The reports were produced and readily distributed annually to a number of organisational stakeholders and included reports from the Committee, Chaplain, extracts of letters, Ladies auxiliary and a list of subscribers. In the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 24 February 1900, page 15: VICTORIAN SEAMEN'S MISSION The annual meeting of the Victorian Seamen's Mission was held in the institute at Port Melbourne last night. There was a fair attendance, the large proportion being ladies, and the chair was occupied by Sir Frederick Sargood MLC. Mr Hugh R Reid, the president of the institute, was also president. The annual report, which was lead and adopted, stated that the Seamen's Institute at Port Melbourne, and also the Sailors' Rest at Williamstown, had sustained their reputation for usefulness and attractiveness. The attendances had been very large at each place and 114 seamen had taken the pledge at the Port Melbourne Institute. Regreat was felt that owing to the preliminary steps having met with opposition in Parliament the building of the long contemplated additional institute near the Melbourne wharves was deferred but the project had not been abandoned. Large parcels of literature had been distributed gratuitiously among ships' crews and the concerts held for the entertainment of seamen had been very successful. The mission had been in existence for over 40 years. It aimed at promoting the temporal and spiritual welfare of seamen. It had been the means of completely eradicating "crimping" and the sailors' "boarding masters" curie, and otherwise removing many of the abuses which still exist in other ports. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, referred to the great benefits which seamen derived from the institute. He was particularly struck by the fact that during the past year close on 2,000 letters had been written by visiting seamen from the institute namely, 1,720 at Port Melbourne, and 261 at Williamstown. It was also a very note-worthy feature, which perhaps the residents of Williamstown might be able to explain that, whilst out of 49,567 attendances at the Port Melbourne institute 114 had taken the pledge there, there was not a single instance on record of the pledge having been taken at the Sailors' Rest, Williamstown, out of 8,218 attendances. (Laughter) Referring to the projected new institute near the wharves, he was amazed to find that its construction had been, according to the report, orefused by some of the labour members. He did not know the details of the matter, but was of opinion that there was no institution more deserving of the support of labour members than the one advocated. In his opinion, the representatives of labour should disown the action of their delegates in Parliament in this matter. (Cheers ) Selections of vocal and instrumental music were given during the evening.These reports were produced annually and include a number of smaller reports from the Executive Committee, Chaplain and auxiliary. They sometimes included photographs and a list of subscribers and amounts pledged. These reports provide an organisational overview as well as many stories of the people who populated the Mission to Seafarers.Handwritten in ink on top right hand corner: "F T Derham [indecipherable]" Handwritten in ink on bottom left hand corner: "Melbourne Sailors' Home" Cover back page written in black ink: W. Siddley Esq. / 529 Collins Street / Melbourneannual report, 1899, victorian seamen's mission, port melbourne, williamstown, sailors' rest, seamen's mission, mission to seafarers, seamen's institute, sailors' home, f.t. derham, reverend ebenezer james, whc darvall, frederick sargood, hugh r. reid, administrative document-annual report

The report was produced by and distributed to members, containing reports from the Committee, Chaplain, the Ladies Harbours Lights Guild, as well as a list of subscriptions and rules for the 1910 period. This copy is the first to feature images of all three main Mission venues established in Port Phillip pre WW1.Annual reports were published by the Mission to Seamen each year, and included reports from all seamen's missions and organisations in Victoria, as well as associated groups, such as the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild. These reports provide documentation of the activities conducted by the Mission, as well recording the people involved.written in pencil: MTS0235 (Front cover)1910, annual report, victorian seamen's mission, williamstown, sailors' rest, port melbourne, siddeley street, central institute, seamen's institute, mission to seafarers, melbourne, administrative document-annual report

The silver trowel was used for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. It was donated to the Old Colonists' Associaiton in 1906. The Old Colonists' Association minutes noted 'Mrs Murray handed to the Secretary the silver trowel presented to the late President on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall.' The silver trowel was used for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. It was donated to the Old Colonists' Associaiton in 1906. The Old Colonists' Association minutes noted 'Mrs Murray handed to the Secretary the silver trowel presented to the late President on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall.' "THE OLD COLONISTS' HALL. The foundation-stone of the building to be erected by the Old Identities’ Association, in Lydiard street, was next laid with the usual ceremonies. This was immediately adjoining the foundation-stone of the Mining Exchange building. Mr J. Graham presented Mr Murray with a silver trowel, bearing the following inscription:—“ Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Presented to J. P. Murray, Esq., president of the Old Colonists’ Association, on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of their new hall, Ballarat, 21st June, 1887.” Mr Graham said he thought the pioneers of such a city were quite right in erecting a building that would be a home for them while they lived, and a memorial of them when they were no more. Mr J. Fraser, secretary, read the followin'- report:— “Mr Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen,—The bottle about to be deposited under this foundation contains documents in which are written particulars of the founding of the Old Colonists' Association at Ballarat; its financial and numerical position at the present time, the names of its officers and committee of management for the current term: a complete list of the names of its members, a copy of the rules and regulations of the association: copies of The Star, Evening Star, Courier, and Ballarat Advertiser newspapers, programme of to-day's proceedings as far as they relate to the laying of the foundation-stone, together with a brief summary of the aims and objects of this philanthropic institution. That the nature of these objects are considered worthy of encouragement and support is amply proved when we see on the Association's roll of membership the names of so many of our most prominent citizens and public men, "and from the fact that the Government of the colony have recognised the just claim of the old colonists'of Ballarat to be placed in possession of this valuable and central site, upon which to erect a building that will, be a credit to them and an ornament to the city, and which will enable them to still further extend the sphere of their benevolence and usefulness iu this district. The following is a copy of the signed and sealed memorial document:—*The foundation-stone of the hall of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat; was laid on Her Majesty Queen Victoria's Jubilee Day,- Tuesday, 21st June, 1887, by John Paul Murray, Esq., J.P., president of the association. Under the foundation stone is deposited a copy of the constitution and rules of the association, the names of the officers, and a complete list of the names of ail the members to date; also a copy each of The Star, Courier, Evening Post, and the Advertiser, local newspapers. At this date the association numbers 319 members—accumulated funds, £203 10s 3d. The land upon which the hall is to he erected was granted by the Government to the association for that, purpose. (Signed) John P. Murray, President; W. B. Perry, Samuel Delpratt, Vice-presidents; Daniel Fern, Treasurer; John Fraser, Secretary. Committee—J. W. Graham, J. W. Lee, James M'Merkin, Andrew Lister, James Ward. Trustees—J. W. Graham, Wm. Irwin, John M'Cafferty ” Mr Murray said he was proud to lay the foundation stone of this building. The association was started in I883, and he might say they were a purely philanthropic institution. They formed an association whose creed was to assist one another in every shape and form. They had now 319 members, and were daily increasing in number.-. They were very fairly off as regarded their financial position. With respect to the objects of the association, they were to form a bond of brotherhood among those whose past experience in commercial or in mining pursuits so intimately associated them with the early history of the goldfields; men, to whose indomitable energy and perseverance Ballarat and other mining centres in the colony were so largely indebted for their development and commercial prosperity. Some of whose names were also closely identified with the memorable and sanguinary struggle 'for freedom and constitutional liberty in 1883. Their object was, further, to gather together within one fold those who survive those stirring times, to meet occasionally in friendly and social intercourse; to relieve their brethren who were overtaken by sickness or affliction; to provide the shelter of a home for those Pioneers of the goldfields whom the reverses of fortune had deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years; to assist the widow and succor the orphan; to mutually cheer and support each other in their temporary troubles and vicissitudes as they journeyed onward to the grave; and lastly, to tender a tribute of respect to the memory of a departed brother, by following his remains to their final resting place. Such were some of the principal objects of the “ Old Colonists' Association.” It was an institution for the good of their fellow man, and he hoped it would be successful, he hoped that the young people who came after them would appreciate what the Old Colonists had left them. He hoped they would all assist in making the institution one that would he worthy of the place. He would hand a small donation to the secretary, and hoped others would do the same. (Cheers.) The secretary, amid cheering, announced that the cheque handed over by Mr Murray was for £2O. Archdeacon Julius, who was asked to speak, said nothing could have been more fitting than the laying of the foundation-stone of the Old Identities’ Association on the Queen's Jubilee. They were a link between the past of 50 years gone by and today. Many of them remembered well enough perhaps the time when it took a man five and twenty minutes to light his pipe with tinder and steel, and when the small boys went, up the chimneys to sweep them. (Laughter.) They were building something now that people would look upon in years to come, and speak of in connection with the Old Colonists, if the young men were' half as good as their fathers they would be uncommon good fellows, and he did not think they would be. (Laughter, and interjection.) ''An old fellow said it was very true, and he knew it. (Laughter.) The Old Identities would agree with him to a man. (Laughter.) If the young men walked in their steps Ballarat in another 50 years would be 50 percent, better than it was now. There was not a man there that wished that more strongly, than 'he’ did. The Old Identities were laying this stone on the jubilee day of Her Majesty, and there never sat on the throne a worthier or nobler Queen than she who held her jubilee that day. There was not a man present, whatever his views of government may be, who did not say “God bless our Queen.” (Cheers.) The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem and cheers for the Queen. (Ballarat Star, 23 June 1887)Silver trowel used during the laying of a foundation Stone for the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association building in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, trowel, silver trowel, foundation stone, mrs j. murray, william bennett, j. fraser, john murray, w. lee, william irwin, john m'cafferty, john mccafferty

This newsletter published in January 1999 by the President Bendigo RSL Alan Holmes is basically an Annual report of the Sub Branch in 1998. The 22 sub headings cover all aspects of the Sub Branch. The one photograph shows Norm Smart with his Life Membership Certificate on the left, on the right is Jack Barnes, Norm was the Treasure BRSL and Jack was the Secretary. Some of the main points are: Membership total 1998 being 797, 40 members had passed on, award of the French Legion of Honour to Jack Locket 108 years old, Anzac Day was a high standard with guest Speaker Ray Wheeler, Annual dinner guest speaker being Warick Johanson, Life Membership awarded to Norm Smart, 97 parcels had been delivered to Members in Care, Appreciation to Jack Barnes, Norm Smart & Peter Ball, 19 Bendigo RSL Members win the Edinburg Bowls Sheild, Museum report by Curator Peter Ball, Appeals report by Malcolm Angus raising in the two Appeals, ANZAC $29,223.35, POPPY $22565.20, List of the full Committee 1998 & next AGM to be February 8th 1999, the first Sandakan service and B.B.Cue to be held on Sunday March 7th at 11.00Newsletter, paper, 4 pages each folded, all print B &W, there are 22 sub headings, two advertisements and one large article re Whats on at the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club, heading on first page is simply "Newsletter 1999" underlined, one photo showing two RSL Members.brsl, smirsl, newsletter, 1999

In 1915, recruitment committees were formed in nearly every town in Australia to facilitate enlistment in the Australian Imperial Forces. These committees focused on raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and making enlistment processes accessible. The Wodonga Recruiting Committee also worked with volunteers for the Soldiers’ Comfort Fund to raise money and collect items to send to servicemen on the Front to supplement their rations packages. These included articles such as gum, tobacco, soap, towels and cigarettes. This programme documents one of the events organised in Wodonga by the local Recruiting Committee in 1917. It lists the names of 137 soldiers and nurses from Wodonga who had enlisted up until September 1917. This item is significance because it documents the response to World War One by members of the Wodonga community.A small fold out card featuring the flags of the nations who were Allies with Australia at this time. They are Serbia, Italy, Belgium, France, Britain, Russia, Japan and Montenegro. The inside of the card includes a list of names.On back: D. R. Davies Co. Printrecruitment ww1, wodonga recruiting committee, war comforts fund

The Life Membership relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his work and fund raising for the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee involvement with Bendigo Sub Branch and his WW1 service history. The Unit Social Clubs listed in an RSL Bendigo Annual report 1946 appear to be 6th, 38th, 57th Bn Associations, Railways Sub Section, Catholic War Veterans Association, POW Association (new member 1947).Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing for the certificate is maroon colour, certificate has ornate blue edging, RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the certificate, all print in black, signed and dated.Main points; “Inter Units Social Club - Life Members Certificate - Presented to Mr W.J. Turner for services rendered to the above club” “R C. Kuryke President” “H Skinner Secretary” Dated 28.3.1960”brsl, smirsl, certificate.

This election is possibly the new Committee to manage the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club in Havilah Road. Cat No 8080 Committee meeting talks about getting ready for the opening of the facility to members. President W.B. Nicholls refer Cat No 8073P. Snr Vice President D.J. Paterson refer Cat No 8073P. Committee member David Patterson refer Cat No 8070.Document, paper all print in black listing the complete Committee of the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club, has names, position, address and phone number. One name is unreadable due to damage. "Office Bearers of the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club elected at the meeting held on Thursday 20th April 1978 at Memorial Hall Bendigo".brsl, smirsl, bdsc, committee

The Northern Hawk-owl is a nomadic and generally solitary bird, although they can occasionally be seen in pairs. While these birds resemble owls, their behaviour is more similar to that of a hawk, hence their name. Normally active during the day (similar to the hunting habits of a hawk), they prefer to reside in boreal forest, grasslands, shrublands and temperate, cold and polar zones. Located in North America, Europe and Asia, these owls can also occasionally be found during migration, in the northern United States. There are three subspecies in North America, Central Asia and Siberia. At the present time (2021), its numbers are stable and so it is therefore considered of ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not yet endangered. This particular specimen has been correctly mounted and presented as a relatively accurate representation of the actual bird. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Northern hawk-owl's face features white and brown soft feathery plumage and a dark brown border around its face/chin area, with a dark cream curving beak soft yellowy brown coloured eyes. Its front breast feathers are generally off white in colour with some flecks of brown. It has a long brown tail with off white banding, with creamy white claws. The owl has speckled brown and white plumage over the back of its body and wings and some areas of more solid brown are present around the back of its neck and top of wings. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and two identifying tags hang from its right leg, while a metal numbered tag hangs from its left.Swing-tag: 38 / Rayed Swin Owl –/ See Catalogue, Page 53. Tag with faded script: No 33 Strix[?] / misarea[?] / Sweden[?] Metal tag - digits on metal tag appear to read, either ‘5028’ or ‘6028’taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, surnia ulula, strigidae, northern hawk-owl, hawk-owl, canadian owl, hudsonian hawk-owl, owl, canada, asia, europe, north america