The new Eltham Library was opened 22 May 1994 and celebrates its 30th anniversay in 2024. This audio recording, presented by Harry Gilham, President of Eltham District Historical Society at the time of the opening is a summarised history of the Eltham Library service to 1994. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency come haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111Digital file only recorded from Audio Cassette tape on loan Converted to MP3 file; 11.1MB, 0:08:49eltham library, opening, harry gilham, harry gilham collection, 1994, audio cassette, audio recording

Peter Ball collection, refer Cat No 4704Book Servicemen’s Guide to Hong Kong, the fron page is missing, front and rear have a shield with flags, scrolls at top, 83 pages of written and near same of coloured advertisements, exchange rates US/Hong Kong, rear page has contents.On the motive, “Servicemen’s Guide, Hong Kong, For God and Country”books, hong kong, servicemen’s guide.

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Blue buckram, soft covered pay book. 25 cut edge pages. Details of owner written on cover in black ink. Pages detail rates of pay, allowances & other credits handwritten in black / blue ink. All amounts are in Sterling Currency. Pay Book No 160916.Handwritten in pencil on inside of front cover: Aldwych P.O. 2480, Commonwealth Bank Bk No 15106, State Savings - 133478. Handwritten in black ink on p1: Personal details. Handwritten on other pages in blue / blue ink: Details of pay. Stamped in blue ink on pages: CANCELLEDbooks, pay, raaf

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Pay Book No: 335099. Green buckram soft covered Pay Book. 25 pages with cut edges. 8 page booklet detailing pay rates, stapled to the inside of the back cover. Pages detail next of kin, pay rates, allowances & other credits. All amounts are in Australian currency. Handwritten in black ink on front cover: Official No: 410533 Surname: DAVEY Christian Names: Frederick Gardner Handwritten in black ink on p1: F.G. DAVEY'S personal details Handwritten in black ink on other pages: Details of pay. Stamped in blue ink on pages: CANCELLED & DISCHARGED.pay, books, raaf

The history of the Rose Shamrock and Thistle Hotel dates from 1854.Early history taken from the local council rate books.2 foolscap pages, typed.rose shamrock and thistle hotel, hotels, preston

This SEC cook book was produced circa 1950s when the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme and its Commission was in full swing. The Commission had constructed two settlements, Mount Beauty and Bogong Village to house construction workers and their families in a "closed" community. These "closed" communities were for SEC staff and construction workers only. Entry into these villages was restricted to "SEC pass" carrying construction staff and their families. All facilities such as retail, sporting and other community services was provided by the SEC. This created an isolated community in which limited individual choice or administrative family leeway was available. It was a typical company town (live and work for the company). The Company was in the Kiewa Valley constructing power stations for the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme of Victoria. In one way the individual did not need to be concerned with living costs, educational needs for children, and recreational amenities and therefore "normal" community survival /living methods did not apply. This living, although restrictive, was quite simple. When the scheme was completed, in 1961, marking the end of company town, caused some of the employees, who had enjoyed the "controlled" township environment, a fair degree of angst in having the new 'laissez-faire" controls thrust upon them. This was magnified when both Mount Beauty and Bogong Village became meshed into the Bright Shire, vis-a-vis, local government. This cook book is a prime example of " the company is looking after you" and leave the worrying to us. This environment of a "company town", which creates the atmosphere of minimal personal responsibilities, is still present in a few remote mining towns in Australia at the beginning of the 21st Century.This book is a classical example of the psychological control in which the company had its construction workers families living in. The motto of many companies who had employees in isolated regions was "keep them happy". A happy and contented worker is a more productive worker. This was a period in time (1950s to 1970s) when social psychology was gaining recognition in the Australian workforce as well as internationally. At the end of the construction of all the power stations both the Mount Beauty settlement and the Bogong Village became more integrated into the main stream of rural Australia environment. Development of tourism in the region opened up not only interaction with a greater cross section of the ever expanding type of Australian but also the overseas based non rural culture tourist or immigrant. It allowed the intermingling of ideas in a non company controlled environment. The Mount Beauty and Bogong Village has, and even up to the 3000 Millennium, the same housing construction, as was built by the SEC. There has only been a very gradual change to modern domestic architectural home styles. This SEC cookbook has a folded cover with two staples at the spine, securing eight double sided pages. The white pages contain black print and sketches(3), and one black and white photograph (of the author). The front cover is mainly orange in colour with a gradual fading into yellow(at the top). The cover is approximately 210 g/m2 in thickness and each page is approximately 90 g/m2 thick. Front cover: top of page "SEC Cook Book of Family Favourites", in the middle a sketch, black on orange background, of a smiling mother walking from the kitchen to the dining table with a steaming rolled roast and vegetables in one hand and a gravy pot in the other. The furniture and decor relates to the 1950s. Below this sketch is printed"SEC TESTED RECIPES NO. 16" Inside cover: on top of the page is a black and white sketch of a pineapple, apple pear fish with scales, bunch of grapes with leaves a pork roll (head of pig one end and a roll ending on the other, on top of this food arrangement rests a fruit pie. Below this sketch are printed in black print the books contents.The first side of the first page is a black and white photograph Mary Dunne, the SEC Home Service supervisor who provided a signed foreword. The inside back cover has a promotional segment detailing a black and white photograph of a smiling (and happy) couple in the foreground with an electric stove in the distance. The written motto below this photograph is" to Live better -and save money they'll join the Power People. "the new tariff is(1960s) - First 75kWh --6 cents per kWh Next 435 kWh---2.3 cents per kWh Balance --1.7 cents per kWh The rate per killowatt-hour for the final block drops from 2.1 cents to 1.7 cents --a reduction of 19%.cooking recipes circa 1950s, domestic food, sec victoria cook books, recipes circa 1950s

These Victorian Almanacs were published from 1859 to 1916. They contained information of interest to all Victorians, especially historians, businessmen, farmers and gardeners and must have sold many copies in Warrnambool, particularly before the local Warrnambool Standard Almanacs began publication in 1875. These booklets are of interest as examples of 19th century almanacs published in Victoria. They are also somewhat similar to the Almanacs published annually by the Warrnambool Standard newspaper from 1875 to 1930. The 1869 Almanac is of particular interest as it has on the front cover the printed name of James Hider, stationer and bookseller of Warrnambool. James Hider had been a carpenter, a land agent and a rate collector before opening a shop in Timor Street, selling books and stationery and operating a Circulating Library. In 1865 Hider set up as a photographer and was still operating this business in 1878. He was active in community organizations, including the Mechanics Institute, the Fire Brigade, the National School, the Musical Group and the Benevolent Society. He was also a Councillor and a Mayor in the 1860s. It is interesting to note that his name does not appear to have been been added to the 1869 Almanac cover but is part of the original printing. These are two soft cover booklets of 60 pages each. The back covers of both are missing and the 1868 booklet has some back pages missing. The 1868 Almanac has a black and white cover with ornamental scrolls and the 1869 booklet has a red, green black and cream cover with an ornamental border and images of flora and fauna. The 1869 Almanac cover has a Coat of Arms with Advance Australia printed at the bottom of it. The 1869 Almanac also has a map of Victoria as an insert. Both almanacs contain an historical calendar, Victorian Parliamentary information, data on Victorian cities, postal regulations, farmers’ and gardeners’ guides etc. Both contain advertisements relevant to Melbourne. Both have been bound with string. victorian almanacs, annual journals, james hider, bookseller and stationer,, warrnambool.

Dust cover has an illustration of a boy scout attempting to cross a flooded river. The reverse of the dust cover has information regarding The Crown Library; a series of school and adventure books for boys and girls.fictionAdventurers, Ltd., was a band of Scouts, all tip-top chaps. they liked to challenge Scouts in neighbouring towns-just to see how good they were. Not one of the Associations they visited ever succeeded in beating Andy, Sam Dodds, Smithy, Fatty Leadfield and the rest, but some of the adventures that came along in the process nearly did! Andy and the haunted tower, for instance; and Dickie Goole and the crashed pilot on the mountain; and the dangerous adventure of the two men in the quicksand. Another first-rate Scouting story by this favourite author.scouts, adventure, arthur catherall, fiction

This book is a mid-20th century updated version of a manual with regulations and instructions for lighthouse staff and the supply of equipment and other goods that are necessary. It includes lists such as protective clothing required, fuel, when to raise a flag at half-mast, how communication must be carried out, the testing of equipment, and other similar information. It also contains templates for the Certificates of Service of various ranks such as Master and Mate. Australia no longer has manned lighthouses although some still have caretakers that report on the weather. The last manned lighthouse was in Tasmania and was de-manned in December 1995.The ultimate purpose of the book was to set down instructions that would be used to carry out life saving procedures, and to avoid shipwrecks. It confirms some earlier methods and updates others. The information within the book is similar to the information referred to by the 19th century and early 20th century lighthouse keepers and staff, and others involved in the preservation of life, such as those published by the Department of Ports and Harbours. The book is a valuable resource to those researching the evolving of maritime history from Colonial Australia to the modern day.Book, orange vinyl surface sealed cover on hard covered ring-binder. Gold embossed title on spine and front cover. Contains cream loose-leaf pages with rounded corners. Pages are printed with text, tables and diagrams, and are numbered with serial page and paragraph numbers. There is a Table of Contents and an Index. The cover displays the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia. Published by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1968 for the Department of Shipping and Transport, the book contains the Standing Orders to Masters and Crews of Lighthouse Tenders. It has examples for Certificates of Service for various ranks, a list of books and forms, protective clothing, rates for passengers, and a Scheme of Colour Painting for Lighthouse Tenders.Coat of Arms [Commonwealth of Australia] "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" "DEPARTMENT OF SHIPPING AND TRANSPORT" "STANDING ORDERS / TO / MASTERS AND CREWS OF LIGHTHOUSE TENDERS" "No 1/1968" "No.2/1968"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, shipwrecks, life saving, lifesaving, shiipping and transport, commonwealth of australia, standing orders, lighthouse crew, lighthouse tenders, masters and crews, 1968

This notebook (author undetermined), records much information concerning maritime and naval activities and history. A notebook, black cover with red canvas spine, originally with blank pages. There is a white sticker on the outside cover with the writing 'Sailing Ships in larger writing, and ''Dictionary & Info' in smaller writing underneath. On the outside back cover is a small white sticker with the number 59 on it. The notebook contains writing in a small and very neat hand with the following headings: General Index Glossary - Sailing Ship Terms Flags - for Naval Vessels Glossary - Ship Terms Watches (aboard ship) Wind Scale -Beaufort Ship Model Societies Rigging Info Books Guns Modelling Info Modelling Tools Working Model Sailing Ships Sails Historical Info Rates in Naval Bases R.N. Naval Bases (UK etc.)There is a white sticker on the outside cover with the writing 'Sailing Ships in larger writing, and ''Dictionary & Info' in smaller writing underneath. On the outside back cover is a small white sticker with the number 59 on it.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, royal navy, naval terms, ship modelling, wind scales, notebook, sailing ships, dictionary

This account book contains the "Salaries passed for payment..." and details the salary for each staff member, number of classes taught, weeks worked, etc.This is a significant account of both the people teaching at Collingwood Technical School in the 1920s as well as an indication of the rates of pay at the time.Grey cloth-covered cardboard cover with red spine. Pages are ruled for accounts. Label on cover "Journal"Handwritten on cover label "Salaries"collingwood technical school, cts, salaries, teachers, account books, nmit,

