Group at Pool Site with Plans. Hall’s Gap Tourist Promotion Officer I.R. McCann at centre 1970stawell

Mr. W.W. Roach is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) and is sitting in his office at RDNS Headquarters, 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. Mr. W.W. Roach became CEO of RDNS in January 1971, and soon after started an appeal for funds, as well as organizing and distributing printing material advertising the services available from the Royal District Nursing Service. After almost 13 years with RDNS he retired in December 1983. During his time as CEO, RDNS grew from 6 regional centres with 182 on the staff to 14 centres with a staff of 452, and the Education Department relocated to a nearby building.Black and white photograph showing Mr. W. W. Roach, of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), sitting at his dark coloured desk. Mr. Roach, who has thinning dark hair, and is wearing a white shirt, dark tie, grey buttoned vest and a dark coloured jacket, is holding the hand piece of a grey coloured telephone to his left ear and holding a pencil in his right hand. His wrist is resting on a piece of white paper on a large white blotter on the desk and a light coloured Teledex is on the far right. A multi drawer filing cabinet and opened floral curtains can be seen in the background of the photograph. Between the curtains closed Venetian blinds are seen and below this a voile curtain.Photographer stamp. Quote No. KH 53royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns headquarters, rdns chief executive officer, mr w.w. roach

Black & White Bendigo Advertiser Article September 9, 1971. Designate Historical Areas. Town Planning Officer Mr. B.S. Collins suggests that having areas of Bendigo designated as having historical significance would be especially useful for tourism.bendigo, newspapers, bendigo advertiser historical areas, previous number newspaper clippings folder 51-100

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, 22/9/1972 about the BTPS seeking government funding for the museum and its development. Quotes Publicity Officer, Mr Maurie Calnin. Also gives notes on progress so far, mentions Bendigo and power supply.Date "22/9/72" in headline area.trams, tramways, museum construction, funding, btps

students spraying fruit trees, sir rohan delacombe, pam mcdonnell, chris grice, w. nicholls, governor of victoria, students working outside, spraying

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post" 1-6-94 P7 Ringwood Mayor's Column. Cr Margaret Cheevers.Cr Cheevers mentions the retirement of Ringwood's Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr Don Potts. She also mentions the launch of the "Recreaion in Ringwood" poster. Several olther things were taken part in by Cr Cheevers.`

Prepared by Talma & Co, Melbourne. Hung in council chambersFramed picture of members of the Ringwood Borough Councillors 1928-1929 +Additional Keywords: Cr. A. Blood / Cr. Wm. Mackindlay J.P. / Cr. A.T. Miles J.P. / Cr. R.G. Wilkins / Cr. J.B. McAlpin J.P. Mayor / Cr. J.K. McCaskill / Mr. W.T. Jenkin - Rate Collector & Valuer / Mr. A.F.B. Long - Town Clerk / Mr. A.H. McKibbin - Health Inspector / Dr. A.T. Langley - Health Officer / Mr. F.R. Lucas - Borough EngineerPresented by Cr. J.B. McAlpin, JP to the Ringwood Borough Council.

Set of letters to and from Mr Lewis Russell MMTB Publicity Officer and Mr. H. Campbell, the Editor The Age, regarding the forthcoming retirement of the MMTB Chairman, Mr. H. Bell, outlining his achievements - financial fares, work and general matters. Good spin.trams, tramways, the age, retirements, board members, chairman, finances, fares

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, dated Monday, June 19, 1972 titled "Housing plan for tram depot site". Reports on the sale of the former tram depot on Saturday June 17 for $54,500. The purchaser expected to start development of housing on the site within three months. Reports on the sale, purchaser and SEC's views. Features a photo of Edgar Bartrop reading the contract. Others in the photo are Bruce Bartrop, SEC Estate officer, Mr. R. Morrison and SEC Manager Mr. I. F. Pellas. One of a large group of newspaper cuttings from John Bainbridge, 7/4/02.depot, buildings, auctions, bartrop

Newspaper clipping from The Herald, Friday 29/11/1963, titled "Overseas drive for tram men", reporting on the MMTB Employment Officer Mr J. H. K. Allen going to England to recruit conductors. Fourth such trip, the Minister Mr. Meagher says previous trips successful, but Union Secretary, Mr. C. L. O'Shea said they had not been - 1000 recruited, but only about 100 have stayed. On the rear is a item written by Noel Hawken - "Much ado at Moonee Ponds" about Barry Humphries and Mrs Everage. Includes notes on Moonee Ponds and the Puckle St tram.trams, tramways, crews, employment, recruitment, mmtb, overseas tours, moonee ponds, puckle st

Composed and signed by WHC Darvall on the executive of the Victorian Mission to Seamen also with reference to three other officers: Mr Reid-President, Mr Allard Vice President, Mr Seymour Hon Treasurer. Darvall returned to Melbourne late 1901 early 1902. A former solicitor Darvall and the Mission Committee are concerned it seems at the 'appropriation' by other organisations of donations or funds usually promised to the VMTS. The seamen's home was being built or about to be on the site of the World Trade centre on Siddeley St. as at 2020. This letter was sent out at a pivotal period in the Mission story soon after the sudden death of Rev James after 20 constant years service, with the proposed arrival of a Seamen's home on Siddeley St to a location close by to one long sought by the Victorian Mission for their first Central Mission and just a few years before arrival of the London Mission to Seamen representative Rev A Gurney-Goldsmith. The ladies Committee of the Mission and volunteers had prior to appointment of a paid collector had done most of the collecting of donations.A 2 page printed circular or letter addressed to Dear Sir alerting the recipient to the new appointment of a paid Collector, Mr L Dangerfield, visiting supporters authorised to collect donations and subscriptions and not to be confused with other similarly named groups such as the Seamen's home. The pamphlet also includes extracts from a speech by "His Excellency the Governor" reminding the recipient of the authentic goals of the Mission which also, as ever, were essential to business interests in supporting seafarers.paid collector, mr l. dangerfield, whc darvall, rev james, rev geary

Newspaper cutting of the launch of Ballarat Base Hospital decorated tram No. 21 at the depot, possibly the previous day. The tram No. 21 was "decorated by nurses and their friends". The tram was to publicise the hospital's $50,000 appeal until the end of May. Inspecting the tram in the photo were public relations officer, Mr. David Rees, Dr I.C. Goy and Mr. K.J.Neerhut with nursing staff members, SEC painters and carpenters who shared in the work. Tram photographed on the depot fan, with Lake Wendouree in the background. Tram known as the Trambulance. See Reg. Item 3750 for a print of the original Courier photograph. Yields information about the launch of a fund raising tram for the Ballarat Base Hospital.Newspaper cutting from The Courier, Ballarat, 29/3/1969.trams, tramways, ballarat base hospital, appeals, decorated trams, 21

Paper menu, printed with black text, with blue string and red flag design on front "MV Napier Star Blue Star Line/ Voyage 33/ Master Capt. J C Mackintosh/ The ship wishes our Chief Officer/ Mr Jan C Woods/ A very happy birthday/ At sea in the Carribean Homeward Bound/ Chief Steward M A Collier/ Chef R N Wescott Toms/ 21st June 1964/ Buffert Luncheon/ Consomme Froid/ Salmon Mayonnaise/ Dince Roti aux Norfork/ Jambon a la York/ Langue de Beouf/ Salmisaucisse/ Salades/ Laitues Tomates Pomme de tere/ Betteraves & Oignons Russe Macedoine/ Fraises et Crème/ Fromage Biscuits Café"

953.1 - photo of tram 32 being lifted and a low loader being positioned under the tram. Appeared on page 1 of Courier. Caption notes as the last tram to be given away and Mr. Bob Davies directing the move and that he has assisted in many of the moves so far. 953.2 - continuation of page 1 item on page 2 - about tram 32 being give to the Maryborough Chamber of Commerce. Mentions trams in the care of the BTPS, Lake Goldsmith and other organisations. Quotes SEC Administrative Officer Mr Norm Pearson. 953.3 - as for .1 and .2, but entire front page from The Courier. Additional copies of 953.1 and 953.2 added 30/05/06 ex Leslie Dawson. 953.4 - Black and white Courier photograph print of the photograph of No. 32 being lifted. 953.5 - Black and white Courier photograph print of No. 32 being lifted off the truck with No. 30 in the background .4 and .5 - Print of original photographs added 14-3-2016 from the donation to the Museum by Karelyn Satter Feb. 2016. Stored in box 01-01-84Yields information about the storage of trams at the Ballarat North Power Station following closure of the SEC operated tram system, period to delivery of the tram to its next owner. Has a strong association with the crane company of the time.Newspaper clippings from The Courier, dated 17/3/1973dates in blue ink of "17/3/73" near top right hand corner of both cuttings., Prints have the stamp of the Ballarat Courier on the rear.trams, tramways, maryborough, tram disposal, secv, tram 32

Black and white photograph of a Ministerial / government inspection party boarding a bogie tram at Gardens Loop. Attached to the bottom left hand corner of the photo is part of a cutting from the Courier, giving the name of the people boarding the tram. Photograph and cutting undated - possibly late 1960's. Attachment with a piece of 'sticky tape' On rear of photograph is a Ballarat Courier Copyright stamp. Name of people in photograph are given as: Tramways Superintendent - Mr. L. J. Denmead, Mid-Western Electricity Supply branch manager, Mr. I. F. Pellas, Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Mr. B. Newton Mr. Tom Evans MLA Transport Regulation Board, regional officer, Mr. Alan Stott Minister of Transport, Mr. Wilcox, Minster of Public Works, Mr Byrne Mr. Bill Stephen, MLA. Note: Murray Byrne was Minister of Public Works from June 1970 until August 1972. This would narrow down the photo to between June 1970 and September 1971 and probably in 1970. (Research note from Peter Winspur 14-12-2012). From the shadows etc, probably late 1970, very early 1971.On rear of photograph, in black ink is stamped "Ballarat Courier / Press Photograph / - copyright -"trams, tramways, closure, ballarat, gardens loop, ministerial visit, transport

presentation of certificates of applied science (ambulance) to T (?) O'Loughlan, K (?) Robinson and D. Smith. These were the first ambulance officers to graduate from the new ambulance officers training course. Mr R. W. Purnell, president of the ambulance service, makes the presentation. Source inscription on photograph.Black and white photograph. Three ambulance officers being presented certificates by man in suit.o'loughlan, robinson, d. smith

Forty pages programme for May 1902 of the Bendigo Austral Society. At the front the names of the officers: President: Mr. M. J. Stapleton - Vice President: Mr. E. S. Cahill - Treasurer: Mr. T. Butcher. Committee: Messrs. T. Byrne, C. E. Welch, Luke Murphy, J. Dunn, W. Honeybone. Hon Secretary: Mr. Frederic A. King. Mr. J. H. Bryan, Sole Hon. Accompanist. - Furnishings kindly supplied by Messrs. Henderson & Goodisson. And Lipp piano by Messrs. Flight & co,. Bendigo T. Cambridge, printer, publisher, engraver Market Square - 1902.entertainment, theatre, bendigo austral society

This newspaper article was produced at a time when newspapers were the main source of local information. The period before the explosion of mobile communication technology and the cost effectiveness of communication by "texting" and internet "social connections, eg. facebook and other social media networkings" The newspapers were the main links between and within large regions. The Hydro Courier was first printed in 1950 as a YMCA community service publication by Mr. Albert Clarke YMCA Officer and Mr. Alex McCullough a State Electricity Commission employee. This paper was one very important publication that provided relevant community information to all and was the major contributer to the "Valley" cohesive fibre and unity. This article not only records the celebration (centenary) of the Tawonga School but also presents the history of the school and important events such as various relocations of classrooms and how the region was settled and developed from the 1870's onward. The yawonga school opened in 1880 on 8 acres of land. It consisted of one large wooden building (22 ft x 11 ft). It had two windows, one brick chimney, bare wooden floor and a shingle roof. This article also presents the time when Mount Beauty area was likened to an island and occasionally school children could not attend school because of a flooded Kiewa river. The article also covers the changes brought about by the increased employment opportunities from SEC Kiewa Works(1935), the Sawmill(1946), the Gold mine(1949) and the Tobacco Industry (largest growing area in Australia).This item is a one page (original) article of the centenary celebrations for Tawonga Primary School came from the Alpine Observer and incorporated the Hydro Courier. It covers the arrangements for the celebration of the 100 years of the school's existence. The printed layout is typical of the typeset in use in 1980's. There are seven distinctive type collumns separated by a printed line. Three photographs are published with one photograph of a demountable classromm ,circa 1980, and the other two of student class photos of 1899 and 1914. Teacher and student names are listed below each photograph. On the back of this page are "specials" for "Sam's Cut Price Stores", specifically the Myrtleford store. Of interest is the advertisement of "Cartons of Cigarettes at cut prices". The page was produced as part of a "run" with "telltale" holes at each corner for stabilising the page in the printing process."Centenary Celebrations For Tawonga Primary School" below this in an enclosed heading "ALPINE OBSERVER" underneath in smaller print "WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED" below this in larger print "THE HYDRO COURIER" and below this from left to right, "No. 719 (Vol. 3) THURSDAY, 23rd OCTOBER, 1980" next "in smaller print Recommended Price Single Copy, 20c "(cents)rural school development, tawonga school centenary, kiewa valley development 1880 to 1980

Newspaper clipping titled: “The things that happen to Hamer” – Herald 19/4/73 Photo and text, tram # 1041 breakdown, pushed by tram # 1035, VIP test ride on prototype $120,000 tram Transport Minister Wilcox stunned and Premier Hamer not amused. Standing on corner of Gertrude and Nicholson Sts Fitzroy at 9.57, surrounded by 30 reporters, waiting for first VIP test ride on new prototype tram. Tramways officer tells Mr Kirby that tram has broken down in Smith St, “bloody electronics have blown up”. Tram arrived at rendezvous point at 10:12, but VIPs had gone. Number 1041 shunted at Nicholson St and headed back to Preston workshops.trams, tramways, prototype tramcar, testing, gertrude st, nicholson st, spring st, preston workshops, tram 1041, tram 1035

Two photos about the donation of a special bottle of King's Ale to Legacy that was to be auctioned to raise money for Legacy Week in 1960. A newspaper clipping about the event explains the story. In 1902 a special brew of ale was made by King Edward VII. In 1960 a bottle of the ale turned up in Melbourne and was donated to Legacy by Mr A W Taylor of 'Old Tin Shed' a motor accessories firm. The photo shows Executive Officer Ivan Layton, Mr A W Taylor and Legatee George Cowan.A record of an unusual donation in Legacy Week in the 1960s.Black and white photo x 2 of Kings Ale for Legacy Week 1960.00789.1 Handwritten in black pen: "L. to R. / Ivan Layton / Mr A. W. Taylor (of "Old Tin Shed") donor of Ale / George Cowan / Legacy Week 1960" Hand written in blue pen "('Age')". 00789.2 Handwritten in black pen "Legacy Week 1960 / Verse with King's Ale". Hand written in blue pen "('Age')". legacy week, ivan layton, george cowan, donation, ale, beer

These plaques were once on display at the Warrnambool racecourse with the smaller one originally affixed to a seat. These plaques commemorate the winner of the Grand Annual Steeplechase in Warrnambool in 1931. The Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase was first held in June 1872. Today it is part of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival and is run over 5,500 metres with 32 fences. Tardieu won the race in 1936 and was one of only two horses with riders to finish the course the other being Montargis. The owner of the the horse Mr Officer was chairman of the Warrnambool Racing club at the time.These plaques are of interest as mementoes of the Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase one of Australia's most significant hurdle races..1 Silver coloured metal plaque in a rectangular shape with four holes in each corner for attachment to a surface. There is black printing on the plaque. .2 A rectangular shaped metal plaque with ten perforations along the longer sides. The plaque has a sketch of a jockey's cap and silks in blue and pink. Mr G J Officer TARDIEU Winner of the Grand Annual Steeplechase 1936.warrnambool, racing club, warrnambool grand annual steeplechase

Digital image of two reports and a letter - 41 A4 pages Report - titled "Melbourne's Trams and Tramways - Statement of Heritage Significance", Working Paper 1.1, dated May 2000, by Convergence Design Pty Ltd and Boyce Pizzey Strategic - Page 3 is missing - looks at the development of Melbourne's trams, the element of significance, the tramway system as an entity, Social and cultural influencers, the technological development, including tram design. The two page statement notes the tramway system as an evolving entity and technology. And included document is "A Brief History of Melbourne's Trams and tramways", considers the history of the tramway system, cable cars, W class cars, buses, WW2, postwar developments, Robert Risson and a heritage assessment. There is reference to maps and attachments, but these have not be included other than the sources. A letter dated 6 June 2000 from COTMA (written by Craig Tooke, Executive Officer) to Mr. E Keys of Booz-Allen & Hamilton provides comments on the draft and corrections. .1 - hard copy of the Brief History.trams, tramways, history, significance, mmtb, melbourne, tramways, transport, buses, closure

Alec William Bond was Secretary and Engineer for the Shire of Bacchus Marsh from 1924 until his death in 1968. The position of Secretary was similar to a Chief Executive Officer in contemporary terminology. Mr Bond was a prominent figure in the Bacchus Marsh community for nearly 50 years and as Shire Engineer was responsible for the design of a number of local infrastructure projects including the buildings and water scheme at the Lady Northcote Children's Farm at Glenmore and the public swimming pool in Grant Street, A physical memento that recognises the long and notable contributions of an important local government official and their service to the Bacchus Marsh Shire and community.A sound block with a green felt base and inscribed brass plaque with accompanying small hardwood mallet in a cradle.Engraved text on a brass plaque which reads: Presented by May Bond and Family to the Shire of Bacchus Marsh in memory of Alec William Bond Shire Secretary & Engineer 1924 – 1968.alec william bond, bacchus marsh shire council, gavel and sound blocks, local officials and employees, local government

Lecture Notes - 12 quarto sheets and 1 foolscap memo - carbon copy titled "Suggested Notes for Lecture at Jolimont". May have been presented by the Chief Engineer, given the memory dated 17 June 1930. Notes drafted by Lewis Russell the MMTB Publicity Officer. Refers to Mr. O'Meara and Mr. Moody in the memo. Has notes on the VR view of the MMTB, Notes Mr. Harold Clapp. tramway operations, cable trams, tram car No. 1, the Powers of the Tramways Act, MTOCo, MTT, finances, the various tramway trusts, tram services to service population growth, the General Scheme, cable tram conversion, St Kilda Road, Reserved track, conversion work, the time taken to do the work and Preston Workshops. Also has a list of suggested slides.trams, tramways, mmtb, workshops, cable trams, st kilda rd, conversion, general scheme, reserved track

A photo of Mr William Bernard Wigston who left a substantial amount to Melbourne Legacy in his will in 1968. The note from Legatee Aaron Beattie says William Wigston was born in London in 1880 and died in Melbourne in 1968. He was educated at Lancing College in Southern England (near Brighton). His father was a London solicitor. The photo was taken about 35 years before being given to Legacy which may have been approx 1933. The article from The Age says that Mr William Wigston was a financier living in Toorak and had died aged 88. He left in his will, approximately $150,000 to Junior Legacy and the same to the RSPCA. The executive officer of Legacy, Mr Ivan Layton, believed it was the highest donation that they had ever received at that time. The photo was produced by Talma, which was a photography business in Melbourne. The article was part of collection of items about bequests made to Legacy put together by a former archive committee. A record that individuals have left substantial sums to Legacy over the years.Photo of Mr Wigston in a cardboard mount, an article about his donation to Legacy and a note from Legatee Aaron BeattieHandwritten on the cardboard mount of the photo is 'Talma', which is likely the photo studio. Handwritten on the newspaper article 'The Age 8/6/6?' in pencil.donations, bequests

BHS CollectionPages 7 to 15 of the Bendigo Circuit which includes some history of California Gully and Long Gully. Written at the top of the page is 'The Spectator' Methodist History Vol. 11, about 1900.Photos for California Gully include: Mrs Christian, Wesleyan Church and Sunday-school California Hill, Pulpit of Wesleyan Church California Hill, Lat Mrs Wood, Choir and Organist California Hill, Sunday School Teachers and Officers California Hill, Senior Sunday School California Hill, Trustees California Hill, Mrs M Fawcett, Executive Christian Endeavour California Gully, Some of the Best Workers, Long Gully Wesleyan Church, Sunday School teachers and Officers Long Gully, Executive and Officers Christian Endeavour Long Gully, Mr W Gard, Mr P H Ebbott, Choir and Organist Long Gully, Sir John Quick Kt LL D, MP, Late Mr M Fawcett, Trustees and Church Officers Long Gully, Mr J F Stephenson,bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - the bendigo circuit, the spectator methodist history vol 11, mrs christian, mr f clark, d padwick, john dawborn, w b batkin, john falder, wesleyan church, thos benson, william batkin, miss fawcett, mr and mrs matthew fawcett, mrs wood, rev a r edgar, miss batkin, andrew dowding, john dowding, jas thomas, jas snell, j brewer, j green, w jeffrey, w batkin, m thomas, jas cox, h jeffrey, l perry, a mccoy, e moyle, k harvey, l roberts, h hambley, j matcott, i jeffrey, f martin, j stirton, m trewartha, n moyle, mr penaluna, a thomas, rule, a chirgwin, m thomas, f thomas, mrs shum, mrs wood, joseph williams, e mattcott, w mattcock, r martin, mrs g owen, ellis, crossman, r williams, inch, w kidd, mattcott, hicks, miller, gilbert, roberts, thomas, arthur, green, r williams, m thomas, j h miller, r crossman, g owen, miss rule, dermer smith, j roberts, j perry, mr w c kidd, a roberts, mr w c kidd, g williams, j thomas, mr w jeffrey, miss chirgwin, mr w stephens, mr m williams, miss dennis, miss batkin, mr j johns, mr r williams, mr richard williams, mr clark, m thomas, m fawcett, w batkin, t t roper, rev joseph dare, rev john mewton, j h miller, r c crossman, w owen, m thomas, robert martin, john chirgwin, mrs martin, mr bickford, mr powell, mr tregear, mr scholes, john thompson, robert crossman, daniel reeves, j miller, mrs richard williams, tobias stephens, joseph williams, rev herbert williams, james williams, mrs m thomas, john thomas, rev thomas james, mrs m fawcett, jacob perry, rev charles tregear, j hopkins, walter jeffrey, w j stephens, w jones, miss b youlder, miss h hambly, miss alice perry, miss melita williams, miss annie chirgwin, miss e batkin, miss b arthur, miss e dennis, jacob perry, arthur lelean, joseph roberts, george willen, michael thomas, robert thomas, rev joseph dare, mrs matcott, mrs geo roberts, mrs joseph roberts, mrs a crosswell, mrs j m inch, mrs w c kidd, mrs r thomas, mrs a ellis, mrs g owen, mrs r williams, mrs j h miller, edward jeffrey, michael thomas, the argus, the age, judge higinbotham, mr clucas, mrs christian, queen victoria, mr and mrs michael thomas, richard williams, mrs thomas, william goyne, rev george daniel, dermer smith, j wearne, c thomas, j langdon, h thomas, e payne, jennings, j penberthy, martin, goldsworthy, white, jennings, campbell, pascoe, langdon, miss gard, mrs thomas, miss l berryman, miss e malcolm, mr peters, miss mason, miss l williams, miss a warren, miss s knuckey miss m bolitho, miss c allen, miss m jennings, miss s thomas, mrs may, miss j jenkins, miss a pickles, miss e woolcock, miss m knuckey, miss a hampton, miss f thomas, miss a thomas

This medal for bravery, for rescue of the crew from the shipwreck “Eric the Red” on 4th September 1880, was awarded to one of the crew of the steamer S.S. Dawn by the President of the United States in July 1881. The medal is engraved with the name “Nelson Johnson” (the anglicised version of his Swedish name Neils Frederick Yohnson). It was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in 2013 by Nelson’s granddaughter. Nelson had migrated from Sweden to Sydney in 1879. The next year in 1880, aged 24, he was a seaman on the steamship Dawn and involved in the rescue of the survivors of the Eric the Red. Nelson Johnson was a crew member of the S.S. Dawn and was one of the rescue team in the dinghy in the early morning of September 4th 1880. Medals were awarded to the Captain and crew of the S.S. Dawn by the President of the United States, through the Consul-general (Mr Oliver M. Spencer), in July 1881 “ … in recognition of their humane efforts in rescuing the 23 survivors of the American built wooden sailing ship, the Eric the Red, on 4th September 1880.” The men were also presented with substantial monetary rewards and gifts. The city of Warrnambool’s care of the survivors was also mentioned by the President at the presentation, saying that “the city hosted and supported the crew ‘most graciously’. Previously, a week after the shipwreck, the Australian Government had also conveyed its thanks to the Captain and crew of the S.S. Dawn “Captain Griffith Jones, S.S. Dawn, The Hon. Mr Clark desires that the thanks of the Government should be conveyed to you for the prompt, persevering and seamanlike qualities displayed by you, your officers and crew in saving the number of lives you did on the occasion referred to. The hon. The Commissioner has also been pleased to award you a souvenir in commemoration of the occasion, and a sum of 65 pounds to be awarded to your officers and crew according to annexed scale. I am, &c, W Collins Rees, for and in the absence of the Chief Harbour Master.” The Awards are as follows: - Crew of DAWN'S lifeboat-Chief Officer, Mr G. Peat, 15 pounds; boat's crew-G. Sterge, A.B., 5 pounds; T. Hammond, A.B., 5 pounds; J. Black, A.B., 5 pounds; H. Edwards, A.B., 5 pounds. Dinghy's Crew-Second Officer, Mr Christie, 10 pounds; boat's crew -F. Lafer, A.B., 5 pounds; W. Johnstone, A.B., 5 pounds; Mr Lear, provedore, 5 pounds; Mr Dove, purser, 5 pounds. Captain Jones receives a piece of plate. (from “Wreck of the ship Eric the Red” by Jack Loney) The medal’s history, according to the Editor of ‘E-Sylum’ (the newsletter of The Numismatic Bibliomania Society “… appears to be an example of an 1880 State Department medal, catalogued as LS-3 (page 322 of R. W. Julian's book, Medals of the United States Mint: The First Century 1792-1892). The reverse is mostly blank for engraving, surrounded by a thin wreath. It was designed by George Morgan, chief engraver for the Philadelphia Mint, and struck in gold, silver and bronze. The one pictured here (in The Standard newspaper, 2nd July 2013) appears to be silver.” The following is an account of the events which led to the awarding of this medal. The American ship Eric the Red was a wooden, three-masted clipper ship. She had 1,580 tons register and was the largest full-rigged ship built at Bath, Maine, USA in 1871. She was built and registered by Arthur Sewall, later to become the partnership E. & A. Sewall, the 51st ship built by this company. The annually-published List of Merchant Vessels of the U.S. shows Bath was still the home port of Eric the Red in 1880. The vessel was named after the Viking discoverer, Eric ‘the Red-haired’ Thorvaldsson, who was the first European to reach the shores of North America (in 980AD). The ship Eric the Red at first traded in coal between America and Britain, and later traded in guano nitrates from South America. In 1879 she was re-metalled and was in first-class condition. On 10th June 1880 (some records say 12th June) Eric the Red departed New York for Melbourne and then Sydney. She had been commissioned by American trade representatives to carry a special cargo of 500 exhibits (1400 tons) – about a quarter to a third of America’s total exhibits - for the U.S.A. pavilion at Melbourne’s first International Exhibition. The exhibits included furniture, ironmongery, wines, chemicals, dental and surgical instruments, paper, cages, bronze lamp trimmings, axles, stamped ware, astronomical and time globes, samples of corn and the choicest of leaf tobacco. Other general cargo included merchandise such as cases of kerosene and turpentine, brooms, Bristol's Sarsaparilla, Wheeler and Wilson sewing machines, Wheeler’s thresher machine, axe handles and tools, cases of silver plate, toys, pianos and organs, carriages and Yankee notions. The Eric the Red left New York under the command of Captain Zaccheus Allen (or some records say Captain Jacques Allen) and 24 other crew including the owner’s son third mate Ned Sewall. There were also 2 saloon passengers on board. The ship had been sailing for an uneventful 85 days and the voyage was almost at its end. As Eric the Red approached Cape Otway there was a moderate north-west wind and a hazy and overcast atmosphere. On 4th September 1880 at about 1:30 am Captain Allen sighted the Cape Otway light and was keeping the ship 5-6 miles offshore to stay clear of the hazardous Otway Reef. However, he had badly misjudged his position. The ship hit the Otway Reef about 2 miles out to sea, southwest of the Cape Otway light station. Captain Allen ordered the wheel to be put ‘hard up’ thinking that she might float off the reef. The sea knocked the helmsman away from the wheel, broke the wheel ropes and carried away the rudder. The lifeboats were swamped, the mizzenmast fell, with all of its riggings, then the mainmast also fell and the ship broke in two. Some said that the passenger Vaughan, who was travelling for his health and not very strong, was washed overboard and never seen again. The ship started breaking up. The forward house came adrift with three of the crew on it as well as a longboat, which the men succeeded in launching and keeping afloat by continually bailing with their sea boots. The captain, the third mate (the owner’s son) and others clung to the mizzenmast in the sea. Then the owner’s son was washed away off the mast. Within 10 minutes the rest of the ship was in pieces, completely wrecked, with cargo and wreckage floating in the sea. The captain encouraged the second mate to swim with him to the deckhouse where there were other crew but the second mate wouldn’t go with him. Eventually, the Captain made it to the deckhouse and the men pulled him up. At about 4:30 am the group of men on the deckhouse saw the lights of a steamer and called for help. At the same time, they noticed the second mate and the other man had drifted nearby, still on the spur, and pulled them both onto the wreck. The coastal steamer SS Dawn was returning to Warrnambool from Melbourne, and its sailing time was different to its usual schedule. She was built in 1876 and bought by the Portland and Belfast Steam Navigation Co. in 1877. At the time of this journey, she was commanded by Captain Jones and was sailing between Melbourne and Portland via Warrnambool. The provedore the Dawn, Benjamin Lear, heard cries of distress coming through the portholes of the saloon. He gave the alarm and the engines were stopped. Cries could be heard clearly, coming from the land. Captain Jones sent out crew in two boats and fired off rockets and blue lights to illuminate the area. They picked up the three survivors who were in the long boat from Eric the Red. Two men were picked up out of the water, one being the owner’s son who was clinging to floating kerosene boxes. At daylight, the Dawn then rescued the 18 men from the floating portion of the deckhouse, which had drifted about 4 miles from where they’d struck the reef. Shortly after the rescue the deckhouse drifted onto breakers and was thrown onto rocks at Point Franklin, about 2 miles east of Cape Otway. Captain Jones had signalled to Cape Otway lighthouse the number of the Eric the Red and later signalled that there was a wreck at Otway Reef but there was no response from the lighthouse. The captain and crew of the Dawn spent several more hours searching unsuccessfully for more survivors, even going back as far as Apollo Bay. On board the Dawn the exhausted men received care and attention to their needs and wants, including much-needed clothing. Captain Allen was amongst the 23 battered and injured men who were rescued and later taken to Warrnambool for care. Warrnambool’s mayor and town clerk offered them all hospitality, the three badly injured men going to the hospital for care and others to the Olive Branch Hotel, then on to Melbourne. Captain Allen’s leg injury prevented him from going ashore so he and three other men travelled on the Dawn to Portland. They were met by the mayor who also treated them all with great kindness. Captain Allen took the train back to Melbourne then returned to America. Those saved were Captain Zaccheus Allen (or Jacques Allen), J. Darcy chief mate, James F. Lawrence second mate, Ned Sewall third mate and owner’s son, John French the cook, C. Nelson sail maker, Clarence W. New passenger, and able seamen Dickenson, J. Black, Denis White, C. Herbert, C. Thompson, A. Brooks, D. Wilson, J. Ellis, Q. Thompson, C. Newman, W. Paul, J. Davis, M. Horenleng, J. Ogduff, T. W. Drew, R. Richardson. Four men had lost their lives; three of them were crew (Gus Dahlgreen ship’s carpenter, H. Ackman steward, who drowned in his cabin, and George Silver seaman) and one a passenger (J. B. Vaughan). The body of one of them had been found washed up at Cape Otway and was later buried in the lighthouse cemetery; another body was seen on an inaccessible ledge. Twelve months later the second mate James F. Lawrence, from Nova Scotia passed away in the Warrnambool district; an obituary was displayed in the local paper. Neither the ship nor its cargo was insured. The ship was worth about £15,000 and the cargo was reportedly worth £40,000; only about £2,000 worth had been recovered. Cargo and wreckage washed up at Apollo Bay, Peterborough, Port Campbell, Western Port and according to some reports, even as far away as the beaches of New Zealand. The day after the wreck the government steamship Pharos was sent from Queenscliff to clear the shipping lanes of debris that could be a danger to ships. The large midship deckhouse of the ship was found floating in a calm sea near Henty Reef. Items such as an American chair, a ladder and a nest of boxes were all on top of the deckhouse. As it was so large and could cause danger to passing ships, Captain Payne had the deckhouse towed towards the shore just beyond Apollo Bay. Between Apollo Bay and Blanket Bay, the captain and crew of Pharos collected Wheeler and Wilson sewing machines, nests of boxes, bottles of Bristol’s sarsaparilla, pieces of common American chairs, axe handles, a Wheelers’ Patent thresher and a sailor’s trunk with the words “A. James” on the front. A ship’s flag-board bearing the words “Eric the Red” was found on the deckhouse; finally, those on board the Pharos had the name of the wrecked vessel. During this operation, Pharos came across the government steamer Victoria and also a steamer S.S. Otway, both of which were picking up flotsam and wreckage. A whole side of the hull and three large pieces of the other side of the hull, with some of the copper sheathing stripped off, had floated onto Point Franklin. Some of the vessels' yards and portions of her masts were on shore. The pieces of canvas attached to the yards and masts confirmed that the vessel had been under sail. The beach there was piled with debris several feet high. There were many cases of Diamond Oil kerosene, labelled R. W. Cameron and Company, New York. There were also many large planks of red pine, portions of a small white boat and a large, well-used oar. Other items found ashore included sewing machines (some consigned to ‘Long and Co.”) and notions, axe and scythe handles, hay forks, wooden pegs, rolls of wire (some branded “T.S” and Co, Melbourne”), kegs of nails branded “A.T. and Co.” from the factory of A. Field and Son, Taunton, Massachusetts, croquet balls and mallets, buggy fittings, rat traps, perfumery, cutlery and Douay Bibles, clocks, bicycles, chairs, a fly wheel, a cooking stove, timber, boxes, pianos, organs and a ladder. (Wooden clothes pegs drifted in for many years). There seemed to be no personal luggage or clothing. The Pharos encountered a long line, about one and a half miles, of f locating wreckage about 10 miles off land, southeast of Cape Otway, and in some places about 40 feet wide. It seemed that more than half of it was from Eric the Red. The ship’s crew rescued 3 cases that were for the Melbourne Exhibition and other items from amongst the debris. There were also chairs, doors, musical instruments, washing boards, nests of trunks and flycatchers floating in the sea. Most of the goods were saturated and smelt of kerosene. A section of the hull lies buried in the sand at Parker River Beach. An anchor with a chain is embedded in the rocks east of Point Franklin and a second anchor, thought to be from Eric the Red, is on display at the Cape Otway light station. (There is a photograph of a life belt on the verandah of Rivernook Guest House in Princetown with the words “ERIC THE RED / BOSTON”. This is rather a mystery as the ship was registered in Bath, Maine, USA.) Parts of the ship are on display at Bimbi Park Caravan Park and at Apollo Bay Museum. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also has part of the helm (steering wheel), a carved wooden sword (said to be the only remaining portion of the ship’s figurehead; further research is currently being carried out), a door, a metal rod, samples of wood and this medal awarded for the rescue of the crew. Much of the wreckage was recovered by the local residents before police and other authorities arrived at the scene. Looters went to great effort to salvage goods, being lowered down the high cliff faces to areas with little or no beach to collect items from the wreckage, their mates above watching out for dangerous waves. A Tasmanian newspaper reports on a court case in Stawell, Victoria, noting a man who was caught 2 months later selling tobacco from the wreckage of Eric the Red. Some of the silverware is still treasured by descendants of Mr Mackenzie who was given these items by officials for his help in securing the cargo. The gifts included silver coffee and teapots, half a dozen silver serviette rings and two sewing machines. A Mr G.W. Black has in his possession a medal and a purse that was awarded to his father, another Dawn crew member who was part of the rescue team. The medal is similarly inscribed and named “To John Black ….” (from “Shipwrecks” by Margaret E. Mackenzie, 3rd edition, published 1964). The wreck and cargo were sold to a Melbourne man who salvaged a quantity of high-quality tobacco and dental and surgical instruments. Timbers from the ship were salvaged and used in the construction of houses and shed around Apollo Bay, including a guest house, Milford House (since burnt down in bushfires), which had furniture, fittings and timber on the dining room floor from the ship. A 39.7-foot-long trading ketch, the Apollo, was also built from its timbers by Mr Burgess in 1883 and subsequently used in Tasmanian waters. It was the first attempt at shipbuilding in Apollo Bay. In 1881 a red light was installed about 300 feet above sea level at the base of the Cape Otway lighthouse to warn ships when they were too close to shore; It would not be visible unless a ship came within 3 miles from it. This has proved to be an effective warning. Nelson Johnson married Elizabeth Howard in 1881 and they had 10 children, the father of the medal’s donor being the youngest. They lived in 13 Tichbourne Place, South Melbourne, Victoria. Nelson died in 1922 in Fitzroy Victoria, age 66. In 1895 the owners of the S.S. Dawn, the Portland and Belfast Steam Navigation Co., wound up and sold out to the Belfast Company who took over the Dawn for one year before selling her to Howard Smith. She was condemned and sunk in Suva in 1928. The State Library of Victoria has a lithograph in its collection depicting the steamer Dawn and the shipwrecked men, titled. "Wreck of the ship Eric the Red, Cape Otway: rescue of the crew by the Dawn". The medal for bravery is associated with the ship the “The Eric the Red which is historically significant as one of Victoria's major 19th century shipwrecks. (Heritage Victoria Eric the Red; HV ID 239) The wreck led to the provision of an additional warning light placed below the Cape Otway lighthouse to alert mariners to the location of Otway Reef. The site is archaeologically significant for its remains of a large and varied cargo and ship's fittings being scattered over a wide area. The site is recreationally and aesthetically significant as it is one of the few sites along this coast where tourists can visit identifiable remains of a large wooden shipwreck, and for its location set against the background of Cape Otway, Bass Strait, and the Cape Otway lighthouse.“ (Victorian Heritage Database Registration Number S239, Official Number 8745 USA) This medal was awarded to Nelson Johnson by the U.S. President for bravery in the rescue of the Eric the Red crew. The obverse of the round, solid silver medal has an inscription around the rim. In the centre of the medal is the head of Liberty to the left, hair in a bun, with a sprig of leaves in the top left of a band around her head. There is a 6-pointed star below the portrait, between the start and end of the inscription. There are two raised areas on the rim, horizontally opposite each other, from the edge to just below the lettering and coinciding with the holes drilled in the edge. Slightly right of the top is a round indentation in the rim. The reverse has a wreath of leaves as a border, joined at the bottom by a ribbon bow. In the centre of the medal is an inscription, decorated with 3-pronged design and dots. The edge is plain with 2 small, rough and uneven holes horizontally opposite to each other, as though they had been used for mounting the medal at some stage. The medal has a matte finish on both sides and is slightly pitted and scratched.“PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES” around the perimeter of the obverse of the medal. “TO / Nelson Johnson, / seaman of the British, / str “Dawn”, for bravery, / at risk of life, / in / rescuing the crew of / the American Ship / “Eric the Red.” “M” on obverse, truncation of the portraitwarrnambool, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, eric the red, zaccheus allen, sewall, 1880, melbourne exhibition, cape otway, otway reef, victorian shipwreck, medal, nelson johnson, neils frederick yohnson, s.s. dawn, george morgan, hero

These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2

On 15 December 1994 the former Shire of Eltham ceased to exist following the Liberal Kennett Government local council amalgamations. A new Nillumbik Shire Council was established with unelected commissioners appointed. That Council sold the former Eltham Shire Council Offices and land at 89S Main Road Eltham to Dallas Price Homes Pty. Ltd. the sale being conditional upon the granting of a planning permit for a petrol station/convenience store, fast food and video outlet. The sale was conditional that if the permit was not granted by 30 August. 1997, the contract could be avoided by either the purchaser or the vendor. The proposed development consisted of a petrol station with undercover fuelling facilities, convenience shopping, a drive through service facility for fast food, an 80 seat cafe, automated banking, a children's play area and retail space. In addition, the proposal included a 200 square metre community facility for Council use, provision of on site carparking over 2 levels for 83 vehicles, and advertising signage. An Advisory Committee consisting of Dimitry Reed and Margaret Pitt was appointed under Section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to hear submissions on the proposal to develop the land at 895 Main Road Eltham, the site of the former Eltham Shire Offices. In September 1996, two applications were made by Contour Consultants Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dallas Price Homes Ply Ltd, to Nillumbik Shire Council. After extensive notification, the Council received 213 objections and a petition of over 1400 signatures. On October 9, 1996, Nillumbik Shire Council issued Notices of Decision to Grant Permit on Applications number 96/03376 and 96/0377 for the use and development of the land as a convenience Centre consisting of a petrol station, convenience store, cafe/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and a community facility, with associated advertising signs. Objectors to the proposals lodged Planning Appeals number 96/40724 and 96/40812 with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on November 1, 1996. The grounds of appeal can be summarised as: inappropriate development, insufficient carparking, traffic and access issues, unsatisfactory design, inadequate permit conditions, the proposal being out of character with the area. and being contrary to the purpose and orderly development of the Eltham Town Centre, excessive noise, lack of consultation and unsuitable signage. On November 13, 1996, the Minister for Planning and Local Government directed the Registrar of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. under Section 41 (1) (a) of the Planning Act 1980, to refer the Appeals to the Governor in Council for determination without a hearing or recommendation by the Tribunal. The Minister for Planning and Local Government called in the Appeals as he considered that they raised major issues of policy relating to the facilitation of development in accordance with the objectives set out in Section 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and that determination of the Appeals could have a substantial effect on the achievement of these planning objectives. The Minister required the Advisory Committee to consider the planning merits of the proposed use and development, and to address the issues raised in the objections. The Advisory Committee was required to produce a report providing: • The Committee's response to the matters detailed; • Relevant supporting information for the Advisory Committee's recommendation; and • A description of the proceedings conducted by the Advisory Committee and a list of those consulted or heard by the Committee. In March 1997, elections were held in the Shire of Nillumbik and the view of the new Council to this proposal differed from the view held by the earlier Council Hence the Submission made to the Committee by the Shire was against the decision by the Shire of Nillumbik to issue the Notices of Decision to Grant a Permit. The Recommendations of the Advisory Committee were: i. The cafe and take away food premises are as of right uses and are therefore allowable, but that shop and petrol station are unacceptable uses. A community facility is a discretionary use and is acceptable. ii. A development of the type and scale proposed is totally inappropriate for this land and that the Applications number 96/03376 and 96/0377 for the use and development of the land as a convenience Centre consisting of a petrol station, convenience store, café/takeaway food premises, a retail facility and a community facility, with associated advertising signs, be refused. iii. The land should be rezoned for public purposes and should remain in the community's ownership for community use. Following this, the Minister for Planning and Local Government, the Hon. Robert Maclellan, appointed Mr. Paul Jerome as an Advisory Committee under section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to consider a Convenience Centre and an alternative proposal by Iha Shire of Nillumbik being the Eltham Gateway Community Precinct Concept Plan for the site of the former Shire of Eltham municipal offices at 895 Main Road, Eltham. In summary, the terms of reference for the Advisory Committee required it to: • consider the merits of the Council proposal • examine the merits of both proposals in terms of net community benefit • address the report of the previous Advisory Committee on the Convenience Centre proposal The Advisory Committee inspected the site and considered all the material before It including submissions made by all parties to the previous Advisory Committee and correspondence received by the Department of Infrastructure both before and after that Committee submltted its report. The Advisory Committee also held discussions with the following people: • Cr. Robert Marshall • Cr. Margaret Jennings • Cr. Lex de Man • Mr. Dallas Howgate of Dallas Price Properties, also Dallas Price Homes • Mr. Barry Rochford, CEO, Shire of Nillumbik • Ms. Yvonne Rust, Planning Officer, Shire of Nillumbik • Mr. Gregory Burgess, Architect of the Eltham Library and of Council’s Community Precinct Concept Plan • Mr. Jim Connor representing Mrs Thelma Barkway of the Eltham Senior Citizens Club Having considered all the material before it, the Committee arrived at two basic conclusions. First, the DPP proposal should be rejected because, on its merits, It does not sufficiently satisfy the requirements of the planning scheme which is a statutory document. The planning scheme requires that, before making a decision on the permit applications for the DPP proposal, a range of matters must be considered. It follows that consideration of these matters should Influence the decision. These matters include local policies relating to character and amenity. In particular, these policies seek • to conserve and enhance the bushland/country atmosphere, artistic heritage and strong sense of community of the Eltham Town Centre by ensuring that the design and height of any new development is sympathetic to existing buildings • to achieve a pleasing physical environment within the Eltham Town Centre by encouraging a high standard of architecture and urban design • to encourage Improvement to pedestrian amenity through such facilities as open and shattered rest areas and meeting places, crossing facilities, pedestrian arcades, pedestrian links to car parks and pedestrian weather protection • to reduce conflict between vehicular traffic and pedestrian flows, and • to encourage pedestrian thoroughfares It is submitted, as set out In the main body of this report, that the DPP proposal fails substantially to meet these policies and In so doing does not merit the exercise of discretion In Its favour with the Issuing of a permit. This finding is not offset by the investment and employment attributes of the proposal. They do not override the need to comply with the planning scheme. Second, the Council proposal, on Its own merits, substantially meets all statutory requirements applicable to this site with a possible reservation about car parking and traffic management which need further definition and assessment as the concept is refined. The Council proposal, however, has a serious weakness in that Its financial viability has not been adequately tested. The Committee refers to 'financial' rather than 'commercial' viability in recognition that Council owns the land and may enter into a range of agreements and partnerships to realise its concept some of which may be truly commercial and some of which may involve an element of subsidy arising from Council's involvement as a public body acting on behalf of its community. The Committee concludes that Council should be given the opportunity, within a reasonable timeframe to establish the financial feasibility of its concept and should develop a strategy for the future of Its land asset at 895 Main Road in the event that Its concept for the site cannot be realised. 895 main road, advisory committee, dallas price homes, eltham, eltham shire office, nillumbik shire council, planning application, administrative appeals tribunal