Manufactured in the 1960s, this mobile emergency telephone exchange was fitted into a caravan. Part of the Shepparton Division State Disaster Plan, the caravan could be towed to areas affected by disasters to enable communications to recommence. The caravan remained in service until approximately 1974.Mobile infrastructure plays an important role in Australian communications, owing to the often remote and hostile environments in which Australians live and work. Exchanges such as this facilitated phone calls in the aftermath of an emergency, particularly for hospitals, police and other emergency services. Today, Mobile Exchange on Wheels (MEOWs), Cell on Wheels (CoW) and Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOW) - which provide temporary landline and broadband services, mobile phone coverage and service in areas without communications infrastructure respectively - are a critical part of emergency response procedures for natural disasters such as fire and flood. Though technology has progressed, the need for rapid service in remote areas remains a present concern of the communications service providers in Australia. This mobile service infrastructure is historically significant as an early example of a service which has evolved over decades, yet is still needed today. The exchange, as a representative example of a vehicle which would provide early-response in a disaster, is socially significant as a facilitator of critical communications needs in devastated communities: access to emergency services and contact with family and friends. The exchange itself, intact from its period of use, provides an insight into technology of the 1970s.Mobile emergency exchange housed in a caravan trailer on 2 wheel base, duralin body, steel tow bar, Caravan divided into 3 sections; the exchange room; the relay room and the main frame room. The exchange room contains 3 switchboards, a folding table, cupboards, benches and switch rack (.1). table (.2), steel bar for attaching the table (.3), back boards of switchboards (.4-.6), switches (.7-.16), box of switches (.17). There is a wall phone magneto, 300 type handset on wall and 2 skylights with wire screens. .11? hat pegs and shelf; there are 2 fluorescent tubes for lighting, all in exchange section. The floor is covered with 2 tone grey tiles and there are wire mesh on outside of windows and a geometric curtain inside behind switch rack. There is a flywire screen door as well as exterior door. The relay room has a sectioned door so half can open at a time. Room contains a cupboard with folding bench top beneath a curtained window. The opposite wall has a bank of batteries and transmission condensers; there is a shelf above window, one fluorescent tube and fuse boxes. Tiles on floor also. The main frame room contains many metres of coiled black covered cable, a black covered magneto wall telephone with 300 type handset; grey plastic jumper cords, a rack of termination points and wire with wasp nests attached. There is a small iron step under door, a fluorescent tube on wall and 3 hat hooks. Roll of Paper Handtowels (.18), cord and handle (.19), red exchange cords and plugs (.20-.22), plastic aluminium runners (.23,.24), headset (.25,.26), logbook (.27), battery readings (.28), box containing papers circuit drawings etc (.29-.93), paper lists off wall (.94,.95). Books, record books etc (.96-.103). Manila folder (.104) containing circuit drawings (105-.124). Wooden drawer (.125), metal drawer containing subscribers master cards, record of faults cards, particular switchboards connected, Junction line cards (.126). Box of valves (.127), box of clamps (.128). Box of 2000 type rack fuses, red 1 1/2 AMPS, black 3 AMP, blue 1/2 AMP (.129). Box of sleeves for covering wire joints (.130), plastic beakers (.131,.132), soap (.133), box of white plastic squares (.134), time switch "Venner BF/43 time switch" Made in England (.135), box of bolts, knobs etc (.136), box of switchboard number indicators (.137), fuse (.138), fuse wire (.139), football card (.140). Box of cartridge fuse 6 AMP (.141). Envelope of drawing pins, rubber bands (.142), black plastic, paper tape centres (.143-.152), metal plug (.153), 2 signs "Beware of vehicles" (.154-.155). Paper listing Naringal East automatic conversion (.156). Green Commonwealth of Australia note pad (.157). Wiring plug for tail lights (.158). Black fuse plugs (.159,.160). Box of bolts (.161). 2 sections of blue plastic coated wires (.162,.163). Gloves used for working on batteries (.164-.167). Wasp nests (.168,.169). White fuse (.170). Photographs of van in use (.171,.172)..1 on front: "ANOTHER / MOBILETRAIL / PRODUCT" "MAX SPEED / 25MPH" "TRAILER BRAKES / --- / " On sides: "EMERGENCY TELEPHONE EXCHANGE" "NO 1" "PMG" "TCQ / GROSS 250 / TARE 182 / LOAD 162" "6" "COUNTRY BRANCH / NORTH REGION / [SHEPPARTON DIVISION]" "LAW'S SIGNS" "Telecom Australia" On back: "DANGER / LONG LOAD" "MQA 3787" .133: "FIR OIL" "AUSTRALIA"mobile telephone exchanges, mobile telecommunications trailers, trailers, transport, natural disaster, black saturday, bushfires, floods, emergency communications

David Staig Jnr established this business in 1927 on the corner of Canterbury Road and Revers Street. He lived at 355 Canterbury Road, one of a series of shops (with living accommodation) owned and built in c1885 by Thomas C Hyde. G Staig (farmer) was the first in the family to occupy this, followed by James Staig (carpenter), then David Staig Snr (blacksmith) and David Staig Jnr. Bill Steiner was the chief mechanic at The Principal Garage; his apprentice Frank Senior eventually bought the business from David Staig and it became Senior's Garage. In 2020 there is a Shell service station and a Coles Express on the site. The Staig family were long-time residents of the area and this photo documents part of their business history. Dave Staig, who established this business, was an early aviator who designed and built his own plane.Black and white photo of a classic 1920's era garage build in brick and render and with 2 petrol bowsers on the curbside, either side of the central garage entrance. Advertising on the facade indicates Shell and Plume motor oils. There are 3 cars positioned in such a way that suggests this may have been a publicity photo. Advertising on the facade indicates that cars could be garaged at the facility and that the proprietor was D. Staig. It also indicates that the business was an agent for The Whippet car, the Willys-Knight car and the Overland car.principal garage, senior's garage, senior's motors pty ltd, garages, redvers street, canterbury road, david staig jnr, bill steiner, frank senior

Dong Ho is on the Duong River in Bắc Ninh Province, Vietnam. The woodcut painting (Tranh khắc gỗ dân gian Dong Ho is a line of Vietnamese folk painting originating in Dong Ho village. The traditional themes of Dong Ho painting are good luck signs, historical figures, folk allegories, popular stories, and social commentaries. Elements of everyday life are well integrated in Dong Ho paintings to express the thoughts and wishes of people. (Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%C3%B4ng_H%E1%BB%93_painting, accessed 11 April 2017.) Craftsmen in Dong Ho use a special type of paper named giấy điệp. The bark of dó tree, which normally is grown in Tuyên Quang Province, is soaked in water for months, then mixed with powders of seashells (sò điệp), which is the origin of the paper's name, and glutinous rice to make sheets of paper. The s seashell and glutinous rice results in paper with an exotic sparkling hard background which is able to conserve the durability of colours. The colours are refined from natural materials which are easily found in Vietnam. For instance, the red colour is taken from red gravel in Thiên Thai Mountain, while the black comes from charcoal of burned bamboo leaves. The hand carved woodblock is applied with paint and pressed on a sheet of paper like a stamp. The process is repeated with different colours until the craftsman is satisfied with the outcome. One woodcut is for outline and several others are for each colour printed. The finished picture is covered with a layer of rice paste (hồ nếp) to strengthen the durability of its illustration and colours and afterwards dried under the sun. From beginning to end the process takes six to seven months. (Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%C3%B4ng_H%E1%BB%93_painting, accessed 11 April 2017.) The tradition of Đông Hồ painting dates back to the 11th century during the reign of the Lý Dynasty. Originally, Đông Hồ paintings were made with black-and-white prints of woodcuts, but from the 15th century, different colours were introduced by craftsmen in the village. As a village specialized in making woodcuts and paintings, almost all Đông Hồ villagers were involved in the manufacturing of paintings from carving the woodblocks, producing điệp papers, obtaining natural colours to creating new themes, and printing.(Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%C3%B4ng_H%E1%BB%93_painting, accessed 11 April 2017.) Before 1945 over 150 families in Đông Hồ village were making pictures, but the tradition has rapidly faded. Villagers can no longer make a living based on this production so only a few households in the village still make pictures, while many others have switched to producing joss paper and votive paper object.(Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%C3%B4ng_H%E1%BB%93_painting, accessed 11 April 2017.)Asian ArtA framed collection of work by children from Dong Ho Village, Vietnam.dong ho, vietnam, woodcut, printmaking, dong ho art, dong ho painting, dong ho village, vietnam.

leni (1960s- ) Born Melbourne Wotjobaluk "leni is both a long story and a short life. A Wotjobaluk woman, born in Melbourne in the sixties, adopted into a non-Aboriginal family and raised by true destiny on country in the Wimmera. leni was reunited with her mother and extended family in her late teens. Simple swift sentences with complex challenging undertones. Thus began an ever evolving and endlessly deep cultural and personal exploration which has passionately consumed, confused, enticed and enriched her since. leni’s creativity is inspired strongly by her cross cultural heritage, learnings and loves, failures and fears, passions and dreamings. This artwork has its own determination and authenticity. leni’s work constantly explores concepts of the past and present. leni has exhibited in the Koorie Heritage Trust, The Convent Gallery, Kirret Barreet Gallery, Gallery on Sturt, Tussock Gallery and others. Her work has been commissioned by various organisations, public and private collectors.A triptych commissioned for the Federation University Mt Helen A-Building Staircase.aboriginal, abstract

leni (1960s- ) Born Melbourne Wotjobaluk "leni is both a long story and a short life. A Wotjobaluk woman, born in Melbourne in the sixties, adopted into a non-Aboriginal family and raised by true destiny on country in the Wimmera. leni was reunited with her mother and extended family in her late teens. Simple swift sentences with complex challenging undertones. Thus began an ever evolving and endlessly deep cultural and personal exploration which has passionately consumed, confused, enticed and enriched her since. leni’s creativity is inspired strongly by her cross cultural heritage, learnings and loves, failures and fears, passions and dreamings. This artwork has its own determination and authenticity. leni’s work constantly explores concepts of the past and present. leni has exhibited in the Koorie Heritage Trust, The Convent Gallery, Kirret Barreet Gallery, Gallery on Sturt, Tussock Gallery and others. Her work has been commissioned by various organisations, public and private collectors.aboriginal, aboriignal education centre collection

leni (1960s- ) Born Melbourne Wotjobaluk "leni is both a long story and a short life. A Wotjobaluk woman, born in Melbourne in the sixties, adopted into a non-Aboriginal family and raised by true destiny on country in the Wimmera. leni was reunited with her mother and extended family in her late teens. Simple swift sentences with complex challenging undertones. Thus began an ever evolving and endlessly deep cultural and personal exploration which has passionately consumed, confused, enticed and enriched her since. leni’s creativity is inspired strongly by her cross cultural heritage, learnings and loves, failures and fears, passions and dreamings. This artwork has its own determination and authenticity. leni’s work constantly explores concepts of the past and present. leni has exhibited in the Koorie Heritage Trust, The Convent Gallery, Kirret Barreet Gallery, Gallery on Sturt, Tussock Gallery and others. Her work has been commissioned by various organisations, public and private collectors.aboriginal, aboriginal education centre collection

leni (1960s- ) Born Melbourne Wotjobaluk "leni is both a long story and a short life. A Wotjobaluk woman, born in Melbourne in the sixties, adopted into a non-Aboriginal family and raised by true destiny on country in the Wimmera. leni was reunited with her mother and extended family in her late teens. Simple swift sentences with complex challenging undertones. Thus began an ever evolving and endlessly deep cultural and personal exploration which has passionately consumed, confused, enticed and enriched her since. leni’s creativity is inspired strongly by her cross cultural heritage, learnings and loves, failures and fears, passions and dreamings. This artwork has its own determination and authenticity. leni’s work constantly explores concepts of the past and present. leni has exhibited in the Koorie Heritage Trust, The Convent Gallery, Kirret Barreet Gallery, Gallery on Sturt, Tussock Gallery and others. Her work has been commissioned by various organisations, public and private collectors.aboriginal, aboriginal education centre collection

Giovanni Caberlotto was born on 27 February 1941 in Montebelluna, Italy into a family of boot makers and street vendors. In 1960 Giovanni was called up for military training and enlisted in the Alpini skiing company, learning to ski and gained a military instructor's license. During this time, he learned to recognize boots and materials and looked for innovative solutions to make them more comfortable. He returned home after his military service and convinced his father he no longer wanted to be a street vendor. In 1963 the Caberlotto family sold a piece of land to finance the new business: Caber and established a ski boot factory. In 1965, upon the death of his father, Giovanni took over the reins of the family business. He looked with interest at a new material for ski boots: plastic, travelling to the USA to carry out further investigation. Giovanni began to use plastic polymers which, once heated and melted, were injected directly into the mold and left to cool. He also began a range of sponsorships to promote his brand including the 1964 World Cup slalom event in Cortina d'Ampezzo. He also gained a four year deal with the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI). In 1974 he sold Caber to the US company Spalding, remaining as President of the company until 1979. In 1974 the Caberlotto brothers exploited the second part of the family surname and founded Lotto. For non-competition reasons they work on tennis and leisure shoes. The new company, in addition to tennis, becomes a successful brand in football, basketball and athletics. Giovanni left Spalding in 1980 and returned to Montebelluna, becoming the General Manager of Lotto. He died on 3 March 1997 In 1990, Rossignol acquired the Caber boot factory in Italy and rebranded the product under the Rossignol label.These boots are significant because they represented an advance in ski boot technology and were a popular brand in the 1970s.Lime green and black Caber ski boots. Each boot has five metal fastenings.On side of boots - Cabercaber ski boots, skiing equipment, skiing technology

The Bendigo Easter Fair was established in 1871 to fundraise for the hospital and the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. These family snap shots were donated by the Sandner family who were long associated with the Bendigo Hospital. Photograph 0319.3 features the Chinese Dragon.Set of three black and white photographs. All photographs are taken on the streets of Bendigo during the Easter fair and parade, year unknown. 0319.1; Marching Brass band on street with crowds on both sides. 0319.2; Street view of parade float. 0319.3 Chinese dragon on street with crowds on both sides. Verso; 0319.1, 0319.2, 0319.3 Handwritten; B 622eugene and mollie sandner collection, bendigo hospital, eugene sandner, mollie sandner, mollie sibson, bendigo easter fair, mayor sandner, mayoress sandner, bendigo chinese dragon

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This satchel was used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years and is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted. Small, dark coloured rectangle, leather satchel with attached belt and ornate buckle. Satchel is made of four pieces of leather: two side pieces, one piece which is folded to create the front, bottom, back and flap and one piece for the central strap. The central strap has a single hole through which a metal toggle is inserted to secure the flap closed. Stitching is evident around the side seams, around the metal toggle and inside flap where strap is attached and has been reinforced. Satchel has four metal tabs to secure the top front to the top sides and an internal pocket on inside. The leather belt is attached to the back outside of the satchel with four metal press studs. The left side buckle also has reinforced stitching. Both sides of the buckle have decorative elements with the words Post Office / Communications/ Australia on the left side around outer circular edge. Underside of right side of buckle end has the words AROS pressed into it. Inside flap of satchel; Australia / Post / Telegram / Boys written in marker. Buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Underside of right side of buckle end; AROS Internal; Gold address sticker with Ted Rankins contact details.ted rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). There was a brief resurgence in telegraphy during World War I but the decline continued as the world entered the Great Depression years of the 1930s.  Although telegraph lines continued to play an important part in distributing news feeds from news agencies post World War 2, the rise of the internet in the 1990s and the widespread installation of the telephones in homes saw the need for telegrams to greatly decline. When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. Now a Visitor Centre, dedicated volunteers at the Post Office continued to demonstrate and educate the public about telegraphic services and the development of this unique form of communication up until 2019 when Covid 19 disrupted every day life, coupled with the death Ted Rankins (the last Post Master and a long term telegraph volunteer at the Post Office). This belt buckle was used on the leather satchels used by Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years. The buckle is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of Ted Rankins.Circular belt buckle from telegram delivery satchel belt. Inner buckle depicts the Greek deity Hermes who personifies the transmission of information and was adopted as an allegorical representation of the function of postal services. Outer buckle; Post Office / Communications / Australia. Centre top outer buckle; emu, kangaroo and shield Inner buckle; Hermes (left facing)bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection

This digital image shows the sun roof on the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital, 45 Victoria Parade, Collingwood. It shows some of the children nursed at the home. Many children were nursed there long term during the Poliomyelitis epidemic in the 1930s. It also shows uniforms worn by nurses and Sisters in the 1930s. The Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Home was originally established to provide nurse-managed convalescent care to poor and underprivileged patients who could not look after themselves at home due to illness, or on release from hospital. Opening in 1926 following a public appeal for funds, at a cost of £27,000, the Home included maternity, children’s and adult wards as well as accommodation for Matron, twelve Sisters and four domestic staff. Many children were nursed there, some long term, during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Sisters and nurses and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic, including at the time a very controversial Family Planning Clinic, the first of its kind in Australia which was opened to support women at risk following multiple and difficult pregnancies, giving advice on birth-control. At first the clinic was attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. . Major extensions in 1934 led to the After-Care 'Home' having a name change to 'Hospital'. A trained Almoner was employed in 1934 but she resigned after twelve months due to the work load. Unable to procure another due to a shortage of trained Almoners, a Social Service Officer was employed at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions. Following Government intervention, the After-Care Hospital was separated from the Melbourne District Nursing Society in 1957. The After-care Hospital continued to operate at the same address until 1985 when it became the Melbourne Geriatric Centre. This digital Image shows two nurses and two Trained nurses (Sisters) supervising convalescing children in the roof garden of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After-Care Hospital . The two nurses are with the rear children, one on the left and one on the right. Both are wearing long white aprons over their long sleeved dark grey uniforms, and both are wearing white caps over their dark hair. On the right rear, in front of a row of glass windows, the upper portion of a Sister can be seen wearing a white uniform and white veil. In the right front is another Sister who is wearing glasses and is wearing a white uniform and dark coloured cape. She is wearing a white veil over her short dark hair. There are three boys and four girls resting on cane lounges; some are reading books and one girl is holding a doll. Another boy, who is wearing a dressing gown, is sitting on a cane chair. There is a trellis and a wall of windows on the left of the image and some brick work and a wall of windows on the right hand side behind the Sisters.. Some pots with low and tall plants can be seen.A tiled hip roof of a building can be seen in the rear of the image.mdns, melbourne district nursing society, after- care hospital, nurses uniforms

The RDNS Sister is giving Post Natal care to the Mother and babe. She is wearing her RDNS summer uniform which is a white short sleeve blouse under a royal blue V necked tunic dress with the RDNS insignia emblazoned on the upper left.In August 1893 Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), commenced a Midwifery Service with Nurse Fowler, who was trained in General nursing and Midwifery nursing, being the first Midwife employed. Mothers were assessed for suitability of a home birth or if they required delivery at the Women’s Hospital. The Midwife worked in conjunction with the Doctors at the Women’s Hospital and if a complication arose the patient was transferred to their care. Following birth they gave Post-Natal care to both the mother and babe. In 1898 the service ceased due to lack of funds but recommenced in 1906, and in the August 1925 Annual Report the number of MDNS home births was recorded at 478. MDNS built the After-Care Home and an Anti-Natal Clinic was opened in 1930. The last Ante-Natal clinic was held there in December 1951 and the MDNS Midwifery service ceased in February 1952. In 1964 MDNS commenced a Post-Natal Service with general and midwifery trained MDNS nurses working from a room at Footscray Hospital, and visiting early discharged Footscray Hospital maternity cases at home. Now as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), this service was extended to a Domiciliary Infant and Maternal Care, (DIMC) service operating from most Centres and visiting early discharged, often 24 hours after birth, maternity cases from hospitals to give post-natal care to the mother and babe.Black and white photograph of a Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister visiting a family in their home. The family are sitting on a dark coloured couch. From left to right:- The father, who has short dark hair and is wearing a light coloured patterned shirt and dark pants, is looking at his young blond haired daughter who is sitting on his right knee. She is wearing a light coloured top and darker coloured bib and brace pants. The mother, who has long dark hair and wears glasses,.is next to him and is smiling and looking towards the RDNS Sister. She is wearing a long sleeve buttoned grey top and darker coloured slacks, and is holding her babe in her lap with both hands supporting the baby's head. The babe has sparse dark hair and is wrapped in a white bunny rug. Next is a young girl, who has short dark hair and is wearing a light coloured top, darker coloured slacks and has her hands on the top of her left striped sock. Seated on the far right is the RDNS Sister, who has short straight dark hair, and has her face turned towards the child and mother. She is wearing her RDNS uniform of a short sleeve white blouse under a dark V neck tunic style dress which has the RDNS insignia on its upper left. The Sister has a pen attached to the V neck of the tunic and is holding a note book in her hands. She has a watch with a dark band attached to her left wrist. In the background part of a wooden and glass door can be seen and a patterned wallpapered adorns the wall behind the couch.Photographer stamp. Quote No EA 28melbourne district nursing society, mdns, royal district nursing service, rdns, dimc, mdns midwifery, rdns domiciliary infant and maternal care

The Matron and Sisters in this photograph worked in the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home, (later called Hospital) full time and administered nursing care to patients who ranged in age from babes to adults. The Society also had a District Nursing division and these Sisters only worked in the community giving nursing care to patients in their homes.The Melbourne District Nursing Society were pioneers in recognizing the need for premises where patients too ill to be in their own home, but not ill enough to go to hospital, was needed, and the Society built, then opened, the After-Care Home in 1926, (from 1934 called After-Care Hospital), for these patients, and patients from Hospitals. Many children were nursed there, some long term during the Polio epidemic and the Society employed two School Teachers. The Society now ran two divisions, the After-Care with its own Sisters and nurses, and the District division. The Society were the first in Melbourne, in early 1928, to recognize some patients leaving the After-Care, and many at home, needed further social care and they set up ‘Almoners’ from their committee to visit these patients and be intermediaries in getting them social assistance. It was late the following year before the first training of Almoners took place in Melbourne. In 1930 the Society employed a full time kindergarten teacher to visit poor children in their homes. That year the Society were pioneers in opening an Ante-Natal Clinic at the After-Care, setting a high standard with equipment, keeping records, and providing leaflets with instructions in how to keep healthy during pregnancy, what complications to look for and what to do when labour commenced. In 1934 the Society were pioneers again when they opened the first Women’s Welfare Clinic in Melbourne giving advice on birth-control, at first attended by their own patients, but then accepting patients from public hospitals until their own clinics were opened. A trained Almoner was employed by the Society in 1934, doing a great deal of work with Midwifery patients, but she resigned after twelve months due to the amount of work. Due to a lack of trained Almoners, the Society employed a Social Service Officer at the After-Care who successfully gained better housing from the Housing Commission for families living under unsuitable conditions.A black and white photograph of Matron and twelve Trained nurses (Sisters) standing at the front entrance of the Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home, In the front of the portico is the Matron and four Sisters. Matron is dressed in a white long uniform dress and white veil over her short dark hair, and is wearing white stockings and white shores. To her right are four Sisters. Behind them are five Sisters, one standing between the left pair of round columns of the portico and the others to her right finishing just before the second set of columns. Two Sisters are to the left of the left hand column in front of the brick wall of the building. A short brick wall runs from the column to the building and hides the lower half of these Sisters. All the Sisters are dressed with white long aprons with white belts, which are covering their uniforms, only their dark grey sleeves and white collars can be seen. They are wearing white veils covering most of their short dark hair, grey stockings and black shoes. At the top of the portico can be seen the words 'District Nursing Society'. Part of the two story brick building can be seen behind the group; two long windows are visible on the upper and lower sections. To the right of the building some shrubs and a tree can be seen.nurses, after care hospital, uniforms, after-care home, melbourne district nursing society, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service

The equipment items in this photograph are loaned out to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) patient's to use in their homes. They are returned to RDNS and sterilized, or cleaned with disinfectant, whichever is appropriate, once they are no longer required. The material items are given to patient's as required. Many of these items are made and donated by RDNS Auxiliary members. From its inception in 1885, the two Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses and clothes as necessary. The Society was at the forefront of health care and continued to liaise with Doctors as the Society expanded. The Nurses provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; Over the years items were given and equipment was loaned and demonstrated to patients, and if appropriate, to their family members to enable them to care for their loved ones in their homes. The Trained nurses had the rehabilitation of their patients in the forefront of their minds to ensure they were able to live as independently as possible in their own homes. As the years passed the Trained nurses changed from being called 'Nurse' to 'Sister' and the Society changed its name. In the 1970s, now with Royal patronage, and known as Royal District Nursing Service ( RDNS), they contracted a Private and then employed, a Physiotherapist who taught RDNS Sisters the correct transferring techniques, including the use of a hoist when this became available. RDNS Sisters taught and used these techniques in patient’s homes to undertake safe transfer of the patient and to reduce physical strain on RDNS nursing staff and family members. Each RDNS Centre had a room or shed where equipment for loan was kept, and Headquarters also kept additional equipment which could be transported to Centres as required. This black and white photograph shows some of the equipment loaned, along with some to be given, to Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) patients as required. Rear L-R - a white long nightdress with dark embroidery and buttons on the front and embroidery on the edge of the short sleeves. Next are two wooden bath seats; a square metal commode with lid and with its round legs extended to form handles on the left and right sides. A folded dark and white striped crocheted rug hangs over one of the handles. In the centre L-R, is a metal bed cradle, a metal 4 prong walking stick, bed pans, male urinal, stack of nappies with a white child's knitted jumper hanging over them, and a doona. In the front, L-R is a grey blanket, dark coloured bed socks, a sheepskin with a white smocked baby dress sitting on it, and a white babies nightgown on a clear plastic covered white bundle. A black mat sits under these items and a cream brick wall is in the background. Barry Sutton LS 47royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns equipment, rdns auxiliaries

This lanyard attaches under the right shoulder epoulette of a jacket issued as a Royal Australian Engineers uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was a standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This lanyard is a component of a uniform belonging to CPL K. Howe, the donor provided good provenance, in conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. The Uniform can tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familyA length of thick, navy blue, cylindrically shaped fabric. Knotted in two locations to create two loops at either end. One loop is 270mm long when outstretched and the other is 82mm long when outstretched.royal engineers, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, lanyard, royal australian engineers

The bell was used for Trade Week to signify "time's up" at Optus Oval. Prior to this it was used to let Alan Espie's children on their Wandin property to come home.Why Al chimes in for Carlton Tony De Bolfo, Carlton Media Feb 20, 2014 11:05AM Alan Espie with the famous bell. (Photo: Carlton Football Club) Alan Espie with the famous bell. (Photo: Carlton Football Club) Related Etched into the rim of the bell Alan Espie has rung at every trade week gathering since 1994 is a touching quote attributed to his grandson. Dear Pa, May you always ring true blue, Love Harry Just thinking about that inscription often brings big Al to tears. The story of the Espie bell has its origins at the old family property at Wandin in the picturesque Yarra Valley, in the days when the Espies’ kids were at the neighboring creek fossicking for local platypus. “If they got too far away we’d ring an old cowbell,” Espie recalled, “and years later, my daughter Jo brought me this replacement bell from some second-hand naval place”. “Not long after Shane (O’Sullivan) asked me to officiate at trade week and that’s when the bell came into vogue.” A permanent fixture at trade week, Espie would ring the bell to signal the opening of trading when club recruiters gathered – initially within the confines of the Carlton Heroes Stand at Visy Park, more recently at Etihad Stadium. In those early days at Carlton he caused a stir as bell ringer, drawing curious responses from officiating journalists, recruiters and coaches alike. “I even remember (Kevin) Sheedy asking me if I was selling muffins,” he recalled. Then, when trade day was relocated to Etihad, Espie’s daughter thought it appropriate to get the bell inscribed. “Because the bell was leaving Carlton, Jo got it inscribed on my grandson’s behalf, because he was only four or five then. When I saw what was inscribed I was tearful,” Espie said. “The bell is very important to me, particularly at this time, because Jo is battling health problems at the moment, my grandson is autistic and she’s fought like hell to get him through.” Espie joined Carlton’s Under 19 committee on the eve of the senior Premiership season of 1979 and managed the club’s junior squads, the Bert Deacon Squad included. “I worked very closely with Geoff Southby, ‘Swan’ McKay and Trevor Keogh when they were coaching the Under 19s and I was recruiting as well,” he said. “In 1981 and ’82 I forward scouted for ‘Parko’ (David Parkin) and later on I did the same for ‘Wallsy’ (Robert Walls). After that I coordinated recruiting in central Victoria and it was nothing for me to do 25,000ks a year in my own car – and I loved every minute of it.” Espie’s passion for Carlton and empathy for its wartime players Bert Deacon, Ollie Grieve and Jack “Chooka” Howell can be sourced to his childhood years. His grandparents lived not far from the old ground on Wilson Street “and that’s how I got in for the ’45 Grand Final”. “My uncle, who had just got back from the war, grabbed a ladder from Wilson Street and set it up against the barbed wire fence at the ground. I climbed the ladder and caught my arm on the barbed wire, but I got over the top and saw the game while I straddled the fence,” Espie said. “What I saw was what you would today call ‘spotfires’ and I reckon it took football 20 years to get rid of it.” Today, Espie continues to ring in the yearly trade talk days at AFL headquarters (with the notable exception of 2012 when he was hospitalized), but he’s in no doubt as to where the bell belongs. “This bell has had nothing to do with Wandin but everything to do with Carlton - and with the 150th year of the club I think the bell stays here (at Visy Park). I still hope to ring the bell for the AFL this year, but at least I’ll know where it is,” Espie said. “I’ve told Jo about this and she tells me Harry’s rapt, because he’s a big Carlton supporter and he’s so happy his name is on the bell.”Wooden handle attached to a brass bell."Dear Pa, may you always ring true blue, Love Harry"

MELTON BUSH FIRE BRIGADE Established 1935-1942 Registered class F Certificate No 425 MELTON RURAL FIRE BRIGADE 1944–Country Fire Authority Barrie Family Service Record ERNEST W. BARRIE 1909 –1985 (Bon) Service Record 1939 Member 1942 – 1950 1st Lieutenant 1945 – 1953 Apparatus Officer 1951 - 1966 Captain 1945 - 1950 2nd Lieutenant 1967 - 1983 Group Communications Officer Mount Cotterill Fire Brigades Group 1963 COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY RURAL SERVICES AWARD Fireman E.W Barrie 20 years Long Service Badge 1979 QUEEN’S MEDAL AWARD CHARLES E. BARRIE 1913 – 1975 (Edgar) Service Record 1942 Member 1942 – 1966 Secretary and Treasurer 1945 - 1952 Foreman\ 1959 - 1960 Apparatus Officer 1963 - 1964 Communications Officer 1967 - 1972 Captain 1971 - 1973 President 1963 COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY RURAL SERVICES AWARD Secretary C.E. Barrie 20 years Long Service Badge Melton Fire Brigade 2013 Memorial Wall Plaque for 33 years service. THOMAS L. BARRIE 1914 – 1990 Service Record 1941 Member 1942 2nd Lieutenant 1943 – 1944 4th Lieutenant 1963 COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY RURAL SERVICES AWARD Fireman T.L. Barrie 20 years Long Service Badge Fire Brigade had been registered with the Bush Fire Brigade Committee and a Certificate of Registration No 425 was issuedemergency services

The Willows homestead is "a scarce example of a reasonably intact building from the original era of farming in the Shire, and for its long association with the Minns family who were prominent in the local community and local government over several generations". History of the Willows by Edna Barrielocal architecture, local identities

Son of Jessie and Charles Ernest Barrie of Darlingsford Melton Married Marion Ferris at Christ Church Melton on 11th May 1939. They lived on the family farm at Ferris Road Melton. They had one son, Ian who has continued in farming in Melton. He served the community in the following – Shire of Melton Councillor Member for 32 years 1941 – 1970 Elected as Councillor for Melton South 1970 – 1973 Councillor for Rockbank 1943 – 1944 Shire President for three terms 1958 – 1959 ditto 1964 – 1965 ditto Council Representative: Bacchus Marsh High School and Western Suburbs Municipalities. Representative on delegation to prevent Melton post primary students being sent to Deer Park prior to the establishment of Melton High School. Melton Bush Fire Brigade 1941 Member Melton Bush Fire Brigade Registered No. 425 1942 1942 2nd Lieutenant 1943 – 1944 4th Lieutenant Country Fire Authority Rural Services Award 1963 20 Years Long Service Badge Scots Presbyterian Church Melton Member of the Board of Management 1947 – 1969 information from Annual Reports Tom farmed the family property with his father and brothers, and later the Ferris Road property which continued with his son Ian. His childhood interest in horses began with the draft horses kept at the bluestone stable and barn at Darlingsford. When the stables were empty in the late 1980s visit, he vividly recalled the names of the horses he had handled in his youth. When the draft horse became obsolete with the introduction of tractors and trucks this interest continued with the breeding and training of harness racers. Darlingsford Drafts and Ponies. Order of Stalls Clydesdales – Dick, Dolly, Flower, Nugget, Blossom, Lofty, Prince. Roger, Rose, Violet, Don, Beauty, Baldy, Diamond. Cart and Mounts Creamy, Digger, Popsy Black and white photographs of Tom Barrielocal identities

Turner Collection.Part of a collection of clothing donated by Monica Smith (nee Turner). Monica was related to the Hartnell family who were early residents of Kilmore and business owners.Brown silk damask, full length skirt, long sleeves, wide collar/hood. Fragile silk, some lateral tears and shattering, staining.kilmore, turner, smith

A red cloth hardcover book The Two J.G's - A story for Boys by A.M. Irvine with a black outline of a boy reading at the top of the front cover. The spine has the title, author and publisher in black lettering. The frontispiece has a black and white illustration of a man and boy rescuing a boy from a river. 96p.fictionA story about two teenager boys who swap identities to fool a long term older man who has kindly offered to take them in to his care to tutor them due to the boys' family and behaviour problems. fiction boys, family life, friendship stories

An article by Legatee Syd Birrell about comradeship. The Legacy newsletter in the 1940s was aimed at the young junior legatees. It encouraged citizenship and values of Legacy. This article compared comradeship to dogs and cats. Cats being poor comrades and dogs being very unselfish. 'Legacy was founded on comradeship . . . In return for any help which may come your way through Legacy, it expects you to help yourself and your families. You must work hard at school or at your jobs. You must be cheerful and helpful in the home; courteous and comradely to your friends and business associates; regardful of the rights and comfort of other people at all times.'A humorous article written by a long serving legatee.Print out x 1 page of an article in the Legacy Newsletter in June 1949.comradeship, junior legatees, syd birrell

See picture of family historyWooden wardrobe with three doors with brass handles (centre door with a mirror). Inside, four long drawers, 4 pull-out shelves and hanging space, Inlaid decorative design on the wood. Part of a 4 piece bedroom suite.bedroom suites, wardrobes

This was used in the family kitchen to tenderise meat 60 - 70 years ago.A long handled wooden vintage meat mallet which has a knob on the end of the handle as well as a thin decorative line near the top. It has a thick mallet shape at the bottom to tenderise meat.domestic objects, meat mallet, meat tenderiser, kitchenware

Alec William Bond was Secretary and Engineer for the Shire of Bacchus Marsh from 1924 until his death in 1968. The position of Secretary was similar to a Chief Executive Officer in contemporary terminology. Mr Bond was a prominent figure in the Bacchus Marsh community for nearly 50 years and as Shire Engineer was responsible for the design of a number of local infrastructure projects including the buildings and water scheme at the Lady Northcote Children's Farm at Glenmore and the public swimming pool in Grant Street, A physical memento that recognises the long and notable contributions of an important local government official and their service to the Bacchus Marsh Shire and community.A sound block with a green felt base and inscribed brass plaque with accompanying small hardwood mallet in a cradle.Engraved text on a brass plaque which reads: Presented by May Bond and Family to the Shire of Bacchus Marsh in memory of Alec William Bond Shire Secretary & Engineer 1924 – 1968.alec william bond, bacchus marsh shire council, gavel and sound blocks, local officials and employees, local government

The attached card states - 'Mother's knitting stick'. There is a brass hole one end with four brass nails where the tip of a knitting needle is inserted for support. The curved and fits into a belt or tape around the waist. Knitting was carried out on curved metal needles, one of these needed to be kept rigid by being held between the hand and knitting sheath held at the side of the body either tucked into a belt or held under the armpit. The sheath would allow someone to to knit with one hand whilst performing chores with the other. They also took the weight of the work and stopped stitches from slipping off the bottom of a double ended needle. Many were given as love tokens but there were plenty made by men for their daughters or other close family members.An antique curved carved wooden knitting stick or treen Knitting Sheath for hand knitters. It is approximately 23cm (9 inches) long with simple carving on one side of M H R in large letters as well as a nine pointed star next to them. There is a brass hole one end with four brass nails where the tip of a knitting needle is inserted for support. The curved end fits into a belt or tape round the waist. 'M H R' and a 'nine pointed star' is carved into the curved part of the stick . There is an attached card - 'Grandma's (crossed out) Mother's knitting stick. When using four needles the "working" one goes into the hole at the brass end of stick. Curved end fits into belt or tape round waist'accessories, knitting equipment, knitting

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