Don Neil sold his shoe business to care for properties and be involved in local Eltham politics as a Councillor. Contents Newspaper article: "Farmer Don: success with social conscience", The Valley Voice, 2 May 1979. Background of Don Neil. Newspaper article: "And the building begins...", The Valley Voice, 2 May 1979. Alistair Knox outlines the establishment of Dunmoochin Artists'Society.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdon neil, to neil, eltham shire council, shoe manufacturing, green wedge, alistair knox, dunmoochin artists' society, cilfton pugh, myra skipper, joe hannan, cottrle's bridge, belot family

James Johnston settled at Kangaroo Ground in 1849. His nephew James Mess joined him and a descendant Robert James Mess changed his surname to Ness. The family became active in all aspects of Kangaroo Ground life. Contents Text (handwritten and transcribed): "The Ness Family, Kangaroo Ground", Joy Ness, 1989. Newspaper article: "True pioneer stock", Diamond Valley News, 2 March 1982. History of the Mess/Ness family Newspaper article: "Ness family are keepers of 140 years of historical knowledge", Diamond Valley News, 4 February 1986. History of Joseph Stephenson and descendants. Newspaper article: "Joy Ness paints native flowers for posterity". Diamond Valley News, 21 October 1986. Life and career of Joy Ness as painter. Newspaper article: "His Cup runneth of with Joy", ?Diamond Valley Leader, 6 December 2000. Bruce and Joy Ness celebrate 60th wedding anniversary. Pencil sketch by Joh Ebeli no date but pre 2004: Portrait of Joy Ness dressed for the Historical Society Parade. Order of Service: Thanksgiving service for the life of Robert Bruce Ness 22 January 1917 / 28 June 2004. Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no date: "Robert Bruce Ness 1917-2004", obituary and extract from Joy Ness's history of the family. Copy of letter from Joh Ebeli to Gwen Orford, no date but ~2004: Describes drawings he made of Robert Bruce Ness when taking part in Diamond Valley Arts Society float and enclosed 3 drawings and a photograph of drawing of the bakers (corner Main Road and York Street Eltham). Eltham District Historical Society newsletter September 2013: "Vale Joy Ness", obituary and extract from Diamond Valley News article of 6 December 2000.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcness family kangaroo ground, james johnston, kangaroo ground, pretty hill farm, wellers hotel, betsy sadler, ingleside kangaroo ground, james mess, jane stevenson, ness lane kangaroo ground, view hill kangaroo ground, stte savings bank agency, ruth lettice gosling nee mess, kangaroo ground state school, garden hills kangaroo ground, william mess, joseph mess, isabella mess, james johnson mess, ruth ettie mess, george mess, alexander mess, janes mess, robert david mess, heidelberg agricultural show, diamond creek agricultural show, rober james ness, pearl ness nee mills, william mills, sabina mills, robert bruce ness, beryl ness, vera ness, donald ness, kangaroo ground presbyterian church, kangaroo ground cemetery trust, kangaroo ground tennis club, professor osborne, doctor osborne, joseph stevenson, joy ness, kangaroo ground fire brigade, bruce ness, country fire authority, ship wellington 1837, diamond creek, david christmas, christmas hills, andres harkness, samuel furphy, andrew ross, caledonian gold fields, queenstown now st andrews, mother coleman of kangaroo ground, diamond valley arts society, winifred joy ness, andrew ross museum, eltham art show

Elizabeth Nettleton, with husband Geoff Mosley and son Will, moved to Hurstbridge and found creative energy for her art, specialising in rugs. In late 1980s she made 13 rugs for Parliament House Canberra, but returned to painting Contents Newspaper article: "Art and the city girl", Diamond Valley Leader, 9 March 2003. Elizabeth Nettleton's exhibition "A Period of Transition" at Art Streams gallery, Warrandyte.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcelizabeth nettleton, geoff mosley, art streams gallery warrandyte, parliament house canberra

David Newbury, artist of Eltham, son of artist Peter Newbury, is retiring from teaching at Melbourne State College. He remembered the Eltham of his childhood. A E (Peter) Newbury, artist of Eltham, influenced by Frederick McCubbin and Walter Withers, later by the work of Max Meldrum. Contents Newspaper article: "Artist with a claim to fame", Diamond Valley News, 7 December 1982. Describes David Newbury's life and career. Pages 116-117 from "Pioneers & Painters" by Alan Marshall: Life of A E (Peter) Newbury and son David Newbury.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdavid newbury, peter newbury, frederik mccubbin, walter withers, max meldrum, percy leason, botlon street eltham, eltham primary school, swinburn technical school, national gallery school, melbourne state college, royal melbourne institute of technology, clare newbury, a e (peter) newbury, richard mccann, eltham hotel, bill withers, walter dobson

Bertha Metzeling, at 91, emigrated from Sri Lanka to Australia to join other family members. Contents Newspaper article: " 'Elder lady' enjoys new lifestyle", Diamond Valley News, 15 July 1986. Describes Bertha Metzeling's life in Sri Lanka until she emigrated to Australia, aged 91, and her life now.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcbertha metzeling, sir lanka

Ross Newton, a painter and Eltham resident, stood for Mt Pleasant Ward, Nillumbik Shire Council in 1997. Contents Newspaper article: "Eltham Painter," Diamond Valley News, 12 March 1997. Ross Newton's exhibition of painting is at the Eltham Library Exhibition Space. Election flier, Ross Newton, Nillumbik Shire Council election 15 March 1997.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcross newton, eltham library exhibition space

Montmorency resident, Rev Alan Nichols worked as a crime reporter then as a priest n Burma, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, South Africa and Kenya; he was deputy chairman of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre board and writing a book on the West Papuan refugees who came to Australia by canoe in January 2006. Contents Newspaper article: "A life close to violence," Diamond Valley Leader, 21 March 2007. Outlines Rev Alan Nichols past work and current activities.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcalan nichols, west papuan refugees 2006

Montmorency resident, Denise Nichols awarded an Australia Day honour for 20 years of service to humanitarian aid programs assisting women and refugees including those in Kosovo and Thailand, and organisations including the United National High Commission for Refugees and Oxfam. Contents Newspaper article: "Aid: Denise Nichols," Diamond Valley Leader, 27 January 2010. Outlines Denise Nichols work and and her Australia Day honour.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdenise nichols

Cleo Macmillan provided copies of photographs relevant to Janet Nield and Koornong School, which came from Audrey Cahn and Mrs Pat Scott. Contents Letter, Cleo Macmillan to Russell Yeoman, enclosing copies of photographs relevant to Janet Nield and Koornong School, which came from Audrey Cahn and Mrs Pat Scott.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjanet nield, koornong school

Diamond Valley resident Julie Nihill is an actress. Contents Newspaper article :"Star's passion for role", Diamond Valley News, 29 January 1997, interview with Julie Nihill.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjulie nihill

Greensborough resident and painter Lief Nilsson came to Australia in 1969, after travelling from his native Sweden, England and Spain. Contents Newspaper article: "Saying it with painting", Diamond Valley News, no date, interview with Lief Nilsson.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etclief nilsson

The Nink family is one of the oldest in the St Andrews area. Ron Nink remembered his early life, especially schooling and the Depression. Contents Newspaper article: "Memories of St Andrews", Diamond Valley News, 15 November 1983, interview with Ron Nink for the 125th anniversary of the St Andrews Primary School.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcnink family of st andrews, ron nink, st andrews primary school

The Nink family is one of the oldest in the St Andrews area. Ron Nink remembered his early life, especially schooling and the Depression. Contents Newspaper article: "Memories of St Andrews", Diamond Valley News, 15 November 1983, interview with Ron Nink for the 125th anniversary of the St Andrews Primary School.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcnink family of st andrews, ron nink, st andrews primary school

Walter Bruce Nixon (20.11.1934-8.9.2012) lived at Yarra Glen and was a bus line owner. He also ran a company, Tarcoola Press, which published books on the history of the Nillumbik and Yarra Valley area, and generously supported organisations such as the Andrew Ross Museum and the C J La Trobe Society. Contents Newspaper article: "Revealed: the stark beauty of an early settlement", The Age, 19 November 1999, Bruce Nixon underwrote publication of a book of C J La Trobe's drawings and paintings of Melbourne. Newsletter extract: "Bruce Nixon: a boyhood in Ivanhoe", Heidelberg Historian No.270 June 2012, Bruce Nixon's memories of growing up in Ivanhoe from the 1930s and on Mick Woiwod's books. Order of Service: Walter Bruce Nixon, 14 September 2012. Flier: "Recent works by Mick Woiwod", notes the support provided by Bruce Nixon.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcbruce nixon, charles joseph la trobe, tarcoola press, waterdale road ivanhoe, ivanhoe state school, knox church ivanhoe, ivanhoe swimming club, donaldson family of kangaroo ground, thomson family of kangaroo ground, james bruce donaldson, james thomas donaldson, john donaldson, wallace thomson, george donaldson, james williams bushranger, andrew ross, andrew ross museum, mick woiwod, wurundjeri people of kangaroo ground, coranderrk healesville, walter bruce nixon

John (or James as he was known) and wife Sarah (nee Reynolds) lived in the Eltham or Research area about 1888. His father, John Norman, was the owner of a wine shanty "The Wallaby Arms"; his wife was Eliza; they are mentioned in the book "Pioneers and Painters". Contents Letter from Mrs L Phillips, Cockatoo, 1 June 1987: Seeking information about John Norman.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjohn norman, james norman, sarah norman (nee reynolds), elia norman, the wallaby arms wine shanty

Jo Norman, born 3 March 1946, remembers her father ploughing, with a draught horse, the family's 5 acres and using a kiln to make roof tiles. Her siblings were Alison and Richard. The family was closely involved with St Margaret's Church and the church's lay activities. Jo attended Eltham Primary School, later working at the Bank of NSW until she married Graham Norman in 1967. In 1981, Jo and Graham established a cleaning business. She has been contributed to St Margaret's in various roles. Contents Newsletter: "Wise faithful - Jo Norman", The Parish Matters, St Margaret's Anglican Church Eltham, No.1 April 2017, life and contributions of Jo Norman especially her involvement with St Margaret's Church.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjo norman, alison norman, richard norman, fr ian brown, eltham little theatre, st margaret's church eltham, eltham primary school, zen den cafe eltham, winifred long, david gibbons, graham norman, reverend claude longfield, eltham east primary school, frank west, wyn giggins, ziggy rozitis, eltham high school, st faiths kindergarten, melbourne rope quoits, fr val rogers, "carseburn" at arthurs creek

Joseph Benjamin North was a well-known professional musician in Melbourne in late 1800 to mid 1900s, teaching music and playing in what became the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He married Lucinda Matilda and their children were Tralford E and Camille D. With friend Leon Lambert, North purchased 60 acres of land around Karingal Drive and Sherbourne Road and built two houses; they paid for a wooden bridge for access. North eventually sold his house to a family named Green but later the land was sold to the Shire of Eltham, and it is now known as Meruka Park, and the house, Meruka House; Alan Gardner named the park. After Lambert's death, his property was bought by Fred Warne. Edley North was born in 1835, and died 26 March 1923; he married Caroline North, born 1835, died 23 July 1922. Edley's family migrated from England in 1859, settling in Adelaide. He was granted an allotment of 221 acres on Phillip Island 1868-1870. on 7 April 1874 he travelled to Pine Lodge and later moved his wife and five children. He and Caroline later moved to a small farm, Willow Grove in Eltham, purchased between 1905 and 1910 (first mentioned in the rate book in 1908 as being a house and 10 acres on Susan Street, and would also have had frontage on Brougham Street); Their daughter Violet Alice inherited it; she married Walter J Dobson around 1921; he died on 25 March 1948 aged 77 and Violet on 4 January 1947. Willow Grove was later purchased by A George and P Audrey Hester April/May 1947. Edley, Caroline and Violet are all buried in Eltham Cemetery. Marjorie Mary North was born in 1909 ; the family travelled in a horse-drawn waggon from Fitzroy to spend weekends in their little holiday house in Sherbourne Road on 10 acres of land. In 1933, she married Tralford Norman whose parents owned 62 acres of land including Meruka Park. Marjorie and Tralford lived in Looker Road, Montmorency; she died 7 February 2003. Contents Newspaper article: "When life centred on a weekender", Diamond Valley News, 25 September 1984, memories of Montmorency of Marjorie North. Newspaper article: "Worse floods seem likely", Diamond Valley News, 25 September 1984, floods in Eltham Handwritten notes: Information by Marjorie North's about her grandmother, September 1989. Handwritten and typed transcript: "J. B. North", by Marjorie North, history of Joseph Benjamin North. Letter: From Monash University to Marjorie North, 15 November 1989, being unable to assist with her enquiry about the meaning of name [unspecified in the letter but possibly Meruka] Letter: June Stanton (nee Hester) to Eltham District Historical Society, 17 February 1993, seeking information on her great grandfather Edley North and wife Caroline. Christmas card [attached to letter from June Stanton]: Line drawing Eltham Primary School 1856, text history of school Letter: Eltham Historical Society to June Hester, 11 June 1993, providing information held by the Society. Letter: Nancy Chandler (nee Williamson) to Jo McCormick 18 March 2001, providing information about Edley and Carline North, her great grandparents. Email: Patsy Moppett to Eltham District Historical Society October 2010: A photograph of Edley and Caroline North found, wish to return it to family. Family tree: North/Dobson family. Death notice: Marjorie May North, died 7 February 2003.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcmarjorie north, tralford norman, sherbourne road montmorency, looker road montmorency, briar hill, montmorency, catholic ladies college, merton hall, melbourne girls grammar school, ivanhoe girls grammar school, wesley college, meruka park, st helena road, st faith's anglican church montmorency, william sapsford, floods in eltham, joseph benjamin north, leon lambert, melbourne symphony orchestra, karingal drive, meruka house, alan gardner, lucinda matilda north, tralford e north, camille d north, montmorency cricket club, diamond creek, eltham railway station, judge book village, fred warne, edley north, caroline north, eltham cemetery., violet alice dobson (nee north), willow farm eltham, edley north family tree, walter john dobson family tree, nancy chandler (nee williamson), pine lodge, elijah north

Keith Nyberg began playing lacrosse at Eltham Primary School, later playing in the 1990 Australian lacrosse championships and in America; he played for the Eltham Lacrosse Club. Contents Newspaper article: "Rural life", Diamond Valley News, 3 September 1997, describing Keith Nyberg's career to date as a lacrosse player. Newspaper article: "Gold medal on agenda", Diamond Valley Leader, 7 August 2019, describing Keith Nyberg's career to date as a lacrosse player.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etckeith nyberg, eltham primary school, eltham lacrosse club

Patrick O'Connell died during the night after a fight at Eltham Hotel. He had been a student of Eltham High School; he was nephew of Bernie Geary. Contents Newspaper article: "Police proe pub brawl link in Eltham tragedy", The Age, 31 October 2015, describing incident and Patrick O'Connell's family connections.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcpatrick o'connell, eltham hotel, eltham high school, bernie geary

William Sinclair and Margaret nee Howard came to Panton Hill in 1903; they had eight sons and three daughters. Daughter Anne married Michael O'Day and raised a family with many grandchildren and great grandchildern. Anne was involved in causes at Panton Hill, especially for the blind. Son Ronald (Charlie) was captain of Panton Hill fire brigade; his wife Shirly and their three sons were also involved. Contents Newspaper article: "Mrs O'Day celebrates", Network, September 1887, describes O'Day family and connection to Panton Hill. Note: O'Day family also connected to Howard and Sinclair families and Sepp.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcwilliam sinclair, margaret sinclair (nee howard), panton hill, anne o'day (nee sinclair), don sinclair, ernest sinclair, jess singlair, lil sinclair, colin sinclair butcher hurstbridge, michail o'day, ronald (charlie) o'day, shirly o'day, ronald o'day, panton hill red cross, panton hill football club

Steve Odgers played wheelchair lawn bowls, being selected for the World Cerebral Palsy Games in the USA in 2005, coached by Graham Fraser. Contents Newspaper article: "Living out a dream", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 April 2005, describes Steve Odgers wheelchair lawn bowling careerNewspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcsteve odgers, wheelchair lawn bowls, world cerebral palsy games, eltham lions club, wheelchair sports australia, hurstbridge bowling club, graham fraser

Dr Richard (Charles) O'Keefe arrived in Australia on the Hastings, 17 March 1855 with his wife and family. Six and a half months later, he registered in the Medical Register of Vitoria 1 October 1855 (number 415), as a British graduate of Dublin University and a Licentiate of the Dublin Society of Apothecaries, conferred 27 April 1849. In 1856, he was on the electoral roll in the district of Evelyn as a surgeon and resident of Eltham. By the end of May 1858 he was living in Gunning NSW. Contents Email: Brett Lowe to Eltham District Historical Society, 1 December 2013, seeking information about the two years Dr O'Keefe was in Eltham.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcrichard (charles) o'keefe, eltham doctors, dublin society of apothecaries, dublin university

Eltham resident, Stephen O'Malley, as Melbourne Fire Brigade's multicultural liaison officer, teaches new arrivals to Australia about fire safety and emergency services in Australia. He was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2010 Australia Day Awards. Contents Newspaper article: "A great honour for firefighter Stephen O'Malley", Diamond Valley Leader, 27 January 2010, Stephen O'Malley awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in 2010 Australia Day Awards.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcstephen o'malley, metropolitan fire brigade

Craig Ondarchie, will stand for the seat of Eltham as a Liberal at the November 2010 election. His lives at St Helena, is a committee member of the North Eltham Wanderers Cricket Club, was Cricket Victoria's volunteer of the year in 2004, and was for 9 years school council president for Glen Katherine Primary School in Eltham North. Contents Newspaper article: "Lib candidate hopes to take crease for Eltham", Valley Weekly, 6 April 2006, Craig Ondarchie will contest seat of Eltham for Liberal Party at November 2006 election.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etccraig ondarchie, liberal party, st helena, north eltham wanderers cricket club, cricket victoria, glen katherine primary school eltham north

Bob and Barbara Owen operate a beekeeping business in Eltham. Bob published The Australian Beekeeping Manual. Contents Newspaper article: "Bob Owen", The Weekly Review, 28 October 2015, Bob and Barbara Owen operate a beekeeping business in Eltham.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcbob owen, barbara owen, beekeeping in eltham, the australian beekeeping manual

Peter Oyston died in 2011. His career included being Founding Dean of drama at the Victorian College the Arts and director of Playbox Theatre. He was a champion of theatre companies including The Murray River Performing Group, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, West Theatre and Theatreworks. He taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and directed more than 200 productions in Australia and other countries. He had one daughter. Contents Newspaper article: "Director takes his curtain call", Diamond Valley Leader, 19 October 2011, Obituary of Peter Oyston.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcpeter oyston, victorian college of the arts, bend of islands, playbox theatre, the fying fruit fly circus, theatreworks, royal academy of dramatic arts london, dominque oyston, ray mooney, west theatre, the murray river performing group

Joy and Michael Pagon moved to Research in 1975 and kept a diary of birds seen. They joined the Friends of Swipers Gully. Contents Newspaper article: "Friends of a feather", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 July 2005. Joy and Michael Pagon's birdwatching.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjoy pagon, michael pagon, friends of swipers gully, birdwatching

Joy and Michael Pagon moved to Research in 1975 and kept a diary of birds seen. They joined the Friends of Swipers Gully. Contents Newspaper article: "Friends of a feather", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 July 2005. Joy and Michael Pagon's birdwatching.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjoy pagon, michael pagon, friends of swipers gully

Charles Partington married Ellen Whatmough; they and their children, Robert and James, came to Australia in 1857 because Ellen's brother, Robert Whatmough, had come here in 1841. Whatmough was Melbourne's first lamplighter while also working in John Batman's Spencer Street orchard; he moved in 1842 to establish an orchard in Greensborough. Both Partington boys died soon after the family arrived at Greensborough but later two daughters were born, Prudina and Maria, and five sons, including William . On arrival Charles Partington began work for Mr Flintoff at Black Hills and was later toll keeper on what is now Watsonia Road. He was later a successful orchardist. William Partington married Annie-May Medhurst, daughter of David Medhurst and Martha Ruston, daughter of Peter Ruston who had settled in Greensborough in the 1850s after working for Mr Hooper in Darebin Creek, then moved to Panton Hill in 1866 working as a carrier. The Rustons had six children, including Martha and James. Martha married David Medhurst in 1882 who was the son of David Medhurst and Charity Jane Pink. After David's death, Charity Jane married George Wescott. David and Martha Medhurst had eight children, including Annie May. They bought land in Main Street, Greensborough and set up as a greengrocer. William and Annie-May Partington's family home, Willis Vale, purchased from Mr Meagher by William's father, Charles; it was built by Meagher in 1839 but destroyed by vandals in 1966 after being compulsory purchased for parkland now called Partington's Flat. Their children were Eva, Grace, Alan, Jessie, and Jack. They attended Greensborough Primary School. Alan married Wyn. Contents Newspaper article: "Link with the past", Diamond Valley News, 21 February 1984. Alan Partington's research on Robert Whatmough, early settler in Greensborough, and his brother-in-law Charles Partington. Newspaper article: "How early families linked up", Diamond Valley News, 28 February 1984. Alan Partington's research into the Ruston and Medhurst families. Newspaper article: "Old days recalled", Diamond Valley News, 13 March 1984. Alan Partington's research in the Partington family.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcalan partington, robert whatmough, watmough park greensborough, robert partington, james partington, elen partington nee whatmough, road tolls watsonia road, prudina partington, maria partington, william partington, willis vale, partington's flat greensborugh, mr meagher of greensborough, apollo parkways estate, charles partington, annie-may partington nee medhurst, david medhurst, martha medhurst (nee ruston), jack medhurst, peter ruston, hooper of darebin creek, greensborough hotel, james ruston, charity jane medhurst (nee pink), main street greensborough, eva partington, grace partington, jessie partington, jack partington, orchards in plenty river area, greensborough primary school, wyn partington, flintoff of black hills

Ian Patching lived in Wattle Glen. He worked in youth services, later Youth Services Co-ordinator and he worked at Edendale Community Farm in a community development role, As a contractor he worked at Montmorency Secondary College, Whittlesea Secondary College and Diamond Valley College (the later also with Peter Sartori aka Ticarno Sartori), He volunteered with Hurstbridge Youth Activity Centre with Jack Lawson and Martin Drews. Contents Email exchange 2014: Enquiry and research.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcian patching, youth services in eltham, edendale community farm, hurstbridge youth activity centre', wattle glen, jack lawson, martin drews, montmorency secondary college, whittlesea secondary college, diamond valley college, peter sartori, ticarno sartori