Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The original member clubs were Albury Ski Club, Alpine Club of Victoria, Australian Postal Institute Ski Club, Australian Women's Ski Club (Victoria), Beechworth Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Bull Lodge Ski Club, Chamois Ski Club, C.S.I.R. Ski Club, Edelweiss Ski Club, Howqua Ski Club, Lazy Eight Ski Club, Melbourne University Ski Club, Melbourne Walking Club, Monsanto Ski Club, Moose Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Rongbuk Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club, Tanjil Ski Club, Telemark Ski Club, University Ski Club, Victorian Rover Scouts (B.S.A.), Wangaratta Ski Club, Youth Hostel Association, Yurredla Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items in this publication include:- Page 1 Information related to the F.O.V.S.C Organisation and item stating Tom Mitchell M.L.A. has been negotiating for Inter-Dominion races to be held at Falls Creek in 1950. Page 3: The State Development Committee to visit the Bogong High Plains to take evidence regarding future development of the area. Page 4 Information about Member Clubs building over the coming summer. This included Myrtleford and Albury at Falls Creek. Page 16 A list of Club Racing results for 1949. Included on the list are the Bogong Ski Club Championship; the Albury Ski Club and the N.E.D.S.A. Championships.ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, nedsa events, victorian skiing 1949

These keys were used to ensure security at the Wodonga Police Station in Elgin Street which opened in 1966. They were used for approximately 40 years at this police station which moved to a new location in Hovell Street, Wodonga in 2002. They may have originated from the earlier police which was located in High Street, Wodonga and opened in the 1870s. The keys were created by J. Hubball, a locksmith based at 474 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. He was also known as Joseph or Josh Hubball. He operated from these premises from the early 1920s until at least the 1940s. He gained a contract to provide locks and keys for many prisons throughout Australia, including Pentridge Gaol in Melbourne, Victoria and Caboolture Police Station in Queensland. His company also created keys used at Mayday Hills in Beechworth, Victoria. On 28th of March 1947, Hubball applied for a certificate of Incorporation of a Company in his name. The Directors of this company were William Hubball & Alfred Hubball.This key comes from the Police Station in Wodonga and was used for at least 40 years to secure the premises. It was created by a well-known Melbourne locksmith.A bunch of assorted keys from the Police Station in Elgin Street, Wodonga. They include keys for the main cell door as well as the exercise yard and gate room.On largest key 'Hubball" and on the reverse "Melbourne"wodonga police, wodonga police station

John Clarence (McKenzie) McHarg was born in Corryong, Victoria on 12 August 1905 to Hugh Patrick McKenzie-McHarg and Laura Mary Dune. After attending school at Christian Brothers’ College in Albury, he also attended St Patrick’s College at Ballarat. Mr McHarg then studied at Melbourne University, graduating with a Bachelor of Law. After graduating he completed his studies with Messrs. Mahoney and O’Brien of Melbourne with whom he entered a partnership. In 1931 John McHarg appears on the electoral roll for Wodonga listed as a barrister. The following year he opened his legal practice in Sydney Road, Wodonga. Jack (John) McKenzie McHarg married Eva Whyte in 1934 and the house called “Baelon” was built around this time. THe builder was Rob McCulloch. McHarg is first listed as paying rates on the house in Beechworth Road in 1934-35. He died on 12 January 1996 in Wodonga after many years of service to the Wodonga and district community. The house is still in the hands of the McKenzie-McHarg family. This building is one of the oldest remaining homes in Wodonga and was owned by a prominent community member.A series of photos depicting the home of the McHarg family in Wodonga. One is from a Rose Series postcard c1940, the second is of the house shrouded in snow in 1967. The final image shows the house in 2023.mcharg house, wodonga buildings, mcharg solicitor, mckenzie-mcharg

EDHS Newsletter No. 271 August 2023 Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the Archive of the State Government of Victoria. Established fifty years ago under the Public Records Act 1973, PROV at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne now holds around 106 kilometres of public records from 1836 to the present day. There are also PROV collections at Ballarat, Beechworth, Bendigo, Geelong and the University of Melbourne. Our next meeting will be about PROV and former PROV staff member Andrew Lemon, will briefly reminisce about his work there, in it’s early days. As Assistant Director Access Services at PROV, David Taylor oversees the management of, and access to, the State collection. David will be outlining PROV’s unique role in Victoria, the nature of the public records it holds and how researchers can use increasingly sophisticated online resources to discover more about their ancestors and Victorian history. Finally, our Society member Irene Kearsey will talk about her experiences as a long-time volunteer at PROV.1:21:12 duration Digital MP3 file; 27.8MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham, david taylor, dr andrew lemon, irene kearsey, public records office victoria (prov)

Eastern Rosellas are multi-coloured medium-sized Australian parrots with distinctive white cheek patches. The Eastern Rosella is found throughout south-eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria, south-eastern South Australia, and eastern Tasmania. Despite their vibrant colours, Rosellas camouflage well into their surroundings when perching or when on the ground. The Eastern Rosella is found in open woodlands, grasslands, farmlands and remnant bushland. These birds are often found in urban habitats such as parks, gardens and golf courses. Early European settlers encountered the Eastern Rosella at Rose Hill, New South Wales, now Parramatta, and so they called it the Rosehill parakeet which became "Rosehiller", and eventually shortened to "rosella". 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. This mature Eastern Rosella has a red head and breast, with a light green belly and distinctive white cheeks. The back is yellow-green with black mottling, the yellow-green turning green then to blue across the wings. The tail feathers are blue/black, with a red base on the underside. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Label: 79/ Rose-hill Parakeet / See catalogue, page 22 taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, rosella, eastern rosella, rosehill parakeet, rose-hill parakeet

This photograph dates to 1899, towards the end of the gold rush in the Mopoke Gully area. A large opening to a mine can be seen behind the men in the photograph, with a wheeled cart on a track leading to the men's position, where the soil and rocks have been hauled away. This photograph interestingly contains dogs alongside the miners. While dogs have been recorded as deterrents to thieves in the Victorian goldfields, these dogs appear as companions to these men. Mopoke Gully mines came under the 'Fryer's Creek' division of the Castlemaine District during the Gold Rush. After the Gold Rush began in Victoria with the discovery of gold at Ballarat in 1851, Gold was found in Castlemaine by December of that year. 20,000 diggers were spread across the Castlemaine region, and the area was yielding about 23,000 ounces of gold per week. Mopoke Gully was the site of the Mopoke Gully Water Wheel, operating under the Bendigo and Fryers Goldmining Company from 1887 until 1900. This Water Wheel was used in the gold mining technique of 'sluicing'. Hydraulic sluicing uses high pressure water jets to blast away the earth, which runs through a sluice box, catching the gold with all remaining slurry washing away. This Water Wheel was built the same year as the more famous 'Chewton Water Wheel', but was smaller in diameter (60ft as opposed to Chewton's 72ft). The Mopoke Water Wheel ruins are quite intact today, and are a registered archaeological site. The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1899. This photograph reveals important information on the use of dogs on Victorian goldfields in 1899. Dogs were used both as companions, such as this photograph depicts, as well as deterrents to thieves. Sepia coloured rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper mounted on card. Obverse: Williams/ Good/ Luck Reverse: A02498/ 1997. 2498/ Good Luck/ Mine/ 1899/ Mopoke. beechworth, burke museum, gold, gold mining, 1899, castlemaine, mopoke gully, good luck mine, fryer's creek, gold rush, victorian gold rush, water wheel, sluicing, chewton

The Ring Ouzel can commonly be found in small flocks or pairs. They have a distinctive white strip across their chest which helps to identify this species. They generally reside in large open grassy spaces such as farmlands, and can be found in mountainous areas with large boulders and slopes. They are located across Western Europe, the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. In some countries such as Ireland, England and Wales, the Ring Ouzel is endangered due to human disturbances, however elsewhere the species thrives. Although this is a taxidermy mount, it is highly similar to the real female Ring Ouzel. 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.This female Ring Ouzel is a predominantly brown in color. It has a white strip across its chest. The torso is a lighter shade of brown. The tale of the Ring Ouzel is long and a darker shade of brown when compared to the red colouring of the body. This specimen stands upon a wooden perch and has an identification tag tied around its leg. The bill is thin and has a pointed appearance. It has been styalised by the taxidermist in an open position which conveys the idea that this bird is mid call.Swing tag: 109a / Ring Thrush / Catalogue Page 27 / Metal tag: 4139 /taxidermy, taxidermy mount, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, ring ouzel, ouzel, european birds, african birds, mediterranean birds

