Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. In this photo, she is posing for a photo with two AFV members and/or volunteers.B&W photo of three women inside a shop. The woman in the centre is dressed in a long evening gown, a long beaded necklace and novelty sunglasses in the shape of two swans. She is flanked by two other women who are dressed in contemporary day dresses in printed fabrics. The two women are each holding a flowering gladioli stem. In the background, there is a lace-edge valance hanging across the ceiling.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, members, volunteers, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. In this photo, she is posing for a photo with some of the second-hand fashions that are available for sale.B&W photo of a woman holding up some clothes on hangers inside a shop. She is wearing a long evening gown, a long beaded necklace and novelty sunglasses in the shape of two swans. Behind her are some racks of clothes.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, second-hand clothing, second-hand clothes, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. This photo depicts a woman dressed as satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage. The 'Dame Edna' impersonator was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds.B&W photo of a woman and a man at a suburban shopping strip. They are walking along the footpath towards one another. She is dressed in a long evening gown and is carrying a bunch of long-stemmed flowers, the top of which are resting over one shoulder. He is dressed in a shirt and trousers, and is looking down at the single long-stem of flowers that he is carrying. Hanging from the overhead veranda ceiling above are a sign and a banner. The sign (partially obscured) says, "...H CONVERTERS". The banner says, "CA$H CONVERTERS NEW DRIVE THRU BUYING CENTRE REAR LANE EASY ACCESS". There is a narrow laneway (partially obscured) beside the building.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, she hands a flowering gladioli stem to a passing shopper.B&W photo of two woman at a suburban shopping strip. One woman is wearing a long evening gown, a long beaded necklace and novelty sunglasses in the shape of two swans. She is carrying a bunch of long-stemmed gladioli flowers. The other woman is dressed in dark coloured t-shirt, trousers, and shoes. They are standing in front of a bookshop. There are numerous posters throughout the shop and in the shop window with the text, "RECORD BREAKING PRICES RECORD BREAKERS RECORD BREAKING SAVINGS".arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, shopper, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, 'Dame Edna' is surrounded by a few passers by.COL photo of several people at a suburban shopping strip. To the right of the frame is a woman. She is wearing a royal blue evening dress, a wig, beaded necklaces, and red novelty glasses. There is someone walking behind her, in the opposite direction. To the left of the frame, there are two men are talking to one another. In the foreground, in the centre of the frame, a person with a black shoulderbag on their shoulder is walking past. Behind her, another person (completely obscured) is carrying a bunch of long flowering gladioli stems. There are a few men standing or walking past. One of them is holding a flowering gladioli stem. In the background, several retail shops (such as Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses and Speeds Shoes) are evident across the street.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, shoppers, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, she hands a long-stemmed gladioli to a parking infringement officer who is about to write out a parking ticket.B&W photo of a woman and a man at a suburban shopping strip. She is wearing a long evening gown and is carrying a bunch of long-stemmed flowers. He is wearing a parking inspector's uniform and is holding a pen poised over a pad of paper. Several shop signs are hanging from the verandah ceiling above them, including "absolute", "ANGUS & ROBERTSON", and "Jetset Travel". In the distance, there are several people walking along the footpath.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, parking inspector, parking fine, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, she poses for a photo with two assistants, who are each carrying a large bunch of flowering gladioli stems.B&W medium close up photo of three women at a suburban shopping strip. The woman in the centre is wearing a long evening gown, a long beaded necklace and novelty sunglasses in the shape of two swans. She is carrying two long-stems of gladioli flowers, which is holding crossed in an x-formation across her chest. The other two women, standing on either side of her, are dressed in contemporary clothes - one is wearing a jacket. They are both wearing novelty glasses in the shape of two birds. They are each carrying a large bunch of long-stemmed gladioli flowers. All three women are laughing.