In 1944-1996 Edna Barrie 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. Items celebrating 80 years of Country Women's Association and the closure of the Melton branchlocal significant groups, local identities, local special interest groups

Various Inwards Correspondence from; Crafers Organ and Choral Music Society re Simon Preston; Bendigo Woollen Mills re Craft exhibition; Craft Council of Victoria; Sandhurst Trustees re sponsorship of Craft Exhibition; Regional Arts Victoria re 2001 closure of Arts Bendigo; Bendigo Advertiser re 1988 Annual Supplement; Don Mackay - 2001 congratulatory letter to AB; Barry Ackerman (Mayor) with congratulations to AB 2001; John Little congratulations 2001 to AB; Roman Rudnytsky (pianist) re forthcoming visit 1997; Marketing Images & Technology re visit of Simon Preston 1988 (with supplementary material); William Feasley- guitar?- re confirmation of Bendigo performance (no stated year); Geelong Society of Operatic and Dramatic Art re information as to their use of Plaza Theatre, Geelong; Public Record Office Victoria re application for Local History Grants Program; sue Prain re possible appointment as coordinator/rehearsal leader of Bells and Brass Project; Victorian Arts Council (1981) re performance of ''You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown''; Australian Dance Theatre re details of trip to Bendigo October 1987; Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Fair Festival (1997) re inclusion of AB/BRAC event - ''Facing the Music''; Victorian Arts Council re letter of agreement for ''Wish You Were Here'' (1993).

SUNDAY SCHOOL DEMONSTRATION. With three times three we coo-ee, The Prince we meet again; Our Princess May we welcome, With heart and voice amain. This was the welcome of the children of the Melbourne Sunday schools. The greeting came from over 30,000 youthful voices to the accompaniment of as many waving flags of diminutive size, held by the children. Probably not one of those who sang so lustily had witnessed the previous visit of his Royal Highness; or knew anything of it except as a traditional event, but the sentiment was a good and proper one all the same. The children were massed on the rising ground in the Domain, and apparently the long wait was not at all wearying. It was to most of them a huge picnic. They lunched on the grass, and filled in the intervening lime with games such as the juvenile heart delights in. At intervals something approaching order, was observed, and then songs, which have been in rehearsal for some weeks past, were sung under the baton of Mr. D. R. Davies, musical director, and to the lead of a united brass band of over a hundred instrumentalists under Bandmaster E; T. Code. A solo was also sung by Mr. H. J. Floyd. At all times the scene was an exceedingly animated one. Most of the children were attired in light costumes, and those in whose dress there was some color provided the necessary variety to make up a most picturesque scene. Probably there were nearly 35,000 adults and children at this spot. They occupied the frontage to St. Kilda-road, from Government House gates to the intersecting thoroughfare beyond. As the children were confined to the high ground, there was a green strip in front of them, and the dark green of the fir trees at the top of the slope made a most suitable background. Between these two lines of even coloring the children, with the easy freedom of youth, made perhaps as pretty a feature of the pageant as could be found anywhere in the whole route of the procession." (The Age, Tues 7 May 1901, p.6)This tiny battered piece of ephemera recording the United Sunday School Demonstration of 1901 must once have been exceedingly common, however in the context of the growing collection that the Society has relating to the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament in Melbourne it has historic and social significance.Embossed red leather bookmark commemorating the 'United Sunday Schools Demonstration' in St Kilda Road in 1901 to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales to open the first Commonwealth Parliament in the Royal Exhibition Building."United Sunday Schools Demonstration, Melbourne Australia, Melbourne May 6 1901"opening of the first commonwealth parliament - 1901, sunday schools - victoria, federation events - victoria - 1901, ephemera

Mabel Pye was a printmaker and painter. She was born in Box Hill in 1894, probably at the family’s Loch Street property. She was the daughter of Alice Eleanor Noar and her husband William Edward Pye, who married in 1893. William was known as Ted and is recorded in electoral rolls as a legal clerk and later as a public servant. Mabel had a sister Hazel who was also an artist, but less well known. 12 Loch Street, Surrey Hills was known as ‘Mulberry Hill’ and the Pyes appear to be the first occupants – Alan Holt’s register of Surrey Hills properties has them there from c1900. The property was originally about an acre in size and was later divided into 4 house blocks. In 1923 they built a house for themselves on one of the blocks facing Benwerrin Street and called it ‘Tanglewood’. The Loch Street house abutted the Surrey Hills Reservoir and was diagonally linked to the land in Benwerrin Street. In 2019 both the houses still stand. The family were involved in amateur theatre and at times the studio doubled as a rehearsal space for the Benwerrin Players, a group which operated through the late 1920s and early 1930s being comprised of friends and neighbours from Benwerrin Street and Windsor Crescent. Some of their performances were at the Surrey Hall in Union Road. Most of Mabel’s known work dates from the 1930s. She had studied under Bernard Hall at the National Gallery School. Mabel was a member of both the Victorian Artists Society from 1918-1941 and also the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors from 1920-1950. Her work is represented in the Australian National Collection and in state galleries. The NGV has one of her works, the Gallery of NSW has 9 works, a large body of works and personal material is held by the Ian Potter Collection and there is one piece in the City of Whitehorse Collection. This ink sketch of the White Horse Hotel is signed MP and dated 1933, the year the building was demolished. A black and white studio photograph of a young lady standing beside a pedestal and wearing a light coloured dress with 3/4 length sleeves, dark stockings and lace up shoes. A corsage of dark flowers adorns the bodice. loch street, surrey hills, artists, whitehorse hotel, box hill, miss mabel pye, city of whitehorse collection, william edward pye, miss alice elanor noar, mrs alice eleanor pye, frank stamford

Merle Hall Collection - Arts Bendigo, Various sundry documents- a. One-page notice (''To All Teachers of Piano in the Bendigo Area'') of visit to Bendigo of former Bendigo student Tony Gray, notice date March 1993 - concert in the Banquet Room, Capital Theatre 14/3/1993; b. One-page notice of visit of Russian pianist Elisio Virsaladze and ''Moving Harps'' (trio) for October dates Year??; c. A5 brochure of information and dates for 1985 ''for many of the local and visiting arts-associated functions''. (3 pages of functions with dates, summary of performance and location of show; d. Single-page sheet of ''Arts Bendigo Activities Oct. '84 - Sept. '85 with paragraphs of ''Major Achievements'' and ''Disappointments'' and ''Thanks''. Also - ''Just Happened of Still To Come''; d. Six paged listing of 'Bendigo Subscribers' List 1979'' (Arts Council of Australia) with * annotations of being ''Financial'' - mostly personal names/addresses but some organizations. Approx 150 entries; e. two-paged list of ''Arts Bendigo Members July 1985'' with annotations of s= Single and F = Family members - approx 65 names; f. one-page Brief Report of Program Subcommittee June 1982, with rough analysis of attendance figures for recent shows; g. 3-page report of AB Development Sub-Committee meeting of 25/2/1985; h. two-paged report on ''Possible rehearsal and performing spaces in Bendigo area as known at June 1988 by Merle Hall, Secretary - brief details of 7 facilities and a number of ''Other'' facilities, with a final section on ''The Grand Vision''; i. One-page ''Proposals from Development Sub-committee'', prepared by Ellis C Blainer 3/3/87 - eight proposals in small detail; j. Bi-fold flyer ''Membership Information'' with description of AB activities and membership details/application form (not dated); k. A5 invitation of 'parchment' paper to ''25 Years of Achievement in the Arts'' (27/101995) - a brief AGM with a Social Evening from 8 pm; l. one-page invitation note accompanying the formal invitation to the special evening for 25th celebration of working with the arts in the Bendigo region.

The collection of material was collected and compiled by Ken Clements, Academic Registrar.A grey cardboard file box with information compiled by Ken Clements, the first Academic Registrar at Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education and Ballarat College of Advanced Education (later Federation Univeristy). The information includes: 1. Ballarat School of Mines advertisement for the Academic Registrar Position 2. Details of Position 3. Ballarat Institute of Advanced Educaton information for Lectureship applicants 4. Copy of Ken Clements application for the position. 5. Principal's Recipt of application note 6. Request to and reference from R.F. Colbourne 7. Request to attend for interview from Deputy Principal 8. Principal's receipt of appointment advice from Ken Clements 9. Ballarat Courier Photo of January 1972 - Deputy Principal H. Trudinger, Principal E.J. (Jack) Barker, Academic Registrar Ken Clements. 10. Plans for storage and operation of student records with Electronic Data Processing 11. Memo to Heads of Departments for current enrolment data, with Academic Registrar duties statement attached for information 12. Subject COding Scheme first draft. 13. "The Developmen of Tertiary Education in Ballarat" a report to the Victorian Minister of Education 14. Director's Advice of change of classification for Ken Clements 15. "Professional Experience Program Report: Ken Clements 1980 16. Sample commuinuicaiton re Registry Stadd traditional end of year function 17. Sample Enrolment Manual 18. Copy of application for La Troe position 19 CAEnews, April - Produced for Registry as an information service for Ballarat College of Advanced Education Staff. Includes infromation on the northwest access to the Mount Helen Campus. Photos include roadworks on Greenhill Road, a rehearsal for the play "Little Malcom", John Langer, Jayne Wilkins, Ian Gomm, Gary Gorman 20. Part of Notes for participants in Conferring Ceremony 21. Ken Clements notes re admission to tertiary education 22. Letterhead re Ballarat College of Advanced Education 23. Memo re 1988 Admission process 24. Staff Club Activities Survey 25. 1988 Enrolment Manual 26. Sundry cards used by registry for public and internal communication, 27. Listing of Ken Clement snad B. Coldwell duties March 1988 28. Docuemnts and memos re classifications of Ballarat College of advanced Education Staff, most are to do with the Academic regsitrar position 29. Notes re Ken Clements leaving Ballarat College of Advanced Education in 1988 30. Ken Clements notes for University of Ballarat Retired Staff Association Newsletter 1997 31. Ken Clements data in Ballarat University College "Biographical Archive of Retired Staff, 1996 32. Listing of some projects undertaken by Ken Clements as a volunteer at the University of Ballarat art and Historical Collection. ken clements, john langer, ian gomm, gary gorman, leslie clements, jayne wilkins, academic registrar, retired staff association, staff club

A4 sheet white printer paper with 8 newspaper clippings glued on. Handwritten note reads: Death notices for Peter Ellis - Bendigo Advertiser Wed 20th - Saturday 23rd May 2015. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter OAM. Our college community pays tribute to Peter, a highly respected former staff member and ex-student. He was a highly valued and supportive colleague, mentor and friend. Peter will be remembered for his wealth of scientific knowledge, his love of the natural environment and his contribution to the local and state Lab Technicians Associations. - Principal, staff and Students of Bendigo Senior Secondary College. City of Greater Bendigo. Ellis- Peter. A gentle man with a wonderful passion for Greater Bendigo's natural, built and musical heritage, Peter will be greatly missed by the Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee. He willingly shared his love and knowledge of the rich and unique heritage around us. Ellis - Peter Nicolaus OAM. You went so quickly. I will miss our trips to Festivals doing crosswords on the way. My sympathy to both families and Brian a great mate to the last. A void impossible to fill. - Mary Smith. Ellis- Peter OAM. A tribute to our intrepid band leader of 34 years who took us on an unforgettable musical journey of preserving and teaching the traditions of dance and music to old and young throughout Australia. You are irreplaceable ' Dirty Pierre' - Past and present members of the celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band. Ellis - Peter OAM. Founder and leader of Emu Creek Bush Band. Australia's largest collector of dancing history. A great friend taken far too young. Au revoir 'Dirty Pierre' - John and Sue Williams. Ellis - Peter OAM. Thanks Pete, you introduced me to a life of extraordinary experiences, amazing friendships, dance and music. We did have some fun. - Marg Hogan. Ellis - Peter. We are so saddened by your passing. Your music and great sense of humour will remain with us. - Wedderburn Old Timers Band. Ellis - Peter. A friend of many years. We will remember your warmth, humour and tireless pursuit to preserve the Natural Environment of Bendigo. Your love and knowledge of the Bendigo Flora was inspirational. - Mary and Patrick Ward. Ellis- Peter. A music and dance man with a warm appreciation and encouragement of diverse talent. - Winzar boys. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter. Greatly respected and loved by his many friends in the traditional music and dance movement across Australia. His achievements were many and he will be missed. - The Traditional Social Dance Association of Victoria. Ellis - Peter. The Bendigo Historical Society is saddened at the passing of fine musician and friend Peter Ellis. - Committee and members, Bendigo Historical Society. Ellis- Peter. A talented musician and long time friend who was always willing to help us. - Members of Euro fest Choir and Inc. Ellis - Peter. Friend and neighbour, nature's gentleman at rest. Sincere sympathy to Robyn, Rick, Ryan and Doug. - Judy Monti. Ellis- Peter OAM Fond memories of 28 years with the band. Sadly Missed. - Stan and Heather Symes. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter OAM Pete, a much loved friend of many years. We fondly remember your knowledge, humour and those great times together, especially in the bush. Deeply missed. - Rob and Glen Moors. Death Notices. Ellis- Peter. Fond memories, so sadly missed. Keep playing your music Peter. Loved cousin Cheryl and families. Ellis -Peter. Loved cousin of Sandra and Phil Jubber and families. Deeply Missed. Ellis - Peter. A long term member of the Bendigo Field Naturalist Club. Deepest sympathy to his friends, he will be sadly missed by all. Ellis - Peter. Leader of the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' Memories of lots of great times playing and travelling all over. We learned so much about dancing and music and it just won't be the same. - Don and Julie. Ellis - Peter. Much loved friend, dancer and band leader. - Dianne and Doug Pearse. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter. Peter, you gave so much laughter and happiness to many, many people through your lovely nature and your brilliant music to listen to and dance to. You have left a legacy of music, books and dance as well as unforgettable memories. Rest in peace. - Diana Austin. Death Notices Ellis Peter 27/3/1946 - 18/5/2015 Formerly of Emu Creek Bush Band and the Wedderburn Old Timers). Passed away suddenly at Bendigo Hospice. Loved son of Joan and Allan Nielsen (both Dec). Loving brother of Robyn and Doug. Brother-in-law of Rick and Uncle of Ryan and the extended family. Let the music play on… For Funeral arrangements see later edition. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter Nicolaus O.A.M. Suddenly. An inaugural member of the Bush Dance and Music Club and the Emu Creek Bush Band. A much loved friend, dance instructor and musician. Very generous with his time and knowledge. Passionate collector of dance music and old time dances. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him. - Devastated dance members. Ellis- Peter. OAM 27/3/46 - 18/5/15 Passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Much loved and irreplaceable brother, cousin and uncle to the Lilford, Datson, Burns, Shaw and Kitch families. You enriched our lives. No words can express how much we will miss you. Ellis Pierre (Peter) You were as much a father to me as an uncle. I never told you that or how much I looked up to you. You will be sadly missed - Boswald ( Ryan). Ellis - Peter. We are going to miss our Monday night dinners before rehearsal. A lover of fine wine, good food and great music. Pierre, our Maestro and fearless band leader, we will miss the sound of your squeeze box and your passion for the music. - Paul and Alida Robinson, Emu Creek Bush Band. Ellis - Peter. A close friend colleague, musician, authority on native plants and colonial music researcher. An enormous influence in preserving early Australian dance and dance music. We will all miss you Pete. - Jill and Graeme Balaam. Funeral Notices Ellis. A service of thanksgiving for the life of the late Mr Peter Nicolaus Ellis will be held at the Mulqueen Family Chapel, 15-25 Bridge street, Bendigo on MONDAY (May 25) at 11.00am. A private cremation will follow. Tributes can be left at www.heavenaddress.com Mulqueen Family 15-25 Bridge street, Bendigo Est. 1853 5443 4455.person, individual, peter ellis oam

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

2019, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by gayle poor, 429, artspace artist - anne lucas, artspace curator - teresa schipano, arty played by henry smith, jay played by robbie nicholson, bella played by aimee sanderson, gert played by cat jardine, louis played by liam gillespie, eddie played by seth kannof, grandma played by lindy yeates, ass director catherine christensen, production coordinator maureen mcinerney, stage manager melanie belcher, ass. stage manager and rehearsal prompt bobby parish, stage assistant janine kerwood, lighting design emma fox, sound design rob wanless, set design gayle poor & owen evans, costumes wendy drowley, costumes assistant catherine christensen, props melanie belcher & maureen mcinerney, set decor mal cother, lighting operator jarrod catt, sound operators rob wanless & harry gravell, set construction: owen evans & dough mcnaughton & brett hunt & des harris & norm munks & paddy moriarty & tim scott & bib dyers & nicholas gugel & ben chapman and htc members, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, production review cheryl threadgold, htc 2018 awards: best performances in a main role claire benne (private lives) & claire abagia (blue stockings): best performances in a supporting role libby kaye (private lives) & juliet hayday (blue stockings), vdl awards: gold award for an actress in a minor role – venetia macken (angustias in the house of bermuda alba), 2018 bill cherrey award bob tyres

2019, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by chris mclean, 430, artspace artist - liz gridley, arts space coordinator teresa schipano, eddie carbone played by mark tregonning, beatrice played by catherine christensen, catherine played by ruby duncan, alfieri played by ian mcmaster, marco played by nick wright, rodolpho played by jack kenny, mr lipari/tony played by laurie jezard, mrs lipari played by lynne mcgregor, mike played by luke styles, louis played by anthony edward, officer 1 played by david peters, officer 2 played by siobhan larkin, submarine played by harry gravell, production coordinator karen wakeham, lighting design michael rowe, set design chris mclean, sound design john rowe, stage manager melanie belcher, ass. stage manager and rehearsal prompt bobby parish, costume design wendy drowley, costumes assistant catherine christensen, dance choreography christian del'olio, fight choreography robert shook, special props warren lane, props melanie belcher & chris mclean, scenic artists gaye billing and mal cother, set construction: owen evans & dough mcnaughton & brett hunt & des harris & norm munks & paddy moriarty & tim scott & bib dyers & nicholas gugel & ben chapman and htc members, sound and lighting operator john rowe, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, production review by beth klein

2019, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by terese maurici, 431, artspace exhibitor textile art community art space, artspace curator - teresa schipano, freddie filmore/henry f potter & others played by liam gillespie, jack laurents/george bailey played by mark yeates, sally applewhite/mary bailey played by llaaneath poor, mycroft fry/clarence the angel played by tim camilleri, lana sherwood/violet bick & others played by paula mcdonald, harry heywood/harry bailey & others played by gavin baker, bobby b sharpe /pianist played by jack stringer, wally watson/foley artist played by phil holmes, dolores birdwhistle/floey assistant & others played by kadey mcintosh, musical director jack stringer, production coordinator jim thomson, lighting design emma fox, set design phil holmes, sound engineer andrea cole, stage manager karen dowling, pianist/vocal coach jack stringer, costume design wendy drowley, choreography llaaneth poor, foley props phil holmes, props jim thomson & phil holmes & terese maurici, set painter mal cother, set construction: owen evans & dough mcnaughton & brett hunt & des harris & norm munks & paddy moriarty & tim scott & bib dyers & nicholas gugel & ben chapman and htc members, sound and lighting operator emma fox, rehearsal prompt ryan purdey, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, production review by beth klein

2019, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by karen wakeham, 432, artspace artist fred colla, artspace curator - teresa schipano, angus played by john cheshire, morgan played by andrew mcaliece, miles played by sam barson, production coordinator bruce akers, stage manager melanie belcher, lightening designer deryk hartwick, set designer lisa mcvilly, sound design john rowe, costume designer catherine christensen, composer david cheshire, props gaye billings & karen wakeham & melanie belcher, set construction: owen evans & dough mcnaughton & brett hunt & des harris & norm munks & paddy moriarty & tim scott & bib dyers & nicholas gugel & ben chapman and htc members, furniture warren lane, set painter mal cother, sound & lighting operators john rowe & chloe connolly, rehearsal prompt bobby parish, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, production review by beth klein

433, artspace exhibitors downstairs eddie dix & sharon chang & jan bottcher & ann martin & sue norris & jaclyn wong, artspace exhibitor upstairs susan garrett, artspace curator - teresa schipano, madame pernelle played by catherine christensen, monsieur orgon played by jim thomson, elmire played by veneita macken, damis played by broderisck mcdonald, mariane played by emma warner collins, valere plated by alexander dimitrovski, cleante played by sam howard, tartuffe played by chris mclean, dorine played by maree barnett, officer played by david ruunnalls, monsieur loyal/laurent played by laurie jezard, flipote played by rebecca bassett, ass director liam gillespie, production coordinator tim scott, stage manager rebecca bassett, ass stage manager tamsin mackie, lightning designer craig pearcey, set designers marie mackerell & owen evans, sound design rob wanless, costumes wendy drowley, costumes assistant catherine christensen, props karen wakeham & melanie belcher, set construction: owen evans & dough mcnaughton & brett hunt & des harris & norm munks & paddy moriarty & tim scott & bib dyers & nicholas gugel & ben chapman and htc members, set painters marie mackrell & gaye billing & mal cother, sound/lighting operators john rowe & margaret hassall, technical assistant tom agar, rehearsal prompt bobby parish, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, production review by ken barnes

2020, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by catherine christensen, 435, art space exhibitor david belton, arts space coordinator teresa schipano, mrs bella manningham played by claire benne, mr jack manningam played by liam gillespie, elizabeth the housekeeper played by patricia alcock, nancy the maid played by elysia janssen, rough played by chris mclean, officers played by robert peel and charles field, production coordinator joan moriarty, stage manager melanie belcher, lighting design emma fox, sound design rob wanless, set design/decor costume design props wendy drowley, special props warren lane, scenic artists gaye billing and mal cother, ass. stage manager and rehearsal prompt bobby parish, sound/light operator tasmin mackie, photographer david belton, program/poster design chris mclean, publicity jim thomson & toni tyers, box office toni tyers & june cherrey & jenni purdey & carol farr & brett hunt, front of house jenny gilbert and htc members, set construction owen evens & doug mcnaughton & paddy moriarty & brett hunt &, des harris & norm munks & tim scott & bob tyres & david belton & noel purdey & dean christenssen & htc members, production review cheryl threadgold, foh helpers alicia curry & owen evans & diane dawson, 2019 agm christmas party and awards president john gilbert treasurer bruce akers represented by jim thomson awards adjudicators jill scott & leslie hardcastle & rodney charles, 2019 best male lead actor mark yeates as jake laurents in it's a wonderful life, 2019 best female lean actor catherine christensen as beatrice in a view from the bridge', 2019 best supporting male actor jack kenny as rodolpho in a view from the bridge, 2019 best supporting female actor aimee sanderson as bella in lost in yonkers, 2019 special award for body of work liam gillespie for louis in lost in yonkers & freddie filmore and others in it's a wonderful life, 2019 victorian drama league awards htc's nominated entry lost in yonkers: nominations: best actress in a minor role cat jardine as gert, best properties melanie belcher & maureen mcinerney: best costume design wendy drowley, best production: drama, best supporting actor in a drama liam gillespie as louis & best supporting actress in a drama lindy yeates as grandma, 2019 bill cherrey award john rowe, election of committee: returning committee all elected unopposed joan moriarty & jim tomson & ryan purdey & morgan thomas-connor & melanie belcher