Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Big is NOT beautiful"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Preserve Our Historic Port"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Long Live Port"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Stop The Kennett Land Grab"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Are You Deaf Jeff?"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Big Is Not Better"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Preserve Our Historic Port"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Vintage Port Worth Preserving"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Port's Pride Will Prevail"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogans in black on each side. "After 154 years don't kill Port!" on one side and "Is Democracy Dead?" on the other.public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Stop This Economic Piracy"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "We Are Angry Jeff!"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Government Action Without Proper Thoughtt"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "No Change for Change's Sake"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Jeff Wants To Steal My Sense of Place To Pile Up Wealth For Greedy Mates"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Think Before You Act! Kennett"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Made by the City of Port Melbourne for the demonstrations before and after the forced amalgamation by the Jeff Kennett State Government of the City of Port Melbourne with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. First demonstation was against the City of Melbourne Act which excised 42% of Port Melbourne's rate base (Fishermens Bend) and so laid the groundwork for amalgamation afterwards because Port Melbourne could not survive on the remaining rates. Refer to Pat Grainger, Liana and David ThompsonWhite cardboard attached to a wooden stick with hand lettered anti-amalgamation slogan in black. "Puff Off Jeff"public action campaigns, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne

Newspaper interview with Bruce Atkinson, Legislative Council MP for Koonung Province. Mr Atkinson had been accused of breaching the constitution by working as a consultant for several councils while employed as a State politician, An introduction details the allegations. He denies having acted as a consultant since becoming parliamentary secretary to the Local Government and Planning Minister. Includes photographs, Whitehorse Gazette article, 12 November 1997.Newspaper interview with Bruce Atkinsonatkinson, bruce, parliamentary representatives

Environmental approach to preserving Kew Court House 4 June 2010 Paint stripping from older buildings can be a hazardous task. The City of Boroondara has found an environmentally sustainable solution for the works at local heritage icon, the Kew Police Station and Court House. Council used an organic based paint stripping alternative as part of the repairs to the rendering on the building facade. Over nearly three months, the damaged and unsound render was removed, the paint was stripped and the render was repainted. Usually, paint is removed via high pressure water cleaning or sandblasting. This is a harsh method and involves combining extreme high amounts of pressure, water and sand and is highly toxic. It also creates high noise levels. In this 'green' project, Council used a soy bean paint stripper. The process uses a paste-like substance, which is highly effective, non toxic and biodegradable, and applied by hand. Initially, a bandage is applied (much like a leg waxing strip) over the top of paste. It is allowed to dry and then the bandage is stripped off. Noise was kept to a minimum by using the paint stripping alternative. Scrapings and bandages are then bagged and sent to the tip as landfill, so it does not end up in our water supply. The waste and debris don’t run-off into drains, and the bags and bi-products are biodegradable. Studley Ward Councillor Phillip Healey explained that soy bean paint removal is not greatly used in Melbourne or the local government sector. "We know of special cases where it has been used, such as high profile projects like Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Boroondara is one of the first in Victoria to employ this natural plant-based paint-stripping treatment to a large-scale building," Cr Healey said. "What this means is that no harmful substances were used and no injury was caused, soy paint removal also preserves, protects and restores the heritage integrity and decorative stone masonry features of the historic building. "This is a terrific example of our commitment to 'enhancing the environment' which is one of our key directions in the 2010–15 Council Plan." The restoration of the Kew Court House and Police Station is expected to be completed in the year ahead. Council purchased the heritage building in 2007 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building required extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome, and the renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. Heritage Victoria helped fund the cost of the roof repairs with a grant of $250,000, along with the Australian Government contributing $330,000 through its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. Restoration Underway Concept plans for a new performance and exhibition space at the Kew Court House and Police Station have been developed by the City of Boroondara. Two years ago, Council Purchased the Kew Court House and Police Station from the State Government for $825,000 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building requires extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome. The renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. The restoration has been assisted with a Federal Government grant of $330,000 under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. In 2008, Council was also successful in obtaining a Heritage Victoria Grant of $250,000 towards the costs of the roof repairs. Having satisfied the necessary permit requirements, works are about to commence using slate of a similar quality to the original. The City of Boroondara would like to thank all residents and businesses who have contributed to the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal which has raised $650,000. Special thanks go to a private donor who donated $250,000 and the Kew Senior Citizens Club which contributed $50,000. NEWS FLASH 14th March “Council moves to provide certainty for the restoration of the courthouse”. In a historic meeting last night 13th March 07 at Boroondara Council voted overwhelmingly to complete the purchase of the Kew Court House. The partnership continues between the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and the Council to see this project through. The project now has the overwhelming support of Council. “It is no longer about “if” it is about “when” the doors will re open” said Prof Peter McIntyre. With the property secured the fundraising can now be completed without the encumbrances and we know the restoration will be undertaken as the funds become available from the appeal. Work can commence as soon as significant fund raising is achieved. “The community, philanthropists and corporations can now enter this project with certainty. 7th March At the Council meeting on 5th March, following many hours of debate a motion was passed by 5 to 4 vote to purchase the Kew Court House and Police Station outright. As of 7th March Cr Dick Menting lodged a rescission notice. This means that there was another Council meeting at 6pm, Tuesday 13th March at Council Chambers. MEDIA RELEASE - Kew, 3rd December 2006 APPEAL LAUNCHED TO SAVE A NATIONAL TREASURE On the morning of Saturday 18th. November 2006 the people of Kew were aroused by the triumphant sound of the Boroondara Brass which had assembled outside the former Kew Police Station. After four long years of neglect, the precinct was being heralded back to life, and what a heartwarming sound it was for all those early shoppers who gathered to hear Cr. Phillip Healey introduce Patrons and supporters of the Save the Court House campaign. Following the speeches, the "Thermometer" was unveiled and the Appeal was formally under way. The various committees have worked very hard during these past weeks. The Kew Court House Arts Association Inc. has been formed under the leadership of Graeme McCoubrie. This organization brings all the amateur theatre groups in the City of Boroondara together with a view to providing them with a permanent performing space within the former Court House. As well as intimate theatre, there will be provision for the staging of instrumental and choral performances before an audience of 40 to 50 people. The Police Station will compliment the function of the Court House by providing a venue for artist groups to exhibit their work, for the Historical Societies of Boroondara to meet, and for study groups to meet, for activities such as play and poetry readings. It will be a Hub for the Arts in Kew. Of course none of this can happen unless the money to pay for restoration of the buildings is raised, and we only have until March 2007 in which to do this. The City of Boroondara, Kew Historical Society and the East Kew Community Bank are working together as a team to make this dream a reality, but WE NEED YOUR HELP. This is a fantastic one-off opportunity, and it must not be wasted. Donations to the Appeal can be made through the Kew East Kew Community Bank or any branch of the Bendigo Bank, or through the Kew Historical Society Inc., P.O. Box 175 Kew Vic 3101. All donations over $2 are tax deductible through the Community Enterprise Foundation. End Media Release Kew Courthouse future looks bright The State Government has accepted an offer from the local government of Boroondara to purchase the former Kew Courthouse and Police Station, Minister for Finance John Lenders said today. In a joint statement with the Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Jack Wegman, Mr Lenders said he was pleased that agreement had been reached and the contract of sale document finalised. “I welcome the Council making this step towards purchasing this property after recent negotiations,” Mr Lenders said. “The settlement date for the purchase of the property is March 2007. The State government sold the property to Council at a reduced cost of $825,000 for community use. The full value of the buildings on the commercial marketplace was estimated to be about $2million,” he said. Cr Wegman said the Contract of Sale provides that if the funds cannot be raised to restore the property for use as community buildings then they will be returned to the State government. In relation to this additional funding to restore and modernise the buildings, Council and the community will work together over the next eight months, with the encouragement of the State government, Cr Wegman said. Mr Lenders said both he and the Premier had advised the Council of fundraising opportunities to help the Council convert the property for its future use. Cr Wegman noted that applications for funding from the Community Support Fund and for State government heritage grants were being processed. “Council has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kew Historical Society outlining arrangements for the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and Council is delighted with the level of support shown by the community and is confident of a bright future for these historic buildings.” Mr Lenders said the Bracks Government is committed to securing the best outcome when buildings that have once served the community outlive their original purpose. “There is a responsibility for Governments to practice good financial management and achieve the best possible price when an asset is longer used by the State,” he said. “There is also a responsibility to consider the local community. The Government and City of Boroondara have worked hard to achieve a balance between these two interests.” The building ceased to operate as a courthouse in 1971 and as a police station in 2002. Part of the building was also used as a post office and this section of the building was sold by the Commonwealth in 1992 to a private owner and is currently run as a licensed restaurant. It is listed on the State's Heritage Register as a place of historical and architectural significance and is protected by the Victorian Heritage Act. Created: 30 August 2006 Last Update: 10 January 2007 kew, kew court house, phillip slobom, town crier, professor peter mcintyre

Environmental approach to preserving Kew Court House 4 June 2010 Paint stripping from older buildings can be a hazardous task. The City of Boroondara has found an environmentally sustainable solution for the works at local heritage icon, the Kew Police Station and Court House. Council used an organic based paint stripping alternative as part of the repairs to the rendering on the building facade. Over nearly three months, the damaged and unsound render was removed, the paint was stripped and the render was repainted. Usually, paint is removed via high pressure water cleaning or sandblasting. This is a harsh method and involves combining extreme high amounts of pressure, water and sand and is highly toxic. It also creates high noise levels. In this 'green' project, Council used a soy bean paint stripper. The process uses a paste-like substance, which is highly effective, non toxic and biodegradable, and applied by hand. Initially, a bandage is applied (much like a leg waxing strip) over the top of paste. It is allowed to dry and then the bandage is stripped off. Noise was kept to a minimum by using the paint stripping alternative. Scrapings and bandages are then bagged and sent to the tip as landfill, so it does not end up in our water supply. The waste and debris don’t run-off into drains, and the bags and bi-products are biodegradable. Studley Ward Councillor Phillip Healey explained that soy bean paint removal is not greatly used in Melbourne or the local government sector. "We know of special cases where it has been used, such as high profile projects like Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Boroondara is one of the first in Victoria to employ this natural plant-based paint-stripping treatment to a large-scale building," Cr Healey said. "What this means is that no harmful substances were used and no injury was caused, soy paint removal also preserves, protects and restores the heritage integrity and decorative stone masonry features of the historic building. "This is a terrific example of our commitment to 'enhancing the environment' which is one of our key directions in the 2010–15 Council Plan." The restoration of the Kew Court House and Police Station is expected to be completed in the year ahead. Council purchased the heritage building in 2007 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building required extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome, and the renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. Heritage Victoria helped fund the cost of the roof repairs with a grant of $250,000, along with the Australian Government contributing $330,000 through its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. Restoration Underway Concept plans for a new performance and exhibition space at the Kew Court House and Police Station have been developed by the City of Boroondara. Two years ago, Council Purchased the Kew Court House and Police Station from the State Government for $825,000 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building requires extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome. The renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. The restoration has been assisted with a Federal Government grant of $330,000 under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. In 2008, Council was also successful in obtaining a Heritage Victoria Grant of $250,000 towards the costs of the roof repairs. Having satisfied the necessary permit requirements, works are about to commence using slate of a similar quality to the original. The City of Boroondara would like to thank all residents and businesses who have contributed to the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal which has raised $650,000. Special thanks go to a private donor who donated $250,000 and the Kew Senior Citizens Club which contributed $50,000. NEWS FLASH 14th March “Council moves to provide certainty for the restoration of the courthouse”. In a historic meeting last night 13th March 07 at Boroondara Council voted overwhelmingly to complete the purchase of the Kew Court House. The partnership continues between the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and the Council to see this project through. The project now has the overwhelming support of Council. “It is no longer about “if” it is about “when” the doors will re open” said Prof Peter McIntyre. With the property secured the fundraising can now be completed without the encumbrances and we know the restoration will be undertaken as the funds become available from the appeal. Work can commence as soon as significant fund raising is achieved. “The community, philanthropists and corporations can now enter this project with certainty. 7th March At the Council meeting on 5th March, following many hours of debate a motion was passed by 5 to 4 vote to purchase the Kew Court House and Police Station outright. As of 7th March Cr Dick Menting lodged a rescission notice. This means that there was another Council meeting at 6pm, Tuesday 13th March at Council Chambers. MEDIA RELEASE - Kew, 3rd December 2006 APPEAL LAUNCHED TO SAVE A NATIONAL TREASURE On the morning of Saturday 18th. November 2006 the people of Kew were aroused by the triumphant sound of the Boroondara Brass which had assembled outside the former Kew Police Station. After four long years of neglect, the precinct was being heralded back to life, and what a heartwarming sound it was for all those early shoppers who gathered to hear Cr. Phillip Healey introduce Patrons and supporters of the Save the Court House campaign. Following the speeches, the "Thermometer" was unveiled and the Appeal was formally under way. The various committees have worked very hard during these past weeks. The Kew Court House Arts Association Inc. has been formed under the leadership of Graeme McCoubrie. This organization brings all the amateur theatre groups in the City of Boroondara together with a view to providing them with a permanent performing space within the former Court House. As well as intimate theatre, there will be provision for the staging of instrumental and choral performances before an audience of 40 to 50 people. The Police Station will compliment the function of the Court House by providing a venue for artist groups to exhibit their work, for the Historical Societies of Boroondara to meet, and for study groups to meet, for activities such as play and poetry readings. It will be a Hub for the Arts in Kew. Of course none of this can happen unless the money to pay for restoration of the buildings is raised, and we only have until March 2007 in which to do this. The City of Boroondara, Kew Historical Society and the East Kew Community Bank are working together as a team to make this dream a reality, but WE NEED YOUR HELP. This is a fantastic one-off opportunity, and it must not be wasted. Donations to the Appeal can be made through the Kew East Kew Community Bank or any branch of the Bendigo Bank, or through the Kew Historical Society Inc., P.O. Box 175 Kew Vic 3101. All donations over $2 are tax deductible through the Community Enterprise Foundation. End Media Release Kew Courthouse future looks bright The State Government has accepted an offer from the local government of Boroondara to purchase the former Kew Courthouse and Police Station, Minister for Finance John Lenders said today. In a joint statement with the Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Jack Wegman, Mr Lenders said he was pleased that agreement had been reached and the contract of sale document finalised. “I welcome the Council making this step towards purchasing this property after recent negotiations,” Mr Lenders said. “The settlement date for the purchase of the property is March 2007. The State government sold the property to Council at a reduced cost of $825,000 for community use. The full value of the buildings on the commercial marketplace was estimated to be about $2million,” he said. Cr Wegman said the Contract of Sale provides that if the funds cannot be raised to restore the property for use as community buildings then they will be returned to the State government. In relation to this additional funding to restore and modernise the buildings, Council and the community will work together over the next eight months, with the encouragement of the State government, Cr Wegman said. Mr Lenders said both he and the Premier had advised the Council of fundraising opportunities to help the Council convert the property for its future use. Cr Wegman noted that applications for funding from the Community Support Fund and for State government heritage grants were being processed. “Council has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kew Historical Society outlining arrangements for the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and Council is delighted with the level of support shown by the community and is confident of a bright future for these historic buildings.” Mr Lenders said the Bracks Government is committed to securing the best outcome when buildings that have once served the community outlive their original purpose. “There is a responsibility for Governments to practice good financial management and achieve the best possible price when an asset is longer used by the State,” he said. “There is also a responsibility to consider the local community. The Government and City of Boroondara have worked hard to achieve a balance between these two interests.” The building ceased to operate as a courthouse in 1971 and as a police station in 2002. Part of the building was also used as a post office and this section of the building was sold by the Commonwealth in 1992 to a private owner and is currently run as a licensed restaurant. It is listed on the State's Heritage Register as a place of historical and architectural significance and is protected by the Victorian Heritage Act. Created: 30 August 2006 Last Update: 10 January 2007 Colour photograph of the Kew Historical Society holding an event in the Former Kew Court House.kew, kew court house, kew historical society, meeting, city of boroondara

Likely from WWIPair of miniature flags on small black flag poles with wooden caps. The Australian Red Ensign, or the Australian Civil Ensign, is simply a red version of the Australian National flag. It is for use only at sea and officially never on land, but can be used by private citizens. At sea, it is the only flag allowable for merchant ships registered in Australia under the Navigation and Shipping Act 1912 and The Shipping Registration Act 1981. Pleasure craft, however, may fly either the Red Ensign or the National Flag. The history of the Red Ensign is intertwined with the history of the Australian National flag. From 1901 to 1954 the Red Ensign was used as the National Flag by State and Local Governments, private organisations and individuals. The Blue Ensign was for Government use only, reflecting British practice with its ensigns. The design of the Australian Red Ensign was always kept in step with the Blue Ensign (i.e. with respect to the number of points on the stars, etc.) but there was often public confusion about which was the `correct′ flag to fly. Many thought the choice was merely one of fashion or preference. In 1941, Australia′s Prime Minister Robert Menzies stated that there should be no restrictions on private citizens using the Blue Ensign on land and, in 1947, Prime Minister Ben Chifley reaffirmed this position but it wasn’t until the passage of the Flags Act 1953 that the restriction on civilians flying the Blue Ensign was lifted after which, use of the Red Ensign on land became a rarity. Since 2008, 3 September has been officially commemorated as both Australian National Flag/Merchant Navy Day which allows the Australian Red Ensign to be flown on land for the occasion as a matter of protocol. The blue flag is the New Zealand National Flag.flag, ensign, anzac, new zealand, navy, naval

Protection of Person and Property Act 1881 The ''Protection of Person and Property Act 1881'' was one of more than 100 Coercion Acts passed by the Parliament of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland between 1801 and 1922, in an attempt to establish law and order in Ireland. The 1881 Act was passed by parliament and introduced by Gladstone. It allowed for persons to be imprisoned without trial. On 13 October 1881, the Act was used to arrest Charles Parnell after his newspaper, the ''United Ireland'', had attacked the Land Act. On Gladstone's return to office in 1880, William Edward Forster was made Chief Secretary for Ireland. He carried the Compensation for Disturbance Bill through the Commons, only to see it thrown out in the Lords. On 24 January 1881, he introduced a new Coercion Bill in the House of Commons, to deal with the growth of the Irish National Land League. Despite a 41-hour long fillibuster in the House by the Irish Parliamentary Party, the bill passed, among its provisions being one enabling the British government in Ireland to arrest without trial persons "reasonably suspected" of crime and conspiracy. However those arrested were often not always suspect, only supportive of the Irish National Land League's movements. Over 100 such acts were passed, some of the more notable of which were "An Act for the more effectual Suppression of Local Disturbances and Dangerous Associations in Ireland", "The Protection of Life and Property in Certain Parts of Ireland Act", and the "Protection of Person and Property Act 1881". An Irish Coercion Bill was proposed by Sir Robert Peel to calm the increasing difficult situation in Ireland as a result of the Great Famine 1844–47. The Bill was blocked and this led, in part, to Peel's retirement as Prime Minister. Later attempts to introduce Irish coercion acts were blocked by the filibustering of Joseph Biggar. As a response to the Plan of Campaign of the mid-1880s the new Chief Secretary for Ireland Arthur Balfour secured a tough Perpetual Crimes Act (1887) (or Coercion Act) aimed at the prevention of boycotting, intimidation, unlawful assembly and the organisation of conspiracies against the payment of agreed rents. The Act resulted in the imprisonment of hundreds of people including over twenty MPs. The so-called ''Crimes Act'' (or "Coercion" Act) was condemned by the Catholic hierarchy since it was to become a permanent part of the law and did not have to be renewed annually by parliament, but the Papacy issued the bull Link: "Saepe Nos" in 1888 which was uncritical of the Acts. Trial by jury was abolished. An influential analysis of the pros and cons of the Act was published in 1888 by W. H. Hurlbert, a Catholic Irish-American author. Many hundreds were imprisoned at times under the Acts, including many prominent politicians and agrarian agitators, Joseph Biggar, Alexander Blane, Michael Davitt, John Dillon, James Gilhooly, Patrick Guiney, Matthew Harris, John Hayden, J. E. Kenny, Andrew Kettle, Denis Kilbride, Pat O'Brien, William O'Brien, James O'Kelly, Charles Stewart Parnell, Douglas Pyne, Willie Redmond, Timothy Sullivan. [http://shelf3d.com/i/Irish%20Coercion%20Act, accessed 13/12/2013]A many sits on a table holding the lapels of his Jacket. ballarat irish, cabin, rent, tenants, quill, biggar, davitt

When Thomas Bent, politician and land speculator, was appointed Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1892, a number of local Brighton constituents and supporters raised money to present him with an oil portrait. Bent had been a member for Brighton for 21 years, and the painting was seen as a way of showing their appreciation of his services to the Brighton constituency, as well as congratulating him to his new position as Speaker. In June 1892, British/Australian landscape and portrait artist Charles E. Gordon-Frazer was given the commission to paint the portrait. Thomas Bent is depicted as standing in his Speaker's robe on the dais beneath the canopy in the Legislative Assembly Chamber in the act of addressing the House. He wears the traditional Speaker’s dress of a black silk and gold laced robe over a three-piece black suit, lace jabot and cuffs, buckled shoes and a ceremonial long wig. The top of the gold parliamentary mace sits on the right of the work near the frame's edge.sir thomas bent, thomas bent, speaker, mayor, premier, brighton, moorabbin, land speculator, local government, councillor, official, member of lower house, portrait, parliament, ceremonial robes, legislative assembly, jabot, wig, mace