Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a Seven Platoon, Charlie Company, 4th Battalion/New Sealand (ANZAC), Royal Australian Regiment, number two on the M60 machine gun, patrols through close country on Operation Federal. the bullet belts for the m60 are twined about his body to distribute the weight.photograph, long binh, operation federal, 7 platoon, c coy, 4rar nz, gibbons collection catalogue, m60 machine gun, charlie company, anzac, royal australian regiment, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Gunner Doug Blenkiron of Murrayburg, SA, tossing cases of US Army C-Rations to another Gunner (wearing goggles, 2nd in line) at 1 ATF Base, Nui Dat, the re-supply is being loaded on an RAAF Huey 'slick' helicopter. (Circa march 1968).photograph, c rations, gnr doug blenkiron, 1st atf base, nui dat, huey helicopter, raaf, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

This piece of fabric in the design of the Republic of Vietnam’s flag was cut from a roll carried by Military Assistance Command Vietnam operatives when they went around the villages, compounds and outposts. As part of the ‘Hearts and Minds’ program, they would cut off sections and hand them out to anyone who wanted a bit. Some pieces became flags, some head scarves, some were even used to wrap babies. Pieces showed up everywhere. Collected by Sub-Lieutenant A C Perry, Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RAN HFV) 1969 -1970. RAN HFV ) served with the 135th Assault Helicopter Company of the US Army. The Americans named this combined unit the 'experimental military unit' (EMU). Framed fabric piece, yellow with three red stripes, representing the South Vietnam flag plus 3 helicopter unit patches mounted on right hand side SOUTH VIETNAM FLAG/ HELICOPTER UNIT/ SHOULDER PATCHES/ FROM VIETNAM WAR/ KINDLEY ON LOAN FROM/ ANDY PERRY (SS US)/ ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVYsouth vietnam flag, helicopter patches, arvn, perry, 135th, 135thahc, emu, ranhfv, navy helicopter, andy perry, hearts and minds

"Breeding Merinos" - C.H.S. Dolling, 1970.Book, 266pp. Black hardcover with a dust jacket printed in colour with a flock of grazing sheep.sheep breeding merino sheep, sheep breeding, merino sheep, books

A black and white class photograph from June 1, 1970 showing 25 Grade 5 and 6 students and one teacher. Some of the students appear to be wearing a school uniform of a grey v-necked jumper. The photograph has been taken outside the school building. On the back is written: Norma Worme c/o Sheryl Worme. Gemma Starr Collectionbendigo east state school, bendigo schools, 1970 bendigo east state school, worme, gemma starr collection

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers from 2 Platoon commanded by 2Lt Molnar A Coy, commanded by Maj. Kim Patterson, move out with the support of 1 Troop, C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment, Commanded by Lt. Brian Sullivan on Operation Goodwood (Circa 27/01/1969)photograph, 2 platoon, a coy, 1st armoured regiment, operation goodwood, gibbons collection catalogue, 2lt alex molnar, maj kim patterson, lt brian sullivan, digger, denis gibbons

William John (Bill) Pill born 1894 Diamond Creek, son of Jessie Ann Whatmough and John Henry Pill. A modestly successful market gardener, growing tomatoes, at Cottles Bridge. He was murdered in his cottage on 21 December 1958. Contents Photograph: William John Pill. Photographs (4): Pill's Cottage, Cottles and farm Bridge 1936. Magazine article: "Tortured!", pages 23-27, "Killers at Large" Southdown Press 1970. Story of the murder of Bill Pill.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcwilliam john pill, bill pill, cottles bridge, ada pill, detective sergeant frederick adam, tim powder, senior constable k lloyd, herbert funnell, first constable leonard dugdale, henry pascoe, detective inspector c petty, john henry pill, jessie ann pill nee whatmough, market garden, murder, steve whatmough collection

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of "Nobody has 365 and a wakey" so was the chant of the Old Timers at 1st ATF Base, Nui Dat as new arrivals about to commence their tour of duty. These replacments were delivered by a US C130 aircraftphotograph, 1st atf base, nui dat, c-130 hercules, gibbons collection catalogue, new arrivals, denis gibbons

This is a diverse collection of Tourist Maps for the Warrnambool & District area. [.1] From information on this guide it dates from the mid 1970's. It appears to not have been commercially printed and includes details of attractions no longer operating in Warrnambool such as Warrnambool Aquarium and the Oasis Reptile Park and Zoo. [.2] Commercially printed Warrnambool tourist map (c mid 1980's) surrounded by advertisements for local businesses. [.3] Commercial printed December 1991 tourist map of Warrnambool and District includes a competition entry form [.4] Commercially printed tourist map aimed at children [.5] Walking map of Warrnambool and District [.6] Commercially printed Warrnambool tourist map (c mid 1980's) surrounded by advertisements for local businesses. This collection of maps from the mid 1970's to early 1990's gives an insight into what was available to assist tourists find their way around Warrnambool and District. They include advertisements for business operating during this period and include lists of available accommodation, eateries, and tourist attractions.[.1] Tourist Attractions In and Around Warrnambool two foolscap pages with two sides of type written information of local and district attractions. There is a Warrnambool City map with points of interest marked and a hand drawn district map; [.2]Commercially printed grid map of Warrnambool City surrounded by advertisements from local businesses. Reverse side has a district map and a map of the Warrnambool CBD surrounded by advertising. [.3] Brochure including small grid maps of Warrnambool and district listing accommodation providers and places of interest. Stylised blue & bright green design of Norfolk pines and sea. [.4] Children's treasure hunt map to Warrnambool There are two examples, one with blue edging (Jan 1986) and one with red edging (Aug 1993) Both have a circular logo with a stylised whale and lighthouse [.5] Walking maps of Warrnambool blue printed photo of four tourists walking coastline on the front cover. [.6] Commercially printed grid map of Warrnambool with a bright yellow inset of Warrnambool CBD main shopping centre. The map is surrounded by advertising for local businesses.warrnambool, tourist maps, warrnambool businesses, warrnambool accommodation

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Private G.L. Condon, 7 Platoon, Charlie Coy 4th Battalion/New Zealand (ANZAC) stopping for a short rest while patrolling in Bien Hoa Province on 'Operation Federal'. Pte Condon is carrying an Armalite rifle and an M79 grenade launcher (June 1968-May 1969).photograph, pte g l condon, 7 platoon, c coy, 4th nz battalion, operation federal, bien hoa province, armalite rifle, m72 rocket launcher, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of late afternon, 14th March 1969. Section strength TAOR patrol, Long Binh 'Operation Federal' 7 Platoon, C Company 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) - the M60 Gunner moves to the fork in the road to give covering fire to the section riflemen.photograph, 7 platoon, c coy, operation federal, taor patrol, long binh, m60 machine gun, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, section strength, 4 rar/nz (anzac), riflemen

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of the 1st Australian Task Force Commander Brigadier C M Pearson MC with the Commanding Officer 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Lt Col David Butler, at the cross of remembrance dedicated to those who fought at the battle of Long Tan 18/08/1966.photograph, 1st australian task force, brigadier "sandy" c.m.i. pearson, lt col butler, long tan, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, long tan cross dedication, 6 rar/nz (anzac)

Black colour file folder fitted with Wotar hand operated clip to retain documents. Contains information about destination rolls, layouts, memos regarding destination rolls, signed by R. C. Drummond, bus rolls, Decorated car rolls, route numbers. In the rear of the document are sheets outlining paint and material stocks in 1969/1970. Prepared during the 1960's and early 1970s. See images for destination rolls and route number listing.trams, tramways, mmtb, preston workshops, destination roll, route numbers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of - At 8th Field Ambulace Hospital, Vung Tau two Medics chat to Mrs Pearl Copeland as she waits for he son Pte Russel Copeland to be loaded onto a medivac stretcher for the RAAF C 130 flight back to Australia8th field ambulance, vung tau, pte russel copeland, c130 medivac flight, raaf, gibbons collection catalogue, mrs pearl copeland, medivac, medics, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of diggers from 1st Australian Task Force, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, are briefed by the Provost Marshall on what is expected of them whilst on R & C leave in Vung Tau. The Military Police set the scene by giving the diggers their first beer freephotograph, 1 atf, nui dat, vung tau, military police, gibbons collection catalogue, r & c leave, phuoc tuy province, diggers, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Engineer 'Tunnel Rats' don gas masks to check out NVA/VietCong bunkers and their connecting tunnels prior to setting explosives and C.S, gas crystals to destroy and impregnate the system.photograph, 1st atf base, nui dat, tunnel rats, gibbons collection catalogue, c s gas, explosives, engineers, nva viet cong, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Engineer 'Tunnel Rats' prepare to blow a NVA/VietCong bunker complex and its connecting tunnels, and at the same time seed the underground area with C.S, gas crystals North West of the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province.photograph, 1st atf base, nui dat, tunnel rats, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, engineers, c s gas, nva viet cong, phuoc tuy province, denis gibbons

Turnoff to Candlebark Park on right. The bridge over the Yarra River was initially opened September 22nd, 1961. Newspaper reports at the time of opening stated it linked Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. In 1955 the Country Roads Board (CRB) produced survey plans that showed proposed land acquisition for the future bridge and road approaches. The 1955 plan shows that it was proposed to connect Fitzsimons Lane with Bolton Street in Eltham by a diagonal road across the river. The road connection would then continue along Bolton Street to Main Road. Prior to construction of the bridge the CRB modified the proposal significantly so that there was a new road parallel with Bolton Street and then curving to join Main Road at what was then its intersection with Old Eltham Road. This involved significantly more land acquisition and altered the pattern of land subdivision through this corridor. Initially the new road was just a single two-way carriageway as it would have required a significant widening of the cutting on the Shire of Eltham side of the river. The road was officially un-named but was known locally as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. The 1966 Melway street directory and other 1960s editions also listed the road as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. In December 1970, Eltham Shire Council, in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, named it Templestowe Road. The road was renamed Fitzsimons Lane around 1984 in conformity with the section south of the river. In 1991 a new bridge was built to the west of the original bridge. Fitzsimons Lane was widened to four traffic lanes although on the Eltham side this was done within the limits of the existing cutting. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING Without any fanfares, Country Roads Board workmen on Friday afternoon put the finishing touches to the approaches, removed the barricades, and let the traffic roll over the new Yarra bridge linking Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. Over the week-end many “bridge watchers” who were making one of their periodic inspections of the progress on the new bridge found to their surprise that they could drive over it, so that people who had gone for a run out to Eltham suddenly found themselves wandering through Templestowe and Doncaster. By Monday the word of the bridge’s opening had got around sufficiently for many regular travellers to the city from Eltham and beyond to vary the monotony by going to town via Templestowe and Kew instead of through Heidelberg. They were surprised at the distances – about 3 ½ miles from Eltham to Templestowe, 6 miles from Eltham Shire hall to the Lower Heidelberg Road-Banksia Street intersection. NEW NEIGHBOURS For people on both sides of the river, the new bridge has turned distant friends into near neighbours. A Greensborough man on Sunday took 35 minutes to reach the home of a friend in East Doncaster, but the return trip over the new bridge took only 17 minutes. It will be some time yet before most people work out the possibilities in shorter and quicker trips form the north-eastern areas to the eastern and south-eastern suburbs. The coming of the warmer months will soon teach many, though the short cuts to Peninsular beaches and eastern suburban drive-ins. And before very long it is likely there will be a Tramways bus running from Templestowe to Eltham station. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING (1961, September 27). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-1_047) The previously un-named road between Main Road and Yarra River, Eltham South, east of Bolton Street was named Templestowe Road, December 15, 1970 NAMING OF STREETS AND ROADS. (1970, December 15). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-2_022)Colour photographinfrastructure, shire of eltham infrastructure, bridge, fitzsimons lane bridge, yarra river, candlebark park, red nose day

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Contat, Contact, Contact....late afternoon section strength TAOR Patrol, Long Binh, Operation Federal, 14th March 1969, 7 Platoon, C Company 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), under heavy fire from both sides of the road the riflemen engage the enemy to their immediate rightphotograph, operation federal, long binh, 7 platoon, c coy, 4rar nz, gibbons collection catalogue, taor patrol, 4 rar/nz (anzac), riflemen, denis gibbons

The bridge over the Yarra River was initially opened September 22nd, 1961. Newspaper reports at the time of opening stated it linked Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. In 1955 the Country Roads Board (CRB) produced survey plans that showed proposed land acquisition for the future bridge and road approaches. The 1955 plan shows that it was proposed to connect Fitzsimons Lane with Bolton Street in Eltham by a diagonal road across the river. The road connection would then continue along Bolton Street to Main Road. Prior to construction of the bridge the CRB modified the proposal significantly so that there was a new road parallel with Bolton Street and then curving to join Main Road at what was then its intersection with Old Eltham Road. This involved significantly more land acquisition and altered the pattern of land subdivision through this corridor. Initially the new road was just a single two-way carriageway as it would have required a significant widening of the cutting on the Shire of Eltham side of the river. The road was officially un-named but was known locally as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. The 1966 Melway street directory and other 1960s editions also listed the road as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. In December 1970, Eltham Shire Council, in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, named it Templestowe Road. The road was renamed Fitzsimons Lane around 1984 in conformity with the section south of the river. In 1991 a new bridge was built to the west of the original bridge. Fitzsimons Lane was widened to four traffic lanes although on the Eltham side this was done within the limits of the existing cutting. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING Without any fanfares, Country Roads Board workmen on Friday afternoon put the finishing touches to the approaches, removed the barricades, and let the traffic roll over the new Yarra bridge linking Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. Over the week-end many “bridge watchers” who were making one of their periodic inspections of the progress on the new bridge found to their surprise that they could drive over it, so that people who had gone for a run out to Eltham suddenly found themselves wandering through Templestowe and Doncaster. By Monday the word of the bridge’s opening had got around sufficiently for many regular travellers to the city from Eltham and beyond to vary the monotony by going to town via Templestowe and Kew instead of through Heidelberg. They were surprised at the distances – about 3 ½ miles from Eltham to Templestowe, 6 miles from Eltham Shire hall to the Lower Heidelberg Road-Banksia Street intersection. NEW NEIGHBOURS For people on both sides of the river, the new bridge has turned distant friends into near neighbours. A Greensborough man on Sunday took 35 minutes to reach the home of a friend in East Doncaster, but the return trip over the new bridge took only 17 minutes. It will be some time yet before most people work out the possibilities in shorter and quicker trips form the north-eastern areas to the eastern and south-eastern suburbs. The coming of the warmer months will soon teach many, though the short cuts to Peninsular beaches and eastern suburban drive-ins. And before very long it is likely there will be a Tramways bus running from Templestowe to Eltham station. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING (1961, September 27). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-1_047) The previously un-named road between Main Road and Yarra River, Eltham South, east of Bolton Street was named Templestowe Road, December 15, 1970 NAMING OF STREETS AND ROADS. (1970, December 15). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-2_022)Black and white photographManufacturer's marks: Polaroid, Batch #J62K181 (Sep 1966).infrastructure, shire of eltham infrastructure, bridge, fitzsimons lane bridge, polaroid, yarra river

The bridge over the Yarra River was initially opened September 22nd, 1961. Newspaper reports at the time of opening stated it linked Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. In 1955 the Country Roads Board (CRB) produced survey plans that showed proposed land acquisition for the future bridge and road approaches. The 1955 plan shows that it was proposed to connect Fitzsimons Lane with Bolton Street in Eltham by a diagonal road across the river. The road connection would then continue along Bolton Street to Main Road. Prior to construction of the bridge the CRB modified the proposal significantly so that there was a new road parallel with Bolton Street and then curving to join Main Road at what was then its intersection with Old Eltham Road. This involved significantly more land acquisition and altered the pattern of land subdivision through this corridor. Initially the new road was just a single two-way carriageway as it would have required a significant widening of the cutting on the Shire of Eltham side of the river. The road was officially un-named but was known locally as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. The 1966 Melway street directory and other 1960s editions also listed the road as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. In December 1970, Eltham Shire Council, in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, named it Templestowe Road. The road was renamed Fitzsimons Lane around 1984 in conformity with the section south of the river. In 1991 a new bridge was built to the west of the original bridge. Fitzsimons Lane was widened to four traffic lanes although on the Eltham side this was done within the limits of the existing cutting. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING Without any fanfares, Country Roads Board workmen on Friday afternoon put the finishing touches to the approaches, removed the barricades, and let the traffic roll over the new Yarra bridge linking Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. Over the week-end many “bridge watchers” who were making one of their periodic inspections of the progress on the new bridge found to their surprise that they could drive over it, so that people who had gone for a run out to Eltham suddenly found themselves wandering through Templestowe and Doncaster. By Monday the word of the bridge’s opening had got around sufficiently for many regular travellers to the city from Eltham and beyond to vary the monotony by going to town via Templestowe and Kew instead of through Heidelberg. They were surprised at the distances – about 3 ½ miles from Eltham to Templestowe, 6 miles from Eltham Shire hall to the Lower Heidelberg Road-Banksia Street intersection. NEW NEIGHBOURS For people on both sides of the river, the new bridge has turned distant friends into near neighbours. A Greensborough man on Sunday took 35 minutes to reach the home of a friend in East Doncaster, but the return trip over the new bridge took only 17 minutes. It will be some time yet before most people work out the possibilities in shorter and quicker trips form the north-eastern areas to the eastern and south-eastern suburbs. The coming of the warmer months will soon teach many, though the short cuts to Peninsular beaches and eastern suburban drive-ins. And before very long it is likely there will be a Tramways bus running from Templestowe to Eltham station. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING (1961, September 27). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-1_047) The previously un-named road between Main Road and Yarra River, Eltham South, east of Bolton Street was named Templestowe Road, December 15, 1970 NAMING OF STREETS AND ROADS. (1970, December 15). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-2_022)Black and white photographManufacturer's marks: Polaroid, Batch #J62K181 (Sep 1966).infrastructure, shire of eltham infrastructure, bridge, fitzsimons lane bridge, polaroid, yarra river

The bridge over the Yarra River was initially opened September 22nd, 1961. Newspaper reports at the time of opening stated it linked Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. In 1955 the Country Roads Board (CRB) produced survey plans that showed proposed land acquisition for the future bridge and road approaches. The 1955 plan shows that it was proposed to connect Fitzsimons Lane with Bolton Street in Eltham by a diagonal road across the river. The road connection would then continue along Bolton Street to Main Road. Prior to construction of the bridge the CRB modified the proposal significantly so that there was a new road parallel with Bolton Street and then curving to join Main Road at what was then its intersection with Old Eltham Road. This involved significantly more land acquisition and altered the pattern of land subdivision through this corridor. Initially the new road was just a single two-way carriageway as it would have required a significant widening of the cutting on the Shire of Eltham side of the river. The road was officially un-named but was known locally as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. The 1966 Melway street directory and other 1960s editions also listed the road as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. In December 1970, Eltham Shire Council, in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, named it Templestowe Road. The road was renamed Fitzsimons Lane around 1984 in conformity with the section south of the river. In 1991 a new bridge was built to the west of the original bridge. Fitzsimons Lane was widened to four traffic lanes although on the Eltham side this was done within the limits of the existing cutting. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING Without any fanfares, Country Roads Board workmen on Friday afternoon put the finishing touches to the approaches, removed the barricades, and let the traffic roll over the new Yarra bridge linking Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. Over the week-end many “bridge watchers” who were making one of their periodic inspections of the progress on the new bridge found to their surprise that they could drive over it, so that people who had gone for a run out to Eltham suddenly found themselves wandering through Templestowe and Doncaster. By Monday the word of the bridge’s opening had got around sufficiently for many regular travellers to the city from Eltham and beyond to vary the monotony by going to town via Templestowe and Kew instead of through Heidelberg. They were surprised at the distances – about 3 ½ miles from Eltham to Templestowe, 6 miles from Eltham Shire hall to the Lower Heidelberg Road-Banksia Street intersection. NEW NEIGHBOURS For people on both sides of the river, the new bridge has turned distant friends into near neighbours. A Greensborough man on Sunday took 35 minutes to reach the home of a friend in East Doncaster, but the return trip over the new bridge took only 17 minutes. It will be some time yet before most people work out the possibilities in shorter and quicker trips form the north-eastern areas to the eastern and south-eastern suburbs. The coming of the warmer months will soon teach many, though the short cuts to Peninsular beaches and eastern suburban drive-ins. And before very long it is likely there will be a Tramways bus running from Templestowe to Eltham station. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING (1961, September 27). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-1_047) The previously un-named road between Main Road and Yarra River, Eltham South, east of Bolton Street was named Templestowe Road, December 15, 1970 NAMING OF STREETS AND ROADS. (1970, December 15). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-2_022)Black and white photographManufacturer's marks: Polaroid, Batch #J62K181 (Sep 1966).infrastructure, shire of eltham infrastructure, bridge, fitzsimons lane bridge, polaroid, yarra river

The bridge over the Yarra River was initially opened September 22nd, 1961. Newspaper reports at the time of opening stated it linked Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. In 1955 the Country Roads Board (CRB) produced survey plans that showed proposed land acquisition for the future bridge and road approaches. The 1955 plan shows that it was proposed to connect Fitzsimons Lane with Bolton Street in Eltham by a diagonal road across the river. The road connection would then continue along Bolton Street to Main Road. Prior to construction of the bridge the CRB modified the proposal significantly so that there was a new road parallel with Bolton Street and then curving to join Main Road at what was then its intersection with Old Eltham Road. This involved significantly more land acquisition and altered the pattern of land subdivision through this corridor. Initially the new road was just a single two-way carriageway as it would have required a significant widening of the cutting on the Shire of Eltham side of the river. The road was officially un-named but was known locally as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. The 1966 Melway street directory and other 1960s editions also listed the road as the Eltham-Templestowe Road. In December 1970, Eltham Shire Council, in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, named it Templestowe Road. The road was renamed Fitzsimons Lane around 1984 in conformity with the section south of the river. In 1991 a new bridge was built to the west of the original bridge. Fitzsimons Lane was widened to four traffic lanes although on the Eltham side this was done within the limits of the existing cutting. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING Without any fanfares, Country Roads Board workmen on Friday afternoon put the finishing touches to the approaches, removed the barricades, and let the traffic roll over the new Yarra bridge linking Bolton Street, Eltham, with Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe. Over the week-end many “bridge watchers” who were making one of their periodic inspections of the progress on the new bridge found to their surprise that they could drive over it, so that people who had gone for a run out to Eltham suddenly found themselves wandering through Templestowe and Doncaster. By Monday the word of the bridge’s opening had got around sufficiently for many regular travellers to the city from Eltham and beyond to vary the monotony by going to town via Templestowe and Kew instead of through Heidelberg. They were surprised at the distances – about 3 ½ miles from Eltham to Templestowe, 6 miles from Eltham Shire hall to the Lower Heidelberg Road-Banksia Street intersection. NEW NEIGHBOURS For people on both sides of the river, the new bridge has turned distant friends into near neighbours. A Greensborough man on Sunday took 35 minutes to reach the home of a friend in East Doncaster, but the return trip over the new bridge took only 17 minutes. It will be some time yet before most people work out the possibilities in shorter and quicker trips form the north-eastern areas to the eastern and south-eastern suburbs. The coming of the warmer months will soon teach many, though the short cuts to Peninsular beaches and eastern suburban drive-ins. And before very long it is likely there will be a Tramways bus running from Templestowe to Eltham station. NEW BRIDGE STARTS THEM EXPLORING (1961, September 27). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-1_047) The previously un-named road between Main Road and Yarra River, Eltham South, east of Bolton Street was named Templestowe Road, December 15, 1970 NAMING OF STREETS AND ROADS. (1970, December 15). The Diamond Valley News (News clipping held in SEA_74-2_022)Black and white photographManufacturer's marks: Polaroid, Batch #J62K181 (Sep 1966).infrastructure, shire of eltham infrastructure, bridge, fitzsimons lane bridge, polaroid, yarra river

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of General Creighton Abrams, Officer Commanding Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) accompanied by Maj Aalan Vickers and watched by the 1st Australian Task Force Commnader, Brig C M I Sandy Pearson inspects an Australian Centurian tank which hab been damaged by an enemy mine. General Abrams was making his first visit to Australian Forces in the field.photograph, general creighton abrams, macv, maj aalan vickers, 1st atf base, centurion tank, gibbons collection catalogue, officer commanding, 1st australian task force, brigadier "sandy" c.m.i. pearson, australian forces, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Townsville, Queensland 18/08/1968. A portion of the guests at Trooping the 6 RAR Colour. (right to left) Mrs Townsend, Lt Col C.Townsend, Mrs Jackson, Brig OD Jackson, Lady Pollard, Lt Gen Sir Reginald Pollard KBE CB DSO, The Colonel Commandant The Royal Australian Regiment, Mrs Crook, His Excellency Mr William H. Crook the Ambassador of the Uunited States of America.photograph, 6 rar/nz, townsville, lt col c townsend, lt gen sir reginald pollard, mr william h crook - ambassador of the usa, gibbons collection catalogue, trooping of the colour, mrs townsend, mrs jackson, brig o d jackson, lady pollard, kbe, knight commander of the most excellent order of the british empire, dso, army distinguished service order, the royal australian regiment, colonel commandant, mrs crook, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Gunner Doug Blenkiron of Murrayburg, S.A. tosses cases of US Army C-Rations to Gunner Doug (name unreadable) of Murrayburg SA (wearing goggles, 2nd in line) at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat. photograph, gunner doug blenkiron, raaf, 1 atf, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, us army c-rations, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Contact, contact, Contact, late afternoon, platoon strength, North West of 1ATF, Operation Atherton, 10 December 1969, 1 Platoon, A Company, 8RAR, Pte Graeme C Piltz goes to ground under fire from heavy machine gun, automatic weapon, rifle and RPG firephotograph, pte graeme c piltz, 8 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, 1 atf, operation atherton, 1 platoon, a company, denis gibbons