The swamp was named after John (Jock) Winter. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery. BHS were commissioned by Ballarat Environment Network for a project on Winter's Swamp and Skipton Common. Winter's Swamp was part of Ballarat West Common. The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Mary can’t remember any photos in the Skipton Historical Society that pertain to the Common. Digital photos of Winter's swamp surrounds, later known as Mullawullah.winter, winter's swamp surrounds, winter's swap, john winter, ballarat environmental network, ballarat, mullawullah

Horse Drawn Cabs parked outside of the Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street North. The striped veranda, iron frieze and barbers pole can be seen. Another feature in this photograph is The Old Colonist's Hall. mining exchange, ballarat, lydiard street north, old colonist's hall, horse drawn cab, building, commercial

Possible Old Colonists Club members bowling.old colonist's club, lawn bowls, sport, persons, costume

Photograph of a timber board with gold writing listing the past presidents of the Old Colonists' Club Ballarat from 1888 to 2015.old colonists' club ballarat, j.p. murray, h.r. nicholls, t.t. holloway, w. trahar, g. abraham, j.e. ashley, w.h. tweedie, c.e. grainger, a.e. cutter, t.g. skewes, j. king, w.n.v. skewes, w.i.c. bailey, w.d. reid, w.a. stark, w.j. treadwell, r.h. ramsay, f. besmeres, f. o'bern, t.f. moran, h.e. batten, c.h. anderson, a.w. bennett, s. walker, c.g. palmer, h.s. west, j.t. mahy, h. mckinley, h. yates, f.c. wray, r.h. ramsay, l.a. blackman, a. payne, r.w. langford, h.e. smith, j.c. feltham, f.c. wray, e.g. ludbrook, h.i. ebley, h. godbehear, g. stewart, w.h. heniz, w.e. wyres, f.c.wray, w.h. heinz, g.h.w. baker, r.a. nicholson, c.h. davis, h.r. sumner, j.h. conventry, m.b. schultz, f.n. pitts, s. bracks, b.e. bartrop, a.m. mackinnon, k. irvin, a.c. burrow, h.b. berry, m.r. smith, d.c. strickland, j.a. tolladay, gerald m. jenzen, m.r. smith, f.g. liston, w.g. cornell, g.s. young, s.j. carter, t.p. etchells, mary batten, i.l. capuano, d.j. anderson, p.b. carigg, i.f. crowley, margaret knez

The Old Identities' Association was a forerunner of the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat. John Brooksbank was a very early arrival to Ballarat in September 1851, which was not long after the discovery of gold at Ballarat. J. Brooksbank lost a dog in 1857 "LOST from the Half Way House, Smythe's Creek Road, a black bloodhound and kangaroo dog. Anyone detaining him after this date will be prosecuted. J. BROOKSBANK" (Ballarat Star, 30 December 1857) Another very early identity in Ballarat, James Oddie, advertised the sale of J. Brooksbank's hotel in 1860: "JAMES ODDIE & CO. have received instructions from the Mortgagees, to sell I by auction at their rooms, Dana street, on Thursday, 20th September, at twelve o'clock, All that desirable properly known as the , Halfway House Hotel, Together with all that piece or parcel of ' land situate in the parish of Cardigan and county of Grenville, containing 34 acres 1 rood 26 ½ perches, part of allotment 1, section 6, of said parish, situated on the Ballarat and Smythesdale road, and recently occupied by Mr J. Brooksbank. The property consists of a spacious stone building one story high, strong and substantially built, the internal fittings and arrangements are neat and complete. The house possesses all requisite accommodation for a respectable country hotel. In addition are stockyards, stables &c, all well and securely fenced. Terms at Sale. (Ballarat Star, 20 September 1860) Four years later Brookbank was selling his hotel in Lyons Street Ballarat: "RARE OPPORTUNITY.-FOR SALE the BLACK BULL HOTEL, Lyons street. The proprietor of the above hotel being about entering into another line of business, begs to call the attention of parties looking for a safe and profitable investment, the above having undergone thorough repairs, and is now in good working order and doing a fair share of business. The conditions will, be half cash, balance six, nine, and twelve months. Apply, J. Brooksbank, proprietor, on the premises. (Ballarat Star, 22 October 1864)Colour photograph of a sterling silver medal relating to The Old Identities' Association 1851-1854. The medallion, belonging to John Brooksbank, has a drilled hole at the top suggesting it was worn by the owner at some stage in its life. The medal has been engraved: Arrived "Sep 51 J. Brooksbankold identities association, old colonists' association ballarat, c.a. welch, silversmith, numismatics, j. brooksbank, medal

Photograph of the top of the facade of the Old Colonists' Hall in Lydiard Street North, Ballaratold colonists' club, old colonists' association, lydiard street, coat of arms

