Life’s a Dish was a tourism campaign created by the City of Greater Bendigo in conjunction with Bendigo Pottery to encourage food tourism within the City. Seven restaurants and cafes whose menus featured local ingredients were chosen to participate with their businesses promoted on ceramic dinner plates. Customers were encouraged to purchase all seven plates and were then eligible for the eighth ‘Connoisseur Master Plate’ free. The limited edition plates were made by Bendigo Pottery and artist Sue James was employed to work with each resturant on a design, hand painting each plate. Plates were priced at $25.00 each and were also available at the Visitor Centre. This is the second Life's a Dish series and artist Faye Brady was the painter of the first series, of which we currently have no examples. The first Life's a Dish series launched in 2006 featured Balgownie Estate, Bazzani Italiano, The Bridge, Gallery Cafe, Georgie's Cellar Restaurant, GPO, Goldmines Restaurant and Bar, Let's Get Saucy, The Puddler, Quills, Raffaelles and Whirrakee. Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running potteries in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. It has partnered with the City on various tourism promotions and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.Set of eight dinner plates each featuring a hand drawn design which encompass the restaurants defining features. Restaurants include Domaine Asmara (0407.2), Gallery Cafe (0407.7), Hotel Shamrock (0407.5), La Piazza (0407.3), Malayan Orchid (0407.6), Quills (0407.1)and Twenty 2 (0407.4). The eighth plate features the words 'Life's a Dish - Connoisseur' / 'Bendigo & Region' (0407.8)bendigo pottery, city of greater bendigo tourism, sue james

"The Mechanics Institute movement flourished in Victoria from 1839 to 1950. It was based on the development of Mechanics’ Institutes in Scotland and England from the 1820s, which were intended to educate and enlighten the working classes. The term ‘mechanic’ in those days meant an artisan, craftsman or working man, especially those who had moved from rural areas to work in new city factories during the Industrial Revolution. The early Institutes were usually equipped with a reading room, a library and a lecture room. Although enjoying mixed success in Britain, they contributed to the development of public education and library services. The movement was adopted more enthusiastically in the colonies. It began slowly in Victoria but its expansion after the gold rushes population influx was rapid, especially in rural areas. Every suburb and town wanted to have a Mechanics’ Institute. During the 1850s approximately forty Institutes were established, with even greater growth in the period 1860 to 1900. By 1900 there were 400 Institutes in Victoria. The establishment of a Mechanics’ Institute was often a great achievement for a local community, requiring organising committees to raise substantial funds for a building site (where this had not been granted by the Government), and the building. Once built, the committee then had to purchase books, provide a caretaker or librarian, and finance the ongoing use of and improvements to the building. ‘The history of many Institutes is a story of tremendous community effort, and often, financial difficulties’. In addition to being monuments to local enterprise and community life, the Mechanics’ Institutes played a vital role as an intellectual forum, and in contributing to an informed and participatory democracy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They provided journals and other reading matter on local, state, national and international issues, and hosted of lectures and held debates about wider issues such as Federation, colonial nationalism, defence, female suffrage, the price of land and labour. With the development of the school and technical education in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the need for community technical and adult education declined. As a result of the introduction of government library grants in 1867, many Mechanics’ Institutes incorporated a free library in their buildings to finance collection of their books. By 1884-85, there were 257 free libraries in Victoria. However, government support and library grants dropped off in the 1890s depression. Entertainment took on a greater role in the 1890s, with the introduction of moving pictures, billiards rooms, games rooms (chess), concerts and dances. The First World War had a devastating impact on many rural communities, and some Mechanics’ Institutes were no longer viable. On the other hand the early twentieth century was also a time of agricultural development, and many country towns were growing in this period. The 1930s depression further limited growth of many libraries and reduced grants substantially. In response many Mechanics’ Institutes were renamed, for example as memorial halls, in order to retain and attract more patrons (eg at nearby Sunbury). The diminishing role for Mechanics’ Institutes and the preference for larger and better appointed halls (with supper rooms, cloak rooms etc) resulted in demolition of some small Institutes. The advent of cars, radios, and television also provided other opportunities for recreation, learning and entertainment. The greater role of municipalities in providing library services also eroded the need for free libraries. While over 500 Mechanics’ Institutes or halls are extant, very few of these retain their original role as ‘diffusers of useful knowledge’. Most are still available for community purposes, as venues for meetings, socials, civic occasions etc, while others are employed as museums, shops and theatres. Most buildings are on Crown land, and managed by a delegated committee of management, who are responsible for raising revenue to maintain aging buildings. Many of those which were originally established on private land, such as Melton, have since reverted back to the Crown, and municipal Councils. The most common Mechanics Institute building form is the simple weatherboard gable building with iron roofs, notable for their ‘honest simplicity’ rather than as ‘monuments of the ancients’. At the other extreme there are some magnificent two storeyed brick and stucco structures with elaborate ornamentation (as was apparently envisaged by some in Melton in 1905-10)". The future of Melton Mechanic Institute Gazette articlelocal architecture

Donald Clark Collection.A homemade novelty 'Free Pass' booklet created by Jim Caldwell of the Golden Age Hotel, Tarnagulla. Inside contains typed 'Ten Commandments' written by Jim Caldwell.

A programme for a 'Gown of the Year' Gala parade in 1958 presented by the Mannequins' Association of Victoria at the Menzies Hotel. The association were members of the modelling profession. They organised the gala and gave their services free so that all proceeds may go to Junior Legacy Victoria. Every frock in the parade is an individual creation of Melbourne's top couturiers. Afterwards the gowns were put on display for the public at Melbourne Town Hall and entry charge of 2/- was contributed to Legacy.A record that Legacy used gala performances for fundraising events. Printed programme of The Gown of the Year gala in 1958 in aid of Legacy, with black and white photos and advertising inside. The cover has 'to assist Melbourne Legacy'. A card cover and paper pages, plus a decorative red braid in the side. fundraising, gala performance

A programme for a 'Gown of the Year' Gala parade presented by the Mannequins' Association of Victoria at the Menzies Hotel. The association were members of the modelling profession. They organised the gala and gave their services free so that all proceeds may to Junior Legacy Victoria. Every frock in the parade is an individual creation of Melbourne's top couturiers. Afterwards the gowns were put on display for the public at Melbourne Town Hall and entry charge of 2/- was contributed to Legacy.A record that Legacy used gala performances for fundraising events. Printed programme of The Gown of the Year gala in 1955 in aid of Legacy, with black and white photos and advertising inside. The cover has the Legacy emblem and 'to assist Junior Legacy, Melbourne'. A card cover and paper pages, plus a decorative red braid in the side. It is 24 pages long.fundraising, gala performance

A photo of L/ Stan Savige with Miss Enez Domec-Carre and Mrs Gilles some of the senior girls. It was at an annual demonstration in the late 1940s or early 1950s as it was published in the newsletter with the news of Legatee Savige dying in 1954. The senior girls are all in their gymnastics outfits with Legacy logo. These were provided free of charge to Junior Legatees attending the weekly classes run by Legacy. Mrs Gillies was the first instructress of Girls' Classes. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall or Olympic Pool Stadium. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. Miss Enez Domec-Carre was the supervisor of girls classes and instrumental in the Annual Demonstration for many years. She joined Melbourne Legacy in 1932 and became the chief instructor of girls' physical education until she retired aged 65 in 1970.A record of that Legatee Stan Savige attended Annual Demonstrations and that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of L/ Stan Savige, Enez, Mrs Gillies and junior legatees at an Annual Demonstration.annual demonstration, junior legatee, enez domec carre, gillies

In 1960 the format of newsletters to widows was changing. The editor sent a notice to widows asking for their suggestions. The first newsletter in the new format (30/9/60) contains his editorial expressing disappointment that he had received no replies. There is also a letter stored with the newsletters from a widow sending her observation that the editor had sounded rejected and sends her best wishes. There is also a list of meeting dates for 1960 from 29/3/60. There were so many widows that the meetings were spread over three groups - yellow, green and red - each meeting on a different Wednesday of the month at the Melbourne Town Hall. On the free Wednesday there was a card party for anyone to attend (fee 1/-). There is a letter for October and November 1960, each of 4 pages, with details of meetings and activities such as the Christmas party. In November there were calls for nominations for the committee members in 1962. Committee comprised of a President, 2 Vice presidents, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Assistant Secretary and 14 members of the committee. The first edition in the new format was in 1960, previously there had been a quarterly magazine but the distribution was limited, they changed to a 4 page newsletter format to reach more of the widows. The newsletter was priced at 2c a copy. The price of theatre tickets was $3. Various pages of interest have been added to show different news items. Other editions haven't been scanned.Brings to life the activities provided for the widows and the work of Melbourne Legacy in the 1960s.Black typed newsletter x 3 editions from 1960 and associated notices from 1960. 1960 editions: 30 Sep ; 30 Oct ; 30 Novnewsletter, activities

Copies of newsletters to Legacy widows in 1960s. There were usually 4 editions per year (February, May, July and November - plus two special one pages editions in October and November 1961). Newsletters include a notice from the Senior Widows Club coordinator F R G Strickland and information about events and meetings. The editor was Mrs B E Shephard. There were so many widows that the meetings were spread over three groups - yellow, green and red - each meeting on a different Wednesday of the month at Legacy House. On the free Wednesday a Card party was open to all widows and their friends to play cards (entry fee of 1/-). Some months all groups met on the same day and the meeting had to be held at the Melbourne Town Hall to accomodate the numbers. November's meeting as a picnic in the Botanical Gardens and January the widows met in Fitzroy Gardens. In November there were calls for nominations for the committee members for the following year. Committee comprised of a President, 2 Vice presidents, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Assistant Secretary and 14 members of the committee. The first edition in the new format was in 1960, previously there had been a quarterly magazine but the distribution was limited, they changed to a 4 page newsletter format to reach more of the widows. The newsletter was priced at 1D a copy. Various pages of interest have been added to show different news items. Not all editions have been scanned.Brings to life the activities provided for the widows and the work of Melbourne Legacy in the 1960s.Black typed newsletter x 10 editions from 1961 and 1962. 1961 editions: 28 Feb ; 31 May ; 21 Jul ; 10 Oct ; 30 Nov 1962 editions: 23 Feb ; 11 May ; 20 Jul ; 30 Novnewsletter, activities

A programme for a 'Gown of the Year' Gala parade in 1964 presented by the Mannequins and Models Guild of Australia at the Menzies Hotel. The association were members of the modelling profession. They organised the gala and gave their services free so that all proceeds may go to Melbourne Legacy. Every frock in the parade is an individual creation of Melbourne's top couturiers. Usually afterwards the gowns were put on display for the public at Melbourne Town Hall and the entry charge was contributed to Legacy.A record that Legacy used gala performances for fundraising events. Printed programme of The Gown of the Year gala in 1964 in aid of Legacy, with black and white photos and advertising inside. fundraising, gala performance

A photo from a newsletter from September 1953. The photo shows the Footscray boys receiving certificates and badges from the President of Legacy, Legatee S Nevile. The article says the group offers boys the chance of forming lasting friendships with other Junior Legatees, and evening of healthful exercise, games, basketball, etc under the guidance of a fully qualified and capable physical education instructor. Gymnasium kit and free milk are provided for each boy and during the year other interests are available, such as picture nights, pie nights, Christmas parties and outing to Luna Park etc. The Footscray Class was in the Drill Hall, at the corner of Barkly and Gordon Streets Footscray 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 Footscray boys with the president in a newsletter in September 1953.junior legatees, boys classes

THE OLD CLUNES LIBRARY IS SITUATED IN TEMPLETON STREET, CLUNES. HAS BEEN USED AS SCOUT HALL THEN LATER NEIGHBOUR HOUSE AFTER LIBRARY CLOSED.COLOURED PHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES FREE LIBRARY ESTABLISHED 1874 PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN DURING RESTORATION WORKlocal history, photographs, free library

James Young was a prominent businessman, land owner and public figure in the early colonial period of Bacchus Marsh. After his death in 1871 land remaining from his estate in Bacchus Marsh was sold at auction in 1873. The sale of his estate included the substantial stone residence in Bennett Street which later became known as 'Stone Villa'. The sale of his land in 1873 was conducted by local auctioneer James Crook. 29 allotments were advertised for sale, although the plan for the sale indicated 30 allotments. The sale notice in the Bacchus Marsh Express of 11 October 1873 noted that the allotments were " in the very centre and heart of the most populous and business portion of the township, at the same time being the only remaining portion of the business block available for purchase by public sale, which fact intending purchasers should not lose sight of, as the opportunity cannot occur again". The designation of a new street, 'Bennett Street', shown on the plan, is also indicated in the advertising, "In reference to the main street frontages, opposite the Border Flour Mills. The Auctioneer would also direct attention to the plan, showing the formation of a new thorough fare (Bennett street) leading from Young street into Gell street, thus opening up the township on the high, more healthy, and commanding position so much to be desired for private dwellings".An important cartographic document which indicates an early major subdivision of land in the inner urban area of the Bacchus Marsh township. This subdivision lead to the continuing residential and commercial development of the township of Bacchus Marsh in the later part of the 19th century. The location of two well known demolished public structures, the Free Gardeners Hall in Gell Street, and the Old Mechanics Institute Hall (aka the Buffs Hall), on the corner of Young and Bennett Streets, are also shown on this map.A single page paper map showing 30 blocks of land for sale around 1873 in the vicinity of Bennett Street and Lerderderg Street. Described in contemorary sources as a 'lithographed copy'. No scale is indicated. The map is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. High resolution digital image stored on BMDHS computer network. land sales bacchus marsh, bacchus marsh victoria maps, james young 1816-1871, bacchus marsh roads and streets, bennett street bacchus marsh

Hardcover book which is the first of a series describing the life of a Chinese family from 1908 to the present day (1945). 206 pages. Book plate pasted to rear cover, indicating prior ownership: 'Griffiths Booksellers and Stationers Geelong.' Stamps inside book: 'This belongs to W. J. Griffiths Circulating Library'.fictionChinese culture and history novel. The first in a series of novels describing the life of a Chinese family from 1908 to present day.robert payne, chinese culture, chinese history, fiction

Hardcover book, 224 pages. Cover has a colour image of a man and a woman standing near a tree.fictionRomance novel.rethea creese, romance, fiction

Hardcover book, 287 pages. Front cover of book has a colour image of a woman wearing a brown suit standing at the top of a set of stairs leading to the front door of a building.fictionStory about 3 women running a guest house.joan kennedy, fiction

Hardcover book, 192 pages. Front cover of book has a colour image of a man and a woman at a door. The man is wearing a brown hat and overcoat. The woman has blonde hair and is wearing a green skirt and jacket.fictionRomance novel.mairi o'nair, romance, fiction

Photocopy of a program of a free concert of organ music in the St Kilda Town Hall by guest organist Sergio De Pieri on 26 June 1966. Second in a series of free concerts presented by the City of St Kilda and arranged by the City Organist R. (Reginald) E.V. Church. Black and white photocopy on a single page of A4 paper.st kilda town hall, r.e.v. church, sergio de pieri

Poster for St Kilda Musicale at St Kilda Town Hall on 28 October 1973, featuring the Southern Command Army Band. Part of a program of light music presented by the City of St Kilda to the public for free.Buff coloured card printed in black on one sidest kilda musicales, city of st kilda, southern command army band

Poster for St Kilda Musicale at St Kilda Town Hall on 20 July 1975, featuring the Victorian Naval Band. Part of a program of light music presented by the City of St Kilda to the public for free.Buff coloured card printed in blue on one sidest kilda musicales, city of st kilda, victorian naval band

Program for St Kilda Musicale at St Kilda Town Hall on 24 September 1972, featuring organist John Atwell and vocalist Geraldine Dee. Part of a program of light music presented by the City of St Kilda to the public for free.White paper, discoloured with age, printed in black on one sidest kilda musicales, city of st kilda, john atwell, geraldine dee

Poster for St Kilda Musicale at St Kilda Town Hall on 18 August 1974, featuring the National Boys' Choir. Part of a program of light music presented by the City of St Kilda to the public for free.Buff coloured card printed in black on one sidest kilda musicales, city of st kilda, national boys' choir

Scan of a receipt from the Skipton Mechanics' Institute and Free Library Receipt. The receipt relates to the hire of the hall to show 'Gem Pictures'.theatre, film, entertainment, gem, rash, gem pictures, skipton mechanics' institute and free library, receipt

250 p. : black cover, section of original dust jacket pasted to front. Title and author's name hand printed on spine.fictionfiction, helen ashton

Two cardboard parts to a printed programme. On one is a posy of violets and the printing: "Programme German Masque Ball, Tuesday 22nd. The second lists 15 dances. Printed by A. Brookley, Printers. Also are the following two articles from Trove: From the Bendigo Advertiser and the Bendigo Independant, Wed 23 Aug 1905: GERMAN MASQUE BALL. The pleasant plan of fancy masque ball, which for nearly 20 years now has been an annual fixture at this season, is always looked forward to with delight. It is got up by the Bendigo Deutcher Verein, in aid of their free library. The function took place last night in the Masonic Hall and was most enjoyable, and all who took part in it were delighted. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags, flowers and ferns. Bockelmann's Band occupied the stage and discoured sweet music. Many of the items on a long programme were of Mr. Bockelmann's own composition, notably the schottische "Bendigo," the waltz 'Como, 'and the waltz "Golden City." By 9 o'clock there were about 80 couples on the floor. Amongst the merry troupe of dancers were youths and maidens in all sorts and descriptions of gay costumes, including flower girls, Japanese lady, German peasant, lily of the valley, Mercia, Geisha girl, French Vivandiere, red dominos, black dominos, "The Last Rose of Summer," rose, sailor girls, gondolier, Pierot, Charles II., Tipperary boy. Toreador, Romeo, Prince Le Var, huntsman, Indian prince, fireman, barristers. jockeys, cricketers, etc. Many of the Iadies were in evening dress, but wore the masque. The arrangements were admirably carried out by the secretarv. Mr. J. D. Khaland, while it would be difficult to find a better M.C. than Mr. J. Armstrong. The dancing was witnessed by a large number of the public, who were accommodated on a temporary gallery at one end of the hall. A small charge was made for their admission, which helped to swell thelibrary funds. An excellent supper, served in Mr. W. C. Dick's best style, was much enjoyed. Dancing was kept up till about three o'clock, everybody pronouncing the gathering a highly enjoyable one. bendigo history, sandhurst, lutheran german church, penny school

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Paper with ink printingarthur street, dance, eltham public hall, eltham public hall social committee, main road