Neale McSWAIN Neale McSwain was a student at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education (now Federation University) in 1986. The art acquisition prize for student work was awarded to Neale McSwain in 1986. This is the first time that the award was made for a sculpture. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Tall, red, steel sculpture. art, artwork, neale mcswain, mcswain, sculpture, ballarat college of advanced education, alumni

Kylie THOMAS (14 May 1973 - ) Born Creswick, Victoria A graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) (1993) and Diploma of Visual Arts (1995) from Federation University (then University of Ballarat) Kylie Thomas continued her art practice after studying under distinguished sculptors Peter Blizzard and Adrian Mauriks. This work was acquired from her graduate folio. Soon after completing her studies Kylie Thomas became an artist in residence at Ballarat Grammar School building a public sculpture for the grounds conceived by one of her selected students as part of the program. She became the youngest exhibiting applicant to be awarded the City of Port Phillip, Rupert Bunny Foundation artist in residence program. After moving to Mallacoota she was absorbed into the community as a visual artist, actor, playwright and assistant publicist. Her commissioned public artwork and sculptures as part of residences collections were all lost in the 2019 bushfires that decimated Mallacoota. Moving back to her hometown of Creswick Kylie Thomas completed a Diploma in Education qualifying as a secondary teacher, always continuing her art practice while teaching. Needing to work again, but with no desire to teach, Kylie Thomas studied Building Design and Architectural Drafting, homing in on other areas which could link back to her artistic practice. Working in this field for a short time she moved to Melbourne where she exhibited paintings and sculpture installations as part of The Melbourne Fringe Festival. She also worked in set design, and as a stage manager and theatre actor. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.This work is a spiritual totem created in the tradition of the bricoleur, dedicated to bygone cultures, lost technology and mystery referencing nature, humanity and technology. Humanity to use technology with and for nature. The materials are symbolic, the use of bone, Perspex, computer parts, found and crafted objects constructed in a resulting harmony creating a symbiotic relationship. Tapping the 4th dimension that could lift off into space and come back again, with a feeling of weightlessness, awe and suspension captured. A sculpture which stands on a white pedestal with perspex cover. 'Cultural Dedication' is the final work in a series of sculptures influenced by the ancient cultures of Egypt. art, artwork, kylie thomas, sculpture, alumni

Penny CAREY WELLS (08 November 1950- ) Born Hobart, Victoria Penny Carey Wells has worked as a paper and book artist in Tasmania since the early 80s and taught at the School of Art, University of Tasmania, from 1985-1997. She is currently employed part time at the State Library of Tasmania as a technician in paper conservation and exhibition officer. (http://www.kitezh.com/haven/artists/penny.htm, accessed 1/11/2016) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Boxed paper sculpture of the torso of a woman with narrow leather chest bands and gold leaf on the left hand side. art, artwork, sculpture, penny carey wells, torso, available, penny carey-wells

Erin McCUSKEY Erin is a filmmaker, photographer and digital media artist with a bent on ‘difference’. She is the Creative Director at Yum Studio where she has forged a national reputation for delivering innovative and unique creative media projects, using projection, media, social media and social broadcasting. Ern McCuskey has a passion for producing projects with human rights at their core. Her short films, installations and commissions have screened at Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (MADE), Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), Flickerfest, Indiefest, Gertrude St Projection Festival, Ballarat International Foto Biennale, numerous exhibitions, performances and collections. Erin’s work is informed by the knowledge that difference is a necessary part of society and the core of a healthy one. She is passionate about creating media that is thought provoking, possibly controversial and also entertaining. Media creation is a group pursuit and those behind the camera are more often control the balance of power, therefore she is committed to unique collective story development. “I believe that art is in the everyday, that we all can, should and do, create. My work is informed by the moving images of my siblings as children recorded by my father, the houses and homes, spaces and events, which live on as objects themselves in various homes as photos, archives, projected and loved. These flickering images were embedded and now I spend time creating more.” (Central Highlands Art Atlas, http://www.artsatlas.com.au/erin/) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Three photographs mounted side by side (portrait orientation). #1 image of curtains #2 image of sculpture of man reflected in a mirror #3 light reflecting through crystal door handle. Slight scratching on front bottom of frame. art, artwork, erin mccuskey, mccuskey, photography, foto, available

Peter BLIZZARD (1940 — 2010) Sculptor Peter Blizzard completed a certificate of art at the Prahran College of Advanced Education and a Diploma of Art at RMIT in 1967. His sculptural career start in 1970 after a career as a graphic designer, creating large steel abstract works. He exhibited at several International Trade Fairs including New York and San Francisco in 1970, as well as Isogaya Gallery in Tokyo in 1997. Between 1972 and 1995 was Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Head of Sculpture at the University of Ballarat (now Federation University). From 1995 he worked full time as a sculptor. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Abstract ArtA steel sculptureart, artwork, peter blizzard, sculpture

Debbie LLOYD Debbie Lloyd returned to study in 2005 completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) degree at the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) in 2007, with honours the following year. She returned to the university as Artist in Residence in 2009. During her time at the University Debbie exhibited in many group exhibitions and her work was selected for the National Graduates Show at PICA in Western Australia. Debbie’s first solo exhibition was held at Space22 in Ballarat, towards the end of 2010. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Two artworks featuring a third dimension created with folded paper. Artist's Statement: "My artwork explores the visual experience that can be achieved using black and white, lineal patterns or by creating illusion and surface movement through the simple manipulation and repetition of forms. In these works I have used everyday objects, and shapes, repeated, reconfigured and recontextualised to provide the viewer with visual challenges that slow down and complicate the reading of the work. In the words of a former lecturer of mine, who kindly delivered the opening speech at one of my exhibitions – There is in Debbie’s work a belief in the transcendental power of repetition, a tribute in many respects to the fact that human kind is defined by nothing more noble and uplifting than its ability and obligation to persist." (http://100thgallery.com/gallery/debbie-lloyd/, accessed 08 May 2018) art, artwork, debbie lloyd, available, recycling, envelopes

Bridget BODENHAM Bridget Bodenham has a Diploma of Arts (Ceramics) from the University of Ballarat (now Federation University. In 2006 she received an Emerging Artist grant from the Australia Council for the Arts and was also part of Craft’s annual graduate survey exhibition, Fresh!. She works full time making ceramic serving ware, tableware, utensils and jewellery as well as planter pots and flower vases. The majority of her work is designed to be used and enjoyed. Bridget feels a connection to her surrounding bushland landscape and interprets the tones and textures in her work. She takes great care in creating each piece by hand and firing them up to three times in her large gas kiln. Each firing is totally unique resulting in one off pieces. Bridget Bodenham was a finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award (2008) for a series of ceramic mortars and pestles, and received an Honourable Mention in the Mino International Ceramic Award, Japan. Bridget aims to create a sense of curiosity and reflection in form and function. She hopes her work delights and engages the owners hands and heart into everyday activities. The Federation University Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Small, thrown ceramic vessel / jug with handle and lip. art, artwork, bridget bodenham, ceramics, alumni

Michelle ZUCCOLO Born Orbost, Victoria Between 2004 and 2007 Michelle Zuccolo undertook a Master of Arts, (Visual Arts part-time by research) at the University of Ballarat (later Federation University Australia). Her BA (Fine Art) was awarded by the Victoria College of Art and Design, and she has a DipEd from Melbourne College of Advanced Education. Michelle Zuccolo's work is underpinned by an interest in the human psyche, expressed in related portraiture paintings, life drawing and sculpture.This work was a finalist in the Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize, and she won the 2021 $3,000 Local Art Prize for the painting Habitat (2020), which raises questions about interactions between introduced and native species. The Federation University Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed drawingart, artwork, michelle zuccolo, lamb, available, alumni

Loris BUTTON (27/02/1951- ) Born Melbourne Dr Loris Button grew up in Melbourne, completing undergraduate studies in painting and drawing at the Phillip Institute of Technology, followed by a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Tasmania. Her PhD thesis employed self portraiture as a means for reflecting on the self, time and ageing in contemporary culture. From 1981 – 1986 Loris lived and studied in Hobart before returning to Melbourne. She lectured at the University of Ballarat Arts Academy from 1987. Since 1990 she has lived and worked in Ballarat and the nearby town of Creswick. Loris retired from an academic career at the Arts Academy, University of Ballarat (now Federation University) at the end of 2010. Loris has continued a post-retirement association with the Arts Academy through her role as an Honorary Research Fellow. Working with prints, paintings and drawings on handmade paper, her work is regularly shown in both solo and group exhibitions throughout Australia and overseas. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Twenty Five unique state linoprints on handmade abaca and cotton rag papers mounted together with insect pins. This work formed part of the Artist's PhD research.art, artwork, loris button, printmaking, linoprint, doctorate, alumni, handmade paper, linocut

Paul Lambeth was Head of the TAFE Program at the University of Ballarat when this work was undertaken. It formed part of his Master of Arts (Visual Arts) exhibition in 2009. The purpose of Lambeth's study was to contribute a non indigenous perspective to current discourse on sense of place in contemporary Australia. The research employed a number of strategies to investigate current response to our geographic and historical time position. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Abstract paintingSigned verso 'Paul Lambeth '08'art, artwork, paul lambeth, place

Bridget BODENHAM Bridget Bodenham has a Diploma of Arts (Ceramics) from the University of Ballarat (now Federation University. In 2006 she received an Emerging Artist grant from the Australia Council for the Arts and was also part of Craft’s annual graduate survey exhibition, Fresh!. She works full time making ceramic serving ware, tableware, utensils and jewellery as well as planter pots and flower vases. The majority of her work is designed to be used and enjoyed. Bridget feels a connection to her surrounding bushland landscape and interprets the tones and textures in her work. She takes great care in creating each piece by hand and firing them up to three times in her large gas kiln. Each firing is totally unique resulting in one off pieces. Bridget Bodenham was a finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award (2008) for a series of ceramic mortars and pestles, and received an Honourable Mention in the Mino International Ceramic Award, Japan. Bridget aims to create a sense of curiosity and reflection in form and function. She hopes her work delights and engages the owners hands and heart into everyday activities. This piece won the SMB DVC Visual Arts Acquisition Award, 2006Mould made dining setting consisting of plate, two bowls and three eating utensils. Makers mark on versoceramics, bridget bodenham, artwork, alumni, dvc aquisition award

Heather SHIMMEN (1957- ) Born Melbourne, Victoria Heather Shimmen is a painter and printmaker who ises etching, lithographic and linocut techniques. She often uses mixed media and collage. Throughout her prints Heather Shimmen interleaves personal histories. Between 1976 and 1978 Heather Shimmen studied Fine Art Painting at RMIT in Melbourne. During that time she was taught for one year by George Baldessin This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Framed linocut with fabric overlayart, artwork, heather shimmen, shimmen, linocut, printmaking, edition, bird, hand, tree branch, bee, moth, princt council australia, pca, available

"I am an Australian of German parents born in Persia. I was taught by Peter Rushforth, with a very strong Japanese influence. My work attempts to incorporate these four elements of my history. For form, my influence comes from Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil as it is called in Germany. Techniques are informed by pottery from Japan, China, Korea and Germany. My colours are inspired by the Australian landscape. Using the language of woodfiring, I create a personal vocabulary with new subjects, grammar and syntax, which make each pot a one-off object containing all my diverse influences." (Roswitha Wulff)Roswitha WULFF (1941- ) Born Tabrize, Iran. Arrived Austrqalia c1949 Roswitha Wulff spent her early childhood with her mother, potter Helma Klett, in Germany. In 1964, she obtained a ceramics certificate from the East Sydney Technical College. From 1964-65, she worked with Robin Welch and Ian Sprague at Sprague's Mungeribar Pottery in Upper Beaconsfield, VIC. In 1966 she worked at the Sturt Pottery in Mittagong, NSW under Les Blakebrough. Between 1967 and 1969 Roswitha Wulff travelled overseas, spending 6 monthe with Robin Welch after his return to England and 9 months as a full-time thrower at Briglin Pottery, London, as well as working in potteries in Denmark and Germany. From 1969-70, she worked in North-West Pakistan as a research scholar for the Smithonian Institute and the University of NSW. Returning to Australia in 1970, she set up a workshop in Paddington, NSW, with the help of an Australia Council grant and taught part-time at the East Sydney Technical College and the Willoughby Workshop Art Centre. Since then she has been a lecturer and Head of Ceramics in many institutions, including the National Art School. In the 1990s she moved her studio to Botany Bay, NSW.. While working with the vessel form, she sees her pots as abstract landscapes. Recently she has also been working with wall tiles. During a residency at the Canberra School of Art in 2002, she developed tiles that looked like woodfired pillows with soft rounded rims. In 2007, she used such tiles to create a mural commemorating the Sesquicentenary of St Vincent's Hospital in Paddington. Woodfired stoneware bowl with flay ashSigned on baseroswitha wulff, jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, woodfire, ceramics, gippsland campus, botany bay studio pottery

Jan FEDER Born Barmera, South Australia Jan Feder was a student at the Gippsland Centre of Art and Design in the 1980s. She had started studying ceramics in Adelaide, deciding to continue here study at Churchill under Hedley Potts' tutelage after moving to Strezlecki. In her final year Jan was an on-campus weekday resident to save on the travel time. This work is part of the Jan Feder Memorial Ceramics Collection which was amassed with funds raised by Jan Feder's student peers at the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design in the mid 1980s after Jan Feder passed away. Although many of the works are donated the intention of the collection was to purchase from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught at the Churchill Campus. A group of ceramic vessels by Jan Feder, an alumna of the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design (GCAD). After her death in the mid 1980s her student peers amassed funds to create a memorial collection. jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, gippsland campus, alumni, ceramics

Artist's Statement: "Every Wednesday at 10 o'clock in the morning, from the beginning of Winter, 2011 to the end of Autumn, 2012, I photographed the same scene in my Ballarat garden. While the main subject is the weather of the moment, it includes a walnut tree killed in the recent drought, and a deciduous ornamental plum. There are 52 Wednesdays recorded in the tapestry; and 4 frames showing the seasonal changes in the plum tree. The colours bordering each panel are those of deciduous leaves on trees in my garden that week. It is said we only know eternity in the pulse of the moment; and permanence in the cycle of the seasons."Millicent REED Initally training in tapestry from Sara Lindsay at an ATW community class Millicent Reed received a Diploma of Art (Tapestry) from South West TAFE in 2009. Her strength and direction comes from being part of the unbroken continuum of tapestry art from the beginning of recorded time. Similarly, the sameness and difference of time itself has become the focus of all her work. (https://americantapestryalliance.org/exhibitions/tex_ata/down-south-tapestry-in-australia/down-south-exhibitors-biographies/, accesed 03 April 2020)Woven tapestry in eight panels, each with seven images in each panel measured 212.0 x 57.5 cm. weaving, seasons, tapestry, ballarat, weather, millicent reed

Gwyn HANSSEN PIGOTT (1935 - 11 July 2013) Born Ballarat Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Melbourne University in 1954. She spent three years apprenticed to Ivan McMeekin at Sturt Pottery, Mittagong, New South Wales. As a teenager she was taught to through by Neville Bunning, Ceramics lecturer at the Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines). Between 1958 and 1965 Gwyn Hanssen-Piggott worked at various potteries in the United Kingdom, including Winchcombe Pottery in Gloucestershire, Leach Pottery at St Ives, and Wenford Bridge Pottery and Aldermaston Pottery in Berkshire. In 1960 she established her own studio in London. The essence of her work is purity, simplicity and form. She worked with porcelain for strength and for its translucent nature, and fired with wood to add a dine ash bloom to glazes. In 1992 Gwyn Hanssen-Piggott visited the Ballarat School of Mines Ceramics students, under the direction if lecturers Neville French and Prue Venables In 1994 she was artist in residence at the Ballarat School of Mines for six months. Gwyn Hanson Piggott received the Order of Australia Medal in 2002. Born Gwynion Lawrie John at Ballarat on 01 January 1935, Gwyn Hanssen Piggott died in London on 11 July 2018 London where she was for a solo exhibition of her new work. It is believed this work was presented at the time of Gwyn Hanssen Piggott's residencey in Ballarat.. It is part of the Federation University Art Collection which features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Australian Studio CeramicsA bottle and two tumblers by renowned ceramicist Gwyn Hanssen-Piggott. art, artwork, ceramics, bowl, ballarat, gwyn john, ballarat school of mines, gwyn hanssen pigott

This red plastic folder entitled "1M''s Peaceful Protest" and the response letter from the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, are part of Record Series 35. Student Work. In October 1986 the girls from Form 1M [Year 7] compiled a volume of poems and drawings titled “1M’s Peaceful Protest” that was sent to the Honourable Robert (Bob) Hawke, regarding the importance of peace in this country and around the world. Bob Hawke, responded with a thank you letter and returned the student’s work back to Lauriston. This “Peaceful Protest” from the girls of Form 1M was significant as it showed how Lauriston students were prepared to speak out and let politicians know what their thoughts were on the zeitgeist issues at the time. In 1986 the ongoing Cold War between the West and the communist states of the Soviet Union, provided a real threat to world peace. The vibrant colours of the students’ poems and drawings bely their concerns about the ongoing threat of the Cold War. The spelling mistake on the front page reminds us how these young students were given the opportunity to develop their own contributions and make mistakes.

Rohan Robinson is an artist born in Geelong, and attended “the Mill” part of Deakin University in 1980-82, studying Fine Art. In 2010-11, he was the manager of Kayili Artists Aboriginal Corporation, at Patjarr in the Gibson Desert W.A., where he oversaw the development and marketing of artworks of the corporation’s members. The community is the remotest in Australia and averaged 25 people, mostly consisting of elderly people and part of the Ngaanyatjarra region, with some members not having any consistent contact with white fellas up to the mid 1960’s. During his time it was common for all the community members to go out hunting and having a visit to important areas, where members would get some tucker of rabbits and lizards and honey ants and perhaps some “meow meow” and have a nice sleep in the shade on the warm sand. Robinson would often take his painting gear along and do some work on unstretched linen on the desert ground, he would paint for a while and then perhaps lie around with the elders or follow one of the expert hunters and observe from a distance [several meters] the skills of elderly women casually walking through some recently burned spinifex knocking cowering bunnies on the head with a steel rod. It was on one of these occasions, when this particular painting was being conceived, that after returning from the hunting mission, he was informed by some of the mob, that an elder had been spending time looking at this work in it’s infantile stage...”You know the old fella over there, he been looking at that painting of yours” It was later in the day, when returning to Patjarr, that the elder Arthur Robertson approached Robinson, and demanded/asked that Robinson paint his stories for him. Mr Robertson was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and was having trouble painting, but had been doing some brilliant work with Posca markers. It was with a certain reluctance that Robinson agreed, as he felt this to be a “political hot potato in some quarters” but also respected a relationship between artists beyond the cultural divide. Mr Robertson demanded that they start immediately and armed with pencil and paper they created the notes for several paintings under Mr Robertson’s direction. The painting that you are viewing is signifcant in that it was the catalyst for this relationship between the two artists. Mr Arthur Robertson died later that year 2011.Gold framed blue and earth tone painting. Painting depicting four circles with mountain and sky in the background.

This is the first photograph taken of Trained nurses, who worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) and has been kept in their Archives (now RDNS) since that time. The photograph, taken about 1892, records the uniforms worn by MDNS Nurses in that era, and records images of Nurse Kennedy, who commenced with the Society at the end of 1891, and worked in the Western District of the CBD until the end of 1893; and Lucy Smith who worked in the Eastern District of the CBD between April 1892 - June 1893 when she left to get married. Nurse Smith trained at the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas's Hospital in London, the first professional nursing school in the world and as such she was given the position of the first 'Head Nurse' at MDNS. Though Florence Nightingale never worked at St. Thomas’s she did form the curriculum for the nurses training and received regular reports regarding the probationers, as well as receiving the nurses in her home during the latter part of their training. According to Lucy's family she met Florence Nightingale. The photograph shows two of the three Trained nurses employed by MDNS at that time. All Nurses employed by MDNS from its inception in 1885 were trained and received their qualification in a Hospital, but in those times were called 'Nurse'. In Melbourne in 1885 it was recognized that skilled nursing was needed in the inner city to care for the sick poor in their own homes. On the 17th of February a meeting was held with prominent Melbourne citizens, five gentlemen and fourteen ladies. ‘Dr. Caffyn and Rev. Charles Strong explained the objects and scope of District nursing Societies that had been formed in other towns’ in UK. On that day the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded, the first District Nursing Society in Australia. Subsequent meetings were held to form a Committee and to draw up a Code of Rules of the Society. It was decided only nurses who had attended a Nurses Training School and were fully qualified would be employed by the Society, and that the Nurses would keep a daily journal of their work. After interviewing several candidates, the first Trained Nurse, Mrs. Ferguson, was employed with a salary of £100 per annum and commenced work on the 1st of May 1885. She was employed for three months initially, but this was soon extended, “on the understanding she will make arrangements to live in the more immediate vicinity of her district”. A doctor was consulted before any person was seen. In rotation, a member of the Superintendence Sub-Committee supervised the Nurse’s visits and could assist to alleviate some of the poor social conditions they found. Though only Trained nurses were employed, the term ’Nurse’ was used in those days. Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist, was one of the first two Vice-presidents and President from 1888 until 1908 (except when overseas); she was a driving force in the Society. She held the first fund raiser for the Society at her home ‘Cliveden’ and went on to help organize many functions where she, along with Committee members, manned the stalls to raise funds. She also took her turn to accompany the Nurse, and was noted for her kindness and benevolence. Over the years the Committee, which was made up of 80% ladies, worked tirelessly for the Society; many Auxiliaries were formed. A second Trained nurse, Mrs. Joanna Cannon, was employed in late 1885, with a trial period of six months which was extended. She and Mrs Ferguson were the stalwarts of the Society in the early years, Nurse Cannon remaining with the Society for four years and Nurse Ferguson for five years, though both had a short break due to the heaviness of the work. Nurse’s salaries were reduced to account for the cost of uniforms, and again in later years when establishments were rented by the Society and the nurses could now live in the Nurses Home. The two Nurses worked in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bags containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with doctors. They provided high quality nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. They educated their patients, and their Carers, in the curing and prevention of disease; teaching the importance of hygiene, cleanliness, ventilation and good nutrition. They taught them, by verbal instruction and demonstration, how to make poultices, to make and apply bandages, apply medical appliances such as splints; and the Nurses supplied milk, beef tea and cooked soup when needed. As the work increased a third Trained nurse was employed but this was arduous work, particularly in the heat of summer and many Nurses only remained with the Society for several months. In 1891 the first Nurses Home was rented for 1 year at £65 per annum at 66 Cardigan Street, Carlton; Nurses wages were now £60 per annum. A Doctor gave lectures from the Home to the public on the understanding and prevention of diseases. The Society decided to commence a Midwifery Service and Nurse Fowler, who had previously worked for the Society, was re-employed as their first trained Midwife. She began home births in August 1893 giving them Ante Natal care, taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe and mother as needed. Following birth, she gave Post-natal care to the mother and babe twice a day for three days and then daily for a week, and longer if required. She resigned after twelve months and Nurse Wilkie was appointed to the position. As well as walking, the nurses used Public transport in the limited areas it ran, though a taxi was used by the Nurses and Midwife in emergencies and at night. Late in 1891 the Society moved to larger rented premises at 49 Drummond Street and in 1902 moved to 188 Leicester Street, Carlton Sepia Photograph of two Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), Trained nurses; on the left is Nurse Kennedy (sitting) and to the right Nurse Lucy Smith (standing). They are wearing the MDNS uniform of a long grey frock. Over this they are wearing a grey long sleeve jacket with self buttons down the centre. The jacket forms a V at the waist. Nurse Kennedy has a round visage with her central parted dark hair drawn back. She is wearing ear rings and holds the top of a closed umbrella in her left hand, the feral rests on the ground. She has a straw hat in her right hand. Nurse Smith has a long visage; is wearing ear rings and her central parted dark hair is drawn back. Her right arm is extended holding the back of the chair on which Nurse Kennedy sits. melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns uniforms, mdns first 'head nurse', rdns, royal district nursing service, trained nurse kennedy, trained nurse lucy smith

This photograph is a record of Matron Beatrice Williams with some of the Trained nurses (Sisters) who worked in the District division of Melbourne District Nursing Society After Care Home in 1933, just prior to Matron Williams resigning to be married. It was taken in front of the Nurses Home at 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and shows part of the District nursing uniform worn by the MDNS Sisters in the 1930s. At that time their uniform dresses, worn under their coats, were grey cotton and their brimmed hats were made of felt and had a red Maltese cross applied to the centre front of the hatband.Miss Beatrice Williams worked as a Trained Nurse (Sister) with the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) before going to England to gain her Midwifery certificate. After qualifying, she worked as a Tutor sister and a District Superintendent at the University College Hospital in London. On returning to Australia she was appointed, in April 1929, Matron of the District division of the MDNS After-Care Home (Hospital from 1934). She convinced the Committee of the need for Ante Natal care and in 1930 the Ante Natal Clinic was opened at the After-Care. She continued as Matron until 1933 when she married Dr. J.P Major, and was invited to join the Committee of Management. In the early 1950s when the Government requested the Society separate and it take over the After Care Hospital, she became President of the now named Melbourne District Nursing Service with its Headquarters and Nursing Home moving to 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Beatrice had an understanding of the poor, the sick and the aged, and was known for her kindness and sympathy. Her foresight, leadership and enthusiasm brought forth the expansion of District nursing. She died on the 15th of August 1958. The Trained nurses of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later known as Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), visited patients in their home and gave best practice care in many fields of nursing, and to people of many cultures, throughout its 130 years of expansion. Initial visits not only assessed the specific nursing situation but the situation as a whole. Their patients ranged in age from babes, children, adults to the elderly and referrals were taken from Hospitals, General Practitioners and allied Health facilities. Some of the care the Sisters provided is as follows: – Post-Natal care given to mother and babe, Wound Care following various types of surgery, accidents, burns, cancer, leg ulcers etc. Supervising and teaching Diabetic Care, including teaching and supervising people with Diabetes to administer their own Insulin, and administering Insulin to those unable to give their own injections. Administering other injections and setting up weekly medication boxes. The Sisters performed Catheterizations on adults suffering from conditions such as Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Guillan-Barre Syndrome, and when required at school on children for e.g. those with Spina Bifida. The Sisters visited those requiring Cystic Fibrosis support and care; those requiring Haemo-Oncology care, including visiting children at school; those requiring Home Enteral Feeding care, and those requiring IV therapy at home and home Dialysis. Palliative Care was given including pain relief with the use of syringe drivers, personal care as needed, and advice and support to both patient and family. The Sisters provided Stoma management to those needing Urostomy, Ileostomy and Colostomy care and those requiring Continence care. HIV/AIDS nursing care was provided; visits to Homeless Persons were made. Personal care was given to patients ranging in age and with varying mobility problems, such as those with MS, MND, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, to those following a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), those with severe Arthritis and those with a form of Dementia. When necessary the elderly were assisted with personal care and advice given on safety factors with the use of hand rails, bath or shower seats, and hand showers. Rehabilitation with an aim towards independence remained at the forefront of the Sister’s minds and when possible using aids and instruction on safe techniques enabled the person to become fully independent. All care included giving advice and support to the patient and their Carers. The Sisters liaised with the persons Doctor, Hospital and allied Health personal when necessary.Black and white photograph showing Matron, Miss Beatrice Williams, wearing a white uniform and veil over her short dark hair, and a group of thirteen Melbourne District Nursing Society Trained nurses (Sisters) outside the front of their Nurses Home. The Sisters are wearing grey coats over their grey uniforms and grey brimmed hats with a Maltese cross applied to the white headband. Matron is sitting in the centre of six Sisters and there are seven Sisters standing behind them on the veranda; a round column is seen to the right between the 4th and 5th Sisters. Part of the grey building behind shows an open door to the left and a long window to the right. A scrolled metal safety rail, running from the round column, is seen in front of the three nurses on the right. The seated Sisters and Matron have their legs crossed at the ankles, melbourne district nursing society, mdns nurses, mdns, rdns, royal district nursing service, mdns uniforms, matron beatrice mary williams

Major Damien Batty served in Afghanistan in 2011-2012 with the Bravo Commando Company Group, 2nd Commando Regiment in Uruzgan. Major Batty served alongside Said Haim, an Afghan police officer. Australian forces were often involved in mentoring and training Afghan police and army units. According to the letter Major Batty worked with Said Haim on logistics for PRC (Provincial Response Company) Uruzgan. The Commandos took part in 20 rotations with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) between 2007 and 2012. During this time they undertook significant combat operations, and were awarded for its actions, the regiment was collectively awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry and the Meritorious Unit Citation. This letter is a rare example of first-person correspondence between a member of Australia's Special Forces and a member of the Afghan police force. The letters, both in Arabic and English, are significant for their capacity to illustrate the personal face of the Australian mission in Afghanistan, and to signify the nature of individual relationships between Australian personnel and local reconstruction forces. Two letters, one in Arabic and the second translated into English. Arabic letter is photocopied, English letter is written in blue pen. major damien batty, uruzgan, afghanistan, letter, police, prc, commandos

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

Martha Watson was born on 17 October 1888 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia as the first child of Robina (Ruby) WATSON. She died on 23 March 1976 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Memories of Martha by Valcia nee Twigg Lowrie, granddaughter of Arthur Watson. My memories and recollections as told to me my Grandmother ‘Mum’ Myers. As a child she had scarlet fever and did not attend school during the illness and missed a lot of school (Macarthur Street State School). When she was meant to return to school having fallen behind her classmates, confused and behind with the school work, she instead spent her time wandering around Lake Wendouree feeling too ashamed to attend school. Her uncle Arthur, born in 1874, whom she idealized, was a type of father/mentor figure who played and important part in her early life. He moved to Queensland in the early 1900’s and they did not meet again until he visited Melton in 1949, he died in 1954. He was a champion rower in Victoria and Queensland and a noted cyclist who rode in three Warrnambool to Melbourne races, and footballer. Her mother’s death certificate reveals her place of death as the Ballarat Hospital on 8th September 1903 aged 36. Martha was not told of the death of her mother, it was some time later when she found out her mother had died. She was greatly distressed when she eventually found out. The grief and the circumstance of her mothers death and her unfortunate life had a permanent effect on Martha’s life. Robina was buried in Open Ground at the New Cemetery Ballarat. Marjorie likened to this to the death of Mozart at the age of 35 who was also buried in a common grave. Martha also told me the stories about how as a child she played at the cemetery, taking the oranges placed as offerings on the Chinese graves and being chased away in fright when caught by a Chinese man. Her description left a vivid impression on my mind. The Burnbank street house was just across the road from the cemetery. The pieces of this story I had heard made sense when I visited the location in recent years. Martha’s described how Nanna would sing on the front verandah, and send her off to t get drink for her. This situation might help explain the reason for Martha’s strong aversion to alcohol. As a young girl it had been distressing to her. Nanna was a colourful and theatrical personality and danced with the Duke when he visited Ballarat. She was also known to have stated that she would marry a man who could give her a bucket of gold, possibly around the time after her first husband, Charles death, she had her young boy Edward to bring up. Martha was about 13 years old when Nanna Watson left Ballarat going to Queensland to visit her son Arthur. Martha slept that night afraid and alone in the empty house. The person who was meant to collect her did not come until the next day. She went to work for a family, a woman with children, they took most of the money that Nanna had left with Martha. There was a new baby in the house and the Scottish man in the house behaved suspiciously towards Martha. She was afraid of him and would hide from him under the bed. At this young age she managed to survive on her wits and sense of self preservation. It is not known how long she worked with this family. The place was from my impression, away from the town of Ballarat. Her very difficult formative years are testament to her strength of character and determination to succeed in life and ambition to provide the best opportunities for her own children. In 1905 Martha received a post card from Uncle Arthur in Brisbane addressed – c/o Mrs Styles 14 High Street Ballarat. Dolly Styles was a Ballarat friend and she kept in contact with her for many years. A letter reveals her living in Minyip in her older years. Martha is thought to have spent a few years working before she arrived in Melton. Miss Shebler hired Martha to help her in the care of her father and to assist with work in the Golden Fleece Hotel. Mr Shebler was a nice old man and mostly confined to his room and somewhat childlike as described by Martha. [The elderly Mr August Shebler died in February 1908]. Martha’s exact arrival in Melton is not known, but could be estimated as late 1906 to early 1907. In her room at the hotel she could hear the spring cart of Mr Minns going on the milk delivery rounds in the very early hours of the morning after coming across the creek from his house When she was 19, she married Frederick Thomas MYERS, son of Henri MIERS and Ann DOWLING, on 30 April 1908 ( Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia). Frederick Thomas MYERS and Martha Mary WATSON had the following children: 1. Frederick John Watson MYERS was born on 01 October 1908 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 07 February 2001.He married Mary June BATTYE on 18 September 1948 in Victoria, Australia. 2. Marjorie Gretchen MYERS was born on 21 February 1912 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia.She married Herbert Vivian BUTLER on 07 January 1939 in Victoria, Australia. 3. Eva Edna MYERS was born on 15 October 1918 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 31 January 2008 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.She married Ernest Wesley BARRIE on 25 October 1941 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. 4. Arthur Bruce MYERS was born on 29 April 1925 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 26 March 2015 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.He married Olive Irene NORTON in April 1953 in Balliang, Victoria, Australia (or Church of Christ Footscray? (WB)). 5. Maxwell Douglas MYERS was born on 10 August 1927 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 03 May 2005 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.He married Rosemary Rebecca BARRIE on 31 August 1951 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. Valcia nee Twigg Lowrie granddaughter of Arthur Watson, daughter of Mercia and Val Twigg did extensive research on the Marshall family of Lerwick Shetland Isle obtaining birth information of the Scottish forebears. She also got the birth/marriage and death certificates of the Ballarat connection of Robina’s husbands and children. Copies were sent to Edna and Wendy during the early 1990’s. Bruce and Irene also obtained certificates and Myers family information. Wendy applied for certificates at this time.Photographs of Martha (Watson) Myers taken at different times of her life

From 1944-1996, Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Recipes from the members of the Bradvale Branchlocal significant events, local identities

In 1944-1996 Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Items celebrating 80 years of Country Women's Association and the closure of the Melton branchlocal significant groups, local identities, local special interest groups