Poster, paper with white and red print. Montage in colour and black and white print of a collection of photographs, posters and postcards from WW1. Frame - cream enamel paint on timber frame with glass front and black cardboard backing with stand.Lettering on poster. "SCHOOLING, SERVICE/ AND THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918".framed accessories, poster, anzac day

Poster - paper, with white print, foreground full length black and white portrait photograph of an indigenous soldier. Background muted red to brown colours. Frame - top and bottom, timber slats adhered to the poster paper with top hanging string.Lettering on Poster. "Commemorating Indigenous Service in the First World War".framed accessories, poster, anzac day

Partial dress uniform of RAAF for "Peter Stoklahsa". Enlisted 1966 to 1987. Refer to cat No. 7674P.1. Dark blue pants size 97. White label on inside. 4 pockets, clip to do up and white elastic lining on inside. 2. RAAF blue jacket. Two breast pockets and two lower pocket flaps with no pocket. Four large front buttons and two smaller pocket buttons. 'Australia' shoulder flashes and service ribbon above left chest pocket. Inside cotton lining and inside pocket on right side. Makers label sewn on inside and Commonwealth emblem on sleeve. 3. Blue Air Force cap size 7. Leather inside lining and plastic and black material band. Button on each side with plastic strap. Gold Air Force emblem of Laurel leaves, spread Eagle and Crown.Inside maker - Australian Government Clothing Factory. Size 7.raaf, uniform, peter stoklahsa

Royal Australian Corps of Transport mess dress belonging to Kevin John Herdman. Part of the Kevin John Herdman No. 397661 Collection, See Catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service record..1) Black jacket with two button-down breast pockets and two side pockets with flaps. Jacket buttons at the neck and down the front. Unit insignia on right collar. White starched false collar attached with studs. All buttons bear a unit insignia and are gold coloured. Major's rank insignia on each epaulette. Manufacturer's label on inside left. .2) Pair of black trousers with two white stripes down the outside of each leg. Buttons on waist band for attaching braces. .3) White elastic adjustable braces. .4) Black peaked cap with red band. Gold coloured braiding on peak. Brown coloured sweat band and clear plastic lining..1) On manufacture's label: 'DAVID KLEIN PTY LTD, PTY LTD, VICTORIA, 1966, (upwards arrow)'. On false collar: 'C.G.C.F., SIZE 15'. .2) On manufacturer's label: 'DAVID KLEIN PTY LTD, PTY LTD, VICTORIA, 1966, (upwards arrow)'. .3) Stamped on leather joiner: 'P-F, 10 73, (upwards arrow), 44'. .4) Inside cap: 'COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT CLOTHING FACTORIES, MELBOURNE,6 3/4'.uniform, mess dress, royal australian corps of transport, kevin john herdman

John Kerr Barnes (Jack) Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch receiving his award of OAM Australia Day 1995, refer Cat No 8044 (Certificate). Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Sub Branch and his WW2 service.Photograph colour framed, frame is timber, photo backing is green, photo shows the award of an OAM. At the bottom is a small section attached with text."John Kerr Barnes: Order of Australia awarded by Honorable Richard McGarvie Government House Australia Day 1995".brsl, smirsl, oam

Certificate issued to Australian Serviceman for their contribution towards BCOF. Signed by Prime Minister John Howard and VA Minister Bruce Scott so would be circa 1996-2001. Items in the collection of Richard William McGilvery, RAAF. Refer No.7287P for his service details, photo and awards.Hard cardboard, yellow pages with thin black, red and blue lines. Commonwealth Government emblem at top, a message of thanks and signatures at bottom. Also stylised picture of Australian Flag and image of child and man in front of a cenotaph.Says " A grateful nation expresses it's thanks to Richard McGilvery for contributing to Australia's effort in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (Japan). Signed by Prime Minister, His local MP & Minister for Veteran Affairs.bcof, certificate

