Once a community's size and importance could be gauged from its post office. The post office, especially in the 19th century, reflected the growth and prosperity of its locality. The boom in post office building was from the mid-1860s to the early 1890s. Invariably a post office was built in a prime location, frequently on a street corner.This book provides a cross section of the various styles of post offices built in city, suburb and country town, and who the post offices serve around Australia. Softback book of 83 pages, with numerous black and white photos; post offices are described alphabetically by town.surrey hills post office, post offices, official buildings, architectural styles, (mr) marc fiddian

Druids are known to exist from around the 3rd century B.C. Their name may have come from a Celtic word meaning “knower of the oak tree.” Many of their ceremonies were carried out in oak groves, which they considered sacred and members were, at that time a mix of priest, judge, doctor and philosopher. The Druids enjoyed a revival in the 19th century and were taken up enthusiastically during the Victorian era. Druidry was believed to have been introduced into Australia in 1851 with the setting up of the first lodge in Melbourne under the name United Ancient Order of Druids. Unlike the Freemasons, the Druids were not a secret society and were not selective in who they let in, as long as they paid their dues and acted more like a benevolent society than a spiritual movement. "They originally operated when there were few benefits available from the government or employers and the introduction of sick leave and other employer provided benefits, combined with the gradual introduction of government subsidised medicine, caused the need for them to diminish." Druids House — in Swanston Street, was opened by the Lord Mayor in 1927 and was designed to be the movement's national head office. It was completed at a cost of 19,000 pounds. This photograph was believed to have been commissioned by the Druids of Bendigo to the Licensees of the Queens Head pub where they regularly met, situated on the corner of the Bendigo-Maryborough Rd & the Calder Alternate Hwy ( Lockwood Cross Roads). The old Marong Council offices were situated opposite from 1864 until around 1908 when new offices were then built in Marong. It is believed that this photograph and a photo of the pub were given to Marong Shire by descendants of the publicans, probably in the 90’s. Framed black and white group photographic portrait of 37 members of the Sandhurst Chapter of the Druids staged and shot outdoors. Each of the gentlemen is carrying a bouquet of flowers. The photograph has a gold inner mount with the second mount cut to give the impression of a frame. The outer mount is hand painted with botanical motifs and elaborate text c.t. DRUIDS Sandhurst Lodge/ No 247. l.c Presented to Mr and Mrs Chadwick / Lockwood / in recognition for kindness rendered.W. G. Robinson / Photo and J.H. Gribble / Long Gully / 1,11,10robinson photographer, j.h.b. gribble artist, chadwick, shire of marong, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of greater bendigo community groups

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Keck with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to right with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W.H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J.H.E Gribbs / Presented by / Cr Herbert Keck / President 1903-4. 1912-13.shire of strathfieldsaye, councillor keck, strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Photographic group portrait of eleven Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillors in front of the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall. Five men are seated and six standing with one man standing further in back ground on the building's verandah. Photograph is attached directly to green mount card and framed. Gold lettering on mount.Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillors / R. B. Brennan (Sec.) W. J. Lowdes S. Doak M. Burns () N Condon B. Code (Inspector) / WH Robinson Photo Bendigo / T Somerville / W. I. Long / Fred Osborne (President) H Keck / W Dresler / With the President's (Cr. Fred Osborne) Compliments / September 23rd, 1909shire of strathfieldsaye, strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, strathfieldsaye shire hall

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Silver gelatin framed photographic group portrait of fifteen men taken in the alcove of the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall. Four men are seated and eleven are standing. Photograph is attached directly to cream mount card. Handwritten note with photograph: 1/ John Burke, 2/ (?), 3/ (?), 4/ RHS Abbott, 5/ M Brennan, 6/(?) 7/(?) 1/. M Condon? 2/ (?) 3/ M Burns, 4/(?) Gentlemen at back probably are council staff.shire of strathfieldsaye, strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor john burke, councillor r.h.s. abbott, councillor brennan, councillor condon, councillor m burns

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Group portrait of 13 men / councilors, 5 seated and 8 standing dressed in suits. There are another 2 men further back in front of the hall doors. Photograph is taken outside the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall.Srathfieldsaye Shire Council. / With the President's (Cr T. Somerville) Compliments. / September, 1910 / W.H. Robinson Photo. Bendigo Verso; William Drechslershire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, strathfieldsaye shire council

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Eppalock Ward is one of three wards in the Greater Bendigo municipality which includes the former Strathfieldsaye Shire. Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait with hand coloured detail. Man with profile slightly to right, walrus moustache, image encircled. Photograph is attached to mount card. Hand written title lower centre.Ex. Councillor / F. Orr / Eppalock / The / Yeoman / Studiosshire of strathfieldsaye, councillor orr

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Burke with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile centre facing with beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and fscrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre. Wooden frame with detail and gold inner.Presented to Strathfieldsaye / shire Council / w. H. robinson / Photo / Bendigo / By the family of / Cr John Burke / President 1890 - 1899 - 1900strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor burke, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Somerville with hand drawn detail. Profile slightly to left, face has full beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to / Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / by / Cr Thomas Somerville / President 1892 - 3. 1901.2. 1910.11 strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor somerville, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Condon with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to left. No facial hair. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text, scrolls and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire / Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / JMB Gribble / Presented by / Cr Michael Condon / President 1889 - 90. 1895-6. 1904 - 5strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor condon

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Doak with hand coloured and drawn detail. Left facing profile with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to / Strathfieldsaye Shire Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / JMB Gribble / by Cr S. Doak / President 1911 - 1912strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor doak

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Sibley with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to left with walrus moustache and beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text, flowers and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W m Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J N B Gribble / Cr Robert R Sibley / First President Chairman of the Road Board 1865 - 5 / President 1866 - 1869 / With Mrs Sibley's Complimentsstrathfieldsaye shire council, councillor sibley, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Councillor Michael Brennan held roles of Shire Secretary and Clark of Works until around 1998 when his son R. B. Brennan was appointed Assistant Secretary and then Shire Secretary to assist his father with the work load during his later years. Michael Brennan remained Clerk of Works until his death at which time his son was appointed to the duties previously held by his father. Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Brennan with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile to left. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centreStrathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W H Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J H B Gribble / Michael Brennan / President 1869 - 70. 1871 - 2. 1872 - 3 / Secretary 1882 to 1900 / Engineer & Valuator 1882 to 1902strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor brennan, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Long. Profile to left with walrus moustache and mutton chops. Cut olive retangle mount. Verso; Long. On under board which has photograph attached; Talma & Co. / 119 Swanston St., / Melbournestrathfieldsaye shire council, councillor long

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The Shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Secretary Brennan, son of Councillor M. Brennan was appointed after his fathers death to the role and according to the The Bendigo Independent was in the role in 1917. See References.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Brennan. Profile slightly to left. Cut rectangle cream mount. Hand written title top and lower centre. Shire of Strathfieldsaye / R. B. Brennan, Esq / Secretarystrathfieldsaye shire council, secretary strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Hargraves. Profile slightly to right with walrus moustache. Cut rectangle brown mount decorated with coloured text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfiledsaye Shire Council / Cr John Hargreaves / President 1919 - 20 1928 - 29 / Presented by his Wife & Familystrathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor hargreaves

Mounted plan drawings for Public Offices in Bendigo.Cross Section A-A / Side Elevation / Cross Section B-B / Longitudinal Section C-C / R.M.B. / Scale: Eight feet - One Inch / PUBLIC OFFICES BENDIGO ? P.B.B. 5.24 / (signature) / Chief Architect / 23.11.24city of greater bendigo administration item

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. This coat of arms was commissioned for the front of the shire hall building.Brass painted coat of arms or emblem within a circle of the Shire of Strathfieldsaye. Outer rim contains text: SHIRE OF STRATHFIELDSAYE VICTORIA 1866 with the shield of the monarch of the United Kingdom centre top. The shield is divided into four parts with images reflecting the leading industries of the time; wine growing, mining, farming and tanning. The motto PROGRESS is depicted lower centre of shield. SHIRE OF STRATHFIELDSAYE / VICTORIA / 1866 / PROGRESSshire of strathfieldsaye, city of greater bendigo amalgamation, city of greater bendigo signs

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

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

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

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

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

The interviews were recorded in 2000 by Bronwen Gray and Alan Young for the production of Unreserved, Stories from Truganina Explosives Reserve, animated stories from past residents, workers and interested people of the Reserve (subject to copyright 2004). John Gates began working at the Truganina Explosives Reserve handling explosives at the magazines in 1946. He was appointed assistant manager in 1956. When the site closed in 1962 he was retrained and worked at the Births, Deaths and Marriages offices. In this interview he and his step-daughter, Sue King, talk of life in Altona, life on the Explosives Reserve and some of the people who worked there. A primary source of information on memories of the Truganina Explosives Reserve and Altona,VictoriaDigital copy of original cassette recorded in 2000 and digitised in 2018hobsons bay city council, pier street altona, alma doepel, explosives, lighters, gates court altona meadows, christmas picnic

Tom Barrie served the community in the following Shire of Melton Councilor Member for 32 years 1941–1970 Elected as Councilor for Melton South 1970–1973 Councilor for Rockbank 1943–1944 Shire President for three terms 1958–1959 ditto 1964–1965 ditto Council Representative: Bacchus Marsh High School and Western Suburbs Municipalities. Representative on delegation to prevent Melton post primary students being sent to Deer Park prior to the establishment of Melton High SchoolPossibly being presented with Shire of Melton illuminated address at the Melton Shire Officeslocal identities, council

Councillors standing in front of the Shire Officescouncil, local identities

non-fictionA case study of what began as one of the Whitlam Governments boldest ventures to make a new city in the country so as to relieve the pressure on capital cities. This book explains what was involved in that venture what went right and what went wrong. It relates a specific case study to shifts in the wider political and economic context. It is fresh in perspective in that it views the growth centre strategy from an actual site rather than from government offices.albury-wodonga corporation, city planning, decentralisation, whitlam government decentralisation

The Highett Gas Works were a landmark along the Nepean Highway for many years. With the cessation of the gasification of coal and the introduction of natural gas to Victoria, the gas holders were demolished and the Sir William Fry Reserve was developed on the southern end of the site. The Gas and Fuel redeveloped the northern end of the site with modern offices and laboratories for the organisation's scientific services. At this time, the chimney and retort house were retained.The Highett Gasworks had its beginning in 1939 operated by the Central Brighton and Moorabbin Gas Co Ltd. The company had expanded its gas production facilities to Highett where it had purchased 45 acres of land adjacent to the Melbourne-Frankston railway line. The first gasholder was erected on the Highett site in 1927 and connected with high pressure mains to the Brighton Gas Works. In 1939 the building program including gasometers, the vertical retort house and coal store was completed and gas making commenced. Its area of supply covered approximately 70 square miles and included the municipalities of Brighton, Sandringham, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Chelsea and part of Dandenong. The Gas and Fuel Corporation eventually took over operations and with the disaggregation and privatisation of the organisation, the site was eventually closed c. 2002.Black and white aerial photograph featuring the Highett Gas Works with gasholders and retort house. In the top right-hand corner, a former Highett Primary School on Graham Road can be viewed. Photograph includes Bay Road, Royal Avenue, Princess Avenue and Jackson Road (Highett) and Alfred, Turner and Sandford Streets (Moorabbin).Handwritten in black ink: [indecipherable] in a circle Handwritten in red ink: 70% Four velcro display adhesivesgasification of coal, gas and fuel corporation of victoria, gasholders, highett, moorabbin, utilities