Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Thursday 9 January 1969, page 1 A day of century heat, 13 KILLED IN VICTORIAN FIRES ...About thirty houses and a public hall were destroyed by fire in the township of Diamond Creek. The group officer of the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade, Mr Tom Harrington, said tonight that he thought it was a "miracle" that no-one lost their lives in the fires. A relief centre for the homeless was set up by the Diamond Valley Shire Council. Mr Harrington said that the first fire call in the town was received at 10.45 am. "Within 20 minutes there were five more fires and it seemed like the whole town was alight", he said. "It was a chaotic day. All our best plans for fighting the fires became disorganised. "As 60-mile-an-hour winds swept fires through different parts of the town many fire fighters were unable to get from one fire to another. ," Black and white photograph of charred fire remnant Diamond Creek 1969diamond creek, fire, george w bell collection, bushfire, charred, burnt timber

Collage of a collection of black and white portraits of men in oval frames with names. They are past councillors and the late Officer C.S. Wingrove of the Shire of Eltham from its inception until 1914. Originally compiled as a farewell gift to Ewan H. Cameron on his retirement from Parliament and community affairs in 1914. The photos were encased in a very large and handsme frame. It was presented to Mr. Cameron as a "testimonial [and] a small token of [Eltham Shire Councillors and community] their heartfelt esteem, and felt Mr Cameron would often look upon the faces encased in the frame, and it would remind him of friendships made and good work performed.' Mr Cameron was a well-respected man described as “Father of all in the County of Evelyn”. There were many living monuments of the good work done by Mr Cameron – schools, churches, halls and railways. Mr Cameron’s retirement was partly due to deafness. On the occasion of the presentation he told his audience that he started his public career in 1858 when he was elected a member of the Castlemaine Mining Board-; he held the position till 1900-42 years. In 1862 he was elected to the Eltham Shire Council (then a Road Board), and retired in 1914-52 years. He entered Parliament in 1874 and retired in 1914 -40 years and 8 months. The Hon Ewan H. Cameron lived at Pigeon Bank, Kangaroo Ground and died 27 September 1915. Names on the photo include: A. Beale, C. H. Bath, W. Morris, S.W. Scott, A. L. White, J. Fitch, W. G. Gray, J Darly Mealy, W. J. Taylor, E.H. Cameron M.L.A., J. Bell, J. Sincadley, R.D. Taylor, R. White, J. Herbert, S. Wingrove, W.B. Thomas, J Cowrey, J. C. Beale. Mr. R. White, 360 Main Rd., Eltham presented this copy to Council. One of the originals of this photograph was destroyed in the fire which burnt the Shire Offices at Kangaroo Ground in February 1934.This unique photo documents early pioneers in the Shire of Eltham. The context of its origins further illustrates the esteem of which E.H. Cameron was held in the community. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, councilors, a. beale, c.h.bath, w. morris, s.w. scott, a.l. white, j. fitch, w.g. gray, j.w.darly mealy, w.j. taylor, william john taylor, william j. taylor, e. h. cameron, ewan hugh cameron, j. bell, j. sincadeley, r.d. taylor, r. white, j. herbert, s. wingrove, w.b. thomas, j. cowrey, j.c. beale, collage, presentation, retirement

In 1978 Diamond Valley Shire recognised the need for a new public hall in Diamond Creek. Council considered the Bini shell form of construction which was in operation overseas and in use in New South Wales as libraries, gymnasiums, sports centres and multi-purpose centres. The Council gave the go-ahead. A site was chosen opposite the Hotel and close to the railway line. One day in - the following year, in 1979, activity stood still in Diamond Creek as school children and other excited spectators watched the one-hour inflation of the Bini Shell. This unusual method of construction was invented by Italian industrial designer and architect Dante Bini. The construction pneumatically raises a level of reinforced concrete from ground level which has not been set, using an internal balloon. The inner membrane inflates and compresses the mesh and concrete against the outer membrane. A net of flexible steel rods was laid on the building’s circular base, on the top of a fabric bladder. 300 tonnes of reinforced concrete were poured onto the mesh and a sealed cover laid over the concrete making a sandwich of cover, bladder and mesh. Compressed air was pumped into the bladder and the sandwich slowly began to rise and become a massive self-supporting dome. After inflation and removal of the outer membrane workmen filled in any holes. It was some days before pneumatic drills pecked out the first opening. The ceiling of the concrete dome was lined with fluffy insulating material. The dome was 36 metres in diameter at the base and 12 metres high in the centre with a usable floor space of 670 square metres. An opening night dinner was held to celebrate the new facility on March 12, 1980. Shire President Ron Pata made a speech and unveiled a plaque. It was the first public building in Victoria to be erected using the Bini Shell design method of construction The facility could cater for up to 400 people and in 1980 a fee for use was $100 for up to 200 people, $150 for up to 300 people and $200 for up to 400 people. For the next ten years or so, locals attended the hall for marital arts classes, basketball and netball games and school discoes and various other activities. After pieces of concrete fell off a Bini shell interstate due to a construction fault, the Council closed the centre. Demotion took place during the Diamond Creek Town Fair in 1991, as part of the annual Town Fair’s program. Research by L.P. Jan 2022This was the first public building in Victoria to be erected using the Bini Shell design method of construction.Colour photograph1991, diamond creek, bini shell, demolition, oval

In 1978 Diamond Valley Shire recognised the need for a new public hall in Diamond Creek. Council considered the Bini shell form of construction which was in operation overseas and in use in New South Wales as libraries, gymnasiums, sports centres and multi-purpose centres. The Council gave the go-ahead. A site was chosen opposite the Hotel and close to the railway line. One day in - the following year, in 1979, activity stood still in Diamond Creek as school children and other excited spectators watched the one-hour inflation of the Bini Shell. This unusual method of construction was invented by Italian industrial designer and architect Dante Bini. The construction pneumatically raises a level of reinforced concrete from ground level which has not been set, using an internal balloon. The inner membrane inflates and compresses the mesh and concrete against the outer membrane. A net of flexible steel rods was laid on the building’s circular base, on the top of a fabric bladder. 300 tonnes of reinforced concrete were poured onto the mesh and a sealed cover laid over the concrete making a sandwich of cover, bladder and mesh. Compressed air was pumped into the bladder and the sandwich slowly began to rise and become a massive self-supporting dome. After inflation and removal of the outer membrane workmen filled in any holes. It was some days before pneumatic drills pecked out the first opening. The ceiling of the concrete dome was lined with fluffy insulating material. The dome was 36 metres in diameter at the base and 12 metres high in the centre with a usable floor space of 670 square metres. An opening night dinner was held to celebrate the new facility on March 12, 1980. Shire President Ron Pata made a speech and unveiled a plaque. It was the first public building in Victoria to be erected using the Bini Shell design method of construction The facility could cater for up to 400 people and in 1980 a fee for use was $100 for up to 200 people, $150 for up to 300 people and $200 for up to 400 people. For the next ten years or so, locals attended the hall for marital arts classes, basketball and netball games and school discoes and various other activities. After pieces of concrete fell off a Bini shell interstate due to a construction fault, the Council closed the centre. Demotion took place during the Diamond Creek Town Fair in 1991, as part of the annual Town Fair’s program. Research by LP January 2022This was the first public building in Victoria to be erected using the Bini Shell design method of construction.Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1983, bini shell, diamond creek

The Junction Hotel was built before 1875. It was located on the corner of the Yarra Glen-Eltham and Steels Creek Roads opposite the cemetery. The building was burnt down in August 1935. Samuel Smith was the licensee from 1895 until 1905Black and white photograph of the Junction Hotel, Yarra Glen copied from newspaper. The words "YARRA GLEN 1892" appear above the building. Sign on building "S.SMITH JUNCTION HOTEL LICENSED VICTUALLER". A woman wearing an ankle-length dress and boots is standing near main entrance. Weatherboard and iron roof, picket fence. Two bentwood chairs on brick-floored verandah. A light pole is attached to the verandah post. picket fence, nineteenth century, 19th century, hotel, bentwood chair, public house, sam smith, samuel smith, weatherboard, iron roof, tin roof, woman, junction hotel

Sanders was a well-known local potter who worked for a time with David Boyd at the Martin Boyd Pottery, before returning to Melbourne where he had some association with Arthur Boyd, at the pottery in Murrumbeena. Sanders set up a studio in Eltham in the early 1950s and made the first of a series of architectural ceramic murals with painter and print maker Lawrence Daws in 1956. In 1957 he left for Europe and while there was inspired by the Spanish artist Joan Miro’s unconventional painting style and large scale murals, in particular Wall of the Moon (1957). After returning from his travels in Europe to Australia in 1964, he began to work solely on creating ceramic murals, some of which were commissioned for Southland Shopping Centre in Cheltenham, Melbourne, 1968 (now demolished), the National Mutual Centre, Melbourne,1964-5 (now demolished), Dee Why Library, Sydney 1966, Woden Valley High School, ACT, 1967, Tullamarine Airport Melbourne, 1969-70 (now demolished), Perth Concert Hall, 1971 and The University of Melbourne,1975 (with John Olsen). This mural is one of only three remaining in the public realm by Tom Sanders (the others are at the Perth Concert Hall (1971) and at the University of Melbourne (1975). Ceramic mural (earthenware tiles) consisting of a playful/organic abstract design similar in style to the Spanish artist Joan Miro. Shades of blue, yellow and black glazes are layered onto matte black and shiny bronze tiles. N/Amural, public art, earthernware, pottery, ceramics, glaze, eltham, ekphrasis2017, eltham town square, joan miro

The Kew Civic Centre (A K Lines, MacFarlane & Marshall, 1972) was built next to the Kew Civic Hall (A C Leith & Bartlett, 1960) on the site of the former mansion Ordsall (later renamed South Esk). Whereas the entrance to the Civic Hall was positioned off Civic Drive, the main entrance to the Civic Centre faced Cotham Road, as shown in the undated perspective drawing of the proposed building. The Civic Hall was used for public functions and performances, while the Civic Centre was used for civic offices. It also contained the Council Chamber. The building opened in 1972, following the relocation of the councillors and council officers from the former Town Hall in Walpole Street (now a Woolworth's supermarket). Following the amalgamation of the former City of Kew into the City of Boroondara in 1994, the Civic Centre was sold to Trinity Grammar School. The exterior of the Centre has been modified by Trinity Grammar.A report for Heritage Victoria (date) describes how two architectural firms dominated the designs for new civic buildings in Victoria during the post war period. The report claims that: "An interesting sub-theme in the erection of post-war municipal offices in Victoria is that a considerable proportion were designed by the same three or four Melbourne-based architectural firms, who established themselves as the leading specialists in this type of work. The two most prolific firms in this regard were A K Lines, MacFarlane & Marshall, and A C Leith & Bartlett; both, in fact, had made names for themselves as designers of local government offices prior to the Second World War. Lines' office, for example had designed the Eltham Shire Offices in 1941, while Leith's firm had been responsible for the celebrated Heidelberg Town Hall in 1937). Both practices parleyed this early experience into a lucrative post-war career, designing numerous municipals offices well into the 1970s." (Survey of Post-War Built Heritage in Victoria, Built Heritage Pty Ltd, 2010.) The perspective drawing importantly captures the original design and function of the exterior of the building and its public entrance.Hand-coloured perspective sketch of the new Kew Civic Centre, completed in 1972 to designs by A K Lines, MacFarlane & Marshall; and located on the corner of Charles Street and Cotham Road, Kew. The sketch represents the front elevation of the building and its relation to the preexisting Kew Civic Hall at right. The three storey building features strong vertical concrete buttresses that extend across the three levels. KEW CIVIC CENTRE / A K LINES, MACFARLANE & MARSHALLkew civic centre, a.k. lines, macfarlane & marshall, architectural drawings, civic buildings -- kew (vic.), town hall -- kew (vic)

Image 2D Great Hall at Montsalvat built 1938-52 View of mud brick section of Main Hall Designed by Justus Jorgensen The Alistair Knox Collection The Alistair Knox Collection is a series of mounted enlarged photos of mud brick houses and related subjects. The collection is understood to have been put together by Alistair Knox although it is the work of several unacknowledged photographers. For some years it was held by the Building Department of the former Eltham Shire Council and was then passed to our Society for safekeeping. Some of the photos have been used in Knox's books and from time to time some of them have been part of various historical displays. As far as we know there has not been a public display of the whole collection which numbers about forty photographs. The collection has been copied on to slides for the purpose of this meeting and to be retained as part of the Society's pictorial collection. Alistair Knox 1912 - 1986 is acknowledged as the founder of Eltham's mud brick building movement. Many of the buildings shown in the collection are of his design and he was also involved with the construction of several of them. Others are the work of his contemporaries and associates such as Peter Glass, Gordon Ford, and John Harcourt. (EDHS Newsletter No. 145 July 2002)Handwritten notes in pencil re details of building, year of construction, owner, designer, builder, etcmontsalvat, great hall, houses, justus jorgensen, mud brick construction, alistair knox collection

Nillumbik Shire Council transferred to the former Diamond Valley Shire Offices in Greensborough after municipal restructuing. The offices became the official Nillumbik Shire Council Offices on 16 October 1995. The former Shire of Diamond Valley Civic Centre or Shire Office building was officially opened on 26th February 1972. Archtiects were A.K. Lines, McFarlane & Marshall and it was built by L.U. Simon Pty Ltd, The Diamond Valley Shire had been created in 1964 from part of the City of Heidelberg. On December 15, 1994 the Shire of Nillumbik was established. Under the Council amalgamations imposed by the Kennett government, the Shire of Eltham, Shire of Diamond Valley and City of Heidelberg ceased to exist with the establishment of Nillumbik Shire Council and the City of Banyule.The new Nillumbik shire surrended the west riding from Eltham to Banyule but in place gained parts of the former Diamond Valley Shire which itself had been created in 1964 from parts of the City of Heidelberg. Three unelected and non-local Commissioners were put in place by the government bringing democracy into question by many members of the local community. The Commissioners determined to abandon the former Shire of Eltham offices located in Main Road, Eltham and in turn occupy the former Shire of Diamond Valley offices located at the boundary of the new shire with Banyule, in Civic Drive, Greensborough. In July 1996 the Commissioners sold the former Eltham Shire Offices and had them bulldozed leading to many years of communiity protest over the process and future development applications. The site has remained vacant ever since. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p43 It was the need for roads that led to this district’s first council. In 1853 a committee was formed to improve the rough roads, some in Kangaroo Ground being almost impassable in winter.1 The committee fundraised by voluntary levies and grants to improve in particular, the main road between Kangaroo Ground and the Plenty River. From this committee arose the Eltham District Road Board, in 1856, which was the precursor to the Eltham Shire Council. The Board’s first chairman was Kangaroo Ground farmer, John Barr. Secretary was the former committee’s secretary, Andrew Ross, Kangaroo Ground’s first school teacher, and founder of the district newspaper, The Evelyn Observer.2 Most of the board’s income came from a toll-house north of the Lower Plenty Bridge, which funded such projects as a road from Kangaroo Ground to the Caledonia Diggings. In 1871 the Shire of Eltham was proclaimed, with its boundaries the same as those of the Road Board, and Councillor A Donaldson of Kangaroo Ground was the first president. Eltham was at the southern tip of the shire, which extended north to Kinglake and east beyond Yarra Glen. In 1878, part of Kinglake was added to the shire, while the area east of Watts River, near Healesville was removed. In 1912, then again in 1958, the shire was further reduced. Yarra Glen, Steels Creek, Tarrawarra, parts of Healesville and Christmas Hills, were transferred to the Shire of Healesville. In 1972 a smaller area, at Kinglake, was transferred to the Shire of Yea, leaving 277 square kilometres in the Eltham Shire. Perhaps no other Victorian municipality has had so many meeting places. Although from 1858 to 1904, the council convened at the office in the home of Secretary Charles Wingrove, the board, and later the council, also met at other more central locations.3 The board moved from the Fountain of Friendship Hotel to the Eltham Courthouse, to the Kangaroo Ground schoolhouse. It then met at the Kangaroo Ground Hotel, which some considered put it in danger of interruptions by people ‘the worse for liquor’.4 In 1885 the council met at the hall on Mr J Donaldson’s land at Kangaroo Ground. After Wingrove’s retirement, the council rented space at the Kangaroo Ground General Store and Post Office. Then, in 1917, the council bought the former office of The Evelyn Observer, after its printing works transferred to Hurstbridge. In 1934, fire destroyed the shire office, which was temporarily relocated to the Kangaroo Ground home of Shire Secretary, Mr P J McMahon. In 1941, the shire office moved to a new building (which included a public hall) in Eltham, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road, where the Eltham Village Shopping Centre was eventually built. Growth required new offices, which opened in 1965, on the former Shillinglaw property in Main Road.5 In 1994, as part of municipal restructuring under the Jeff Kennett Liberal Government, most of the Eltham Shire formed part of the new Shire of Nillumbik. It joined with the north section of the Diamond Valley Shire and parts of the Healesville and Whittlesea municipalities. The Diamond Valley Shire had been created in 1964, from part of the City of Heidelberg. Turbulence followed Nillumbik Shire’s formation. Under the Commissioners the council transferred to the former Diamond Valley Shire offices in Greensborough, and the Eltham council offices were demolished. In March 1997 the first five-member Nillumbik Council was elected. But, in October 1998, the government suspended the council and appointed an administrator . Early in 1999, shire residents voted to increase councillors to nine: comprising five ward councillors and four shire-wide councillors. Elections were held in March 1999. Then, before the March 2002 elections, nine new wards were created.6 In 2008 these were reduced to seven. Today [2008] the council governs a varied population of more than 60,000 people living in townships and on bush properties in the green wedge.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, greensborough, nillumbik shire council offices, civic drive

Rear view of Eltham Library showing loading dock and ramp to the front of the building. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p183 Award-winning Eltham Library, with its earthy tones blending into the nearby parklands, celebrates some of the best of Eltham’s spirit. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, the library at Panther Place, won him the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Merit Award in the New Institutional category.1 The design is typical of Burgess’ work, emphasising natural materials and forms, and the integration of building and site.2 In its distinctive architectural character, Burgess celebrated the spirit of Eltham’s artist/architect Justus Jörgenson and mud-brick builder Alistair Knox. However this library, which opened in 1994, follows decades of efforts to acquire a suitable library for local residents. It was only in 1971 that Eltham acquired its first purpose-built library. In the 1930s books were borrowed from a mobile library run by Mr Foster of Bible Street. From the 1930s to the early 1950s, adults borrowed books from the newsagency and general store in Main Road (still a newsagency) near Arthur Street. As late as the 1950s, adults borrowed books in the shire office foyer, then in Main Road near the corner of Arthur Street.3 In the early 1950s the ratepayers voted for lower rates rather than a library, in a referendum to build a public library financed by higher rates. Children depended on