Richard Hartley Smith Abbott was the step son of Joseph Henry Abbott and continued on in the family tradition of entering into business, becoming a successful business man. He also held asperations to serve on local council and was elected a representative in the Mandurang riding in the Shire of Strathfieldsaye in 1887, served as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1917 - 1918 and was Secretary of the Bendigo Art Gallery for over 20 years. Like this father he continued to build local industries with a particular interest in tanning selling products locally and exporting to London. The Tannery (in Tannery Lane, Mandurang) was one of the largest in the state. Unused order book designed to use carbon paper between two pages. Page numbers stamped in red. Black titles on each top page. Card back cover.city of greater bendigo commerce, mayor abbott

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These name badges would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings. Three name badges worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. All three badges are metallic with the circular Shire coat of arms above a rectangle name plate. The coat of arms are represented in full colour, name and titles are printed in black. 0146.1 Mr. Alec Sandner 0146.2 Cr. Alec Sandner 0146.3 Cr. Alec Sandner / Shire Presidentsandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These cuff links would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings. Matching set of two cuff links worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. Cuff links are metallic (gold) with the circular Shire coat of arms. The coat of arms are represented in full colour. sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Unclear if this clock in memory of Cr T Somerville is related to Cr T Somerville of Strathfieldsaye who served as President three times 1892 - 3, 1901 -2 and 1910 -11 Dates would indicate that he was perhaps a son or nephew. Metal clock with accompanying wooden and brass plaque.In memory of / Cr T Somerville / 1888 - 1940shire of strathfieldsaye

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form Greater Bendigo City.Painted metal tin with handle on top. Currently locked closed.Shire of Marongshire of marong

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a Shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form the City of Greater Bendigo. This metal box contained a roll of admission tickets and was possibly used for holding cash at the swimming pool or other municipal facility. Lockable painted metal box. Shire of Marongshire of marong

Marong was first incorporated as a road district on 27 August 1861, and became a shire on 23 December 1864. On 1 October 1915, the Borough of Raywood, which was gazetted on 17 January 1865 on 23.31 square kilometres of land 28 kilometres north of Bendigo was united with Marong. On 1 October 1990, the Shire of Marong became a rural city, under the Local Government Act 1989. In a report on 17 February 1994, the Local Government Board recommended that the five councils in the Bendigo region merge to form a "super city", with a population of about 81,000. Marong, Eaglehawk and Huntly had earlier objected to the proposal, and the Board noted a weak no vote against the merger proposal in a referendum in the region; about 70% had voted against, but with a turnout of between 30% and 40% of eligible voters. The three councils filed a writ in the Supreme Court, alleging failure to follow process by the Minister for Local Government, Roger Hallam, but by the time the new "super city" was announced, the writ had not yet been heard, and on 24 March 1994, the Rural City of Marong successfully applied for an injunction blocking the publication of the gazette the following day abolishing the five councils and appointing three commissioners. The government responded by introducing legislation, the City of Greater Bendigo Bill 1994, to Parliament, to effectively override the Supreme Court action, with Hallam saying "the bill would make clear that the Government is determined to achieve its objective for a more efficient municipal structure for the Bendigo region." Marong mayor Robert Hynes described the action as "terribly disappointing", adding, "One way or another, I believe it does mean an end to our fight... it seems the Government are above the law to me." On 6 April 1994, Marong voted to drop the Supreme Court action, effectively in doing so voting itself out of existence, and on 7 April 1994, the Rural City of Marong was abolished, and along with the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk and the Shires of Huntly and Strathfieldsaye, was merged into the newly created City of Greater Bendigo. On 29 April 1994, the Minister confirmed the Bill was not being proceeded with. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_City_of_MarongEight page newspaper style council newsletter providing community updates, news and information. shire of marong, city of greater bendigo amalgamation, councillor phillip eddy, rural city of marong

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a Shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished through the amalgamation which took place between Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form the City of Greater Bendigo. This box would have been used to collect votes during council elections.Wooden, painted, lidded box with hinged opening lid. Central slit in lid to insert ballot papers. Front face painted in black and gold paint. Hinged at back of box with lock on front. Front of box Shire of / Marong / 21shire of marong

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a Shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished through the amalgamation which took place between Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form the City of Greater Bendigo. This box would have been used to collect votes during council elections.Wooden painted, lidded box with hinged opening lid. Central slit in lid to insert ballot papers. Front face painted in black and gold paint. Hinged at front of box with lock on back. Handle attached to the back.Front of box; Shire of / Marong / 21shire of marong

Kilpatrick and Co were London based Mathematical Instrument Makers, Opticians, Goldsmiths, Jewellers and Watchmakers who operated in Melbourne at various Collins Street addresses between 1876 and 1898. Believed to have been a part of the Shire of Marong's surveying equipment.Rectangular brass ruler with beveled edges and rollers on underside. Housed in custom made hinged wooden box. Centre front; Kilpatrick & Co., Londoncity of greater bendigo surveying, shire of marong

Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The theodolite has a long history, with the term first found in 1571 in a surveying textbook 'A geometric practice named Pantometria' by Leonard Digges. (source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite). Theodolites are used by surveyors as part of their everyday work and although there is no specific information regarding the provenance of this particular one it is assumed it was used locally by the Shire of Marong and / or the Lands Department. Edwin Watts started the company in 1856, trading up to 1920s as E.R. Watts & Son with E. R. Watts & Son Ltd amalgamating with Adam Hilger Ltd to form Hilger & Watts in 1948.0442.1 A black and grey theodolite no 39161 made by Watts & Sons. Various moving parts showing signs of extensive use particularly on the uprights on the main body and around knobs and dials where the paint is worn back to brass. Is housed in original box with key, oil container and pin. 0442.2 handwritten instructions for making adjustments to the Theodolite written on the back of Road Users' Association of Victoria letterhead note paper.Watts & Sons / London / 5974 For N H Seward / Melbournelands and survey department bendigo, shire of marong

Based in the Wales county of Montgomery Shire, Edward and Maureen Ann Story Jones produced crafted silver plated on pewter giftware under the range name The Silver Scenes in 1984. Well made, high quality and durable they produced items from 1984 - 2005. These items were probably gifts from visiting council representatives. Desk set of magnifying glass (0447.1) and paper knife (0447.2) with ornate handle, both sides featuring grapes and vines motifs.Both pieces are signed by hand 'MASJ © 93' (?) at top of handle. Paper Knife has 'Silver Scenes' engraved on blade.city of greater bendigo corporate gift

"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.