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City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Functional object - Ice bucket, c 1960
George Kyriakides migrated to Australia on the 1 January, 1948, leaving his home country of Cyprus for the promise of new opportunities in Australia. His silversmith skills were learned from a young age, working with his father to supplement the family income. The Saracen Plate Company was founded in 1952, from small beginnings in the garage of his family home in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern. The business grew quickly and facilitated the purchase of the property at 152 Lygon Street, Carlton. This original dwelling on the site was demolished and rebuilt as both a workshop and living space for the growing Kyriakides family. The business was primarily a wholesale manufacturer and supplied prominent Victorian department stores and Jewellers, such as Myer, Dunklings and Prouds. The Saracen Plate Company specialised in a style of silver plate known as 'Sheffield Reproduction', which featured in many homes as commemorative gifts or serving ware. (Hunter, A. (2017) Saracen Plate Company - Lygon Street Carlton 1952-1974 in Museums Victoria Collections https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/15804) The origins of this item is unknown although it was possibly either a gift or purchased by the City for use. Silver plated ice bucket with lion head handles and braided trim. Missing insert.On base; Saracen reproduction. Silver plated. city of greater bendigo corporate gift, george kyriakides -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Ceramic KOOKABURRA Electric Jug, Nilsen Porcelain Australia, 1930s
Electric kettles were invented by the English to speed up tea preparation. In Australia fancy ceramic electric jugs quickly became a status symbol. During the Great Depression era anyone who could offer you a cuppa from a beautiful Electric Kookaburra Jug was considered to be doing well. Made by Nilsen Porcelain Australia in the 193Os, these kettles were unique for their charming art deco bird shape. Nilsen Electric Kookaburra Jugs are now regarded as a classic Australian icon prized by collectors. Oliver John Nilsen was born in Collingwood, Victoria in 1894. In 1916 he began his own electrical business, Oliver J. Nilsen & Co. (later Oliver J. Nilsen (Australia) Ltd). Nilsen's manufactured goods included such diverse products as transformers, bearings, battery chargers, bells, buzzers and gongs, porcelain ware, fuses, insulators and neon signs. Nilsen Porcelain Australia was a smaller company within the Nilsen group. Nilsen still operates as an electro-technology company operating throughout AustraliaThis jug is an excellent example of art deco ceramic appliances of the 1930s to 1950s on both a local and national level. It is also representative of products developed by a major Australian manufacturer. Earthernware ceramic jug, moulded in art deco style to represent an Australian kookaburra.vintage electric kettles, kitchen appliances, nilsen australia -
Wooragee Landcare Group
Photograph, circa April 2003
This is a photograph taken in the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park near Chiltern in Victoria. On this day, the Wooragee Landcare Group was in the national park looking for signs of the tiger quoll. Tiger quolls can be found in few places with the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park being one of them. This photograph is of a tiger quoll nesting site as tiger quolls often nest between large rocks. This image also shows the damage caused by the 2003 bushfires. These bushfires happened at the same time as the 2003 Alpine bushfires. This bushfire started by lightning and quickly became the largest fire in Victoria since the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. The Alpine bushfires destroyed 1.3 million hectares and burnt for 59 days before it could be controlled. The 2003 bushfires severely damaged the environment and concern was raised about the safety of tiger quoll. This photograph displays how the nesting site was damaged by the fire. This meant that the quoll itself could have also been impacted by the fire. Hence why the Wooragee Landcare group went for a search for signs of the quoll.This photograph is significant because it shows a tiger quoll nesting site. Tiger quolls are a highly valuable species because they live in very few places. This, in turn, makes their nesting site valuable. This photograph also signifies the impact of the 2003 bushfires on the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park. The image displays burnt trees which makes it clear that the fire was deeply damaging. The fallen log over the nesting site demonstrates how the bushfire must of put the tiger quolls at risk because of how the fire damaged their nesting site. Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paperReverse: WAN NA 0ANA0N0 NNN+ 1 1636 / [PRINTED] (No.9) / 923bushfires, mount pilot chiltern national park, mount pilot, chiltern, victoria, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare, wooragee, national park, tiger quoll, 2003 bushfires, beechworth, rocks, nesting site, photograph, 2003 alpine bushfires, 1939 black friday, 2003, hectares, fire, damage, burnt, burn -
Wooragee Landcare Group
Photograph, 20th June 2004
