Around four months after becoming President of the Old Colonists' Association the Covid19 pandemic hit, and by March 2020 Ballarat was in lockdown. Association Council meetings continued online, residents of the retirement village were kept informed of safety requirements during the pandemic, and 3 additional units were built at the Charles Anderson Grove Retirement Village. A Conservation Management Plan was also commissioned for the Old Colonists' Hall.Colour photographs of Jo Barber President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc giving her inaugural speech As President. Andrew Robson (secretary) sits to her left and Steve Carter (Treasurer) sits to her right.The photograph was taken in the Old Colonists' Hall on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' hall, jo barber, president, covid19, pandemic, president's collar, andrew robson, steve carter

Colour photographs of President Travis Hurst receivingthe President's Collar from Jo Barber, Past President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.The photograph was taken in the Old Colonists' Hall on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' hall, jo barber, president, president's collar, travis hurst

Colour photograph of President Travis Hurst, President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.The photograph was taken in the Old Colonists' Hall on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting and installation of President.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' hall, president, president's collar, travis hurst, andrew robson, steve carter

Colour photogaph of the balcony of the Alexandra tearooms from the vernadah of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall.balcony, alexandra tearooms balcony, lydiard street north, ballarat

Framed photograph of Mrs M.K. Kelly wearing the rosette of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association.old colonists' association ballarat, m.k. kelly, rosette

Colour photographs of newly completed cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Assoication retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove.charles anderson grove, retirement village, old colonists' association ballarat

Colour photograph of Federation University Arts Academy Campusbuildings, aerial photograph, ballarat club, arts academy, camp street campus, ballarat trades hall, former ballarat state officers, art gallery of ballarat, old colonists' hall, ballarat mining exchange

The conservation management plan was commissioned by the City of Ballarat to assist in the process of planning for the future management and development of the Camp Street precinct, having particular regard for the Camp Street Arts and Education Precinct.White, soft covered, spiral bound book relating to Ballarat's Camp Street Precinct. Contents include: Methodology, buildings and site layout. ballarat, camp street, clare gervasoni, ballarat fine art gallery, art gallery of ballarat, old colonists' hall, former ballarat mining exchange, former state offices, former police court, former police station, former police barracks, old police station, arts academy, archaeology, conservation management plan

The Eureka Sunday Luncheon was presented by the Eureka Stockade Memorial Association. Blue and white placemat used for the Eureka Sunday in June Luncheon organised by the Eureka Stockade Memorial Trust. The placemat includes a a representation of the Eureka Flag. The Guest speaker at the luncheon was Peter Tobin, the chairman of ESMA was Frank Williams, and the MC was Professor John Molony. eureka stockade memorial association, norm d'angri, frank williams, michael ronaldson, les drury, joanne simpson, doug sarah, judy verlin, weston bate, ballarat old colonists' association

The Eureka Sunday Luncheon was presented by the Eureka Stockade Memorial Association. White invitation to the Raffaello Carboni dinner at the Old Colonists' Club. The guest speaker was Anthony Pagliaro.eureka stockade memorial association, ballarat old colonists' association, tony pagliaro, eureka stockade memorial trust, anne beggs sunter, paul williams

This photograph is from the Max Harris Collection held by the Ballaraat Mechanics' Institute. Please contact BMI for all print and usage inquiries.ballarat, old colonists club 1980s, max harris

Colour photographs of the Old Colonists' Association Collar, which is worn by the incoming Association President on the installation night. old colonists' association, president's collar, collar, costume, stitchery, embroidery, gold braid, ballarat old colonists' club, ceremonial collar

From the Argus Newspaper of 10 May 1888: "OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION OF BALLARAT. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, WEDNESDAY. This association, which was founded in August, 1883, and at first known as the Old Identities' Association, now has a roll of 450 members. The objects of the association are "to aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists; to raise a fund, by the voluntary subscriptions of the members and the aid of outside donations, for the purpose of relieving members in sickness and old age ; for assisting those in extreme distress, to provide the shelter o a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association, and in the event of the death of any member to have his remains decently buried, the association defraying the expenses of the funeral (providing that no funds or property are left by the deceased), and to attend the funeral if so desired by the relatives " The qualifications for member- ship are good character and repute, and residence in the colonies for a quarter of a century. For some time the association had no property except the regular subscriptions, but about a year ago they obtained from the Minister of Lands the grant of a very valuable block of land in Lydiard-street, the Crown grant of which they received last week. This block has a frontage of 66ft to Lydiard street, worth at least £100 a foot. The ground was given to the association as a site for them to build a hall upon, and with so valuable an asset they had no difficulty in borrowing at 7 per cent, enough money to construct a hall. For revenue purposes the ground floor of the building has been made into four shops, and the rental from these, judging from the rentals of shops in the vicinity, will not only pay all the interest on the borrowed money, but over £200 a year towards clearing off the principal. The officers of the association are Messrs J P Murray, president; J W Graham and T. Stoddart, vice presidents; D Fern, treasurer , and J Fraser, secretary. The Old Colonists' Hall is an elegant looking building in Lydiard-street, lying between the newly-opened mining exchange and the Commercial Club house, and a few doors north of the Post office. The style of the facade is classic. The lower portion of the front is constructed of Waurn Ponds stone, forming piers, and the upper portion of brick and cement, the background being tuckpointed. The centre bay is carried by two three quarter columns with Ionic cups, which support a pediment on which is set a cast of the Ballarat coat of arms. The four other bays are supported by pilasters with Corinthian caps mid partly fluted. The entrance is through a spacious circular headed doorway, the keystone of the arch of which bears a sculptured head, in marble, representing that of the president of the Old Colonists' Association here, Mr. John P Murray. An ample vestibule leads to a wide stone staircase which ends at a spacious landing. The landing has a dome over the centre, with cornice and enrichments, and is lighted from above. The walls round the landing are panelled with marble slabs, which are to be appropriately inscribed in the future. On the first door are the rooms appropriated to the association. The principal of these is a hall 44ft x 33ft and 17ft high. This room is well ventilated and lighted from the back of the building with large windows, and the walls are finished with Keene's cement. The other rooms are committee room, 14ft x 16ft; scretary's, 14ft x 17ft 6in; kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, &c. The front portion of the first floor is arranged so that it may be let for offices, or utilised for club purposes. Suitable provision has been made throughout tor lighting, ventilation, and means of egress. The architect for the edifice is Mr A. G Legge, of this city, and the contractors are Messrs. Whitelaw and Atkinson, Irving and Glover, Reynolds, and J Donaldson. The total cost of the building when completed, which will be in a few weeks, will be about £4,000."Colour photograph of a room with marble plaques on the wall. They relate to the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat, old colonists' association ballarat, old colonists' club, marbles

The Foundation Stone was laid in 1887.Colour photograph of a bluestone foundation stone with gold writing. It is the foundation Stone of the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat building in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.This stone was laid on Jubilee Day A.D. 21st June, 1887, by J.P. Murray esq J.P. President of the Old Colonsts Association. Ballaratold colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists; club, j.p. murray, architecture, foundation stone

Six photographic portraits presented in a framed mount. The portraits are J.T. Farr; H. Hannington; W.H. Butler; James William Graham; F.W. Osbourne; A. Croft; J. Brooksbank.'Presented by foundation members and first President to the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat as a souvenir of the origin of our noble institution. Founded August 1883.'ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, old colonists' club, ballarat, richards and co., j.t. farr, w.h. butler, j.w. graham, f.w. osbourne, a. croft, james w. graham, founders, h. hannington, j. brooksbank

The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages a 27 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. OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION OF BALLARAT. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, WEDNESDAY. This association, which was founded in August, 1883, and at first known as the Old Identities' Association, now has a roll of 450 members. The objects of the association are "to aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists ; to raise a fund, by the voluntary subscriptions of the members and the aid of outside donations, for the purpose of relieving members in sickness and old age; for assisting those in extreme distress, to provide the shelter of a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association, and in the event of the death of any member to have his remains decently buried, the association defraying the expenses of the funeral (providing that no funds or property are left by the deceased), and to attend the funeral if so desired by the relatives." The qualifications for member ship are good character and repute, and residence in the colonies for a quarter of a century. For some time the association had no property except the regular subscriptions, but about a year ago they obtained from the Minister of Lands the grant of a very valuable block of land in Lydiard-street, the Crown grant of which they received last week. This block has a frontage of 66ft to Lydiard street, worth at least £100 a foot. The ground was given to the association as a site for them to build a hall upon, and with so valuable an asset they had no difficulty in borrowing at 7 per cent, enough money to construct a hall. For revenue purposes the ground floor of the building has been made into four shops, and the rental from these, judging from the rentals of shops in the vicinity, will not only pay all the interest on the borrowed money, but over £200 a year towards clearing off the principal. The officers of the association are Messrs J. P. Murray, President; J. W. Graham and T. Stoddart, vice presidents; D. Fern, treasurer; and J. Fraser, secretary. The Old Colonists' Hall is an elegant looking building in Lydiard-street, lying between the newly-opened mining exchange and the Commercial Club house, and a few doors north of the Post Office. The style of the facade is classic. The lower portion of the front is constructed of Waurn Ponds stone, forming piers, and the upper portion of brick and cement, the background being tuckpointed. The centre bay is carried by two three quarter columns with Ionic cups, which support a pediment on which is set a cast of the Ballarat coat of arms. The four other bays are supported by pilasters with Corinthian caps mid partly fluted. The entrance is through a spacious circular headed doorway, the keystone of the arch of which bears a sculptured head, in marble, representing that of the president of the Old Colonists' Association here, Mr. John P. Murray. An ample vestibule leads to a wide stone staircase which ends at a spacious landing. The landing has a dome over the centre, with cornice and enrichments, and is lighted from above. The walls round the landing are panelled with marble slabs, which are to be appropriately inscribed in the future. On the first door are the rooms appropriated to the association. The principal of these is a hall 44ft x 33ft and 17ft high. This room is well ventilated and lighted from the back of the building with large windows, and the walls are finished with Keene's cement. The other rooms are committee room, 14ft x 16ft; secretary's, 14ft x 17ft, 6in; kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, &c. The front portion of the first floor is arranged so that it may be let for offices, or utilised for club purposes. Suitable provision has been made throughout for lighting, ventilation, and means of egress. The architect for the edifice is Mr A. G. Legge, of this city, and the contractors are Messrs. Whitelaw and Atkinson, Irving and Glover, Reynolds, and J. Donaldson. The total cost of the building when completed, which will be in a few weeks, will be about £4,000. (The Argus, 10 May 1888)ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, old colonists' association

This clock has been changed to battery operation.Timber cased wall clock old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, clock

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The Wilson homes were completed in 1966. 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 bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::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. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Colour photograph pf a cream brick building known as the Wilson Homes. They are a part of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat Retirement Village at Charles Anderson Grove. old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, wilson, wilson homes

To qualify for membership of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat the potential member had to be 21 years in the Australian Colonies. This suggests the form was printed before the federation of Australian States in 1901.Printed form for potential Members of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat to fill out. The annual life membership fee was two pounds to shillings, and the annual member fee was 10 shillings per annum. Potential members were asked for the Name, Age, occupation, residence, birthplace, place and the of arrival in Australia, name of ship, date of propositions, proposer and seconder. old colonists' associaiton of ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, membership form

Typed listing of Old Colonists' Club Ballarat Executive Committee 1968-6 on letterhead of the Old Colonists' Club Ballarat.old colonists' club ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association ballarat, coventry, floyd, sumner, godbehear, minchin, pitts, schulz, evand and metcalfe, abson

Typed list of Old Colonists' Club Ballarat Executive Committee for 1966-67 on letterhead of the Old Colonists' Club Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association ballarat, h.r. sumner, rowland, c.h. davis, h. godbehear, floyd, robertson, travers, evans and metcalfe, p. abson

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Panoramic images of a picnic at Charles Anderson Grove retirement village before the community centre was built. charles anderson grove, ballarat old colonists' association picnic, retirement village

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photographic portrait of Andrew Michelson, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat.andrew michelson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photographic portrait of Dr Zichy Woinarski, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. In 1882 he married Miss Dundas-Robertson of Mortlake.zichy woinarski, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club