The Jacobs family lived in Surrey Hills from c 1895-1903 (ref: electoral rolls); by 1909 they were in Gippsland at Toora where Henry Atwood Jacobs was a storekeeper. They had returned to Surrey Hills by 1924 (ref: electoral roll). Capt Jacobs was appointed to the Nunawading Roads Board in 1900; in 1902 he as a member of a deputation to the Minister of Public Works regarding municipal severance. He was in favour of Surrey Hills being a separate municipality. Amy (Amelia) Jacobs was the daughter of Capt Jacobs and his first wife, Eleanor Dobson Mills, who died shortly after the birth of her daughter. Winifred was born c 1900; Mildred Adelaide b 1902, both at 'Spencycroft' in Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills. Winifred married Stephen Edwin Yarnold (1903-1978), a Presbyterian & Uniting Church minister on 26 July 1946. He had a notable career in the ministry and has an ADB biography.Black and white photo of 2 young girls identified as Winifred (b c1900) and Mildred (b 1902) taken in a garden, probably at 'Spencycroft'. Both are wearing dresses and dark stockings. The older girl is holding her sister's arm.spenceycroft, house names, gardens, surrey hills, children, winifred jacobs (miss), stephen edwin yarnold, winifred yarnold (mrs), mildred adelaide jacobs (miss), henry atwood jacobs, capt, eleanor dobson mills (miss), eleanor dobson jacobs (mrs)

His dates: 1913-1993. ‘Kenilworth’, 9 Beatrice Avenue was home of Edmund Holt, his wife and 3 sons Ray, Fred and Alan who attended Surrey Hills State School in their primary years. The family were very involved with the Methodist (Uniting) Church. Alan became organist and for some years also played at the Canterbury Presbyterian Church. He was well-liked from his days as a newspaper delivery boy, and after marriage lived at 62 Broughton Road and then 2 Earle Street taking part in various local activities with his wife Edna and three boys. After completing his secondary education at University High Alan joined the Public Service and after a time in the Premier’s Department moved to the Lands Department. He became Secretary of that department and after retirement moved to 13 Berry Street, Box Hill. He keenly researched the history of Surrey Hills. He left his collection of Surrey Hills history to the people of Surrey Hills. A black and white photograph of a man playing at a piono. He is dressed in a suit and has his back to us. There is a planter stand to the left of the photo.kenilworth, beatrice avenue, surrey hills, mr alan judge holt, lands department, organist, surrey hills methodist church, canterbury presbyterian church, mrs edna holt, broughton road, earle street, pianist

The State Electricity Commission of Victoria constructed the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.See KVHS 1282Ron White was the Principal Hydro Engineer 1966 - 1985 on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. See KVHS 12821. Booklet "Rules of the Kiewa Hydro Co-operative Distribution Society Limited" and Ron's 'Share Certificate' dated 12th /4/1957 2. Book "Inside Information" explaining the ins and outs of a car for the motorist. 3. Black and White negatives 4. Ron's La Trobe Valley Health Services Membership card x2 5. State Savings Bank of Victoria Kiewa Operations social club 1962 x2 6. The Association of Professional Engineers, Victorian Branch receipts 1956 7. Upper Kiewa Valley Uniting Church list of members 1969-1970 & Financial Statement for 1970 8. 4 Bogong Village coloured postcards 9. Folded Plan of 'Kiewa Area Planimetric Map' 10. Large Photos sent to Ron by "Bill Greenaway / Y.T.S. Lab./ 11-5-66" 1) Football Team x2, 2) Mt Beauty Switchyard, 3) McKay Power Station, 4) Clover Power Stationron white

This trophy is one of several from the 1930s that were awarded as part of inter-church competitions in Warrnambool. One of the chief sponsors of this inter-church competition was Fletcher Jones, the well-known clothing manufacturer. He had his head office and factory in Warrnambool. The competitions were for indoor sports and this one has been awarded for deck quoits. The game of quoits consists of competitors throwing four or five rings or hoops onto a raised spike some metres away. The hoops are generally made of plaited rope and the game is said to have been started or popularized by sailors on board ship. In deck quoits the raised spike is usually replaced by concentric circles drawn on the playing surface. This game became very popular on ocean liner cruises from the 1920s on. The winner of this trophy, the Congregational Men’s Institute (C.M.I.) was a leading church activity group for men in the 1930s. A Congregational Church in Warrnambool was opened in 1864 in Liebig Street and transferred to Henna Street in 1940. This church was sold in 1979 to the Salvation Army when the Congregational Church merged with the Methodist Church to become the Uniting Church. This trophy is of historical interest as it is one of the trophies dating from the 1930s and awarded by the now-defunct Inter-Church Indoor Sports Association in Warrnambool. This is a silver-coloured cup with an attached stem on a brown Bakelite stand. The cup has two ornamental handles. There is an inscription on one side of the cup. The silver is a little tarnished. ‘I.C.I.S.A. Deck Quoits won by C.M.I. 1936-7’inter church indoor sports association warrnambool, congregational church warrnambool

This trophy is one of several from the 1930s that were awarded as part of the inter-church indoor sports competitions held in Warrnambool. One of the sponsors of these competitions was Fletcher Jones, the well-known clothing manufacturer. The head office and major factory of the Fletcher Jones business were in Warrnambool. This trophy was awarded to the Congregational Men’s Institute for deck quoits. The game of quoits consists of competitors throwing four or five rings or hoops on to a raised spike some metres away. The hoops are generally made of plaited rope and the game is said to have been started or popularized by sailors on board ship. In deck quoits the raised spike is usually replaced by concentric circles drawn on the playing surface. This game became very popular on ocean liner cruises from the 1930s on. The Congregational Men’s Institute was a leading men’s activity group in Warrnambool in the 1930s. A Congregational Church was opened in Liebig Street in Warrnambool in 1864 and transferred to Henna Street in 1940. This Henna Street church was sold to the Salvation Army in 1979 when the Congregational Church merged with the Methodist Church to form the Uniting Church. This trophy is of interest as a memento of the now-defunct inter-church sporting competitions held in Warrnambool in the 1930s.This is an electro-plated nickel silver cup with two side handles, a thin stem and a silver base. The cup is mounted on a Bakelite stand. ‘I.C.I.S.A. Deck Quoits Championship Won by C.M.I. 1935’congregational church, warrnambool, inter-church sporting competitions, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

The house has been demolished but was associated with the Jacobs family. The Jacobs family lived in Surrey Hills from c 1895-1903 (ref: electoral rolls); by 1909 they were in Gippsland at Toora where Henry Atwood Jacobs was a storekeeper. They had returned to Surrey Hills by 1924 (ref: electoral roll) and were living at 22 Suffolk Road. Family details: Capt Jacobs was appointed to the Nunawading Roads Board in 1900; in 1902 he as a member of a deputation to the Minister of Public Works regarding municipal severance. He was in favour of Surrey Hills being a separate municipality. Amy (Amelia) Jacobs was the daughter of Capt Jacobs and his first wife, Eleanor Dobson Mills, who died shortly after the birth of her daughter. Winifred Atwood Jacobs was born c 1900; Mildred Adelaide Jacobs was born 1902, both at 'Spencycroft' in Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills. Winifred married Stephen Edwin Yarnold (1903-1978), a Presbyterian & Uniting Church minister, on 26 July 1946. He had a notable career in the ministry and has an ADB biography. Black and white photo of a Victorian style home with a slate roof, 2 chimneys and a veranda across 3/4 of the front. Construction is possibly block-fronted timber or bluestone and render; not brick. The house sits behind a picket fence with a lattice screen to one side. There are mature trees, possibly eucalypts in the background.warrington, house names, fences, surrey hills, architectural features, victorian style, vegetation, verandas, capt henry atwood jacobs, mrs amy lilian jacobs, miss amy lillian scales, miss amelia allan jacobs, miss winifred atwood jacobs, mrs winifred atwood yarnold, miss mildred adelaide jacobs

The inaugural service of the Eaglehawk Methodist Church, 6 Feb 1977. In September 1863 the foundation stone of the Eaglehawk Wesleyan Church was laid. The building was enlarged and completed in 1869. In March 1865 the Eaglehawk Primitive Methodist Church was opened. These two churches later known as the West and East Methodist Churches served Eaglehawk until December 31st 1976. On that day both churches ceased to exist, and on Sunday 2nd January 1977 the first service of a new church was held. Although using the property and buildings of the former West Methodist, the new church is now called the Eaglehawk Methodist Church. This church will have a short history, as it too will cease to exist in mid 1977 when it will close its' doors to reopen as the Uniting Church of Australia, a church formed from the present Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. The Inaugural Service of the new church was held on Sunday 6th February 1977. Enclosed is the order of service. Appropriately enough all hymns were of the pen of Charles Wesley with the exception of 784 which is a German hymn translated buy the founder of Methodism John Wesley.

Alan Holt was keenly interested in the history of Surrey Hills. He worked in the Lands Department and drew up maps of the area based on research he conducted there in his spare time and after retirement. He also compiled a survey of owners / occupants of all Surrey Hills listings from Sands & MacDougall directories at 10 year intervals. These are meticulously entered into hand-written ledgers. All his work is also entered on to index cards. With a lifetime's knowledge of local history and research techniques, Alan found himself after retirement, in constant demand as an amateur historian working for the Box Hill Historical Society and the History Group of the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. When the Surrey Hills Historical Society was formed, Alan and Edna became its first and only Life Members. Alan began work in the Department of Crown Lands and Survey. In the 1950s-60s he moved to the Premier's Department where he assisted with the planning for the Queen's 1954 visit. He was promoted to Permanent Head of the Lands Department until retirement in 1972. He was associated with the Surrey Hills Uniting Church all his life. There is a copy of this photo in a brass frame.A colour portrait photo of the late Alan Holt.alan holt

The Rev. Ronald W Albiston 28/9/1919–16/08/2006 was educated at Melbourne Boys' High School, the Victorian Congregational College and the University of Melbourne. From a young age he held positions within the local church, was secretary of the East Kew Congregational Church at the age of 16, as well as superintendent of the Sunday School from the age of 15. Ron was supported during his life and ministry by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy. He was ordained at Northcote Congregational Church on 21 December 1942. His ministry was exercised in Northcote/Clifton Hill (1942–45), Yarrawonga and associated district (1945–50), Ballarat Dawson Street and "Zion" Sebastopol (1950–68), and Rockdale Congregational, Sydney, later Uniting (1968–83). Due to ill health, Ron retired on the 30th of April 1983. He was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973, President of the Congregational Union of NSW from 1973 to 1975. As a member of the Joint Planning Committee he was involved in the development of the Uniting Church and inaugural Chairperson. Following union, he was a member and later Chairman of the Board of Social Responsibility. He was instrumental in founding the Mayflower Village for the Aged, the Rockdale Community Aid Service, and helped form the St George Community Conference.The Rev. Ronald W Albiston 28/9/1919–16/08/2006 was educated at Melbourne Boys' High School, the Victorian Congregational College and the University of Melbourne. From a young age he held positions within the local church, was secretary of the East Kew Congregational Church at the age of 16, as well as superintendent of the Sunday School from the age of 15. Ron was supported during his life and ministry by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy. He was ordained at Northcote Congregational Church on 21 December 1942. His ministry was exercised in Northcote/Clifton Hill (1942–45), Yarrawonga and associated district (1945–50), Ballarat Dawson Street and "Zion" Sebastopol (1950–68), and Rockdale Congregational, Sydney, later Uniting (1968–83). Due to ill health, Ron retired on the 30th of April 1983. He was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973, President of the Congregational Union of NSW from 1973 to 1975. As a member of the Joint Planning Committee he was involved in the development of the Uniting Church and inaugural Chairperson. Following union, he was a member and later Chairman of the Board of Social Responsibility. He was instrumental in founding the Mayflower Village for the Aged, the Rockdale Community Aid Service, and helped form the St George Community Conference.The Rev. Ronald W Albiston 28/9/1919–16/08/2006 was educated at Melbourne Boys' High School, the Victorian Congregational College and the University of Melbourne. From a young age he held positions within the local church, was secretary of the East Kew Congregational Church at the age of 16, as well as superintendent of the Sunday School from the age of 15. Ron was supported during his life and ministry by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy. He was ordained at Northcote Congregational Church on 21 December 1942. His ministry was exercised in Northcote/Clifton Hill (1942–45), Yarrawonga and associated district (1945–50), Ballarat Dawson Street and "Zion" Sebastopol (1950–68), and Rockdale Congregational, Sydney, later Uniting (1968–83). Due to ill health, Ron retired on the 30th of April 1983. He was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973, President of the Congregational Union of NSW from 1973 to 1975. As a member of the Joint Planning Committee he was involved in the development of the Uniting Church and inaugural Chairperson. Following union, he was a member and later Chairman of the Board of Social Responsibility. He was instrumental in founding the Mayflower Village for the Aged, the Rockdale Community Aid Service, and helped form the St George Community Conference.Informal B & W photo of the Rev. Ron Albiston. Albiston is standing, hands clasped behind back, smiling into the camera. He's dressed in a suit with clerical collar and waistcoat. The photo has been taken outdoors, possibly at a picnic."Rev. Ron Albiston"albiston, ron, congregational minister

SUMMARY – Uniting Church Op Shop Melton South Opportunity Shop – Brooklyn Road Melton South Est 1975 Former Methodist Church. The Opportunity Shop – Established 1975 by Edna Barrie 1992 Typed copy by Cath MacLean 2011 [Scots’ Presbyterian Church 1964] Additional information to the above summarised from Edna Barrie’s draft notes. Copied by Wendy Barrie January 2012, noting the information might be useful for future research. In 1985 the need for more shop space became apparent. Les [Bone] had plans drawn up (Surv 12/8/84) and approved by the Melton shire Council for a storeroom extension (17.800 x 9500) 1986 the small ancillary rooms at the rear of the timber church were demolished allowing the concrete slab to be laid. The building was completed in 1987. By the early 1990s the old timber Church had deteriorated, this lead to it being demolished in 2/11/1993. It was replaced with a new building containing a Pastoral Office, a meeting room and a furniture and homeware section. It was dedicated by Rev Ian Hickingbotham at 11am Sunday 5th June 1994. Service Awards were presented to 75 Opportunity Shop Volunteers by Rev Ian Hickingbotham. Funds have helped to pay for pastoral work, youth work and extra pastoral support. Lyrics for the Opportunity Shop which was located at the former Methodist Church. council, churches, local identities

"Edna Barrie is one of countless women who have played a crucial role in the Melton communityover its history. She was a tireless volunteer and a stalwart of the community who helped to keep many organisations running and thriving. Edna was born in 1918 into a family with deep roots in Melton. Her grandmother Ann Dowling arrived in the colony from Ireland with her two sisters in 1855. Ann purchased land in Melton and settled on the Ballarat Road (High Street) at Ryans Creek with her husband Henry Myers. The three Dowling sisters had ten children between them who attended Melton State School No. 430, as did Edna. Edna was involved with the Melton branch of the Country Women’s Association for 50 years and was an active member of the Melton Mechanics’ Institute and the Melton Uniting Church throughout her life. She was involved with the local CFA branch from 1942. As a member of the CFA’s Women’s Auxiliary, Edna helped raise funds and provide meals to the firefighters. Edna was a founding member of the Melton & District Historical Society in 1968, and was passionate about preserving and sharing local history. The formation of the society at that time, during a period of increasingly rapid growth for the municipality, was crucial, ensuring that many photos, documents and stories of early Melton were not lost".Newspaper clippings about Edna Barrie local identities

The date of the scene depicted in this painting has not been identified. The painting has no artist signature or date. The view depicted is from an area close to the present day Madden Drive in Bacchus Marsh. The angle of the view suggests the artists viewpoint may have been from a spot close to the intersection of Madden Drive and Muir Street looking east over the town. Several buildings constructed in the 1860s and 1870s can be seen in the painting. These include Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church (now Uniting Church), built 1865, Stone Villa in Bennett Street, the Bacchus Marsh Court House, the former National Bank and the Border Inn, all on Main Street, and in the distance Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church. Buildings such as Simon’s Garage erected in 1913, on the corner of Main Street and Grant Street are not shown. In the foreground running horizontally Grant Street can be seen. The view of Grant Street shows very few buildings. One house in the centre of the picture is Murdoch's Cottage. A brick house constructed in 1868 on the corner of Grant Street and Waddell Street. To the right of the picture along Grant Street no buildings are shown. The store built by John Jory in 1890 at 60-62 Grant Street which survives as a building in 2025 is not shown. Some allowance for artistic interpretation must be allowed but based on what the scene depicts it suggests a scene of Bacchus Marsh in the late 1870s or 1880s. Print reproduction of an oil painting. Framed. Undated. Unsigned. BMDHS Location: AR/B12/Beside (on floor)views bacchus marsh vic., paintings bacchus marsh vic., landscapes bacchus marsh vic.

Jamieson's comments appear in an article surveying the Uniting Church, 7 years after union. "One member who disagrees with the church presents social justice issues is David Jamieson, who has been editor of the Ringwood parish quarterly magazine "Insight" since union. Mr Jamieson says he knows scores of people who find it very hard to accept what he considers is a bias in the presentation of social justice issues. 'I know a lot of people who are becoming alienated because they feel their side of the story is not being presented by the church. They feel only the radical side of justice issues is being hammered. I think the more conservative side has validity. My main concern is the flood of study booklets and material on social justice issues which look at them from only one angle. The bias is on greed, excessive profits and most unworthy aspects of the multi-nationals compared with the most humanitarian concerns of the left. No mention is made of humanitarian concern by big business or the extremes of the left — such as unwarranted industrial action and the effect that this has on the poor and unemployed. No mention is made of excessive wage demands by highly paid people who are pressuring for bigger flow-ons. ….. I do not believe the church should be neutral on political issues. In fact I agree with nearly all of its stands. But we should look at both sides before making up our minds. Only then should we be vocal in a political sense, no matter how one-sided."Full face, looking intently at the camera.C&N identification.jamieson, david, church union 7th anniversary, social justice

George Stebbing arrived from England in 1857 and settled at Eltham after a short period at Kangaroo Ground. His occupation is often listed as a farmer but he built a number of important buildings between the late 1860’s and the 1880’s. Those remaining include Shillinglaw Cottage, St. Margaret’s Church, Uniting church (formerly Methodist Church) and House at 84 Pitt Street, Eltham. From 1871 to 1875 he was a member of the Eltham Shire Council. Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), Friday 12 March 1909, page 2 ELTHAM. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) One of the oldest inhabitants of Eltham passed away during the early hours of Saturday last in the person of Mrs Mary Ann Stebbings. Her residence here covered a period of some-what over 50 years. She had been a widow for some time, her husband, the late Mr. Geo. Stebbings, having pre-deceased her some fourteen or fifteen years. During the later years of her life, she had resided with her niece, Mrs. Wm. Williams. She lived a very retired life and is said to have owned a considerable amount of property, local and suburban, at the time of her death, at the age of 82 years. She was interred at Diamond Creek on Sunday, 7th inst. Local Cemetery Excursion Sunday 27 May 1990 departed Eltham Shire Office at 9.30am and finish mid afternoon. Visits to Eltham , Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown (Smiths Gully), Nillumbik (Diamond Creek), St Katherines (St Helena) Hurst family graves at Hurstbridge and a little known early cemetery at Greensborough. Attended by 20 members. In each case we were introduced to the cemetery with a brief talk. At Eltham, Frank Burgoyne gave us the benefit of his knowledge as a member of the cemetery trust and at Kangaroo Ground, Bruce Ness spoke in a similar capacity. The lunch stop was at Hurstbridge where we visited the Hurst family graves. The President of Nillumbik Historical Society, Jock Ryan, joined us at the Nillumbik (Diamond Creek) cemetery. He travelled on to St Katherines, St Helena, where he talked on the history of the church and cemetery. 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotsshire of eltham historical society, cemetery excursion, graves, activities, cemeteries, george stebbing, george stebbings, mary ann stebbing, mary ann stebbings, nillumbik cemetery

George Stebbing arrived from England in 1857 and settled at Eltham after a short period at Kangaroo Ground. His occupation is often listed as a farmer but he built a number of important buildings between the late 1860’s and the 1880’s. Those remaining include Shillinglaw Cottage, St. Margaret’s Church, Uniting church (formerly Methodist Church) and House at 84 Pitt Street, Eltham. From 1871 to 1875 he was a member of the Eltham Shire Council. Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), Friday 12 March 1909, page 2 ELTHAM. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) One of the oldest inhabitants of Eltham passed away during the early hours of Saturday last in the person of Mrs Mary Ann Stebbings. Her residence here covered a period of some-what over 50 years. She had been a widow for some time, her husband, the late Mr. Geo. Stebbings, having pre-deceased her some fourteen or fifteen years. During the later years of her life, she had resided with her niece, Mrs. Wm. Williams. She lived a very retired life and is said to have owned a considerable amount of property, local and suburban, at the time of her death, at the age of 82 years. She was interred at Diamond Creek on Sunday, 7th inst. Local Cemetery Excursion Sunday 27 May 1990 departed Eltham Shire Office at 9.30am and finish mid afternoon. Visits to Eltham , Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown (Smiths Gully), Nillumbik (Diamond Creek), St Katherines (St Helena) Hurst family graves at Hurstbridge and a little known early cemetery at Greensborough. Attended by 20 members. In each case we were introduced to the cemetery with a brief talk. At Eltham, Frank Burgoyne gave us the benefit of his knowledge as a member of the cemetery trust and at Kangaroo Ground, Bruce Ness spoke in a similar capacity. The lunch stop was at Hurstbridge where we visited the Hurst family graves. The President of Nillumbik Historical Society, Jock Ryan, joined us at the Nillumbik (Diamond Creek) cemetery. He travelled on to St Katherines, St Helena, where he talked on the history of the church and cemetery. 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotsshire of eltham historical society, cemetery excursion, graves, activities, cemeteries, george stebbing, george stebbings, mary ann stebbing, mary ann stebbings, nillumbik cemetery

Members of the Presbyterian faith were among the first settlers in the North-east of Victoria, and in the year 1842 the Presbytery of Melbourne requested the Rev. Peter Gunn, Minister of the Gaelic Church, Melbourne, to visit Presbyterians along the Murray River. This was the first of a series of annual visits, and was of a missionary nature. In May 1851, the Rev. David Hunter Ballantyne was appointed to the Wodonga district based out of Albury. In 1860 the Presbytery of Beechworth was formed, and from it two large presbyteries have grown - Wagga Wagga and Beechworth. In the early days the services at Wodonga were held in the old court house, which still stands. Wodonga Presbyterian Church continued as part of the Parish of Albury until the end of 1887, when it was placed under the administration of the Session of the Beechworth Church, with a home missionary in charge. Mr William Cooper was placed in charge for the first months, then Mr William Smith, a city missionary who had recently arrived from Scotland, was appointed. Mr Smith conducted a cordage factory at Stonleigh. He remained as missionary in charge for the next 10 years, and in that time the church steadily progressed. Plans were made for the erection of the building which now stands in High Street, Wodonga. Mr John Whan was a Founding Member of the Church and was appointed Sunday School Superintendent, an office which he held for 46 years, rendering extensive and valued service to the church and congregation. With a growing congregation and realising the challenges presented to the Church by changing conditions, land for a new church was sought. In September 1950 property was purchased in Nilmar Avenue in Wodonga and the new Presbyterian Church St Stephens became their new home. With the amalgamation of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, the new Church became the Uniting Church. The original Presbyterian Church was later sold to the Free Serbian Orthodox Church.These photographs are significant because they provide evidence of the changing nature of religious worship and groups in Wodonga.A collection of black and white photographic images depicting the first Presbyterian Church at Wodonga. The Church was later taken over by the Free Serbian Orthodox Church.presbyterian church, free serbian orthodox church, wodonga churches

Land for the Methodist Church in Wodonga was reserved in 1864. By 1865 the Reverend Francis Neale, a Wesleyan minister was appointed to Albury from where he supervised the congregation at Wodonga Creek until a church was built in 1873. By 1885 Wodonga and the other preaching places on the Victorian side of the Murray had become a separate circuit under the Reverend L. J Rowlands. This circuit included Bethanga. Kiewa. Leneva, Kergunyah and Bonegilla. In the 1960s the Methodist congregation built a new chapel in Hovell Street, Wodonga. The creation of the Uniting Church during the 1970s meant that the services were held in the former Presbyterian Church and joint Sunday School classes were conducted in the Methodist Hall. In 1961 the Church building and land was purchased by the Ukrainian Community for £2,000. Ukrainian Catholic families in Wodonga donated £100 each towards the purchase. Additional fund raising such as carol singing in nearby towns (Benalla, Wangaratta, Albury and Wodonga) assisted with the purchase of the Church. The former Methodist Church was in poor condition and the members of its new congregation undertook the replacement of the floor, the footings, replastering of the walls and the construction of an altar. The renovations cost a further £400. Once a month a priest came up from Melbourne to conduct services in the Church. On completion it was blessed by Bishop Ivan Prasko to become St Olga's Catholic Church (Ukrainian). In 1965 the Church was dedicated to its patron St Volodymir, with Bishop Varlamm (Sydney) and Bishop Donat (Melbourne) taking part in the ceremony. The members of the Ukrainian Catholic community also built a hall and smaller chapel in Hunt Street, Wodonga. With a declining congregation, this property became more manageable to maintain than the original brick building and the decision was made to close the building in 2010. In 2022 the building and extensive block of land in Church Street was sold commercially for potential redevelopment.These images are significant because they depict an early Wodonga Church building.A collection of coloured photographs depicting the first Methodist Church in Wodonga, Victoria It was a red brick church with a steeply pitched gable roof and parapeted gable walls. There was a small front porch with matching roof and gable treatment to the front. Simple timber Gothic windows were along the sides, with a tri-partite window above the porch. Two sections of this window featured stained glass, the other was opaque glass. Red brick buttresses were topped with white-painted render, as were the parapets, and the windows were also outlined with white painted render. Timber joinery was painted white. A front path led directly to the porch and the Church was flanked by mature oak trees. A small, relatively modern red brick skillion extension was added to the rear of the building.wodonga churches, methodist church wodonga, ukrainian catholic church wodonga

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Photographs of Bon Barrielocal identities, pioneer families

Somerville Homes operated from 1965 to 1981. Somerville Homes came into existence in 1965. The homes were named in honour of Margaret Somerville MBE who helped evacuate 95 children from Croker Island to Sydney in 1942 and who returned to Croker Island with the children after the war and continued as a house mother and care giver until 1965. A book entitled "They Crossed A Continent", the story of Margaret Somerville's epic journey was produced. Somerville Homes was established in 1964 when the Methodist Overseas Mission began to discuss the closure of the Croker Island Mission and the transfer of all children to smaller group homes in the Darwin area. It had links with both the Methodist Overseas Mission and the United Church in the Northern Territory. Somerville Homes ran the Somerville Cottage Homes in Darwin from 1968 through to the 1980s. In 1981 Somerville Homes changed its name to Somerville Community Services. Somerville Homes was established as an organisation in 1964 when the Methodist Overseas Mission began to discuss the closure of the Croker Island Mission and the transfer of all children to smaller group homes in the Darwin area. A Somerville Homes Council was created with the aims: (a) to carry out charitable purposes of providing total care for children and young people in the Northern Territory of Australia and elsewhere; (b) to establish and maintain homes for children and young people, provide family counselling, arrange or assist in the arranging of adoptive or foster homes, provide after care and generally provide all such services in its own capacity or in co-operation with others, constituting the total care of the child or young person. The organisation had links with both the Methodist Overseas Mission and the United Church in the Northern Territory. It became an incorporated body with a Board in 1971. After 1977 it retained links with the Uniting Church, Northern Synod. Somerville Homes ran the Somerville Cottage Homes in Darwin from 1968 through to the 1980s. In 1980-81when the organisation expanded its services, it changed its name to Somerville Community Services. Albert Kuipers is not mentioned by name in the online information available.Kuipers is pictured in shirtsleeves taking notes."Albert Kuipers - Somerville Ch Homes Darwin"kuipers, albert, somerville homes, croker island mission, methodist overseas mission

Summary of Thomas Lindsay Barrie (1914 – 1990) A life long resident of Melton 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 note more research needed at Uniting Church Archives to determine the earliest and last date. 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 Compiled by Wendy Barrie 2013 Councillor Tom Barrie, Shire President and a group of children at the opening of the building.council, local identities

One of the oldest houses in Eltham, the cottage was built around 1861 by pioneer builder George Stebbing whose family lived in it until the 1900s. It’s plain and simple style reflects the functional design of the house. George Stebbing was responsible for the construction of some of Eltham's principal township buildings, including the Uniting (former Methodist) church, St. Margaret's Anglican church (1861) and Shillinglaw Cottage (1879). The house is historically and aesthetically significant because it is a rare surviving example of the modest homes constructed for and by artisans within the early Eltham township and is a significant feature of the streetscape In the 1960s Albert Downing owned this propertyThe Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Colour photographic print eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pitt street, stebbing's cottage, downing

Built in 1878, the orange polychromatic brick structure replaced a slab building which had been used since 1951. The building has changed little with its handsome bricks buttressed on both sides, a slate roof and a Celtic cross on top of the front gable. The carved wooden pulpit and 18 pews are original. The cathedral-style ceiling is fully lined with tongue-and-groove pine boards and the floor is also pine. The walls have arched oblong leadlight windows. In 1977 the congregaton decided not to join the Uniting Church, whcih amalgamated some Presbyterian churches with all the Methodist and Congregational churches in Australia. Together with the store and school, the church is one of Kangaroo Ground's three public buildings. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p91 The small Presbyterian church in Main Road, Kangaroo Ground, has been a spiritual centre for more than a century. Built in 1878, the orange polychromatic brick structure replaced a rude slab building, which had been used as both a church and school since 1851. Earliest settlers, who were Scottish farmers, had worshipped together since 1841 in a barn owned by farmer James Donaldson and led by a layman called Smith.1 However, from 1843, the Reverend Peter Gunn conducted church services. Prominent early church members include the Donaldson, Bell and Cameron families. In 1851, Samuel Furphy (father of author Joseph) built their first church building, a 30 feet x 18 feet (9m x 5.5m) slab structure on half an acre (0.2ha) donated by Mr Donaldson. Conditions could be very uncomfortable in extreme weather.The green slabs of timber and sapling logs, covered partly with mud, had centimetre-wide cracks, allowing rain and wind through, when not blocked out by folds of paper.2 However this did not deter the first couple marrying there in 1857: John Wilson of Nillumbik and Christina Macpherson of Christmas Hills. The Reverend Peter Gunn seldom visited so it was usually left to Andrew Ross, the settlement’s first teacher and founder of the newspaper The Evelyn Observer, to lead the divine services instead.3 In 1877 the settlers raised £355/19/- and hired architect, Charles Maplestone and builder, Mr Self, to construct today’s church building. Each family rented a pew or pews for ten shillings a half-year; they also paid quarterly subscriptions for the minister’s stipend.4 It was not until 1886 that the church celebrated its first wedding, that of John Bell (junior) from Violet Bank and Elizabeth Charlton of Cunis Nillen. The Sunday School’s first recorded meeting was also held that year. In 1892 a weatherboard vestry was built, and the following year John Bell donated a church bell, which the fire brigade used as a warning for several years. Conditions have varied greatly during the century. In 1893 the Reverend Darroch had to travel more than 2000 miles (3220km) to attend to his scattered parishioners. Then in the Depression, the minister Mr Brown, subsisted only on lodgings with no stipend. The Sunday School ceased for many years because of the small population, but reopened in 1949. The building has changed little with its handmade bricks buttressed on both long sides, a slate roof and a Celtic cross on top of the front gable. The carved wooden pulpit and 18 pews are original and in fine condition. The cathedral-style ceiling is fully lined with tongue-and-groove pine boards and the floor is also of pine. The walls have arched oblong leadlight windows. One window has stained glass commemorating Mrs Jessie Agnes Cameron and her ancestors – the pioneering Bell family. It depicts The Sower because the family comprised farmers who came to a strange land to sow the seeds of their faith as much as their crops. Thistles signify their Scottish ancestry and the pigeons are a symbol of Pigeon Bank, the Kangaroo Ground farming property where Jessie Cameron was born.5 Other historical ties are seen on two marble memorial tablets and carved wooden chairs dedicated to former members. The Church still has the original Bible with gold edged paper, presented by the women of the congregation in 1871, although it is no longer used. In 1977 the Presbyterian congregation decided not to join the Uniting Church, which amalgamated some Presbyterian churches with all the Methodist and Congregational churches in Australia. Together with the store and school, the church is one of Kangaroo Ground’s three public buildings.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, kangaroo ground presbyterian church

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

Private James Edward Matthews (3174) was one of four first cousins living in the Myrtleford district killed during World War 1. He was in the 60th Battalion, A.I.F. action at Fromelles, France, and was killed in action, aged 19 years, on July 19,1916. He was the son of Richard and James Matthews of Myrtleford and has no known grave, but is "Remembered with Honour" at V.C. Corner, Australian Cemetery and Memorial, Fromelles. James attended Myrtleford State School 955; his death is recorded on honour boards at the Uniting (formerly Methodist) Church, the school honour board and at the Soldier's memoral Square. A memorial window at the church includes names of the four cousins.The portrait reminds viewers of the youth of many A.I.F. volunteers, the outcome of actions such as that at Fromelles in 1916 and the impact on families in small communities. It also relates to the ongoing search for identifiable remains of those personnel without a known resting place. Framed original sepia photograph, head and shoulders, of World War 1 soldier in full dress uniform.James E. Matthews, 60th Battalion, Killed in Action, 19 July, 1916. Photography: Talma & Co., Melb.james matthews 60th battalion fromelles