In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.The Ajax Exercise Book, faint lined each page, 24 pages with handwriting in ink; last six pages blank"Eltham Hall" written in ink on top of pencil stating "Mrs Lyon"arthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, main road, maria street, minute book

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Note Book; hard black covers with red fabric spine, faint lined each page, 56 pagesarthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, main road, maria street, minute book

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Printed card 5 copies numbered 68, 176, 201, 216 and 217 10.5 x 15.7 cmarthur street, eltham public hall, gala opening ball, main road

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Single pagearthur street, eltham public hall, fundraising, main road

South-West Riding of the Shire. Voting booth at Recreation Hall, Ringwood

MR C.J. HARVEY WAS THE FIRST MANAGER OF THE "CLUNES MINE" P.GLU CO.IT COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON HILL ABOVE VICTORIA PARK IN 1913. MR. HARVEY MADE A DONATION OF A BEAUTIFUL MARBLE STATUETTE ENTITLED"TRAGEDY" TO CLUNES TOWN HALL. FEB. 1913PHOTOGRAPH OF MR. CHARLES HARVEY, THE FIRST MINE MANAGER AT CLUNES BLACK SUITED, WHITE BEARDED, WHITE HAIRED GENTLEMAN STANDING - OCCASIONAL TABLES, FRAMED MIRROR AND COLUMNS IN BACK GROUND. 2 COPIES OF THE SAME PHOTOGRAPH: .1 IS MOUNTED ON A BOARD - ON THE BOTTOM: MR. J. HARVEY - FIRST MANAGER OF PORT PHILLIP MINES .2 A SMALLER PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTED ON GREY CARDBOARDMR. C.J. HARVEY. SHIRE OF TALBOT AND CLUNES.local history, mining, charles harvey, c.j. harvey

Dark timber frame with a glass front. Inside is a piece of timber taken from the Portland Drill Hall. Underneath the mounted timber is a label with the Glenelg Shire logo on it.Label: Identification Mark by the Portland Drill Hall (orderly room) carpentry contractor G. & A. Findlay. Dated 16 February 1888 Piece of timber in pencil script: G. & A Findlay/ 16 Feb / 1888portland drill hall, portland, findlay, portland builder, portland businesses, 1800s

This report is a re-evaluation of the Historical Survey: Shire of Stawell as undertaken by the Stawell and Halls Gap Historical Societies in June 1990.Yellow Card cover with black print and black plastic bindingFinal Document Prepared for the Shire of Stawell and Heritage Victoria Shire of Stawell Study of Selected Heritage Sites Prepared by Tom Hutchison and Denise Thornson November 1994stawell heritage

Bright Yellow card cover & white white paper with titleHistorical Survey Shire of Stawell June 1990stawell heritage

The Sunbury Gun was originally donated to the Shire of Bulla by the Clarke family. For many years it stood at the intersection of Barkly, Stawell and Macedon Streets. Over the years it became very dilapidated and as traffic along Macedon Street gradually increased it was decided to refresh and relocate it to a triangular site opposite the Memorial Hall in 1970. In March 1982, the weathered Sunbury Gun was restored and housed in an atmospherically controlled glass case and displayed again in the triangular site opposite the Memorial Hall along with the War Memorial and the Starkie fountain.A non-digital black and white photograph of a gun in a large building.sunbury gun, memorial hall, clarke family, stawell street, barkly street

Retiring councillors entertained by Shire President following the establishment of the Shire of Blackburn and Mitcham in 1925. Speeches made by many councillors in response to president's proposal of toast to the new shire.local government, young cr, shire of nunawading, shire of blackburn and mitcham, armstrong cr, boyland cr, ellingworth john richard, blood cr, fankhauser cr, husband cr, bayley cr, hurter cr, halliday cr, stevens cr, gawler cr, baker cr, hall cr, horkings cr

The photograph was taken at the Sunbury Presentation Ball in c1940. The participants are Back row L-R - 1. Ron Forbes, ---, ---, ---, ---, Bernie McMahon, ---, ---, ---,---. Front Row L-R: ---, ---, ---, 4. Thelma Dunn, 5. Pat Hayes, ---, 7. Mary Morrison, 8. Judy McDougall, ---, ---. Flower Girl Fay Webb and Page Boy Alan Webb are standing in front of the group.Debutante Balls were popular annual social events that were usually staged by the local Sunbury community or the Shire of Bulla. They were held in the Memorial Hall and were well attended by people in the district. A non-digital black and white photograph with a cream border showing ten debutantes and their partners along with the flower girl and page boy posing for a photograph.debutante balls, sunbury, faye webb, alan webb, ron forbes, bernie mcmahon, thelma dunn, pat hayes, mary morrison, judy mcdougall, flower girls, page boys

The twenty five debutantes made their debut in Sunbury at the Memorial Hall late c1950s or early 1960s. Mrs Aitken trained the girls for the event.Debutante Balls were a popular annual event in the local Sunbury community and were well attended. They were organised by the Community and/or the Shire of Bulla,A non-digital black and white photograph of twenty five debutantes with their teacher posing for their official photograph. The names of some of the participants have been listed on the back of the photograph.debutante balls, debutantes, sunbury, memorial hall, mrs. aitken

