Doris Lilian Wright of 214 Union Road was a milliner but joined the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) in the early war years. The Women’s Australian National Service (WANS) was inaugurated in 1940. Training for members of the WANS included air raid drills, first aid, basic military drills, and even shooting, signalling, and mechanics. AWAS on formed on 13 August 1941 with the objective of releasing more men into forward areas. The Army was particular with its recruiting and four references were required; another stipulation was that teeth were in good condition. Doris was located at Elwood. Their training area was along the foreshore and one day to their great surprise there were crowds of American Marines – "the cream of the American Army". These were the first Americans to arrive in Australia to strengthen the defence of the country. The Americans soon went north and the AWAS went off to Balcombe on the Mornington Peninsula. At this time there were no uniforms for the girls only ‘giggle’ dresses – of a non-descript colour. They were not expected to appear in public in these and wore civilian dress. Japan had just entered the war and there were more urgent demands on restricted supplies. The formal uniforms eventually arrived.A black and white photograph of a lady in an army uniform and wearing a hat.union road, surrey hills, uniforms, clothing and dress, (miss) doris wright, australian women's army service

The First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work was held at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, from 23 October to 30 November 1907. It was opened by Lady Northcote (the wife of Australia’s Governor General) and Pattie Deakin (wife of the Prime Minister), who also ran a model creche during the exhibition. The five week exhibition showcased the work of women musicians, artists and craftswomen with over 16,000 exhibits in all fields of artistic endeavour. It was attended by approximately 250,000 people. Exhibits were divided into Classes, including Fine Arts; Applied Arts; Photography; Plain Needlework; Cookery, Preserves and Laundry Work; Horticulture; and Medical and Nursing. This item was owned by Mrs. Alice Yardy nee Dinsmore, grandmother of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small green glass vase with gilt edge which was produced as a souvenir of the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work held at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne in 1907. It has been inscribed in gold lettering. "Alice Women's Exhibition 1907"vase, glassware, decorative items

White thin carboard A4 sized folded in half. Colour images throughout. Red colour accents throughout. official event

Yellow and brown covered book. 38 pages. Sepia toned images throughout. Black writing with yellow accents. White paper page on inside of coverannual report, financial documents

A4 page of complied print media about financial troubles and a possible closure of the QVWC. Possibly from all from Melbourne times.Marking in blue pen ink o dates and page numbers. at the bottom there is a cut out o a newspaper headline reading Yarra River fish face extinction and the inscription above reads "And now the Melb Times has the ish facing 'final days'. Seems to be the Melb Times spin on everything" correspondence, historic building, business and finance

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture for a SEC Inspector, shows the "braid" worn by inspectors and has a strong association with Theo Dunstan.SEC Inspectors/Conductors cap - black cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band with gold trimmings, on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC gold coloured metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak. Fitted with and "Inspector" cap badge - brass, has been polished with Brasso remains on interior of letters. Received from donor as three individual items - reassembled. Assumed made by the Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne, as identical style to that of a crew cap.tramways, trams, ballarat, uniforms, cap, inspectors

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture, badge and has a strong association with a former Ballarat Driver - Jock Menzies.SEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak fitted with cap or badge No. 60, nickel plated silver, in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne" and stamped "6 3/8". See also Reg. Item 3044 for an ex Geelong cap.tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

Parade of Combined Women's Services (Navy, Army & Air Force) Through City Streets, Tuesday 19th October 1943 2 copies of letter from GJ Dean, Acting Town Clerk, City of Melbourne regarding arrangements for parade. Letter dated 9 October 1943. 2 copies of memo from Simpson, Assistant Manager to officers concerned regarding tram and bus arrangements. Memo dated 13 October 1943 Memos from Dist Traffic Supt SS, JM Harry to Assistant Manager, Mr Bell and depot masters and inspectors. Memos dated 18 October 1943"City March - Tues 19/10/43" written in blue pencil across top of letter and in red pencil across one memo.trams, tramways, letters, instructions, events, world war i

Belonged to Lt. Col. Duffy MC - see catalogue No. 4991P.1 & 2. Officers Peak cap - blackwood felt fabric cap with red edge trim and red wool felt hat band and black leather chin strap secured by gilt Australian Military Forces metal buttons. At front of hat band is a gold coloured embroidered badge of a lion over a Queens crown. peak decorated with gold braid. 1. Lining - black satin fabric with plastic cover, mid brown leather sweatband. Makers label "Commonwealth/Government/Clothing Factories/Melbourne" 7 3/6. 2. Lining - brown satin fabric, mid brown leather sweatband. uniform, military

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture. Appears to be unworn.SEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne" and stamped "6 1/2". On the right hand side of the inside of the brown band, stamped in gold is the Australian Coat of Arms and the words "A quality product / made in Australia / by the Dept. of Supply". Appears never to have been used.tramways, trams, ballarat, uniforms, cap

Photograph of eight women. Back Row L - R - D. MONTAGUE; A LEADEN; M WALTON. Middle Row L - R - P. NICOL; J. FRY; E. NYMAN (Ethel Mavis NYMAN). Front Row L - R - D. POTTER; C. JONES Ethel NYMAN (17), who lived in Coburg ,was murdered on Port Melbourne Beach on the evening of 2 Feb 1946. Her killer was apprehended the next day.Small sepia photograph of 8 women against a bush background On reverse names of the women plus * Found murdered under Station Pierport melbourne beach, p. nicol, j fry, ethel mavis nyman, d potter, c jones, a leaden, m walton, d montague

Copy of a letter dated 1st September 1970 from C.A. Gordon of George G. Henderson Pty Ltd (Auctioneers) and addressed to Legatee Rossman (sic) (Legatee G K Rosman was chair of the Residences Committee in 1969 and an active Legatee from 1957-2013). The copy was directed to Hugh C.G. Rodgers (Legatee from 1964-96) according to the With Compliments slip attached. In the letter Gordon mentions a booklet (missing) about accommodation for single women which the YWCA in Great Britain maintained, and which they were hoping to provide in Australia. He also suggested that Legacy might wish to contribute to the project. Part of the history of Melbourne Legacy's involvement with residential care for children.2 photocopied quarto sheets, black on white, with printed and typed black on white. With Compliments card attached. Two holes punched for filing. residences, review

From 1944-1996, Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Recipes from the members of the Bradvale Branchlocal significant events, local identities

20 page Magazine photocopy in black and white with following contents where the first figure is the page number and this is followed by the article title then the author.#41 Annual Report 2006 - Gail Stiffe News from the Register Gail Stiffe just a thought: - Ev Hales The Goddess's Embrace - Naomi Downie Shared Space - Gosia Wlodarczak The Bits Between - Jan Altmann Tea And Teachings - Denise Keele-Bedford 2006 Some Notes from a Canberra Correspondent - Kerry Anne Cousins Painting her way out of hell - Rhubee Neale The Women's Health Information Centre - Jacinta Waters Conrad Jupiters 2006 Art Prize - Susan Buret Opportunities Exhibitions Back issues of the Bulletin About the Register gosia wlodarczak, ev hales, naomi downie, rhubee neale, women's health information centre, susan buret, veronica caven-aldous

This is a plain black full length woollen skirt that women wore during winter in Moorabbin Shire when working around the house c1910. The early settler women were skilled dressmakers and made the clothing for their familiesA typical day skirt worn whilst doing housework by early settler women c1910. The family of Nance Blackburn were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireClothing, Lady's black long woollen skirt with a drawstring waist and a side inserted pocket blackburn nance, early settlers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh clothing, dressmaking, moorabbin shire

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture, badge and has a strong association with a former Ballarat Driver - Norm HuntSEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak fitted with cap or badge No. 20, nickel plated silver, in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne (very faded)" and stamped "6 3/4". See also Reg. Item 3044 for an ex Geelong cap. Stored with the cap are a copy of the SEC By-Law 1, August 1965 and the Federal Rules of the ATMOEA - 1969 and three SEC tickets.tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

3044.1 SEC (Geelong) Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior. Black plastic peak fitted with cap or with four holes for the employee badge number in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factory Melbourne" and stamped "7 3/8". The plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side is not present. The holes for this are not visible - may not have been present on Geelong caps? 3044.2 - two small SEC Button badge - nickel plated silver with "Stokes" "Vic" stamped on rear. See also Reg. Item 2894 for a Ballarat Cap. On inside of leather hat band in ink "Mr. R. Evans" and "90 Albert St. West Geelong".tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

Card has 'Special Clothing Coupon Issue (Pre-natal) No V41769 and name and address filled in . Coupons on rear have a red 'C'.A rectangular cream card with red printing. Coupons on 3/4s of the card making five lines of 13 coupons and three lines of 7 coupons with two rows of 7 coupons cut out of a 1/4 0f the card. Card has 'Special Clothing Coupon Issue (Pre-natal) No V41769 and name and address filled in S Clarkson. Coupons on rear have a red 'C'.Commonwealth of Australia, 1747. Rg.D.3/165|Special Clothing Coupon Issue (Pre-Natal)|No.V41769documents, cards, certificates, identification

Suit owned by donor - Valda Arrowsmith and was worn to many City of Nunawading official functions.1980 Burgandy wool women's pleated skirt and three buttoned jacket. Jacket fully lined.Fletcher Jones Australia Finest Clothingcostume, female

This magazine has been collected for the article on page 2, "Pioneers and Painters" about the book published by the Shire of Eltham in celebration of its centenary, edited by Alan Marshall with a photo of Alan Marshall with the book. The article provides some background to Marshall's association with Eltham and Kangaroo Ground and includes notable mentions of Peter Glass, Cecile Glass, Clifton Pugh, Jon Olsen, Justus Jorgensen, Matcham Skipper, Montsalvat and Mudbrick houses. "The Australian Women's Weekly" has been digitised and is accessible via the National Library of Australia's Trove website. Digitised editions cover the period from its first issue in 1933 to 1982 only. The magazine published by Australian Consolidated Press out of Sydney, NSW was a national magazine and at times different issues were published for specific states. This particular issue is one such an example in that the August 4, 1971 edition available via Trove (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4888729) has a different front cover and the Alan Marshall article on page 2 does not exist. The cover on this edition was originally published in NSW on the July 28 issue (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4887489)alan marshall, cecile glass, clifton pugh, jon olsen, justus jorgensen, matcham skipper, montsalvat, mudbrick houses, peter glass, pioneers and painters

This is a woman's kilt (skirt, shawl and pin). Two of the objects were made by the Fletcher Jones clothing company. The Tartan is the Australian tartan which was designed by John Reid, a Melbourne architect, when he entered a competition run by the Scottish Australian Heritage Council. He chose the colours of the Outback as the basis of his tartan. The tartan is design registered in Australia (No. 97439). (Source: District Tartans, P. Smith and G Teall, 1992). This outfit was possibly made around 1990. David Fletcher Jones who served in World War One had a itinerant drapery business in the Western District before opening a tailoring business in Warrnambool in 1924.He began to specialise in men's clothing and in 1946 opened a shop in Melbourne. In 1948 he opened a clothing factory in Warrnambool and formed a new company Fletcher Jones and Staff. The company expanded to all states of Australia and included the manufacture of both men's and women's clothing making it one of the best known clothing companies in Australia. The company dissolved in 2011 This is a fine example of a Fletcher Jones clothing product and comes from a firm which was a dominant industry in Warrnambool and known Australia wide. It has further cultural significance being in The Australian Tartan..1 An orange/tan checked woollen kilt with a pleated skirt and straight panel at the front with a side fringe and a metal buckle It has an adjustable waist with buttons and metal clips. .2 A triangular shaped shawl in the same material as .1 .3 A metal pin or brooch in the shape of a sword and a circular piece with a swan image and a motto ENDURE FORT..1 Fletcher Jones AUSTRALIA'S FINEST CLOTHING PURE NEW WOOL .2 FLETCHER JONES AUTRALIA'S FINEST CLOTHING MADE IN AUSTRALIA .3 ENDURE FORT fletcher jones clothing company, warrnambool industries, australian tartan, tartan, australian tartan kilt, fletcher jones kilt

Wool and polyester khaki dress trousers. Two pleats at the front. Fob pocket on the right front. Front zip with metal closure and button tag.. Pockets on the left and right hips. Pocket on the back right side with hidden button and button hole.Seven belt loops on waist band. Four small horizontal loops on the waist band, two at the front and two at the back. Label on the inside on the lining of the back pocket states - A.G.C.F. (Australian Government Clothing Factory) Vic 1989. 8405.66.018.5545. Macquarie 89. Batch U. Size 87.5L W.87.5 IL.82 Army No. Name. Dry clean only. re press on original creases use damp cloth or medium to hot steam iron. White tag on the waist band on the right back stating - Size 87.5L. Tag on the right hand side on the back above the pocket stating - This tag is for identification only. Please remove before wearing. Docket No. 1106512 Order No. 29743836 Size 87.5L Garment No. 20851A Remarks 6I11Manufacturer - A.G.C.F. VIC 1989polyesters, dress trousers, wool polyester

Pioneer Women of Castlemaine and District. Printed by Castlemaine Mail, Castlemaine. Published by Business and Professional Women of Castlemaine and District. 56 pages. Inscriptions/Markings: Bendigo Historical SocietyBusiness and Professional Women of Castlemaine and Districthistory, castlemaine, business and professional women of castlemaine and district

Clothing. Women's elbow length black nylon gloves.Tag inside left glove. ''80% NYLON 20% ELASTANE'', Made in England.costume accessories, female, women's black nylon gloves

Clothing. Women's above the wrist black nylon gloves.Tag inside left glove. ''Nylon Simplex Nylofit'' by Glovers, Made in Hong Kong.costume accessories, female, women's black nylon gloves

The East Kew Women’s Club was formed on 20 July 1945 as an experiment amongst local women, who felt that there was a need for some organised group to give full scope to their various interests and hobbies. In the beginning, they met at the house of their founder, Mrs Eric Thake, 48 Harp Road, East Kew, but the growth and interest was so rapid that it was soon necessary to find a larger meeting place, so the group moved to the Harrier’s Pavilion in Victoria Park, Kew. At the fifth meeting of the group, a committee was formed, and a constitution adopted on 4 December 1945.The Club was aimed to be non-political, non-sectarian and open to women from any locality. The Club’s motto was “To Help others, Improve Ourselves, and Foster the Community Spirit”. The first twenty years of the Club was recorded in a small, nine-page publication “East Kew Women’s Club : Twenty Years 20-7-1945 - 30-7-1965”.Portrait photograph of Geraldine Ward, signed, dated and addressed to the Ladies of the East Kew Women's Club.Obverse: [Signed in ink] For the ladies of the East Kew Women's Club with warm wishes, Geraldine Ward 1960." [Reverse annotated] Presented to Society with Minute Books from East Kew Women's Club. / Signed Geraldine Ward across photo / KH-217 / {Stamped] Hand Hasenpflug Illustrative Photography, 62 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Phone CENT 2187.clubs -- kew east (vic.), east kew women's club, glenda ward

Clothing. Women's navy blue above the wrist leather gloves.costume accessories, female, women's navy blue leather gloves

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 1st to 5th Annual Meetings (1947-1951) and a list of financial members 33 x 21 x 1 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with green cloth spine binding; 132 pageseltham 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

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 centre of book are the minutes of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Annual Meetings (1952-1955) 32.5 x 20.5 x 1 cm; burgundy hard endcovers with burgundy cloth spine binding; contents almost separated from spine and cover plates; 94 pageseltham 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

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 10th, 11th and 12th Annual Meetings (1956-1958) The Pencraft Faint Account Book 32.5 x 20.5 x 0.5 cm; beige cardboard endcovers with red cloth spine binding; 66 pageseltham 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