This file contains six items pertaining to the Caulfield Central RSL: 1/A page to which is attached a black-and-white photograph (date, source and photographer unspecified) of the Caulfield Central RSL, outlying garden and Australian flag. Some writing on the rear identifies the subject. 2/A typewritten letter, (1 page) dated 1946 (no date more specific than that specified), from the Chairman & Honorary Treasurer of the Caulfield Central RSL Appeal Committee (name unspecified) to the Mayor of Caulfield (name also unspecified), imploring the latter for a donation of $20,000 dollars for purposes of constructing a Memorial Hall to eulogize servicemen killed during WWII. Some rough working notes on rear side. 3/A flyer, undated (although presumably published in 1950), printed by Peter Isaacson Pty. Ltd., advertising a concert presented by the Ugly Ugly Man (Frank M. Beard) and the Malvern Tramways’ Harmonica Band to be held at Caulfield Town Hall on 06/06/1950 to assist the Welfare Funds of the Caulfield Central RSL and the Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Mothers’ Association. Also contains an advertisement for a drapery business called Tallents. 4/The annual report of the Caulfield Central RSL, for the period 1952 – 1953. Contains announcements of the annual general meeting and annual elections, the President’s report (in which he principally discusses the club’s charity work and sporting activities), the subcommittee staff roster, the sportsmen’s honour roll, the annual accounts (e.g. balance sheet, income & expenditure statement) and the roster of nominees for office in the committee of management election. 5/A typewritten letter, (1 page) dated 26/11/1982, from Max Brian Blair, Treasurer of the Caulfield Central RSL, to Mr. R. Ballantyne, Secretary of the Caulfield Historical Society, thanking him for his donation to the RSL. 6/A photocopy of an article titled ‘RSL pays $30,000 to buy off objector’ (from the Sunday Herald, by Mary-Anne Toy, dated 16/09/1990), about the Caulfield Central RSL paying local resident Mr. Chris White to withdraw his objection to the RSL’s intention to re-allocate its clubrooms, and the consequent response of the relevant authorities.Black and white photographic print of Caulfield Central RSL buildingOn reverse, PIC B - 5 - CONTACT - RSL BUILDING - CONTACT 28/4/88 - 100% - HAWTHORN ROAD CAULFIELDcaulfield, caulfield central returned servicemen league (rsl), ex-service organisations, clubs and associations, returned servicepeople, armed forces, soldiers, aged people, senior citizens centres, mayors, city of caulfield, war memorials, blamey thomas general sir, white t. w. group capt., gullett h. b. major, beaurepaire frank sir m.l.c., kennedy j. a. m.l.c., warner a. g. m.l.c., michaelis archie m.l.a., dennett a. h. lt.-col. m.l.a., don john capt. m.l.a., reid h. squire m.l.a., brooks w. r. cr., packer j. t. cr., parton e. m. cr., prior p. l. cr., morris t. w. cr., sinclair a. j. g. cr., sims h. e. cr., smith h. c. h. cr., smith james e. cr., tyers s. w. cr., webster harold cr., yorston j. s. cr., briggs r. jas., disney j. s., donath h., llewellyn evans, goddard s. a. padre, lynch p. j., nilsen oliver j. cr., pidd padre a. t., robinson norman, reece harold j., wootton harold s., wallace gordon w., nelson harold g., halls, concerts, musical events and activities, fundraising events, bands, musical ensembles, sailors soldiers and airmen’s mothers’ association, ‘the ugly ugly man’, beard frank m., malvern tramways harmonica band the, caulfield town hall, tallents, drapers, glenhuntly road, glen huntly road, elsternwick, peter isaacson pty. ltd melbourne, annual reports, financial documents, fisher s. w., finch f., williams f., salmon j. e., mallyon v. k., woods w., mayne t. v., lanyon r. j., rowney w. p., williams j. d., pepper e., bathurst t., patterson r., nuzum e. j., phillips e. v., turner g., hawthorn road, byrne l. j., eva a. r., bunny c. l., hoy c. a., orken a., hiam s. f., rawson n. l., coleman g. h., cohen a. s., mason j., goode l. p., nelson h. g., crosbie m. r., mcsweeney t., westley g. de v., greeves c. g., festivals and celebrations, community services, social services, service clubs, ladies auxiliary, returned servicewomen’s section, blamey house, social sub-committee, sport, sporting clubs, tennis, golf, billiards, table tennis, lawn bowls, thompson peter, cricket, children’s health bureau, family welfare bureau, buley doug mr., tomlins m. i., lang a. r., kendall h. i., ford c., munro w., gordon h., rowe s., green j. h., o’brien j., ring t., anderson g. j., croft r. m., jones p. j., la cerf g., roper i., lawrence f., eustace r. c., hanley a., moore a., strachan w. d., gilbert w. f., blair m. r., scriven e. g., miller j. l., hosking b. e., cheeseman r. n., summers s., croy l. w., mclatchie s., williams stan, hattersly cliff, day alf, rawson noel, johnson alby, banham bill, kersey b., williams s., jones a., witten f., waters r., dash r., meldrum i., grant j., haggar l., nightingale n., hallett r., somers r., young g., rawson n., croft r., barton m., o’grady w., cooper p., manton j., sutcliffe a., maver a., challender d., hunt a., parrott e., leicester j., westwood a., rae alex, smith harry, forbes jimmy, johnson jack, higgins w., fink s., hall s., ross m., anderson h., fleming j., bottoms a., peek e., stark j., mathews e., gursansky l., morres r., alenson j., holland i., wallace p., craig h., lucas j., smith h., bretel l., berryman p., reid a., swann j., tully f., henderson g., fields w., johnson j., gloster p., tennat j., boyd a., butterworth k., chapman k., curran j., elkington a. b., evans w., mckenzie d. a., nicol a. b., thompson w., wanliss t. w., watson g. j., williams g., yeomans p., mcgowan h., o’connor k., atherton r., batson s. s., bull e., fletcher a., gorman s. c., hall w., jellett l., lesar h., mather r., nelson n., ratford d., rowe p., turner w. j., wehsack f., williams s. c., wilson a., carter w., forbes i., purvis l., datson r., jackson e., wolstencroft w., smith c., mitchell r., harward j., gillespie ray, hill wally, parkinson w. g., greeves colin mr., water stan mr., selleck f. p., luckins l., andrews f., young v. l., king e. j., mccutcheon j. o., grenfell d. j., hurley c., shand a. r., yeates l., hogue h., mather j., wardrop j., lyons a. m., ross a. r., bradley t., walker r. n., cox f. c., mornane j. s., fletcher a. e., mcneil j. g., rose n., lyons l. j., trevorrow g., wright d. e., walker r., maxwell j., hutchinson j. c., mclean r., caulfield historical society, ballantyne r. mr., blair max brian, toy mary-anne, ruxton bruce mr., administrative appeals tribunal, caulfield city council, white chris mr., northcote avenue, independent church of australia, marsden ian mr., mccutcheon mr

The former "Zion" Congregational Church was on the corner of Walker Street and Beverin Street in Sebastopol. Its origins began as 'Zion" Welsh Independent Church in Albert Street, Sebastopol. The Uniting Church in Australia was inaugurated in June 1977, at which time the Sebastopol Methodist Church joined with the Zion Congregational Church on Walker Street, Sebastopol and became Sebastopol Uniting Church. The block to the south of the church was purchased in 1982, the occupying house demolished and the area cleared and later sealed for parking. In 1984 the interior of the church was renovated and plans were drawn up for further additions and alterations to the Sunday school, which were carried out in 1989, adding a kitchen and toilet built by Jeff Menhennett & SonsWhite soft covered booklet of 20 pages with blue printing. Written in biro on front cover "To Keith Rash with compliments from Hugh Lawson 7/4/1961"zion congregational church, sebastopol, carmel welsh church, zion hall, hugh lawson, sebastopol unitng church

Bryant and May was a United Kingdom (UK) company created in the mid-nineteenth century specifically to make matches. Their original Bryant and May Factory was located in Bow, London. They later opened other match factories in the United Kingdom and Australia, such as the Bryant and May Factory, Melbourne; and owned match factories in other parts of the world.Bryant and May survived as an independent company for over seventy years, but went through a series of mergers with other match companies and later with consumer products companies. To protect its position Bryant and May merged with or took over its rivals. In 1971 the Northern Ireland factory, Maguire & Patterson closed down following a terrorist attack.. In the 1980s, factories in Gloucester and Glasgow closed too leaving Liverpool as the last match factory in the UK, until December 1994. The former Australian match factory, in Melbourne, closed in the mid-1980s. The registered trade name Bryant and May still exists and it is owned by Swedish Match, as are many of the other registered trade names of the other, formerly independent, companies within the Bryant and May group. The British match brands continue to survive, as brands of Swedish Match, and are made outside the UK. Matches were first produced by Bryant & May in Australia in 1909. The Redhead name applies to the red striking heads of the matches which were introduced to Australia in 1946. The logo on the matchbox depicted the head and shoulder of a redheaded woman and has had four major updates since that time with a number of special issues depicting animals, birds and notable persons also producedThe Bryant & May Ltd factory in Church St Richmond is a listed building and has been converted to apartments following the closure of the Company 1980. Bryant & May's Ltd were influential in fighting against the dreadful disease known as Phossy jaw which was caused by white phosphorus used in the manufacture of the early matches. They were also the object of the 'Match Girls Strike' in London 1888, which won important improvements in working conditions and pay for the mostly female workforce working with the dangerous white phosphorus. The public were slow to purchase these safety matches because of the higher price .A box of safety matches with unused matches made by Bryant & May Pty Ltd , Richmond Victoria Australia. The tray containing the matches slides inside the open ended cover.. The striking patch is on both sides of the cover.PREVENT FIRES/ BRYANT & MAY'S / a crown in an oval shape / SAFETY MATCHES/ MOTORISTS USE ASHTRAY/ AV. CONTENTS 60 / Made in Australiasafety matches, bryant & may's pty ltd, phosy jaw disease, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, richmond, cheltenham, lights, lamps, tobacco

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f

Newspaper supplement titled Bendigo's Century Volume Four: 1930 - 1939. Front page is titled Bendigo's Century and has a photo of some women at the Bendigo Jockey Club, 1930s. Each year has heading of Who's Who, Weather, Sport and Business. First years are 1930 - 1939 titled A look back when. The page has photos of the Eaglehawk Cricket Club's first A Grade cricket premier ship team (1932 - 1933)., The monument to the late Bendigo mining magnate Ernst Mueller in Rosalind Park, The Bendigo Stock Exchange in the early 1930's - pictured are L L Dungey, T Williams, M P Kelly, C Mueller, E Hommoloff, R Kelly, T H Busst, T Hall, R Trembath, E A Woolcock, and C Burridge, the Carshalton mine in 1936 and The Edith and G V Lansell Laboratory at the Bendigo Hospital. 1930 - a photo of St Andrew's Church, the sundial outside the RSL Memorial Hall, The late Monsignor Rooney and The late John Douse Langley. The Ironbark Mine was the top gold producer. 1931 - Radio station goes on air, 1932 - Sir John dies, 1933 Bodyline men come to town, 1934 - Heroic rescues, 1935 - Hospital's new wing opened, 1936 - King mourned, 1937 - Beehive store towers above, 1938 - Mining shows mixed results and 1939 - Outbreak of war sobering.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - bendigo's century - volume four: 1930 - 1939, eaglehawk cricket club, ernst mueller, the bendigo stock exchangel l dungey, t williams, m p kelly, c mueller e hommoloff, r kelly, t h busst, t hall, r tremabath, e a woodcock, c burridge, charshalton mine, edith and g v lansell laboratory, st andrew's church, rsl memorial hall, mr gordon carter, sir john monash, state electricity commission, cr r watson, colonel gt v lansell, empire press congress, bendigo advertiser, mr e j hogan, eppalock weir, lyric theatre, bendigo red cross, mrs george mackay, st andrew's presbyterian church, mrs william hunter, right rev john douse langley, monsignor rooney, bendigo art gallery, the ironbark mine, coliban water, mr w wright, station 3bo, amalgamated wireless of australia ltd, advance bendigo group, the north league, st aidan's orphanage, bendigo freezing works, mr w wright, bendigo advertiser, mr w j stephens, advance bendigo group, north league, garden gully united gold mining company, bendigo football league, sir john quick, john quick snr, ironbark foundry, bendigo evening news, bendigo independent, bendigo advertiser, deakin governmnet, sir charles kingsford smith, southern cross, eppalock weir, bendigo art gallery, the hercules mine, gillies, aids & appliance shop, anne caudle centre, bill woodfull, harold larwood, dr john mccarthy, the hercules, douglas jardine, don bradman, sacred heart cathedral, joseph stapleton, john lynch, bert mcconchie, new red white and blue mine, royal humane society, william james, vernon shaw, south new moon mine, bendigo hospital, bendigo base hospital, duke of gloucester, rsl memorial hall, electricity commission, eaglehawk borough council, the plaza, backhaus estate, amalgamated freezing company, fortuna villa, mrs edith lansell, colonel lansell, the hercules mine, toni riley pharmacy, boardwalk, barkly hyett, the big blue consolidated company, the bendigo hospital, eaglehawk football team, kurmala wing of the bendigo base hospital, sir isaac isaacs, lyric theatre, sir john quick, hanro knitting mills, st luke's toddlers home, st aidan's orphanage, rsl memorial hall, lord and lady huntingfield, cr michelsen, bendigo art gallery, bendigo agricultural show, new blue mine, joseph stapleton, bendigo law association, bendigo hospital committee of management, bendigo rotary club, mr j mcrae, education department, andrew sunstan, sir stanley argyle, bendigo football league, north blue mining company, cr staples, king george v, king edward viii, cr j a michelsen, andrew mclay, bendigo advertiser, cohn bros, mrs wallis simpson, king george vi, capping mine shafts 1936, bendigo art gallery, madge freemen, william john leslie cross, judge wasley, the myer emporium, the baptist church, salvation army, ron masters, the central nell gwyn, sir john quick, leanne mcdonnell, windermere hotel, rev donald baker, john rumbold, central nell gwynne, the beehive building, the beehive store, james buick and co, thomas hope henderson, buick henderson & co, mr goodison, mr r o henderson, lt-col henderson, angus mackay, bendigo sewerage authority, mr s gordon moore, commercial bank of sydney, bendigo advertiser, edward alan morcom, polio, dr gardner kerr, the right rev conald baker, ridley theological college

This is a trophy awarded by an association of Friendly Societies in Warrnambool in 1933. Friendly or Benefit Societies have operated in Warrnambool since 1860 when the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge was formed. Benefit societies such as this were set up mainly for social reasons and to assist members in times of sickness or to provide insurance in case of illness or hardship. Other societies had specific aims such as the promotion of temperance or allegiance to a particular church or country. The Australian Natives Association (A.N.A.) the winner of this trophy was set up in Warrnambool in the late 19th century and it was an active society with regular meetings, discussion groups, lectures and campaigns for the social justice issues of the day. The A.N.A. in Australia was influential in promoting nationalism and campaigning for Federation. The A.N.A merged with the M.U.I.O.O.F some years ago and operates today as the benefit group, Australia Unity. The trophy won by A.N.A. in 1933 was for quoits, a popular indoor game in the 1930s and still played today, mainly on social occasions. This trophy is of interest as it dates from the 1930s and is connected with the Warrnambool Friendly Societies of the time and especially the Australian Natives Association (A.N.A.)This is an electro plated nickel silver cup with two side handles, a short stem and a round silver base. An inscription is on one side of the cup. The cup is much stained. ‘Warrnambool & District United Friendly Benefit Societies Association Quoits 1933 Won by A.N.A.’friendly societies warrnambool, australian natives association warrnambool

This book was written by the Rev. Gordon Powell in 1956. Gordon Powell (1911-2005), the son of George Powell, a Kepler Street dentist, was born in Warrnambool. A minister, writer and broadcaster, the Rev. Gordon Powell was the best-known Presbyterian minister in Australia in the 20th century. He was the minister at the Independent Church, Melbourne for many years and served in New Guinea as a chaplain during World War Two. When minister at St. Stephen’s Church in Sydney he attracted the largest congregation of any Protestant church in Australia at the time at both his Sunday and Wednesday services. He gave radio talks for many years and was responsible for introducing the world-wide group, Alcoholics Anonymous to Australia.This book is retained as it was written by an influential 20th century Australian Presbyterian Minister, the Rev. Gordon Powell. He was born in Warrnambool. This is a hard cover book of 124 pages. The cover is blue with black lettering on the spine. The dust cover has black and blue printing and a photograph on the front of a coastal scene. The spine of the dust cover is torn. The pages contain printed material in an introduction and eleven chapters.Godfrey 10 Somers Rd. Warrnamboolrev. gordon powell, history of warrnambool, st. stephen’s church

The Congregational Union of Victoria (Incorporated) held its Half-Yearly Assembly on Monday, 14th October, to Friday 18th October, 1957 at Collins Street Independent Church. The President was Rev. Walter Albiston. A Youth Work Exhibition was held in the Independent Hall from Tuesday 8th, to Friday, 11th October.Small bi-folded programme with black ink.congregational union of victoria (incorporated), rev walter albiston

The Congregational Union of Victoria (Incorporated) held its Half-Yearly Assembly from 4th October 12th October, 1937 at Collins Street Independent Church and the Melbourne Town Hall. The Chairman was Rev. Walter Albiston. A Youth Work Exhibition was held in the Independent Hall from Tuesday 8th, to Friday, 11th October.Four page booklet with black ink text. There is a line drawing on the front and three illustrations inside. congregational union of victoria (incorporated), rev walter albiston

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was founded in Portland, Maine, USA, in 1881 by Dr Francis Edward Clark, as an interdenominational Christian youth society encouraging them to "work together to know God in Jesus Christ". In the 1880s, CE Societies were established in each Australian state. The first Victorian convention was held in Melbourne in 1890. Rapid growth occurred with 3000 members, representing 65 societies, attending the second convention in 1891, and 205 societies attending the third convention the following year. [Source: https://www.ce.asn.au/about/our-past-australia/]Pale blue silk banner on a canvas backing with appliqued lettering. The letters are of cream felt and the banner has gold cord edges. The lower edge has a gold metal fringe on a scalloped edge. There is cream cord on all outside edges, and it has blue cotton on the back. The banner has a wooden hanging rod across the top."PRAHRAN INDEPENDENT Y.P.S.C.E. MOTTOB BY LOVE SERVE APRIL 1889"prahran independent church, young people's society of christian endeavour, christian endeavour

Macnab was the minister of St Michael's Uniting Church (formerly Collins Street Independent Church) from 1971 to 2016. Macnab was born to J. D. Macnab and Mary Anne Louisa Hughes on 21 June 1931. Macnab married his wife, Sheila, in 1958. They have three children, two daughters and a son. He was made a member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to psychotherapy and religion. Training and psychological work - Macnab holds a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Aberdeen. He has honorary doctorates from the University of Melbourne and RMIT in psychology and applied science. In 1961, Macnab opened the Cairnmillar Institute, a clinical psychological centre, the largest in Australia, which was for some time the largest training body for psychologists and counsellors in the country. He was its Executive Director. Macnab founded and is director of the Australian Foundation for Aftermath Reactions which provides trauma treatment and training. He is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. Following a ministry at Prahran Presbyterian Church from 1961 to 1970, Macnab became minister of the then Collins Street Congregational Church, now known as "St Michael's on Collins", in 1971. The church became a congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia at its inception in 1977.The three head & shoulders photos show Macnab at three different periods in his life."Rev. Dr. Francis Macnab"macnab, francis, st. michael's uc, cairnmillar institute

Macnab was the minister of St Michael's Uniting Church (formerly Collins Street Independent Church) from 1971 to 2016. Macnab was born to J. D. Macnab and Mary Anne Louisa Hughes on 21 June 1931. Macnab married his wife, Sheila, in 1958. They have three children, two daughters and a son. He was made a member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to psychotherapy and religion. Training and psychological work - Macnab holds a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Aberdeen. He has honorary doctorates from the University of Melbourne and RMIT in psychology and applied science. In 1961, Macnab opened the Cairnmillar Institute, a clinical psychological centre, the largest in Australia, which was for some time the largest training body for psychologists and counsellors in the country. He was its Executive Director. Macnab founded and is director of the Australian Foundation for Aftermath Reactions which provides trauma treatment and training. He is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. Following a ministry at Prahran Presbyterian Church from 1961 to 1970, Macnab became minister of the then Collins Street Congregational Church, now known as "St Michael's on Collins", in 1971. The church became a congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia at its inception in 1977.The three head & shoulders photos show Macnab at three different periods in his life."Rev. Dr Francis Macnab"macnab, francis, st. michael's uc, cairnmillar institute

Macnab was the minister of St Michael's Uniting Church (formerly Collins Street Independent Church) from 1971 to 2016. Macnab was born to J. D. Macnab and Mary Anne Louisa Hughes on 21 June 1931. Macnab married his wife, Sheila, in 1958. They have three children, two daughters and a son. He was made a member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to psychotherapy and religion. Training and psychological work - Macnab holds a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Aberdeen. He has honorary doctorates from the University of Melbourne and RMIT in psychology and applied science. In 1961, Macnab opened the Cairnmillar Institute, a clinical psychological centre, the largest in Australia, which was for some time the largest training body for psychologists and counsellors in the country. He was its Executive Director. Macnab founded and is director of the Australian Foundation for Aftermath Reactions which provides trauma treatment and training. He is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. Following a ministry at Prahran Presbyterian Church from 1961 to 1970, Macnab became minister of the then Collins Street Congregational Church, now known as "St Michael's on Collins", in 1971. The church became a congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia at its inception in 1977.The three head & shoulders photos show Macnab at three different periods in his life."Rev. Dr Francis Macnab"macnab, francis, st. michael's uc, cairnmillar institute

1911–2005: Gordon George Powell, who has died at 94, was for many years the highly influential minister at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church in Sydney and a popular radio broadcaster and author. He began Wednesday services at St Stephen's in Macquarie Street soon after arriving in Sydney from Melbourne in 1952. They grew to become the biggest regular lunch-hour services in the world, with up to 1300 people crowding the church and the hall below. In 1953, with the help of Vernon Turner of the Christian Broadcasting Association, services were broadcast on radio. The broadcasts continued even when Gordon moved back to Melbourne, so for 30 years he maintained a successful weekly radio ministry. While at St Stephen's, he was also involved in the 1959 Billy Graham Crusade in Sydney, attended by 980,000 people over two weeks. Gordon was born in Warrnambool, Victoria, the son of a dentist, George Powell, and his wife, Louisa (nee Clarke). He went to school at Scotch College. He gave up plans to become an electrical engineer after hearing a call to the ministry and studied arts and then theology at the University of Melbourne, where he formed a close friendship with Edward (Weary) Dunlop. Gordon rowed in the Ormond crew, winning the university's inter-college trophy five times. He was a passionate sports lover all his life. He was awarded a scholarship to Trinity College, Glasgow University, in 1935, and for three months stayed with the great Scottish churchman George (later Lord) MacLeod. While on a cycling trip around Scotland, he stopped by the shores of Loch Ness and saw a long neck appear. The monster swam about 300 metres at great speed; Gordon counted three or four humps. Later, when he saw a skeleton of a plesiosaurus at the Victoria and Albert Museum, he recognised it as Nessie. For the rest of his life, he retained an avid interest in the Loch Ness Monster and its attendant scientific debate. While in Scotland, Gordon wrote a weekly article for The Messenger, the official journal of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. This led to a life as an author of articles and books. He also wrote long letters home to his mother, a habit that later led to his weekly "Dad's Diaries", which were distributed to the wider family. Failing eyesight put an end to his reading and writing two years ago. On returning to Australia in late 1936, he became assistant minister at Toorak, the second-biggest Presbyterian church in Melbourne. There, at last, Gordon married Gwen Gilchrist, whom he had courted for nine years. They moved from the wealthiest church to one of the poorest, at Port Adelaide, which was still in the grip of the Depression. There, he was finally ordained, in May 1938, and the first two of their four children, Rosemary and David, were born. In 1941, Gordon became assistant minister to Scots Church in Melbourne and the following year, after the birth of his third child, Mardi, he reluctantly volunteered as an RAAF chaplain. He was a pacifist but felt bad at not being in uniform. For the following three years, he was stationed in New Guinea and Australia. His war reminiscences were published as Two Steps to Tokyo and sold 6000 copies in 1945 alone. At 34, by then the father of four children, he was invited to be minister of the Collins Street Independent Church in the heart of Melbourne, now St Michael's Uniting Church Before being inducted, he undertook a lecture tour of the US, speaking to Rotary clubs in 48 centres, from Michigan to Maryland. He met, and was impressed by, the liberal theologian Harry Emerson Fosdick, and the US religious leader and author Norman Vincent Peale, who became a close friend and mentor. Back in Australia, Gordon founded and fostered the first Alcoholics Anonymous group in Melbourne. In 1952, he took up what was to become his happiest ministry, at St Stephen's in Sydney. When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip toured two years later, Gordon and Gwen were not only invited to lunch with them, but sat beside them. This was a highlight for Gordon, an ardent monarchist. In 1960, Gordon and Gwen embarked on a world tour that included the US, where he was invited to give the opening prayer in the Senate, with vice-president Richard Nixon presiding. After another five years at St Stephen's, Gordon returned to Scots Church in Melbourne. It was a time of bitter debates over church union with the Methodists and Congregationalists. Gordon was in favour, but Scots ultimately voted to stay out and remain Presbyterian. By then in his mid-60s, he and Gwen moved to New York, where Peale was his neighbour. They had six happy years there before retiring to Melbourne. Gordon is survived by Gwen, and children David, Mardi and Jenny (daughter Rosemary died in 1992), 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. [From the obituary in the Sydney Morning Herald, 2005, written by Jenny (Powell)] Gwen and Gordon Powell coming out of the Toorak Uniting Church 50 years after they were married there. Gwen and Gordon Powell coming out of the Toorak Uniting Church 50 years after they were married there.gordon powell; gwen powell; port adelaide; toorak presbyterian church; st stephen's presbyterian church sydney; presbyterian minister

Somerville Homes came into existence in 1965. The homes were named in honour of Margaret Somerville MBE who helped evacuate 95 children from Croker Island to Sydney in 1942 and who returned to Croker Island with the children after the war and continued as a house mother and care giver until 1965. A book entitled "They Crossed A Continent", the story of Margaret Somerville's epic journey, will tell you how it all began. As government and social philosophies changed, these houses became homes for the profoundly disabled. In 1980, with expanded community services, Somerville Homes became Somerville Community Services Incorporated Somerville Community Services Inc is a non-government, not for profit, youth, family and community welfare organisation indigenous to the Northern Territory. We maintain strong constitutional links with the Uniting Church in Australia but we are governed by an independent and professional Board of Directors, ensuring that the organisation has the capacity to respond to the needs of people whatever their circumstances. Somerville recognises that being disadvantaged in a modern Western society is a condition relative to general living standards. We give priority to advocacy and improving the resources of people who are uninformed or ill-informed about community services and opportunities which may improve their circumstances. Somerville supports actions aimed at creating increased opportunities for people to become personally involved in a sharing and caring society. We promote opportunities for church and other local voluntary organisations to play a more effective part in meeting the needs of the community. Somerville monitors and evaluates its own service programs, adapting them to changing community needs and circumstances. We also monitor Federal and Territory programs affecting community and the way services and funding affect the position of individuals, couples and families in community. The organisation is financed by public donations, church and service club grants, business support, government grants, sponsorship and the organisation fundraising activities. Rev. Gordon J Symons, upper body photo of middle-aged man in white shirt and tie.Rev. Gordon Symons; Somerville Homes, Darwin. New Spectator (12 September 1972) p1rev. gordon symons; somerville christian homes

The St Kilda Presbyterian Church is now part of the St Kilda & Balaclava Presbyterian Church. Its first service was inaugurated by the Free Church Synod of Victoria in May 1855, in a building at the corner of High Street and Alma Road. In October 1855 the congregation moved to a wooden building in Inkerman Street, purchased from the Independent (Congregational) Church. The present church site was purchased and the first church opened in 1860. The foundation stone for the present church building, the second to be built on the site, was laid by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Brougham Loch, on 27 January 1885. The building was opened on 30 May 1886. Wilson and Beswicke were the architects. Ralph Wilson designed the Methodist church on the corner of Princes and Fitzroy Streets and lived diagonally opposite the Presbyterian church. Charles Beswicke had toured Britain and the Continent in 1886 armed with a camera and returned to Australia with photographs of what he considered the greatest examples of architecture. He was responsible for the town halls in Brighton, Malvern, Hawthorn and Essendon and Wesleyan churches in Camberwell and Dandenong. Thomas Corley was the builder. The lofty spire was ‘a landmark to the mariner’ used by sea captains sailing up Port Phillip Bay. On a prominent position, the highest point in St Kilda, the church attracted wealthy people with legal, merchant and pastoral backgrounds.colour photographst kilda, churches, presbyterian church, balaclava

No 1: Matron Eagleton with Nursing Staff, Ballarat & District Hospital. Priscilla Wardle, far right - trainee nurse 1905-1908. No 2: This could be a group of trainee nurses at Ballarat Hospital. Circa 1906/1907. The nurses with the grey looking sleeves in this black and white photograph may be wearing the lilac uniform of Trainee nurses. The sitting nurse on the far right may already be qualified because she appears to be wearing the white of a trained nurse. Sitting in the middle with the cheeky grin could be Priscilla and the standing nurse on the far left could be Edith Popplewell. No 3: This photograph is labelled 1907 and Priscilla would have just commenced her training. She appears to be “fanning” a female patient presumably to cool her down. This could be upstairs in the Queen Victoria’s Women’s Ward. Priscilla graduated as a nurse in 1908. In this photograph Priscilla was at age 23 years. No 5: Sheila Kelly (left) and Priscilla Wardle. This photograph is labelled 1909 and shows Priscilla in an all white uniform indicating she has qualified as a nurse. Sheila Kelly appears to have darker sleeves/blouse (lilac) and may still be a trainee. No 6: There is a very good chance that this photograph is Edith Popplewell, standing left, Lily MacKenzie , standing on the right and Priscilla seated. Writing in her album is very hard to read but it appears to be “Pop McK & I”. The arm bands with the St John Cross denote they are “charge nurses” maybe in charge of a ward. Taking all this into account the photograph could be circa 1909/1910. No 8 & 9: Priscilla painting what appears to be a gate while wearing her nurse uniform. She has a big grin on her face. Together with Lily MacKenzie they were the principals in the Mount Stuart Private Hospital at 18 Duke Street. Daylesford. This property is now known as Mount Stuart House. Priscilla appears to be on Central Spring Road with the Daylesford Post Office in the background. Photograph 9 is labelled 1914 which would make it near the end of their tenancy between 1911 and 1914. No 10: This photograph raises some questions. Priscilla appears to have darker sleeves /blouse (lilac) which may indicate she is still a trainee however Priscilla is also wearing a “charge nurse” arm band. While my research shows trainee nurses can be a “charge nurse” this is not common practise. The scene appears to be at the door of a house/home. I am not sure if the children’s ward/orphanage at the Ballarat Hospital at this time was in such a building. It could be that it is at the Mount Stuart Hospital but this would mean Priscilla and Lily have duplicated the wearing of the “charge nurse” arm band. The St John’s logo looks different too. Priscilla Isabel “Pearl” Wardle (1884-1967). The armband indicates Priscilla is a Charge Nurse at the Ballarat Hospital. Nothing else known. No 11: Mary & I at Mount Stuart – House Daylesford – This is probably the nursery at the Mount Stuart House Private Hospital being run by Priscilla Isabel “Pearl” Wardle (1884 – 1967) and Selina Lily (Lil) MacKenzie or McKenzie (1882 – 1975) between 1910 and 1914. Mary is certainly Mary Young MacKenzie or McKenzie (1865- 1942) Lily’s stepsister who trained at Ballarat Hospital as “Mary Young “at the same time as Priscilla and Lily. Mount Stuart House still stands at 18 Duke Street Daylesford. Photo date 1912. No 12: Priscilla wearing her distinctive Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve cape and badge. Possibly while nursing in London for a month in 1919 after the war. No 12A: Priscilla Wardle - WW1 Diary, OCR enabled. No 13: Priscilla and friends at No. 7 General Hospital, Malassises, Saint Omer, France in July 1915 The old monastery being used as a hospital can be seen in the background. The tents are the nurses quarters. This photograph may have been taken at the same time as the group photograph on page 250 of the diary transcription. Priscilla is thought to be the nurse at the centre in the QAIMNSR uniform. The nurses quarters at the No 7 General Hospital in Saint Omer in France where Priscilla worked for most of the first year of her Diary. Their Monastery (Hospital) at Malassises can be seen in the background. No 15: Priscilla is an Acting Sister working at the 2nd General Hospital for Officers in Havre, France, between March and July 1918. The nurses were enjoying their “tea party”. (see also page 253 of the Diary transcription) No 17: Priscilla at Havre - at 2nd General Hospital (Officers Hospital) in Havre., France Friday 29 March 1918 to Monday 29 July 1918 note the two dark bands on her right sleeve denoting that she is an “Acting Sister”. Priscilla is 34 years of age in this picture and in the three weeks prior to this posting she met Cyril Terence Charles Kirby (1892-1968) her future husband at the 42nd Stationary Hospital in Flixecourt while he was serving with the British Army during the battle and evacuation of Amiens. No 18: Priscilla Wardle at No 8 Stationary Hospital Wimereux, France - from Saturday 24 June 1916 to Tuesday 18 September 1917, Priscilla worked at this hospital for 15 months her longest time in one hospital. during the war. While at Wimereux on Sunday 1 July 1917 she was appointed an Acting Sister. Priscilla once said she disliked nursing in her cape and badges and here she is in her favourite “uniform” for work “the robe” as she called it. She may be leaving the “operating theatre” at Wimereux in this photograph. No 19: Priscilla worked in various operating theatres throughout France. This could be after she became an anaesthetist in 1918 and worked with this team. She is wearing her favourite uniform which is more comfortable. She did not like the collars and capes that were required to be worn. No 20: Priscilla and Sister Michael Meeke? (details not found) are having a quiet drink at the 2nd General Hospital for Officers in Havre, France. Note the dark bands on their sleeves denote their rank as nursing “Sisters”. While it looks like they are smoking look more closely they are in fact holding a “flute” style probably “cocktail” glass. Tea parties and cocktails, Havre could almost have been fun. No 22: 1913 – Ballarat nurse Priscilla Isabell “Pearl” Wardle (1884-1967) in Cannes on the French Riviera during leave from between Friday 20 February 1918 and Friday 6 March 1918.Priscilla is second from the left wearing her distinctive QAIMNSR cape of grey with dark “wine” coloured border. The other nurses are wearing their “travelling” army uniform. They were rudely called “Salvation Army Lassies” by American nurses for the way they were dressed. (see page 232 of Priscilla’s War Diary) The description of 1913 on this photograph is confusing. No 23: Priscilla with her best friend Edith Victoria Donaldson somewhere in the “mysterious far east” on their trip on the Orontes. Priscilla is second from left - this may have been taken at Durban during Priscilla's return to Australia in 1919. No 25: Priscilla Wardle, Ballarat nurse in her Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve (QAIMNSR) uniform. Notice the distinctive grey cape with “wine coloured” border Priscilla is also wearing her QAIMNSR qualification badge (medal) on the right side. Because she has no dark (wine coloured) bands on her sleeves so this photograph may be before 1 July 1918. No 26: Priscilla met her husband to be English army Lieutenant Cyril Terrence Charles Kirby during the battle and subsequent evacuation of Amiens in France. As an army nursing “Sister” Priscilla also held the rank of Lieutenant. Priscilla was stationed at the 42nd Stationary Hospital between 7/3/18 and 23/3/18. She had just completed a fortnight break at Cannes on the French Riviera. They were married at Priscilla’s home “Waverley" at 215 Dawson Street Ballarat on Saturday 15 November 1919. Nov 15, 1919 – Mr and Mrs Kirby. The bride Priscilla Isabell “Pearl” Kirby (nee Wardle) (1884-1967) and the groom Cyril Terence Charles Kirby (1892– 1968) on their wedding day. Priscilla was 34 years of age and Cyril 27 years of age however their marriage certificate states that they were both 34 years of age. Their marriage certificate states they were married at Waverley, Dawson St, South, Ballarat in a Presbyterian service conducted by the Rev. John Walker, a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Moderator General of the Church we think for Victoria. Was it in an outdoor setting as the surrounds in this photograph seem to indicate. Their witnesses were Robert and Olive, Priscilla’s brother and sister. Cyril signed as C. Terence. C. Kirby and Priscila signed as Priscilla I. Wardle. The certificate lists Cyril (Terence) as a Bachelor, Born at sea on a British ship and his occupation as Sailor. His father interestingly is listed as Charles John Kirby, of independent means and his mother as Emily Newman. Priscilla is listed as a Spinster, born in Ballarat with occupation as a Nurse. Her father is listed as Henry Thomas Wardle, Timber Merchant and her mother as Isabella Allan. They are both resident at 215 Dawson St. Ballarat which was Waverley the Wardle family home. No 28: Reverse in Poppy’s handwriting: “Lovingly yours Poppy, Dec 1908” Taken the year after Poppy qualified at BBH. No 29: Reverse in Poppy’s handwriting: “With much love to you Cilla, Poppy 1915” This picture was taken in the same year as the Marquette sinking incident. Edith Catheina Popplewell RRC (1884-1972) in her New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) Uniform. Poppy is at age 29 years in this photograph. Poppy was awarded the Royal Red Cross (RRC) medal for her heroism during the sinking of the Marquette transport ship. She lost her best friend NZ nurse Lorna Ratray. No 30: Taken in Cairo. Poppy is in the centre and wearing her New Zealand army badge and cape. The two nurses on either side are Australian nurses probably wearing their unique silver Australian Army sunrise badge and cape. No 31: Reverse in Poppy’s handwriting: “Ward 7 on Xmas day 1917, with my love, Poppy, A Happy New Year to you – had the sweetest letter from Bobbie”. (Bobbie is Priscilla’s brother Robert). It is thought the nurse in the centre of the three on the left is Poppy. It is 1917 two years after the Marquette sinking. Poppy appears to be a “sister” note the two dark bands on her sleeve. The uniform also matches that of Poppy 2. This photograph is in Post Card form very common during WWI. Edith Popplewell RRC is the “Sister” in the middle of the group of three nurses on the left. She is a sister not a general nurse because of the two bands on her left wrist denoting her rank. She was in fact the Charge Nurse ( in charge) of Ward 7 at this time. Note the Christmas decorations. Poppy is at age 33 years of age in this photograph.Bobbie is Priscilla’s brother Robert Norman “Bobbie” Wardle (1895-1979). No 32: Lilly MacKenzie & Poppy – Otaki - Australian nurse Selina Lily (Lil) MacKenzie sometimes McKenzie (1882– 975) grew up and trained as a nurse in Ballarat Victoria. After completing her training Lily and Priscilla Isabell “Pearl” Wardle (1884 – 1967) conducted the Mount Stuart House Private Hospital in Daylesford Victoria. In late 1913 Lily travelled to Otaki, 32 kms north of Wellington in New Zealand and worked at the Otaki Cottage Hospital with close friend Edith Catheina Popplewell “Poppy” (1884-1976) who also grew up and trained as a nurse at the Ballarat Hospital. In 1914 Lily was matron of a private hospital in Taihape 150kms north of Wellington. Both Lily and Poppy volunteered for New Zealand but as New Zealand were not accepting Australian trained nurses she returned to Australia and enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) in October 1915. Lily went on to serve in Egypt, England, France and Italy where she was awarded the Royal Red Cross (RRC) medal for her service. This photograph is while Lily and Poppy were working at Otaki Cottage Hospital in New Zealand. Circa 1914. trainee, charge sister, ballarat, hospital, 1905, 1908, ww1, mount stuart house, sleeman, wardle, popplewell, mackenzie, military, queen alexandra's imperial military nursing service reserve, daylesford, nurses, private hospital, edith popplewell, france, cairo, diary, ww1 diary, havre, lily mackenzie, eagleton, matron, otaki, new zealand, donaldson, malassises, kelly, young, kirby, priscilla

"Graeme Watkinson, a local Uniting Church Minister in the 1980s, decided to initiate the establishment of an independent college in Melton".Invitations from Revd. G.M. Watkinsonchurches

The urban development of Surrey Hills occurred largely followed the extension of the railway to Lilydale from 1882 and by the late 1880s a variety of sporting and other cultural clubs and societies had been established, many being associated with the local churches. Ken James researched this book for the Surrey Hills Historical Society, of which he is a member, using material and photos from the Surrey Hills Historical Society collection, material from TROVE and other sources. There is a history of 82 groups and where possible dates of operation are included.music, basketball, bowls, cricket, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, hurling, netball, rifle shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, squash, walking, brass bands, choral groups, debating, dramatic clubs, musical club, operatic society, surrey hills orchestra, quadrille, rose club, our holy redeemer church, surrey hills church of christ, surrey hills methodist church, st stephens presbyterian church, australian natives association, balwyn combined, catholic young men's society, surrey hills baptist church, surrey hills independent order of rechabites, wyclif congregational church, surrey hills college, hockey, chatham netball club, blue bell tennis club, benson street methodist church, our ladies wattle park, surrey hills state school old scholars tennis club, surrey squash centre, surrey hills neighbourhood centre, cantrices ladies choir, surrey hills choristers, surrey hills everleigh private amateur dramatic club, field naturalists, holy redeemer basketball, holy trinity basketball, surrey hills church of christ basketball, holy trinity church of england, surrey hills methodist basketball, surrey hills presbyterian basketball, surrey hills bowls club, surrey hills ladies bowls club, surrey hills ana bowls club, surrey hills ior bowls club, balwyn combined cricket club, holy redeemer young men's society cricket club, holy trinity cricket club, surrey hills ana cricket club, surrey hills baptist cricket club, surrey hills church of christ cricket club, surrey hills cricket club, surrey hills ior cricket club, surrey hills junior cricket club, surrey hills methodist cricket club, surrey park combine cricket club, wyclif congregational cricket club, wyclif uniting cricket club, wyclif cricket club, surrey hills cycling club, venture cycle, venture cycling club, surrey hills neighbourhood centre cycling group, balwyn combined football club, surrey college football club, surrey hills combined football club, holy redeemer young men's society football club

Trinity Grammar School, Kew (abbreviated to TGS) is an independent Anglican day and boarding school for boys, located in Kew in Melbourne, Australia. The school was founded at a meeting of several high-ranking church figures on 14 November 1902. It opened in 1903, operating out of the Holy Trinity Church. Trinity is a founding member of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV).The Mitre: A Terminal Magazine for Trinity Grammar School Kew. June 1950. Printed by Ramsey, Ware Publishing Pty Ltd, Melbourne trinity grammar school (kew), the mitre (1950)

The pupils of Falconer Street Central School No.3918 in North Fitzroy rehearse with conductress Miss Ida Park for their performance at the Temperance Hall, Russell Street Melbourne with proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. The house on the right of the photograph is Jubilee House, 126 Michael Street North Fitzroy and is extant. Photographer notations on slide: Choir At Fitzroy State School 1933 B5 While this photograph appears not to have been published, a photograph taken from a different angle of the same event was published in The Age 21 July 1933. SCHOOL CHILDREN SING IN THE OPEN AIR. “A choir of children at North Fitzroy practise their songs for a Pantomime, to be given in the Temperance Hall for the Lord Mayor's Fund on Wednesday next. On the extreme left is the conductress of the Choir (Miss Ida Park).” Reference: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204368572 Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: Children of The Falconer Street Central School Choral Society, trained by conductress Miss Ida Park, along with dance and gymnastics pupils of Misses Dorothy Gibb and Inez Ellis, performed in the “Cinderella” pantomime at the Temperance Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne on 26 July, 1933. The proceeds went to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. Conductress Miss Ida Park (1904- 1952) lived in the North Fitzroy and Clifton Hill area all her life. She was immersed in the music world of Melbourne and was a member of the Musical Society of Victoria. Ida graduated from Melbourne University Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1929 before departing for London where she studied piano and organ at the Royal Academy of Music. Ida returned to Melbourne in 1931, and billed as “The Gifted Young Australian Pianist”, held pianoforte recitals of classical music at Assembly Hall, Collins Street. She also played the organ for services at St Paul’s Independent Church in Delbridge Street, North Fitzroy and later St Luke’s, North Fitzroy. Ida conducted the children of the Falconer Street Central School Choral Society as they competed in the State School Choral Championships and the 85 children of the Fitzroy City Centenary Choir who sang at Melbourne’s Centenary celebrations of 1934/35. In 1945, Ida married Charles Hazeldine, a tenor and returned digger who had served in two world wars. The pair performed together in many concerts over the years. Tragically, both Ida and Charles were badly injured when struck by a car while crossing Queens Parade Clifton Hill in June 1952, with Ida dying from head injuries at St Vincent’s Hospital soon after. She was 48 years old. Charles wrote on Ida’s death notice - “Called home.” The choir were pupils of Falconer Street Central School No. 3918 in North Fitzroy which was built in 1915 to provide upper primary education for grades 5 to 8 for the area. In 1957 it became Fitzroy High School. In 1992, the Kennett Government swept to power, embarking on a program of fiscal austerity and privatisation of government services. 390 government schools were closed, with the land proposed to be sold to developers. 7000 teachers were sacked: 10% of Victoria’s public school teachers. Auxiliary school staff also lost their jobs. Amongst the first to close was Fitzroy High School. Fearful that the land would be sold, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and local residents occupied the building around-the-clock in four hour shifts and overnight for 14 months, sleeping on gym mats in the principal’s office and administrators’ wing. The blockade was lifted when a arrangement was reached to allow Kangan Batman TAFE to use the school from 1993 until 1998. With the election of the Bracks Government in 1999, and construction of new buildings, Fitzroy High School was reopened in 2004 after a 12 year battle. Temperance Hall, at 172 Russell Street, where the children performed “Cinderella”, was built in 1872 by the Melbourne Total Abstinence Society as a venue for lectures, meetings and alcohol-free community concerts and events. From 1934, Temperance Hall was fitted out as a cinema and renamed the Imperial Theatre, showing popular Hollywood films, before closing in 1939 for renovations and reopening as the Savoy Theatre, Melbourne’s first “Continental” talkies cinema. At this time, Australian cinema programming was dominated by American and British films. The lessees, Continental Film Art Theatre began negotiating for theatre properties in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland to screen foreign language films, hoping to present the finest productions from France, Germany, Holland and Italy. At the cost of £6000, the theatre was fitted with the latest Mirrophonic sound and projection system and enlarged to seat 800 patrons with luxurious, ultra modern fittings and furnishings in a colour palette of rust and beige. Instead of usherettes, General Manager Peter Dawson, hoping to bring a sophisticated European atmosphere to the theatre, employed attractive, multilingual “Continental hostesses” to assist guests (not patrons) and answer queries relating to the films. Collectively the hostesses spoke English, French, Dutch, German, Russian and Italian. The Age 20 May 1939- “Atmosphere is a very important part of the theatre's scheme. Ushers in the ordinary sense will not be employed; hostesses will look upon patrons as guests. They will be dressed in full evening dress, and the only indication that they are not guests is the little medallion pinned to their evening dress, on which their names are inscribed.” The hostesses were dressed in evening gowns of olive-green velvet, the full skirts embroidered with gold loops, wine velvet bolero jackets and long white kid gloves with silvery tiaras in their hair. For guests worried that they may not understand the plot, the management assured patrons that- “By means of superimposed English translations on the bottom of the screen, the dialogue is perfectly understandable and the whole witty story can be followed with ease.” The Gala opening of the Savoy Theatre, on 31 May 1939 was attended by a “who’s who” of Melbourne Society, the women wearing beautiful gowns, headdresses and furs. Amongst the guests were former premier Sir Stanley Argyle and Lady Argyle, former Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gengoult-Smith and his wife Cynthia, Field Marshall Thomas Blamey and Lady Blamey and Miss Jessie Brookes. The Vice Consul for France, Monsieur Frank Puaux and his wife attended, Madame Puaux dressed in a black satin gown and a musquash fur cape. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of scarlet carnations and lily of the valley tied with the tricolour of France. In his speech Monsieur Puaux stated that “from the cultural, linguistic and artistic points of view it was excellent that the Australian public should have an opportunity to see foreign film in the original language.” “Letty” writing in Table Talk magazine described the atmosphere of “Continental” gaiety that had permeated Melbourne - “The Letters of Letty”, Table Talk 8 June 1939 “The “foreign influence” is definitely obtruding itself into the even tenor of Melbourne life these days…. but in the pleasantest manner possible! Included in the great number of Continental people who have recently made their homes here, we have stars of the Russian ballet settling in our midst…. and now… we have been presented with our own Continental picture theatre in the attractive shape of The Savoy, which opened its doors on Wednesday night for the exclusive release of foreign films. One could hardly recognise the old Temperance Hall in its adaptation to the smart, comfortable and thoroughly-intriguing Savoy Theatre. Where once this rather draughty old building stood in Russell Street there now greets us an unmistakable “Continental” edifice, living up to its exterior by sustaining within its walls its overseas’ atmosphere. Indeed, one feels as though one has crossed the threshold into a European city, stepping out of the unmistakably Australian street that is Russell into The Savoy lounge to be greeted by polite “messieurs” from the attractive, Continental-looking usherettes and to gaze upon a film as delightfully French in story and presentation as “La Kermesse Heroique.” But successful though “La Kermesse Heroique” proved on its initial presentation inside the theatre, the debut was no more triumphal than that made by the winning and pretty little French lass who had charge of the booking office outside in the foyer. With her attractive accent and Continental flair for making one “feel at home” she was undoubtedly one of the hits of the night-especially with the susceptible males, who spent very much longer in the lounge than is customary, racking their brains for excuses for making conversation with the attractive Parisienne! Those French girls certainly have a way with them!” The opening film, the 1935 French comedy “La Kermesse Heroique”, (The Heroic Sex) starring Francoise Rosay and Jean Murat (film now called “Carnival in Flanders”) was the winner of the Grand Prix du Cinema Francais as the finest picture of 1936 and described in the advertisement as “The Gay French Comedy of Laughter and Romance” The film is set during the 17th century Spanish occupation of Flanders in the Flemish town of Boom at the time of their annual festival. Hearing news of a pending visit to Boom by the commander, the Duke of Olivares and his army, and fearing rape and pillage, the boorish burgomaster feigns his own death, hoping the Spaniards will bypass the grieving town out of respect. The army arrives and the cowardly men of the town flee. The womenfolk decide on a different approach. Lead by the burgomaster’s beautiful wife Cornelia, they set out to to preserve the peace with grace and hospitality only to find the Spaniards attractive and virile, unlike their own husbands. The Sun newspaper described the film as “Mellow as a Stilton cheese, and as ripely suited to adult taste.” Preceding “La Kermesse Heroique” was a Gaumont British newsreel of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth departing for a tour of Canada and the Soviet documentary “Nine Months on a Drifting Ice Floe” During the war “Continental” films became difficult to source, so the Savoy screened Hollywood movies and held fund raisers for the war effort. After World War Two, the Savoy continued to screen “Continental” films, catering to post-war immigrants from Europe and bohemian Melburnians. In 1953, the Savoy had a wildly popular season with queues winding around the block to see Swedish summer romance “One Summer of Happiness” (Hon dansade en sommar) with its nude swimming scenes. The Chief Commonwealth Censor declined to cut the film on the grounds that although it displayed nudity, it was genuinely artistic. According to Wikipedia, film director Fred Schepisi was first exposed to European films such as “Bicycle Thieves”, “Rocco and His Brothers” and “The Wages of Fear” at the Savoy as a teenager, leading to his long career in filmmaking. In 1955, in response to the massive rise in car ownership, the Melbourne City Council recommended that parking stations be built on every block. The Savoy Theatre and adjacent buildings, which included the Golden Fleece Hotel were demolished in 1963 and replaced with Total House, a Brutalist commercial building consisting of a seven storey car park crowned by a four storey office block, shops at street level, and a basement theatre which housed the Lido Theatre Restaurant-Cabaret from 1965. The building was designed by architectural firm Bogle & Banfield Associates and named for the original tenant of the offices, French oil company, Total Oil Products P/L. The Lido Theatre Restaurant was managed by former Tivoli dancer and promoter David Hamilton McIlwraith, presenting dinner and a glamorous cabaret floor show of showgirls, (some topless) to accompany variety acts by local and international actors, singers, comedians and magicians. The interior of the Lido was opulently decorated in deep, lush green with old world gold trim and chandeliers. Handily, patrons could enter and leave via an elevator, straight from the building’s own car park! A four course gourmet dinner with show and dancing cost $8.00 in 1968. The Lido advertised in 1966 that “Every visitor to Melbourne soon discovers the brightest entertainment spot in the Southern Hemisphere with its million dollar decor, dining delights and spectacular stage productions.” Australian Jewish News - 21 April 1967 - “Superb decor and atmosphere, cuisine and service have been readily recognised as the contributing factors to the excellence of stage presentations, staging, costumes, decor and, of course, the actual choice of artists.” The bedazzling ensemble of 40 high-kicking, feathered and sequinned showgirls were advertised as the “Fabulous Lido girls and the controversial Baretop Lido Goddesses” who were described as “Statuesque Beauty as Nature intended” and “…a host of glamorous gals whose favourite shade is flesh pink.” Some of the acts who performed at the Lido were- -Broken Hill’s own - opera singer June Bronhill -1967. -Versatile singer Lovelace Watkins known as “Black Sinatra - 1967. -“Queen of the five-fingered boogie", honky-tonk and rollicking rag-time pianist, Winifred Atwell - 1967. -New Zealand pop duo, Bill and Boyd -1968. -American actress and soprano Kathryn Grayson -1968. -Denise Drysdale in “Say It With Music” -1968. -“Catwoman” Eartha Kitt -1969. -Internationally recognised female impersonator, Sydneysider Tracey Lee, (Maxwell Richie) billed as "controversial impressionist and singing personality from the famous Carousel Nightspot in Paris". -Frances Faye, American comedienne and show-tune singer and pianist-1969. -“Cry Guy” histrionic singer Johnnie Ray -1970. -Risqué revue “Oh Calcutta!” with some segments and the “four letter” words removed-1970. In 1970, under new management, the Lido was renovated with claret and gold wallpaper, midnight blue ceiling and a computerised fountain with fairy lights and relaunched by “The Tigress from Tiger Bay”, Shirley Bassey. The relaunch was short lived however, as later that year the venue became El Toro Espana, a Spanish restaurant and nightclub offering a four course meal for $4.50 while you watched the floorshow. The venue then briefly became the Red Garter Music Hall Theatre from 1972, then in 1974 the site became the 600 seat Total Theatre comprising of a cinema with a stage for live acts. There were also three bars to choose from - the Crush Bar, the Bleachers and the Snake Pit. Total Theatre had the unusual concept of a live music act, or plays, musicals and magicians followed by a film. In 1975 soprano Suzanne Steele featured, followed by the film “The Voyage” starring Sophia Loren and Richard Burton. In 1975, the Total held a rock film festival showing a Jimi Hendrix documentary, “Monterey Pop Festival”, “Pink Floyd in Pompeii” and more. In 1976, 17 year old Chrissy Amphlett, later of rock band Divinyls, played the role of Linda Lips for nine months in the Australian stage production of R-rated “sexual musical”, “Let My People Come” at the Total Theatre. The Total Theatre closed in 1979 and from 1980 to 2014 the venue became Billboard Nightclub, hosting local and international acts, including INXS, Tina Turner and John Farnham, and in 2009, 18 year old Taylor Swift. The venue is now called 170 Russell and presents hundreds of live local and international acts every year. In 2014, after being under threat of demolition, Total House was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as “a landmark of post-World War II modernist design and…one of the earliest and best expressions of Brutalist architecture in Victoria”. References: RICHARD CROOKS ARRIVES SCHOOL AGAIN VENUE OF ROYAL VISIT (1939, May 31). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205629696 AMUSEMENTS. (1933, July 27). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204378853 https://larzra.wordpress.com/origins/ CONTINENTAL HOSTESSES, (1939, May 31). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 27. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article278189387 The Letters of Letty (1939, June 8). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 12. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149320966 SAVOY THEATRE (1939, June 1). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205639035 NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_House Page [?] TOUCH OF SPAIN (1970, December 18). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 35. Retrieved September 23, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262493757 No title (1935, June 11). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244840169 Dine, wine, and watch a stage show (1966, November 16). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 6. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44025050 http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/02/26/tracey-lee/ LIDO ‘ART’ (1967, April 21). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 8. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article263003136 THE FABULOUS LIDO (1965, October 22). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 17. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262983995 No title (1939, May 31). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134144 #NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Lee_(female_impersonator) https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/35b-40h-image-of-a-model-for-the-total-house-offices-and-car-park-on-russell-street/ https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/from-the-archives-1990-s-hundreds-of-school-closures-hit-victoria-20190801-p52cwj.html http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/05/29/the-lido-melbourne/Photographer notations on slide: primary schools, schools, music, education, choirs, fitzroy, cars, theatre restaurants, venues, films