Brief report by Compton Associates Pty Ltd re Bendigo Arts Council, June 1979. This a Report as to the capacity of the Bendigo Arts Council to embark on a fund-raising programme (Conclusion - ''negative'' at that stage). Section II of the Report provides Recommendations re 'right attitude', timetable, site, prepared plans, opening night tax deductibility and publicity to provide the basis of a successful fund-raising campaign. Signed by Glen Johns, Assistant Managing Director.compton associates, bendigo arts council, merle hall

Bendigo Arts Council - Cabaret details - one page information and application for cabaret night September 15th (no year given) at White Hills Technical School with Dutch Tilders jazz/blues entertainment - tickets and table bookings info.bendigo arts council, merle hall

Various documents of the Bendigo Arts Council - a. Information sheet For the Information of Bendigo City Councilors (re Community Arts Activity Centre; points from public meeting of 12/10/1976; b. information re Cabaret 15/9/19?? (booking & tickets; c. review/analysis of 1979 Subscription Series; d. Sheet giving the ''Aims - Organization - Activities'' of the Branch; e: handwritten list of 183 Bendigo clubs and organizations ''contacted'' (with an unspecified form sent out) and those organisations that responded. Attached is list of 10 additional organizations on back of Bendigo Arts Council subscription form.bendigo arts council, documents

Submission by Bendigo Arts Council to the Bendigo Urban Renewal Liaison Committee - ''A Blueprint for the Future'' (undated submission but reference internally indicates it being post September 1974). Six pages with four Sections: Sec. 1 - Preamble; Sec. 2 Buildings currently in use; Sec. 3 Arts Council activity to improve facilities; Sec. 4. Arts Council recommendation for the inclusion of the Community Arts Centre in the study area; Sec. 5 Conclusions. Two copies of the submission in differently coloured covers.bendigo arts council, merle hall

Collection of various Bendigo Arts Council Newsletters (1979-1981) - these Newsletters sometimes included reports on held Meetings. Newsletters are as follows: No. 8 Aug-Sept. 1977 (entitled ''Artifacts''); No. 9 Nov-Dec 1977 (entitled ''Artifacts''; Newsletter July 1979; Newsletter November 1979; Newsletter and Minutes of the April Meeting (April 7, 1981); Mid-Year newsletter June 1981; August Newsletter and Report on the AGM; (1981 by inference); September (Spring) Newsletter and Report on the AGM 1981 by inference); Spring Newsletter (second instalment) November 1981.bendigo arts council, newsletters

Submission by Bendigo Arts Council; Urban Renewal Study re site for a performing arts facility in Bendigo. This document is a heavily annotated draft of the final document entitled ''A Blueprint for the Future'' (Arts Council of Australia; Bendigo) - refer to 8350.3. In addition to the edited text in this document are the following: form 1974 letter from the Hon Sec of the Arts Council of Australia, Bendigo Branch re a ''Community Arts Centre'' inviting submissions from interested organizations and individuals and request for comments on the draft statement; original letter on City of Bendigo letterhead plus copy of that letter received from the Urban Renewal Liaison Committee to Arts Council of Australia, Bendigo Branch re participation in a study area (Queen St/Lyttleton Terrace/Mundy/Myers/Mitchell St.) 10/9/1974;bendigo arts council, city of bendigo, urban renewal, merle hall collection

Merle Hall Collection - collection of Bendigo Arts Council Minutes of Branch Executive Meetings. a: 4/10/19774; b. 15/11/1977; c: 13/12/1977; d:7/2/1978; e: 4/4/1978; f: 2/5/1978; g: 15/7/1978; h: 30/1/1979; i: 6/3/1979; j: 5/6/1979; k:3/7/1979; l: 15/8/1979; m:9/10/1979; n: 7/11/1979; o:4/3/1980; p: 1/4/1980; q:6/5/1980; r: 3/6/1980; s: 8/7/1980; t: 2/9/1980; u: 1/10/1980; v: 4/11/1980; w: 2/12/1980; x: 3/2/1981; y:3/3/1981; y: 5/5/1981; z: 2/2/1982bendigo arts council, minutes

Documents relating to Annual General Meetings - Arts Council of Australia (Victorian Division), Bendigo Branch/Bendigo Arts Council 1971-1981 a. 1971: Agenda, Executive Committee Presidential Report, Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Publicity Officer's Report, Recruitment Sub-Committee Report, Arts Centre Sub-Committee Report, Accounts, Constitution (dated 1st October 1971) Note; cover has a printed list of ''Branches'' (Arts Council of Australia, Victorian Branches??); b. 1972: Agenda, Office Bearers, President's Report, Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Publicity Officer's Report, Arts Centre Sub-Committee Report, Tour Manager's Report, Accounts; Note: Handwritten annotation to date on front cover is ''30th June 1973'' & handwritten annotations to the Office Bearers' page - headed Branch Executive Committee 1972-73 c. 1973: Agenda, President's report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Publicity Officer's Report, Schools Report, ''Copy for Information'' attached; d. 1974: Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Art Centre Sub-Committee Report (with handwritten additions), Attendance List (handwritten),Copy; e. 1975: Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Art Centre Sub-Committee Report, Attendance List (handwritten), Copy; f. 1976:President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Notice of Meeting & Agenda, Handwritten list of representing Affiliated organizations (names, addresses, organization represented), Handwritten Attendance List; g. 1977 Minutes of 1977 Annual Meeting, Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, page headed ''Community Arts Activity Centre'', Accounts; Copy; h: 1978 Agenda, Notice of meeting, Group Representative nomination form, Minutes of the 8oth Meeting of the Branch Executive (4/7/1978), page of activities for the months of July-November, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, ''Community Arts Activity Center'' report; I; Minutes of 1978 Annual Meeting; j; Minutes of 1979 AGM (one page and incomplete, page with three formatted Application Forms (cabaret, subscription, sub-committee), Bendigo Arts Council Newsletter July 1979, President's Report, Executive Committee (2 pages- one with handwritten annotations); k; Minutes of Annual meeting 1980, Notice of meeting, President's Report, Accounts; l: 1981 AGM Agenda, Secretary's Report, President's Report,arts council of australia, bendigo arts council

Merle Hall Collection - Various documents re Arts (Bendigo City Council): a. 44 paged Draft Cultural Strategy ''Past-Present-Future'' August 2000 (breaknock consulting & Arts Plus); b. Annual Report of the Bendigo Sub-Regional Community Arts officer , March 1985; c. 21 paged Magazine (''Work on Paper'') , Summer Edition 1998, Lynda Newton, Editor - articles, prose, poetry & review; d. November 2001 issue of ''artznews'' compiled by Cultural Development & Events (CoGB); e. I Dec 2000 - Jan 2001ssue of ''artznews'' compiled by Cultural Development & Events (CoGB);bendigo city council, arts bendigo, merle hall collection

Correspondence In/Out; Bendigo Branch; Arts Council of Australia (labelled Dec 73/Jan 74 - though some letters dated outside this time-frame). Variety of correspondence but portion related to the establishment of a community arts facility. (e.g. letter for Darryl McClure MLA supporting application to Premier Hamer for grant of $5000).arts council of australia, merle hall collection

Bendigo Subscribers List 1979 - Arts Council of Australia. Six-paged typed list of Subscribers with asterisks denoting 'Financial'. (approx 150 names) - with addresses.arts council of australia, merle hall collection

Merle Hall Collection - Arts Bendigo AGMs: Notice of Mtg, President's Reports, Minutes of Mtg. a. Informal report of the AGM held on 19/10/1982 (and brief Committee discussion which followed); b. Minutes of fourth AGM 29/10/1985; c. Minutes of AGM 27/10/1988; d. President's Report 13/10/198; e. President's Report 30/10/1990; f. Minutes of AGM 15/10/1991; g. President's Report 22/10/1993; h. Minutes of AGM 22/10/1993; i. Minutes of AGM 22/10/1993 with penciled annotations to list of office bearers; j. Notice of Meeting 1994 AGM 27/10/1994; k. 'invitation' sheet for 1994 AGM; l. 'promo' sheet for 1994 AGM; m. 'promo' sheet for 1994 AGM; n. President's report 1994; o. President's Report 1999; 'invitation' to 2000 AGM; q. Notice of Meeting 2000 AGM 20/10/2000; r. Minutes of 2000 AGM; s. president's Report 2000 AGM; t. Notice of meeting 2001 AGM; u. ' invitation' (''Please take time to read this'') sheet re 2001 AGM; v. Agenda for 2001 AGM; w. President's Report 2001 AGM; x. Handwritten notes for the Minutes of the 2001 AGM; President's Report 21/10/1998; z Copy of Annual Report as presented by President for Annual General Meeting 16/10/1984 (John F Hogan, President) - with appended half-page ''Explanation'' - M D Hall (Secretary); aa. Notice of Meeting for the Fourth Annual General Meeting (29/10/1985; ab agenda for AGM 1994 (with Social Evening) - guest speaker Derk Guille and entertainment by Youth String Triobendigo arts council, merle hall

Constitution of the Arts Council of Australia (Victoria Division), Bendigo Branch (Amended 27/4/73). This is a five-page printed document with the following handwritten additions. Page 1: (Base Copy); Page 3; alterations/additions to Sec 14 (The Executive).bendigo arts council, arts council of australia, constitution

Savings Passbook (The Sandhurst Mutual Permanent Investment and Building Society) with entries from 1979 to 1983 re the 'Arts Centre Building Fund'.bendigo arts council, arts centre building fund

Merle Hall Collection - Arts Bendigo, Various sundry documents- a. One-page notice (''To All Teachers of Piano in the Bendigo Area'') of visit to Bendigo of former Bendigo student Tony Gray, notice date March 1993 - concert in the Banquet Room, Capital Theatre 14/3/1993, b. One-page notice of visit of Russian pianist Elisio Virsaladze and ''Moving Harps'' (trio) for October dates Year??; c. A5 brochure of information and dates for 1985 ''for many of the local and visiting arts-associated functions''. (3 pages of functions with dates, summary of performance and location of show; d. Single-page sheet of ''Arts Bendigo Activities Oct. '84 - Sept. '85 with paragraphs of ''Major Achievements'' and ''Disappointments'' and ''Thanks''. Also - ''Just Happened of Still To Come''; d. Six paged listing of 'Bendigo Subscribers' List 1979'' (Arts Council of Australia) with * annotations of being ''Financial'' - mostly personal names/addresses but some organizations. Approx 150 entries; e. two-page list of ''Arts Bendigo Members July 1985'' with annotations of s= Single and F = Family members - approx. 65 names; f. one-page Brief Report of Program Subcommittee June 1982, with rough analysis of attendance figures for recent shows; g. 3-page report of AB Development Sub-Committee meeting of 25/2/1985; h. two-page report on ''Possible rehearsal and performing spaces in Bendigo area as known at June 1988 by Merle Hall, Secretary - brief details of 7 facilities and a number of ''Other'' facilities, with a final section on ''The Grand Vision''; i. One-page ''Proposals from Development Sub-committee'', prepared by Ellis C Blainer 3/3/87 - eight proposals in small detail; j. Bi-fold flyer ''Membership Information'' with description of AB activities and membership details/application form (not dated), k. A5 invitation of 'parchment' paper to ''25 Years of Achievement in the Arts'' (27/101995) - a brief AGM with a Social Evening from 8 pm; l. one-page invitation note accompanying the formal invitation to the special evening for 25th celebration of working with the arts in the Bendigo region.arts bendigo, victorian arts council

Collection of AB Outwards Correspondence 1982-97 covering a wide variety of approx. 50 letters covering organizational issue over those years.arts bendigo, victorian arts council

Various correspondence: City of Bendigo: From City of Bendigo 15/6/1977 re Investigation of Buildings and Sites suitable for the establishment of a Community Arts Activity Centre (with handwritten annotations); City of Bendigo invitation to a 'Bendigo Community Day' in Rosalind Park March 1979; City of Bendigo re date for Bendigo Arts Council to present a Variety Performance (attached is handwritten program for concert 18/3/19790; draft letter to Town Clerk from Bendigo Arts Council commending Mayor and Councilors on decision to seek land for a Cultural and Arts Centre (undated); Letter (17/8/1995) from City of Greater Bendigo re proposal to establish an annual sculpture prize with attachment providing detail of proposal.city of bendigo, arts bendigo, merle hall collection

Three-paged 'A Brief Background on ''Arts Bendigo'' Inc.' from formation in 1972 as the Bendigo Arts Council. Through to ?? (no date printed on this document but handwritten notation on first page: ''1994''. Finishing paragraph relates to the ''greatest need'' being for the City of Greater Bendigo to appoint a Community Arts Officer. Author/name at end of doc. Is Merle Hall, Secretary.arts bendigo, merle hall collection

Six-paged document entitled ''The End of an Era''. This document has no signed author (possibly Merle Hall) and no actual date. However, it relates to the winding-up of Arts Bendigo and it begins - Thirty on years ago, late in 1970, …Review of three decades of arts activity of the variously named The Australian Arts Council-Victorian Division - Bendigo Branch/Bendigo Arts Council/Arts Bendigo.arts bendigo, merle hall collection

Bendigo Performance of the ''Craft and Beyond'' - Stapled catalogue of items in the ''Craft and Beyond'' exhibition of 30th July - 6th August 1983. (Arts Bendigo in conjunction with the Crafts Council of Victoria). Convenor; Helen Harrison. Includes thanks to various organizations involved. 211 items listed by name of artist and includes sale price where relevant.arts bendigo, crafts council of victoria, merle hall collection

Bendigo Exhibition: ''Craft and Beyond'' at National Trust Bank Chambers August 19?? Brief list of types of craft on display.arts bendigo, crafts council of victoria

Submissions from 29 Community Organizations and individuals re proposed Urban Renewal 1974. 33 paged documents with Content page (cover) listing the names of those making submissions (some annotations). Last submission if that of the Arts Council of Australia - Bendigo Branch. This document has added information from the Bendigo Arts Council of a ''Budget of Income and Expenditure'' for a proposed Centre for the Performing Arts. Final plus annotated draft copy.merle hall collection, urban renewal, arts council of australia

An Investigation into Performing Arts Activity in Bendigo - A Study Report (Frank Small and Assoc) prepared for Ministry for the Arts, Victoria July 1976. Index includes Summary and Conclusions and the following 'Current Activity Profiles' - Bendigo Arts Council, other Bendigo-based groups, touring companies, notes on facilities, activity projections. The Appendix lists performing arts activities published in the 'Bendigo Advertiser' from July 75 - June 76. Handwritten annotations throughout.performing arts, ministry foir the arts, frank small, merle hall collection

a. Extensive and detailed correspondence and documentation re site for Performing Arts Centre 1975/76; Letters from City Engineers; Town Clerk; Dr Westbrook (Ministry for the Arts); Drama officer (Ministry for the Arts); includes list in of Arts Council sponsored performances over the period 1971-1975; questionnaire relating to a Cultural & Arts Centre; list of Potential Users of an Art Centre Complex; minutes/correspondence re The Bendigo Urban Renewal Liaison Committee; plans for sites. Would need to be read and examined in its entirety due to complexity of the issue; b. Correspondence between City of Bendigo and Bendigo Arts Council (April 1976); Correspondence between City of Bendigo and Arts Council of Australia (Feb/Mar 1974) with Valuer's Letter and handwritten notes of sub-committee meeting.bendigo performing arts centre, bendigo arts, merle hall collection

Various documents relating to feasibility of Bendigo Arts Centre 1970-1977 - Correspondence; various notes (some handwritten); large plan of Crestknit factory layout; information re Public Meeting 12/10/1976; Address to Bendigo City Council by Dr Westbrook 15/9/1975; Bendigo Arts Activity Centre - Draft Brief; Bendigo Arts Council Minutes (50th meeting held 6y/4/1976); Performing Arts Centre Study - Sub-Committee Meeting 6/9/1976; Public Notice in Bendigo Advertiser for a Proposed Community Arts Activity Centre (16/10/197?); Statement from Bendigo Arts Council re a Performing Arts Centre for Bendigo - what the Council knows & what the Council recommends; letter from The Bendigo Trust 29th March 1976 with details of the proposed Convention Centre to be part of the Dai Gum San project on Danger Hill (the Trust believing that a Cultural Centre should be incorporated into the proposed Convention Centre) - attached are a site plan, building plans(convention hall, proposed ground floor theatre and two architectural elevations of the proposed convention centre,bendigo arts centre, merle hall collection

B&W Photograph of Janine Ballantyne, Soprano ''See ARTS BENDIGO Story for Council Sept. 16'' with sundy annotation. Head and torso photo of artist.arts bendigo, merle hall

Various documents relating to feasibility of Bendigo Arts Centre 1981-1982: Correspondence re survey of potential user groups (Ross Ramus Architects) - two sites to be evaluated as part of that study - Central Bendigo site & BCAE, Flora Hill; Shire of Strathfieldsaye notification of proposed Bus Tour of performing arts centers in Melbourne; Reports of the Liaison Sub-Committee regarding Performing Arts Centre - minutes of meetings of 15/12/1981 and 22/4/1982; Revised List of User Groups per Bendigo Arts Council - addresses and names of Groups (some defunct); 9-paged document entitled ''History of Existing Policy'' covering history since the establishment in 1974 of the Regional Arts Centre Program - a Ministry for the Arts publication?) with details of state-wide commitments to thirteen arts centers - Bendigo having ''commitment in principle'' with four already in existence prior to the commencement of the program.bendigo arts, merle hall collection

Community Arts Centre - a. Space Requirements: 'Spreadsheet' - single page ruled up with horizontal rows listing 21 Bendigo arts organizations and vertical columns inserting 20 varied space requirements (e.g. main auditorium; stage; backstage; wings; etc.) + Total space requirement for each organization. No date or author provided; b. Same 'spreadsheet' but specified as space in square feet. Attached is a handwritten note (no stated author) entitled ''Plaza Proposal'' (19/1/77) stating that the schedule is for the area requirements of local groups with information as to spending money of architectural surveys of existing buildings and time constraints on putting forward any proposition. List of Community Arts organisations; M.A.S.B.,M.L., Competitions society, Repertory society, Shakespeare Society, Operatic Society, concert Orchestra, Benola Choristers, Brass Bands Association, Pipe Bands Association, Victorian Society of Organ's, Film Group, Bendigo Arts Council, Photographic Society, W.E.L., Music Teachers, Spinners & Weavers, Wyse Players, Organ Club, Friends of the Art Gallery, California Gully Youth Club.community arts center, merle hall collection

Letter dated 23rd Feb. 1982 from Arts Bendigo to local Councils (City of Bendigo, Shires of Strathfieldsaye, Marong, Huntly and Borough of Eaglehawk) re formation of Arts Bendigo and invitation for council representation on the committee. List of Office Bearers included.city of bendigo, arts bendigo, merle hall collection

On front cover is: ''Community Arts Centre - Deputation Notes''. Within this stapled collection are the following: typed notes for presentation at a Public Meeting at Bendigo Municipal Offices (25/6/1975) re the ''establishment of a cultural centre in Bendigo''. J. Cannon with the names of six supportive speakers; handwritten Notes from Public Meeting 25th June 1975 (two pages); handwritten ''Notes from Public Meeting 36 June 75'' (meeting to hear address from Federal Department of Tourism and Recreation (with newspaper advertisements of meeting); Loddon Campaspe Regional Council for Social Development Interim Committee questionnaire for seminar on nine aspects - housing, educational facilities, medical and welfare services, municipal and other public services, transport and communication, conservation features, active and passive recreation, employment, shopping; handwritten notes for Public Meeting 25th June ; handwritten notes re the Plaza theatre being up for sale, letter to The Editor re the recent reported announcement by the City Council of its intention to seek Federal finance to assist in the purchase of the Plaze theatre; two-paged document (letter??) re the problems of keeping the Plaza theatre and, instead, promoting a ''fine modern facility'' of the Bendigo Arts Council (no named author); ; handwritten notes of Sub-committee - Arts Centre Building (Report - J. Cannon); handwritten notes from the ''Tours Officer'' for comments on the past year's activities; handwritten list of 30-40 local people with 'ticks'' for their (potential) interest and time??community arts center, merle hall collection