The Optacon OPtical-to-TActile-CONverter is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It is about the size of a textbook, and weighs less than 2kg. It works by converting a printed image into a tactile image that a blind person can feel with one finger. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The Optacon was developed after intensive research at Standford University, California, USA and was trialed by clients of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now part of Vision Australia) in 1973. It has three main sections: 1 a miniature camera, 2 an electronics section, and 3 a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main chassis. The array consists of 144 tiny metal rods arranged in six vertical columns and 24 horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave finger plate where the index finger is placed flat in order to read. These three components act together to convert the image of a printed letter or other shape into a pattern of vibrating rods, a tactile image of the letter or shape. The letter shape is tactually perceived as an image that moves from right to left on the finger, showing the left or leading edge of the letter first. Letters are felt sequentially rather than all at once, and the image should be kept moving. The Optacon converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim -- a completed circle. C would have a gap or opening on the right side of the curve. The letter F would be felt, sequentially, as a vertical line with two trailing horizontal lines. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The camera has a zoom lens that compensates for differences in the size of type. The standard Optacon lens can accommodate type sizes from 6 point to 20 point. With the optional F4A magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. Powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger. The battery is contained within the main chassis, and is not removable by the user. There are four basic controls on the Optacon: the Magnification Adjustment zoom button located on the camera section on the side opposite the rollers; and the On-Off switch, the Stimulator Intensity Adjustment knob, and the Threshold Adjustment knob located on the right side of the front panel. The Circuit Breaker protrudes from the right-hand wall inside the chassis compartment. From left to right when the back panel is facing you, are located: the jack for connecting the battery charger; the Battery Check button; the Normal-Invert switch; and the Input/Output I/O connector for use with the Visual Display, when using the Repeater Cable to connect two Optacons to one another or with other accessories. Designed not be removed from the leather case during normal operation, the On-Off switch is a slide switch located on the right side of the front panel. It slides up and snaps into place in the on position. 1 black with orange front, rectangular device in leather case assistive devices, audio equipment

The Braille Lite harnessed the advantages of a computer to write in Braille and provides responses either in Braille or synthetic voice. Weighing around a kilogram, it was considered a lightweight notebook that also could be connected to other computers and stored Braille in it's inbuilt hardware. 1 beige rectangle with 7 raised buttons, a long space bar and refreshable braille display in black, held in a black plastic carrying case + printed instruction bookBraille Lite (R) Sticker attached over 'Blaze Engineering'.braille equipment, stephen jolley

Created to meet the growing need for Braille users to access computers, and the creation of talking terminals, Clarke and Smith released the Brailink in 1982. Fitting the unit into a briefcase style for portability, it allowed Braille users to read the screen via the refreshable Braille display located above the QWERTY keyboard as well as record data on to either of the cassette recorders for use with other computers.CPU with keyboard, Braille display and two miniature cassette recorders inside a vinyl caseCS Brailinkbraille equipment, clarke and smith

This card provided the bearer with the ability to park on the RVIB grounds. It reads as follows: Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia Telegraphic address: 'Royalblind". Telephone: (03) 529 3544 Fax: (03) 51 4735 Parking Authorisation Vehicle Reg. No. Date Time Authorised by Please display this card on dashboard1 white card with blue writing and spacing for handwritten detailsroyal victorian institute for the blind, office equipment and supplies

Jan FEDER ( - 1981) Jan Feder is an alumna of Federation University having studied ceramics at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now Federation Univesity Gippsland campus). Jan Feder was respected by all students for her diligence and technical ability. Her tragic death in 1981 evoked an immediate response from her peers for a memorial. Students discussed a number of memorial options, such as funds for equipment, scholarships and awards. The decision to commence a collection was made based on the idea that all future students culd benefit from the availability of a collection, whereas only a very few individuals could benefit from a scholarship. Students immediately set about raising money by selling 'seconds' called 'Junque Sales'. a total of $760.00 was raised and the first two works purchased were by Victor Greenaway and Victoria Howlett. Ceramic works were purchased from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught at the Gippsland Campus. The Artist in Residendence Program assisted the collection, with many resident artists conrtibuting to the Collection (ie Robin Welch, Anna Zamorska, Sandy Brown), as well as international guests. Ceramic events such as 'Strzelecki Spotkanie 1984' and 'Woodfire 86' also resulted on major contributions to the collection. Three lidded pots by Jan Feder made in 1981.jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, ceramics, gippsland campus, alumni, casserole

Bruce STEWART A Diploma Student in Ceramics at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education from 1977 to 1979. Jan Feder is an alumna of Federation University having studied ceramics at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now Federation University Gippsland campus). Jan Feder was respected by all students for her diligence and technical ability. Her tragic death in 1981 evoked an immediate response from her peers for a memorial. Students discussed a number of memorial options, such as funds for equipment, scholarships and awards. The decision to commence a collection was made based on the idea that all future students could benefit from the availability of a collection, whereas only a very few individuals could benefit from a scholarship. Students immediately set about raising money by selling 'seconds' called 'Junque Sales'. A total of $760.00 was raised and the first two works purchased were by Victor Greenaway and Victoria Howlett. Ceramic works were purchased from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught at the Gippsland Campus. The Artist in Residence Program assisted the collection, with many resident artists contributing to the Collection (ie Robin Welch, Anna Zamorska, Sandy Brown), as well as international guests. Ceramic events such as 'Strzelecki Spotkanie 1984' and 'Woodfire 86' also resulted on major contributions to the collection. Salt-glazed pots. Presented to the Jan Feder Memorial Ceramic Collection by Bruce Stewart jan feder memorial collection, jan feder, ceramics, gippsland campus, artwork, artist, bruce stewart, alumni

Larrel KANE A Diploma Student at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education. This item is a part of the Jan Feder Memorial Ceramics Collection. Jan Feder is an alumna of Federation University having studied ceramics at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now Federation University Gippsland campus). Jan Feder was respected by all students for her diligence and technical ability. Her tragic death in 1981 evoked an immediate response from her peers for a memorial. Students discussed a number of memorial options, such as funds for equipment, scholarships and awards. The decision to commence a collection was made based on the idea that all future students could benefit from the availability of a collection, whereas only a very few individuals could benefit from a scholarship. Students immediately set about raising money by selling 'seconds' called 'Junque Sales'. a total of $760.00 was raised and the first two works purchased were by Victor Greenaway and Victoria Howlett. Ceramic works were purchased from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught at the Gippsland Campus. The Artist in Residence Program assisted the collection, with many resident artists contributing to the Collection (ie Robin Welch, Anna Zamorska, Sandy Brown), as well as international guests. Ceramic events such as 'Strzelecki Spotkanie 1984' and 'Woodfire 86' also resulted on major contributions to the collection. Earthernware Sculpure with hand thrown element. Gift of the Artist Jan Feder Memorial Ceramics Collectionjan feder memorial collection, ceramics, jan feder, woodfire, churchill, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, alumni

Garden views, newly planted Melaleuca styphelioides, Garden view "BHC". "Spear Thistle Flowers". "Orchard Weed Control Terbacil?" "Feeding Hay to Merino X" "Baleo? Lucerne." 1. "Glasshouse Display." 2. Fitzroy Gardens excursion? 3. "Rose Pruning Day." 4. "Cut Flowers" growing in the Orchard. "B.H.C. Gardens" Jan 8? 5. Sequoia sempervirens & Jacaranda. 7. Student spraying in the Orchard. 8. Poly tunnel. 6, 10. Inside a greenhouse. 9. Sign "Plant Science Laboratory Lecture Room 5 ‎‎‎→". Poly tunnel Jan? 11. Student Representative Council? 12. an unreadable sign near the Plant Research Institute. 13. Plant Research Institutue. 14. Students in Class.15. "Citrus Burnley Orchard. 16. " Student being taught how to lay irrigation pipe (Burnley?) Students in class . 17, 18..Students in Science Laboratory. 19, 20. a student on a ride-on-mower in the Gardens "Burnley" 21. Tap in the ground - irrigation?garden views, bhc, weed control, merino, lucerne, glasshouses, displays, fitzroy gardens, flowers, jacaranda, nurseries, equipment, spraying, poly tunnel, plant science laboratory, plant research institute, irrigation pipe, mower, melaleuca styphelioides, spear thistle, orchard, greenhouse, rose pruning day, greenhouses, students in class, students working outside

'The collections of winter sports equipment in Australian museums are small and few in number... The pair currently displayed on the Lounge wall has cable binding, a characteristic of skis from the c1930's to 50's and still popular today for cross country and telemark skis.' (Pg 143. Historica) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsPair of wooden skis with black leather straps, black leather boots and bamboo stocks."Kandahar Patent Gresvig"

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

Stan and Mary Parker commenced the Plant Farm in Smythe Street Wodonga in February 1949. The nursery consisted of two blocks, on one of which their house was built. They started off with approximately £70 and a 1939 Singer mini-Ute. In the early days most customers came from the farming community. In late 1951 the Parkers purchased to a new site on the corner of High and Osburne Streets. Business went well and in 1957 they purchased the adjoining block. They later demolished the old house on the corner of High Street and Osburne Street, building a new home lower on the same block. As the nursery prospered Stan and Mary built a shop and showrooms with glassed-in portion for the indoor plants and a large shaded area for the display of shrubs. In 1978 they sold the nursery to Mr. & Mrs. John Gale. In 1981 the Wodonga Plant farm was purchased Geoff and Kay Pollard and they moved to its current location at the corner of Beechworth Road and Huon Creek Road. Initially they brought it as an investment but it soon got into their blood and chose to not only continue but expand the nursery and its offerings. This included a large showroom, a water shop which specialises in pool equipment, chemicals and water testing, a children's playground and an outdoor blind centre. Further expansions led to the addition of a Tuscan-style cafe on the site which has become a meeting place. The business was nominated the Yates Victorian Best Garden Centre in Australia for many years and won the award in 1997. In 2024, the Wodonga Plant Farm is still a vibrant and popular business being operated by the Pollard Family.These items are significant because they document the story of respected Wodonga Business which has served the community for over 60 years.A selection of photographs and article documenting the story of the Wodonga Plant Farmearly wodonga businesses, wodonga plant farm, pollard family, geoff and kay pollard

For many years Legacy had a "Back to Caulfield Race Day" for Legatees, widows and their families. In 1995 a Legacy 'Lone Pine' was planted. The article in the Answer says: “We were delighted with the many Legacy Widows, Legatees and friends of Legacy who participated in the Commemorative Race Day at Caulfield Sunday 25th August - marking the 75th anniversary of the RAAF. The VATC had a range of displays and activities including a breathtaking parachute demonstration by the Blue Eagles. It was touch and go for a while due to the weather conditions but once the Blue Eagles jumped they all reached their designated target in front of the winning post. Legacy even had a special race named after it: “The Legacy Widows Appeal Handicap”. Our thanks to the VATC for this courtesy. Hope we had a few winners! Vice President, Legatee Brian ‘Lucky’ Luscombe placed a wreath at the legacy ‘Lone Pine’ - a descendant of the Gallipoli ‘Lone Pine’ on behalf of the Legacy Family. The historic tree was presented to Caulfield last year as part of the events to mark the 1995 Australia Remembers year.” The photos show children playing mini golf as well as the Historical Re-enactment Society of Australia with old military equipment and wearing old military uniforms. The racecourse also had a vintage plane on display with military vehicles.Legacy retains a tie with Caulfield racecourse as it was once an army camp and staging post of young men going overseas to war and now it is the site of a lone pine. The annual gathering at Caulfield racecourse was an event that gets the Legacy family together.Colour photo x 18 of an event at Caulfield racecourse in 1996 and an article in The Answer.Printed on back events, wreath laying ceremony, answer

Photo display relating to the work of Eltham anthropologist Professor Donald Thomson (1901-1970) who was renowned for his work researching Aborigines across Central Australia. Part of the Bicentennial/Heritage Week Display, "The Eltham Tradition", Eltham Shire Office, 17-22 April 1988. "The Photographic record which forms part of the Donald Thomson collection housed at the Museum of Victoria, by arrangement with the University of Melbourne contains 10,580 negatives. The collection also includes 5,700 artefacts and 4,500 pages of field notes. Cumbersome camera equipment and glass negatives often had to be carried hundreds of miles by pack horse, on small boars and other means. Three documentary films have been made, two by the BBC and released in over 18 countries and third, made by Academy of Science (1987) is for Year 12 Biology students. 28,000 feet of film record of Arnhem land was destroyed whilst in Commonwelath Government Custody." Two colour photographsactivities, eltham shire office, heritage display, heritage week, donald thomson, collection

The Forests Commission and its successors continuously encouraged bushfire research and innovation. In 1946 a large parcel of industrial land was purchased at North Altona as a fire cache and workshop. The Altona workshop became a hotbed of new technological innovation… an exhilarating place where lots of things were invented and tested. In fact, a lot of Australia’s pioneering equipment development was led by staff from Altona, often in collaboration with other State forestry and fire authorities. The CSIRO also contributed significantly. The US Forest Service, the US Bureau of Land Management and US State agencies such as the California Department of Forestry and Fire (CalFire) as well as the Canadian Forest Service faced similar challenges and proved strong and willing partners in sharing knowledge, ideas, equipment and expertise over many decades. This collection of badges is testament to the relationships that were forged across the globe with the Altona workshop. Large display panel featuring many fire service badgesforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, bushfire aviation

ill, p.64.non-fictionPictorial information about New Zealand railways locomotives, rolling stock and other railway equipment as part of the centenary celebrations of the first railway in New Zealand.railroads - new zealand - pictorial, railroads -- new zealand.

This is an item of vintage interest as it dates from the1950s. Binoculars were and still are used for bird watching, travel, some sporting events and other activities requiring some magnification.This item is retained for display purposes.A pair of black binoculars made of metal composite material and glass. The cover is brown leather with a metal clip and a shoulder strap which is broken.Carl Zeiss Jenavintage personal item

Ammunition shell was used in a 40 lb Armstrong Rifled Breach Loading (RBL) Gun. The shell was fired into Westernport Bay by the Hastings Battery Field Artillery in late 1800’s or early 1900’s. It was recovered by divers in recent times. It does not contain explosives because the projectile and explosive were separate items. The Armstrong 40 lb BL Gun There were 4 x 40lb Armstrong (RBL) Guns issued to the Ham and Beef Battery at Hastings Victoria. After the Hastings Battery field artillery disbanded, the 4 Guns were transferred from the Hastings Battery to the Warrnambool Battery field artillery in 1904. (There is a photograph of one of these guns on its carriage, pictured in front of the Orderly room (Drill Hall) at Warrnambool, which is now the Library of South West TAFE). The 40lb Armstrong Guns were recalled back to Melbourne when the government issued the updated 4.7inch QF (Quick Firing) Naval Guns, mounted on carriages, to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery 1907. The Hastings Museum today holds one of the original 40lb Armstrong RBL guns that were at first at Hastings and then Warrnambool, evidenced by tracing the numbers on that gun. This gun has now been restored. Surviving 40 lb Armstrong BL Guns in Australia The Hastings Museum has restored one of the Guns that was at Hastings and then from 1904-1907 in Warrnambool. This Gun is now on display at the Hastings Museum. This ammunition shell from a 40lb Armstrong RBL gun is very significant because of its association with the Warrnambool Battery Field Artillery in the early 1904-1907. It is known that the original 40lb Armstrong RBL gun used in Warrnambool is now restored and on display at the Hastings Museum. Ammunition shell from a 40Ib Armstrong Rifled Breach loading (RBL) Gun. Metal bullet-shaped object, flat base, tapering to cone-shaped tip. Parallel equidistant ridges run from outer edge of base to position where cone shape begins. Tip has a square-shaped hole in the centre and has a very uneven surface. Base has corrosion and metal is flaking away. Does not contain explosives. Remnants of white paint-like substance in several places. From the Hastings, Victoria, area. Late 19th - early 20th century.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ammunition shell, 40 lb armstrong rbl gun, volunteer corps, war equipment, defence forces, warrnambool bettery field artillery, hastings battery field artillery, defence of warrnambool

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It recognises his participation at the Winter Olympic Games in Albertville in 1992 where he was the team psychologist. 23 Australian athletes competed, participating in alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, cross-country skiing, figure skating, freestyle skiing, luge, short track speed skating, and speed skating. Steven Lee and Adrian Costa from Falls Creek were included in this team. The Men's Downhill competition of the Albertville 1992 Olympics in which Steve Lee competed was held at Val d'Isère on Sunday, 9 February 1992. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” with Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and George later owned the Red Onion Chalet. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it was worn by Steve Lee at the Albertville Winter Olympics 1992.A racing bib worn by Steve Lee at Albertville. It is white with red trim. It bears the Albertville Olympic logo and the number 46 in black. A typed sign is included in the display. Albertville Olympic Logo 46 Val d'Isère On Sign ITEM No 110 Racing Bib No. 46 - downhill - Steven Lee Albertville Winter Olympics, 1992 Donation of Steven Lee george shirling, albertville 1992, steve lee, adrian costa

To be fashionable, and possibly improve vision at the same time, the pince nez style of glasses became popular. The 'Fits-u' design has a mounting that allowed the bridge to stay solid, whilst the springs in the nose pads allowed for removal (unlike pince nez which had a springs in the bridge). Although complete, this box includes models with different distance dimensions and the height of the bridge, with these figures are etched onto the lenses. An order table is included in the box with the pupillary distance and height so the catalogue number and quality and quantity of each size can be ordered by the dispenser. The pupillary distance is used to design spectacle frames.Canvas box which includes display models of different dimensions of pince nez Handwritten on the back: James Korp Backhouse (?) 1904 Ophthalmic Optician & Optometristassistive devices, american optical company

This device assists blind music teachers to teach music notation to the sighted, by using a braille dial. Created by Percival Mayhew in the 1920-1930's, it consists of a wooden frame with a window, behind which is a sliding list of 63 staff notations and 17 sol-fa tones. To use, the teacher sits behind the indicator (to align the Braille scale of signs) whilst the student sits in front of the window and views the printed version. Black vinyl carry case has been created for transporting device.Wooden board with window for visual display and two double-sided paper cards and black vinyl carry case'The Mayhew Music Indicator' on front.adaptive devices, music teaching

Prior to shed being built, equipment stored in Kiosk|This is the before paired photograph used in the 150 year Lakes Entrance 1858-2008 display.|The after paired photograph number is 01538.1|Also one 12 x 16 framed photograph use in room display.Black and white photograph of eight adults and child at the southern end of the footbridge. Wooden path, sand dune, and Royal Lifesaving Tower and equipment shed in distance. Lakes Entrance Victoriawaterfront, bridges, people

Related to objects 450 and 451.Resistance decade box constructed from rectangular base of ferrous metal with black plastic top. Top displays five circular dials with three smaller circular dials on the right. Embossed plaque at front: 'J. L. WILLIAM / SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS / SERIAL No 3012 / TYPE RR5S / MELBOURNE / AUSTRALIA' Engraved and filled white on top plate from left to right: 'ABSOLUTE OHMS AT 20 C / MANGANIN' Label reading 'PHYSICS PT 2 222 A4' Logo reading: 'J. L. WILLIAM / SCIENTIFIC / INSTRUMENTS / MELBOURNE / SERIAL No 3012' 'ZERO RESISTANCE / 0.006 OHM' Dials labelled underneath with unit measurements engraved and filled white.decade box, resistance decade box, j. l. william, electrical equipment, scientific instruments

This set of baby scales is believed to have been used in a Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool. The first Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool was opened in Liebig Street in October 1921. It was initially run by Sister Riley. The development of Baby Health Centres in Victoria was largely due to the work of Dr Isabella Younger-Ross (1887-1956). She was born in Warrnambool to Henrietta and John Younger (the Younger department store operated in Liebig Street Warrnambool for over 60 years). Isabella Younger Ross studied medicine in Melbourne and Glasgow and she was a prominent worker in the field of maternal and infant welfare for over 40 years. These scales are retained as an example of the type of equipment used in baby health centres in the early to mid 20th century. It will be useful for display.This is a metal set of scales with a rectangular base tapering at one end. At the top is attached a metal receptacle for holding a baby and underneath this on top of the base is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring device. The item is painted yellow and green but the paint is well rusted and peeling in places. 15 lb.warrnambool baby health centres, dr isabella younger-ross