2 Souvenir booklets from the official opening of Bundoora Public Hall on 1st June 1968. One is in original unopened commemorative envelope featuring the coat of arms of the Shire of Diamond Valley. The brochure opens to a 3 page double sided document outlining the history of the original public hall in Bundoora, describing the new building and also shows a plan of the same. Accompanied by a 9 page foolscap list of guests at the opening. Entries are mostly typed, but some have been added by hand. Records the attendees at and program for opening of Bundoora Public Hall. The list of names includes many prominent Diamond Valley people.History of Bundoora Public Hall and the previous hall built in 1923.Booklet and list. The print is in red brown ink on a background that is variously white or blue.bundoora, neville telfer, w a anderson, shire of diamond valley, bundoora hall

The St Andrew Charlton Presbyterian Church was built in 1871 by James Patterson, a contractor and grazier of Nardoo Park, Woosang. Dismantled in 1889 to clear area for St Andrews Village, Hall built in 1913.Colour Photo of St Andrews Presbyterian Church c.1987charlton presbyterian church, james patterson, church, presbyterian, pastoral care, manse

The Kurting State School No 2353 opened in 1881. The name changed to Hope Creek State School in 1893 and then in 1928 became the Powlett State School. The school burnt down in 1944 with school being held in the hall until the end of 1945. In 1946, the children of the area were bused to Inglewood. [Kurting - 808, Kurting - 2026 and Kurting - 2353]A plaque indicating the site of the Kurting Primary School. Site of Kurting State School N0. 2026 1878 - 1947 Project of Loddon Shire Council 2-4-2000kurting, kurting state school, kurting primary school

Mokebilla Station. Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. Charles Browning Hall was at the station for a short period in about 1840-41. Horatio Wils purchased Lexington from C.B. Hall in 1842. To this he added the stations of Larose and Mokebilla. Part of the property still remains along the Halls Gap Rd, by the bridge over the Mount William Creek. Note that the spelling has changed over the years and it is currently known as Mokepilly. Looking across water to Homestead and outbuildings behind large Gum Trees.stawell

Wesleyan Church Main Street Reefs. Opened 1863. Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. This brick church, later known as the Wesley Centre, was opened for service on Christmas Day 1863. It was situated in the Main Street alongside the Town Hall which was constructed in 1872. The church was demolished for a car park in the 1980’s. Brick church building with two ornate towers beside front doors.stawell religion

Saw Mills Halls Gap (Childe’s Glenbower Creek). Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. During the years of gold, the hardwood forests around Stawell were ravaged to provide timber for the mines. It was used undergrounds to shore up workings, and millions of feet of it were fed into furnaces and kilns in which the quartz was roasted. In the years after the gold boom, hardwood from the Grampians was milled for building timber. Wherever there are large tracts of natural bushland, fires are always a danger. A huge fire in January 1939 caused havoc in the Grampians, burning out towns and sawmills such as the one pictured. There have been no sawmills in the Grampian since that fire. stawell industry

Grampians Halls Gap. Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. From about 1860 there was agitation for a water supply, not only for Stawell but for the Wimmer Mallee as well. In 1887 Wartook was adopted as the first reservoir for the Wimmer. Stawells water supply was designed by Mr. John D’Alton. The scheme came from Fyan’s Creek via Wooden Fluming and a Syphon and finally through the mountain in a tunnel, before being piped to a reservoir on Big Hill. The system was completed in December 1881 and although there have been modifications, basically it has not been changed to this day. The Wimmera Mallee stock and domestic system from the Grampians is the largest system of its kind in the world, the latest edition being like Belfield and piping of Wimmera channels. stawell

Grampians Halls Gap (Barney’s Castle). Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. In 1880 a branch line from Stawell Railway Yards was built to Heatherly Quarry, to carry stone for part of Parliament House Melbourne, the GPO in Elizabeth St, the Harbour Trust buildings, additions to the Melbourne Town Hall, the Stawell Courthouse Patrick Street and the Stawell Catholic Church in Patrick St. The line was taken over by the Railways Department in June 1905 and was closed in March 1949. It has since been removed but remnants of the machinery and buildings are visible at the quarry site. stawell

Grampians Hall’s Gap (Chautauqua Peak). Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. It is recorded in the history of the Presbyterian Church of Stawell, that one fine piece of organisation by Rev. E.C. Tennant in the early 1890’s was a Chautauqua, or religious conference at the Grampians. Many of the religious leaders of Victoria gathered for the purpose of discussion, conference and spiritual enrichment. So great was the impression made, that a peak in the Grampians was named Chautauqua Peak. stawell

Grampians Entrance to Halls Gap. Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. Halls Gap is named after Charles Browning Hall. In his letter to Joseph Latrobe he gives no clue about his early life except that he was a stock herder as early as 1837. He held two runs in the Wimmer district, that of La Rose and Mokebila in the Grampians (1841 to 1842). He then moved to the Clunes area in 1851. He was a member of the Carisbrook Magistrates Bench. stawell

Grampians Halls Gap (Wonderland Range). Part of a collection of Photographs by Mr. O.G. Armstrong as commissioned by the Shire of Stawell for the Inter-colonial and Paris Exhibition in Melbourne in 1866. Although little is known of the lifestyle of the Grampians, Aborigines. Evidence of their thousands of years occupation exists in the form of campsites and Ochre and Pipeclay drawings on the smooth surfaces of rock shelters. There are 40 or more aboriginal art galleries known to be in the Grampians, most of which have been discovered in the past 25 years. Some of these shelters are accessible to visitors. stawell

Ernest James Andrew was the son of William Bravery and Ellen Andrew. The Andrews moved to Eltham in the 1850s and opened a produce store on "Policeman's Hill", at the corner of Maria Street (now Main Road) and Franklin Street. William took a lively interest in the public affairs of the town and district, and with his wife Ellen continued to run the store for some fifty years. He died in 1907 and is buried with his wife in Eltham Cemetery. Ernest took over the business, which became a general store and newsagency. Later, it shifted to the main Eltham shopping centre as a combined newsagency and haberdashery/clothing shop. The original weatherboard building at the corner of Franklin Street was replaced around 1940 by a brick structure, which is now a cafe called Zen Den. Ernie too was married to an Ellen and they lived in Arthur Street at so-called "Cook's Cottage" (due to its resemblance to Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens). He was an Eltham Shire Councillor between 1920 and 1950 and was Shire President for 1930 and 1947 as well as a Trustee for the Eltham (Public) Hall in Henry Street from the time it was purchased in 1922 until 1940. Andrew House at Eltham High School and Andrew Oval in Diamond Street are named after him. Ernie died in 1950 and is buried with Ellen in Eltham Cemetery. In his Will he made provision to the Eltham War Memorial Trust for funding of the Eltham War Memorial Gates – “These Memorial Gates were donated by the Late Cr. And Mrs E.J. Andrew”. In Memory Of Ellen Beloved Wife of E.J. Andrew Died 13th July 1946 Faithfull Always Also the Above Ernest James Andrew Died 29th March 1950 Councillor Shire of Eltham 30 YearsRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsKodak GC 400-9eltham cemetery, gravestones, councillors, ellen andrew, ernest james andrew, shire of eltham

Meeting to discuss the Nillumbik Shire Council's proposed sale and devlopment of the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road as well as the Eltham War Memorial including the Maternal and Infant Welfare Centre, Eltham Pre-school and Eltham War Memorial Hall and Memorial Gardens at 903-907 Main Road which also includes thje Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre. The meeting was attended by more than 300 people which considered the following: Motion from public meeting – Saturday 13th October, 2018 1. This meeting has no confidence in Nillumbik Shire Council's proposed process for the re-development of 895 and 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham and we deplore the cursory attention given to public consultation to date. 2. We call on Council: *to preserve the Eltham War Memorial building complex at 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham, and retain their existing uses in accordance with the Eltham War Memorial Trust purpose; and retain the Cenotaph and Eltham Senior Citizens' Centre. * to retain council ownership of all land at 895 and 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham for our community and future generations. * following meaningful engagement with residents of the Shire, to place sufficient planning controls on the site of the former Eltham Shire Office to ensure that any future development of that land responds to Eltham's form and character and properly protects public amenity, access and use. * to make all proposals for the development of 895 and 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham available for public inspection as soon as they are received by Council. Moved: Greg Johnson Seconder: Andrew Lemon * carried unanimously1:28:52 duration Digital MP3 File 30.5 MB 895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road0:37:56 duration Digital MP3 File 13.0 MB 895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Guest speaker Chad Griffiths (at 0:18:30), a former planning manager with 17 years' experience at Nillumbik Shire Council discusses what can and cannot be done with the Eltham War Memorial and former Shire Office sites. Guest speaker Andrew Lemon, Historian, former President of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and a former board member of Heritage Victoria (0:46:45), discusses the unique aspects of the Eltham War Memorial site and the current submission to Heritage Victoria and process for heritage listing protection. Note: Andrew Lemon's presentation was interrupted between 1:05:00 to 1:06:10 and again at 1:08:00 to 1:11:40 due to a medical emergency involving a member of the audience.1:44:33 duration Digital MP3 File 36.8 MB 895 main road, 903-907 main road, agm, andrew lemon, chad griffiths, community meeting, ecag, eltham activity centre, eltham community action group, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, precinct 3, precint 4, senior citizen's centre

The new Eltham Library was opened 22 May 1994 and celebrates its 30th anniversay in 2024. This audio recording, presented by Harry Gilham, President of Eltham District Historical Society at the time of the opening is a summarised history of the Eltham Library service to 1994. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency come haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111Digital file only recorded from Audio Cassette tape on loan Converted to MP3 file; 11.1MB, 0:08:49eltham library, opening, harry gilham, harry gilham collection, 1994, audio cassette, audio recording