3 Page Letter printed on A4 printer paper. Bearing the letterhead of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. Postal Address Secretary PO Box 922 Bendigo 3552 Telephone number (03) 5442 1153 email [email protected] Mark Maddock Case Officer Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat Government house Canberra ACT 2600 28th February 2011. Dear Mark, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak for Peter Ellis. We know Peter to be a worthy candidate for the award and I think that most people that know him would agree. I had been putting together a nomination for Peter that was suggested by a couple at our club meeting on a night when Peter was not present. Everyone felt that he should have recognition for all the work that he has done and it was unanimously voted on. I was given the job. As someone else has beaten me to it I now can speak for him on my own behalf and in my role as secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter Ellis is a very good friend of mine and I have known him since April 1975 when we met at a Saturday night dance. At that time there was a small group of us that went around the dances. We would go 100kms to find dances that were not on the average programme, dances such as The Lancers, Albert's, Waltz Cotillion and lots of Polkas. We bemoaned the fact that they appeared to be dying out in the Towns and Cities so we tried to get the Bendigo Old Time Dance Club of which we were members, to introduce these dances on to the programme, but they were not interested. After a lot of discussion Peter, Maurie Rayner, myself and several others decided to start our own dance club where we could do the dances that we liked, and to endeavour to keep them alive. We formed the Sandhurst Dance Club in June 1979 (renamed ten years later as the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc.) In 1981 Peter made two attempts to form a band for the club and in 1983 the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' was born, with Peter as the leader. Later Peter set up a junior section of the Emu Creek Band and some of these children grew up to become competent musicians and leaders of their own bands/Groups. Peter's friendship with the late Harry McQueen of Castlemaine led to and increased knowledge of the dances, calls for the sets and the various tunes used. Peter joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra in late 1979 and travelling around Victoria and interstate with them was of immense help in learning to MC dances, call sets acoustically and in collecting new 'old dances' and tunes. He met elderly MC's who gave him information on the way that they ran the dances in the old days. It was also an introduction to playing items at concerts and in reviving much of the old traditions of the bush. Demand for the tunes for dances led to Peter compiling a series of three books called 'Collectors Choice' which were published by the Victorian Folk Music Club in 1986, 1987 and 1988. 1988 was a very busy year for Peter and The Emu Creek Bush Band as they recorded two double music tapes for the club 'The Merry Country Dance' and 'The Waltz the Polka and all Kinds of Dancing' which were in much demand at the time. Also in 1988 he collaborated with the late Shirley Andrews and they co-authored the book 'Two Hundred Dancing Years and how to celebrate them with a Colonial Ball' for the Bicentennial of 1988. this publication, was instigated by the Government backed Bicentenary Committee, and distributed free to every municipality in Australia. In 1996 The Emu Creek Bush Band and Peter recorded and produced a single CD called a Friday night at 'The Spring Valley Hop'. In 1998 The Bush Dance & Music Club again happily agreed to financially back Peter to produce a series of CDs. The first thing he did was to revive and update the 1988 music tapes for CD. The first of the Qadrille Mania series of double CDs with companion call books was launched in 1999 then in 2000 and 2001. then the triple CD called The Waltz Polka & all kinds of Dances in 2002 followed by the Merry Country Dance CDs in 2005, 2006 and 2007. There were six double CDs and one triple CD produced which was a major undertaking that went on for eight years. The CDs have a great many tunes that Peter collected over the years mixed in with well known tunes and there are very few repeats. During this time we applied for a Grant from the Victorian Government to publish a book on the social History of country dances and dance instructions with Peter as the author. We were successful and published it in 2005. Our CDs and book have all been lodged with the National Library of Canberra as has all Peter's sheet music, boxes of it, as well as everything he has produced. At the 2005 Canberra National Folk Festival, at a meeting of collectors, it was stated that Peter has the largest collection of dance related material in the National Library. Peter compiled and produced his own project a triple CD called 'Take Me Back to Bendigo' in 2002. 2006 Peter and Emu Creek Bush Band produced another single CD 'Bush Concert Vol one Back to Goornong'. 2008 A pet project of Peter's was compiling and producing a double CD for the Wedderburn Old Timers it was of all the recorded material performed by them at concerts and taped by friends and fans. It was funded by Gavan Holt a son of the late Lindsay Holt an original 'Old Timer'. Recent publications are a book mainly music 'Music Makes Me Smile' a tribute to Con Klippel and the music of the Nariel Valley near Corryong Victoria. Peter Ellis & Harry Gardner 1998. The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dancing' a sheet music book for musicians supported by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. 2007-8 not sure of year. Peter has been involved over the years in collecting music and dance by himself and also with Rob Willis and the late John Meredith for the National Library in Canberra. He is continually asked for information and to write articles for people and to verify points re dance and music. He corresponds with like minded people overseas and frequently goes off to Folk Festivals all over the country, usually running dance classes, musician's workshops or just playing for dances. He is an excellent musician and plays Piano, Button Accordion, Concertina, Mouth Organ, Tin Whistle, Ukulele, Spoons and the Bones. He is regarded as one of Australia's foremost collectors and presenters of Australian traditional dance tunes, dances and some musical instruments. Over the years I have heard him referred to as the Guru of folk dance and music. Peter lives and breathes for this passion of his and always has several irons in the fire. He is a life member of The Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. The Victorian Folk Music Club, and The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club. He was a recipient of the David Squance Award in 1994 presented by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. Over the last twelve months for the folk magazine 'Trad & Now' he has written articles on the old dances and music and this is an ongoing project. This has led to our clubs present project which is the filming of the dances to be shown on UTube as it is referred to in the magazine. This involves members in hours and hours of practising the dances then filming them, and all with Peter's expert teaching and watchful eye on everyone. The Bush Dance & Music Club are and always have been behind Peter wholeheartedly in everything that he does and we are extremely proud of what he has achieved. His drive and enthusiasm for the preservation of music and dance is catching. People like Peter are absolutely necessary in finding and preserving our Australian Heritage, without them it would be lost forever and Australia would be a great deal poorer for it. The Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. and I fully support this nomination for an award as he is truly deserving of it. Yours sincerely Mary E Smith. Secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter's Timeline. 1979 A Foundation Member of the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. 1979 Joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra. 1983 The Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band was formed. 1986 Collectors Choice. Volume one. 1987 Collectors Choice. Volume Two. 1988 Collectors Choice. Volume Three. 1988 Recorded Tapes - The Merry Country Dance & The Waltz Polka & all Kinds of Dances. 1988 A book with the late Shirley Andrews called Two Hundred years of Dancing. 1991 Across to Perth collecting for National Library with the Late John Meredith. 1996 Single CD A Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop. 1998 Music Makes Me Smile. A tribute to Con Klippel 7 music of the Nariel Valley. 1999 Double CD Quadrille Mania 1&2 2000 Double CD Quadrille Mania 3&4 2001 Double CD Quadrille Mania 5&6 2002 His own project triple CD Take Me Back To Bendigo. (Goldrush to Federation and Beyond). 2002 Triple CD The Waltz The Polka & All kinds of Dances. 2005 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 1 & 2. 2002 Book, The Merry Country Dance. 2006 Single CD with Emu Creek 'Bush Concert Vol 1 Back to Goornong' 2006 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 3&4 2007 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 5&6 2007-8-? A book of music, The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dances. 2008 Double CD The Wedderburn Old Timers in Concert.person, individual, peter ellis oam

This book was used in Australian Primary Schools.Green and white covered book including singing and listening, folk dancing, music and ANZAC Day Songs.music, anzac day, folk songs, june epstein, abc, australian broadcasting commission

Pink jewellery box in the form of a Spanish flamenco dancer. The figure is made of clay with a pink lace skirt.

Music book titled "Six Little Dances for Pianoforte" by Cuthbert Harris. Cover protected by brown paper.Jean Rattenbury

Black Shoes – Tap Dancing – With Black material Bows. Soles are Capped on Heels and Toes. Lorraine Dowsettstawell clothing material

Black and white photograph of the participants and organisers of yet another Slovenian cultural evening of music, poems and danceswedding

from the collection of Betty McPheeA small white dance card pencil with cap holding string, tasseled on end. Inscription on side in goldL and C Hardmuth, Viennadomestic items, writing equipment

Black and white photograph of two women dancing, in front of a band and other revellers. Photo and duplicate of photo. On back of original photo: "Back to School, Easter 48. x2" On back of copy: "Back to School at Back to R'glen 194 "back to rutherglen, back to school, marching bands, festivals

Colour photograph. Couples dancing outside very large shed building behind. Period style dress.entertainment, dance, bendigo old time dance club

Black and white photograph. Emu Creek Bush Band. People dancing on right. Emu Creek hall.entertainment, music, emu creek bush band

Colour photograph. People dancing on wooden stage in front of marquee. Emu Creek Bush Band sign.entertainment, music, emu creek bush band

Colour photograph. People dancing on wooden stage in front of marquee. Emu Creek Bush Band sign.entertainment, music, emu creek bush band

Colour photograph. People dancing on wooden stage in front of marquee. Flagpole. Back of photo reads: 16entertainment, dance, dance festival

Colour photograph. People dancing on wooden stage in front of marquee. Back of photo reads: 13A/2entertainment, dance, bush dance

Colour photograph. People dancing on wooden stage in front of marquee. Back of photo reads: 16A/2entertainment, dance, bush dance

Colour photograph. People dancing on wooden stage in front of marquee. Back of photo reads: 19A/2entertainment, dance, bush dance

Colour photograph. Couples dancing in hall some wearing pyjamas. Balloons on wall Hanging star and moon.clubs, music, bush dance & music club of bendigo

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Black and white photograph of the singer Robin Vanser in performance with fellow artists and dancers at 'The Colonnades. Sydney, 1966robin vanser, performing arts - australia - 1960s, the colonnades - sydney - 1966

Original photograph of the Kew Centenary Ball in the new Kew Civic Hall in 1960. The photograph formed part of the collection of WHS Dickinson and was presented to the Kew Historical Society by his daughter in 2018. Original black and white photograph of dancers at the Kew Centenary Ball in the Kew Civic [Town] Hall in 1960.centenary of kew (vic) - 1860-1960, cr whs dickinson - mayor of kew 1946-1947, civic events - kew (vic)

This is a 1991 program for the City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod. This Eisteddfod was first held in 1975 when the Rotary Club of Warrnambool organized a community festival attracting 150 entrants. Following this the Warrnambool City Council became the organizer of this event. Today the Warrnambool Eisteddfod is dedicated to showcasing local talents in speech, drama, music, dance, calisthenics and debating in an annual event that goes over 40 days and has over 1000 entrants. A highlight is the Aria Award for the best senior vocalist. This program is of some interest as it gives details of the events held in the Warrnambool Eisteddfod in 1991. This is a booklet of 84 pages. It has a blue and white cover and printed material. This includes office bearers of the Eisteddfod, advertisements, a program of events with the names of entrants, a list of sponsors and some annotated pages indicating the winning entrants. Front Cover: ‘City of Warrnambool Eisteddfod Society Inc. featuring the Fletcher Jones Aria Sponsored by the Fletcher Jones Foundation, Prize Awarded, $3,000, 1991, Sections include Brass, Calisthenics, Recorder, Woodwind, Dancing, Highland D’cing, Speech & Drama, Choral Strings, Organ, Piano. Official Sponsor, Victorian Ministry for the Arts’1991 warrnambool eisteddfod, warrnambool eisteddfod

The 1977 D.A.S.A. Summer Festival of Ballroom Dancing Programme. Held on the 4th December 1977. Program has typed pages and a yellow cover. Contained inside are the names of office bearers, a Christmas message, notices, rules, and the dance program. Peter Ellis written on the front cover.entertainment, dance, ballroom dancing, peter ellis collection, peter ellis, the 1977 d.a.s.a. summer festival of ballroom dancing programme, ross michell, george wanstall, doreen holmes, norman gonsal, graham pike, r martin, c dove, l wanstall, m zoanetti, r bampton, d swift, p swift, j bulger, g case, g francis, p dorstyn, r turner, g alexander, r michell, cyril short, stuart bowshall, d bailey, n mccormack, a laland, l turner, d gonsal, j stevens, j english

This paper lantern was used by Australian athletes in the ‘Lantern Dance’, the last program of the closing ceremony, the lantern is called “Ch’ong sa ch’orong” and is traditionally used during weddings and festivals.When closed the lantern appears as a large, red spiral bound book with detailed inscriptions describing the way to correctly use the lantern in the ceremony. This description appears in several languages as well as a drawn depiction. When opened latticed crepe paper forms a cylinder. The two thirds of the paper is dyed dyed blue and the last third is dyed red. A small battery pack is used to light the lantern.GAMES OF THE XXIVTH OLYMPIAD SEOUL 1988 o The last program of the Closing Ceremony is called “Lantern Dance”. When all the performers enter the stadium holding lanterns, turn the paper board inside out and press the ends so that they snap shut. This will then allow the lanterns to light up. Hold the lantern by the handle at the centre and gently rock it above your head as shown in the picture. o Listen to the announcements via the ear-phones and follow the signals from the guides for further instructions. o* This lantern is called “Ch’ong sa ch’orong” and was traditionally used during weddings and festivals. This inscription is repeated several times in various languages on the cover of the lantern.1988 seoul olympic games, closing ceremony, lantern dance

The origin of debutante balls was that the woman was old enough to be married, and part of the purpose of her coming out was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select circle. These balls were popular on the Island and held at the Shire Hall in Thompson Ave.HistoricalBlack and white photo of group of debutantes in white gowns with posies, dance instructor and Mrs Leggatt, wife of local MP Sir William Leggatt. Allan Murray was the photographer.List of names of debutantes, dance instructor, dignitary and photographer. Also notes re problems with photos from the night.Charlotte Cleeland's deb photo 1949. also names as above.photograph, charlotte cleeland, debutantes phillip island, allan murray, john claringbold, val spokes, joan westley, ruth grayden, heather burton, gwen jackson, margery forrest, fay redpath, mrs mcadie, mrs dorothy leggatt, verna gawith, eileen jones, mrs anderson

These are two tickets issued by the Warrnambool Boomerang Club. This club was formed some time in 1934 and continued on until at least 1956. By the late 1930s there were nearly 200 members who took part in activities that included picnics, Christmas parties, balls, dances and dinners. Profits from the Boomerang Club functions were donated to local charitable organizations. No information is available on Messrs Gallacher or Abernethy. Mr Abernethy received a complimentary ticket as he was the President of the club at the time (1948)These items are significant items as examples of the activities of the Boomerang Club, an important social club in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century. These are two Boomerang Club tickets. One is a buff-coloured card for the Members’ Ball on November 4th (no year) with black printing and the other is a pink card with blue printing, a Complimentary ticket for membership for 1948-49. Both cards have a sketch of a boomerang. Card one: Club, Members’ Ball, November 4th, Name…. Mr R. Gallacher, Admittance only by this ticket. (Written list of dances on back) Card two: Boomerang Club, 1948-1949, Complimentary, S. Abernethy, President, W. L. Grant, N. B. Grant, Hon Secs. (on back – Mr S. Abernethy) warrnambool boomerang club, warrnambool

This note-pad and holder perhaps belonged to Jessie Bell whose name is written on the first page. There are several entries on the pages and the dates range from 1908 to 1929. The entries include references to a Banquet for Mr J. Duffus, Purnim, 1912, Jack Ross’ Wedding Party, Dennington, 1912, R.J. Jones’ Dance, Woolshed, 1928 and Leila Jenkins’ 21st Birthday Party, 1928. This notebook and holder is of interest because it is an example of the type of appointment book used by the more affluent in the early 20th century. This is a heavily-embossed silver note-pad holder with a hinged lid on the front and clips at the side to hold a pencil. The writing material inside the pencil is missing. The back of the holder has a blank space in the middle where a name can be inscribed. At the top of the holder is a ring, holding a chain with an ornamented clip at the end. This enables the holder and pad to be hooked over a belt or lapel. Inside the holder are fifty paper pages on which to write appointments or notes. The pages are gilt-paged. The paper contains several notes handwritten in pencil re dances, parties etc. First Page: ‘Jessie A. Bell, Warrumyea, Wangoom, Warrnambool’ jessie bell, appointment book, warrnambool history