A photo of a young man on a hike at Oberon Bay on Wilson's Promontory, with a sign saying 'Lighthouse 9M'. The date is possibly 1967 from the note on the back. The event and the name of the man is unknown. It is possibly part of a young legatee camp though the photo was in a Comradeship Committee photo album. The Comradeship committee gathered photos of events and compiled them in a Comradeship photo album for Legatees to look through.Melbourne Legacy provided many outings and experiences for Legatees and also junior legatees, this is perhaps one of them in the 1960s.Black and white photo of a young man on a hike.Stamped Property of Melbourne Legacy in purple ink. Handwritten "Dec 1967 / At Oberon Bay / Wilsons Promontory" in pencil.camp, legatee event, junior legatee outing

From 1988 to 2021, Legacy held a public speaking contest for young secondary school students. It was initially called the Junior Plain English Speaking Award (JPESA) and later called Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award (LJPSA). Schools were eligible to send along up to 4 representatives to compete in a preliminary round. These photos are from the first National Final on 17 October 1996. They show President Ray Ward congratulating the winner, Ross Ditcham from Flinders Christian Community College. Also Commonwealth Bank's Glenn Haslem presenting prize money. A guest speaker was Channel 7's sports presenter Jim Wilson. Other commended students were Simon Winkler and Penny Mayes and Luke Raffin. The following was taken from a programme in 1996: "The Award aim is to promote enhanced oral communication skills for 12-14 year old students and to help young people appreciate the ideals of Legacy - voluntary service, caring and comradeship - and the need for remembrance. It began in 1988 in the Melbourne area with the support of the Ministry of Education and The Plain English Foundation. Entries have grown from 24 in the 1988 competition to over 300 in schools across the State, plus greater numbers participating in the process of selecting four contestants from each school. In 1995, a successful Interstate Championship was held with contestants from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. On 11 November 1996 the first National final was held with contestants from six states."A record of the Junior Plain Speaking contest that has been run by Legacy since 1988.Colour photo x 11 of Junior Plain English Speaking contest State Final in 1996 and an article in the Answer.legacy promotion, speaking contest, answer, jpesa

A formal group photograph of Legacy past presidents taken at the President's Lunch in 1989. The names of past presidents included on photograph. Another copy of this photo is framed and displayed. See item 00053. From that item the names recorded to identify all in attendance as well as absentees: Back Row L to R: Fargher, Robertson, Dean, Simonson, Bannister, Allison, Larkin, Isherwood, Baker, Handbury, Mehan. Front Row L to R: Wilson, Argent, Carter, Dietrich, Wilks (Pres.) Robertson, Gaylard, Foskett. Apologies: Lobb, Clarke, Lewis, Tonkin.A record of the surviving past presidents in 1989. It shows that the previous presidents were still active in Legacy after their tenure finished and remained in contact with each other. Black and white formal group photograph of Legacy past presidents. Stamped on reverse copyright of Keesing Photographic in black ink and number '891004-2' in black pen.past presidents, presidents lunch

A group photograph of Legacy past presidents possibly taken at the President's Lunch. The date is unknown. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991. Names are left to right: Back row: E.G. Baker (1976), JC Dean (1984), Colin Bannister (1985), E.J. Larkin (1982), R.J.A. Foskett (1972), Geoff Handbury (1973), ?. Middle row: L.W. Fargher (1957), ?, D. J. Simonson (1970), B.R. Wilson (1987), ?, ?, ?. Front row: D.B. Carter (1978), Alf Argent (1988), Ravencroft (1983), Tony Norris (1990), ? in wheelchair, ?, R.W Gaylard (1956), Chas Wilks (1989). A record of the surviving past presidents. It shows that the previous presidents were still active in Legacy after their tenure finished and remained in contact with each other. Colour photo x 2 of a formal group photograph of Legacy past presidents. past presidents, presidents lunch, legatee event

A legatee function in Legacy House with a guest speaker - the label says it is Ben Humphreys who was the Minister of Veterans Affairs (from 1987 to 1993). He is shaking hands with President B R Wilson (President in 1987). Photo was with other photos of guest speakers which were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991.A record that the speakers at Legacy functions were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken about were many and varied. Colour photo x 2 of a guest speaker at Legacy House in 1987 and a white paper label.White paper label is handwritten in blue pen '1987? Minister for Vet Affairs. No negs. Tues luncheon. Ben Humphries.' speakers, legatee event

A photo of a mural in Libya painted by a South Australian Sapper of a bottle of Abbots Lager. The photo, and two others, were sent to Melbourne Legacy in 1979 by Legatee Syd Wilson of Yamba NSW. He thought Melbourne Legacy might be able to use them to generate money by selling them for advertising or publicity. He said they were enlargements of snapshots he had found in his old army trunk. The text says 'Keep Going. Fill up in town, but a good drink is bloody hard to get'. Legatee Wilson's letter says the murals were: 'painted on three walls of a white concrete Italian block house (Police Check post I think), some 18/20 miles west of Tobruk, between Tobruk and Derna, and near a captured Italian airfield, somewhere about February 1941. Obviously they were painted by a Victorian Sapper. They were very well done, by a competent Sign-writer/artist, in correct and excellent colours (captured Itie paint no doubt - there was plenty in their Naval Stores at Tobruk).' (NB Itie was slang for Italian) From the AWM website the signs were painted by South Australian painter, SZ538 Sapper Leslie John “Doc” Dawes, 2/3rd Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. There are several photos on the AWM site including the building the three murals were on.Photos taken by a Legatee when on active service in Libya in World War 2. They were donated to Legacy when it was thought they could be used for fundraising, which shows that Legatees were conscious of that Legacy needs to generate funds to continue its work.Black and white enlargement of a photo taken in Libya of Abbots Lager mural.tobruk, soldiers, lager, beer, abbots lager, murals

A photo of a mural in Libya painted by a South Australian Sapper of a tea pot saying '9,256 miles to Griffiths Bros Tea Headquarters, Melbourne'. The photo, and two others, were sent to Melbourne Legacy in 1979 by Legatee Syd Wilson of Yamba NSW. He thought Melbourne Legacy might be able to use them to generate money by selling them for advertising or publicity. He said they were enlargements of snapshots he had found in his old army trunk. The text says '9,256 miles to Griffiths Bros Tea Headquarters, Melbourne'. Legatee Wilson's letter says the murals were: 'painted on three walls of a white concrete Italian block house (Police Check post I think), some 18/20 miles west of Tobruk, between Tobruk and Derna, and near a captured Italian airfield, somewhere about February 1941. Obviously they were painted by a Victorian Sapper. They were very well done, by a competent Sign-writer/artist, in correct and excellent colours (captured Itie paint no doubt - there was plenty in their Naval Stores at Tobruk).' (NB Itie was slang for Italian) From the AWM website the signs were painted by South Australian painter, SZ538 Sapper Leslie John “Doc” Dawes, 2/3rd Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. There are several photos on the AWM site including the building the three murals were on.Photos taken by a Legatee when on active service in Libya in World War 2. They were donated to Legacy when it was thought they could be used for fundraising, which shows that Legatees were conscious of that Legacy needs to generate funds to continue its work.Black and white enlargement of a photo taken in Libya of a Griffiths Tea mural.tobruk, tea, murals, world war two

A photo of a mural in Libya painted by a South Australian Sapper of a bottle of Victorian Bitter Ale being poured into the Melbourne Cup trophy and horses racing. The photo, and two others, were sent to Melbourne Legacy in 1979 by Legatee Syd Wilson of Yamba NSW. He thought Melbourne Legacy might be able to use them to generate money by selling them for advertising or publicity. He said they were enlargements of snapshots he had found in his old army trunk. The text says 'A good thing for the Cup but better for the tonsils'. Legatee Wilson's letter says the murals were: 'painted on three walls of a white concrete Italian block house (Police Check post I think), some 18/20 miles west of Tobruk, between Tobruk and Derna, and near a captured Italian airfield, somewhere about February 1941. Obviously they were painted by a Victorian Sapper. They were very well done, by a competent Sign-writer/artist, in correct and excellent colours (captured Itie paint no doubt - there was plenty in their Naval Stores at Tobruk).' (NB Itie was slang for Italian). 'The photos were there when we were coming back from Western Libya sometime in March 1941, prior to the 6th Division going to Greece.' From the AWM website the signs were painted by South Australian painter, SZ538 Sapper Leslie John “Doc” Dawes, 2/3rd Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. There are several photos on the AWM site including the building the three murals were on.Photos taken by a Legatee when on active service in Libya in World War 2. They were donated to Legacy when it was thought they could be used for fundraising, which shows that Legatees were conscious of the way Legacy needs to generate funds to continue its work.Black and white enlargement of a photo taken in Libya of Victorian Bitter Ale for the Melbourne Cup mural.tobruk, beer, victorian bitter ale, ale, horse racing, murals, world war 2

Letters regarding three photos of murals in near Tobruk in Libya. The photos were sent to Melbourne Legacy in 1979 by Legatee Syd Wilson of Yamba NSW. He thought Melbourne Legacy might be able to use them to generate money by selling them for advertising or publicity. He said they were enlargements of snapshots he had found in his old army trunk. Legatee Wilson's letter says the murals were: 'painted on three walls of a white concrete Italian block house (Police Check post I think), some 18/20 miles west of Tobruk, between Tobruk and Derna, and near a captured Italian airfield, somewhere about February 1941. Obviously they were painted by a Victorian Sapper. They were very well done, by a competent Sign-writer/artist, in correct and excellent colours (captured Itie paint no doubt - there was plenty in their Naval Stores at Tobruk).' (NB Itie was slang for Italian) From the AWM website the signs were painted by South Australian painter, SZ538 Sapper Leslie John “Doc” Dawes, 2/3rd Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. There are several photos on the AWM site including the building the three murals were on.Photos taken by a Legatee when on active service in Libya in World War 2 and donated to Legacy when it was thought they could be used for fundraising, which shows that Legatees were conscious of that Legacy needs to generate funds to continue its work.Black and white enlargement of a photo taken in Libya of Abbotts Lager mural.tobruk, murals

A letter dated 10th April 1987 from Legacy President B.R. Wilson to Mr Ross Oakley Chaiman of the Victorian Football League VFL (now AFL) inviting him to speak at Legacy's Tuesday Luncheon. Legatees met regularly and had guest speakers to entertain and inform on different subjects at their Tuesday Luncheons. This document was from a file of information about guest speakers (see also 00812-00822 and 00829-00837). The Programme Committee was responsible for organising the speakers. A record that the speakers were from very different walks of life and the subjects were varied. This was an invitation indicating the diversity of guest speakers. White A4 paper with black type, a photocopy of a letter to Ross Oakley at V.F.L. on Melbourne Legacy letterhead. speakers, programme committee

A photo of president Legatee B R Wilson during his time as President. It appears to have been professionally taken for use in publications.A record of past presidents of Legacy.Black and white photo of President B R Wilson (1987).Handwritten in blue pen 'B R Wilson President (1987) Melbourne Legacy' on reverse.past presidents, portrait

A formal group photograph of Legacy past presidents taken at the President's Lunch in 1989. The names of past presidents included on photograph. Another copy of this photo is framed and displayed. See item 00053. From that item the names recorded to identify all in attendance as well as absentees: Back: Karl Robertson 1980, David Carter 1978, Robbie Robertson 1971, Colin Bannister 1985, Bruce Wilson 1987. Centre: Ron Foskett 1972, Rob Allison 1966, Don Simonson 1970, Ted Larkin 1982, Ron Isherwood 1966, Bill Mehan 1979, Eric Baker 1976. Front: Ken Clarke 1961, Bob Gaylard 1956, Philip Dietrich 1951, Alf Argent 1988, Bill Fargher 1957, John Lobb 1962. The photo was used as a title page of an album of past presidents. It included a list of past presidents and a list of patrons. The photo was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of the surviving past presidents in 1987. It shows that the previous presidents were still active in Legacy after their tenure finished and remained in contact with each other.Black and white formal group photograph of Legacy past presidents used as a title page in the album and list of past presidents and patrons.01972.1. On reverse a typed label with the names. 01972.2 List of patrons of Legacy 01972.3 List of past presidents up to 1985.past presidents, presidents lunch, patrons

A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Bruce Wilson (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1987). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. Also a black and white photo of him. Also a draft of the information. It says that Legatee Wilson was inducted as president on 11 December 1986 which is unusual, Presidents normally served from March to the following March. During World War 2 Bruce served as a pilot with the RAAF. He was posted to 33 Squadron which operated in the South West Pacific area. He joined Sydney Legacy in 1962 and transferred to Melbourne in 1966. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Bruce Wilson a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee Bruce Wilson - President 1987.past presidents, bruce wilson, portrait

A humorous poem written by Legatee L F Johns about Legatee Bruce Wilson (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1987). The poem was published in the Legacy Bulletin in 1987. It was collected to be a record of past presidents. There are several humorous poems in the album written by the same author. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Bruce Wilson a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Photocopied poem about Legatee Bruce Wilson - President 1987past presidents, lf johns, bruce wilson

An article from the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin on the death of Legatee Alfred Newcombe (Kem.) Kemsley, a long serving Legatee. The Bulletin published articles on Legatees when they passed away. The article includes the words of Legacy President Bruce Wilson at the service at Brighton Town Hall and Legatee Ken Clark's address. Also the Eulogy from Wing Commander Peter Isaccson. He enlisted in March 1915 in the AIF as Private Kemsley and sailed for Egypt. By the end of his war service in 1919 he was Staff Captain, Australian Corps HQ. In the second World War he began his service as a Staff Captain DADOS 4th division. In 1942 Lt Colonel AAOC and in 1943 he was promoted to Colonel as business advisor to the Minister for the Army. He joined Legacy in December 1923."His life is the history of Legacy. He served as an advisor to countless Legacy widows and children, and took a dominant leadership role in all Legacy activities." The article was part of an album of past presidents and prominent legatees from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of the life and service of Legatee Kem Kemsley. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed copy of 4 pages from the Legacy Bulletin on the death of Legatee William Donovan Joynt.Bulletin No. VAW 1209. 5.3.1987. Pages 3 to 6.vale, donovan joynt, eulogy, past presidents

A photo from a newsletter from September 1953. The photo shows the Central boys competing at basketball. Names mentioned in the article include the basketball team of 'Skeeta' Shields, 'Buster Brown, 'Chook' Howell, Murray Wilson, Max Cleal, Leslie Pender. Also juniors Ray Tucker, Dave Singleton, Merve Seeney, Michael Kelly, Bill Alford. Instructor 'Sarge' Brown taking physical exercises. The Central Class was in the Drill Hall, Sturt St, South Melbourne at 7.30 on Friday nights. Individual photos being catalogued to record detail about each one.The newsletter outlining news of Junior Legatee activities with mentions of boys by name.Black and white photo of the Central boys playing basketball printed in a newsletter in September 1953.junior legatees, boys classes

A photo from a newsletter from September 1953. The photo shows the Malvern boys class, which had approximately 40 members Back row: Garry Burns, Merv Nelson, Ted Soutar, Peter Grenfell, Don McKneil, Frank Batty, Ross Moloney, Don McKean. 2nd row: John Kerlie, Ian Cameron, Dick Farnback, Norm Brown, John Farnbach, Ian Grainger, Graeme Pocknee, Frank Rutledge, Fred Strong, 3rd row: Graham Thorp, Norm Wright, Brian Scarlett, Ron Wilson, John Wright, George Brown, Alec Addison, George Thorpe, Harold Boyes. 4th row: Andrew Tonkin, Edward Pocknee, William L Brown, Max Hamilton, Ken Jacka, Don Walker, Cliff McAliece, John Brown, John Buckle. Front row: Geoff Strogeon, Richard Bowman, Dick Payne, David Trigg, Ken Dean, John Clarke, William J Brown. Other names mentioned in the article include new boys, Harold Boyes, Ken Dean, Frank Rutledge, Richard Bowman, Max Hamilton, David Trigg, Ian Brown, Cliff McAliece, Andrew Tonkin, John Buckle, Ian Newnham, Norm Wright, John Clark, Brian Payne, Don Walker. The newsletter mentions that the photos of the boys classes were donated to Legacy by Mr John Beckett of Sandringham. Individual photos being catalogued to record detail about each one.The newsletter outlining news of Junior Legatee activities with mentions of boys by name.Black and white photo of the Malvern boys class printed in a newsletter in September 1953.junior legatees, boys classes

The former Shire of Bungaree is now part of Moorabool Shire.Plan of the Shire of Bungaree. Scale is 1 inch to 1 mile with the total distance approximately 40 miles. Includes Gong Gong Reservoir, Kirks Reservoir, White Swan Reservoir, Wilson's Reservois and Moorabool Reservoir. Purple line in purple pencil indictaes suggested scenic tour of the Bungaree Shirebungaree, water supply, barkstead, humffray street, ballarat, doveton (north) stret, ballarat, ballarat water commission, great dividing range, wombat state forest, mineral water springs, gong gon reservoir, kirks reservoir

Book - "Destination City" with subtitle "Melbourne's Electric Trams" - 128 A4 pages + card , printed on gloss paper - 7 sections, perfect bound, describes Melbourne's tram car fleet. Includes brief description of each type, photographs and a summary history, including the Victorian Railway's trams. Has many photographs of the various tramcars associated with relevant text. On front cover is a photo of Z3 at the Burwood terminus. Written by Norm Cross, Dale Budd and Randall Wilson as editors, published by Transit Australia Publishing. Has two maps, north and south of Melbourne, printed on the inside card covers. Photo of B2 2111 at corner of Spencer and Bourke Streets. See Reg Item 1986 for notes on the VR trams by Lloyd Rogers.trams, tramways, melbourne, tramcars, mmtb, vr trams

Black and white copy photograph from a Real Estate Poster of a bogie tram (HTT?) turning from Riversdale Road into Camberwell Road, c1920. Has a car (Ford Model T) parked in the street and a motorcycle. Camberwell Junction, Adair Bros, Wilson Real Estate Agents. Post office on the left hand side of the photo with the tower. Has title on photograph "Camberwell Junction, with a Few Minutes' Walk of the Estate"trams, tramways, mmtb, camberwell junction, camberwell rd

Violet Street Primary School No. 877, was established in 1866 as the German Common School. It was designed by William Vahland who laid the foundation stone in February of that year. It was built by subscriptions from the local German community. In 1872 it combined with the McKenzie Street German School on the Violet Street site.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Wednesday, December 10, 2003. Days of yore: Violet Street primary school, Grade 6a, 1927. Front row: Jean Campbell, Beryl Bain, Gwen Lidner, Beatrice Michell, Edna Knight, Bev Liddell, Joyce Dumble, Elvia Jenkin, Ivy Albert, Janet Wilson, Thelma Opie. Second row: Josie Wittschiebe, Dorothy Roberts, Enid Austin, Rachel Greenshields, Lorna Bracher, Nellie Castley, Florrie Hall, Hilda Pearce, Mona Sharp, Beryl Pearce. Back row: ??, ??, Frank Jeffrey, Norman Perry, Vic Nacarrow, Herb Hesse, Jack Lynch, Horrie Stirton, Ken Challenger, Archie West, Ernie Williams, ??. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

The largest gold mine in the area originated from a find in 1862. The mine was closed January 20, 1915 when a fire destroyed nearly all the above ground plant. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p75 Beneath Mine Hill, as locals call it, runs a network of tunnels once of central importance to the fledgling township of Diamond Creek. These are relics of gold mines, which transformed early Diamond Creek.1 The tiny settlement of about 20 families soared to more than 200 because of gold. For around 50 years, from 1862, gold mining was Diamond Creek’s major source of employment. On September 7, 1854 The Argus newspaper reported a find of a four pound (1.8kg) gold nugget in Nillumbik (an early name for Diamond Creek). Exactly where, is not known.2 The largest mine in the district, the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, apparently originated from a find in 1862. It is said Joe and Dave Wilson were visiting former tailor then cook, Charles Orme, at the southern end of Fraser Street. Sitting on a stump outside the front gate on land belonging to Dr A. E. Phipps the Wilsons found a vein of gold-bearing quartz, which led to the discovery of four quartz reefs varying in width to eight inches (20cm), running north and south. A reef found at the foot of the hill opposite Challenger Street became the Union Mine. This reef was traced south to Allendale Road where a small mine began operations.3 Other smaller mines later operated as well. Dr Phipps immediately began to mine and also built the Diamond Reef Hotel as a boarding house for miners. But Charles Orme, who owned the land alongside, leased his mine to Dr Phipps probably because of insufficient funds and business skills. By mid 1865 the mine had produced 2530 ounces of gold – a 100% profit on the original outlay. Of course there were problems. When the local dam dried up a Blake pump was installed to draw water from the creek. The Union Mine operated under the Diamond Creek Gold Mine management except when disputes sometimes resulted in separate management. However disagreements had to be resolved as the Union Mine depended on Diamond Creek Gold Mine pumps to remove underground water from common reefs. In 1912 the main shaft of about 380 yards (350m) employed 200 men recovering an average of 5000 ounces (141.7kg) of gold a year. But not everyone did well out of gold. Records of failed mining companies in the Victorian Public Record Office, reveal that owner Dr Phipps leased his Right to others. Companies came and went over the next 40 years, most sponsored by Melbourne businessmen who sold shares to gullible locals and then became insolvent. Although there were some good profits, financial returns were haphazard until 1905. Some local residents, who were share holders in short- term companies, became well-known names in modern Diamond Creek such as Scott, Haley, Butler, Alder, Ryan, Wadeson, Reeves, Alston, Paul and Edwards. Gold mining was brought to a disastrous end on January 20, 1915 at 3 pm, when fire destroyed nearly all the above-ground plant. Fortunately no lives were lost. But reopening the mine was almost impossible because of the increasing depth of water in the main shaft. The closed mine destroyed the livelihood of 200 families and the debris took many years to clear.4 In 1946 the Diamond Creek Gold Mine was reopened by the Golden Hind Mining Company, but money ran out before the 600 feet (182.8m) or so of water could be removed. Gold remains in the mine but enormous capital would be needed to buy the land, equipment and to remove the water. Today 12 known sealed shafts along the ridge of the hills on private property extend west for around one kilometre from the corner of Fraser and Haley Streets, crossing Norma and Fyffe to Dering Streets. As recently as 1987, heavy rains revealed a former Union Mine shaft in the Georgiadis family Fyffe Street back yard.5 Allendale Mine, south of Allendale Road, is still open and one of the Union Mine’s main drives (horizontal excavation) remains unsealed, on the Creek Reserve.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, diamond creek, diamond creek mine, fraser street, gold mining, james cook drive, mine hill

Eltham's original Wesleyan Methodist Church Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p97 The pretty Uniting Church building at the corner of John and Main Roads Eltham has served the community since 1881.1 Originally called the Eltham Wesleyan Church, the church became the Eltham Methodist Church in 1902, the year it united with the Primitive Methodists.2 As the church community developed, influencing and being influenced by the wider community, its buildings changed accordingly. Eltham Wesleyans first worshiped together in 1850 at the home of William and Mary Crozier on 24 acres (9.7ha) bounded by Mount Pleasant Road and Pitt Street. From 1855 the Wesleyans worshipped in a slab-and-bark hut; then in 1858 in a chapel on Henry Street close to Maria Street (now Main Road). Meanwhile, in 1860, the Primitive Methodists opened a brick chapel at the corner of Susan and Bridge Streets. The John Street building – in the Early English Gothic style with biochrome brick window frames, buttress heads and pinnacle – was designed by architects Crouch and Wilson. Church member George Stebbing built the church as he did Eltham’s St Margaret’s Anglican Church and Shillinglaw Cottage. The Church Honour Roll is a poignant reminder of how church members have served the wider community: 27 members enlisted and 11 died in World War One. Despite the Great Depression, 1931 was a time of expansion for the church. Its red-brick hall was opened by prominent Methodist and philanthropist F J Cato of the Moran and Cato Grocery chain. The hall enabled the church to attract people from outside through activities like its gymnasium – with 40 boys and youth participating – and the girls’ callisthenics club, which competed at the Ballarat South Street Competitions. The church also held concerts, bazaars, picnics and sports, with badminton and tennis played on the church court at 23 John Street. Two stained-glass windows commemorate tragic events. A dove representing the Holy Spirit and Comforter marked the death in 1936 of member Effie Lowerson from scarlet fever at 14 years. The other depicting the Biblical story A sower went forth to sow, commemorates Ross Gangell, who died in 1961 at 23 years of a rare blood condition. Eltham’s population expanson resulted in the growth of the church and an extension in 1971, designed by member and architect Colin Jones. The church was linked to the hall and additions included a foyer, vestry, meeting room and toilets. The design reflected the Eltham style of the time, with its simplicity, extensive clear glass, reused baked clay-bricks from the 1881 church, heavy ceiling beams and solomite (compressed straw) ceiling. On June 26, 1977 the church became part of the new Uniting Church in Australia consisting of the former Methodist and Congregational and most of the Presbyterian Churches. In 1981 membership peaked at 159 – about 20 years after most Protestant churches – and continued to reach out to the wider community.3 In 1987, 147 children attended Selihoo, the weekly after-school program organised with St Margaret’s Anglican Church. From 1993, the church with other local churches, participated in LINC (Love in the Name of Christ), helping the wider community in various ways including babysitting, transport, gardening and visiting. Despite such initiatives, church numbers declined, and on June 23, 1996, the church merged with the Montmorency Uniting Church.4 However, the church continued to proclaim its message of love in community service and strong social justice action, such as in Jubilee 2000, supporting debt relief to the world’s 45 poorest countries. Some of the many church members who have had an outstanding impact on the wider community include Philip Shillinglaw, farmer and poet, and Arthur Bird (after whom the Arthur Bird Reserve is named), a pioneer orchardist and the Sunday School Superintendent for 33 years. Others were: the Rev Dr Cliff Wright, who established the Methodist Youth Fellowship and was prominent in the World Council of Churches, the Rev Brian Howe, who became Deputy Prime Minister and Tim Marshall, awarded the Order of Australia in 2000 for his work on salinity.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham uniting church, eltham methodist church

The building was designed by Charles Maplestone of Heidelberg, son-in-law to Anthony Beale of St Helena. Maplestone was a prominent architect who came out to Australia with his family in 1852. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs Isabella Maplestone on 11th November 1867. The bricklayers for the church were George Stebbing, H Limmer, H Spicer and a Mr Timm while Thomas Day was the stonemason. Another three years were to pass before sufficient money could be raised for its completion. It was opened by Bishop Perry on 1st November, 1870. The church bell which hung under a tree for 50 years until it was incorporated in the parish hall was brought out from England and presented by Charles Orme. In 1916, the estate of George Martin Pizzey left sufficient money to build the red brick hall, which still stands today (2023) though in January 1969 the hall and bell tower were badly damaged by bushfire. Coincidentally the former home of benefactor, George Pizzey was destroyed in the same fire. Of particular significance are the interior and exterior of the church, the Sunday school and hall with emphasis on pre-World War I fabric (excluding the 1990s additions) and the three coloured glass windows currently suspended in the 1990s entry foyer. In 2011 further alterations were made to the front of the Church. The church is historically significant because it was the oldest public building in the former Diamond Valley Shire, is amongst the oldest buildings in the Shire of Nillumbik and is associated with the early settlement of the Diamond Creek district. The church is historically, socially and spiritually significant because it has been a place of worship for over 150 years and continues to be, an important meeting place in the Shire. The church is aesthetically significant for the three stained glass windows executed by the noted stained glass manufacturers, Ferguson & Urie, as well as the supporting coloured glass windows in the church. The Sunday school & parish hall is architecturally significant because the hall is a well executed and preserved example of the work of noted church architects, North & Williams. It is historically significant because it is connected with local parishioner and Melbourne industrialist, George Pizzey, who bequeathed funds for its construction. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Estate Ntionl Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local significance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p85 St John’s Anglican Church stands like a beacon on the hill on Main Street, Diamond Creek. Today the church has a large congregation, but its early years were marked by a small congregation struggling to find enough money to survive. It was gold in Diamond Creek that resulted in the building of this National Trust registered property.1 This church is far removed from William Wilson’s humble barn (later the Bowling Green) where the first Anglican church services were conducted – probably the first in the district.2 In the mid 19th century services were infrequent as the Rev Francis Hales, travelling on horseback, also conducted services elsewhere, including at Heidelberg, Coburg, Kinglake, Arthurs Creek, St Andrews and Kangaroo Ground. In 1860 Diamond Creek came under the jurisdiction of the Eltham Parish. Until the mid 1860s the Diamond Creek settlement included only about 20 families who were struggling farmers. But this changed when gold was found in 1862. Then the township grew to 200 families, including miners, civil administration workers and shopkeepers. The resulting growth of Church of England adherents prompted them to petition the Government in 1866 for land to build a church. The area chosen, on which the original building still stands, was at the centre of the proposed township. Today church leaders believe that this conspicuous location is one of the reasons for its exceptional growth. Prominent architect Charles Maplestone designed the building as he did the Presbyterian Church at Kangaroo Ground. St John’s, which is still intact, was built in the Gothic Revival style with the traditional rectangular plan of a central nave and sanctuary at the end. It is typical of small churches built in Victoria at that time, with polychromatic hand-made bricks, a porch, diagonal buttresses and a slate roof.3 The church was officially opened by Lord Bishop Perry on November 1, 1870. But during the next 40 years, due to the varying fortunes of gold mining, the church struggled to remain viable. In 1909 it separated from the Eltham Parish to form a parish with Greensborough. Life became more difficult with the privations of World War One. Then disaster struck in 1915 when fire destroyed the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, wiping out the major livelihood of most parishioners. However the church’s morale was lifted in 1916, when it received a bequest to build the red brick hall, from late parishioner and prominent leather manufacturer, George Pizzey. As prosperity grew, in 1924 the congregation separated from Greensborough, but they rejoined in the 1930s Depression. In the 1950s the wider population soared, impacting on St John’s, and it became a separate parish, becoming responsible for six churches at St Andrews, Hazel Glen, Hurstbridge, St Helena and Yarrambat. As parishioner numbers outgrew the building, extensions were added in 1989 and then in 1993, blending in well with the original building. Church members have made a huge contribution to the local community. John Ryan was a Heidelberg Shire Councillor for 25 years from 1931, Mayor in 1939 and headed several local sporting and other organisations. His son Jock became a clergyman and a local historian heading the Nillumbik Historical Society. Another parishioner, Dr Ted Cordner, came to Diamond Creek in 1920. One of his sons Donald, who was a local doctor, won the Brownlow Medal, was President of the Melbourne Cricket Club and President of the Melbourne Grammar School Council. Roy ‘Monty’ Vale was a state Liberal MP and was related to May Vale, a member of the Heidelberg School of Artists.4 In the early 21st century St John’s Anglican Church is one of the fastest growing congregations in Melbourne. References: St Johns Anglican Church complex, Sunday School and Parish Hall 61 Main Street DIAMOND CREEK, NILLUMBIK SHIRE. (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/64023 Diamond Creek, VIC. – St John’s Anglican (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/diamond-creek-vic-st-johns-anglican This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, st john's anglican church, diamond creek

Letter to John Wilson from Colin Trumble accompanying an agreement between the Association and Mrs Parkins over the 'Last Line' competition and advising of taking additional precautions to ensure its success. 2 page typed letter in response to queryOn top left hand side: Malleson Stewart & Co Solicitors & Notaries Tom Compson Trumble Roy James Mc Arthur Herbert Fitzgerald Walsh Richard Francis Maplestone Clark Frank Stewart Dethridge Ross Morton Macdonald Maxwell Rupert Ham Peter Campbell Trumble Colin Campbell Trumble William Gerson Shmith Roy Ernest Ricker Bernard James Walter Sydney Bruce Powell Telephones 61 3431 (8 lines) 62 3594 (4 lines) 62 3111 (3 lines) Telegraphic & Cable Address: Mallesons, Melbourne On the top right hand side: 105 King Street Melbourne C.1. Victoriaassociation for the blind, fundraising, john wilson, emma parkins

Agreement regarding the building of an approved home at 19 New Street, Brighton Beach and the funding of such. Affixed with the seal of the Association and signed by John Wicking, John Wilson and J. Wall.11 blue pages , stapled with green taped edgeassociation for the blind, john wall, john wicking