Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Elizabeth Morley served as Mayoress from 1989 - 90.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor morley, mayoress morley

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Karen Douglass served as Mayoress from 1990-91, 1991 - 92, 1992 -93.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor douglass, mayoress douglass

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Greta Balsillie served as Mayoress from 1993 - 94 and was the last official Mayoress as the role disappeared after amalgamation due to the election of female Mayors.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor balsillie, mayoress balsillie

The Borough of Eaglehawk was a local government area which covered the northwestern suburbs of the regional city of Bendigo and covered an area of 14.54 square kilometres (5.6 sq mi). Eaglehawk was first incorporated as a borough on 29 July 1862. It had nine councillors, who represented the entire borough. Councillors met at the Town Hall (incorporating the Star Cinema) at the intersection of Sailors Gully Road and Loddon Valley Highway, Eaglehawk. The Town hall has always been the centre of the Borough's activities and was built in 1901 on the site of an earlier town hall which had stood on the location since 1865. The Victorian Heritage Database notes: "The present building replaced this earlier building and was opened on 14 August 1901. The architects were the Melbourne firm of Wilkinson and Permewan. As a much larger and more sumptuous building of brick and stone featuring a central clock tower, the new hall reflected prevailing architectural fashion and was a remarkable investment for a town consisting predominantly of poor mining families. The condition of the town hall is substantially as built. The design is almost identical to the Castlemaine Town Hall." On 7 April 1994, the Borough of Eaglehawk was abolished, and along with the City of Bendigo, the Rural City of Marong and the Shires of Huntly and Strathfieldsaye, was merged into the newly created City of Greater Bendigo.Brass bell with eaglehawk topper / handle on timber stand. The lower front section of the topper has the Borough of Eaglehawk seal attached. No hallmarks or makers stamps visible.borough of eaglehawk, star cinema

The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown. Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescottmayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan

Bendigo United Brewery Ltd traded until 1947. Michael Giudice (Mayor of Bendigo 1922 - 24) was Managing Director in 1926. Oval label. Multicoloured.city of bendigo commerce, mayor giudice, bendigo united breweries, councillor michael giudice

Handbook for residents with information about rates, garbage collection, numbering houses, building, dog registration etc.Black and white printed, seven page handbook for residents. Centre page illustrated map. Front cover; photo of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Handbook is folded in centre. Stapled on fold. councillor r turner, mayor turner, city of bendigo

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These name badges would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings. Three name badges worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. All three badges are metallic with the circular Shire coat of arms above a rectangle name plate. The coat of arms are represented in full colour, name and titles are printed in black. 0146.1 Mr. Alec Sandner 0146.2 Cr. Alec Sandner 0146.3 Cr. Alec Sandner / Shire Presidentsandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These cuff links would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings. Matching set of two cuff links worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. Cuff links are metallic (gold) with the circular Shire coat of arms. The coat of arms are represented in full colour. sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

On the 14th of October 2023, Australians were asked to vote on a proposal to change the wording in the constitution 'To recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.’ Only 39.9 per cent of legal votes were in favour of this change, and there was not a majority in any of the six Australian States (there was a majority, however, in the Australian Capital Territory). On the 26th June, 2023 Councillors with the The City of Greater Bendigo discussed their position on The Voice to Parliament and decided to support the Yes campaign while pledging to provide information on both sides of the debate to residents. Cr Margaret O’Rourke introduced the motion and spoke at length about the importance for Council to adopt the recommendation. “Recognising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the constitution ensures that Indigenous Australians have a direct and meaningful role in shaping policies and laws that impact them'. Several Councillors voiced their concern over whether the City could formally support one side of the debate, while seeking to provide neutral information saying that it did not pass the commonsense test. These badges were collected at an event at Rosalind Park on the 27th of September, 2023 attended by Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians who addressed the crowd.Large badges with YES printed in centre. city of greater bendigo reconcilliation, dja dja wurrung

Alec Craig was elected to the Barkly Ward seat on the Bendigo City Council in March 1954 after the resignation of Cr J A Michelsen. He became Mayor in 1956 and served from 1956 -57, 1963 - 64 and 1973 -74. Councillor Craig first posited the idea of Hargreaves Street becoming a shopping mall but retired from council in 1976 before the idea was executed. Alec Craig was the foundation President of the Provincial cities and Town Association of Victoria and President of the Bendigo Base Hospital in 1973. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1973 for outstanding public service. Grace Adeline Craig was a respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School.0383.1 Three fold voting pamphlet with photo of Councillor Craig on front cover. Inside is a printed letter to Mr and Mrs Ratepayer promoting Councillor Craig's past achievements. 0383.2 How to vote flyer for Councillor Craig. Printed on pink paper. 0383.3 Vote 1 Craig poster. Two colour print on cream paper. Edges missing.mayor craig, mayoress craig, councillor alec craig, grace adeline craig

Harry Montague Marks was born at Pall Mall Bendigo on the 1st October 1855. At age 18 he worked for Goldsborough & Co in Melbourne learning land, wool and banking business. He returned to Bendigo aged 22 to open an auctioneers business which operated on the corner of Williamson and Hargraves Streets. Councillor Marks was elected to the seat of Darling in May 1893 and remained serving until 1902. He served as Mayor once only from 1896-97. It was noted in the Bendigo Advertiser on July 3rd 1897 that Mayor Marks appeared in new robes .. made to council order by Messrs Henderson and Goodisson who dealt in highly fashionable goods in the Beehive. (fn https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/9088966). It is not know if these robes are still in existence. Harry Marks married Mary Leech in 1881and together they had four sons and one daughter. Harry Marks died in February 1916 aged 60. After his death Mary Marks became the senior partner in the firm HM Marks and Sons auctioneers. Mary died in 1919.Oval black and white silver gelatin print mounted on card. Studio portrait of Mayor Marks. Photograph mounted on card. Front facing seated portrait wearing mayoral robes and chain, clutching a rolled document. Original rectangular shaped photograph has been trimmed to fit into oval frame.Bartlett Bros. lower left on photograph.councillor h m marks, mayor marks, mayoress marks

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

Donald Clark Collection. A colour photograph of Don Clark at a microphone, Councillor and Mrs Stroud at his left and children during planting of 150th Anniversary commemorative tree during 'Back To Tarnagulla' of 1985.tarnagulla, trees, back to tarnagulla, donald clark, stroud, children

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph of Shire of Bet Bet Councillors posed outdoors in 1961. Caption stuck on front lists the following names of subjects: L to R Standing at rear: N. McCartney (Secretary), Crs D.W. Clark, F. Ross, John Lloyd (Engineer), K. Jardine, R.A. Gray Seated: Crs David Wood, J.J.A. Freemantle, H. Whitehead, J.P. Mason. Original photograph. shire of bet bet, dunolly town hall, local government, governance

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph. Writing on back gives donor information and indicates identity of man 4th from left in rear as John Rogers, Forest Officer at Tarnagulla.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph.

Donald Clark Collection.A brochure for the Shire of Bet Bet giving information on personnel and images of the Councillors and President.

The FBBG History Group found in their research at the Public Records Office of Victoria that the Trustees of Thomson's Estate arranged for the City of Ballarat to undertake the care of Thomson's grave following the transfer of 10 pounds. However, the grave needs restoration and it was found that the Council still bears responsibility for its upkeep.James Russell Thomson had been a generous benefactor to the City but as a bachelor, he had no descendants to care for his grave, which had fallen into disrepair. It was found that the Ballarat City Council still had responsibility for the upkeep of this grave.A one page letter to the Mayor, Councillor Verlin, Ballarat City Council from FBBG and 2 pages of black and white photographs of Thomson's grave and headstone and a coloured photograph of the Thomson tablet at the Town Hall plus a quotation for work needed on the grave.3 corrections in biro to the letter, 2nd and 2nd last line.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, friends of the ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat city council, james russell thomson, noble wilson, public record office of victoria, benefactors of the gardens and their graves, old ballarat cemetery, john garner collection, gradens, ballarat, thomson

wonga park school, upton, burch

Photograph was taken on the 23rd of August 1906, the day of Jessie May Lang and Charles Ernest Barrie's wedding. Held at the Methodist Church Melton. UMMARY – Charles Ernest Barrie d.1931 Born 1871 Ballarat d 1931 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. My grandfather was well known in the district and was mostly referred to as Ernie. He shared the same initials as his second son Edgar. His three eldest sons lived and farmed in Melton for their entire lives. His descendants are still associated with farming, engineering and earthmoving in Melton. 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 day. Charles Ernest Barrie with his parents and brothers at the front of the mill house in Melton Southlocal 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. I was born in during WW 11 and the first child of my generation to live on the ‘ Darlingsford’ property at Melton. My grandfather was well known in the district and was mostly referred to as Ernie. He shared the same initials as his second son Edgar. His three eldest sons lived and farmed in Melton for their entire lives. His descendants are still associated with farming, engineering and earthmoving in Melton. 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 day. Their eldest daughter Mary had married Keith Robinson in 1930 and had just moved to Heatherdale Toolern Vale with their year old baby son. Bon the eldest son was 22, Edgar 18, Tom 16, Horace 15, Jessie and Joyce 10 and Jim 8 years old. A heavy burden of responsibility fell on the shoulders of the two eldest children, Mary particularly for her mother and Bon stepped in assuming head of the family for his mother, brothers and sisters living at the Darlingsford homestead. In the early 1930’s the three eldest sons took on many of the Civic and Church commitments which their father had held. This community involvement extended well into the 1980s. In 1941 Bon married Edna Myers and they moved into a house shifted from Harkness Lane to Harkness Lane on the eastern section of the Darlingford property. Edgar married Margaret Hodgkinson a Primary school teacher at Melton in 1949 and they lived in the Darlingsford house. Earlier Tom married May Ferris and lived on the eastern side of Ferris Lane in the Ferris home. Bon , Edgar and Tom often operated as a team effort, in particular at harvest time when a larger team of workers was needed. The three farms cultivated wheat, barley and oats and supplied the Mill with sheafed hay. They continued using horse teams until mechanisation in the 1940’s made the horses redundant. By the 1960s their five sons continued with farming. Many loads of hay were transported to the Mill in Footscray. Well into the 1960s hired harvest hands along with agricultural university students were involved in bringing in he harvest. Stacking was an art form in itself and Tom held the expertise for building and shaping the sides and roof. The stacks built in the district each had their own unique shape and could be recognized by their builders. The Barrie brothers developed a mechanical fork lift for picking up complete stooks and moving them to be loaded to the elevator to build the haystack. The prototype built by Bill Gillespie was attached to a Bedford truck. Later refinements in a collaborative effort with the Gillespie brothers a multi pronged fork was attached to the front of tractor which was hydraulically operated to raise each stook onto trucks to be transported to the site of the haystacks. This method of handling sheaves significantly reduced laborious pitchforking individual sheaves. This invention was soon taken up by farmers far and wide and was a common sight in the district at harvest time in the stacking season. I recall visiting farmers calling in at the house at Ferris Road farm to inspect this break through invention. The Clydesdale horse teams were used into the 1940s but by the 1950s the Barries’ farms were fully mechanised. When the demand for sheafed hay declined other crops were introduced these included barley, lucerne, wheat and peas. Sheep were added to the mix in the 1950s in an attempt to keep the farms more viable. In the 1970s part of the Barrie’s farms were facing a major disruption with the impending compulsorily acquisition of a strip of land for the construction the freeway bypass, which divided access between the Darlingsford homestead with those on Ferris Lane. Charles Ernest Barrie and Jessie May Lang's children: 1. Mary Ena BARRIE was born on 07 October 1907. She died on 29 April 1999. 2. Ernest Wesley BARRIE was born on 29 April 1909 in Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia.He died on 25 December 1985 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. 3. Cecil William BARRIE was born on 23 February 1911.He died on 25 May 1916. 4. Charles Edgar BARRIE was born on 01 June 1913.He died on 06 October 1975. 5. Thomas Lindsay BARRIE was born on 25 November 1914.He died on 14 September 1990 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. 6. William Horace BARRIE was born on 11 October 1915.He died on 19 December 1950. 7. Jessie Maud BARRIE was born on 06 November 1920 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.She died on 26 February 1994. 8. Dorothy Joyce BARRIE was born on 06 November 1920 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.She died on 18 March 2003.. 9. James Edward BARRIE was born on 17 January 1922 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.He died on 23 August 2004Family Photo with Edgar, Tom, Mary, Ernest (Bon), Horace, Jim, Charles Ernest, Jessie and Joycelocal identities

Murray Comrie Collection. Shire of Bet Bet Proclaimed Sept 20, 1864 Re-defined Feb 10, 1891 Tarnagulla Borough united Oct 1915 Dunolly Borough united Nov 1, 1921 Re subdivision from 5 to 3 ridings Oct 1952Monochrome photograph of a group of men assembled in rows for a photograph. Accompanied by a handwritten note (catalogued separately as a Research Note) with subjects' names. Names of subjects from accompanying note (handwriting difficult to decipher) are believed to be: Left to Right Back/3rd row: Cr J. Grogan, A. Whitehead, G. Barman, J.B. Reid, I.R. Stevens (?), KAG Lowe (Shire Sec), Mr A Rescott (Maryborough Advertiser) Middle row: Crs N.K. Conera (Pres. Elect), D.E. Wood, A. Brownbill, J.P. Mason, D. Clark, K.R. Culleton (Shire Engineer). Front/1st row: Crs G. Fotheringham, J. Fremantle (1951-52), A. Green, J. Hickey. Note also states: 'Secretary Lowe passed away Sept 7, 1952' and 'Fotheringham House, Glenferrie' (location where photograph taken?)tarnagulla, council, bet bet shire, local government, councillors, mayor, shire, engineer, maryborough advertiser, reid, grogan, whitehead, barman, stevens, lowe, rescott, conera, wood, brownbill, mason, clark, culleton, fotheringham, fremantle, green, hickey

Murray Comrie Collection. Shire of Bet Bet Proclaimed Sept 20, 1864 Re-defined Feb 10, 1891 Tarnagulla Borough united Oct 1915 Dunolly Borough united Nov 1, 1921 Re subdivision from 5 to 3 ridings Oct 1952Monochrome photograph of a group of men assembled in rows for a photograph. Accompanied by a handwritten note (catalogued separately as a Research Note) with three of the subjects' names. Text from accompanying note (handwriting difficult to decipher): With compliments A. Green (Pres) 3 I know: Geo F., J.B. Reid Don Calder tarnagulla, council, bet bet shire, local government, councillors, mayor, shire, reid, calder

Murray Comrie Collection. This photograph taken after the amalgamation with the Borough of Tarnagulla Council in 1915. Middle row, fourth from left is Walter (Wattie) Corrie, the Tarnagulla Baker, fourth from left is James Duggan, Tarnagulla Agent. Shire of Bet Bet Proclaimed Sept 20, 1864 Re-defined Feb 10, 1891 Tarnagulla Borough united Oct 1915 Dunolly Borough united Nov 1, 1921 Re subdivision from 5 to 3 ridings Oct 1952Monochrome photograph of a group of men assembled in rows for a photograph. No caption or explanation accompanies photograph. Probably depicts members of the Shire of Bet Bet Council in the 1920s. Location and names unknown. Walter Martin is sitting in the middle of the middle row. He was the Tarnagulla baker at the time of the photo. To the right of him in the photo is James Duggan, Tarnagulla dealer and agent. tarnagulla, council, bet bet shire, local government, councillors, mayor, shire

Murray Comrie Collection. Information written by Murray Comrie: Albert C. Nicholls was a councillor of the Borough of Tarnagulla and Mayor at one time (c.1911?) Monochrome photographic portrait of a clean-shaven man with raised collar and patterned tie. Dark background.Accompanying note identifies subject as Albert C. Nicholls.borough of tarnagulla, albert c. nicholls, mayor, council, local government, local people