St Luke’s Anglican Church officially opened on 15 March 1863 and originally operated as a branch of the Albury church. The first minister to conduct a service there was Rev. Robert Potter, followed by Rev. B. Brownrigg , Rev. J. H. May, Rev. D. E. Jones and Rev. J. K. Tucker. The first resident minister at Wodonga was Rev. J. H. White who came in 1879. The Church was constructed from locally hewn stone. From the early 1900s the building was showing signs of serious structural problems. The community instigated a series of fund raising activities to enable renovations to be carried out. One of the most successful and long-lasting initiatives was the Annual Flower Show and Industrial Exhibition. The inaugural event took place in 1916 and the show continued as an annual event for several decades. Unfortunately the costs of the necessary structural and remediation work were too high. After serving the congregation for more than a century, the St Luke's Church was closed by the Health Commission due to its deteriorated condition which was judged to be beyond repair. It was demolished by voluntary labour on the 10 – 11 August 1968.This item is significant because it documents an important Church and community fundraising activity which was conducted annually for several decades in the early to mid 20th Century in Wodonga.A full-page advertisement from the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel of 1933 promoting the St Luke's Church Flower Show and Industrial Exhibition. The feature advertisement is surrounded by advertisements placed by a wide range of Wodonga businesses.st luke's church wodonga, wodonga and towong sentinel, community fundraising activities

The ladies of the Narre Warren North Red Cross Unit celebrated their 60th Birthday with a musical afternoon by Natalie and Bill Irvine and friends on 7th October 1999. The minute book contains minutes of meetings, lists of members and office bearers and details of their fundraising and community activities during this time.Collins 3880 Account Minute Booknarre warren north (vic.), narre warren north (vic.) -- red cross, red cross society

The town of Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley surrounded by farmland. It is adjacent to Mt Beauty (built from 1946), an SECV town built for the workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which was being constructed from 1911-to 1961. Tawonga consisted of essential amenities including a store, school, butter factory, sporting facilities, post office, hall and hotel. Activities involved sport, social get togethers eg. dances, fundraising, CWA etc.The posters are a collection of historical photos, documentation and information regarding the history of the town of Tawonga, which is the centre of a farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Posters framed with thin black plastic strip, covered by glass. Each one has a title re "Tawonga Remembers" and includes print and photos in black and white. Beige background. 1.Butcher Shop and Slaughter Yard; 2. Tawonga Saw Mill; 3. Post Office; 4. Tawonga District Hospital (2 pages); 5. Introduction of Technology: 1971-2016tawonga, photos of early tawonga, kiewa valley, tawonga remembers, businesses

The town of Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley surrounded by farmland. It is adjacent to Mt Beauty (built in 1946) , an SECV town built for the workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which was being constructed from 1911-1961. Tawonga consisted of essential amenities including a store, school, butter factory, sporting facilities, post office, hall and hotel. Activities involved sport, social get togethers eg. dances, fundraising, CWA etc.The posters are a collection of historical photos, documentation and information regarding the history of the town of Tawonga, which is the centre of a faming community in the Kiewa Valley.Posters framed with thin black plastic strip, covered, by glass. Each one has a title re "Tawonga Remembeers" and includes print and photos in black and white. Beige background. 1. The History of Guiding in Tawonga; 2. Tawonga Cubs; 3. Cubs and Scouts; 4. Tawonga Brownie Pack -1960; 5. Tawonga Guide Company -1966tawonga, photos of early tawonga, kiew valley, tawonga remembers, cubs, scouts, brownies, guides

The town of Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley surrounded by farmland. It is adjacent to Mt Beauty (built from 1946), an SECV town built for the workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which was being constructed from 1911-1961. Tawonga consisted of essential amenities including a store, school, butter factory, sporting facilities, post office, hall and hotel. Activities involved sport, social get togethers eg. dances, fundraising, CWA etc. The posters are a collection of historical photos, documentation and information regarding the history of the town of Tawonga, which is the centre of a farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Posters framed with thin black plastic strip, covered, by glass. Each one has a title re "Tawonga Remembers" and includes print and photos in black and white. Beige background. 1. Tawonga Memorial Hall 2. Opening of the Second Public Hall 1925 3. Public Hall for Tawonga 4. Tawonga Debutante Ball 1947 5. Tawonga Hall Ghosttawonga, photos of early tawonga, kiewa valley, tawonga remembers, tawonga hall

The town of Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley surrounded by farmland. It is adjacent to Mt Beauty (built in 1946), an SECV town built for the workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which was being constructed from 1911 to 1961. Tawonga consisted of essential amenities including a store, school, butter factory, sporting facilities, post office, hall and hotel. Activities involved sport, social get togethers eg. dances, fundraising, CWA etc.The posters are a collection of historical photos, documentation and information regarding the history of the town of Tawonga,which is the centre of a farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Poster framed with thin black plastic strip, covered, by glass. Each one has a title re "Tawonga Remembers" and includes print and phtots in black and white. Black background. 1. Tawonga SEC Depot; 2. Tawonga Service Station circa 1940s; 3. George Johnston's Taxi Service; 4. Tawonga Motors 1950-60stawonga, photos of early tawonga, kiewa valley, tawonga remembers, transport

The town of Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley surrounded by farmland. It is adjacent to Mt Beauty (built from 1946), an SECV town built for the workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which was being constructed from 1911 to 1961. Tawonga consisted of essential amenities including a store, school, butter factory, sporting facilities, post office, hall and hotel. Activities involved sport, social get togethers eg. dances, fundraising , CWA etc.The posters are a collection of historical photos, documentations and information regarding the history of the town of Tawonga, which is the centre of a farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Posters framed with thin black plastic strip, covered, by glass. Each one has a title re "Tawonga Remembers" and includes print and photos in black and white. Black background. 1. Recreation Reserve 2. St Aidan's Church 3. Lois Pearce 4. Boarding Housetawonga, photos of early tawonga, kiewa valley, tawonga remembers, tawonga businesses

The town of Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley surrounded by farmland. it is adjacent to Mt Beauty (built from 1946), an SECV town built for the workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme which was being constructed from 1911 to 1961. Tawonga consisted of essential amenities including a store, school, butter factory, sporting facilities, post office, hall and hotel. Activities involved sport, social get togethers eg. dances, fundraising, CWA etc. The posters are a collection of historical photos, documentations and information regarding the history of the town of Tawonga, which is the centre of a farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Posters framed with thin black plastic strip, covered by glass. Each one has a title re "Tawonga Remembers" and includes print and photos in black and white. White background. 1. Where and How Kiewa Valley Soldiers Served; 2. Tawonga and Dederang Servicemen; 3. Kergunyah and Gundowring Servicemen and Women; 4. Kiewa and Tangambalanga Servicemen.5. Sacrifice and Honour; 6. The End of the Great War; 7. World War 1914-18; 8. Soldiers in Uniform (Black background and glass cracked) tawonga, photos of early tawonga, kiewa valley, tawonga remembers, ww1

Featuring two photocopies of a sixteen page pamphlet by Della Hilton titled 75 Years at St. Stephen’s – Including Union with Bambra Road Methodist Church. This details a brief history of both the Bambra Road Church and especially the St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Balaclava Road, Caulfield between 1910-1985. These churches united in 1976 to form the St. Stephen’s Uniting Church in Balaclava Road, Caulfield. The pamphlet includes copies of photographs of the interior, exterior and windows. There is a black and white photograph of the interior, undated and unattributed. There is a Christmas postcard from the church’s sponsor child, Paulus Lobo, dated post-1988. Finally, there is a copy of a fourteen page newsletter dated March 1986, edited by Ethel Phillips, regarding news of the St. Stephen’s Uniting Church Community.st. stephen’s church, presbyterian church, methodist church, uniting church, caulfield, balaclava road, bambra road, dulton street, kooyong road, hilton della, thomson w. rev., hunter c. hay rev., burns h.m. rev., simpson w. l. rev., goddard s.a. rev., tamagno f. rev., robinson e.b. rev., kerry g.f.g. rev., williamson j. rev., mclean d. rev., heazlewood vere rev., adamson j.c., pollard w.g. mr., alday rev., alday mrs., everett l.d. mrs., emms, ladies guild, presbyterian women’s missionary union, p.w.m.u., presbyterian girls’ association, presbyterian boys’ association, adult group, st. stephen’s players, men’s brotherhood, tennis club, cricket club, architectural features, gothic revival architecture, church furniture, stained glass, clergy residences, religious ceremonies, choirs, religious festivals, religious groups, clergy, religious structures and establishments, social clubs, clubs and associations, construction, events and activities, theatre groups, performers, fundraising events, community services, festivals and celebrations, sunday schools, organs, postcards

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide.The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.Multi panelled banner with embroidery and applied design motifs on front. The front panels have been constructed using strips of various weaves and colours of silk that have been embroidered or had a design applied prior to the overall construction of the piece. The embroidery is predominantly gold work with both plyed and floss silk threads.beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide. The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.Multi panelled banner with embroidery and applied design motifs on front. The front panels have been constructed using strips of various weaves and colours of silk that have been embroidered or had a design applied prior to the overall construction of the piece. The embroidery is predominantly gold work with both plyed and floss silk threads.beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide. The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.Multi panelled banner with embroidery and applied design motifs on front. The front panels have been constructed using strips of various weaves and colours of silk that have been embroidered or had a design applied prior to the overall construction of the piece. The embroidery is predominantly gold work with both plyed and floss silk threads. beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes

The Ballarat Branch Committee and girls of Lucas & Co. raised the money for the memorial window in Good Chapel of Saint Peter which is dedicated to the men of the Jervis Bay and all Merchant seamen who gave their lives in the world wars. To see a picture of the actual window go to VC database Mtsv record 0035.Regionally based support across Victoria provided crucial funds to the Mission for Seafarer welfare, activities and operations. This support was very often sourced either through a country Auxiliary group based in places such as Ballarat, Camperdown, Hamilton, Bendigo and other similar towns or centres. Op shops and CWA, Church Auxiliaries and other similar charities mainly operated by the womenfolk of the respective communities, recognized the vital importance of 19th and 20th C Merchant and Military Naval services to the development of Australia. The cumulative local fundraising efforts helped maintain the work of the Coastal based Mission services to seafarers.Rectangular brass plaque mounted to wood board.This window was erected by the Ballarat Branch of the Victoria Missions to Seamen and the Lucas Girls 1946.ballarat, lucas girls, lucas & co., 1946, window, plaque, ww2, world war 2, textile company, lucas clothing factory

The Sunshine Elderly Citizens Club began as a Lions Club community project in mid‑20th‑century Sunshine, becoming one of the district’s earliest purpose‑built social centres for older residents. Its building later transitioned to new community uses, but its origins remain an important part of Sunshine’s civic and social history. This centre served as a community hub for nearly 50 years, hosting social gatherings, activities, and support programs for older residents. After the senior citizen club was moved, the centre became the Hope of Life Community Church. In January 2026, part demolition of the building started to make it safe.The club formed part of a broader mid‑century movement in Victoria to create formal social, recreational, and welfare spaces for seniors, predating many modern seniors’ centres. It complemented other Lions Club initiatives such as the Sunshine Carnival, the Annual Bonfire, and fundraising for local institutions, embedding the Elderly Citizens Centre within a wider network of civic improvement.5776.01 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 01.jpeg 5776.02 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 02.jpeg 5776.03 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 03.jpeg 5776.04 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 04.jpeg 5776.05 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 05.jpeg 5776.06 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 06.jpeg 5776.07 - Corio Street - Sunshine Elderly Citizen Hall Demolition 2026 Photo 07.jpeg sunshine elderly citizens hall, sunshine elderly citizens club, sunshine lions club, hope of life community church, corio street, watt street, sunshine

Women’s Auxiliaries were formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the First World War. In May1918 a small band of women from the "Friendly Union" organised themselves,under the leadership of Mrs F C Purbrick, into a Women's Auxiliary of the Wangaratta Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). Their first task was to furnish club rooms for the RSA and this was achieved by seeking donations and raising money by selling jams, jellies and posies of violets by selected girls wearing special badges in the street. Over the years funds have been raised through raffles, competitions, street stalls and catering at numerous events to assist the aims of the Returned Services League. In 2018 Wangaratta RSL Women's Auxiliary celebrated its centenary. Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community.Red timber shield mounted on brown laminated base of particle board in a larger shield shape with metal emblem. Women's Auxillary RSL on metal logo with Crown and Australian Flag mounted in red shieldwomen's auxiliary, wangaratta rsl

Over the years, Australia has issued numerous commemorative $2 coins, often featuring vibrant colors and themes honoring national events, heroes, and cultural milestones. This coin was issued in 2008 to celebrate the centenary of Scouting in Australia. Sunshine Scouts & Cubs are part of the global youth movement that empowers young people to become responsible, active citizens through adventure, education, and service. It fosters character development, leadership, and community engagement across cultures and continents. Activities include: - Camping: From weekend bush camps to international jamborees. - Hiking & Orienteering: Map reading, compass skills, and trail navigation. - Survival Skills: Shelter building, fire lighting, and water purification. - Nature Conservation: Tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and clean-up projects. - First Aid: Emergency response and safety training. - Cooking: Campfire meals, bush cooking, and nutrition. - Crafts & DIY: Knot tying, woodwork, leatherwork, and badge-making. - STEM Projects: Robotics, coding, and environmental science. - Drama & Performance: Skits, storytelling, and talent shows. - Music & Dance: Campfire songs, cultural dances, and instrument practice. - Art & Design: Poster-making, painting, and costume creation. - Service Projects: Volunteering, fundraising, and helping local causes. - Leadership Training: Patrol leader roles, mentoring, and public speaking. - Cultural Exchange: International pen pals, travel, and global awareness. - Badge Work: Earning merit badges in areas like fitness, communication, and innovation. - Team Challenges: Problem-solving games and cooperative tasks. - Reflection & Journaling: Personal growth and goal setting. - Environmental Advocacy: Sustainability campaigns and eco-challenges.Australian One Dollar Coin. The obverse side features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse side features the international symbol for scouting, the fleur-de-lis representing the compass which symbolizes the three promises made by all scouts and cubs throughout the world.Obverse Side - Elizabeth II Australia 2008 Reverse Side - Centenary of Scoting 1908 - 2008 Scouts Australia One Dollarscouting, scouts

The annual report outlines the achievements of the year and financial position of the organisation. Other articles profile volunteer John Williams, board member Mike Janes, low vision service clients Dorothy and Les Williams, peer support network member Judy Stephens, community centre client Georgie Gribble, residential client Keith Grenfell, Community Care package recipients Joe and Dulcie Brown, library patrons Colin Pascoe and Peg McKinnell, radio listeners Sharon and Ted Ryan, and Martyn Shaddick, Tony Clark, Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell, bequestor Harold Hill, the need for support for various fundraising activities such as the Kooyong Fair, Easter Egg hunts and River Run, and opportunity shops. 1 volume of printed pages with illustrationsvision australia foundation, corporation records, john williams, mike janes, michael lynch, malcolm daubney, graeme jones, dorothy williams, les williams, judy stephens, georgie gribble, keith grenfell, bronwyn west, betty robins, joe brown, dulcie brown, kooyong fair, fundraising, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell, harold hill, colin pascoe, peg mckinnell, sharon ryan, ted ryan, 3rph, martyn shaddick, tony clark

Articles in annual report include: The Association for the blind 69th annual report, Association for the blind balance sheet, gratifying scenes of the association's activities, Brighton home report, Blind citizens' community centre, Bendigo home report, Ballarat home report, welfare services, voluntary service, auxiliary report. The need for more government support is highlighted in the President's report, the formation of new Auxiliary in Geelong, Lady Delacombe agreeing to become Patroness of the Auxiliaries and fundraising to replace the existing Blind Citizens Community centre at Kooyong.1 volume of text and black and white illustrationsassociation for the blind, ann docherty, granny carson, annual reports

"Why Another College?", The Herald, 28 November 1962. "With the opening of Bialik College Appeal this week it may be appropriate to ask why the appeal is being made to the community and what the college expects to contribute to the community in the future. After all Melbourne already has Mount Scopus College taking children from all over Melbourne and four or five other Jewish day schools in a system which is already one if not the best for a community of its size in the world. One of the most important answers to the question is that none of the existing primary schools, not even Mount Scopus, really serves the Jewish educational needs of primary school children in the northern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Even children in these suburbs attending Mount Scopus College spend several hours a day travelling and are thus deprived of valuable time for study, play or other extra curricular activities...."israel, zionist, hebrew school, shakespeare grove, fundraising

Photos of Badge Day in Melbourne's City Square (corner of Swanston and Collins Streets) where the Victoria Naval Band is playing on 7 September 1990. There are statues promoting a sporting event in the background (Commonwealth games perhaps). A man in an old Naval uniform is watching and is later on a boat in the Yarra River with President Tony Norris. Part of a Legacy Appeal Week promotion in 1990. Also photos showing a tank in the City Square and a view along Swantson st with Legacy flags on the flag poles. Can see how much the City Square and Swanston St has changed since 1990. Similar to 00491 but there are slight variations so different years. Two of these photos were featured in the 1990 President's Report that was published with the Annual Report, it identifies the man in old Naval costume as Commander Mike Lehan. The article also says: 'On Badge Day, the public of Melbourne responded magnificently to Legacy's call for financial assistance. Our Annual Badge Appeal raised $470,000. given the depressed economy and hard times within the community, Legacy was humbled by the generosity of the community and donations from Bequests totalled $193,966 and a further $111,000 was received from Philanthropic Trusts and Foundations. This year were were overwhelmed by the support of serving members of the Army, Navy and Air Force who assisted Legacy as never before for which we are most grateful.'A record of Legacy being promoted for Legacy Week and being helped by the Armed Services in their fundraising .Colour photo x 16 of Badge Day in the city square with a Navy band.Hand-written on paper label in blue pen 'Badge Appeal - City Activities. 1990 7 Sept. S. Howard'legacy appeal, fundraising, legacy week

"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 had an immediate impact on communities across Australia, and it was no different in Melton. Young men began enlisting immediately, and Australia’s initial offer of 20,000 troops was soon exceeded by Victorian enlistments alone. Over the four years of the war, approximately 114,000 Victorians enlisted and around 91,000 servicemen and women were sent overseas. They came not just from Melbourne, but from all over the state; from farms, small towns and suburban areas. They included locals, newly arrived migrants and Indigenous people. The Australian home front was a hive of activity throughout the war, and the Melton community played its part. Following the announcement that Australia was joining the war with Great Britain and its allies on 5 August 1914, the Melton community lost no time in launching into action. A meeting ‘to assist the Red Cross fund’ was held in the Melton Mechanics’ Institute hall on 18 August – just days after the outbreak of the war. Collectors were appointed for each corner of the shire and individual donations were made. A Melton branch of the Australian Red Cross Society was formed in June 1915 and focused its energies on raising funds to purchase material that was used to make clothes for sick and wounded soldiers. A depot was established in Melton to collect clothing and other ‘comfort’ items for the soldiers – including reading material, tobacco, linen, canned foods and soap – and to coordinate the branch’s work and activities. Local cab driver Percival Stubbs volunteered to transport all the packages to the Melton railway station, until he enlisted and departed for the front in 1916. Such were the numbers of people getting involved that branches were also established in Toolern Vale and Rockbank. Regular community events were held to farewell soldiers who were leaving on active service and to welcome those who returned home. Gunner Robert (Bob) Wynne, whose uncle’s family ran the general store in Toolern Vale, was presented with a pair of field glasses (binoculars), a gold watch, inscribed locket and autographed letter by the Toolern Vale community before he set sail for the front in 1916. His mother noted that he ‘sailed away in good spirits with a smile till out of sight’. From June 1915 to June 1919, the Melton Red Cross branch donated 2,156 pairs of socks, 1,357 shirts, 425 kit bags, 251 pillowslips, 224 towels and 121 pairs of pajamas. Countless fundraising events were held, including jumble fairs, concerts and gift evenings. Local schools also encouraged students to contribute through fund-raising and making and collecting comforts for the soldiers. People across the country engaged in similar activities, but Victoria’s rural communities found unique ways of contributing. In Melton, people were encouraged to send rabbits and hares ‘in good condition’ to an exporter in Spencer Street, for export to Belgium ‘for the relief of those suffering". Special Anzac Memorial article featured in the Star Weeklylocal identities, war

This cup, was awarded to participants in a Hospital Fundraising Gala Procession in 1952. The cup was just one of many prizes awarded to participants in a Gala Week of fund-raising activities for the construction of a hospital in Bacchus Marsh. Before 1957 there was no substantial hospital in Bacchus Marsh.. Two small private hospitals had operated in Bacchus Marsh up until the late 1940s. One of these, the 'Kelvin Grove' private hospital closed in 1948. This brought about efforts by the communities of Bacchus Marsh and Melton to raise funds for the building of a public hospital in Bacchus Marsh. Fundraising appeals and events for this purpose were conducted from the late 1940s onwards until enough money was finally raised for the construction of the Bacchus Marsh and District War Memorial Hospital which was officially opened on the 3 March 1957. Metal trophy cup with wide mouth and two handles that sit above the top of the cup. Cup is screwed to a brown bakelite plastic base. Bacchus Marsh Hospital Gala Procession 1952 Section 7 First Prizehospitals, bacchus marsh and district war memorial hospital

Somerville Homes came into existence in 1965. The homes were named in honour of Margaret Somerville MBE who helped evacuate 95 children from Croker Island to Sydney in 1942 and who returned to Croker Island with the children after the war and continued as a house mother and care giver until 1965. A book entitled "They Crossed A Continent", the story of Margaret Somerville's epic journey, will tell you how it all began. As government and social philosophies changed, these houses became homes for the profoundly disabled. In 1980, with expanded community services, Somerville Homes became Somerville Community Services Incorporated Somerville Community Services Inc is a non-government, not for profit, youth, family and community welfare organisation indigenous to the Northern Territory. We maintain strong constitutional links with the Uniting Church in Australia but we are governed by an independent and professional Board of Directors, ensuring that the organisation has the capacity to respond to the needs of people whatever their circumstances. Somerville recognises that being disadvantaged in a modern Western society is a condition relative to general living standards. We give priority to advocacy and improving the resources of people who are uninformed or ill-informed about community services and opportunities which may improve their circumstances. Somerville supports actions aimed at creating increased opportunities for people to become personally involved in a sharing and caring society. We promote opportunities for church and other local voluntary organisations to play a more effective part in meeting the needs of the community. Somerville monitors and evaluates its own service programs, adapting them to changing community needs and circumstances. We also monitor Federal and Territory programs affecting community and the way services and funding affect the position of individuals, couples and families in community. The organisation is financed by public donations, church and service club grants, business support, government grants, sponsorship and the organisation fundraising activities. Rev. Gordon J Symons, upper body photo of middle-aged man in white shirt and tie.Rev. Gordon Symons; Somerville Homes, Darwin. New Spectator (12 September 1972) p1rev. gordon symons; somerville christian homes

This banner was one of five banners gifted to the Beechworth Chinese community in recognition of their support of the Hospital and Benevolent Asylum in 1875, from the Carnival Committee. These banners had been purchased in China by a social envoy from Beechworth then presented to the Chinese community during the Beechworth Fine Arts Exhibition in May of that same year, by Donald Fiddes, President of the Ovens District Hospital. The Burke Museum's Chinese Collection presents the history of Chinese settlement in Beechworth from 1856 and its involvement in local community affairs in the second half of the 19th century. In settling in the area they formed their own community with distinctive Chinese cultural traditions, forming their own 'camps' with laid out streets, housing a Temple, Chinese Theatre and restaurants, hotels, stores, gambling houses and dwellings. Members of the Chinese community took an active interest in town affairs and were generous donors to the appeal to build the Ovens District Hospital in 1856/7. The vibrant colours and dynamic graphics of the silk embroidered Chinese banners were a highlight of Beechworth Charitable processions that took place in the main street. Two of the Chinese banners were conserved for the Burke Museum in 2006 by Carol Campbell of Phoenix Conservation Services with funding from Victoria’s Heritage Grants. In 2015, with the enormous support of the Copland Foundation and fundraising activities by the Friends of the Bur Museum Committee, conservation of the third banner was undertaken by Artlab Australia in Adelaide.The banners display traditional Chinese textile techniques and are visually beautiful and very rare and are considered of local and national significance, with the potential to be deemed internationally significant.The banner has a narrow fuchsia embroidered top border, a wider embroidered panel depicting 2 dogs with embroidered Chinese text and a larger lower panel with the embroidered text “PRESENTED TO THE CHINESE OF BEECHWORTH BY THE COMMITEES OF THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS (missing) THAT TOWN IN COMMEMOR (missing) OF THE CARNIVAL 1873” The 2 lower panels have narrow decorative borders decorated with mirrors and extensive embroidery. There is an additional embroidered tab running along the right hand edge. The bottom edge has a wide knotted fringe. The back is lined with fabric decorated with a painted scene. Refer Attachment 1 quote ARTLAB AustPRESENTED TO THE CHINESE / OF BEECHWORTH BY THE / COMMITEES OF THE PUBLIC / INSTITUTIONS THAT / TOWN IN COMMEMOR / OF THE CARNIVAL 1873beechworth, burke museum, chinese, benevolent asylum, ovens district hospital, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, processions, beechworth chinese community, beechworth fine arts exhibition, donald fiddes