An inspection tour of the Maroondah Aqueduct was undertaken by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society on Sunday, March 22nd, 1981, commening where the aqueduct crosses Main Rd., Research, just below Eltham College. The Maroondah Aqueduct was part of Melbourne’s water supply system. It carried water over the 66 km from the Maroondah Reservoir on the Watts River at Healesville to the Preston Reservoir. Of this length, 41 km were open channel, 10 km, tunnel through hills and 15 km in 14 inverted siphons across stream valleys. The route of the aqueduct is north of Tarrawarra and Yarra Glen, along the Yarra escarpment south of Christmas Hills and crossing Watsons Creek into the present Shire of Eltham near Henley Rd. The eastern part of the route lies entirely within the former boundaries of the shire. The aqueduct passes south of Kangaroo Ground to Research and crosses the Diamond Creek by siphon at Allendale Rd., Eltham North. It then extends to Reservoir via St. Helena, Greensborough North and Bundoora. Water first flowed through the aqueduct in February 1891 when it was fed by a diversion weir on the Watts River. Records of the building of the aqueduct indicate that it was a significant construction achievement. The present Maroondah Reservoir was completed in 1927 and the aqueduct was enlarged at that time to take increased flows. About 1971 the section of the aqueduct through and north of Research was replaced by a large pipe and that section of the channel is now unused. The channel has remained largely intact (unlike sections at Greensborough and Bundoora where long lengths of the disused aqueduct have been demolished or filled in). The M.M.B.W. relinquished control of the disused aqueduct reserve which is crown land and the Shire of Eltham took control of this section of the reserve as a linear park. The Maroondah Aqueduct is considered to be an important historic structure, not just to the local area but to the metropolitan area generally. It is considered important to preserve substantially intact long lengths of the disused aqueduct, together with its bridges and other associated structures. 35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 5) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotsactivities, heritage excursion, maroondah aqueduct, research (vic.), shire of eltham historical society

An inspection tour of the Maroondah Aqueduct was undertaken by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society on Sunday, March 22nd, 1981, commening where the aqueduct crosses Main Rd., Research, just below Eltham College. The Maroondah Aqueduct was part of Melbourne’s water supply system. It carried water over the 66 km from the Maroondah Reservoir on the Watts River at Healesville to the Preston Reservoir. Of this length, 41 km were open channel, 10 km, tunnel through hills and 15 km in 14 inverted siphons across stream valleys. The route of the aqueduct is north of Tarrawarra and Yarra Glen, along the Yarra escarpment south of Christmas Hills and crossing Watsons Creek into the present Shire of Eltham near Henley Rd. The eastern part of the route lies entirely within the former boundaries of the shire. The aqueduct passes south of Kangaroo Ground to Research and crosses the Diamond Creek by siphon at Allendale Rd., Eltham North. It then extends to Reservoir via St. Helena, Greensborough North and Bundoora. Water first flowed through the aqueduct in February 1891 when it was fed by a diversion weir on the Watts River. Records of the building of the aqueduct indicate that it was a significant construction achievement. The present Maroondah Reservoir was completed in 1927 and the aqueduct was enlarged at that time to take increased flows. About 1971 the section of the aqueduct through and north of Research was replaced by a large pipe and that section of the channel is now unused. The channel has remained largely intact (unlike sections at Greensborough and Bundoora where long lengths of the disused aqueduct have been demolished or filled in). The M.M.B.W. relinquished control of the disused aqueduct reserve which is crown land and the Shire of Eltham took control of this section of the reserve as a linear park. The Maroondah Aqueduct is considered to be an important historic structure, not just to the local area but to the metropolitan area generally. It is considered important to preserve substantially intact long lengths of the disused aqueduct, together with its bridges and other associated structures. 35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 5) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotsactivities, heritage excursion, maroondah aqueduct, research (vic.), shire of eltham historical society

An inspection tour of the Maroondah Aqueduct was undertaken by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society on Sunday, March 22nd, 1981, commening where the aqueduct crosses Main Rd., Research, just below Eltham College. The Maroondah Aqueduct was part of Melbourne’s water supply system. It carried water over the 66 km from the Maroondah Reservoir on the Watts River at Healesville to the Preston Reservoir. Of this length, 41 km were open channel, 10 km, tunnel through hills and 15 km in 14 inverted siphons across stream valleys. The route of the aqueduct is north of Tarrawarra and Yarra Glen, along the Yarra escarpment south of Christmas Hills and crossing Watsons Creek into the present Shire of Eltham near Henley Rd. The eastern part of the route lies entirely within the former boundaries of the shire. The aqueduct passes south of Kangaroo Ground to Research and crosses the Diamond Creek by siphon at Allendale Rd., Eltham North. It then extends to Reservoir via St. Helena, Greensborough North and Bundoora. Water first flowed through the aqueduct in February 1891 when it was fed by a diversion weir on the Watts River. Records of the building of the aqueduct indicate that it was a significant construction achievement. The present Maroondah Reservoir was completed in 1927 and the aqueduct was enlarged at that time to take increased flows. About 1971 the section of the aqueduct through and north of Research was replaced by a large pipe and that section of the channel is now unused. The channel has remained largely intact (unlike sections at Greensborough and Bundoora where long lengths of the disused aqueduct have been demolished or filled in). The M.M.B.W. relinquished control of the disused aqueduct reserve which is crown land and the Shire of Eltham took control of this section of the reserve as a linear park. The Maroondah Aqueduct is considered to be an important historic structure, not just to the local area but to the metropolitan area generally. It is considered important to preserve substantially intact long lengths of the disused aqueduct, together with its bridges and other associated structures. 35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 5) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotsactivities, heritage excursion, maroondah aqueduct, research (vic.), shire of eltham historical society

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers (Nov. 1981) of the Beard street group, a private street scheme, before construction commenced in February 1982. They provide perspective of the changes in housing styles and road development that began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 27) Mount - Kodak Ektachrome CardProcessed 18 Jan 1982roads, housing estate, infrastructure, private street scheme, park road

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers (Nov. 1981) of the Beard street group, a private street scheme, before construction commenced in February 1982. They provide perspective of the changes in housing styles and road development that began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 27) Mount - Kodak Ektachrome CardProcessed 18 Jan 1982roads, housing estate, infrastructure, private street scheme, park road

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers (Nov. 1981) of the Beard street group, a private street scheme, before construction commenced in February 1982. They provide perspective of the changes in housing styles and road development that began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 27) Mount - Kodak Ektachrome CardProcessed 18 Jan 1982roads, housing estate, infrastructure, private street scheme, park road

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers (Nov. 1981) reflecting road infrastructure. Golden Fleece Service Station on left now the Shell/Coles Express. On right is Bremner's Flats where the original Eltham tennis courts were siutaed at the turn of the 20th century and where the circus would be located in the 1950s and 1960s; now Wingrove Park35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 27) Mount - Kodak Ektachrome CardProcessed 18 Jan 1982infrastructure, main road, roads, bremner's flat, construction, eltham south, golden fleece service station, mount pleasant road, wingrove park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area in December 1980. They provide perspective of the changes in housing styles and road development that began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions. Typically part of the Beard street group, a private street scheme that developed the road infrastructure commencing in February 1982.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, housing estate, infrastructure, park road, roads

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area in December 1980. They provide perspective of the changes in housing styles and road development that began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions. Typically part of the Beard street group, a private street scheme that developed the road infrastructure commencing in February 1982.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, housing estate, infrastructure, park road, roads

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area in December 1980. They provide perspective of the changes in housing styles and road development that began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions. Typically part of the Beard street group, a private street scheme that developed the road infrastructure commencing in February 1982.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, housing estate, infrastructure, park road, roads

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardbeard street, eltham, infrastructure, roads, horse, park road

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, madine way, tadema park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, water main pipe track, madine way, eucalyptus road, tadema park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, water main pipe track, madine way, eucalyptus road, tadema park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, water main pipe track, madine way, eucalyptus road, tadema park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, water main pipe track, madine way, eucalyptus road, tadema park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, water main pipe track, madine way, eucalyptus road, tadema park

Roll of film taken by Eltham Shire Council officers of roads and houses in the Eltham East area, 3 September 1981 prior to construction of new water main; including views of existing damage to footpaths and gutters and general views of Beard Street. These images provide a perspective of housing estate developments and changes in housing styles and road development which began sweeping in from the mid 1970s with increasing urbanisation of what was once more outlying suburbs and regions.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, infrastructure, roads, water main pipe track, madine way, eucalyptus road, tadema park

One of a series of images of roads and infrastructure taken by Eltham Shire Council Planning and Engineering officers, May 1983 specifically looking at Private Street Schemes post road construction/sealing operations35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 21) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardroads, infrastructure, road sealing, footpaths and gutters, private street scheme, eltham, park road

One of a series of images of roads and infrastructure taken by Eltham Shire Council Planning and Engineering officers, May 1983 specifically looking at Private Street Schemes post road construction/sealing operations35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 21) Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardroads, infrastructure, road sealing, footpaths and gutters, private street scheme, eltham, park road, t-bowl

The Society again arranged a float for the festival parade. Members dressed appropriately to the theme "Pioneers of Eltham". The parade commenced at 12 noon, participants assembling at 11.30am in Cecil Street. As in past parades, several members of the Victorian Folk Music Club accompanied the Society. The Society also arranged a display at the Eltham Community Centre in association with the activities there over the Festival weekend. The theme of this year's display was the waterways of the local area.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, eltham festival, parade, parade floats, central park, doug orford, eltham shire office, garnet burges, joh ebeli, opal smith, panther place, peter bassett smith, peter bassett-smith, russell yeoman, victorian folk music society

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 25) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mgarden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park, scan - 35mm positive, shire of eltham war memorial, war memorial tower

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 25) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mgarden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial, war memorial tower

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 25) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mpanton hill memorial park

Originally built 1859 as the Eltham Police Residence, the Police moved intio new premises in Pryor Street in 1961. It was then occupied by the Eltham Shire Council Department of Parks and Environment from c.1985. In 1998 it became home of the Eltham District Historical Society.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, local history centre, main road, parks and environment, police residence, shire of eltham

In 1981 the Shire of Eltham Historical Society was asked by the Victorian Place Names Committee to comment on a proposal by the Shire of Eltham to assign names to parklands in Eltham as follows:- "Eltham Common" - the area between the municipal offices, Main Road, the Eltham railway -line, and Panther Place and containing Shillinglaw Cottage. The Shire has advised that this name has been used locally for the site since about 1975. "Alistair Knox Park" - the area bounded by the Eltham railway -line, Panther Place, Main Road, Bridge Street, and Susan Street, and through which flows the Diamond Creek. The area has been known locally as "Eltham Town Park" The proposed name "Alistair Knox Park" had created some local controversy with a number of reversals of the Council's decision and letters to the local paper both for and against the proposal. The society was reluctant to be drawn into this controversy particularly as there were known to be members with strong views both for and against the proposed name. The society appreciated the work done by Alistair Knox both in the formulation of the park concept and in its development but because of the controversy generated by the proposed naming and also because of the wide general use of the park by the public·, the name Eltham Town Park was felt more appropriate. The society noted that there was no outstanding historical associations with the land comprising the park which would warrant naming the park after any particular person, place or event. No objection was raised to the Eltham Common proposal as set-out above. The decision was made in the knowledge that Alistair Knox had been associated with the society over many years and was a prominent figure in the recent history of Eltham. He was regarded as a key figure in the environmental building movement and in particular was renowned for his use of mud bricks as a building material. He served as a councillor of the Shire of Eltham from 1971-1975, his final year as Shire President. It was during these years that the proposals to create the park in its present form were shaped and Alistair played a leading part in the decision to make it a landscaped passive recreational park rather than a sporting area. The parklands comprise a section of the Diamond Creek valley. The creek itself flows through the centre of the area which is overlooked by steep hills on each side. The parks form part of the land purchased from the Crown in 1851 by J.M. Holloway and then subdivided into allotments and called "Little Eltham". While most of the area was subdivided into residential lots the creek valley was subdivided into lots suitable for small farms. Some further subdivision took place over the years and the whole of the parks now comprises eight separate titles. A list of some of the former owners has been compiled but exhaustive research on all owners has not been carried out. The ownership of one parcel has been traced back to when it was purchased from Holloway by John Hicks Petty in 1874, long after it was subdivided. Other families owning land within the area over the years included Lyon, Rees, Clark, Waterfall, Carrucan, Graham, Hill and Morant. The character of the valley area has remained rural while development occurred on each side. Early photos show the area as orchard and grazing land. In 1901 the railway was constructed through the area resulting in the timber trestle bridge across the Diamond Creek. which is an important feature of the park landscape. A memorial obelisk to the Eltham servicemen killed in World War 1 was erected at the south eastern corner of the park. The site is now within the intersection of Main Road and Bridge Street and the memorial was shifted in the 1950s to the Eltham R.S.L. clubrooms. Following the financial failure of the local sub-branch, the memorial obelisk was again relocated to the Eltham War Memorial building precinct in 2011. During the early 1960's the Council started purchasing the land which now comprises the parks. In the late 1960's the area to the east of the Diamond Creek was used as a garbage tip and filled above the flood plain of the creek. When this area was filled the tip was transferred to the west side of the creek. From the early 1970's the area has been progressively developed as a park for passive recreation with ornamental lakes, extensive tree planting and landscaping. The character of the valley before the days of the tip has been recreated and this has earned a Landscape classification from the National Trust, an unusual honour for a man-made landscape. The parks are not only attractive in appearance. The large number of people using them, particularly at weekends and holidays is evidence of their popularity and the foresight and careful planning of local residents, Councillors and Council Staff. 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, alistair knox park, eltham town park

Former Eltham Park Tea Rooms35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 9) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, ansell and muir, chicken shop, eltham park team rooms, eltham south, milk bar, riverclay craft gallery, craft gallery

Originally known as Eltham Park until the establisment of Central Park in April 193035mm colour positive transparency (1 of 9) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, eltham lower park

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 9) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, diamond vlley railway, eltham lower park

35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whitelandscape, percy leason, lavender park road