In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the DepressionTwo pages of Interviewee List.history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes

In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the DepressionQuestions, Notes and Prompts for the interviews.history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes

The Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria was active by the 1930s, engaging in industry management and lobbying.The Commercial Egg Producer's Association (CEPA) had branches in Bendigo, South Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Wedderburn, Murrabit and Euroa.CEPA Commercial Egg Producer's Association (Bendigo Region) correspondence, for the year 1982. This item includes the following documents: 8504.38a This document is a formal request from K. & L. Thomas Hatchery to the Secretary of C.E.P.A., seeking an opportunity to address egg industry representatives about concerns related to replacement laying stock. 8504.38b This agreement outlines the relationship between Crystal Egg Company and local egg producers regarding egg supply, grading, and service charges:Crystal Egg Company's Role:Acts as agent for the Victorian Egg Marketing Board, handling receipt, grading, selling, and disposal of eggs. 8504.38c This document outlines a research proposal focused on optimizing the production cycle of laying hens to maximize profitability and improve egg quality. 8504.38d This document outlines a preliminary proposal for a project focused on enhancing the nutritional value of triticale for poultry feed in Australia. 8504.38e This document presents a preliminary research proposal focused on the effects of dietary trace elements—specifically chromium, magnesium, iron, and zinc—on egg albumen quality and storage characteristics in laying hens. 8504.38f Crystal Egg Company letter to the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria which highlight the company's efforts to implement new working hours, accommodate producer needs, and foster industry collaboration. 8504.38g Agenda Items for a meeting 8504.38h The document details an investigation into Bartter's Enterprises' sale and distribution of shell eggs in Victoria, prompted by concerns that their sales were significantly exceeding authorized volumes. Concern Over Excess Sales:Bartter's Enterprises was reportedly selling more shell eggs and pulp in Victoria than the offset load of approximately 27,000 dozens per week permitted by the Egg Marketing Board. 8504.38i Poultry Newsletter - nine pages No 24 Sept 1982 8504.38j This document is a letter from the Victorian Egg Marketing Board to the Commercial Egg Producers' Association, dated August 17, 1982. Request for Feedback on Financial StatementsThe Board has been asked by producer organizations to present its income and expenditure statements in a clearer, more understandable format.The goal is to enable publication of these statements in the association's newsletter, keeping producers informed about both egg production/disposal statistics and the Board's financial position. 8504.38k Victorian Egg Board Reminder to Producers June 1982. This document serves as a formal reminder and invitation for Victorian egg producers to participate in the annual competition, highlighting its importance for industry standards and consumer promotion. 8504.38l The document is an official notice from the Victorian Egg Marketing Board, dated August 13, 1982. Immediate Suspension of Producer Agent ContractsThe Board will not issue any new producer agent contracts from this date forward. 8504.38m The Victorian Egg Marketing Board invites the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria to a meeting.The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 23rd September 1982 at 2:30 p.m. at the Board's premises in Keysborough. 8504.38n The document is a formal letter from the Victorian Egg Marketing Board to the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria, outling a Media Training Initiative: The Council of Egg Marketing Authorities of Australia has appointed Professional Public Relations Pty. Ltd. to conduct media training as part of an animal welfare workshop in Hobart, scheduled for April 1983 8504.38o This document is a formal letter from the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Kent, addressed to Mr. K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary of the Central Council of the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria. Notification of Appointments:The letter informs Mr. Fitzgibbon that, as of June 22, 1982, the Governor in Council has made various appointments to the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. 8504.38p This document is a formal letter from the Minister of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Central Council of the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria, addressing wheat stock management during drought conditions. 8504.38q This document is a formal letter from the Minister of Agriculture addressing concerns about hen quota transfers in Victoria 8504.38r This document is a formal letter from John Bourchier, Member for Bendigo, addressed to Mr. K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary of the Commercial Egg Producers of Victoria. The letter acknowledges receipt of concerns raised by the Commercial Egg Producers regarding wheat imports and the possibility of importing corn from America. 8504.38s This document is a formal letter from David Kennedy, a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Bendigo, addressed to Mr. K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary of the Association of Victoria Commercial Egg Producers. Acknowledgement: David Kennedy thanks Mr. Fitzgibbon for sending a copy of a letter addressed to the Minister of Agriculture regarding farm grading and packing of eggs. 8504.38t Thank you Letter from David Kennedy MLA 8504.38u The document is a formal letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria's Central Council. The letter is sent to the Industrial Relations Board in response to prior communication regarding Dennis Oakes.Resolution: At a recent conference held at City Hall, Bendigo on June 18, 1982, the Central Council resolved to seek official recognition with the Industrial Relations Board. 8504.38v Recognition of Associations - The Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria was officially recognized by the Industrial Relations Commission of Victoria under the Industrial Relations Act 1979.Recognition covers persons employed in farm work related to egg production and poultry breeding for trade or sale. 8504.38w News Review newsletter from the Victorian Egg Producer. Points highlight recent leadership changes, operational challenges, and strategic adjustments in quota and packaging policies within the Victorian egg industry. 8504.38x The Association is formally requesting the Department of Agriculture to retain a Poultry Officer at the Diagnostic Centre in Epsom. This is to ensure continued support for poultry farms in North Central Victoria, which remain numerous and require ongoing service. 8504.38y This document is a formal letter sent by K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary, to Mr. Alan Harrison, General Manager of the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. Notification of Spokesperson:Mr. Peter Farley of the Poultry Advisory Council is designated as the spokesperson on animal welfare issues. 8504.38z This document is a formal letter from the association addressed to a Member of Parliament, Mr. J. Bourchier. Expression of Gratitude. The association thanks Mr. Bourchier for his efforts supporting their members and the egg industry. 8504.38aa Letter sent by the egg producers' association to the Victorian Egg Marketing Board:Request for Experimental ReportThe association asks for a copy of the report on a recent experimental trial involving brown eggs in the Gippsland area. 8504.38ab This document is a letter addressed to the Australian Wheat Board expressing concerns about wheat importation and local grain supply. Concern about imported wheat: The author is worried that imported wheat is only suitable for feed mills. 8504.38ac This letter from K. Fitzgibbon to Mr. David Kennedy outlines several key issues for consideration ahead of the CEPA local agriculture conference: 8504.38ad The document is a letter from CEPA to MP J. W. Bourchier, highlighting three concerns. 8504.38ae This letter expresses concern from the association regarding the transfer of hen quotas out of North and Country Victoria. 8504.38af Notice of The Half-Yearly Conference is scheduled for Friday, 3rd December 1982 at 1:00 p.m. in Bendigo. 8504.38ag This document is a formal letter from CEPA to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Eric Kent. The letter is signed by K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary, and reflects the Association's concern for industry stability and desire for ongoing communication with the government. 8504.38ah The Victorian Egg Marketing Board is formally notified that four representatives from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria will attend the upcoming industry meeting scheduled for 23 September 1982. 8504.38ai This document is a formal letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria to the Minister of Agriculture, highlighting urgent concerns about local grain storage for pig and poultry producers near Bendigo due to drought conditions. 8504.38aj The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg Producers Association to the Minister of Agriculture, outlining key concerns and recommendations regarding the egg industry in Victoria: 8504.38ak The Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria is renewing its affiliation with the Federal Council of Poultry Farmers' Associations of Australia for the 1982-83 period.A cheque for $300.00 is enclosed as the affiliation fee. 8504.38al This document is a formal letter from the secretary of CEPA to the manager of Crystal Egg Co. The association's executive met on July 27, 1982 and decided to request a written proposal from Crystal Industries regarding the future of the egg grading floor in Bendigo. 8504.38am The Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria (Central Council) held a conference at City Hall, Bendigo on June 18, 1982.During the conference, the Association resolved to seek formal recognition with the Industrial Relations Board.Mr. J. D. Oakes was appointed as the Association's representative for any future negotiations with the Board.The letter communicates this decision to Mr. A. Dowling of the Industrial Relations Board, confirming Mr. Oakes's role and the Association's intent. 8504.38an This document is an application submitted by the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria seeking official recognition as an association under the Industrial Relations Act 1979. 8504.38ao The document is a formal notification sent to the Victorian Trades Hall Council regarding the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria's application for recognition under the Industrial Relations Act 1979. 8504.38ap This document is a formal notification from the Secretary of the Australian Workers Union regarding the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria's application for recognition under the Industrial Relations Act. 8504.38aq This document is a formal notification to the Victorian Hatcherymen's Society regarding the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria:The Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria has applied for recognition as an Association under the Industrial Relations Act 1979 with the Industrial Relations Commission of Victoria.Mr. J. D. Oakes has been appointed as the Association's representative for this application. 8504.38ar This document is a formal notification to the Secretary of the Victorian Farmers Graziers Employers Association regarding an application for recognition by the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria. 8504.38as This document is a formal notification sent to the Victorian Employers' Federation regarding the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria's application for recognition under the Industrial Relations Act 1979. 8504.38at The document is a formal letter to the Victorian Egg Marketing Board's secretary addressing industry concerns raised by an association. 8504.38au This document is a formal request from K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary, to the Director General of the Department of Agriculture. 8504.38av This document is a formal letter from CEPA to the Minister of Agriculture, advocating for changes to the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. 8504.38aw Mr. David Kennedy is being formally invited to attend the CEPA's Annual Conference, scheduled for Friday, 18th June, 1982 at 1 p.m. at Bendigo City Hall. 8504.38ax The document is a notice regarding the upcoming annual meeting of the Egg Producers' Association of Victoria's Central Council. The annual meeting will be held at City Hall, Bendigo, on Friday, 18th June 1982 at 1:00 p.m. 8504.38ay The document is a formal letter from CEPA addressed to the General Manager of the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. The association expresses concern that it was not invited to a deputation meeting with the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. 8504.38az This document is a formal letter from the Commercial Egg Producers Association, dated April 30, 1982, addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Kent. Request for Meeting:The Association is seeking a deputation (meeting) with the Minister at a convenient time and place. 8504.38aaa The document nominates candidates for the Producer Member position on the Victorian Egg Marketing Board, submitted by an association to the Minister of Agriculture. 8504.38aab To Consumer Affairs Council. Criticism of Government Reports. The Association believes the Committee of Inquiry's reports on egg marketing were biased and reflected the opinion of Mr. McArthur rather than the evidence presented.They claim the reports were shaped to fit the Minister for Agriculture's preferences, taking four months to find committee members who would deliver the desired outcome. 8504.38aac CEPA Central Council Half Yearly Conference Minutes Dec 1982 8504.38aad CEPA Central Council Annual Conference Minutes June 1982 8504.38aae Certificate of Recognition under the Industrial Relations Act 1979 8504.38aaf Handwritten latter to CEPA Secretary Joan Heard thankyou for "my apointment to the Egg Marketing Board" from Don Foster 8504.38aag Business paper for the CEPA Annual Conference Dec 1982egg producer's information, correspondence, cepa, commercial egg producers' association