James Johnston settled at Kangaroo Ground in 1849. His nephew James Mess joined him and a descendant Robert James Mess changed his surname to Ness. The family became active in all aspects of Kangaroo Ground life. Contents Text (handwritten and transcribed): "The Ness Family, Kangaroo Ground", Joy Ness, 1989. Newspaper article: "True pioneer stock", Diamond Valley News, 2 March 1982. History of the Mess/Ness family Newspaper article: "Ness family are keepers of 140 years of historical knowledge", Diamond Valley News, 4 February 1986. History of Joseph Stephenson and descendants. Newspaper article: "Joy Ness paints native flowers for posterity". Diamond Valley News, 21 October 1986. Life and career of Joy Ness as painter. Newspaper article: "His Cup runneth of with Joy", ?Diamond Valley Leader, 6 December 2000. Bruce and Joy Ness celebrate 60th wedding anniversary. Pencil sketch by Joh Ebeli no date but pre 2004: Portrait of Joy Ness dressed for the Historical Society Parade. Order of Service: Thanksgiving service for the life of Robert Bruce Ness 22 January 1917 / 28 June 2004. Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no date: "Robert Bruce Ness 1917-2004", obituary and extract from Joy Ness's history of the family. Copy of letter from Joh Ebeli to Gwen Orford, no date but ~2004: Describes drawings he made of Robert Bruce Ness when taking part in Diamond Valley Arts Society float and enclosed 3 drawings and a photograph of drawing of the bakers (corner Main Road and York Street Eltham). Eltham District Historical Society newsletter September 2013: "Vale Joy Ness", obituary and extract from Diamond Valley News article of 6 December 2000.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcness family kangaroo ground, james johnston, kangaroo ground, pretty hill farm, wellers hotel, betsy sadler, ingleside kangaroo ground, james mess, jane stevenson, ness lane kangaroo ground, view hill kangaroo ground, stte savings bank agency, ruth lettice gosling nee mess, kangaroo ground state school, garden hills kangaroo ground, william mess, joseph mess, isabella mess, james johnson mess, ruth ettie mess, george mess, alexander mess, janes mess, robert david mess, heidelberg agricultural show, diamond creek agricultural show, rober james ness, pearl ness nee mills, william mills, sabina mills, robert bruce ness, beryl ness, vera ness, donald ness, kangaroo ground presbyterian church, kangaroo ground cemetery trust, kangaroo ground tennis club, professor osborne, doctor osborne, joseph stevenson, joy ness, kangaroo ground fire brigade, bruce ness, country fire authority, ship wellington 1837, diamond creek, david christmas, christmas hills, andres harkness, samuel furphy, andrew ross, caledonian gold fields, queenstown now st andrews, mother coleman of kangaroo ground, diamond valley arts society, winifred joy ness, andrew ross museum, eltham art show

Elizabeth Nettleton, with husband Geoff Mosley and son Will, moved to Hurstbridge and found creative energy for her art, specialising in rugs. In late 1980s she made 13 rugs for Parliament House Canberra, but returned to painting Contents Newspaper article: "Art and the city girl", Diamond Valley Leader, 9 March 2003. Elizabeth Nettleton's exhibition "A Period of Transition" at Art Streams gallery, Warrandyte.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcelizabeth nettleton, geoff mosley, art streams gallery warrandyte, parliament house canberra

Bertha Metzeling, at 91, emigrated from Sri Lanka to Australia to join other family members. Contents Newspaper article: " 'Elder lady' enjoys new lifestyle", Diamond Valley News, 15 July 1986. Describes Bertha Metzeling's life in Sri Lanka until she emigrated to Australia, aged 91, and her life now.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcbertha metzeling, sir lanka

British army officer Major Charles Newman was an early settler on the Yarra River at Templestowe after serving in India in the East India Company. Later be married and moved to Tasmania, farming at Black Brush near Pontville. In 1835 he came to the Port Phillip District and explored the Yarra River, returning with his family. David Crockett and Hazel Poulter researched, respectively, Charles Newman and the Templestowe area, identifying the Newman house, Pontville, on the Yarra banks. David Crockett also researched James and Anne Anderson. Contents Newspaper article: "David fills in the gaps", Diamond Valley News, 16 December 1986.29 October 1985, p62. Story of Charles Newman and of David Crockett and Hazel Poulter's researches. Letter, A (Tony) B Owen to Eltham Historical Society, 12 March 2018, enclosing information about Major Charles Newman. Email, Eltham District Historical Society to Tony Owen, acknowledging receipt of information about Major Charles Newman. Photocopy of pages from "Glimpses of Life in Victoria", pp38-43. Flier, "Heritage Events in Nillumbik, 2005". Photocopy of pages from unidentified volume, chapter headed "The Bush", and part chapter IV "Bushrangers". Warrandyte Historical Society publication "The Wurundjeri Clan of the Kulin". Whitehorse Manningham Heritage Network search results for "Andersons Station on the Yarra Yarra", "A brief history of Warrandyte", "The branch is broken", "Melbourne's historic home", "Land with infamous past", "Charles Newman's original grave at Monckton", and "Site of Major Newman's land". Photocopy of pages from "Templestowe - a folk history", Hazel Poulter, 1985,: "The squatter, Major Charles Newman".Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etccharles newman, british east india company, templestowe vic, warrandyte vic, david crockett, hazel poulter, james anderson, anne anderdon, a b owen, wurundjeri clan of the kulin, andersons station on the yarra river

Ross Newton, a painter and Eltham resident, stood for Mt Pleasant Ward, Nillumbik Shire Council in 1997. Contents Newspaper article: "Eltham Painter," Diamond Valley News, 12 March 1997. Ross Newton's exhibition of painting is at the Eltham Library Exhibition Space. Election flier, Ross Newton, Nillumbik Shire Council election 15 March 1997.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcross newton, eltham library exhibition space

Montmorency resident, Rev Alan Nichols worked as a crime reporter then as a priest n Burma, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, South Africa and Kenya; he was deputy chairman of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre board and writing a book on the West Papuan refugees who came to Australia by canoe in January 2006. Contents Newspaper article: "A life close to violence," Diamond Valley Leader, 21 March 2007. Outlines Rev Alan Nichols past work and current activities.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcalan nichols, west papuan refugees 2006

Montmorency resident, Denise Nichols awarded an Australia Day honour for 20 years of service to humanitarian aid programs assisting women and refugees including those in Kosovo and Thailand, and organisations including the United National High Commission for Refugees and Oxfam. Contents Newspaper article: "Aid: Denise Nichols," Diamond Valley Leader, 27 January 2010. Outlines Denise Nichols work and and her Australia Day honour.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdenise nichols

Diamond Valley resident Julie Nihill is an actress. Contents Newspaper article :"Star's passion for role", Diamond Valley News, 29 January 1997, interview with Julie Nihill.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjulie nihill

Greensborough resident and painter Lief Nilsson came to Australia in 1969, after travelling from his native Sweden, England and Spain. Contents Newspaper article: "Saying it with painting", Diamond Valley News, no date, interview with Lief Nilsson.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etclief nilsson

The Nink family is one of the oldest in the St Andrews area. Ron Nink remembered his early life, especially schooling and the Depression. Contents Newspaper article: "Memories of St Andrews", Diamond Valley News, 15 November 1983, interview with Ron Nink for the 125th anniversary of the St Andrews Primary School.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcnink family of st andrews, ron nink, st andrews primary school

The Nink family is one of the oldest in the St Andrews area. Ron Nink remembered his early life, especially schooling and the Depression. Contents Newspaper article: "Memories of St Andrews", Diamond Valley News, 15 November 1983, interview with Ron Nink for the 125th anniversary of the St Andrews Primary School.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcnink family of st andrews, ron nink, st andrews primary school

Joseph Benjamin North was a well-known professional musician in Melbourne in late 1800 to mid 1900s, teaching music and playing in what became the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He married Lucinda Matilda and their children were Tralford E and Camille D. With friend Leon Lambert, North purchased 60 acres of land around Karingal Drive and Sherbourne Road and built two houses; they paid for a wooden bridge for access. North eventually sold his house to a family named Green but later the land was sold to the Shire of Eltham, and it is now known as Meruka Park, and the house, Meruka House; Alan Gardner named the park. After Lambert's death, his property was bought by Fred Warne. Edley North was born in 1835, and died 26 March 1923; he married Caroline North, born 1835, died 23 July 1922. Edley's family migrated from England in 1859, settling in Adelaide. He was granted an allotment of 221 acres on Phillip Island 1868-1870. on 7 April 1874 he travelled to Pine Lodge and later moved his wife and five children. He and Caroline later moved to a small farm, Willow Grove in Eltham, purchased between 1905 and 1910 (first mentioned in the rate book in 1908 as being a house and 10 acres on Susan Street, and would also have had frontage on Brougham Street); Their daughter Violet Alice inherited it; she married Walter J Dobson around 1921; he died on 25 March 1948 aged 77 and Violet on 4 January 1947. Willow Grove was later purchased by A George and P Audrey Hester April/May 1947. Edley, Caroline and Violet are all buried in Eltham Cemetery. Marjorie Mary North was born in 1909 ; the family travelled in a horse-drawn waggon from Fitzroy to spend weekends in their little holiday house in Sherbourne Road on 10 acres of land. In 1933, she married Tralford Norman whose parents owned 62 acres of land including Meruka Park. Marjorie and Tralford lived in Looker Road, Montmorency; she died 7 February 2003. Contents Newspaper article: "When life centred on a weekender", Diamond Valley News, 25 September 1984, memories of Montmorency of Marjorie North. Newspaper article: "Worse floods seem likely", Diamond Valley News, 25 September 1984, floods in Eltham Handwritten notes: Information by Marjorie North's about her grandmother, September 1989. Handwritten and typed transcript: "J. B. North", by Marjorie North, history of Joseph Benjamin North. Letter: From Monash University to Marjorie North, 15 November 1989, being unable to assist with her enquiry about the meaning of name [unspecified in the letter but possibly Meruka] Letter: June Stanton (nee Hester) to Eltham District Historical Society, 17 February 1993, seeking information on her great grandfather Edley North and wife Caroline. Christmas card [attached to letter from June Stanton]: Line drawing Eltham Primary School 1856, text history of school Letter: Eltham Historical Society to June Hester, 11 June 1993, providing information held by the Society. Letter: Nancy Chandler (nee Williamson) to Jo McCormick 18 March 2001, providing information about Edley and Carline North, her great grandparents. Email: Patsy Moppett to Eltham District Historical Society October 2010: A photograph of Edley and Caroline North found, wish to return it to family. Family tree: North/Dobson family. Death notice: Marjorie May North, died 7 February 2003.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcmarjorie north, tralford norman, sherbourne road montmorency, looker road montmorency, briar hill, montmorency, catholic ladies college, merton hall, melbourne girls grammar school, ivanhoe girls grammar school, wesley college, meruka park, st helena road, st faith's anglican church montmorency, william sapsford, floods in eltham, joseph benjamin north, leon lambert, melbourne symphony orchestra, karingal drive, meruka house, alan gardner, lucinda matilda north, tralford e north, camille d north, montmorency cricket club, diamond creek, eltham railway station, judge book village, fred warne, edley north, caroline north, eltham cemetery., violet alice dobson (nee north), willow farm eltham, edley north family tree, walter john dobson family tree, nancy chandler (nee williamson), pine lodge, elijah north

Keith Nyberg began playing lacrosse at Eltham Primary School, later playing in the 1990 Australian lacrosse championships and in America; he played for the Eltham Lacrosse Club. Contents Newspaper article: "Rural life", Diamond Valley News, 3 September 1997, describing Keith Nyberg's career to date as a lacrosse player. Newspaper article: "Gold medal on agenda", Diamond Valley Leader, 7 August 2019, describing Keith Nyberg's career to date as a lacrosse player.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etckeith nyberg, eltham primary school, eltham lacrosse club

Steve Odgers played wheelchair lawn bowls, being selected for the World Cerebral Palsy Games in the USA in 2005, coached by Graham Fraser. Contents Newspaper article: "Living out a dream", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 April 2005, describes Steve Odgers wheelchair lawn bowling careerNewspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcsteve odgers, wheelchair lawn bowls, world cerebral palsy games, eltham lions club, wheelchair sports australia, hurstbridge bowling club, graham fraser

Eltham resident, Stephen O'Malley, as Melbourne Fire Brigade's multicultural liaison officer, teaches new arrivals to Australia about fire safety and emergency services in Australia. He was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2010 Australia Day Awards. Contents Newspaper article: "A great honour for firefighter Stephen O'Malley", Diamond Valley Leader, 27 January 2010, Stephen O'Malley awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in 2010 Australia Day Awards.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcstephen o'malley, metropolitan fire brigade

Peter Oyston died in 2011. His career included being Founding Dean of drama at the Victorian College the Arts and director of Playbox Theatre. He was a champion of theatre companies including The Murray River Performing Group, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, West Theatre and Theatreworks. He taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and directed more than 200 productions in Australia and other countries. He had one daughter. Contents Newspaper article: "Director takes his curtain call", Diamond Valley Leader, 19 October 2011, Obituary of Peter Oyston.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcpeter oyston, victorian college of the arts, bend of islands, playbox theatre, the fying fruit fly circus, theatreworks, royal academy of dramatic arts london, dominque oyston, ray mooney, west theatre, the murray river performing group

Joy and Michael Pagon moved to Research in 1975 and kept a diary of birds seen. They joined the Friends of Swipers Gully. Contents Newspaper article: "Friends of a feather", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 July 2005. Joy and Michael Pagon's birdwatching.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjoy pagon, michael pagon, friends of swipers gully, birdwatching

Joy and Michael Pagon moved to Research in 1975 and kept a diary of birds seen. They joined the Friends of Swipers Gully. Contents Newspaper article: "Friends of a feather", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 July 2005. Joy and Michael Pagon's birdwatching.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjoy pagon, michael pagon, friends of swipers gully

Ian Patching lived in Wattle Glen. He worked in youth services, later Youth Services Co-ordinator and he worked at Edendale Community Farm in a community development role, As a contractor he worked at Montmorency Secondary College, Whittlesea Secondary College and Diamond Valley College (the later also with Peter Sartori aka Ticarno Sartori), He volunteered with Hurstbridge Youth Activity Centre with Jack Lawson and Martin Drews. Contents Email exchange 2014: Enquiry and research.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcian patching, youth services in eltham, edendale community farm, hurstbridge youth activity centre', wattle glen, jack lawson, martin drews, montmorency secondary college, whittlesea secondary college, diamond valley college, peter sartori, ticarno sartori

Liana Peak began her involvement with Eltham Pony Club at age 6 and, aged 19, was awarded the Pony Club Association of Victoria's Award of Merit for her service to Eltham Pony Club and the sport in general. Contents Newspaper article: "State honour for young rider", Diamond Valley Leader, 26 October 2005. Liana Peak received the Pony Club Association of Victoria's Award of Merit for her service to Eltham Pony Club and the sport in general.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcliana peak, eltham pony club, pony club association of victoria

Michael Peck taught art to migrant children in London before returning to Australia; his work then explored the idea being a refugee. By 2011, his work explored his relationship with his two grandfathers who both served in World War II. Contents Newspaper article: "On venturing to find a fit", Diamond Valley Leader, 4 June 2008. Painter Michael Peck describes his technique and objectives. Newspaper article: "Grandfather's legacy", Diamond Valley Leader, 23 November 2011. Michael Peck's latest artistic work explores his relationship with his two grandfathers.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcmichael peck

Margo Kroyer-Pedersen, who lived at View Hill Crescent, Eltham, was a bird artist. Contents Newspaper article: "Jetset Swifty hitches a ride home", The Sun, 5 May 1978. An injured spine-tailed swift, nursed by Margo Pedersen, to be flown by Qantas to Tokyo to catch up with migration pattern. Newspaper article: "Bird lover's lively topic", Diamond Valley News, 19 June 1984. Margo Kroyer-Pedersen is an expert in Australian native birds. Newspaper article: "Margo's at home to all her furry friends", Diamond Valley News, 31 May 1988.Margo Kroyer Pederson [sic] cares for native wildlife. Newspaper article: "A conservationist and artist", The Age, 29 November 1997. Obituary of Margo Kroyer-Pedersen. Print-out Google search, 31 December 2008, for Margo Kroyer Pederson [sic]Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcmargo kroyer-pedersen, margo pedersen, view hill crescent eltham, were street theatre, jeanette wightman

Pamela Pedersen, daughter of Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls, became an athlete, and lives in Eltham Contents Newspaper article: "An inner flame for her people", Diamond Valley Leader, 23 November 2005. Pamela Pedersen to carry Commonwealth Games torch baton.. Newspaper article: "Family of champions", Diamond Valley News, 15 August 2007. Pamela Pedersen's life and family. Newspaper article: "Giant steps", Diamond Valley News, 15 August 2007. Cover picture and summary for article within newspaper.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcpamela pedersen, pastor sir doug nicholls, heidelberg women's athletics club, adam petersen, victorian aboriginal community controlled health organisation, kim petersen, indigenous sportsperson of the year 2005, yorta yorta elder, children's koori court

Charis Pelling, daughter of Professor William Osborne and Dr Ethel Osborne, was active in local activities, including being Eltham Shire's first female president and a councillor. Contents Newspaper articles: About Whittlesea Show 1964, Diamond Valley News, 1964 (photocopy). Magazine article: "A woman who gets things done", The Australian Women's Weekly, 26 October 1966. Charis Pelling's life and activities. Note card: Thanks for sympathy following destruction of "Woodlands" and "The Hall" in 8 January 1969 bushfire. Newspaper article: "Quietly proud of her life", Diamond Valley News, 19 June 1984. Charis Pelling's childhood and activities. Note card: Thanks for sympathy following death of Edwin Oswald Pelling. Newspaper notice: Death notice, Charis Meta Aleander Pelling. Order of Service: Celebration of life of Charis Meta Aleander Pelling, 2006. Letter: Eltham District Historical Society to Charis Pelling, 21 June 1995, Invitation to be presented with certificate to her as foundation President of the Society. Note card: Charis Pelling, Thanks for presentation. Newsletter: Eltham District Historical Society, number 172, January 2007. Obituary of Charis Meta Alexander Pelling.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etccharis pelling, whittlesea show, kangaroo ground victoria, michael pelling, margaret pelling, nicholas pelling, deborah pelling, warrandyte water works trust, eltham arts council, eltham old people's committee, eltham art show, shillinglaw cottage preservation committee, woodlands kangaroo ground victoria, gareth jones roberts, peter glass, alkis astrix, matcham skipper, mervyn horton, the flavor of eltham, bush fire january 1969, the hall kangaroo ground victoria, professor william osborne, dr ethel osborne, william pelling, alistair knox, harold bartlett, gerald yunken, edwin oswald pelling, charis meta alexander pelling

Nicholas Pelling, son of Charis Pelling, lived at Kangaroo Ground, and was active in local causes, including the Country Fire Authority, being awarded a National Medal in 1992. Contents Newspaper article: "CFA man 'someone who cared'". Diamond Valley Leader ,14 July 2004. Obituary of Nicholas Pelling.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcnicholas pelling, charis pelling, woodlands kangaroo ground victoria, the hall kangaroo ground victoria, war memorial tower committee kangaroo ground, andrew ross museum kangaroo ground, plenty valley community radio, kangaroo ground telephone exchange, anna pelling, country fire authority, jeff newland, kerri newland, ron newland

Elizabeth Pender was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community. Contents Newspaper article: "Helping the have-nots". Diamond Valley Leader, 12 October 2005. Beth Pender, Eltham. Newspaper article: "A lifetime dedicated to service of others". Diamond Valley Leader, 3 February 2007. Elizabeth Pender awarded an Australia Day honour.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcelizabeth pender, oxfam community aid abroad book fairs, eltham brotherhood of st laurence op shop, beth pender

Henry Petrie was a founding member of the Montmorency community. His daughter Hilda Fraser died in 1986. The Petrie family is related to the McCaw family. Contents Newspaper article: "Stalwart dies, 75", Diamond Valley News, 3 June 1986. Obituary of Hilda Fraser, daughter of Henry Petrie.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etchenry petrie, petrie park montmorency, hilda fraser nee petrie, presbyterian chirch at st andrews, malcom fraser, christine fraser, iain fraser, mccaw family

Artist Robert Phillips of Lower Plenty organised a performing arts festival to aid tsunami relief. Contents Newspaper article: "Humanitarian joins fundraising effort", Diamond Valley Leader, 12 January 2005. Robert Phillips is organising a performing arts festival to aid tsunami relief.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcrobert phillips, heidelberg school of heritage artists, 2005 boxing day tsunami

Wayne Phillips was Liberal MLA for Eltham. Contents Newspaper article: "Liberal MLA for Eltham", Diamond Valley-Whittlesea Advertiser, 12 Jan 1996. Wayne Phillips, Liberal MLA for Eltham, announced grants for local schools.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc