Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele used this article as part of her research: Annie Irene Michelsen, a prominent Bendigo community figure. Annie Irene Michelsen (1870–1955) was born in White Hills, Bendigo, to Spero Tussup (from Dalmatia) and Mary Tracy (from Ireland). She became a nurse at Bendigo Hospital and later helped establish the Bendigo Nursing Auxiliary. In 1894, she married John Andrew Michelsen, a former Bendigo mayor after whom the Michelsen Medal (awarded annually in the Bendigo Football League) is named. Annie and John had three children, including Cyril Michelsen, who became Chief of Staff and later Editor of The Bendigo Advertiser. She was deeply involved in community service and social welfare, working with: The Baby Health Centre The Red Cross (which awarded her a long-service medallion) Church and sporting organizations, including rowing, croquet, and lawn bowls clubs. As mayoress, she was known for her kindness, energy, and dedication to the welfare and progress of Bendigo. In 1927, she and her husband helped host the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) during their visit to Bendigo. Over more than three decades as the wife of a councillor and during three terms as mayoress, she contributed extensively to civic life in Bendigo. Annie died on 7 June 1955, aged 85, at her home, Stoneleigh, in Lucan Street, Bendigo. The article portrays Annie Michelsen as a pioneering community worker and respected civic figure whose contributions to Bendigo's social, charitable, and public life left a lasting legacy. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - Newspaper Article History Lives, by Jim Evans - Annie was a true pioneer, newspaper article date unknown This item includes the following documents: 8672.27a Black and white photo in 1920 by the Bartlett Brothers of John Michelsen, Rene and Beryl (front), with Cyril and Annie Michelsen 8672.27b Annie Michelsen (right) with an unknown fried - Black and White Photo 8672.28c The Duchess of York black and white photo in 1927 8672.28d Black and white photo of the Former Bendigo Mayor, John Michelsen in his robes 8672.28e PDF File of the articlebendigo, michele matthews collection, annie irene michelsen, john andrew michelsen

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Annie Irene Michelsen (nee Tussup) born Huntly (1870-1955). Mayoress 1926/1927, 1935/1936, 1942/1943. Wife of Cr John Andrew Michelsen OBE. Pioneer in the field of social work and regarded as a woman of tremendous vitality and versatility. Known as an outstanding horse woman and breeder of standardbreds for harness racing. Member numerous sporting clubs and foundation president of the Bendigo Nurses Association. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Mrs. Michelsen wore a gown of black crepe eros, cut to mould the figure and fall into a train at the back. A cascade eflect of gold lame from one shoulder to the hem in front gave graceful movement to the front of the gown, and wing draperies lined with gold lame were shirred to the shoulders of the square neckline. She wore a shoulder spray of golden orchids and carried a bouquet of old gold roses and golden leaves (1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 3 Jun 1936 annie tussup, mayoress michelsen, mayor michelsen, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits