History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.At rear of book are the minutes of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Annual Meetings (1959-1962). Also stuck on rear inside cover a list of financial members for 1960. Ritewell No. 246 Faint Only book 32.5 x 20.5 x 1 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with blue cloth spine binding; 128 pages (52 blank)eltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, meeting minutes, minute book, women's auxiliary

Shire of Eltham Archives: Series 69, Item 5 Video opens with panning view of completed kinder from Frank Street followed by images of the centre under construction then opening day speeches. Introduction and welcome by Mandy Press (Executive Officer, Shire of Eltham) with speeches by the Hon. Pauline Toner, Member for Eltham and Shire president, Cr. Alan Baker. The Hon. Pauline Toner acknowledged Shire President Alan Baker and her parliamentary colleagues Vin Heffernan, Neil Brown and Bob Halderson and Councillors; three levels of Government which led to the achievement of the kinder, and gave special thanks to the Council and parents for the forward planning to accommodate children from babyhood to school with childcare, kinder and baby health facilities all combined in one facility in the middle of parkland in a residential area. Shire President Cr Alan Baker then followed to formally open the centre. The site had been identified in early 1985 at that stage only as a pre-school but with an opportunity to develop, the additional services were driven by Cr Baker. Though a very long name, its simple message is "Care for Kids." Designed by architect Neil Biggins of Clark, Hopkins and Clark. Cr Baker stated that the theme of "people living in the environment" was very much encapsulated by the facility. Cr Baker informed that the construction of the facility had led to some concerns with a reduction in open space and potential traffic generated to the facility and those users of the facility were asked to ensure their use is sensitive to the local residents. Cr Baker talked about the financial costs and how the Federal grant funding was no longer as plentiful as previous and that the Victorian Government had come to the assistance thanks to Pauline Toner covering some other costs as well as the ongoing running costs of around $40,000. The Federal Government contributed $233,000 out of a childcare component rather than preschool. Cr Baker thanked Mandy Press again as well as Shire Engineer, John Stanton. Cr Baker also acknowledged Ed Latanzio who was in charge of the project, along with his colleague Alan Lansdowne; Gary Bartlett and his team for the exterior surroundings to the facility. He mentioned that Neil Biggins the architect had said not many Shire Councils show the same commitment to the exterior surroundings as the interior which was a credit to the Council and Gary Bartlett. He also thanked Bev Vern, Council's preschool advisor who assisted in developing the programs; Grant Roberts from Federal Office of Childcare for assisting the Cooperative in setting up the funding program; the builders George Takola and George Apted; Michelle Matello who undertook the needs analysis that identified another preschool was required; Cathy King who assisted in the development of the childcare program; Pat Grundy and Susan Forbes, Council officers who assisted with the development of the services and the members of the preschool committee. In addition, local residents and in particular Helen, Peter and Chris who advised Council of their concerns and worked with Council to overcome these issues; members of the Interim Steering Committee and the Directors of the Childcare Co-op. Cr Baker stated that the Co-op nature of the facility and the location of the three services under one roof was unique and the task of the programs was to be led by Annie, Dianne and Lynn Afternoon tea and activities followed the unveiling of the plaque. The video shows some of the children's entertainment and their engagement as well as interior and exterior views.VHS Video cassette Converted to MP4 file format 00:26:02; 302MBshire of eltham, video recording, shire of eltham archives, eltham shire council, alan lansdowne, bev vern, bob halderson, cathy king, clark hopkins and clark, councillors, cr. alan baker, ed latanzio, eltham, eltham woods childcare co-operative, federal government, federal office of childcare, frank street, gary bartlett, george apted, george takola, grant roberts, john stanton, mandy press, michelle matello, neil biggins, neil brown, pat grundy, pauline toner, people living in the environment, susan forbes, victorian government, vin heffernan

Construction of Eltham Town Park; landscape has been scupltured and lakes formed. View looking up towards intersection of Bridge Street with Main Road. On the high side of Main Road is Garni Burges former home at the corner of Bridge Street then further to the left the former bakery on the corner of York Street. On the opposite corner is the feed store now the site of Le Pine Funerals. The park was later renamed Alistair Knox Park.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)Memorial Park 25 July 1973eltham, main road, alistair knox park, eltham town park, shillinglaw cottage, bridge street

Construction of Eltham Town Park, later renamed Alistair Knox Park. In the distance can be seen the Eltham Tip accessed from Susan Street and the Shell Service Station which was situated on the corner of Susan Street and Bridge Street, now the site of Bunnings35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)alistair knox park, eltham town park, eltham tip, shell service station, susan street

Construction of Eltham Town Park, later renamed Alistair Knox Park. View looking across Shillinglaw Cottage and what was to be developed as the Eltham Town Common (now the site of the Eltham Library) across to the Eltham Town Park development.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)alistair knox park, eltham town park, eltham tip, eltham town common, shillinglaw cottage

Construction of Eltham Town Park, later renamed Alistair Knox Park. View looking across the front of Shillinglaw Cottage and what was to be developed as the Eltham Town Common (now the site of the Eltham Library) across to the Eltham Town Park development. To the right is the Eltham Trestle Bridge and to the left what was once the overflow site for the Susan Street Tip.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)alistair knox park, eltham town park, eltham tip, eltham town common, eltham trestle bridge

Construction of Eltham Town Park, later renamed Alistair Knox Park. View looking up towards Main Road and the old bakery and feed store on opposite corners of York Street. The feed store is the present site of Le Pine Funerals.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)alistair knox park, eltham town park, main road

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency (x19) Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Construction of the Kangaroo Ground tip was required following filling and closure of the Susan Street tip and overflow site near the Eltam Trestle bridge35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)graham road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground tip

Photo taken immediately prior to the demolition of the old baker's shop on the corner of Main Road and York Street, Eltham. Joh Ebeli and Elwers Howard endeavoured to preserve some parts of the house. The old weatherboard building, possibly dating from the 1860s, comprised a dwelling with a shop in the front room opening off a timber verandah deck which directly fronted the Main Road footpath. At the rear is a brick building of much later date which was for many years used for the bakery. The buildings were demolished for flat construction. Publicity at the time was oriented toward moves to preserve the weatherboard building which came from a number of individuals including members of this society. The society had no official connection with any proposal to retain the building or any part of it on any other site. The issues involved were part of a wider consideration of the matter of preservation of historic buildings. In this case the Society and in particular the committee had been aware for some years of the impending demolition. The possibility of the preservation of the building had been canvassed on a number of occasions. The Society’s view was that whilst the baker’s shop was an interesting old building which contributed to the character of Main Road, it was not of sufficient importance to wage an organised campaign for its preservation. It considered that if the building were to be preserved for historical reasons it would be far more feasible to retain it in its present location than to re-build it on another site.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfachrome Professional black (Germany) 4 dotsmain road, old eltham bakery, york street

Photo taken immediately prior to the demolition of the old baker's shop on the corner of Main Road and York Street, Eltham. Joh Ebeli and Elwers Howard endeavoured to preserve some parts of the house. The old weatherboard building, possibly dating from the 1860s, comprised a dwelling with a shop in the front room opening off a timber verandah deck which directly fronted the Main Road footpath. At the rear is a brick building of much later date which was for many years used for the bakery. The buildings were demolished for flat construction. Publicity at the time was oriented toward moves to preserve the weatherboard building which came from a number of individuals including members of this society. The society had no official connection with any proposal to retain the building or any part of it on any other site. The issues involved were part of a wider consideration of the matter of preservation of historic buildings. In this case the Society and in particular the committee had been aware for some years of the impending demolition. The possibility of the preservation of the building had been canvassed on a number of occasions. The Society’s view was that whilst the baker’s shop was an interesting old building which contributed to the character of Main Road, it was not of sufficient importance to wage an organised campaign for its preservation. It considered that if the building were to be preserved for historical reasons it would be far more feasible to retain it in its present location than to re-build it on another site.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfachrome Professional black (Germany) 4 dotsmain road, old eltham bakery, york street

Site fencing in background for construction of the new Eltham Library35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteeltham, shillinglaw cottage, panther place

New tennis courts on Diamond Street, Diamond Creek. The car belongs to Dr. E. Cordner Senior who was a keen tennis and football player. The courts were originally located at a site below Fyffe Street but were demolished when railway construction began in 1911. - Yarra Plenty Regional Library (via Picture Victoria) http://www.picturevictoria.vic.gov.au/site/nillumbik/NillumbikLocalHistoryDigitisationProject/6918.html The official opening of the Diamond Creek Tennis Club was on Saturday, December 2nd, 1922 where Dr. E. R./ Cordner (President) presided. 1922 'Diamond Creek.', Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), 8 December, p. 2. (AFTERNOON), viewed 16 Feb 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56637465 The car belonging to Dr Cordner is a Ford Model T. The first Australian made Model T came off the production line in Geelong, 1 July, 1925. Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmcar, diamond creek, diamond creek tennis club, diamond street, dr edward rae cordner snr, ford model t, motor vehicles