Black and white photo showing a group of four or more people walking in Sherbrooke Forest between mountain ash trees. Treeferns are also visible. Created by the Australian News and Information Bureau.

Why the name 'Rats of Tobruk'? A former British citizen William Joyce, better known as Lord Haw-Haw, broadcast Nazi propaganda World War II. His announcement ‘Germany calling, Germany calling’ was a familiar sound across the airwaves, broadcasting misinformation Hamburg. During the Tobruk siege, he often referred to the men defending the garrison at Tobruk as “poor desert rats of Tobruk, who live like rats and will die like rats. The Australian soldiers loved the term ‘Rats of Tobruk’ and adopted it as a badge of honour. Calling themselves the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, they turned the derogatory comments back against the Germans. William Joyce was eventually captured and returned to Britain, where he was later hanged for treason in January 1946. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A plastic and enamel badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association mounted on a wood base. The logo appears to be one of only a small number to use the acronym R.O.T.A above the more common Association Logo.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Built in 1942-1943, the Thai-Burma Railway was a 415 kilometre stretch of railway between Ban Pong, Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Burma. It was constructed by the Japanese using civilian labourers and prisoners-of-war. It is estimated that 90,000 labourers and more than 12,000 POW’s died during construction of the railway.This is a commemorative object highlighting the role of medical personnel during the war and its impact on them personally and preofessionallyThis dogspike and its attached sleeper came from the Thai-Burma Railway. A dogspike is a rail fastening with a pointed end and a ‘plate holding’ head, giving the impression of a dog’s head. Built in 1942-1943, the Thai-Burma Railway was a 415 kilometre stretch of railway between Ban Pong, Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Burma. It was constructed by the Japanese using civilian labourers and prisoners-of-war. It is estimated that 90,000 labourers and more than 12,000 POW’s died during construction of the railway. The dogspike was donated by Bill Sharp in 2014. It commemorates the Australian Medical personnel who became prisoners-of-war. they are listed on the plaque behind the spike.thai-burma, japanese, 1942-43, commemorative gift

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. A Biographical Dictionary Vol 2 I-Z containing a concise notices of eminent persons of all ages and countries: and more particulary natives of Great Britain and Ireland Author: Thompson Cooper Publisher: George Bell & Sons Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 COO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, a biographical dictionary vol 2 i-z, a biographical dictionary vol 2, thompson cooper

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, 25/10/1972 about the acceptance of a tender of $78,081 for the removal of tram lines in Wendouree Parade and three adjoining streets. Cost of materials supplied estimated to be more $42,550, giving a total of more than $120,000. Contractor - P. Kennedy Pty Ltd. Various roadworks to be undertaken detailed in the article by Mr. Sharp, City Engineer. Mentions retention of tramway track for the BTPS (given as the Ballarat Tramway Protection Society)date in blue ink of "25/10/72" in top left hand corner.trams, tramways, btps, track removal, wendouree parade

Newspaper clipping titled: “…No Thanks Once is quite enough” The Sun, Friday February 2, 1973 Photo and text Plumber Peter Mentha van and tram collide at corner of Punt Rd and Swan St, Richmond. No one was hurt, about $700 damage to van. Bongo van. Tram advertisement: “You ought to try it more often”. Mr Mentha did not seem amused by the invitation of an advertisement on side of tram: “You ought to try it more often”trams, tramways, accidents, punt rd, swan st

Copy photograph of an illustration, sepia toned of Bourke St looking west from Swanston St. Title of illustration says World War 1 era, thought appears to be more early to mid 1920's from the motor cars. Cable tram has the destination of Nicholson St. In the view are Coles Book Arcade, Bull and Mouth Hotel, Kino's, The Metropole and Danks. .2 - more extensive print - added 14-12-2018 - scanned in to sections.trams, tramways, bourke st, cable trams

This girl's white cotton sun-hat has been made at home by a mother determined to get the maximum usage from the garment. The hat has been simply made with a plain crown for the child's day-to-day use. However, the mother has also made a second, very decorative crown, that can be buttoned on and is suitable to be worn on more "dressy" occassions - such as attending Sunday School or on special outings.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesGirl's home-made plain white cotton sun-hat with wide brim. There have been three rows of fine cord sewn at intervals around the circumference of the hat brim to stiffen it. There is also hand crochet decorating the edge of the hat brim. A very decorative "second" hat crown has also been made. This hat crown has hand crocheted lace, and criss-cross seams, and is designed to be buttoned on over the original plain crown to provide a more decorative hat for special occasions, such as when attending Sunday School.clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

In back says 1st ARTB Cowra NSW and 1st Aust Recruit Train Batt, 3rd PL, B Com, suggests diary used as a notebook while trainings. Notes seem to be engineering Technical notes.Small green book. Seems to be used more as a notebook than daily diary entries. Notebook has daily pages but notes start March 1945. Cover torn and multiple pages loose.Stamped inside "Aust Recruit Training Batt", and dated “21 Mar 1945”. In personal details Identity card No. E98021 RN and SPR C. Coy 1 Batt RAE Trg CT. Wagga.ww2, training batt, book

In the early days of Orbost many Chinese were engaged in land clearing or had arrived when gold was discovered in East Gippsland in the 1840's. They lived in camps along the Marlo Road and houses were usually built on stilts. They left after the 1893 floods.This object has aesthetic appeal. It is an object which belonged to the very early settlement days of Orbost.Huge, ornate Chinese ginger jar. Four raised hand- painted pink roses on front. Jar itself is matt black. Looks more like a vase than a ginger jar. Ceramic.Some Chinese writing to left hand side of roses.ceramics, ginger jar, container - domestic, vase

Photo of David Hume - (on right) and brother Ronald Hume. Local residents of South Melbourne . Mother was Ethel, father David, and two more brothers Norm and George. Photo taken early 1900sfamilies, david hume, ronald hume, vera hume, ethel hume, norm hume, george hume

An original painting of Warrant Office Class 2 Doug Hill in uniform in the background, also depicting the medal awarded for his service to the war. In the foreground is Doug Hill as a civilian in more recent timesDoug Hill, Australian Artillery Warrant Officer Class 2, Australian Army Training Team vietnam 1964-1965 and 1968-1969painting, vietnam lest we forget, aattv

Philippines flag representing military and medical aid given to South Vietnam as of June, 1966 re the US "More Flags" aid program. Red and blue with white triangle with yellow sunburst and starsflag, philippines

Stawell Shire Hall built 1866, this photo may have been taken in 1876. A copy of each was made and donated to the society by Melbourne Museum. Three people standing outside the front door may be one adult and 2 children. Early view of the Stawell Shire Hall c 1876 before the building was extended. In more recent photos the building has 3 side windows. Three people are standing outside the building entrancestawell

The photo was taken at either Station or Princes Pier in Port Melbourne. President Verbič talked to the migrants in Slovenian language making them welcomed and helping them to overcome the trauma of leaving behind parents, relatives and friendsFor Slovenians the meeting of another Slovenian in a foreign land is very significant, especially with the promise of help and understandingBlack and white photo of the President Zlatko Verbič welcoming Slovenian migrants at Port Melbourne. The Slovenian Club welcomed as many migrants arriving as possible to make their stay in Australia more friendly and homely.slovenian migrants, port melbourne, president zlatko verbic, slovenian language, migrants, trauma

Letter to the Editor of The Courier, Ballarat 30/1/1997 written by P. Shaw of Moola St. Ballarat stating the it is more important that the trams go around the lake rather than going into the City."Courier 30/1/97" in blue ink on bottom edge.feasibility study, ballarat city tramway, ballarat revival, lake wendouree

Photo of Bendigo No. 14 at the Eaglehawk terminus, late 1930's? Has a group of people standing at the rear of the tram.Yields information about Bendigo 14 at Eaglehawk.Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. Printed on Kodak Velox paper. Two prints held and negative. On the rear in ink "Bendigo Tram Co, 14, ex Melb&M.T.B"trams, tramways, eaglehawk, bendigo, tram 14

Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. Photo of Geelong 28 in the depot, 13.11.1951. Photo by Keith Kings. On the rear in ink "Geelong, No. 28 !!! 13.11.51, ex No. 25. Renumbered earlier in 1951" Has the Keith Kings copyright stamp and the number "E(y)(viii)" written in.trams, tramways, geelong, depot, tram 28

L.H.Q. Cartographic Coy. Aust. Survey Corps. Christmas 1943 menu. Green cover with various festive drawing. Inside a picture of Fortuna with more festive drawing and the menu at the Corporals and Sappers' Mess.military, world war 2

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2003. Silver screen: more of the Darwin series taken in 1942 during World War 2. this snap is of a Darwin picture theatre. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection. This John C Watson (Chris Watson) 'reform' flask was one of a limited edition character bottles produced by the Pottery to commemorate important figures in Australian politics. He was the first Labour Prime Minister elected forming a minority government in April 1904, aged 37, after the ALP withdrew its support from Deakin. He was one of the first socialists to head a government in a parliamentary system, attracting international attention, and remains Australia's youngest prime minister. After less than four months in office, the Watson government lost a confidence motion and Watson was succeeded as prime minister by anti-socialist George Reid. The original reform flasks were English salt-glazed stoneware flasks produced in the early 19th century shaped into the form of figures connected with the Reform Bill of 1832. Much was made of puns like ‘the spirit of reform’ at the time. Artist John Frith has taken the reform flask form as inspiration for a series of political ceramics of some Australian Prime Ministers. The series included Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin and Watson.Glazed ceramic flask in the shape John Watson. Square shaped with most of the detail on the front facing side other than head which is more detailed. Cork still in place in top of head.On reverse of flask; John C Watson / Prime Minister / of Australia / 27.4.1904 / To / 18 .08. 1904 Bendigo Pottery / LMTED / Edition Series / 55/1200 /Australia Signed lower centre; 'Frith'australian politics, bendigo pottery

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection. This Alfred Deakin 'reform' flask was one of a limited edition character bottles produced by the Pottery to commemorate important figures in Australian politics. The original reform flasks were English salt-glazed stoneware flasks produced in the early 19th century shaped into the form of figures connected with the Reform Bill of 1832. Much was made of puns like ‘the spirit of reform’ at the time. Artist John Frith has taken the reform flask form as inspiration for a series of political ceramics of some Australian Prime Ministers. The series includes Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin and Chris Watson.Glazed ceramic flask in the shape Alfred Deakin. Square shaped with most of the detail on the front facing side other than head which is more detailed. Cork still in place in top of head.On reverse of flask; Alfred Deakin / Prime Minister / of Australia / 1903 - 1904 / 1905 - 1908 / 1909 - 1910 Bendigo Pottery / LMTED / Edition Series / 101/200 /Australia Signed lower left; 'Frith'australian politics, bendigo pottery