresses and home sewers throughout the 20th century and are still used today. The Simplicity Pattern Company was established in New York City in 1927 by James Shapiro and distributes patterns world-wide. Spotlight is the largest chain store in Australia selling fabrics, craft and interior decorator supplies at 100 stores throughout Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. It is currently situated in Warrnambool at 84 Raglan Parade. This dress pattern is of minor interest as coming from a local Warrnanmbool shop. It may be useful for display. This is a paper envelope containing the instructions and cut-out material for a child’s dress. There are three loose items inside the envelope. ‘Simplicity, 7009, Daisy Kingdom’ ‘No Exchange, Spotlight, Warrnambool’ spotlight store, warrnambool, sewing patterns, warrnambool

ALPS (Active, Life, Physical. Social) was formed c1996 to provide women with a service club that enables them to assist each other and the wider community. When forming the club, forms were created to guide their activities.ALPS is unique to the Upper Kiewa Valley involving women interested in meeting regularly and assisting their members and the community.1 green page titled 'The Pledge" 2 white pages stapled in the top left corner titled 'Protocol' 4 white pages stapled in the top left corner titled 'Ethics'alps, service club, women, kiewa valley

This is set number 223 of two facsimile volumes of an historical work. The covers are green with gold printing and the dust covers are cream with black printing and two colour illustrations. The pages contain printed text and illustrations, both black and white and coloured. There are two inserts, one a map and the other showing a New South Wales natural feature. The two volumes are contained in a hardcover green folder.non-fictionMajor Thomas Mitchell historical writing.major mitchell, australia felix squatting period

Various informational material for Heritage Week themes by year along with Shire of Eltham Historical Society forms and copies of activities Includes 1989 self guided tour with map of 36 historical locations provided as part of the Shire of Eltham Historical Soiciety's activities for Heritage Week 1989 and also 1983 (recreated from display materials)eltham heritage walk, heritage week, heritage week 1989, shire of eltham historical society

About former Shire / City council memorabilia. Concerning honour boards removed from Greensborough officesbanyule city council, cr peter cleeland, diamond valley shire, honour board, joint memorabilia taskforce, nillumbik shire council

About former Shire / City council memorabilia. On the reverse side an article "Timing was the problem: chief" regarding Nillumbik CEO Barry Rochford dismissing claims that coulcil failed to follow correct statutory procedure when announcing the release of development plans for thje former Eltham Shire Office site in which developer Dallas Howgate intended to build a service station, convenience store, fast food outlet and community facilities including an information desk and meeting area.895 main road, barry rochford, bev marshall, dallas howgate, eltham shire office, nillumbik shire council, banyule city council, city of heidelberg, david hay, heidelberg historical society, honour board, joint memorabilia taskforce, mayoral chain, peter williams, roma o'callaghan, shire of diamond valley, shire of eltham

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jackls restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, shillinglaw trees, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, frank burgoyne, robert marshall, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott