Hematite is an iron ore significant for its high iron content (70%) and as being one of the two main iron oxide minerals, the other being magnetite. Hematite has a rating of 5-6 on the Moh's hardness scale and is often found as an accessory mineral in many igneous rocks. (an accessory mineral being "any mineral in an igneous rock not essential to the naming of the rock" - Britannica) Hematite has historically been the mainstay of South Australia’s iron ore production. (Magnetite: South Australia’s potential) Making up the eastern section of the Gawler Rangers, the Middleback Range is a mountain range on the eastern side of Eyre Peninsula in South Australia that has been a source of iron ore (its main commodity in minerals) for over a century. (see https://www.mindat.org/loc-22576.html). "Large reserves of high-grade iron ore were identified in 1890 in the Middleback Range, west of Whyalla. From 1915 these ores were shipped to Newcastle and later to Port Kembla, both in New South Wales. Local production of pig iron began when the first blast furnace was opened at Whyalla in 1941, and construction of an integrated iron and steel plant began there in 1958." (Britannica, South Australia: Resources and power). This area is home to 24 mines/mineral deposits (according to mindat.org, thought the Sarig Map provided by SA gov on their Energy and Mining website indicates significantly more mining leases).This mineral specimen was collected from the Middleback Ranges before the area was identified as holding large reserves of iron ore and being commercially mined and is representative of South Australia's significant and ongoing history of iron ore mining, and its contribution to Australia's steel manufacturing industry of the early 20th century (this specimen being collected in the prelude to these events).A small ferric oxide mineral composition a mid-blue-grey in colour with specks of rust-brown throughout.HEMATITE / (iron oxide) / Locality: Middleback Ranges, S. Aust.middleback ranges, iron ore mining, mining, south australia

This 1984 photo shows Grades 2 and 3 at Jacana Primary School, once located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The school, now closed and demolished, served the local community for decades. This image offers a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of local education and childhood in Jacana.This 1984 photograph of Grades 2 and 3 at Jacana Primary School captures a moment in the educational and social history of Melbourne’s northern suburbs. As the school no longer exists, the image holds historical value, preserving the memory of a once-vital community institution and its students.Colour photograph on matte paper.White Label: PH-4471 Blue Label: PH-5189 Brown Label: See attached Sheet 1jacana primary school, education, class photograph, 1984, d. stanton, s. phillips, h. nagten, a. gough, c. hennessy, r. perceval, t. gray, l. ziervogel, s. gibbon, l. bailey, t. narman, b. wehbe, l. manson, d. scarffe, m. tiernan, m. miller, a. andre-janz, t. blythe, t. ponicwaz, i. szuhai, h. alderman, k. muscat, j. cilia, n. urlich, s. paniewaz, grade 2 & 3

This colour photograph of Jacana Primary School's Prep and Grade 1/2 classes in 1980 encapsulates the essence of an institution that served as a vital community hub from its establishment in 1959 until its closure in the early 2000s. The image stands as a testament to the cherished memories and significant role the school played in the lives of its students and the broader community. This colour photograph of Jacana Primary School's Prep and Grade 1/2 classes in 1980 is a significant historical document. It captures the essence of an educational institution that was a cornerstone of the Jacana community from its founding in 1959 until its closure in the early 2000s. The image is a testament to the school's enduring impact on its students and the community, preserving cherished memories and highlighting the school's role in shaping local history.A colour photograph on matte paper with white borderjacana primary school, photograph, school photograph, education, softball, 1989

This 1997 photograph of staff at Jacana Primary School represents a poignant chapter in the history of a community-focused educational institution that served Melbourne’s northern suburbs from 1959 until the early 2000s. Far more than a conventional staff portrait, the image stands as a historical artifact—capturing the ethos of a school that was deeply interwoven with its local community. Jacana Primary was a place where educational equity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of belonging were not just ideals but everyday practices. The photograph offers a window into the educational values, staff culture, and broader social dynamics of suburban Melbourne at the close of the 20th century, reflecting the school’s enduring impact on generations of students and families. This 1997 staff photograph from Jacana Primary School holds enduring historical and cultural value as a visual record of a community-centred institution that served Melbourne’s northern suburbs from 1959 until the early 2000s. The image encapsulates the school’s pivotal role in promoting inclusive education, fostering social cohesion, and shaping local identity during a period of significant demographic and educational change. As a representation of the school’s staff culture and values at the close of the 20th century, the photograph offers insight into broader trends in suburban public education, including the emphasis on equity, community engagement, and the professional dedication of educators. It stands as a testament to the legacy of Jacana Primary School and its lasting impact on generations of students, families, and the wider community.A colour photograph depicting teachers at Jacana Primary School, taken in 1997. The image is bordered by a black frame and features a white strip along the bottom edge with names of individuals neatly printed. The Jacana Primary School logo is located in the bottom right-hand corner. Photograph is laminated. jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, mrs. heather faulkes, mrs. dora aylward, mr. rob merlino, mrs. linda mostyn, mrs. vivien mcnish, mr. graham archer, ms. mary stapleton, mrs. doreen brown, mrs. pam streete, mrs. kaye smith