In 1891, Premier James Munro said he would introduce a bill into parliament for women's suffrage if it were demonstrated that ordinary women wanted this right. The Victorian Woman's Temperance Union and the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society took up the challenge, joining forces to organise a petition. Embarking on a door knocking campaign across Victoria they collected about 30,000 signatures in six weeks. The 'Monster Petition' is housed at the Public Records Office Victoria where a purpose-built perspex case protects the 260 metres of signed pages glued to sewn swathes of calico. (ref. Creative Victoria). In 2008 the petition was a centrepiece of the centenary celebrations of women's suffrage. This document was prepared for that centenary celebration.The Women's Suffrage Petition (1891) reflects the dedicated work of those women, who went from door to door across Victoria to collect the signatures. Its tremendous length earned it the name of the ‘Monster Petition'. This document is a useful research item.A stapled 9 pp document containing names, photographs, signatures of the Orbost women who signed the petition for Women's Suffrage in 1891.women's-suffrage-orbost

This is the third edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community This edition was organised by the Orbost & District Tourist Association. Extra photographs in this edition were supplied by the Orbost Historical Society and the Orbost Shire lent money towards the project.This is a significant reference book on the history of the Orbost district.A 141 pp soft-covered bound book with a pale blue cover. On the cover is a b/w photograph of the main street of Orbost, Nicholson Street, in approximately 1890 below the title, "Personalities and Stories of the Orbost District". This is inside a black line frame. On the back cover is a photograph of Mary Isabelle Gilbert (1905-1989). It contains obituaries, newspaper reports, sketches and b/w photographs.orbost-history gilbert-mary

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain light blue minute book with a cloth brown spine. It has a white label on the front cover.On label- Orbost Rifle Clubminutes orbost-rifle-club shooting

Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.Three A4 folders containing inward correspondence related to the Orbost Municipal Band. 802.1 has a maroon cover and is dated from 1963 -1977. 802.2 has a grey cover and is dated from 1978 - 1979. 802.3 has a grey cover and is dated 1974 - 1975 .orbost-municipal-band

This medallion was struck to commemorate the Shire of Eltham, 1871 to 1994; issued upon cessation of the Shire of Eltham as a local government body following the widespread dismissal of councils throughout Melbourne by the Kennett Liberal Government. Parts of the Shire were redistributed to Banyule Shire and a new Nillumbik Shire was formed which took in Eltham township.Bronze coloured medallion approx 4 cm diameter in a clear plastic sleeve and green felt pouch with gold coloured tie Two copiesshire of eltham, medallion

This ledger was a share register used by Orbost Butter Factory. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.This item is associated with the Orbost Butter Factory which was an important source of income to the Orbost district in the late 19th century - early 20th century.A suede and leather bound ledger with blue / brown covers. It contains hand - written details of share registrations for the Orbost Butter Factory.orbost-butter-factory

12 Men pictured out the front of the Old Shire Hall. Maldon Shire Council 1948 Standing - Press; Cr. T.A. Grigg; Cr. Stevens, Shire Engineer; Cr. R. Bailey; Cr. A Wood; Cr. M. Allen; Cr. Wade, Shire Secretary. Seated: - Cr. T. Ottery; Cr. T. Bell; Cr. W. Rewell, Shire President; Cr. C. Talbot; Cr. B. Bryantmaldon shire council, maldon shire gardens

This book was compiled to celebrate the centenary of secondary education in Orbost. It was launched on Saturday April 28 2012 as part of the centenary celebrations. Compiler of the book, John Phillips, was a teacher at Orbost Secondary College for a period of 34 years from 1966-1999.This is a usefeul reference item.This publication is a bound soft-covered book of 150 pages with a loose sheet insert depicting the Centenary Garden gate, the 2012 Roll Call of Students and the 2012 College captains.On front cover -"A Centenary of Secondary Education at Orbost - 1912-201. Orbost Higher Elementary School 1912-1947 ; Orbost High School 1948-1989 ; Orbost Secondary College 1990-2012book education orbost-seecondary-college

Orbost Playgroup operated from 1986 until 2011. This collection of records was donated the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2011 after the playgroup ceased to exist in July 2011.These records are of immediate interest and value to the children and staff who have been part of the Orbost Playgroup. The record also has a much wider significance, to the community in which the group was situated, as a record and research tool.A collection of records of the Orbost Playgroup - 1986-2011. The collection consists of minute books, financial documents and attendance records.documents orbost-playgroup records

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost in the late 1950's - 1970's.The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. The Country Roads Board was the government authority for the construction and maintenance of main roads in Victoria between 1913 and 1983. It was succeeded by the Road Construction authority on 1 July 1983 and later merged with the Road Traffic Authority on July 1 1989 to form the Roads Corporation. James Cameron, an Orbost farming pioneer and Member of the Legislative Assembly, fathered the Country Roads Board This item is a hand-written record of Orbost Shire Council accounts. It pre- dates computer records. The Shire of Orbost local council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A black ledger with wooden covers. It contains hand-written records of transactions between Orbost Shire Council and the Country Roads Board.bottom left corner - Orbost in black on a white East Gippsland Shire logoledger accounts shire-of-orbost country-roads-board

This program was created for the Orbost Theatre group as a souvenir of the official opening held at the Mechanics Institute hall in Orbost. It was held on Thursday, 20th August , 1931.This item is associated with an event which reflects the interests and leisure activities in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. It was retained as a souvenir / memento.A rectangular light blue card program with black print. It is a souvenir for the opening of the Orbost Theatre. There are details of the venue and time of the event.theatre-orbost program

Brochure and book produced for the Back To Orbost Celebrations , Spring Festival in 2000.This is a locally produced book useful for research on the history of Orbost.2195.1 is a yellow brochure with black print. Fold-out format. Titled Back To Orbost 2000 Spring Festival. Friday 27th to Sunday 27th October. 2195.2 is a record of attendance book. It has a red cover and contains signatures, names and addresses.orbost-history celebrations reunions

This poster would heve been handed out to businesses for display. Produced by the Orbost and east Gippsland Agricultural Society, it was for the twenty-fourth Orbost Show. It was endorsed by the president, Mr Jac. Perry and the secretary, Mr Geo. D. Perry. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah HallThis item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A large white paper advertisement / poster with black print. For the Orbost Show, it gives details of dates, exhibits and rules.orbost-agricultural-show event-orbost

This magazine was produced and published by Orbost High School as a part of the 75 year celabrationsOrbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This magazine is a useful reference tool for the history of the school.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine with a light pink/orange cover. On the front cover is a photo of the Orbost High School. In the centre is the school badge. The text is in maroon print. The book, produced for the 75 year celebration, contains a history of the school, photographs and articles.Inside the front cover of 2415.1 in pen - David F. Nixon 9/2/88education-orbost orbost-high-school

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period.A small blue folder with a metal grip. It contains assorted documents concerning the Orbost Rifle Club.orbost-rifel-club documents

At Orbost Vic. The largest maize crib in Australia 500 ft longNote on back of postcard reads Xmas 1923 To wish you a Merry Xmas and a very prosperous New Year from Yours Sincerely W J Cameron GenoaSepia postcard showing very long maize crib, horse and two men on left and small girl on right next to crib. Post and rail fence on right. Orbost Victoriapeople, agriculture, correspondence

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A green Universal exercise book which contains hand-written handicap record of the Orbost Rifle Club. On front cover - handwritten - Handicap Recordsorbost-rifle-club shooting records

The Bowling Club was founded in 1929, by a group of farmers and businessmen. They set about providing a sporting icon for the town. Six rinks were constructed on the current site using horse drawn scoops and drags. The "Back to Orbost” 1937 book, describes the greens as "a bit rough for the first two seasons but now compare favourably with most country greens". Funds for the construction were raised by the issue of debentures at £5 each, and subscriptions were £1/1s/0d ($2.10). ( info. Margaret Smith)This is a useful research book.A book with a white cover titled Orbost Bowling Club Founded 1929. It contains photocopied pages of extracts from meetings and paper clippings.orbost-bowling-club recreation bowling

This book records the minutes of th Orbost Maize Growers' Association from December 10 1926. Meetings appear to have been held monthly.This item is an example of the hand - written records of an early Orbost agricultural association. It is associated with the large maize growing industry in the Orbost region 1880s - 1950s.A black covered exercise book containing hand - written minutes for the Orbost Maize Growers' Association.orbost maize agriculture orbost-maize-growers-association

Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Orbost Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.Five correspondence books with carbon pages. They contain outward correspondence related to the Orbost Municipal Band. 803.1 is dated March 1962 - May 1965. 803.2 is dated September 1972 - May 1974. 803.3 is dated February 1973 - July 1975. 803.4 is dated august 1975 - March 1977. 803.5 is dated March 1977 - 79. The books are "TUDOR DUPLICATE BOOK"s with blue covers and white print.labels on front covers with datesorbost-municipal-band

This folder was compiled by volunteers at the Orbost Visitor Information Centre (Slab Hut) as a reference tool.This item is a useful research tool.A black plastic covered loose leaf display folder. It contains a a list of events relating to Orbost from 1842 - 2005.orbost-history time-line folder

This was used as the Orbost Historical Society's visitors' book for the Orbost Museum.This book records those who have visited the Orbost Museum. It indicates where they are from and their thoughts about the museum.A large album with a brown cloth cover. There is gold lettering on the front cover - Visitors Book.ORBOST HISTORICAL MUSEUM Opened on December 1st, 1967 by Hon. Peter Nixon M.P., Minister for the Interior.visitors-book orbost-museum

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire167 A4 pages (double sided), spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire130 A4 pages (double sided), spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire115 A4 pages (double sided), spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire127 A4 pages (double sided) and 3 A3 fold-out pages, spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire117 A4 pages (double sided) and on A3 (double-dided) fold-out page, spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes