A commemorative medal given to the next of kin to a deceased soldier in WWI. Colloquially known as a dead man's penny. Pte. Christopher F. Willcox was killed in the fist battle of the Somme in France on the 28th of July 1916 aged 21.Round metal single sided plaque depicting a helmeted man holding laurel wreath and a trident standing in front of a lion. Also includes the scroll with a coat of arms and a commemorative letter.HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR CHRISTOPHER FRANKLIN WILCOX

Honour to the AIF. Gallipoli, France, Palestine. 1918 Issued to state school childrenmedals, ww1

Letter written to Peter Ellis from Stephen Brady Official Secretary to the Governor-General and Secretary of the Order of Australia. Dated 4 October 2011. Honours-in-Confidence. Mr Peter Nicolaus Ellis 5 Flora Lane Flora Hill Vic 3550. Dear Mr Ellis I am writing on behalf of the Governor-General to inform you that you are being considered for the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division within the Australian Honours System. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent means by which Australia recognises the outstanding and meritorious service of its citizens. Awards are publicly announced on Australia Day and The Queen's Birthday. It is proposed that your award be announced in the Australia Day Honours List on Thursday 26 January 2012, and the proposed citation for the honour would be: 'For service to the arts through the collection and preservation of Australian folk history and heritage'. Please find enclosed an acceptance and privacy form and information concerning your award, which is intended for release to the media. If you wish to accept the proposed award, please complete and sign both sides of the form and return it to me in the envelope provided, together with any amendments you may suggest regarding the media information. I need to receive your reply by 22 October 2011 please. If you feel unable to accept the proposed award, I ask that you please confirm this in writing. After the Governor-General has considered all the proposed awards, I shall advise you of the outcome prior to the announcement date. Finally, I ask that you keep the contents of this letter strictly confidential until you receive confirmation of the honour, and the subsequent announcement of the award is made in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. In the event that you decline the award, I would ask that you maintain the confidential status of the proposal. If you have any queries please contact the Australian Honours Secretariat on 02 6283 3604. Yours sincerely Stephen Brady Official Secretary to the Governor-General and Secretary of the Order of Australia. Government House Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia telephone (02) 6283 3533 Facsimile (02) 62833620 Email [email protected] Honours-in-confidenceperson, individual, peter ellis oam

2 A4 sheets. Handwritten pencil note at top of first page reads: Eulogy published in Trad & Now Magazine. Vale Peter Ellis OAM. By John Williams. The folk community lost a giant on May 18th when Peter Ellis passed away after a short illness. Peter had been a collector, author and musician for nearly forty years and his work has been prodigious to say the least. Peter has the largest collection of dance related material in the National Library and had travelled Australia on his collection trips. He produced twenty CDs of dance music and historical music with his Bendigo based band the Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band which he founded and led for thirty four years. His final project was the double CD 'Cooee, Songs of the ANZACS' which he organised in conjunction with the Bendigo Historical Society. It was launched on 24th April and was Peter's last performance. Peter has also been a member of the Wedderburn Old Timers for over thirty years and has assisted with many of their recordings including their latest Bush Concert CD which Peter Organised. Peter has contributed to many other CDs over the years and has been thanked on many a CD cover by many folk artists. Peter has also written several books, the three volume 'Collectors' Choice,' 'Two Hundred Dancing Years' co-written with Shirley Andrews OAM, and 'Music Makes Me Smile' the history of the Nariel Valley musicians co-written with Harry Gardner. Peter's recent major work The Merry Country Dance will become the bible for people wishing to learn about our bush music heritage with its matching six CD collection. Peter has also contributed to 'Verandah Music' edited by Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australian Folklore' edited by Graham Seal and is a regular contributor to Trad & Now. He completed his last Trad & Now article the week before he died. Peter was also a life member of the Field Naturalists and was extremely active in campaigns to preserve Lake Pedder, the Whipstick Forest and Kamarooka Forest (now part of Bendigo National Park and preserved forever) One Tree Hill, Jackass Flat Flora Reserve and Saloman's Gully bushlands. Peter has discovered and named plants in the whipstick and enjoyed propagating native plants. He loved his amazing bush block in suburban Bendigo. Peter was also a keen photographer and had photos published in the book 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. Peter taught dancing and music classes with Continuing Education for many years and encouraged many young musicians over the years. Peter was an accomplished ballroom dancer and had achieved gold medal status in that field. He was one of Australia's finest exponents of the button accordion, concertina, harmonica and tin whistle. Peter also played piano, organ and ukulele as well as the Swanee whistle and bones. Peter was the founder of the Annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk as a tribute to the old MC's. Peter was happy playing for fund-raisers for any organisation who asked and also enjoyed plying the big gigs such as for the opening of the Melbourne Museum or for State Parliament. He played in the National Folk Festivals in four states and was a regular at the National in Canberra where he gave regular classes, performed with his bands and was a stalwart of the Aussie section of the session bar. He performed at nearly every Maldon Folk Festival and was MC at Nariel Folk Festival dances for many years. Peter was very proud of his OAM and wore the little medal at all of his performances. That honour was rightly given to one who did so much to preserve Australia's dance history. Peter lived a full life and was a friend to hundreds of people. He was taken far too young and in typical fashion was planning new projects right till the end. His passing is a huge loss for us all but one thing is certain. He will never be forgotten.person, individual, peter ellis oam

5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Units 1 Australian Task Force Vietnam North Vietnamese Army Viet Cong Place Horseshoe Hill Events Tet Offensive Operation Bondi Battle Honour Binh Ba Commanding Officers Warr, John Arnold Kahn, Colin Nicholas Decorations First tour: 1 DSO; 3 MC; 2 MM; 1 MID and bar; 18 MID; Second tour: 1 DSO; 3 MC; 2 DCM; 1 Medal of Gallantry; 3 MM; 11 MID Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975 References Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Category Unit Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975 Unit hierarchy Australian Army Royal Australian Infantry 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Wooden plaque with 3 separate designs attached.5th Battalion

Lieutenant Leslie Maygar served with the 5th Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles in south Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). He was awarded the Victoria cross for heroism . Maygar served with the 15th Light Horse (CMF) in the period 1902-1914 and at the outbreak of WWI (1914-1918) he was promoted to Major and appointed as a Squadron Commander with 4th Light Horse (AIF). He served at Gallipoli then was promoted Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse. He was serving in this capacity at Beersheba in October 1917 when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft. Maygar died of wounds sustained in the attack. Fine photograph of officer of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in the period immediately following the Boer War. Leslie Maygar was a native of the Euroa district and a geographic feature and a winery have been named in his honour.Framed black and white photograph of Lieutenant Leslie Maygar VC in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform following his return from South Africa 1902. He is wearing his Victoria Cross and Queen's South African medal with three bars: Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony..Engraved panel at lower centre frame "Lt L C Maygar VC 5VMR / Date of Award 23-11.01"maygar leslie c lieutenant vc, victoria cross, vmr 5th contingent, 8th light horse regiment

Mary Owen OAM (1921-2017) purchased this dress in 1975 in Mexico while attending the first World Conference on Women and wore it to the reception there. A dedicated feminist, unionist and activist, she was a vocal campaigner for the empowerment of women, particularly in the fight for equal pay. Mary's involvement in activism began in 1966 when she joined the staff of the Association of Architects, Engineers & Draughtsmen (AAESDA), where she was responsible for advertising, layout and proofreading editorial for its journal 'Blueprint'. Her contact with the union awoke an interest in women's rights in the workplace, and in 1969 after she joined Dr Bertram Wainer's Progressive Reform Party, which advocated for legalised abortion. She joined the Women's Electoral Lobby in 1972 and remained an active member for over forty-three years, representing the WEL on many government committees. She was a founding co-coordinator of the Working Women's Centre Melbourne from 1975 until 1986, a founding member of EMILY's List Australia, an early member of the Melbourne Press Club and an early supporter of the Australian Women's Archives Project. An annual Mary Owen Dinner was held in her honour for twenty years from 1986 until 2007, which brought together hundreds of women each year. Mary was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Order of Australia Medal in 1984. She was added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2001.Red, white and black cotton halter neck dress with rows of pin tucking on the bodice and applied horizontal strips of red and black cotton and black lace to the skirt. Label, woven black on white acetate, centre back: Disenado con carino por / GEORGIA CHARUHAS / HECHO / EN MEXICO Label, woven black on white acetate, centre back: Gerorgia's / BOUTIQUE LAS MARIPOSAS / Designer: / Georgia Charuhas / MERIDA YUCATAN, MEXICOmexico, international women's conference, 1970s fashion, georgia charuhas, feminism, mary owen

This swimsuit belonged to Brighton local Joyce Fuller, nee Harries (1920-2018), who wore it at Dendy Beach in the 1950s. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. Visiting Brighton Historical Society in 2019, Ada recalled this particular swimsuit style to be a popular one, particularly with older women, as the cinched waist and pleated modesty skirt suited many body types. This was important to her, as she wanted women of all ages and sizes to look and feel good in her swimwear, and she devoted much time and attention to the fit and finish of the garments. When the company began introducing padded bras, such as the one in this swimsuit, Ada insisted on using lacy floral lining and a small ribbon rosette in the centre gore, to give women a sense of quality, femininity and care in construction.Blue one-piece swimsuit with waist tie and short finely pleated overskirt. Sleeveless with thin elasticised straps. Inbuilt padded underwire bra with label and pale pink ribbon rosette on centre gore. Fastens with back zip.Label: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / 38"swimwear, brighton, dendy street beach, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, joyce fuller, joyce harries

Vice Chancellor was influential in promoting University of Ballarat in becoming a central player in the Ballarat and Western Victoria region. In 1998 he oversaw the amalgamation of the University with two Tafe institutions, which created the only multi-sectorial regional university in Australia. Professor James was a formal Ballarat City Councillor, the Chairman of the Ballarat Foundation from 2001 to 2008. He was also the recipient of the Centenary Medal in 2003 – an award created by the Centenary of Federation, which recognises the achievements of a cross-section of the Australian community, by honouring people who have contributed to society of government in Australia. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Framed academic portrait of inaugural Univesity of Ballarat Vice-Chancellor David James.Lower RHS M. Henwood 01art, artwork, michael henwood, henwood, david james, vice chancellor, academic portrait, portrait, academic regalia

"The Council Office of Paris in its session of 13th March 1972 awarded Monsieur Hugh Jeffrey the silver medal of the City of Paris." Dated 20th March 1972. Embossed on one side with the City of Paris's motto (Fluctuat nec mergitur) around a sailing ship above three badges (the Legion of Honour, the Croix de Guerre and the Ordre de la Liberation). The reverse side has 'Ville de Paris' (City of Paris) above an inscription 'Paris a Hugh Jeffrey 1972'.1 medallion in blue medal boxFluctuat nec mergitur (Tossed but not sunk)hugh jeffrey, awards

Professor David Battersby, AM, PHD (Waikato), MHED (UNSW), Vice-Chancellor of University of Ballarat, now Federation University Australia, from July 2006 to 2016. Professor Battersby is a graduate with first class honours from the University of New South Wales and recipient of a Commonwealth Fellowship. He was awarded his PHD in the field of Sociology from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Professor Battersby has been the recipient of numerous academic awards, including Commonwealth Relations Trust, and the Australian-Japan Foundation. He has been a Visiting Professor at universities in a number of countries and undertaken consultancies for UNESCO, OECD and a number of government agencies. Professor David Battersby was the Head of the Albury Wodonga Campus from 2000 to December 2003 and was also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University until 2006, when he took up his appointment at the University of Ballarat. Charles Sturt University has named its annual prize for leadership and good citizenship within the student body, in honour of Professor Battersby. For services to Tertiary Education as a Senior Academic and Administrator, Professor Battersby received the Order of Australia Medal in July 2015. Professor Battersby has served as a member of the Board of IDP Education Ltd, he recently stepped down as the Chair of Education Australia Limited. He is a Founding Chair of Regional Universities Network and Founding Chair of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka. (Education Australia Limited, http://www.educationaustralia.com/education_australia/board_of_directors/david-battersby.aspx). This item is part of the Federation University of Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Seated portrait of male dressed in blue / gold academic gown. It is Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor David Battersby. Framers' stamp middle bottom back Marking reads: Conserve Framing Anna East Picture Framer 6 Darlot St Horsham 3400 Phone (03) 5382 5147 ABN 33 324 854 836portrait, vice chancellor, academic, seated, academic portrait, university of ballarat, federation university australia, david battersby, academic regalia

D'Arcy 4th Div AIF/Ribbons attached to certificate/LHS - Victory medal Ribbon 1914-18 & RHS - British War Medal Ribbon 1914-20"Darcy Archibald Williams"/3363 Gunner 110th Howitzer/Served with honour and was disabled in the Great War/Honourably discharged on 14/06/17/(signed) George R I (for George V, George Rex Imperator, King George V

David Gordon Collection. The monument was created and erected by Mr. Barber of Dunolly in October 1919. It was unveiled by Brigadier General Brand C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O. at 2:30pm on Saturday November 8th, 1919. The Welcome Home Committee, formed 2nd July 1917, was largely responsible for commissioning the monument. Foundation members were Mrs. B. Patterson, Mrs J. Bock and the Misses P. Lemin, Violet Radnell, D. Dyer and Doris and Phoebe Bock. The Committee arranged 'Welcome Home' functions for each local soldier returning home after service in the First World War. Tarnagulla had a very large number of enlistments for its population. Angus M. Comrie is standing to the right of the Memorial with his daughter Mavis Comrie, and Nell Alexander. Mavis Comrie presented a new Union Jack flag to the Tarnagulla School on 25th July 1919 to commemorate Peace. Peace Medals were also distributed to the school students. The men in uniform at ground level are making up a Guard of Honour consisting of returned soldiers drawn from around the Tarnagulla district. They formed up at the Victoria Hotel, and there is a good photograph of them elsewhere in this collection. Original sepia photograph, mounted on card, depicting the unveiling ceremony for the Soldiers' Memorial monument in Tarnagulla. A large crowd is looking on, some spilling off the curb and onto the street, whilst several officials stand on a temporary platform. The obelisk monument is left of centre in the image.

The dinner on Saturday 4 November 1939 was held to celebrate Brigadier Savige's appointment to Command the 17th Infantry Brigade, 6th Division, 2nd AIF. The menu is included and the order of service with speeches by Sir John Gellibrand and a response by Stan Savige. A copy of both are also in the archive. There are five quotes through menu that sum up common sentiments of Stan Savige. Including 'Leave it to me and my little playmate'; 'This is the tamest fight I've seen - let's liven it up'; 'The only "experience" is trust in God then trial and error.' Savige's subsequent exploits in WWII are detailed in Chapter 4 of 'There goes a man' by W.B. Russell, which chronicles not only battles fought but also the politics which blighted his command until the end of the war. An important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy as well as the famous soldier, at a watershed moment in his life.Cream card with red medal ribbon insert, brown print of a menu and programme to farewell Stan Savige in 1939.Signed in pencil by Stan Savige.stan savige, legatee function, dinner

Murray Comrie Collection. The monument was created and erected by Mr. Barber of Dunolly in October 1919. It was unveiled by Brigadier General Brand C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O. at 2:30pm on Saturday November 8th, 1919. The Welcome Home Committee, formed 2nd July 1917, was largely responsible for commissioning the monument. Foundation members were Mrs. B. Patterson, Mrs J. Bock and the Misses P. Lemin, Violet Radnell, D. Dyer and Doris and Phoebe Bock. The Committee arranged 'Welcome Home' functions for each local soldier returning home after service in the First World War. Tarnagulla had a very large number of enlistments for its population. Angus M. Comrie is standing to the right of the Memorial with his daughter Mavis Comrie, and Nell Alexander. Mavis Comrie presented a new Union Jack flag to the Tarnagulla School on 25th July 1919 to commemorate Peace. Peace Medals were also distributed to the school students.Monochrome photograph depicting the unveiling ceremony for the Soldiers' Memorial monument in Tarnagulla, 1919. A large crowd is looking on, some spilling off the curb and onto the street, whilst several officials stand on a temporary platform. The obelisk monument is left of centre in the image. The Guard of Honour in uniform surrounding the forecourt are all returned soldiers from the Tarnagulla district. They were especially drawn together to form this Guard of Honour at the unveiling. Copy of an older original, Copy probably made in 1980s-90s. tarnagulla, war, military, service, soldiers, veterans, ww1, first world war, commemoration, school, war memorial, monument, comrie, radnell, lemin, dyer, patterson, alexander, bock, brigadier general brand

The plaque of Oppy reads: Hubert Opperman was born in Rochester, his early job as a Telegraph Boy encouraged his love of cycling. Throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s “Oppy” was the dominant figure in Australian cycling. He first won the Australian Road Cycling Championship in 1924. He won it again in 1926, 1927 and 1929. At the same time he was becoming and international star. This statue is modelled on his on his stunning victory at the Bol D’Or in Paris in the same year that he was highly placed in the prestigious Tour de France. His first place in the 1265 kms Paris - Brest- Paris road race was the highlight of his sporting career. That year he was voted Sportsman of the Year by a French newspaper. In 1991 Sir Hubert attended the Centenary Celebrations of the race and was honoured with Gold Medal of the City of Paris “Oppy” retired from cycling in 1940. Typically he celebrated his retirement with a 24 hour marathon at the Sydney Velodrome breaking one hundred and one records in the process. After war service with the RAAF he entered Federal politics holding the Victoria seat of Corio for the Liberal Party from 1949 until 1967. During this period he served as Minister for Shipping and Transport and Minister for Immigration. In 1967 he was appointed Australian High Commissioner for Malta, receiving the OBE in 1952 and was knighted in 1968. This Statue was officially unveiled by SIR HUBERT OPPERMAN On his 90th birthday, 29th May 1994Oppy signing Edna Barrie's leatherbound copy of 'Melton-Plains of Promise'. . The Inscription reads - To Edna with my Melton remembrances as the place I first rode a bicycle Hubert Opperman ‘Oppy’ [ 29/5/1904 – April 1996]. Edna Barrie contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.)local identities, local significant events

This photograph was taken about 1900. Herbert Schlink, on the right of the image was born in was born on 28 March 1883 at Wodonga, Victoria to German migrants Albert Joseph Schlink and Franzsiska Trudewind. He initially enrolled in Faculty of Arts at the University of Sydney, but after one year he transferred to medicine and graduated in 1907. This marked the beginning of a brilliant career. He was appointed as honorary gynaecological surgeon at Royal Prince Alfred, Sydney NSW from 1922. As a director of the hospital board from 1926, Schlink as chairman (1934-62) supervised the opening of Gloucester House, King George V Memorial Hospital for Mothers and Babies, Queen Mary Nurses' Home, the neurosurgical and psychiatric blocks, the (Sir Earle) Page Chest Pavilion and the hospital chapel. As a gynaecologist, Herbert pioneered the use of cobalt ray therapy in treating pelvic cancer and instigated the systematic follow-up of cancer patients. In 1954, Herbert was created Knight Bachelor for his public services and his service to medicine. He had previously received the Silver Jubilee Medal from his Majesty King George V, and the Coronation Medals of 1937 and 1953. Outside of his medical career, Dr Schlink was an enthusiastic skier. In 1926 he made the first winter crossing from Kiandra to Kosciusko. He was a foundation member of the Kosciusko Alpine Club and was directly responsible for the building of the first chalet at Charlotte Pass. Schlink Pass near Guthega in the Snowy Mountains is also named in his honour. Charlie Ryan is the boy on the left. He was to later become the editor of the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel after the death of his father in 1912.This image is of significant as it depicts a group of local boys including a preeminent medical professional who was born in Wodonga and a newspaper editor.A framed photo of a group of boys playing with a fire cart in Wodonga.Below photograph: "PLAYING FIREMEN / Young Charlie Ryan, left, with the boys of the village./ Herbert Schlink, probably the boy on the right, was to/ become Sir Herbert Schlink, on of the nations most/ distinguished men of medicine. Circa 1900. Photograph courtesy: Wodonga Historical Society"wodonga fire fighters, sir herbert schlink, charles henry ryan

The dinner on Saturday 4 November 1939 was held to celebrate Brigadier Savige's appointment to Command the 17th Infantry Brigade, 6th Division, 2nd AIF. The menu is included and the order of service with speeches by Sir John Gellibrand and a response by Stan Savige. A copy of both are also in the archive. There are five quotes through menu that sum up common sentiments of Stan Savige. Including 'Leave it to me and my little playmate'; 'This is the tamest fight I've seen - let's liven it up'; 'The only "experience" is trust in God then trial and error.' Savige's subsequent exploits in WWII are detailed in Chapter 4 of 'There goes a man' by W.B. Russell, which chronicles not only battles fought but also the politics which blighted his command until the end of the war. An important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy as well as the famous soldier, at a watershed moment in his life.Cream card with red medal ribbon insert, brown print of a menu and programme to farewell Stan Savige in 1939.Signed in pencil by Stan Savige.stan savige, legatee function, dinner

An article from the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin about Legatee Jim Gillespie being honoured by RMIT naming a building after him. Date is not known but likely to be 1969 or 1970. The article mentions 'an honour was conferred on Legatee (Past President) Jim Gillespie when the Governor and Lady Delacombe opens a new wing of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and called it 'The Gillespie Wing". The magnificent building of 12 stories accommodates 2490 persons (2290 students and 200 staff). A page of the programme was set out to list Jim's decorations, war service, and professional achievements and awards and his immense contribution to the RMIT extending over more than 30 years. Also that in 1968 in recognition of his proud record of service to the profession he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Institution of Surveyors Australia, and is the only person to be so honoured at the time. The article was written by JHBA (Legatee Brian Armstrong). The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Jim Gillespie a past president of Legacy and the recognition he received in his career. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed partial page from the Legacy Bulletin on Legatee Jim Gillespie - President 1938past presidents, jim gillespie, rmit

These were the official Australian team's sunglasses issued to competitors at the Winter Olympic Games at Lillehammer, Norway in 1994. The glasses belonged to Paul and Adrian Costa however they could not wear them because the Costa brothers were sponsored by Oakley at that time. The four Costa brothers - Paul, Adrian, Simon and Tom - all skied for Australia in mogul and freestyle competitions. They attended school at Falls Creek and Mt Beauty and were members of the Falls Creek Race Club. Paul’s first major event at the age of 16 was the Falls Creek Summit Masters, where he finished second in the Open Class. In 1993 he placed fourth at the FIS Freestyle World Championships in Austria. He was selected to represent Australia at the Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games in 1994. After these Games, Paul ended his competitive career and took up coaching junior teams and was a member of the coaching staff for the 2006 Torino Olympics. Adrian is a four-time Olympian, who competed in freestyle skiing at the 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano and 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. He contested the moguls event at all four Games and his best performance was 14th, making the finals at both the Albertville and Lillehammer Games. At Salt Lake City, Adrian had the honour to carry the Australian Flag in the Opening Ceremony. He competed at the World Championships from 1993 until 2001 and recorded his best place of 9th at the 1993 World Championships. His best World Cup performance was a silver medal in 1998. In total, Adrian Costa made 126 World Cup starts between 1991 and 2003, placing 31 times in the top 10 and seven times in the top five. He also competed in five Freestyle Skiing World Championships.These sunglasses are significant because they belonged to two Winter Olympians from Falls Creek.Ray Ban brand sunglasses decorated with the official Olympic symbols for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics 1994. Pattens on the arms represent skiers in a range of eventsOn corner of one lens: Ray-Ban and Olympic Rings On right arm: Lillehammer 94lillehammer winter games, adrian costa, paul costa

The ceramic piece is one of four porcelain fragments washed up from the Loch Ard wreck near Port Campbell Victoria. These fragments resemble the foot and leg of a large bird and legend has it that another bird had drifted ashore at the same time the Loch Ard peacock. This figurine is on display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and regarded as the most valuable shipwreck relic. It is believed that all four fragments could belong to another peacock or a Minton porcelain stork that had been photographed in a Home Beautiful magazine in 1928. This stork appeared to be missing a leg and foot and experts have hypothesized that the four fragments could belong to this stork, the whereabouts of which are currently unknown. History of the Loch Ard: The Loch Ard got its name from ”Loch Ard” a loch which lies to the west of Aberfoyle, and the east of Loch Lomond. It means "high lake" in Scottish Gaelic. The vessel belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many vessels from England to Australia. The Loch Ard was built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the vessel was a three-masted square-rigged iron sailing ship that measured 79.87 meters in length, 11.58 m in width, and 7 m in depth with a gross tonnage of 1693 tons with a mainmast that measured a massive 45.7 m in height. Loch Ard made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its fateful voyage. Loch Ard left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of 29-year-old Captain Gibbs, who was newly married. The ship was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. Onboard were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionery, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were other items included that were intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. Then at 3 am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land. But the Loch Ard was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4 am the fog lifted and a lookout aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head-on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and Loch Ard's bow swung back towards land. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time the ship was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves subsequently broke over the ship and the top deck became loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of Loch Ard and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael a passenger had raced onto the deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke the open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a complete state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom then returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached Loch Ard Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the Loch Ard tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some items were washed up into Loch Ard Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced in March 1982. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton majolica peacock- one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne 1880 International Exhibition in. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artifact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register.The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register ( S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. The collections historically significance is that it is associated unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. Glazed ceramic fragments; two that fit together. They appear to be a leg section and green foliage.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ceramic, porcelain, piece, fragment, ceramic bird, loch ard, shipwreck, salvage, recover, 1877, 1878, minton, shard

The Bendigo East Primary School was opened in 1915. In 1916 it was decided to plant an ANZAC Avenue of trees and this was completed on 16 June 1916. The plaques were placed after WW1. The school was closed in 1998 and the plaques were relocated to the nearby White Hills Secondary College in Napier Street on this board. In the early 2000's the Honour Board was donated to what is now called the Bendigo Military Museum. One hundred years after planting, later in 2016 the trees were removed in controversial circumstances. On the board 8 never returned, there is 1 x "DCM" winner, 1 x "MC" winner and 1 x "MM" winner. There are 3 x Wright Brothers of which 2 never returned. The plaque states that the soldiers attended the school which is obvious they could not have due to the opening date. The following Heritage report suggests that the names were of individual soldiers who lived in the area. EXTRACT FROM HERITAGE COUNCIL VICTORIA 2016 SUBMISSIONS HEARING “The Bendigo East School (‘the school’) was officially opened by Mr Frank Tate, Director of Education, on 7 April 1916. Approximately two months later, on 16 June 1916, Arbor Day was celebrated at the school with the planting of an ‘Anzac Avenue’ along a path from the front gate on Strickland Road (‘the pathway’) to commemorate the landing of soldiers at Gallipoli. The school’s ‘Anzac Avenue’ was one of an estimated 37 known to have been planted by school children throughout Victoria during mid-1916 as part of a program led by the Education Department, which included a recommendation to schools on 18 May 1916 that commemorative avenues be planted (‘the 1916 plantings recommendation’). At around this time, avenues of honour were also planted across Victoria to commemorate fallen WWI soldiers (‘the wider commemorative plantings phenomenon’). There were other commemorative plantings at the Place away from the pathway (‘the other commemorative plantings’). Anzac Day was celebrated at the Place in the years subsequent to 1916 and on 11 December 1920 the school’s ‘Anzac Avenue’ was officially opened. Embossed copper plates, mounted on wood, were fixed in front of the trees in memory of individual soldiers from the district who had seen active service in WWI. There is evidence that as many as 32 plaques may have been made and affixed (‘the name plaques’). Plaques were removed from their locations at some stage before 1964, mounted on a board and displayed in the school building. These are now located and displayed at Bendigo Sub - Branch of the Returned Services League.” EAST BENDIGO HONOUR BOARD – COPPER PLAQUES (27 PLAQUES in total). 1. 2441 CPL G.V. LE KIM 60th BATT. M.M. (George Vincent LEE-KIM, born in Bendigo, Awarded Military Medal. RTA. NOK Father’s Address: C/- Strickland Rd, Bendigo). 2. 3821 PTE. E.B. HEM 20TH BATT. (Edward Bert Hem born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: White Hills Post Office). 3. 3513 PTE. C.A. FOLEY 57th BATT. (Charles Albert Foley born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: Wilkie Street, Bendigo). 4. 5241 PTE. G. E. WRIGHT 6th BATT. † (George Edwin Wright born in Bendigo. KIA 8/12/1916. NOK Father’s address: 55 Charleston Rd. Bendigo).   5. 2663 L.CPL. N. E. DAVIS 60th BATT. (Norman Edward Davis born in Footscray. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: 193 Strickland Rd. Bendigo). 6. PTE. A. MOOG 16-6th BATT. † (5143 Adolph Moog born in Bendigo. Died of wounds received in action 8/12/1916, NOK Father’s address: Municipal Yards, Bendigo.) 7. 6515 SGT. W.A. BIRCHMORE DCM 11TH BATT. FIELD ARTILLERY (William Albert Birchmore born in Bendigo. Awarded DCM. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: Butler Street, California Gully) 8. 3924 PTE. J.P. NEWMAN 5TH BATT. † (392 (NAA) James Pausey Newman. Born in Bendigo. KIA 25/7/1916. NOK Father’s address Strickland Road, Bendigo) 9. 4865 PTE. H. T. NUGENT 5TH PIONEER BATT. † (also 4765 Hector Thomas Nugent born in Bendigo. KIA 26/11/1916. NOK Mother’s address: 55 Charleston Rd Bendigo). 10. 835 PTE. C.J. WRIGHT 7TH BATT. † (825(NAA) Charles Julian Wright. Born in Bendigo. KIA at Gallipoli 25/4/1915 NOK Father’s address 55 Charleston Rd Bendigo) 11. 5242 PTE. T.S. WRIGHT M.M. 6TH BATT. (Thomas Stanley Wright born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: 55 Charleston Road, Bendigo). 12. 13111 PTE. R.I. LEE 5TH FIELD AMBCE (19111 Robert Irwin Lee. Born in Kilcunda, Vic. RTA. NOK Wife’s address C/- Barnard Street, Bendigo)   13. 3731 DRIVER T.S. BROWN 5TH BATT.† (Thomas Sheridan Brown born in Bendigo. Died in the Field in France of Heart Failure. NOK Father’s address: Mundy Street, Bendigo). 14. 60999 PTE. J. SPENCE 5th BATT. (John Spence born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: 99 Talbot St, Brunswick) 15. 5127 PTE. S.A. LOY 7TH BATT. (Samuel Arthur John Loy. Born in White Hills, Bendigo. RTA Medical discharge. NOK Wife’s address C/- Hargreaves St Bendigo.) 16. 1649 PTE. A.M. HUTCHINSON 60TH BATT. (Alexander Morton Hutchison. (Note different spelling) born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Mother’s address Wilkie Street, Bendigo). 17. 3035 PTE. R.J. FLACK 10TH – 7TH BATTs. † (Robert John Flack born in Bendigo. KIA France 17/8/1916. NOK Father’s address: Strickland Road, Bendigo). 18. 4558 PTE. J.J. O’BRIEN 60TH BATT.† (John James O’Brien born in Glenalbyn, Vic. KIA 28/9/1917. NOK Father’s address 68 Strickland Rd. Bendigo). 19. 5233 CPL. G. WHITTING MOTOR TRANSPT. COY. (George Whitting born in White Hills, Bendigo. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: 46 Baxter Street, Bendigo). 20. 5203 PTE. A.J. TATTERSALL 6TH BATTALION (Arthur James Tattersall born in Mandurang, Vic. RTA. NOK Wife’s address “Thornwell”, Bendigo East PO.)   21. 2ND LIEUT. K.G. EMONSON M.C. 38th BATT. (Keith Glanfield Emonson born in Sydney NSW. RTA – Medical discharge/ GSW head. NOK Father’s address: Strickland Road, Bendigo). 22. LIEUT. A.J. HAMPSON RAILWAY UNIT (Alfred John Hampson R/N 2300. Born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK wife’s address: 76 Addison St. Elwood, Vic). 23. 216 SIGNLR R.P. BROWN 38TH BATT † (Raymond Patrick Brown, born in Bendigo. KIA 28 May 1917. NOK. Mother’s address: 138 Mundy Street, Bendigo). 24. 15118 STAFF SGT. A. EMONSON 3RD L. H. F. AMBULANCE (Harry Allen Phipps Emonson born in Sydney NSW. RTA. NOK Father’s address Strickland Road, Bendigo, Vic). 25. 1724 CPL. L.J. CHAPPLE 5TH BATT. (Leslie John Chapple born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: Nolan Street, Bendigo) 26. 4557 PTE. E. O’BRIEN 60TH BATT. (Edward Charles O’ Brien, RTA. (NOK Father’s address: Strickland Rd, Bendigo). 27. 3557 SIGNLER F. H. LYALL 5TH BATT. (Francis Hubert Lyall born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: Strickland Rd, Bendigo). Honour Board, Bendigo East Primary School, timber backing with a white timber edging. At the top is a silver Rising Sun Badge with the dates in white "1914 & 1919". There are 27 bronze plaques, each has the Soldiers Regt Number, Name, Rank and Unit, for those that did not return there is a Cross added, if the Soldier won an award it is also added. At the bottom left hand corner is a brass plaque with details. Refer Aquisition for details. On the brass plaque, “These plaques were placed on the Avenue of trees at the school entrance on 20 December 1920. They were a memorial to those who enlisted from the Bendigo East School in the 1914 - 18 War. Mr R. J. Lee a Returned Soldier was Principal at this time”memorials-honour boards, military history-service records, metalcraft-bronze, east bendigo

HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Ladies fob watch, gold, covered in encrustation (small section has broken off to reveal the engraved surface). Face and hands are missing, revealing the workings. Found in the Loch Ard gorge and said to have been from the Loch Ard.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, ladies fob watch, gold watch, fob watch, pocket watch, horology, accessory, time keeping, scientific instrument

Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Black one-piece swimsuit with deep v-neck and low-cut back and high-cut legs. Halter neck. Ruched sides. Label in side: "ada / 16"swimwear, ada of california, ada productions, melbourne designers, ada murkies, toni murkies

Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Blue backless one-piece swimsuit with ruching up sides and front. Halter neck. Straps loop down over hooks at the back.Label in side: "ada / 12"swimwear, ada of california, ada productions, melbourne designers, ada murkies, toni murkies

This swimsuit belonged to Audrey May Ferguson (nee Fulton), a longtime Brighton resident. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun.Black one-piece rayon and cotton swimsuit. Straps button at back. Asymmetrical zig-zag front with double-line of white stitching, embellished by a large cream button.Label, white with green palm tree logo and red text: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA" Label, white with red text: "61% RAYON, 10% RUBBER, 29% COTTON 36"swimwear, audrey may ferguson, audrey may fulton, melbourne designers, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, 1950s, 1960s

Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Pink short-sleeved one-piece swimsuit with silver lamé embellishment. Sweetheart neckline and low-cut back with metal zip. A black and gold swing tag is attached to one sleeve.Label in bra: “Ada OF CALIFORNIA / MIRACULOUS s-t-r-e-t-c-h BRI-NYLON / 34” Swing tag, front: black with gold text and palm tree logo. “Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / ‘Limited Edition’”. Back: gold with black text. “‘Limited Edition’”. Interior: “Congratulations on your choice of ADA OF CALIFORNIA ‘Limited Edition” Swimsuit contoured for your discriminating taste. / Style 546 / Size 34 / Price £11.9.6”. Care instructions also included.swimwear, ada productions, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, melbourne designers

To honour 15 years of service, a gold coloured medallion inset to a wooden column was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Association for the Blind Ltd. Tilly Aston Medal' and below this '15 Year Honorary Service'. On the back of some awards is a printed panel: 'Tilly Aston, at the age of 21 years and herself blind, founded the Association for the Blind in 1895. Visionary, administrator, teacher and poet, Miss Aston brought together sighted and blind people in a partnership of action to improve the lives of blind people. This award recognises the continuing accord and tradition of friendship and selfless service which she initiated.'1 blonde wooden stand with gold tone inlaid medallionJohn O. Wicking, Presented 17.9.93 Mardi McCann 18.5.2000 Neil Maxwell 27.02.98 Elizabeth Maxwell Presented 16.10.92association for the blind, awards, john wicking, mardi mccann, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

To honour the service provided, a bronze coloured medallion was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Association for the Blind Medallion / Founder Tilly Aston'. On the reverse is 'Presented to' with a spray of laurel around the edge. The medallion hangs on a blue fabric band that goes around the neck. Bronze coloured medallion with illustrationsassociation for the blind, awards, medals