Colour photograph of a group of people at the launch of book, Our Little Town, author Elsie Johnstone nee Allen, centre, with cruiser on lake behind her, Lakes Entrance Victoriabook launch, social history

These photos were collected and copied by Di Edmondson for the 'Back To Tawonga' Event in 2010 when she launched her book "Tawonga Remembers".An historical photographic collection of Tawonga and its surrounds, places and people up to 20101. Saw Mill - Mill house 2. The Rock Pool 3. People at the Rock Pool x 2 4.Old Saw mill 5. Back to Tawonga Celebrations x6 6. Tennis Curts opposite the Tawonga Store, Bakery in the background 7. Bowling Club 8. Old Guide Hall 9. The Old Boarding House 10. Old Fire Brigade Shed 11. Building the New Tawonga Memorial Hall 12. Tawonga Go Kart Track - 1960s 13. Tawonga Pony Club 1969 State Championships 14. Tawonga Recreation Reserve Newspaper article 15. The Damm Children 19. 1980s Brian Edmondson, Geoff Edmondson, Mick Harvey, David Piera. Geoff Edmondson's car 20. Tawonga Speedway Track - 1970s Mick Harvey and Paul Harkin's car 21. 2000 22. Tawonga Sports Vera Ryder and Allie Briggs 23. Tawonga School Photos x8 24. Harry Cooper's Farm Looking South 25.View from Edmondson's Farm - looking north 26. Mount Emu 27. St Aiden's Debutante Ball 27. Grand Opening Ball 1961 Tawonga Hall 28. The Kiewa Valley Road at Tawonga. Vic. 29. Tennis Courts opposite the Bogong Hotel 30.Opening of the new Toilet Block in Pioneer park 31. Old Tawonga Store x 3 32. Tawonga Memorial Hall 33. Anglican Church, St Aiden's x 2 34. Motor Khana held at Recreation reserve 35. 1970 State Champioships Team 36. Kiewa Valley School Sports at Dederang 37. Miscellaneous photos x27 Some photos have headings and some headings have been writtentawonga remembers, back to tawonga 2010, di edmondson

Series consists of a large collection (over 1150) of negatives of scenes, activities and staff of the Shire of Eltham. Many of the films were taken for publicity purposes and necessarily cover a broad range of topics. The films or individual strips have been organised into Scenes, Activities and Staff groupings, however there are many overlaps. 1) Scenes includes: Parks and Roads including Alistair Knox Park, Tree Planting, Trees and Flowers, general Shire Scenes. One of the Alistair Knox Park films also contains shots of the Shire President (John Graves?) in the Chambers wearing the Presidential Chain. 375 negatives. 2) Activities documented include: Fire Safety workshop and massage, Leisure Centre activities including pool construction, Living and Learning Centre, Pottery, Netball, Shire Offices, Elderly Citizens, Buildings, Youth Services, Sporting Facilities, Parklands, Community Arts, Childca re, Childrens Week Book Launch 23/ 10/1991 , Environment Week Launch 19/9/1991 , Childrens Services and Activities, Buy A Book Campaign Launch November 1990, Thelma Barkways' Birthday 1990, Engineering activities including Waste Collection, Building and Health Services activities including water testing, examples of new housing, blocks of land, letter box numbers. Also in this section are Shire Office and Handbook shots, nature shots including butterflies (Eltham Copper Butterfly?), wheelchairbound CEO Rodney Roscholler, Community Services Xmas Lunch 1991. 607 negatives. 3) Staff including many groups and individuals to be identified, Rodney Roscholler, Thelma Barkway, Councillors, Shire President Pamela Sladden, Roma O'Callaghan, Irene in the Kitchen/Entertainment Area, also Farm Scenes. 169 negatives.shire of eltham archives, series listing

Launch of book "The Silent city" authored by Dorothy Wickham and Peter Butters and published by Ballarat Heritage Services. The launch took place at the Ballarat Crematorium Chapel, Doveton Street, Ballarat.

Folded card titled The Local Heroes. It has gold printing above a yellow and brown painted area. City of Greater Bendigo printed in the white part at the top. Card contains an invitation to the Official Book Launch & Photographic Portrait Exhibition by the Minister for Education - Hon Martin Dixon MP and the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo - Cr Lisa Ruffell on 3 August 2013. Program is printed above the invitation. On the back are portraits of Dennis O'Hoy, Diana Williams, Gordon McKern, Laura Dusseljee, Jim Evans, Linda Beilharz, Rod Fyffe, Sharelle McMahon, Russel Jack, Pat Connolly, John Wolseley, Geoff Curnow Merna Curnow, Rob Hunt, Valerie Broad, Wes Vine, Dick Hazeldine, Julie Millowick, Don Erskine, Ken Marchingo, Paul Chapman, Sue Clarke, Jhoanne Baker, Richard Guy, Jack Kelly, Lola Miller, Jack Taylor, Barry Ackerman, Lynn Warren, Ray wild, Beth McKerlie, Leon Scott, Jenny Dawson, Ian Dyett, Karen Quinlan, Jonathan Ridnell, Margot Spalding, Ian Mansbridge, Margaret O'Rourke, Rob Cook and Wendy Stavrianos.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - the local heroes invitation, city of greater bendigo, city of greater bendigo project steering committee, hon martin dixon mp, cr lisa ruffell, the capital, dudley house, dennis o'hoy, diana williams, gordon mckern, laura dusseljee, jim evans, linda beilharz, rod fyffe, sharelle mcmahon, russel jack, pat connolly, john wolseley, geoff curnow merna curnow, rob hunt, valerie broad, wes vine, dick hazeldine, julie millowick, don erskine, ken marchingo, paul chapman, sue clarke, jhoanne baker, richard guy, jack kelly, lola miller, jack taylor, barry ackerman, lynn warren, ray wild, beth mckerlie, leon scott, jenny dawson, ian dyett, karen quinlan, jonathan ridnell, margot spalding, ian mansbridge, margaret o'rourke, rob cook, wendy stavrianos

Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. Autograph was written in the inside cover of Plains of Promiselocal identities

Hardcover with grey, scarlet picture of three nurses.non-fictionMilitary nursing, Queensland. historynurses, boer war, world war one, world war two, vietnam

Hardcover with grey, scarlet picture of three nurses.non-fictionMilitary nursing, Queensland. historynurses, boer war, world war one, world war two, vietnam

The book was written by David Thomas, with the support of project team members Gerald Jenzen and Clare Gervasoni. Neville Oddie, GGNephew fd James Oddie, launched the book. The book celebrates 150 years of philanthropy. Colour photograph of four people at the launch of the Book 'Ballarat Old Colonists' held at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. Left to right: David Thomas (writer), Neville Oddie., Clare Gervasoni, Gerald Jenzen.neville oddie, david thomas, gerald jenzen, clare gervasoni, old colonists' association ballarat

Laughing Waters Road , the book was launched at Montsalvat in Eltham. On Saturday, January 30, 2016, Nillumbik Council launched this book. The weather was cool; just as well, considering over 500 people attended this very pleasant event where food and drink were plentiful. The Australian Government and Nillumbik Shire Council funded the book and it was designed by Wayne Rankin of North Warrandyte. The dedication page is to our very own Ranger Campbell Beardsell OAM of Parks Vic who taught Jane to be “passionate about the environment of this special place” (p260). FOWSP members Val Polley, Linda Rogan and Ken Crook contributed to the content and photos. David Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder, gave a Welcome to Country and officially launched the book after the Mayor of Nillumbik, Cr Hattam, made introductions. Jane Woollard followed with a brief outline of how she came to write the book (her very first) and read out loud the last paragraph which focuses on reconciliation and shared culture. Jane declared in her preface that the book “has been formed by attending to the connection between rivulets of memories, creeks of hearsay, rivers of tales, the meanders of local legend and the deep, still pools of the archive.” Very poetic! - Lynda Gilbert Newsletter; Friends of Warrandyte State Park March 2016, Volume 34 Number 2 Laughing Waters Road , the book was launched at Montsalvat in Eltham ON SATURDAY 30 JANUARY Nillumbik Council launched this book. The weather was cool; just as well, considering over 500 people attended this very pleasant event where food and drink were plentiful. The Australian Government and Nillumbik Shire Council funded the book and it was designed by Wayne Rankin of North Warrandyte. The dedication page is to our very own Ranger Campbell Beardsell OAM of Parks Vic who taught Jane to be “passionate about the environment of this special place” (p260). FOWSP members Val Polley, Linda Rogan and Ken Crook contributed to the content and photos. David Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder, gave a Welcome to Country and officially launched the book after the Mayor of Nillumbik, Cr Hattam, made introductions. Jane Woollard followed with a brief outline of how she came to write the book (her very first) and read out loud the last paragraph which focuses on reconciliation and shared culture. Jane declared in her preface that the book “has been formed by attending to the connection between rivulets of memories, creeks of hearsay, rivers of tales, the meanders of local legend and the deep, still pools of the archive.” Very poetic! - Lynda Gilbert Newsletter; Friends of Warrandyte State Park March 2016, Volume 34 Number 2 https://fowsp.org.au/docs/News_2016/34_02_March.pdffay bridge collection, 2016-01-30, book launch, bronnie hattam, jane woollard, laughing waters road, montsalvat, sigmund jorgensen, harry gilham, maurice hurry

Set of three colour prints of FOHTD Member Ian Brady and author of Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust: Melbourne's foremost municipal tramway on 22-11-2011 formally launching his book in an presentation at the depot. Printed on Kodak Royal Digital Paper.trams, tramways, pmtt, books, fohtd

A group of photographs taken at the June 24 2017 meeting of Greensborough Historical Society. At this meeting, Jacinta Crealy spoke about and launched her book on Robert Whatmough (photo 1). At afternoon tea, a cake was cut to commemorate Robert Whatmough's life (1815-1887).Digital copy of colour photographsgreensborough historical society, jacinta crealy, robert whatmough

Book developed from the Heritage Week 2011 display featuring some pioneering farming families connected with Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Ltd. The book was printed and launched at the 125th Anniversary celebrations of the factory in May 2013. Families featured are Anderson, Burke, Burleigh, Chislett, Kelly, Logan, Mahony, McConnell, Rea, Taylor, Uebergang.Records the contribution of early dairy farming families connected with Victoria's oldest dairy processing manufacturer. The company was established in May 1888 and commenced commercial processing in November 1888. The company remained as an independent processor until early 2014.White cloth bound book with chrome screw binding, green and cream Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Company logo and title in green print; 12 laminated pages, full colour. Book printer details on sticker on inside back cover.Spectrum Print Solutions/for all your printing needs/Shop2,377 Raglan Pde, Warrnambool/Ph 03 5561 5233 www.spectrum-oz.comdairying, dairy processors, milk, butter, cheese, families, anderson, burke, burleigh, kelly, logan, mahony, mcconnell, rea, taylor, uebergang, warrnambool cheese and butter factory company, wcb, anniversary celebrations

The plaque of Oppy reads: Hubert Opperman was born in Rochester, his early job as a Telegraph Boy encouraged his love of cycling. Throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s “Oppy” was the dominant figure in Australian cycling. He first won the Australian Road Cycling Championship in 1924. He won it again in 1926, 1927 and 1929. At the same time he was becoming and international star. This statue is modelled on his on his stunning victory at the Bol D’Or in Paris in the same year that he was highly placed in the prestigious Tour de France. His first place in the 1265 kms Paris - Brest- Paris road race was the highlight of his sporting career. That year he was voted Sportsman of the Year by a French newspaper. In 1991 Sir Hubert attended the Centenary Celebrations of the race and was honoured with Gold Medal of the City of Paris “Oppy” retired from cycling in 1940. Typically he celebrated his retirement with a 24 hour marathon at the Sydney Velodrome breaking one hundred and one records in the process. After war service with the RAAF he entered Federal politics holding the Victoria seat of Corio for the Liberal Party from 1949 until 1967. During this period he served as Minister for Shipping and Transport and Minister for Immigration. In 1967 he was appointed Australian High Commissioner for Malta, receiving the OBE in 1952 and was knighted in 1968. This Statue was officially unveiled by SIR HUBERT OPPERMAN On his 90th birthday, 29th May 1994Oppy signing Edna Barrie's leatherbound copy of 'Melton-Plains of Promise'. . The Inscription reads - To Edna with my Melton remembrances as the place I first rode a bicycle Hubert Opperman ‘Oppy’ [ 29/5/1904 – April 1996]. Edna Barrie contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.)local identities, local significant events

John Brack (1920-1999) Born AustraliaFramed, limited edition lithograph. Originally produced to be bound in a book by private press publisher Tate Adams. The suite of lithographs for the book was started by John Brack in September 1981 and finished and published in December 1982. The book was launched with a series of original conte drawings, from which the lithographs were based, in Realities Galleries, Melbourne. As such a high cost of production was involved in the binding of the book, only fifteen copies were originally bound for exhibition and sale at the show. Subsequent to this approximately another thirty copies were bound, making a total finished edition of fewer than fifty copies, far less than the anticipated 200. A number of the 50 hors commerce editions have been sold as individual plates through auctions and galleries. A number of sheets were recently discovered through the estate of Brack’s art dealer Rudy Komon (1908-1982). This unsigned work is from Rudy Koman's estate.john brack, nude, life drawing, available, chair

John BRACK (1920-1999) A key Melbourne artist who lived in Canterbury, Melbourne. This image of a nude is most probably John Brack's wife and is drawn in his studio, a pristine space with immaculate floors often seen in many of his paintings.His most famous work '5 pm Collins Street, Melbourne' featured on an Higher School Certificate (HSC) English exam and gave Melbourne children the opportunity to critically analyse this image. Brack's large abstract canvas of the Battle of Waterloo, "The Battle", was completed in the early 1980s and features pencils march across the canvas in ordered motion. This biography was written by Dr Susan Paterson. Framed lithograph in black ink on white paper depicting nude woman, with smaller nude woman image on verso. This work was originally produced to be bound in a book by private press publisher Tate Adams. The suite of lithographs for the book was started by John Brack in September 1981 and finished and published in December 1982. The book was launched with a series of original conte drawings, from which the lithographs were based, in Realities Galleries, Melbourne. A high cost of production was involved in the binding of the book, and only fifteen copies were originally bound for exhibition and sale at the show. Subsequent to this approximately another thirty copies were bound, making a total finished edition of fewer than fifty copies, far less than the anticipated 200. After many years a number of sheets were discovered through the estate of Brack’s art dealer Rudy Komon (1908-1982). This unsigned work is from Rudy Koman's estate. not signed or datedjohn brack, female nude, lithograph, available

Framed, limited edition lithograph. Originally produced to be bound in a book by private press publisher Tate Adams. The suite of lithographs for the book was started by John Brack in September 1981 and finished and published in December 1982. The book was launched with a series of original conte drawings, from which the lithographs were based, in Realities Galleries, Melbourne. As such a high cost of production was involved in the binding of the book, only fifteen copies were originally bound for exhibition and sale at the show. Subsequent to this approximately another thirty copies were bound, making a total finished edition of fewer than fifty copies, far less than the anticipated 200. A number of the 50 hors commerce editions have been sold as individual plates through auctions and galleries. A number of sheets were recently discovered through the estate of Brack’s art dealer Rudy Komon (1908-1982). This unsigned work is from Rudy Koman's estate.john brack, printmaking, available

Framed, limited edition lithograph. Originally produced to be bound in a book by private press publisher Tate Adams. The suite of lithographs for the book was started by John Brack in September 1981 and finished and published in December 1982. The book was launched with a series of original conte drawings, from which the lithographs were based, in Realities Galleries, Melbourne. As such a high cost of production was involved in the binding of the book, only fifteen copies were originally bound for exhibition and sale at the show. Subsequent to this approximately another thirty copies were bound, making a total finished edition of fewer than fifty copies, far less than the anticipated 200. A number of the 50 hors commerce editions have been sold as individual plates through auctions and galleries. A number of sheets were recently discovered through the estate of Brack’s art dealer Rudy Komon (1908-1982). This unsigned work is from Rudy Koman's estate.john brack, printmaking, nude

Nillumbik Now and Then takes the reader on a journey from when the Aboriginal people were this area's sole inhabitnats, to the present day. Nillumbik's history - told in this collection of 96 stories, which are nearly all based on sites - mirrors those of the wider Australian community. It includes tales of the Wurundjeri people, a former convict, farmers, a bushranger, gold-mining, soldiers, artists, intellectuals, environmentalists and sportspeople. Each story is illustrated with a photograph. As a journalist with the former Diamond Valley News, Marguerite Marshall wrote a series of articles on local places of historic interest, later published as the small book "Eltham Shire - Historic Buildings and Places". Many years later an expanded version was published under the title "Nillumbik Now and Then". This is a much larger version of "Nillumbik Now and Then", including significant rewriting and many additional articles. The new publication was made possible by financial support from the Victorian Public Records Office, Bendigo Bank and Nillumbik Shire Council. EDHS and other historical societies in Nillumbik assisted with content for many of the stories. The book was launched at the Eltham Library on Wednesday 19th November 2008. Source: EDHS Newsletter No 183, November 2009 The front cover art depicts The former house of naturalist and artist Neil Douglas at Bend of Islands, photographer Marguerite Marshall. This collection of almost 130 photos and stories 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. Paperback; x, 198 p. : ill., ports. ; 30 cm.Signed by the authornillumbik shire, houses, buildings, weller's hotel, landmarks, bend of islands

These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chairs, apologies, matters arising out of minutes, correspondence, subscriptions, donations and general business. Reports are also included from Reports for Honorary Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Council Committee, Information Services, Corporate Services, Accommodation Services, Rehabilitation, Marketing, Administration Support and Personnel. 25/8/1997 The President read a letter from the CEO, Mr. J. M. Isaacs formally advising of his resignation to take into effect from 31 December 1997. 24/11/1997 The President reported that Mr. John Landau was to be appointed to the position of CEO. 8/7/1997 The CEO advised the telephone based daily new service using interactive voice response technology developed by RBS was launched. 10/8/1997 it was reported the Queensland Talking Book Service (QTBS) was launched. 21/3/2000 The CEO reported that Ms. Jane Evans had been appointed as General Manager of the National Information Library Service (NILS). 18/4/2000 The CEO reported that one of the reasons for the creation of NILS was to combine the resources of RVIB and RBS to ensure an economical and smooth transition of both collections. 12/11/2001 The CEO reported that a meeting was held to discuss the merger of NILS and Vision Australia Foundation. 1 volume of sheets glued to pagesroyal blind society of nsw, national information library service

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

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities