One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam Veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White Cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.David Anthony B Wallis, Service No. 3794885vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number with a red poppy attached.John Noel McCarthy, Service No. 3112702vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran..A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Peter Raymond Gillson, Service No. 37857vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam Veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Robert Leo McNab, Service No. 39354vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Bryan Francis Fitzpatrick, Service No. A34167vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Dennis Lindsay Brooks, Service No. 3787889vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.John Milton Rands, Service No. 2787069.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran .A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Francis Lindsay Raffen, Service No. 4186vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Robert Tom Convery, Service No. 38627.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Kenneth Frank Mathieson, Service No. 37175vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

One of 521 crosses placed in lawns of The Shrine, Melbourne, on 18th August 2016 as part of Victoria's 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan - each cross carries the name of an Australian soldier killed in the Vietnam war and a red poppy made by the wife of a Vietnam veteran.A poignant reflection of a life lost whilst in Service in Vietnam.White cross with name and service number printed; red poppy attached.Brian Rennie, Service No. 312641vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 had an immediate impact on communities across Australia, and it was no different in Melton. Young men began enlisting immediately, and Australia’s initial offer of 20,000 troops was soon exceeded by Victorian enlistments alone. Over the four years of the war, approximately 114,000 Victorians enlisted and around 91,000 servicemen and women were sent overseas. They came not just from Melbourne, but from all over the state; from farms, small towns and suburban areas. They included locals, newly arrived migrants and Indigenous people. The Australian home front was a hive of activity throughout the war, and the Melton community played its part. Following the announcement that Australia was joining the war with Great Britain and its allies on 5 August 1914, the Melton community lost no time in launching into action. A meeting ‘to assist the Red Cross fund’ was held in the Melton Mechanics’ Institute hall on 18 August – just days after the outbreak of the war. Collectors were appointed for each corner of the shire and individual donations were made. A Melton branch of the Australian Red Cross Society was formed in June 1915 and focused its energies on raising funds to purchase material that was used to make clothes for sick and wounded soldiers. A depot was established in Melton to collect clothing and other ‘comfort’ items for the soldiers – including reading material, tobacco, linen, canned foods and soap – and to coordinate the branch’s work and activities. Local cab driver Percival Stubbs volunteered to transport all the packages to the Melton railway station, until he enlisted and departed for the front in 1916. Such were the numbers of people getting involved that branches were also established in Toolern Vale and Rockbank. Regular community events were held to farewell soldiers who were leaving on active service and to welcome those who returned home. Gunner Robert (Bob) Wynne, whose uncle’s family ran the general store in Toolern Vale, was presented with a pair of field glasses (binoculars), a gold watch, inscribed locket and autographed letter by the Toolern Vale community before he set sail for the front in 1916. His mother noted that he ‘sailed away in good spirits with a smile till out of sight’. From June 1915 to June 1919, the Melton Red Cross branch donated 2,156 pairs of socks, 1,357 shirts, 425 kit bags, 251 pillowslips, 224 towels and 121 pairs of pajamas. Countless fundraising events were held, including jumble fairs, concerts and gift evenings. Local schools also encouraged students to contribute through fund-raising and making and collecting comforts for the soldiers. People across the country engaged in similar activities, but Victoria’s rural communities found unique ways of contributing. In Melton, people were encouraged to send rabbits and hares ‘in good condition’ to an exporter in Spencer Street, for export to Belgium ‘for the relief of those suffering". Special Anzac Memorial article featured in the Star Weeklylocal identities, war

Part of secondary water pump from a Southern Cross engine which was in the pump shed north of the lightstation. Fly wheel iron, hole in the middle.

'The collections of winter sports equipment in Australian museums are small and few in number... The pair currently displayed on the Lounge wall has cable binding, a characteristic of skis from the c1930's to 50's and still popular today for cross country and telemark skis.' (Pg 143. Historica) Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsPair of wooden skis with black leather straps, black leather boots and bamboo stocks."Kandahar Patent Gresvig"

Martin Romuld was born near Trondheim in Norway on September 26, 1905. He started jumping on skis at age 6 or 7 and became very good at it. He completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Trondheim and decided to come to Australia. He arrived on 7 March 1928 and found a job with the SEC. The SEC wanted to investigate the possibility of a hydrological surveys necessary to determine the flow of water over a period of years. These surveys started in 1934 and continued until 1941. He lived at Wilkinson’s hut for most of the time during those years both in summer and winter. In his role with the SEC, Martin visited all the various creeks to measure water flow rates as often as was necessary. These skis were used on his winter rounds during the time he spent in the area. Martin also competed in skiing during the 1930s. He won the combined Australian title 3 or 4 times. He was unbeatable in cross country, probably due to the continual practice in his job. Before migrating to Australia, Martin had been runner up in the 1926 European Jump Championships held in France. Jumping was his favourite thrill and he would often construct a jump for practice near the Scout Hut (or Rover Chalet) quite near to Wilkinson’s. In 1941 Martin joined the Royal Australian Air Force and after the War skied mainly at Mt Buller. He maintained his involvement in competitive skiing as an official. In 1958 Martin was the main judge of the National jump which was held to the left of the Nissen tow. He also designed the jumping course at the Donna Buang snow fields. Martin Romuld was Co Vice-President of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs in 1949, along with Tom Mitchell M.L.A. Martin Romuld died on 14 July 1998 in Prahran, Victoria,These skis are significant because they belonged to a pioneer of Falls Creek and the sport of skiing in Australia.A set of skis made for Martin Romuld. They are made from American hickory which arrived in Australia via Norway in October 1933. Andy Broad made the skis and they were furnished with steel edges. There was enough hickory for 18 pairs of skis and a pair of competition cross country skis were also made for Martin Romuld. martin romuld', falls creek pioneers, australian skiing history

These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A postcard showing Nelse and Arundel Lodges. Nelse Lodge was established in Falls Creek c1958 probably by Des Crosser. It was later purchased by Bob Scott (Scotty). He was killed during a tragic accident during the construction of the Sun Valley T-bar. In 1973, Bob's widow sold Nelse Lodge to Jack and Elva Smith. Julian Newton-Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. In 1959 Julian built a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek, now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to ‘Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in March 2020.astra falls creek, falls creek accommodation, falls creek businesses

These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A high definition photo of Falls Creek Road and Grand Coeur Lodge Annexe. The original Grand Coeur Lodge was built by Bill Hymans between 1950 and 1952. Unfortunately it was burned down in 1961. Grand Coeur was never rebuilt, but Bob modified his annexe to be used as accommodation and later also operated Southern Cross and the Four Seasons. falls creek accommodation, falls creek businesses, grand coeur chalet

Esther Bottomley was born on 8th February 1983 in Terang, Victoria but moved to Mount Beauty and became affiliated with the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. She was the first female Australian athlete to compete at three WInter Olympic Games in Cross Country. She competed at Torino in 2006, Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014. Esther has also competed in events in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in the sprint event in 2003 and 2005. Her best World Cup finish was 18th in a team sprint event at Canada in 2009. Esher was also the winner of the Women's Kangaroo Hoppet in 2010 and 2011. This image is significant because it depicts an Australian Winter olympian and dual Kangaroo Hoppet winner.A coloured image of Esther Bottomley competing in the Kangaroo Hoppet 2010.australian winter olympians, esther bottomley, kangaroo hoppet

In 1948 Bob Hymans (1922-2007) built a small lodge on the corner of Falls Creek Road by the oversnow called Four Seasons or The Grand Coeur Annexe. Believed to be a wonderful host Bob also owned and operated Southern Cross and Grand Coeur. Grand Coeur unfortunately burnt down in 1961. These skis, now located in the Falls Creek Museum, were donated by Bob’s daughter Bridget. They hung in the main room of the Lodge for many years, never touching snow.These skis are significant because they were owned by Bob Hymans, a pioneer of Falls Creek, Victoria.A pair of wooden skis with bindings and poles.bob hymans, four seasons, grand coeur chalet

