The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to a network of underground caves used to treat wounded soldiers. It became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. The caves became a place where wounded soldiers could be stabilized before being transferred to the Australian General Hospital. The Fig Tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert and an easy target for German artillery who heavily shelled the site for several hours per day. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of four soldiers under large tree - one soldier in dugout under tree watching two stretcher bearers carry out wounded soldierHandwritten on rear - Fig Tree Tobruk 2/24th battalion, fig tree, tobruk

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2000. Rosalind Park: consisting of 60 acres, the land was set aside from a grant in 1857. Many English and Australian trees were planted with promenades and roads. Some of the earliest buildings erected within this park were the police commissioner's residence, the old court house 1858 and the police barracks.. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Envelope containing a COLLECTION OF NEGATIVES re Mrs Watson ( Honoured in Australia Day Awards. Written on outside of envelope, Australia day 26.1.1988 - planting of red flowering gum at Dudley House. 4 strips of negatives, first strip numbers: 2-3-4-5 second strip: 10-11-12-13 third strip: 18-19-20-21 fourth strip:22.negative, bendigo, dudley house

Sandra Pullman visited the Melbourne City Council Exhibition, 'Melbourne Parks and Gardens Through the Magic Lantern' in November 2012. Lex Nieboer, former Burnley student graduating in 1975, found a large number of glass lantern slides in a store room and took them home as he was concerned they would be thrown out. His family has a long tradition of being involved in photography, so he understood the value of the slides. He donated the ones that were of Melbourne City Parks and Gardens to the Council and they used them in their exhibition. Sandra contacted Lex and arranged with Jane Wilson (Archivist) to visit Lex on 12 April, 2013 at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick where he works. After Lex showed them the slides, he, very generously, donated approximately 300 slides back to the Burnley Archives. There was already a collection of almost 100 glass slides in the Archives. They were in a wooden box containing glass lantern slides with label on outside, "Slides of Horticultural Objects and Views." Inside lid is handwritten, "Mr Bailey Botanic Gardens Adelaide." (John Frederick Bailey, Director Adelaide Botanic Gardens 1917-1932.) and, "Mr Isaac 9 pla? 2 ficifolia." (Probably Mr Isaacs Mayor of Adelaide 1917.) Also, "Purchased from Estate of Reeves Late Malvern Gardens, AWJ." (F.L. Reeves, Malvern Council's Park Curator in the 1920's died in 1933. AWJ, A.W. Jessep, Principal Burnley Horticultural College 1926-1941.) These were numbers 61-85 "History of the Rose." Geoff Olive, former Staff member, remembered taking a number of glass slides to a photographic processor to have 35mm slides made from them. 60 of these are also in this collection. Also see B10.0057 for Melbourne City Council collection and, 11.0039, 12.0033 for photograph prints of lantern slides lost to the collection.Collection of approximately 400 glass lantern slides used for teaching at Burnley Horticultural College during the first half of the twentieth century. Some were made specifically for Burnley. Some images would not upload. The images include: overseas views of gardens, historical sites and geographical features (some hand coloured from Japan); a series of hand coloured images of roses with notes for teaching the history of the rose; school gardens of the early 1900's; fruit and vegetables; miscellaneous horticulltural; Australian native plants; cells; 'Living Races'; plants, trees and grasses; parasites, organisms and fungal diseases; miscellaneous horticultural scenes; parks; cattle; agricultural data.sandra pullman, lex nieboer, melbourne city council exhibition through the magic lantern, john frederick bailey, mr isaacs, f l reeves, a w jessep, history of the rose, plants, trees, diseases

McColl Rankin & Stanistreet, Deborah Extended Gold Mining Co. NL. Commonwealth of Australia - War Damage Commission. Plant valued at 2,000 pounds Rate 8 shillings which was the contribution to be paid. Authorized agent: Commercial Union Assurance Co. Ltd., Manager: A V Le Page. Dated 31/3/42 (1942). Receipt No 393055.organization, business, deborah extended mine, mccoll rankin & stanistreet, deborah extended gold mining co. nl commonwealth of australia - war damage commission

The fieldguide edition of Wild Food Plants of Australia. It is presented in a concise, convenient form to facilitate quick and ready reference in the field. Tim Low has provided a truly reliable guide to our edible flora, making identification easy. Thus it is a perfect companion for bushwalkers, naturalists, scientists and, with emphasis on wild food cuisine, gourmets. Low describes more than 180 plants - from the most tasty and significant plant foods of southern and eastern Australia to the more important and spectacular inland and tropical foods.Maps, colour photographs, b&w illustrationsedible wild plants, cooking, flora, cuisine, bush tucker

The photograph was taken on the 20th of June 2004 at Bob Dunnett’s place in Wooragee. Bob Dunnett is more popularly known in Beechworth as the owner of Beechworth Berries who oversees around 30,000 strawberry plants on his farm in Wooragee. He comes from a long line of fruit growers, as the son of an orchardist, who was the son of a fruit grower. Bob Dunnett provides strawberries to his fellow townspeople opting to sell his fruit at local markets. National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event as trees, shrubs and grasses are very important in Indigo Shire. The event started in 1996 and since then more than 3.8 million people have planted 24 million trees and plants. As Wooragee community and by extension Indigo Shire value nature such as trees, shrubs and grass, this photograph is significant as it demonstrates community commitment to ensuring the continuity of nature in the region. Coloured rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper Reverse: WAN NA 0ANA2N0 NNA- 1 1636/ No.24 937 wooragee landcare's collection, wooragee, tree planting, wooragee landcare

Colour photocopy of article from Bendigo Advertiser. Dated Saturday, May 23, 2015. FAREWELL, MA.. When Peter received his Order of Australia Medal it was one of his proudest moments. He couldn’t resist wearing it on every occasion. FROM - PREVIOUS PAGE The Emu Creek Bush Band has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and numerous times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for most of its history as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter wrote and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include: Three volumes of 'Collector's Choice' which is musical notations for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts, are 'Two Hundred Dancing Years- How to run a Colonial Ball' (Co-authored with Shirley Andrews (AM), 'Music Makes Me Smile- The Music of the Nariel Valley' (Co-authored with Harry Gardner), and his last completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' with over 300 pages.. .. .. Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter taught old time musicianship, accomplished as he was on the concertina and button accordion, tin whistle, and harmonica, as well as the Swanee whistle, piano and ukulele. In demand for workshops in music and dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National Folk Festivals, he was a hit at festivals across the country. As a trained ballroom dancer, with many gold medals to his name, Peter passed on his knowledge every time he trained debutante sets in the Bendigo region. As an early environmentalist, he was a life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, secretary in the 1970's and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagated many Australian plants. Peter took regular guided tours through the Whipstick each spring, on wildflower educational tours. He was a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. When Peter received his Order of Australia Medal it was one of his proudest moments. He couldn’t resist wearing it on every occasion. Funeral details. Family, friends and his supporters will farewell Peter.. .. .. ..person, individual, peter ellis oam

Events and information concerning the 1983 Eltham Festival including advertisements On page 37 the article "Force behind the revival" is about how Alistair Knox was the instigator of the revival of the Eltham Festival in 1975 and discusses the history of four earlier festivals held in the early 1960s. Advertisers and people noted include: AAAA Display Signs, Alan Leake, Alan Marshall, Alistair Knox, Allan Leake, Ansell and Muir, Australian Film, Barry Maddock, Beverley Sheehan, Bimbi World, Brian Jeeves, Brian Wright, Briar Hill Glass centre, Briar Hill Swimming Pools Pty Ltd, Briar Hill Timber, Bryan Payne, Bush band, Cal Martin, Central Park, Country Art Store, Cr. Horsley, David Baker, David Sadedin, Dawn Mack, Diamond Valley Big Band, Diamond Valley Drapes, Diamond Valley Dutch Social Club, Diamond Valley Society, Dr Peter Reichenbach, Dr Rob Moffitt, Eastern District Bottle Company, Eccacentre, Eltham Central Cellars, Eltham Community Centre, Eltham Concert Band, Eltham Festival, Eltham High School, Eltham Jazz festival, Eltham Little Theatre, Eltham Living and Learning Centre, Eltham Newsagency & Toyworld, Eltham Orchestra, Eltham Pharmacy, Eltham Phoenix Club, Eltham Shire Council, Eltham Sports & Tennis, Eltham Wiregrass Gallery, Eltham Yamaha, Five and a Zack, Franciscus Henri, Frank Gow, Gavin Gray, George Barker, Graham Coyle, Graham Taylor, Greensborogh Hire service, I Can Jump Puddles (film), Ian Orr, Ian Walkear, International Communications Year, Janice Dadd, Jerry Clements, John Adams, John Higgins, John Murray, Kenton Shoes Eltham, Kings, Lazy Ade Monsbourgh, Leisure Footwear Pty Ltd, Lower Plenty Sports Centre, Mal Harrop, Matcham Skipper, Maurie Dann, Michael Poore, Montsalvat, MontsalvatValma Brundell, Myra Skipper, Panton Hill Hotel, Pats, Penna Guardian Chemist, Pine Canection, Purdy's Furniture, Ralph's Eltham Meat Supply, Ranger, Roller City, Ron Blyth, Ron Mack, Rotary Club of Eltham, Second Life decor Pty Ltd, Shire of Eltham Historical Society, Shire President, Skippers Marine Greensborough, Society for Growing Australian Plants, Squeaker's Mate (film), Storyville Allstars, Strings 'n Things, Style Interiors, T.J.'s Hair & Beauty Centre, The Eltham Chicken Shop, The Printing Works, The Prize (film), Thompson's Pharmacy, tim burstall, Todaro Coiffure, Tony Figgins, Tony Floyd, Travel Affair, Two Roads Boutique, Valley Door Centre, Warrandyte Hire, Warren Fordham, Wonderland Plant Nursery, Woolworths ArcadeNewsprint - 12 page newspaper insert1983, eltham festival, alistair knox

Holdenson and Nielson Fresh Food Pty Ltd was founded in 1903 by Poul Jorgenson Holdenson and Andrew Nielson, after acquiring the Fresh Food and Storage Co, which had plants throughout Australia, including Albury. The plant was moved to Wodonga that year. Cream was collected from all areas of North East Victoria and the Riverina, with contractors carting it to the railway stations for rail travel to Wodonga. The Butter Factory was built on the Lincoln Causeway in 1926, and the Cheese Factory in 1942 as a wartime emergency project. At the same time, a pasteurising plant was installed in the complex, and so whole milk was collected from dairy farmers, rather than just cream. The company was bought out by the North Eastern Dairy Co-operative in 1962. It became a retail milk depot also involved in ice-making and cold storage. In 1985, Goulburn Murray bought the complex and as the site was surplus to requirements, it was sold to Wodonga Council. The buildings were adapted for other uses. The Butter Factory was modified and extended and for some time was occupied by the Albury- Wodonga Visitor Centre. The Creator's Gallery was established in the engine room, and the loading area and ice-making works were extended and modified for use as the HotHouse Theatre. The Cheese Factory was adapted for use as a theatre and jazz venue, and housed the HotHouse office. The various outbuildings, such as garages and storage areas, were adapted for use as shops and craft outlets.This collection is significant because it documents an important industry in Wodonga.A collection of images and advertisements promoting Holdenson and Nielsen of Wodongaholdenson & nielson, wodonga dairies, victorian dairy industry

cactus, cacti, clematis, orchard redevelopment, r. hall, geoff olive, pruning garden, field station, vcah, university of melbourne, burnley, jill kellow, field station redevelopment, field nursery, student gardens, turfgrass, grassy woodland, chris findlay, phil tulk, grasslands, herbaceous border, car park, native garden, restoration native garden, john rayner, hilda kirkhope rockery, herb garden, rainforest garden redevelopment, plant lists, shady walk, salvia, trees, tai-haku cherry, tree management, tree lists, david aldous, grey border

This model of knapsack sprayer was used for both agricultural and firefighting purposes throughout Australia. The manufacturer, A. Simpson & Son who had a long history as a prominent metals manufacturer in Adelaide, South Australia. Alfred Simpson arrived in South Australia in 1849 and by the mid 1950s had established himself as a tinsmith. His son, also Alfred, joined the business in 1864. By the time of Alfred senior's death in 1891, A. Simpson and Son had the largest metal manufacturing plant in Australia. The business was incorporated in 1910, with Alfred as chairman, and his sons Allen and Frederick as directors. During World War I the company also manufactured munitions as well as ordnance. In the 1920s the company expanded into the production of tools for use in agriculture and in the 1940s they began the manufacture of whitegoods. In 1963 A. Simpson and Son merged with Pope Industries to form Simpson Pope Holdings.This item is representative of agricultural equipment used throughout Australia by a major Australian manufacturer. They were used extensively in the Wodonga district. A Backpack Sprayer unit made from galvanised iron used for agricultural and fire-fighting purposes. It has a nozzle spray attachment and originally had leather straps.On side: SIMPSON PAT. 11?472 23/7/39fire equipment, a. simpson & son, agricultural tools

This painting was inspired by an original painting by Wilhelm Melby held at the National Gallery of Victoria. Melby is a Danish artist (1824-1882). It depicts a famous Devonshire coastal region famous now for its lighthouse and the pick up point for the pilot when entering waters approaching Dartmouth. The sailing vessels pre-date the construction of the famous lighthouse. Over the centuries the view would have been familiar to many sailors as they left or approached the English mainland and south coast ports in the English Channel. Madeline Mary Ravenna Lewellin (1854 – 24 November 1944) was born in Victoria to Dr John Henry Hill Lewellin, a physician, and Grace Elizabeth (née Danneby). She was one of five daughters, and the family lived in Prahran. Lewellin's brother, Captain Herbert Gordon Hill Lewellin, was a commander in the P. and O. fleet (apprentice on the Romanoff, Lieutenant RNR on the HMS Arethusa in 1899, RMS Mongolia in 1913 sunk in 1917, Naldera in 1920). She studied painting at the National Gallery School in 1879 under Eugene von Guerard. She's also known for collecting and painting specimens, and became a member of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria in 1885. In 1884 she won a silver medal for her studies of fungi. She collected plants for Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, and the variety of Dicrastylis lewellinii (Purple sand-sage) is named after her. Miss Lewellin, who had a love of the sea and ships as subject matter is listed in 1910 as a donor as a 10/6 member donating to the motor launch fund and in 1918 as a working member of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild which involved regular volunteer shifts at the Mission to Seamen on canteen and other duties.Marine art, Maritime artThis oil painting has a dark polished wood and gold leaf slip. The painting depicts two masted boats. The choppy sea takes up the lower-third of the painting, and the other two-thirds of the image of made up of stormy grey clouds. A rocky cliff face can be seen on the right-hand side of the painting. A small church can be seen on the hillside. The ship on the left third of the painting sits on the horizon line of the sea. The centre ship with two masts appears to be leaning to the right and its deck is exposed to the viewer showing four men attempting to handle the masts and rigging. The left-hand ship with three masts is surrounded by two grey distant silhouetted mast ships. There are three seagulls at the upper left-centre of the image. There are another three gulls down on the lower-left of the image. Front: ENGRAVED PLAQUE: Start Point Light. Devonshire. SIGNATURE: After W. Melby / M.M.R Lewellin. 1875. Reverse: IN BLACK MARKER PEN: * Hang from two points * WHITE STICKER WITH CONSERVATOR DETAILS: Art Conservation Frames / 118 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC, 3206 / 9696 9066 / artconservationframers.com.aupainting, ships, mast, church, sea, storm, oil painting, seagulls, madeline r. lewellin, artwork-paintings, ngv, wilhelm melby, eugene von guerard, botanist, rms mongolia, captain herbert gordon hill lewellin (1862-1935), paddy lewellin, reproduction

This ice cream freezer, manufactured in South Australia in the 1930's, was advertised to "keep the contents of the cream compartment frozen for many hours". It was promoted for use at picnics to keep salads cool. Its design is very similar to other freezers of The Frigid name which were made in 1939; those freezers were all one colour whereas this one is blue around the top and bottom of the barrel and cream in the centre with blue/green lettering. The process of making ice cream was to pack the outer chamber full with a combination of 3 parts ice cubes of about 1 inch (2.cm) to one part coarse salt, then pour into the chamber about 1 cup of cold water. After this, the ingredients for ice cream or sorbet were poured into the inner chamber, then attach the lid and turn The Frigid freezer upside down for about 40 minutes or until the right consistency is reached. Advice as given to open the freezer every 20 minutes and stir around the contents that were frozen against the sides of the inner chamber. The ingredients for the ice cream could include cream, sugar, vanilla and eggs. The label on the box of The Frigid shows the address of A Simpson and Son to be at Pirie Street, Adelaide. This address was used as early as 1876 and later catalogues, 1931 - 1960 still show this address. Alfred Simpson and his family emigrated from England, arriving in South Australia in 1849. He had already completed his apprenticeship as a tinplate worker but he tried various other occupations, including trying out the gold mines in Victoria, before he established himself as a tinsmith in 1853. His products included many agricultural items. His son, Alfred Muller Simpson, joined the business when he turned 21. In the 1860 Simpson's products included 'explosion proof' safes. In the late 1880's A Simpson and Son manufactured munitions and mines for the war. At the time of Alfred's death in 1891, A Simpson and Son had the largest metal manufacturing plant in Australia. From 1898 the company's reputation grew from the process of enamel plating with porcelain. During the First World War, Simpsons returned to the manufacture of munitions. Alfred M. Simpson's sons (Alfred Allen, known as Allen, and Fredrick Neighbour) joined the company when they finished their schooling. Allen was also associated with the Royal Geological Society over many years and when the CT Madigan surveyed Central Australia in 1929, the Simpson Desert was named in his honour. Cape Simpson in Antarctica is also named after him due to his assistance to Douglas Mawson. A new factory was opened at Dudley Park in the 1940s and the company began the manufacture of whitegoods. In 1963 A. Simpson and Son merged with Pope Industries to form Simpson Pope Holdings. Alfred Simpson became chairman of the board of Simpson Pope Holdings. The Simpson brand, now owned by Electrolux, continues to produce a variety of household appliances. (Reference: State Library of South Australia) A Simpson and Son was an early colonial business that has lasted well into the 20th century and the name Simpson is still associated with whitegoods. Freezer, 2 quart (1.8 litre) capacity, made by A Simpson and Son Ltd, marked "The Frigid". Cylinder shaped, constructed from enamelled sheet metal, has two catches one on the base and one on top. Inner cylinder for holding contents for freezing. Slightly rusted. Freezer is inside original cardboard box with yellow label showing manufacturer details. Circa 1930'sOutside of freezer is printed in blue"The Frigid". Box includes "THE "FRIGID" FREEZER" and branded "S & S" inside a circle.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, a. simpson & son limited, manufacturer, foundry, freezer, 2 quart freezer, portable freezer, kitchen appliance, the frigid, ice cream freezer, ice cream maker 1930's

4 page A4 printed document. Achievements of Peter Ellis (for consideration for the Order of Australia) Peter is regarded as one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra. Peter has been collecting for many years and has collected with the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi amongst others. Peter has literally travelled Australia collecting over the past thirty years. He has extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection, for example. Most of his recording has been in North Western and Central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of his material from Harry McQueen ( Castlemaine), which led to a double CD of Harry's music. Harry had played in dance bands for over sixty years in Central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. Founder, Charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo. Life Member of the Victorian Folk Music Club. Recipient of the Graham Squance award (for the person who has done the most to promote folk dance and music in Victoria)) from the Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria. Member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over twenty-eight years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time). Founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (twenty-nine years old in 2010) Emu Creek has made many CDs of dance music as listed. Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop, Three double CDs called 'Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded, under Peter's guidance, so they would not be lost to posterity. A triple CD called 'Take Me Back To Bendigo' with heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation (solely organised and financed by Peter) These CDs show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and groups from the Koorie, Chinese, Cornish, German, Irish, Italian, Scots, English and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by Emu Creek Following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity Peter liaised with other musicians to record some tracks which were revived from almost two hundred years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. A three volume set of Bush Concert recordings (Vol 1 Goornong (launched Australia Day 2006 with any profits going to the Soldier's Memorial Hall Committee), Vol 2 Heywood and Vol 3 Maldon/Sutton Grange, already recorded and to be released as money from other projects becomes available. NOTE: None of these CDs have led to any profit. All money raised is put back into the community and further heritage recordings, books and videos through the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. In 2009 a full collection of all Peter's book and CDs was donated to the John Gorton Library as part of the recognition of the fifty year career of the Gay Charmers Dance Band from Lake Charm. 'Music of the Diggings' (4 tracks by Peter or Emu Creek). In addition the Emu Creek Band, under Peter's leadership, has appeared on a CD backing Bruce Watson on his song, 'The Old Bush Dance'. Emu Creek has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and several times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for over twenty years as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter has written and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include Three volumes of 'Collectors Choice' which is musical notation for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts. 'Two Hundred Dancing Years - How to run a Colonial Ball: (co-authored with Shirley Andrews (A.M.), 'Music Makes Me Smile - The Music of the Nariel Valley' (co-authored with Harry Gardner). The Merry Country Dance' (292 pages) a companion to the three double CDs. He has also been a contributor to Verandah Music' authors Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australia Folklore' Ed Graham Seal. Peter is also a regular contributor to 'Trad and Now' Magazine. His latest completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' and is over three hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions. It was completed with the assistance of a Victorian Government Heritage Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter has taught many children about old time musicianship through the junior bands which have functioned over the years with many children joining Emu Creek and then going on to follow their own musical inclinations. He has trained several young concertina and button accordion players over the years. Peter has been a regular tutor with Continuing Education in tin whistle, harmonica and old time dancing for many years. Peter has conducted workshops in music dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National folk Festivals. He has also done this at Maldon for many years, Port Fairy, Glen Innes, Jamberoo and Kiama Festivals. For over thirty years Peter has been a guest player and MC for the dances at the Nariel Folk Festival (Australia's oldest continuing Folk Festival) Peter is very well known in the Corryong area as a collector and the co-author of the book, Music Makes Me Smile, about the Klippel/Simpson dynasty in the Nariel Creek Band. This book is currently being revised for re-issue as more material has come to light since the original publication. For many years Peter trained Debutante Sets in the Bendigo District. Peter was an instigator of the annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk for the past thirteen years. At this ball three bands play for a quarter of the night and then join together for the final part of the evening. The bands are Emu Creek, The Wedderburn Old Timers and the Gay Charmers. Up to four hundred dancers, many in heritage costumes have attended this dance. The ball also pays tribute to, and involves, the old MC's. Through this example their skills have been passed down to a younger generation of MC's. All profits are returned to the Dance Club to foster our musical heritage. Each Ball includes presentations designed to promote social dancing in Australia. Over the years several young musicians have been presented with musical instruments at the Ball, libraries have been given copies of Peter's books and CDs and one year a keen young dancer was presented a pair of dancing shoes. Peter is a trained ballroom dancer and has gained gold medal status in this field. Peter is an accomplished musician and is one of Australia's foremost button accordion players. He is also highly accomplished on the tin whistle, bones and harmonica. He is the only exponent of the Swanee whistle that I have seen. Peter also plays the piano and ukulele. Thirty six years membership of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, Secretary in the 1970s and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). Peter was also extremely active in the establishment of the Salomon's Gully and Jackass Flat Flora Reserves in Bendigo which have now been saved for posterity. Peter has also been involved in efforts to save One Tree Hill and this area has now been included in the Greater Bendigo National Park. He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagates Australian plants. Peter takes regular guided tours of interested people through the Whipstick each Spring on wild flower educational tours. He is a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. Life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists. Peter contributed text and photographs to their publication 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. When the Victorian State Parliament had its first historical sitting outside Melbourne Emu Creek played during lunch for the guests and public. They have also played at functions such as the Centenaries of Federation, the Bendigo Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel and the opening of the new Melbourne Museum and the Federation Museum in Bendigo. The band regularly plays for Seniors week and at homes for the aged such as Bethlehem, Mirridong, Bignold Park, Bendigo Village and others. Peter has been instrumental in getting the band to play for fundraisers such as schools, scouts and environmental groups. The band plays many charitable 'gigs'. The band supports the Bendigo Easter Fair and the Eaglehawk Fair when able and has appeared in several parades over the years. The above list shows the invaluable contribution that Peter Ellis has made towards the collecting and distributing of Australia's musical and dance heritage. No one has done more than Peter in this area. He has also been active locally and nationally in his endeavours towads saving the natural environment. He has put many years of time and energy into both area's and has many on going projects in mind for the years ahead. The awarding of an honour from Australia would be just reward for a man who has preserved so much of our musical and dance heritage for future generations. Knowing Peter I have no doubt he would treasure such an honour as he has given so much to preserve Australia's music and dance heritage over most of his sixty plus years. Compiled by John Williams. Handwritten notes at bottom of last page reads: Referees Jacinta Allan MLA Steve Gibbons MHR Willie Carney ex Mayor of Bendigo Supporting letter Mary Smith Sec. Bush Dance + Music Club.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Alistair Knox Park, an oasis of peace and beauty. Covered under National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Landscape Significance and Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p173 It is hard to imagine that the Alistair Knox Park, an oasis of peace and beauty beside busy Main Road, Eltham, was once the township’s rubbish dump. It was only in the 1970s that the tip was transformed into this beautiful six hectare space, which later earned it a National Trust Landscape classification. Before its life as a dump, the area was used for small farms. Thanks largely to the foresight and efforts of local environmental builder Alistair Knox, the park was designed sympathetically with the character of the wider Eltham landscape. Then, appropriately, the park was named after Knox, who was an Eltham Shire Councillor from 1971 to 1975 and Shire President in 1975. The park designers were four major forces in the urban bush landscape garden –Knox, landscape designer Gordon Ford, artist Peter Glass and landscaper Ivan Stranger. The National Trust citation for the park, originally called Eltham Town Park, includes the Eltham railway trestle bridge and the Shillinglaw Cottage. The citation states ‘the semi-natural setting of the parkland provides a landscape which is evocative of the history of the area’. Manna Gums (Eucalyptus viminalis) and Candlebarks (Eucalyptus rubida) are significant features. Most of the park’s construction was directed by Bob Grant, Superintendent of the Parks and Gardens Department for the Eltham Shire Council. First plantings occurred in Arbour Week in 1973, then the lake and botanic area were completed in 1975, with Federal Government funding, and the toilet block in 1978. Bounded by the Eltham railway line, Panther Place, Main Road, Bridge and Susan Streets, the park is in a valley about a kilometre wide overlooked by steep hills at the east and west. The Diamond Creek flows through it and the picturesque historic timber trestle railway bridge edges the north. Informal plantings of Australian indigenous and native species in open and undulating grassed settings blend with the natural landscape of the Diamond Creek to the west. The bush-style plants, particularly around the creek, balance with open lawns, paths and a cascade flowing from a small lake to another below. A footbridge over the creek leads to the park’s west. The park includes an adventure playground and barbecue areas. The park stands on part of the land bought from the Crown in 1851 by Josiah Holloway, who subdivided it into allotments and which he called Little Eltham. Most of the land was subdivided into residential lots, but the creek valley, on which the park stands, was subdivided into farm-size lots, used mainly for orchards and grazing. One of the earliest owners was John Hicks Petty, who in 1874 bought a plot from Holloway. Other families who owned properties in that area, included Rees, Clark, Waterfall, Graham, Hill and Morant. In 1901 the railway was built through the area. Jock Read, an Eltham resident since around 1920, remembers several farms in the 1920s and ’30s that occupied the site of today’s park. A poultry farm, which extended from present day Panther Place, was owned by the Gahan family. Next to that farm was another for grazing cattle owned by Jack Carrucan. Beside this was land owned by John Lyon. A doctor lived beside this, and at the north-west corner of Bridge Street and Main Road stood a memorial to the soldiers who died in World War One, which was later moved to the RSL site. Mr Read also remembers other farms and orchards west of the creek In the early 1960s the Eltham Council began buying these farms and in the late 1960s turned the areas east of the Diamond Creek into a garbage tip. When this was filled above the creek’s flood plain, the tip was moved to the west of the creek.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, alistair knox park, eltham

Eastern Meadowlarks live throughout the grasslands and farms in eastern North America. On the ground, their brown-and-black dappled upperparts camouflage the birds among dirt clods and dry grasses. When in flight or perching, they reveal bright-yellow breasts and bellies, and a striking black chevron across the chest. The Eastern Meadowlark has a diet which consists of mainly insects and seeds. These birds forage by walking on the ground and taking insects and seeds from the ground and from low plants. In winter, these birds may choose to forage in flocks. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. This Eastern Meadowlark has a yellow breast and throat with black plumage in the shape of a 'V' on it's throat. This particular specimen has a long pointed bill which is in the shape of a spear. The crown of the bird is a dark brown and it also has lighter brown/yellow stripes on the brow. The back, wings, and tail are light brown with dark brown mottling. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg. The legs are long and the specimen has been styalised in an upright position.Label: [illegible] Ant-Eating Thrush / Catalogue, Page 66. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, american birds, eastern meadowlark, meadowlark

In 1875, the Rocky Mountain Extended Gold Sluicing Company Ltd was created, utilising the previous Rocky Mountain claim for the area near Lake Sambell. The company employed A.L Martin to survey an area for a tunnel underneath Beechworth and Johnson Stephens to dig it. The tunnel was built at a rate of 40 feet a month and eventually measured 800 metres. The tunnel was a true accomplishment both in the present and during the 19th century. It was considered to be a marvelous engineering feat. Beechworth is renowned for its hydraulic sluice method of mining. This involved soil being exposed to torrents of water from high-pressure hoses. From 1876 until its closure in 1921, the mine produced an astounding 47,926 ozs of gold. Companies like this were the source of income for many Chinese gold-diggers who sought to make their fortune on the goldfields of Beechworth. During the height of the rush, the town had around 7,000 Chinese inhabitants living on the outskirts of town as they were not permitted to live within Beechworth itself.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portrays an open-cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertaken which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image of the Rocky Mountain mine is historically significant as the mining complex is now non-existent, with the only remains being the tunnel built in 1880 by the company, which was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time. The image also provides a first-hand look into the social and cultural networks at play during the 19th century with racial segregation of the Chinese at the 'Chinese Camp', as well as an insight into Beechworth's origins during the Gold Rush.A sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper as a postcardReverse: Historic Beechworth / 7792.1 / ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINE / Viewed from the “Chinese Camp”, shown partly in the foreground, we see the central plant of the famous Rocky Mountain Mining Company. This extensive complex, of which nothing remains, was situated between Silver Creek and the present Lake Sambell area. The company was responsible for a tunnel cut through solid bedrock underneath the town of Beechworth and surfacing near the keystone bridge on the Wangaratta side. Completed in 1880 it was declared to be one of the greatest engineering feats in Australia. The tunnel is still basically intact today. / Series by Wooragee Graphics: Historic Beechworth. / COPYRIGHT BURKE MUSEUM / No.72 beechworth, rocky mountain mine, sluicing, gold rush, mining, gold

The Blue-faced Honeyeater is commonly located in northern and eastern mainland Australia. It is also found in Papua New Guinea. This species prefer to reside in tropical locations or those which are sub-tropical and wetter temperate or semi-arid zones. It can be located in open forests and woodlands close to water. Due to these locations along with it's propensity for feeding on the fruit and flowers of the banana in northern Queensland, this species is colloquially known as the "Bananabird". These birds commonly reside in pairs, family groups or small flocks. They can often be found socialising with other species including the yellow-throated miner and the Little Friarbird. The Blue-faced Honeyeater feed on insects and invertebrates, but also may eat nectar and fruit from native and exotic plants. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The blue-faced Honeyeater is large in size with bright white and black colouring. The bird also has golden olive-green colouring on it's rear, tail and wings. Around the eyes is strikingly blue coloured skin which has faded significantly on this particular specimen. It also has a pair of glass eyes to replace the original which do not survive the taxidermy process. There is a patch of dark colouring on the plumage of the stomach and neck of the bird. This dark batch is surrounded by white plumage which also forms a white band across the back of the neck. This specimen is stylized placed on a wooden mount. The bird's feet are attached to a thin stick and the stick attached to the mount.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, honeyeater, blue-faced honeyeater

The Noisy Friarbird are conspicuous and active Honey-eaters mainly seen in small groups and often active in flowering plants, especially eucalyptus trees. Noisy Friarbirds are found along the east coast of Australia, from north-eastern Queensland to north-eastern Victoria. They often feed in noisy flocks, alongside other Honey-eaters such as the Red Wattlebird. This specimen has been mounted in an accurate, yet stylised fashion. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Noisy Friarbird has a characteristically black head which lacks plumage and has a prominent casque (bump) on the base of its strong bill. The specimen has an off-white underbody and neck, a light brown back and tail with a white tip at the end of the tail. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.59a / Friarbird / See Catalogue Page 18 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, bird, noisy friarbird, friarbird, australian birds, oz animals, wattlebird

The Pink-eared Duck can be found throughout Australia, commonly in locations that are timbered and near water. This species of Duck prefers to reside in areas which are shallow, temporary waters and on occasion may venture into open wetlands if with a large flock; however, this species is highly dispersive and often nomadic. The special bill of this Duck is designed to enable the bird to catch their food. The bill is fringed with grooves which filter out microscopic plants and animals from the water which makes up the birds diet. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Pink-Eared Duck is named for the small pink spot of feathers which feature on the sides of the drake's head. Another name for this bird is Zebra Duck because of the striking bold black and white striped plumage which decorates the duck's neck, breast and stomach. The bill is spoon shaped and the eyes are made of dark coloured glass and surrounded by brown colouring. The bird has brown wings and light coloured legs with webbed toes. This particular specimen stands on a wooden square platform. There are signs of damage on the platform and a wooden identification tag is tied to the upper right leg of the bird.6a./ Pink-eyed Duck / See Catalogue, page 39 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pink-eyed duck, pink-eared duck

This particular specimen was recovered from the Lal Lal Coal and Iron Mine in Victoria, 19km from Ballarat. Brown Coal was discovered here in 1857, just alongside the Geelong to Ballarat Railway line. This discovery of lignite (brown coal) was the first in Victoria, which would bring important benefits to the region and state, both of which had previously been reliant on coal imports. In the 1860s, iron ore was found just 5km from Lal Lal, and the area was converted into an Iron Ore Mine. The Lal Lal Iron Mining Company took over operations in 1874, who then peaked iron production in 1884. This mine continued operations until June 1884, when the blast furnace was extinguished and never recommenced. The blast furnace at Lal Lal is considered one of the most important and highly significant sites ion early industrial history in Australia, as it is the only remaining best furnace from the nineteenth century in the Southern Hemisphere. The furnace ruins are 17 metres high, and are clearly visible today on Iron Mine Road, Lal Lal, near the Bungal Dam. This specimen of Lignite (brown coal) is significant, as it was mined from the area where brown coal was first discovered in Victoria, leading to an important and controversial future of the mining and use of brown coal in this State. The Victorian Heritage Database has listed the Lal Lal Coal Mine with local significance, with their Statement of Significance stating: "The Lal Lal coal mine is historically significant as the site of the first discovery of lignite (brown coal) in Victoria, and one that promised important benefits to regional and state industries that were reliant on coal imports at the time. The significance of the stie is reduced by the poor state of preservation of the coal mining and processing fabric". This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A hand-sized light-weight, soft and combustable sedimentary rock specimen, that is dark brown in colour. The specimen has jagged edges, as though parts of the rock have crumbled away. Brown coal, or Lignite, is formed naturally from compressed peat, and is typically found in natural basins. The stages to the formation of coal ('coalification') begin with plant material and wood, which will decay if it is not subjected to deep burial or heating, and turn into Peat. Peat, when sufficiently compressed naturally, will turn into Brown Coal (Lignite), and finally into Black Coal (sub-bituminous, bituminous and anthracite). Each successive stage has a higher energy content and lower water content. It is brownish-black in colour. Brown Coal has a high moisture content, between 50 and 75 percent, and a low carbon content. Some Brown Coals may be stratified, with layers of plant matter, which means little coalification has occurred beyond the peat natural processing stage. When Brown Coal is submerged in dilute nitric acid or boiling potassium hydroxide solution, it reacts to produce a reddish solution, of which higher-ranked coals do not. When brown coal is pulverised and burned in boilers, the steam is used to drive turbines, which generates electricity. It is the lowest rank of coal, as when burned, it creates a relatively low heat content, which in turn does not create a great output of steam. burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, brown coal, brown coal specimen, lignite, lal lal, lal lal coal mine, lal lal iron mine, ballarat, blast furnace

In Australia, precious opal is found in Cretaceous age sandstones and mudstones. These sedimentary rocks were deeply weathered and this weathering released silica into the groundwater.Australia is the only part of the world where opalised animal and plant fossils have been found. Opal artefacts several thousands of years old have been discovered in East Africa. As early as 250 BC the Romans prized opals, thought to have come from mines in Eastern Europe, the ancient world's main source of opals. There are many aboriginal dreamtime stories that feature opal. Australian opals discovered during the late 1800's found little favour with European markets but their commercial value increased in the 1900's and in 1932 Australia took over as the major producer of opals in the world and remains the largest producer to this day. Opal is found around the world (Brazil, Mexico, Honduras and the western US) however Australia produces 95% of the world's precious opal and it is our official national gemstone. Opal was first mined commercially at Listowel Downs in Queensland in 1875 and later at White Cliffs in NSW. Today, Coober Pedy (SA) is the main producer of white opal, though in recent years this field has expanded and all types of opals are found. Other centres in SA include Andamooka and Mintabe. Lightning Ridge (NSW) is renowned for black opal and formerly White Cliffs was a large producer of high quality opal. Boulder opals (opals in concretionary ironstone) are mined in Queensland from numerous localities in a zone extending from the Eulo and Cunnamulla district in the south and northwest for a distance of over 700 km to Kynuna in the north. The towns of Quilpie, Yowah and Winton are the main opal mining and wholesale centres. Opals are considered gemstones and have been used in jewellery for thousands of years.Throughout much of history, opals were actually believed to be good luck. The Romans thought that opals were one of the luckiest gemstones and a symbol of hope. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to be bestowed with all the positive properties of coloured gemstones due to its rainbow-like play of colour. Finally, there is a superstition that you should not wear an opal unless it is your birthstone otherwise misfortune will befall you. This, of course, is far-fetched, but the notion could have been promoted in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries by diamond traders who were trying to increase sales of diamonds and deter people from buying opals. Possibly related to this is the thought that you should set opal jewellery with diamonds as their powers of good fortune will override any negativity held by the opal. The great majority of opal does not show play of colour and is called common opal or potch however this is not the case with a precious opal. Opal is a precious gemstone, like rubies, emeralds or diamonds. Opal is rare, and it is expensive to prospect and mine for.Silica is one of the most common minerals on the planet, but precious opal is very rare – far more rare than diamonds. Precious opal is rare because the natural processes that create it rarely occur.Most (at least 95%) of the opal found by miners is common opal without gem colour. In Australia we call it potch. It can be white, grey, black or amber coloured. Even when a miner finds gem-coloured opal, most of it can’t be cut into gemstones because it’s too thin, or sandy. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.It is not known where this opal originated, except that it is probably from Victoria, as it has been recorded from many localities in the State. Common Opal is formed from silica-rich water circulating through rocks near the Earth’s surface. It consists of minute spheres of silica arranged in different ways. In common opal, the spheres are of different sizes and randomly arranged, unlike in precious opal where the spheres are of similar size and uniformly arranged in three dimensions. These differences account for common opal generally being translucent to opaque and without the play of colours, or opalescence, displayed by precious opal. Common opal is found in many localities and different geological environments throughout Australia and the world. Precious opal requires special conditions to form and is much less common. Australia produces most to the world’s precious opal. burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, precious opal, opal, brazil, mexico, honduras, queensland, coober pedy, gemstones, jewellery, play-of-colour, light blue

This specimen was found in Cape Patterson, Vic. Cape Paterson is a cape and seaside village located near the town of Wonthaggi, 132 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, in the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow-moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon-rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. it has an imprint of a leaf in the rock itself, displaying the fossil of the plant. This specimen is unique due to the leaf impression within the stone itself. Imprint fossils are formed from an organism moving in some way, leaving behind a trace or track. These tracks are preserved when the clay/silt dries slowly and is covered by other sediment. Plants can also leave imprint fossils when they are covered by sediment. The leaf tissue degrades, leaving an imprint of where the leaf once was. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. FOSSILIFEROUS MUDSTONE / Locality: Cape Patterson, Victoria | Descriptive catalogue / Pg 27 No 95 / "Grey Clay, / Cape Paterson with leaf impressions' / 15/4/21 C. William /mudstone, cape patterson, leaf imprint, fossilised leaf, fossiliferous mudstone

This particular specimen is found in Wolgan Valley, New South Wales. It could be linked to the abandoned oil shale mining sites in Wolgan Valley such as Newnes. Newnes was an industrial complex operational in the early 20th century is now partly surrounded by Wollemi National Park. It produced motor spirit, kerosene, and gas oil. Newnes's Torbanite oil shale rock contained around 350 litres of oil shale per tonne. The Torbanite was mined by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation Ltd. Oil shale is a sedimentary rock and also a form of fossil fuel. It is often formed millions of years ago and usually contain fossilised remains of plants and/or animals. Oil shale is rich in kerogen that releases hydrocarbon when heated. These hydrocarbon can be used as an alternative petroleum or natural gas. The oil-shale rock was converted into oil by "destructive distillation"; the rock being heated until it broke down to form an oily vapour and an ash residue. Oil bearing shale is one of Australia's national assets. There are many oil companies established in Australia. It reflects Australia's rich natural resources as well as connection to the Australia's engineering and oil industry. The booming oil shale extraction businesses can be traced as far back as 1920s. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Piece of dark gray oil bearing shale with shades of light brown and fossilised leavesExisting label: OIL BEARING SHALE with / FOSSILISED LEAVES / Locality: Wongan Valley, NSW / Donor: Miss M. Cambell geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, oil shale, shale, fossil fuels, alfred selwyn, wolgen valley, 1868 geological survey of victoria, rocks, sedimentary rocks, newnes, torbanite, commonwealth oil corporation ltd

This book contains interviews with 48 of the 300 centenarians listed by the Australian Bicentennial Authority, whose long lives together form an oral social history of the development of Australia over the past one hundred years. It includes reminiscences of Judy Bagu, Jimmy Bird, Paddy Djiaween and Walter Smith; brief accounts of bush foods, medicines, uses of plants, birth and mortuary rituals; working lives on cattle stations, missions, prospecting, dingo trapping, camel working, pearling, shire council; Kunmunyah, Beagle Bay Mission, Broome.This compilation of stories from centenarians is a contemporary social record of one hundred years of living through two world wars and the Great Depression in Australia. A 183 pp book with a light brown cover, darker spine. On the front cover is a photograph of a pair of hands. Print is black "A Ton of Spirit Australian Centenarians talk with Penny Smith".book-a-ton-of-spirit-penny-smith social-records-early-australia

This photograph is a reminder of the personal stories of those who were involved in WW1.A large sepia photograph of a young Australian soldier wearing a WW1 uniform of jodhpurs and boots, a slouch hat and holding a whip in his left hand. On the back -PLANT 7894photograph military soldier ww1

The Pacific Black Duck is also known as the Grey Duck in New Zealand. Despite these names, the plumage of the bird is brown in colour with the occasional cream and small amount of black. This species of Duck is located in all of Australia with the exception of the most arid zones. They can also be found throughout the Pacific region. The Pacific Black Duck resides in a range of different habitats that have some sort of water. These birds feed on aquatic plants, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects. To catch their food, these birds plunge their heads and necks under the water with their rear raising above the top of the water. This technique is termed "dabbing". This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Despite its name, the Black Duck is largely brown in colouring. It has a mixture of light brown and cream plumage on the neck, face and stomach. The wings and rear of the duck are a darker brown. Each brown feather is bordered with a cream colour which separates the feathers from each other. The top of the head is also dark brown and there is a darker stripe of black colour horizontally on either side of the eye. The specimen has two brown and black glass eyes and a black bill. The legs and webbed feet are a dark brown and black colour. Tied around the left leg is a paper identification tag. The number 134 is inscribed on the left side of the wooden platform on which the bird is standing. This specimen is stocky.3a. / Australian Wild Duck / See Catalogue, Page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pacific black duck, grey duck, australian duck

The Underdown family were early settlers on the Island, possibly in the 1890s. They lived in Reid Street, Rhyll. Name of donor is Ossie or Oswald Underdown.HistoricalLarge, pale green sketch book with scale and freehand drawings of plants, flowers. Completed in 1912Australian Sketch Book. Oswald Underdown.drawing, oswald underdown, drawing book