Shire of Eltham Archives Series 13, Photograph Album, 1985. Originally contained in a 2-ring PVC binder and document sleevesColour photographseries 13, shire of eltham archives, eltham lower park bike track, cr. mary grant

Shire of Eltham Archives Series 13, Photograph Album, 1985. Originally contained in a 2-ring PVC binder and document sleevesThree colour photographsseries 13, shire of eltham archives, eltham lower park bike track, cr. mary grant, john miles

Special Eltham Shire Council function held 12 May 1989895 main road, batch 4813, council function, functions, rodney roschellor, cr. mary grant

Cr. Mary Grant of Hurstbridge served as the North Riding Councillor for the Shire of Eltham. First elected in 1990 and required to retire by 1995. She was the Shire President at least 1992-1993. Source: Shire of Eltham 1993 Handbook. It is believed that this photograph was taken after Cr. Grant's term as President. EDHS Newsletter No. 216, May 2014, p4 Mayoral Chain of Office R.C. McLellan and family donated a Chain of Office to the Shire of Eltham to be worn by the Shire President on formal occasions. With the amalgamation of councils in 1994 this was transferred to the Shire of Nillumbik to be used during the mayoral year. Eltham had a Shire President whereas Nillumbik has a Mayor. Many municipalities have a collar or chain of office for ceremonial purposes. Traditionally these symbolise or denote the formal leadership role of office. This chain is part of the Visual Art Collection held by Nillumbik Shire Council and is now on display in the Council Chamber area in the Civic Centre at Greensborough. Matcham Skipper and Myra Skipper were commissioned by the McClellan family to create the gold-plated silver chain shown being worn by Eltham Shire President Peter Graham in 1990, with Bob McLellan and Matcham Skipper (centre). Nillumbik Shire Council has asked that the following credit information is used when the chain is displayed, or images reproduced. Matcham SKIPPER (1921-2011) and Myra SKIPPER (1920-1996) Mayoral (Presidential) Chains of Office 1976 Gold plated silver 60cm x 32cm x 1cm (variable) © The Estate of Matcham and Myra Skipper Donated by RC McLellan and Family Visual Art Collection: Nillumbik Shire Council [Picture: Nillumbik Mayoral Chain of Office] [Picture: Bob McLellan, Matcham Skipper and Eltham Shire President Peter Graham -1990]The Presidential Chain of Office is now a significant part of the Nillumbik Shire Council's art collection.Colour photograph Councillor Mary Grant in Shire President Regaliacouncillors, eltham shire council, shire presidents, mary grant, nillumbik shire art collection, presidential chain of office

Black and white photographmary grant

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsKodak GA 100 5095shire of eltham, mary grant, comalco, apm, recycling campaign, mascots

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsKodak GA 100 5095shire of eltham, mary grant, comalco, apm, recycling campaign, mascots

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsKodak GA 100 5095shire of eltham, mary grant, comalco, apm, recycling campaign, mascots

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsKodak GA 100 5095shire of eltham, mary grant, comalco, apm, recycling campaign, mascots

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 3 stripsKodak GA 100 5095shire of eltham, mary grant, comalco, apm, recycling campaign, mascots

Opened by Eltham Shire President, Cr. Mary Grantbatch 354, bishops road, cr. mary grant, living and learning centre, living and learning nillumbik (panton hill), opening ceremony, panton hill

L-R: Cr. Robert Marshall, Cr. David Essexz, Cr. Jim Connor, Cr. Mary Grant, Cr. John Graves (Shire president), Cr. Bob Manuell, Cr. Pamela Sladden, Cr. Bil Penrose, Cr. Peter Graham The Shire of Eltham was formed in 1871. As a result of the Kennett Government drive for Council amlagamation, the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist on 15 December 1994 and the new Shire of Nillumbik was established. At a function held in the Eltham Community Centre Walter Withers Room, Councillors and Council Officers were presented with a framed Acknowledgement of Service to the Shire and local community.celebrations, council amalgamation, eltham community centre, shire of eltham, 1994-10, batch 212, cr. john graves, cr. bob manuell, cr. david essex, cr. jim connor, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, cr. peter graham, cr. robert marshall, cr. bill penrose

L-R: Cr. Robert Marshall, Cr. David Essexz, Cr. Jim Connor, Cr. Mary Grant, Cr. John Graves (Shire president), Cr. Bob Manuell, Cr. Pamela Sladden, Cr. Bil Penrose, Cr. Peter Graham The Shire of Eltham was formed in 1871. As a result of the Kennett Government drive for Council amlagamation, the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist on 15 December 1994 and the new Shire of Nillumbik was established. At a function held in the Eltham Community Centre Walter Withers Room, Councillors and Council Officers were presented with a framed Acknowledgement of Service to the Shire and local community.celebrations, council amalgamation, eltham community centre, shire of eltham, 1994-10, cr. john graves, cr. bob manuell, cr. david essex, cr. jim connor, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, cr. peter graham, cr. robert marshall, cr. bill penrose, batch 275

L-R: Rodney Roschellor (CEO), Cr. John Graves (Shire president), Cr. Bil Penrose, Cr. Jim Connor, Cr. Mary Grant, Cr. Bob Manuell, Cr. David Essex. Not visible - Cr. Robert Marshall, Cr. Pamela Sladden, Cr. Peter Graham The Shire of Eltham was formed in 1871. As a result of the Kennett Government drive for Council amlagamation, the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist on 15 December 1994 and the new Shire of Nillumbik was established. At a function held in the Eltham Community Centre Walter Withers Room, Councillors and Council Officers were presented with a framed Acknowledgement of Service to the Shire and local community.celebrations, council amalgamation, eltham community centre, shire of eltham, 1994-10, cr. john graves, cr. bob manuell, cr. david essex, cr. jim connor, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, cr. peter graham, cr. robert marshall, cr. bill penrose, rodney roschellor

L-R: Cr. John Graves (Shire president), Cr. Jim Connor, Cr. Bil Penrose, Cr. Mary Grant, Rodney Roschellor (CEO), Cr. Bob Manuell (hidden), Cr. Robert Marshall, Cr. David Essexz, Cr. Pamela Sladden, Cr. Peter Graham The Shire of Eltham was formed in 1871. As a result of the Kennett Government drive for Council amlagamation, the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist on 15 December 1994 and the new Shire of Nillumbik was established. At a function held in the Eltham Community Centre Walter Withers Room, Councillors and Council Officers were presented with a framed Acknowledgement of Service to the Shire and local community.celebrations, council amalgamation, eltham community centre, shire of eltham, 1994-10, batch 212, cr. john graves, cr. bob manuell, cr. david essex, cr. jim connor, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, cr. peter graham, cr. robert marshall, cr. bill penrose, rodney roschellor

L-R: Cr. John Graves (Shire president), Cr. Jim Connor, Cr. Bill Penrose, Cr. Mary Grant, Rodney Roschellor (CEO), Cr. Bob Manuell (hidden), Cr. Robert Marshall, Cr. David Essex, Cr. Pamela Sladden, Cr. Peter Graham The Shire of Eltham was formed in 1871. As a result of the Kennett Government drive for Council amlagamation, the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist on 15 December 1994 and the new Shire of Nillumbik was established. At a function held in the Eltham Community Centre Walter Withers Room, Councillors and Council Officers were presented with a framed Acknowledgement of Service to the Shire and local community.celebrations, council amalgamation, eltham community centre, shire of eltham, 1994-10, batch 212, cr. john graves, cr. bob manuell, cr. david essex, cr. jim connor, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, cr. peter graham, cr. robert marshall, cr. bill penrose, rodney roschellor

Shire of Eltham Archives: Series 69, Item 8 Shire of Eltham Retrospective Exhibition 1993: An exhibition of the major acquisitions since 1984 held in the Eltham Community Centre. Opens with a performance of a female quartet performing “Don’t break my heart” (no credit) followed by the opening address (20 min) by Dr Dagmar Eichberger, Senior Lecturer, Department, Department of Fine Arts, University of Melbourne followed by Shire President, Cr. Mary Grant with thanks to the Eltham Arts Council. Reference to the Eltham Art Award – speech dubbed over with scenes of people mingling around the exhibition space in the Eltham Community Centre and a still of an unidentified painting then cutting back to Cr. Grant. (No credits)VHS Video cassette Converted to MP4 file format 00:28:38; 333MBshire of eltham, video recording, shire of eltham archives, eltham shire council, eltham, dr dagmar eichberger, cr. mary grant, eltham arts council, eltham art award, eltham community centre

Shire of Eltham Archives: Series 69, Item 2 This video was produced for the Shire of Eltham in response to the 1985 Victorian Local Government Commission Report titled ‘The Restructure of Local Government in Victoria – Principles and Program’ (the Morris review). The recommendation was to amalgamate the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley, something that Eltham Council did not support as being appropriate for the shire or compatible with the 'Spirit of Eltham'. The video features Shire President, Cr. Mary Grant talking with the Hon. Pauline Toner MP and Max McDonald MP. Eltham Shire CEO Rodney Roschellor presents an alternate proposal for a shire merging more aligned to the 'Spirit of Eltham'.Also featured are Eltham icons such as the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge, Montsalvat, Eltham Community Centre along with mudbrick making, artist Matcham Skipper, the Green Wedge and St Andrews Market. Other commentary is provided by locals Judy Wadham and Lester Eaton.VHS Video cassette Converted to MP4 file format 00:10:56; 73MBcouncil amalgamation, cr. mary grant, eltham community centre, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham shire council, green wedge, judy wadham, lester eaton, matcham skipper, max mcdonald, montsalvat, morris review, mudbrick construction, pauline toner, rodney roscholler, shire of diamond valley, shire of eltham, spirit of eltham, st andrews market, video recording, shire of eltham archives

Shire of Eltham Archives: Series 69, Item 4 This video was produced for the Shire of Eltham by IMP Productions and provides a description of the shire, 277 square km on a north/northeast axis, some 25 km northeast of the centre of Melbourne with a population of around 40,000. Scenes include Yarra River, rural settings and urban settings, housing estates, Shillinglaw Cottage, Pigeon Bank at Kangaroo Ground, the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge with reference to the fight by locals in the 1970s to save it from replacement, Montsalvat, mudbrick making and its use as a building material, the use of mudbrick in the Eltham Community Centre blending harmoniously with the environment. Emphasises people living in the area due to the qualities of life provided. Also the Living and Learning Centre, St Andrews Markets and other local markets, the Eltham Leisure Centre, cricket and horse riding at Eltham Lower Park, the Infant Welfare Centre (part of the Eltham War Memorial), how residents are mindful of protecting their historical heritage, the CBA bank and Allwood House at Hurstbridge, Tracey Naughton about the Eltham "As we are" Community Banner project and the “River of Life banner”, the Parks and Gardens office in the former Police Residence building (now the Local History Centre), Alistair Knox Park, road planning and types of roads, tree canopy, Peck's Dam, green carparks, road drainage, Gordon Ford's garden and natural landscapes, and Were Street shops in Montmorency. Planning for shopping facilities and carparks with a population of 40,000 growing to 55,000, Arthur Street Mall and carpark, local village feel in the shopping centre. Councillors and Council staff featured include Mary Grant, Bob Manuell, Rodney Roschellor, John Cohen, Alan Baker. Also scenes of Commercial Place, Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham Galley, Riverclay and canoeing on the Yarra intermingled with images of the shire from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection.VHS Video cassette Converted to MP4 file format 00:11:56; 79MBshire of eltham, video recording, shire of eltham archives, alistair knox park, allwood house, arthur street, arthur street mall, bob manuell, canoeing, carparks, cba bank, commercial place, council staff, councillors, cr. mary grant, cricket, diamond valley railway, eltham community banner project, eltham community centre, eltham galley, eltham leisure centre, eltham living and learning centre, eltham lower park, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham war memorial, gordon ford garden, horse riding, housing estates, hurstbridge, infant welfare centre, john cohen, kangaroo ground, local history centre, montmorency, montsalvat, mudbrick, parks and gardens, peck's dam, pigeon bank, police residence, river of life banner, riverclay, road drainage, road planning, rodney roschellor, shillinglaw cottage, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, st andrews market, tracey naughton, tree canopy, were street, yarra river, alan baker

Shire of Eltham Archives Series 13, Photograph Album, 1985. Originally contained in a 2-ring PVC binder and document sleevesThree colour photographsseries 13, shire of eltham archives, eltham lower park bike track, cr. mary grant

Shire of Eltham Archives Series 13, Photograph Album, 1985. Originally contained in a 2-ring PVC binder and document sleevesFour colour photographsseries 13, shire of eltham archives, citizenship ceremony, cr. mary grant

Attendees to a special Eltham Shire Council function inspect the Council Chamber. The seating positions and names of Councillors, Shire President, CEO and Secretary displayed Shire President: Cr. M.J. Grant Shire CEO: Rodney Roschellor Shire Secretary: Unidentified Councillors: CR. R.J. Manuell, Cr. P. Graham, Cr. J.W. Graves, Cr. B.H. Dick, Cr. P.A. Sladden, Cr. J. Cohen, Cr. G.P. Aussems, Cr. J.A. Fisher895 main road, batch 4813, council function, cr. b.h. dick, cr. bob manuell, cr. g.p. aussems, cr. j.a. fisher, cr. john cohen, cr. john graves, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, cr. peter graham, eltham shire council, functions, rodney roschellor, shire of eltham council chambers

Special Eltham Shire Council function held 12 May 1989895 main road, batch 4813, council function, functions, rodney roschellor, cr. mary grant, cr. pamela sladden, don charles, pam green, richard barr, amanda press, doug owens, cr. bob manuell, jack cordwall, nancy barber, cr. john graves, helen hearne, john stamp

Series consists of 16 colour photographs of contractors at work inside the Shire Offices. Includes photographs of CEO Rodney Roscholler and Cr Mary Grant.shire of eltham archives, series listing

Series consists of one page of 39 black and white negatives, most of which were taken on the night of Cr Mary Grant's receiving the Shire President's chain. Includes 13 shots ofa council meeting and a number of shots of Cr Grant with her family, including her partner Doug Owens. A second page of 17 black and white negatives (of Shire Scenes and Council Stall) includes a number of shots of Cr Mary Grant and her family.shire of eltham archives, series listing

The monument with time capsule was established by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society to commemorate Victoria’s 150th anniversary and mark the former location of the Eltham Town Centre, which existed along this section of Main Road, then known as Maria Street. The unveiling was conducted 10 November 1985 by Cr. Mary Grant (Shire President). The monument was constructed with a concrete base and the main feature is an old tyring plate or disc. The Time Capsule Ceremony involved lowering the sealed time capsule into place, bolting down its container lid and then concreting over the lid. The capsule contains items relating to present day (1985) Eltham and its people including a video film made by Joh Ebeli and also details of families and organizations who have contributed to construction of the monument. It is to be opened in the year 2035. The Society received an excellent response from local people, firms and organizations by way of assistance with this project. Graham Beyer, who originated the project, arranged many of the donations. He and his firm, Package Handling Equipment, donated the time capsule itself and carried out fabrication of sections of the monument. The design of the monument was adapted by Graham Beyer from drawings by Joh Ebeli. Charmac Industries donated the container for the time capsule and a cast gun metal name plate for the monument. BMG Concrete donated concrete for the base which was constructed by Caridi Construction Company. Northbourne Garden Supplies donated materials for the paving around the monument. Robert Becker from Eltham Apex directed construction of the paving by Society members. Terry Hutchinson donated the use of his crane to lift the tyring disc into place. Financial contributions were also made by the Eltham Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Eltham. In 1987 in commemoration of the Society’s 20th Anniversary, Joh Ebeli suggested the commissioning of a plaque to be added which explains the functions of the various items used in the Society’s Victorian 150th Anniversary Monument and this was unveiled by its designer, Joh Ebeli, on October 10, 1987.35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Meltham, eltham community centre, monument, time capsule

The monument with time capsule was established by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society to commemorate Victoria’s 150th anniversary and mark the former location of the Eltham Town Centre, which existed along this section of Main Road, then known as Maria Street. The unveiling was conducted 10 November 1985 by Cr. Mary Grant (Shire President). The monument was constructed with a concrete base and the main feature is an old tyring plate or disc. The Time Capsule Ceremony involved lowering the sealed time capsule into place, bolting down its container lid and then concreting over the lid. The capsule contains items relating to present day (1985) Eltham and its people including a video film made by Joh Ebeli and also details of families and organizations who have contributed to construction of the monument. It is to be opened in the year 2035. The Society received an excellent response from local people, firms and organizations by way of assistance with this project. Graham Beyer, who originated the project, arranged many of the donations. He and his firm, Package Handling Equipment, donated the time capsule itself and carried out fabrication of sections of the monument. The design of the monument was adapted by Graham Beyer from drawings by Joh Ebeli. Charmac Industries donated the container for the time capsule and a cast gun metal name plate for the monument. BMG Concrete donated concrete for the base which was constructed by Caridi Construction Company. Northbourne Garden Supplies donated materials for the paving around the monument. Robert Becker from Eltham Apex directed construction of the paving by Society members. Terry Hutchinson donated the use of his crane to lift the tyring disc into place. Financial contributions were also made by the Eltham Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Eltham. In 1987 in commemoration of the Society’s 20th Anniversary, Joh Ebeli suggested the commissioning of a plaque to be added which explains the functions of the various items used in the Society’s Victorian 150th Anniversary Monument and this was unveiled by its designer, Joh Ebeli, on October 10, 1987.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteeltham, eltham community centre, monument, public art, time capsule

The monument with time capsule was established by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society to commemorate Victoria’s 150th anniversary and mark the former location of the Eltham Town Centre, which existed along this section of Main Road, then known as Maria Street. The unveiling was conducted 10 November 1985 by Cr. Mary Grant (Shire President). The monument was constructed with a concrete base and the main feature is an old tyring plate or disc. The Time Capsule Ceremony involved lowering the sealed time capsule into place, bolting down its container lid and then concreting over the lid. The capsule contains items relating to present day (1985) Eltham and its people including a video film made by Joh Ebeli and also details of families and organizations who have contributed to construction of the monument. It is to be opened in the year 2035. The Society received an excellent response from local people, firms and organizations by way of assistance with this project. Graham Beyer, who originated the project, arranged many of the donations. He and his firm, Package Handling Equipment, donated the time capsule itself and carried out fabrication of sections of the monument. The design of the monument was adapted by Graham Beyer from drawings by Joh Ebeli. Charmac Industries donated the container for the time capsule and a cast gun metal name plate for the monument. BMG Concrete donated concrete for the base which was constructed by Caridi Construction Company. Northbourne Garden Supplies donated materials for the paving around the monument. Robert Becker from Eltham Apex directed construction of the paving by Society members. Terry Hutchinson donated the use of his crane to lift the tyring disc into place. Financial contributions were also made by the Eltham Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Eltham. In 1987 in commemoration of the Society’s 20th Anniversary, Joh Ebeli suggested the commissioning of a plaque to be added which explains the functions of the various items used in the Society’s Victorian 150th Anniversary Monument and this was unveiled by its designer, Joh Ebeli, on October 10, 1987. Circa 2010-2012 the monument was damaged through vandalism. The mounts for the ring had been broken. At the time of this photo the ring had been removed by Jim Connor, President of the Eltham District Historical Society and placed in safe storage whilst arrangements were made with Neil Carter of Carter Art, Research to undertake the repairs.Colour printeltham, eltham community centre, monument, public art, time capsule, carter art, neil carter

Photo taken by Nathan Islip who at the time was studying Architecture at the University of Melbourne. During his experience year he worked as a builder's labourer on the new Eltham Library construction project. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency cum haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111 construction, eltham library

Photo taken by Nathan Islip who at the time was studying Architecture at the University of Melbourne. During his experience year he worked as a builder's labourer on the new Eltham Library construction project. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency cum haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111 construction, eltham library