This 1871 coffin top Singer sewing machine was purchased third hand by a member of the Giles family in 1922. Its box-type lid was often used as a stool. It is now part of the Giles Collection. There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established. Singer sewing machines with a rocket bobbin system are rare.Singer treadle sewing machine, "coffin top" circa1890'. Singer Manufacturing Co. made in 1871. Machine has one drawer each side and a pull out drawer across the front. It has a rare Rocket Bobbin. The cover is separate to the cabinet. It is part of the Giles Collection." Singer Manufacturing Co", "No. 9073814"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, singer manufacturing co., 1871 singer coffin top sewing machine, treadle sewing machine, dressmaking, sewing and mending, domestinc equipment, coffin top, 1871, 9073814, rocket bobbin

In February 1913 the Ballarat Junior Technical School opened its doors to its 86 pupils. The old bluestone building in the grounds of the Dana Street Primary School became their temporary home for eight years. In its early years the school offered only a two-year course. The first year was of a general nature giving a thorough grounding in Mathematics and Instrumental Drawing, and introducing students to the various branches of trade work. The second-year students studied for the Junior Technical Certificate and specialized in a course of their choice - either a trade (Woodwork or Fitting and Turning) or a course leading to higher studies at the School of Mines. Increased enrolments - 86 to 110 in the second year. Some applicants were turned away due to lack of space. An abandoned single room school was brought in and this helped for a time. Plans were developed and a two-storied red brick building in the vacinity of the School of Mines was build. An acre of land was reclaimed from the north-east corner of the Ballarat Gaol. The school backed onto the wall of the gaol. The task of landscaping and terracing of the area was to cost a great deal and time. The boys did much of the heavy work. This kept them occupied as the official playground areas were still full of rubble. This photograph shows the work that has been done in terracing and landscaping the area.Junior Technical School with the slope from the gaol wall down to the area known as the Battery Paddock. New plantings and rock edging evident in the foreground.junior technical school, dana street primary school, bluestone, mathematics, instrumental drawing, junior technical certificate, woodwork, fitting and turning, school of mines, ballarat gaol, landscaping, terracing, gaol wall

Inspired by a visit to the USA in the early 1950s, Hoyts' Southern Division manager George Griffith Jnr, formed a syndicate to build Australia’s first Drive-in located in Burwood. Drive-ins soon spread throughout the country. One of the earliest Skyline Drive-ins in rural Victoria was built in Wodonga, opening in 1956. It was located on the southwest corner of Melrose Drive and Melbourne Road and had a capacity of 643 vehicles. Its first screening was "The Broken Lance" with Richard Widmark, Spencer and Robert Wagner. The first manager of Skyline was Jim Robinson. The original screen was made from timber but had to be replaced only 20 years later with an all steel structure. The Wodonga Skyline became part of the Hoyts Country Theatres circuit and was later joined by the Stargazer drive-in located in Albury. Unlike most drive-in theatres, the snack bar was located under the screen. This allowed it to operate during the day to cater to travellers passing on the Hume Highway. When Hoyts decided to sell most of the regional circuit, the Skyline was purchased by the operator of the Albury Cinema, Mr A. Smith in conjunction with Village Roadshow. The Skyline closed in 1984 and was demolished in 1987. Its former location in Wodonga is now a housing estate whose street names, such as Roadshow Drive, Universal Court and Paramount Court, reflect the area’s history.These photos are significant because they document a popular venue in Wodonga's past.A series of photographs depicting the Skyline Drive-in at Wodonga.skyline drive-in, entertainment wodonga, businesses wodonga

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. In 2003 when this flyer was published operation of Julian's Lodge transferred from Julian and is wife Beth to their son Charlie Brown, a former Australian Champion and World Cup skier and his wife, Bena.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.A black and white image of Paul Hogan, John Cornell and other people sitting near fire place in the dining room at Julian's Lodge in 1973. Paul Hogan and a group of actors and film crew spent several days in Falls Creek filming a Winfield cigarette commercial, in which they were portrayed as ski instructors. According to Julian Brown's book "Falls Creek - How it came to be", they brought in a truck load of polystyrene balls to create snow. The commercial was in 16mm for television and 36 mm for cinemas. It took them three days to shoot a six second scene in the dining room at Julian's lodge.julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. The ski jump was built by Julian Newton Brown and Nick Popov near Diana Lodge. Nick Popove and his wife Jean can be seen on the far right in the black and white image.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.Photographs of action at the ski jump constructed c1960. julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. In 2003 when this flyer was published operation of Julian's Lodge transferred from Julian and his wife Beth to their son Charlie Brown, a former Australian Champion and World Cup skier and his wife, Bena.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.A black and white image of Julian Newton Brown testing a Yamaha SL 351 in 1968.julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It depicts Malcom Milne after winning the Bronze Medal at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Val Gardena, Italy in 1970 becoming the first Australian skier to win a World Championship skiing medal. 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 also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. 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 depicts Australian champion skier Malcolm Milne winning his first major World Championship in 1970.A black and white photograph of Malcolm Milne taken at the World Downhill Championships in 1970. It has been autographed in red pen. An explanatory sign is attached.Written in red ink at top right: "To Hans, Wally & Lou and all the guys at the Mountain Man. Happy Skiing to all, Malcolm"george shirling, red onion, malcolm milne, falls creek

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It accompanied a copy of Ernest Forras' autobiography "Earnest Escapades" given to George Shirling - two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry. Ernest Forras died on Sunday 31st October 2010 at Mt Buller. 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 also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. 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 links two pioneers of the Australian Ski Industry.A message from Ernest Forras to George Shirling in a wooden frame. An explanatory sign explains Ernie Forras' background. The autograph says: "To My dear Friend George Koki's Creator From Hungary with Love!! Ernie F." ITEM No.4 Ernest Forras "Earnest Escapades" The autobiography of a pioneer of the Australian snowfields First published in 1994. Ernest, later the owner of Kooroora, Mt. Buller on his first visit to Falls Creek in June 1951 writes about the lodges at Falls Creek... Albury, Bogong, St. Arnauds, Wangaratta, Skyline (Ski Club of Victoria), and Myrtleford ski club, St. Elmo's hut, Bob Hyman's small chalet, and Tom Mitchell's (then, State Attorney General) private hut. When learning that the State Electricity Commission controlled Falls Creek in the early days, Ernest wondered why the Egg Board and the Potato Board had missed out! Ernest acknowledged the impressive development in the Australian snowfields but remained concerned about a "head in the snow" attitude which argued against privatisation of our snowfields, park entry fees, and the compulsory carrying of snow chains. Is anybody listening?george shirling, ernest forras, "earnest escapades"

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. The card was from Kilimanjaro Ski Apartments, originally called Kilimanjaro Flats, built c1967 for Jon and Marnie Searles. In 2024 Kilimanjaro Apartments was still operating with one, two or three bedroom accommodation available. 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 also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. 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 card is significant because it was produced by a Falls Creek accommodation service which began operation in the late 1960s.A Christmas card from Kilimanjaro Ski Apartments at Falls Creek, Victoria. The front shows an image of Kilimanjaro Lodge surrounded by snow with a skier dressed in red. The card is decorated with stylised fir trees. The reverse included a photo of the owners Marnie and Jan Searles and a Christmas message. It also includes a place for an address and a postage stamp to be added.On Front: Seasons greetings from Kilimanjaro/ Falls Creek Ski Village On Back: Kilimanjaro Logo, Postage and Contact details. An image of the owners in yellow and black ski clothes as well as text "Hope to see you & ski with you next year Marnie & J.J. Marnie & Jan wish you a Joyous Xmas & Happy New Year"george shirling, kilimanjaro flats, marnie searles, falls creek accommodation

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. These pins were awarded at Koko between 1967 -1969. Two pins were awarded to guests at Koki each week for "'outstanding displays of eccentric or unusual behaviour" during their stay. 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 also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. 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 represents entertainment and activities at Koki Lodge in the late 1960s.Koki enamelled metal pins depicting the sun wearing glasses. The pin is accompanied by a typed sign.On Sign ITEM No.68 Koki pins 1967 to 1969 The Koki pin was never sold, and was only presented as the result of some very biased decision making. Unique award presentation ceremonies were conducted and two pins per week were awarded to guests for 'outstanding displays of eccentric or unusual behaviour during their stay at Koki. Pins could be earned on the slopes, at the bar, or in the bedroom. This collection of 5 pins has been returned by the recipients who were too embarrassed to admit having received them. george shirling, falls creek, koki lodge

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is a proof for a poster by James Northfield. Northfield (1887–1973) was an Australian graphic artist best known as the designer of a series of posters for the Australian National Travel Association, promoting holiday destinations across the country. 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 also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. 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 is representative of the posters created by James Northfield, Australia's best know graphic designers. Artist's proof of an historical ski promotion poster. It features 2 skiers preparing to descend the slope and 3 other people in the background, one carrying a toboggan. The poster has been mounted in a wooden frame and is accompanied by a sign.On Poster: Visit the Victorian Alps On Sign: ITEM Νο. 55 "Visit the Victorian Alps" 1931 Poster Historical travel poster artist's proof from the original design by James Northfield in 1931. Signed by the artist - Fay Plamka.george shirling, falls creek, victorian alps, james northfield

Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020. In 2003 when this flyer was published operation of Julian's Lodge transferred from Julian and is wife Beth to their son Charlie Brown, a former Australian Champion and World Cup skier and his wife, Bena.This item is significant because it gives details of an important lodge at Falls Creek, Victoria.A colour flyer which gives a large amount of information about facilities and tariffs for Julian's Lodge Falls Creek for the 2003 season. The flyer folds to one-third of its open size.julian's lodge, julian newton brown, falls creek ski lodges, accommodation falls creek, charlie brown

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Eric Molloy preparing Locomotive H220 "Heavy Harry" for another run. Eric was born on 11 August 1906. He started cleaning with the Victorian Railways on 26 November 1926. Eric passed his Driver qualification on 1 December 1943. "Heavy Harry" - H220 was the only locomotive constructed in this class. The H class is the largest locomotive built to operate on the Victorian Railways. He was built at Newport in 1941 as the first of three mighty locomotives to haul the Overland Express to Adelaide, each to take the place of two ordinary locomotives. H220 entered service on 7 February 1941. Known as “Heavy Harry”, he never fulfilled his destiny, because bridges and tracks were not strong enough to carry his 260 tons (with tender). The war put an end to plans to strengthen the line and to build the other two locomotives. As a result, the locomotive spent its entire service life on the Northeast line as this was the only other line on which it could operate. It was used mainly on fast goods trains with an occasional run on an express passenger train and typically completed five return trips a week between Melbourne and Wodonga, covering around 1,875 miles per week. H220 continued in service until it was withdrawn for an overhaul on 20 May 1956. H220 was stored rather than overhauled, and never returned to service. It was written off the VR locomotive register on 30 April 1958. and was put on display in the Newport Railway Museum in 1962. In April 2008, 50 years after its official withdrawal from service, H220 was added to the Victorian Heritage Register. railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, locomotive h220, "heavy harry", eric molloy

The Golden Whistler is native to coastal areas of Australia, from Queensland around to Southern Western Australia, including Tasmania. It usually lives in dense forested areas. The males have bright yellow plumage, whilst the females have only pale yellow plumage. The males and females work together to build the nest and raise chicks. They eat spiders and insects. The taxidermy specimen is not a good example of a Golden Whistler. Its feathers are very faded and ruffled. There looks to be some damage on the throat of the specimen. The Golden Whistler has usually vibrant colours, whilst this one is almost white. The colour markings on the bird indicate that it is male; the specimen should be a bright yellow. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. This male Golden Whistler has a black head and stripe on chest, brown-grey wings and tail and white patches on throat and neck. The belly is a white-yellow, though significantly faded. Its feathers are quite ruffled and there is sign of damage to the throat. The specimen stands on a wooden stand and has an identification tag attached to its leg. Label: 24a / white throated Thickhead / See catalogue, page 11taxidermy mount, taxidermy, golden whistler, beechworth, burke museum, australian bird

The Eastern Spinebill is found along the eastern coast of Australia, from Queensland to South Australia. It lives in wooded areas. It is an insectivore and also eats nectar, which is why its beak is a long slender shape. Females and males have slight aesthetic differences; the males have more distinct markings on the head. The female birds build nests and incubate eggs, but both parent birds will feed the young. The Eastern Spinebill has a bright rust coloured belly and throat, with black wings, crown and tail. Its back is light brown. There is a white stripe on its chest which stretches up underneath its eyes. The eyes are red. This taxidermy specimen is not a good representation of the live bird because it is considerably faded and their feathers are very ruffled. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.There are two birds on a wooden stand. One has its beak in the air and the catalogue tag attached to its foot (main bird). It has some minor pest damage around its eye. The opposite bird looks straight ahead. The birds are placed next to each other, facing opposite directions. They are faded and have some ruffled feathers. 60a/ Spine Bill / See catalogue, page 18taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, eastern spinebill

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide.The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.Multi panelled banner with embroidery and applied design motifs on front. The front panels have been constructed using strips of various weaves and colours of silk that have been embroidered or had a design applied prior to the overall construction of the piece. The embroidery is predominantly gold work with both plyed and floss silk threads.beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide. The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.Multi panelled banner with embroidery and applied design motifs on front. The front panels have been constructed using strips of various weaves and colours of silk that have been embroidered or had a design applied prior to the overall construction of the piece. The embroidery is predominantly gold work with both plyed and floss silk threads.beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide. The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.Multi panelled banner with embroidery and applied design motifs on front. The front panels have been constructed using strips of various weaves and colours of silk that have been embroidered or had a design applied prior to the overall construction of the piece. The embroidery is predominantly gold work with both plyed and floss silk threads. beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

These Message Sticks acknowledge the return of Dja Dja Wurrung Cultural material held by the Burke Museum. The Burke Museum is the current custodian of a significant collection of First Peoples’ cultural material from across South-Eastern Australia. These objects were sold to the Museum by Reynold Everly Johns in 1868. We recognise the harm caused by dispossession of cultural material, and by any inappropriate display and interpretation of this collection over the past 150 years. The Burke Museum is continuing to build relationships and collaborate with traditional owners, Aboriginal communities and the museum sector to ensure culturally appropriate outcomes for the collection, including repatriation of objects to communities of origin. Message sticks are a form of communication between Aboriginal nations, clans and language groups even within clans. Traditional message sticks were made and crafted from wood and were generally small and easy to carry (between 10 and 20 cm). They were carved, incised and painted with symbols and decorative designs conveying messages and information. Some were prepared hastily, like you might create a note left on a friend’s desk or a quick text message; others were prepared with more time to make the markings neat and ornate. There were always marks that were distinctive to the particular group or nation sending the message and often marks identifying the relationship of the carrier to their group. This way it could be identified and authenticated by neighboring groups and by translators when the message stick was taken long distances. Two solid cylindrical shaped pieces of wood bound together with black, red and yellow string. Each stick has etchings with angular lines and dots. dja dja wurrung, message sticks, burke museum, beechworth, beechworth museum, repatriation, reynold everly johns

One of a series of videos "Stories from the Nillumbik Shire with Geoff Paine" A brief overview of the Skipper Cottage or Whitecloud and the Bootmakers cottage (mid 1850s) with Sue Thomas, partner of Adam Skipper who have lived there for about 40 years. Includes a view inside the Bootmaker's cottage. Discusses the flood plain and how the house was moved to its present site on high ground due to flooding. The high ground came about due to dumping of rubble from the quarry where the school car park is which was used to source stone to build the schoolhouse across the road. It was moved on horse and wagon approximately 200 metres. The cottage was previously a Cobb and Co stopping station for mail. When Montsalvat was being built in the 1940s, Lena Skipper who was originally from Sydney invested her money into buying Whitecloud rather than putting money into Montsalvat like many others. Upon her death, Matcham Skipper inherited the house. Seaweed was used as insulation in the ceiling and after Matcham owned it a spark from the fireplace set the seaweed on fire and gutted the front of the house which is now all one big room. Also illustrates some of the changes to the house over the years and its construction. The Elm forest has grown naturally from suckers spread from one tree.MP4 Digital file 00:05:50; 674MBvideo recording, bootmakers cottage, lena skipper, lena thomas, matcham skipper, school residence, skipper house, whitecloud cottage

The architect of Eltham's new library, Harold Bartlett of Messrs Leith & Bartlett Pty Ltd at the opening of the Eltham Library in 1971. The Eltham Branch of the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was opened on 17 August 1971 by Victoria’s Chief Secretary R. J. Hamer. The library was designed by the firm Leith and Bartlett and was the southern wing of the Shire of Eltham Offices in Main Road Eltham. Visitors entered a “book plaza” which embodies the display techniques of a bookshop. Through this area was located a quieter area for reference and the more “purposeful” reader. The library was opened as part of the Shire of Eltham’s centenary celebrations. Diamond Valley News, 24 August 1971 Wisdom of Solomon. "The architect of Eltham's new library, Mr Harold Bartett, at the opening of the library last week said: " Decisions to build such cultural builidngs as this with so little money and so many other basic items on the priority list are not taken without long hours of thoughtful debate demanding the wisdom of Solomon, the knowledge of a Moses, the business acumen of a money changer, the tender heart of a Rachael, the couriage of a David and last, but not least, the armour of a centurion." Thus, he described the attributes required in a municipal councillor. Mr Bartlett is a former councillor and is still honorary planner for the shire." H. E. Bartlett was on the Shire of Eltham Council 1954-1961. The library and Shire Offices were demolished exactly 25 years later in 1996. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, eltham library, opening day, h. bartlett, harold bartlett, sppech

Photo taken immediately prior to the demolition of the old baker's shop on the corner of Main Road and York Street, Eltham. Joh Ebeli and Elwers Howard endeavoured to preserve some parts of the house. The old weatherboard building, possibly dating from the 1860s, comprised a dwelling with a shop in the front room opening off a timber verandah deck which directly fronted the Main Road footpath. At the rear is a brick building of much later date which was for many years used for the bakery. The buildings were demolished for flat construction. Publicity at the time was oriented toward moves to preserve the weatherboard building which came from a number of individuals including members of this society. The society had no official connection with any proposal to retain the building or any part of it on any other site. The issues involved were part of a wider consideration of the matter of preservation of historic buildings. In this case the Society and in particular the committee had been aware for some years of the impending demolition. The possibility of the preservation of the building had been canvassed on a number of occasions. The Society’s view was that whilst the baker’s shop was an interesting old building which contributed to the character of Main Road, it was not of sufficient importance to wage an organised campaign for its preservation. It considered that if the building were to be preserved for historical reasons it would be far more feasible to retain it in its present location than to re-build it on another site.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfachrome Professional black (Germany) 4 dotsmain road, old eltham bakery, york street

Photo taken immediately prior to the demolition of the old baker's shop on the corner of Main Road and York Street, Eltham. Joh Ebeli and Elwers Howard endeavoured to preserve some parts of the house. The old weatherboard building, possibly dating from the 1860s, comprised a dwelling with a shop in the front room opening off a timber verandah deck which directly fronted the Main Road footpath. At the rear is a brick building of much later date which was for many years used for the bakery. The buildings were demolished for flat construction. Publicity at the time was oriented toward moves to preserve the weatherboard building which came from a number of individuals including members of this society. The society had no official connection with any proposal to retain the building or any part of it on any other site. The issues involved were part of a wider consideration of the matter of preservation of historic buildings. In this case the Society and in particular the committee had been aware for some years of the impending demolition. The possibility of the preservation of the building had been canvassed on a number of occasions. The Society’s view was that whilst the baker’s shop was an interesting old building which contributed to the character of Main Road, it was not of sufficient importance to wage an organised campaign for its preservation. It considered that if the building were to be preserved for historical reasons it would be far more feasible to retain it in its present location than to re-build it on another site.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfachrome Professional black (Germany) 4 dotsmain road, old eltham bakery, york street

View of Kangaroo Ground Tower from the entrance gate area beside the footpath (Contained in an album originally put together by Harry Gilham. Photos subsequently relocated to photosafe archival storage.) On November 11th 1926 the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground was opened. It is regarded as one of Melbourne’s most outstanding lookout towers. It commands a magnificent 360 degree panorama from Kinglake across the Diamond Valley to Macedon and the You Yangs. It is built on a peak which was once a volcano, 237 metres above sea level. After World War one a memorial cairn was erected on the site, and in 1925 a committee of public-minded citizens began to plan for a tower. Many generous donations of material and money were forthcoming so that in 1926 the Governor General Lord Stonehaven was able to unveil the plaque before a crowd of 500 people. There was some concern in the 1960s when the Forests Commission wanted to build a firespotters cabin on the top. At first R.S.L. branches opposed the idea, but it was realised that this use could combine with its use as a tourist attraction, and would ensure its maintenance for the future, Today the Kangaroo Ground tower provides one of the best views around Melbourne and is a fitting memorial to those who died in two world wars. From: Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 (EDHS collection) Colour photographgarden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial, shire of eltham war memorial tower, war memorial tower

Copied from brochure "Wattle Valley Estate" 7 minutes from the bridge. The new bridge designed by Sir John Monash over the Diamond Creek near Hurst's home of 'Mia Mia' at Hurstbridge. The Wattle Valley Estate was first advertised in August 1925 as weekend building allotments by the Greater Melbourne Land and Development Company. Advertised from £28.10.0 or £60 per block. In August 1926, 30 picked allotments of 60x150 feet were put up for auction Saturday August 14, 1926 with frontages to Valley View Road and Fawkner Crescent advertised in the “Heart of the Glorious Wattle Country” and “Within 15 Minutes of the Newly Electrified Railway Station”. The Advertiser on August 13, 1926 in an article promoting the auction stated “the estate is regarded as one of the best in the district, and will be sold practically without reserve.” It is noted that an advertisement running in The Argus February 22, 1951 offered the remaining 16 blocks for sale at £12.10.0 or £200 the lot. By March 7, the remaining blocks were advertised at £17.10.0 The Wattle Valley Estate took over 20 years to sell and then people could not build on them This image was also used in a brochure advertising the "Wattle Valley Estate", which forms part of the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection (Cross Reference Photo No.(s): 1056, 1057)This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, bridge, diamond creek (creek), monash bridge, wattle valley estate

This jardinière is one of many 19th and early 20th-century items donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the Giles Family. It would have been used to contain a potted plant or similar foliage to decorate a room. Donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles, this item is associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Many items have been donated by the family and have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage that were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858 and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook, and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually became a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara”, where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six; some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat, and later, some children were born at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane died in 1940. The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Museum was established. It also represents typical furniture and household goods owned by settlers in the Warrnambool District in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Jardinière is a good example of late Victorian memorabilia that was to be found in many homes of the period.Plant container: brass and copper jardinière, with tooled and pressed ornamental rose design on a band of copper around the planter and braised seam joins. Three short lion paw feet support the base. Part of the Giles Collection. An inscription is on a sticker under the base.Handwritten: "$85"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, emigrants from ireland, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods, brass jardinière, plant pot, potted plant, domestic decor, copperware, lion paw feet, rose design

This sideboard was from the home of Henry and Mary Jane Giles, who lived in Mailor's Flat, Wangoom, and Purnim West, Victoria, and is part of the many 19th century items of furniture, linen, and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles, and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858 and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook, and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to became a student-teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara”, where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six; some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat, and later, some children were born at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane died in 1940.The Giles family collection is of social significance at a local level, because it not only illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill during it’s establishment. But the Giles collection also gives us today a snapshot into what domestic life was like in early colonial times prior to Federation.Sideboard: Kauri Pine, mirror-backed sideboard. Its two drawers have brass, swing handles, and the two doors are carved traditionally with a leaf design. The back has two shelves, each supported on two turned columns. Three mirrors are fitted into carved panels, matching the design of the doors. The pediment is also carved in the same manner, finishing with scrolled edges. Circa 1880. The sideboard has inscriptions. This item is part of the Giles Collection. Marked in pencil: "Villa Rica" "Ambassadors" "Claro" "50"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, sideboard, furniture, dresser, giles collection, henry giles, vera giles, tower hill, cooramook, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century furniture, purnim west, 1880s furniture, villa rica, ambassadors, claro, 50, australian made furniture, 1880

The basic balance scale has been around for thousands of years and its accuracy has improved dramatically over the last several centuries, the principle behind this tool remains unchanged. Its parts include a fulcrum, a beam that balances on it, a pan at the end of the beam to hold the materials to be weighed, and a flat platform at the other for the counter-balancing weights. Balance scales that require equal weights on each side of the fulcrum have been used by everyone from apothecaries and assayers to jewellers and postal workers. Known as an unequal arm balance scale, this variety builds the counterweight into the device. Counter scales used in dry-goods stores and domestic kitchens often featured Japanned or (blackened) cast iron with bronze trims. Made by companies such as Howe and Fairbanks, the footed tin pans of these scales were often oblong, some encircled at one end so bulk items could be easily poured into a bag. Seamless pans were typically stamped from brass and given style names like Snuff (the smallest) and Birmingham (the largest). Some counter scales were designed for measuring spices, others for weighing slices of cake. In the 18th century, spring scales began to appear and would use the resistance of spring to calculate weights, which are read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales. These scales are significant as they identify one of the basic preparation items for the weighing of foodstuff in the family kitchen to prepare everyday meals. This item is significant as it gives a snapshot into domestic life within the average home in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century and is, therefore, an item with social relevance. Black cast iron, medium weighing scales, with a fulcrum which the beam that balances on, there is a scoop or large bowl at one end for the material to be weighted and a flat platform at the other end that holds the weights. Around the cast iron base is an embossed strip weight and bowl missing.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

In 1977 residents of Cockatoo built a kindergarten in McBride Street Cockatoo to service the growing population in the area. The building was officially opened on the 22nd of November of that year. Residents formed a Co-op, raised all the money to build the kinder along with lawn bowls and tennis sporting facilities for the town. No small feat, let alone for a town with a population of around 3000. The land was provided by the council for the kinder to use and that was their sole contribution to the building of the kinder. The unique building, was designed by Richard Allen and depicted a children's carousel. The design was to provide a feeling of enjoyment and friendship to the children who used the building. The large glass windows that were installed on the north-eastern side of the building made up 1/3 of the exterior wall. This overlooked the playground of the kinder making it easy to see the children at play from inside. The site of the building is in a dominant position and is highly visible to all who travel through Cockatoo. It was used as a child care facility right up until 2005. The kindergarten has recently been granted heritage listing after Cardinia Council started demolishing the building. The local community were successful in putting a halt to the demolition and saved the building. It will become an integral part of the Cockatoo Ash Wednesday memorial. Details on the fight to save the kinder building can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/cockatoosheritageashwednesday/ Brass Plaque, depicting the opening of the Cockatoo Kindergarten by the Shire of Pakenham Shire President - Cr OwenShire of Pakenham Cockatoo Kindergarten Officially Opened by Cr E A Owen J.P Shire President 22nd November 1977cockatoo, kindergarten opening,

Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. This leather beater was based on a century-old stockman's design which used green cow hide leather lashed to a broom handle. It's recommend that users lift no more than above knee height to conserve energy and let the beater to the work. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts and later RakehoesEarly firefighting toolBushfire beater - Leather with wooden handlebushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)