First edition copy of James Dawson's book, "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson's book draws on his daughter Isabella's ability to speak the local languages and attempts a balanced description of a culture he considered ill-used and under-appreciated by white settlers. This work remains one of the more valuable insights into the life of First Nations people at the point of first European contact.Title page of James Dawson's book "Australian Aborigines""AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES" BY JAMES DAWSON THE LANGUAGES AND CUSTOMS OF SEVERAL TRIBES OF ABORIGINES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA BY JAMES DAWSON GEORGE ROBERTSON MELBOURNE, SYDNEY AND ADELAIDE MDCCCXXXIcdhs, cdhsfirstnations, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, isabella dawson

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. A History of Greece Vol 12 Author: George Grote Publisher: John Murray Date: 1869Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, a history of greece vol 12, george grote

Colour slide in a mount. Australia Square (under construction), Sydney, Australia. . (Architect: Harry Seidler.)Made in Australia / 19 / 67M4slide, robin boyd

The authors presentation of the years of the Vietnam War both in Vietnam and in Australia.One of many books written about the Vietnam War (Australia).Book, Paperback - The Vietnam Years (from the jungle to the Australian suburbs) by Michael Caulfield; Published 2007.Cover of the book has at the top, a picture of Australian soldiers in Vietnam; at the bottom presents pictures of activities in Australia at same time of pictures of anti-war protestors. The book tile rests in the middle of the cover: The Vietnam Years. From the jungle to the Australian suburbs. The authors name is at the very bottom of the cover: Michael Caulfield. vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Actual photo showing the Australian Light Horse in the field December 1917Unique photoActual photo of the Australian Light Horse in December 1917'Coming out for a Rest' Australian Light Horse returning to a quiet area after being in action at Latron December 1917

Robin Boyd has written 'Australiana' on the slide mount. Robin Boyd was always on the lookout for signage and blots on the landscape, especially when writing and illustrating his 1960 book, “The Australian Ugliness”. Colour slide in a mount. Unknown location, Australia.Mount Made in Australia / 13 / Encircled 14 (Handwritten) / a (Handwritten) / Australiana 5a (black box) (Handwritten)australian, slide, robin boyd

Hugh Jeffrey attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at Melbourne University, graduating in 1940. This examination pin was given to him in September 1933. It is a round copper badge with gold coloured filigree running around the outer edge. Inset into the shield is an Australian coat-of-arms granted by King George V, with a white and blue torse supported by a kangaroo and emu on a grassy field. It features the Commonwealth Star on top, and the motto "Advance Australia" underneath. It is engraved with "University Examination" acoss the top, with "won by Hugh Jeffries sic Sept. 1933" acoss the bottom. It features a loop on the top with a short fine chain and safety pin. Australia coat of arms inside circle with engraving around edgeAdvance Australia University Exam won by Hugh Jeffries (sic) Sept. 1933hugh jeffrey, badges

The French Collection was donated to the Society in 2022. This collection includes documents, artworks, books, costumes and artefacts belonging to two families. A number belonged to, or were made by the grandparents of the donor: Vera May Wing and her husband Hubert Charles McDonald. [Other items belonging to Vera and Hubert are in the collections of the Australian Performing Arts Museum and Museum Victoria.] A second significant group of objects were gifts made to the donor's family by Lucy (Jean) Hornby of Queen Street, Kew whose family had been early settlers in the district.Souvenir metal hat pin, commemorating the visit of the 'Great White Fleet' to Australia in 1908. Text with British and American flags"1908 / Australian Souvenir"great white fleet, souvenir hat pins

RSL Australia Plaque"Returned Services League/Australia"

Jacket issued by Australian Defence DepartmentComplete example of Australian Army WO2 jacketKhaki Australian Army Battle Jacket. Size ?? Red flashes on both shoulders that read "Australian Army Ordinance Corp". Warrant Officer Crowns on each sleeve. Brown buttons. Dark green lining

Dark red school cap with peak. Insignia of Greek warrior head in yellow on front.The Philip Joseph Quality Cap Pure Wool Philcraft Finish.|Pre-shrunk and Water Repellant Name -------- 6 1/2|Made expressly for the Myer Emporium.costume, children's

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. The garden outside the pavilion featured a sculptural pool, a coral display, animal pool, a pit for kangaroos and Eucalypts and other native plants. The indoor exhibits covered aspects of Australian art and culture, architecture, industrial design and scientific innovation, such as the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, the Parkes radio telescope, the design of Canberra, and the Australian way of life.Colour slide in a mount. Entry to Australian Pavilion (on left), kanagaroo display and Clifton Pugh's large panel depicting kangaroos, Montreal Expo '67, Canada (see also S0115).Made in Australia / 19 / MAY 67M6expo 67, montreal, robin boyd, slide

These badges worn by Australian Soldiers to identify their origin generally on their shoulders from WW1 through to Korea. Refer 5687 for details on NX94268. Roy H Taylor of 2/1 Aust Field Regiment.Six Brown metallic badge emblems with word "Australia". All badges curved in shape. Two badges have metal bar at back to attach. 1,2, & 3. has the pin at the back and 4,5,6, the pins are missing."Australia" on all.uniform, ww2, badges

Presented by the CEO and Executive of the Australian Red Cross to the Buninyong Unit on the occasion of their 70th Anniversary.In Recognition of their 70th Year of Service. Certificate of Appreciation from the Australian Red Cross to the Buninyong Unit 2009In Recognition of their 70th Year of Service. (Australian Red Cross to Buninyong Unit.)australian red cross, community service, volunteering

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. In 1966 Boyd travelled to Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory for research – the Expo exhibits included a coral display and native plant garden.Colour slide in a mount. St Monica's Cathedral, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 1967-8. (Architect: Ian Ferrier.)Made in Australia / 36 / DEC 66 M8queensland, slide

Colour slide in a mount. Torrens River, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaMade in Australia / Adelaide (Handwritten) / River (Handwritten)adelaide, slide

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. In 1966 Boyd travelled to Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory for research – the Expo exhibits included a coral display, a large rock feature made from Australian sandstone and a native plant garden.Colour slide in a mount. Rocks and water, unknown location, probably Northern Territory, Australia, when visiting Alice SpringsMade in Australia / 28 / DEC 66M4 / Encircled 36A (Handwritten)australia, slide, robin boyd

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. In 1966 Boyd travelled to Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory for research – the Expo exhibits included a coral display, a large rock feature made from Australian sandstone and a native plant garden.Colour slide in a mount. Colour slide in a mount. Rock detail, when visiting Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia.Made in Australia / 15 / DEC 66M4 / Encircled 32 (Handwritten)australia, slide, robin boyd

The item relates to the burial of an unknown Australian soldierColoured, pastel green & cream, black print (under plastic), metal backing. Australian & British Flags surrounding (red flag), laurel wreath.The Allied Commander Pays the Highest Tribute to the Australian Forces.documents - certificates, military history, tributes, burial

Item relates to Gilbert Turner MM, No 1410 45th Batt AIF. Refer 1294P, 1039P, 1038.Copper button with outline of Australia in centre."Australian Military Forces"uniforms-accessories, costume accessories-haberdashery

created by ambulance officer Lindsay O'Brien to help communicate with non English speaking patientsSpiral bound booklet with Ambulance Service Victoria logo in centreArabic Chinese Greek Italian Russian Turkish Vietnameselindsay o'brien

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. In 1966 Boyd travelled to Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory for research – the Expo exhibits included a coral display and native plant garden.Colour slide in a mount. Probably sugar cane field burn off, far north Queensland, AustraliaMade in Australia / 17 / AUG 66M3 / 6 (Handwritten)queensland, slide

The purpose of this publication is to provide a brief but comprehensive summary of the service that has been given by the Australian Military Forces in many countries since the outbreak of war on September 3, 1939Small white book,rectangular in shape with the Australian flag and red writing on the front.Made from cardboard and paper.Five Fighting Years. The Australian Army at War,1939-44book.the australian army at war. lara, r.s.l.

Colour slide in a mount. (Possibly) Yarrawonga, Victoria, AustraliaMade in Australiaslide, robin boyd

Australian Commonwealth Military Forces gong from Egypt in 1940. This gong shows a link between the Australian military and Egypt in 1940. It is also an example of military craft skills and the creation of usable art by soldiers.Round brass gong engraved with Australian Rising Sun Badge and Egyptian motifs. Supported by a red wooden base. Gong attached to frame by green plastic-covered rope.Australian Commonwealth Military Forces / Egypt 1940egypt, wwii, world war two, australia, military

This Pewter Mug Collection is a set of 32 trophies won by Australian Alpine skiers Ross and Malcolm Milne between 1959 and 1964. Ross and Malcolm grew up on their family's tobacco property in Myrtleford, and began skiing at Falls Creek at an early age. They were both taught by Austrian Sigi Haberzettl, who was chief coach at Falls Creek for 17 years. Ross went on to win the North-Eastern District Ski Association (NEDSA) Junior Championships for three years in a row. In 1961 Ross was a member of the Australian team which competed against New Zealand in the Inter-Dominion Championships. In 1963, he won the Downhill and Alpine Combined title at the Australian Championships, while placing second in the Grand Slalom event. Ross Milne was selected in the Australian team that participated in the 1964 Olympic Winter Games at Innsbruck, Austria. A few days before the opening of the Games, on 25 January 1964, he tragically lost his life when he crashed into a tree during a training run for the Men's Downhill. He was only 19 years of age. Malcolm became a member of the Australian Junior Ski Team to Japan at the age of 14. He won all of the NEDSA children’s races and won the State Title in 1966. Malcolm continued to achieve great success, winning the Australian Championships for the next five years. At the end of 1969 he won Gold in the Val d'Isere FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Downhill, Australia's first Alpine Ski World Cup medal. He was on the Australian National Ski Team for eight years, representing his country at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and the 1966 and 1970 World Championships before turning professional in 1972. Malcolm Milne was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to skiing. In 2004, Ski & Snowboard Australia granted Milne Life Membership for the contribution he made to the sport by becoming the first World Cup medal winner in Australian winter sports history, and the subsequent impact his performances have had on future athletes. Malcolm Milne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to skiing in 2016.This item is significant because it is part of a collection which documents the career of two outstanding Australian sportsmen.A pewter mug awarded as a trophy for the 1969 Australian National Alpine Championships. The mug was donated by W.D and H.O. Wills, a tobacco company which sponsored many sport competitions in Australia..Engraved on side of mug - AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ALPINE CHAMPIONSHIPS 1969 Men's Slalom Third Engraved at bottom edge: Donated by W.D. & H.O. WILLSross milne, malcolm milne, milne brothers, australian alpine skiers

Robin Boyd has written 'Australiana' on the slide mount (item S1081) at the same location. Robin Boyd was always on the lookout for signage and blots on the landscape, especially when writing and illustrating his 1960 book, “The Australian Ugliness”.Colour slide in a mount. Flats, AustraliaMade in Australia / 13 / AUG 65M / Encircled 2 (Handwritten) / Australiana 2 (Handwritten) / 10 (Handwritten) / Encircled 2 (Handwritten)australia, slide, robin boyd