This silver tray was donated by the family of John Watson and was used when they lived in de Kerilleau Homestead for three generations. de Kerilleau Homestead was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA circular silver tray with an embossed design around the outer edge.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

non-fictionA history of the development of the management of the Fish River Water Supply Scheme in Central NSW. The scheme extends across the local government areas of the Shire of Oberon, the City of Lithgow and the City of the Blue Mountains.water nsw, fish river region nsw, oberon dam, water resources development nsw australia

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it documents the management of the Falls Creek Tourist Area in the early 1960s..This letter was written by the Falls Creek Area Management Committee to convene a meeting of Licensees in order to nominate two new members to the Committee.falls creek area management committee, falls creek administration

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it documents the management of the Falls Creek Tourist Area in the early 1960s..This letter was written by the Falls Creek Area Management Committee on the 9th February 1960. It outlines the process and regulations related to the nomination of representatives to the Management Committee.falls creek area management committee, falls creek administration, management committee regulations

The Wodonga Base Hospital was officially opened on 16th January 1954. The first public meeting to discuss plans for a hospital in the district was held on 28th June 1934, but the proposed Bush Nursing Hospital did not eventuate. In 1946 another push began and land on the current site in Vernon Street was set aside. After a lengthy period of fundraising by the local community the hospital was finally realised. By 1975 the Hospital had become increasingly busy with the accommodation having increased to 68 beds, equipment being updated and a range of ancillary services extended. Between 1954 and 1974, the hospital had admitted 41,944 patients and babies born in the hospital totalled 3,996. Extensions to the Hospital were urgently needed to meet the demand on the facilities. The Victorian Government had approved the extensions and provided funds of $772,000. The Committee of Management needed to meet the cost of furnishings and equipment. Once again the Wodonga community were called upon to support their Hospital. This recipe booklet was printed as part of the fundraising campaign.This item is significant because it represents efforts made by the Wodonga community to establish and maintain appropriate Hospital facilities in Wodonga.A small publication of recipes and advertising produced to raise funds for the development of Wodonga District Hospital.wodonga base hospital, wodonga community

This photograph was taken on the 20th June 2004 as part of an event called "Successful Tree Planting!", organised by the Wooragee Landcare Group. It was addressed to all local residents and landholders in the area and involved practical demonstration of techniques suitable for successful planting of native trees and shrubs, as well as information about weed control. In the photograph are illustrated from left to right the following people: Chris Robinson; Tony Prowse; unknown child; Lesley Finedon; Ann Henderson, unknown. Revegetation can improve the condition of remnant vegetation in the area and provide habitat for local animals. Correct species selection, including all layers of vegetation, along with proper weather conditions and adequate site preparation, can maximise the successful outcome. Weed-free conditions and protection from rabbits and kangaroos are two more factors contributing to a quick plant growth. Wooragee Landcare, since its establishment in 1998, has organised a series of events and activities in order to promote weed and pest control, provide assistance and knowledge to landholders and ensure sustainability and protection of natural vegetation.The photograph is an example of the type of events and activities organised by Wooragee Landcare to educate and inform local residents and landholders on the most suitable techniques for successful planting of native trees and shrubs. Wooragee Landcare, abiding by its mission statement, promotes best land management strategies and ensures sustainability through collaboration with local community and council agencies.Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA 0ANA0N0 BN1+ 1 1636/ [PRINTED] (No.21)/935/successful tree planting, wooragee landcare group, 20th june 2004, successful planting, native trees and shrubs, weed control, revegetation, remnant vegetation, habitat, local animals, species selection, weather conditions, site preparation, weed-free, rabbits, kangaroos, plant growth, 1998, sustainability, natural vegetation

Wooragee Landcare, since its establishment in 1998, has organised a series of events and activities in order to promote weed and pest control, provide assistance and knowledge to landholders and ensure sustainability and protection of natural vegetation. This photograph was taken on the 3rd April 2004 as part of an event called "Spotlight on Fox", organised by the Wooragee Landcare Group. It was addressed to all landholders in the area and involved practical demonstration of techniques suitable for integrated fox control. Camille Velesky, who is illustrated in the photograph, was the presenter; he is a specialist in fox behaviour and has worked for 27 years on pest control. Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) foxes are declared as established pest animals and landowners have the responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect their land from established pest animals. The most commonly used management techniques are baiting, shooting, guard animals, fencing, trapping, canid pest ejectors, above-ground harbour removal, property hygiene and fumigation. Trapping, due to the significant suffering and distress that causes to foxes, has significant animal welfare implications and should be avoided if there is another suitable alternative. The photograph is an example of the type of events and activities organised by Wooragee Landcare to educate and inform local residents and landholders on the most suitable techniques for integrated fox control. Wooragee Landcare, abiding by its mission statement, promotes best land management strategies and ensures sustainability through collaboration with local community and council agencies.Portrait coloured photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA 0ANA2N0 NNN+ 1 8743/ [PRINTED] (No.10)/256/spotlight on fox, wooragee landcare group, integrated fox control, camille velesky, fox behaviour, pest control, catchment and land protection act 1994, calp act, established pest animals, baiting, guard animals, fencing, trapping, trap setting demonstration, weed and pest control, sustainability, natural vegetation, fox dens, fumigation, animal welfare

This photograph was taken at Samaria Farm on Sunday the 5th of September as part of a day trip by the Wooragee Landcare Group. The event was about looking at land use on small farms and as a social get-together for the Group. Wooragee Landcare was also researching how small landholders could run some enterprises around the time of this trip. Samaria Farm is located in northeast Victoria, near Mount Samaria, which is located 130 km northeast of Melbourne. Samaria Farm was owned by Sue and Due Matheson at the time of the trip and had a renowned rose garden, pigs, poultry, alpacas, and goats on their nine-hectare farm. The rose garden consists of 3000 damask roses. Samaria Farm distils the oil from these roses and is the only farm in Australia to do this. Rose oil has historically been used for religious and medical use. 20 kg of rose buds are picked by hand every day, which is then distilled and produced 5 to 8 ml of oil. The entire four-week season produces 80 to 100 ml of oil. Rose water is also created during this process and produces about 300 litres per season. Along with the oil, the Farm also harvests lemons, lime, olives, and oranges. The Farm is currently owned by Utako and Anthony since 2022, with Vicki and Allan Wight being the previous owners. Wooragee Landcare Group was created in 1988. Its core mission is to work towards eradicating animals and pests from the land to protect the natural vegetation and promote revegetation projects. This photograph is a great example of the type of events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized, while educating the public about the importance of land use management. The group is important to the community and for the environment.Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paperReverse: WAN NA E0NA2N2. NNN+ 2 4240/ [PRINTED] (No. 18) / 371samaria farm, wooragee, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare's collection, samaria, small farm, land use, social, rose oil, damask roses, pests

This photograph was taken at Samaria Farm on Sunday the 5th of September as part of a day trip by the Wooragee Landcare Group. The event was about looking at land use on small farms and as a social get-together for the Group. Wooragee Landcare was also researching how small landholders could run some enterprises around the time of this trip. Samaria Farm is located in northeast Victoria, near Mount Samaria, which is located 130 km northeast of Melbourne. Samaria Farm was owned by Sue and Due Matheson at the time of the trip and had a renowned rose garden, pigs, poultry, alpacas, and goats on their nine-hectare farm. The rose garden consists of 3000 damask roses. Samaria Farm distils the oil from these roses and is the only farm in Australia to do this. Rose oil has historically been used for religious and medical use. 20 kg of rose buds are picked by hand every day, which is then distilled and produced 5 to 8 ml of oil. The entire four-week season produces 80 to 100 ml of oil. Rose water is also created during this process and produces about 300 litres per season. Along with the oil, the Farm also harvests lemons, lime, olives, and oranges. The Farm is currently owned by Utako and Anthony since 2022, with Vicki and Allan Wight being the previous owners. Wooragee Landcare Group was created in 1988. Its core mission is to work towards eradicating animals and pests from the land to protect the natural vegetation and promote revegetation projects. This photograph is a great example of the type of events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized, while educating the public about the importance of land use management. The group is important to the community and for the environment. Landscape colored photograph printed on gloss paperReverse: WAN NA E0NA2N2. ANN+ 1 4240/ [PRINTED] (No. 19) / 372samaria farm, wooragee landcare group, wooragee, victoria, mount samaria, farming, roses, rose oil, damask roses, agriculture, pests, vegetation

This photograph was taken at Samaria Farm on Sunday the 5th of September when Wooragee Landcare Group took a bus trip to the Tatong area (near Benalla) to look at land use on small farms. The day trip was organised to observe land use on small farms as well as a social event for the Group. Samaria Farm at the time was a nine-hectare property located in northeast Victoria, near Mount Samaria, 130 km Northeast of Melbourne. The photograph features several pigs believed to be the breed called Large Black. The Large Black Pig breed is a traditional, heritage breed that was first imported to Australia from the UK in the early 1900's. It is believed to have originated from the Old English Hog of the 16th and 17th Centuries. The first reference to them in the Australian Pure Bred Pig Herd Book was in 1912. They are a black pig with lop ears and were prized for their superior milking and mothering abilities and soon became popular with early Dairy Farmers who fed them whey from separated milk as part of their butter making process. They proved economical to keep and, being excellent grazing pigs, were also used to pick up windfall fruit in orchards. Their black colouring also enabled them to withstand the hot Australian summers and avoid sunburn which combined with their hardiness and docile temperament made them highly suitable for free-range pork production, however Large Black pigs tend to get very fat and were not suitable for intensive farming so were often crossed with other breeds for pork production. They are now quite rare as a pure breed having been on the edge of extinction for some time. They were rescued in the early 1990s by a rare breeds farmer in the Yarra Ranges. These days they are also the focus of a small conversation effort with six registered breeders currently in Australia. For biosecurity reasons there are no imports of live pigs or pig semen permitted into Australia. This photograph shows a group of people attending one of the events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized within the educational framework of promoting best land management practices for all types of land uses and ensuring sustainability, in addition to encouraging community interaction via social events. The Large Black pig breed is significant because of their role in early Victorian farming. They are now quite rare as a pure breed having been on the edge of extinction for some time. These days they are the focus of a small conversation effort with six registered breeders currently in Australia. For biosecurity reasons there are no imports of live pigs or pig semen permitted into Australia. Wooragee Landcare Group is important to local community landcare and environmental management practices.Colour rectangular photograph printed on paperObverse: WAN NA EONA2N2. ANN+ 3 4240/ (No. 17) 370samaria farm, wooragee landcare, wooragee landcare group, tatong, benalla, black pigs, large black, traditional breed, heritage breed, pigs, lop ears, free range pork production, early victorian farming

This photograph was taken at Tatong Tavern, Victoria on Sunday the 5th of September as part of a day trip by the Wooragee Landcare Group. The event was about looking at land use on small farms and as a social get-together for the Group. Wooragee was also researching how small landholders could run some enterprises around the time of the trip. This photograph includes Jo Luisi, Bob Bennet, Christine Stewart, and Julius Holt. Tatong Tavern was built in the 1880's as Tatong Hotel or 'Pub' hotel for Mr. William Worrall. The original hotel was destroyed in 1923 by a fire, but was rebuilt for Mr. M. C. Clarke. The building is a representation of the changing society, as it changes as its uses and visitors change. The photograph shows the beer garden, which has been added more recently. The Tavern has a bar, restaurant, and accommodation area. Wooragee Landcare Group was created in 1988. Its core mission is to work towards eradicating animals and pests from the land to protect the natural vegetation and promote revegetation projects.This photograph is a great example of the type of events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized, while educating the public about the importance of land use management. It showcases the social aspect of the Group, as well as the historic Tatong Tavern. Landscape colored photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA E0NA2N2. NNN+ 1 4240/ [PRINTED] (No. 22) / 375wooragee, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare's collection, land use, social, tatong tavern, tatong hotel, tatong pub

This photograph was taken at Tatong Tavern, Victoria on Sunday the 5th of September as part of a day trip by the Wooragee Landcare Group. The event was about looking at land use on small farms and as a social get-together for the Group. Wooragee was also researching how small landholders could run some enterprises around the time of the trip. This photograph includes Christine Stewart, Julius Holt, Graeme Missen, Peter Finedon, and Sue Brunskill. Tatong Tavern was built in the 1880's as Tatong Hotel or 'Pub' hotel for Mr. William Worrall. The original hotel was destroyed in 1923 by a fire, but was rebuilt for Mr. M. C. Clarke. The building is a representation of the changing society, as it changes as its uses and visitors change. The photograph shows the beer garden, which has been added more recently. The Tavern has a bar, restaurant, and accommodation area. Wooragee Landcare Group was created in 1988. Its core mission is to work towards eradicating animals and pests from the land to protect the natural vegetation and promote revegetation projects.This photograph is a great example of the type of events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized, while educating the public about the importance of land use management. It showcases the social aspect of the Group, as well as the historic Tatong Tavern.Landscape colored photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA E0NA2N2. NNN+ 2 4240 / [PRINTED] (No. 23) / 376wooragee, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare's collection, land use, social, tatong tavern, tatong hotel, tatong pub

This photograph was taken at Riverview Farm, Victoria on Sunday the 5th of September as part of a day trip by the Wooragee Landcare Group. The event was about looking at land use on small farms and as a social get-together for the Group. Wooragee was also researching how small landholders could run some enterprises around the time of the trip. This photograph includes Julius Holt, Graeme Missen, Peter and Lesley Finedon, Sue Brunskill, Jacky Luisi, Bonnie Payne, Bob and Christine Stewart, Oliver Payne, and Gerri Boland. Wooragee Landcare Group was created in 1988. Its core mission is to work towards eradicating animals and pests from the land to protect the natural vegetation and promote revegetation projects.This photograph is a great example of the type of events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized, while educating the public about the importance of land use management.Reverse: WAN NA E0NA2N2. NN1- 3 4556 / [PRINTED] (No. 9) / 188wooragee, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare's collection, land use, social, riverview farm, animals, pests

Wooragee Landcare was formed in 1989 to promote sustainable conservation and land-use practices in the North-East region of Victoria. The organisation's work has included public awareness and education campaigns to control invasive, introduced species and protect native wildlife, such as campaigns to replant native plant species to improve soil integrity and restore habitat for flora and fauna. The organisation has drawn on the work of a variety of Government and academic experts to ensure best practice approaches are utilised. This photograph was taken at Riverview Farm, Victoria on Sunday the 5th of September as part of a day trip by the Wooragee Landcare Group. The event was about looking at land use on small farms and as a social get-together for the Group. Wooragee was also researching how small landholders could run some enterprises around the time of the trip. This photograph is a great example of the type of events that Wooragee Landcare Group has organized, while educating the public about the importance of land use management.Landscape colour photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA E0NA2N2. NNN+ 4 4240/ [PRINTED] (No. 24) / 377wooragee, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare's collection, land use, social, riverview farm, animals, pests, indigo shire, tatong, samaria, north-east victoria

Framed AwardNational Trust, City of Greater Geelong, Geelong and Regional Branch National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and City of Greater Geelong, Heritage Award, This award is presented in recognition of the contribution this place has made to conservation of heritage in the Geelong region, Former Drysdale Free Library and Hall 18-20 High Street Drysdale, External and internal repairs and construction of a disabled entry ramp, May 2016m Funding body Working Heritage, Committee of Management Chair Helen Weston, Planning Construction Consultant Tim Hubbard, Executive Officer Ross Turnbull, Wendy Jacobs Architect, Chris Mantello Mantec Projects builder

Book - 92 pages, centre stapled, printed on gloss paper titled "Transporting Melbourne - a Strategic framework for an integrated transport system in Melbourne", issued September 1996. Has a message from Minister Alan Brown - Minister for Transport and Geoff Craige Minister for Roads and Ports. Looks at the strategic context, the system, integration and land use, public transport needs and reforms, road networks, industry, management, environmental sustainability and structural reform. Includes chapters on trams and buses. Has many figures and maps. 613.1 - Book - 28 pages centre stapled, printed on gloss paper titled "Transporting Melbourne - A summary for public consolation" issued Sept. 1996, summary of above document. Full pdf image of the book added.trams, tramways, melbourne, public transport, transport

Spiral bound booklet, plastic cover, black plastic binding, On front cover: Western Mining Corporation Bendigo Gold Project, Environment Effects Statement, December 1987. On front page, colour aerial photograph of Bendigo mining areas mentioned in report. Key on front page related to photograph: 1. Woodvale Evaporation Ponds. 2. New Moon area. 3. North New Chum Williams United shaft. 4. Carshalton, Carshalton shaft. 5. South Nell Gwynne, North Bendigo shaft. Contents: historical perspective; Western Mining Corporation Ltd Bendigo activities; project outline, project approvals - controlling factors, elements of the mining project, surface based exploration, underground operations and surface support, mining areas and operations ore and mullock haulage, New Moon area, water management, environmental management. Planning and land use, socio-economic environment, physical environment and biological environment are examined and discussed. bendigo, goldmining, bendigo mining nl, bendigo goldfield, environmental effects statement, bendigo gold project, woodvale evaporation ponds, new moon, north new chum, carshalton, south nell gwynne, western mining corporation

Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in May 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grande Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob’s endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This document is significant because it documents the Rules of Falls Creek Tourist Area Regulations 1959.A letter from the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee reinstating the policy to ensure that licensees must not encroach on land for which they don't hold a license.bob hymans, licensee requirements

The largest gold mine in the area originated from a find in 1862. The mine was closed January 20, 1915 when a fire destroyed nearly all the above ground plant. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p75 Beneath Mine Hill, as locals call it, runs a network of tunnels once of central importance to the fledgling township of Diamond Creek. These are relics of gold mines, which transformed early Diamond Creek.1 The tiny settlement of about 20 families soared to more than 200 because of gold. For around 50 years, from 1862, gold mining was Diamond Creek’s major source of employment. On September 7, 1854 The Argus newspaper reported a find of a four pound (1.8kg) gold nugget in Nillumbik (an early name for Diamond Creek). Exactly where, is not known.2 The largest mine in the district, the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, apparently originated from a find in 1862. It is said Joe and Dave Wilson were visiting former tailor then cook, Charles Orme, at the southern end of Fraser Street. Sitting on a stump outside the front gate on land belonging to Dr A. E. Phipps the Wilsons found a vein of gold-bearing quartz, which led to the discovery of four quartz reefs varying in width to eight inches (20cm), running north and south. A reef found at the foot of the hill opposite Challenger Street became the Union Mine. This reef was traced south to Allendale Road where a small mine began operations.3 Other smaller mines later operated as well. Dr Phipps immediately began to mine and also built the Diamond Reef Hotel as a boarding house for miners. But Charles Orme, who owned the land alongside, leased his mine to Dr Phipps probably because of insufficient funds and business skills. By mid 1865 the mine had produced 2530 ounces of gold – a 100% profit on the original outlay. Of course there were problems. When the local dam dried up a Blake pump was installed to draw water from the creek. The Union Mine operated under the Diamond Creek Gold Mine management except when disputes sometimes resulted in separate management. However disagreements had to be resolved as the Union Mine depended on Diamond Creek Gold Mine pumps to remove underground water from common reefs. In 1912 the main shaft of about 380 yards (350m) employed 200 men recovering an average of 5000 ounces (141.7kg) of gold a year. But not everyone did well out of gold. Records of failed mining companies in the Victorian Public Record Office, reveal that owner Dr Phipps leased his Right to others. Companies came and went over the next 40 years, most sponsored by Melbourne businessmen who sold shares to gullible locals and then became insolvent. Although there were some good profits, financial returns were haphazard until 1905. Some local residents, who were share holders in short- term companies, became well-known names in modern Diamond Creek such as Scott, Haley, Butler, Alder, Ryan, Wadeson, Reeves, Alston, Paul and Edwards. Gold mining was brought to a disastrous end on January 20, 1915 at 3 pm, when fire destroyed nearly all the above-ground plant. Fortunately no lives were lost. But reopening the mine was almost impossible because of the increasing depth of water in the main shaft. The closed mine destroyed the livelihood of 200 families and the debris took many years to clear.4 In 1946 the Diamond Creek Gold Mine was reopened by the Golden Hind Mining Company, but money ran out before the 600 feet (182.8m) or so of water could be removed. Gold remains in the mine but enormous capital would be needed to buy the land, equipment and to remove the water. Today 12 known sealed shafts along the ridge of the hills on private property extend west for around one kilometre from the corner of Fraser and Haley Streets, crossing Norma and Fyffe to Dering Streets. As recently as 1987, heavy rains revealed a former Union Mine shaft in the Georgiadis family Fyffe Street back yard.5 Allendale Mine, south of Allendale Road, is still open and one of the Union Mine’s main drives (horizontal excavation) remains unsealed, on the Creek Reserve.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, diamond creek, diamond creek mine, fraser street, gold mining, james cook drive, mine hill

Fern gullies around Jehosaphat Gully Covered under National Estate. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p125 The magnificent Kinglake National Park, fringing Nillumbik’s north, is the largest national park close to Melbourne. Thanks to the vision and hard work of a band of local people, the park was created from what was rapidly becoming degraded land. Seeing a threat to Kinglake’s indigenous flora and fauna, several prominent local people campaigned for a national park, which was established in 1928.1 Since then, the park has grown through donations and acquisitions of land, from around 13,800 acres of land (5585ha) to 22,360 hectares. The Sugarloaf and Everard Blocks – of almost 8000 hectares – stand in Nillumbik and the park extends into Mitchell and Murrundindi Shires and the City of Whittlesea. Mt Everard commemorates William Hugh Everard, State member for Evelyn when the park was established. Before 1928, European settlers had degraded the Kinglake area, which was named after the celebrated English author and lawyer, Alexander William Kinglake. Remains of gold shafts and diggings in the park are reminders of Kinglake’s first settlers, who hoped to strike it rich at the gold diggings. But like other gold fields in this shire, they proved not very lucrative and soon timber cutting replaced mining in importance. However, before long, the accessible timber supply ran out, so in the 1920s agriculture took over – particularly potatoes and berry fruits – which involved large-scale clearing.2 The park’s instigator was retired Melbourne University Professor of Music, William Laver.3 As chair of the Kinglake Progress Association he began negotiations to have crown lands on the southern scarp of the Great Dividing Range reserved as a national park. Even before the park was proclaimed, from 1927, KPA members cut tracks to the major scenic points. Professor Laver was one of several people who gave land for the park, donating around 50 acres (20ha), including the Jehosaphat Gully.4 Laver chaired the park’s first Committee of Management, which raised money to employ a ranger and provide facilities, including tracks and roads for fire protection vehicles, toilets and shelters. The committee charged fees for firewood collection, some grazing of livestock, and visitor entrance, and obtained small State Government and Eltham Shire grants. In 1957 the State Government provided revenue for national parks. Then, in 1975, the State Government took over the management and the Committee of Management became an advisory committee, which disbanded in 1978. Originally, the park covered crown land in the Shires of Eltham and Whittlesea; then Wombelano Falls in Yea and other areas were added. In 1970 the park extended into the Shires of Eltham, Healesville, Whittlesea and Yea.5 Bush fires have been an ongoing problem. In 1939 hundreds of eucalypts and acacias had to be sown around the Jehosaphat Gully to rejuvenate the forest. To manage bushfires, the Committee of Management, then the State Government, worked closely with the Forestry Commission, shire councils and local fire brigades. Early national parks focussed on recreation. But by the 1980s, conservation, education and scientific research became more important, playing a vital role in preserving representative samples of the natural environment. Each year many thousands of people use the park’s extensive network of walking tracks amongst the protected plant and animal life as well as camping, cycling and horse riding. The park, along the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, has lookouts revealing magnificent views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and the You Yangs. Vegetation in the Masons Falls area includes messmate forest, Austral grass-trees, ferns and Hazel Pomaderris. In spring, orchids, lilies, everlasting daisies, correas, grevillea and heath appear. Around Jehosaphat Gully are wet and dry forest, fern gullies and banksia. Animal life includes wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, possums, gliders and bandicoots. Male lyrebirds can be heard mimicking in the Jehosaphat Gully, particularly in the Everard Block in winter.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, kinglake national park, jehosaphat gully

This sign proudly hung outside the Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) Beechworth office which is now site of the Forestry Heritage Museum. The granite building in the Beechworth's historic precinct was once the Gold Warden's Office and is one of the town's original buildings. The FCV was the main government authority responsible for management and protection of State forests in Victoria between 1918 and 1983. The Commission was responsible for ″forest policy, prevention and suppression of bushfires, issuing leases and licences, planting and thinning of forests, the development of plantations, reforestation, nurseries, forestry education, the development of commercial timber harvesting and marketing of produce, building and maintaining forest roads, provision of recreation facilities, protection of water, soils and wildlife, forest research and making recommendations on the acquisition or alienation of land for forest purposes″. The Forests Commission had a long and proud history of innovation and of managing Victoria's State forests but in September 1983 lost its discrete identity when it was merged into the newly formed Victorian Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands (CFL) along with the Crown Lands and Survey Department, National Park Service, Soil Conservation Authority and Fisheries and Wildlife Service. After the amalgamation the management of State forests and the forestry profession continued but the tempo of change accelerated, with many more departmental restructures occurring over the subsequent four decades. Responsibilities are currently split between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Forests Fire Management Victoria (FFMV), Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Alpine Resorts Commission, the State Government-owned commercial entity VicForests and the privately owned Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP).Large office sign. Hand painted in traditional FCV mission brown and gold colour scheme.forests commission victoria (fcv), forest signs