Kate Hudson's highly patterned and decorative prints reflect her love of Australian birds and flowers from her immediate environment, as well as oriental art and her training in textile design. Her work is influenced by the Australian artist (printmaker) Margaret Preston and the vases depicted in her prints are based on the ceramic works of her husband Stephen Hudson. The wattle depicted is the Acacia Terminalis (Sunshine Wattle), a shrub or small tree that grows to six meters in height. It’s an Australian native commonly found in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.A reduction coloured lino print. A ceramic vase with a black and white target print at its' centre holds a bunch of Acacia Terminalis (Sunshine Wattle). The vase rests on an orange table cloth decorated in white stylised flowers. The background is light pink. Hand written in pencil: low left '8/26'; bottom centre ' Wattle and Circle Vase'; low right 'Kate Hudson' hudson, linocut print, sunshine wattle, acacia terminalis, still life, margaret preston, ceramics, textiles, orient

This work is a serigraph (screenprint) on cartridge paper using blue oil based inks of the 'Brolga' (Australian Crane); a common, gregarious wetland bird species of tropical and south-eastern Australia and New Guinea / It is a tall, upright bird with a small head, long beak, slender neck and long legs / The pose of the bird represents their stance when calling out to their mate, which sounds like a loud trumpet / The decorative markings on the bird's plumage is from the traditional carved/etched Gunnai shields from Gippsland Eastern Victoria, which is where Thomas' people are from. Underneath 'Brolga', on slant, lower right in greylead pencil (?) handwritten artist signature and language group "Ray Thomas - GUNNAI"

Eltham Council (now the Shire of Nillumbik) commissioned this work in 1989 to create an entrance / gateway to Edendale Community Farm. It was also aided by a grant from the Ministry of the Arts (now Arts Victoria). The former name of this work was "Gateway to Edendale Farm". Edendale Farm is a demonstration farm modelling sustainable environmental practices, providing support to the local residents of Nillumbik. Established in 1986, the land was purchased in 1970. It was previously an English gentleman's residence and was used for grazing. It consists of 5.6 hectares, with the Diamond Creek meandering through the property. The Victorian Fences Act 1968 governs liability of occupiers of adjoining lands to fence, and deals with disputes between neighbours regarding boundaries fences and costs. This work took into consideration ideas and suggestions from residents and committees, who required the use of recycled materials and that the work celebrate man's relationship with nature, animals and the earth, as well as relate to the fence-line on the far side of the carpark. Trembath also absorbed significant aspects of local history, making references to Eltham's agricultural past, the clearing of the land, the destruction of trees, the ruthless pruning of trees by suburban Councils and incorporated such Australian features as the post and rail fence. 'The Fences Act 1968' is significant for aesthetic, historic and social reasons at a regional level. It makes prominent the historical and social significance of Edendale and the rural aspects of Nillumbik. The use of existing tree stumps and salt pots in the work explores the iconography of the countryside such as the isolated farmhouse, pioneering farming practices, post and rail fencing and the regrowth of lopped trees. The title of the work, as well as the extensive community involvement in its creation, also makes reference to the Victorian Fences Act 1968, which makes neighbours jointly responsible for the cost of construction and maintenance of fences in the partitioning of land for settlement. 'The Fences Act 1968' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. The work is an installation of wood and metal, approximately twenty five meters long. The design is very informal and rustic and runs the full width of the fence-line. It comprises groups of recycled tree trunks fitted with metal caps (chrome-nickel 'salt pots' that are shaped like tall bowler / top hats). Metal rods protrude from the trunks and some of these rods have metal birds. Two larger, sentinel-like stumps at the two outer ends have metal flame-like wings, which bend inward. To the left of the entrance, a simple architectural element indicates an isolated farmhouse. The rustic fence runs between the groups of tree trunks with native planting in clumps along it. The fence-line incorporates a functional engineered double gate and post and rail fencing. There may be many interpretations of the work and the intention is to stimulate interest and imagination rather than alienate. Interpretation is based on the personal experience that a visitor brings. The artist recommended that no explanation of the design logic be positioned with the work. N/Apublic art, sculpture, edendale, recycled, wood, metal, fences act 1968, gate, trembath, salt pot, tree stumps