volunteers for their library service until 1966. In 1946 the inaugural meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s Women’s Auxiliary, decided to support the Trust by raising funds to buy land and build a Children’s Library, Baby Health Centre and other facilities. The auxiliary formed the Children’s Library Committee, which included Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bow and Mrs Currie. They ran a library service in the stage area of the Eltham Hall, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road. In 1952 the books were relocated to a room in the newly opened Baby Health Centre on Main Road. Then in 1961, the Children’s Library received its own hall beside the Eltham Pre-School Centre on Main Road. From there, each month, volunteers delivered books to every school in the shire. In 1966 the Children’s Library closed after 17 years of service, following the transfer of the Trust land and buildings to the Shire of Eltham. The books were donated to nine schools in the shire and to Community Aid Abroad. An important boost to the library service came in 1965, when the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was formed by the City of Heidelberg with the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley. Its first library service for Eltham Shire was a bookmobile van. Books for children and adults were finally housed in one building in 1966, when the shire converted the Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street, into a library. At last in 1971, the Eltham Library moved to new premises attached to the shire offices near Panther Place. However these were demolished in 1996, by State Government appointed commissioners during council amalgamations. Meanwhile the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was disbanded in 1985 and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. The burgeoning population brought pressure for a bigger library. Eltham was one of several municipalities in the 1970s and 1980s, battling with the State Government for adequate funding for public libraries. Funds were so tight, that in 1987 Eltham councillors threatened to close the library. However public petitions persuaded them to set aside funds to replace the cramped library facilities. In 1992 the Federal Government gave $887,496 towards the $3 million cost of the 1560 square metre library.4 The result is a light and spacious building with surrounding verandas, made of sustainable natural materials including earth and recycled and radially sawn timbers. It includes a gallery and function areas. In 2004 Mr Burgess won Australian architecture’s highest accolade: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has received more than forty professional and community awards.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place

The inscription on the back of the photo incorrectly states the garage is at Anglesea. It is in fact at Research, Victoria. Kenneth Douglas Ingram moved from Research to his holiday home at 9 Minifie Avenue, Anglesea between 1943-1949. He established a new garage at Anglesea which was a concrete block design building, not a tin shed as this at Research. This garage was located between the family home and the public hall at Research on the original line of Main Road. The public hall site is now the site of the Eltham Little Theatre. The family home, a red brick building still stands today (2023) at 1591 Main Road, ResearchOn reverse "Garage, Anglesea"k.d. ingram shell garage, kenneth douglas ingram, main road, pam thoonen (nee ingram) collection, research (vic.), research garage

Material relating to the Shire of Eltham War Memorial located at Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground. Also known as The Eltham Shire War Memorial Tower, Shire of Eltham Soldiers' Memorial and Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park. Includes photocopies, newspaper clippings, correspondence and more beginning from early history 1919-2009. Contents: Archive Box 1 Folder 1 (Publication Proofs) The Tower of Remembrance and War Memorial Park On Garden Hill at Kangaroo Ground, Victoria 1919-2010 Folder 2 (Up to 1960) 1. Binder with plastic pockets. Photocopies. Minutes of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Bazaar Committee, 1922-1926 EDHS Newsletter No. 123 November 1998 PRESIDENT'S REPORT ACQUISITION FROM NILLUMBIK SHIRE'S MEMORABILIA Recently found in a storage box of old Shire of Eltham items was a school size, blue lined black covered writing book. It is recognized as the minute book and cash receipt book of the period 1922-1926 when the Memorial Park Committee, who it seems were part of the Shire of Eltham Soldier's Memorial League, was requested to raise funds for building the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. History tells us that the tower, which is currently being refurbished, was officially opened by the Governor General of Australia, Lord Stonehaven on 11.11.26. The ladies invited to the first meeting at the Shire Hall did so on 21st September 1922. The minutes book reads: Present: Mesdames Bell, Bourchier, McMahon, Gosling, Cockcroft, Wraight, E Coutie, R Rogers, A Jones, AH White, Davies, Everitt and the Misses Lacey, Harris, N Weller, Gosling, Bell and D and G J Bourchier. These people became the Kangaroo Ground Memorial Bazaar Committee along with others named at further meetings. They conditionally accepted the role of raising funds, their condition being that the Bazaar Committee be given representation on any committee empowered to deal with the memorial in proportion to the amount of money raised by the bazaar'. The Andrew Ross Museum has the original book. We at Eltham District Historical Society have two photocopies for public perusal. 2. Transcriptions of newspaper articles 1919-1920. 6 pages. 3. Photocopy of program for thanksgiving service July 6th, 1919 held at Public Hall, Panton Hill. 4. Photocopies: a. Kangaroo Ground, The Advertiser, 17 Oct 1919 (working bee) b. The Advertiser August 1920 – advertisement for coach between Eltham and KG. c. Anzac Memorial Service, The Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser & Diamond Creek Advertiser, April 14, 1922 and April 28, 1922 d. Anzac Day services. April 27, 1923 e. Photocopy Anzac Commemoration, local newspaper, May 2, 1924 f. Shire of Eltham Memorial Service, The Advertiser April 23, 1926 g. Eltham Shire War Memorial Advertiser August 13,1926 h. Eltham Shire War Memorial The Advertiser October 26, 1926 i. Eltham The Advertiser, December 17, 1926 j. Kangaroo Ground April 26, 1929 5. Photocopy. Eltham War Memorial Tower article, The Advertiser, November 19, 1926 6. Typed transcription of parts of newspaper articles for three titles, November 1926 7. Transcription. Public Notice, October 16, 1926 8. Photocopy Kangaroo Ground Armistice Day local newspaper, November 25, 1927 9. Photocopy Kangaroo Ground Armistice Day local newspaper, November 16, 1928 10. Photocopy Kangaroo Ground, local newspaper, April 26 1929 11. 3 Original Copies. One Hardback. Dedication of memorial official brochure, 1951 original but damaged 12. Photocopy with notes from G.G. relating to the land transfer/acquisition/contract via White and Gepp. Folder 3 (1961-1970) 1. Original newspaper article: Place with a view at Kangaroo Ground, The Age, May 11, 1963, p18 Folder 4 (1981-1990) 1. Newspaper article, Memorial a fire watch. Diamond Valley News, March 16, 1982, 2 original copies. 2. Newspaper article. An Obvious Monument by Russell Yeoman article with photo: Network Nov/Dec 1984, p14. Folder 5 (1991-2000) 1. Original newspaper article: “Kangaroo Ground Tower is top spot”. Thought to be from a tourist information free newspaper, Mountain Country, Summer [1993] p39. 2. Newspaper article with reference to quoins – a contrasting edging or corner stone on the façade of a stone or brick house. Age August 2000 3. Program. Service program for Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony, 1996. 4. Speech by Harry Gilham for Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony, 1996 5. Newspaper article: Remembrance, Diamond Valley News, 20 November 1996 6. Word Document. A Tower of Strength by Dean Stewart April 1997 7. Newspaper articles: Tower group needed, Diamond Valley News, September 17, 1997, p3 and advertisement “Nillumbik, Nominations for Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower and Grounds Advisory Committee”, Diamond Valley News, September 17, 1997 8. Newspaper article: Council apology; scaling new heights, 1997 about Aboriginal Reconciliation. Probably Diamond Valley News ca 1997. 9. Photocopy / Newspaper Article: Two newspaper clippings, “Memorial with a view” 30 April 1997 and “Funds boost to restore tower to its former glory”, Diamond Valley News, 3 December 1997. 10. Newspaper article: Kangaroo Ground Tower of Remembrance Nillumbik Mail, 9th August 2000 and Research notes (July 2000) by Harry Gilham pertaining to photo in August 2000 newspaper article. 11. Photocopy. Newspaper article: New lease of life for tower (Concept plan) Nillumbik Mail, September 27, 2000 12. Photocopy: 4 pages, War Memorials of Victoria; a pictorial record, c.1994 Folder 6 (2001-2010) 1. Newspaper article: $10,000 to start refurbishment, Nillumbik Mail, Feb 21, 2001 2. Circular. KG War Memorial Advisory committee circular August 2001 3. Newspaper article: Tower group retained 4. Program for re-dedication of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower 8th November 2001 with copies of pages 65-70 of from The Tower of Remembrance and War Memorial Park 1919-2001 (see Folder 1) - Speaking notes from the day from Nillumbik Shire Mayor, Cr. Sigmund Jorgensen and Harry Gilham and Speech by John Landy, Governor of Victoria 5. 2 pages of Harry Gilham notes – Draft of ‘book’ notes ‘Thank you’ for rededication ceremony to be held Thursday, Nov 8, 2001 - list of invitations, notifications and acknowledgements. 6. Proposed running sheet. Re-dedication of KGT. November 8, 2001 7. Newspaper article (2 copies) Century of war service, DVL November 14, 2001 page 6 8. Letter. Gov. John Landy to Harry Gilham. Thank you for visit. [2001] 9. Newsletter Clipping: Governor of Victoria re-dedicates KG War memorial Tower, Nillumbik News (NSC) Christmas 2001 10. Newspaper article: War Memorial to be restored: DVL November 19, 2003 11. Newspaper article: Memorial Facelift Sept 29 2004. 12. Folder. Collection of maps and context Yarra Water proposal to build water tanks 13. Newspaper clipping. Pressure on with new tank. Re installation of water tank near site. DVL March 2, 2005 14. Folder of emails and designs from Dennis Ward re poppies and prostrate rosemary for formal garden around base of tower April 2005 15. Folder. Letters and paperwork re the Victorian Government “Community Cabinet” and invitation for community groups to speak directly with a government minister. Actual submission not included in folder. 16. Newspaper clipping. Time to remember among the poppies, Diamond Valley Leader, 9 November 2005, p1 and 17. Newspaper clipping. Lone pine company for souls. DVL 9 November 2005 18. Folder. Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program. Application and associated paperwork 2005/2006 January 2006 19. Newspaper article. Shared views. Valley Weekly, June 21 2006 20. Newspaper article: Kangaroo Ground, Restoration on schedule, DVL October 2006? 21. Newspaper article. Towering over the terrain. The Age August 8, 2009 22. Photocopy. Nillumbik Shire Council. Policy and service report re lease of land to Victoria Police for police radio communications and re-building of radio tower. December 9, 2009 23. Schematics: A3 photocopies, Kangaroo Ground memorial Tower, front and rear view, Tom Manley, 17 Apr 2001 Folder 7 (2011 on) 1. Magazine article and cover. Cover story – The Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower, The Genealogist, March 2010 2. Newspaper article. (2 copies) Photo and caption. Diamond Valley Leader, July 14, 2010 3. Newspaper notice: Notice of application for a planning permit to construct radio communications tower, DVL, October 10, 2012 4. Copy. Reference enquiry to National Film and Sound Archive. 10 September 2012 5. Copy letter. Quotation/estimate for Shire of Nillumbik on renovation and underpinning of old care takers cottage, KG. 30 September, 2012 6. Story. The Kangaroo Ground Tower of Remembrance by Amy Shaw. Yarrambat Primary School Year 6 History speech, 2014. 7. Program: Remembrance Day service, 11th November 2014 8. Newspaper article. Tribute to bravery DVL, November 19, 2014. 9. Minutes. MAC meeting. 2 September 2016. Folder 8 (Interpretative Signs Grant 2000-2001) 1. Folder. Various including Letters. EDHS Grant project: Kangaroo Ground Park and Tower of Remembrance interpretative signage from Parks Victoria 2000-2001. Folder 9 (Miscellaneous) 1. Folder Gilham collection. Google earth images of Tower, Extract describing history of Tower, including honour roll for WW1 and WW2, 8 pages, Extract describing history of Tower, including honour roll for WW1 and WW2, 3 pages, 2002 and 2004; Kangaroo Ground Tower; Southwell-Keely M.; WAR MEMORIALS IN AUSTRALIA; 8 pages, https://web.archive.org/web/20080722161554/http://www.skp.com.au/memorials2/pages/30054.htm) 2. Letter. Undated, unsigned re application to council to proposed work to police radio masts behind caretaker’s cottage. 3. Brochure: Heritage Nillumbik. Includes cover photo and other information about site. Published by Nillumbik Shire Council. About 2006. 4. Folder of notes and photocopies of various Certificates of Title for property 5. Inward loan documents. Two. Andrew Ross Museum inward loan for collection items from “War Memorial Tower” 2003 6. Photocopies of postcards of Soldiers War Memorial: One taken c.1926 before completion around base, on colour print on paper (enlarged) of Soldiers War Memorial postcard c.1930s prior to gun placements with typed text pasted on and additional detail version mounted on card with handwritten explanatory notes by Harry Gilham. 7. Photocopy of photo of tower 1944 with guns in place from Gordon and explanatory notes plus A4 photo paper print of image (photoshopped cleaned up). 8. Miscellaneous photocopies of photos taken by Harry Gilham of Memorial Park entrance, model tower in font of tower entrance, caretaker’s cottage, spiral staircase, Menin Gate sign and possibly planting of Lone Pine. Folder 10 (Fire Spotting Operations) 1. Biographical notes on Herman Motschall 1969-1981 2. Newspaper article, Memorial Tower top site for fire spotter, Diamond Valley News, May 15, 1973. 3. Proper Officer's report on an addition to the Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower for Fire Spotting purposes: "This report covers the history of the tower, its uses, and reasons why it should be put to greater use, benefiting the Shire Council and ratepayers" Includes detailed commentary around the proposal to use the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground for fire spotting. From Shire of Eltham archives. H. J. Masefield Property Officer. 4. Eltham Shire Council meetings 14 and 24 September 1973 references to fire watching facilities. Summary of end of season reports from spotters 1965-1973. 5. Newspaper clipping; Memorial a fire watch by Marguerite Marshall Diamond Valley News 16 March 1982 6. Letter: Cover letter from Dennis Ward 20 Feb 2006 architect for CFA Cabin design and Proposal to upgrade the fire spotting cabin, 2007 including a cost and concept plan dated 7 February 2009. 7. Newspaper article. From that first puff of smoke – horror. Diamond Valley Leader, Feb 25, 2009, p. 7 8. Invitation: State Government announcement of refurbishment of KGWM Fire spotting tower 19 October 2009 9. Newspaper article. Tower– up, Black Saturday watch. Cover and page. Diamond Valley Leader, October 28, 2009 10. Invitation. Opening of newly upgraded fire spotting tower, 11 April 2010 11. Newspaper article. Incredible luxury at fire spotting tower, Diamond Valley Leader, April 21, 2010, p, 5 12. Printout of plan of base of tower including comms cabinet and ladder to CFA cabin. Dated 17/6/2010   Archive Box 2 Folder 11 (Moor-rul Viewing Platform) 1. Agenda. Planning and building committee 12 March 2003 Application for construction of a viewing platform and road entry refurbishment and coach parking bay. 2. Envelope. Letters, paperwork and emails, mainly from Dennis Ward re roof design for the viewing platform and order for poppy seeds. 2005 3. Newspaper article (enlarged and laminated). Stolen Red gum seats sap new project’s momentum. (Local paper), April 3, 2007 4. Convenor’s Notes – Opening of the Viewing Platform at Kangaroo Ground, Shire of Nillumbik 5. Folder. Nillumbik Reconciliation Charter. Opening of the Moor-rul viewing platform 17.4.2008. Compiled by Harry Gilham. Includes newspaper clipping, speech, photocopy of photos with captions. 