Streets and drains were the basic infrastructure problems for Kew in the 1880s. Decent streets and drains were fundamental to the quality of life of the residents. Without drainage, streets became muddy, boggy and sometimes impassable. Pools and puddles of stagnant water became smelly. The run off water, mixed with human and animal wastes, because there was no sewerage, became a health hazard. Streets and drains then became what were known as 'a nuisance'. Kew suffered from bouts of typhoid fever during the 1880s. Derrick Street was a private street on the margin of the business district of Kew and a well-used thoroughfare. We hear first about Derrick Street when the ratepayers applied to Council to have the street 'taken over' in January 1881. The Council agreed, after much debate, but ratepayers had to pay half the costs. The argument of the majority of the Council was that there was an established policy that ratepayers of private streets either had to hand over the street fully-formed or pay half the costs if Council did the work. It was felt that to make an exception for Derrick Street would create a precedent for ratepayers of other private streets. On the other hand the ratepayers, and a minority of Council, believed that there were extenuating circumstances in the case of Derrick Street. They believed that the costing by the Borough Surveyor was excessive. They felt the Council was partly responsible for the state of the street due to a channel on Bulleen Road, which deposited sand in the street. The Council had also put in some kerbing at the entrance to the street. Finally, the ratepayers believed that the street had become an important and convenient thoroughfare in Kew, and thus should be an exception to the policy on private streets. In the end a decision was delayed to allow the ratepayers to drain and form the street themselves. And there the matter stood till September 1882, when Miss Reilly complained about rubbish on a block of land in Derrick Street. So, in October 1882 the Council agreed to take over and form the street with the ratepayers paying half the costs. The ratepayers did not want to pay, so the argument continued in Council into 1883. There was a standoff for a further 18 months, until the problem could no longer be ignored. In October 1884 the Inspector of Nuisances and the Health Officer reported that Derrick Street was a health hazard as there was no drainage outlet for waste water. These reports changed the status of the problem of Derrick Street. It became an issue of public health, and thus the Council, acting as the Local Board of Health, had power to prepare plans and order the ratepayers to drain the street and pay all the costs, or let the Council do the work and charge ratepayers half the costs of the works. By April 1885, the time for ratepayers to complete the works themselves had expired, so the Council proceeded with the work and required ratepayers to pay for their share of the costs. All ratepayers had paid by the end of April except Mr Whiddycombe, who refused to pay. Mr Whiddycombe was warned to pay in October 1885. Legal action was taken against him in November. The Council lost the case on technical grounds. The Council, acting as the Local Board of Health, relaunched the legal action and won. The last we hear of Derrick Street is that seven day’s notice was given to Derrick Street ratepayers to pay for the drainage works in May 1887. We presume that Mr Whiddycombe paid. (Research: Andrew Frost)Rare and historic publication issued by the Board of Health in the Borough of Kew in 1885 to residents of Derrick street regarding the need for proper drainage for the purpose of improving public health.Printed formal notice sent by the Board of Health of the Borough of Kew to landowners in Derrick Street, Kew. The notice advised the owners that they were required to form and drain the street according to the levels and specifications approved by the Board. The letter was sent on January 23rd 1885, and signed by the Inspector of Nuisances.borough of kew -- greater melbourne (vic.), council notices -- public health, derrick street -- kew (vic.)

Envelope - This envelope post marked 17th March 1959 is addressed to Kenneth Matthew Quick. He lived at 25 Fraser Street Sunshine. Kenneth worked as a carpenter by trade. Kenneth was a member of the Lodge of Recollection No 588. This envelope was from Alick Harold Priest, the secretary of the Lodge of Recollection No 588. Alick worked as clerk and lived at 11 Thorpe Street Sunshine. Quick Lodge of Recollection Notice - This is an example of a formal notice to members of a Masonic Lodge to attend its regular meeting. This notice also detailed dues payable for the Grand Lodge Building Fund and proposition as Candidates for initiation into the Lodge. It is assumed this notice was sent in the envelope. City of Sunshine Notice Front - The SALK community vaccination effort refers to the widespread rollout of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) developed by Dr. Jonas Salk in the 1950s, which marked a turning point in global public health. In Australia, mass community vaccination with the Salk vaccine began in 1956, mainly by City Councils throughout Australia. City of Sunshine Notice Back - A reminded by the City of Sunshine to its residents for dog registrations and change of address or ownership. Dog registration was and still is mandatory and helps reunite lost pets, supports animal management, and ensures public safety. 5059.01 - Kenneth Matthew Quick Envelope - K. M. Quick 25 Fraser St Sunshine. If not claimed in 7 days please return to A.H. Priest 11 Thorpe Street Sunshine W20. Post marked Sunshine Vic 17th Mar 1959 4d Paid. 5059.02 - Kenneth Matthew Quick Lodge Of Recollection Notice - Quick Lodge of Recollection No 588 Dir Sir and Bro K M Quirk You are hereby summoned to attend the Regular Meeting of your lodge, to be held in the Masonic Hall, Hampshire Road, Sunshine on Friday 3rd April 1959 at 7:15pm punctually Yours fraternally Bro A. H. Priest Secretary 11 Thorpe Steet Sunshine. 5059.03 - Kenneth Matthew Quick City Of Sunshine Notice Front - City of Sunshine SALK Shots for Adults. It is intended to commence free Anti-Polio (SALK) Vaccination for Adults during night sessions to be held at the Sunshine Town Hall early 1959. 5059.03 - Kenneth Matthew Quick City Of Sunshine Notice Back - Registration of Dogs. Notification of change of address or ownership. 5059.04 - Kenneth Matthew Quick No 7 Group Education Scheme Form - No 7 Group Education Scheme F. E. Abberton President. To the parent, Applications are invited from members of the Craft in No 7 Group area to enrol their children for the 1959 Coaching Scheme.kenneth matthew quick, lodge of recollection no 588, city of sunshine, polio, salk, alick harold priest

This is a collection of photographs of former Shire / City secretaries and town clerks of the former Shire of Braybrook and City of Sunshine. Before modern CEOs existed in Victorian local government, the Shire / City Secretary or Clerk was the most senior administrative officer in a shire or city. They were effectively the chief executive, chief financial officer, and chief governance officer rolled into one. Below is a detailed breakdown of what a Shire / City Secretary traditionally did. 1. Chief Administrative Office The Shire Secretary managed the entire day‑to‑day operation of the shire, including: - Supervising all council staff - Implementing council decisions - Managing correspondence, records, and official documents - Ensuring services were delivered (roads, drainage, health, building, etc.) This is the historical equivalent of the CEO role described in modern council structures. 2. Governance and Council Support The Shire Secretary was responsible for: - Preparing agendas and minutes for council meetings - Advising councillors on legislation and procedures - Ensuring compliance with the Local Government Act - Managing elections and public notices This aligns with the governance responsibilities now embedded in the Local Government Act 2020. 3. Financial Management The Shire Secretary was also the shire’s chief financial officer: - Preparing budgets - Managing rates and revenue - Overseeing expenditure - Producing annual financial statements In many small shires, the Secretary also acted as Treasurer. 4. Public Interface The Shire Secretary was the main point of contact for the community: - Handling complaints and enquiries - Issuing permits and licences - Coordinating public works requests - Communicating council decisions to residents They were often the most recognisable council official in the district. 5. Strategic and Long‑Term Planning Although less formalised than today, the Secretary played a key role in: - Planning infrastructure - Advising on township development - Managing land records and valuations - Coordinating with state government departments This mirrors the strategic functions now assigned to CEOs under the Local Government Act.This collection of photographs shown all the men who served as the Shire Secretary, Town Clerk or CEO for the Shire of Braybrook or for the City of Sunshine.Sunshine Council July 2007 5452.01 - Shire of Braybrook Shire Secretary William 'Bill' Pullar 1860 - 1907.jpg 5452.02 - Shire of Braybrook Shire Secretary D. Lingford 1908 - 1911.jpg 5452.03 - Shire of Braybrook Shire Secretary Walter John Andrew 1911 - 1927.jpg 5452.04 - Shire of Braybrook Shire Town Clerk Edgar Hargreaves 1927 - 1954.jpg 5452.05 - City of Sunshine Town Clerk Thomas William 'Bill' Deutschmann 1954 - 1984.jpg 5452.06 - City of Sunshine Town Clerk G. S. Pearson 1984 - 1987.jpg 5452.07 - City of Sunshine CEO And Town Clerk J. James 1987 - 1992.jpg 5452.08 - City of Sunshine Town Clerk John Noble Willaton 1992 - 1994.jpg 5452.09 - Shire of Braybrook Shire Secretaries and Town Clerks 1860 - 1954.jpg 5452.10 - City of Sunshine Town Clerks 1954 - 1994.jpg shire of braybrook, city of sunshine, town clerk, shire secetary, william "bill" pullar, d. lingford, walter john andrew, edgar hargreaves, thomas william "bill" deutschmann, g. s. pearson, j. james, john noble willaton