"The Melton Viaduct, opened in 1886, is of State heritage significance as a very large and visually distinctive wrought iron, lattice girder trestle bridge over the Werribee River (now Melton Reservoir). It comprises 18.3 and 9.1 metre spans, in a generally alternate arrangement, of total length 375 metres, and standing 38 metres over the Werribee River. Wrought iron small section iron was used to build tension trussed trestle legs, which supported four lines of rivetted wrought-iron deck-type double lattice trusses. It has bluestone abutments and pier bases of coursed rock-faced bluestone with drafted margins. The larger half-piers, now usually submerged in the Melton Reservoir have sharp tapered cutwaters and curved coping at the tops. While designed to carry two rail tracks it has only ever been used as a single track line. Despite several alterations to its deck structure, it remains an outstanding example of a lighter structural design employing open metal trestle supports and metal truss girders. The direct Melbourne to Ballarat railway link of which the Melton viaduct was the major engineering work contributed significantly to the history and development of Victoria. This new link reflected Ballarat’s diversifying economy as well as the commercial and political influence of the metropolis. Construction of the bridge, and the associated large workers camp, were extensively photographed, documenting an important episode in local history. The railway enabled the development of new industries in the Melton area, notably the timber industry and a chaff industry of national importance, greatly facilitated the later transition of the Shire from a pastoral to a farming economy, and struck a major blow to Melton township’s era as a wayside town servicing Ballarat road (especially coach) traffic". Melton Railway Bridge being built across the Werribee Rivertransport

Photo of the painting scanned by Morrie Forte 2011. "The Minns’ Hotel, the was originally a butcher shop, before owner George Minns transformed it into a hotel. It later became known as Mac’s Hotel, which remains a popular place in Melton today".Oil Painting by D C Power Minns Hotel Meltonlocal architecture

Fanny Elizabeth nee Minns Parker, daughter of George Minns was born in Norfolk c.1808, married Nicholas Parker in Melton 1874. They had two sons, John Nicholas. Father Nicholas died circa 1877. Their second son George Minns Parker was born 31st December 1876. Fanny’s house contained external decorative features and corner stonework which was also used in the Willows House. Fanny died circa 1919 Fanny Parker was a friend of Ann Myers. Their sons were born in the same decade. The rate books show her as a dressmaker. Parkeer's house was located on Mckenzie Street, Meltonlocal identities, local architecture

Bon Barrie standing next to his car, Deanside property can be seen in the background of the photo.landscapes of significance

James Edward Barrie Jim’s parents were Charles (Ernie) and Jessie Barrie of Darlingsford Melton. Strathtulloh was owned by the Henty family in the 1840s. In 1853 William Tulloh purchased the property after whom the homestead was named. Historical Society Open Daylocal architecture, pioneer families, local identities

ROBINA MARSHALL was born on 30 November 1833 (Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, United Kingdom as the first child of Andrew MARSHALL and Barbara GROAT).She had one sibling,,who died on 19 December 1919 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. In 1854, left Liverpool on the Stamboul on 18 May and arrived Melbourne on the 21st of August at the age of 20. She went to Bendigo to help her sister Lillian (possibly Gibson). While in Bendigo she met and married Charles Fox on 13 September 1855 in Sandhurst, Bendigo. and they had two children Charles and Edward. Charles FOX was born in 1857 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia (Ballarat East).He died on 10 April 1862. Edward FOX was born on 20 January 1862 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia (Ballarat West). When Edward was 4 years of age when husband Charles died. She then moved to Ballarat and at the age of 31, she married John Smith WATSON,son of William WATSON and Agnes Nance SMITH, on 30 November 1864. John Smith WATSON and Robina MARSHALL had the following children: 1. William Andrew WATSON was born on 19 June 1865. 2. Barbara WATSON was born in 1871.She died about 1873. 3. Robina (Ruby) WATSON was born on 27 December 1866 in Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia.She died on 08 September 1903 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. 4. Adam Arthur WATSON was born on 19 June 1874 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.He died on 12 July 1954. 5. Alexander WATSON was born about 1877 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. 6. George WATSON was born in 1880. Robina died in 1919 aged 86 years. Portraits of Robina taken at different timepioneer families

John Smith WATSON was born in 1821 in Bedrule, Roxburghshire, Scotland, United Kingdom as the first child of William WATSON and Agnes Nance SMITH. When he was 43, he married Robina MARSHALL, daughter of Andrew MARSHALL and Barbara GROAT, on 30 November 1864. John Smith WATSON and Robina MARSHALL had the following children: 1. William Andrew WATSON was born on 19 June 1865. 2. Robina (Ruby) WATSON was born on 27 December 1866 in Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia. She died on 08 September 1903 in Ballarat, Victoria. Australia. 3. Barbara WATSON was born in 1871. She died about 1873. 4. Adam Arthur WATSON was born on 19 June 1874 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. He died on 12 July 1954. 5. Alexander WATSON was born about 1877 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. 6. George WATSON was born in 1880. In February 1895 John Watson died. He had been a member of the Ballarat Fire Brigade. His photo is included amongst the early members of the Ballarat Fire Brigade. His name is also inscribed on the marble board at the fire Station.Portrait of Watson at the 'new' Ballarat City Fire Station, 1112 Sturt St, relocated from original Ballarat Fire station, 702 Sturt St, Ballarat. pioneer families

Arthur was on 19 June 1874 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, son of John Smith WATSON and Robina MARSHAL. He moved to Queensland in the early 1900’s and was a champion rower in Victoria and Queensland and a noted cyclist who rode in three Warrnambool to Melbourne races, and footballer Arthur Watson was married to Kathleen and had two children Mercia and Bill (Brisbane Qld). He died on 12 July 1954. Arthur's sister was Robina (Ruby) WATSON. Portrait of Arthurlocal identities

Today the site is occupied by Home Hardware. Sister of Ann Myers, she Mary married John Luby, Melton 1857. John Luby’s name appears on the original land titles of the town of Melton. John died of typhoid in July 1869. Mary’s children were Ann, Catherine, William and Lawrence who was born after his father died. Mary died in 1910. Daughter Ann Therese was born in Bacchus Marsh on 1st June 1860. Their son William was born in 1862. Catherine Luby married John Neal in 1888 and they had seven children. This information came from- Kevin Neal to Edna (1995), Myers family notes and Margaret Brooks (2012) she is the great granddaughter of Mary Luby. Her mother was Margaret Neal and grandmother Catherine Mary. Ann Luby married Morris In 1899 Lawrence ‘Jim’ Luby died on 11th November. Mary with her children, Catherine and William in front of their cottage on Reserve Roadlocal identities, pioneer families

On the 12th of March 1891 documents show Ann Myer’s application for a dairy. A small addition to the front right side of the house can be seen in the photo of Ann and her two sons. The dairy remained until the house was demolished in 1969. Mary Dowling’s sisters Ann and Eliza appear on the shipping list to Australia arriving in Melbourne as assisted immigrants on the ‘Hotspur’ on the 25th June 1855. Their ages were recorded as 19 and 20 years. Ann Dowling’s records contains receipts for the rent of land in the parish of Kororoit in 1865. In 1867 Ann married Henry Miers at St Patricks Cathedral on the 28th May at age 26 years. Other spelling of the family name have been spelt, Miers, Myres, Mears and eventually became Myers. Henri came from Prussia but little information about his life before he married Ann. Ann and Henri had a small house built c1860 near Ryans Creek also known a Myers Gully. Henry was a labourer. According to notes in Edna’s research the original house consisted of two rooms and was built by Russell, and more rooms were added later built by Paddy Burns, the grandfather of Nick Burns. Additions were made to extend the south veranda and north further skillion rooms were added.Ann and Henri had four sons, Henry born in 1870, Thomas in 1872, George in 1874 and Frederick in 1877. By the December of 1886 tragedy struck again when father Henry fell from the top of a hay wagon at Darlingsford when the driver Ralph Parkinson failed to warn him the horses where about to move. Henry asked to be taken home where he died the next day. Henri Miers was aged 51 years at his death. The Parkinson family paid compensation for causing the death of Henry. Ralph Parkinson died shortly after. The Myers boys received their education at Melton State School. Their handwriting is testament to the benefit of receiving an education to grade 8. Frederick the youngest son gained his Merit Certificate on the 10th of October 1889. They also received books inscribed by the Head Teacher. Ann was illiterate and was aged about 15 years when she arrived in Australia and was dependent on youngest son Frederick. Although at a disadvantage she managed her legal affairs. Frederick Myers married Martha Watson in 1908. Thomas Myers died in November 1909 Ann Dowling Myers died in October 1924. She lived in the family home with Martha Fred, grandson Fred and granddaughters Marjorie and Edna who was aged six at her death. Her son Henry died in 1950 followed by George in 1954 and Frederick in 1963. Ann with two of her children and turkeys at the front of their housepioneer families, local identities

At harvest time farmers had relied on itinerant teams of workers descending on the district looking for work. The three Barrie brothers on their adjoining farms combined forces to cut their crop at its optimum time while the weather was in their favour. Up to many 20 workers at times formed a team in earlier times. Agricultural university students were also keen to gain practical experience in the field. Each of the brothers had a particular skill, and Tom Barrie was the expert on stack building. The district haystacks had a distinctive shape and could be recognised by their builder. Harvesting at Ferris Road, Meltonpioneer families, local identities, agriculture

Eldest daughter of Edna and Bon Barrie, born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Memoirs of Wendy Barrie, recalling the early formative years of life in Melton: In 1949 I started school at Melton State School no 430 and was driven the 2½ miles to there by my parents at first. Later we walked home in the afternoons or were picked up by car as we made our way home along the Western Highway. In 1956 I went to Bacchus Marsh High School. There were 4 students in grade 6 and 3 of us went to the High School. The students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School as far a fifth form. My parents drove me to the pick up point and during the five years of travel to High School. The bus travelled via Toolern Vale and later went through Exford and through Parwan. On the return journey in the afternoon the bus went in the reverse direction. The bridge at Exford was an old narrow wooden one, and the students had to get off the bus and walk across, with the driver crossing in the empty bus for safety reasons. There was a travelling allowance paid to parents and it was estimated from the distance the crow flies, a straight line. We lived a Ferris Lane, just where the Harness Racing entrance is now situated about 2 ½ miles by road to school too close to qualify for the subsidy. While at State School Melton we would walk home in a group with the Nixon and Gillespie children, along the main road over the bridge near the Shire Offices and down a hill. I was being dinked on Joyce Gillespie’s bike while holding onto the seat, toppled off the bike striking my chin and teeth on the bitumen and cracking my jaw. I was about 9 years old and stayed a couple of days in the Quamby Hospital in Bacchus Marsh, it seemed like and eternity at the time and quite traumatic being separated from my family. I can remember contemplating how I could get out of the window and run away but realised it was too far to walk home. Often we would cut across the Common on our way home from school picking up stray golf balls and collecting them from the creek when it dried out. We were warned about not accepting lifts from strangers passing along the Melbourne/ Ballarat Road. The only danger we faced was being swooped by the magpies particularly on the open ground on the Common. We were also fairly cautious when the Gypsies camped on the Common in the area just about opposite the small reservoir. “Mum” grandma Myers loved to have us call in on our way home, and usually would cut a slice of Jongebloed’s bread and spread it with home made butter. Sometimes we waited there until we were collected by car, usually driven by our mother. Margaret Nixon and Joyce Gillespie were a few grades ahead of me and Barbara Nixon was born just two months earlier than me. Our mothers were great friends for over 6o years, born in the same month three years apart. They lived within a few days of the same age as each other at the time their deaths. Dad and George Nixon attended Melton school at the same time. Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and my grandfather Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. The Nixon family lived in Keilor Road just past the Toolern Creek near the turnoff. Tom and Ann Collins lived on the southern side of the Western highway and Keilor road intersection. Jim and Ruby Gillespie’s house was further long Keilor road on the right. They backed onto the Myers who lived on the north side of Western Highway east of Myers Gully (Ryans Creek). The Bridge over the Toolern Creek as very narrow and as truck traffic increased there were accidents. One truck took out the side railing and plunged upside down into the bank and into the shallow water. Another fatal accident happened between a car and a truck right in front of the Myers house. Grandfather Fred had been a bike rider all his life, as far as the Riverina in his younger years, wryly made the comment about the drivers the speeding along the Ballarat Road were setting out to kill themselves. The road was busy particularly after the Races at Ballarat when the crowds were hurrying home to Melbourne. Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. During my third year of teacher training I travelled to Flinders Street to RMIT for ceramics classes and Grattan St Teachers College located in the grounds of Melbourne University. There were many teachers being trained at the Secondary Teachers College due to the baby bulge creating a great shortage of teachers. Sunshine High School was very well represented amongst the different courses in Primary, Secondary and Art and Crafts. I attended Melbourne University lectures, studying a Fine Art subject. Bernard Smith was the most notable of the lecturers. he replaced Professor Joseph Bourke who had taken leave for the years. In 1962 he published the art book “Australian Painting”. The secondary art and craft student teachers from the College were in the majority, taking this subject and were well regarded due to their practical art and craft methods and their teaching round experience. In December 1964 I graduated as a Trained Secondary Teacher – Art and Crafts. The graduating ceremony was held at Wilson Hall. I received my appointment to work at Maryborough High School. Uncle Max and Aunty Rosemary Myers arranged my accommodation. Uncle Max was a teacher at the Maryborough Technical School fat the time. The appointment was suddenly changed when just before the school year was about to start when I received notification that I was now required to move to Warracknabeal High School. I was subject to a bond for the three years of training and three years of teaching and was under an obligation to comply with the directive of the Education Department. My father stood as guarantor when I was accepted as student at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, thus enabling me to receive my teacher training, and a 5 pounds a week allowance for expenses. After teaching for two years at Warracknabeal High School I was fortunate enough the gain a transfer to Sunshine West High School, returning to live at home in Melton and travelling by car to work with a fellow colleague, Jock Smith who lived at Station road Melton. I completed bond obligation and resigned at the end of the year. The employment regulations at that time did not allow the option of leave of absence for, indefinite overseas travel. I returned to Australia in October 1969. Visiting Arthur Hart the Principal of Sunshine High School he arranged with the Education Department for my re-employment at Sunshine High School until the end of the year. In 1970 I was transferred, and returned to Sunshine West High School where I worked for the next three years. In January 1968 I sailed on the “Oriana” to South Hampton with two teaching friends from Warracknabeal High School on a travelling and working holiday. Doreen Kiely, a former Bacchus Marsh High student and fellow train traveller from Bacchus Marsh, was already working in London, had arranged our accommodation at the London Travellers Club Hotel, Braham Gardens, Earls Court SW5. We based our stay at this address in London and travelled around Scotland, Ireland and England. In the summer we took a four month trip around the Continent and the Mediterranean. I registered with The Royal Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames as a Supply teacher, and worked at Chessington School form autumn to spring the following year and living with Mrs Rose Gillies at Kinross Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. In the spring of 1969 visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland joining an organised camping group to the Artic Circle, entered Russia at Leningrad (St Petersburg) Moscow, Minsk, to Poland and Czechoslovakia. In August returning to Worcester Park for the flight to Montreal to stay with cousin Lynette and husband Jurgen. A side trip was taken to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York. The flight home from Montreal to Melbourne took 52 hours. A ½ day break in Vancouver before boarding the Qantas boeing 707 via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Sydney to Melbourne. Around the world in 21 months. Photographs of Wendy local identities

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Photographs of Bon Barrielocal identities, pioneer families

Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton Edna receiving a framed certificate local identities, local special interest groups

Bon married Eva Edna MYERS, daughter of Frederick Thomas MYERS and Martha Mary WATSON, on 25 October 1941 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.Bon and Edna on their wedding daylocal identities

Sections of the property from the Ferris Rd to the Toolern Creek were compulsorily acquired for the construction of the Melton By Pass road to become the Western Freeway. The freeway plan divided the original 1911“Darlingsford” farm. The section of the Ferris Rd 70-acre paddock belonging to Bon became the Freeway and roundabout. The construction to the west passed over the paddocks and the internal track along the fences connecting the Barrie brothers to the original Homestead at the Toolern Creek. Wendy, Bon and Peter Barrie entering Ferris Road from houselocal identities

Wendy Barrie's memories of Apollo Bay The camping trips were a yearly event after the harvest had finished. The trip down to the beach was a much-anticipated event heading out through Parwan and to Geelong leaving behind the hot and dusty plains and our parents relieved to have the hard work of harvesting left behind. The Otways in the distance were reached with great anticipation, Mum in the car and Dad in the Truck ahead of us anxiously winding through the narrow roads and negotiating the hairpin bends and breathing in the cool fresh air of the forest, and keeping an eye out of the log trucks that might come sweeping the corner. The tree ferns with their dripping moisture and the giant trees and the unmistakeable small of the eucalypts. Great excitement was when we caught our first view of the sea from the highest point of the road and then is was the cautious drive the sea level to the sight of the blue ocean with the white of the waves crashing on the rocks and the pristine sand. The water from the Wild Dog and Skenes creek trickling onto the ocean. The tree ferns with their dripping moisture and the giant trees and the unmistakeable smell of the eucalypts. The return journey was usually taken on the Great Ocean Road, it was considered safer to be on the inside of the road. In the early days it was very narrow and passing oncoming cars was taken very cautiously. Landslides and floods sometimes meant we would take the inland route. One year the bridges were washed away and bailey bridges were erected to keep the road open. Rock falls off the cliffs were common Stops on the way home gave us our last chance for our feet in the sand and a swim in the ocean. By the time we reached the hill at Angle Sea the vast blue ocean was behind us and we trekked back through Geelong- Bacchus road and the plains of stubble and the dry grass, and sometimes evidence of burnt patches from a bush fire. The closest we came to a pool at home was the concrete sheep trough at the gate to the work sheds. It was filled with bore water pumped from the nearby windmill. Edna, Bon and their family members at their camp site in Apollo Baylocal identities

Peter Ernest BARRIE was born on 07 November 1945 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and Robert Wesley BARRIE was born on 26 May 1955 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.Bon, Edna, Peter and baby Robert Barrie at Ferris Road, Meltonpioneer families, local identities, agriculture

Mary Ena married Keith John Robinson son of Isaac and Henrietta nee Raleigh of Creighton Melton. Mary and her father are photographed beside the Darlingsford house prior to her wedding in February 1930. Mary their first child was born in 1907. In circa 1980 she wrote about her parents and her early life. Page 1 of part of the original hand written script - Mother and father were married at the Methodist Church Melton by the Rev B E Williams on Aug 23rd 1906 and lived in the house beside the chaff mill for some years. [The family left Melton South in 1910. In 1911 they moved to the farm “Darlingsford” near the town of Melton home for their nine children born between 1907 - 1922 They had three daughters and six sons, the second boy died of diphtheria 1916 aged 5 years.] Page 2 Mary writes… Each winter Father would send a 20 ton truck to the Collingwood Central Methodist Mission to be distributed to the needy people in the area. Sr. Faith who was at the mission for many years became a very much loved friend of my parents and the family. I remember her as a prolific writer of childrens stories in the Methodist paper the “Spectator”. I still treasure a book sister Faith gave me for my birthday. Father and Mother gave the first donation of 10 pounds to open the fund to start “Yooralla” for crippled children all because a small boy asked for a bag of sweets for his brother who was crippled and not able to attend kindergarten. Sister Faith who was a small fragile woman with a tremendous spirit was a frequent visitor at our home where she loved the warmth, good food and the loving companionship of the family for many years. Later she ran the Chaucer Library in Collins just below Georges near the Athenaeum Theatre. Mother was an avid reader and many of the books she read came from this library. Page 4 – Mary writes….. Dad was always involved in district affairs ever ready to help someone in need, especially as a J. P. helping young people who may have been in trouble. He was always involved in the care of his [eight] brothers who were in need at times. He was an elder at the Scots Church Melton and Sunday School Superintendant when the Sunday School thrived. The anniversary became a special event with good singing supplemented by good music by Dad’s friends from Footscray saxophone and violin. The church would be packed both Sundays. The family home was open to all and sundry from the little Salvation Army lass from Bacchus Marsh driving a horse and jinker (without any experience) round the district. collecting, came looking for a bed for the night (and later crept into bed with me because she was terrified). The Methodist local preachers regularly spent several night and breakfast while visiting people in the Melton area. They were stationed at Bacchus Marsh and again drove a horse and jinker. One preacher I remember with gratitude was Mr Webster a retired school master and a fine man. Another was Pastor Tuttlebee again with no experience driving a horse and jinker. The first time he called Mother found him taking the winkers off the horse whilst it was still harnessed to the jinker. Another regular visitor was Mr Lister the federal member for Corio, he always stayed with us when he had meeting in this area. Another evening just as dusk another minister and his dear little wife were driving the horse and buggy to a new parish at Ballarat. They had asked at the Mac’s Hotel for accommodation, and their reply was we have no accommodation, go down to Mr and Mrs Barrie they will put you up for the night. They were most grateful to be taken in and cared for, somehow it seemed the most natural thing in the world that they would be welcome. A copy of Mary’s writing was given to her niece Wendy in 1990. Mary Ena Barrie's wedding daylocal identities

Jessie May born on 30th November 1883, Jessie, known as Ma Barrie to her grandchildren, was the daughter of schoolteacher, Thomas John Lang and Mary Elizabeth Coates. In 1896 Thomas and Mary Elizabeth moved to Melton. Mr Lang’s previous school was Coliban SS No 1920. Mr Lang was the Head Teacher at Melton until 1917. In 1910 he was a Committee Member Melton Mechanics Institute and Public Library at its establishment. He was a Life Member of the Melton Mechanics Institute Jessie lived in various locations around Central Victoria, particularly Pastoria and Melton. When her father was Head Teacher at Melton State School no 430, she met her future husband, Charles Ernest Barrie. The couple were married at the Methodist Church Melton on the 23rd August in 1906. They lived in the newly built house beside the Chaff Mill on the corner of Station and Brooklyn Road Melton South. Their eldest child was Mary Ena was born on the 7th of October 1907. IN 1909, Ernest Wesley (Bonnie) was born 29th April (Ascot Vale). In 1910 the family moved to a farm in Trundle NSW. The Chaff Mill was sold to Glover Onians – HSK Ward. Later the original mill was burnt and replaced, and in 1977 a fire destroyed it again and it was not rebuilt. In 1911, the family returned to Melton buying the “Darlingsford” farm in May. The weather was too at Trundle for Jessie. Their address was Elizabeth Street Moonee Ponds. William Cecil was born on the 23rd of February 1912 and Charles Edgar was born on 1st June 1913. In 1916 they lived in Moonee Ponds where the children attend Bank Street School, Ascot Vale. The children developed diphtheria Mary and Bon were transferred to Fairfield Hospital. March 1919 the family returned to live at Melton at the time of the outbreak of the Spanish influenza. Mary, Bon, and Edgar returned to Melton School. Following the death of CEB in a car accident in 1931 she was left to bring up her children on her own; the youngest Jim, aged 9 and eldest Mary, aged 24. Jessie left ‘Darlingsford’ in 1946 when her sons had safely returned from WW II. She stayed at Yarram for a time where her married twin daughters lived when more grandchildren were born and spent the remainder of her life living with various family members. SUMMARY - Dr Ian Robinson OAM Born 26th June 1931 Parents – Keith John Robinson of “Creighton” Melton Mary nee Barrie of “Darlingsford” Melton The family lived at “Heatherdale” Toolern Vale. Their 3 children, Ian the first followed by daughters, Ena May and Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Ian and Ena attended Toolern Vale State School. No 946 The family later moved to Columban Ave Strathmore. During 1942 the children stayed their grandmother’s house at “Darlingsford” Melton. They enrolled at Melton State School No 430 on the 13/3/42 after attending State School No 483 Raleigh Street Essendon. They left Melton School on the 31/7/42 returning to Essendon. Ian attended Geelong College as a boarder after completing his schooling he entered University to study Medicine. His early General Practice was in Melbourne. In 1972 he joined the Royal Flying Doctor at Mount Isa, North West Region of Queensland. The region covered an area larger than the British Isles. He was on call 24 hours for emergencies. He spent three weeks away with calls and in the fourth week attended Aboriginal Reserves. Ian took two Queensland Governors and their wives to spend three nights at the Clinic. Sir Colin and Lady Hannah are still their friends. Area Co-ordinator Ian was awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal along with his pilot when they risked their lives landing on flooded land to save a patient. Ian remained a loyal contributor to the Royal Flying Doctor Service until 1997 He met Queen Elizabeth 2nd in Cairns, and also met Prince Phillip and Prince Andrew in Brisbane. Townsville – Locum Beenleigh – General Practice Open 7 Days 198? -2002 Aspects of his work covered the following – Police Work State Commonwealth Medical Officer TEYS COMPANY Q FEVER. Q Fever presents with flu like symptoms. The 1st Test always came back Negative BUT 2nd Test always positive. Ian lectured other Medicos re Q Fever Council Immunization in schools Covered boxing bouts Large Practice In 2002 Ian retired but continued house calls for older patients. Information from Anne to Beth received by Wendy October 2013 Wendy Elizabeth Barrie Jessie May Lang [Barrie] and Ian Keith Robinson standing in front of a carlocal identities

Ernest Wesley BARRIE and Eva Edna MYERS's son Peter Ernest BARRIE was born on 07 November 1945 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Peter Barrie in front of large piles of hayagriculture, local identities

Farming at Ferris Road in 1960sagriculture

Barrie House on Ferris Road was located on the west side south of Highway. Weather board house was moved from Harkness Rd in 1941 and was moved to Bulmans Road near Porteous Road 1988/90 The site was near the entrance to the Harness Racing Complex.Black and white photos of the Ferris Road landscapeagriculture

Kindergarten visit to Edna and Bon's farm education, agriculture

Wendy Elizabeth BARRIE was born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Peter Ernest BARRIE was born on 07 November 1945 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and Heather Marjorie BARRIE was born on 06 July 1949 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.Wendy, Bon, Peter and Heather at Ferris Roadlocal identities, agriculture

Wendy and Edna at Apollo Baylocal identities

Black and white photographs of farm vehicles at the workshopagriculture

West Footscray Chaffcutting and Flour Millagriculture

Kevin O'Brien at the opening of the school libraryeducation, council

There were no high schools in the area pre 1975, and students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School. In 1975, Melton High School opened its doors. Coburn Road named after Coburns, early settlers family and George Coburn Councillor and 1935 Shire PresidentEarth works undertaken for the development of Melton High School, Coburns Road, Melton Westeducation