Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: CEP (Community Employment Programs) allowed for duplication of master tapes for storage off-site and development of computer catalogue records, budget estimate requires raising $600,000 in funds which has resulted in 1987 facing serious financial challenges, negotiations with RVIB broken down as print-handicapped philosophy not shared, Braille Book of the Year judges (Joyce Nicholson, Barrett Reid and Stephen Murray-Smith) shortlisted titles for readers to vote upon (John Bryson, Evil Angels) and best narrator (The Bathurst) went to Sean Myers, organisational restructure, resignation of Barbara Johnston and David Blyth, appointment of Jill Keeffe, new borrowers now waiting 11 months to receive first book due to limited staffing levels, bright orange cassette containers introduced (replacing pouches), Otari duplicating system first year in use, 'In Future' and 'Australian Geographic' began, 45 audio magazines including 1 Greek and 3 Italian now circulating, Braille Reading Marathon held, large print collection expanded due to Fitzroy Public Library discarding stock, Versapoint embosser purchased and link with Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia through Braille book catalogue.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Yhonnie SCARCE (1973- ) Born Woomera, South Australia Language group: Kokatha, Southern desert region and Nukunu, Spencer region Yhonnie Scarce works predominantly in glass. She majored in glass withing a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) course at the South Australian School of Art, Adelaide, and holds a Master of Fine Arts from Monash University. One of the first contemporary Australian artists to explore the political and aesthetic power of glass, Scarce describes her work as ‘politically motivated and emotionally driven’. Scarce’s work often references the on-going effects of colonisation on Aboriginal people, In particular her research focus has explored the impact of the removal and relocation of Aboriginal people from their homelands and the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their families. (https://thisisnofantasy.com/artist/yhonnie-scarce/, accessed 10 September 2018)Artist's Statement 'The More Bones the Better', 2016 Yhonnie Scarce was born in Woomera, SA and belongs to the Kokatha and Nukunu peoples. Scarce embraces a non traditional approach to glass blowing using glass as more than a mere material, acting as a lens and a mirror, Scarce reflects and exposes the tragedies of Australia’s colonisation. She applies the technical rigours of traditional glass blowing techniques in an innovative and unconventional manner. In particular Scarce uses glass to explore the lives and histories of Aboriginal Australians. Hand blown glass is shaped, engraved, painted and smashed to create indigenous fruits and vegetables such as bush bananas, bush plums and long yams symbolic of her peoples culture and traditions. With their elongated, torso-like shapes, they even evoke human bodies. Akin to a gatherer of bush food Scarce creates glass-gatherings of the persecuted. The repetition of brittle ambiguous bodies collected for experimentation and examination conjures the relentless impact of colonisation and the litany of abuses suffered by Aboriginal people. Within her research Scarce encountered a variety of ethnographic studies examining the use of scientific interventions amongst Indigenous cultures. These include Government sanctioned illegal drug testing of children in orphanages and other dubious medical practices amongst indigenous prison inmates. This work metaphorically looks at these situations and poses questions of what might have gone on in such a laboratory. The judge of the 2017 Guirguis New Art Prize (GNAP), Simon Maidment, Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Victoria said; “The winning work by Yhonnie Scarce captures the sensitivity to materials she displays throughout her artistic practice. The blown and shattered glass elements are a delicate contrast to the shocking and little discussed histories of Aboriginal exploitation and abuse in the name of science in Australia. Engaging this topic, this work is haunting, in the same way those lived and documented experiences continue to haunt the collective unconscious of this country. Yhonnie Scarce’s work, The More Bones the Better 2016, I believe makes an important contribution to the Collection of Federation University Australia and will engage and move diverse audiences with its technical accomplishment, beauty and message. Yhonnie Scarce was born in Woomera SA and belongs to the Kokatha and Nukunu peoples. Scarce embraces a non-traditional approach to glass blowing using her medium as more than a mere material. Applying the technical rigours of traditional glass blowing in an innovative and unconventional manner, Scarce’s glass objects act as a lens and a mirror to reflect and expose the tragedies of Australia’s colonisation and, in particular, explore the lives and histories of Aboriginal Australians. Hand-blown glass is shaped, engraved, painted and smashed to represent indigenous fruits and vegetables such as bush bananas, bush plums and long yams, symbolic of Scarce’s people’s culture and traditions. While these elongated shapes on the one hand represent fruit and vegetables, gathered and grouped as in the gathering of bush food, Scarce’s torso-like bodies and forms are glass ‘gatherings’ representative of the gathering of people. Here, the many brittle bodies act as a metaphor for the collection, experimentation and examinations undertaken by government authorities on Aboriginal communities researched by Scarce. Exposing a variety of ethnographic studies, examining the use of scientific interventions on Indigenous cultures, Scarce also revealed Government sanctioned illegal drug testing of children in orphanages and other dubious medical practices undertaken on indigenous prison inmates. Scarce’s gatherings also reflect the impact of colonisation and the relentless conjuring and litany of abuses suffered by Aboriginal people. The More Bones the Better metaphorically looks at these situations and poses questions of what was undertaken and investigated in these laboratories. guirguis new art prize, yhonnie scarce, glass, aboriginal

Druids are known to exist from around the 3rd century B.C. Their name may have come from a Celtic word meaning “knower of the oak tree.” Many of their ceremonies were carried out in oak groves, which they considered sacred and members were, at that time a mix of priest, judge, doctor and philosopher. The Druids enjoyed a revival in the 19th century and were taken up enthusiastically during the Victorian era. Druidry was believed to have been introduced into Australia in 1851 with the setting up of the first lodge in Melbourne under the name United Ancient Order of Druids. Unlike the Freemasons, the Druids were not a secret society and were not selective in who they let in, as long as they paid their dues and acted more like a benevolent society than a spiritual movement. "They originally operated when there were few benefits available from the government or employers and the introduction of sick leave and other employer provided benefits, combined with the gradual introduction of government subsidised medicine, caused the need for them to diminish." Druids House — in Swanston Street, was opened by the Lord Mayor in 1927 and was designed to be the movement's national head office. It was completed at a cost of 19,000 pounds. This photograph was believed to have been commissioned by the Druids of Bendigo to the Licensees of the Queens Head pub where they regularly met, situated on the corner of the Bendigo-Maryborough Rd & the Calder Alternate Hwy ( Lockwood Cross Roads). The old Marong Council offices were situated opposite from 1864 until around 1908 when new offices were then built in Marong. It is believed that this photograph and a photo of the pub were given to Marong Shire by descendants of the publicans, probably in the 90’s. Framed black and white group photographic portrait of 37 members of the Sandhurst Chapter of the Druids staged and shot outdoors. Each of the gentlemen is carrying a bouquet of flowers. The photograph has a gold inner mount with the second mount cut to give the impression of a frame. The outer mount is hand painted with botanical motifs and elaborate text c.t. DRUIDS Sandhurst Lodge/ No 247. l.c Presented to Mr and Mrs Chadwick / Lockwood / in recognition for kindness rendered.W. G. Robinson / Photo and J.H. Gribble / Long Gully / 1,11,10robinson photographer, j.h.b. gribble artist, chadwick, shire of marong, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of greater bendigo community groups

Martin Romuld was born near Trondheim in Norway on September 26, 1905. He started jumping on skis at age 6 or 7 and became very good at it. He completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Trondheim and decided to come to Australia. He arrived on 7 March 1928 and found a job with the SEC. The SEC wanted to investigate the possibility of a hydrological surveys necessary to determine the flow of water over a period of years. These surveys started in 1934 and continued until 1941. He lived at Wilkinson’s hut for most of the time during those years both in summer and winter. In his role with the SEC, Martin visited all the various creeks to measure water flow rates as often as was necessary. These skis were used on his winter rounds during the time he spent in the area. Martin also competed in skiing during the 1930s. He won the combined Australian title 3 or 4 times. He was unbeatable in cross country, probably due to the continual practice in his job. Before migrating to Australia, Martin had been runner up in the 1926 European Jump Championships held in France. Jumping was his favourite thrill and he would often construct a jump for practice near the Scout Hut (or Rover Chalet) quite near to Wilkinson’s. In 1941 Martin joined the Royal Australian Air Force and after the War skied mainly at Mt Buller. He maintained his involvement in competitive skiing as an official. In 1958 Martin was the main judge of the National jump which was held to the left of the Nissen tow. He also designed the jumping course at the Donna Buang snow fields. Martin Romuld was Co Vice-President of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs in 1949, along with Tom Mitchell M.L.A. Martin Romuld died on 14 July 1998 in Prahran, Victoria,These skis are significant because they belonged to a pioneer of Falls Creek and the sport of skiing in Australia.A set of skis made for Martin Romuld. They are made from American hickory which arrived in Australia via Norway in October 1933. Andy Broad made the skis and they were furnished with steel edges. There was enough hickory for 18 pairs of skis and a pair of competition cross country skis were also made for Martin Romuld. martin romuld', falls creek pioneers, australian skiing history

This programme details the bands that participated in the 1934 brass band contests at South Street. Called the "Centenary" contest, it was a celebration of the first 100 years of the State of Victoria and attracted bands from across Australia and New Zealand. Special guests were the Duke of Gloucester and the Band of His Majesty's Grenadier Guards who were touring Australia at the time. The contest included all grades of bands and was judged a huge success.This programme is significant as it signifies a major historical even on the brass band calendar and the visits of eminent people from England. It also displays all the band from around Australia and New Zealand that took part, and the grades that they participated in. This programme shows how a typical brass band contest at South Street would have been run and the sections that were available to competitors. The item is a small programme printed on yellowed paper and covered with a soft card cover. This programme was designed to fit inside pockets.victorian bands' league, royal south street society, duke of gloucester, band of his majesty's grenadier guards, woolston brass band

In a "LED HORSE" category, the horse is presented bridled and unsaddled. The handler leads the horse in clockwise direction on the circle. The horse is required to walk and trot and stand to be judged. The judge looks for correct conformation of the horse as well as ahorse that is neatly presented and in good condition. Straight movement, correctness and quality of paces and obedience of the horse are also taken into consideration. This trophy was sponsored by Manns of Wodonga. The Mann family operated a major business in Wodonga for 85 years, beginning with a produce store in February 1921. It expanded to become one of Australia’s largest regional shopping centres, with a Supermarket, Hardware Store, Steel Store, Plumbing and Industrial supplies store, at one stage employing well over 100 people. The Mann Family sold the business in 2006.This item has local significance as it records winners in equestrian events at the Wodonga Show. The award was also presented by a prominent citizen of Wodonga.A wooden shield with metal plaques engraved with names and year of competition winners for the Supreme Champion Led horse at the Wodonga Show.On gold toned banner at top: "Manns of Wodonga" On bottom plate: Supreme Champion/ Led Horse of / the Wodonga Show" On smaller shields: "1976/MISS M McINTYRE/ GREEN VALLEY/CALYPSO", "1977 /MISS M McINTYRE/BIRRAHLEE LONICERA" , "1978/J. VINGE/ HILLINVIEW/BLACK PANTHER" , "1979/MRS A. WILKINSON/SWEET SUE"equestrian events wodonga show, wodonga show, supreme champion led horse, mann wodonga

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver George Judge standing on front of Locomotive X38 special train "Spirit of 96" The X class are a class of mainline diesel locomotives built by Clyde Engineering Victorian Railways between 1966 and 1976. X 38 was part of the second order. It entered service on Friday, 8th May 1970. X 37 and X 38 were built as replacements for the two S Class locomotives lost in the fatal Southern Aurora crash at Violet Town in 1969. It was later sold to Pacific National and rebuilt as XR550. "Spirit of 96" was a passenger train specially designed for cast and crew of the Australian 0-10 Network series “Number 96”. It was used to travel from Sydney to Melbourne for the annual TV Week Logie Awards. It was a silver, multi-carriage train with the Commissioner's carriage hooked up at the rear for VIPs. The 16 and a half-hour overnight journey, left from the centre of Sydney at 4.30 pm with a farewell party, complete with red carpet and jazz band in attendance. It featured whistle stop visits at country sidings and stations. Thousands of people turned out to see their favourite stars, before it arrived at Spencer Street station. The rail service of the time was keen to promote its overnight tourism packages, and for the journey the train was christened as the "Spirit of 96”. On front of locomotive "X38" On red black and white sign attached to the front rail of the locomotive "O/The Spirit of 96/Sydney-Melbourne/1974"railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, x class diesel locomotive, george judge, spirit of 96

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Left to right: Jack Hinchcliffe, George Lynch, Bill Orchard, Hec Lloyd, ; BILL ROWE; Bill Rowe, Bill McLaren, Jack Dore, Jack Bowden, George Judge, Harry Alderson, Charlie Edmondson, Fireman Cyril Hughes. Cyril Hughes was born on 30 January 1903, started cleaning on 17 December 1924 and passed his Driving Qualifications on 27 June1941. "Sir Thomas Mitchell" Considered by many to be Victorian Railways' greatest passenger locomotives, the 4 S class steam locomotives were the first 3 cylinder steam locomotives. This small class was built to run the Melbourne to Albury passenger trains and spent their entire careers on the North East line. They were built unstreamlined and ran in this condition until 1937. The streamlining modifications complimented the all new "Spirit Of Progress" carriages. The S class ran the "Spirit" until 1952 at which time the newly delivered B class diesels took over. Locomotive S301 - the "Sir Thomas Mitchell" was withdrawn in October 1953, having covered 1,414,367 miles. On the locomotive in the background "SIR THOMAS MITCHELL"railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, steam locomotive s301, locomotive "sir thomas mitchell"

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Group of railway men at send-off to Wally Riley and Tom Symonds in Wodonga in 1987.Back two rows L-R: R. Heathcote, J. Young, Rex McDonnell, Les Hallawell, Jack Dawe, Tom Symonds, Mick Seymour, M. Bergin, M. McGrath, R. McGrath, C. Symes, M. Matthews, M. Sandilands, S. Wishers, K. Ross, D. McIntosh, G. Robinson, Bert Cadman, J. Wise, K. Hill, Hugh Fraser, Frank Conway, Alan Smythe. Front row: K. Dainer, S. Rigby, Wally Riley, Doug West, Mick O’Brien, M. Steff, Leo Wilkinson, George Judge.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railway men, tom symonds, wally riley

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Group of railway men at send-off to Len Gregson, Bill McAnanly and David Provan in 1988Back row: Bill Welsh. Vin Snow, Mick Seymour, Steve Cupper, Bill McAnanly, George Judge, Keith Moore, Frank Conway, Bertie Brown (NSW Driver), Hughie Fraser, Ron McGrath, Alan Elvish, Wally Riley Front row: George O’Neill (NSW Shunter), Roy Wegener, David Provan, Les Hallawell, Geoff Williams, Len Gregsonrailways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railway men, david provan, bill mcananly

GEOFFREY RICARDO (1964- ) Born Melbourne, AustraliaAn ex libris bookplate featuring a kangaroo holding books in her pouch. This etching won the 5th Biennial Australian Bookplate Award in 2015. Judge Sasha Grishin said of the winning bookplate "Geoffrey Ricardo's bookplate marries the tradition of exquisite intaglio Ex Libris prints with a comic Australian subject matter that is distinctive, original and very memorable," Grishin says. Bookplates are commonly designed by artists for book lovers to identify their ownership, and usually use personal iconography to represent the bookworm's life and interests. Ricardo's aquatint etching is different in that he made it for himself. Art critic and Australian National University professor Sasha Grishin​ was one of the judges of the $7500 prize. "Geoffrey Ricardo's bookplate marries the tradition of exquisite intaglio Ex Libris prints with a comic Australian subject matter that is distinctive, original and very memorable," Grishin says. ( http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/geoffrey-ricardos-kangaroo-etching-wins-australian-bookplate-design-award-20151208-gli6qy.html#ixzz42XzJ0AMH) Subjectsbookplate, geoffrey ricardo, keith wingrove memorial trust, australian bookplate design award, kangaroo, award

Photograph with caption 'Sisters of the Australian / Army Nursing Service / leaving Melbourne yester- / day for service in a / northern zone. Judging / by their happy smiles / they are pleased at the / prospect.'Newspaper clipping of a photo with caption'NC9'wwii, world war ii, world war two, australian army nursing service

Bendigo Poultry Society was established in early 1906.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2003. running the show: this photo of the Bendigo District Poultry Society appeared on page 33 of the Australian Hen on August 5, 1906. It was taken by E. Bond and is of the Society's committee and officers on the opening day of their show on June 30. Back row from left: A. Bidwell, J.R. Macaulay (vice-president), R.G. Eames, E. Trevarton, J.W. Ramage (vice-president), W.J. Hill, A. Thomas. Centre row: S. Cocking (assistant-secretary), A. Mueller, A. Berthold, J.N. Neilson, Bert Mitchell (honorary treasurer), T.H. Eames. Front row: P. Mitchell (steward), A.E. Moffit (honorary secretary), J.J. Young (pigeon judge), W.H. Wallis (president), E. Hanbury, R. Thorne, A. Steel (poultry judge). The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

The hearing of the case of John T. Burns, retired railway employee, of Buckley Street, Essendon v. Philip Cooney, licensed victualler, was concluded in the Supreme Court of Victoria (Bendigo) in June 1921. John sued the defendant for a specific performance of contract regarding the sale of ingoing furniture, etc., of the Limerick Castle Hotel, in Williamson Street, Bendigo. He also claimed the profits of the business from 21 February last to the date of possession. Burns also applied for an injunction restraining the defendant from disposing of the lease, licence and furniture of the hotel and premises to anybody else. The defence was that no agreement had been made between defendant and plaintiff for the sale of the hotel lease, although several attempts had been made to bring them to an agreement. Mr Cooney had authorized Mr. J. F. Kelly to sell the ingoing for £750. Burns had offered £650, but the defendant refused to accept that sum. The jury returned a verdict in favour of plaintiff. Judgment was deferred, pending an appeal, it was again heard by the High Court (Melbourne) and the onto the High Court of Australia (Sydney) on a point of law. The legal principle determined by this appeal is of great importance to buyers and sellers of landed property establishing the rule of law: that a house and land agent cannot, safely sell such property without the authority of the owner in writing, signed by such owner. It appears that the hotel-owner's agents had organised a sale to of the hotel along with furniture etc. to John Burns. The owner of the hotel Philip Cooney then objected to the sale of the furniture, although at some stage John Burns offered him 650 pounds to cover the items. The appeal came up for argument before the High Court at its Melbourne sittings on February 20 1922 the hearing extending over four days. Mr. Charles Gavan Duffy (instructed by Messrs. Quick and Luke Murphy) appeared for the appellant, and Messrs; Cohen and Robertson (instructed by Messrs. Macoboy and Taylor); for the respondent. The last court of appeal, the High Court in Sydney reserved its decision, as follows: The Appeal was allowed, with, costs. Judgment to he entered for the defendant Philip Clooney. The Deposit of £50 to be returned to the defendant.48 Pages - A Court Case involving the Limerick Castle Hotel in Williamson Street, Bendigo - Transcript "on appeal from the Supreme Court of Victoria at Bendigo to the High Court of Australia. 1921 No. 4 between Phillip Cooney (Appellant) and John Thomas Burns (Respondent). Quick and Luke Murphy, Chancery Lane, Solicitors for the Appellant. The Document contains seven sections: 1. Statement of Claim 2. Defenant's request for further particulars under the statement of claim 3. Plaintiff's further particulars 4. Defence 5. Reply 6. Judge's notes of evidence taken at the trial 7. Plaintiff's Exhibits - "A" lease, the Trustees, Executors and Agency Company Limited to Appelant "B" Notice of Application to Transfer Licence of Hotel to Responent, testimonials by Messrs. H. Donovan and J. K. Byrne "C" Assignment of Lease, Appelant to Responentbendigo, limerick castle hotel, john burns, philip cooney

Small 95 page booklet published in 1857 by Fairfax, Melbourne and inscribed by W. D. Lang.non-fictionRev John Dunmore Lang's defence of his son who was imprisoned for his part in the fraud at the Bank of New South Wales Ballarat and Clunes in 1854.drake, lang, rev john dunmore lang, ballarat, clunes, select committee of enquiry

Considered in terms of both loss of property and loss of life, the Black Friday bushfires on 13 January 1939 were one of the worst disasters to have occurred in Australia and certainly the worst bushfire up to that time. The fires burnt 2 million hectares, 69 sawmills were destroyed, 71 people died, and several towns and sawmills were entirely obliterated. Among those killed were four men from the Commission The subsequent Royal Commission conducted by Judge Leonard Stretton has been described as one of the most significant inquiries in the history of Victorian public administration. Its recommendations led to sweeping changes. In addition to building dams and water points, the Stretton Royal Commission recommended expanding and controlling the use of bushfire dugouts at forest sawmills. Well-constructed dugouts had saved the lives of many sawmill workers and their families during the 1939 bushfires. But in some locations, they had proved fatal. Dugouts became mandatory for those few sawmills that remained in the forest after the 1939 fires. Many remote logging coupes and FCV roading camps also had dugouts. The local District Forester was required to make annual pre-season inspections of all dugouts on State forests and those within the Fire Protected Area (FPA). Some were built privately on private land. Most were primitive construction with a log or corrugated iron roof covered with earth. A hessian bag often hung at the entrance to keep the heat and smoke out. But they were dark and damp with snakes and other creepy crawlies often lurking inside. By 1940-41 there were 19 new dugouts constructed by the Commission and a further 128 by forest licensees. Ten years later there were 8 new Commission dugouts and 21 new ones built by other interests. By 1960-61 the rate of new builds was declining but the Commission still managed 103 dugouts while 127 were looked after by others. However, as the forest road network improved and gave all-weather access to modern two-wheel-drive vehicles the reliance on dugouts receded.Large metal sign that was positioned near forest dugoutsbushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv)