"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 had an immediate impact on communities across Australia, and it was no different in Melton. Young men began enlisting immediately, and Australia’s initial offer of 20,000 troops was soon exceeded by Victorian enlistments alone. Over the four years of the war, approximately 114,000 Victorians enlisted and around 91,000 servicemen and women were sent overseas. They came not just from Melbourne, but from all over the state; from farms, small towns and suburban areas. They included locals, newly arrived migrants and Indigenous people. The Australian home front was a hive of activity throughout the war, and the Melton community played its part. Following the announcement that Australia was joining the war with Great Britain and its allies on 5 August 1914, the Melton community lost no time in launching into action. A meeting ‘to assist the Red Cross fund’ was held in the Melton Mechanics’ Institute hall on 18 August – just days after the outbreak of the war. Collectors were appointed for each corner of the shire and individual donations were made. A Melton branch of the Australian Red Cross Society was formed in June 1915 and focused its energies on raising funds to purchase material that was used to make clothes for sick and wounded soldiers. A depot was established in Melton to collect clothing and other ‘comfort’ items for the soldiers – including reading material, tobacco, linen, canned foods and soap – and to coordinate the branch’s work and activities. Local cab driver Percival Stubbs volunteered to transport all the packages to the Melton railway station, until he enlisted and departed for the front in 1916. Such were the numbers of people getting involved that branches were also established in Toolern Vale and Rockbank. Regular community events were held to farewell soldiers who were leaving on active service and to welcome those who returned home. Gunner Robert (Bob) Wynne, whose uncle’s family ran the general store in Toolern Vale, was presented with a pair of field glasses (binoculars), a gold watch, inscribed locket and autographed letter by the Toolern Vale community before he set sail for the front in 1916. His mother noted that he ‘sailed away in good spirits with a smile till out of sight’. From June 1915 to June 1919, the Melton Red Cross branch donated 2,156 pairs of socks, 1,357 shirts, 425 kit bags, 251 pillowslips, 224 towels and 121 pairs of pajamas. Countless fundraising events were held, including jumble fairs, concerts and gift evenings. Local schools also encouraged students to contribute through fund-raising and making and collecting comforts for the soldiers. People across the country engaged in similar activities, but Victoria’s rural communities found unique ways of contributing. In Melton, people were encouraged to send rabbits and hares ‘in good condition’ to an exporter in Spencer Street, for export to Belgium ‘for the relief of those suffering". Special Anzac Memorial article featured in the Star Weeklylocal identities, war

Electricity – 1939 eeb Express Dec 9th 1937 Electric Light Petition First combined (schools) sports meeting, Melton south, Rockbank, Mt Cotterell, Toolern Vale, Sydenham West, Melton Park, Exford. Jack Wallace Starter, G Wilson (ref) G McDonald, F Ryan judges. A G Macdonald Gate Keeper, A Bamford, E W Barrie, S Rogers Announcers. M P A call meeting for 24th March Two or three progressive residence of Melton township are still pushing quietly for a water scheme for Melton and extension of electricity service expected to be provided for the beam wireless station a Rockbank. One of these has gone so far as to seek opinion of an independent engineer regarding the possibility of township water supply. May 1 1937 A move to combine in Melton Shire Council to convene a public meeting to agitiate for extension of the Electric Supply to Melton is being undertaken by the Progress Association and the Hall Committee. Melton Progress Association and Melton Mechanics Institute Committee joined in a decision to request Melton Shire Council to call a Public Meeting to push for extension of Yallourn electricity to Rockbank and Melton June 12th July 3rd Residents of Melton and Rockbank have an opportunity to reveal attitude towards proposed extension a result of MSC in convincing a public meeting MMI support from Amalgamated Wireless A/Asia Ltd directors Mr Townsing to preside which had been convened by MPAssoc and MMI nicely timed as SEC estimates for ensuing year known to be in course of preperation. Saturday 17th July 1937 Melton Move for Electricity. Meeting shows ….. extensive article …. meetin appointed Messrs Butler and Barrie canvass the town Dec 9th 1939 Mechanics Institute floor to be prepared next week Electricity installed in Melton, article featured in the Melton Expresslocal significant events

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph of a meeting of Shire of Bet Bet Council in 1964. Caption stuck on front lists the following names of subjects: L to R Crs J.P. Mason, J.J.A. Freemantle, A. Gordon, S.J. Bryant, D.K.Mann (Engineer), Ed Harvey (Assit), Cr. K. Jardine (President), Miss M. Shay (Typist), Daryl McClure (Office), N. McCartney (Secretary), Crs H. Whitehead, D.W. Clark, R.A. Gray, Allen Brownbill. Original photograph. shire of bet bet, dunolly town hall

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph of a meeting of Shire of Bet Bet Council in September 1948. Caption stuck on front lists the following names of subjects: L to R Seated: Crs W.K. Cameron, G. Bartlet, J.B. Reid, R.Stephens, R. Nielson, G. Fotheringham, W.Belcher, J.P. Mason, Pres. D.W. Clark, Allen Brownbill, J. Hickey, J.J.A. Freemantle, H. Proctor, A. Green. Standing at rear: St Arnaud Mercury Rep, Dunolly Express Rep, Shire Secretary K.A.G. Lowe, Engineer K.R. Culliton. Original photograph. Bendigo Advertiser copyright stamp on reverse.shire of bet bet, dunolly town hall, local government, governance

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph of Shire of Bet Bet Councillors posed outdoors in 1961. Caption stuck on front lists the following names of subjects: L to R Standing at rear: N. McCartney (Secretary), Crs D.W. Clark, F. Ross, John Lloyd (Engineer), K. Jardine, R.A. Gray Seated: Crs David Wood, J.J.A. Freemantle, H. Whitehead, J.P. Mason. Original photograph. shire of bet bet, dunolly town hall, local government, governance

Elizabeth Pierce was the wife of Cr John Pierce, President of the Shire of Bet Bet. Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph of Elizabeth Pierce and her son. Copy photograph. pierce

Donald Clark Collection. A colour photograph depicting the launch of the Bet Bet & Korong Shire Tourism Promotion held at Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve. Held on the same day of re-opening the restored pavillion. Tom Roper at microphone. Original photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A colour photograph depicting the launch of the Bet Bet & Korong Shire Tourism Promotion held at Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve. Held on the same day of re-opening the restored pavillion. Original photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A colour photograph depicting the launch of the Bet Bet & Korong Shire Tourism Promotion held at Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve. Held on the same day of re-opening the restored pavillion. Lindsay Holt at microphone. Original photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph. Writing on back gives donor information and indicates identity of man 4th from left in rear as John Rogers, Forest Officer at Tarnagulla.

Donald Clark Collection. A monochrome photograph possibly depicting Shire of Bet Bet Councillors. Copy photograph.

J.B. Reid was born in Scotland and ran a general store in Tarnagulla for some time until it burned down in the early 1950s. Was member and President of Shire of Bet Bet and on Dunolly Hospital Committee for many years. He later entered state politics and was Treasurer of the Victorian Country Party. Donald Clark Collection.A newspaper clipping from The Countryman newspaper, of June 13th, 1957, article titled 'Party Shocked By Death Of Mr J.B. Reid'. Mentions Allan Brownbill, Jas. Fotheringham, Jas. Allan, Dr. John Lewis and Donald Clark. tarnagulla, people, j.b. reid, politics, governance, stores, deaths, obituaries, funerals

Donald Clark Collection.A letter from the Shire of Bet Bet Secretary to Donald Clarke regarding proposed introduction of adventure tours by a private tour company in the Shire.

Donald Clark Collection.A brochure for the Shire of Bet Bet giving information on personnel and images of the Councillors and President.

Donald Clark Collection.Invitation addressed to Mr & Mrs Donald Clark from Bet Bet Shire President Colin Silke to a Civic Service at Tarnagulla Uniting Church on June 10th, 1984. Featured an address by Rev. H Stevens from Essendon Grammar School.(formerly) presbyterian church

Donald Clark Collection.Booklet produced by Bet Bet Shire with title 'Golden Triangle Bicycle Rides'. Gives information about bike and walking routes in the region and local history. A Shire 'With Compliments' card is stapled to the cover.tourism, recreation, cycling

Donald Clark Collection. Invitation from the Shire of Bet Bet to the Opening of Community Housing Units in Dunolly, in 1988.

Donald Clark Collection. A paper ticket from Shire of Bet Bet Weighbridge, dating from the 1920s.

Donald Clark Collection. A paper ticket from Shire of Bet Bet Weighbridge, dating from 1948.