Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection A black and white photograph of 2Lt Mike Meehan of 161 (Indep) Recce Flight carrying out civil affairs duties at Xuyen Moc, after its releif from the VietCong, by the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, attempts to entice a little Vietnamese girl to have a can of chilled chocolate milk.photograph, 161 reconnaissance flight, 2lt mike meehan, xuyen moc, 5 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese children, viet cong, 5th battalion, chilled milk, denis gibbons

The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890s on the Western Australian goldfields. Its invention was credited to a local contractor named Arthur Patrick McCormick. It was a practical system to preserve food prior to modern refrigeration. The wire grid kept the food safe from vermin and allowed breeze to blow through. It was often covered with wet hessian so that as the breeze circulated the water evaporated, creating the same concept as coolant in modern refrigerators and ice boxes. In most respects it was a variation of the bushman’s hessian bag hanging in a tree. In larger towns and cities during this time period large "ice works" could deliver block ice to areas that required a form of refrigeration. These ice blocks where held in early refrigerators to keep perishables cool. In isolated or rural households, the Coolgardie or meat safe was the next best, practical solution for food preservation. This safe was used in the home of the Conway family in Wodonga.This item is very significant to the Wodonga region as it represents the initiative and problem solving skills of the early settlers. It also reflects the primitive conditions in which they lived before the arrival of more modern services such as electricity.Meat safe or Coolgardie safe manufactured in Australia. This safe is made from metal and has been painted in green paint. 2 sides of the safe have a pattern of 6 squares of holes to allow for ventilation and air flow. The holes would also guard against insects and other vermin. There is one shelf inside, dividing it into 2 sections. The safe has a hook attached so that it can be suspended, often from a tree or on a verandah to increase air flow. The safe would often be covered by wet hessian to promote further cooling and preservation of foods such as milk, butter and meat.coolgardie safe, food preservation, pioneers innovation

Bottle is an Imperial half pint milk container used by Blackburn DairiesGlass milk bottle with cardboard top. Top is round disc inscribed with 'Blackburn Dairies T.B. Tested Nursery Milk W.X.2504Milk M.B.R.| This bottle is the property of Milk Bottles Recovery Ltd 18 Market Street, Melbourne. It can only be used by written permission and cannot be sold.domestic items, containers, glass technology, bottles

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of the village Children of Xuyen Moc enjoy chilled cans of chocolate and strawberry "foremost" milk, given to them by members of 161 (Indep) Recce Flt following the relief of the village by 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.photograph, vietnamese children, xuyen moc, 161 recon flt, 5 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, flavoured milk, 5th battalion, denis gibbons, royal australian regiment