Soldier's Pay book issued to John Strobel Green VX32816. Born at Wonthaggi on the 19/4/1913. These books were usually carried by the soldiers in their battle dress breast pocket. They note personal details, rate of pay and promotions, and the place in which the soldier was paid each fortnight – effectively plotting soldiers' movements in the Army. From the pay book GREEN enlisted in June 1940, trained at Puckapunyal before embarking overseas in February 1941 for the Middle East. His mother who resided in West Yallourn was his next of kin.Brown cloth covered booklet with black writing and crest in the middle of the cover.Army No. VX32816. Pay Book No: 119988. Surname: Green. Christian Names: John Strobel. Unit: . Australian Military Forces. Soldier's Pay Book.world war 2, soldier's pay book, army pay book, john strobel green, vx32816

Soldier's Pay book continuation issued to John Strobel Green VX32816. Born at Wonthaggi on the 19/4/1913. These books were usually carried by the soldiers in their battle dress breast pocket. They note personal details, rate of pay and promotions, and the place in which the soldier was paid each fortnight – effectively plotting soldiers' movements in the Army. From the pay book GREEN enlisted in June 1940, at the age of 27, before embarking overseas on 5 February 1941 for the Middle East. Inside the rear cover are two photographs of GREEN. His mother Kate Green of Yallourn is listed as next of kin.Yellow covered booklet with black writing and Crest in the middle of the cover.Army No. VX32816. Pay Book No: C279807. Surname: Green. Christian Names: John Strobel. Unit: . Australian Military Forces. Soldier's Pay Book. Continuation.wwii, world war 2, pay book, soldier's pay book, army pay book, john strobel green

The homes were presented by the donors for the use of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The homes fulfil the original 1888 aim of 'aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists' and 'to provide the shelter of a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association'. From the minute books: "Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams, both natives of Ballarat, offered to build a cottage on the Association's ground at Perry Park [now Charles Anderson Grove] something after a style of the Hassell Homes. That offer was immediately followed by another from Mr S.W.J. Clark, a member of the Council. Both offers were promptly and gratefully accepted." The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages over 40 Home retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove Ballarat. Accommodation is offered at significantly below market rates. It has been providing low cost accommodation to the elderly since the 1920s. The Association Council overseas the running of this facility on a voluntary basis. One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas boxed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. == Purposes == ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association.

3 Volumes of information to Victorian Railways Goods Rates under a range of categories. They have blue board covers and had cloth binding. Print on the cover and throughout the books is in black ink. Much of the information is in tabulated format.These 3 volumes were issued by the Victorian Railways to all railway stations outlining changes made to goods and freight rates to operate in Victoria as of 14th February 1966. They were significant publications as they itemised the first rates after the introduction of decimal currency to Australia.victorian railways, victorian railway rates

A press release from Melbourne Legacy in 1975 which relates the story of a junior legatee becoming a lawyer. The information was intended to be used by press and magazines etc. The junior legatee had been a double orphan with his father dying in 1965 and his mother some years earlier. He came from the country to Melbourne for educational purposes and contacted Legacy. Although at 19 he was older than most children Legacy help he turned to them as the next best thing as parents. He had an ambition to be a lawyer but lack the means and backing to go to University. Legacy assigned a Legatee to look after him. They two established a strong 'father and son' relationship. Legacy further agreed to pay his tuition fees at University in 1968 and assist with a living allowance. His results were so good he earned a government Scholarship in 1969, and Legacy provided books and living costs. The faith in the boy's determination paid off and he completed his final examinations with outstanding results and first class honour.A record of how Legacy promoted their work in the 1970s.Pink foolscap page x 2 with black type of a press release in 1975.Title 'How indebted I am to Legacy fo rate financial and moral aid I have received.'press release, promotion, case studies

Set of two foolscap notices regarding fares, travel cards, concession cards, day trippers, and general information. .1 - Blue foolscap sheet - titled "For your Information", for fares changes from 16/9/1979, gives details of fares and prepaid tickets in books of 20, also vintage tram trips, tram and bus charter rates, maps, timetables and contact details. .2 - pink foolscap sheet - titled "Information Guide for passengers:, as above, applicable from 3/8/1980, has details on section savers, day trippers, metro cards, etc.trams, tramways, notices and information, mmtb, fares, tickets, charters, information

Rear view of Eltham Library showing loading dock and ramp to the front of the building. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p183 Award-winning Eltham Library, with its earthy tones blending into the nearby parklands, celebrates some of the best of Eltham’s spirit. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, the library at Panther Place, won him the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Merit Award in the New Institutional category.1 The design is typical of Burgess’ work, emphasising natural materials and forms, and the integration of building and site.2 In its distinctive architectural character, Burgess celebrated the spirit of Eltham’s artist/architect Justus Jörgenson and mud-brick builder Alistair Knox. However this library, which opened in 1994, follows decades of efforts to acquire a suitable library for local residents. It was only in 1971 that Eltham acquired its first purpose-built library. In the 1930s books were borrowed from a mobile library run by Mr Foster of Bible Street. From the 1930s to the early 1950s, adults borrowed books from the newsagency and general store in Main Road (still a newsagency) near Arthur Street. As late as the 1950s, adults borrowed books in the shire office foyer, then in Main Road near the corner of Arthur Street.3 In the early 1950s the ratepayers voted for lower rates rather than a library, in a referendum to build a public library financed by higher rates. Children depended on volunteers for their library service until 1966. In 1946 the inaugural meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s Women’s Auxiliary, decided to support the Trust by raising funds to buy land and build a Children’s Library, Baby Health Centre and other facilities. The auxiliary formed the Children’s Library Committee, which included Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bow and Mrs Currie. They ran a library service in the stage area of the Eltham Hall, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road. In 1952 the books were relocated to a room in the newly opened Baby Health Centre on Main Road. Then in 1961, the Children’s Library received its own hall beside the Eltham Pre-School Centre on Main Road. From there, each month, volunteers delivered books to every school in the shire. In 1966 the Children’s Library closed after 17 years of service, following the transfer of the Trust land and buildings to the Shire of Eltham. The books were donated to nine schools in the shire and to Community Aid Abroad. An important boost to the library service came in 1965, when the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was formed by the City of Heidelberg with the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley. Its first library service for Eltham Shire was a bookmobile van. Books for children and adults were finally housed in one building in 1966, when the shire converted the Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street, into a library. At last in 1971, the Eltham Library moved to new premises attached to the shire offices near Panther Place. However these were demolished in 1996, by State Government appointed commissioners during council amalgamations. Meanwhile the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was disbanded in 1985 and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. The burgeoning population brought pressure for a bigger library. Eltham was one of several municipalities in the 1970s and 1980s, battling with the State Government for adequate funding for public libraries. Funds were so tight, that in 1987 Eltham councillors threatened to close the library. However public petitions persuaded them to set aside funds to replace the cramped library facilities. In 1992 the Federal Government gave $887,496 towards the $3 million cost of the 1560 square metre library.4 The result is a light and spacious building with surrounding verandas, made of sustainable natural materials including earth and recycled and radially sawn timbers. It includes a gallery and function areas. In 2004 Mr Burgess won Australian architecture’s highest accolade: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has received more than forty professional and community awards.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place

Item in the collection of "William John SULLIVAN" VX57829. Refer Cat No. 9523P for his service details.Soft cover book. Cover - lightweight cardboard with adhered brown colour buckram. Black ink print on front, with Australian Coat of Arms. Pay book No. 265153. Handwritten - black ink pen - owner information. 23 pages - cut plain, white paper. Many pages completed with handwritten details of "DAILY RATES OF PAY", NEXT OF KIN, MEDICAL" et. Staples have rusted so all pages are loose. Front end paper has two black and white photographs secured with clear adhesive tape.Handwritten black ink on front cover. "VX57829/SULLIVAN/ WILLIAM JOHN".books, army, pow, paybooks, william john sullivan