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Ballarat Tramway Museum
Sign - "Passengers must not travel in this compartment."
Demonstrates how the SEC used enameled signs to convey instructions to passengers, and confirm the advice of the conductor.Enameled metal sign, black capital letters and border lines on an off- white background. Reverse enameled in black. Sign reads "Passengers must not travel in this compartment". The writing appears to have been stenciled over the white enamel base. The enameling has broken away from areas near the two screw holes formed to attach the sign to the compartment. An attempt has been made to address damage with paint. Enamel on reverse is marked where the sign appears to have been laying on a frame prior to firing. tramways signs, passenger information signs, enameled signs -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, The Orchard, May Vale (c.1904), Heidelberg School Artists Trail, Diamond Creek, c.Nov. 2001
The Heidelberg School Artists' Trail extends from Heidelberg through Eltham and Warrandyte and to the Dandenongs. It features signs depicting paintings of artists in the location in which they were painted. Part of a slide show presentation "A Trip Down the Diamond Creek" by Russell Yeoman to the Eltham District Historical Society meeting of 14 Nov. 200135mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteart in public places, diamond creek, heidelberg school artists trail, public art, sign, may vale, the orchard -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Sign, "Passengers are requested to tender the correct amount of fare", c1920
Demonstrates how the SEC used enamel signs to convey instructions to passengers or to confirm the advice of the conductor and how enamel signs were made.Enamel sign, black capital letters and lines on an off-white background, titled "Passengers are requested to tender the correct amount of fare". Marks on rear from the enamelling process. The front of the sign has been covered with varnish. trams, tramways, tramcars, signs, conductors, passengers -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Sign, The Met, "East Malvern / University", c1980?
Sign - plastic sheet with "University" and "East Malvern" printed on opposite sides. Possibly used for bus replacement services - about the same size as a sign used for this purpose - see Reg Item 6048. Not known when used.trams, tramways, destination indicators, east malvern, university, auxiliary board, buses -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - "New Australians"
John Ellison worked part time with migrant workers in the Wimmera somewhere in the Wail - Dimboola area.Two typewritten documents, the first of four pages titled: New Australians, the second of three pages titled: Primary industry and labour (migrant reference). The first one is signed by L. John Ellison S.S. Wail 10/02/1950. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.A note in pen on first page signed by P. Ellison and dated 04/09/2018new australians, migrant workers -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Photograph (item) - Colour photograph, 03-01-2005
Shows the sign at the Steavenson Falls Scenic Reserve.Shows the sign at the Steavenson Falls Scenic Reserve. This sign was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The Steavenson Falls is named after the Victorian Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, John Steavenson who arrived in Victoria in the early 1860s.'05 1 3 3.01.05. Marysville (from Helga Walsh)steavenson falls, steavenson falls scenic reserve, mountain forest, lyrebird, bobuck, mountain brushtail possum, marysville, victoria, john steavenson, 2009 black saturday bushfires -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, Black & White, J.Redmore "God Cottage' Bentleigh c1890, c1900
1890 - 1950 This little cottage was located near the corner of Centre Road and Jasper Road East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) between where the Bentleigh RSL and Woolworths Supermarket now stand. Rev.B.Redmore, and his wife, were early members of the Salvation Army Corps, and they went to unusual lengths to proclaim their faith. Texts were hung along the veranda to catch the attention of passers-by and on the iron roof was painted a large sign ' PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD O' ISRAEL' ( The apostrophe is not a misprint.) The Cottage became known locally as The "God Cottage" and was demolished c1950 ( H.Stanley 2005)The 'God Cottage ' with its Biblical texts and large roof sign was an unique feature in East Brighton ( Bentleigh) 1890 - 1950 Black & White photograph showing a small cottage with a large sign painted on the roofBack Handwritten informationredmore reverend b, salvation army, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards -
Melbourne Legacy
Letter, Holmbush
Architects Carleton & Carleton applied to the City of Kew for any objections to the Melbourne Legacy Club establishing a Hostel for children of deceased Service men on Burke Road, yellow copy of the letter is dated 16 Dec 1942 and signed C.R.Carleton (also a legatee). The reply from the City of Kew is that there were no objections and was dated 19th December 1942. Holmbush was the first hostel for children that Legacy started and operated from April 1943. It was later renamed Blamey House after another hostel called Blamey House was closed. Melbourne Legacy ran three residences: Blamey House (purchased 1947) , Stanhope (purchased 1945) and Harelands (purchased 1950), to take care of children whose fathers were servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself. Harelands accommodated boys and girls under the age of 14, Blamey House looked after boys over 14, and Stanhope looked after girls over 14. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent. Was deposited in the archive cabinets in a file with documents pertaining to the residences, along with many other items and photos prior to the start of the cataloguing.A record of the investigations into regulations prior to the purchase of land on Burke Road for the first hostel to be established by Melbourne Legacy.00336.1 Yellow quarto paper, black type 00336.2 Quarto paper with City of Kew letterhead, black type.00336.1 Signed C.R. Carleton 00336.2 Signed (illegible) Town Clerkresidences, holmbush, properties -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mechanics Institute in Upper Main Street Stawell 1970 -- Coloured and Black & white copies
Mechanics Institute Main Street Stawell. Used for many years as the library. Colour photo c1970s. Built in 1875 after the previous institute was damaged by fire in 1874. Architect Mr. George Inskip. Previous wooden institute destroyed by fire in 1866. McKellar Building in background. Hairdresser and Grampians real estate signs visible.Angle on photograph of Mechanics Institute Building. Cars parked in street in Foreground. Hairdresser and Grampians real estate signs visible.Mechanics Institute 1875stawell streetscape -
Buninyong & District Historical Society
Photograph - B/W photograph, Mr. Clive J. Brooks, Eastern approach to Buninyong Midland Highway 1994, April 1994
Approach to township of Buninyong prior to amalgamation with Ballarat City Council. Buninyong shire town sign visible in foreground.Record of Buninyong Shire prior to amalgamationBlack and white photograph of the Eastern approach to Buninyong from the Midland Highway taken from opposite Ballantrae looking West. In left foreground is an example of Buninyong shire town sign before amalgamation 1994.buninyong shire, midland highway, street scene -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Painting - Oil Painting, Cyril H W Kett, 1980 (exact)
Cyril Henry Woodford Kett FBOA FSMC (1890-1971) was one of the five people who signed the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Australian College of Optometry in 1939. He was a councillor of the College from 1940 to 1970 and First Vice President 1944 to 1947. He was made an honorary life member of the College in 1954. He donated numerous items of historical interest to the College that provided the foundation of the Museum which now bears his name. It was painted by another optometrist, John Nathan.This painting is significant to the College as it is one of only ten portraits in oils of individuals who have been leaders in the development of the College.This framed oil painting shows Mr Cyril Henry Woodford Kett FBOA FSMC (1890-1971),Councillor and Vice President of the Australian College of Optometry, an important figure in Optometry in Victoria. It was painted in 1980 by another optometrist, John Nathan,and is signed by the artist at lower right corner: 'John Nathan'.Signed by artist at lower right corner: 'John Nathan'. Plaque on frame reads:'Cyril H W Kett FBOA(Hons) FSMC FVOA c1890-1970/ Councillor of the College 1940-1970/ Vice President 1940-42, 1944-47, 1948-50, 1954-70/ Chairman of Council 1944-1947/ One of the five signatories to the original Memorandum of Association of the Victorian College of Optometry'.optometry, painting, oil painting, portrait, cyril h w kett -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Framed Certificate, 9 May 1924
The declaration was noticed in an antique shop by a Dutch antique dealer who purchased it and donated it to the DAHC.Official declaration establishing the Dutch Consulate in Melbourne. The framed declaration is signed by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Queen, Wilhemina of Orange, on 9 May 1924.Dated: 9 Mei negentien vier en twintig ( 9 May 1924 ) and signed by Queen Wilhelmina. Has creases that somebody tried to fix with white-out. -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Certificate, RAIA/The Age House of the Year, 1972
Robin Boyd was the architect of the Featherstone House, 1969.An Award of Merit to The Featherstone House, Ivanhoe. It is signed by Chairman, J Gates (?) and Secretary, P A Love (?). It is rolled and tied with blue ribbon.Victorian Architecture Award. In accordance with the decision of the Victorian Chapter: The Royal Institute of Architects to record its appreciation of the architecture. Architect Romberg and Boyd Builder P.M. Versteegen & Sons Pty.Ltd. Signed by the Chairman and Secretaryroyal australian institute of architects, raia award, featherstone, robin boyd -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book, Jill Barnard et al, "Welcome & Farewell - The Story of Station Pier", Aug 2004
Donated to the PMH&PS by the authors, at the launch on Station Pier (occasion of 150th birthday of Railway Pier), 12th September 2004. (Ref 1948.01 for picture of authors at launch)."Welcome & Farewell - The Story of Station Pier" - a large, lavishly illustrated history of early Sandridge Railway and Station Piers. Copper coloured cover and dust cover, hardback, 206 pp. Index, Bibliography, Chronology and extensive references. Signed by co-authors and Station Pier ManagerSigned by co-authors Jill Barnard and Sonia Jennings, and Station Pier Manager Evda Marangospiers and wharves - railway pier, piers and wharves - station pier, transport - shipping, transport - railways, immigration, jill barnard, sonia jennings -
Melbourne Legacy
Letter, Permission from Blamey for Savige to travel to Hobart in March 1940, 1940
A letter dated 14 March 1940 to Legatee Stan Savige advising him that he had permission to visit Hobart Legacy while he was in Australia during the second World War. It is signed by General Thomas Blamey. The reason for the trip to Hobart was to present the Legacy Charter to the Remembrance Club to become Hobart Legacy. It was held at Hadley's Hotel in Hobart. Savige was serving in the Second World War and had to obtain special permission to travel to Hobart to fulfil this task. A menu card from the dinner is also in the archive. Legatee Savige presented the Legacy Charter which was then accepted by the President of the Remembrance Club. The members were then presented with Legacy Badges.An important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy and the acceptance of Legacy Charter in Hobart.Cream letterhead of the 2nd AIF with a letter from General Blamey to Stan Savige in 1940.Signed E A Blamey in black ink.stan savige, remembrance club, hobart, thomas blamey -
Torquay and District Historical Society
framed letter
This letter acknowledges help given to the British people by Australians after WW 11. In this case Torquay Golf Club in Victoria Australia sent its President, Mr Vary, with gifts of food to help supplement the 'somewhat restricted menus' of the people of Torquay, Devon, England. Typed letter/testimonial with large red seal and personally signed. Located in a black frame with gold edge. Letter to members of the Torquay Golf Club Australia expressing gratitude for 'generous assistance', such as 'food gifts', given during post war years. Seal of the Borough of Torquay, Devon, England. Signed by Mayor and Justice of the Peace for the Borough. Dated 13th July 1949. postwar, torquay golf club, mr vary, torquay victoria australia, torquay devon england -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Stawell Post Office Cnr Wimmera and Main Streets 1875
Stawell Post Office on corner of Wimmera and Main Streets. Erected 1875. Phone box and car at right of photo. Directional sign on the left side of the building. The Fruit Vegs building on the right side has replaced the Akins building on the right side in an earlier photo.Black & white photograph of a two storey building built in 1875. Out the front of the building is a signpost, bench seat, phone box and car in the foreground. A flag pole protrudes from one of the windows on the top storey. On the right side of the photo is a Fruit Vegs sign on the awning of the building next door. A directional sign post is on the left side of the building stawell -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Sign - BOARD & RESIDENCE SIGN
Board & Residence Sign under glass, black with gold lettering in a black wooden frame.commerce, signs -
Parliament of Victoria
Library sign, Victorian Government Printing Office, c.1966
In 1966 the Victorian Parliamentary Library established a newspaper clipping service. This sign, among many created by the Library, provided helpful instruction to Members of Parliament on how they should treat collection material. The Library was managed by a committee of Members of Parliament from 1851 to 2004, when the Library then became part of the Department of Parliamentary Services.Sign issued by the Library Committee advising Members to not remove newspaper clippings from files. Paper and cardboard with black printed text.Printed black ink, recto: "Newspapers are not to be/ removed from the files, nor/ are they to be mutilated./ Hon. Members are asked/ to co-operate with the Library/ Committee in having this rule/ observed./ By order of the Library Committee./ 14476/42". parliament of victoria, victorian parliamentary library, library committee -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Sign, "Smoking on Rear Platform Only"
One of a group of signs that were fitted into tramcars in Ballarat, giving instructions to passengers about prams, behaviour, smoking, fare payment, talking to the motorman, instructions or information to drivers etc. Yields information about the sign manufacture, demonstrates the type of signs provided in tramcars.Enamel sign, blue capital letters and lines on white background, titled "Smoking on Rear Platform Only". One of a number similar signs donated to the Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society by the SEC following closure of the Ballarat Tramways system in 1971. Sign has a black enamel backing, with marks from the enamelling process. Removed from trams by the BTPS when smoking deemed unhealthy or came from SEC stores. Sign has two central screw holes at either end. .1 - as for above, but black capital letters - added 31/12/2010.trams, tramways, signs, smoking, tramcars -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Sign - Warning Sign - Children's carriages, "Children's Carriages .....", c1920
One of a group of signs that were fitted into tramcars in Ballarat, giving instructions to passengers about prams, behaviour, smoking, fare payment, talking to the motorman, instructions or information to drivers etc. Yields information about the sign manufacture, demonstrates the type of signs provided in tramcars.Set of four Enamel signs, black capital letters and lines on white background, titled "Children's Carriages which fold compactly may be permitted on cars at conductors discretion and owner's risk". One of a number similar signs donated to the Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society by the SEC following closure of the Ballarat Tramways system in 1971. Sign has a black enamel backing, with marks from the enamelling process. See also Reg Item 2477 for another sign of the same type. 2nd copy from an unknown donation added 25/11/2019.trams, tramways, signs, prams, baby carriages, tramcars -
Greensborough Historical Society
Plan, Parish Plan Map of Land North of Grimshaw Street, 11/12/1879
Part of Parish plan of land north of Grimshaw Street bounded by the Plenty River. Includes annotation signed by John Scotland and J. W. Britnell, dated Dec. 11th 1879.Photocopy of part of Parish plan of land north of Grimshaw Street bounded by the Plenty River. Includes annotation signed by John Scotland and J. W. Britnell, dated Dec. 11th 1879greensborough, grimshaw street greensborough, jonah britnell, john scotland -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Cartoon Drawing, John Nathan, Final Year Optometrical Science Students 1944, 1944 (exact)
The cartoon was drawn by John Nathan, one of the final year students in the first class to graduate with the diploma of Licentiate of Optometric Science from the Australian College of Optometry. His father was Bertram Nathan who played important roles in obtaining registration of optometrists in 1934 and on the Council of the College. John was to become Director of Studies from 1950 to 1964 and President of the College from 1969 to 1978. He also paints in oils.This cartoon is significant to the Australian College of Optometry as a piece of memorabilia from the class of 1944. It is one of only two drawings of optometrists in the Kett collection.Framed ink on paper cartoon drawing of final year Optometrical Science students of 1944 in Melbourne. The characters are depicted playing in an optometric consulting room. It is headed 'Final Year Optometrical Science 1944' and at the lower edge are the names of the students 'John Nathan, Tony "Craniclaw" Douglas, Vans Ovenden and Doug Allen'. Signed by the artist 'John Nathan'.This cartoon drawing depicts final year Optometry students in a contemporary consulting room of 1944. They are shown in typical optometrists' attire of dark trousers, side-buttoning short white coats and PD ruler in the breast pocket. The room has an electric instrument stand, hydraulic patient chair and internally illuminated test chart. The drawing shows the artist's name 'John Nathan' and is mounted in a black frame.Signed by the artist 'John Nathan'students, optometry, optometrical science, cartoon, drawing -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Sign, "Caution Tram Track Under Repair"
Prepared to advise pedestrians and motorists of tramway track work being undertaken in Ballarat.Demonstrates the methods the SEC used to advise of track works.Metal sign, steel, yellow background with black letters stating "Caution Tram Track Under Repair". Has four holes top and one centrally along the bottom edge. Shows on the rear that a stand was once fixed to the rear of the sign.tramways, secv, ballarat, signs, track work -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Moonrise, Jane Price, Heidelberg School Artists Trail, Diamond Creek, c.Nov. 2001
The Heidelberg School Artists' Trail extends from Heidelberg through Eltham and Warrandyte and to the Dandenongs. It features signs depicting paintings of artists in the location in which they were painted. Transcription of sign: Jane Price is best known for her small moody impressionistic landscapes, many of which depict the rising moon and capture the softness of the evening twilight. In 1889, she shared a studio in Grosvenor Chambers, Collins Street east, Melbourne, with fellow Heidelberg School artists, Clara Southern and Jane Sutherland. She was also a close friend of Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. Around the time of the First World War, and for several years after, she rented a ‘log cabin’ in Diamond Creek, and this was situated close to ‘The Shack’, the studio and home, of May Vale. Part of a slide show presentation "A Trip Down the Diamond Creek" by Russell Yeoman to the Eltham District Historical Society meeting of 14 Nov. 200135mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteart in public places, diamond creek, heidelberg school artists trail, jane price, moonrise, public art, sign -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Suggested form of letter to President Elect on acceptance of nomination
A document shows a suggested form of letter to send a President Elect. It is signed by Stan Savige so was before his death in 1954. It was with other documents that outline the procedure in nominating the president of Melbourne Legacy. Second page has a list of members for consideration for the President. The document was in a folder of documents collected about past presidents.A record of the procedures around the election of the President.White foolscap pages x 2 of a suggested form of letter to send a president elect.Inscribed 'Dear Frank' and signed 'Stan Savige' in black fountain pen.presidents, past presidents, procedures -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Map - Honiara Map, Honiara West Special used by members of 5/6
Honiara West Special signed by 7 members of 5/6 RVR who were deployed on Operation AnodeThe Map is framed in the glass frame withe the Operation Anode patch, Australian Flag and 5/6 unit symbol displayed below the Map. It has been signed by 7 members of 5/6, each member's PMKey is also displayed on the Map -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Bushfire awareness sign, Help Prevent Bushfires, Pre 1966
Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signHelp Prevent Bushfiresbushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv) -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Bushfire awareness sign, Camp Fires, 1962
Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signbushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Bushfire awareness sign, Protect your forests from fire, 1953
Bushfire Prevention Week was initiated by the Forests Commission in 1930. Victoria’s State Governor, Lord Somers, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir Harold Luxton and the newly appointed Minister for Forests, William Beckett launched the innovative campaign with great flourish to 250 invited guests at Melbourne’s opulent Town Hall on Monday 13 January 1930. Special church sermons had been held previously on Sunday. The packed program of gala events included lavish luncheon talks at city clubs, scholarly lectures broadcast on the wireless, together with daily articles in the Melbourne and country press about the pressing need for fire prevention. The slogan for the ground-breaking campaign was… Prevent Bush Fires – It Pays… The Shell Petrol Company of Australia supplied 15000 windshield stickers, the British Australasian Tobacco Company donated a large supply of stamp stickers, while many other companies drew attention to the campaign in their newspaper advertisements. The Victorian Railways and many city firms displayed special fire posters, while Bryant and May posted messages on their limited-edition matchbox covers which are now highly prized by phillumenists (i.e. matchbox collectors). The Postmaster General's Department franked postage stamps and letters with special bushfire slogans. While plainclothes police were secretly deployed to the bush to arrest potential arsonists. Canvas and enamel fire prevention signs were erected on most roads leading to forest areas. Letters to the Editor later appeared in many city and country newspapers extolling the virtues of Bushfire Prevention Week and urging for its continuation as an annual event. Although a new idea for Australia, the Canadian Forest Service had been running a similar program for a few years. The Forests Commission in its 1929-30 Annual Report, under the title of "Propaganda", noted with some glee… "One of the most gratifying features of the ''Week" was its low cost to the Government, the major part of the publicity material being donated by private firms." And so for the next 50 years until the 1980s, Bushfire Prevention Week continued unabated with the Forests Commission producing a series of coloured “Magic Lantern” slides which were manufactured by Alex Gunn and Sons in Collins Street Melbourne for screening at Val Morgan cinemas. The slides famously introduced the menacing character, Willy Wildfire, warning motorists to be careful with matches. Now known as Fire Action Week, it remains a key event in the annual calendar for both DEECA and the CFA and is still going strong... These canvas fire awareness signs were used right throughout the period of the Forests Commission until the mid 1980sBushfire awareness signProtect your forests from firebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs