EDHS Newsletter No. 268 February 2023 Prior to the extension of European people into the lands of the Nillum-bik in the late 1830s the Wurundjeri people had been meeting in the area now known as Eltham Lower Park for thousands of years. Waterway junctions had a particular attraction as tribal meeting places and the junction of the Diamond Creek with the Yarra River (Birr-arung to the Wurundjeri) was one such important location in terms of aboriginal culture. The sculpture “Not Just a Pretty Place” by Aleks Danko, located near the junction of these two watercourses pays tribute to this important cultural location. The first European settlers were squatters or leaseholders and itinerants such as timber workers. Records of their early occupation are sketchy but the Eltham Lower Park area was probably included within the pastoral run established in 1841 by Henry Foley. He sold his leasehold in 1845 to Joseph Wilson who in turn sold it to Frederick Faulkner soon after. From this early history the Eltham Lower Park area has undergone many changes and has been developed to provide residents and visitors with a range of passive and active public open space, including even being used for various horse racing events. At our next meeting, Jim Connor will explore the history of Eltham Lower Park and touch on various individuals and groups involved along the way.1:05:19 duration Digital MP3 file; 22.4MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, jim connor, eltham, eltham lower park

Colour 35mm slide in white cardboard mount of Bendigo 6, with the destination of Golden Square inbound in Nolan St with the White Hills Bendigo works in the background. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler.in ink on rear "No. 6 Bendigo fleet was No. 25 Ballarat" and "Jim Rush took this slide in Nolan Street, Bendigo North"tramways, trams, bendigo, north bendigo, nolan st, tram 6

Three black and white photos of junior legatee Jim McGregor at Somers camp, probably in the 1930s. In two of them he appears to be holding a pick axe. It could be when work was being done at Somers camp in the early 1930s. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. These photos were with a group of photos from around the 1930s from the early days of Legacy, including cricket team, football team, and camps at Balnarring/Somers (saved as 01915 to 01934).Legatee Savige's property at Balnarring became very important for Legacy providing outings and camps for junior legatees.Black and white photo x 3 of a junior legatee called Jim McGregor.Handwritten on 01930.1 'x x Jim McGregor' in blue pen. Stamped 'E63' in purple ink. Handwritten on 01930.2 'Jim McGregor' in blue pen and stamped '39' in black ink. Stamped on 01930.3 'E63' so same film as the first one.junior legatee outing, tents, legacy somers camp, savige property, camps

Jim Conn compiled this document from his family history research. The Bonsak family has many descendants in the Greensborough district.A 42 page black and white document outling the family history of the Bonsak family.The original owner's name is written in black biro on the inside front cover.bonsak, bonsack, schuster, conn, greensborough, orbost

June Meeting (Newsletter No. 240, Jun. 2018) Prior to Shillinglaw Cottage (c1878-80) being relocated to where it is now operated as a popular cafe near the Eltham Library, it was within Josiah Holloway’s 1850s subdivision known as Little Eltham, which later became the centre of the first Eltham township. Originally a farmer’s cottage it is historically significant because it is one of the Shire’s oldest dwellings and a fine example of the work of the well-known pioneer builder George Stebbing. In 1964 the then Shire of Eltham purchased the Shillinglaw property with the intention of demolishing the cottage and constructing new Shire offices on the site. However extensive community action resulted in funds being raised to have the building saved and relocated further south to the Eltham Common, where it was joined by the Eltham Library 1994. New Shire offices opened in 1965, but following municipal restructure in 1994 these were demolished and the land sold to a developer, which precipitated a dramatic trail of community angst, threats of legal action, the sacking of a newly elected council and several unsuccessful development proposals, by subsequent councils. After all these years the vacant site there is still guarded by the three trees that were outside the front of the Shillinglaw Cottage. At our Society meeting on Wednesday 13th June 2018 Jim Connor will speak about the dramatic tale encompassing the history of the former Eltham Shire office site and the adjoining War Memorial Buildings complex, which are now being considered for sale or redevelopment by the current Nillumbik Shire Council.1:17:57 duration Digital MP3 File 27 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, jim connor, meeting, shire of eltham office site, society meeting

Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.These businesses were located just north of the railway crossing between Melbourne Road and Bond Street. The railway signals can be seen in the background above Peter’s Fish Café. These buildings have all been demolished and the area is now part of Junction place. Jim Matthews was selling Radiola car radios. He also sold used furniture and had a bike repair business at this location, before later expanding his bike business on the south of the railway crossing, Peters Cafe was at 103 High Street. It was operated by the Bouteris family in the early 1970s. It later became the Chao Thai Restaurant. Vee Jay Radio was operated by Mr. Albert Eddie Branwhite. He moved to Wodonga in 1946 and started selling radio repairs door to door. He then set up his store in 105 High Street. This site had previously been a barber’s shop. The business involved electrical repairs and appliance sales. In the late 1950s Mr. Branwhite established the Wodonga Express. He set the type and printed from the back of this shop until relocating to the Lincoln Causeway. He was actively involved in the community, including many years on the Wodonga Hospital Board of Management which was recognised with a life governorship. Mr. Branwhite passed away in 2001, wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, vee jay radio, jim matthews, peter’s fish café, mr. albert eddie branwhite