Mabel nee Abraham Rogers produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skillfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. About “Melton Amateurs” and forerunners….. Melton people have always been Active in giving and enjoying Concerts and Amateur Theatricals presented by local talent. Wile is it not possible to mention everybody; names like George Gardiner, Stan Hardy, Jim Murchison, Rita Summers, Annie Riddell, Ethel MacPherson, Harold Bainbridge, Jack Mcguire, Greta Jongebloed, Mary Coburn, Elsie McCorkell, Linda Cameron, Marjorie Myers, Aggie Ross, Bob Butler, bring happy memories to older residents. Over the years, the names change, but the talent is always there, and freely used to give pleasure to others. the Caledonian Society was active about 1925. The Melton Competitions, 1937-37 were very successful and attracted much local and outside talent. The Melton Social and Dramatic Club was operative during the same years, and gave several shows. The first “Melton Amateurs” production was a Revue, in 1950. This was followed by other Reviews, Pantomimes, One-act and Three-act plays, and Musical Comedy. Do you remember Bessie, bob and Barrie Bardsley, and Shirley and Marie Jongebloed, Shirley Wallace, Bill Abraham, Joan Jenkins, Peg Arandt, Winifred Fraser and many other? "Comedy Tonight" prrogramme by the Melton Amateurslocal identities

Brown cardboard covered, spiral bound A4 size book.Collected summary papersballarat college of advanced education, summary papers, peter coman, ian moore, john burrell, norm barling, roger slee, helen hayes, ross whitefield, denise walsh, geoff mcrae, wendy crebbin, frank williams, iteraera abera, valo valo, rob baker, george baume, chris bigum, nerida blair, bob boyd, david symington, geoffrey burkhardt, majorie carss, dawn muir, jim christensen, margaret clyde, desmond connelly, jack darmody, barrie dickie, gwenda chapman, pat duffy, anne piggott, laurie andrew, john budby, stephen duggan, maryann ehle, alison elliott, terry evans, daryl nation, barry fields, sue gillard, max gillet, mon khamis, noel gough, richard gunstone, jeff northfield, maurice hale, brian hansford, bill harrison, janice wilson, win haseloff, trevor hutchins, brian jacka, james lukabyo, hugo mccann, r. kerrison, peter mcnally, ian macpherson, dianna mannigel, genne marks, margaret marks, alan peacock, susan moore, judy mousley, helen watson, john henry, robin mctaggart, charles myers, john nicholson, lynne noone, peter olsen, marion curry, david bull, geoff orr, phil meade, john pearson, ray preston, ross price, robert peake, les regan, ian robottom, richard tinning, g. di chiro, maurice robson, carol scott, bob semmens, tony simpson, janette stapleton-hill, arthur smith, peter smith, frank sofo, rosemary stack, david townsend, tony townsend, geoff treblico, ted wadsworth, kathleen warren, don williams, john williamson, john lake, joseph zajda

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. VIOSH had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became Federation University. VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry. Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge. Brown and gold framed photograph with title and names of students underneath.Framers details verso lls: "Artafact"viosh, viosh australia, occupatonal health and safety, victorian institute of occupational safety and health, neil absolon, sean bath, sharon burnell, geoffrey byers, kevin campbell, george card, sandra clarke, kevin currie, marian day, malcolm dorricott, jennifer gallagher, robert goodbourn, neil gude, jill gutteridge, glenn hughes, joseph holecka, maria mchugh, geoffrey moore, carey murphy, philip myers, andrew nykoluk, kathleen peeters, jean prosper, shaun quinn, alan riley, michael rose, sarah ross, patricia seide, tony thatcher, tony van maanenberg, brett wood, ballarat college of advanced education

Small drawing of St. Andrew's Uniting Church in Myers Street, Bendigo. The drawing in is a green frame. On the back: St. Andrew's Uniting Church in Myers Street, Bendigo, Australia by Bendigo artist Keith Ross, www.keithrossartist.com The year 2004 marked 150 years of worship on this site. The first services were held in a tent, then in a more substantial building which was replaced in 1930 by the present one. Architects were G.D. Garvin and G. Eathorne. October 2004 saw the celebration of this important sesquicentenary.church, history, st andrew's

Dull orange folder containing copies of letters, brochures, information sheets and some newspaper cuttings. Name on the front is Frank A. Stevenson 244 Hargreaves St Bendigo. Letters date from 1937 to 1942. Newspaper titles include: Prevention of Rust- Principle of the Scalebuoy, Scalebuoys in Cars, Tragic Death of Captain Hartley Abbott and the Obituary of Captain R.H.S.Abbott.sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, frank a stevenson, mr bacon, amalgamated freezing co bendigo, g whalley, gunbower co-operative butter factory & trading coy ltd, mr wallace, j charlesworth, d v evershed, bendigo electronic co, walshes crown hotel, hunter bros, wybgones unit, 180 gold mining co, o'hallorans cyanide unit, crystal ice works, stevenson unit, bendigo council, central nell gwynne, nth deborugh g m co, deborugh g m c, deborugh consolidated, cohuna butter factory, geo ross, victorian producers' co-operative coy ltd, h abbott, ernest f o liddell, rothacker bros, motor spares ltd, leggo's buildings, t j jorgensen, mr robinson, stevenson bros, r h s abbott, d c house, the electrical factor in metabolism, w n abbott, the great boulder proprietary gold mines ltd, w o galletly, mr stronell, newport workshops, victorian railways, mr brownbill, mr james, the university of melbourne, j l osborne, n clarkson, sister mary gonzaga, st joseph's hospital, mater misericordiae hospital, mr herzog, sister m monica?, vacuum oil, j johns, h j grigg, w a walsh, market square, crown hotel, g e cole, transport & engineering in australia 16/12/1937, mr menderson, mr ross, sanitary age 8/2/1935, northern kiwanis clubs, harry a baxter, w h cunningham & hill ltd, link-belt co ltd, sir william crooks, royal zoological society, ginna works germany, close brothers, w h taylor, geo taylor hardware co ltd, details of hydraulic spinner unit (scalebuoy), a davidson, john g kelly inc, hannon, myers wishart, kennedy, mr critten, pennsylvania rubber coy, paul a douden & co, w e humphrey, kansas city public service co, smith, tangney hotels, wahkonsa hotel, muscatine hotel, arlington hotel, burke hotel, helen tangney-springer, f w woolworth co, w w edan, ymca, n f alcock, b j ingram, scalebuoys, bendigo electronic company of australia proprietary limited, a s bloomfield, harry ponsonby mackenzie, arthur robinson & co, the commercial banking company of sydney ltd, a t madden, victorian railways, e c eyers, city of bendigo, frank h day, lane's motors pty ltd, h c holland, union oil soap & candle co ltd, knox home, n a duthie, w h mccorkindale, maungatapere co-op dairy co ltd, the whangarei co-op dairy co ltd, w h millingford, kettering cartons limited, j g arlidge, w e humphrey, kansas city public service company, h w smith, prospectus of scale buoy distributors limited, edwin gripper banks, richard hartley smith abbott, frank shaw fitchett, hayden smith & fitchett, the commercial bank of australia limited, william john stanley horsfall, frank cooper, scott's hotel, a j phillips, stringer & phillips proprietary ltd, e g banks, edwin gripper banks, reginald william stringer, frank cooper, claude gordon robinson, s reid

Hand-drawn map of Bendigo - Golden Square in 1851. Map shows the chain of waterholes, Golden Gully, hill and bush areas and open treeless flat. Mentioned on the map are places where there were mia mias, stockyards, Gibson & Fenton's butchery & First Store.map, bendigo, goldfields, map the infancy of bendigo & golden square 1851, capt dane, william johnson, mrs kennedy, mrs farrell, ben hall, chris asquith, gibson & fenton's butchery & first store, p odonnell, walter r sandbach, william sandbach, mr frencham, john ross, thos myers, bendigo hut & little stockyard, commissioner horne, j jones, c cohen

Auctions of Crown land were introduced in the Colony of Victoria from 1851 to encourage settlers to occupy and work the land. Many squatters purchased land at auction at the upset (minimum) price of £1 per acre. In some areas where demand was high, such as the goldfields, the price realised at auction was much more. Land was put up for sale in the study area on the Burrumbeep run in May 1855, on the Lexington run in 1857, and on the Gorrinn run in 1858. (http://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/library/document/thermatics.pdf, accessed 27 January 2015) For 70 years or more, Yalla-y-Poora, Burrumbeep, Edgarley, Mount William and Narrapumelap ranked in the leading wool producers in Victoria. 1 Stud owners at Yalla-y-Poora, Eurambeen, Burrumbeep and Challicum crossed merino sheep with sheep descended from John Macarthur's Camden Park in New South Wales. (http://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/library/document/thermatics.pdf, accessed 27 January 2015) In what was to become the Ararat Mining Division, gold was discovered in May 1854 on the Burrumbeep run at a place that became known as Pinky Point on the Mount William goldfield. By 21 June 1854, between 600 and 1,000 people had arrived. (http://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/library/document/thermatics.pdf, accessed 27 January 2015)\ Town allotment plan for Burrumbeep. Merrymbuela, Borung, Lexington and Langi Logan are neighbouring areas. The plan includes the Burrumbeep Pre-Emptive Right (Roger and Wright); licensed land holders including Stephen Young, John Carroll, William Walsh, Thomas Purcell, Martha M. Bond, Colin Johnson, John Charles Webb, Henry Withycombe, William Henry Barbridge, John Wall, Thomas Flatelly, William Jenkinson, Elisia Radford, V. Radford, Denis Byrne, George Cook. Land holders included Andrew Maloney, Richard Wingfield Harrocks, W. Sporton, Terence Lynch, F. S. Falkiner, A. Millman, H. Morris, George Upham, J. McCLure, S. Fletcher, W. Parker, Thomas Myers, William wright, W.C. Winter, C. Wordman, Oliver A. Winter This plan is associated with former Ballarat School of Mines student Richard Squire (1875-6) Gift of the Squire FamilyVerso written in pencil - Plan of Burrembeep Ararat Burrembeep Araratburrumbeep, corrinn, langi logan, merrymbuela, lexington, ararat, roger & wright, cook, rogers, upham, george upham, ross, parsans, morris, johnson, withycoombe, colin johnson, falkiner, dsporton, john carroll, donald gordon, denis bryne, maurice dooley, martha bond, william harricks, \william wingfield harricks, william l.c. harricks, michael houlihan, thomas purcell, martin ryan, michael cody, fletcher, mccaw, w. parker, j.m. clow, elisia radford, thomas radford, thomas myers, barbridge, e. wilde, j. wall, flatelly, g. wardman, w.c. winter, david ball, jenkinson, ballarat school of mines, richard squire, squire

The 1960 Quadrangle magazine committee were Kelvin Whitford, Bill Heywood, Ken Delayney, Daryl Burt, John Cornish, John McDonald, Ross Gray, and Messrs I. Chisholm and N. Watkins.Salmon coloured soft covered magazine of 46 pages. Contents include: Villiers Internal Combustion Engine, Geelong, School Song, Death of W.J. Paterson, Old Boys Newsletter (Keith Rash), Pine plantation. Robert Champneys, Air Training Corps, Mothers' Club Images include: R. Watson (headmaster), staff, prefects, tennis court, Peter Trezise, Doug Rash, Wong Chik Min, John Gilbert, John McDonald, Ray Bilney, Denis Moy, John Crawley, Roberto Venier, Reijo Karvinen, Cheetham Salt Works; Graeme Cummins, Gerald Kessel, James Colligan, Alan Everett, David Newman, Air Training Corps, Ken Wach, Athletics team, Tunnel Ball Team, Cross Country Team, Basketball Team, Softball Team, Football Team, Swimming team, Cycling Team, Cricket Team, ballarat junior technica school, ballarat school of mines, whitford, watson, paterson, w.j. paterson, george cornell, franklin, tresize, prefects, tennis court, peter trezise, doug rash, wong chik min, john gilbert, john mcdonald, ray bilney, denis moy, john crawley, roberto venier, reijo karvinen, cheetham salt works, graeme cummins, gerald kessel, james colligan, alan everett, david newman, air training corps, ken wach, athletics team, tunnel ball team, cross country team, basketball team, softball team, football team, swimming team, cycling team, cricket team, r. watson, kelvin whitford, bill heywood, ken delayney, daryl burt, john cornish, ross gray, william paterson obituary, ron kirner, keith rash, air training cadets, i. pym, c. antonio, k. woodyatt, b. middleton, a. everett, b. clarke, d. riddiford, i. trembath, j. myers, l. goldsmith, p. chanler, p. edge, s. riddiford, r. cook, j. holt, k. fellows, d. coldicott, douglas rash, g. angow, n. jones, john dellaca, j. angwin, w. scanlon, m. chung, g. holt, r. bilney, w. carey, r. carmichael, b. mckinnon, n. bedggood, r. robinson, c. cunninham, r. grubb, l. skevington, g. cole, w. whiting, ronaldson-tippett, palmer bros, h. dubberley & son, m.b. john and hatersley limited, h.a. davis motor service, alexandria tea rooms

Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine, 1962. Editorial, Prominent Personalities, The Principal's Pages, The Richard W. Richards Medal, The Challenge, Camera Portraits, Conferring of Diplomas, The Highest Distinction - the F. J. Pomeroy Cup, What is Mathematics?, Microliths, Begonia Festival Procession, In a Man's World, Retirement of Mr. Harold Yates, The Eric McGrath Award, Asian Students in the S.M.B., Austral-Asian Relationships, Originality - At What Price?, Sports Awards 1962, Sports, The BEAT Generation, University in Ballarat, Heads of Departments 1873 - , Associates Black soft cover with grey inscriptions and grey and yellow figures on front cover, 72 pagesOn one of the first two loose pages there is the inscription "Copy uncollected by student but paid for, used to cut our advertisers' copy, 15/08/63".ballarat school of mines students' magazine 1962, staff, sports, stanley white, kelvin whitford, eric mcgrath, ian weir, gordon johnson, kerry penna, kevin oscar rogers, robert coutts, graeme waller, anita bitans, noel kelly, john davis, tony brauer, sue davies, h. e. arblaster, w. h. reimann, a. j. bethune, william peter john huberts, d. pollard, john boermans, james william beattie, edward westlake doney, john maxwell gilbert, barbara anne o'conell, helen margaret ross, robert william tantau, jeffery murrell, barry thomas dunstan, juris erdmanis, sr. mary andre power, james william john, walter henry reimann, donald james stewart, ronald william furlong, kenneth joseph howard, allan graham rock, robert geoffrey champneys, denis richard colbourn, wilhelmus peterus johannes huberts, neil herbert andrews, john barry gillick, charles edwin goddard, donald william pope, william henry saggers, ronald charles davis, travers william duncan, brian thomas hickey, robert reginald archer, kaspars bitans, robert william lochhead, tony white, teng seong khoo, robert frederic murrell, john william faulkner, harry w. goldsmith, h. darby, don holmes, j. r. pound, david james, ross gray, harold yates, w. l. moore, teddy gan, m. moissinac, c. gan, b. tanthiem, l. k. oh, b. eng, doug rash, d. holmes, t. c. poh, b. saw, s. wendt, p. malins, d. a. black, g. biddington, borom tanthiem, edward elsbury, w. lancaster, mount isa mines, eric mcgrath award, ballarat school of mines revue, electrolytic zinc companyof australasia limited, m.b. john, b. and g. myers, broken hill associated smelters

Poster of the 2012 Essendon players and coachesColour poster of the 2012 Essendon players and coaches. Players are in sleeveless Essendon jumpers, black shorts and white boots; coaches are in grey short-sleeve shirts and black shorts. Players and coaches are standing and sitting in four rows; large "2012" in background, "Essendon Bombers" in large red text across top, Essendon logo in centre at bottom with premiership years on either side; names in small print at bottom of poster; Essendon, Melbourne Airport, Kia and True Value Solar logos in bottom corners. Reverse has printed names, numbers and signatures. > Back row: Sam Lonergan, Jake Melksham, Dyson Heppel, Anthony Long, Ariel Steinberg, David Myers, Tayte Pears, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Stewart Crameri, Michael Hibberd, Brent Prismall, Jason Winderlich. Third row: Mark Thompson, Simon Goodwin, Michael Ross, Ben Howlett, Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Scott Gumbleton, Cale Hooker, David Hille, Thomas Bellchambers, Dustin Fletcher, Patrick Ryder, Luke Davis, Alex Browne, Kyle Reimers, Matthew Egan, Sean Wellman, Dean Robinson. Second row: Alwyn Davey, Leroy Jetta, Ricky Dyson, Angus Monfries, David Zaharakis, Brent Stanton, James Hird, Jobe Watson, Mark McVeigh, Heath Hocking, Michael Hurley, Courtney Dempsey, Henry Slattery. Front row: Elliott Kavanagh, Mark Baguley, Cory Dell'Olio, Brendan Lee, Hal Hunter, Jackson Merrett, Lauchlan Dalgleish, Nicholas O'Brien, Travis Colyer. essendon football club; sam lonergan; jake melksham; dyson heppell; anthony long; ariel steinberg; david myers; tayte pears; nathan lovett-murray; stewart crameri; michael hibberd; brent prismall; jason winderlich; mark thompson; simon goodwin; michael ross; ben howlett; kyle hardingham; jake carlisle; scott gumbleton; cale hooker; david hille; tom bellchambers; dustin fletcher; paddy ryder; luke davis; alex browne; kyle reimers; matthew egan; wellman, sean; robinson, dean; davey, alwyn "froggie"; leroy jetta; ricky dyson; angus monfries; david zaharakis; brent stanton; james hird; jobe watson; mark mcveigh; heath hocking; michael hurley; courtney dempsey; henry slattery; elliott kavanagh; mark baguley; cory dell'olio; brendan lee; hal hunter; jackson merrett; lauchlan dalgleish; nicholas o'brien; travis colyer

Black and white small format photograph of Ross and Glanys Nicholls of Lakes Health Bar 10 Myers Street Lakes Entrance Victoriabusinesses, people

Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski 1942 –1987 As a young musician Lynette had beaten Roger Woodward in piano competitions, before deciding to specialise in singing she trained as an artist in Melbourne. Given the choice of distinction in three different careers Lynette chose the most difficult, that of a singer. The repertoire in which Lynette chose to specialise – the period of the Baroque and above all the works of Johann Sebastian Bach – demanded a high degree of technical virtuosity, fine musicianship and elegance of style, in all of which she excelled. Yet she equally at home in Grand Opera, Lieder, and Operetta and gave some of her most memorable performances in the most diverse aspects of the vocal repertoire. Her own special quality was one of inner radiance when she sang, which added to the beauty of her voice, made her performances especially moving, and which led to her being sought out as a performer of the great German works within Germany itself. It seems so fitting that Lynette’s last public performance should have been in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, with its magnificent “Ode to Joy”. This took place in Paris in the Salle Pleyel on October 25th 1985. In the series of Concerts that season, Lynette’s name stood beside those of Danial Barenboim and Jessie Norman, Rostropovich, Nicholas Harnoncourt and Zubin Mehta. At this last performance Lynette truly stood at the peak of her profession This was part of Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski Eulogy by Mary Ryan 30 – 10 –1987 Family history of Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski: Herbert Vivian Butler 1915 - 1999 Bert grew up living on the family farm at Rockbank. He walked three miles to school and was one of 12 students. He attended Essendon High School and after the culture shock of being a country bumpkin, he soon earned respect of his peers through his sporting ability and academic excellence. Bert became Head Prefect in his final year at Essendon High School. He became a Primary School teacher working in inner suburban schools while living in Hawthorn. During the war years he went to Melbourne University at night obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree. His main teaching methods were geology and geography. In 1939 Bert married Marjorie G Myers of ‘Burnbank Melton. Marjorie was already a talented pianist in her teenage years achieving her L.Mus.A. her fourth qualification by the age of 18 years. She attended the Conservatorium of Music Melbourne studying pianoforte and later with a singing scholarship and won numerous competitions from Ballarat to Bendigo She started her teaching career after leaving Melton State School. She taught many students throughout district including Edna Butler, the young sister of Bert. While living in Hawthorn their children Adrian and Lynette were born. Their son Max was born in Bacchus Marsh while Bert was teaching at the High School and in 1950 was appointed to Numurkah HS. In 1953 the family moved to Frankston HS. In 1958 he was appointed foundation Principal of Ashwood HS at the age of 43, the youngest to achieve this level of seniority. He was also Principal at Huntingdale, Mordialloc/Chelsea, and Mornington until his retirement in 1975. Football - Melton aged 17 - 3 seasons. Carlton signed in1935. Played forward pocket 2nd rover in1938. During the war years Carlton 2nd s Captain, played his last senior game in 1944. In 1944 he was Captain coach of Bacchus Marsh Team, a President and Life Member. Club Champion for three years for Numurkah. Marjorie Gretchen Myers Born at Melton on the 21st of February 1912 Attended Melton State School No 430 1917 and left school to become a music teacher. A pupil of Miss Ross the Music teacher at Melton she advanced rapidly and achieved her A.L.C.M. (Associate of the London College of Music) at the age of 12 years. At 14 years she gained her L.L.C.M. (Licentiate of the London College of Music). At the age of 16 she was awarded a part scholarship in 1928 to the to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying pianoforte under Miss Elsie Fraser. She gained her A.Mus.A. at the age of 17 and her L. Mus. A. at the age of 18 years. In 1935 she won a full scholarship given by Madame Elsie Ashton for singing. The “Australian Musical New” Mr Thorald Waters the adjudicator found her outstanding qualities as a musician an added reason for singling out Miss Myers with her voice being the most promising of those heard. Cousins Wendy Barrie and Lynette Butler in the backyard of Butler's houselocal identities

Agnes Ross Riddell came to Melton as a girl with her twin sister. She taught Marjorie G Myers until she went to the Conservatorium of Music at age 16, she was then taught by Elsie Fraser. Melton for 30 years. Her mother, Annie Ross was the Post Mistress at Melton for 30 years, and her daughter Zan married Ron Durham of Bacchus Marsh. A pupil of Miss Agnes Ross, music teacher at Melton State School.local identities, education

Marjorie Gretchen Myers Born at Melton on the 21st of February 1912 Attended Melton State School No 430 1917 and left school to become a music teacher. A pupil of Miss Ross the Music teacher at Melton she advanced rapidly and achieved her A.L.C.M. (Associate of the London College of Music) at the age of 12 years. At 14 years she gained her L.L.C.M. (Licentiate of the London College of Music). At the age of 16 she was awarded a part scholarship in 1928 to the to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying pianoforte under Miss Elsie Fraser. She gained her A.Mus.A. at the age of 17 and her L. Mus. A. at the age of 18 years. In 1935 she won a full scholarship given by Madame Elsie Ashton for singing. The “Australian Musical New” Mr Thorald Waters the adjudicator found her outstanding qualities as a musician an added reason for singling out Miss Myers with her voice being the most promising of those heard. She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia.She married Herbert Vivian BUTLER on 07 January 1939 in Victoria, Australia.Myer's gravestone is at Melton Cemetery local identities, pioneer families

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

Article mentions Agnes Ross Riddell, she came to Melton as a girl with her twin sister. Her mother was the Post Mistress at Melton. ( Daughter Zan m Ron Durham of Bacchus Marsh). Agnes was a music Teacher who taught Marjorie G Myers until she went to the Conservatorium of Music at age 16. Agnes also taught Mabel Dixon.Concert event for the Melton Football Club, article featured in the Melton Expresslocal identities, sport

Saint Andrews Presbyterian (Uniting) Church, Myers Street, Bendigo, 1996. Photo taken on northerly aspect of building.Maisie Rossst andrews college myers street, bendigo