First owners, Whites of England - hand made bricks, coffee jugs, hand made agricultural pipes and garden edgings. 1911 Commonwealth Insulator Co run by Gee Brothers - stone ginger bottles, insulators for PMG. 1920 Parker & Strangwood. Closed for a short while. 1931 Descendants of Gee Brothers. 1936 Commonwealth Art Tiles, Bricks & Pottery Works. 1961 Brick and Pipe Industries. 1971 Amalgamation leading to Vitclay.Four coloured photos ( a-d ) of the dismantling of Vitclay buildings in 1995 and subsequent vacant land for housingvitclay pipes pty ltd, pipeworks, commonwealth potteries pty ltd, clay industries, gee family, commercial insulators, brick and pipe industries, commonwealth art, tile, brick and pottery works

Australia Post (previously known as the Post Master General department (PMG)) issued this postage stamp in 1973, on the 50th anniversary of the founding of Melbourne Legacy, September 1923. The stamp was produced in recognition of the outstanding work that Legacy has done in helping war widows and their families. The design of children playing within the silhouette of a hand, was done by George Hamori, an Australian graphic design artist (born 1918). For a biography of his life see the re:collection website.A reminder to all the people of Australia of the helping hand of kindness of Legacy, and the generosity of the people of Australia who have donated to fund the work that Legacy does.Postage Stamp issued by Australia Post x 4 copies. Stamp has perforated edges, green writing, light brown background, hand extended silhoutte.Postage stamp has been postmarked with five horizontal lines and the words "include the postcode in every address".legacy promotion, golden jubilee, 50th anniversary

Postmaster-General's Department telegraph linesman, Chris Byrnes, received a British Empire Medal for bravery and devotion to duty for his response to the flooding at Darlington Point, New South Wales, in June 1952. As E Henderson, then Acting Director of Posts and Telegraphs recalled, the town's "communication lines were menaced by floodwaters" when the nearby Murrumbidgee River flooded. In order to retain communication to the town, Chris Byrnes, a Postmaster-General's Department employee of over 13 years, acted in the "best traditions of the service" (E Henderson). An eye witness, recorded in the Murrumbidgee Irrigator newspaper on June 27 1952, described Byrne’s efforts: "An interesting incident was witnessed when a Leeton post office linesman swam through flood waters to reach a telegraph post which had been washed out by the flood…With a rope tied around his waist, one end of which was held by other members of the linesmen's gang, Chris Byrne swam through the flood water…to release the trunk lines from the post." An eye witness, recorded in the Murrumbidgee Irrigator newspaper on June 27 1952, described Byrne’s efforts: "An interesting incident was witnessed when a Leeton post office linesman swam through flood waters to reach a telegraph post which had been washed out by the flood…With a rope tied around his waist, one end of which was held by other members of the linesmen's gang, Chris Byrne swam through the flood water…to release the trunk lines from the post."darlington point, murrumbidgee river, pmg, postmaster-general, linesman, flooding, natural disaster, emergency

City of Port Melbourne Councillors, Town Clerk and Electrical Engineer at a PMG presentation of the new concept of Subscriber Trunk Dialling. (STD). L - R Cr Les TURNER, Cr Ray JULIER, Jack ANDERSON (Electrical Engineer), Cr Cyril LETTS, Andy AANENSEN (Town Clerk). Probably taken in the mid to late 1960s. Andy Aanensen was Town Clerk 1959-1968 and Cyril Letts served on Council 15 May 1954 until he resigned on 24 Sep 1968.B & W photograph of City of Port Melbourne Councillors & staff. Behind the group is map of Australia inside the dial of a telephone labelled Subscriber Trunk Dialing.Names on the reverse of photo are listed right to left.engineering department - city of port melbourne, leslie stanley turner, ray julier, cyril letts, andreas (andy) t aanensen, local government - city of port melbourne, jack anderson

A.H.S.A. (Aviation Historical Society of Australia) journal article - Basil Watson and aircraft photos; Jan/Feb 1967. Five photos on the single page: 1. Basil Watson's biplane at 'Foilacleugh', Melbourne, 1916; 2. Biplane under construction in Billiard Room, 1916; 3. Basil Watson (in centre) at Warrnambool, 1917; 4. Official souvenir cover (envelope) for 50th anniversary of airmail flight; 5. Piper Cherokee - PMG Department - 50th Anniversary of airmail flight.person, individual, basil watson

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established and the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. This stamped, addressed Commemorative Pictorial Postmark envelope celebrates the 1951 Bendigo Gold Centenary Philatelic Exhibition. Registered, postmarked 02 July 1951. Printed and stamped envelope featuring an image of a poppet head on the left and four commemorative stamps celebrating 100 years of gold top right. Letter is addressed.Obverse Top left; $30 Centre top and bottom; various pencil markings Lower right; T. Clark / 5 Princes St / Oakleigh s.12 / Vic Reverse- Two red pencil lines Centre - postal stamps bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, making a nation exhibition

In the days before television advertising and the WWW, commercial artists such as John Whittenbury designed posters, railway billboards and trade exhibitions advertising products and services to the masses. Whittenbury’s series of quirky Christmas mail posters for the Post Masters General Office, now known as Australia Post, were displayed in post offices across Australia. He had a wealth of experience in the field, having worked as an illustrator, graphic designer, cartoonist, and mechanical draftsman for the RAAF in Laverton and then Victoria Barracks, and also taking out a qualification in Advertising Art from RMIT in 1961, prior to joining the PMG. Ann Carew, 2017 australia post, christmas, rmit design archives

Letter and envelope addressed to Mr. K. Guiney, 126 Sternberg St.,Bendigo. a. envelope has 1 1/2 d stamp, dated 4 June, 1936. Written in greylead ' No 1385' Bottom LH corner 'PMG, J.L. Howard, Lyric Buildings Charing Cross, Bendigo. Victoria.' b. letter of invite to 'Philco" tone display at the Memorial Hall, Pall Mall, Bendigo on 8th and 9th. June, 1936. Letterhead has 'J.L. Howard, everything electrical, Lyric Building, Charing Cross' printed on dark grey background.bendigo, business, j.l. howard, electrical

Original of a Post Master's General Department (PMG), "Advice of Mails Despatched by Train" form filled in for 8/8/1969 (date and month are questionable) for the despatch of one bag of mail from Golden Square to the Bendigo Post Office at 4.15pm. the word "tram" appears above the word train . Has a number of initials or signatures. Form number PM4 or Sch. C 5021/67. Black printing on white paper except for the instruction "Examine Bags, labels, Fastenings and Seals" which is in red ink and capitals. Perforations on left indicate ticket is torn from butt leaving duplicate in the book. Has been filled in - see image file.trams, tramways, mails, trams, golden square, post office, bendigo

Excercise book with minutes taken at two meetings held in the Waarre hall in Decemberr 1960 to resolve the problem of the local telephone exchange losing its current operator. The minutes note the majority of people who lived on Eastern Creek Rd. and Waarre Rd. at this time. Families included. Bottrel, Bramley, Lloyd, Fitzpatrick, McKenzie, Clarke, Welton, Younis, Meek, Wills, Shiells, Jeffery, Wilson, Giblett, Webb, Tranter, Stevens, Meek. The book contains a letter written to the PMG and a response. The situation was resolved when Sylvia Fitzpatrick agreed to become the telephonist and for the exchange to be relocated from the home of Roy and Minnie Ford to the Home of Jim and Sylvia Fitzpatrick. School Exercise bookWaarre Telephone Subscriberscommunication, telephone, community action

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and is situated on Pall Mall, it was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering communication and postal services until 1997 and is now the Bendigo Visitor Centre. The Dead Letter Office, aka Mail Distribution Centre's job is to reunite the mail with their owners and to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the mail. This item is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins.Printed brown paper which folds into an envelope.O.H.M.S / Postmaster - General's Department / P.M. 29. / Dead Letter Mail / Date Stamp / Office of Despatch / to the / Dead Letter Office / Enclosed are Articlested rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and is situated on Pall Mall, it was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering communication and postal services until 1997 and is now the Bendigo Visitor Centre. Clocks such as these were issued by the Post Master General's Department which was a department of the Australian federal government, established at Federation in 1901, whose responsibilities included the provision of postal and telegraphic services throughout Australia. It was abolished in December 1975 and replaced by the Postal and Telecommunications Department.city of greater bendigo post office

Manufactured in the 1960s, this mobile emergency telephone exchange was fitted into a caravan. Part of the Shepparton Division State Disaster Plan, the caravan could be towed to areas affected by disasters to enable communications to recommence. The caravan remained in service until approximately 1974.Mobile infrastructure plays an important role in Australian communications, owing to the often remote and hostile environments in which Australians live and work. Exchanges such as this facilitated phone calls in the aftermath of an emergency, particularly for hospitals, police and other emergency services. Today, Mobile Exchange on Wheels (MEOWs), Cell on Wheels (CoW) and Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOW) - which provide temporary landline and broadband services, mobile phone coverage and service in areas without communications infrastructure respectively - are a critical part of emergency response procedures for natural disasters such as fire and flood. Though technology has progressed, the need for rapid service in remote areas remains a present concern of the communications service providers in Australia. This mobile service infrastructure is historically significant as an early example of a service which has evolved over decades, yet is still needed today. The exchange, as a representative example of a vehicle which would provide early-response in a disaster, is socially significant as a facilitator of critical communications needs in devastated communities: access to emergency services and contact with family and friends. The exchange itself, intact from its period of use, provides an insight into technology of the 1970s.Mobile emergency exchange housed in a caravan trailer on 2 wheel base, duralin body, steel tow bar, Caravan divided into 3 sections; the exchange room; the relay room and the main frame room. The exchange room contains 3 switchboards, a folding table, cupboards, benches and switch rack (.1). table (.2), steel bar for attaching the table (.3), back boards of switchboards (.4-.6), switches (.7-.16), box of switches (.17). There is a wall phone magneto, 300 type handset on wall and 2 skylights with wire screens. .11? hat pegs and shelf; there are 2 fluorescent tubes for lighting, all in exchange section. The floor is covered with 2 tone grey tiles and there are wire mesh on outside of windows and a geometric curtain inside behind switch rack. There is a flywire screen door as well as exterior door. The relay room has a sectioned door so half can open at a time. Room contains a cupboard with folding bench top beneath a curtained window. The opposite wall has a bank of batteries and transmission condensers; there is a shelf above window, one fluorescent tube and fuse boxes. Tiles on floor also. The main frame room contains many metres of coiled black covered cable, a black covered magneto wall telephone with 300 type handset; grey plastic jumper cords, a rack of termination points and wire with wasp nests attached. There is a small iron step under door, a fluorescent tube on wall and 3 hat hooks. Roll of Paper Handtowels (.18), cord and handle (.19), red exchange cords and plugs (.20-.22), plastic aluminium runners (.23,.24), headset (.25,.26), logbook (.27), battery readings (.28), box containing papers circuit drawings etc (.29-.93), paper lists off wall (.94,.95). Books, record books etc (.96-.103). Manila folder (.104) containing circuit drawings (105-.124). Wooden drawer (.125), metal drawer containing subscribers master cards, record of faults cards, particular switchboards connected, Junction line cards (.126). Box of valves (.127), box of clamps (.128). Box of 2000 type rack fuses, red 1 1/2 AMPS, black 3 AMP, blue 1/2 AMP (.129). Box of sleeves for covering wire joints (.130), plastic beakers (.131,.132), soap (.133), box of white plastic squares (.134), time switch "Venner BF/43 time switch" Made in England (.135), box of bolts, knobs etc (.136), box of switchboard number indicators (.137), fuse (.138), fuse wire (.139), football card (.140). Box of cartridge fuse 6 AMP (.141). Envelope of drawing pins, rubber bands (.142), black plastic, paper tape centres (.143-.152), metal plug (.153), 2 signs "Beware of vehicles" (.154-.155). Paper listing Naringal East automatic conversion (.156). Green Commonwealth of Australia note pad (.157). Wiring plug for tail lights (.158). Black fuse plugs (.159,.160). Box of bolts (.161). 2 sections of blue plastic coated wires (.162,.163). Gloves used for working on batteries (.164-.167). Wasp nests (.168,.169). White fuse (.170). Photographs of van in use (.171,.172)..1 on front: "ANOTHER / MOBILETRAIL / PRODUCT" "MAX SPEED / 25MPH" "TRAILER BRAKES / --- / " On sides: "EMERGENCY TELEPHONE EXCHANGE" "NO 1" "PMG" "TCQ / GROSS 250 / TARE 182 / LOAD 162" "6" "COUNTRY BRANCH / NORTH REGION / [SHEPPARTON DIVISION]" "LAW'S SIGNS" "Telecom Australia" On back: "DANGER / LONG LOAD" "MQA 3787" .133: "FIR OIL" "AUSTRALIA"mobile telephone exchanges, mobile telecommunications trailers, trailers, transport, natural disaster, black saturday, bushfires, floods, emergency communications

This photo of the Telecom Tower was one of a series of photos taken of landmarks and houses of the area by Ken Hall in c1980. The PMG / Telecom / Telstra tower was built in 1961-1963 as a relay station to support television and radio links between city and regional broadcasting stations. The tower itself was 45 m in height with a 2 storey building for equipment and staff surrounded by garden. From the beginning it was opposed by local residents. In response to a Telstra application to replace it with a 40m slimline monopole, the City of Whitehorse controversially sought to have the structure heritage-listed, a move which caused much debate. In May 2015 Council ultimately rescinded its decision and gave permission for demolition, however Telstra deemed the permit conditions to be too restrictive and decided to continue to use the tower. The permit (to replace the tower) expired in September 2017. A black and white photo of local landmark visible from many vantage points in Surrey Hills and surrounding area, as it was built on the high point of the area.telecommunications tower, city of whitehorse, heritage overlay, heritage study, development, pmg tower, telstra, telecom, harding street, canterbury road

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Ted Rankins was the last Post Master at the Bendigo Post Office and a long term telegraph volunteer post his retirement. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about the daily workings of the Post Office up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life. This sign was issued to Ted during his time working at the Post Office and is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted. Yellow plastic desk plate. Made from one piece of plastic which has been folded to make the 'A' frame shape. Name printed on front.MR. E. RANKINSted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

Tin box, scratched, rusty, black colour in appearance with writing on internal lid. Two bulbs, small tin containing clips, nuts and bolt. Front of lid LAMPS, SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT BOX SPARE PARTS MKII PMG 1942, Internal Lid - IMPORTANT When fitting a new bulb it should be INCLINED as shown, so that washer may be readly inserted between the spring contact and bridge piece. lighting tongue in washer must be in correct position......to the front of the lamp and the stem must be pushed right back in slot. LAMPS SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT.signalling, daylight, short range, lamps, spare parts

(See also NP262 ) Black and white photo of Mitcham Post Office, NE corner of Whitehorse Road and Station Street. Has been site of Mitcham PO for many years - built in 1924. Following the death of Bertha Markham, Postmistress, in 1944, the building was not a PO; it resumed that function in mid 1957: between 1944 and 1957, the post office location was on the same block several buildings to the east of the current site. This building was also the home of Mary Millane (daughter of Bertha Markham) who operated a mixed business here and her husband Harold conducted a studio photographic business from these premises. The Millane family sold the premises to the PMG and vacated the premises in June, 1957, at which time it resumed service as the Mitcham Post Office.mitcham post office

Used to communicate with the local telephone exchange and for connection to other subscribers. The introduction of automatic exchanges saw the their demise. This phone was used in the family home of the donor at Caboolture (aboriginal for carpet snake) during the 1940s and 1950s.A magneto telephone for communication with a manual telephone exchange. The handle on the right hand side, which was turned to rotate the magneto to call the exchange - ask operator for a number and then to be connected. Telephone enclosed in a specially designed box for mounting on the wall. There was a bell on top which rang when the magneto ringer at the exchange was turned. Fitted with a carbon microphone mounted on the front of the box for the transmission of the spoken word and an electro- magnet. A receiver which hangs on the left hand side on a hook. The hook acts as the on and off switch to answer the call and to switch on the battery to provide power for the receiver and energize the transmitter. There is an angled ledge for writing any messages. There is no battery. The circuit for the phone is on the inside of the door to the interior of the phone. pHone is type CDA116 - PMG Registered - Ericsson.communication, telephonic

Rectangular olive green metal case. Stored within the case is a round olive green metal lamp. The lamp is attached to the metal case by a two wire copper flex cord. Stored within the case are 3 short metal rods with a spiral thread on one end which screw together to form a stand for the lamp. The interior of the case is divided into 2 sections and is accessed via 2 lids which are hinged on the internal divide, one lid is larger than the other. Mounted to the inside of the larger lid is a Morse key pad. Attached to case is a canvas webbing strap with brass buckles.Mounted on the larger of the lids, is a rectangular brass identification plate with the inscription " LAMP SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT SHORT RANGE CASE MK II, PMG MELB 1942 " and stamped 1176 5. Mounted on the lamp is is an oval brass identification plate with the inscription "LAMP SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT SHORT RANG PROJECTOR MK 11 STROMBERG CARLSON 1942" with stamped serial number 26634. D (up arrow) D is marked on one side of the case.

Set of three + two prepaid MMTB tickets for use on MMTB services, Has the condition of use on the rear. Available for one section only. .1 - Australia Post - 1 section on blue card. Has been nipped in the bottom left hand corner. .2 - 10 Sections printed on yellow card, No. A 039601 - nipped in top right hand corner. .3 - Police Dept., special concession ticket, printed on pink card. .4 - ditto - printed on a larger pink card which has faded on the front - 37H x 63W .5 - as for .3 .4 and .5 from donation of Harry Jackson 28/11/2015, added 17-12-2015. The PMG was abolished in 1975 and replaced by Australia Post and Telecom. See image i3 for rear of ticket.trams, tramways, mmtb, buses, tickets, police, australia post

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about the daily workings of the Post Office up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life and Ted Rankins, the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office, died. Manuals were issued to postmen to guide them in the delivery of letters and parcels and were small enough to be carried with them. This manual was used by the Bendigo Post Office postmen and is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted Rankins,. Small, creamed coloured cloth covered manual. Contains forty four printed pages and two blank end pages covering all aspects of how to correctly deliver the post. Topics include 'Behaviour', 'Deceased Persons' and 'Bicycles' amongst many others. Book is bound and contains many extra additional paragraphs stuck in on appropriate pages noting changes and amendments. Additional amendments in handwritten red pen also occur on pages 28, 29 and 36.Front cover; Postmen's Manual / Australian Post Office Various annotations and updates throughout. ted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

The ceramic insulators were used by the PMG to insulate telephone lines connecting to the lightstation accommodation. The installation of a single galvanised wire telegraph line in 1873 provided the lightstation with a vital link to the outside world via Morse code. In 1875, the Australasian Sketcher reported on the new facility, writing that ‘the lighthouse on the extreme point of the promontory is connected with Melbourne by a line of telegraph, and as a large number of vessels pass in sight of the lighthouse, useful information is gained respecting their movements’.The system was immobilised in 1885 when a thunderstorm caused some of the poles to explode and connection wires to fuse and turn into molten metal. During WWII the lighthouse line was upgraded to four copper wires, and in 1971 a radio link replaced the line. The lines required constant maintenance. Some poles remain along the length of the promontory’s Telegraph Track as reminders of this former communication link. Insulators can also be found in the collections at Cape Schanck; Cape Otway and Gabo Island. Comprises a white ceramic insulator attached to a rectangular metal plate.

See Cat 5109PThis is a collection of Commonwealth of Australia - PMG Dept typed telegrams. 1. To M. Phillips - "Sign" at Heidelberg Hospital, Malaria, Ted, stamped 19 Oct 42. 2. To M. Phillips - "Sorry can't come till Monday love Ted, stamped 26 ? 1942. 3. To Mrs E.H. Hildebrandt "Arrived safe in Adelaide this morning Love Ted, Stamped 23 Aug 1945. 4. To Mrs E H Hildebrandt "Leaving Adelaide at four thirty in the morning. Love Ted 25 Aug 1945. 5. To Mrs E H Hildebrandt "At Terowie going North tomorrow. Love Ted. 6. To Mrs E H Hildebrandt "Leaving about Sunday by plane. Love Ted 27 Sep 45. 7. To Mrs E H Hildebrandt "In Adelaide home seven" Love Ted ? Oct 1945 8. To Mrs E H Hildebrandt " Still in Adelaide" Love Ted 4 Oct 45. 9. To Mrs E H Hildebrandt "Still in Adelaide" Love Ted 5 Oct 45.ww2, end of war, coming home

Yields information about the views of various letter writers, special trains for the Begonia Festival and issues re costs.Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with 7 newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system 2 and 3 March 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. One cutting missing. 1 - "Tram Repairs" - 2/3/62 - Letter from R Courtney local Secretary of the Union, regarding the cost of new trams, tracks needed to and Geelong fares raised shortly before closure and then again afterward. 2 - Letter - 2/3/62 - signed by a tram driver regarding repairs of tram faults 3 - "Bolte re Promise on trams" - 2/3/62 - representations to Bolte by the Opposition leader Stoneham and protested to the Minister Mr. Reid 4 - "Special Train for Festival visitors" - The Mail, - 2/3/62 - re visit to Ballarat by the PMG Social club on 11/3 for the Begonia Festival 5 - "Sunday tour Festival City" - re a special train to Ballarat and being met by buses. 6 - "Trams Future" - 3/3/62 - 3 letters re costs of operations - two man trams, bus costs will be based on one man, trams are clean vehicles no emissions, Apex Club issues. 7 - "To Discuss Trams" - 3-3-62 - result of a Greater Ballarat Association meeting.closure, letter to the editor, editorial, sec, begonia festival, greater ballarat association

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This satchel was used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years and is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted. Small, dark coloured rectangle, leather satchel with attached belt and ornate buckle. Satchel is made of four pieces of leather: two side pieces, one piece which is folded to create the front, bottom, back and flap and one piece for the central strap. The central strap has a single hole through which a metal toggle is inserted to secure the flap closed. Stitching is evident around the side seams, around the metal toggle and inside flap where strap is attached and has been reinforced. Satchel has four metal tabs to secure the top front to the top sides and an internal pocket on inside. The leather belt is attached to the back outside of the satchel with four metal press studs. The left side buckle also has reinforced stitching. Both sides of the buckle have decorative elements with the words Post Office / Communications/ Australia on the left side around outer circular edge. Underside of right side of buckle end has the words AROS pressed into it. Inside flap of satchel; Australia / Post / Telegram / Boys written in marker. Buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Underside of right side of buckle end; AROS Internal; Gold address sticker with Ted Rankins contact details.ted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This satchel was used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years. Small, rectangle, leather satchel with attached shoulder strap and buckle. Satchel is made of five pieces of leather: two side pieces, one piece which is folded to create the front, bottom, back and flap and two small pieces to hold strap ring. The flap has a single hole through which a metal toggle is inserted to secure the flap closed. Satchel has four metal tabs to secure the top front to the top sides and an internal pocket on inside. The leather strap is attached to the top of the side seams of the satchel with circular metal rings and two metal press studs. Inside flap: Sticker with '540B'bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, making a nation exhibition, post office collection

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office was designed by Public Works architect George W Watson and constructed between 1883 and 1887. The two story brick structure with basement has unpainted rendered facades and a 43m high clock tower complete with 6 bell carillon. The facades are elaborately decorated with Corinthian pilasters, balustrading, lions' heads and the state mansard roof with cast iron ridging and finials. (VHR #4739). Situated on Pall Mall it has always been called the Bendigo Post Office even though it was not until 1891 that the name Bendigo was given to the town. The Bendigo Post Office housed much more than just postal services and the building contained many early government departments and services needed for a growing district. The building celebrated its centenary on the 30th September 1987 to much fan fare with Ted Rankins, the then Postal Manager planning many of the week long events including tours of the post office, a grand parade with cake and staff in period costume, a ball at the Shamrock and a barbeque in Rosalind Park. The Post Office ceased providing postal services in 1997 after the privitisation Australia Post and Telstra but continues to play a central role for the community, providing important services to visitors and locals alike. Currently it is occupied by Bendigo Tourism and includes two exhibition spaces including the Living Arts Space and Djaa Djuwima a dedicated and permanent First Nations Gallery. Activities at the Post Office are supported by City of Greater Bendigo staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. These items are part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins. 0364.1: Single sided printed 'Order of Proceedings' flyer; Outlines the running of events for the celebrations on Wednesday 30 September, 1987 at the Post Office with the centenary logo centre top in crimson ink. 0364.2: Single sided, four-colour printed, DL size invitation for celebrations marking the centenary of the Post Office on Wednesday 30 September, 1987. 0364.3,.4,.5,.6,.7: Printed cake bag with centenary logo and image of Bendigo Post Office printed on front in crimson ink. 0364.8,.9,.10,.11: Square note paper with centenary logo and border printed in crimson ink. 0364.12 Envelope: Australia Post envelope with Bendigo 100th anniversary images. Date stamped and addressed to Mr Edmondston Postmaster, Elmore. bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection, city of greater bendigo volunteers

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This belt buckle was used on the leather satchels used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years. The buckle is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted Rankins.Circular belt buckle from telegram delivery satchel belt. Inner buckle depicts the Greek deity Hermes who personifies the transmission of information and was adopted as an allegorical representation of the function of postal services. Outer buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Centre top outer buckle; emu, kangaroo and shield Inner buckle; Hermes (left facing)bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection

Until 1960 there were no telephones in Falls Creek. The only access to a phone was at Rocky Valley Camp where the State Electricity Commission (SEC) had an extensive network to Mount Beauty, Bogong and the other camps such as Clover power station and Howman's Gap. There were test points with a phone beside the road where contact could be made to the office in Mount Beauty. The SEC was unconcerned about Falls Creek, so no power was connected until 1960 when Tom Mitchell aired the matter in parliament. Tom was a keen skier. He applied to the Post Master General who was then responsible for telephones as well as mail. The PMG staff came up from Bright and installed an exchange in Diana Lodge. There were only about 15 lines to a post across the road uphill about 20 metres. It was from here that you could put a line from the building into a box where connections were possible. You had to buy a cable from the disposal store. It needed to have an alloy of copper and steel in the wire similar to what the army had used during the war. If the phone failed the owner would have to find the break in the wire, not an easy task in the heavy snow. Then came the telephone itself. Falls Creek was given old-fashioned sets with a hand wound magneto to ring the bell at the exchange. When the operator answered she could then plug a line into another phone line or the exchange in Bright. In the phone were two dry cell batteries that carried the spoken word to the other phone connected. Trunk lines were expensive then, so each trunk call was timed by the minute. The operator would disconnect you after a minute if you did not reply to her question "are you extending?". These telephones were donated by Julian Newton Brown. Julian's Lodge Arundel was known as Falls Creek 11.These telephones are significant because they illustrate the earliest form of technology available to connect Falls Creek Village to other areas.Telephones constructed of polished wood, brass bell, handles and cabling. Designed to operate through a telephone exchange. They operated on two dry cell batteries.Attached to front of telephone: Instructions on how to make or receive a call.falls creek village, falls creek communicaton