This photograph was taken on the 20th June 2004 as part of an event called "Successful Tree Planting!", organised by the Wooragee Landcare Group. It was addressed to all local residents and landholders in the area and involved practical demonstration of techniques suitable for successful planting of native trees and shrubs, as well as information about weed control. In the photograph are illustrated from left to right the following people: Chris Robinson; Tony Prowse; unknown child; Lesley Finedon; Ann Henderson, unknown. Revegetation can improve the condition of remnant vegetation in the area and provide habitat for local animals. Correct species selection, including all layers of vegetation, along with proper weather conditions and adequate site preparation, can maximise the successful outcome. Weed-free conditions and protection from rabbits and kangaroos are two more factors contributing to a quick plant growth. Wooragee Landcare, since its establishment in 1998, has organised a series of events and activities in order to promote weed and pest control, provide assistance and knowledge to landholders and ensure sustainability and protection of natural vegetation.The photograph is an example of the type of events and activities organised by Wooragee Landcare to educate and inform local residents and landholders on the most suitable techniques for successful planting of native trees and shrubs. Wooragee Landcare, abiding by its mission statement, promotes best land management strategies and ensures sustainability through collaboration with local community and council agencies.Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA 0ANA0N0 BN1+ 1 1636/ [PRINTED] (No.21)/935/successful tree planting, wooragee landcare group, 20th june 2004, successful planting, native trees and shrubs, weed control, revegetation, remnant vegetation, habitat, local animals, species selection, weather conditions, site preparation, weed-free, rabbits, kangaroos, plant growth, 1998, sustainability, natural vegetation -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MERLE HALL COLLECTION: ARTS BENDIGO NEWSLETTERS
Arts Bendigo Newsletters: Collection of various AB newsletters in different print formats; a. A Happy 1987 to all our members - This is the first of the irregular Newsletters for 1987 (one page only of a two-paged newsletter); ac. April 1992 Newsletter; b. February 1993 Newsletter; c. July 1993 Newsletter; d. September 1993 Newsletter; e. May 1994 Newsletter; f. August 1994 Newsletter; g. May 1995 Newsletter; h. October 1997 Newsletter, I September 1986 Newsletter, j. June 1988 Newsletter, k. September 1988 Newsletter, l. November 1988 Newsletter, March 1989 Newsletter, n. June 1989 Newsletter, o. February 1991 Newsletter, p. September 1991 Newsletter, q. February 1992 Newsletter, r. February 1994 Newsletter, s first-aid Newsletter of the Year's, t. hairspring 1995 Newsletter, u. season's Greetings (Last Newsletter) 1995, v. April 1996 Newsletter, we. September 1996 Newsletter, x. February 1997 Newsletter, y. June 1997 Newsletter, z. aa Quick Christmas Newsletter's, ab. March 1998, ac. Headed as ''This is not a Newsletter'' (no date given) -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - GLEAMS FROM THE GOLDEN CITY BY FRED P. MORRIS 1908
Second Edition of ''Gleams from the Golden City'' by Fred P. Morris. Price one shilling. On front page: The whole of the profits from the sale of this booklet will be given towards building a Baptist Sunday School at White Hills. Copies may be obtained from the author, care of A.M. Drummond, Printer, Bendigo. On Page 2 a dedication to those two venerable servants of God who have influenced my life The Rev.W.C. Tayler of White Hills and Abraham Harkness, Esq. of Golden Square. Acknowledgemt is made to the following subscribers who have helped in publication expenses: His Worship the Mayor of Bendigo (Cr. A. Harkness), Sir John Quick, Senato rMcColl, Hon Joseph Sternberg, Dr. W.J. Long, Dr. J. McIntyre Eadie, Messrs. Barkly Heyett, J. M. Griffiths (Melbourne), J. S. Stewart, C. H. Davis, Vernon Rymer, H. Holmes, A. Dunstan, A. Bush, S.H. McGowan, and I.E. Dyason and Mrs. Thomson (Hamilton). White Hills Bendigo November 1908. On Page 3 a Dedication: Dear Mr. Morris, I wish you success in your effort to further the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, your friend Charles W. Alexander.book -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Prototype fuel moisture meter
Bushfire behaviour is influenced by many things including temperature, relative humidity, forest type, fuel quantity and fuel dryness, topography and even slope. Wind has a dominant effect on the Rate of Spread (ROS), and also bushfire size, shape and direction. Fuel arrangement is as important as fuel quantity (tonnes/ha). Fibrous and ribbon bark, together with elevated and near-surface scrub fuels act as ladders which lead flames into the tree canopy. But the availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Since the 1930s foresters, firefighters and researchers have been working to develop quick and reliable techniques for measuring fuel moisture content. One of the most accurate methods is slowly drying a sample of fuel in a conventional oven for 24-48 hours to remove all the moisture and measuring the weight difference, but this takes time and is not practical in the field when rapid measurements are needed. But oven drying is often used as a benchmark to compare other methods. Microwave ovens are faster but can cause uneven drying and even char the fuel. They are also not very practical for use in the field. Some mathematical models rely on weather records such as rainfall, wind speed, evaporation, cloud cover, shading, relative humidity, slope, aspect and season of the year to predict soil and fuel moisture. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index of soil dryness is the most common. But complex fuels with leaves, twigs, grass etc make the predictive models often inadequate for fine fuels. The most common technique in Victorian forests until recently was the trusty Speedy Moisture Meter. Originally developed in England during the 1920s for measuring moisture in wheat and other grains it was adapted for Australian forest fuels in the 1950s (I think). Fuel was first ground using a spong mincer, often attached to the bullbar of a vehicle, and a small sample placed into the Speedy together with a measure of calcium carbide and then sealed. A chemical reaction created gas pressure which was read on the external dial. There were important techniques with cleaning, mincing and using the chemicals with the Speedy to give reliable readings, but it was quick, inexpensive, robust, portable and practical in the field. It was used routinely before igniting a fuel reduction burn or measuring fuel moisture differentials on slash burns. But in about 1996, Karen Chatto and Kevin Tolhurst from the Department’s Creswick Research Station developed the Wiltronics Fuel Moisture meter which measured electrical resistance. Wiltronics is an Australian owned company operating from Ballarat. The final result was a kit that was portable, accurate and could reliably measure fuel moisture contents between 3% and 200%. Although expensive, it is now widely used by fire agencies around the world which has virtually relegated the Speedy to the back cupboard.Prototype Fuel moisture meterT-H Fine Fuel Meterforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement -
National Wool Museum
Audio - Record, Gramophone, Gramophone Co Ltd, Better not roll those blue, blue eyes / You rhyme with everything that's beautiful, c.1946
Gramophone record used in the mending room of the Foster Valley Mill.Gramophone record housed in a brown paper sleeve bound in a orange folder with a blue spine. One of a collection of 12 gramophone records housed in the folder.[printed] "HIS MASTER'S VOICE" / TRADE MARK / MANUFACTURED SPECIALLY FOR THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD, SYDNEY, NSW / BETTER NOT ROLL THOSE BLUE, / BLUE EYES / (At Somebody Else) / Quick Step / (Twomey Goodhart) / JOE LOSS & HIS ORCHESTRA / Dance / Orchestra / (OER713) / Speed 78 / Cat. No. / E.A. / 3104 / CHAPPELLS / SYDNEY / MUST NOT BE USED FOR RADIO / BROADCASTING, NOR PUBLICLY PERFORMED [Hand written on sticker] 51/7 [printed] "HIS MASTER'S VOICE" / TRADE MARK / MANUFACTURED SPECIALLY FOR THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD, SYDNEY, NSW / YOU RHYME WITH EVERYTHING / THAT'S BEAUTIFUL / Slow Fox Trot / (Stoner-Reisfeld) / JOE LOSS & HIS ORCHESTRA / Dance / Orchestra / (OER719) / Speed 78 / Cat. No. / E.A. / 3104 / CHAPPELLS / SYDNEY / MUST NOT BE USED FOR RADIO / BROADCASTING, NOR PUBLICLY PERFORMEDtextile mills staff, valley worsted mill, gramophone, record, textile mills - staff, his masters voice (hmv), gramophone co ltd, dickson's geelong, music, audio -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Quoll, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
Quolls are small carnivorous marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Tjilpa is the name given to the quoll amongst the Northern Arrernte language group of Australian Aboriginal people. Quolls are primarily nocturnal and spend most of the day in a den. Of the six species of quoll, four are found in Australia and two in New Guinea. The six species vary in weight and size, from 300g to 7kg. They live in coastal heathlands, sub-alpine woodlands, temperate woodlands and forests, riparian forests and wet sclerophyll forests. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from either the Trustees of the Australian Museum or from the amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880 and mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee around the same time. When all taxidermy mounts were completed, they were quickly put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Small quoll with a small round head, long body, and long, thin tail perched on a branch attached to a wooden mount. The quoll has four skinny legs which have long, dark claws. The quoll's hair is a fawn colour with cream spots. There are two black eyes made of glass, two short pointed ears and black whiskers.On wooden mount: BMM5897 /taxidermy, quoll, animal, australia, burke museum, beechworth, reynell eveleigh johns, taxidermy mount, marsupial -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Drill Press, 1930s
Dawn commenced operations in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg, Victoria in 1917 under the name of Dawn Manufacturing Co. It was founded by four brothers named Blake, who were all engineers. The first products manufactured were vices. After the first world war, Dawn grew considerably and was selling its products all over Australia. They were very busy during the depression with each employee working 60-80 hours a week. During the second world war, Dawn was supplying vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department along with munitions. In 1959, the company was taken over by the G.N. Raymond Group. The Dawn catalogue was expanded to now included a wide range of engineer's vices, woodworker's vices, plumber's vices & equipment, G-clamps, quick-action clamps and toggle clamps. In 1973, Dawn was acquired by Siddons Ramset Limited. In December 1991, Dawn became a unit of the United States owned Stanley Works Pty. Ltd. In November 1998, Dawn regained its 100% Australian ownership and now as a separate strategic business unit, began to improve and expand its manufacturing and marketing operations in Australia and overseas. Drill Press, Self-feeding, belt-driven. Embossed within the casting "Dawn Melb Australia Mfg".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, machinery, dawn drill press, drill press -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Belaying Pins, Late 19th Century
The pins in this collection vary in the timber used and the design. They were found in a warehouse beside Crown Casino in Melbourne, located along the Yarra River, close to the sailing ship "Polly Woodside" and not far from the docks of Port Melbourne. Some of the pins have the mark of a 'Broad Arrow' with 'D ↑ D, which signifies that they were the property of the Australian Government's Department of Defence. Belaying pins are essential equipment on a traditional sailing ship of the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are usually made of wood but some are metal. A belaying pin is used to secure the running ropes of the rigging to the ship's rails using holes drilled onto the rails for that purpose. The belaying pins are inserted into holes in the ship’s rail, drilled for that purpose. When the sail has been raised, the ropes are wrapped around the upper and lower sections of the pins in a figure-eight pattern. The shapes of these belaying pins taper from the rounded end of the handle inwards towards the bottom, which allows them to have a firm fit into the holes in the rails. The rigging rope is wound around the pins in such a way that a tug on the pin's handle pulls it out of the hole and quickly frees the rope and the sail.These belaying pins are significant for their association with sailing vessels, particularly vessels of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are also significant for their association with the Port of Melbourne where sailing ships docked to and from the Port of Melbourne. Some of the pins have additional significance for being connected with the Australian Government's Department of Defence.Belaying pin, wooden, simple design, wooden shaft with a wider rounded end on top third, tapering to the centre third, which is wider than a lower third. The bottom has a blunt base. Some of the pins have the three sections divided by a line around their circumferences. This collection of fifty-seven pins of varying shapes, colours and timber. Some of the pins are stained with colour, and some have been left natural Stored in a wooden crate. Some have inscriptions.Marks: (Government Defence Department Broad Arrow) "D ↑ D"sailiing equipment, nautical equipment, rigging, yards, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, belaying pin, broad arrow, australian government, australian department of defence, sailing ship, sail -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Food Mill, 1950s+
The Moulin Legumes No. 3 food mill is a useful manual kitchen utensil for milling, sieving, grating and pureeing various food types (legumes, vegetables, fruit and herbs). The food is placed in the chamber and the handle is turned to push the food through the holes in the blades and into a bowl placed below it. The various blades allow choice of consistency as they have different sized holes. It was in use before electric food processors were invented and is still used in modern times. The vegetable mill was invented by the French inventor and industrialist, Jean Mantelet, in 1932. Inspired by his wife, he invented the mill, which simply and quickly made cooked food into puree or mash. He said "My greatest pride is to rid women of a daily chore." The business started using the brand Moulinex in 1956 and today is it a household name linked to useful and good quality kitchen utensils and aids. The name comes from combining the words Moulin Express, which was an electric coffee mill. The embossed text "BREVETE S G D G" was a type of French patent without a government guarantee. It stopped being used in 1968. This Moulin is an example of a kitchen utensil used before electric food processors were invented, and had gained popularity to process foods such as vegetable's, fruit, nuts and herbs in a domestic or commercial kitchen. The first model of the Moulin Legunes was invented in 1932 by French industrialist Jean Mantelet to meet the reduce labour for housewives in the kitchen. Millions of this labour saving device have since been sold. Food mill, metal, for manually processing food. Conical-shaped food chamber, two U-shaped handles on opposite sides, two clips inside. Three interchangeable twelve-sided cutting blades, each with different sized holes. Made in France. Model is Moulin Legumes No. 3. Impressed into the side, within a circle "MADE IN FRANCE - BREVETE S G D C -" and in centre "2" (Brevete is French word for Patent)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, made in france, french kitchen utensils, moulin, food preparation, kitchen utensil, food mill, food processor, sieve, moule, mouli, grater, puree, hand operated, moulin legumes no. 3, vingage, kitchen gadget, moulineux, jean mantelet -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Hinge, 1800s to early 1900s
This flat hinge was recovered from an unknown shipwreck in the coastal waters of Victoria in the late 1960s to early 1970s. It is part of the John Chance Collection. The size of the hinge indicates that it was used for a large item such as an entry door, gate or perhaps a ship fitting. The blue-green patina on the metal is caused by a reaction from its exposure to external elements such as the sea water. The hinge is likely to have been in the water for over 100 years, as the more widely known shipwrecks along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast date from 1837 to 1940. Before the Middle Ages metal was expensive and took a lot of effort to work with As time went on, methods were discovered for working more easily with metals, and ways were found for combining different metals to make alloys that made the metals stronger and more durable. Hinges forged by blacksmiths began to be common in homes. In the Victorian Era steam power was introduced and manufacturing boomed. Hinges could be made by machines quickly and in great number. All sorts of applications were found to take advantage of the features of hinges. They continue to be developed and used in a huge variety of ways. Although the hinge is not linked to a particular shipwreck, it is recognised as being historically significant as an example of hardware either as part of the ship’s fittings or imported for use in Colonial Victoria in the 19th to early 20th century. The hinge is also significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver in Victoria’s coastal waters in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. Hinge; heavy bronze flat hinge, hand forged. Flat with narrow, arrow shaped end that lares outward to wider straight end. Attached to the wide end is a rectangular, upward curved knuckle. There are five formed holes along the hinge, two are oval shaped and three are round. The hinge has a blue-green patina.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, hinge, hardware, flat hinge, door fitting, ship’s fitting, 19th century metalwork, forged hinge -
Puffing Billy Railway
Equipment - Refreshments services Trolley, 1990s
The Refreshment Services Branch was established in 1920, and initially focused on providing station-based refreshment rooms and the dining car service. Its scope expanded to include diverse activities such as stall rental; sales of advertising space on railways infrastructure; laundry services; operation of a hair-dressing salon, a bakery, a butchery and a poultry farm; and the management of the chalet guesthouse at Mt Buffalo. The majority of staff worked in refreshment rooms and dining cars, both of which were a popular feature of the railway service. Previous to 1920 refreshment services had been provided by contractors, but after many complaints the Department decided to provide a standardised service across the system. It grew quickly: five years after it was established the Branch employed approximately 500 staff. Station refreshment facilities ranged from elaborate dining rooms to decorated push-carts. They were staffed predominately by women, who provided everything from a cup of tea to a three course meal. Most refreshment room services were closed in the 1970s. Reference from : Fielding, K. (2012) Victorian Railways - Refreshment Services Branch in Museums Victoria Collections http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/11470Historic - Replica of a a Victorian Railways Refreshment Services Serving Trolley used on Puffing Billy Railway Replica large wooden serving cart with fitted wooden cabinet featuring sliding glass doors and one glass shelf. Cart has chrome handles, two wooden shelves, a wooden drawer with chrome handle and a small chalkboard adhered to end. Cart has four small black rubber and metal wheels and a metal foot brake.puffing billy, serving trolley, replica, dining cart, refreshment services, victorian railways -
Plutarch Project
Film magazine, Κινηματογραφικός Αστήρ, 18/01/1959
This magazine was first published in January 1959 and was a fortnightly edition which was distributed for free. The story is that in May 1963 at the National Theatre in Richmond when the film titled "KRYSTALLO" ("Κρυστάλλω") was about to be screened for the first time "Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures" thought of a very unique way of promoting it. Apart from the usual publications to the "Kinimatografikos Astir" (Film Star) magazine and the flyers, they decided to display on the theatre roof 25 live sheep in a scene from a typical Greek village stable with a shepherd etc. They also assigned the task of creating a large banner sized 2 metres by 8 meters approx. to an Australian artist (name unknown) to adorn the front of the National Theatre. When these sheep and the banner were finally displayed before the first screening there was so much traffic congestion created in front of the theatre that it became a standstill. Very quickly the police was informed and the RSPCA who attended and ordered the organisers to dismantle the setup of sheep on the roof as it was considered cruelty to the animals and that it was organised without a proper license. Nevertheless the film had so much success, that it was unprecedented for the times. First showing was 9th May 1963Primary historic significance to the Greek Film and Entertainment industries in Australia. Secondary Social and Rarity publication significance.Bi-weekly magazine size A4, published in black and white by "Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures" for the purposes of film shows and distributed free of charge."Κινηματογραφικός Αστήρ" magazine, entertainment, film, greek, language, publication, plutarch, yiannoudes -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, D716 steam train at Mont Albert Station, 1919, 1919
The photo was taken at 8.15am on Friday 12 September 1919. The D class was a passenger and mixed traffic steam locomotive which operated on the Victorian Railways from 1902 to 1974. Originally it was introduced on mainline express passenger services, but they were quickly superseded by the much larger A2 class and were relegated to secondary and branch line passenger and goods service, where they continued in service for the next fifty years. The D716 was probably built at the Newport Workshops, post 1910 and before 1914. The expansion of Melbourne's population into new suburbs early in the 20th century, and the delay of the suburban electrification project, meant there was the need for faster and more powerful steam locomotives for the suburban rail network. In 1908, the basic design was adapted to create a more powerful locomotive. They were put to work on longer and hillier suburban routes including the Lilydale line. A total of 58 were built between 1908 and 1913. See wikipedia for a more detailed history of the D class locomotives. Electric trains replaced steam in 1922. Mr William Holmes of 'Lugano', Mont Albert Road was in charge of the design and introduction of the electrification of the Melbourne rail system.Black and white photo of a steam train approaching the platform at Mont Albert station. Rear in blue biro in Jocelyn Hall's handwriting: "Hamilton St Mont Albert / probably 1919".mont albert station, railways, trains, d class locomotives, norman carter, steam trains -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Rappel model with protective equipment, harness and rope drop bag
Based on the earlier successful tests with the RAAF Dragonfly in 1948-49, together with the effective use of aircraft during the extensive Gippsland bushfires in March 1965, the Forests Commission took the plunge and contracted its own dedicated Bell 47G in the summer of 1965-66. This was an Australian first for any forest or bushfire agency. Rappelling trials at Snowy Plains and Tallangatta soon followed, which led to operations based at Heyfield with a two-man crew to quickly attack small fires in remote locations. The Heyfield rappel crew was another Australian first and remained in place for the following two fire seasons but lapsed after concerns from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) about the stability of the small and underpowered Bell 47G. Later in 1982, after nearly 18 years absence, the Commission recommenced rappelling operations using larger and more powerful National Safety Council (NSCA) Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters based in Sale, Gippsland. During the 1983 bushfires, a specially trained and equipped FCV crew rappelled by rope from a hovering NSCA helicopter to suppress a small fire in remote terrain in the Orbost Forest District. Rappel model with protective equipment, harness and rope drop bagforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, bushfire aviation, safety equipment -
Federation University Historical Collection
Poster, 'Lysistrata ' Production Poster, 1974, 1974
White paper poster with black text and drawing of a woman in front of some gruesome looking people. The the poster was for a State College Victoria (formerly Ballarat Teachers' College) production held at the college hall in Gillies Street, Ballarat.Front: "S.C.V. Ballarat, formerly - Teachers Collge, Lysistrata, in the College Hall, Friday and Saturday, 12th and 13th, and Wednesday to Saturday, 17th to 20th July, 1974, at 8 pm, Admission - $1.00 Students, $1.50 non students, Bookings - Phone 341 202" Back: "Lysistrata, by Aristophanes, CAST LIST, Lysistrata: Liz Stubbs, Kalonike: Joy Dunstan, Lampito: Jenny Tait, Myrrhine: Denise Maroney, Stratyllis: Ann Bilston, Interviewer: Tina Conroy, Kinesias: Michael Russo, Police Commisioner: Tony Ryan, Spartan Ambassador: Terrence Dorian, Spartan Herald; Shane Quick. WOMEN'S CHORUS, Sue Richards, Tina Conroy, Ann Bilston, Anne Giles, Glenda Hamilton, Janette Marshall, Gillian Hogan, Janine Grieg, Robyn Stanesby, Stephanie Buchanan, Janeen McCullough, Wendy Gray, Elizabeth Evans, Jenny Tait (Leader of Spartans), Mary Staindl, Barbara Price. MEN'S CHORUS, John Rowe, Stephen Schneider, Chris Slater, Peter Hassell, Errol Elbourne, Peter Orford, Kieth McDougall,Terrence Dorian, Robbie Eastcott, Shane Quick, Gary Oliver. MUSIC, Piano: Robbie Eastcott. Drums: Alex Traianou. Congas: David Murphy. Rhythm Guitar: Kim Hatcher. Bass Guitar: Shane Quick. Clarinet: Steve Albon. Flute: Tina Conroy. Acoustic Guitar: Tony Ryan. TECHNICAL CREW, Lighting: Austin Rickell, Sound: Stuart Tolliday, Keith McIvor, Design: Bruce Miller, Terrence Dorian, Set Construction: Bruce Miller, Terrence Dorian, Ken Jones, Choreograph: Cheryl Brown, Costumes: Gillian Hogan, Mary Staindl, Props: Denise Maroney, Jenny Tait, Publicity and Front of House: Ruth Newall. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, Meena Bazaar for the Jug, Turner Audio Systems. DIRECTED BY, Miichael D. Edwards. DIRECTOR'S NOTE, The sexual power of women is all persuasive. If, as Germaine Greer says, they stopped loving the victors, there would be genuine revolution. The idea of a sex strike to stop a war seems preposterous.... What else is left to the aware but politically emasculated woman? Aristophanes, like us, had been appalled by a pointless and hopeless war. Outrageous indignation had failed to stop it - so he resorted to comic absurdity; perhaps to shame the warmakers. Our version of the play is colloquial and probably ' in vogue'. It is colorful, musical, flippant, and not a little risque. It is, however, based on an awareness of the power of sex roles and the arrogance of a male-dominated society and a profound sense of frustration at the apparently immovable forces that make our wars and enact repression in all its forms."ballarat teachers' college, production, state college of victoria, ballarat, gillies street, liz stubbs, joy dunstan, jenny tait, denise maroney, ann bilston, tina conroy, michael russo, tony ryan, terrence doran, shane quick, sue richards, anne gillies, glenda hamilton, janette marshall, gillian hogan, janine grieg, robyn stanseby, stephanie buchanan, janeen mccillough, wendy gray, elizabeth evans, mary staindl, barbara price, john rowe, jeff moore, stephen schneider, chris slater, peter hassell, errol elbourne, peter orford, keith mcdougall, terrance doran, robbie eastcott, gary oliver, david murphy, alex traianou, kim hatcher, steve albon, austin rickell, stuart tolliday, keith mcivor, bruce miller, ken jones, cheryl brown, ruth newall, michael d. edwards, norman lindsay -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Harpoon, Early to mid 19th Century
A harpoon is a long spear-like instrument used in fishing, whaling, sealing and other marine hunting to catch large fish or marine mammals such as whales. It accomplishes this task by impaling the target animal and securing it with barb or toggling claws, allowing the fishermen to use a rope or chain attached to the projectile to catch the animal. The earliest known harpoons, have been recorded as having been made and used 90,000 years ago. In the early whaling industry the two flue harpoon was the primary weapon used around the world. This two fluke harpoon tended to penetrate no deeper than the soft outer layer of a whales blubber. Thus it was often possible for the whale to escape by struggling or swimming away forcefully enough to pull the shallowly embedded barbs out backwards. This flaw was corrected in the early nineteenth century with the creation of the one fluke harpoon. By removing one of the flukes, the head of the harpoon was narrowed, making it easier for it to penetrate deep enough to hold fast. In the Arctic, the indigenous people used the more advanced toggling harpoon design and by the mid-19th century, the toggling harpoon was adapted by Lewis Temple, using iron. The Temple toggle was widely used, and quickly came to dominate the whaling industry around the world.A hand forged harpoon demonstrating the blacksmiths art for fashioning an item used during the early 19th century in the significant industry of whaling. Used during a time when the world depended on the natural resources derived from whales, oil for lighting, lubrication, margarine, candles, soaps and cosmetics as well as the use of the whales bones for various other items such as corsets, umbrellas,fertiliser and animal feed. The item is significant as it was probably made between 1820-1850 after which a single fluke and toggle harpoon began to be use extensively in the whaling industry. Also coming in to general use was a black powder gun to fire the harpoon rather than the early type that had to be manually thrown by a mariner from a row boat of which the subject item is an example.Hand forged double fluke steel whaling harpoon with an arrowhead tip atop a square shank that tapers to a narrow round shaft with a split metal cone to accommodate a wooden harpoon pole.Noneharpoon, whaling, whaling harpoon, fishing industry, whales, flukes, lewis temple, marine technology, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Auger, Robert Sorby, First half of the 20th Century
