Series consists of252 colour negatives and 54 B&W negatives depicting occasions such as the "Staff Social Club Dinner Dance 1989", " North Riding Depot Councillors and Staff 1991", "Barry Welch's 30'h Anniversary May 1991," the "Staff Long Service Dinner 1991", undated Social Club Christmas Party, an unidentified staff function - possibly arts related.shire of eltham archives, series listing

Photograph taken in the Celia Little Room at Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. The Celia Little Room was named in honour of the aunt of one of the serving (and resident) chaplains. The room is a multi-function room, being used at times for banquets or, as the photograph shows, for relaxation, by visiting seafarers.The age of the photograph consolidates the history of the Mission to seafarers. The people in the photograph are drinking hot beverages, sitting and chatting in a relaxed environment which is significant to the services provided by the Mission.Black and white photograph of two men and one woman seated in the Celia Little Room at the Mission to Seafarers.The man on the far left is wearing a light coloured sports coat and trousers, holding a cup and saucer. The man in the middle is wearing a dark suit, holding a cup and saucer. The woman is on the right and also seated, wearing a dress. Pin holes have been placed in the top corners of the photograph. Dated between late 1950s and early 1960s."8940" faded stamp on back of photograph.dress, suit, 1950s, 1960s, victorian-seamens-mission, cup-and-saucer, sports-coat, armchairs, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, seamen, seafarers, sailors, lhlg, flying angel, celia little room, flinders street, melbourne, men, woman, social

This scrapbook holds numerous newspaper clippings, advertisements and other informative pieces about the events and functions held at and by the Victoria Missions to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers). Signatures of seamen from the RMS Orsova in 1920 1906: Death of Mr Darvall 1907: Opening of the Siddeley St Institute by the Governor / Photograph of the trowel for the playing of the foundation stone. This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission during this time frame. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Gold leaf lettering on spine: "SCRAPBOOK/NO 1/ VICTORIA/MISSIONS TO SEAMEN"scrapbook, clippings, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, events, orsova, flyers, news cuttings, news clippings, ships, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), siddeley street, violet teague, ac swinburne

This book contained newspaper clippings with a number of flyers and other advertising material inserted inside the front cover. This material covers events and functions held at and by the Mission during the period 1906 - late 1930s.This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission. The 1930s was a significant period for the Mission during the Depression years, a new Chaplain, Rev'd Frank Oliver was appointed who would serve as senior chaplain for the next 30 years. Dancing with hosts at the Mission was introduced for seafarers and this was the last main period of the thrice yearly Jottings from our log newsletters, and in 1936-7 erection of the MTS building at Port Melbourne funded by Alfred Nicholas.Gold lettering on front cover: "News Cuttings"mission to seafarers, seamen mission, events, concerts, newspaper articles, scrapbook, depression, padre frank leslie oliver, alfred nicholas, port melbourne

The lapel badge was worn to signify membership of the Harbour Lights Guild. Variations of this badge were made for different State Guilds by different jewellers or badge manufacturers. Variations also indicated during some eras if the wearer was a full member, worker or honorary.The Harbour Lights Guild was instrumental in securing funds to construct the current building at 717 Flinders Street, and in particular the Memorial chapel and Gymnasium. They were also dedicated volunteers who organised many social functions and events to offer visiting seafarers an opportunity to relax, have fun and socialise away from the ship. The organisation operated from 1906 to the early 1960s in Melbourne and developed an organisational model that was adopted by many branches across Australia and for other global missions.Small round white enamel and gilt lapel badge denoting the Harbour Lights Guild and its association with Mission to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers). The badge incorporates the logo flag of Mission to Seamen.Gold lettering around the edge of the badge: "HARBOUR LIGHT GUILD MELBOURNE" Gold lettering inside central Mission flag: "THE MISSION/TO SEAMEN" Maker's mark on reverse: "K.G. Luke/Melb"volunteers, social, harbour-lights-guild, mission-to-seafarers, membership-tokens, functions, visits, badge, hlg

This book of rules for members of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was created to cement the 'unwritten rules' that guide the way the ladies support seafarers at the Mission to Seamen (Mission to Seafarers).The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was instrumental in securing funds to construct the current building at 717 Flinders Street. They were also dedicated volunteers who organised many social functions and events to offer visiting seafarers an opportunity to relax, have fun and socialise away from the ship.Small brown paper book consisting of one page folded in half. On the front is the title. 'The Victoria Missions to Seamen/Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild/Rules for Working Members/1939'. The inside left page details the rules for members of the Guild. The inside right page details what members of the Guild should not do. The back page is blank.lhlg, rules, ladies harbour lights guild, working members, 1939

The image shows us one of the many dances, or functions, held at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne, It shows the main hall in its original condition and the way it was used at the time. The dance shown here is an example of the work of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild, which held fundfraisers and social events at the Mission.This photograph is a reflection of the main hall, in original condition, and its use circa mid-1950s. The photograph is of historical significance as it is a documentation of one of many social events held by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild at the Mission to SeafarersBlack and white photograph of a dance held in the Mission to Seafarers main hall. The foreground shows A man to the left and a woman to the right dancing together. There is another couple dancing behind them. The background shows two of the archways leading out of the main hall. The floors are the original hardwood floorboards.dance, lhlg, flying angel club, seamen, flinders street

The Portland Social Amusement Club was founded in 1897. Taken from Trove. Portland Guardian Monday May 26 1913: Portland Social Amusement Club. The members of the above Club celebrated the 16th anniversary of its foundation on Tuesday evening last, when the usual banquet. and social gathering was held. During the afternoon, a numerous band of the lady members attended at the, Free Library Hall and made the necessary arrangements, so that on arrival at the scene at 8 p.m. those attending were very pleasurably surprised to find most taste fully decorated tables actually groaning with the weight of all those good things which appeal so strongly, it is said, to the average man, and perhaps we may also add, woman also. At any rate, he would indeed be hard to please, who was not fully satisfied with all that was placed before him on that eventful evening. The attendance this year overtopped that of previous years, as over 80 ladies and gentlemen took part in what must be considered as one of the most successful of the many 'successful gatherings that have taken place. This 16th anniversary was the 431st ordinary gathering that had occurred, and, as the President (Mr. F. A.Row) justly said, it would appear that the Club, which many years ago was given but six months live, had proved the falsity of the attempted prophecy. After the principal business of the gathering had been transacted, the usual Club dinner speeches were made. The President gave "The King," which after being duly honored, was followed by the principal toast of the evening, "The day we celebrate." To Mr D. McDonald the toast of the Absent and Foundation members was entrusted, and as usual, that veteran discharged his duty well. II i cferred to the fact that of the 34 foundation members who started the Club in 1897,only five were present that evening. Mr W. T. Bennett, as one of the five referred to, responded, and hoped that in the glorious future that appeared before Portland, the Club, which had been started in the days of its adversity, would flourish in a like manner. Mr Grant proposed the toast of "Our Visitors." and in the name of the Club welcomed them to this the most important gathering of the year. Mr J. R. Woods responded in his usual happy way, and acknowledged that, until he had been the Club's guest during the years of his mayoralty of the town, he had no idea that it had enrolled among its members the number of ladies and gentlemen that it had or that its functions were upon the scale that he had since found to be the case. Mr G. H. .ennett upheld the claims of the ladies, especially those belonging to the Club. He evidently spoke with much feeling, and. waxed more than usually poetical in his eulogy of the graces and skill of the gentler sex. He rather upset the equilibrium of three of the younger portion of the gentlemen present by asking them to respond, but they all managed to "upstand" and make their acknowledgments. Mr T. F. Cruse was particularly happy in proposing the toast of. "The President and Members of Committee," who, he claimed, had done so much towards the success of the Club, and were deserving of the best that the members could give. Mr T. E. C. Henry, upon the invitation of the .President, responded,-end pointed out that [whilst it might appear that the work of the committee was light, it was not so in reality, as any member who desired a seat upon the Board would soon find out after.his or her election. The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought this portion of the entertainment to a close. In the dance which followed, some opportunity to view the ladies' dresses was afforded, and it could then be easily seen that the anniversary gathering of the Club was considered by the lady members at least, if not .by others, to be important enough to demand special treatment in the matter of dress. Many elaborate and beautiful costumes graced the scene, and everyone appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The function was kept going merrily until about 2 a.m.; when the break up occurred. During the gathering telegrams of con gratulation were received from Mr W. B. Shevill and also from Mr Jno. Homers, both old members, the former a foundation one. Mr O'Donnell apologised for his own and Mrs O'Donnell's absence.Photograph of Portland Social Amusement Club

The Diamond Valley Community Hospital was established in 1942 in Grimshaw Street Greensborough. Due to financial circumstances, the hospital closed in 2000. This collection of photo albums is from the 1990s and was collected by staff. This album contains photographs of the 50th Anniversary celebrations at DVCH and includes the 'Gala Day' 18/8/91 and Staff 'High Tea' 15/8/91. The album includes programs, an invitation and list of acceptances. Photographs include staff and functions held for the hospital. Photographs are not named. Albums may be accessed at the GHS Resource Centre. This volume is numbered 4. As the Diamond Valley Community Hospital is now closed, this collection of albums records some of the people involved. It also shows the social aspect of a busy local hospital. Photo album with dark red cover. 31 pages, 138 photographs of varying sizes. Title handwritten and pasted on front cover. Inscription inside front cover: "Photos and Album by Marg Langtree." diamond valley community hospital, greensborough, 50th anniversary of dvch, gala day 1991, high tea 1991, dvch

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons and required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No. 1 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) see KVHS 0369 for No. 3 ironMrs Potts No. 1house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

This is size one of three sizes (Mrs Potts) irons available in the late 1800s and early 1900s which were used for (press) ironing clothes etc. using wood or coal based heaters. The majority of these irons would have been placed on top of wood or coal fuelled stoves. They survived longer in isolated outback regions where electricity had not been connected. The weight of these irons was intentionally heavy so as to press the clothes etc. neatly. These irons were used in an era where stiff collars and creases in particular types of clothing was essentially a social requirementHistorically these irons fulfilled a particular function that was the norm in isolated or semi isolated country locations i.e., ironed clothes and linen.The iron was heated by using locally acquired wood in a cast iron stove or "pot Belly". It would be placed on top of the stove but not directly in the flames. Cities and larger towns had professional laundry and pressing shops. In smaller towns and homesteads, wives and relatives would use these heavy irons which required strong arms. In middle and higher levels of society these irons would be used by maids or nannies. Their use was a necessity, to conform to the social requirements of acceptable appearances in that all clothing worn had been "pressed" clean. In the Kiewa Valley the majority of these irons would have been used by mothers or relatives. Men would hardly have used these irons as society labelled this type of activity as "women's work"This double pointed, heavy and solid cast iron, is a Mrs Potts No.3 type. It does not have a handle. It was used to iron clothes. Open cavity on top for handle (not included) Note: one end is pointed up to allow the natural weight of the iron to increase the pressure at any of the "hard to press" spots or emphasizing required creases. see KVHS 0368 for No. 1 ironMrs Potts No. 3house hold, ironing, domestic, pressing, clothes appliance

This book provides in chronological order the development of the Kiewa Hydro-electricity scheme from the first concept (1911) to final construction work (1961). It covers the first attempt to utilise the power of the Victorian Alps water system. It started from a private syndicate and developed to the current State Electricity Commission of Victoria. The incentive for the Hydro scheme was to make money and not as an alternative to the carbon producing coal fired power plants. These coal fired power plants were increasing in numbers to service an ever increasing demand made by population expansion, especially in cities and large rural settlements. This demand spiraled up after World War II when there was a tremendous spike in immigration numbers due to refugees and displaced persons in Europe. The ability to utilise the untapped water provided by the winter snow fields, for a higher yield in electricity, was a powerful incentive to overcome the physical hardships in this remote Alpine region. Future power requirements may initiate the re-installation of the other two power stations(Pretty Valley and Big Hill) covered in original Scheme. This publication not only covers the development of the Kiewa Valley region with respect to population (within a socio-economical framework) but also the subtle but yet strong physical changes of a relatively pristine alpine region. The demands that an ever growing regional population places on the environment is clearly documented in print and black and white photographs. The working and living conditions of those who constructed and gave life to this hydro scheme is well documented in this book. It may be viewed as spartan now but was relevantly good at that moment in time, especially for those workers fleeing a devastated European environment. The successful planning and consideration to minimising any intrusion upon the natural alpine forests and high plains can viewed as an example (compared to the Tasmanian Hydro schemes) of how future hydro schemes (an inevitable requirement) will proceed. Most rural towns (in the early 1900s) were built by unencumbered rural based citizens, with the exception of Mount Beauty and Falls Creek. These two settlements were brought into life by a State (Victorian) Authority for a specific function and program. They were a gated community, that is, only open to construction workers involved with the hydro scheme. All facilities within these communities were provided by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. The impact on the social, financial and individual independency of the community, by the transition from the S.E.C .environment to one of local government (Shire of Bright), had in some cases a severe impact.This hard covered book has a green cover with pictures on the front and back covers. The front cover has a coloured picture of a snow covered Mount Bogong taken from the opposite mountain range. The valley between both ranges has a whisk of mist over it. At the bottom of this picture are three black and white photographs covering the construction of the Kiewa Hydro - Electricity Scheme. On the back cover is a photograph, (black and white) detailing the Bogong village and Junction dam containing lake Guy. The inside front cover is a black and white photograph which details the construction of the West Kiewa tailrace tunnel during April 1951. The inside back cover is a black and white photograph of the concrete pour at the Clover Dam circa 1952. All photographs and sketches are in black and white. The pages are approximately 160 g/m2 and those which have photographs are on gloss paper.Book spine: "The Kiewa Story Graham Napier Geoff Easdown" alongside this is a white framed circle with white spokes radiating out and underneath in white lettering SECkiewa valley, hydro scheme, victorian alpine region, electricity generators, graham napier, geoff easdown

This is a paper back book of 128 pages with plastic binding. It has a red cover with black printing, ornate lettering and a sketch of a tent. The booklet includes printed material and photographs in colour.non-fictionA compilation of the first 11 years of the choral group, The Red Tent singers Warrnambool.red tent singers, warrnambool

A Mechanics’ Institute hall was constructed in 1885 and opened as Orbost's first library. It was situated in Browning Street, Orbost. The hall is still in use today as a community venue. Mechanics' Institutes are the forerunners of public libraries and adult education in Australia. The origin of mechanics' institutes is attributed to Dr George Birkbeck, who in 1799 gave a series of free lectures for the working men of Glasgow. At the time, 'mechanic' meant artisan, tradesman or working man. The movement spread quickly throughout the British Empire. The first Victorian Mechanics' Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute established in 1839. From the 1850s, Mechanics' Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall or library, or a school was needed. This ledger was used by the Orbost Mechanics' Institute from 1884 until 1926. 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 Mechanics' Institute was a very early feature of the Orbost community. The building became a community facility used for a variety of essential civic needs in particular a library. It also provided a suitable venue for community social requirements and functions.A heavy minute book with faded black covers and brown binding. The edges of the pages are marbled as are the end covers. Pages inside are blue with hand-written black ink records. It contains minutes from the Orbost Mechanics Institute.on spine on red leather in gold lettering: "MINUTE BOOK"minute-book orbost-mechanics'-institute

On 28 March 1981 the Ballarat College of Advanced Education 1870 Founders hall was opened. The hall was erected from the proceeds of the Centenary Appeal, held in 1975. It cost approximately $800,000. The hall commemorates the initiative of the founders of the original Ballarat School of Mines and its "descendants", including Ballarat College of Advanced Education, as well as formal technical education in Australia. The hall plans were to erect a building to accommodate 670 persons in a theatre type seating arrangement and to be used for multi-purpose use by community groups as well as by the College. Construction of the hall commenced in 1978. It was opened approximately 110 years after the Ballarat School of Mines (26 October 1870) and 10 years after the opening of the Mt Helen Campus (31 October 1870)..1) Morgan B. John on left with Bill North right. .2) L to R:- Betty Barrell; W.J.North; John Vernon; A.C.Burrow; Mrs North; Dulcie Burrow; Mrs Webb; K.C.Webb; Geoffrey Barrell .3) L to R:- unidentified; E.J. Tippett; Bert Stohr .4) L to R:- Mrs Handford-Stevens; Mrs Nicholson; J Handford-Stevens; Sir A Nicholson, Mayor of Ballarat .5) L to R:- Bill North; unidentified; S Martin-Brown; unidentifiedPhotographer's stamp on back of each photograph. .1) In pencil: "at Centenary Appeal conclusion reception 1975"; "M.B.John, President of (BIAE crossed out) SMB Council; W.J.C.(Bill) North, appeal committee chairman"; 10 - 3. .2) 10 - 4 .3) 10 - 2 .4) 10 - 1 .5) 10 - 5 a.w. nicholson, e.j. tippett, m.b. john, morgan b. john, ballarat junior technical school, ballarat school of mines, ballarat college of advanced education, 1870 founders hall, centenary appeal, 1978, 1981

Gas and Fuel Fashion,food,Fitness. Large gathering of people inside a tent. Possibly some official function most men in suits ladies in dresses and coats. Date and location unknown.event, social, gas & fuel fashion, food, fitness

non-fictionWomen interior decorators of the 1920s and 30s and their contribution to the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, The Glasgow School of Art and The Bauhaus School..industrial design, craft, wallpaper, weaving, furniture, design theory, architecture

B & W photograph of group of City of Port Melbourne dignitaries & friends.Mum third lady from left. Dad dead center Back row Port Melbourne Council Social eveninglocal government - city of port melbourne, henry melville fennell, jim hall, sydney anderson, herbert edwards, archibald (arch) todd, maude edwards, mrs aanensen, andreas (andy) t aanensen, fred jackson, bill thackray

The local 'philharmonic orchestra/band' playing at a civic/national day function in the 1950s in Vathi, Ithaca. Music plays an important role in many aspects of life, both civic and social, on the island. During the summer months locals and tourists enjoy a variety of musical and cultural events.Founded in 1904, the Ithaki Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest musical group on the island. The band is a private, non-profit entity and its goal is to offer free musical training to the young of the region and provide them with a broader musical education. The philharmonic orchestra performs concerts and participates in a range of educational, municipal, religious and national day events. A black & white photograph of a brass band of men dressed in dark uniforms and flat hats and women wearing dark skirts and white blouses. In the second row are males in civilian suits. The conductor is standing in the front on the extreme right hand side holding a baton.

The Ithacan Philanthropic Society Executive Committee 1991. Pictured L-R: Back row - Dennis Katsamas, George Coutsouvelis, Anthony Drakopoulos, John Tscoucalas, Christos Lourantos. Front row - Antoni Razos, Maria Dellas, Sia Andrews (President), Helen Vlass, Nick LourantosAlthough women played a very active role in the organisation of social functions and fund raising activities, they were not eligible to become full members until 1985 after which they could also be elected to the executive committee. Prior to this there was a Ladies' Committee formed in 1944 which organised social events. Sia Andrews, Maria Dellas and Helen Vlass were the first women to be elected to the executive committee in 1985. In 1991, in the Society's 75th year, Sia Andrews became the first female president. A coloured photograph of the executive committee of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society photographed standing in front of an honour board. Five men are standing behind three women and two men who are seated.

The first official dance was held on April 23 1918, two years after the establishment of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. The celebration depicted may have been a New Years Eve function. New Year's Eve celebrations were a very popular event through to the 1990s. Dances were popular social events for the Ithacan community and an opportunity for Ithacans to socialise and enjoy Greek music and dancing. A mounted sepia photograph of a crowd of people gathered for a celebration in a dance hall which has balloons hanging from the decorative ceiling.

Small booklet (44 pages) "Children no longer" A guide for parents on understanding the adolescent. Published by The father and son welfare movement of Australia. Third edition September, 1958. Contents - Part 1: Physical development - The onset of puberty, the glands and how they function, general growth. Part 2: Psychological development - Mental capacity is reached, independence finding their own feet, vocation how and what shall they choose, sex development, some social and moral factors. Part 3: Spiritual development - the search for a purpose, the answer in God.books, school, sex education

Index, bib, p.438.non-fictionPart I: Studies from psychology Introduction Instinct theories and comparative psychology The moral equivalent of war / William James The instinct of pugnacity / William McDougall Emotion and society / D.O. Hebb & W.R. Thompson Psychoanalytic perspectives Why war? / Sigmund Freud Personal aggressiveness and war / E.F.M. Durbin & John Bowlby Toward a psychiatry of peoples / Harry Stack Sullivan Wholeness and totality / Erik H. Erikson Authoritarian personality and foreign policy / Daniel J. Levinson Social learning and intergroup relations War, peace, and social learning / Mark A. May Drives toward war / Edward C. Tolman The role of expectancy / Gordon W. Allport Part II: Studies from sociology and anthropology War / William Graham Sumner The social function of war / Robert E. Park An anthropological analysis of war / Bronislaw Malinowski Warfare is only an invention not a biological necessity / Margaret Mead Primitive warfare: a methodological note / Joseph Schneider Part III: War, liberal democracy, and industrial society The military and the industrial society / Herbert Spencer The garrison state / Harold D. Lasswell On war, society, and the military / Alexis de Tocqueville Military elites and the study of war / Morris Janowitz War and industrial society / Raymond Aron.armed conflict - history and teaching, conflict - history

Alma Quon played the drums/piano in the all-girl band the Joy Belles and was its major instigator and leader. It is believed that the band played contemporary western popular music, possibly a jazz/swing style. It was basically a dance band and they played at many Young Chinese League functions. This drum is believed to have been used during the 1950s.This drum is significant for its links to the all-girl band 'Alma Quon & the Joy Belle', a girl band during the 1950s and the Chinese Young League. The League was formally established on 4 October 1932 to to promote free social intercourse and goodwill among its members and their mutual improvement. Membership was open to all persons, with one or both parents or grandparents born in China. Wives of Chinese members were permitted as members with the same privileges. It was a significant social organisation for Chinese-Australians in Melbourne in the mid to late twentieth century.Drum with mother of pearl laminex shell, stainless steel fittings and skin membrane.Painted on one side "Alma Quon & The Joy Belles" and on the other "Alma Quon".young chinese league, alma quon, girl bands, drums, music

Walter Withers was a significant Australian landscape artist and a member of the Heidelberg School of Australian Impressionists. In 1903 Withers bought 'Southernwood', a house on 2½ acres (1 ha) at Eltham, to which he added a studio. Because of ill health, he lived during the week at his studio in Oxford Chambers, Melbourne, and on weekends and holidays with his family at Eltham until his death in 1914. The Eltham rail bridge is a unique and valuable historic relic of an earlier steam locomotive transport era in the Diamond Creek Valley and has long formed an important part of a magnificent Eltham landscape. When built in 1902 it was close to the terminus point of the Heidelberg-Eltham rail extension, on the route of the proposed Diamond Valley Railway that was then planned to continue much further up the valley towards Kinglake. This bridge is situated in attractive river-valley parkland amidst the tall and spreading manna gums and candlebarks of the Diamond Creek Valley. The Alistair Knox Park river-valley landscape, of which the timber trestle bridge is an important visual component, has been classified by the National Trust. Large manna gum and candlebark trees adorn the adjacent creek banks, and historic Shillinglaw Cottage is also part of this much-prized Eltham landscape. Eltham is home to a historic wooden railway trestle bridge. Mainly of timber-pier and timber-beam construction, but varied by a few longer steel-joists spans on timber piers at the main stream channel, this substantial bridge has almost two hundred metres of timber deck. Built in 1902, it is the only railway bridge of predominantly timber construction that is still in regular use as an integral part of Melbourne's metropolitan electric railway network and one of extremely few timber rail bridges in the State that still carry trains. Apart from its important continuing social function as a carrier of rail transport for the Hurstbridge line, this impressive bridge and its beautiful parkland environs contribute much to the character of Eltham township and that town's special reputation as an historic centre of environmental and conservation concerns. This section of the Diamond Creek Valley was the subject of a Walter Withers painting in the earliest years of the twentieth century and has strong historic links with our Heidelberg School of painters. Watercolour painting on paper of Eltham's Trestle Bridge in the middle of the day. A small section of the wooden bridge is located to the left of the painting. The focus is predominately on the wattle, manna gum and candlebark trees that is to the right of the bridge. The golden hues typically represent the australian sunlight and landscape. "W.W" in gothic script on the lower right side of the painting. Not dated. withers, eltham, trestle bridge, railway, watercolour