Approx 180-200 people attended a second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road followed by a group protest photo shoot on Main Road outside the Eltham War MemorialBorn digital image895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Approx 180-200 people attended a second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road followed by a group protest photo shoot on Main Road outside the Eltham War MemorialBorn digital image895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Approx 180-200 people attended a second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road followed by a group protest photo shoot on Main Road outside the Eltham War MemorialBorn digital image895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Approx 180-200 people attended a second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road followed by a group protest photo shoot on Main Road outside the Eltham War MemorialBorn digital image895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Approx 180-200 people attended a second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road followed by a group protest photo shoot on Main Road outside the Eltham War MemorialBorn digital image895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Approx 180-200 people attended a second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road followed by a group protest photo shoot on Main Road outside the Eltham War MemorialBorn digital image895 main road, 903-907 main road, community meeting, eltham pre-school, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, infant welfare centre, nillumbik shire council, senior citizen's centre

Launch of "Pioneers and Painters: One Hundred years of Eltham and its Shire" by Alan Marshall. The history was commissioned by the Shire of Eltham and published as part of the Shire of Eltham centenary celebrations. Cr. G.C. Dreverman, Cr. A.F.C. Glover and Mr Robert W. Fell, M.L.A. for the electorate of Greensborough. Fell was a founding councillor for the Shire of Diamond Valley in 1964. He served as M.L.A. 1970-1973. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagebook launch, cr. a.f.c. glover, cr. g.c. dreverman, robert w. fell, painters and pioneers, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, sepp, member of parliament, councilors, shire of diamond valley, greeting, municipal officials

Pindarri was the name of the property on which artist John Serle lived on Pindari Road, St. Andrews. Colour painting reproduced on page 11 of "Pioneers & Painters: One hundred years of Eltham and its Shire" by Alan Marshall (1971). This chapter 1 "In the beginning" gives a physical description of the area: "Thick forest covered all the higher mountain ranges .. These areas were all heavily timbered, associated grasslands and eucalyptus extending from the thick forest country across undulating hills to the Yarra... The timber in general is gum, oak and Banksia, the two later are small, the gum two to four feet of diameter and from then to thirty feet high; on some of the low ground somewhat larger. The forest was open with little scrub..." The artist John Serle (born 1928) was the first local artist to become a councilor for the Shire of Eltham. He also worked for the Shire of Eltham grading roads. The Shire of Nillumbik hold a similiar painting in their collection (access via Victorian Collections) titled: Untitled (bush) Donor details on file. Location of original painting unknown. Most probably held in Serle family collection. Painting produced in 1968. Reproduced in "Pioneers and Painters", 1971 This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.4 x 5 inch colour reversal film (1) Condition: May not be true to colour of original work. Scanned from a 4 x 5 inch colour transparency which was taken c.1970 (approx. 50 years old) and which has undergone significant colour degradation towards the red spectrum. Allowances made for colour cast correction in scan with best guess for white balance. Significant light flare is reflected off glossy surface of original work at camera lens at lower left and right sides causing quality issues.pioneers and painters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, john serle, pindarrri, bush

The State Governor Sir Rohan Delacombe and Lady Delacombe visited the Shire of Eltham where they were entertained to a civic luncheon by the Shire President Cr. L. E. Clarke and councilors at the Panton Hill hotel and made a tour of the shire. Among which was the Eltham elderly citizens' club where he met L-R: Mrs Lander, Mrs Stevenson, Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Norman, Mrs - , and Mrs Crockett. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagemajor general sir rohan delacombe, mrs armstrong, mrs crockett, mrs lander, mrs norman, mrs stevenson, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, rohan delacombe, governor, visit, crockett, lander, sepp, senior citizens centre, seniors, older people, older women, stevenson, armstrong, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection

Material pertaining to the production of a history of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers & Painters: One Hundred Years of Eltham and its Shire" in recognition of the shire's centenary in 1971 Item Title Caption 04766-1 Background to publication of a Shire Centenary book from another shire, 7 February 1969 04766-2 Outcomes of Annual General Meeting held 11 February 1969, Shire of Eltham Historical Society, Advising office bearers for 1969 as well as notice for next meeting to be held 11 March 1969 at the Eltham War Memorial Hall where guest speaker Alan Marshall will talk on a proposal to compile a history of the Shire of Eltham to be published for the centenary of the Shire in 1971 04766-3 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society to the Shire Secretary, Shire of Eltham seeking financial support for the publication of a history of the shire to celebrate its centenary in 1971, 21 February 1969 04766-4 Carbon copy Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society inviting Shire Councillors to next Historical Society meeting, 21 February 1969 Enclosed copy of letter sent to Shire Secretary, Shire of Eltham seeking financial support for the publication of a history of the shire to celebrate its centenary in 1971 04766-5 Notes following meeting with Alan Marshall regarding the publication of a history of the Shire of Eltham, 1969 In Russell Yeoman's hand writing 04766-6 Letter: M.B. Watson, Eltham Shire Secretary to Shire of Eltham Historical Society expressing support for the publication of a history of the Shire, 11 March 1969 04766-7 Alan Marshall's notes for talk to members of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society (March 1969) re research for Shire history publication, c.March 1969 04766-8 Minutes of the meeting of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society held 11 March 1969 04766-9 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society to F. Endacott, President of Healesville Historical Society seeking information for the publication of a history of the shire to celebrate its centenary in 1971, 10 June 1969 Areas of Healesville were initially part of the Shire of Eltham 04766-10 Letter: Page 1 of letter from F. Endacott, President, Healesville Historical Society, to Russell Yeoman regarding the history of the Shire of Eltham extending beyond Healesville, 21 June 1969 04766-11 Notice to members of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society regarding publication of a history of the Shire to be edited by Alan Marshall and advising next meeting to be held 24 June 1969 04766-12 Letter: RHSV to Shire of Eltham Historical Society agreeing to place any source material at the disposal of the society for the upcoming publication on the history of the Shire of Eltham, 30 June 1969 04766-13 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works seeking material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding the Maroondah Aqueduct 04766-14 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Peter Cuffley of Hamilton seeking material for a history of the Shire. 8 July 1969 Specific mention regarding Sweeneys 04766-15 Letter: Rev. Donald Longfield to Russell Yeoman regarding potential sources of information and photographs for a history of the Shire of Eltham, 9 July 1969 04766-15-2 Letter: Rev. Donald Longfield to Russell Yeoman regarding potential sources of information and photographs for a history of the Shire of Eltham, 9 July 1969 04766-15-3 Letter: Rev. Donald Longfield to Russell Yeoman regarding potential sources of information and photographs for a history of the Shire of Eltham, 9 July 1969 04766-16 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Royal Historical Society of Victoria seeking assistance on material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding the Maroondah Aqueduct 04766-17 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to the Editor, RHSV Newsletter on the Society seeking material for a history of the Shire. 24 July 1969 04766-18 Notice and Agenda for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 26 August 1969 Peter Basset-Smith to show his films of Eltham & District in the 1930s 04766-19 Letter: L.J. Corben, Acting Assistant Secretary, Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works to Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society regarding availability of material on the Maroondah Aqueduct and Dam in support of a publication on the history of the Shire, 29 August 1969 Specific mention regarding the Maroondah Aqueduct 04766-20 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 23 August 1969 Peter Basset-Smith to show his films of Eltham & District in the 1930s 04766-21 Notice of cancellation for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held October 1969 04766-22 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 25 November 1969 04766-23 Notes regarding Shire of Yea's plans to publish a book on the shire's history for its centenary in 1969 04766-24 Draft notice for call-out of historical photographs and documents in support of a publication on the history of the Shire of Eltham, 1969 04766-25 Notes from meeting of Shire of Eltham Historical Society, History Publication Committee meeting, c.1969 04766-26 Note to Russell Yeoman advising sources of printed material, photographs, etc for Pioneers & Painters - A History of Eltham Shire, c.1969 04766-27 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Heidelberg Historical Society seeking material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding floods in the area and the Heidelberg School of Painters 04766-28 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Doncaster Historical Society seeking material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding Warrandyte and recent Fitzsimons Lane bridge 04766-29 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 27 January 1970 04766-30 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Annual General Meeting to be held 24 February 1970 04766-31 Notice of Office Bearers elected at the Shire of Eltham Historical Society Annual General Meeting held 24 February 1970 and notice of next meeting to be held 24 March 1970 04766-32 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 28 April 1970 04766-33 Notice from Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society to members advising on progress of the History Publication Committee, c. 1970 Also noted, the Society has a new P.O. Box address; P.O. Box 37 Eltham Vic. 3095 04766-34 Letter: Draft copy of letter from Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society expressing appreciation to Cr. Charis Pellis for chairing the committee which led to the publication of Pioneers & Painters, 23 August 1971 04766-35 Letter: Mrs Stella Graham of Diamond Creek to Secretary Shire of Eltham Historical Society, 1971; requesting the return of her personal papers lent in conjunction with the compilation of the history of the Shire of Eltham 04766-36 Letter: Mrs Stella Graham of Diamond Creek to Alan Marshall, 3 Aug. 1971; requesting the return of her personal papers lent in conjunction with the compilation of the history of the Shire of Eltham 04766-37 Letter: Margaret Orford of Nhill to Alan Marshall, 7 Feb 1970; advising she cannot help with any photos. Her Uncle who Alan Marshall had interviewed had all memorabilia however she definitely wanted to buy a book when available.The idea to develop a book on the history of the Shire of Eltham to be edited by noted author, Alan Marshall in celebration of the shire's centenary was initiated in 1969. The Shire of Eltham Historical Society undertook significant research in conjunction with Alan Marshall locating material at various institutions and other societies; interviewing longer term residents and a public campaign through the local press to acquire photographic material for duplication and use in the book. The public campaign received generous response and the material collected became the genesis for the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection now held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library).Miscellaneous notes, copies of letters and minutes of the Shire of Eltham Historical Societyalan marshall, apted, arthurs creek, bridge street, burgoyne, cr. charis pelling, cracknell, dan glasgow, donald longfield, doncaster historical society, elsie reynolds, ethel williams, fitzsimons lane bridge, floods, frank berkery, heidelberg historical society, history publication committee, joslyn, kath stephenson, maroondah aqueduct, minutes, mmbw, motschall, panton hill, pioneers and painters, research (vic.), rev. jock ryan, rev. ken briarty, rev. longfield, rhsv, royal historical society of victoria, russell yeoman, shire of eltham historical society, shire of eltham, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, smith, stella graham, sweeney, yea shire council, margaret orford

Feature articles include: . Municipal Restructure Update . Invasive Plants in Eltham . Capital Works program 1994/95 . A Healthy Choice of Books at Eltham Library . Eltham Community Festival '94 "Echoes of Eltham" . What's New in Building? . Leisure Centre Works Proceeding... . Edendale Community Farm . Disabled But Not Damaged: A Family Story8 page newsletter; 2 x A3 pages copy folded and stapled1994, council amalgamation, edendale community farm, eltham echo, eltham festival, eltham library, international year of the family, leisure centre, municipal restructuring, shire of eltham building services, short story competition

Feature articles include: . Municipal Restructure . The End of An Era: The Shire of Eltham 1871-1994 by Russell Yeoman, Eltham Historical Society . Eltham Festival 11-12-13 Nov 1994The last newsletter of the Shire of Eltham prior to its cessation as a municipal local government authority and restructure with parts of the City of Heidelberg and Shire of Diamond Valley to form the Shire of Nillumbik and City of Banyule effective from 15 December 1994.8 page newsletter; 2 x A3 pages copy folded and stapled1994, council amalgamation, eltham echo, eltham festival, municipal restructuring, russell yeoman, shire of eltham, shire of eltham historical society

On 4th October 2014 Nillumbik Shire Council launched a publication titled ‘Nillumbik Tales - Voices of our Elders’, which is a collection of colourful and personal snapshots of our local community. The unique Nillumbik based stories have been written by a variety of authors, including some who are members of our Society. In collating and publishing this historically important collection Nillumbik Shire Council has documented many aspects of our area and of the people who contributed to our community. The original print run of ‘Nillumbik Tales’ was sold out and there has been a reprint.Catalogue labels on spine and cover from Yarra Plenty Regional Library. Electronic ID label (RFID tag) inside rear covergardens, school, family, characters, organisations, place, local history, kangaroo ground, kinglake, nillumbik, bend of islands, eltham, cave, reminscences

Daniel Rutter Long was born in England, after training as a pharmacist he, his wife and family emigrated to Port Phillip, Victoria in 1840. By 1843 he had his own chemist shop in Bourke Street, later erecting a well known pharmacy on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition streets. During the gold rush of the 1850s he purchased gold at the shop for shipment to a Quaker syndicate in London. Retiring from the business in 1857 Long took up painting, sometimes returning to his original profession. He painted hundreds of landscapes in other colonies as well as in Victoria. Long participated in local affairs and was one of the earliest members of the municipal council. Later he was elected mayor and instrumental in the in the erection of Prahran Town Hall. He was also a member of the Police Court Bench for many years. Daniel Long died at the age of eighty-three in 1886. (State Library of Victoria)This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 35mm B&W negativeshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, bridge, daniel rutter long, diamond creek (creek), eltham, sepp

Murray's Bridge over the Diamond Creek on the Diamond Creek Trail just prior to demolition and replacement with a new steel bridge. Heritage advice obtained by Nillumbik Shire Council, following a suggestion by the Eltham District Historical Society (EDHS), is that the original bridge appears to have been a simplified version of the Country Roads Board’s (CRB) standard timber bridge design of the early-to-mid 1920s. In c1990 Murray’s bridge was renovated with three recycled steel girders as part of a bike/pedestrian path in the reserve. During these alterations many parts of the bridge were removed, and some were replaced. Heritage advice indicates the condition of Murray’s bridge is poor. The remaining original parts are all in poor condition, with severe weathering, splitting and rot, especially to the stringers retained on the bridge. Heritage advice is that Murray’s Bridge does not have sufficient significance in the cultural history of the Nillumbik area to warrant inclusion in the Nillumbik Shire Heritage Overlay and also does not have sufficient significance as a rare survivor to warrant inclusion in the Nillumbik Shire Heritage Overlay. There are no indications in the historical record that this site was individually important to the cultural history of this area. EDHS is comfortable with the heritage advice provided to Council and has worked closely on this project with Council. EDHS has suggested some of the removed timbers be used in the vicinity of the bridge for landscaping and possibly seating, so as to retain these remnants close to the site of the original bridge, which is the last old timber bridge along the lower reaches of the Diamond Creek. Mary (Sweeney) Murray and John Wright Murray selected 80 acres, Lot C Section 16 and Lot 5 Section 17 Parish of Nillumbik, under an occupation license in 1866. John died in 1867 and freehold was granted to his son John in 1873. The farm was known as ‘Laurel Hill’. John Junior was an Eltham Shire councillor and sometime president from 1887 up until 1897. He added Lot A Section 16 to the farm in ca1888. John and his younger brother James arranged to rent/purchase Lot B Section 17, across Diamond Creek to the west, in ca1900. It appears that John and James farmed separately for a few years, with a new homestead built for James ad family on the high point of Lot B Section 17 in ca1910. John sold off Lot 5 Section 17 in 1912. When John died in 1912 James took over the land on both sides of the Diamond Creek. The old homestead on the west side of the Creek disappeared. A farm bridge over Diamond Creek from this period may have been located close to the northern boundary of the farm. John Langlands, owner of the farm known as ‘Ihurst’ on the west side of Diamond Creek to the south of the Murray’s land, died in 1907. In 1909 his land was then subdivided into 100 lots to become the ‘Glen Park Estate’. Other similar subdivisions of nineteenth century farms around Eltham in this period included the ‘Franktonia (or Beard’s) Estate’ to the northeast and ‘Bonsack’s Estate’ between Eltham and Greensborough. Soon after the opening of the railway extension line from Eltham to Hurstbridge in 1912, Glen Park and nearby residents including James Murray agitated for a railway station or siding to be located half-way between Eltham and Hurstbridge, so that the Glen Park residents who used the railway daily did not have to walk into the Eltham or Hurstbridge stations. Some believed Coleman’s Corner (opposite Edendale Farm) was an appropriate spot for the platform. James Murray was among those who thought the railway should be located on his land, closer to half-way between Eltham and Hurstbridge stations. The Railways Commissioners warned that the locals would have to fund these works themselves. The Glen Park Estate residents initially had difficulty accessing Eltham by road, with only an old low-level bridge over Diamond Creek at the south end of their estate. A new timber trestle bridge across the creek, now on Wattletree Road, was opened in 1915. Road access to the north was gained in 1927 when the new Murray’s Road, which crossed the Murray’s land, was built. Residents continued to agitate for a Glen Park station. By 1926 the Railways Commissioners’ preferred site was on the Murray’s land. They arranged an estimate of cost of a full-length platform. The estimate was too much for the locals, who in 1928 argued unsuccessfully for a shorter and hence cheaper platform. By 1929 Murray had agreed to donate the land, but the locals would still have to fund the works. Murray decided, unilaterally it would appear, to commence work on a timber trestle road bridge over Diamond Creek to link the new Murray Road to the proposed station. Late in 1929 he stopped work on the bridge, for reasons unknown, but started work again and completed the bridge in 1931. There is no further newspaper evidence of the campaign for the Glen Park station until 1939, when Murray and another local, Mr Maxwell, met the Railways Commissioner. The Glen Park locale now included 45 homes on the west side of the creek and 20 on the Eltham side. Most of the residents used the train every day. The Commissioner remained adamant that only a full-length platform could be built for safety reasons. It appears the campaign dissolved at this point. The increasing move to cars may have had an impact. There is no evidence of Murray’s bridge ever being connected to Murray’s Road, or of it having wide use for any purpose by locals. James Murray died in 1947 and the farm was taken over by his son James (Jim). Jim started to sell off parts of the farm in the 1980s, retaining a few acres around the ca1910 homestead and building a new house there. Recreation reserves were established along the creek. In ca1990 Murray’s bridge was renovated with steel girders as part of a bike/pedestrian path in the reserve. The old farmhouse was demolished in ca2014. * * * A theory posted on local community Facebook groups was that the bridge was built in the 1860s and was built to be more robust than was necessary for the movement of cows from one side of the creek to the other. It was suggested the robustness was necessary to support the weight of gold ore being transferred from a mine on Murray’s land to a railway siding near Murrays Bridge (presumably for transfer and processing at Diamond Creek). Perhaps this may have been one of the motivators for Murray, who really knows? Knowing when mining operations ceased on his land and how that fits the overall timeline would be useful but at the time the bridge was built, local gold production was minimal at best. The known facts are: • The railway line came to Eltham in 1902. • The extension of the railway from Eltham to Hurstbridge was constructed in 1912 so no railway line even existed through Murray's property until 1912 and the Victorian Railways maps at the time show no such siding on Murray’s property. • In 1923 a new company was formed in anticipation of the old Diamond Creek Gold Mine being re-opened. The mine had been previously closed and flooded. It was noted in the press at the time that the mine was within a mile of the railway. Nothing really came of this. • Construction of Murrays Bridge was commenced by James Murray in early 1929 in anticipation of a proposed flag station being nominated on his land, but work ceased shortly afterwards. The proposed flag station was commonly referred to as Glen Park as the residents of the Glen Park Estate wanted Option 1, located near them with the platform adjacent to Colemans corner. This was probably never going to fly as it was virtually in eyesight of Eltham station. Allandale Road was the third option, but the Commissioners' preferred option was No. 2 - on Murray's property. • The Railway Commissioners were not going to finance any such station and the works had to be funded by private landowners and residents, hence Murray investing in this himself. • Murray recommenced work two years later and finished his bridge in 1931 but unfortunately for him, the proposed flag station never eventuated. The bluestone siding you reference may well have been built by Murray as part of the proposed station platform. • Up until then, apart from the Main Road bridge, which was washed away in 1924, virtually all local crossings over the Diamond Creek were low lying bridges – Kaylocks Bridge at Brougham Street, Diamond Street bridge, Glen Park Road bridge. It is expected that Murray also had a low-lying bridge to connect his land either side of the creek. These were all washed away or severely damaged multiple times in the 1920s. Lessons were learnt, and Murrays Bridge appears to have been built in accordance with Country Road Board standards of the time. Flood damage was ongoing, and even more recently constructed raised bridges kept getting washed away, e.g., the new Wattle Tree Road bridge in 1958 just months after completion. Murray’s bridge was reinforced with steel some 30 years ago presumably to provide additional floodwater resistance, given the history of bridges disappearing in floodwaters. • In March 1932 it was reported in the Advertiser that there were still some prospectors operating around Eltham North who apart from further scarring the face of the earth over the previous two years had gained significant experience but little gold - hardly a driving factor for constructing a dedicated railway siding and bridge to transfer gold ore. It is far more probable that James Murray was hoping to have the railway station located on his property and invested his money by building the bridge to lead to it as well as a station platform. Had the station eventuated, it may well have driven up the value of his land for subdivision and new housing estates like the Glen Park Estate. That did not eventuate. Whilst the bridge was indeed old (90 years), the core structure being completed in 1931, it had been modified substantially from original and hence had no significant historic value – i.e., it was not a representative example of its type, construction, and age. Given that the bridge was not worthy of saving, the Eltham District Historical Society with Council’s support, and the Eltham Woodworkers group endeavoured to see what suitable sized timbers were salvageable to fabricate a commemorative seat. Unfortunately, the experts at the Woodworkers group were unable to salvage any suitable length/width timbers to fabricate the seat due to the presence of rot. Last remaining wooden trestle bridge on the Diamond Creek Trail just prior to demolition and replacementBorn digital image (27)diamond creek (creek), diamond creek trail, murrays bridge, ‘laurel hill’, john wright murray, mary (sweeney) murra, john murray jnr, james murray, john langlands, ‘ihurst’, ‘glen park estate’, beard's estate, franktonia, bonsack's estate, glen park estate, glen park railway station

