A copy of an address given at a Foundation Day Luncheon by a long standing Legatee and past President Legatee Rob Allison. He had joined Legacy in 1950, and he comments that only 5 members remain active that were with him in 1950. In 1950 they were all posted as member of various committees, he got Welfare and Friday night girls' classes. There were 9 boys' classes throughout Melbourne, and girls' twice a week at Legacy Headquarters at 24 Market St. There were 230 active members and each legatee had 4 or 5 families with children. He mentions that in 1950 the President was 62 years old but only 5 years after the end of the war, the tide had begun to turn towards the 39ers. (He called the older legatees '1914ers' or 'the Bow and Arrow boys'). He applauded the 'founding fathers' for limiting the numbers of members, in 1929 it was 230 and in 1959 a limit of 300. They used a classification method to classify the members so they had a diverse range of skills and community representation. Areas were: Production, Distribution, Services Public Authority, Services Other, and Board List. The President had a Secret Committee of 3, no one knew who was on the committee, even those members didn't know the identity of the other 2. This committee vetted the background and integrity of new members. In 1950 the budget was £27,000 plus a capital budget of £3,500. Legatee Allison tells a good story of his induction into Legacy, including his wife joining other Legatees wives in fundraising. In 1951 Comradeship meetings moved to Thursday nights at the instigation of Burt Nathan. 'Birthday boy' invitations started in 1958 when John Cooper was Chairman of the Comradeship. After some years of discussion the first paid Social Worker was employed in 1953 and as a result her efforts the first Senior Widows' Group got underway. Until the 1950s Legacy had always found the money it required, from big companies, wealthy members of the community, Estates, or Trusts. In 1951 it tried to copy a Sydney Legacy idea (Certificate of Adoption Plan) and called it 'The Endowment Scheme'. Other fundraisers included films, premiere showing and musicals were very much a part of the social life of Legatees. One premiere show in 1952, 'The Greatest Show on Earth' was sold at £100 a double. In 1959 Sir Frank and Lady Tait were kind enough for give us a premiere of 'My Fair Lady'. As the 50s progressed cash flow was not enough and it was decided in 1957 to have the first public appeal (he says 1957 but it was 1956). The first Badge day was 1958 (according to this account). He says it grossed £21,000 (net £17,000). And the Legacy story was becoming better known. 'Legacy has never been a one man band. The strength has been in the resourceful ability of those of its members.' He was well placed to tell the story of the donation towards Dureau House. BG Corporation in New York used 'Brown and Dureau' as agents in Melbourne for their spark plug manufacturing (for the American aircraft based in Australia during the war). A royalty of two shillings and sixpence was agreed. The entrepreneur President of BG Corporation was Richard Goldsmith. L/ Grat Grattan had a friend Mr Edwards who was managing director at Brown and Dureau and heard of the desire by Goldsmith to leave a permanent memorial to ex-servicemen in Australia (Children's Hospital was considered). Grat took Edwards to Market St and showed him the inadequacy of the building. It was agreed if Melbourne Legacy could come up with a purchased building in 10 days they would get the money needed. The property purchased was 'Storey Hall' in Swanston St (also called Hibernian Hall in other documents). After the war it turned out not to be suitable and a new building was required. The speaker is identified as Rob Allison based on two things; at one stage he refers to himself as 'Rob' and this copy of the speech has been faxed to Legacy from the offices of John Allison Monkhouse. Another copy of this address has been located with the date of September 1988 that was filed with information on Past Presidents and the lives prominent legatees. The notation H59 in black pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A record of Legatee Rob Allison speaking at a Legacy luncheon about significant events since he joined in 1950. Speakers at Legacy luncheons were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken on were many and varied. Foundation Day was celebrated with a special luncheon.White A4 photocopy with black type x 8 pages of an address about Legacy history written in 1987.Handwritten H59 in black pen. history, speech, foundation day, past presidents, dureau house, rob allison

Confidential report dated 11th November 1970 by Forecasting Sub-Committee chaired by A.V. Dore. Itemises occupancy from 1961-71, annual cost of the residences, auxiliary accommodation costs and Legacy manpower needed, as well as the philosophy behind providing residential care. Consideration is given to the need for accommodation, equivalent care available elsewhere, and the projected decline in the number of children needing accommodation. The Forecasting Sub-Committee recommended that a further sub-committee be appointed by the Board to enquire further along the lines suggested in this report, and this became the Residences Review Sub-Committee in 1971. (See Cat.No. 01671) The table (01670(5)) compares statistics from 1961, 1971 and 1980 for Legatees, children, and gross spending, all of which showed an increase.Part of the history of Melbourne Legacy's involvement with residential care for children.5 photocopied foolscap sheets, black on discoloured white. Two holes punched for filing. Adhesive tape has deteriorated and come off 01670(5), leaving it in two pieces. Page 1: Handwritten 'Arrange meeting', and annotations to the figures in the occupancy table. Page 4: 'L/tee J.E. Chancellor' handwritten at top Table: '£35 per week for 1 child in residences' under 1971, other handwritten annotations.residences, review

00354.1 Letter dated 8th April 1943 from Holmbush Committee to Captain Bert Frank and Mrs Frank confirming their appointment as Housemaster and Matron of Holmbush at a salary of £6 per week plus board and quarters. A copy of the Duties and rules of Conduct were enclosed but are not found here. 00354.2 Letter dated 10 April 1943 from Mr B Frank accepting the positions. Holmbush was the first hostel for children that Legacy started and operated from April 1943. It was later renamed Blamey House after another hostel called Blamey House was closed. Melbourne Legacy ran three residences: Blamey House (purchased 1947) , Stanhope (purchased 1945) and Harelands (purchased 1950), to take care of children whose fathers were servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself. Harelands accommodated boys and girls under the age of 14, Blamey House looked after boys over 14, and Stanhope looked after girls over 14. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent.A record of written correspondence in 1943 and a record of the first manager and matron of Holmbush.00354.1 Beige quarto copy paper, black type, two hole punched. 00354.2 White quarto lined note paper, black ink handwriting, two hole punched.residences, staff, bert frank, holmbush

A postcard to the Comradeship Committee when a Legatee was travelling in France. The postcard was addressed to the Legatee Chairman of the Comradeship Committee. Dated 3 Feb 1983. It is signed GRIFF, it says: The French experience I should have had years ago. I am in the DORDONGE after spending some days at LA ROCHELLE on the Atlantic coast. The provincial French are courteous, generous, helpful and so elegant. Work I did with my French mistress at the Wesley Church has paid great dividends although today may be tough. I give 40 children (aged 10-14) their first ever Scottish Country dance lesson. The goose hatched in March lives a normal farmyard life till October, then it is force fed for three weeks and then 'WHAM' and PATE. Next meeting at Norton - France! Best wishes to all - GRIFF.A record of a Legatee travelling and relating experiences back to his comrades in Melbourne.Colour postcard of a Frenchman.Printed "Le Gaveur D'oies." French postage stamps. Handwritten text in blue pen.comradeship, legatee

In 1934, Victoria and Melbourne celebrated their centenaries. Realising how impossible it would be for the majority of Warrnambool residents to participate in the Victorian celebrations, the organising committee of the Warrnambool Centenary celebrations devised a week long comprehensive programme of activities including exhibitions, a pageant re-enactment at the breakwater and a mass children's display at the showgrounds. Sir Harold Gengoult Smith officially opened the Warrnambool Centenary Exhibition of Arts, Crafts, Antiques and Historical Relics. This booklet was designed and written in 1934 for the Warrnambool Centenary festivities by Frank H. Ford, Lava Street, Warrnambool. The souvenir booklet contains a brief history of Warrnambool, a map and description of Warrnambool and its facilities in 1934.The last three pages include a business directory which would be useful for research.A twenty page booklet printed on shiny paper. The front cover has a black and white photo of nine swimmers in the water (five male & four female) some with surfboards. There is a 4mm green line printed 12mm from the upper edge and a 3mm green line printed 6mm from the lower edge of the cover. There is green printing over the photograph on the front cover. On the rear cover there are two small black and white photographs of an aerial view of the city of Warrnambool and the Hopkins Falls in flood. The green line extend across the rear cover and are intersected by a perpendicular 4mm green line running from the upper to the lower edge 18mm to the left of the spine. Words are printed in black on the rear cover and the printer details are printed in green at the bottom edge.Front cover: Centenary Souvenir of Warrnambool Warrnambool Centenary Festivities 13th to 24th November 1934 Price 9d Rear Cover: Beautiful Warrnambool "City of the West" Victoria Australiawarrnambool, frank h. ford, foyle photos, a. wilkins photos, warrnambool centenary festivities 1934, warrnambool souvenir, warrnambool business directory

Town Hall, The Bendigo Choral Society. Souvenir program 3d. With and oval picture of Mr. W C Frazier A.R.C.O.-Conductor on front cover. Gounod's 'Faust'. For Bendigo Benevolent Asylum, 5000 pounds. Town Hall, Bendigo, Wednesday, June 14th, 1992, at 8pm. Principals: Miss Phyllis Hannaford (Mrs. J R Clark); Miss Essa McSwiney, L.A.B. Mr. E H Collett, Mr. E A Miller, Mr. Gerson Krost, Conductor: Mr. W C Frazier, A.R.C.O. Pianiste: Miss Eileen Hains, A.T.C.L. Picture of Benevolent Asylum on front cover. J G Austen, Secretary Appeal Fund. J Hudspeth & Z S Martin Secretaries Choral Society. Concert to commence at 8pm. Artists; Mr. Gerson Krost, Miss Essa McSwiney, Mr. E A Miller, Miss Phyllis Hannaford. Cast; Mrs. J R Clark, Miss Essa McSwiney, Mr. E H Collett, Mr. E A Miller. Choruses, etc. by Choral Society. In the Homeland Mr. Frazier found it the increasing practice to take the great opera masterpieces and give them on the concert platform in more of less liberal excerpts. With characteristic generosity. He purchased the copies and presented them to the Choral Society. Bendigo has thus an opportunity to hear the latest idea. We are sure the musical public will appreciate this, though of course. . .. It is interesting to note that when this great work was first performed in Paris, on March 19th, 1859, it was somewhat coldly received, to the composer's great grief, as he, with the instinct of genius, . . .. The Compact: Introduction: Faust, aged and worn, weary with long pondering over learned treatises, in a pessimistic mood wonder whether the work is worthwhile. Memories of an early love stir strangely in his being, and he, in his doubting mood, questions all things, in despair he would welcome death, and finding no answer from the heavens, he appeals to the powers of ill. To his great surprise, he is at once answered by Mephistopheles and a colloquy then ensues in which the Evil One promises him Gold? Glory? A Kingdom? No! No! It must be 'Youth!' That can be done also. Faust is dubious, but on Mephistopheles bringing a vision of beauteous Margarita at is dubious, but on Mephistopheles be 'Youth!' That can be done also. Faust is dubious, but on Mephistopheles bringing a vision of beauteous Margarita at her wheel he agrees and signs the compact. 'Up Here I am at thy command, Down There thou servest me!' At The Fair: Mephistopheles then asks Faust to the Fair where they mix with the revelry of the students, soldiers and merry maidens. He gets a glimpse of Margarita. The Evil One is again busy putting Suspicious and quarrelsome thoughts into good comrades' minds. . .. The Wooing: Poor Siebel, the ardent, faithful lover of Margarita, finds himself somewhat overshadowed by the young and handsome Faust. Mephistopheles in a mocking mood tells him that every flower that he plucks will perish in his hands. He finds this prediction verified when he plucks the flowers for his lady love, but when in faith he scouts the Evil One, he conquers, and the spell is broken. Faust, filled with an ardent and pure passion, approaches the dwelling of Margarita, with an offering of priceless jewels, provided by the . . .. . The Return of Valentine: Valentine, the soldier brother of Margarita, leaves for the wars, giving the care of his sister to her faithful lover, Siebel. On his return, covered with glory, and ardent to meet his people again, he hears the story of the flouting of Margarita by Faust. In this part the soldiers are welcomed home by their comrades in the male part of the song 'Fold the flag my brothers,' followed by the celebrated chorus (usually known as the 'Soldier's Chorus' Glory and love to the men of old.' It has been set, in this edition, for full choir. Mephistopheles, the evil genius, in a spirit of raillery, and exultant that his plans are working to . . . . The Price: Faust, repentant, desires to do justice to Margarita and again be her lover. Margarita is almost demented at the loss of her brother. Mephistopheles not to be cheated, thwarts the good impulse of Faust and demands his price. He also endeavors to make Margarita despair, but owing to the simple faith of the . . . . The End. A Question You give you name, your time, your pelf To ease your woe: But what do you give of your own self To pay the debt you owe? You open a Home for helpless ones, And you shut them in with care; Of what think you is their share? You talk and you write; you organise; All this, we know, is true; But how do you spread the spark divine, The deep-down soul of you? -A Simkins. Benevolent Asylum Appeal. The Committee of Management directing the works of the Asylum desire to bring before an always generous public the claims of the Instruction for financial support. The Appeal for 5000 pounds has been launched in the full belief that the case is a good one, and in the confident hope that it will be successful. The work carried on by the Asylum covers a big field, extending as it does from Swan Hill in the north and Melbourne in the south. Inmates from all parts of the State are given a comfortable home, and properly cared for in the eventide of their lives. There are at present in the Asylum 164 old men and women. In addition to this work the Committee thoroughly investigate and dispense relief in food to from 150 to 200 adults and from 300 to 400 children each week, and also issues a large number of blankets, boots and clothing garments to necessitous applicants. The recipients of this relief are principally widow and their little ones, and the wives and children who are dependents of miners suffering from the dread Miners' Complaint. The Committee in organizing this branch of its charity work, has, to a great extent, prevented a large amount of waste, through overlapping and duplication of effort. It now appeals to the public for the above amount in order that be may still be able to continue charity work among the poor and necessitous of Bendigo and District. 'Organized Charity is Love with Judgment.'Cambridge Press Printprogram, theatre, town hall, bendigo

Minutes of the meeting of the sunshine city council held on 25th July 1978 Report of the Town Clerk's Department Report of the Town Clerk Lease Italo-Australian Co-Operative Social Club Ltd Supplementary Valuations Overseas Study Tours 1979 Municipal Association of Victoria Appointments Metropolitan Sectional Council Municipal Association of Victoria The Hub Sports Centre Prices Western Region Commission Report of the Co-Ordinator of Welfare Services Special Bus Replacement Willis Street Pre-School Centre Proposal for the Funding of Emergency Relief in the Western Region Family Day Care Family Day Care conference Tenancy Issues Use of Midway Hostel for Emergency Accommodation Home Help Designated Officer's Register Community Youth Support Scheme Deer Park Report of the Acting Chief Health Inspector Prosecutions Proceedings Sunshine Magistrates Court Immunisation Health Act Food Analyses Head Lice Infant Welfare Officers Western Region Environmental Committee Food Poisoning (Oysters) Butcher Shops Extended Opening Report of the Medical Officer of Health Report of the Chief By-Laws Officer Prohibited Parking Withers Street Supervision of School Crossings Main Road East / St. Albans High School and Rosamond Road / Maribyrnong High School Report of the City Librarian Children's Book Night Report of the Municipal Recreation Officer Albion Rovers Soccer Club Hours Club may use Selwyn Park for the Playing of Soccer Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation Commonwealth Games Appeal week Report of the Manager of the Sunshine Swimming Pool and the Deer Park Swimming Pool Report of the City Engineer Town Planning Car Parking Policy Melbourne Metropolitan Parking Study Planning Permit Application Factory Lot 37 Western Avenue Planning Permit Application Single Storey Units Lots 39, 40, 41, 42 & 44 Madden Street Maidstone Planning Permit Application Panel Beating Lot 4 McIntyre Road Planning Permit Application Petrol Filling Station, Bank, Child Minding Centre and Library Highpoint West Shopping Centre Rosamond Road Planning Permit Application Illuminated Facia Sign 29A Sun Crescent Planning Permit Application Extension to Existing Factory Warehouse and Caretaker's Dwelling and Addition of Offices McIntyre Road and Cromer Avenue Planning Permit Application Illuminated Facia Sign Sun Crescent C.S.C. Homes Pty Ltd, Sun Crescent Planning 7 C.S.C. Estate Agency Planning Permit Application Service Premises & Caretaker's Dwelling Lot 1 Ballarat Road Planning Permit Application Extension to Existing Warehouse Lot 13 McIntyre Road Planning Permit Application Re-building of Existing Shop 105 Anderson Road West Corner of Fraser Street Planning Permit Application Warehouse Corner McIntyre Road and Balwin Avenue Planning Permit Application Extension to Existing Car Sales Yard and Motor Repair Station 31 St. Albans Road Planning Permit Application Car Sales Yard Ballarat Road South West Corner Hampshire Road Planning Permit Application 3 Factories Market Road Brooklyn Consolidation of Title Station Road and Main Road West Shell Co of Australia Drainage Construction Subdivision Plantation Street and The Esplanade Plan of Consolidation Hulett Street Boral Albion Reid Strata Subdivision of 2 Carter Street Consolidation of Title Rosamond Road and White Street Contract Playground Equipment Various Reserves Tenders for Surplus Vehicles Tender for Tractor Mower Use of Asphalt Plant Melbourne City Council Hulett Street Private Street Scheme Declaration of Sewage Areas No 3513 & 3499 Sewage Facilities to Premises St. Albans Report of the Building Surveyor Ruinous and Dangerous Building Lots 6 & 7 Furlong Road Sunshine North Ruinous and Dangerous Building 28 - 30 Ridley Street Albion Relocation of Housee to Lot 26 Adams Street St. Albans Flats Lots 3 & 4 Ballarat Road Deer Park Seminar Residential Slab Construction 31st August 1978 Report of the Director of Parks & Recreation Reserves Development Reserves Active Usage Patterns Bon Thomas Reserve Development Orders of the Day Accounts Submitted for Payment as at 3rd July 1978 Extraordinary Business Report of the City Engineer Ex G.U.D. Premise Burton Crescent Maribyrnong Intersection Ballarat Road / Station Street Statcon Signal Programme Deferred Payment of Costs city of sunshine, alexander "alex" george gillon, italo-australian co-operative social club, furlong road, st. albans, the hub, sun crescent, sunshine, willis street pre-school centre, willis street, midway hostel, williamson road, maribyrnong, withers street, main road east, st. albans high school, rosamond road, maribyrnong high school, albion rovers soccer, selwyn park, selwyn street, albion, sunshine swimming pool, kennedy street, deer park swimming pool, deer park, western avenue, madden street, maidstone, mcintyre road, highpoint west shopping centre, cromer avenue, sunshine north, ballarat road, anderson road, fraser street, balwin avenue, st. albans road, hampshire road, market road, brooklyn, main road west, plantation street, the esplanade, hulett street, boral albion reid, carter street, white street, ridley street, adams street, bon thomas reserve, quinn street, g.u.d., burton crescent

Notice of Ordinary Meeting of to be held on Tuesday 25th July 1978 Report of the Town Clerk's Department Report of the Town Clerk Lease Italo-Australian Co-Operative Social Club Ltd Supplementary Valuations Overseas Study Tours 1979 Municipal Association of Victoria Appointments Metropolitan Sectional Council Municipal Association of Victoria The Hub Sports Centre Prices Western Region Commission Report of the Co-Ordinator of Welfare Services Special Bus Replacement Willis Street Pre-School Centre Proposal for the Funding of Emergency Relief in the Western Region Family Day Care Family Day Care conference Tenancy Issues Use of Midway Hostel for Emergency Accommodation Home Help Designated Officer's Register Community Youth Support Scheme Deer Park Report of the Acting Chief Health Inspector Prosecutions Proceedings Sunshine Magistrates Court Immunisation Health Act Food Analyses Head Lice Infant Welfare Officers Western Region Environmental Committee Food Poisoning (Oysters) Butcher Shops Extended Opening Report of the Medical Officer of Health Report of the Chief By-Laws Officer Prohibited Parking Withers Street Supervision of School Crossings Main Road East / St. Albans High School and Rosamond Road / Maribyrnong High School Report of the City Librarian Children's Book Night Report of the Municipal Recreation Officer Albion Rovers Soccer Club Hours Club may use Selwyn Park for the Playing of Soccer Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation Commonwealth Games Appeal week Report of the Manager of the Sunshine Swimming Pool and the Deer Park Swimming Pool Report of the City Engineer Town Planning Car Parking Policy Melbourne Metropolitan Parking Study Planning Permit Application Factory Lot 37 Western Avenue Planning Permit Application Single Storey Units Lots 39, 40, 41, 42 & 44 Madden Street Maidstone Planning Permit Application Panel Beating Lot 4 McIntyre Road Planning Permit Application Petrol Filling Station, Bank, Child Minding Centre and Library Highpoint West Shopping Centre Rosamond Road Planning Permit Application Illuminated Facia Sign 29A Sun Crescent Planning Permit Application Extension to Existing Factory Warehouse and Caretaker's Dwelling and Addition of Offices McIntyre Road and Cromer Avenue Planning Permit Application Illuminated Facia Sign Sun Crescent C.S.C. Homes Pty Ltd, Sun Crescent Planning 7 C.S.C. Estate Agency Planning Permit Application Service Premises & Caretaker's Dwelling Lot 1 Ballarat Road Planning Permit Application Extension to Existing Warehouse Lot 13 McIntyre Road Planning Permit Application Re-building of Existing Shop 105 Anderson Road West Corner of Fraser Street Planning Permit Application Warehouse Corner McIntyre Road and Balwin Avenue Planning Permit Application Extension to Existing Car Sales Yard and Motor Repair Station 31 St. Albans Road Planning Permit Application Car Sales Yard Ballarat Road South West Corner Hampshire Road Planning Permit Application 3 Factories Market Road Brooklyn Consolidation of Title Station Road and Main Road West Shell Co of Australia Drainage Construction Subdivision Plantation Street and The Esplanade Plan of Consolidation Hulett Street Boral Albion Reid Strata Subdivision of 2 Carter Street Consolidation of Title Rosamond Road and White Street Contract Playground Equipment Various Reserves Tenders for Surplus Vehicles Tender for Tractor Mower Use of Asphalt Plant Melbourne City Council Hulett Street Private Street Scheme Declaration of Sewage Areas No 3513 & 3499 Sewage Facilities to Premises St. Albans Report of the Building Surveyor Ruinous and Dangerous Building Lots 6 & 7 Furlong Road Sunshine North Ruinous and Dangerous Building 28 - 30 Ridley Street Albion Relocation of Housee to Lot 26 Adams Street St. Albans Flats Lots 3 & 4 Ballarat Road Deer Park Seminar Residential Slab Construction 31st August 1978 Report of the Director of Parks & Recreation Reserves Development Reserves Active Usage Patterns Bon Thomas Reserve Development Orders of the Day Accounts Submitted for Payment as at 3rd July 1978 city of sunshine, alexander "alex" george gillon, italo-australian co-operative social club, furlong road, st. albans, the hub, sun crescent, sunshine, willis street pre-school centre, willis street, midway hostel, williamson road, maribyrnong, main road east, st. albans high school, rosamond road, maribyrnong high school, albion rovers soccer club, selwyn park, selwyn street, albion, sunshine swimming pool, kennedy street, deer park swimming pool, deer park, western avenue, madden street, maidstone, mcintyre road, sunshine north, highpoint west shopping centre, cromer avenue, ballarat road, anderson road, fraser street, balwin avenue, st. albans road, hampshire road, market road, main road west, station road, plantation street, the esplanade, hulett street, carter street, white street, ridley street, adams street, bon thomas reserve, quinn street, boral albion reid

Sir Douglas Ralph Nicholls (1906-1988), footballer, pastor, activist and governor, was born on 9 December 1906 at Cummeragunja Aboriginal mission, New South Wales, fifth child of Herbert Nicholls, seasonal worker, and his wife Florence, née Atkinson. Doug grew up at Cummeragunja, on the Murray River near Barmah, in its golden years of Aboriginal autonomy. Thomas Shadrach James gave him and other Yorta Yorta children a sound primary education, reinforcing the pride and self-assurance gained from their parents. As Doug grew, so too did the powers of the State’s Aboriginal Protection Board. Doug’s elder sister Hilda was removed about 1915. When Doug reached 14, he was moved off under the Aborigines Protection Act (1909) to find work. He took a job with dredging teams constructing levees on the Murray. Like other youths in the region Nicholls played Australian rules football, emulating kinsmen who had won local premierships since the 1890s. Doug and his brother Herbert (‘Dowie’) played with Tongala in the mid-1920s. Melbourne football beckoned, Doug trying out unsuccessfully for Carlton in 1927. He signed with the Northcote Victorian Football Association team, despite his nervousness about his Aboriginality, and was given a job with Northcote City Council. ‘Dowie’ joined him for a season. Doug was short at 5 ft 2 ins (158 cm), but muscular and lightning fast. He competed regularly during a boom in professional running, winning many heat and place prizes. In 1929 he won the Nyah and Warracknabeal gifts, earning a sash and £100 in each, together with a case of cutlery in the latter. Using his speed on the wing for Northcote, he produced great spring and agility from his compact body. The Sporting Globe reported in 1929 that ‘he flashes through packs of big men, whisks around small men . . . and attempts marks at the back of any six-footer’. In front-on clashes he was flattened only to rise again. The sole Aborigine in the VFA, he was known affectionately as the ‘flying Abo’ but called worse by his opponents’ barrackers. He competed for five seasons, being named ‘best and fairest’ twice, appearing in three association grand finals and winning in 1929. Keen to earn more than a seasonal wage, in 1931 Nicholls accepted a three-year contract with Jimmy Sharman’s travelling boxing show. The bouts matched opposites, local against tent boxer, white against black, and sometimes men of different sizes. He faced stiff competition from those who wanted to best the noted Melbourne black footballer, the crowd adding racial abuse. A far better footballer than boxer, he copped some punishment. Fighting in the Melbourne Stadium in December 1931, he was described by Truth as ‘slow and awkward’, but packing a ‘good wallop’. In 1932 Sharman, who treated his boxers fairly, released Nicholls to join the Fitzroy Victorian Football League team, which agreed to employ him as its groundsman. He played fifty-four games for Fitzroy over six seasons until knee trouble forced him out in 1937. Winning cups in 1934 and 1935, he played alongside Haydn Bunton and Wilfred (‘Chicken’) Smallhorn. Grand finals eluded him but he represented Victoria twice. Following his mother’s death, Nicholls revisited the Church of Christ chapel in Northcote, where they had worshipped together. On 17 July 1932 he experienced a conversion. He was soon baptised and witnessed openly, leading his fellow footballers to occasional church parades. Nicholls exhibited leadership qualities. William Cooper, founder of the Australian Aborigines’ League and Nicholls’ Yorta Yorta kinsman and fellow Christian, encouraged the young footballer. In February 1935 Cooper, Nicholls and others lobbied Thomas Paterson, the Commonwealth minister for the interior, over the need for Federal control of Aboriginal affairs. Nicholls attended the Day of Mourning protest for Aborigines held in Sydney on 26 January 1938, declaring: ‘after 150 years our people are still influenced and bossed by white people. I know we can proudly hold our own with others if given the chance’. When Cooper retired in November 1940 Nicholls became secretary of the AAL. On 2 June 1941 Nicholls enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces. He trained at Seymour and Bonegilla before being posted to the 29th Battalion. As Major Frank Corr’s batman, he was popular with other soldiers who tolerated his preaching and Bible reading. His army service was brief, however, and he was discharged in Melbourne on compassionate grounds on 22 January 1942. His biographer claimed that the Fitzroy police requested his return to mediate in the racial tensions developing between servicemen and the mostly respectable Aboriginal families living in crowded and dilapidated Fitzroy housing; Aboriginal people maintain that they requested his release. Nicholls began welfare work and religious services from an Aboriginal home in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. In April 1942, ‘Dowie’ died of road accident trauma, leaving his wife, Gladys, née Bux, and three children. On 26 December 1942 at Moama Methodist Church, New South Wales, Nicholls married her, a caring gesture which developed into a loving partnership. In January 1943 he initiated ‘Aboriginal Sunday’, featuring a gum leaf orchestra and choir. By 1955 this service had moved to July and later evolved into National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week. Ordained a Churches of Christ pastor in 1945, Nicholls conducted a vigorous ministry from a chapel in Gore Street, Fitzroy. His work survived on donations, a small honorarium, and his employment as team coach (1947) and curator at the Northcote Football Ground. In the 1950s Gladys established grocery and opportunity shops to earn income and provide services. Their house soon overflowed with people in need or visitors to Melbourne. Nicholls also hosted inspiring African American visitors such as the pianist Winifred Attwell and the singer Harry Belafonte. His ministry extended to Aboriginal country communities. Gladys taught Sunday school, undertook endless fund-raising and welfare work beside her husband, and became his greatest supporter and financial manager. They formed an Aboriginal Girls’ Hostel in 1956, for which they acted as house parents, and bought holiday units for Aborigines at Queenscliff. Persistently advocating Aboriginal rights, Nicholls protested about the impact of the Woomera rocket range on the people of the Warburton Ranges, co-ordinated the production of a concert, Out of the Dark, scripted by Jean Campbell, to rectify the omission of Aborigines from Victoria’s Commonwealth jubilee celebrations, and criticised the Victorian Aboriginal Protection Board. In 1957 when the board was transformed into the Aborigines’ Welfare Board, he and Harold Blair were appointed as Aboriginal representatives. Maintaining the stance of a political moderate, he did not bear grudges and sought to build bridges between black and white. He co-operated with any group that aided the cause, including the Council of Aboriginal Rights, whose executive were members of the Communist Party of Australia. This association attracted the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, which in 1957 began to keep a file on Nicholls. In May 1957 Nicholls formed the Victorian Aborigines Advancement League with Doris Blackburn and Gordon Bryant, a Federal parliamentarian. As its paid field officer and spokesman, Nicholls contested assimilation policies and used film to raise awareness of issues. When the Welfare Board attempted to close Lake Tyers reserve, Gippsland, he resigned in disgust and led a protest march on parliament in May 1963. The AAL also petitioned the United Nations on land rights in June, perhaps the first indigenous body to do so. He argued for new premises at 58 Cunningham Street, Northcote, opened in 1966 as the ‘Doug Nicholls Centre’. In 1958 Nicholls was a foundation member of the Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement (Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders after 1964), which he served as national field officer (1961) and Victorian secretary (1962-63). While an innovator in tactics, he was alarmed by the influence of confrontational ‘black power’ politics in the AAL and resigned as a director amid turmoil on this issue in 1969, claiming the concept was a ‘bitter word’, not needed in Australia. Similar tensions in FCAATSI led him to join with Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonuccal) in establishing the short-lived National Tribal Council as an alternative forum. As the AAL leadership moderated their stance, he returned as president (1969-74) of the new all-Aboriginal organisation. He was also a keen patron of the National Aboriginal Sports Foundation, founded in 1969. Many honours were conferred on Nicholls: he was appointed MBE (1957) and OBE (1968) and knighted (1972). In 1962 he was named Victorian ‘Father of the Year’ and the State’s second Aboriginal justice of the peace. Crowned Melbourne’s 1973 King of Moomba, he was declared Bapu Mamus (a Torres Strait term for ‘headman’) by the NTC. On 1 December 1976 Sir Douglas was appointed Governor of South Australia, but his health deteriorated within weeks, making it difficult for him to perform his official duties. In March 1977 he hosted Queen Elizabeth during her royal tour and was appointed KCVO. He relinquished his governorship on 30 April 1977 following a stroke. Ill health continued to dog him during retirement, but he played his Nelson Eddy records, enjoyed his expanding family, and when able, ministered to the Aboriginal Church at the League’s premises. Sir Douglas Nicholls died on 4 June 1988 at Mooroopna, predeceased (1981) by his wife and survived by his five children. He was given a state funeral and buried in tribal ground at Cummeragunja cemetery. Among the many tributes to him are an oval at Northcote, handed to the AAL in 1982, a Canberra suburb gazetted in 1991, and a fellowship for Indigenous leadership established in 2003, all in his name, and a statue of Sir Doug and Lady Nicholls by Louis Laumen, unveiled in 2007 in Parliament Gardens, Melbourne. Sir Douglas Nicholls is shown speaking at a microphone; head and shoulders; dressed in a suit.Pastor Douglas Nicholls

---, ---, Cottages Liaison Committee members, pp. 4&5 ---, (---), (Untitled), p.4. ---, (---), [Memo re feedback from Official Visitors Conference at Royal Park], p.1. ---, (---), [Patient profile proforma], pp.1-2. ---, (---), Admission to Children’s Cottages Kew, p.1. ---, (---), Admissions Procedure, pp.1-2. ---, (---), Chaplaincy, p.1. ---, (---), Children’s Cottages and Special School Kew - Open for Education Week, p.1. ---, (---), Children’s Cottages Kew, p. 1-2. ---, (---), Children’s Cottages Kew, p.1. ---, (---), Children’s Cottages, Kew - Pathology Request and Report Form, p. 1. ---, (---), Children’s Cottages? Kew, pp.1-4 ---, (---), Extracts From the Report of Dr. J. V. McCreery, first Superintendent, p.1. ---, (---), Kew Cottages Training Centre Brochure, pp.1. ---, (---), Kew Special School, pp.1-2. ---, (---), Notes for General Guidance of Officers in Charge of Idiot Children, p.1. ---, (---), Notes for General Guidance of Officers in Charge of Idiot Children, p.1. ---, (---), Notes for Student Groups, pp.1-6. ---, (---), Physiotherapy at the Children’s Cottages Kew, p.1. ---, (---), Preface to Brochure on Cottages, pp.1-2. ---, (---), The administrative staff comprises …, pp.1-2. ---, (---), Untitled, p.2. ---, (1958, 29 August), Notes from a meeting of Superintendents with Dr Dax and other superintendents, p.1. ---, (1958, October - December), Proposed Survey of Children’s Cottages, Kew, pp.1-6., and Case Sheet pp. 1-5. ---, (1961, 2 November), Untitled letter regarding finances and upgrades, p.1. ---, (1962, 25 October), Memorandum, p.1. ---, (1962), Children’s Cottages Kew [overview of activities], p.1. ---, (1962), Report for the Year 1962 [statistics], p.1. ---, (1963), The Children’s Cottages Kew, pp.1-3. ---, (1964, 10 September), Merchandise Project Children’s Welfare Fund, Kew Cottages Parents Association, p.1. ---, (1964, 26 May), [Draft] Preface to Brochure on Cottages, pp.1-2. ---, (1964, October), Report to the Twelfth Annual (Perth) Conference: Australian Council for the Mentally Retarded, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-2. ---, (1964), Children’s Welfare Fund: Disbursements July 1963 - September 1964. [Brady, Dr W.A.] , (---), Transfer of Patients from One Institution to Another, pp.1-3. [Higgins, Irena], (---), The Formation and Development of Kew Children’s Cottages Parent’s Association, pp.1-6. Ashburner, J.B., (---, ---), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 1 April), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 10 February), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-3. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 10 March), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 11 March), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-4. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 11 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 12 March), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-4. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 12 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 13 August), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 13 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-3. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 14 April), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 15 April), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 15 June), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 16 July), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 19 February), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 19 October), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 2 April), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 2 July), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 2 March), Annual Report for 1952, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-4. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 20 August), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 21 October), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 23 February), Notices and Instruction - Succinic Acid Treatment, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2 Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 23 June), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 23 March), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 25 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 27 April), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-3. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 27 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 28 July), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 29 July), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 3 September), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 31 March), Notices and Instructions - Rations, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-4. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 4 June), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 4 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 4 October), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 6 April), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 6 October), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 7 July), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Ashburner, J.B., (1954, 5 February), Notices and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady Dr. W.A. (1960, December), Newsletter to parents, pp.1-5 Brady, Dr W.A. (1965, 28 May), Letter to The Secretary, Mental Health Authority regarding waiting lists, p.1. Brady, Dr. W.A. (1963, 28 February) Annual Report [to the Secretary of the Mental Health Authority], pp.1-15 Brady, W.A., (1954, 9 April), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, pp.1-2. Brady, W.A., (1954, 15 December), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1954, 7 December), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1954, 9 November), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 13 December), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 14 December), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 15 July), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 20 June), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 24 June), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 24 October), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 25 August), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 29 March), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 5 December), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 8 November), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1955, 9 May), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1956, 6 January), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Brady, W.A., (1961, 8 December), Invitation to a screening of Dr. Pitt’s “Brookland Experiment”, p.1. Brazier, ‘Mac’ (1964, February), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-2. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, June), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, April), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, August), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, December), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. [3 copies]. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, July), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, May), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, November), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-5. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, October), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-6. Brazier, ‘Mac’, (1964, September), Newsletter, Kew Cottages Parents Association, pp.1-4. Brazier, Betty (1964, 26 April), Letter to I Higgins re Distribution of newsletters to staff, Kew Cottages Parents Association. (p.1) Dale, (1964), A Few Facts About the Children’s Cottages Kew Fordyce, J., (1956, 13 January), Notes and Instructions, Kew Mental Hospital, p.1. Higgins, Irena (---), A Short History of the Children’s Cottages, Kew, pp.1-2. Higgins, Irena (1966, 28 November), Letter to Dr Brady regarding waiting lists, pp.1-3. Higgins, Irena, (---), ‘Children’s Cottages’, Kew, p. 1-2. Loveless, L.W., (1963, 18 July), [Commonwealth Department of Social Services] ‘Approval of Children’s Cottages as an endowed Institution’, p.1. M.H. 11, Schedule 17 Section 41 (2) (b), ‘Request of Medical Practitioner for Admission of Voluntary patient to a Training Centre or Private Training Centre’, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 12, Section 41 (10) (a) (b) (c), ‘Order for the Discharge of a Voluntary Patient’, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 13, Section 41 (10) (d), ‘Application for Discharge by Voluntary Patient and Order for Discharge’, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 14, Section 41 (1), Application for Leave of Absence for Voluntary Patient, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 2, Schedule 9 Section 41 (a) 41 (b) 42 (1) 43 (1) 44 (1) 48, 59 (1) (2) ‘Statement of Personal Details of Patient’, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1-2. M.H. 21, Schedule 9 Section 44 (1) 48 and 52, Medical Approval for Admission to Training Centre, Mental Health Regulations 1962, pp.1-2. M.H. 22, Schedule 25 Section 44, Request to Receive a Patient into a Training Centre, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 33, Schedule 40, Section 62, Notice of Death, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 37, Section 87 (1), Application and Approval for Trial Leave, Recommended and Approved Patients, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 39, Section 93 (1), Order of Superintendent for Discharge of Patient on Leave Upon Production of Medical Certificate, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 40, Section 94 (1), Order of Superintendent for Discharge of Patient, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 43, Section 102, Consent of the Chief medical Officer or Superintendent for Anaethesia or Surgical Operation Upon a Patient, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p. 1. M.H. 7, Schedule 14 Section 41 (2) (a) (i) and (ii), ‘Application for Admission of Voluntary Patient to a Training Centre or Private Training Centre by Parent or Guardian’, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. M.H. 9, Schedule 16 Section 41 (2) (a) (ii), ‘Application for Admission to a Training Centre as a Voluntary Patient’, Mental Health Regulations 1962, p.1. Medical Officers (1958, 11 October), Percentage of deaths and statistics for the years 1955 to 1957, Report to Dr. E.C. Dax, Chairman, Mental Health Authority, pp. 1-2. Plumridge, Len, (1964), Statement of Receipts & Expenditure 1963-1964: Children’s Welfare Fund, Kew Cottages Parents Association, p.1. Temby, E., (---), The Kew Cottages Parents’ Association, p. 1-2. Temby, Ethel, (1964, October), Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Conference, Australian Council for the Mentally Retarded, pp.1-2. Temby, Ethel, (1964, September), [Information Committee] Sixth Annual Report pp.1-2 Temby, Ethel, (1964, September), Information Committee: Sixth Annual Report, pp.1-2 Wann, E.M., (1956, 16 March), Memo [regarding the overcrowding crisis], p. 1. WM.7663 (---), Children’s Cottages Kew E.4 [overview and personnel], pp. 1-2.An important manuscript comprising original and reproduced materials from the period 1952-1964 assembled by and for senior staff at the Children's Cottages, Kew.Sorted folio of original manuscripts and printed material from the 1950s and 1960s relating to the Kew Cottages created by Irena Higgins, senior social worker at the Kew Mental Hospital and Kew Cottages. The material later formed part of the collection of Dr Cliff Judge, resident psychiatrist at the Cottages. Material within the folio includes original typescripts created by Irena Higgins, copies of newsletters by various Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent Psychiatrists including Dr A.W. Brady, and published and unpublished reports to relevant mental health departments.mental health - victoria - history, chidren's cottages - kew, irana higgins, dr cliff judge, dr. a.w. brady