The grave of Thomas Sweeney, former convict turned respectable citizen. The Murray and Sweeney families were both early settlers of the Eltham district and connected by marriage. Their family plots are located side by side in the Catholic section of the Eltham Cemetery. Irish-born Thomas Sweeney is regarded as the first settler in Eltham. He was transported to Sydney in 1823 after being convicted of arson. He was granted his freedom in 1838 and married Margaret Meehan in the same year. They moved to Melbourne and in 1842 Thomas purchased 110 acres beside the Yarra River in the vicinity of present-day Sweeneys Lane. He called the property ‘Culla Hill’ and built a small slab hut (reputedly with Wurundjeri help; Margaret is said to have run an informal hospital for them in return). This was followed in 1846 by more substantial buildings consisting of a three-roomed Irish-style ‘longhouse’ and a barn made of stone and handmade bricks, with doors large enough to accommodate a fully loaded wagon. When the gold rush came, Thomas prospered by selling meat and potatoes to the prospectors, enabling him to purchase a further 308 acres in 1856. He promoted the construction of a bridge over the Plenty River and the establishment of a school at Eltham. Roman Catholic Church services were held at Culla Hill in the early years. When he died in 1867, he was regarded as a respected member of the community. Thomas and Margaret are buried in Eltham Cemetery with many of their descendants. Their first son John continued to farm Culla Hill until his death in 1909. Culla Hill passed out of the Sweeneys' possession in 1939. The house and barn remain today, though lesser outbuildings have gone. The facade of the house is much the same as it was in the 1840s. Sacred To the memory of Thomas Sweeney Who died Sep 6th 1867 Aged 65 years May his soul res in peace Also his wife Margaret Died Oct 3rd 1884 aged 73 years And their daughters Annie Died Aug 22nd 1860 aged 21 years Johanna Died Aug 19th 1872 aged 22 years Margaret Died 7th Sep 1913 aged 72 years R.I.P. Also In Memory Of John Sweeney Died 24th May 1909 Aged 65 years Also of his wife Ellen Died 8th March 1910 Aged 64 years R.I.P Also In Memory Of Caroline Infant daughter of John & Ellen Sweeney Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p55 From the piety and poverty of 19th century Eltham, 20th century artists and environmentalists, to today’s comfortable middle class, Eltham Cemetery records it all — and more. A visit to Eltham Cemetery reveals an important social record since its beginnings in 1858. The cemetery was situated on about six acres (2.4ha) (now around 4.8ha) at the corner of Mount Pleasant and Metery Roads.1* It is thought that Metery Road was originally called Cemetery Road, but in the early 1940s, a resident, possibly a councillor, objected to the name resulting in the change.2 Much can be gleaned about the developing Eltham community from burial styles and the names of former local residents. Originally the cemetery was divided into Christian denominations, like others of that time, following the United Kingdom burial system. In 1861 the cemetery included Church of England, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Wesleyans (later Methodist) sites. Graves also indicated social class. Some had grand tombstones, perhaps fenced with ornamental cast iron railing, but most in the 1860s and 1870s were constructed of modest stone slabs.3 This indicated the poverty of the district, which was largely inhabited by farmers on small landholdings. A poignant reminder of the high rates of infant mortality of those times, are the many infants and young children recorded on the headstones. Major changes occurred in the cemetery in the late 20th century as Christian adherence weakened and society became more egalitarian and informal. In the early 1970s a non-denominational lawn section for burials was established. Since then all new areas have been non-denominational to accommodate the more diverse local community. Now, instead of large ornamental headstones, some mourners have chosen boulders, reflecting the natural Eltham style, while others choose graves in the lawn areas or niches in walls. In the late 1970s, the University Donor Section was established north-west of Candlebark Lawn for those who donated their bodies for The University of Melbourne medical research. In the early 1980s the natural Australian garden style, popular in Eltham, was mirrored in a new section called Ashes Walk. Local landscape architect Gordon Ford, who had popularised this style, designed the Walk using boulders shaded by native plants beside curved pathways. Landscape architect Robert Boyle later redesigned Ashes Walk and developed other parts of the cemetery in keeping with this style.4 Appropriately Ford, who died in 1999, was interred in the Native Garden Section in a cluster of sites shaded by a large eucalyptus tree.5 By 2007, about 6400 interments were recorded in the Eltham Cemetery. Close inspection reveals notable names in the district’s history. The grave of Thomas Sweeney, a former convict who became a respected citizen, can be found in the Roman Catholic section near the path. Eltham Primary School’s first headmaster, David Clark, is buried in a modest grave in the Church of England section to the east of the path from the main entrance. Sir William Irvine, Victorian Premier from 1900 to 1902, whose grave is in the north-east Presbyterian section was at various times Victoria’s Chief Justice, Deputy Governor and Treasurer.6 Further south is the grave of social reformer Bertram Wainer, born in Scotland in 1928 and died in 1987. He campaigned to legalise abortion and exposed police corruption in allowing illegal ‘backyard’ abortions. Other prominent local residents interred in the cemetery include: Justus Jörgensen, who founded Montsalvat; Alistair Knox, the mud-brick housing pioneer and Eltham Shire Councillor from 1971 to 1975 and President in 1975; Clem and Nina Christensen, who had a major influence on the literary development of post World War Two Australia. Others were: composer Dorian Le Gallienne; artist Peter Glass; Stephen Dattner, a prominent Melbourne furrier; ALP parliamentarian for Greensborough, Pauline Toner and political scientist and commentator, Professor William Macmahon Ball.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, annie sweeney, caroline sweeney, ellen sweeney, eltham cemetery, graves, gravestones, johanna sweeney, john murray, john sweeney, margaret sweeney, mary ellen drain, mary murray, thomas murray, thomas sweeney

Born in Poland in 1914, Irena Higgins completed her degree in social work at the University of Lwow [Lvov]. Migrating to Australia in 1938, she lived in various places including in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney before moving with her family to Melbourne in 1945. She initially worked at the Victorian Society for Crippled Children. Then in 1952, Irena was employed as a social worker by the Mental Hygiene Division of the Health Commission at Kew Mental Hospital (which included children). She was the first social worker employed by the Victorian Mental Health Authority to work with children with an intellectual disability. She remained at Kew for seventeen years, becoming Senior Social Worker with a staff of three other social workers, a secretary and a number of aides. Two of Irena’s significant innovations at Kew were the establishment of a Parents’ Association, and the development of a network of volunteers trained to work with families in the community. Irena Higgins remained committed to social reform following her retirement in 1984, working actively to establish the first emergency housing in Kew. In 2015, Irena’s daughter Barbara Higgins, and friend Elizabeth Watts, donated a number of her papers to the Kew Historical Society. These documents constitute the Irena Higgins Collection.Black and white photograph of Irena Higgins, donated by her daughter as part of the Irena Higgins Collection.irena higgins, kew mental hospital - willsmere, children's cottages (kew)

This album of ephemera contains a variety items such as invitations, tickets, brochures and cards for businesses and shops in Bacchus Marsh and district. The items range in date from the 1890s through to the late twentieth century. Vinyl and plastic covered album housing small card and paper ephemera items in plastic sleeves and pockets.bacchus marsh history, ephemera bacchus marsh, bacchus marsh social history

non-fictionComprehensive statistical overview of Melbourne's north east region. The profile draws on census data for 1976 and 1981. Local Government summaries for the local government areas of Diamond Valley, Eltham, Heidelberg, Northcote, Preston and Whittlesea. Sections include demographic profiles (including family type and migrant populations), workforce, housing, education, support services, children's services, transport, recreation and leisure facilities, local government authorities, and local government area profile summaries.population, social profile, social service, demographics

This glass slide captures the crowd at the unveiling of the two cannons at Queen Victoria Park which were secured by Sir Isaac Isaacs and presented to Beechworth in 1901. In the forefront of the slide, elegantly dress ladies, some pushing strollers or holding onto children, and dapper gentlemen can be seen gathering around and on top of the park’s iconic rock. The unveiling of these two cannons would have been a celebratory affair for those in attendance, marking a momentous occasion for Beechworth residents which was captured in this lantern slide. The two cannons were secured by Sir Isaac Isaacs who was an influential figure in Beechworth. Sir Isaac Isaacs was born and raised in Beechworth, beginning his education at the Common school and eventually graduated as dux of the Beechworth Grammar School. His commitment to public service was evident early on and he was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1892, representing Bogong, a district which included Yackandandah and Beechworth. During his time in office, Sir Isaac Isaacs pushed for better education, healthcare, employment opportunities and housing for the people of Beechworth. This glass slide is socially and historically significant as it captures a moment of celebration and advancement for the Beechworth residents while also symbolising an important milestone in the towns history. The slide also, perhaps indirectly, memorialises an important figure in Beechworth history, Sir Isaac IsaacsA thin translucent sheet of glass with a curved rectangular image printed on the front and framed in a black backing. It is held together by metal strips to secure the edges of the slide burke museum, beechworth, lantern slide, slide, glass slide, plate, burke museum collection, photograph, monochrome

The meeting place at Banksia Gardens Estate in Broadmeadows, captured in 1998, holds significant historical value. This public housing area, where people gathered at the pergola, serves as a testament to the community spirit and social interactions that were central to the estate's external development. The photograph records the evolution of Banksia Gardens, highlighting its role as a hub for community engagement and support. It reflects the importance of creating accessible and inclusive spaces that foster social connections and enhance the quality of life for residents.The meeting place at Banksia Gardens Estate in Broadmeadows, captured in 1998, holds significant historical value. This public housing area, where residents gathered at the pergola, exemplifies the community spirit and social interactions that were integral to the estate's external development. The photograph documents the evolution of Banksia Gardens, highlighting its role as a central hub for community engagement and support. It underscores the importance of creating accessible and inclusive spaces that foster social connections, enhance the quality of life for residents, and contribute to the overall development of the community.Black and white photograph on glossy photograph paper.Public housing where people meet at the Pergola/Banksia Gardens, 1998banksia gardens, broadmeadows, 1998, public housing

This photograph from 1998 captures the public housing at Banksia Gardens Housing Estate in Broadmeadows. The image provides a valuable historical record of the estate's development and the living conditions during that period. Banksia Gardens was designed to offer accessible and inclusive housing, reflecting the broader social and economic context of the time. The estate served as a vital community hub, fostering social connections and providing support to its residents.This photograph of the public housing at Banksia Gardens Housing Estate in Broadmeadows, taken in 1998, holds significant historical value. It captures the essence of the estate's development and the living conditions of the time. Banksia Gardens was designed to provide accessible and inclusive housing, reflecting the social and economic priorities of the late 1990s. The estate served as a crucial community hub, fostering social connections and offering essential support to its residents. This image stands as a testament to the efforts made to create a supportive and cohesive community environment, highlighting the importance of public housing in enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.Black and white photograph on glossy paper.Banksia Gardens Housing Estate/Broadmeadows 1998banksia gardens, broadmeadows, 1998

This glossy colour photograph from 1998 captures the basketball court at Banksia Gardens in Broadmeadows. The image is a valuable piece of the social history of Banksia Gardens Estate, illustrating the recreational facilities available to residents at the time. The basketball court served as a vital community space, promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion. It reflects the broader efforts to create a supportive and engaging environment for the residents of Banksia Gardens, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the community. This glossy colour photograph of the basketball court at Banksia Gardens in Broadmeadows, taken in 1998, holds significant historical value. The basketball court is emblematic of the recreational facilities provided within the Banksia Gardens Estate, reflecting the social priorities of the time. It served as a crucial community space where residents could engage in physical activity, foster social interactions, and build community cohesion. The presence of such facilities highlights the efforts made to create a supportive and engaging environment for the residents, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the community. This image stands as a testament to the importance of recreational spaces in enhancing the quality of life within public housing estates.Glossy Colour Photograph of a basketball court.Basketball Court at/Banksia Gardens Broadmeadows 1998banksia gardens estate, broadmeadows, 1998, basketball court

This photograph from 1998 captures the Banksia Gardens Estate in Broadmeadows, a significant public housing development of the time. The image provides valuable insight into the architectural design and living conditions within the estate during the late 1990s. Banksia Gardens was established to offer affordable and accessible housing, reflecting the social and economic priorities of the era. The estate served as a crucial community hub, fostering social connections and providing essential support to its residents. This photograph stands as a historical record of the efforts made to create stable and inclusive communities through public housing initiatives.This photograph of the Banksia Gardens Estate in Broadmeadows, taken in 1998, holds significant historical value. As a public housing estate, Banksia Gardens played a crucial role in providing affordable and accessible housing to the community. The image captures the essence of the estate's development during that period, reflecting the social and economic priorities of the late 1990s. Banksia Gardens served as a vital community hub, fostering social connections, providing essential support, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. This photograph stands as a testament to the importance of public housing in creating stable and inclusive communities.Black and white photograph on glossy paper.Public Housing Estate/Banksia Gardens 1998/(Upside down bottom left corner) 28banksia gardens estate, broadmeadows, 1998

In 1998, the Banksia Gardens Estate was a hub of community activity, as evidenced by various neighbourhood gatherings. One notable event captured in a colour photograph shows a group of women and children engaging in conversation by the side of the road, with a boy on a bicycle nearby. This image, taken out the front of a residence, in Banksia Gardens, highlights the social dynamics and communal interactions that were prevalent in the estate during that time. Such gatherings were integral to fostering a sense of community and belonging among the residents.The photograph from 1998, depicting a group of women and children conversing by the side of the road in the Banksia Gardens Estate, holds significant historical and social value. This image, taken out the front of a residence, captures a moment of everyday life and community interaction. The presence of a boy on a bicycle adds to the scene's authenticity and charm. Such neighbourhood gatherings were crucial in fostering a sense of community and belonging among the residents. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the social dynamics and communal spirit that characterised the Banksia Gardens Estate during that period.Glossy colour photograph on white photo paper.Neighbourhood Gatherings Public Garden/Banksia Gardens 1998banksia gardens estate, broadmeadows, public housing, 1998

This black and white photo, originally published in the Broadmeadows Observer, depicts children on the Banksia Gardens Estate in Broadmeadows. One child holds an umbrella in a paddock, symbolising the community's resilience. The estate, initially plagued by social challenges, has transformed through community services and recent housing developments.This black and white photograph, originally published in the Broadmeadows Observer, captures a group of children on the Banksia Gardens Estate, Broadmeadows, with one child holding an umbrella in a paddock. The image symbolises the community's resilience. Initially plagued by social challenges, the estate has transformed through community services and recent housing developments, highlighting the strength and progress of the local community.Black and white photograph on glossy photographic paper.1 Torn Label: Photographers Caption SH/Date 23/3/90 Publication OB/Operator's Name Leich/Assignment Banksia GA/Names and Initials Adsage/(in block letters/from left to right) Green Label: The Leader Newspaper Group/The Northern Division/Paper 30/Catchline ME39BO700/Percentage 112/Date/Page 8banksia gardens estate, broadmeadows, children, broadmeadows observer, 1990