6. Newspaper article. View from the hill is a thrill. Heidelberg and Diamond Valley Weekly, April 22, 2008 7. Newspaper article. A platform towards reconciliation. Diamond Valley Leader, 23 April 2008. 8. Newspaper article: 6 reasons to visit Hurstbridge, The Age, Jun 6 2012 9. Article: Aboriginal cultural values and heritage management issues 10. Folder: Material relating to design and construction of viewing platform Folder 12 - Shire of Nillumbik Advisory Committee 1. 2011 Diary, Harry Gilham, Kangaroo Ground Advisory Committee 2. Photocopy. Newspaper clipping. Nillumbik Council seeking nominations for new Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower and grounds advisory committee. DVN 17 Sept 1997 3. Letter. From NSC to Dean Stewart re heritage listing status. 12 July 1998. 4. Business paper for NSC Council meeting: KG Memorial Tower and Grounds advisory committee, 12 March 2002. Includes Terms of Reference Folder 13 - Friends of Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Inc. 1. KG Tower and land occupational health & Safety (guidelines) for volunteers 2. Supplementary notes (not related to fire spotting) from Friends group or advisory group of Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park including design of seating, proposed budget for works, hand written notes from meeting by H.G. about 1999. Folder 14 - Soldiers. 1. Folder of material pertaining to men from the Shire of Eltham who enlisted in WW1 and for whom the Shire of Eltham War Memorial was dedicated. 2. Folder on residents from Shire of Eltham who died in WW2 1939-1945 with listings of each from Commonwealth War Graves Commission, WW2 Nominal Roll for Eltham 3. Newspaper article: Mates join to recall past, Diamond Valley News, November 16, 1994 4. Newspaper article: Board replaced, Diamond Valley News, September 2, 1998 about Hurstbridge RSL Honour Roll Board 5. Newspaper article: Keeping the memories alive; VP Day honoured, Valley Weekly, August 17, 2005 6. Newspaper article: In our hearts; Tributes for war heroes, Diamond Valley Leader, November 9, 2005, p1 7. Newspaper article: Service honoured, Diamond Valley News, Leader, April 23, 2008 8. Newspaper article: Salute to last men standing, Diamond Valley Leader, April 20, 2011, p1 and Last of the world warriors, pp8-9 9. Newspaper article: We will remember, Diamond Valley Leader, April 25, 2012, p3 10. Newspaper article: Family legacy builds whole town, Diamond Valley Leader, Oct, 2013, p15 11. Photos and details of Honour Boards in the shire 12. Miscellaneous notes by Harry Gilham Folder 15 – Welcome Home Committee Meeting Minutes. 1. Extracts from Welcome Home Committee Meeting Minutes 18 August 1917 to 14 August 1919. Folder 16 – World War One Local Enlistments. 1. Lever arch binder containing records of local enlistments by name from the Diamond Valley including extracts from Commonwealth War Graves Commission records. Includes Newspaper article clipping "Digger's marker of respect: Temporary cross a poignant find after eight decades in dusty garage"; Sunday Herald Sun, November 10, 2024, p33 concerning Private Harry Conway who died April 1918 and whose tempory grave marker cros now housed at Montmorency-Eltham RSL. Archive Box with documentsharry gilham collection, fire spotting, kangaroo ground, shire of eltham war memorial, masefield h. j., cfa, kangaroo ground war memorial park, shire of eltham soldiers' memorial, eltham shire war memorial tower, harry conway, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch

Indenture between Jack Alfred Harrison, Accountant, Edward Samuel McColl, Council Employee, both of Eltham and William Wilson, Coachbuilder of Research, the Trustees of a certain Friendly Society known as The Hope of Eltham Tent No. 195 Victorian District I.O.R of the one part and William James Capewell, Butcher, Ernest James Andrew, News Agent and George Birchall, Hatter all of Eltham of the other part, Trustees for The Eltham Hall, for the purchase of Lot 20 Henry Street for £750. Witnessed by Hubert James Carter J.P for Jack Alfred Harrison, A.H.C. Price J.P. for Edward Samuel McColl and J. Webster J.P. for William Wilson. Originally purchased in 1856 from Thomas Roberts, Yeoman of Little Eltham, for £10 for use by the Wesleyan Chapel, represented by indentured Trustees, Rev. Barnabas Shaw Walker, Minister of the Pentridge Circuit, Francis Thomas, Farmer of Keelbundora, William Harriman, Blacksmith of Nillumbik, Nicholas Rodda, Farmer of Nillumbik, Aaron Grimshaw, Farmer of Greensborough, Joseph Cooper, Gardener of Keelbundora, Peter Dredge, Scholmaster of Jika Jika and Samuel Jeffrey, Farmer of Jika Jika. Lot 20 of Subdivision of Portion 13, Section 4 of the Parish of Nillumbik in the County of Evelyn was located on the southern side of Henry street in Little Eltham North, where the current Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church is situated. It became the location of the Eltham Rechabite Hall. In 1893 a new hall was built and further enlarged in 1919. At the commencement of 1922, the property was purchased from the Independent Order of Rechabites with publicly subscribed funds and a new hall built at a cost of £750 and improved road access constructed to reduce the grade, running from Dudley Street to Henry Street. This hall was eventually replaced with the new Shire Offices and Hall built on the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road, which was opened in 1941. Traces the earliest history of the Eltham Public Hall in Henry Street and the various names, occupations and abodes of the Trustees associated with the property