The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers of 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment watching as the courtiers of 'King Neptune' during the 'crossing of the line' ceremony on board the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney taking the 9RAR for service in Vietnam, and move in procession to the 'King's Throne'.photograph, 9th battalion, 9 rar, vung tau ferry, hmas sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, kings throne

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Sergeant Fred J Roberts 22, Nowra, NSW, of 3rd Special Air Service (SAS) Squadron 1st Australian Task Force Base. At the time he was advised of his receipt of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). Sergeant Roberts, was married with one daughter.photograph, sgt fred roberts, 3rd special air service squadron, 1st atf base, distinguished conduct medal, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograpf of two of the three Dunne brothers in service, one in the RAN and one in the Army meet on the deck of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydneygibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, dunne brothers, royal australian navy, australian army, vung tau ferry, hmas sydney

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of assembled Diggers at 1 Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, attending an open air multi - denominational church service conducted by Padres, from three religious donimations: Church of England, Catholic and other denominations.photograph, padre, 1 atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, non demoninational chapel, church of england, catholic, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of the congregation of diggers, following lesson being read by the Church of England Padre at the combined service in the non-denominational chapel. The Padre gave outstanding service to all spending as much time in the field as at Base.photograph, pardre, church of england, church service, digger, non demoninational chapel, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, padre, diggers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of four denominations of 1st Australian Task Force Padres conducting a combined service at the non-denominational chapel, whilst an Armoured Corps digger is engrossed in the service. All Padres were available to all units, 24 hours a day.photograph, 1st atf base, non demoninational chapel, padre, digger, armoured corps, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of a RAAF 'Slick' Huey helicopter at the 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, preparing to lift out a Special Air Services patrol for insertion into the jungle somewhere in Phuoc Tuy Province. On this occassion, the operation was supported by US Huey 'Cobra' Gunships.photograph, raaf, huey helicopter, 1st atf base, nui dat, special air service regiment (australian army), phuoc tuy province, us huey 'cobra' gunships, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the Vung Tau Ferry Band on board HMAS Sydney, performing a jazz concert for members of 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, as they sail towards Vung Tau, South Vietnam to commence their tour of war service with the Australian Force.photograph, vung tau ferry band, hmas sydney, entertainment, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, vung tau, australian force vietnam, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, jazz concert

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of two Navy pilots from the Sea King anti-submarine helicopter on board "the Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney, delivering the 9th Battalion to war service. They prepare to take off on patrol once HMAS Sydney reached the waters off Vietnam.photograph, ran, wessex, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, anti-submarine, sea king, navy, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, australian navy pilots, sea king anti-submarine

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of diggers from 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. After being 'found guilty' one is cast into the sea by courtiers of King Neptune during the 'crossing of the line' ceremony on board the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney, taking the Battalion to war service in Vietnam.photograph, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, crossing the line, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers

Worn by Dame Marie Breen DBE OBE, Federal Senator for Victoria and Brighton resident. A passionate member (and founder) of many community organisations and charities, Marie Freda Breen (nee Chamberlin, 1902-1993) had her first experience of public life when her husband Robert became Mayor of Brighton in 1940. She became involved in the fledgeling Liberal Party, and Robert encouraged her to run for office. Marie because Victoria's first female Federal Senator in 1962. In Parliament, she was a vocal advocate for women and families and supported building a stronger relationship between Australia and Asia. In 1965 she became the first woman to chair a Senate committee. Marie retired from politics in 1968, after Robert was badly injured in a car accident. He died shortly after and she re-dedicated herself to community service, raising funds for UNICEF and serving on the Victorian Consultative Committee on Social Development and the Australian Advisory Council of Elders. In 1959 she was appointed an Officer of the British Empire for her work in the role of State President of the National Council of Women (Victoria) and in 1979 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Marie and Robert had three daughters, one of whom, Jeannette Patrick, was the Liberal Member for Brighton (1976-1985) and Parliamentary Secretary of the Liberal Party, (1979-82).Sleeveless black cotton voile dress printed with large cream and apricot coloured roses. Dropped waist; bias-cut triangular draping applied to back neck; two horizontal bands of black voile inserted into skirt.dame marie breen, 1920s, liberal party of australia, australian senate, politics, robert breen

Joseph Anderson Panton lived through the entire reign of Queen Victoria and in over 60 years of being in Australia saw the country advance from the earliest gold-rush days through to the first decade of Federation. Arriving from Scotland intending to pursue a pastoral life in Victoria, the discovery of gold dramatically changed that direction for the 20 year-old student, fresh from a military Academy education.Not a bystander to the myriad of events of the era, he soon carved out a life of some significance in the administration of justice in the dramatic early days and maturing of Sandhurst (Bendigo), then advancing through by postings to country regional areas and finally become extremely well known as Melbourne's Police Magistrate for some 30 years until his retirement in 1907. joseph anderson panton, magistate, gold commissioner, eltham, north warrandyte, glynns reserve, police magistrate

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of diggers with a mobile service unit from the Royal Australian Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. They are servicing a front end loader of 17 Construction Squadron, working on the road construction between Dat Do and the Phuoc Tuy Province capital Baria.photograph, raeme, 17 const sqn, dat do, phuoc tuy province, baria, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, diggers

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a digger from 9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. He has been 'found guilty' by courtiers of 'King Neptune' during the "crossing of the line" ceremony on board the Vung Tau Ferry, HMAS Sydney taking 9RAR to service in Vietnam.photograph, hmas sydney, 9th battalion, 9 rar, vung tau ferry, crossing the line, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnam war, denis gibbons, photographer, digger, diggers, king neptune

This painting was presented to the St Vincent's civilian medical team by the people of An Giang Province, Vietnam, in recognition of their work in the area. St Vincent's sent four civilian clinical teams to Long Xuyen, South Vietnam, 1965 - 1966 as part of an aid program administered by the Australian Department of External Affairs to assist Vietnamese medical and paramedical personnel and provide medical aid to everyone who needed it. The service of the Australian civilian teams who went to Vietnam 1964 - 1972 was recognised with a special plaque within the grounds of the Australian War Memorial in October 2008. This item has historical significance because it is a memento of the hospital's involvement in a nationally significant wartime aid program to South Vietnam. Landscape painting of deer near a forest stream. Painted in the traditional Vietnamese style using lacquer and paint. Artwork is framed in a black frame but is not behind glass. The artist is unknown.Plaque is attached at lower left corner and translated reads: The people of An Giang Province / are extremely grateful to the Australian Surgical Team.st vincent's hospital melbourne, paintings, artworks, south vietnam, medical aid

Report - single A4 sheet prepared by Kevin Staines 28/3/2019 titled "C & D Series Conductors Tins", or outfits and when they were phased out of use - during 1957/58. Has notes on recollections of Alan Bailey and National Service for young men in Australia at the time.trams, tramways, conductors, outfits, tickets, national service

Colour print of SW2 in St Kilda Road on a Gardiner Road service at the junction for the South Melbourne lines, Nolan St. Dated 7-11-1983. Printed on Fujicolor paper. Tram has advertisements for RESI building society on the front of the tram, Peter Jack cigarettes and National Australia Bank on the side panels.On rear in ink "W2 388 cnr. St Kilda Rd and Nolan St. 7-11-83. To Perth 1985 (Windsor Hotel, South Perth)trams, tramways, st kilda rd, nolan st, w2 class, tram 388

The Whipstick was a gold mining area and is now a national park. Peter Ellis ( 1946 - 2015 ) died 27th March, 2015. Bendigo Advertiser personal notices re death and funeral; obituary and two page spread on Peter Ellis' life and contribution to the retention of Australian bush music. B. Peter Nicolaus Ellis' Service of Thanksgiving for his funeral held on 25th. May 2015 at Mulqueen Family Chapel, Bendigo.Part of the Peter Ellis Collection. Survey of Whipstick, Part 7. A detailed map of the Whipstick National Park Showing locations of wildflowers. Compiled by Peter Ellis. There is one paper copy and three Laminated paper copies which are probably preparations for the paper copy. map, whipstick, peter ellis collection, wild flowers

Australian National Flag Montage depicting 15 Australian flags, including Naval, Military and Aboriginal flags - with history and details of each flag, also featuring the words of our National AnthemAustralia entered the first world war with three flags representing its dual nationality: the Union Jack as national flag and its two Australian ensigns. All three featured in recruiting drives for the Australian Imperial Force (the AIF). At that time the Union Jack was clearly regarded as the most importantBlack and gold painted frame containing montage of Australian flag and 14 smaller flags with boxed narratives.The Australian National Flag Gold Plaque - Proudly endorsed by the Returned & Services League of Australia 1992 Signed by Brigadier A B Garland AM and B C Ruxton OBEflags, australian, australian states and territories

Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts. However, its believed the now common Rakehoe is an Australian variation of the American McLeod Tool which was developed in 1905 by forest ranger Malcolm McLeod of the Sierra National Forest. The late Athol Hodgson advised that predecessors, Reg Torbet who had been the Chief Fire Officer for the Forests Commission from 1948-1956, along with his QLD counterpart Clive Price, went in late 1951 as Australian delegates on a 10 week fire study tour of Nth America organised by the United Nations. They came back with a couple of McLeod tools from Canada. Cam MacLeod (different spelling) had been the Head of Fire Research for the Canadian Forest Service at the time and had supplied them. The tools were ideal for deciduous forests in the eastern provinces and Clive arranged to have them manufactured in QLD. The Rakho, as it was then spelled, was first issued to FCV crews 65 years ago in 1955-56. The American Pulaski had been trialled, but never found favour with Australian firefighters.Rakhoeforests commission victoria (fcv), hand tools, forest harvesting, bushfire

List of Wangaratta Sub Branch Life Members who have been awarded Life Membership of the Returned & Services League of Australia.The elevation of a Service Member to Life Membership of the Returned & Services League of Australia is an honour that may only be approved by the National Executive on the recommendation of a State Branch. Great care must be displayed when considering nominating a Service Member for the honour of Life Membership of the League. Life Membership of any organisation is a single honour of great importance and any nomination must qualify the nominated member beyond all doubt as to their outstanding service to the League.Brown laminate five sided honour board with RSL crest and 12 names in gold coloured paintWangaratta Sub-Branch Life Membersrsl, wangaratta sub branch, life members

Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts. However, its believed the now common Rakehoe is an Australian variation of the American McLeod Tool which was developed in 1905 by forest ranger Malcolm McLeod of the Sierra National Forest. The late Athol Hodgson advised that predecessors, Reg Torbet who had been the Chief Fire Officer for the Forests Commission from 1948-1956, along with his QLD counterpart Clive Price, went in late 1951 as Australian delegates on a 10 week fire study tour of Nth America organised by the United Nations. They came back with a couple of McLeod tools from Canada. Cam MacLeod (different spelling) had been the Head of Fire Research for the Canadian Forest Service at the time and had supplied them. The tools were ideal for deciduous forests in the eastern provinces and Clive arranged to have them manufactured in QLD. The Rakho, as it was then spelled, was first issued to FCV crews 65 years ago in 1955-56. The American Pulaski had been trialled, but never found favour with Australian firefighters.Fire Beater (canvas) 1930s designforests commission victoria (fcv), hand tools, forest harvesting, bushfire

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - Following morning services, Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at the Northern Headquarters of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in Danang, those members able to get in to Danang from the field were entertained by dancers from the Shirley Simmons Concert partyphotograph, aattv, danang, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), anzac day 1967, northern headquarters, dancers, denis gibbons

Draft Form (Leave, Duty etc.), yellow with black type, carbon copy, 5 purple-coloured official stamps, dated and signedNominal Roll of Draft - Duty, Leave, Rtn In name of J. P. McNamara #3794332 3 Signatures - 5 stamps Dates:- 11 June 1970 x 2 / 10 Sept 1959 x 1 /26 June 1970nominal roll of draft, mcnamara, j.p., trooper, 1st armoured regiment, a squadron, b squadron, national service, julian peter mcnamara, 3794332, royal australian armoured corps

Form, purple print, Permissive Orders for Out-of-Country Travel Australian Military Forces - Permissive - Out-of-Country Travel Camp Alfa 0900 13/1/70 - 19/1/70 Saigon to Bangkok TPR McNamara, J P 1 ARMD 3794332document, permissive orders, out-of-country travel, julian peter mcnamara, mcnamara, 3794332, trooper, royal australian armoured corps, b squadron, a squadron, 1st armoured regiment, national service

Form, purple print, Permissive Orders for Out-of-Country TravelAustralian Military Forces - Permissive - Out-of-Country Travel Camp Alfa 0900 13/1/70 - 19/1/70 Saigon to Bangkok TPR McNamara, J P 1 ARMD 3794332form, out-of-country travel, permissive orders, julian peter mcnamara, mcnamara, australian army, 3794332, trooper, royal australian armoured corps, national service, b squadron, a squadron, 1st armoured regiment

Military Payment Certificate, $1, Blue, Teal & Umber, #B25251510B-7currency, military payment certificates, mcnamara, julian peter mcnamara, australian army, 3794332, trooper, royal australian armoured corps, national service, b squadron, a squadron, 1st armoured regiment

Military Payment Certificate, $10, red, #B04096201Bmilitary payment certificates, currency, mcnamara, julian peter mcnamara, australian army, trooper, royal australian armoured corps, national service, 3794332, b squadron, a squadron, 1st armoured regiment