DESCRIPTIONColour photograph of a War Memorial designed by Peter Blizzard. The granite wall of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial features a listing the names of Australian Prisoners and was opened on the 6th February 2004 by General Peter Cosgrove AM MC to recognise and remember over 36,000 Australians who became Prisoners of War during the Wars of the 20th Century. In 2008 the Memorial became the First Military Memorial of National Significance outside Canberra. The Memorial which was designed by Peter Blizzard OAM, symbolises that all Australian prisoners embarked on a journey to serve away from their homeland and acknowledges the hardship, deprivation, brutality, starvation and disease endured by Prisoners of War during their capture and the scars that many continued to endure upon their repatriation to Australia. Heritage Victoria describes the memorial in the following way" "A JOURNEY OF HONOUR, REMEMBRANCE AND HEALING - The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a dramatic and highly symbolic tribute to the sacrifice made by more than 35,000 young Australian service men and women in four theatres of war. At the heart of the monument is a stark, 130 metre long, highly polished black granite wall, engraved with the names of all Australian prisoners of war. The names on this 'honour roll' are listed in historical order from the Boer War in 1899, through to the Korean War in 1953. It is a testament to the contribution made by so many. Standing sentinel at the centre of the Memorial are six huge basalt obelisks, etched with the names of all the countries where Australians were held prisoner of war. The obelisks stand in a large reflective pool, set back from the central pathway, symbolising the distance that separated Australia's prisoners of war from their homes and their loved ones. Opposite the pool is a larger obelisk flanked by flagpoles and a ceremonial stone on which to lay wreaths. The central pathway is itself symbolic, with each of the paving stones cut in the shape of a railway sleeper. The pathway defines 'the journey' taken by the prisoners of war and the journey visitors take around the monument. At the end of the granite wall where the pathway ends, visitors face a large stone engraved simply 'Lest We Forget'. Water flows from beneath the stone, along the base of the granite wall and into the reflection pool in which the obelisks stand. This cycle of flowing water, symbolising spirituality, healing, cleansing, birth and rebirth, guides visitors on their journey through the Memorial."australian ex-prisoner of war memorial, prisoner of war, ballarat north gardens, peter blizzard

Vaughan Cemetery in Central VictoriaHand forged iron fence around a grave in Vaughan Cemetery.vaughan, vaughan cemetery, forged ironwork, cemetery art

Colour photograph of the house at 93 Central Road, Blackburn, purchased from William Elliott Wilson, by the Rev. John Flynn of the Australian Inland Mission, for his sister Rosetta Flynn in 1928. Photo shows rear of house.central road, blackburn, no.93, wilson, william, elliott, flynn, rev. john, rosetta

Colour photograph of the house at 93 Central Road, Blackburn, purchased from William Elliott Wilson, by the Rev. John Flynn of the Australian Inland Mission, for his sister Rosetta Flynn in 1928. Photo shows portion of front of house.central road, blackburn, no.93, wilson, william, elliott, flynn, rev. john, rosetta

Colour photograph of the house at 93 Central Road, Blackburn, purchased from William Elliott Wilson, by the Rev. John Flynn of the Australian Inland Mission, for his sister Rosetta Flynn in 1928. Photo shows view of house from street.central road, blackburn, no.93, wilson, william, elliott, flynn, rev. john, rosetta

Colour photograph of the house at 93 Central Road, Blackburn, purchased from William Elliott Wilson, by the Rev. John Flynn of the Australian Inland Mission, for his sister Rosetta Flynn in 1928. Photo shows view of side of house.central road, blackburn, no.93, wilson, william, elliott, flynn, rev. john, rosetta

Sandon is a locality in central Victoria, split between the Shire of Mount Alexander and the Shire of Hepburn.A gravestone in the Sandon Cemetery.Sacred to the memory of Stephen Henwood beloved husband of Mary Keast who died at Strangways June 27th 1901 aged 69 years.sandon, sandon cemetery, cemetery art, draped urn, stephen henwood, mary keast, strangways

St Laurence O'Toole church and cemetery is located in a rural setting at 801/821 Creswick-Newstead Rd, Sandon. Originally a small wooden school (22’x14’) was erected in Sandon by Father Patrick Smyth (who was involved in the Eureka Stockade movement) in 1859. It was also used for Mass and became known as a chapel. In June 1882 tenders were called for the construction of a brick Church by the Castlemaine architect, T.F. Kibble, and it was built at a cost of 1000 pounds. The church was blessed by Archbishop Goold on 06 May 1883 and dedicated to St Laurence O'Toole. The brick building demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian Rudimentary Gothic style, including the steeply pitched, parapet gable roof form, together with a central steeply pitched, gabled porch that projects slightly from the main gable end. Other intact qualities include the exposed brick wall construction, lapped galvanised corrugated iron roof cladding, minor gabled porch at the rear, small ventilation dormers nearby the roof ridgeline, series of stone steps that lead to the central porch with its double pointed door opening and vertical boarded doors, simple rose window in the main gable end, pointed windows, brick buttresses with double lower copings, and the light masonry detailing (the banding marking the floor level within, buttress copings, window and door surrounds and quoins, and the drip moulds).(Shire of Mount Alexander: Heritage Study of the former Shire of Newstead, 2000) The visually connected cemetery demonstrates important visual qualities formed by the regular rows of graves and cemetery architecture, and the grassed and treed rural landscape. It is a rare and substantially intact example of a Victorian Catholic Church with a cemetery in its churchyard. Many headstones and cemetery architecture, date from the 19th century and represent some fine examples of masonry craftsmanship. Some refurbisments occurred during the 1940s and in 2002 a major restoration project was undertaken from roof to footings, by a dedicated band of volunteers and trades people. Work was completed mid 2003 and in November 2003 St Laurence’s was re-dedicated with the celebration of Mass and a picnic tea. Details of the exterior of St Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church, Sandon in Central Victoria.sandon, sandon cemetery, st laurence o'toole catholic church, sandon, sandstone, foundations

Bendigo is a goldfields town in Central Victoria.Black and white image of the township of Bendigo.george lansell, bendigo, fortuna, townscape

Bendigo is a goldfields town in Central Victoria.Black and white image of the township of Bendigo.bendigo, bendigo town hall

To qualify for membership of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat the potential member had to be 21 years in the Australian Colonies. This suggests the form was printed before the federation of Australian States in 1901.Printed form for potential Members of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat to fill out. The annual life membership fee was two pounds to shillings, and the annual member fee was 10 shillings per annum. Potential members were asked for the Name, Age, occupation, residence, birthplace, place and the of arrival in Australia, name of ship, date of propositions, proposer and seconder. old colonists' associaiton of ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, membership form

Robert Uriah Nicholls was born in Devonshire, England, and arrived in Victoria in 1853, and Ballarat in 1854.] He ran R.U. Nicholls &​ Co., nurserymen in Doveton Street North, Ballarat. He was a member of the Ballarat Horticultural Society for 51 years, and was President of the Old Colonists' Association in 1907. Robert Nicholls died in 1910, and is buried at the Ballaarat New Cemetery.Photographic portrait of R.U. Nicholls who arrived in Australia in 1853.r.u. nicholls, robert nicholls, nursery, plant nursury, ballarat hortucultual society, robert u. nicholls

The Old Colonists' Hall opened in 1887.View down Lydiard Street North from the verandah of the Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, balcony, lydiard street

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

This band sailed on 17 October 1914.Black and white photograph of a number of uniformed men, some holding bagpipes.Verso "Sailed 17th Oct 1914, Scotch Pipers for 1st Australian Contingent to European War.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, world war one, pipe band, bagpipes

Members of the Old Colonists' Association Council attend an online meeting during the Covid-19 pandemicold colonists' association council, covid 19, corona virus, pandemic, zoom meeting, andrew robson, gerald jenzen, travis hurst, vincent braybrook, gillian canavan, clare gervasoni, jo barber, travis hirst, geoff beechey, steve carter

Colour photograph of one of the three full size billiard tables at the Old Colonists' Hall. ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, billiards, pool, billiards room

William Irwin arrived in Australia on 09 February 1850 on the [[Faugh-A-Ballagh]]. He was a publican in Ballarat.Portrait of William Irwin, Treasurer of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. He wears the medallion of that organisation. The 1894 minutes of the Old Colonists' Association read "Acknowledgement was given to the gift of Mrs Irwin and family ‘for their kindness and liberality in presenting to the Association the portrait in oil colour of the late William Irwin who was a highly esteemed member and Trustee of the Association.’ W. Irwin, Treasurer, O.C.A.old colonists' association ballarat, stanton bowman, t. stanton bowman, william irwin, thomas stanton bowman

John Grubb, John Lewis, Wayne Clack and Paul Clack payed A Grade snooker for the Ballarat Old Colonists' ClubFour men are photographed holding a billiard cue. They are the winners of the Ballarat Billiards and Snooker Association 1997 A Grade Snooker Champions for 1997. Left to right John Grubb, John Lewis, Wayne Clack and Paul Clack.john grubb, john lewis, wayne clack and paul clack., wayne clack, paul clack, old colonists' club, billiards, snooker

View down Lydiard Street North, looing south, from the verandah of the Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, balcony, lydiard street

Photograph of the names listed on the Marbles at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall for 1916old colonists' hall, old colonists' association of ballarat, marbles, james long, john king junior, g.a. brown, g.t. brown, c.e. house, g.t. jones, r.t. vale, j.g. tucker, h. baber, j. lammin, d. lillingstone, george becher, laurence clark, william brazenor, a. clinton, w.b. bannerman, j.h. peady, james lamb

Photograph of the names listed on the Marbles at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall for 1915old colonists' hall, old colonists' association of ballarat, marbles, william bell, d.b. wheeler, richard baker, w.b. bradshaw, betsy f. graham, a.j. hare, c.v. day, j.p. smart, a.h. white, r.c. lindsay, andrew cant, t.c. coates, e. goodwin, thomas lyle

Photograph of the names listed on the Marbles at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall for 1914old colonists' hall, old colonists' association of ballarat, marbles, samuel walker, william scott, amelia purdue, willia rattray, w.s. smith, c. trompff, thomas bailey, h.f. elliott, t.w. parker, d.g. dalzell, samuel walmsley, harry davies, d.r. mcgregor

Photograph of Jo Barber wearling the presidents collar on the night she was elected President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat proposing a toast to John Lewis, newly elected President of the Old Colonists' Club.jo barber, old colonists' association of ballarat, president, john lewis

This book was written and illustrated in Gallipolli by the Men of Anzac for teh benefit of Patriotic Funds connected with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp.Leather covered book that was part of the reading room collection of the Old Colonists' Club, Ballarat.anzac, army, old colonists' club reading room, old colonists' club, w.r. birdwood, a.r. perry, a.l. pemberton, james sprent, hecor dinning, am park, n. ash, v.n. hopkins, e. cadogan, a. carruthers, f.c. dunstan, e.m. smith, george h. smith, kinismonth, w.r. wishart, w. otho hewett, david barker, c. leyshon-white, ted colles, r.t. goulding, f.j. leigh, charles bean, galipolli

When this court house was abandoned it became the site of the Ballarat School of Mines, the first School of Mines in Austalasia. Francois Cogne was born in 1829 in Paris. He worked in Australia between 1856 and 1864. He died in 1884.Framed lithograph of the former Ballarat Circuit Court.ballarat court house, ballarat circuit court, francois cogne

When this court house was abandoned it became the site of the Ballarat School of Mines, the first School of Mines in Austalasia. Francois Cogne was born in 1829 in Paris. He worked in Australia between 1856 and 1864. He died in 1884.Framed lithograph of the former Ballarat Circuit Court.francois cogne, biggs and shoppee, main road