Showing 28 items
matching bark canoe
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Federation University Historical Collection
Image - black and white, Bark Canoe on a Murray Swamp
... Bark Canoe on a Murray Swamp...bark canoe... is dressed in European costume stands in a bark canoe. Four children...Title - Bark Canoe on a Murray Swamp. "Queen" Aggie.... millen bark canoe murray swamp queen aggie moolta tribe Title ...Digitised directly from 'Blackfellows of Australia' by Charles Barrett and A.S. Kenyon (Sun Books)Aboriginal woman known as "Queen" Aggie of the Moolta Tribe is dressed in European costume stands in a bark canoe. Four children sit in the canoe. Title - Bark Canoe on a Murray Swamp. "Queen" Aggie (standing) was the last of the Moolta Tribeaborigine, aboriginal, j.t. millen, bark canoe, murray swamp, queen aggie, moolta tribe -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Canoe, Aboriginal Canoe
... bark canoe...Three people on a bark canoe...." aborigines aboriginal canoe bark canoe Three people on a bark canoe ...Scanned from "Australia, her heritage, her future"Three people on a bark canoe.aborigines, aboriginal, canoe, bark canoe -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Image, Myall Blacks beside a Central Australian Watercourse, c1918, c1918
... bark canoe...Black and white image of Aborigines in a bark canoe.... Office goldfields Aborigines aboriginal bark canoe Central ...Black and white image of Aborigines in a bark canoe.aborigines, aboriginal, bark canoe, central australia -
Federation University Historical Collection
Image - black and white, Fish Spearing on the Darling River
... bark Canoe...Black and white depiction of an Aboriginal man in a bark... Canoe Black and white depiction of an Aboriginal man in a bark ...Digitised directly from 'Blackfellows of Australia' by Charles Barrett and A.S. Kenyon (Sun Books)Black and white depiction of an Aboriginal man in a bark canoe. aborigine, aboriginal, bark canoe -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Image, Gum-tree, Its Bark Cut for Native Canoe
... Gum-tree, Its Bark Cut for Native Canoe...Black and white image of a scarred tree, with bark removed... of a scarred tree, with bark removed for a canoe. Gum-tree, Its Bark ...From Victoria and Metropolis.Black and white image of a scarred tree, with bark removed for a canoe.aboriginal, aborigines, scar tree, scarred tree, canoe -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Image - Black and White, A Native Canoe, c1903, c1903
... in a bark canoe. ... image of a number of Aboriginal people in a bark canoe. A Native ...A black and white image of a number of Aboriginal people in a bark canoe. aborigines, canoe, aboriginal -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, A History of the Yallourn Power Station and Briquette Factory
... bark canoe... Gunai kurnai Aborigines gippsland bark canoe angus mcmillan ...A history ofof the Yallourn Power Station and Briquette Factorylatrobe valley, brown coal, yallourn, power generation, morwell power station, gunai kurnai, aborigines, gippsland, bark canoe, angus mcmillan, george augustus robinson, william thomas, lake tyers, ramahyuck, hazelwood, morwell, great morwell coal mining company, electricty demand, john monash, state electricity commission, yallourn north open cut, a.r/ la gerche, yallourn power station, yallourne briquette factory, bill morrison, f. hasse, ernest bates, migration, morwell gas plant -
Federation University Historical Collection
Image, Drawing by Tommy Barnes, c1878, c1878
... bark canoe... aboriginal aborigine bark canoe canoe emu coroborree tommy barns g.h ...Copy of black and white line image of Aborigines, settlers, emus, trees, canoe, and coroboree. (from 'The Aborigines of Australia' by R. Brough Smithaboriginal, aborigine, bark canoe, canoe, emu, coroborree, tommy barns, g.h. poole -
Federation University Historical Collection
Image, Dugout Canoe, c1939, 1939
... bark canoe... E.J. Barker Library (top floor) Mount Helen goldfields bark ...Dugout canoebark canoe, aborigine, aboriginal, dugout canoe -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Audio CD, Linguistic eliciting : Madi Madi words and a few sentences : Jack Long speaking at Pt. Pearce on May 9th 1971, 1972
... , making bark canoes and the man known as Euston Billy.... Discussion with Jack Long about story of Turkey and Emu, making bark ...Discussion with Jack Long about story of Turkey and Emu, making bark canoes and the man known as Euston Billy.CD, transcription and notesmadi madi, mathi mathi, jack long, euston billy, oral histories, luise hercus -
Port of Echuca
Work on paper - Framed print of a Lithograph
... with 2 paddle steamers, a sailing boat and an Indigenous bark... and an Indigenous bark canoe on a river, with a town and a wharf ...Small wooden frame of a Lithograph showing a river scene with 2 paddle steamers, a sailing boat and an Indigenous bark canoe on a river, with a town and a wharf in the background. The sky is cloudy. LADY AUGUSTA & MARY ANN at Swan Hill, September 1853. (By courtesy of South Australian Archives) -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, H D Bulmer, 1905 c
... bark canoes on edge of waterway at Lake Tyers 04625.1... in three bark canoes on edge of waterway at Lake Tyers 04625.1 ...Also two identical sepia photographs of natives in three bark canoes on edge of waterway at Lake Tyers 04625.1 and 04625.2 10 x 15 cmSepia toned photograph of two men one with spear other with gun standing in native canoe on Lake Tyers Victoriaparks, recreational facilities -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Irvine Green, Aborigines of Bulleen : the history of the Aborigines of the Wurundjeri tribe who inhabited the area which became the city of Doncaster and Templestowe / Irvine Green, 1989
... and mythology; material culture, includes description of bark canoe... and mythology; material culture, includes description of bark canoe ...Wurundjeri territorial groupings; subsistence; recreation of daily life; recreation; tribal law; kinship; childhood; religion and mythology; material culture, includes description of bark canoe manufacture; map of significant sites; culture contact and historyPaperback; 40 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.ISBN 0947353003aborigines, wurundjeri, social customs, stories, bulleen -
Federation University Art Collection
Sculpture - Mace, 'University Mace' by Trefor Prest, 1995
... of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's...' represents the Tree of Knowledge, and includes a bark canoe scar... of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's ...The University's mace was carried in procession for the first time during the Graduation ceremonies in May 1996. The mace was presented to the University by former Chief Commissioner of the Ballarat City Council, Vern Robson, at a ceremony on 02 February, following a national competition for its design, sponsored by the Council. (The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) Nineteen artists responded to the competition which called for a design that would embody a distinctive Australian image reflecting the heritage of the city and in relationship with gold, an Aboriginal element and the history of the University. The winning entry, dominated by a poppet head, was submitted by Central Victorian artist/sculptor Trefor Prest, a sessional lecturer in sculpture at the University.(The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) The Herald Sun of 03 February 1996 reported 'the new mace shows importance elements of Ballarat's heritage as well as the university's focus on the future. The artist emphasises the egalitarian nature of Australia as embodied in Ballarat's famous slice of history - the Eureka uprising. ... The mace has a poppet head at the top of the shaft - an unusual element for a mace - but it represents Ballarat's mining history and the University's evolution from the Ballarat School of Mines. An opening egg at the top stands for the nurturing of development and learning. The mace's straight shaft is depicted as the tree of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's Aboriginal heritage. At the end of the shaft is a surveying device, which represents precision and accuracy ads embodied in the university's academic pursuits.' Bob Morrell of the University organised the national competition to design the mace and said 'It is in keeping with the university's logo, 'proudly flying the flag', which incorporates the Southern Cross.' This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Trefor Prest lectured in Sculpture at the University of Ballarat from 1995-1996.The mace symbolises the office of the Chancellor. The design of the mace is the outcome of a national competition and represents the cultural diversity of Australia. The poppet head on the top of the mace refers to gold mining, which underpinned the development of Ballarat. The protruding spikes recall the Eureka Stockade. The 'egg' shape enfolds and nurtures the development of knowledge and learning. The shaft with the three 'branches' represents the Tree of Knowledge, and includes a bark canoe scar which recognises the integration of black and white Australian traditions. The lower part of the shaft culminates in a device suggestive of scientific or surveying and measuring technology. This represents precision and accuracy embodied in the academic pursuits of Federation University Australia.art, artwork, trefor prest, prest, mace, federation university, university, eureka stockade, aborigines, scarred tree, mining, university mace, ballarat -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Wurundjeri People at Studley Park
... aboriginals in a bark canoe / Prior 1855 / Very early photo Yarra... in a bark canoe / Prior 1855 / Very early photo Yarra River ...The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People were the original owners of the land on which the City of Boroondara is now located. They made active use of the Yarra for food and transport [an original canoe is held in the collection of the Melbourne Museum]. From 1863, members of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung were resettled at the Corranderrk Aboriginal reserve at Healesville. The [now] best known member of the Wurundjeri People was William Barak, who may be pictured here.If the attribution in the annotation is correct, then this may be the earliest photograph of members of the Wurundjeri People at Kew. The photo may be unique.Hand tinted photograph on mounting card of members of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung on the banks of the River Yarra, allegedly at Studley Park before 1855 [according to the annotation on the reverse] The photograph of the river and its near and far banks includes two boats on the river, a row boat and a canoe, and people standing on the near bank or seated on the branch of a tree. In addition to men and women of the Wurundjeri People, there appears to be two Europeans pictured, one wearing a hat and the other standing at right. Annotations on the reverse identify a [possible] location and date. [Size: Mount 140 x 215mm | Photograph 125 x 190mm]Various hands and dates: "Original lead pencil lettering Studley Yarra Yarra / Yarra Yarra Studley / Studley (Park?) / Note aboriginals in a bark canoe / Prior 1855 / Very early photo Yarra River originally known as the Yarra Yarra / [illegible part word in ink]".wurundjeri woi wurrung, yarra river, aboriginal and torres straight islander -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and White, The University of Ballarat Mace, 1996, 1996
... of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's... of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's ...The University's mace was carried in procession for the first time during the Graduation ceremonies in May 1996. The mace was presented to the University by former Chief Commissioner of the Ballarat City Council, Vern Robson, at a ceremony on 02 February, following a national competition for its design, sponsored by the Council. (The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) Nineteen artists responded to the competition which called for a design that would embody a distinctive Australian image reflecting the heritage of the city and in relationship with gold, an Aboriginal element and the history of the University. The winning entry, dominated by a poppet head, was submitted by Central Victorian artist/sculptor Trefor Prest, a sessional lecturer in sculpture at the University.(The Flag, Issue 2, July 1996) The Herald Sun of 03 February 1996 reported 'the new mace shows importance elements of Ballarat's heritage as well as the university's focus on the future. The artist emphasises the egalitarian nature of Australia as embodied in Ballarat's famous slice of history - the Eureka uprising. ... The mace has a poppet head at the top of the shaft - an unusual element for a mace - but it represents Ballarat's mining history and the University's evolution from the Ballarat School of Mines. An opening egg at the top stands for the nurturing of development and learning. The mace's straight shaft is depicted as the tree of knowledge and, incorporating a bark canoe scar, Ballarat's Aboriginal heritage. At the end of the shaft is a surveying device, which represents precision and accuracy ads embodied in the university's academic pursuits.' Bob Morrell of the University organised the national competition to design the mace and said 'It is in keeping with the university's logo, 'proudly flying the flag', which incorporates the Southern Cross.' Trefor Prest lectured in Sculpture at the University of Ballarat from 1995-1996.Black and white photograph showing three men holding the new University of Ballarat (now Federation University) mace. From left to right they are Vern Robson (Chief Executive Officer City of Ballarat), Trefor Prest (Sculptor) and Professor David James (Vice Chancellor).university of ballarat, mace, trefor prest, vern robson -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Newspaper clipping 11/7/72 Canoe tree in Kiewa & Photo-Tawonga Homestead
... with 11 rooms at Kiewa. The bark was cut from the canoe tree ...1. Kiewa Valley Consolidated School was established in 1953 combining Dederang North, Kergunyah, Gundowring, Kiewa, Gundowring Upper, Red Bluff, Charleroi and Gundowing North schools on a 10 acre site with 11 rooms at Kiewa. The bark was cut from the canoe tree, by aboriginal craftsmen, to produce a canoe for fishing in the rivers running through the Kiewa Valley either before or just after the 1800's. The tree trunk, located at Kiewa, would have been used at the beginning of European settlement in the Kiewa Valley or just before contact was made. 2. Pictorial record of the graves of early pioneers C Ibbotson, Mrs Elizabeth Eyre and John Eyre who died between 1858 – 1904, all located at Tawonga Homestead 1. The above schools are in the Kiewa Valley. The date and number of combined schools give insight into the change in population and families in the Kiewa Valley before and after 1953. The tree was found along the Kiewa River and indicates that Aborigines lived by the river and used tree bark to craft canoes to cross rivers and to fish in the deeper sections of the river. 2. Pictorial record of the early history of Kiewa Valley pioneers whose descendants have lived and worked in the Kiewa Valley for many years 1. Newspaper article of local school children visiting a canoe tree in Kiewa July 11, 1972. mounted on buff card 2. Black and white photo of pioneer graves at old Tawonga Homestead. Mounted on buff card 1. Handwritten in black ink above newspaper clipping ‘Canoe Tree Kiewa Valley Consolidated School. 11 July, 1972’ Handwritten in pencil at bottom of article ’10 Nov. ‘72’ 2. Handwritten in black ink above photo ‘Tawonga Homestead graves’ Handwritten below photo ‘T Ibbotson D. 1858, Elizabeth Eyre D. 1879, John Eyre D 1879, John Eyre D. 1904 tawonga homestead, canoe tree at kiewa, tawonga graves -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, Canoe tree: Slide 5, 1970s
Photograph shows a large gum tree encircled by an iron fence. This tree is known as a canoe or scar tree - a section of bark has been removed by first nations people to make a canoe.Part of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No caption. Printed maker's mark on slide "Kodak Kodachrome Slide"canoe tree, scar tree, first nations -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Sketch Tree Bark, Aboriginal - bark removed from tree
This sketch of a tree whose bark was cut, by aboriginal craftsmen, to produce a canoe for fishing in the rivers running through the Kiewa Valley either before or just after the 1800's. The tree trunk depicted in the sketch would have been used at the beginning of European settlement in the Kiewa Valley or just before contact was made.As this sketch was of a tree found along the Kiewa River it indicates that Aborigines lived by the river. This sketch depicts the usage of tree bark by the Aboriginal fisher person in crafting a canoe to cross rivers and to fish in the deeper sections of the river course.This freehand sketch detailing the outline of bark removed to provide a canoe is in ink portraying a tree trunk with one branch which has a plaque in front a gravel section to the right and open fields in the mid background and scattered trees on a hill slope in the far background. The sketch is on thick cardboard with a plastic protective cover over it (fastened on the flip side). It is a sketch of the tree now exhibited at the Kiewa Consolidated School.Written in black ink on the top section (heading) "ABORIGINES CUT CANOE FROM TREE. NOW AT KIEWA SCHOOL"crafted canoe, aboriginal craftsmanship, tree usage, early aboriginal craftsmen, kiewa river. kiewa consolidated school -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Plaque - Aborigine Canoe Tree
... by the river and used tree bark to craft canoes to cross rivers ...Newspaper clipping 11 July 1972. See KVHS 1030 and KVHS 0198The tree was found along the Kiewa River and indicates that Aborigines lived by the river and used tree bark to craft canoes to cross rivers and to fish in the deeper sections of the river.Wooden board with raised letters glued on. Surrounded by a wooden frame with decorated corners. It has 3vwooden footings. some letters have fallen off. See KVHS 1030Message: Aborigine Canoe Tree / From Mr D. Leys Property / Presented By / Kiewa Valley Historical Society / To The / Kiewa Consolidated School. / 11 July 1972canoe tree at kiewa -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, The Craftsman (July -Dec 1912 and Jan-June 1913), 1912-1913
... lincoln memorial school wrought iron school gardens birch bark ...Two large half leather bound volumes. The books were once part of the Ballarat Technical Art School Library. .1) July - December 1912. Includes a book plate from the Ballarat Technical Art School Library (BM/98) .2) January- June 1913. Includes a book plate from the Ballarat Technical Art School Library (BM/99)john burroughs, california, architecture, garden furniture, peer gynt, norway's ancient log cabins, king's langley's priory, lincoln memorial school, wrought iron, school gardens, birch bark canoes, old west, alice in wonderland, californian bungalow, japanese gardens, john muir, yosemite, san stefano, bologna, brickwork, anna boberg, ctaftsman house, henrik lund, water gardens, lois akin, electric lighting, bookplate, library plate, ballarat technical art school -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - colour, Scarred Tree, Mildura
The scar on this tree probably resulted from bark being removed to make a canoe.Scarred tree on display in the Mildura Information Centre.aboriginal, aborigine, scarred tree, canoe -
Koorie Heritage Trust
Booklet, Barrett, Charles et al, Blackfellows of Australia, 1936
... from infancy. Navigation - The Bark Canoe - Calm-weather Craft ...Contents: The Aboriginal Environment - Birds and Reptiles; Whence came the Blackfellow. The Natural Man - Tattooing: ornamental scars. The Tribes of the South - Down the Darling. Tribes of Central and Northern Australia - The Aruntas; Wilderness vanishing; Untamed Tribes.The Tasmanian Race - Doomed people.Tribal Organisation - Public opinion; The Council of Old Men; Tribal Classification; Tribal Naming; Dual Classes; Totemism.Daily life of the Blacks - Making fire; Cooking methods - the native oven; Vegetarian diet; Miscellaneous foods. Weapons and Implements - Classes of Stone; Quarries; Weapons of wood - spears; The Boomerang; Shields; Water vessels and Carriers; Baskets and Dilly-bags.Medicine-men and medicine - Faith cures; Rain-making. Mia-Mias, Whurlies and Gunyahs - Tripod fires; Two-storey huts. The Aboriginal as an Engineer - Weirs and fish traps; Wells and Rockholes. Wild White Men; Dances and Games - Children's toys. Black Police and Tracking - Tribal Mixture; The Blacktrackers; Trained from infancy. Navigation - The Bark Canoe - Calm-weather Craft. Aboriginal Art - Animal Tracks; Old Camp-fires. Blackfellow Music and Bards; Death and Burial - Wailing Women; Relics of Lost Tribes; Decorated skulls; Creation myth pole. Language - Letter-sticks. Myths and Legends; Mission work among the Blacks - Spheres of Service; The Mission Stations.43 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.Contents: The Aboriginal Environment - Birds and Reptiles; Whence came the Blackfellow. The Natural Man - Tattooing: ornamental scars. The Tribes of the South - Down the Darling. Tribes of Central and Northern Australia - The Aruntas; Wilderness vanishing; Untamed Tribes.The Tasmanian Race - Doomed people.Tribal Organisation - Public opinion; The Council of Old Men; Tribal Classification; Tribal Naming; Dual Classes; Totemism.Daily life of the Blacks - Making fire; Cooking methods - the native oven; Vegetarian diet; Miscellaneous foods. Weapons and Implements - Classes of Stone; Quarries; Weapons of wood - spears; The Boomerang; Shields; Water vessels and Carriers; Baskets and Dilly-bags.Medicine-men and medicine - Faith cures; Rain-making. Mia-Mias, Whurlies and Gunyahs - Tripod fires; Two-storey huts. The Aboriginal as an Engineer - Weirs and fish traps; Wells and Rockholes. Wild White Men; Dances and Games - Children's toys. Black Police and Tracking - Tribal Mixture; The Blacktrackers; Trained from infancy. Navigation - The Bark Canoe - Calm-weather Craft. Aboriginal Art - Animal Tracks; Old Camp-fires. Blackfellow Music and Bards; Death and Burial - Wailing Women; Relics of Lost Tribes; Decorated skulls; Creation myth pole. Language - Letter-sticks. Myths and Legends; Mission work among the Blacks - Spheres of Service; The Mission Stations.aboriginals, australian - social life and customs -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph, Scarred Tree stump at Harcourt, Victoria, 2021
Aboriginal people caused scars on trees by removing bark for various purposes, such as making canoes, containers and shields, and to build shelters. The scars, which vary in size, expose the sapwood on the trunk or branch of a tree.Colour photographs of the remains of a scarred tree at Harcourt, Victoriascarred tree, scar tree, harcourt, dja dja wurrung, aboriginal, aborigine, canoe tree -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Aboriginal Canoe Trees near Campbells Bridge
... have been cut from the bark stawell Aboriginal Canoe Trees near ...Aborigional Canoe Trees near Campbells Bridge where canoes have been cut from the barkstawell -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Kegan Paul Trench Trubner and Co, In Australian tropics, 1907
Early history of N.T. and explorations; Detailed account of intercepting Macassan proas around coast of Arnhem Land whilst author was Sub-Collector of Customs for 14 years; Names of proas and masters, Malay camps & smoke houses along coast & nearby islands; Natives employed by Malays in trepang fishing and collecting tortoiseshell, relationships between Malays and Aborigines; influences (physical & cultural); Habit of exchanging children between tribes (Roper R. & Normanton) for the purpose of learning each others language & customs; Description of native camps at Fort Dundas (1895) shelters, finding of bark water bags, types of canoes used; Platform burial at Daly R.; Sacred burial site on Maria Island; Geographical features, vegetation, climate etc., general ecology, depredations & murders by natives; Cannibalism practiced by Fitzmaurice River tribes.Ill, maps, p.373.non-fictionEarly history of N.T. and explorations; Detailed account of intercepting Macassan proas around coast of Arnhem Land whilst author was Sub-Collector of Customs for 14 years; Names of proas and masters, Malay camps & smoke houses along coast & nearby islands; Natives employed by Malays in trepang fishing and collecting tortoiseshell, relationships between Malays and Aborigines; influences (physical & cultural); Habit of exchanging children between tribes (Roper R. & Normanton) for the purpose of learning each others language & customs; Description of native camps at Fort Dundas (1895) shelters, finding of bark water bags, types of canoes used; Platform burial at Daly R.; Sacred burial site on Maria Island; Geographical features, vegetation, climate etc., general ecology, depredations & murders by natives; Cannibalism practiced by Fitzmaurice River tribes. northern australia - description and travel, ethnography -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA POSTCARDS
... Dugout canoe Ayer's Rock Bark painting Delaunay Belville car Phar ...A set of 18 colour postcards from the National Museum of Australia in Canberra showing various items and objects relating to Australia's history, manufacturing and culture. (see list under references)wool press, cobb & co, ben chifley, mutoscope, austral wash machine, herman house & co, australia 2, heidelberg unemployed bureau, sunlight soap, waterside worker's union, boomerang, spirit figures, dugout canoe, ayer's rock, bark painting, delaunay belville car, phar lap's heart -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Diamond Creek, Barak Bushlands, Eltham, 2008
A habitat corridor and it strengthens the community. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p185 Barak Bushlands lie west of the Diamond Creek on the corner of Falkiner Street and busy, noisy Main Road. They form part of an important habitat corridor linking the Yarra River to the Kinglake National Park.1 Manna Gums, tawny frogmouths and platypuses are some of the indigenous plants and animals that have made their home there. The bushlands are the result of more than nine years of hard work by the local community with the Nillumbik Council, to transform a degraded flood plain into this refuge of natural beauty. In 1997, shortly after moving into the new Riverside Estate on Falkiner Street, Eltham, several residents noticed the sorry state of the Diamond Creek and surrounding area. Part of it was used as a cow paddock and although small patches of vegetation survived, the area was infested with weeds, rabbits, rubbish and drainage from the housing estate. At various times the 4.4 hectares had been used as a market garden and for shire stock piles. The residents began to restore the area by revegetating land along the Diamond Creek. In 1998 they established the Friends of the Diamond Creek Falkiner Street Reserve2 and 35 families joined from the 90-house Estate. Carolyn Mellor, as the Friends’ Land Manager, undertook a four-year horticulture course to guide this massive project for a volunteer organisation. Since 1999, she has been the Friends’ President. In 1999 the Friends urged the Nillumbik Council to undertake a feasibility study into establishing a wetland system and urban forest. Work began in 2002 with Nillumbik Council funding the project, supplemented by government grants. The Friends also received grants from Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria. Aided by the Friends and other community members, the Council created the Barak Bushlands consisting of a forest, a wetland, a bridge, a path and open space. The beautiful wetland treats most of the estate’s stormwater runoff. Storm water is filtered through plants in the wetland ponds then is released slowly into the billabong, before flowing into the Diamond Creek. The wetland also helps to minimise flooding and the improved water quality provides a flora and fauna habitat. The Friends and other volunteers planted more than 27,000 plants, more than one third of which they grew from seeds they collected at Lower Eltham and Wingrove Parks. Eltham High School students planted thousands of these through a Year Eight program introduced for this purpose. Other groups who assisted were: Green Corps, local Scouts and Guides – 2nd Montmorency, 1st Diamond Creek and 1st Eltham Cub Packs, Eltham College students, Eltham East Primary School, Landcare members, Eltham Lions Club and the Eltham Baptist Church. To maintain enthusiasm for the mammoth task, the Friends and other volunteers ‘adopted’ trees to water and wrote their names on the stakes. In 2004, to recognise the area’s original occupiers, the reserve was named Barak Bushlands. William Barak, who lived from 1824 to 1903, was the last chief of the Yarra Yarra tribe of the Wurundjeri-willam people. Traces of these original inhabitants remain in scar trees (bark sections removed to make a shield or canoe). That same year the Friends’ group was a finalist in the prestigious Federal Government, Banksia Environmental Awards. The Friends have also participated in Clean Up Australia, removing tonnes of rubbish and regularly testing the billabong, wetland and creek, for pollutants. For years the Friends, together with the Australian Platypus Conservancy, have tagged, measured and checked the health of platypuses from the Diamond and Mullum Mullum Creeks. With Latrobe University the Friends have conducted night walks to view owls, possums, bats and sugar gliders. Challenges for the council and the Friends continue with a large rabbit population, some vandalism, weed eradication and maintenance. However, thanks to this community effort, locals can now escape confined urban living on small blocks of land and enjoy the beauty of indigenous plants and animals. Working together has also strengthened the local community,This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, barak bushlands, diamond creek (creek), eltham