Hobbies are mainland birds that prefer to spend their time in forests and woodlands. They are widespread in Australia's colder eastern states, particularly Adelaide, Victoria, and Southern NSW. With a diet of bats, insects, and small birds, they use their refined wing structure, which is long and narrow in shape, more suited to speed than precision, and sharp reflexes to catch prey in mid-flight. Because they are members of the Falconidae and Falconiformes raptor families and have similar characteristics, they are frequently confused with their relative, the Peregrine Falcon. Close inspection reveals that they are half the size and have a more pronounced dark masking around the eyes. 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 Australian Hobby is a medium-sized bird with a falcon-like appearance, long wings, and a commanding posture and presence. This bird has a distinctive brown/black helmet on its head, as well as a mask-like face that is highlighted by the prominent white half collar. Over the top of reddish brown underpart feathers, streaks of black lined patterns decorate the protruding chest. With its squared off tail feathers, the bird's back is dark brown and appears elongated and domineering. It is perched on a wooden stand and is secured with wire that does not obscure the talons.No swing tagtaxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, falcon, falconidae, falconiformes, peregrine falcon

The habitat of the Bassian Thrush includes leaf littered and canopied gullies and dense forests. It forages for food on the ground eating small invertebrates and nests in tree stumps and tree forks. Primarily found in Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland, there are three sub-species of thrush, Zoothera lunulata cuneate (Queensland), Zoothera lunulata halmaturina (South Australian and Western Bassian Thrushes) and Zoothera lunulata lunulata/Zoothera lunulata macrorhyncha (South East Australia, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania). Because this bird is a ground foraging species, the main threat to the Bassian Thrush is the ground clearing of its habitat, and unfortunately, the South Australian Zoothera lunulata halmaturina sub-species is considered vulnerable because of the bush fires that have eliminated much of its habitat, especially on Kangaroo Island. While the overall structure of this particular representation of a Bassian Thrush is relatively accurate, some of the smaller details are lacking. The eyes within this particular specimen are not accurate. Instead of solid black eyes, this specimen has golden/yellow eyes with black pupils. Another inaccuracy is some inappropriate intrusions coming from the beak (most noticeable in the left and right close up images). From the photographs, it is unclear if this is a representative/presentation choice or a condition problem caused overtime. Unfortunately, several aging problems have also occurred over time, with the bird’s feathers fading (Bassian Thrushes have distinct dark brown and black and white scalloped plumage) and the beak which was probably once dark grey has faded to the under colour, a yellowy cream. 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 Bassian Thrush has white and black scalloped plumage on its underbelly with caramel, soft brown and black tipped scalloped plumage on its back. This soft brown continues onto the bird’s head and neck. The thrush has a white rim around the glass black eyes. When seen in flight, there is also a noticeable wide band across the underside of the wings which is not visible on this specimen due to its particular stance.Swing tag appears to read: ‘46a [the a is superscripted] / Mountain Thrush. / See Catalogue, Page 16. / The number in the top centre of the wooden perch reads '63'taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, bassian thrush, zoothera lunulata, white's thrush, ground thrush, scaly thrush

The Crimson Rosella is native to Australia and located in Queensland and South Australia. Australia has a diverse range of rosellas, but the crimson rosella is easily recognised by the red body and blue cheeks. These birds are friendly to humans and consume seeds, insects and some blossoms. They nest in high trees, preferably eucalyptus. Typically, a crimson rosella should have far brighter colours than the specimen collected. This specimen has also been documented as having a light blue or black beak. 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.This Crimson Rosella has a red feathered chest and cape across the head and blue cheeks besides the bill. The tail and wing feathers are mostly black with blue around the edges. The head is angled slightly to the specimen's left. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.78a. / Rennauts Parakeet / See Catalogue, page 22 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, bird, california, australian native bird, crimson rosella, rosella, reynell eveleigh johns, platycercus elegans

The Wedgetail Eagle (aquila audax) is one of the largest birds of prey located in Australia, Indonesia and Papa New Guinea. It feasts mostly on rabbits but can target mammals as large as koalas, wombats, possums and small kangaroos. The darker the colouring, the older the bird is. A mostly dark brown feathering can suggest over 10 years old, though females are usually paler. This species mates monogamously for life. They circle high in the sky to avoid temperatures close to the ground and to assert their dominance over their territory. This specimen is lighter than many documented photographs of the species. They're usually less patchy / speckled with lighter colours on the chest and back. Documenting the wingspan of this specimen would be of interest because some have been measured up to 230cm. 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.This wedgetail eagle is posed with the head turned to the left. It has mostly dark brown feathers which is common for older birds in this species. Speckled light brown and white feathers cover it's neck, chest and a middle strip across the wings. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform. The bill is light grey and long legs dark brown. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, wedgetail eagle, aquila audax, birds of prey, australian bird, eagle

The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is a waterbird which can be commonly seen wading through shallow waters. This particular variety of Spoonbill is found across Australia, mostly in the northern and well-watered inland areas. It resides in freshwater wetlands, dams, lagoons and swamps. The species feeds on mainly aquatic insects and larvae. The bill has vibration detectors called papillae inside the spoon which enables the bird to feel the vibrations of its prey in murky water. These birds nest in the colonies of other birds like the Ibises and Royal Spoonbills. They live in high forks of trees over water or in reed beds. 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 Yellow-billed Spoonbill specimen is a large taxidermy of mainly white colouring. The bill is a large and unique spoon shape and is yellow. The long gangly legs and the skin on the face are also yellow. The eyes are made from a black and yellow glass and the bird is stylized standing on a square wooden platform. A paper identification tag is tied to the bird's upper left leg.6c. / [illegible] / Spoonbill / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, spoonbill, yellow-billed spoonbill, yellow billed spoonbill, waterbird

Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral and was one of the first ores used to make copper metal. Malachite has been utilised as a gemstone and sculptural material in the past as its distinctive green color does not fade when exposed to light or after long periods of time. Malachite is formed at shallow depths in the ground, in the oxidizing zone above copper deposits. The material has also been used as a pigment for painting throughout history. Malachite is considered a rare gemstone in that the original deposits for the stones have been depleted leaving behind very few sources. In addition, the use of Malachite as gemstones and sculptural materials remains just as popular today as they were throughout history. It is quite common to cut the stone into beads for jewellery. The fact that Malachite has such a rich colour and one that does not fade with time or when exposed to light makes it particularly rare. Although there is no indication available of the locality from which the specimen was sourced, it is likely that the specimen was collected either in South Australia in the vicinity of the Burra Burra mines or in Victoria as part of programs of geological surveying undertaken in the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. 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 solid hand-sized copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with quartz pebbles in red conglomorate matrix presenting shades of cream, brown and green.Existing label: Malachite / (green) in / conglomerate / (white quartz / pebbles / in red matrix /geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, geological, indigo shire, malachite, malachite specimen, australian mines, mines, geological survey, conglomorate, matrix

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

The Australian White Ibis is commonly known by the colloquial names "bin chicken" and "tip turkey" in Australian culture. These nicknames have arisen based on the presence of this bird at garbage locations where it is often seen rummaging through the waste. The Yindjibarndi people of the central and western Pilbara call this species mardungurra. This bird is located throughout the wetlands of eastern, northern and south-western Australia. Initially, it was not seen in urban areas, however, the species has been able to adapt and reduce fear of humans due to the lure of food found in human garbage. They commonly feed on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates alongside human scraps. 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.This Australian White Ibis has white and cream plumage on its body and a black neck, head, bill and legs/feet. The bill on this particular species has a distinctive long shape which is down-curved. It is a fairly large variety of the Ibis species. This specimen has been stylised in a standing position and is positioned on a wooden platform. 5 C. / White Ibis / See catalogue / Page 32 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, ibis, bin chicken, white ibis, australian birds, australian white ibis

The Australasian Shoveler is a species of duck that can be commonly found in heavily vegetated swamps in southwestern and southeastern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. The species, Australasian Shoveler, is aptly named after their large shovel-shaped bill. These birds use these large bills which are equipped with fine hair-like components which strain the water and mud for food including tiny creatures including insects, crustaceans and seeds while it swims. 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.This Australasian Shoveler is a species of low-floating duck with a dark head and brown plumage. The rear of this specimen is a dark brown, with mixed white and brown colouring on the upper torso. The underparts of this bird are brown and orange. The specimen has glass eyes made in an amber colour. The Shoveler is standing on a wooden platform which is labelled number 136. Amongst the feathers on the wings, this bird has a green coloured feather. The legs of the Shoveler would have once been a bright orange; however, the legs of this specimen have darkened in colour throughout the taxidermy process. This bird has a large bill shaped like a shovel from which the name "Shoveler" has been derived.5a. / Australian Shoveller / See Catalogue, page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, heron, duck, australaisian shovelor, shovelor

The Pacific Black Duck is also known as the Grey Duck in New Zealand. Despite these names, the plumage of the bird is brown in colour with the occasional cream and small amount of black. This species of Duck is located in all of Australia with the exception of the most arid zones. They can also be found throughout the Pacific region. The Pacific Black Duck resides in a range of different habitats that have some sort of water. These birds feed on aquatic plants, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects. To catch their food, these birds plunge their heads and necks under the water with their rear raising above the top of the water. This technique is termed "dabbing". 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.Despite its name, the Black Duck is largely brown in colouring. It has a mixture of light brown and cream plumage on the neck, face and stomach. The wings and rear of the duck are a darker brown. Each brown feather is bordered with a cream colour which separates the feathers from each other. The top of the head is also dark brown and there is a darker stripe of black colour horizontally on either side of the eye. The specimen has two brown and black glass eyes and a black bill. The legs and webbed feet are a dark brown and black colour. Tied around the left leg is a paper identification tag. The number 134 is inscribed on the left side of the wooden platform on which the bird is standing. This specimen is stocky.3a. / Australian Wild Duck / See Catalogue, Page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pacific black duck, grey duck, australian duck

Interestingly, the name "Hardhead" does not refer to the density of this species skull. Instead, it refers to the difficulty encountered by early taxidermies in styling the bird's head. This particular breed of Duck is smaller than average and are often found in the coastal regions of Australia. They are also known to reside in New Guinea, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This species was formerly known as the 'White-eyed Duck"; however, since the female Hardhead have dark eyes, this species was renamed the "Hardhead" Duck. 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.This Hardhead specimen is a stocky medium-sized duck with chocolate brown colouring. The bird has paler white/ cream coloured plumage on the stomach and neck. The bill is a grey black colour and the eyes are made of a grey glass with a black pupil. The lighter brown colour of this specimen's head could refer to its identification as female or could be due to the taxidermy process or the impact of age on the colouring of the specimen. Female Hardheads have brown eyes, while the male have strikingly pale white/grey eyes. The bird has large webbed feet which are attached to the wooden platform it stands upon. The platform is inscribed on the left with the number 138.7a. / White-eyed Duck / See Catalogue, Page 39. / 138 on the wooden platformtaxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, heron, duck, australaisian shovelor, shovelor

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts an Australian Army truck driving along an unsealed road from Stanley to the top of Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at Mt. Stanley by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.7 / The track up (?) from / Stanley to the top / 32 /military album, army album, military, war, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, beechworth, victoria, stanley, mt stanley, melbourne, sydney

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts an Australian Army vehicle with a trailer driving through bushland in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested in Stanley, Victoria by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.9 / Our outfit (fully mobile) / on the move / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, ra sigs, australian army, army truck, beechworth, stanley, victoria, melbourne, sydney

Journal of handwritten notes from various 19th-century suveyors? sources. The sources are numbered and indicated in contents. Includes definitions of most placenames, but most languages not identified. * Marked ?Hem 164.?wiradjuri, portland, smythesdale, redcastle, ballan, bairnsdale, swan hill, terricks, echuca, mansfield, dunolly, bontherambo, beechworth, james j baylis

A fossil refers to any remains or traces of past life that are preserved in the rock. It could be remains of plants or animals. Fossil leaves are commonly found on different types of rocks. These fossils can go as far back as the Triassic Age just like the series of fossil plants collected at Denmark Hill, Ipswich in Queensland. Fossils leaves are formed when dead plants get buried by sediments like mud, sand, or volcanic ash. Often, it gets detached cleanly from stems along a special layer of weak cells, then twigs, and, less commonly, cones of conifers and fruits and seeds of flowering plants. Over time, the leaves or pieces of leaves get buried by more sediments and eventually gets 'lithified' or hardened into a rock. Erosions and mining can cause the rocks to break and reveal the fossils buried in it. Fossilisation frequently takes place at sites in the lowlands where deposits of clay, silt, sand are found. This is usually due to weathering and erosion of rocks. Fossil leaves can provide information about ancient Australia's way of living. It contributes to Victorian biodiversity records and its botanical collections. It also contributes information on the geographical profile of Victoria as fossilisation usually occur at estuaries and deltas of rivers, river flood plains, ponds and lakes. 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.Piece of light brown rock with fossilised leaves in shades of golden yellow and brown.Existing label: Fossil Leaves / Locality unknown / might be worth checking if this is Glossopteris, a Permian age plant. / C. William 16/4/21 geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, fossil leaves, fossilization, 1868 geological survey of victoria, lithified, rocks, fossilised leaf, rock, fossils, leaves

Mrs Barbara Emery, born in Beechworth in 1914 was one of the original members of the Wodonga community who formed a Committee and lobbied for the building of a swimming pool in Wodonga. This was prompted after many near misses and a drowning at the popular swimming spot in Wodonga Creek. She and her husband Bob, along with other Committee members lobbied the Wodonga Council and were finally able to negotiate land which fronted onto Stanley Street, Wodonga. Members of the Committee worked tirelessly to fund raise and also to build the pool itself. Countless working bees were organised to complete the construction and surrounds. The pool opened on 12th December 1959. Mr Bob Emery became the manager and Grace ran the kiosk for many years. Later reflecting on her life in the Wodonga community Mrs Emery stated, “To get the pool was a highlight in my life, the satisfaction that we could save lives.” After years of heated discussion about the future of the Stanley Street pool and the construction of a new pool, it finally closed on 31 March 2012. Mrs Emery died in Wodonga.This membership badge is significant because it was awarded to a member of the Wodonga community to recognise her service.A gold plated and enamelled badge attached to a red enamelled bar. The badge is engraved on the front.On bar;- LIFE MEMBER On badge; 1991 GRACE EMERYgrace emery, wodonga swimming pool, life membership grace emery

This scrapbook holds numerous newspaper clippings recording events, functions and visits to the Seamen's Mission starting in 1896 through to 1902, although a few documents date from 1895. These dates coincide with the commencement of Mr WHC Darvall's various terms of office with the Mission from the mid 1890s. Mr Darvall's involvement with the Mission possibly stems from his arrival in Victoria in 1853 part working his passage from England as a purser on the migrant ship Asia. He first encountered Captain Pascoe on arrival at Williamstown who was also on the Mission executive when Darvall returned to Melbourne from Beechworth in 1871. 1898: Death of Captain Crawford Pasco with a photographic portrait. 1899: Small ink sketch by artist Charles Georges Darvall, WHC Darvall's cousin. 1900 Foundation of Geelong mission 1901: Queen Victoria's death (22 January) Australian Federation (1st January) Boer War (189-1902) Death of chaplain Ebenezer James Nautical exhibition On the inside of the rear cover of the book a plan of Williamstown has been pasted with no date provided. This scrapbook outlines the many events, concerts, important visits and social occasions held at and by the Mission during this time frame. It includes the names and activities of many prominent Melburnians (politicians, supporters, artists) and shows the vivacity of the work at the Mission.Sticker on the front cover: "Victorian Seamen's/Mission/Scrap-book/No. 1/Commencing/ January 1896 Ending - victoria-missions-to-seamen, w h c darvall, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, maritime exhibition, queen victoria, royal merchant seaman orphanage, charles g. darvall, william henry charles darvall (1830-1906), queen victoria (1819-1901), boer war, charles georges darvall (1831-1924), sunbeam, lord brassey, crawford atchison denman pasco (1818-1898), concerts, library association, merchant seamen orphans asylum, snaresbrook, frederica mitchell, kitty grindlay, syllabus, amateur concerts, port melbourne standard, cole's book arcade, the port gazette, the port melbourne standard, hereward, maitland

Samizone flat file, made from manila card with blue printing for file details and a Dymo machine label on the spine (red background with white printing) titled "Ballarat SEC History". On inside of folder is a "Post It" note with handwriting "Robert Ashley Ex Employee" in blue ink. Contained within folder is" 1. "Ballarat, Electricity and the State Electricity Commission" photocopied from an original. Has typed under the heading over white out correction fluid "Notes - Draft notes prepared by Robert W. P. Ashley 1989." The paper gives the history of power supply in Ballarat, including street lighting, ESCo, AC and DC power supplies, the takeover by the SEC, Ballarat A and B power stations, a copy of an advertisement for the SEC in Ballarat. (See btm1701i3.jpg) titled "The Power Behind the Switch" 2. Paper by A. D. Senior, titled "Electricity Supply in Ballarat" - see Reg. Item No. 1700. (see btm1700i.pdf) 3. Photocopied onto foolscap paper of an extract from possibly a large report on power supply in Victoria. Pages 155 to 158. Reports on the history of the power supply system in Ballarat until the takeover of ESCo by the SEC. Further details are referred to another section of the Report on the SEC itself. On page 158 are details of Beaufort Council operated supply and the start of notes on Beechworth. (see btm1701i2.pdf) Images of files added 6-8-15 For an image of the advert itself see btm1701i3.pdfSee notes above.trams, tramways, secv, power supply, esco, beaufort

This photograph dates to 1899, towards the end of the gold rush in the Mopoke Gully area. A slurry of rocks after they have been broken up is depicted, and this is part of the hydraulic sluicing mining process. Four men are relaxing under a wooden structure, with a fifth bearded man standing near a stone wall. This photograph interestingly contains dogs alongside the miners. While dogs have been recorded as deterrents to thieves in the Victorian goldfields, these dogs appear as companions to these men. Mopoke Gully mines came under the 'Fryer's Creek' division of the Castlemaine District during the Gold Rush. After the Gold Rush began in Victoria with the discovery of gold at Ballarat in 1851, Gold was found in Castlemaine by December of that year. 20,000 diggers were spread across the Castlemaine region, and the area was yielding about 23,000 ounces of gold per week. Mopoke Gully was the site of the Mopoke Gully Water Wheel, operating under the Bendigo and Fryers Goldmining Company from 1887 until 1900. This Water Wheel was used in the gold mining technique of 'sluicing'. Hydraulic sluicing uses high pressure water jets to blast away the earth, which runs through a sluice box, catching the gold with all remaining slurry washing away. Hydraulicking is the process of breaking up the rocks and suspending it in a slurry. This Water Wheel was built the same year as the more famous 'Chewton Water Wheel', but was smaller in diameter (60ft as opposed to Chewton's 72ft). The Mopoke Water Wheel ruins are quite intact today, and are a registered archaeological site.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray a sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1899. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This photograph reveals important information on the use of dogs on Victorian goldfields in 1899. Dogs were used both as companions, such as this photograph depicts, as well as deterrents to thieves. Sepia coloured rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper mounted on card.Obverse: Reverse: A02497/ 1997.2497/ 'Good/ Luck/ Mine'/ Morepork/ Gully/ Mrs Joyce/ Bright/ Tunnel/ 800 ft/ 1899. beechworth, burke museum, gold, gold mining, 1899, castlemaine, mopoke gully, good luck mine, fryer's creek, gold rush, victorian gold rush, water wheel, sluicing, chewton, slurry

This photo depicts a man standing next to a large piece of mining equipment identified as a hydraulic chisel (alternative name: drifter dill or power rock drill). This piece of machinery was used in mining to place holes in the walls of a mine which were then filled with dynamite or other explosives for rock blasting or to make holes for plug and feather quarrying. The additional tools to the right of the photograph and in front of the machinery can be identified as either picks or as feather and wedges, the latter of which were used to split stone drilled by the hydraulic or power chisel. Depending on the date of the photograph, which is not provided, this chisel was either powered by electricity or by hydraulics. The following is written on the drill "R.C. FORD'S PATENT No91 / MELBOURNE VICTORIA 1879". The man depicted in this photograph wears a wide brim hat, a loose fitting white shirt and loose pants. He wears boots and has a medium sized dark beard. This attire, along with his locality in the mine and proficiency with the mining equipment, identifies this man as a miner working in this particular, but unidentified, mine. It depicts an instance of hydraulic chiseling which makes this photograph valuable for the study of mining techniques from a date c1880.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray the types of machinery used in mining can reveal important information for technology and highlight the methods used to break apart the earth in order to obtain access to gold and other precious materials during the period this photograph was captured. Further research into RC Ford can potentially reveal even further information pertaining to this photograph. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about the methods and machinery used to access gold or mine more in general. It also highlights the size of machinery at the time and allows us to compare this to the size of the person standing besides the machinery to better understand the manpower which would have been required to use and set-up this macinery.A black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 7816/ copy 1/3gold, sluicing, gold sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, gold and tin mine, mining, gold mining, beechworth, burke museum, melbourne, victoria, hat, mining machinery, machinery, r. c. ford

The Common Starling is an introduced species to Australia (as well as widely throughout the world), and is considered a pest due to its attacks on fruits and seedlings, as well as competing with the native bird population. It was introduced to Victoria in 1861, and has since become abundant, whose sheer numbers cause many problems. These birds are a social species, which can mass in very large flocks (murmations), and show spectacular synchronised aerobatic displays. This species has a distinctive plumage, with glossy black bodies, white spots on their backs and wings, and a purple and green tinge to their underparts and wings. This species, when moving across the ground, has a distinctive 'walk' or 'run' rather than the traditional hopping of many other bird species. This bird is a noisy species, often becoming a nuisance to people. Starlings prefer to nest in holes in trees or buildings, yet there are at least two recorded cases of this species nesting on the backs of living sheep. This specimen is a good and intact example of this species. As the white spots are large and visible, as well as the purple and green shine, this specimen likely died close to Autumn and the breeding season, when these birds get their new bright plumage. 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.This adult Common Starling has glossy-black plumage with a metallic sheen, and white speckles throughout. The plumage has a purple and green shine. The irises are white. Its beak is black and pointed. This specimen appears to be male, with less white spots on its underparts. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg, and a metal tag tied around its foot.Swing-tag: 139a. / Starling / Catalogue Page, 59 / Metal-tag: 1250 (?)taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, sheep, common starling, starling, murmations, pest, australian bird

Regent Honeyeaters get their name from their striking yellow-and-black plumage . Previously found across the south east of Australia far as Adelaide and Rockhampton in central Queensland, over the last thirty years their population has dwindled. Regent Honeyeaters are now only found between north-eastern Victoria and south-eastern Queensland, with only three known breeding grounds. Regent Honeyeaters typically live in eucalypt forests and woodlands. The yellow edging on the specimen's wings is duller than the bright yellow typical of most Regent Honeyeaters. The specimen is also stretched taller than most Regent Honeyeaters, resulting in a thinner neck and chest compared to the plumpness typically expected. 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.The Regent Honeyeater is a critically endangered Australian bird due to the clearing of their natural habitat, particularly around the Yellow Box-White Box-Blakely's Red Gum Woodlands in New South Wales. 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.This Regent Honeyeater has a dark brown/black crown with a distinct orange patch under each red-coloured eye. Its back and upper chest are also a dark brown but with a white scalloped pattern. At the lower are of its belly, the white colour dominates the brown. Its wings and tail are brown edged with yellow. Its beak is a short, dark brown curl and its legs are brown. The bird stands on a brown, wooden perch with a circular bar, curved stand, and circular base. It has an identification tag tied around its right leg.57a. / Warty-faced Honey-eater ./ See Catalogue, Page 18 ./taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, regent honeyeater, honeyeater, warty-faced honeyeater, australian birds, endangered birds, endangered animals

The New Holland Honeyeater can be found throughout southern Australia, from about Brisbane, Queensland to just north of Perth, Western Australia. They are native to Australia and are named after Australia's first name (new Holland). This specimen is mounted correctly but looks different to the typical images of this bird because it is a younger New Holland Honeyeater and is; therefore, brown in colour instead of the typical black. 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 Young New Holland Honeyeater is brown in colouring and has grey glass eyes (like this one) while adults are black and white with white eyes. Both have a large yellow wing patch and yellow sides on the tail. It has a small white ear patch, a thin white whisker at the base of the bill. This honeyeater is an active bird, and rarely sits still long enough to give an extended view. Sexes are similar in looks, but females are slightly smaller in size.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, new holland honeyeater, brown, black, yellow, australia, new holland