The Grinton Collection. The wedding of Jack Grintons younger Brother Fred and wife Lucy. Refer - Cat No. 1280 for Jacks service details.Photograph framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicting a semi-formal full-length portrait of a bride and groom. The bride is standing. Groom is seated. Background - house verandah. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 6: Life after 1919". "A. Fred Grinton and Lucy Sutherland". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Group paddling, life after 1919. Refer - Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicting a group of women and children paddling along a grassy riverbank with trees in the background. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 6: Life after 1919". "E. Paddling".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. An unknown 38th Bn soldier at his point. Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicting an informal portrait of a soldier seated on a chair with a brick wall behind. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 4: Portraiture and Remembrance". "E. 38th Battalion soldiers" .framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Life after 1919, 3 Sisters. Refer - Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts informal, full length portrait of three girls with dog in front, timber and brick building behind. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 6: Life after 1919". "F. Three sisters".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. The Soldier is Sergeant Major William John Durward No 262 38th Bn. Refer - Cat No 1280 for Jack Grintons service details. Photograph framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicting an informal full length portrait of a soldier with his hand resting on a chair back. Background - building wall. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 4: Portraiture and Remembrance". "F. Company Sergeant Major William John Durward". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton, william john durward

The Grinton Collection. The grave of Cyril Edward Andrew DUNN No 3058, 7th Reinforcements C Coy 38th Bn, enlisted 1916, KIA 31.8.1918 Refer - Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details. Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a field grave with cross, tin helmet, kit bag and rifle with bayonet in the ground. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 4: Portraiture and Remembrance." "1. Field grave of a 38th Battalion soldier - Pte Dunn".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton, dunn

The Grinton Collection. Bread being delivered to Huts. Refer Cat No, 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts the rear view of a large four-wheel cart with horses. Rear view of soldier and loaf of bread. Small painted insignia on backboard with inscription "40th/A.S.C." Background - roadway and buildings. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 1: Living behind the Lines". "A. Bread delivery".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Bomb damaged buildings. Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a street scene of bomb damaged timber and brick houses. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 2: Burden of War". "D. Bombed houses".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. War Cemetery in Annoeullin France Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details. Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a war cemetery with many graves marked with a cross. Snow on the ground. Background - trees. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 2: Burden of War". "I. War cemetery in Annoeullin".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton, france

The Grinton Collection. Captured German guns at the “Place de la Concorde” France Refer Cat No 1280 for Jack Grintons service details. Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a collection of at least ten guns (German) in a plaza, one soldier in the foreground and buildings in background. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 3: Trip of a Lifetime". "E. Captured German guns at the Place de la Concorde".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton, france

The Grinton collection. Photograph taken in Scotland Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service details.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a sidewalk scene with two seated female fishmongers with a number of standing patrons. Background - brick buildings and timber fence. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 3: Trip of a lifetime". "I. Fishmongers - Scotland".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. The soldiers are unknown at this point. Jack Grinton. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a group portrait of nine soldiers, five standing and four seated in front. Background - stone wall. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 4: Portraiture and Remembrance" "A. 38th Battalion Lads."framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. On board ship in a kitchen area. Jack Grinton. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts - interior scene with a large number of loaves of bread stacked on a shelf. Background - storage racks, soup ladles and timber containers. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 5: Quota 45 - Journey home". "C. Bread for the soldiers".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton, hmat karmala

The Grinton Collection. The other soldiers are unknown at this point. "G. Lifeboat drill". (left in hat) Jack Grinton - "Jack Grinton No. 1038" Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a group of men wearing life jackets preparing for a life-boat drill. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 5: Quota 45 - Journey". "G. Life-boat drill".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton, hmat karmala

The Grinton Collection. The lady is believed to be a Grinton relative. Jack Grinton. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts an informal half portrait of an elderly woman. Background exterior wall of a timber building. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 6: Life after 1919". "I. Grinton relative". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Photo taken at a 38th Bn reunion at Bert Grintons Farm Myers Flat near Bendigo. Left to Right in photo; Jack Grinton, Fred Lehmann "MM", Dick Verso, Bert Grinton "DCM" , ..........Poppin. "Jack Grinton No. 1038," 38th Battalion - Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history. "Bert Grinton DCM, No. 5024" - Refer Cat No. 1320 for his service history. Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts an informal group, full length portrait of six men. Background - wall of stone and timber building. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Single photos Group 2 (end of show): 38th Battalion Reunion".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Taken at the opening of the Macorna War Memorial on 5.3.1920. refer Cat No 5890P for more details. Jack Grinton. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts the "Macorna War Memorial" - globe upon a column with a square base. Foreground - table and chairs, background timber buildings and trees. Frame - Timber. light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Single Photos Group 2 (end of show): Opening of Macorna War Memorial".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. "Single Photos Group 1 (Start of Show): Jack Grinton. "Jack Grinton No. 1038" 38th Bn, refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts an informal seated portrait of a soldier (Jack Grinton). Background of handwritten numbers and letters ("E BAKER/ BRIET") on wall board. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Single Photos Group 1 (Start of show): Jack Grinton".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service history. "Single Photo Group 1 (Start of show): Bert Grinton" "BERT GRINTON DCM No. 5024 38th Bn" - Refer Cat No. 1320P, for his service History.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts an informal full-length portrait of a soldier - "Bert Grinton" - standing in grass with water and trees in the background. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Single Photos Group 1 (start of show): Bert Grinton"framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Unknown 38th Bn soldiers at this point. Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts three men (soldiers) seated at a table, playing cards, inside a timber barracks. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 1: Living behind the lines". :1. Game of Cards".framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

The Grinton Collection. Unknown French Family. Refer Cat No. 1280 for Jack Grintons service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a group portrait of five civilians, two women standing and boy, women and man seated in front. Background exterior building wall and window. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 2: Burden of War". "K. Group portrait of five French civilians."framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, 'grinton

The Grinton Collection. Photo taken on leave in Scotland. JACK GRINTON. Refer Cat No. 1280 for his service history. "M. Bert with two family friends" "BERT GRINTON No. 5024". 38th Bn. Refer Cat No. 1320P for his Service history.Photograph - framed. Photograph - black and white photograph on paper depicts a family group of two women and one man (Bert Grinton) standing together in the corner of a brick building. Frame - timber, light varnish finish, Perspex front, cardboard backing."Group 3: Trip of a Lifetime" "M. Bert with two family friends". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton.

Refer Cat No.1280 for Jack Grintons service history.Story board - framed. Story Board - black print on white and pale blue background on synthetic paper adhered to backing board. Frame - metal with wood backing board."The Grinton Collection" "A Camera on the Somme". framed accessories, camera on the somme, ww1, 38th bn, grinton

After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River Valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 at Falls Creek and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges. The area became a popular tourist destination for both winter and summer sports.: Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Collection of 10 copies and original black and white photographs and printed articles relating to skiing on the Bogong High Plains. Some pieces have been enlarged to A3 poster size copies for display purposes 1. Copy of black and white photograph of group of skiers at Falls Creek 2. Copy of photograph of early skier on Bogong High Plains with temporary buildings and tents in the background 3. Copy of photograph of 3 skiers on Mt McKay 4. Copy of SECV photograph of Rocky Valley Camp under snow 5. Early sepia photograph of Falls Creek village with skiers in the foreground 6. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of owning a holiday home in the Bogong Village area 7. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of holidaying in and around Falls Creek/Mt Beauty 8. Panoramic view of ski fields with skis in the foreground 9. Photograph of young skier (identity unknown) 10. Photograph of 2 male skiers (identity unknown) performing a small jump 1. Bogong Ski Club Members & Friends 1944 2. Jack Neve – electrician. Rocky Valley 3. 17.5.55 Skiers ascending Mt McKay 4. State Electricity Commission of Victoria. Date:17.8.55 No:K8132 Kiewa Hydro Electric Works. Rocky Valley Camp – From Engineering Office 5 & 9 No markings 6 & 7 Short article relating to photos on each page 8. Handwritten signature on rear of photo (Sandra Conea) 10 Faded unreadable photographers stamp and handwritten numbers 6875 on rear secv; bogong high plains; skiers; falls creek; tourism

These handkerchiefs come from the estate of Ena Heazlewood. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920 and worked as a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. In 1942 she married a Warrnambool man, Jack Heazlewood, who was stoker on the H.M.A.S. Sydney at the time. They later lived in Sydney. These items are of interest as examples of the handkerchiefs found in a woman’s collection mid last century and as mementoes of a former Warrnambool resident, Ena Heazlewood. These are seven handkerchiefs. .1 A silk handkerchief with a white centre and a green dot pattern border .2 A white silk handkerchief with an embroidered spray of pink flowers and green stems in one corner .3 A white silk handkerchief with multi-coloured embroidery in one corner .4 & .5 Two white silk handkerchiefs with a multi-coloured embroidered letter ‘E’ in one corner and a fluted embroidered edge. .6 & .7 Two pink nylon handkerchiefs with a fluted edge and an overall impressed pattern of pink flowers and green stems .6 & .7 Nylon Made in Japanvintage women’s accessories, todd & heazlewood families, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

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