Geoff Davidson arrived at Dunmoochin around 1968 and began living and working as an apprentice to the potter Robert Main, who was working in a studio rented to him by Clifton Pugh on the Dunmoochin property. When Robert left, Geoff moved into the studio and began collaborating with Clifton Pugh on many projects for a period of 25 years whereby Clifton would decorate pots made by Geoff. Geoff produce the ceramic panels for Leda and the Emu. He mixed and identified the glazes for Clifton, then fired the panels once he had finished painting. Three or four murals were produced in this way, one of which was purchased by Don Dunston (ex-Premier of South Australia) as a gift to his dying wife.Dunmoochin derives its cultural and artistic heritage from the collaborative efforts of a group of artists who purchased land in Cottles Bridge in the early 1950’s. These artists (Pugh) pioneered one of the first artistic communes in Australia and created a lasting vision of how a community can gain knowledge and inspiration from living in a close relationship with nature. Pugh had explored the ‘Leda and the Swan’ mythological themes previously during the sixties in etchings and paintings, although he was more interested in referencing the original myth as allusions to other truths. Pugh was drawn to the Greek myth ‘Leda and the Swan’ in which Zeus transforms into a swan to seduce Leda. Pugh Australianised the myth so that Zeus transformed into an Emu rather than a Swan, and makes a gentle satirical comment on the sexual behaviour of the Australian male, whereby he sees a parallel between this and the proud yet awkward movements and naivety of our national bird. This particular theme was prevalent in Pugh's work right through the 60s and 70s. Leda and the Emu is a work by two prominent local artists (Clifton Pugh and Geoff Davidson) with a national and international reputation.Flat red background, black foliage. Leda is naked and sleeping with head resting in hand. Emu is to the left watching Leda. Drawing style is typical of Pugh’s work: linear, flat and gestural.Signed 'II Clifton'

Piers Bateman was a local artist, held in very high esteem by his peers and community. He was born in Perth in 1947, moving to Eltham in 1955 as a young child with his family. In 1966 Bateman moved to London for eighteen months to develop his craft. In 1969 he settled in St Andrews, where he built a studio. The St Andrews locale is said to have been a strong influence on his work. Bateman’s talent was such that he was promoted and mentored by such ilk as Charles Blackman, Clifton Pugh and Arthur Boyd, among others. Bateman’s work is an intimate dialogue with the environment, renowned for his paintings of the outback, wilderness frontiers and the sea. He spent a year in the mid-seventies sailing the Greek Islands and the French canals to Amsterdam. In 1980 Bateman and Marcus Skipper embarked on a trans-Australian venture to the red centre and across northern Australia from Cairns to Broome. In the mid-eighties Bateman returned to the Mediterranean, before returning to the Australian outback in the late-eighties. His international career continued on an upwards trajectory between the Australian outback and European seas, providing a unique contrast throughout the course of his career. Bateman's work questions our relationship with the natural world, and in particular, reconciling our colonial heritage with our indigenous past. This line of questioning and his genuine response to place is the key to Piers Bateman’s work, for which he is lauded and celebrated. On September 4th 2015, Piers Bateman died in a boating accident on the NSW coast line. Piers Bateman was an instinctive painter whose inspiration came from nature. He reworked and scraped off the paint, moving it around until forms and colours of the landscape took shape. Although Bateman lived in Spain and Italy, his time in Europe made him aware of the contrast between the two continents and the bright clear light that defined the Australian landscape. At the time of this work, Bateman was living in St. Andrews, but travelled regularly to New South Wales and South Australia on painting trips. The ‘Grass Tree’ Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (commonly known as ‘blackboy’) is indigenous to these areas. It is a uniquely Australian, slow growing plant with twenty-eight species growing within Australia. Old examples of this tree are survivors of many wild fires, which can cause their blackened trunk, of one to two metres, branch into two or more heads. These heads consist of thick, rough corky bark, surrounded by long, wiry leaves and flowers that produce seed capsules with hard black seeds. The tree’s ability to be one of the first to flower after a wild fire ensures a food source for many insects and birds.Oil on canvas painting. Detail of three grass trees resting on the side of a mountain/hill. Green and gold palette throughout depicting the colours and light of the Australian landscape. Hand written, low right in capitals: 'BATEMAN'bateman, grass trees, xanthorrhoea johnsonii, landscape

Painter, printmaker and installation artist John Wolseley was born in Somerset, England. He lived and worked throughout Europe before relocating to Australia in 1976. His work explores how people dwell and move within landscape. Wolseley see's himself as a hybrid mix of artist and scientist; one who tries to relate the minutiae of the natural world - leaf, feather and beetle wing - to the abstract dimensions of the earth's dynamic systems. Using techniques of watercolour, collage, frottage, nature printing and other methods of direct physical or kinetic contact Wolseley finds ways of collaborating with the actual plants, birds, trees, rocks and earth of a particular place. George Baldessin was one of the first artists John Wolseley met when he arrived in Australia in 1976. Both immigrated to Australia and connected through this shared experience. They were both at 'Realities Gallery' with Marianne Baillieu in the 1970s and 80s. George Baldessin (1939-1978) was born in San Biagio di Callalta, in the Veneto in Northern Italy and arrived in Australia ten years later. A printmaker and sculptor he built his bluestone studio at St Andrews (Nillumbik) in 1971 with his partner Tess and the three Hails brothers, Rob, Doug and Don. Made of recycled materials the studio today contains all of George’s equipment including the large press, which he modelled himself with the help of Neil Jeffrey (Enjay Presses). George won many prizes throughout his career and is represented in many of Australia's public art collections including his famous 'Pears' sculpture in front of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. In 1975 he represented Australia in the Sao Paulo Biennale, before living and working in Paris until his return to St Andrews in 1977. In 1978 George was killed in a car accident aged 39 years. In 2001 Tess returned to St Andrews to reclaim the run-down studio and reconstitute it as The Baldessin Press & Studio - a printmaking retreat. It operates in George’s memory, so that artists may continue to create, perpetuating the generous spirit of George. 'Life world of the Longicorn beetle' is one of eight prints in the 'Baldessin & Friends commemorative folio. The folio was conceived by Tess Edwards as a fundraising initiative in celebration of the The Baldessin Press & Studio's fifteen year anniversary, and as a way to honour George Baldessin's memory. The Baldessin Press & Studio is a not-for-profit organisation created in memory of the late George Baldessin (1939-1978), whose original studio is now open to the public for creative use and as a practical legacy to living artists. The Studio is located in St Andrews, Nillumbik. The folio is a unique coming together of seven very different and acclaimed artists who are connected by their friendship to the missing eighth member, George Baldessin. Communion and collaboration with nature are central to Wolseley's practice. He assembles different drawing methods to represent a kind of inventory or document about the state of the earth. His interest is to paint the processes and energy field of the living systems of this land. 'Life world of the Longicorn beetle' is his continued exploration of Australia's natural eco-systems. The beetle attacks the eucalypt and in the process of tunnelling into the wood of the tree leaves scribbly patterns. The work celebrates the cycle of life, and the wisdom and delicacy of these creatures. This three dimensional work consisting of three layers of paper is a varied edition, offering just the slightest difference between each print, reflective of variation in nature. The found log used as a woodcut acknowledges the interconnectedness of nature and living beings; the log is not apart from the art and the beetle has become an active artistic collaborator. An intimate and layered print of a tree log with line trails from the Longicorn beetle. Patches of pink, yellow and orange watercolour placed randomly. Woodcut from found log and etching on chine-colle with water colour on Gampi (top layer), Mulberry (middle layer) and Arches (bottom layer) paper. In pencil (handwritten): low plate: left '14/25' (edition); centre 'Life world of the Longicorn beetle' (title); right 'John Wolseley' (signature); low paper: right emboss 'GB' (Baldessin Press & Studio monogram)woodcut, etching, chine-colle, landscape, environment, longicorn beetle, print, baldessin, ekphrasis2018, eco, mixed media

Proclamation card presented to I. C. McLean and signed by all other crew members on board the RMS Remuera. The crew left Australia to join HMAS Perth and formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service in WWII. The document is dated 15th October 1939.This document is significant as a tangible link to a former crew aboard the RMS Remuera. The card also notes that this crew formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service for WWII. A number of servicemen who signed this card did not return from service. It represents the vital role of these men had in defending Australia. It also represents a tradition of Crossing the Line in RAN culture and has social value.Proclamation card presented to I. C. McLean and signed by all other crew members on board the RMS Remuera. The crew left Australia to join HMAS Perth and formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service in WWII. The document is dated 15th October 1939.Hereunder are names of men who left Australia to join HMAS Perth on West Indies Station, forming Australia's first war contingent for active service. Mason, F. ... Henry (Printer), M. M. S.... (Printer's Devil), A.G.H. Foley A.B., L. H. Hughes E.R.A, M.G. Packer E.R.A, G.J. McKenzie, W.R. Birbich, R.A.A Shaw, R.de M. Baker O.D; J.N Taylor Ord Serv; R.W. Wilkinson ....; G.E Jones O.D; G.F. Bli... Ord Sea; E.E. Bird Ord Sea; V.L. Watson A.B; A.W. Newman; A.W. Graham O.D; L.P. Woolbrough; G.G. Kummins; H.W. Durham Sto II; R. McBryde Sto II; M. Gordon A.B.; F. Milner O.D; N.D. Coleman O.D; F. Norris ERA; M.J. O'Brien; E.R. Phillps Stok II; D.J. McPherson S.A; ....Liddell; L.E. Head A.B.; V.B. McGovern ERA; N. Leitch L/Sea; K.G. Stockbridge A.B.; F.W. Robinson (Master); C.H.G. John "Speed" Sto II; C.E. Ingram A.B. 64; E.V.W. Pockley Surg Lt RANR; George Christie A.B.; I.C. McLean.rms remuera, i.c. mclean, hmas perth, geelong naval and maritime museum, wwii, crossing the line wwii

The world’s most ecologically distinct bird lives in the native grasslands of Victoria - but only just. The plains-wanderer is a small bird that was once widespread across the grasslands of south-eastern Australia. Today there are fewer than 1000 mature birds in the wild. The plains-wanderer is under threat due to habitat loss caused by overgrazing, cropping and suburban sprawl. Unlike most other birds, female wanderers are larger and more colourful and the males take care of the chicks. They are only about 15cm tall and weigh between 40-80g for the male and 55-90g for the female. Their intricate plumage mirrors the colours of their grassland home so they blend in perfectly with their surroundings. The plains-wanderer’s origins date back to when Australia was part of the Gondwana supercontinent over 60 million years ago. They are so biologically distinct that their extinction would result in the loss of a branch of the tree of life. A fussy grass dweller, they like neither too much nor too little grass. That is where sheep grazing can help. After years of low numbers in Victoria, plains-wanderer populations have been increasing in Terrick Terrick National Park in north west Victoria, as sheep grazing maintains the grass in the park at a suitable level. With the right management, this ecologically important bird species is continuing to survive in the native grasslands of Victoria. Managing these habitats for the plains-wanderer can also support the conservation of many other threatened plant and animal species. Object: Nest of plains-wanderers by Mary-Jane Walker, 2020. Outer made from upcycled paper, internal structure steel. Nest of plains-wanderers by Mary-Jane Walker, 2020. Outer made from up cycled paper, internal structure steel. native grasslands, plains-wanderer, terrick terrick national park

Programme of entertainment held on the Rippon Lea property on Thursday 15th March 1900, to raise money for the "Empire Patriotic Fund". Presented by Mrs Cardwell.Programme of entertainment held on the Rippon Lea property, to raise money for the Empire Patriotic Fund. Cover of programme is made of satin weave fabric, coloured blue, with illustrations of widlife, mounted uniformed men and the Australia and British flag. Photograph of Rippon Lea is also featured. Back of cover features a bird sitting on the end of a cannon, holding a sign in it's beak, with the words "An Absent-Minded Beggar" written on it. Various text written below this image.

Shirt worn by Bob Gardiner; volunteer at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.Part of the uniform worn by Bob Gardiner, a volunteer at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Bob was a Silver Medalist at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games and is also a member of this Historical SocietyMale shirt with collar and zip-up neck. Green panel on shoulder; pale blue panels down front and back. Embroidered on left front, 'Melbourne 2006' and bird logo. Red embroidered Toyota on right front. The back is stamped, 'Melbourne 2006'. Short sleeves are embroidered with 'Victoria the place to be' and 'Red hard yakka', and piped in green. Coat of arms and 'Australian Government' also stamped on sleeve.|See also NA3802 - hatToyotacostume, male

Bell Bird area which is under the protection of the National Trust and the Blackburn Lake area are both select and sought after and houses bring high prices.Bell Bird area which is under the protection of the National Trust and the Blackburn Lake areacity of nunawading, national trust of australia (victoria), waratah crescent, blackburn, linum street, boongarry avenue, hill street, acacia avenue, jeffery street, myrtle grove, blackburn road

Birds of the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary; compiled and edited by Geoff Deason [and others] for the Bird Observers Club, June 1980.blackburn lake sanctuary, bird observers club of australia, birds, deason, geoff, mcculloch, ellen, buckingham, rex, stephens, frank

Yarran Dheran Bird List as at May 1981 comp. by Ellen McCulloch, revised by F. & J. Worthy.yarran dheran, birds, bird observers club of australia, mcculloch, ellen, worthy, f, j

A landscape submission written for the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) for Blackburn Lake and the Bell Bird Streets. Definitions given of boundaries of the Lake area, ownership, housing and gardens. Photographs and map.A landscape submission written for the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) for Blackburn Lake and the Bell Bird Streets.blackburn lake sanctuary, waratah crescent, blackburn, jeffery street, hill street, boongarry avenue, linum street, laurel grove, acacia avenue, city of nunawading, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, furness park, camberwell grammar school

Mary Russell, relative of Mary McGowan (mother or aunt?) brought the box among other items to Australia from England in 1934Small, metal oblong box with embossed pattern of tree, branch, flowers and birds in relief on lid. Around side, branch of flowers and leaves in relief. Red satin lining at bottom inside of box.personal effects, containers

Kate Wilcox, mother - in law to Francis Warren. Kate Migrated to Australia from Dorset , England.Green cloth bound covers. Hardback with gilt embossed cover design: bird in nest. Photographic illustrations (110). Coloured frontspiece of tawny owl. 250 pages, Hand written inscription.Kate Willcox A... as prize for collecting wildflowers from: John Saunders Dec 1904.books, school/educational

Article by Wendy Woods on Ellen McCulloch, recipient of an O.A.M., long time member of the Bird Observers' Club of Australia.mcculloch, ellen, bird observers' club of australia