Japanese Govt in occupied countries issued their version of their own local currencies so able to better control their economies. Abolish all traces of Western influences. Items in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer Cat No. 7287P for his service details, photos and awards.1. Japanese issued occupation currency to the Phillipines. A 500 peso note predominantly grey in colour. On one side written "The Japanese Government" and "500 pesos", with No. 500 in each corner and picture of a cenotaph in the middle. Other side has No. 500 in each corner and "Five Hundred Pesos" in middle. 2. Japanese issued Occupation currency to Indonesia. A 5 Gulden note, predominantly green in colour. No's and description on one side and just no's on other side. 1. Has No. 500 in each corner on both sides "500 Pesos” in writing and one side has "The Japanese Government". 2. One side has "5" in each corner and other side has No. 5 across note 3 times. In middle on one side says "De Japansche Regeering Betact AAN Toonder VIJF Gulden" Letters SG stamped twice.occupational currencies, japan, richard william mcgilvery

Foreign currency issued by Japanese Forces in WW2. Aim was to take economic control of countries occupied and to diminish western influences with these countries. Items in collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. refer Cat No.7287P for his service records, photos and awards.One Gulden notes issued by Japanese Occupation. Four notes basically brown in colour. Cloud emblems on one side with No. 1 and other side a picture of fruit and nut trees. Has "De Japansche Regeering Betaalt AAN Tronder EEN GULDEN". Translated to "The Japanese Government Pays to Bearer One Gulden."Inscribed "De Japansche Regeering Betaalt AAN Tronder EEN GULDEN" and No. 1.japanese occupation forces, foreign currency, gulden, richard william mcgilvery

Currency issued to Citizens of occupied countries by Japanese Government to maintain economic control and to reduce Western influence. Items in collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer Cat No. 7287P for his Service details, photos and awards.1. One Yen currency note. One side No.1 in two corners. Picture of elderly Chinese man in middle and some Chinese writing characters. Predominately black and "No.49" imprinted in red. On other side picture of building and some Chinese characters. Also 9 names written in black pen. 2. One Yen currency note. One Yen written in corner. Picture of more modern man on one side and a crowing rooster in bottom middle. Predominately black on white paper other side blue on white paper and Chinese Symbols and One Yen.Some in Chinese. One side No.1 in corners. On other side picture of building and lots of names scribed (including McGilvery) and date 3/5/47. 2. One side "1 Yen" and No.1. Second side "1 Yen" and Chinese symbols.bcof, japanese currency

This program was given to John Kerr Barnes OAM whose name appears on Page 8 of the awards for "Service to Veterans". Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards. Cat No 8045P for photo of presentation.Program paper 18 pages, all print in blue, rear cover is blank. Front cover has Coat of Arms at the top followed by details of the Presentation of Australian Honours and Awards, pages detail the type of awards, who to and why. The last two pages are re invite to light refershments in the State Apartments and Official photographs of each person."INVESTITURE at Government House Melbourne on Thursday 4th May 1995 for the presentation of Australian Honours and Awards by H.E. the Honorable Richard. E. McGarvie, A.C. Govenor of Victoria" brsl, smirsl, oam

This is a plaque given to the Quota Club of Warrnambool in 1983 when it was a finalist in an award given by the Victorian Council of Community Service Clubs. Quota Clubs were established to promote gender equality, to empower women and to assist people with physical and mental disabilities. The Warrnambool Quota Club was active in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s but no longer exists. This item is of some interest as a memento of the work of a service club of the pastThis is a small metal plaque (brass coloured). It has been attached to a wooden board and is much discoloured and blotched.‘Presented by the Government of Victoria to the Quota Club of Warrnambool, Finalist 1983 Award, The Victorian Council of Community Service Clubs’warrnambool quota club, warrnambool, plaque

Australian Government informing Australians about endangered Australian species in an effort to save and protect them.Kiewa Valley has some endangered species eg. pygmy possum;43 glossy two-sided pages each with an endangered Australian species photo and information. Dated 1978kiewa valley, endangered species

This eye wear transportation box was forwarded from and returned to Kiewa Valley in the 1960's. This period in time, the Kiewa Valley was still a semi remote location, and specialist eye facilities were not available in the region. It was not until the Australian Government proceeded with a "regional development Centre" (for relocating some Federal Departments from Canberra) that the Wodonga/Albury townships developed into a medium city, allowing "specialist" facilities to become available and multiply.This item is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates that even in the 1960's early 1970's the Kiewa Valley residents still had to obtain "specialist" services from MELBOURNE. The "isolation" of the Kiewa Valley was still in place due to unreliable transport routes, long distance travel needed to visit cities and a relatively "small" population. The slow but progress marketing of recreational areas in the region and the movement of retirees away from "city violence" and to a quieter location has been on the increase. The expansion of the existing small airfield to one that can accommodate larger aircraft will hasten the expansion of the population in the region, bringing an ever increasing "visiting specialists" covering among other fields, eye and medical practitioners.This brown coloured cardboard box was used by Coles and Garrard (Sight Testing Opticians) to transport spectacles to one of their clients. The box lid has four staples holding the four folded sides in place. The base is of similar proportions and fastened together.Printed on the top outside lid, in small print "When forwarding your spectacles for repairs, your co-operation is requested in placing name and full address inside the packet. This will obviate delay in repairing and returning spectacles", underneath and in bold print "COLES & GARRARD pty ltd", underneath "Sight Testing Optticians" underneath "We visit over 100 towns in Victoria. Local Newspapers give full details"eye specialist treatments, kiewa valley "isolation", cardboard packaging, personal eye wear

The General Service Badge was issued to persons who served full-time for a period of 28 days or more, continuously or in aggregate, and discharged without becoming eligible for the Returned from Active Service Badge during World War II. Persons who were discharged because of misconduct and those who were in a reserved occupation, were not eligible for the badge. This badge was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. Gold metal medal, oval shaped with four cut out sections. It has a crown at the top with rising sun emblem overlaid with anchor. The back has a two pronged metal loop.Service Australia on the front. A241438 engraved on the reverse. Issued by Commonwealth Government. A J Parkes Brisbane 1948general service badge ernest swan

It is presumed that the 'A.C.F.' on two of these badges stands for 'Australian Comforts Fund'. The Australian Comforts Fund was one of two wartime welfare groups recognized by the Australian Government. The other was the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Comforts Fund was established in 1916 to co-ordinate the welfare efforts to assist Australian servicemen and women in World War One. It was dissolved in 1920 and re-established in 1939. It was staffed largely by women volunteers and supplied such articles as singlets, socks, pyjamas, toiletries, writing materials, tobacco and Christmas hampers to servicemen and women. It also offered recreational facilities and rest rooms etc in Australia for service personnel. It was closed in 1946. These badges were issued, two in 1941, as part of fund-raising for the Australian Comforts Fund.These badges are interesting mementos of the welfare work undertaken in World War Two by the Australian Comforts Fund. Two six pointed star badges which are enamelled in red and have plain metal edge..1 ACF 1940 with P J King on the reverse. .2 ACF 1941 with P J King on the reverse.australian comforts fund, australian red cross

This hat was part of the uniform of the Country Fire Brigade. The organization now known as the Country Fire Authority was established in 1945 as a volunteer and community-based organization providing fire fighting and emergency services in regional and rural areas in Victoria. Today the organization includes career fire-fighters and funding is partly provided by a levy included in local Council rates. The owner of this hat is not known. This hat is of minor interest and is retained for display purposesThis is a hat with a circular flat crown made of black felt with 4 eyelets. Around the edge of the crown is a brown leather band with a fabric bow fastening and a black cloth ribbon with a red corded edging. In the centre is a brass badge with letters on it. The peak is made of patent leather with a black leather band on the upper edge with metal buttons. The inside of the peak is made of green leather. Inside the hat is a plastic covering with a leather band. There is a cloth label with yellow printing. Commonwealth Government Clothing Factory Melbourne 7 C.F.B. country fire fighting services warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This badge was produced in 1997 as a souvenir of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Warrnambool. Warrnambool was a planned town, established in 1847 as a port to service the squatters who had taken up large tracts of land in the Warrnambool area in the 1840s.The town was surveyed by the Government surveyor William Pickering at the request of Superintendent La Trobe and the first town lots of the new town were sold in Melbourne in 1847, with some settlers arriving at the new settlement soon after.This badge is one of the many souvenirs of the 1997 celebrations in Warrnambool Circular concave metal badge with blue drawing of a sailing ship and text. There is a clip pin on the reverse.WARRNAMBOOL ANNIVERSARY 150th 1847 -1997

These papers contain cuttings newspaper articles from the Standard of 1882 and handwritten comments appended to these cuttings. They refer to a dispute in 1882 regarding the ownership of the church in Grasmere to which the Anglican Church was claiming ownership The author of the handwritten comments is unknown but the comments purport to be a more accurate account of events than what appears in the paper cuttings. Grasmere is a small settlement 10 kilometres north of Warrnambool. In the 1850s land in Grasmere was donated for educational purposes and a Government-subsidized school which was a Denominational School run by the Church of England was established in 1858. This school was closed when Government State Schools were established after 1872 and the Anglican Church dismantled the old school and built a church on the site in the late 1870s. This church was erected by public subscription and many of the subscribers apparently believed they were donating to a building that could be used by any local Protestant churchgoers. The church in 1882 was being used by the Presbyterian Church for its services. A public meeting was held in 1882 to try to resolve the dispute between the Anglican Church claim and the local residents’ claim that the site belonged to the local community. Apparently the dispute remained unresolved and the Grasmere Anglican Church continued to operate until the early 20th century. This document is of interest as it is associated with a dispute that took place in Grasmere in 1882 and gives some indication of the arguments that were presented at the time in favour of, or opposed to, the Anglican Church’s claim to the ownership of the church. It is a document of particular interest to the history of the Grasmere. This is a folder of eleven foolscap-size sheets of paper enclosed in a mottle-coloured cardboard cover. The front cover is creased and partly torn and the back cover is detached and is in two pieces. The pages have been stitched together with thread and contain paste-in newspaper cuttings and handwritten material in purple ink. Grasmere Anglican Church

119 pagesnon-fictionLocal Government summaries for Diamond Valley, Eltham, Heidelberg, Northcote, Preston, Whittlesea. Provides census data and comparisons between years with summaries on topics including: Population, Age Distribution, Marital Status, Single Parents, Family Annual Income, Personal Annual Income, Social Security Income, Psychiatric Hospitla Admissions and departures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Persons born Overseas and country of origin, Langauges, English competence of overseas born persons, Occupancy of dwellings, Structure of occupied dwellings, type of occupanncy, private rents, monthly mortgages, households with no vehicle, level of qualifications, occupational status, employment, industry groups, unemployment, school attendance.statistics, population, demographics, social profile, census data

Produced by Contour Consultants Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dallas Price Homes Pty Ltd as part of the planning process for redevelopment of the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. In 1963 the Shire of Eltham purchased the Shillinglaw property of approximately 2 acres in Main Road, Eltham for the widening of Main Road and as a site for new Council offices. This land, which contained the Shillinglaw Cottage (c1878-80), was the remaining section of the Shillinglaw family holding that originally comprised 30 acres, being Lot 90 of Holloway's 1851 subdivision. Eltham Council intended to demolish this cottage, but through extensive community action it was saved, funds were raised, and it was relocated to the current site adjacent to the Eltham Library. The new Eltham Shire Offices opened in 1965 were designed to ensure retention of the three Italian Cypress trees that were located outside the Shillinglaw Cottage. In 1971 the building was extended at the southern end to provide additional space, including for the Eltham Library and Council's Engineering Department. Renovations were undertaken to the offices during 1987. The Victorian State Government commenced to restructure local government in 1994, which resulted in the establishment of the Shire of Nillumbik and the cessation of the Shire of Eltham. This new Nillumbik Shire Council was headed by government appointed commissioners, who decided in 1995 to put the former Eltham Shire offices on the market. Eventually in June 1996 the property was sold for $1.1 million and the building was subsequently demolished. A planning application for the site was then submitted to Nillumbik Shire Council in September 1996 for construction of a 24-hour service station, convenience store, cafe/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and community facility. There were many objections to this proposed development and in controversial circumstances a planning permit was granted by the Nillumbik Shire Council commissioners. After protracted actions involving a planning panel and a planning advisory committee, established by the Minister for Local Government, the proposal was eventually rejected as not satisfying the requirements of the planning scheme. In December 1997 the purchaser withdrew from the contract of sale, just prior to Council announcing a withdrawal from the contract. While there have been a number of possible development proposals considered by subsequent Nillumbik Shire Councils, this site has remained vacant since July 1996. TIMELINE (Prepared by Jim Connor, Eltham District Historical Society- March 2018- Based on press, council and personal records) June 1996 - Eltham Shire offices sold to Dallas Price Homes for $1.1 million. July 1996 - Shire office building demolished against community's wishes. Council claimed building riddled with asbestos. September 1996 - Planning application submitted to Nillumbik Shire Council to construct on the site a 24 hours Shell service station, convenience store, Hungry Jacks café/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and community facility. 213 objections and petition of over 1400 signatures received. Minister for Planning and Local Government orders an independent investigation into valuation and sale. 9 October 1996 - Permit granted by Nillumbik Shire Council commissioners, in controversial circumstances. A Planning Special Committee consisting of 3 commissioners and 3 community representatives considered 32 community objections. One commissioner declared a potential conflict of interest so only 2 commissioners were able to vote. After hearing all objections, the community representatives moved a foreshadowed motion to refuse a permit. The commissioners then closed the meeting, formerly opened a council meeting (for about a minute) and approved the application. October 1996 - Community members appealed planning decision to Administrative Appeals Tribunal. November 1996 -Minister for Planning and Local Government Robert McClelland calls appeal in and directs MT to refer this 'major policy issue' to the Governor in Council. February 1997 - Planning panel (Dimity Reed and Margaret Pitt) established to consider submissions. March 1997 - New council elected with five councillors. April 1997 - Three of the five new councillors vote to fight Commissioner's decision to grant a permit. April 1997 - Planning panel (Dimity Reed and Margaret Pitt) conducts hearings at Nillumbik Shire offices. June 1997 -Planning panel rejected Dallas Price Homes proposal as being 'totally inappropriate' for the site and recommends the site be rezoned for 'public purposes'. July 1997 - Dallas Price Homes threatened to sue Council and individual councillors. October 1997 - Report released of an Advisory Committee (Paul Jerome) established by the Minister for Planning and Local Government. Committee considered Dallas Price Homes proposal and an alternative concept plan proposal by Council for a gallery, workshop, offices and cinema community-based development. Advisory Committee recommended Dallas Price Homes proposal be rejected as not satisfying the requirements of the planning scheme and recommended further testing of the financial viability of Council's proposal. December 1997 - Dallas Price Homes withdrew from the contract of sale, just prior to Council announcing a withdrawal from the contract, which expired on 28th November and was not renewed by either side, after previously being extended twice pending a decision by the Minister. Council had to pay developer $58,000 for demolition costs. February 1998 - Dallas Price Homes application rejected by Planning and Local Government Minister. October 1998 - Nillumbik Councillors suspended and an Administrator appointed (until March 1999). The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw cottage, shillinglaw farm, shillinglaw trees, jim connor collection

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jackls restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, shillinglaw trees, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, frank burgoyne, robert marshall, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jackls restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, shillinglaw trees, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jackls restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. Community residents who made submissions included Russell Yeomans speaking on behalf of the Eltham Gateway Action Group and Eltham District Historical Society, Des Ryan on belaf of Eltham Senior Citizens, Angela Newhouse, others on behalf of Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School and Judge Book Village, Tom Munro, Ian Jennings, Margartet Ball a fifth generation descendant of the Shillinglaw family, one of the early settlers of the area and owner of the land that was sold to Council, Frank Burgoyne who said "there will be a lot of creaking and rumbling in the cemetery if this goes through. So many old people who have done so much for Eltham are buried up there and it is up to us to pass on what they left to the younger generation. Eltham is a beautiful spot; why louse it up?" A second article "Anger over reserve power" by Laeta Antonysen provides commentary from the three Planning Special Committee community members, former Eltham Shire Councillor Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske about the process that took place and the first time use of the spoecial reserve power to overturn the decision of the committee. Barry Rochford, Nillumbiuk CEO defends the use of the power.The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, shillinglaw trees, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott, russell yeomans, eltham district historical society, eltham senior citizens, des ryan, our lady help of christians primary school, judge book village, angela newhouse, tom munro, ian jennings, margaret ball, shillinglaw cottage, frank burgoyne, andrew biasci, barry rochford

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jack's restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. Subsequent to this the Commissioner run Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 1996 where Commissioners Kevin Abbott and Vin Heffernan thanked all three community members of the Planning Special Committee and advised that their powers had been revoked. The article includes a joint statement from all three sacked members in which they state they have been able to bring a community perspective to the planning applications placed befopre the committee which has resulted in modifications to planning decisions. The members stated that "unfortunately, despite our best efforts to express considered apolitical opinions, it appears the Commissioners believe that any dissenting comment is politically motivated, and should therefore be disregarded." "We feel sad that this situation exists even though we have done everything possible tio represent the views of our community, whilst maintaining the integrity of the planning process."The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott

Nillumbik Commissioners used 'reserve power's to permit a controversial Shell service station and Hungry Jack's restaurant development at the former Eltham Shire Office site at 895 Main Road. More than 200 people attended the Council meeting in the public gallery and protested at the decision. 32 personal submissions were made to Council's Planning Special Committee meeting whose members vioted 3-2 against the development. The Committee consisted of the three Nillumbik Commissioners and three community members (Jim Connor, Bronwyn South and Janet Mattiske). Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, a former Shell employee excused himself from voting and the three communbity memebrs voted against the submission. The other two commissioners, Vin Heffernan and Kevin Abbott voted against it. They then immediately closed the meeting and opened a Council meeting lasting just seconds to use special reserve powers to overturn the decision. Subsequent to this the Commissioner run Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 1996 where Commissioners Kevin Abbott and Vin Heffernan thanked all three community members of the Planning Special Committee and advised that their powers had been revoked. The article includes a joint statement from all three sacked members in which they state they have been able to bring a community perspective to the planning applications placed befopre the committee which has resulted in modifications to planning decisions. The members stated that "unfortunately, despite our best efforts to express considered apolitical opinions, it appears the Commissioners believe that any dissenting comment is politically motivated, and should therefore be disregarded." "We feel sad that this situation exists even though we have done everything possible tio represent the views of our community, whilst maintaining the integrity of the planning process."The demolition of the former Shire of Eltham offices and proposed sale and development driven by the Commissioners for Nillumbik Shire Council brought the community together in substantial protest at the infrigement of ratepayers democratic say in local government and ciommunity assets combined with protests about inappropraite development of Eltham's Gateway. This issue led to the formation of the Eltham Community Action Group which still operates strongly today (2023) on behalf of the community to ensure appropriate development within the community.895 main road, commissioners, dallas price homes, development application, eltham hub, hungry jacks, nillumbik shire council, re-zoning, shell service station, town planning, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, shillinglaw farm, jim connor collection, dallas howgate, nillumbik planning special committee, jim connor, bronwyn south, janet mattiske, don cordell, vin heffernan, kevin abbott

Photo taken by Nathan Islip who at the time was studying Architecture at the University of Melbourne. During his experience year he worked as a builder's labourer on the new Eltham Library construction project. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency cum haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111 construction, eltham library