Large black & white photo of Grades 1,2 and 3 in front of the school building at Newhaven Primary School in 1957.S.S. 3053, Newhaven Grade 1-2-3 Also a typed list of student names on a separate sheet.newhaven primary school, photographs, local identities, education, state schools, cleeland family, talbot family

Albert Barnden was killed in France in May 1917 and is buried there.Sepia portrait in an oval frame of Sergeant Albert Edwin Barnden. Regimental No. 5787 AIFWith sincere regards to Mr and Mrs John Dickie from A. E. Barnden. Sergt. AIF3/4/1917albert barnden, world war 1, army ww1, photographs, local identities, portraits, john dickie

Runners up in 1956 premiership Team included many local families eg Cleelands, McFees, OsterlundBlack and white photo of the Rhyll Cricket Club.1956 RCC Runners Up and names of players on the back and a separate typed listsport, cricket, rhyll, cleeland family, mcfee family, local identities

Cardboard brochure with details of the opening and menuSee Regis No. 388-01. Also signatures of attendees including Jean Archibald, Maisie Clements, Norman Archibald, Keith R. Clements, Douglas Pitt, Norma Pitt, Beryl Hollins, Stuart Hollinsdocuments- menu, continental guest house,, keith and rhonda jobe, hotels, local identities

William Reid was an early settler. Reid street, Rhyll was named after himSmall paper & cardboard beige coloured accounts ledger with pocket inside. Metal clip for closure on right side. Pages which had been used have been removed.Mr W. Reid, William Reid 373william reid, account books, ledger, reid street, rhyll, local identities

Purpose of the meeting was the reforming of the Historical Society. Discussion included a suitable building to house exhibits, finance and insurance. A Committee of nine members was formed.Two typed pages on yellow foolscap sized paper of minutes of the Inaugural Meeting of the Historical Society of Phillip Island. 21st August 1967 held at the Council Chambers, Cowes.local history, phillip island historical society, local identities

Fred was the ranger at the Oswin Roberts Reserve set up for koala preservation.Large black and white photo of man holding a koala.Fred Pickersgill koalas, fred pickersgill, local identities, photographs

4 coloured photos of members of Rhyll Craft Group eating Christmas lunch and making presentations,1985 at Rhyll Hall.Xmas 1985rhyll, rhyll hall, craft, rhyll-local identities

3 coloured photos of Rhyll Craft Group Christmas lunch at Rhyll Hall in December 1986Tuesday December 2nd 1986rhyll craft group, rhyll hall, craft, rhyll- local identities

398-16 Lady in white cardigan and bandage on leg is Helen Jansson. Lady sitting on bench, second from right, is Audrey McFee. Audrey also in 398-155 coloured photographs of Rhyll Craft Group Christmas at the Rhyll Hall selected from 25 photographs.rhyll hall, rhyll craft group, rhyll - local identities, audrey mcfee, mrs. helen jansson

6 coloured photos of the Rhyll Craft and Flower Display showing displays of plants, flower arrangements, crochet rugs, food and local peopleRhyll Craft and Flower Display Nov 1st 1986rhyll hall, craft, betty liddle, rhyll - local identities

The family lived and farmed on French Island from 1902. They later moved to Phillip Island, dismantling and transporting their home to be re-erected in Findlay Street Cowes. It later became Findlay Art Gallery.25 page typed booklet. Includes black and white and coloured photographs. Section of the book, “The De La Haye Dynasty” Edited and printed by Phil De La Haye of Hastings in 2010The family of Rurric Alexandre & Fanny Charlotte (nee Dear) De La Haye by Bernie, Murray, Jennifer & Mel De La Hayelocal identities, de la haye family, findlay art gallery, french island, rurric de la haye, seaweed farming, shire of phillip island, grocery shop cowes, cowes shopping centre

Possible connection to Bert West and early penguin parade. About 1930's.Large sepia photograph of Cyril Louder standing beside vehicle.transport, local identities, cyril louder, phillip island

Albert Charles West's father was Charles West. Albert (Nip) married Bessie Forrest. He was killed in WWII.A4 photocopy of portrait of Albert Charles West - "Nip"portrait, local identities, nip west, world war ii

One of a collection of photographs donated by Mary KarneyPortrait Photograph of Bryant West on Cardboard backing.Bryant Westbryant west, local identities, mary karney

Ted and Harriett were the parents of Jimmy Roberts.Sepia portrait, mounted on cardboard of a man seated and woman standing behind.Ted & Harriett Roberts, nee Harrad. Parents of Jimmy Robertslocal identities, ted and harriet roberts, photograph, portrait

Local fishermen possibly from San RemoMatt black and white photo of fishermen on a boat surrounded by nets.Nil Local knowledge identifies the men as Lindsay Thompson and Barty Johnson on the Evening Starfishermen, fishing industry, lindsay talbot, barty johnson, local identities, fishing boats

Part of a collection of 'Rose & Valentine' series of Post Cards. Copied by John Jansson 1984B&W postcard. Mr. George Cox, elderly fisherman outside his hut which was located near the end of Cowes Jetty, Phillip IslandB&W postcard."Looking for the boats". Fisherman at Cowes. Real Photo Series M2384.local history, photography, photographs, postcards, local identities, black & white postcard copy, george cox, fisherman, jetties, cowes, phillip island

Part of a collection of 'Rose & Valentine' series of Post Cards. Copied by John Jansson 1984B&W postcard. Photograph of Mr George Cox, an elderly fisherman sitting outside his hut, which was near the end of the Cowes Jetty (East).No Inscriptionslocal history, photography, photographs, postcards, local identities, black & white postcard copy, george cox, fisherman, jetties, cowes, phillip island

Sepia portrait of Horatio St Vincent Busst, born Bendigo 1866, died Kew 8/6/1940, educated at St Killians and Bendigo High School, in 1883 was appointed Mining Warden of Sandhurst and in 1889 was appointed Mining Registrar for the district of Sandhurst. Father Thomas Walter Busst native of Staffordshire England arrived in Bendigo 1856. Brother T.W.Busst Junior was an Australian Amateur Cycling Champion. Framed in a very ornate timber frame with raised carved decorative border.photograph, person, busst, bendigo & vicinty page 248 bendigo advertiser newspapers cuttings local identities page 34

A TOUR OF OUR TOWN EAGLEHAWK. 148 pages with photos, illustrations.Eaglehawk Heritage Societyeaglehawk, local history, eaglehawk, heritage, local identities

Post Card: Melton Railway Station 1909 Mattie to Fred My Dear Fred I received your letter and the L2 10/- I was very pleased to hear that I could write again. You say you will come home after the last shead. I should think so. I had a letter from E Jenkins so I am going down to see her next week we call the baby Fernie now I hope you will agree. Dear Fern has got the whooping cough. Written on the side: I suppose you will be away four weeks yet. Love from Mattie will write on Sunday. This letter appears to be connected with the post card Barwonleigh Saturday October 1908 handwriting My Dear Mattie I received your letter and was sorry to hear of our dear little babys misfortune how did it happen do you know what was the cause of it Mrs Watts must be a blind old fool not to have known what it was when you took him to her the first time poor dear you must be worried to death with all this trouble tell me what the doctor thinks of the rupture. I do hope dear he will get over this all right you must be nearly dead going without sleep for so long I had a bit of misfortune myself on Thursday the machine locked and jumped out of my hand and stuck in my bone I kept on working but it was very painful as all the holding is done with the..next page ..knee the boss also has been chipping a good deal this week he says the next time he has occasion to speak to me I will have to go he is very particular. I would like to go through if possible even if I do a lot less. I have about sixteen hundred done up to now and would get another nine hundred if I was let alone but I suppose we will live lovie even if I go do you know if they are full handed at Eynesbury if I thought I could get a week there I would cut myself out here quick. Well dear lovie I am sending you a couple of pounds as I suppose you will want it to get a truss. I don’t think they are very expensive and hope things will find this better with you. Well my dear love I must close with fond love for you and baby from your loving Husband Fred Post Card: 16 Aug 1909 - Mathoura The card depicts a small sailing boat laden with blue flowers. Well Dear Wife you see I have kept my promise. I rode all the way up here and also carried all my luggage with me it came in handy as I had to camp on the road last night between Rochester and Echuca surrounded by water. I had to walk all the way pretty well from Rochester to Echuca. I am now waiting for the train to Deniliquin. Love to you and my little son Fred. From you loving Husband Fred Written along the top and side of the card. what do you think if the card comes in all right as I have been wading through water all day yesterday and this might be …? will write when I get to the Station, don’t forget to look after the little Freddie and remember me to mother. Post Card: 1909 - view across the Flat from the Creek looking to the Presbyterian Church in the distance with some small dwellings in the foreground. To Mr Fred Myers Wandook Stn Denniliquin NSW Dear Fred, received your letter I am sorry to hear you are having such wet weather I will write a letter tomorrow baby is better With Love from M Post Card: 1910 Postmark Stamp 1d Aug 12 1910 Moama NSW Melton postmark stamped Aug 25? Hare Street, looking south Echuca Mrs F Myers, Melton P O Vic Dear Mattie, Just a line to let you know I got here all right I go to Pericotta tonight and to Cobran to morrow best love to all from yours Fred Letter Cobran Stn Via Deniliquin N.S.W. Sunday 21st Aug extract I am having a good time here, a good cook and the best of everything no fires to light or kettles to boil just get up and wire in… plenty hard work the sheep are pretty tough but much better than Wandook. I am well among them here we had a little rain on Friday but not enough to stop us so we have got one full week in .. the weather is lovely. I have been basking in the sunshine mainly in the morning and feel strong and fit a as fiddle, they are a grand lot of men here I only knew one out of the lots but know them all pretty well now, we have a bit of a concert here every nights almost there are a few good singers here and we also had a phonograph up from the station with all the latest records we have two dancers among ourselves very boisterous affairs indeed thy do make the dust fly. I have not ventured to take part in it and don’t think I will either. I get enough dancing all day long and besides I have to furnish the music you ought to see them going when I rattle up the concertina. Letter Cobran Stn via Deniliquin Thursday Sept 1st 1910 [abbreviated] My Dear Mattie, I received your welcome letter today. I though I was never going to get one as it was Sunday fortnight when I wrote to you but we only the mail here twice a week so it takes a long time to write and get an answer. I also got a reply from Eynesbury and a favourable reply it starts on the 13th Oct. …. I have 800 sheep shorn up to date and am fifth among about 30 men. I am sending two more [Ls] this time which I drew on Saturday. I don’t like sending too much more this time as there is a chance of it going astray and it is not very easily earned…. Things must be humming in Melton with all them babies coming and people getting married… I suppose we will be having new neighbours soon. If Mr Watts is selling out he was getting more property then he could keep. I hope you will soon have rain…. you will have to watch our little boy the dear little rascal he must be getting very cute opening the gates he will be tumbling into the tank …. I love to think of the happy times we have had together and hope that we will love one another to the end .. the mail will not leave here until Monday Love to you dear wife and baby Fred Post Card: – I Cling to you like Ivy Cobran September 18th 1910 Fred awaits a letter from Mattie I still have three weeks here yet.. I am sending L2 tell if you got the other 1L 1911 Letters Fred to Mattie October Spring Plains Oct 1911 Mia Mia Post Office I had a great job to catch the train at Diggers Rest as after I turned off the Keilor Rd it was very way and muddy and I had to walk a lot of the way and got there just in time. I came right into Redesdale by the train and stopped there last night… they had heavy rain on thursday up here and a tremendous fall of hail which covered the ground over a foot deep. There are only 4 shearers here yet.. I saw some of the sheep they look very rough and big so there will be no big tallies done, the men are saying he is giving 2s per hundred extra, so that will help a little. We are going to start Cobran via Deniliquin. Post Card: three scenes of Mathoura 10/9/1914 EB on a photo copy 10/9/12 ? Mathoura Thursday Dear Mattie, Just a line to let you know I got up here all right. I rode the seat out of my trousers. I have done 100 miles on the bike. I met none of the old hands this time so will go out on my own… Your loving husband Fred, did Marjie miss me at all. Post Card: Cobran 15th Sept 1912 Hearts and intertwined flowers and little envelope he has written Marjorie …just a line to let you know I will cut out here Friday next in find, we have had two falls of rain since I wrote and it has bean blowing a hurricane for couple of days and may blow up again however if we are delayed I will send you a card Wednesday I am longing to see you and the two little kiddies again…. Fred Copy only Golf Hill Sep 26th Cut out 31 Oct Total 2332 1913 Post Card: Scene View Street, Bendigo August 1913 Mathoura Tuesday My Dear Mattie Just a line to let you know I got up here all right. Teddy Ginger and another couple of chaps on the way ……. Letter Cobran Sunday Aug 7th 1913 My Dear Mattie Just a line to let you know that weather permitting we will cut out here about Thursday morning….I have not got any more shearing here. I have not heard from the other place…. Expect me about Friday …. I suppose Freddie and Marjie will be glad to see me, Marjie will climb all over me. I will be glad to se you all again you will have a fortnight before Golf Hill starts. I see in the Express you sent that Annie McPherson of (Dunvegan) is engaged to Len Farrell, she appears to be going to take no risks with him she wont let him slip through her hands like the banker did…… Fred Post Card: 1914 Garland of roses Warrambeen Stn Shelford PO October 14th 1914 Birthday wishes. Post Card: Love’s Golden Chain Golf Hill Tuesday Oct 17 1914 Birthday wishes [ this one might be a different year] Letter Cobran Wed 2nd Sept 1914 My Dear Mattie, I received your welcome letter today and also the papers which were very acceptable as we don’t get many papers here we only get see one at odd times as we get none for the hut this year.. I have not seen a bit of butter since I left home as it is too dear for us for sinners here. Poor Marjie had a cold.. so the little kid wants to go to the war, she must think it is good like a picnic. We had light rain on Monday as usual only half a day’s shearing in the shed so that is all we done this week, we took a vote 9 to 6 no shearing so nothing till to morrow morning Thursday so there is still a good fortnights shearing to do, will do nothing Saturday polling day as we have to go 13 miles is near Services where I was last year so we will want the full day 50 men to vote and some will probably have to walk to get there, all solid for Labour. I have just had an interval for lunch, pudding, yeast buns and rock cakes… We are doing nothing but eating and sleeping this week. Fred I am sending L1 in this which will do you till I come back if I keep drawing up I will have none when I finish so make the most of it. Post Card: Two doves with violets 1915 Cobran Wed 18th Sept [could be 1912] Sorry to tell you we are delayed with rain so will not be home till next week… only 3 days of shearing to do…. expect me about the middle of next week….I wish I was with you now and the dear little ones Fred Post Card: Iris Flowers Barwonleigh Stn Tuesday Oct 14th 1918 Happy birthday greetings from Fred Post Card: Irrigation channel Swan Hill 5 Year not shown Swan Hill Tuesday night Just a few lines to let you know I got this far all right. I had to walk nearly all the way to Gisborne and got there last night and took the train here today. It has been raining all the way between Gisborne and here. Moulamein tomorrow. I think it will be another case of walking as it is wet here no metal roads all mud. best love to yourself and the little ones and also mother. will write Sunday Post Card: The White Man’s Burden.The writing on the back rubbed out Mattie has written, I was weighed and I am 8 stone 10 pounds. 14 Post Cards, some have the original dates, others have the date added later by Martha. Two envelopes, one with addressed to Melton postmark Moule, stamp torn off, the other Cards from my dear Fred. The letters and the notebooks can be cross checked according the their contents. Italics show the dates added by Mattie local identities

Ernest “Bonnie” Wesley Barrie was a member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933.Envelope addressed to E.W Barrie, treasurer of Scots Church from Bacchus Marsh and District War Hospitalchurches, local identities

Social life in Edna's teenage years was connected with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music for the Sunday School in 1933.Awards given to Edna by Henry Robinsonchurches, local identities

Early member of the Bush Fire Brigade, Bon Barrie saw the need for improved speed of communication. With the formation of the Country Fire Authority by mid 1950 Melton introduced H F high frequency two way radio sets. A set was located in the Barrie home, which was an idea location to observe smoke sighting given its 360 degree view of the distant horizon. A large antenna was built to improve reception and sending strength. Author – Edna Barrie hand written notes. In its policy of creating smaller compact groups of fire brigades the Country Fire Authority Regional Officer Harry Rothsay in 1967 requested that the following 6 brigades surrounding Mt Cottrell transfer from their respective groups. Melton and Rockbank from Bacchus Marsh Group, Toolern Vale and Sydenham from Mt Macedon Group and Truganina and Werribee from Little River Group forming a new Group to the be named Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group. Group Headquarters was established at the Ferris road residence of Melton Captain E W Bon Barrie, who was elected Group and Communications Officer of Mt Cottrell. E W (Eddie) Gillespie and Keith Watt of the Toolern Vale brigade were appointed Deputy Group Officer and Group Secretary respectively. The Base Radio was installed at the Group Headquarters by the CFA. Brigades contributed to half the cost. A grant of $1000 was made available by the Shire of Melton in 1969 toward the cost of VHS (Very High Frequency) replacing the HF(High Frequency) Radios which has been introduced in the 1950’s. Shire of Werribee and the City of Keilor supported Werribee and Sydenham in a similar manner. The Call sign for the new group became VL3LY VHF Channel 1 163.12 m/cs. HF 3836 k/cs. Mount Cottrell Group's Wireless Licence Scheduleemergency services, local identities

Ernest W (Bon) Barrie was the Shire of Melton councillor South Riding from 1969-1971, and member of the Water TrustLetter to the ratepayers in the Melton Shire local identities, council

Mabel nee Abraham Rogers produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skillfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. About “Melton Amateurs” and forerunners….. Melton people have always been Active in giving and enjoying Concerts and Amateur Theatricals presented by local talent. Wile is it not possible to mention everybody; names like George Gardiner, Stan Hardy, Jim Murchison, Rita Summers, Annie Riddell, Ethel MacPherson, Harold Bainbridge, Jack Mcguire, Greta Jongebloed, Mary Coburn, Elsie McCorkell, Linda Cameron, Marjorie Myers, Aggie Ross, Bob Butler, bring happy memories to older residents. Over the years, the names change, but the talent is always there, and freely used to give pleasure to others. the Caledonian Society was active about 1925. The Melton Competitions, 1937-37 were very successful and attracted much local and outside talent. The Melton Social and Dramatic Club was operative during the same years, and gave several shows. The first “Melton Amateurs” production was a Revue, in 1950. This was followed by other Reviews, Pantomimes, One-act and Three-act plays, and Musical Comedy. Do you remember Bessie, bob and Barrie Bardsley, and Shirley and Marie Jongebloed, Shirley Wallace, Bill Abraham, Joan Jenkins, Peg Arandt, Winifred Fraser and many other? "Comedy Tonight" prrogramme by the Melton Amateurslocal identities

In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

Gratitude for contribution letters Dear Bon and Edna, The members of the Mount Cottrell Group wish to extend to you both their sincere gratitude for the dedicated service you have both provided to the Group Brigades whilst you operated the radio and phone from your home. It is thanks to people such as yourselves who, with foresight, pioneered the Group system and the communications that went with it, that has made the Country Fire Authority what it is today. Words can never express the sacrifices we know you have both made over the years to keep the radio and phone manned. We did try to leave your remote but the Authority would only allow one to Wayne’s residence. Once again many, many thanks to you Bon and Edna for your contribution to the Group, but know we can still look forward to your support in the future, Bon is still a deputy communications officer. Incidently our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th December at the Melton Fire Station, you are both most welcome to attend, our guest that evening will be Ken Coghill M. L. A. Yours Sincerely Darryl Wells Typed letter dated 17th September 1976, Group Secretary  Melton South Dear Mrs. Barrie, The members of the Group wish to extend to you their sincere appreciation for the magnificent job carried out by you in the diligent task of radio operations. It gives confidence and morale to all firemen to know that an any time the pressure’s on, and effective back-up force is readily available via Group Base, and your role in this respect is acknowledged with the highest the highest esteem. Yours sincerely A.J.Morris Group Secretary Copied June 2013 Note MOUNT COTTRELL FIRE BRIDAGES’ GROUP Incorporating the Brigades of Diggers Rest, Melton Rural, Melton Urban Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Truganina, Werribee Rural, Werribee Urban.Edna and Bon Barrie's collection of invitations to fire brigade's eventsemergency services, local identities

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Service held at Melton Uniting Church local identities