History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At rear of book are the minutes of the 10th, 11th and 12th Annual Meetings (1956-1958) The Pencraft Faint Account Book 32.5 x 20.5 x 0.5 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with red cloth spine binding; 66 pageseltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At rear of book are the minutes of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Annual Meetings (1959-1962). Also stuck on rear inside cover a list of financial members for 1960. Ritewell No. 246 Faint Only book 32.5 x 20.5 x 1 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with blue cloth spine binding; 128 pages (52 blank)eltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

Meeting to discuss the Nillumbik Shire Council's proposed sale and devlopment of the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road as well as the Eltham War Memorial including the Maternal and Infant Welfare Centre, Eltham Pre-school and Eltham War Memorial Hall and Memorial Gardens at 903-907 Main Road which also includes thje Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre. The meeting was attended by more than 300 people which considered the following: Motion from public meeting – Saturday 13th October, 2018 1. This meeting has no confidence in Nillumbik Shire Council's proposed process for the re-development of 895 and 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham and we deplore the cursory attention given to public consultation to date. 2. We call on Council: *to preserve the Eltham War Memorial building complex at 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham, and retain their existing uses in accordance with the Eltham War Memorial Trust purpose; and retain the Cenotaph and Eltham Senior Citizens' Centre. * to retain council ownership of all land at 895 and 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham for our community and future generations. * following meaningful engagement with residents of the Shire, to place sufficient planning controls on the site of the former Eltham Shire Office to ensure that any future development of that land responds to Eltham's form and character and properly protects public amenity, access and use. * to make all proposals for the development of 895 and 903-907 Main Rd, Eltham available for public inspection as soon as they are received by Council. Moved: Greg Johnson Seconder: Andrew Lemon * carried unanimously1:28:52 duration Digital MP3 File 30.5 MB 895 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

Second information meeting regarding the Shire of Nillumbik's proposed development/sale of 895 and 903-907 Main Road0:37:56 duration Digital MP3 File 13.0 MB 895 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born digital image (14)895 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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

Community meeting held at the Eltham Senior Citizen's Centre to discuss Nillumbik Shire Council's advertised proposal to sell the former Shire Office site at 895 Main Road and the Eltham War Memorial complex of buildings at 903-907 Main Road; 13 October 2018Born 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 image (13)895 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

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