Construction work on replacement of Murray's Bridge over the Diamond Creek on the Diamond Creek Trail Mary (Sweeney) Murray and John Wright Murray selected 80 acres, Lot C Section 16 and Lot 5 Section 17 Parish of Nillumbik, under an occupation license in 1866. John died in 1867 and freehold was granted to his son John in 1873. The farm was known as ‘Laurel Hill’. John Junior was an Eltham Shire councillor and sometime president from 1887 up until 1897. He added Lot A Section 16 to the farm in ca1888. John and his younger brother James arranged to rent/purchase Lot B Section 17, across Diamond Creek to the west, in ca1900. It appears that John and James farmed separately for a few years, with a new homestead built for James ad family on the high point of Lot B Section 17 in ca1910. John sold off Lot 5 Section 17 in 1912. When John died in 1912 James took over the land on both sides of the Diamond Creek. The old homestead on the west side of the Creek disappeared. A farm bridge over Diamond Creek from this period may have been located close to the northern boundary of the farm. John Langlands, owner of the farm known as ‘Ihurst’ on the west side of Diamond Creek to the south of the Murray’s land, died in 1907. In 1909 his land was then subdivided into 100 lots to become the ‘Glen Park Estate’. Other similar subdivisions of nineteenth century farms around Eltham in this period included the ‘Franktonia (or Beard’s) Estate’ to the northeast and ‘Bonsack’s Estate’ between Eltham and Greensborough. Soon after the opening of the railway extension line from Eltham to Hurstbridge in 1912, Glen Park and nearby residents including James Murray agitated for a railway station or siding to be located half-way between Eltham and Hurstbridge, so that the Glen Park residents who used the railway daily did not have to walk into the Eltham or Hurstbridge stations. Some believed Coleman’s Corner (opposite Edendale Farm) was an appropriate spot for the platform. James Murray was among those who thought the railway should be located on his land, closer to half-way between Eltham and Hurstbridge stations. The Railways Commissioners warned that the locals would have to fund these works themselves. The Glen Park Estate residents initially had difficulty accessing Eltham by road, with only an old low-level bridge over Diamond Creek at the south end of their estate. A new timber trestle bridge across the creek, now on Wattletree Road, was opened in 1915. Road access to the north was gained in 1927 when the new Murray’s Road, which crossed the Murray’s land, was built. Residents continued to agitate for a Glen Park station. By 1926 the Railways Commissioners’ preferred site was on the Murray’s land. They arranged an estimate of cost of a full-length platform. The estimate was too much for the locals, who in 1928 argued unsuccessfully for a shorter and hence cheaper platform. By 1929 Murray had agreed to donate the land, but the locals would still have to fund the works. Murray decided, unilaterally it would appear, to commence work on a timber trestle road bridge over Diamond Creek to link the new Murray Road to the proposed station. Late in 1929 he stopped work on the bridge, for reasons unknown, but started work again and completed the bridge in 1931. There is no further newspaper evidence of the campaign for the Glen Park station until 1939, when Murray and another local, Mr Maxwell, met the Railways Commissioner. The Glen Park locale now included 45 homes on the west side of the creek and 20 on the Eltham side. Most of the residents used the train every day. The Commissioner remained adamant that only a full-length platform could be built for safety reasons. It appears the campaign dissolved at this point. The increasing move to cars may have had an impact. There is no evidence of Murray’s bridge ever being connected to Murray’s Road, or of it having wide use for any purpose by locals. James Murray died in 1947 and the farm was taken over by his son James (Jim). Jim started to sell off parts of the farm in the 1980s, retaining a few acres around the ca1910 homestead and building a new house there. Recreation reserves were established along the creek. In ca1990 Murray’s bridge was renovated with steel girders as part of a bike/pedestrian path in the reserve. The old farmhouse was demolished in ca2014. Born digital image (5)diamond creek (creek), diamond creek trail, murrays bridge, ‘laurel hill’, john wright murray, mary (sweeney) murra, john murray jnr, james murray, john langlands, ‘ihurst’, ‘glen park estate’, beard's estate, franktonia, bonsack's estate, glen park estate, glen park railway station

Eltham Courthouse Officially Reopened (Jim Connor, EDHS Newsletter No. 263 April 2022) In the Conservation Management Plan prepared in 2006 for the Eltham Justice Precinct there is mention that more than 350 court houses have been built by the Public Works Department since 1856, when the Department was established. It also states Eltham was in an early group of 'Victorian Free Classical' structures, featuring a projecting entry porch and gabled roof. Characteristically, this group shares a simple, rectangular shape, central placement of the court room with smaller-scale offices set back at the sides or rear of the court room, arched openings, and decorative string courses. The Statement of Significance listed in the Victorian Heritage Register states: ‘The Eltham Court House dates from the time when the town was largely self-contained. It was initiated in response to itinerant gold prospectors who turned to crime when their quest was unsuccessful. This type of localised solution is characteristic of the self reliance preserved in Eltham today. The court house is an important symbol of the spirit which makes Eltham distinctive as a community.’ It also states: ‘The Eltham Court House, built in 1860, is one of only two intact examples in the state of this simple design with projecting entry.’ So with this background it is most appropriate this valued historic building has recently been the subject of a total restoration, as detailed in previous newsletters. This was a major project undertaken by Nillumbik Shire Council. At a small function in the Eltham Courthouse, on 23rd March 2022, Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor Fran Eyre declared the fully restored building officially reopened. In doing so the Mayor spoke about the earlier law and order function of the court and the importance of this building to the Eltham community. Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine then highlighted the importance of historical societies and groups within the shire and their valued activities in recording and preserving their local history. EDHS president Jim Connor thanked everyone involved with the project and provided an overview of the history of the courthouse. Michael Ioannides, Council’s project manager, spoke about how the restoration process proceeded and those involved in undertaking the works required. Cr. Natalie Duffy, various council officers, EDHS executive committee members, as well as representatives of the head contractor Ducon Building Services and the heritage advisors, RBA architects and Conservation Consultants, were also in attendance, as was a representative of Nillumbik U3A. After the formal part there was some light hearted interpretation of how past legal proceedings may, or may not have, occurred within this courthouse, before some refreshments were shared in the former second courthouse at the rear, which is now utilised by Nillumbik U3A. This was a successful celebration of a very worthwhile project.Born digital image (38)conservation consultants, cr. geoff paine, cr. natalie duffy, ducon building services, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, eltham justice precinct, jim connor, mayor cr. fran eyre, michael ioannides, nillumbik shire council, nillumbik u3a, opening ceremony, rba architects, restoration project

In 1996 the Eltham Festival was renamed the Nillumbik Festival, centred around Alistait Knox Park and the Rugby Oval. The theme for the 1996 Nillumbik Festival held 9-10 November 1996 was "Celebrating Our Lifestyle" Information bulletin issued by Nillumbik Shire Council addressing how community groups can be involved and interpretation of the festival's theme covering the Grand Parade, Stage performance and sporting displays and Stalls3 x A4 photocopy, various coloured papereltham community festival, eltham festival, 1996, nillumbik festival

Appendix to Shire Secretary’s Report, 28 November 1966 SHIRE PRESIDENTS Local Government in this part of the State could be said to have commenced with election in 1846 of three trustees for "The Parish Road, leading from the Suburban Allotments in the Parish of Jika Jika, near Melbourne, to the Village Reserve in the Parish of Nillumbik". The Upper Heidelberg and Old Eltham Road follow approximately the original line of road proclaimed in 1840. The Eltham Road District was proclaimed on 24.9.1856. A meeting of landowners and householders of the Eltham Road District was held on 14.10.1856 at the Fountain of Friendship Hotel, Little Eltham, for the purpose of forming a District Road Board. To date I have been unable to locate any record of the names of the members elected, or of the first Chairman. Further research may yield the desired information. The Shire of Eltham was constituted on 28.3.1871. The proposed Roll of Shire Presidents should, I believe, also include the Road Board Chairmen. It may also be considered fitting to recognise the Heidelberg or Nillumbik (or Warringal) Road Trust in the same way. The first Minute Book of the Board, covering the period 1856 to 1863, has apparently been missing for many years. The Shire Minute Book for the period 1878 to 1885 is also missing. The absence of these vital records makes difficult the compilation of a complete and accurate list of Chairmen and Presidents. Although an early letter book yielded the names of the Shire Presidents in 1878, 1879 and 1800. The names prior to 1863 were derived from Rate Books and Government Gazettes. The information contained in the Municipal Directories 1875 to 1885 is at variance to some extent with such Council records as are available for that period, and consequently cannot be relied upon for the years where the Presidents names have not been shown. shire of eltham archives, series listing, a. armstrong, a. beale, a. brinkkotter, a. donaldson, a.h. price, a.j. braid, c.h. bath, c.m.a. pelling (mrs.), c.t. bell, d.c. o'beirne, e.d. butler, e.h. cameron, e.j. andrew, e.p. harmer, f.e. griffith, f.v. squire, f.w. nankervis, g. love, g. robertson, h. dendy, h. hewitt, h. stooke, l.t. wilmot, j. cox, j. murray, j. barr, j. bell, j. fitch, j. herbert, j. lawrey, j. mealy, j. pape, j. ryan, j. smedley, j.b. shallard, j.l. beale, l. c. docksey, r. mcadam, r.a. bell, r.c. white, r.r. woolcott, rutter, s.s. addison, s.w. scott, t. armstrong, t. irvine, w. horris, w. hubbard, w. lorimer, w. morris, w. taylor, w.c. farrell, w.f. ford, w.g. gray, w.h. bradbury, w.j. taylor, w.v. houghton

ADA LAURA LYON Ada Laura Apted was born in 1898 at Queenstown, Victoria the daughter of William Ernest Apted and Sarah Ann Watts On the 2 July 1923 she married David Andrew Lyon at Panton Hill Vic. The Lyon family are well known for the fleet of small buses they ran out of their Eltham Garage. In the interim years between becoming married and moving to Eltham (census records indicate they were there in 1931) they lived in several other suburbs including Doncaster and Ivanhoe At the conclusion of World War 2 the citizens of Eltham decided that a memorial should be made to those of the district who had given their lives during the war. Whilst there had been earlier discussions in 1943 by a body of Eltham Women under the title of "the Women's Auxiliary of the (proposed) Eltham War Memorial Trust'' the first official steps were made on the 27 March 1945 in a meeting by the citizens of Eltham under the title of the Eltham District Progress Association. At this meeting one of the first agenda was the appointment of a committee called "The Eltham War Memorial Trust''. Another was to decision that the Memorial should include: A Baby Health Centre, A Children's Library, And a Pre-School Centre From the inception of the project Mrs Ada Laura Lyon worked tirelessly as a member of the Women's Auxiliary to raise money for the memorial. At the election of the officers of the Trust Council in 1961 she was elected as one of the three Vice Presidents. On the 27 September 1962 Ada suddenly passed away. The news of her death was reported at the following Trust meeting. The President Mrs Morrison voiced the feelings of all present that Ada had done so much for the Trust since its inception and had received the satisfaction of seeing the completion of the three units of the War Memorial Trust which had been her goal. On Tuesday 31 August 1965 the Diamond Valley Mirror reported that on the 28 August 1965 the Eltham War Memorial was transferred from the Eltham Memorial Trust to the Shire of Eltham. A special tribute was paid to the late Mrs Ada Lyon a foundation member who made the Trust her life. A memorial plaque (the sundial) was unveiled in her memory. Ada Lyon was interned at Eltham Cemetery on the 28 September 1962. She was survived by her husband David (who passed away on the 25 November 1975) and their two children Betty and Ian. Eltham Methodist Memorial Section Grave 204. [Author: Jim Allen c.2014] Folder of information on Lyon family. Contents: 1. Ada Laura Lyon (nee Apted) - biography written by Jim Allen (1 A4 page)biography, ada laura lyon (nee apted), david andrew lyon, eltham war memorial trust, sarah ann watts, william ernest apted

This cottage-like dwelling has changed ownership several times since it was first built in the 1850s by local tanner John Pearson. The Living and Learning Centre as we know it today is the product of the energetic, reforming era of the Whitlam Government. Set up by the local council in 1974. Unedited amateur video (filmed by Vivienne?) with some voiceover and chatting with others. Significant VHS tape noise/flicker and colour pulsing. Opens with Living & Learning Centre sign on Main Road and “Open Day Here Today” attached to it. Views of entrance into carpark, dog obedience class demonstration near entrance, leadlight construction display in workshop, basket weaving, face painting, exterior garden landscape with herb garden, brick pottery shed, peppercorn tree, children’s activities, interior views showing artworks of life drawings, general engagement with other people (audio), candle room, pottery, children’s entertainer in garden, wool spinning, some attempts at engagement with Claire Fitzpatrick, Thai Chi demonstration, floral presentations, patchwork, needlepoint, knitting, some interior scenes very dark, weaving, cane basket weaving.VHS Video cassette (poor quality) Converted to MP4 file format 00:31:39; 746MBeltham living and learning centre, open day, dog obedience class, leadlight, basket weaving, face painting, artworks, life drawing, candle room, pottery, wool spinning, claire fitzpatrick, thai chi, patchwork, needlepoint, knitting, weaving, cane basket weaving, main road, eltham, video recording

Shire of Eltham Archives: Series 69, Item 4 This video was produced for the Shire of Eltham by IMP Productions and provides a description of the shire, 277 square km on a north/northeast axis, some 25 km northeast of the centre of Melbourne with a population of around 40,000. Scenes include Yarra River, rural settings and urban settings, housing estates, Shillinglaw Cottage, Pigeon Bank at Kangaroo Ground, the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge with reference to the fight by locals in the 1970s to save it from replacement, Montsalvat, mudbrick making and its use as a building material, the use of mudbrick in the Eltham Community Centre blending harmoniously with the environment. Emphasises people living in the area due to the qualities of life provided. Also the Living and Learning Centre, St Andrews Markets and other local markets, the Eltham Leisure Centre, cricket and horse riding at Eltham Lower Park, the Infant Welfare Centre (part of the Eltham War Memorial), how residents are mindful of protecting their historical heritage, the CBA bank and Allwood House at Hurstbridge, Tracey Naughton about the Eltham "As we are" Community Banner project and the “River of Life banner”, the Parks and Gardens office in the former Police Residence building (now the Local History Centre), Alistair Knox Park, road planning and types of roads, tree canopy, Peck's Dam, green carparks, road drainage, Gordon Ford's garden and natural landscapes, and Were Street shops in Montmorency. Planning for shopping facilities and carparks with a population of 40,000 growing to 55,000, Arthur Street Mall and carpark, local village feel in the shopping centre. Councillors and Council staff featured include Mary Grant, Bob Manuell, Rodney Roschellor, John Cohen, Alan Baker. Also scenes of Commercial Place, Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham Galley, Riverclay and canoeing on the Yarra intermingled with images of the shire from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection.VHS Video cassette Converted to MP4 file format 00:11:56; 79MBshire of eltham, video recording, shire of eltham archives, alistair knox park, allwood house, arthur street, arthur street mall, bob manuell, canoeing, carparks, cba bank, commercial place, council staff, councillors, cr. mary grant, cricket, diamond valley railway, eltham community banner project, eltham community centre, eltham galley, eltham leisure centre, eltham living and learning centre, eltham lower park, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham war memorial, gordon ford garden, horse riding, housing estates, hurstbridge, infant welfare centre, john cohen, kangaroo ground, local history centre, montmorency, montsalvat, mudbrick, parks and gardens, peck's dam, pigeon bank, police residence, river of life banner, riverclay, road drainage, road planning, rodney roschellor, shillinglaw cottage, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, st andrews market, tracey naughton, tree canopy, were street, yarra river, alan baker

News articles on reverse (p7) include stories on Councillors refusing plans on a three-storey development in Ramptons RoadNewsprintdevelopment application, eltham festival, eltham north, nillumbik shire council, ramptons road, program

Planning application 293/2002/06P by Harry Gilham for the Moor-rul viewing platform, road entrance revisions, earthworks and coach parking bays at the Shire of Eltham Memorial ParkRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 1 strip, 2 framesKodak Gold 200-6eltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, shire of eltham memorial park, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, planning permit

Planning application 293/2002/06P by Harry Gilham for the Moor-rul viewing platform, road entrance revisions, earthworks and coach parking bays at the Shire of Eltham Memorial ParkColur photo print (4)eltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, shire of eltham memorial park, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, planning permit

Handwritten sketches showing additions to the Police/Emergency services communications tower in 2004. Harry Gilham noted that the cylindrical shaped object was blocking the view from the War Memorial tower to the land area and made suggestions to the Nillumbik Shire Council and CFA that it be raised to the sky area above the Mt St Leonard-Healesville range.Colour photo print 12.5 x 19 cmHandwritten notes on both sides regarding 2004 modificationskangaroo ground, shire of eltham memorial park, emergency services communications tower, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, war memorial tower

Members of the Eltham District Historical Society transfer collection items from storage into their new home. Previously occupied by the Parks and Environment Department of Nillumbik Shire Council (L-R: Mark Gillham, Margaret Ball Vice President, Sue Law Immediate Past President, Harry Gilham President) Nillumbik Shire Council Commissioner Vin Heffernan (1996-97) worked with Harry Gilham to obtain use of the former Eltham Shire Parks and Gardens office at 728 Main Road for use by the Society. Harry as a younger man had played in the scrum for Heidelberg Football Club along with Vin's brother who was on the wing. Apparently Heffernan was able to access $30K to spend on the site to fix it up for occupation.Colour photo print 12.5 x 19 cmLeaser Newspaper Groupmargaret ball, mark gilham, police residence, sue law, 728 main road, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, harry gilham, justice precinct, local history centre

Shillinglaw Cottage looks stable enough now but it was the first colonial building in Australia to be pulled apart brick by brick and reconstructed on a different site. Community outrage prevented the council from demolishing the cottage in 1963 to make way for Eltham’s Shire Offices and local people paid for the cottage to be moved. Originally built by respected local builder George Stebbing in 1859, the cottage is typical of European farmhouses, but is constructed of handmade local bricks in a style known as “Flemish Bond.” The chequered pattern created by the burnt “header” bricks is a unique feature of this style. The cottage’s name comes from its long association with the Shillinglaw family, who loved there for more than eighty years. The Cottage is classified by the National Trust. Tomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, shillinglaw cottage

Walking or driving up Main Road, you enter Eltham’s Avenue of Honour, with its rows of plane trees, each commemorating the death of a soldier sent to fight in World War 1. 115 trees were first planted on 21st September 1917 beginning at “the flat” to the intersection of Pitt Street. Tree guards and copper name plates were later added. In the ‘20s and ‘30s too many branches were broken off by carriers whipping their horses up the steep slope. In the 1950s many of the original trees were removed for road widening and new plane trees were planted in their place. In June 2015 during the Anzac Centenary, Nillumbik Shire Council dedicated the new Avenue of Honour in the Eltham Gateway. New markers commemorate local soldiers. Tomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, avenue of honour, eltham gateway, commemoration, marker

Former Eltham Courthouse, 730 Main Road immediately prior to major restoration works undertaken by Nillumbik Shire Council. The Courthouse is the oldest public building in the shire. It was built in 1860 and ceased operations as part of the Court of Petty Sessions in 1985.Tomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, avenue of honour