Bendigo Town Hall, built in 1859 and extended over three phases resulting in the present Mannerist style building of stone construction. The original 1859 design by George Avery Fletcher was a simple two storey building in the Italianate style, which served as the foundation for future remodelling and extensions by Bendigo architect William C. Vahland in 1866. The Town Hall contains fine decorative interiors in the main hall and council chamber along with objects and original council chamber furniture which are integral to its significance and heritage values. This photograph taken in 1953 shows the original council chamber in use.Gold framed photograph with mount taken in 1953 showing the old council chambers at the Bendigo Town Hall with City of Bendigo officials. Includes Councilor's, the Mayor, Town Clerk and others. Cr's from left to right are Cr Dungey, Cr Pethard, Cr Granger, Cr Clayton, Cr Floor in mayoral robes, Town Cleark Mr Amer, Cr Michelsen, Cr Pouston, Cr Oliver, Cr Shadforth. Five unknown men seated and standing.Nonecity of bendigo, mayor flood, councillor flood, councillor clayton, councillor granger, councillor pethard, councillor michelsen, councillor oliver, bendigo town hall

Dinner menu bi-fold: cream colour, gold and red text. On front : 'City of Bendigo, Official Dinner in honor of the visit of His Excellency Lord Stonehaven, Governor General of Australia. Tendered by His Worship the Mayor, Councillor J.A. Michelsen on Thursday November 25th 1926 at 7.30 p.m. H.C. Ingleton, Town Clerk.' Inside: List of menu items and toast list. Favaloro's Caterers.Cambridge Press Printbendigo, council, dinner lord stonehaven

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Annie Irene Michelsen (nee Tussup) born Huntly (1870-1955). Mayoress 1926/1927, 1935/1936, 1942/1943. Wife of Cr John Andrew Michelsen OBE. Pioneer in the field of social work and regarded as a woman of tremendous vitality and versatility. Known as an outstanding horse woman and breeder of standardbreds for harness racing. Member numerous sporting clubs and foundation president of the Bendigo Nurses Association. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Mrs. Michelsen wore a gown of black crepe eros, cut to mould the figure and fall into a train at the back. A cascade eflect of gold lame from one shoulder to the hem in front gave graceful movement to the front of the gown, and wing draperies lined with gold lame were shirred to the shoulders of the square neckline. She wore a shoulder spray of golden orchids and carried a bouquet of old gold roses and golden leaves (1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 3 Jun 1936 annie tussup, mayoress michelsen, mayor michelsen, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits

Alec Craig was elected to the Barkly Ward seat on the Bendigo City Council in March 1954 after the resignation of Cr J A Michelsen. He became Mayor in 1956 and served from 1956 -57, 1963 - 64 and 1973 -74. Councillor Craig first posited the idea of Hargreaves Street becoming a shopping mall but retired from council in 1976 before the idea was executed. Alec Craig was the foundation President of the Provincial cities and Town Association of Victoria and President of the Bendigo Base Hospital in 1973. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1973 for outstanding public service. Grace Adeline Craig was a respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School.0383.1 Three fold voting pamphlet with photo of Councillor Craig on front cover. Inside is a printed letter to Mr and Mrs Ratepayer promoting Councillor Craig's past achievements. 0383.2 How to vote flyer for Councillor Craig. Printed on pink paper. 0383.3 Vote 1 Craig poster. Two colour print on cream paper. Edges missing.mayor craig, mayoress craig, councillor alec craig, grace adeline craig