Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60.This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin at the time of Clifton Pugh.Lithographic print in black and white depicting the Print Studio at Dunmoochin.Bottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, studio, lithograph

Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60. This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin at the time of Clifton Pugh.Lithographic print in black and white detailing the Artist's Gallery at Dunmoochin, located within bush surrounds at Cottles BridgeBottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, gallery, lithograph

Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her Mother took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60. This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin.Lithographic print in black and white depicting Gate # 1 at Dunmoochin. Bottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, gate 1, lithograph

Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60.This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin at the time of Clifton Pugh.Lithographic print in black and white depicting bushland and a pond reflecting light.Bottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, pond, lithograph

Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60.This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin at the time of Clifton Pugh.Print - lithographBottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, garden, evening, lithograph

Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60.This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin at the time of Clifton Pugh.Lithographic print in black and white (dark image) detailing the interior of Clifton Pugh's house at Dunmoochin. Bottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, interior, house, lithograph

Alice Blanch Chehovski was born in Queensland to a Russian mother and Polish father. When her father died leaving three small children to bring up on her own, her took them back to Russia to visit her own parents. In the following fateful year, Stalin came into power and the family was trapped by Russia closing its borders. At the age of twenty three, 1944, Alice entered Moscow's Institute of Decorative Arts and Applied Arts to study ceramics. Neither the subject of ceramics nor the academic drawing in fine pencil inspired her. At that time Moscow was surrounded by German troops, Russian culture was inhibited by the war and generally speaking it was not the time for arts. Alice said 'My soul and my hands were needed as a volunteer, to help the wounded soldiers survive'. Alice struggled through a lifetime of hardship and triumph before returning to her native land of Australia in 1981 at the age of 60. This lithographic print is one of a set of ten produced at Dunmoochin at the time of Clifton Pugh.Lithographic print in black and white (very dark image) depicting Chehovskis' cottage at Dunmoochin. Small cottage, bushland and shrubs.Bottom left of print: ed. no. '4/10' and work title. Bottom right of print: artist signature 'Alice Blanch '04'chehovski, dunmoochin, pugh, cottage, lithograph

This book at one time belonged to the Pleasant Creek Library and Mechanic Insititute, Quartz Reefs. The Adventures of a cavalcade of British Naval Officers in the Holy Land. Dedicated by permission to: Captain George Lethbridge R.N. and the Officers of H.M.S. TrafalgarBrown Spine and Cornors, front and back patterned paper cover, part missing, clear tape on spine top and bottom. Top Right Inside Cover J.W. Evans & Co. Binders 11A Flinders Way. Notice pasted on inside of front Cover. No. 1313. Pleasant Creek Library and Mechanics Institute Quartz Reef. Members will be held responsible for any damage done to books in their possession.stawell education

The land photographed is widely known as Nethercotes. In 1920 Arthur Nethercote, import agent, bought the land which was situated in Boronia Road near Dandenong Creek. Originally a flower farm, the Nethercotes became poultry farmers. The property contained a five-roomed weatherboard house which they called Weston Favell. Dated before 1883 (from newspapers found in the ceiling) it is the more dilapidated house photographed. The other house called Greenways was built for a son. Gerald Letts bought the property and when he died the Board of Works purchased the land, intending to use it as part of the proposed Healesville Freeway, meanwhile the property was leased to the Box Hill Institute's equine department. In 2013 the Board of Works announced that the freeway would not go ahead.Coloured photographs of the two houses and land at the Nethercote property, Vermont. Now owned by the board of Works and leased to the Box Hill Institute.nethercote property, vermont, board of works, proposed healesville freeway, box hill institute

The success of a significant wages dispute with Phoenix Foundry led to reconsideration of building a Trades Hall in Ballarat. In 1886, the present site at 24 Camp Street, Ballarat was agreed upon and land was granted to the committee in the name of the Ballarat Trades Hall and Literary Institute. The photograph depicts laying of the Ballarat Trades Hall foundation stone in1887. Relevance to the history of Ballarat Regional Trades and Labour Council and unions in the area.Photograph - framed.btlc, ballarat regional trades and labour council, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, ballarat trades hall - construction, industrial disputes, strikes, unions

View down the Main Street of Sassafras looking south with the Mechanics Institute in the centre of the picture. The raspberry patch in the foreground belonged to Woniger Hansen who built Mountain Rest (Rostrevor). The land was subdivided after his death in 1923. The raspberry patch is in the area of the current Mason Grove.Black and white Rose Series postcard P. 4765 looking south down the Main Street of Sassafras with buildings either side and berry patches in the foreground.On reverse POST CARD. THE "ROSE' SERIES DELUXE. A REAL PHOTOGRAPH PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA. PUBLISHED BY 'THE ROSE STENOGRAPHS" Armadale. Victoria sassafras, rose series, rostrevor, woniger hansen, hansen, mechanics' institute, raspberry, raspberry crop, mountain rest, mason grove

The Main Street of Sassafras c1952 showing Mechanics Institute at left under snow. Note the hedge around the area that is now the Village Green. At the time of the photo the land belonged to Eva Shugg where she ran holiday flats called St Annes. Eva Shugg sold her house to Max Dower to extend his nursery in the 1970s and built a new home around the corner on Mountain Highway. At this time she donated part of her remaining land to form a Village Green. Eva Shugg lived to the age of 106 and died in 2007.Black and white photograph with serrated edge showing the Main Street of Sassafras under snow c1952. Mechanics' Institute is on LHS with cars parked outside the site of Sassafras House.On reverse written in pencil 'Main Street, Sassafras"sassafras, snow, mechanics' institute, mechanics' hall, village green, eva shugg, max dower

Copy of Contract of Sale of Real Estate and associated papers for property located in Flora Lane, Flora Hill which was purchased by Peter Ellis on 26 May 1993. Contract is in booklet with other loose papers. Contract includes General Conditions, Particulars of Sale, Special Conditions, Guarantee, Vendors Statement to the Purchaser, Shire of Strathfieldsaye Land Information Certificate, Planning Certificate Request for Building Approval Particulars, Coliban Region Water Authority Information Statement, Property Inquiry Application Form, Request for Property Information from Vic roads, Advice on Mine Subsidence Hazard (Department of Energy & Minerals), Map, Copy of Certificate of Title and Folder Numbers. Loose pages include Building Control Act 1981 Inspection Notice, two plans of building, Three plans (Coliban Water Asset Location) of Flora Lane where property is situated, 2 dated 13/11/2007 (have New Carport drawn beside house) and 1 dated 22/11/2007. Last page has specifications for car port.bendigo, house, peter ellis oam, peter ellis collection, reiv, law institute of victoria, real estate institute of victoria ltd, e j gannaway, peter n ellis, ray white bendigo pty ltd, e m monotti & son, rogers and every, craig watts, shire of strathfieldsaye, coliban region water authority, sec, g & fc of vic, telecom, vicroads, bruce l phillips, k deps?, department of energy and minerals, robert james sanderson, t flanagan, land titles office victoria, harston partridge & co pty ltd

Built in 1861 on land made available by Mr. Robert Allen. Grant received through municipal council and State Government. Building functioned as a library until 1926. Taken over by Buninyong Cemetery Trust and eventually fell into serious disrepair. Restored in the 1980s after great community effort, dedication and financial contributions.An important early building in the township noted for its unusual and individual classical facade of Oregon pine. Placed on Historical Buildings Register.Black and white photograph of Former Free Library built in1861. Warrenheip streetscape of former free library, currently Buninyong Information Centre, Eastern facade fully visible and Southern weatherboard side. Mature pine trees visible to the side and rear of building. Reading room on left of entrance door and former shop and residence on right.free library, information centre, mr. robert allen, buninyong cemetery trust, mechanics institutes

"METHODIST CHURCH. In 1881, during the ministry of Rev. W. H. Fitchett, B.A., at Hawthorn, a number of members of the denomination living at Kew considered that the time was opportune for founding a local Church. The Superintendent of the Circuit, the Rev. W. A. Quick of Richmond, met the members and formed them into a society class under the leadership of Mr. A. Brown and a Church was formally instituted at the house of Mr. T. J. Eaton, of Eglinton Street, in December, 1881. Services were regularly held for some time at the same place, and funds for purchasing a block of land were gradually collected, resulting in the present site in Highbury Grove being purchased for £350. Messrs. W. Cleverdon, A. Money, T. E. Serpell, and T. Vasey, of Hawthorn, and Messrs. A. Brown, R. Eyre, and T. J. Eaton of Kew, were appointed trustees. A public meeting was held a the Town Hall, when over £100 was raised. The Rev. John Harcourt, who had just been placed on the supernumerary list, was persuaded to undertake the charge, and commenced services in the Town Hall on 29th April, 1882, which were continued for eighteen months. A Sunday School was started, and altogether the effort progressed so satisfactorily that in October, 1882, the foundation and memorial stones of the present Church were laid by Mr James Huddart. At the tea meeting held in connection with this event nearly £200 was raised and a few months later £250 more was obtained by means of a bazaar. The contract for building Church was let for £1,200. The Sunday School celebrated its first anniversary in June, and the Church was opened on 7th October 1883, the preachers on the occasion being Revs. E. J. Watkin, S. Chapman, and John Harcourt, the collections amounting to £230. Towards raising these sums of money the ladies of the congregation helped very materially. In 1886 the foundation stone of a Sunday school, to cost about £900, was laid by Mrs. H Berry, the building being opened in April 1887. During the same year the Church was enlarged. In 1889 parsonage was erected, and again arrangements had to be made for a further enlargement of the Church, at a cost of nearly £2,000. The foundation stones of the tower were laid by Rev J. Harcourt, and of the transepts by Mrs. Job Smith and Mrs. John Watson. These additions were made during the ministry of Rev. P. R. C. Ussher, the first minister appointed to Kew by conference. He has been succeeded by Revs. Henry Howard, J. de Q. Robin, J. J. Brown, J. G. Wheen, A. E. Albiston, M.A., and F. J. Nance, M.A., who is at present ably filling the pulpit. For the musical portion of the services, the Church has been greatly indebted to the enthusiasm of Mr. C. Gardner, the leader of the choir, and Mr. C. E. Gardner, the organist. The Sunday School has had a number of excellent workers, among whom may be mentioned Messrs. Burchett, Allum, Hillard, Tonkin, Dent, Avery, McDonald, Green, and B. Hoadley, who have acted as Superintendents, and Messrs. Arnall and McCaghern as Secretaries. The present trustees are Messrs. H. Berry, Job Smith, A. Hoadley, F. Vial, C. Powers, H. L. Carnegie, C. H. Green, W. R. Rylah, E. M. Tonkin, S. Gaylard, J. Gregory, J. R. McDonald, T. J. Eaton, F. S. Fitchett, and S. Lamble; Society Stewards, T. J. Eaton and B. Hoadley; Poor Stewards, G. Hinchliffe and G. Fraser; Church Stewards, C. H. Green and G. Hinchliffe; Treasurer, F. S. Fitchett; Secretary, S. Lamble." Source: FGA Barnard, Jubilee History of Kew, Victoria, 1910Commemorative tributes were regularly produced in the 19th and early 20th Century to honour community service. Most were adapted from traditional lithographed models. This example, while created within a formal lithographed border has been transmuted into the equivalent of an illuminated document, hand-painted, and therefore rare. The use of flowers in the design emphasises the sentimental and spiritual aspects of the certificate. The document is a rare unique record of the Kew Methodist Church's history.A hand written testimonial for John Watson Esq from the Trustees of the Kew Methodist Church. The customised colour lithograph includes, at lower left, a turn of the century photograph of the Kew Methodist Church in Highbury Grove. The entire certificate is surrounded by floral art and scroll work. The central text uses neo-gothic lettering.‘Dear Sir … in view of your compulsory retirement on health grounds, from the position of Church Steward, [the Trustees] desire to express their great appreciation of your long service of over 22 years, in that and other offices in the Church. They trust that you will yet be spared many years in fellowship with our Church, and that God’s richest blessing be on you, and your family. We remain, Yours sincerely A. E. Albiston (Minister), S. Lamble (Secretary), F. S. Fitchett (Treasurer), T. J. Eaton (Trustee), C. H. Green and Hubert S. Howell (Church Stewards); March 28th 1907’. john watson esq, kew methodist church, highbury grove, certificates, tesimonials

Rick AMOR (1948- ) Born Frankston, Victoria After completing a Certificate of Art at the Caulfield Institute of Art in 1865 Rick Amor studied at the National Gallery School, Melbourne from 1966 to 1968. Amor has held over 60 solo exhibitions, and has worked in Barcelona, New York and London. In 1999 Rick Amor became the first official Australian war artist since the Vietnam War. He was appointed by the Australian War Memorial to document the devastated land in East Timor, and the reconstruction efforts of peacekeepers. Professor David Caro OAM was Chancellor of the University of Ballarat for two terms, between 1998 and 2004. His contributions to academia and science have recognised on a national and international global scale. His appointments include Officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Officer in the Order of Australia (AO). This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. ContemporaryFramed portrait of Professor Emeritus David Caro, University of Ballarat (later Federation University Australia)art, artwork, rick amor, amor, chancellor, david caro, caro, academic portrait, portrait, oil, oil on linen, commissioned, academic regalia

Ewan ROSS Ewen Ross grew in the Wimmera and aims to manifest the changing nature of this landscape in his work. This region is affectionately known as the land of the big sky and it is from this viewpoint looking down and across, which inspires his sense of image making. Occasionally he refers to stories that occurred from times past but generally these images reflect the current state of this land. From 1976 to 1978 Ewan Ross undertook a Diploma of Art (Painting) at Ballarat College of Advanced Education (now Federation University. He was awarded a Graduate Diploma of Education in 1982. He was a Curatorial Assistant at the Art Gallery of Ballarat from 1979 to 1981, and taught Art at Horsham Technical School between 1983 and 1985. From 1986-1897 Ewan Ross taught at the Wimmera Institute of TAFE, and was Lecturer in Painting & Printmaking at the University of Ballarat (nor Federation University from 1998-2005. In 2008 Ewan Ross was a finalist in the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.art, artwork, ewan ross, wimmera

"In my woodblock print I have focused on the architectrure, streetscape and layout of the city. I am itrigued with teh organisation of cities and in teh creation of my own image. In this work I have almalgamated site drawings of buildings, streets and various structures to create a fish eye viewof the inner west of Sydney. By creating such a cityscape I form an historical document and record of the specific place."Anne STARLING (1967 - ) Born Sydney, New South Wales A graduate of the City Art Institute/UNSW College of Fine Arts, Anne Starling completed a Master of Art in 1994 and Master of Fine Arts by Research in 2012. Human interaction with the urban and industrial landscape is central to the work of Anne Starling. She focuses on the neglect that has occurred due to misuse and exploitation by industrial manufacturers, and the social and ecological structures of areas surrounding of Rhodes in Sydney, Fremantle in Western Australia and Port Kembla in New South Wales.Through relief and drypoint prints she examine changes that occur in this environment, presenting a commentary on the degradation and pollution of land by industry and the surrounding urban landscape. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed black and white relief print (woodblock) representing a collage of various Sydney architecture. art, artwork, anne starling, printmaking, woodblock, print council of australia, sydney, architecture, bridge, cityscape

Articles in the annual report include: the possible acquisition of land at Burwood by the Government for a teacher college, photos of a trip to Falls Creek by students, the success of the only vocationally orientated residential centre for blind adults and the introduction of E.J. Hanlon as President.1 printed volume with photographsroyal victorian institute for the blind, annual reports

"The Mechanics’ Institute hall (demolished) and the library played a central role in the story of Melton social life, and in the development of its learning, culture, entertainment, celebration, commemoration and many community groups. The building on the site today - with the Court House the only remaining early community or public building remaining in High Street - is a tribute to the energy and talents of the very small Melton community over many years. Its substantial size, brick materials, and the evident use of an architect in its design, sets it apart from most other simple weatherboard Mechanics’ Institutes that were built in smaller country towns in Victoria. The financing and upkeep of this building, which was community-owned until 1982, and built on land purchased by the community rather than granted by Government, itself contributed to the coming together of the Melton community in decision making and fundraising. Although the original hall is demolished, the 1983 Melton Community Hall adjacent is partly its successor, demolition of the Institute hall having been predicated on its construction. The surviving brick front portion of the Institute was opened by the Hon. J Murray, Premier of Victoria in 1910". Scottish Debutante Ball hosted by Scots Church Melton at the Mechanics Hallchurches

"The Mechanics Institute movement flourished in Victoria from 1839 to 1950. It was based on the development of Mechanics’ Institutes in Scotland and England from the 1820s, which were intended to educate and enlighten the working classes. The term ‘mechanic’ in those days meant an artisan, craftsman or working man, especially those who had moved from rural areas to work in new city factories during the Industrial Revolution. The early Institutes were usually equipped with a reading room, a library and a lecture room. Although enjoying mixed success in Britain, they contributed to the development of public education and library services. The movement was adopted more enthusiastically in the colonies. It began slowly in Victoria but its expansion after the gold rushes population influx was rapid, especially in rural areas. Every suburb and town wanted to have a Mechanics’ Institute. During the 1850s approximately forty Institutes were established, with even greater growth in the period 1860 to 1900. By 1900 there were 400 Institutes in Victoria. The establishment of a Mechanics’ Institute was often a great achievement for a local community, requiring organising committees to raise substantial funds for a building site (where this had not been granted by the Government), and the building. Once built, the committee then had to purchase books, provide a caretaker or librarian, and finance the ongoing use of and improvements to the building. ‘The history of many Institutes is a story of tremendous community effort, and often, financial difficulties’. In addition to being monuments to local enterprise and community life, the Mechanics’ Institutes played a vital role as an intellectual forum, and in contributing to an informed and participatory democracy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They provided journals and other reading matter on local, state, national and international issues, and hosted of lectures and held debates about wider issues such as Federation, colonial nationalism, defence, female suffrage, the price of land and labour. With the development of the school and technical education in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the need for community technical and adult education declined. As a result of the introduction of government library grants in 1867, many Mechanics’ Institutes incorporated a free library in their buildings to finance collection of their books. By 1884-85, there were 257 free libraries in Victoria. However, government support and library grants dropped off in the 1890s depression. Entertainment took on a greater role in the 1890s, with the introduction of moving pictures, billiards rooms, games rooms (chess), concerts and dances. The First World War had a devastating impact on many rural communities, and some Mechanics’ Institutes were no longer viable. On the other hand the early twentieth century was also a time of agricultural development, and many country towns were growing in this period. The 1930s depression further limited growth of many libraries and reduced grants substantially. In response many Mechanics’ Institutes were renamed, for example as memorial halls, in order to retain and attract more patrons (eg at nearby Sunbury). The diminishing role for Mechanics’ Institutes and the preference for larger and better appointed halls (with supper rooms, cloak rooms etc) resulted in demolition of some small Institutes. The advent of cars, radios, and television also provided other opportunities for recreation, learning and entertainment. The greater role of municipalities in providing library services also eroded the need for free libraries. While over 500 Mechanics’ Institutes or halls are extant, very few of these retain their original role as ‘diffusers of useful knowledge’. Most are still available for community purposes, as venues for meetings, socials, civic occasions etc, while others are employed as museums, shops and theatres. Most buildings are on Crown land, and managed by a delegated committee of management, who are responsible for raising revenue to maintain aging buildings. Many of those which were originally established on private land, such as Melton, have since reverted back to the Crown, and municipal Councils. The most common Mechanics Institute building form is the simple weatherboard gable building with iron roofs, notable for their ‘honest simplicity’ rather than as ‘monuments of the ancients’. At the other extreme there are some magnificent two storeyed brick and stucco structures with elaborate ornamentation (as was apparently envisaged by some in Melton in 1905-10)". The future of Melton Mechanic Institute Gazette articlelocal architecture

"Edna Barrie is one of countless women who have played a crucial role in the Melton communityover its history. She was a tireless volunteer and a stalwart of the community who helped to keep many organisations running and thriving. Edna was born in 1918 into a family with deep roots in Melton. Her grandmother Ann Dowling arrived in the colony from Ireland with her two sisters in 1855. Ann purchased land in Melton and settled on the Ballarat Road (High Street) at Ryans Creek with her husband Henry Myers. The three Dowling sisters had ten children between them who attended Melton State School No. 430, as did Edna. Edna was involved with the Melton branch of the Country Women’s Association for 50 years and was an active member of the Melton Mechanics’ Institute and the Melton Uniting Church throughout her life. She was involved with the local CFA branch from 1942. As a member of the CFA’s Women’s Auxiliary, Edna helped raise funds and provide meals to the firefighters. Edna was a founding member of the Melton & District Historical Society in 1968, and was passionate about preserving and sharing local history. The formation of the society at that time, during a period of increasingly rapid growth for the municipality, was crucial, ensuring that many photos, documents and stories of early Melton were not lost".Newspaper clippings about Edna Barrie local identities

This document is has been compiled by Wendy Barrie daughter of Ernest (Bon) and Edna Barrie and granddaughter of Charles E and Jessie M Barrie. Ernie Barrie operated a travelling Chaff Cutter in the St Arnaud area where his parents William and Mary Ann had taken up land at Coonooer West in 1873. Ernie commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaff cutter. The earliest connection he had with Melton was in 1887. By the beginning of the 20th century Ernie and his father William and brothers, William, Samuel, James Edwin,[Ted] Robert, Arthur and Albert have been associated with farming and milling in the Melton district. In the early 1900’s Ernie and his brother Ted were in partnership in a Chaff cutting and Hay processing Mill on the corner of Station and Brooklyn road Melton South. The mill was managed by William for a time. By 1906 Charles Ernest and James Edwin were in partnership in the Station Road mill when a connecting rail line across Brooklyn Road for a siding was constructed to the Melton Railway Station. In 1911 the Mill’s letterhead shows C.E. BARRIE Hay Pressing and Chaff Cutting Mills. Melton Railway Station. Telephone No 1 Melton. This Mill as sold to H S K Ward in 1916 and stood until 1977 when it burnt down in a spectacular fire. Ernie built a house at Melton South beside the Chaff Mill at Station Road in 1906 and married Jessie May Lang in August at the Methodist Church. Jessie’s father was Thomas Lang. He came to Melton in 1896 and was the Head Teacher at Melton State School No 430 until he retired in 1917. They had 9 children with 8 surviving to adulthood. Jessie and Ernie had 6 sons and 3 daughters. All the children lived at Darlingsford. In April 1910 the family left Melton for a brief period and moved to a farm in Trundle in NSW. They returned to Melton and purchased Darlingsford in May 1911. For a time during WW1 they lived at Moonee Ponds near the Lang grandparents at Ascot Vale. Mary and Bon attended Bank St State School. The children developed diphtheria in 1916 and their youngest boy, Cecil died of complications. Mary and Bon were taken to Fairfield Hospital and both recovered. At the end of the war influenza broke out the family returned to Darlingsford and shared the home for a short while with the Pearcey family who had been working the farm. By 1922 the family had and grown and Edgar, Tom, Horace, Jessie, Joyce and Jim were living a Darlingsford. Ernie continued during the 1920’s working the farm and attend his many civic and community commitments. Two 8 clydesdale horse teams were used to work the land which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed to commence the days work. In 1916 Ernie also became involved in a Chaff Mill on the corner of Sunshine and Geelong Road West Footscray, which at the time was being run by John Ralph Schutt. It was known an Schutt Barrie. A flour mill was added at a later stage. Other Schutt and Barrie mills were situated at Parwan and Diggers Rest. Another mill was situated beside the railway line at Rockbank. The Footscray mill ceased operation in 1968 Ernie spent a lot of time and energy at the Parwan Mill and travelling around Parwan and Balliang farms, where he came to know many of the families in the district. Ernies commitment to the civic development to the Melton and district was extensive, he was involved with a number of large events during the 1920’s such as the Melton Exhibitions and the 1929 Back to Melton Celebrations. He was a member of the Australian Natives Association at the turn of the century. He was Chairman of the School Committee at Melton State School 430 and the Melton South State School in thw1920s. He donated the land for a Hall for Melton South in 1909, known as Exford Hall and later in 1919 renamed Victoria Hall. The Hall was demolished in 1992. He was a Councillor, JP, and Vice President and President of the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall Committee in 1915- 1916. He was a member of the Methodist Church and later the Scots Presbyterian Church. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Church to 1910 and later Scots Presbyterian Church until 1931. This is reflected in the theme of children in the stained glass window which was dedicated in his memory by his wife Jessie as a gift to the Scots Church. Charles Ernest Barrie made many generous donations to many charities who supported young people and children. In 1918 Jessie and Ernie made the first donation to a very prominent Victorian charity whose work still continues. Yooralla. In July 1931 Ernie’s untimely death was a major blow to the family and the Melton community. To this day people still vividly recall the day they lined the streets for his funeral. The day of the funeral is recalled as the day Melton stood as two of their prominent citizens who tragically died on the same dayPhotograph of Charles Ernest Barrie taken from Scenes at Melton and Old Residentslocal identities