History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At rear of book are the minutes of the 1st to 5th Annual Meetings (1947-1951) and a list of financial members 33 x 21 x 1 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with green cloth spine binding; 132 pageseltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At centre of book are the minutes of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Annual Meetings (1952-1955) 32.5 x 20.5 x 1 cm; burgundy hard endcovers with burgundy cloth spine binding; contents almost separated from spine and cover plates; 94 pageseltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At rear of book are the minutes of the 10th, 11th and 12th Annual Meetings (1956-1958) The Pencraft Faint Account Book 32.5 x 20.5 x 0.5 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with red cloth spine binding; 66 pageseltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At rear of book are the minutes of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Annual Meetings (1959-1962). Also stuck on rear inside cover a list of financial members for 1960. Ritewell No. 246 Faint Only book 32.5 x 20.5 x 1 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with blue cloth spine binding; 128 pages (52 blank)eltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

Murray's Bridge over the Diamond Creek on the Diamond Creek Trail just prior to demolition and replacement with a new steel bridge. Heritage advice obtained by Nillumbik Shire Council, following a suggestion by the Eltham District Historical Society (EDHS), is that the original bridge appears to have been a simplified version of the Country Roads Board’s (CRB) standard timber bridge design of the early-to-mid 1920s. In c1990 Murray’s bridge was renovated with three recycled steel girders as part of a bike/pedestrian path in the reserve. During these alterations many parts of the bridge were removed, and some were replaced. Heritage advice indicates the condition of Murray’s bridge is poor. The remaining original parts are all in poor condition, with severe weathering, splitting and rot, especially to the stringers retained on the bridge. Heritage advice is that Murray’s Bridge does not have sufficient significance in the cultural history of the Nillumbik area to warrant inclusion in the Nillumbik Shire Heritage Overlay and also does not have sufficient significance as a rare survivor to warrant inclusion in the Nillumbik Shire Heritage Overlay. There are no indications in the historical record that this site was individually important to the cultural history of this area. EDHS is comfortable with the heritage advice provided to Council and has worked closely on this project with Council. EDHS has suggested some of the removed timbers be used in the vicinity of the bridge for landscaping and possibly seating, so as to retain these remnants close to the site of the original bridge, which is the last old timber bridge along the lower reaches of the Diamond Creek. Mary (Sweeney) Murray and John Wright Murray selected 80 acres, Lot C Section 16 and Lot 5 Section 17 Parish of Nillumbik, under an occupation license in 1866. John died in 1867 and freehold was granted to his son John in 1873. The farm was known as ‘Laurel Hill’. John Junior was an Eltham Shire councillor and sometime president from 1887 up until 1897. He added Lot A Section 16 to the farm in ca1888. John and his younger brother James arranged to rent/purchase Lot B Section 17, across Diamond Creek to the west, in ca1900. It appears that John and James farmed separately for a few years, with a new homestead built for James ad family on the high point of Lot B Section 17 in ca1910. John sold off Lot 5 Section 17 in 1912. When John died in 1912 James took over the land on both sides of the Diamond Creek. The old homestead on the west side of the Creek disappeared. A farm bridge over Diamond Creek from this period may have been located close to the northern boundary of the farm. John Langlands, owner of the farm known as ‘Ihurst’ on the west side of Diamond Creek to the south of the Murray’s land, died in 1907. In 1909 his land was then subdivided into 100 lots to become the ‘Glen Park Estate’. Other similar subdivisions of nineteenth century farms around Eltham in this period included the ‘Franktonia (or Beard’s) Estate’ to the northeast and ‘Bonsack’s Estate’ between Eltham and Greensborough. Soon after the opening of the railway extension line from Eltham to Hurstbridge in 1912, Glen Park and nearby residents including James Murray agitated for a railway station or siding to be located half-way between Eltham and Hurstbridge, so that the Glen Park residents who used the railway daily did not have to walk into the Eltham or Hurstbridge stations. Some believed Coleman’s Corner (opposite Edendale Farm) was an appropriate spot for the platform. James Murray was among those who thought the railway should be located on his land, closer to half-way between Eltham and Hurstbridge stations. The Railways Commissioners warned that the locals would have to fund these works themselves. The Glen Park Estate residents initially had difficulty accessing Eltham by road, with only an old low-level bridge over Diamond Creek at the south end of their estate. A new timber trestle bridge across the creek, now on Wattletree Road, was opened in 1915. Road access to the north was gained in 1927 when the new Murray’s Road, which crossed the Murray’s land, was built. Residents continued to agitate for a Glen Park station. By 1926 the Railways Commissioners’ preferred site was on the Murray’s land. They arranged an estimate of cost of a full-length platform. The estimate was too much for the locals, who in 1928 argued unsuccessfully for a shorter and hence cheaper platform. By 1929 Murray had agreed to donate the land, but the locals would still have to fund the works. Murray decided, unilaterally it would appear, to commence work on a timber trestle road bridge over Diamond Creek to link the new Murray Road to the proposed station. Late in 1929 he stopped work on the bridge, for reasons unknown, but started work again and completed the bridge in 1931. There is no further newspaper evidence of the campaign for the Glen Park station until 1939, when Murray and another local, Mr Maxwell, met the Railways Commissioner. The Glen Park locale now included 45 homes on the west side of the creek and 20 on the Eltham side. Most of the residents used the train every day. The Commissioner remained adamant that only a full-length platform could be built for safety reasons. It appears the campaign dissolved at this point. The increasing move to cars may have had an impact. There is no evidence of Murray’s bridge ever being connected to Murray’s Road, or of it having wide use for any purpose by locals. James Murray died in 1947 and the farm was taken over by his son James (Jim). Jim started to sell off parts of the farm in the 1980s, retaining a few acres around the ca1910 homestead and building a new house there. Recreation reserves were established along the creek. In ca1990 Murray’s bridge was renovated with steel girders as part of a bike/pedestrian path in the reserve. The old farmhouse was demolished in ca2014. * * * A theory posted on local community Facebook groups was that the bridge was built in the 1860s and was built to be more robust than was necessary for the movement of cows from one side of the creek to the other. It was suggested the robustness was necessary to support the weight of gold ore being transferred from a mine on Murray’s land to a railway siding near Murrays Bridge (presumably for transfer and processing at Diamond Creek). Perhaps this may have been one of the motivators for Murray, who really knows? Knowing when mining operations ceased on his land and how that fits the overall timeline would be useful but at the time the bridge was built, local gold production was minimal at best. The known facts are: • The railway line came to Eltham in 1902. • The extension of the railway from Eltham to Hurstbridge was constructed in 1912 so no railway line even existed through Murray's property until 1912 and the Victorian Railways maps at the time show no such siding on Murray’s property. • In 1923 a new company was formed in anticipation of the old Diamond Creek Gold Mine being re-opened. The mine had been previously closed and flooded. It was noted in the press at the time that the mine was within a mile of the railway. Nothing really came of this. • Construction of Murrays Bridge was commenced by James Murray in early 1929 in anticipation of a proposed flag station being nominated on his land, but work ceased shortly afterwards. The proposed flag station was commonly referred to as Glen Park as the residents of the Glen Park Estate wanted Option 1, located near them with the platform adjacent to Colemans corner. This was probably never going to fly as it was virtually in eyesight of Eltham station. Allandale Road was the third option, but the Commissioners' preferred option was No. 2 - on Murray's property. • The Railway Commissioners were not going to finance any such station and the works had to be funded by private landowners and residents, hence Murray investing in this himself. • Murray recommenced work two years later and finished his bridge in 1931 but unfortunately for him, the proposed flag station never eventuated. The bluestone siding you reference may well have been built by Murray as part of the proposed station platform. • Up until then, apart from the Main Road bridge, which was washed away in 1924, virtually all local crossings over the Diamond Creek were low lying bridges – Kaylocks Bridge at Brougham Street, Diamond Street bridge, Glen Park Road bridge. It is expected that Murray also had a low-lying bridge to connect his land either side of the creek. These were all washed away or severely damaged multiple times in the 1920s. Lessons were learnt, and Murrays Bridge appears to have been built in accordance with Country Road Board standards of the time. Flood damage was ongoing, and even more recently constructed raised bridges kept getting washed away, e.g., the new Wattle Tree Road bridge in 1958 just months after completion. Murray’s bridge was reinforced with steel some 30 years ago presumably to provide additional floodwater resistance, given the history of bridges disappearing in floodwaters. • In March 1932 it was reported in the Advertiser that there were still some prospectors operating around Eltham North who apart from further scarring the face of the earth over the previous two years had gained significant experience but little gold - hardly a driving factor for constructing a dedicated railway siding and bridge to transfer gold ore. It is far more probable that James Murray was hoping to have the railway station located on his property and invested his money by building the bridge to lead to it as well as a station platform. Had the station eventuated, it may well have driven up the value of his land for subdivision and new housing estates like the Glen Park Estate. That did not eventuate. Whilst the bridge was indeed old (90 years), the core structure being completed in 1931, it had been modified substantially from original and hence had no significant historic value – i.e., it was not a representative example of its type, construction, and age. Given that the bridge was not worthy of saving, the Eltham District Historical Society with Council’s support, and the Eltham Woodworkers group endeavoured to see what suitable sized timbers were salvageable to fabricate a commemorative seat. Unfortunately, the experts at the Woodworkers group were unable to salvage any suitable length/width timbers to fabricate the seat due to the presence of rot. Last remaining wooden trestle bridge on the Diamond Creek Trail just prior to demolition and replacementBorn digital image (27)diamond creek (creek), diamond creek trail, murrays bridge, ‘laurel hill’, john wright murray, mary (sweeney) murra, john murray jnr, james murray, john langlands, ‘ihurst’, ‘glen park estate’, beard's estate, franktonia, bonsack's estate, glen park estate, glen park railway station

Appendix to Shire Secretary’s Report, 28 November 1966 SHIRE PRESIDENTS Local Government in this part of the State could be said to have commenced with election in 1846 of three trustees for "The Parish Road, leading from the Suburban Allotments in the Parish of Jika Jika, near Melbourne, to the Village Reserve in the Parish of Nillumbik". The Upper Heidelberg and Old Eltham Road follow approximately the original line of road proclaimed in 1840. The Eltham Road District was proclaimed on 24.9.1856. A meeting of landowners and householders of the Eltham Road District was held on 14.10.1856 at the Fountain of Friendship Hotel, Little Eltham, for the purpose of forming a District Road Board. To date I have been unable to locate any record of the names of the members elected, or of the first Chairman. Further research may yield the desired information. The Shire of Eltham was constituted on 28.3.1871. The proposed Roll of Shire Presidents should, I believe, also include the Road Board Chairmen. It may also be considered fitting to recognise the Heidelberg or Nillumbik (or Warringal) Road Trust in the same way. The first Minute Book of the Board, covering the period 1856 to 1863, has apparently been missing for many years. The Shire Minute Book for the period 1878 to 1885 is also missing. The absence of these vital records makes difficult the compilation of a complete and accurate list of Chairmen and Presidents. Although an early letter book yielded the names of the Shire Presidents in 1878, 1879 and 1800. The names prior to 1863 were derived from Rate Books and Government Gazettes. The information contained in the Municipal Directories 1875 to 1885 is at variance to some extent with such Council records as are available for that period, and consequently cannot be relied upon for the years where the Presidents names have not been shown. shire of eltham archives, series listing, a. armstrong, a. beale, a. brinkkotter, a. donaldson, a.h. price, a.j. braid, c.h. bath, c.m.a. pelling (mrs.), c.t. bell, d.c. o'beirne, e.d. butler, e.h. cameron, e.j. andrew, e.p. harmer, f.e. griffith, f.v. squire, f.w. nankervis, g. love, g. robertson, h. dendy, h. hewitt, h. stooke, l.t. wilmot, j. cox, j. murray, j. barr, j. bell, j. fitch, j. herbert, j. lawrey, j. mealy, j. pape, j. ryan, j. smedley, j.b. shallard, j.l. beale, l. c. docksey, r. mcadam, r.a. bell, r.c. white, r.r. woolcott, rutter, s.s. addison, s.w. scott, t. armstrong, t. irvine, w. horris, w. hubbard, w. lorimer, w. morris, w. taylor, w.c. farrell, w.f. ford, w.g. gray, w.h. bradbury, w.j. taylor, w.v. houghton

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.anne laurence, betty johnson, display panel, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, joan maclagan, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, community notice board, jacky talbot

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, community notice board, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

Series consists of over 140 volumes of Council Records. These records (apart from the Rates Books) fall outside the provisions of the Victoria Public Record Office Disposal Schedule - ie. Retention is at the discretion of Council. A complete listing of the volumes is attached, however the collection includes Minute Books, Letter Books, Country Roads Board Ledgers, Finance Committee Finance Books, Water Supply Rate Books, and numerous cash books and ledgers. Consideration is currently being given to sending approximately half the collection to off-site storage (Ausdoc - Port Melbourne)shire of eltham archives, series listing

Painting by C. Lillie Brown (Caroline) of house at 25 Beaconsfield Road, Briar Hill, formnerly owned by Miss Humphries who ran a lolly shop in the left hand sode of the building. Frequented by children from the Briar Hill school which was opposite. House now demolished.29.2 x 39.1 cm Oil on (Fredrix USA) linen mounted paper board 12" x 16 " (30.5 x 40.6 cm) in standard frame Signed in brown paint lower left C Lillie Brown25 beaconsfield road, briar hill, miss humphries, lolly shop, briar hill school

This 1954 Roll of Honour board was an action of the WW2 Eltham War memorial Trust, for hanging in their Child Welfare Centre building on their property in Main Road, Eltham. The Johnstons Furniture Production Company made up the board and had the names of the local Eltham enlistees applied in gold lettering at a total cost of £13.10.00. The names were copied by the Eltham RSL from the obelisk which was first erected by the WW1 Eltham Peace Celebrations in August 1919 at the northwest corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. During road widening plans by the Council, the obelisk was moved to the garden area of the refurbished RSL branch building in Main Road for safekeeping. The Honour Roll Board was sent to the Eltham RSL sub-branch around 1999. Following the merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and sale of the Eltham property, the obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children's Library). It is attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall.Colour photo print and 18 photocopied and hand written mixed media pages1953, briar hill timber, cr. e.j. andrew, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, ernie andrew, harry gilham collection, honour roll, johnstons furniture production company, johnstons furniture productions, meeting minutes, minute book, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council, roll of honour, stanley s addison collection, stanley simpson addison

Originally built by John Hill, a shoemaker at Kangaroo Ground around 1878. In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith’s notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that the property was the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miner’s Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the cottage existed at that time. Upon Birch’s death in 1932, his daughter, Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. Honor Mary Birch, known as Nora, was born 1900, the daughter of Edwin Samuel Birch and Honor (nee Young). In 1939 she married George Henry Williams (aka Henry). Honor died 8 July 1976. Her siblings were Margaret Martin (dec), Bert Birch and Brigidene Brinkkotter. In her will she gave and bequeathed “all the improvements on the land held by me at Christmas Hills under Permissive Occupancy from the Department of Land and Survey consisting of the house property thereon and all the contents of the said house to my nephew Brian Joseph Martin of Christmas Hills aforesaid farmer”. The will described the property as a four room, five square house, about 100 years old with enclosed verandah, including kitchen, combined lounge dining room, bedroom and store room; built of ‘bush slabs’ with a corrugated iron roof. A dairy had been erected in 1935. After her death, the property was acquired by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works in 1978. The property is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database HO200-Hill, later Birch farm complex, 945 Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Watsons Creek and described as: The house has a steep but simply gabled roof form clad with corrugated iron, vertical adzed hardwood slab front wall construction, split palings to the gable ends; rubble freestone chimney at one end (with added gsi flue), pole-framed Graeme Butler & Associates, 2006: 101 Shire of Nillurnbik Planning Scheme Amendment C13 Heritage Assessments verandah (rebuilt?); six-pane double-hung sash windows; T&G bead-edge boarded ledged & braced door; and paling clad rooms added at verandah ends. A slab-clad large fireplace is at the north corner of the house, with a gsi upper cladding added and an internal lining of rubble stone. The rear facade is different construction, being drop-slab, and sits beneath a rear skillion addition to the main gabled form: this may be more recent construction. The house appears to have been once set up for public display and may have been recreated in part for that purpose. Outbuildings are reached by a track along the east side of the house, including what may have been a creamery (typical standard inter-war design clad with corrugated iron and lined with 1938 Lysaght Queens Head Australia galvanised sheet iron) and a paling clad gabled out-house. Timber outbuildings of differing eras are to the north-west of the house, with pole framing and paling infill construction and Redcliffe brand corrugated iron. Post and rail (front) and split paling (rear) fence remnants line the front boundary. Pepper trees part of house yard landscape49 born digital images (includes one panoramic stitch and nine frames from drone video)birch cottage, christmas hills, early settlers, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch, john hill, watsons creek

This photo is believed to have been taken circa 1985 when the Shire of Eltham Parks and Environment occupied the site. This photo was originally mounted on 3mm MDF fibre board with notes and stickers applied as part of a display on the former Police Residence and now present day Local History Centre, home to Eltham District Historical Society; possibly put together by Harry Gilham during his time as president of the society. Eltham Police Station and Residence: A brief history 1860 Eltham Courthouse built in Main Road, together with an adjoining police residence, office, lock–up and stables. 1959 Police Department purchases a house in Pryor Street to be refurbished as Eltham Police Station 1961 Police in Eltham move into Pryor Street refurbished buildings and office. c.1961-1981 Occupied by Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Section of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey. Former Police Station dragged around to rear of Police Residence (prior to August 1967) to make way for the construction of a driveway and access from Main Road. The building was placed on the site of a former Scullery and modified for Lands Department use. 1981 Shire of Eltham take over management of old Police Residence in Eltham. It remains unoccupied for a period of time whilst its future is discussed in Council. 1981-1985 Used for community job creation scheme 1985 Shire of Eltham Parks and Environment occupy the residence. Council improve the driveway but later add a second rear access from Brougham Street due to the dangerous nature of the Main Road entrance. Also add a rear toilet facility between the Police Residence and former Police Station, which was doubling up as a lunch room. Council also commence discussions to re-establish a replica Police Station. c.1986 November. Former Police Station demolished; believed to have been suffering termite damage. c.1989 After some years of discussion a replica Police Station is built, based on photographs, to act as a lunch room and meeting room for Parks and Environment staff and volunteers doing community service. 1996 Eltham District Historical Society in discussions with Nillumbik Shire Council commisioners throughout the year regarding a home for the Society. A proposal put forward by the Society in October to occupy the former Police Residence. 1997 March. Eltham District Historical Society gains access to former Police Residence. 1998 July 12th. Eltham District Historical Society Inc moves into its Local History Centre, 728 Main Road Eltham (the former Police Residnce built in 1860). 2018 July. Eltham District Historical Society gains access to the replica Police Station for use as part of regular heritage tours for schools and community based groups.Colour printHandwritten in faded blue felt pen ink "No. 3 - Front of 728 Police Residence. 1860 Court House over the paling fence. Verandah missing from earlier photographs"728 main road, eltham, local history centre, parks and environment, police residence, police station, shire of eltham

This photo is believed to have been taken circa 1985 when the Shire of Eltham Parks and Environment occupied the site. This photo was originally mounted on 3mm MDF fibre board with notes and stickers applied as part of a display on the former Police Residence and now present day Local History Centre, home to Eltham District Historical Society; possibly put together by Harry Gilham during his time as president of the society. Eltham Police Station and Residence: A brief history 1860 Eltham Courthouse built in Main Road, together with an adjoining police residence, office, lock–up and stables. 1959 Police Department purchases a house in Pryor Street to be refurbished as Eltham Police Station 1961 Police in Eltham move into Pryor Street refurbished buildings and office. c.1961-1981 Occupied by Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Section of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey. Former Police Station dragged around to rear of Police Residence (prior to August 1967) to make way for the construction of a driveway and access from Main Road. The building was placed on the site of a former Scullery and modified for Lands Department use. 1981 Shire of Eltham take over management of old Police Residence in Eltham. It remains unoccupied for a period of time whilst its future is discussed in Council. 1981-1985 Used for community job creation scheme 1985 Shire of Eltham Parks and Environment occupy the residence. Council improve the driveway but later add a second rear access from Brougham Street due to the dangerous nature of the Main Road entrance. Also add a rear toilet facility between the Police Residence and former Police Station, which was doubling up as a lunch room. Council also commence discussions to re-establish a replica Police Station. c.1986 November. Former Police Station demolished; believed to have been suffering termite damage. c.1989 After some years of discussion a replica Police Station is built, based on photographs, to act as a lunch room and meeting room for Parks and Environment staff and volunteers doing community service. 1996 Eltham District Historical Society in discussions with Nillumbik Shire Council commisioners throughout the year regarding a home for the Society. A proposal put forward by the Society in October to occupy the former Police Residence. 1997 March. Eltham District Historical Society gains access to former Police Residence. 1998 July 12th. Eltham District Historical Society Inc moves into its Local History Centre, 728 Main Road Eltham (the former Police Residnce built in 1860). 2018 July. Eltham District Historical Society gains access to the replica Police Station for use as part of regular heritage tours for schools and community based groups.Colour printHandwritten in faded blue felt pen ink "No. 2 - Backyard of 728 #5 Weatherboard 'Office'. Note 1860 Court House over the fence."728 main road, eltham, local history centre, parks and environment, police residence, police station, shire of eltham