On note in photograph file: Laying the Foundation Stone of St Stephen's Rectory, High St, Rutherglen. "The foundation stone was laid on Wednesday, 21st June, 1905, before a large number of parishioners and visitors by Mrs T H Armstrong, wife of the Bishop of Wangaratta; Royston Ready presenting Mrs Armstrong with a silver trowel as a momento of the occasion." From - The Parish of St Stephen, Rutherglen 1863-1963. The Rector at this time was Rev A J E Harris-Rivett. St Stephens Rectory, High Street, Rutherglen. Mrs Armstrong, wife of the first Bishop laid the stone. Information from Father Angus Cooper - 1987Photograph of the laying of the foundation stone at St Stephens Rectory, Rutherglen, black & white, cardboard, unframed"D. Bennett, Platino Bromo, Rutherglen" On back of photo: "Laying of foundation stone of rectory of St Stephens Rutherglen"anglican church, st stephens church, royston ready, t h armstrong

Boroondara Cemetery, established in 1858, is within an unusual triangular reserve bounded by High Street, Park Hill Road and Victoria Park, Kew. By the 1890s, the Boroondara Cemetery was a popular destination for visitors and locals admiring the beauty of the grounds and the splendid monuments. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance for the graves, monuments and epitaphs of a number of individuals whose activities have played a major part in Australia's history. They include the Henty family, artists Louis Buvelot and Charles Nuttall, businessmen John Halfey and publisher David Syme, artist and diarist Georgiana McCrae, actress Nellie Stewart and architect and designer of the Boroondara and Melbourne General Cemeteries, Albert Purchas.Walking tour led by Kew Historical Society members for members of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in 1977. The photograph shows members of both parties assembled at a grave in the Cemetery. The photograph was one of six taken by KHS member Stewart West on that occasion, and subsequently donated by him to the collection by him.Reverse: "Front row in dark coat and glasses - Mrs Mills, With dark glasses reading - Mrs Ekberg (KHS member); Second from right Mr Slattery then president of Society; Far left Miss B Mackie (KHS member)" boroondara general cemetery, kew cemetery, walking tours

Boroondara Cemetery, established in 1858, is within an unusual triangular reserve bounded by High Street, Park Hill Road and Victoria Park, Kew. By the 1890s, the Boroondara Cemetery was a popular destination for visitors and locals admiring the beauty of the grounds and the splendid monuments. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance for the graves, monuments and epitaphs of a number of individuals whose activities have played a major part in Australia's history. They include the Henty family, artists Louis Buvelot and Charles Nuttall, businessmen John Halfey and publisher David Syme, artist and diarist Georgiana McCrae, actress Nellie Stewart and architect and designer of the Boroondara and Melbourne General Cemeteries, Albert Purchas.Walking tour led by Kew Historical Society members for members of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in 1977. The photograph shows a Kew youth placing a sprig of Rosemary on Ellen Quick's grave. The photograph was one of six taken by KHS member Stewart West on that occasion, and subsequently donated by him to the collection by him.Reverse: "Kew youth placing a sprig of rosemary on grave of Ellen Quick nee Derrick who was the first burial on 12/3/1859. Her family Derricks were early Kew Landowners." boroondara general cemetery, kew cemetery, walking tours, ellen quick, dannock family, kew pioneers

This skirt belonged to Miss Margaret Morison Ward Cole and was reportedly worn for her role as bridesmaid for the marriage of Miss Barkly, daughter of Sir Henry Barkly. George Ward Cole, father of Margaret, was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor The Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently sub divided and later demolished. Sir Henry Barkly was the second Governor of Victoria.A cream paper silk taffeta crinoline skirt c.1862. This skirt features a flat front across the front waistband but a gathered across the back. At the front it is floor length whilst at the back it features a small train. Presumably the skirt was concealed at the sides and back at the front features decorations that do not continue around the back. The front decoration consists of three tiers of pleated pale violet to pale pink silk ribbon with a deep drop of cream lace. The final lace tier is gracing the floor. st ninians, george ward cole, brighton, sir henry barkly, crinoline, bridesmaid, margaret morrison ward cole

This gown, one of two similar items in the collection belonged to one of the Ward Cole sisters, Miss Margaret Morison Ward Cole or Miss Agnes Bruce Ward Cole, daughters of George Ward Cole. George Ward Cole was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor the Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently sub divided and later demolished. A black and yellow velvet, wool, lace and silk dress from circa 1882. The bodice features a yellow silk, black lace and black velvet collar finishing high on the neck just below the chin finished with a black lace ruffle. The collar has a flap across the front of the throat that attaches at the side with a V-shaped baseline that contributes to concealing the fastenings of the bodice. The dress features a gathered central panel of black lace covered lemon silk, which falls from the neckline to the floor. At either side of this panel are matching panels of black velvet. The remainder of the dress and sleeves are made of black wool featuring a self-striped and spotted pattern. The dress fastens down the centre front with concealed black buttons hidden underneath the right velvet panel. The head of the Amadis sleeve sits on the natural shoulder line and finishes tightly at the elbow. The volume of the sleeve is created by ten pleats at the head of the shoulder, sewn to the bodice and is gathered at the elbow. The sleeve is finished with a black velvet ribbon with a bow and a black lace frill. The base of the dress is finished with a ruffle of the black dress wool. The dress features a small train. The dress is boned at the back waist and features an inset panel just below the waist of gathered fabric which forms the train. st ninians, george ward cole, visiting gown, brighton, margaret morrison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole

The general public was fascinated by the nightly 'Penguin Parade' on Phillip Island. Many articles have been written about the birds and the Penguin Parade attraction since the 1930s. So many people spent their summer holidays on Phillip Island in one of the many guest houses, then caravan parks and holiday homes and a visit to the Penguin Parade by them and their visitors was very common during their holidays. Articles tended to be a mix of basic penguin behavior information and anthropomorphic descriptions. Accompanying photographs were almost invariably taken by flashlight (now illegal), or of penguins taken from their burrows during daylight hours for photo opportunities. The article provides evidence of the level of knowledge about Phillip Island's Little/Fairy Penguins at this time. (approx 1960?)Photocopy of 2 page magazine article. Black print. Images poor quality due old photocopy.little penguins, fairy penguins, eudyptula minor, phillip island penguin parade, dorothy vernon, penguin rookery, penguin behaviour, phillip island tourist attractions

Bend of Islands is named after a group of small islands at a bend of the Yarra River near Watsons Creek. It is located near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locationn was a long time favourite spot for locals and visitors to fish and swim in the river. This is one of a series of four photographs that depict a mainly young group of people recreating in the area, particularly enjoying horse riding. Possibly weekend campers. Photos taken about 1926-1928. In 1938 "The Argus" advertised weekend cabins at the Bend of Islands estate 5-are Yarra Yarra frontage in the Christmas Hills Gorge ideal for weekend cabins. "Bathing, fishing, canoeing, shooting may be enjoyed in ideal surroundings". Black and white photograph (reproduction)Bend of Islands, c.1928 bend of islands, horse riding, camping, tent

Bend of Islands is named after a group of small islands at a bend of the Yarra River near Watsons Creek. It is located near the town of Kangaroo Ground. The locationn was a long time favourite spot for locals and visitors to fish and swim in the river. This is one of a series of four photographs that depict a mainly young group of people recreating in the area, particularly enjoying horse riding. Possibly weekend campers. Photos taken about 1926-1928. In 1938 "The Argus" advertised weekend cabins at the Bend of Islands estate 5-are Yarra Yarra frontage in the Christmas Hills Gorge ideal for weekend cabins. "Bathing, fishing, canoeing, shooting may be enjoyed in ideal surroundings". Black and white photograph (reproduction)Bend of Islands bend of islands, camping, tent, horse riding

As well as the usual Prefects’ duties, their assistance was required for frequent special occasions at the school in its early years, some involving overseas visitors who were given tours of the new school, it being the first co-ed technical school in Victoria and of a unique design. The school, known locally as Ringwood Tech School, Ringwood Tech, Ringy Tech, Ringers Tech, The Tech and RTS, began in 1958 and was hosted at various district schools until 1960, when the new school was completed at Heathmont. It was the first co-ed technical school in Victoria. The school underwent several name and role changes in later years, and finally closed in 2003.Black and White Photograph - RTS Prefects, 1963 Photograph from Ringwood Technical School photo album 21255 labelled “Ringwood Technical School 1963-’64 Class Photos”. (This record was also catalogued as 17091, replaced by this entry)Names: Top row: Patsy Bulstrode, ?, Irene Rye, Elaine Smith, Gary Dewar, Sandra Rudeforth. 3rd row: Robert Tann, Diane Trueman, Tom Derham, Gail Reddish, Trevor Kane, Denise Young, Stephen Alsop, Rosemary Dobrowolski. 2nd row: Ken Washfold, Carmen Powell, ?, Ann Bassett, Terry Keatch, Julie Stephens, John Wilson, Janice Hartley, Gavin Miller. 1st row: Richard Gardner, Derry Truman, Darryl Hodgkins, Principal: Mr E Heard, Teacher: Mr Doug Thomas, Janine Allen, Alan Cornhill, ?. rts, ringwood tech

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and is situated on Pall Mall, it was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering communication and postal services until 1997 and is now the Bendigo Visitor Centre. The Dead Letter Office, aka Mail Distribution Centre's job is to reunite the mail with their owners and to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the mail. This item is part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins.Printed brown paper which folds into an envelope.O.H.M.S / Postmaster - General's Department / P.M. 29. / Dead Letter Mail / Date Stamp / Office of Despatch / to the / Dead Letter Office / Enclosed are Articlested rankins collection, bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and is situated on Pall Mall, it was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering communication and postal services until 1997 and is now the Bendigo Visitor Centre. Clocks such as these were issued by the Post Master General's Department which was a department of the Australian federal government, established at Federation in 1901, whose responsibilities included the provision of postal and telegraphic services throughout Australia. It was abolished in December 1975 and replaced by the Postal and Telecommunications Department.city of greater bendigo post office

The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 16 pages.Front Page: the reporter / Ruyton / spring 1996 / PRINT POST / PP 341999 00026 / APPROVED / 12 Selbourne Road Kew / Telephone: 9819 2422 / Facsimile: 9818 4790 / R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / Self-Expression / Contents / Access to Success: Year 9 / Royce Hall Update / Grandparents' Day / POR Tennis Day / Visitors to School / The Grand Gala Dinner / News of Old Girls / STOP PRESS: Patrick McMahon Concert, 1st February, 1997 - Our celebration of the fabulous Neil Diamond. / Edited by: Deborah Forster /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school

Blck covered exercise book - secretary's record, Bachelor's Quadrille Assembly Secretary's minutes 16 April 1886 to 22 November 1888 Hand written minutes, attendance, accounts, and newspaper cuttings of the Assembly's Masked Balls 1 Quadrille Assembly's secretary's minutes/ accountsexercise book 2 inner cover with newspaper accounts of BQA's 16th annual masked ball 4th Srept 1888 3 BQA's minutes of cttee mtg held 19 March 1886 at the Crown Hotel 4 rear fly leaf with newspaper accounts of the BQA's The Bal Masque held at the Town Hall (undated); and the 15th masked ball 5 attendance of the first night of the first series 30th March 1886 (members, visitors & who sold tickets) ; with newspaper cutting of 15th annual masked ball at the Town Hall imposed over the attendance record

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents proposals put forward by Bob Hymans to develop facilities in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.A letter of application from Mr Hymans for the lease of land offered by the State Electricity Commission to develop a tourist hotel. His hotel would provide accommodation for 100 guests. It would contain a dining-room seating 140 and cater for guests and day-visitors. Other facilities included a lounge, public-bar and lounge-bar facilities. A private lounge for reception would also provide guest and convention facilities. His project was designed as a year-round resort hotel. As well as serving as a winter sports hotel, the plan featured indoor facilities including a heated swimming pool, squash courts, bowling alley and sauna bath. Stables, a tennis court and boats would also attract year-round tourism. The budgeted cost was £130,000 plus bowling alley equipment. He planned that construction would commence in October, 1963 and be completed in June, 1965.falls creek tourist area management committee, hymans' hotel plans, falls creek development

This item was bought as a souvenir of Warrnambool in the mid 20th century when cigarette smoking was more widespread and was socially acceptable. Tourism in Warrnambool has been an important industry for over 100 years. In the late 19th century Warrnambool was promoted as a spa resort with its mild climate, sea bathing and its hot and cold sea water baths complex. Today visitors come in winter for the May Racing Carnival and to see the Southern Right whales at Logans Beach and in summer they come for a beach holiday. The image on the dish shows the Warrnambool Hopkins River near its mouth. The boatshed is no longer there with sections of the building being relocated to a site in Henna Street and used for indoor recreational purposes.This ash tray is retained as an example of a local tourist souvenir sold to tourists in the 1960s. This is a small white china dish made in an oval shape and slightly raised from the surface on which it sits. The ends of the dish have four gold coloured indents for stubbing cigarettes. There is a gold rim around the edge of the dish and a coloured image of the old boat shed and jetty on the Hopkins River in Warrnambool. On the base of the dish is the logo of the maker and printed details.Warrnambool Hopkins River Alka Kunst Bavaria tourism in warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Presentations by Harry Gilham and Jim Connor of Eltham District Historical Society and Noel Withers and Sue Ballantyne of Greensborogh Historical Society. EDHS Newsletter No. 207 November 2012 Following on from a suggestion by Harry Gilham, our Society will host a joint meeting with members of the Greensborough Historical Society at the Eltham Courthouse on Saturday 8 December, between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. We are pleased to have developed a good working relationship with the recently established Greensborough Historical Society and look forward to welcoming their members to Eltham. This meeting will focus on the Eltham Courthouse and its former use. We encourage all EDHS members to attend and share time with our visitors. Afternoon tea will be provided.15 Born Digital images (on CD-R)adrian jones, alan butler, alison delaney, doug orford, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, greensborough historical society, harry gilham, jim allen, jim connor, joan castledine, maureen jones, noel withers, richard pinn, society meeting, sue ballantyne, sue law

View of Greensborough from Willis Vale. The people in the photograph were visitors and not identified. Willis Vale: House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. Land use included farming and orchards. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough. [Ellen died on 13/10/1903 - Some think this photo is thought to have been taken shortly after, at her funeral.]Digital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, greensborough, partington family

This is a souvenir mug produced for visitors to the ‘Mary Rose’ Exhibition in Warrnambool (December 1994 to February 1995). The ship ‘Mary Rose’, built in Portsmouth, England in 1509-10, was historically of major significance. She was the spearhead of a master plan to give England superiority on the high seas. Using new technology of the time, heavy artillery was mounted on the lower decks of this ship and this overloaded the ship. In 1545 she sank in Portsmouth Harbour with the loss of 700 lives as she was about to set sail to defend the English against the French invaders. In 1982 the hull of this ship was raised to the surface and the contents recovered. Over 200 items from the wreck were brought to Warrnambool and displayed in 1994-5 at the Warrnambool Art Gallery. This mug is of interest as it is a memento of the ‘Mary Rose’ Exhibition held in Warrnambool in 1994-5. This exhibition was an important event in the 1990s in Warrnambool and attracted many visitors. This is a cream-coloured china mug with a handle and a raised black and cream image of the ‘Mary Rose’ ship on one side and printed material in brown on the other side. It has the distributor’s name on the bottom with a map of Victoria and a brown dot showing the location of Warrnambool. It is a souvenir of the ‘Mary Rose’ Exhibition held in Warrnambool in 1994-5. “Mary Rose” Exhibition Warrnambool 1994-1995 Lady Bay Creations Warrnambool Australia mary rose ship, mary rose exhibition in warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Opening of Eltham Library by The Hon. R.J. Hamer, E.D., M.P. (right) and Cr. G.C. Dreverman. The Eltham Branch of the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was opened on 17 August 1971 by Victoria’s Chief Secretary R. J. Hamer. The library was designed by the firm Leith and Bartlett and was the southern wing of the Shire of Eltham Offices in Main Road Eltham. Visitors entered a “book plaza” which embodies the display techniques of a bookshop. Through this area was located a quieter area for reference and the more “purposeful” reader. The library was opened as part of the Shire of Eltham’s centenary celebrations. The library and Shire Offices were demolished exactly 25 years later in 1996. The current library was opened in 1994.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, eltham library, opening day, cr. g.c. dreverman, the hon. r.j. hamer, rupert hamer

A tankard mug that was produced for Legacy to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It is unknown how many of these mugs were made. It is unlikely they were for fundraising. Perhaps just for Legatees to keep. Also found reference to it in a newspaper article published 7 December 1953. The article mentions: Two hundred members and visitors who attended the 30th annual dinner of the Legacy Club in Union House on Saturday night received a pleasant surprise. Each person at the dinner was given a Coronation pint tankard with a figure of the Queen's head on it. The 'surprise' came from a Legatee - Mr H Greenway - a Blackburn pottery manufacturer. They had already produced other mugs for Legacy, including one of Stan Savige.The item records the importance Legacy placed on the coronation of the new Queen that they commissioned Legacy imprinted commemorative mugs for the occasion.Cream coloured ceramic mug produced to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11, in 1953.Relief portrait of Queen Elizabeth 11 under which is etched Coronation 1953 on the other side is a relief image of the Legacy Torch and Weath of Laurel. Underside of mug has the manufactures name - E.G. Greenway Pty Ltd.coronation, souvenir, queen elizabeth

Nino Corda was a Geelong based textile designer who worked at various textile mills between 1957 & 2003. He travelled the world in search of the latest fashions and techniques and developed timeless designs that were much loved by Australians. These items are on rotational display at the National Wool Museum’s ‘In the Factory’ exhibition. For many years, Nino also worked as part of the Honorary Staff of the National Wool Museum. His passion for the world of textiles provided energy and knowledge to the visitors and staff of the museum. Although Nino has now retired from his honorary position and has hung up his Australian Tartan vest, these items will continue to serve the community in sharing the stories of Australian Textile design.Custom made wooden hinged box with a hook latch. Brass yarn spinner, attached to a mahogany wood plinth base, which spins fibre into cord/yarn/thread. It has dials to set the rate that it spins. Metal plaque with black inlaid enamel lettering. Small cork inlay. Brass rod with hinge and wingnut, and ball at end. Ball at end has an adjustment mechanism. Rod also has an adjustable circular collar. Pair of curved tweezers. Circular magnifying glass on long thin handle. Glass has two concave lenses. Weaving sample in shades of blue, green and brown. Twill weave. Alternate pattern samples separated by red thread.Brass plaque on base of spinner: 42 MARKET St / John Nesbitt / REGd TRADE MARK / LIMd / MANCHESTER Underside of wooden plinth: 4976apparatus, textile, testing, spinning, nino corda, magnifyer, tools, brass, mahogany, tweezers, yarn, spinner, design, john nesbitt, manchester, england, 19th century, engineering, manufacturing

On November 21, 2010 Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA) hosted an annual public open day at its National Kennel and Puppy Centre in Kensington. People were invited to learn more about SEDA and participate in guided tours where they could explore the extensive facilities, which featured a rehabilitation therapy pool, breeding centre, public viewing platform directly into the heart of its kennels and puppy play centre. Demonstrations of Seeing Eye Dogs at work helped visitors gain a better understanding of how SEDA helps to transform the lives of people who are blind or have low vision, and potentially how they can contribute to the $30,000 cost required to train a Seeing Eye Dog.379 digital photographs of SEDA open day in 2010seeing eye dogs australia, fundraising, leona holloway

There are 17 opal fields in Australia. This opal bearing stone was found in Lightning Ridge, NSW over what is known as the Great Australian Basin. This basin was formed and covers an area of 1.7 million square kilometers in eastern Australia in the Cretaceous period. This basin used to contain an inland sea, which provided an environment where silcrete eventually formed when water levels changed. This eventually seeped into other structures, and eventually hardened and formed opal. Lightning Ridge has a population of around 2000 people, with about 80 000 visitors every year. It is a historic mining town, and is known for its deposits of a rare black opal. Mining started in the area in the late 1800s, early 1900s when the black opal was discovered. This opal-bearing stone is of social and historical significance. It is from Lightning Ridge, which is well-known for being a large producer of opal stones, most famously black opal. The history of the period dates back to 140 million years, with the discovery of black opal in the early 1900s causing interest in the area. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.***A palm-sized solid mineral specimen in shades of beige and light orange*** silica based? burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, opal, opal fields, australia, lightning ridge, new south wales, great australian basin, cretaceous, silcrete, black opal, mining