Captain Robilliard: James Arthur Robilliard was a sea captain and tentmaker, born on the 19th April 1843 at Saint Helier, Jersey. He trained there in his father's sail loft as a sailmaker. His first job as a sailor was in Liverpool, England and 1875 James Robilliard migrated to Australia as mate on the "E.M. Young". James Robilliard and his family were amongst the early settlers that arrived along the Curdies River in the Heytesbury district of Western Victoria. In 1877 he became a Captain and would have used his compass from ship to ship. On 28th May 1877 in that same district a small 3-masted, schooner the "Young Australian" was wrecked. This schooner had been built 1864 at Jervis Bay, NSW. She had been on her way from Maryborough Queensland to Adelaide, under the command of Captain Whitfield, when she lost her mainmast in a heavy gale. She was beached at Curdies Inlet in Peterborough, Victoria, Captain Robilliard was placed in charge of the salvaging operation and recovered a good portion of the cargo. Not long after this incident a Warrnambool shop owner David Evans found employment for James Robilliard with Evan Evans, who produced tents, sails, tarpaulins and similar goods; James already had the necessary skills for this work. Evan Evans was the same sailor rescued from the “Young Australian” soon after his rescue Evan recalled he had a relative in Australia in a town called Warrnambool and while walking in Timor Street, Warrnambool, he saw a sign over a shop that said “David Evans” and once the two men met, Evan was warmly welcomed. David then helped his relative to establish a tent and tarpaulin-making business there. Evan later transferred his successful business to a shop in Elizabeth St, Melbourne, under the name Evan Evans Pty. Ltd.) James Robilliard, a committed Christian, and accredited Lay Preacher with the Methodist Church. He travelled around the local district leading the settlers in worship. On 14th November 1879, Captain Robilliard married Helen Beckett. Alfred and Selina Beckett and their family all attended the church at Brucknell where Captain Robilliard preached. He was said to have been taken by their young daughter Helen. James and Helen had ten children; James Arthur (Jnr), Henry William, Nellie Jessie, Alfred Albert, Rubena Nellie, De Jersy Norman, Clifford Beckett, Olive Ida, Frances Ridley Havergal and Nellie Elvie, all born in Victoria. In the 1880s James Robilliard captained the cutter "Hannah Thompson" into Port Campbell, Victoria. This vessel was the first coastal trader to operate between Melbourne and Port Campbell. At one time Captain Robilliard had to beach the "Hannah Thompson" for repairs. In 1923 she was blown ashore in a gale and wrecked at Oberon Bay, at Wilson's Promontory. In 1889 the compass was saved by Captain James Arthur Robilliard from his sinking brigantine "Mary Campbell" in 1889. This vessel was used to carry equipment for the Sydney Sugar Refinery's Mill in Southgate, NSW. The ship had been built in 1869 and traded for the next 20 years between Australian ports and rivers along the east coast as well as regular ports in New Zealand. She was recognised by the Sydney Morning Herald as one of the best "carrying vessel in the timber trade". She had several owners over this time, the last one being Captain James A. Robilliard. On 29th April 1889 the "Mary Campbell", with Captain James A Robilliard as captain and owner, was on her way from Clarence River, NSW to Melbourne, Victoria with a cargo of railway girders for the Melbourne Harbour Trust. Captain Robilliard encountered a storm off Port Macquarie. He sailed the vessel south to about 40km east of Cape Hawke, near Tuncurry. At around 7 pm, he discovered that the cargo had shifted during the storm and the heavy girders had damaged the hull, causing a leak. The pumps were inadequate to stem the fast-flowing leak water soon filled the hull during the next two hours. Some of the crew began throwing the cargo overboard to lighten the vessel, hoping to keep it afloat until daylight. When the water reached over 2 meters in the hull they realised their efforts were in vain. On the 30th April 1889, the crew left the vessel the ship was sinking fast, so they made for the shore. While still miles off Cape Hawke all seven crew members, including the Captain, were rescued by the Government Tug "Rhea" and taken to Port Macquarie Hospital and later returned to Sydney in the vessel "Wellington". No cargo had been saved and the consignment had been under-insured, only covered for half its value. The name of the last ship Captain Robilliard sailed is currently unknown, however, he sailed that ship from the port of Marlborough, Queensland, carting steel railway girders for the Geelong-to-Camperdown railway line. On this trip the ship hit a storm, the cargo shifted and the ship was wrecked along the NSW coast. After this, Captain Robilliard retired from the sea and began farming in Peterborough. In about 1897, verging on retirement, Capt. Robilliard superintended the Melbourne Sailors’ Home in Spencer Street, Melbourne, before being asked to leave this position in 1902 for trying to shut down a local hotel. On 6th May 1917 Captain James Arthur Robilliard J.P. died at Blackwood Park, in the Cobden district of Brucknell, the first Robilliard family homestead in Australia. He was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery, Victoria. His wife Helen passed away in 1947. This compass, once belonging to Captain James Arthur Robilliard, is of local and state historical significance for its use by the Captain with his vessel the "Mary Campbell", a trading vessel that was bringing railway girders to the Melbourne Harbour Trust. He also used this compass on the "Hannah Thompson", listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and known as being the first coastal trader to operate between Melbourne and Port Campbell. The compass is also a very fine example of maritime navigational instruments manufactured and used in the mid-19th century. Marine compass, brass, in wooden box with separate, fitted lid. The compass card has sixteen points. The four principal points are marked; North with a star shaped, South with an “S”, East with and “E” and West with an “O” (French word OUEST). Each quadrant of the circle is numbered from 0 – 90 degrees. The card is floating in a liquid. The compass gimbal is attached to the sides of the box and to the front and back of the compass’ cylindrical brass frame. The mahogany coloured timber storage box is joined with brass nails. The centre of the lid has a folding decorative brass handle. The lid fits over base and closes with a brass screw and hook on both front and back. Maker; Dubas Watchmaker Optician, Nantes, France, c 1860-1870. Compass came from the ship “Mary Campbell”, which sank off the NSW coast in 1889, near Forster. The compass, as well as the ship, belonged to Captain James Arthur Robilliard and was donated by his family. “DUBAS MANTES” stamped into side of gimbal. “DUBAS HORLOGER OPTICIEN. NANTES.” printed around centre of card. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, marine compass, navigation instrument 19th century, marine instruments, dubas mantes, captain james arthur robilliard, j.a. robilliard, helen beckett, ship young australian, ship young australia(n), ship hannah thompson, ship mary campbell, melbourne sailors home, david evans, evan evans, curdies inlet, brucknell church, curdies railway, great lakes museum

As on back of photograph. "A Phillip Islander goes to War. Corporal Frederick Edward Woodley, No. VX24588 of 2nd/10th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, with his wife Ruby, eldest son Arthur and John, pictured beside the shed on Cowes Jetty prior to his departure for active service overseas. January 1941. Fred subsequently voyaged from Sydney to Singapore (via Western Australia) on the troop ship Queen Mary. He was taken prisoner-of-war by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore and imprisoned at the Changi P O W Camp. Later, after being on the missing list for some two years, it was learned that he was imprisoned at the most infamous Sandakan P O W camp in North Borneo from where he did not return. Fred was 37 years of age when this photo was taken. With compliments, Arthur E Woodley, 34 Park Road, Crib Point. 6/8/1995" Arthur claims this is the only photo of the family together.HistoricalBlack & White photograph of Corporal Frederick Edward Woodley (Royal Australian Engineer) with his wife Ruby, eldest son Arthur and John, standing beside the Cowes Jetty shed, Phillip Island.Detailed inscription on back - see Historical Information below.corporal frederick edward woodley, royal australian engineers, wwii, arthur e woodley, military

Historical169 p. : ill., facsims., maps, plans ; 25 cm. ISBN 0731600088 phillip island, accomodation, guesthouses, history, housing, julie cutter, 1987, broadwater guesthouse cowes phillip island, carisbrooke guesthouse cowes phillip island, bayview house, osbourne park guesthouse phillip island, erehwon guesthouse, isle of wight hotel

One of three items donated by Graeme Clauscen.A pamphlet written by Alec Hepburn of "Caravan World", promoting Caravan Parks and the history and attractions of Phillip Island. Called "Pirates Paradise".phillip island accommodation, phillip island attractions, graeme clauscen

Bert West was a ranger at the Nature Park on Phillip Island.Black & White photograph of Bert West holding a Mutton Bird - Shearwater - surrounded by a group of tourists.bert west, wildlife - shearwaters, wildlife - mutton birds, anne davie, julie box

Isle of Wight Hotel is no longer on this siteLarge black and white photo of the Cowes jetty, boat shed, car park, band rotunda and Isle of Wight Hotel in 1974Cowes 1974isle of wight hotel, cowes, photographs, cowes jetty, cowes jetty shed, band rotunda, cowes

Trenavin Park was built by Mr Sambell on a site just above the original site of the McHaffie homestead. Was owned by Mr & Mrs Oswin (70's)Six coloured photographs of Trenavin Park, Ventnor, Phillip Island. 81-90: Front view of Trenavin Park 81-90a: Back view of Trenavin Park 81-90b: Interior of Trenavin Park showing stairs 81-90c: Interior of Trenavin Park showing lounge and dining areas 81-90d: Interior of Trenavin Park showing games room with billiard table 81-90e: The Furneryphotographs, trenavin park phillip island, john cook

Photographs a part of the John Cook album.Three photographs of The Nobbies Kiosk. 81-93 & 93a. View from the car park with many visitors 81-93b. View taken from the pathway to The Nobbiesthe nobbies kiosk, the nobbies phillip island, tourists, john cook

4 coloured photos of the Cowes beach near Lovers Walk and The Esplanade and Osborne Ave. near Cowes Yacht Club car park.cowes beach, cowes yacht club, the esplanade cowes, lovers walk cowes

Two coloured postcards. One of displays at the Dairy Centre, Newhaven. The second of Rhylston Park homestead, Cowes and it’s display of antiques and clocks.Dairy Museum, Phillip Island Road, Newhaven. Victoria 3925. Phone (059)567583 All Hours Rhylston Park Homestead Thompson Ave Cowes 3922 Phone (059)59522856. Rhylston Park(1886) features a display of over 380 antique clocks and watches. This unique collection is enhanced by the original homestead with beautiful lead light, ornate metal ceilings and marble fireplaces.the dairy centre, newhaven, homes, postcards

One of a collection of 11 photographs/postcards donated by Meg Davis & Nancy McHaffie from the estate of Brenda Higgins grand-daugher of JD & Georgianna McHaffieBlack & White Postcard of the Main Street in San Remo. Lots of parked cars and people.The Rose Series P 3998. Busy San Remo, Vic.san remo victoria, main street, san remo victoria, early 20th century vehicles, meg davis, nancy mchaffie

Black & White photograph of a postcard. Postcard owned by Jan Stewart, Jan & John Stewart operated Bayside Caravan Park, 7 Beach Street, Cowes. This was the site of "Osbourne Park".Black & Whte photograph of a postcard, front and back. Osbourne Park Guest House in Beach Street, Cowes Front: No. 96. "Osbourne Park" - Cowes. Back: Myrtle & Ern Humphries started Osbourne Park as a guest house in 1929. He dies 1937 and she in 1943. She is buried in Phillip Is Cemetery under the name of Dunstan. Ruth Gibson nee Humphries, 69 Victoria Street, Hastings 3915. Ben Humphries Romake, 5/6 Stewart St., Port Macquarie 2444.osbourne park guesthouse phillip island, guesthouses cowes phillip island, myrtle & ern humphries, elaine alexander

One of two Photographs donated by Jean Archibald Osbourne Park was in Beach Street Cowes. It was replaced by Bayside Caravan Park, later Sails on Beach apartments. 2015Black & White photograph of "Osbourne Park", old Victorian weatherboard home in garden setting. Entrance drive in foreground leading to house and outbuilding at rear."Osbourne Park" Cowe, Phillip Island. V10old homesteads in cowes phillip island, osbourne park cowes, jean archibald, beach street cowes

One of 23 photographs from The Jessie Smith Collection.Black & White photograph of the Band Rotunda at Cowes Beach with six cars parked in front. Trees & sea in background.phillip island, phillip island band rotunda, cowes foreshore, jessie smith collection, stan mcfee

One of 23 photographs from the Jessie Smith Collection. Donated by Stan McFee. This is the current Cowes Foreshore Tourist Park 2020Black & White photograph of a Shelter Shed at the Council Camp Beach. A figure of a person standing behind a fence and another person between the two buildings. Trees in the background. Footbridge and garden in the foreground.On back: "Shelter Shed at Council Camp beach - Mr. McKenzie owned it."council camp beach, phillip island, jessie smith collection, stan mcfee, camping, cowes west

Donated by B. C. GraydenPhotograph of 6 to 7 cars parked at The Nobbies. Two figures of a man and woman in background.On Back: Cars at The Nobbies early thirties.the nobbies, phillip island, b c grayden

Donated by H. S. KnoxBlack & White postcard. Summerland Beach looking east. Two cars parked in the foreground. People on the beach"V37" "Summerlands Beach Phillip Island"summerland beach phillip island, penguin rookery, phillip island, h. s. knox

Selection of 8 photographs taken at the Restoration Project of the Jetty Shed Cowes Pier. Donated by Anne Davie.Eight coloured photographs of the Cowes Jetty Shed building restoration in 1994. 1. Men working on the roof 2. Internal Walls 3. External walls, footings and steps. 4. Photo of shed without roof 5. External walls from west side 6. Men at work 7. View of shed without roof 8. Car park near Jetty Shed looking up to The Esplanade at Isle of Wight Hoteljetty shed cowes pier, jetty shed restoration, cowes pier phillip island, anne davie

One of 20 photographs/postcards donated by Mary KarneyBlack & White copy of a postcard. Summerland beach where the largest numbers of penguins come in at night. People on the beach and cars parked in the foreground."Penguin Beach, Summerlands."penguin parade, summerland beach, phillip island, wildlife - penguins

One of 20 photographs/postcards donated by Mary KarneyBlack & White copy of a postcard. Photo of Osbourne Park Guesthouse in Cowes, Phillip Island."No 96. --Osborne Park -- Cowes"guesthouses, guest houses phillip island, osborne park guesthouse, cowes phillip island, mary karney

The official opening of the Shire of Diamond Valley offices in Greensborough on 26/02/1972. This photograph shows the official car of the Governor of Victoria, (Sir Rohan Delacombe) parked in the carpark at the venue. Includes a copy of the folder cover.Photographs taken by a member of SDV staff.Photograph 1 of a folder of 21 colour photographsOn cover of folder "Opening of S.D.V. Office"shire of diamond valley, shire of diamond valley offices 1972, sir rohan delacombe

In 1973, parents of children in Diamond Valley Little Athletics were angered at the suggestion that the proposed all weather track at Willinda Park be scrapped. There was some talk of acquiring "Partington land" between the rail line and Plenty River, south of Church Street. News clipping, black and white text. 3 scans.diamond valley little athletics association, willinda park, partington family

The opening of Reid's Lightweight Aggregate Pty Ltd ( a subsidiary of Reid's Quarries Ltd) in Greensborough, circa 1960. Explains the method of manufacture and uses of shalite in building industry. Reid's later became Albion Reid before being taken over by Boral. The shalite quarry, now closed, was on the site now called Blue Lake in Yellow Gum Park, Plenty.7 photocopied pages, text and colour and black nd white illustrations.reids quarries, shalite, aggregate, yellow gum park, plenty

This archaeological survey of the Plenty Valley was conducted by Isabel Ellender in 1991 for the Board of Works (Melbourne Water), in particular the Plenty Gorge Metropolitan Park. The area studied is north of Greensborough to Whittlesea. A number of Aboriginal sites were identified and recommendations made for the future.67 p., illus., maps. Plastic spiral binding.plenty river, aboriginal heritage sites, plenty gorge metropolitan park

History of the Diamond Valley Gem Club 1968 - 201832 p., text and col. illustrationsdiamond valley gem club, lapidary, gem clubs, grace park

126 p. black and white illustrationsnon-fictionjanefield training centre, kingsbury training centre, intellectually disabled, janefield, mont park

Anzac Day ceremony held at War Memorial Park Greensborough in 2023 as recorded by Rosie Bray and Neil Lewis.8 p. Booklet by Greensborough RSL Sub-Branch, with notes by Rosie Bray and two colour photographs by Neil Lewisnon-fictionanzac day 2023