Catholic Chaplains Communion kit carried by Rev JJ Tresidder. Rev Tresidder served during the second world war as an Army Chaplian.Catholic Chaplians Communition kit, carried by WW2 chaplain VX117292 John Joseph Tressider. This is an example of the style of equipment, soldiers would have been offered communion from.Communion kit, consisting of 10 items. 1. A white linen Corporal with small red cross embroidered in its centre. This item was used during Mass/ communion/ Lords Supper to collect any host if it were to be dropped, especially after concecration. 2. Pyx. This is a flat circular dish with a hinged lid. On the side of the container is a small silver ball with a hole drilled through it to allow a string to be placed through and the Pyx to be worn around the priests neck. The Pyx is made of silver, and has a cross engraved on the lid. on the reverse " Rev. J.J.Tressider Catholic Chaplain" is enscribed. This item holds individual hosts ( bread) Following Concecration hosts are to be consumed or worn by the Priest and later to be distrubted as reserved sacrement. 3.Paten, a small silver dish, slightly bowing in the centre. There are no engraving on this item except for the makers stamps on the reverse. "T.G. Aunt & Co." " STG. Silver" Use for holding the Priests Host (Bread) representing the body of Christ, broken for all. 4. Chalice. Silver cup with flaired base.The inseide of the cup has a gold coloured appearence. On the base is a small raised silver cruisifix affixed by a screw. The Chalice was used asa a cup for holding water and wine, drunk from by all as a common cup, beginning and ending with the Priest. 5&6. Two silver Cruets. Each crust is a small silver jug with sloping sides with a small pinched lip for pouring. There are no handles and each cruet has the words " Catholic Chaplain" enscribed on its side. One of the cruets is used for adding a small amount of water to the chalice, representing Christs humanity, the outher is used to add a small amount of wine, representing the blood of Christ and divinity. 7. Lavabo Bowl. a small silver bowl with raised sides. The bowl has " Catholic Chaplain" inscribed in the base of the disg. The Lavabo bowl is used to wash the Priests hands prior to celebrating the Mass. 8. Ewer. A small silver water jug with a curled handle. The Ewer has 3 bands engraved arounf its middle and inside has a goldish tint. On its base is stamped "Albion Pla" "EPNS A" The Ewer is used to wash the priests hands prior to Mass. 9. Oil for the infirm- A small sliver canister that can be screwed to two similat canasters. The base has an internal screw thread to allow this to happen. The lid can be screwed on/ off and has an ornate cross enscribed on its top. The side of the canaster has a letter "I" incribed on it filling most of the canasters side. The canaster is believed to still contain the oil. The oil of the infirm is used outside of the mass in a service to administer the sacrement of the anointing of the sick. 10, Leather Oil Carry case, small, chocolate brown tubular carrying case with two snaps for closure on the side. the case has cardboard stiffening and a small amount of cottonwool to soak up any spilt oil. Case is used to carry upto three oil canasters. listed in descriptioncatholic church, 5/6rvr, chaplains kit

Shield shaped varnished wooden plaque with large pewter Royal Australian Armoured Cops badge screwed in to its centre. The badge has a Mark IV tank above a boomerang marked with" Australia". The tank is forward of crossed Guidons and is surrounded by a wattle wreath. The badge is capped with a queens crown.royal australian armoured corps, wark vc club, plaque

Presentation plaque made of varnished wood. Located centrally is a large gold and silver Royal Victorian Regiment badge. The badge is made up of crossed gold SLRs a queens crown and a banner with " Victoria" located in front of a large silver "V". Located in the top left corner of the plaque is a 20mm x 15mm gold bordered red square with the numbers "5/6" embossed on it. In the top right is a small 5th battalion Colour patch. This is made up of a black rectangle laying atop of red rectangle.5/6rvr, infantry, plaque, colour patch, hat badge, wark vc club

Shield shaped plaque made of timber varnished in a red colour. Located centrally is a WRAAC badge made of two pieces, a gold wreath with crown and banner located behind a silver kite with a southern cross on it. women, wraac, plaque, hat badge, wark vc club

Large varnished wooden board with crossed chromed shovel and pick. Inset above the crossed tools is a 5/6 Battalion shield shaped presentation plaque. wark vc club, support company, 5/6rvr, pioneers