The "Dead Man's Penny" of Private George Matthews (24/1744) is a district link to the First World War. George enlisted with the Otago Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force as a rifleman. Born in 1891, he was a former pupil of Myrtleford State School 955 and was one of four first cousins killed in action and recorded in a memorial window and honour board at the Uniting (formerly Methodist) Church, the Soldier's Memorial Square and on the State School Honour Board. George's parents, John and Mary Matthews,received the plaque in a pack, together with a letter and commemorative scroll from King George V. George Matthews is buried at the Caterpillar Valley (N.Z.) Memorial, France, having died on October 1, 1916, aged 25. The memorial plaque links local family tragedy to world conflict. It represents the impact of such events must have had on small town communities. George Matthews' enlistment in New Zealand is an indicator of the migratory nature of men involved in gold mining after the decline of the industry in Victoria and New South Wales in the late 19th centuryA World War 1 memorial plaque issued to next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who died as a result of the war. They were round and cast in bronze, hence their similarity to the much smaller penny coin. The plaque includes an image of Britannia, holding a trident and standing with a lion. Britannia holds an oak leaf above the deceased's name, which is recorded without rank. Two dolphins swim around Britannia, symbolizing sea power, and at the base a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle. Around the picture a legend reads: "He died for freedom and Honour"Name engraved: GEORGE MATTHEWSmemorial plaque dead man's penny george matthews

Cast machined bronze mounted on timber boardFraser & sons London No.5153

The race program contains details of a competitive cycling race day put on by the GWCC, circa 1930s.Provides insight into the many races on the program gel on one day. This is an indicator of the popularity of cycling races during the 1930s.6 pages of a cycling race program. 2 pages of the original program are adhered to a white foolscap sheet and protected by plastic. Pages 1 and 2 are missing.geelong cycling club; geelong west cycling club; gwcc; race program; circa 1930;

The winner of the race - Jack Baker was a cycling commentator In the 1920s, in the 1930s he cycled around Australia. In 1937 he rode in Europe and England representing Bruce Small for Malvern Star. Jack was well known for his commentary at races at the Geelong velodrome track after the war. The presentation of this trophy is another indicator of the popularity and importance placed on cycling races in regional areas during the early to mid 20th century.Silver plated cup on bakelite stand with engravings on the cup. The cup has two handles and a city of Geelong badge adhered to the stem."GWCC/1938/33 Mile Road Race/Pres By/F.W. Walker/Won By/J.J. Baker/Hcap Scratch Time 1hr27min12sec"geelong, cycling, club, gwcc, 1938, 33 mile road race, f.w. walker, j.j. baker

Made by a German Prisoner of War in Camp 13 (Murchison) and given to a member of the garrison, R. E. O'Hara. Internees / POW's made many items from largely scrap material during their time in the camps. This item holds historical and cultural significance as an example of the ingenuity of internees & how many occupied their time in camps, shaping the cultural and creative life of those in the camps. Also a possible indicator of relationship between garrison and internees. Dark brown wooden crop or swagger stick with a wooden knob on one end and a horse hair plume attached with cord to the other end. Fine cord attached to knob end with a loop for hanging. murchison, camp 13, tatura, garrison, prisoner of war, internee camps, ww2

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