This 1991 group photograph of Grade 5/6 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School provides a vivid snapshot of suburban school life in Melbourne during a time of notable social and urban transformation. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary served as a vital educational and community hub until its closure in the early 2000s. More than a place of learning, the school fostered a strong sense of identity, belonging, and shared experience among its students and staff. The image reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing inclusive and supportive environments for young learners. It also subtly documents the growing cultural diversity of Jacana in the late 20th century, as suburban development brought together families from a wide range of backgrounds. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public education helped shape community identity, promote social cohesion, and influence the lives of generations of children and families.This 1991 class photograph of Grade 5/6 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a historically significant artifact that captures a moment in time within a vibrant and evolving suburban community. Taken during a period of considerable social and urban change in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, the image reflects the school’s enduring role as a centre of education, inclusion, and community connection. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s, was more than an academic institution—it was a place where children from diverse backgrounds came together, forming lasting relationships and shared memories. The photograph documents the increasing cultural diversity of the Jacana area in the late 20th century, offering insight into how public schools adapted to and reflected broader societal shifts. As part of the school’s visual archive, this image contributes to the historical narrative of public education in Victoria. It highlights the importance of schools as social anchors, fostering identity, cohesion, and continuity across generations. Its preservation ensures that the legacy of Jacana Primary School—and the community it served—remains visible and valued. Colour Photograph on Satin PaperBack: Top Left Corner: (Blue Label): PH-5500, Centre (in pencil) jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, class photograph, andrew martins, karen marks, gunduz tabag, jayson sharman, jodi carroll, freda nguyen, houssein houssein, ross coats, andrew jenkins, debbie miller, tien huynh, lisa schewtschuk, alan stewart, salina leung, carrie lewis, brett chapman, peita anderson, danny borland, belinda norman, rebecca horton, mark layton, vicki bell, nahed elwohamed, shar-rena fitzgerald, mr. b. o'dea, mr. g. payne, grade 5/6p, 1991

This book was conceived by the Nillumbik Women's Network as a way of writing women into local history. When seeking nominations for the 2010 editon, the press release stated: Nillumbik Shire’s official histories don’t reflect the important but often unacknowledged contribution of local women to the development of the area. To redress this, the Nillumbik Women’s Network (NWN) initiated a small project, Celebrating Nillumbik women in late 2007.( For details of the Nillumbik Women’s Network refer to attachment) The NWN sought nominations of local women who had made, or continue to make, a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of our community. The brief profiles of the nominees were published in a booklet, which was launched at an International Women’s Day celebration in March 2008, and a second publication was produced in 2009. We continue to be inspired by the quality and activism of our local women. Many of the biographies tell of women’s contribution to the building of the ‘social’ infrastructure of the Shire. These stories complement the official historical accounts which primarily document men’s role in building the physical infrastructure of the Shire. One begins to develop a clearer picture of how women went about developing the services which we take for granted today, from the small kindergartens operating out of church halls to the wide ranging network of occasional and long day childcare care to the development of home based services for older frail and disabled residents of the area. They also tell of the bravery and resilience of women in their response to the devastating impact of the Black Saturday bushfires. This volume includes profiles of 23 women, 2013 Nominees in addition to those included since the project was launched in 2008. The 2008 nominations are: Wendy Alexander, Jane Ashton, Sharon Banner, Janet Boddy, Catherine Cervasio, Belinda Clarkson, Helen Coleman, Cathy Dean, Judy Duffy, Gwen Ford, Jenny Graves, Cath Giles, Meera Govil, Ona Henderson, Jill Jameson, Vicki Kaye, Mrs Kimber, Nerida Kirov, Jane Lauber, Pam Lawson, Anne Manne, Chris Marks, Elizabeth Marshall, Dawn McDonnell, Jenny Millar, Grace Mitchell, Jenni Mitchell, Michelle Molinaro, Joy Murphy, Rosie Murphy, Barbara Murray, Tracey Naughton, Josephine Norman, Pamela Pederson, Mary Robertson, Vicki Ruhr, Geraldine Sanderson, Dawn Shaw, Fiona Sievers, Myra Skipper, Selina Sutherland, Barbara Talbot, Marjorie Taylor, Julie Tipene-O’Toole, Susie Walker, Donna Zander. 2009: Jan Aitken, Rosemary Aitken – OAM, Edith Apted, Betty Anderson, Thelma Barkway, Diana Bassett-Smith, Jenneke Bateman-Korteweg, Amy Bryans, Sabi Buehler, Jenni Bundy, Audrey Cahn, Linda Cornelissen, Janice Crosswhite, Elean Dansey, Christine Durham Claire Fitzpatrick, Ailsa Fitzmaurice, Lucinda Flynn, Sheryl Garbutt MP, Fran Gronow, Ev Hales, Irene “Rennie” Harrison, Ena Jarvis, Heather Kaufmann. 1948-2007: Helen Kenney, Margot Knox – Pederson, Lois Loftus-Hills, Nina Mikhailovna Christesen AM (nee Maximov), Penny Mullinar, Gwayne Naug, Nanette Oates, Lisal O’Brien, Stella Reid, Laura Rohricht, Meg Russell, Sonia Skipper, Bronwyn South, Pauline Toner MP, Lisa Walton, Diana Warrell, Rachel Watt. The 2013 nominations are: Roslyn Addison, Sue Aldred, Lucy Anderson, Sue Arnold, Mary Avola, Anna Foletta, Morag Fraser, Danielle Green MP, Colleen Hackett, Pam Hayes, Barbara Joyce, Carol Leeson, Sandra and Bruce Poloni, Many Press, Carolyn Royse, Hannah Sky, Lorna Smith, Lynlee Tozer, Kilanthi Vassiliadis, Kerry Wailes, Gale Weiss, Irma Winton and Alexis Wright.This book is a significant in the recording of the contribution of local women to the development of the Shire of Nillumbik, especially for the time frame 2008 -- 2013. Historically women's stories generally have not been told at all, let alone their contributions acknowledged. This book profiles and documents women's stories that otherwise may not have been told.women, nillumbik women's network

This 1991 group photograph of Grade 4 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School offers a valuable window into the everyday experiences of school life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during the late 20th century. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary served the local community for over four decades before its closure in the early 2000s. More than just a place of learning, the school was a cornerstone of community life—bringing together children, families, and educators in a shared environment of growth and connection. The photograph reflects the school’s emphasis on inclusivity, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging. It also provides insight into the demographic and cultural diversity of Jacana at the time, a period marked by suburban development and shifting social dynamics. As part of the school’s visual archive, this image helps document the role of public education in shaping local identity and fostering intergenerational community ties.This 1991 group photograph of Grade 4 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a culturally and historically significant artifact that reflects the role of public education in shaping community identity in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary operated for over four decades, serving as a vital hub for learning, social connection, and community engagement until its closure in the early 2000s. The image captures more than a moment in time—it embodies the school’s enduring values of inclusivity, camaraderie, and belonging. It also offers insight into the demographic and social landscape of Jacana during a period of suburban expansion and cultural change. As part of the school’s visual legacy, this photograph contributes to a deeper understanding of how educational institutions foster intergenerational ties and strengthen the social fabric of their communities.Colour Photograph on Satin Finish PaperBack; See attached for list of Names (White label): PH-5006 (Blue Label): PH-5593jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, kelly kenna, belinda cilia, brigitte paco, lindsay norman, peter massari, kristopher andree-jansz, omar houssein, reece lee, my nguyen, yavuz cavyarli, william warke, darryl king, candice blaney, said el halabi, jade goudge, bridie hogan, belinda hutchinson, tuba sahan, tracey phillips, bradley hooke, janine so, mark bamfield, mr. b. o'dea, sue bourchier, yvonne mcbain