Members attended “Australia Presents and other A.C.W.W. events. Mrs Edna Barrie was in the choir. Edna a member of the State and Australian Choir ASSOCIATED COUNTRY WOMEN OF THE WORLD TENTH TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE Melbourne October 1962 Melbourne Town HallItems from the conferencelocal significant groups, local identities

Souvenir glass commemorating 1982 Victorian conference of Associated Women of the World South Pacific Area, squat tumbler style with gold rim and gold lettering.organization, society, country women of the world

Associated Country Women of the World C.W.A. Melton local special interest groups, local identities

In 1974 Edna Barrie took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October.News clipping from the The West Australian about the Associated Country Women of the World Conference local special interest groups

The Country Women's Association (CWA) began in Victoria in 1928 with the aim of improving the opportunities for women and children. They are a philanthropic and advocacy group and part of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). There are currently over 5000 members and Bendigo has several groups.Small yellow bi-fold Syllabus (1959) for the Country Womens Association, South Bendigo Branch. Contains monthly syllabus events and competitions for the 1959 year. Green print with CWA logo on the front.cwa, country women's association

From 1944-1996, Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Recipes from the members of the Bradvale Branchlocal significant events, local identities

In 1944-1996 Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Items celebrating 80 years of Country Women's Association and the closure of the Melton branchlocal significant groups, local identities, local special interest groups

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

Elgin Shoes Pty., Ltd., established a branch shoe factory in Beechworth in 1946. Managing director, Mr T Nagle Pitman, selected Beechworth as a suitable location for the factory due to the availability of labour in the town, particularly girls under sixteen years of age. At its peak, the shoe factory employed thirty six women and girls, which also included post-war migrants. After the Second World War, Australia admitted increasing numbers of immigrants in order to fulfil labour requirements for a rapidly inflating demand of consumer goods. These migrants were largely from European Countries in line with the ‘White Australia Policy’. In 1954 Beechworth had 170 migrants from the UK, 102 from Hungary, and 63 from Germany. The factory closed in 1961 as increased centralisation of both populations and industry in the larger nearby towns of Wangaratta and Wodonga lead to the closure of many factories in small towns in the 1960s and 1970s. This photograph is historically significant as it shows the working conditions in a factory primarily staffed by women at some point between the late 1940s and early 1960s. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 14 / AFGA / 6982 / pitman shoe factory, elgin shoe company, industry, shoe factory, shoemaking, working women, post-war migration, factory, white australia policy, mid-twentieth century women's working conditions, twentieth-century working conditions, pitman, elgin, shoe, sewing machine, leather, pittman

Mrs Sheila Parkinson was born in Wagga in 1916 and came to Beechworth as a young woman around 1938. Sheila trained as a psychiatric nurse at Mayday Hills hospital prior to the second World War. At that time, unmarried women were accommodated and received nursing training on-site. Shiela was obliged to cease professional training and employment when she married in 1941, which disrupted completion of her final nursing examinations. Following post-war changes to the law that allowed married women to work, Sheila returned to Mayday Hills. Sheila's husband, Don, returned to Beechworth after four years abroad as a serviceman in the Australian Air Force. Beechworth's institutions were a major source of local employment throughout the twentieth century. As well as providing limited employment opportunities to young women like Shiela, post-war European migrants from Bonegilla Migrant camp found at Mayday Hills, encouraging European migrant settlement in the district. Mayday Hills was renamed several times since its establishment in 1867. At the peak of operations, it comprised sixty-seven buildings housing over twelve hundred patients patients and five hundred staff. The hospital officially closed in 1998. Today, the decommissioned two-storey Italianate style main building stands on eleven hectares of botanical gardens under National Trust protection. The site remains a popular cultural heritage destination for visitors. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. The cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Employed as a psychiatric nurse at one of Beechworth's large welfare institutions, Mayday Hills, Mrs Sheila Parkinson recalls the conditions faced by staff and patients at the hospital, which cared for chronically ill people from the Ovens region and patients from the Yarra Bend Asylum, Melbourne, which closed in 1925. When Sheila first began her nurse training, Mayday Hills suffered from a lack of resources and rudimentary facilities and patients frequently suffered from the cold due to poor heating and inadequate clothing and bedding. However, as the twentieth century progressed, Sheila recalls how conditions and treatments improved as a result of increased government funding of services and advances in psychiatry and pharmaceutical medicine. Mrs Sheila Parkinson's oral history recording is historically and socially significant for its witness to life in Beechworth in the pre- and post-WWII period. Sheila's story enriches our understanding of processes of modernisation with regard to psychiatric and welfare services, while the course of Sheila's professional training and employment brings attention to systemic and socio-economic barriers faced by women, as well as the valuable contribution women and migrants make in the delivery of care and ancillary services. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the twentieth century, many of which would have been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mrs Sheila Parkinson /twentieth century beechworth, mayday hills, psychiatric care, benevolent asylums, nursing, wwii, psychiatric treatment, country women, psychiatric hostpital, beechworth's institutions, local employment, government institutions, listen to what they say, oral history, burke museum, sheila parkinson, beechworth lunatic asylum, beechworth mental hospital, beechworth hospital for the insane, the kerferd clinic, bonegilla migrant camp, working women, white australia policy

This badge was awarded to Joan Cahill in 1948 for serving full-term in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women’s Army Service. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service were she rose to the rank of Corporal.Gold metal badge with wing, rising sun and anchor design, crown at top.OBVERSE: 'SERVICE / AUSTRALIA', REVERSE: '1948 / ISSUED BY C'WLTH GOVT / A307351 / AMOR / SYDNEYburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two, joan cahill

An Australia Service Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL / 1939-1945 / BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VI /burke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

An Army Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a light blue, dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: 1939 / 1945 BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VIburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

This postcard was hand-embroidered in France and sent to Australia during World War I. A large piece of silk would be hand-embroidered by French women with the same pattern 20 times or so, then the large completed piece would be sent to a factory to be cut up and the individual pieces mounted on card. They had varying themes and patterns, greetings such as happy birthday or thinking of you, featuring butterflies, flowers and sometimes patriotic flags of allied countries involved in the war. They were marketed to troops to send home to female members of the family and girlfriends. It was estimated 10 million silk postcards were produced in Europe between 1915 and 1919. During World War 1 postcards were a welcome means of personal communication for many people. Most information came from newspapers or broadcasts.A small Christmas postcard of fabric with embroidery of flowers around the British flag and "Happy Christmas" sewn along the bottom."I am still going well & strong Love to all Maurie"ww1-correspondence ww1 postcard

David Aloysius Patrick McKenzie-McHarg, L.I.B, O.B.E was born on 20th June 1918 in Albury, NSW to Hugh Patrick McKenzie-McHarg and Laura May (Dunne) McKenzie-McHarg. McKenzie-McHarg served on the Council of the United Shire of Beechworth for more than a decade during the 1960s-70s, including seven years as president. He was renowned as a public speaker and played a significant role in the community. In recognition for his outstanding achievements and services rendered to the Beechworth community he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976. David McKenzie-McHarg died on 6th June 1992 and is buried in Beechworth Cemetery. David McKenzie-McHarg’s wife, Marjorie Jean McKenzie McHarg, was well known to the Beechworth community as a brilliant pianist and played at all the balls and house parties. Apparently, she could play without sheet-music and would only have to hear a tune once to play it to near perfection. Together, they were a formidable asset to the Beechworth community over many years The British honours system has various orders, usually relating to the monarchy, military and colonial officials. An OBE (or order of the British Empire) is given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others. This Order was established by George V in 1917 in response to recognising the thousands of men and women who served in a variety of non-combatant roles during the First world war who didn’t otherwise receive any formal recognition but were certainly worthy of acknowledgement. Recommendations for appointments to this Order were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, however this soon became available to Commonwealth countries as well. However, Australia officially ceased to recommend the Order of the British Empire in 1989 with the establishment of the Order of Australia. Silver badge suspended from red ribbon with pearl-grey edges. The badge is in the form of a cross patonce (having the arms growing broader and floriated toward the end), the obverse of which bears the same field as the star pictures George V and Queen Mary. The reverse bears George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher. Both are within a ring bearing the motto of the Order: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE. The presentation case in which the medal is housed is of a black outer boarder edge leatherette finishing, block letters in gold OBE. The inside has a cream velvet base with a silk padded liner to the roof with the full set of Royal Mint Crest Mark. Obverse: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE / burke museum, obe, obe medal, beechworth, david mckenzie-mcharg, british honours system, george v, beechworth community, order of australia., order of the british empire, marjorie jean mckenzie mcharg

During WW2 there were volunteers all over Australia observing air activity every night. This photo was taken from the S.E.C.V. hut dedicated to this activity and was manned by men and women throughout the war. The State Electricity Commission of Victoria were based at Bogong when constructing the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The State Electricity Commission of Victoria dedicated a hut at Bogong township during World War 2 for the purpose of volunteers manning the hut to observe air craft. This was during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. See also KVHS 0938 (certificate) and KVHS 1259 (Training Manual)Black and white photo of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's 'Volunteer Air Observer's Hut' at Bogong during World War 2.- 24th May 1943On back of photo: "EW / K1156 / 24 May 1943 / Volunteer Air Observers Hut / During World War 2 / Bogong"secv, bogong, wwii

The Australian Comforts Fund was formed during the first World War and was an amalgamation of various organisations which were sending items of comfort such as toiletries, clothing and food to Australian troops who were fighting overseas. It ceased its work and was dissolved in 1920 at the ceasation of the war but was started again to continue the same work in 1939.In Australia it rivalled the work of the red Cross and many of the volunteers involved were women. As well as making and providing items themselves there was major fundraising to purchase further items. Over the course of the war they provided over 1.5 million hampers. This certificate was presented to Mrs Steward for valuable services rendered to the Australian Comforts Fund during World War 1939-1945. The Australian Comforts fund was wound up in June 1946.This certificate recognises the work of one of our residents to a fund which was Australia wide and would have been one of numerous certificates presented around the country. The Australian Comforts fund was an organisation with which numerous people would have been affiliated and which also assisted many soldiers over the years. Cream certificate with black text, highlighted with red. The name Mrs Steward has been written in in blue ink. In comes enclosed in a dark grey soft card folder.Mrs Steward. Signed Valerie Heinze, Lady mayoress of Melbourne. Thomas S Neu*tefold, Hermen W *ohn, On front of grey folder "Mrs Steward Warrnambool.warrnambool, warrnambool history, australian comforts fund, mrs steward warrnambool

This dressmaker's model has been made by a New York firm (1971 model) and comes from the Fletcher Jones Factory in Warrnambool. It would have been used for making and displaying ladies' clothing made at the factory. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he opened a men's wear shop in Warrnambool and manufactured in sute. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop opened in melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Warrnambool with a new company, Fletcher Jones and Staff begun in 1951. The company initially specialized in men's trousers but later expanded into both men's and women's clothing. It became an Australia-wide company known throughout the country until it ceased in 2011 and the Warrnambool factory buildings were sold.This dressmaker's model is of considerable interest as a memento of the Fletcher Jones and Staff Company, founded in Warrnambool, employing many local people for a great number of years and known throughout Australia for its quality products and pioneering business model as a founder and staff co-operative.This is a dressmaker's model with the body section (bust and torso) having a fabric cover over a wooden core. The top section is bronze-coloured with a silver rim. Beneath the body section is a wire frame and a metal base on castors. The castors are rusty and the fabric is broken in places. Collapsible model 1971 22 WOLF FORM Registered perfect model forms N Y 140 5th Avefletcher jones and staff, fletcher jones factory warrnambool, warrnambool history

This item is a World War One certificate featuring Walter Coulstock. Private Walter George Coulstock, an engineer, was born in Warrnambool and educated at the Warrnambool Academy. He enlisted at the age of 21 in August 1914, embarked in October 1914 and while travelling to Egypt he entered the machine gun section. He was wounded on the afternoon of the Landing and died of wounds in May 1915. He was buried at sea while in transit to Alexandria. Walter Coulstock was one of the many men and women from Warrnambool and district who enlisted in World War One and who died on active service.This certificate is of considerable significance as it is memento of Walter Coulstock who died in World War One. The Coulstock family was a prominent one in the Warrnambool district in the 19th and early 20th centuries and Walter is one of the local heroes of the Great WarThis is a paper certificate mounted on a frame of plywood. The mount indicates that the certificate has previously been framed. The certificate has a grey background and contains images of the British and Australian flags in red, white and blue, six black and white photographs, an image of H.M.A.S. Australia, an image of a battle scene with artillerymen and black and red lettering. Pasted on to the centre part of the certificate is a yellow piece of paper with a photograph and information on Walter Coulstock. The plywood is broken at the bottom edge and is somewhat stained."For King and Country' 'The Empire Called Us' 'Walter George Coulstock, Private, 8th Battalion, Company B. Reg. No.481, Date of Enlistment August 1914walter coulstock, world war 1 certificate

Australia's worst natural disaster, fed by extreme temperatures, tornado-like wind speeds and tinder-dry land, culminated in the disaster we now know as Black Saturday, February 7, 2009. Before the sun would set on the blackest day in Australia's history, thousands of hectares would become blackened landscape and an unparalleled loss of lives could only mean that many areas would never be the same again. To remember the people lost to the devastating Black Saturday fires of 2009 and our brave CFA men and women who battled the elements to protect our towns, the Australian Blacksmiths Association (Victoria) Inc. invited blacksmiths from across the country and around the world to contribute to the creation of a steel gumtree. The Blacksmiths' Tree, as it came to be called, was erected on February 14, 2014. Five years in the making, this 10m high stainless steel and copper tree was forged with love and care by hundreds of blacksmiths across 20 countries. It stands in the township of Strathewen, Victoria, Australia to remember all of those who perished in the Black Saturday fires of 2009, those who fought the fires and those who continue to live their lives with hope and courage. The tree stands at the Peter Avola Memorial Pavilion, 160 Chadds Creek Road, Strathewen, Victoria.fay bridge collection, black saturday, kinglake, victorian bushfires - 2009, the tree project

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918.This plaque was given to honour the service of Ballarat College old collegian Harry Spencer Holgate who entered the school in 1894. On leaving school he became an auctioneer at Muswellbrook and Scone. He enlisted on 24 May 1916 and was awarded the Military Medal at Polygon Wood in September 1917. He was killed at Zonnebeke on 11 October 1917. His brother Edward Spencer Holgate was also killed while serving his country during World War 1. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is packaged in a heavy card envelope.Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour. A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed 'Harry Edward Spencer'. harry-spencer-holgate, ballarat-college, world-war-one, death-penny,

This small, portable 1930s Sanax First Aid Case has been strongly constructed, with corners reinforced with metal to take knocks and bumps, so it could be quickly transported to the site of an emergency. Having these supplies organised into a kit made them easily accessible and reduces time to take them to the site of the accident. It was possibly designed for use in factories because the booklet in the case states that the kit complies with “Part 1, Victorian Factories Regulations”. The text of the printed brand “Sanax First Aid Case” is right-way up when the case stands vertically on its hinged side. In modern times people are well aware of the importance of quick treatment when accident and injury occur. However, before the first commercial First Aid Kit was made by Johnson & Johnson in 1888, people had little knowledge about treating injuries and lacked information about suitable supplies to keep on hand for emergencies. They were often unaware of how to help in that critical time before the doctor or other assistance arrived, a particularly important time for the many people living in remote areas. A quote from Johnson’s & Johnson’s 1888 price list explains “It is a fact, which is everywhere being recognized, that many lives are lost and much suffering entailed in such accidents on account of the lack of the simple but necessary articles required to afford prompt assistance to the wounded.” One example of the value of First Aid assistance to community groups is shown in an article from the Weekly Times, 29th November 1930. It records a report from the Annuello Branch of the Younger Set (a Country Women’s Organisation), telling that on Armistice Day their president Mrs Jamieson, presented the Annuello School with the gift of a Sanax Red Cross First Aid outfit, which was accepted as being “of great practical use to the scholars.” (Annuello is a remote wheat growing area in the Mallee region of North Western Victoria, which became a soldier settlement area after World War I. There is a strain of wheat named ‘Annuello’ due to its suitability for that area. ) The Sanax Case in our Collection contains instructions, equipment and medical items suitable for use in emergency situations. The Case was one of 42 patterns available from Sanax that conformed to ‘Part 1, Victorian Factories Regulations’. It includes items made by Sanax Company and by Burroughs Wellcome & Co. (Australia) Ltd., Sydney, NSW. A quote at the back of the First Aid Emergency Instructions booklet says: “Sanax products are made in Australia by or under the supervision of qualified chemists, from the highest quality materials. They are dependable for the purposes written on labels.” BOOKLET included in First Aid Case: “SANAX” First-Aid Emergency Instructions has orange cover and white pages, joined in the centre by two staples. Booklet contains First Aid Instructions for general events listed in alphabetical order. It also contains an indexed sections headed “Poisoning, and what to do” written by S.A. Burrows, Ph.C., Vuc and N.Z. There are instructions and diagrams on how to perform Artificial Respiration. There are advertisement for Sanax products throughout the booklet that include; - Sanax Ambulance Stretcher for timber mills, mines, ships and quarries - Saw dust masks (porous rubber) for workers in dust, paint or duco sprayers Inside cover lists Sanax’s Australian made products including - tablets and powders for headaches, neuralgia, influenza, colds - snuff for Catarrh that is “quite harmless” - First Aid Cases that come in a range of 42 patterns - sunburn preventatives and treatments - healing salve for carbuncles, pock, pimples, boils, varicose ulcers etc. - snake bite outfits and kits LEAFLETS included in First Aid Case: (1) Tannafax Tannic Acid Jelly. Tannafax should be kept at hand in every home. It should be applied direct from the tube and used with neither oil nor grease. Where a large area has to be covered the clamped end may be torn or cut off to give a wider mouth to the tube. Collapsible tubes of different sizes. Made in Australia. Burroughs Wellcome & Co. (Australia) Ltd. (Incorporated in England). Sydney, NSW. Assorted Houses, London, New York, Montreal, Cape Town, Milan, Bombay, Shanghai, Buenos Aires. Copyright A. 1817, J. 9463 (2) Tabloid. The strong thing is the just - - . Tabloid marks the wor - - Burroughs Wellcome & Comp. The use of the word is to enab – the prescriber, dispenser and patient to get the right thing with one short word, instead of the firm’s long name. If another maker apply the word to his product, the act is unlawful. Tabloid is our trade mark and brand. If a vendor disregard it in dispensing or selling, the act is unlawful for the same reason. We prosecute both offenders rigorously, in the interest of prescribers, dispensers, patients and the owners of the trade mark. Please inform us of any instance of either offence. Burroughs Wellcome & Co. (Australia) Ltd. (Incorporated in England). Telephone Number - M 4184 (4 lines) All communications to G.P.O. Box No. 1185 DD. Copyright Sy. 20. & J 9894. Medicines and Equipment included in First Aid Case: - Absorbent Cotton, Sanax, for absorbing blood or drying a wound. As a swab for washing wounds; to place above a compress to keep the heat in: or as a pad to protect wounds or fractures. The Sanax Co. Manuf. Chemists, Melbourne. Regd. Office: 5 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. N.6. - ACHE tablets, Sanax, for all aches, pains, fevers etc. Dose: 2 to 3 tablets with a draught of water, every 3 hours. Children in proportion. For influenza or colds, take the bedtime dose with a hot lemon drink or toddy. Recommended for Headaches, Colds, Influenza, Fevers, Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Nerve Pains, Sleeplessness, and Seasickness. Three Sanax Ache tablets equals one Sanax Ache powder. Each tablet contains 1.75grs. each Phenacotinum and Acety acSzilcyl, and .75grs Ammon Brom. Etc.. Sanax brand specialties are prepared by highly qualified pharmaceutical chemists and may be accepted as safe and effective for the purpose indicated on the label. The Sanax Co. Melbourne - Eye lotion, Sanax, “in eye bath full strength or diluted with equal parts of water. Sanax Co. Brunswich St, Fitzroy, Melbourne. - Iodine, Sanax, POISON, with instructions for what to do if swallowed. - Kuraburn, Sanax, Applied to the burn and allowed to dry, the pain and heat instantly disappear, and blistering is prevented. If necessary, apply again in an hours. To safeguard against burning when sunbathing, apply before exposure to the sun. If already sunburnet, use Kuraburn as directions above. Safe and harmless. Sole makers, The Sanax Co. Brunswick St. - - Vic. - Sal Volatile, Sanax, - - stimulant for - - nervous aches - - or as smelling salts Dose - - - - Solution of A- - - 5%, . The Sanax Co. Brunswick St, Melbourne. - Tannafax, Burroughs Wellcome & Co. Australia Ltd. Sydney, N.S.W., 20gm. Approx., Tannic Acid Jelly, (Tannic Acid with 0.5% Phenol in a water-soluble base) for burns and scalds. A.N. 15050, p188, logo of a unicorn. Apply lightly, allow to dry, and bandage loosely. Do not apply oil or grease. - bottle wrapped in brown paper, unknown contents, paper adhered to bottle. - dish, kidney shaped, metal, white enamel with black rim - eye bath, green, plastic or Bakelite SANAX COMPANY The Sanax Company was at the address of 5 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy [Melbourne] at least as early as November 1924, as shown by its advertisement of Ache Powder in the Weekly Times, 8th November 1924. It was still at this address in September 1951, when it advertised First Aid outfits and components in the Post Master General’s section of the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. REFERENCES: Annuello, Victoria; Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annuello,_Victoria Annuello Younger Set, Branch Activities and Local Reports, Country Women’s Organisations, Weekly Times, 29 November 1930, Trove http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224921009?searchTerm=%22sanax%22%20and%20%22melbourne%22&searchLimits=# Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, Issue 32, 24th April 1915, https://www.legislation.gov.au/file/1915GN32 [Johnson & Johnson Price List, September 1, 1888, p. 20. From our archives], Celebrating the 125th Birthday of the First Aid Kit , The Story of Johnson & Johnson, , http://www.kilmerhouse.com/2013/06/from-1888-to-2013-celebrating-the-125th-birthday-of-the-first-aid-kit/ Post Master General’s section of the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, Issue No. 73, Thursday 27th September 1951 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232185299?searchTerm=%22sanax%22%20and%20%22fitzroy%22&searchLimits= Sanax First Aid Emergency Instructions, by S.A. Burrows, publisher Sanax Ltd. Fitzroy, Victoria, 1930-1939 English, book, Illustrated edition, Trove http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/40948895 Access to emergency medical help in early settlement days of Victoria could take quite some time, especially in remote areas. From 1888 First Aid Kits and instructions became available for work sites, offices, community groups and individuals, helping to bridge the gap between the accident and the arrival of medical assistance. This portable Sanax First Aid Case is an example of portable medical equipment made in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1930’s and available to the public. It contains a range of items plus information to be used in a variety of injuries and emergencies in in factories, households, businesses and local communities, and instructions on their use. First Aid Case, portable, Sanax First Aid Case. First Aid kit in strong black cardboard carry case with metal reinforced corners, metal hinges on lid, metal catch and leather carry handle. Inside lid is a vertical strap with narrow gap behind it. Base is divided into two compartments. Manufactured by Sanax, Fitzroy, Melbourne, C. 1930-1939 Contents include "Sanax" First Aid instructions booklet, 2 leaflets, metal kidney dish enamelled in white with black trim on edge, green plastic or Bakelite eye bath, eye lotion, Tannafax tannic acid jelly, Sal Volitile, Kuraburn, Iodine, Argyrol, ACHE tablets, absorbent cotton in cardboard box, gauze bandage, and UNKNOWN wrapped bottle. Printed in gold on lid of case “SANAX” FIRST AID CASE. Most of the contents, as well as the case, show the “SANAX” brand. Some contents are inscribed Burroughs Wellcome & Co. (Australia) Ltd., flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, first aid items, first aid kit, emergency first aid, medical emergency kit, home emergency kit, industrial emergency kit, sanax company fitzroy melbourne, burroughs wellcome & co. (australia) ltd, thos. urquhart & son pty. ltd. melbourne, sanax first aid case, sanax first-aid emergency instructions, part 1 victorian factories regulations, tabloid medical supplies

This historical family photograph spans three generations of the Cooper Family, a pioneer family, still residing in the Kiewa Valley. The large axe held by Pat was a handy tool for pioneer families to chop down trees for land clearing, building sheds and fences, outhouses and fire wood. This photograph was taken during a time where both male and females did some heavy lifting and processing. The rural sector at this point in time was physically a hard location for both sexes. The segregation of the sexes into specific job categories was some times non existent although household "chores" was in the main a woman's domain. The rural sector was in this point of time one which women were highly respected and the unwritten law of providing "assistance" and "reverence" by men in such actions as, socially opening doors, tipping the cap, offering a sturdy arm for support and refraining from doing or saying anything "uncouth" in a woman's presence. It was in a time when women's liberation was just starting to grow strength. Rural areas, on the hole, took longer to interfuse "city" hatched norms of behaviour. This photograph of a pioneer family still residing in the Kiewa Valley demonstrates not only the close protective environment that the valley has on all its inhabitants but also the close bonding that neighbors have towards each other. The term "God's gifted country" fits warmly with all the settlements in the valley. The relatively isolated (physically, visually and communications wise) has since post World War II been whittled away by faster and vastly improved communications with "the outside" world. The strength of commitment to the rural life can be seen in the faces of the family members in this photograph. The proud heritage is displayed without any external pressure. This large black and white family photograph is a reproduction on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper manufactured by Fujifilm. It is 200gsm matt finished paper with no borders. On the reverse side, written in pencil "Ted Cooper sitting aged 24-25, Pat Amery (Ted's youngest sister) holding Ted's eldest son Doug and Ted's father John Franklin Cooper(22-8-1892)"john cooper, ted cooper, pat amery, doug cooper, pioneer family kiewa valley

This publication covers the mid 1900s and relates to a period where the majority of the Australian population was engrossed with the Queen of Australia, even though her Highness did not reside on this continent. The period covered was before the great immigration insurgence from Europe.The Labour Party's "White Australian" policy was a hinderance and a barrier towards the Asian and African prospective immigrants. The motto Queen and Country was still very ingrained in the rural population. This period in Australian domestic self reliance, brought about the growing strength and very active trade union movement and their staunch support for the Tariff protection against a growing swell of imported goods. This self reliance psyche was essentially a by product of World War II, and the isolation felt by the Australian People. The Queen (royalty) was the binding force holding the British Empire together which was emphasised with her popularity when touring Australia Queen Elizabeth's visited the MCG twice in 1954 1. to attend an assembly of ex-servicemen and women's organisations 2. to attend a Children's Display. She also visited Government House and visited Country Victoria on the Royal train from 24th Feb - 9th March.The Kiewa Valley and all the rural areas in the region were still very much tied to the "mother land" and trade between Britain and Australia was very strong. Trade with Asian manufacturers was minimal and needed the late 1900s to see both the trade and immigration barriers fall. This book was produced during a time when the majority of Australians looked more to England for trade and companionship. The agricultural trade with England and Europe was very high and the motto of the time was "Australia grows on the sheep's back". Late 1900's saw the motto "Australia grows on the miner's back" The Queen was still very popular then which was emphasised by the large crowds which greeted her on tour. Residents of Mt Beauty including Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides travelled to Benalla to see the Queen. Clare Roper was a founding member of the KVHS and attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace representing the local CWA. She has purchased this book and therefore giving this a close historical significance connection, it has good provenance and interpretive capacity. This hard(blue coloured) covered book contains thirty six double sided pages. Both the first and last pages (inside cover included) has the royal crest of Australia (kangaroo and emu) balancing the individual six states crests ,united under the royal crown. The first six double pages, each portraying a coloured free hand sketches of various Australian scenery enclosing the Queen's day by day and State by State itinerary. There are 115 black and white photographs and 25 coloured photographs contained in this book.Third page has free hand penned signature "Clare Roper"1954 royal tour, queen elizabeth ii monarchy, british empire in the 1900s, god save the queen.

WWIWWI involved men and women from the Kiewa ValleyLarge plastic opaque box with folders, display items and documents. 1. Norman Hore collection 2.Fund Raisers - medal and poppy 3. Postcard 4. Banner 5. Folders including Final List; 37th Battalion; B. H. Roper & S. Hollonds 6. Display Poster re recruitment 7. Letters from the Front by E. & A. Briggs 8. Folders; Those who Served from the towns in the Kiewa Valley 9. I & J. Marum - Australian Army Nursing Service 10. The 37th Battalion; 11. War Records of 7 local soldiers and 12. Poppy Applique kiewa valley in wwi

Typical early 1920's to late 1950's suitcases made in Australia using Australian and British manufactured clasps and locks. The majority of manufactured goods especially locks and other metal components were sourced from England. English manufacturers, who in that period, where still world leaders of most manufactured items.This period 1920- 1950 shows the historical shift of the balance between the more complex metal imported items, mainly manufactured in Britain and that of the relevant infant stage of the developing manufacturing industries in the Australian market. The rarity of this type of suitcase is of significancy This suitcase belonged and was used by the C.W.A. of Tawonga.Suitcase brown, possibly lacquered cardboard with leather chrome studded reinforced corners. Lid has two silver coloured(chrome) clasps each end with chrome lock in centre. "D" rings for missing handle secured to main frame by leather straps, these having metal chrome studs. Substitute handle made from string. Metal protective trim on lid and top edge of suitcase compartmentLock stamped "Made in England" and two end clasps stamped "Made in Australia"case, luggage, travel suitcase, country women's association

This book is a "snapshot" in time (1950s) detailing life in Australia covering a time when a "man's word and handshake" were his moral and quasi legal bond, and the now relative defunct saying "smoko" (having a "time out" from work for a cigarette and tea or coffee). The book spans an era where the male was still the "head" of the family even though for a majority of families the women took on the many "male only" roles during the World War II period. This shift in the leadership of the family hierarchy is mentioned, so ever slightly, (not to offend the still predominant macho male image) in both rural and city environments. The effects of the war, and later the push for women's emancipation and equality in both family, social, workplace and political areas of life, since this book was published, is now finally resolved. However there are still some sections of the recent migrate population where this male dominance is causing a few problems.The significance of this book is not only because it was donated by Mrs C. Roper ( from the Roper Family, a pioneer Kiewa Valley and surrounding Region family - originally beef cattle graziers) but also a Kiewa Valley resident and family, experiencing the shift in the social and economical life of post World War II rural Australia. The strong heritage link to this region of many families still residing within its boundaries, is a clear affirmation of the bond that the Kiewa Valley and its Regions have upon family unity. This unity within the rural environment is something that is attracting more and more families from sometimes alienating city life.This printed coloured sketched, or painted paper sleeve of the book is freely wrapped over a dark red hard cover. Into the front of the cover is pressed a standing pose of a farmer with long sleeves rolled up over his elbows. Behind him and to the right are what appears to be three sacks of wheat and next to him is a merino sheep. To the left and down are two dogs one with a fox in its jaws. The book contains 240 pages, 300 illustrations in gravure and 25 pictures in full colour. The inside fly leaf is a colour photograph of a rural scene with dirt road running in the centre and to the left a farm house and a five bay open storage barnOn the tittle page is a signature "C Roper"country life, australian "outback", rural industries, life on the land, swag-man of the bush

This is a programme for a Service of Intercession in Relation to the War. It was held by the Methodist Church (Victoria and Tasmania Conference) in October 1915. The Wesleyan Methodist Conference at Birmingham, England requested that Sunday October 31st 1915 be set aside as a Day of Thanksgiving and Intercession throughout Britain and all other countries in the British Empire. The service was held to seek Divine intercession and aid for those on active military service in World War One and for the families of these men and women. This programme is of interest as the 1915 service would have been held in Methodist Churches throughout Victoria and Tasmania and this would have included the Warrnambool Methodist Church. World War One was a highly significant event in the history of Australia and Warrnambool, along with all other places in Australia, was affected deeply by the war with many young local people enlisting and many dying on active service.These are two sheets of paper folded in two to make eight pages. The pages contain a programme for the Methodist Church service in October 1915. The printing is in blue on a whitish/bluish background. The front cover is edged with blue lines. There is a blue stamp of the Warrnambool & District Historical Society on the front cover. The programme has been stapled but the staples have been removed. methodist church, world war one

This uniform was worn by Sister Winifred Ride during World War 2.. Nurses played a key role in the conflict through their care and compassion to the servicemen who were wounded and sick.The nurses uniform is symbolic of the sacrifice and service of the many women who served their country in WW2. Grey fitted, lined jacket with long sleeves, collar and lapels. Three front metal buttons buttons and two smaller buttons on each sleeve. Dark green epaulette with four metal buttons on each shoulder (Right side is faded). Two hip pockets with one button fastener. One internal pocket with small grey button. Unit patches on each sleeve and four inverted service chevrons on right sleeve at wrist. Two ribbon bars containing 5 Campaign Ribbons on left side of front, attached with standard 'brooch' fitting . Belt (same material as jacket) passes through two loops on back of jacket and is fastened by two buttons, hidden when belt is fastened. Metal buttons stamped with map of Australia with crown above and the words Australian Military Forces around. Makers label inside back below collar: " /tailors and habit makers, J .RAVENSDALE & SON Nicholas Bldg Swanston Street Melbourne". Name of owner handwritten "Sister Ride:"

This shirt is part of the uniform worn by Sister Winifred Ride during World War 2. Nurses played a key role in the conflict through their care and compassion to the servicemen who were wounded and sick.The nurses uniform is symbolic of the sacrifice and service of the many women who served their country in WW2. Cream Cotton Shirt, long sleeves and separate collar. Front fastening with five bakelite buttons. Cuff of each sleeve fastened with one bakelite button. Button hole on back of neck to attach collar.Makers mark on back neck "1180 1943 Made in Australia.