A scotch eye auger is perfect for quickly making holes in dry or wet wood for making chairs, stools, and any number of woodworking projects. The scotch eye serves as a peg gauge and whatever peg you make to go into the hole should fit into the augers eye. Robert Sorby & Sons: The forbearer's of Robert Sorby had been cutlers in the Sheffield region of England, dating from the mid 17th century. Robert Sorby and Sons were registered in Sheffield in 1828 as a manufacturer of edge tools, saws, scythes and hay knives. In addition to manufacturing tools, they also diversified into the manufacture of crucible steel for tool manufacture. From circa 1860-1967, the Sorby factory in Sheffield was known as the “Kangaroo Works”. The Kangaroo Brand of tools was made by Robert Sorby & Sons. During the 19th century, they had a large trade in Australasia. By the early 20th century, they were manufacturing carving tools, planes and plane irons, circular saws, wood saws, butchers saws and cleavers, garden tools, pruning knives, coopers’ knives, bricklayers tools and joiners tools. In 1923 Robert Sorby & Sons was bought by Sheffield company Hattersley and Davidson. They are today one of the few remaining British tool manufacturers.The company has a long tradition of making edged tools for various uses and exporting them to Australia, however the subject item was probably made from the early 20th century up until 1967 when the company stopped exporting to Australia.Scotch Eye Auger, Double Twist with Lead Screw, square shaft, socket set at right angleRob Sorbey Sheffield stamped on shaft with Kangaroo trade markflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ring auger, carpenders tools, hole drilling, rob sorby & sons -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Birds of Australia, early 1890s
Not Gould although on spine. Minutes of the SMB council 14 April 1891 "6, A requisition from Professor Krause for a new work on the birds of Australia was referred to the Education committee. Broinowski was commisioned by the Department of Public Instruction in New South Wales to supply them with pictures of Australian birds which he published in 6 volumes from 1887 - 1891. Gracius Broinowski was born in Poland in 1837. To avoid conscription with the Russian army he roamed Europe in poverty,his possessions having been stolen earlier in Germany. Hearing tales of the Australian gold fields, he borderd the 'Windjammer' bound for Victoria as a deckhand. Broinowski swam ashore at Portland, Victoria in 1857 age twenty. For seven years he walked from one rural settlement to another working as a shepherd, stockman and independent farmer. In 1864 Bronoiwski married in Melbourne and found work with Hamel & Ferguson (print sellers and publishers). 'The Birds of Australia' was finalised in 1891 with 303 full page illustrations lithographed in colour with notes on over 700 species. Limited to 1000 copies the edition sold out quickly. Bronowski died in 1913 at Mosmon NSW, aged 76. He was survived by his wife, a daughter and 6 sons.Green hard cover book, black leather spine and corners. Title on spine written in gold letters, gold decorations on spine. Pages not numbered. Coloured plates (lithographs). Vol. 1 - 6. Printed and bound.Stamped throughout the book "School of Mines Ballarat Library".birds, gracius j. broinowski, fauna, ballarat technical art school library -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, 1st Kew Scouts Fire Drill, 1911, 1911
A Volunteer Fire Brigade was established in Kew in 1879 and a fire station established in Walton Street, Kew. The Brigade was formally disbanded by the Fire Brigade Act of 1890 and the volunteers replaced by a unit of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 1891. The building shown in this rare photograph was constructed in 1893. In the background can be seen a house on the corner of Walton and Peel Streets, one of two, built in 1893 for firemen of the Brigade. An article in The Weekly Times (1 April 1911) records that: "Kew Troop - A,S.M. Williams reports:- The troop under S.M. Kellett. marched to the Kew Fire Brigade station, to receive instruction in fire drill from Mr Gross, the officer in charge, but as he was unexpectedly called away, the S.M. S and A.S.M had to instruct the Troop. Every boy was taught how to sink the hydrant, and how to couple and uncouple the hose. The hose reel was then brought into action, and the boys were divided into sets of six, each division taking its turn in pulling the reel up a hill to the water plug, where the hydrant was quickly sunk by one Scout, two more uncoupling the hose and coupling it on to the hydrant. We have gained four recruits during the last week, and are expecting two more next week."This is a fine, original photograph, probably taken by a commercial photographer, showing the 1st Kew Scouts in front of the old Kew Fire Brigade building in Walton Street in 1911. The building, constructed in 1893 was later demolished in 1941. This is a rare historic photograph of the Station. Unfortunately the name of the photographer is unrecorded.1st Kew Scouts undertaking a fire drill in front of the old Kew Fire Station in Walton Street, Kew. The reverse details the names and addresses of the Scouts featured in the photograph. An integral part of the Scout program is service to others and working with the fire brigade would have been just one of many such training activities enthusiastically undertaken by the Scouts. The Kew Fire Brigade had hand-drawn fire appliances up until 1919 when a motorised vehicle was purchased. The fire station was replaced by the Belford Road station in 1941 and subsequently demolished. Front: "First Kew Scouts - Fire Drill - In front of Kew Fire Station - Walton St. Kew" Reverse: "Walton St Kew / Kew Fire Station / Mr Gross o/c Fire Station / Bert Gundy Clark, part-time fireman / Allan Sewell Gellibrand St. / Clappy Williams Hawthorn ? / Allan Barrett Cobden St / Allan Woollard High St"kew fire brigade - walton street, scout groups --- kew (vic), 1st kew boy scouts -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Equipment - SCOTT Ski Boots
The sport of skiing was revolutionized with a technical innovation from Ed Scott. His invention of the first tapered aluminium ski pole immediately replaced the sport's existing use of bamboo and steel. One of Ed Scott’s key associates was Charley French, a former aeronautical engineer who began working with him in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA in 1970. The first project that tackled together was to improve the design of ski boots. From there they progressed to ski goggles. This led to the design of goggles for motorcross. For Charley a natural progression led to the development of the aerodynamic handlebar and mountain bike suspension systems. In 1997, the SCOTT company introduced a technical winter sport apparel line and in 1998 was also producing skis. In 2009 their new Crusair quickly became the benchmark ski for the freeride mountaineering market. SCOTT continue to be innovators for the development of sports equipment and their designs are often worn by champions in skiing, cycling and athletics. These boots were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Stickers were attached to advertise his lodge at Falls Creek. The boots were lightweight allowing a lot of ankle flex, and good support when turning due to stiff cuffs. This type of boot was popular with free skiers.These boots are significant because they demonstrate a stage in the evolving technology of designs for the ski sport industry and also bear the sticker of Julian's Lodge, an iconic business in Falls Creek, Victoria.Lime green plastic, single clip racing boot.Sticker on front of both boots: Julian's Lodgeski equipment, ski boot design, scott ski products, julian's lodge, julian newton brown -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Plaque - Commemorative
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 -
City of Kingston
Book - Minute book
The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. While a distinct part of the temperance movement, the Sons of Temperance was also a 'friendly society'. Friendly societies were fraternal organisations established to assist members and their families cope with unemployment, sickness and death. No government unemployment or hospital benefits were available to individuals when the societies were initially formed. In each society, members contributed financially to a common fund which could be drawn upon in times of need. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.This minute book records the minutes of the meetings of the Star of Moorabbin Division of the Sons of Temperance. It also records the first office holders. Additional members and some financial information is also recorded.Hard covered book, lined in brown fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division. Inside pages are unlined, although a red margin has been printed. Additionally, the fly sheet of the book has printed text, which has been completed in handwriting.Handwritten in blue ink on the inside of the front cover: J.W. Hall G.S. / Brighton Cottage / Freeman Street / North Carlton The fly sheet has printed text which has been crossed out with handwritten edits: Star of Moorabbin Division / No 29 / Instituted: September 30th 1868friendly societies, societies, temperance, cheltenham, moorabbin -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Fuel Mincer
Used to mince fuel samples to measure moisture content Representative samples of fuel such as bark, leaves, twigs etc were minced and the moisture measured The availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Fuel mincer Made at Altona as an alternative design to the commercial Spong Mincer With wooden plug to push fuel into the mincer and glass jar to collect sampleforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Spong Fuel Mincer
Used to mince fuel samples to measure moisture content Representative samples of fuel such as bark, leaves, twigs etc were minced and the moisture measured The availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Spong No 10 food mincerforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Electric Fuel Mincer
Used to mince fuel samples to measure moisture content Representative samples of fuel such as bark, leaves, twigs etc were minced and the moisture measured The availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Battery operated Fuel mincer. Plugs into 12 volt car cigarette lighter socket Adaption using parts from commercial food processor Made at Altona as an alternative design to the commercial Spong Mincer Glass jar to collect sampleforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Fuel Moisture meter
Used to mince fuel samples to measure moisture content Representative samples of fuel such as bark, leaves, twigs etc were minced and the moisture measured The availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Adaption of a timber moisture meter made by the FCV radio lab to measure fuelforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement -
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Delton Moisture meter
Used to measure moisture content by electric current resistance Representative samples of fuel such as bark, leaves, twigs etc were minced and the moisture measured The availability of fuel to burn depends largely on its moisture content. When it exceeds 20-25% not much will burn, whereas 12-15% is generally ideal for fuel reduction burning, but if the moisture content drops as low as 7-10% virtually everything will ignite, and fire behaviour becomes extreme. During the afternoon of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on 16 February 1983 fuel moisture contents were recorded at Stawell as low as 2.7%. Fine fuels like leaves and bark can rapidly absorb moisture after a shower of rain, or from the air when the Relative Humidity (RH) is high, and the temperature is low. Conversely, they can also dry out very quickly. So even though the overall fuel quantity in the forest doesn’t change, the fine fuel availability can increase rapidly from zero after rain to many tonnes per hectare as the fuel dries out. This can happen over a few hours on hot and windy days. Heavy fuels like logs on the ground take longer to dry out. Commercial timber moisture meter used to measure fuelDCR9-Tforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest measurement