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, assistants, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, a Photographer is directs the 'Dame Edna' impersonator and a parking inspector on how he wants to set up the next shot.COL photo of three people standing in an alcove outside some shops. In the centre is a woman. She is wearing a royal blue evening dress, with two beaded necklaces around her neck and a pair of red novelty glasses in the shape of two swans. She is holding several long-stemmed gladioli flowers in one hand, and a single gladioli stem in her other hand. To the right of the frame, there is a man wearing a traffic inspector's uniform with some bright pink novelty glasses. He is holding a pen, which is poised over a pad of paper. To the left of the frame, there is a man wearing a black shirt and black trousers. He is holding a camera in one hand, and pointing to the other two people with his other hand.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, parking inspector, parking fine, photographer, camera, alcove, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. This photo depicts a woman dressed as satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage. The 'Dame Edna' impersonator was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, she is handing a flowering gladioli stem to a parking inspector, who is about to write out a parking ticket. They are standing in front of a brick wall, in what appears to be an alcove. A Photographer, (partially obscured) is taking their photo.COL photo of a man and a woman. The woman is wearing a royal blue evening dress, with two beaded necklaces around her neck. She is holding several long-stemmed gladioli flowers in one hand as she hands one to the man. He is wearing a traffic inspector's uniform, with some bright pink-framed glasses. He is holding a pen, which is poised over a pad of paper. In the foreground, to the right of the frame, a man wearing a black shirt (partially obscured) is holding one hand up near his face.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, parking inspector, parking fine, photographer, alcove, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the special guest at the opening of the new op shop. To promote the opening, she handed out Dame Edna's signature flowers, long-stemmed gladioli, to passers-by at the shopping strip in Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. In this photo, she hands a small child a long gladioli stem while the child's father looks on. A cropped black and white version of this photo appears on page 10 of the 1994 Annual Report with the caption: The Arthritis Op Shop was opened in Moonee Ponds during Arthritis Week. Shown here "Dame Edna" welcomes visitors on the 1st day with gifts of gladioli. Already 20 volunteers are helping at the shop. Shops co-ordinator Mrs Margaret Scott hopes the Moonee Ponds Shop will soon be running as well as the very successful op shop in High Street, Malvern, which annually raises almost $50,000.COL photo of a woman handing a long flowering gladioli stem to a small child, while a man looks on. They are on the footpath outside a shop or business premises. The woman is wearing a royal blue evening dress, a wig, beaded necklaces, and red novelty glasses. She is bending forward towards the child. The child is wearing a grey and white striped t-shirt and a denim skirt. She is looking up at the woman as she grasps the long flower stem. The man is wearing a red t-shirt, black shorts, and runners. He is crouching down beside the child.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, dame edna everage, impersonator, gladioli, child, toddler, father and child, puckle street, moonee ponds, 1994

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased this 1980s cocktail dress second hand around 2000 to wear as part of a Dame Edna Everage costume to a hen's party. A blue mid calf length polyester dress with prominent gathered and padded shoulders, horizontally ruched bodice, high scoop neckline, full length sleeves and dropped waist. The skirt is of plain blue polyester mock wrap style with ruched blue spiral detail on left leg seam of bodice to skirt. The dress secures at the centre back with a nylon zip and self covered button. The sleeve is lined with mauve / pink polyesterManufacturers label "Teena Varigos" "Size 14, To Fit Bust 90cm, Waist 70cm, Hip 95cm" "Do not iron pleating" "100% Polyester, Warm Iron, Dry Clean Only"teena varigos, costume party, cocktail dress, 1980s, dame edna everage, di reidie

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. In this photo, a member volunteer assists customers with their purchases.B&W photo of several people inside a shop. In the foreground, one woman is standing behind a counter. She is holding a plastic bag. On the other side of the counter, there are two women standing (partially obscured). Another person, with their back to the camera, is reaching for something on a shelf along the wall. In the foreground, to the left of the frame, there is a large bouquet of flowering gladioli stems in a vase on the countertop. The photo has been taken from behind the counter, at a low angle.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, gladioli, flowers, bouquet, members, volunteers, customers, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. This photo depicts two women inside the shop at the opening.B&W photo of four people inside and outside some shops. In the foreground, two women are in one shop, looking down towards some items. To the left of the women, there is a large gladioli flower arrangement (partially obscured). In the background, to the right of the frame, a man and a woman are standing nearby. They appear to be outside the shop window, looking in. There is another shopfront window evident behind them. The woman is holding a sandwich or burger in one hand.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, gladioli, flowers, bouquet, members, volunteers, customers, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. This photo is a wide view of customers perusing the clothing racks and other wares.B&W photo of several people inside a shop. There are multiple racks of clothes hanging on coathangers. To the right of the frame, there is some shelving against the wall containing some folded clothing and a display mannequin head showcasing a hat and wig. To the left of the frame, there is a large bouquet of gladioli flowers in a large vase on a countertop. In the background, there is a lace-edged valance across the top of a wooden rail hanging from the ceiling. The photo has been taken from a high angle, above floor level.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, gladioli, flowers, bouquet, members, volunteers, customers, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. In this photo, Shops Co-ordinator, Margaret Scott, is holding a bouquet of flowers at the opening.B&W medium close-up photo of a woman holding a bouquet of flowers. Beside her stands another woman (partially obscured). On the counter in front of her is a large bouquet of flowering gladioli stems in a vase, a small portable television set, and various other items. One of these is a small box or container, on which there is some handwritten text. The heading of the text is "ARTHRITIS OP SHOPS!!", beneath which there is the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria logo and some more text. On the wall behind them, there are some posters and a 'No Smoking' sign.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, gladioli, flowers, bouquet, margaret scott, shops coordinator, members, volunteers, customers, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. In this photo, an AFV member volunteer holds up a print or painting for two customers to look at.B&W photo of two people looking at a framed painting or print, which someone (partially obscured) is holding up. The person holding the picture is standing behind a counter. There are various items on the countertop, such as a small portable television set, a book, a miniature set of drawers, a large arrangement of long-stemmed gladioli flowers, three glasses of wine, and a brochure. In the foreground, to the left of the frame, there are several small baskets of miscellaneous items on top of a table or countertop (obscured). There are two identical posters on the wall behind the counter. The title of the posters is, "Step out for strong bones".arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, gladioli, flowers, bouquet, members, volunteers, customers, painting, framed print, framed picture, moonee ponds, 1994

Around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. A woman impersonating satirist Barry Humphries' most well known character, Dame Edna Everage, was the star attraction at the opening. In this photo, Shops Co-ordinator, Margaret Scott, is serving a customer while others queue up near the counter with their purchases.B&W photo of several women inside a shop. One woman, who is standing behind a counter, is handing over a plastic bag to another woman. Behind them, there is another woman either sitting down or leaning on the other side of the counter. To the right of the frame, there are three other women standing near the counter. One of them (partially obscurred) appears to be talking to the woman who is sitting/leaning on the counter. The other two women (one partially obscurred) appear to be waiting to be served. There is a large bouquet of flowering gladioli stems in a large vase on the counter.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, thrift store, fundraising, opening, launch, gladioli, flowers, margaret scott, shops coordinator, members, volunteers, customers, moonee ponds, 1994

In around March to April 1994, the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV) opened a second oppportunity shop in Moonee Ponds. This photo depicts a close up photo of the street sign for "Everage Street", taken from a low angle. The street, which runs beside a carpark behind the main shopping strip on Puckle St, was named after internationally renowed Australian satirist Barry Humphries' character, Dame Edna Everage. The character's surname is a play on words: before she became a dame, Edna was an 'average' housewife who famously hailed from the Melbourne suburb of Moonee Ponds. https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/moonee-pondsB&W photo of a street sign name "Everage St". Another road sign, for a pedestrian crossing (partially obscured) is also in the frame. The photo has been taken from a low angle.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, opportunity shop, op shop, charity shop, everage street, moonee ponds, 1994