This miner's right is held by the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The original was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Blue Miner's Right issued at Ballarat in the Colony of Victoria.colony of victoria, miner's right, goldrush, ballarat, 1856

The Old Colonists Association Mintute Book recorrds: 'James Smart presented the Association with a Gold Diggers License dated 28th January 1853, it being resolved a vote of thanks be recorded.'gold license, edwin smart, gold mining, james smart

Photographic protrait of Andrew Anderson.andrew anderson, old colonists' association ballarat

gold license, commissioner j. bush

gold license, william fittall

william fittall, gold license

One of the first Miner's Rights issued after the Eureka Stockadewilliam fittall, miner's right

business licence, business license

This miner's right was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Digital copy of an original store and business licence. Rainer's store was at Eureka and the 3 month license cost 15 pounds in September 1854.rainer, johnston, j.s. rainer, eureka, old colonists' association, store license

This miner's right is a copy from an original held by the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The original was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Digital image of an original gold license made out to William Fittall Junior.14 Victoria Gold License No 144 1 June 1852 The Bearer William Fittall Jr having paid to me the sum of One Pound, Ten Shillings, on account of the territorial revenue, I hereby License him to dig, search for, and removed Gold on and from any such Crown lands within the Upper Loddon District as I shall assign to him for that purpose during the Month of June 1852 not within half-a-mile of any Head Station. This License is not transferrable, and to be produce whenever demanded by me or any other person acting under the authority of the government, and to be returned when another License is issued. [Undecipherable signature] Commissionerwilliam fittall, upper loddon, mining, old colonists' association, fittall, eureka

This miner's right was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat Inc. had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Victorian Gold License made out to John Chisholm.Ballarat Victoria Gold License No. 139 March 1853 The Bearer J. Chisholm having paid to me the Sum of One Pound Ten Shillings, on account of the territorial revenue, I hereby License him to dig, search for, and remove Gold on and from any such Crown lands within the Dist of Ballarat as I shall assign to him for that purpose during the month of march 1853 not within half-a-mile of any Head Station, This License is not transferable, and to be produced whenever demanded by me or any other person acting under the authority of the Government, and to be returned when another License is issued. Chas Wale Sherard Commissioner. Regulations to be observed by the persons digging for Gold or otherwise employed at the Gold fields. 1. Every licensed person must always have his License with him ready to be produced whenever demanded by a Commissioner, or Person acting under instructions, otherwise he is liable to be proceeded against as an unlicensed person. 2. Every person digging to Gold, or occupying Land, without a License is liable by law to be fined, for a first offence, not exceeding five pounds; for a second offence not exceeding 15 pounds; and for subsequent offence, not exceeding 30 pounds. 3. Digging for Gold is not allowed within ten feet of the edge of any Public Road, nor are the roads to be undermined. 4. Tents or Buildings are not to be erected within twenty feet of each other, or within 20 feet of any Creek 5. It is enjoined that all persons on the Gold Fields maintain a due and proper observance of Sundays. Handwritten in top left corner 'Presented by D.M.D. Main. 12 Dundas St. Dunedin N.Z. 30.8.21chisholm, sherard, charles sherard, john chisholm, mining, main, d.m.d. main

This miner's right was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat Inc had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Gold License made out to William Fittall Junior.gold license, william fittall junior, sherard, charles sherard, charles wale sherard, mining, fittall, eureka

frederick lang, duke of richmond, leith, port phillip, passenger ticket

miner's right, ballarat

Miners' Right made ot to John Paterson.miner's right, john paterson, pleasant creek

cast iron, staircase, old colonists' club, ballarat, architecture

The medallion states that Patrick O. Sullivan arrived in Victorian in 1854. Patrick Sullivan arrived on the “Violet” in 1854. (PROV, Book 10 pp425.) The silver medals for members were created by Stokes and Martin, of Melbourne in 1988. Photograph of a medal associated with the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat. Hand engraved into the medal is "Patrick O. Sullivan arrived Melbourne 1854"patrick o'sullivan, patrick sullivan, patrick o. sullivan, numismatics, old colonists' association, ballarat, immigration

Mr. J. T. Farr died in September 1092,Portrait of J.T Farr, foundation member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. old colonists' association, ballarat, j.t. farr, medal

The Old Colonists' Hall opened in 1887.Entrance to the Old Colonists' Association, at Ballarat.old colonists' association, ballarat, doors, leadlight, stained glass

Wall clock featuring the name J.T. Sleep on the face.old colonists' association ballarat, clock, j.t. sleep, horology

Framed photograph of a second lieutenant during World War One. It is thought to be William Joseph Pearce. world war one, pearce, william joseph pearce, military medal, old colonists' association ballarat