Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph following the collapse of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch9 A4 pages printedeltham cenotaph, eltham war memorial, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council

Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph following the collapse of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch7 A4 pages printedeltham cenotaph, eltham war memorial, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council

Council considers proposals to sell/develop the Eltham War Memorial and former Shire Office SiteNewsprinteltham war memorial, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council

Council considers proposals to sell/develop the Eltham War Memorial and former Shire Office SiteNewsprinteltham war memorial, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council

Includes article on the Eltham pre-school Community Mosaic Project on page 9. The pre-school is part of the Eltham War Memorial building complex established as a living memorial by the Eltham War Memorial Trust as a living memorial to benefit the children of the communityA4, 16 pages incl covers, glossy printeltham war memorial, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council, eltham pre school

Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph following the collapse of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch7 A4 pages printedeltham cenotaph, eltham war memorial, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council

Located on what was referred to as Obelisk Corner, improvements have been been made since the unveiling in August 1919 with the provision of a stone retaining wall topped with a chain link and granite stone boundary, most likely in conjunction with improvements to the intersection into Main Road. Along with the use of the name Obelisk Corner, the Bridge Street bridge was also known as Obelisk Bridge. The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Around this time, with pending roadworks, the obelisk was relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL sub branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jepoardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, eltham war memorial, bridge street, obelisk, obelisk corner

Dated 1919, the Eltham Obelisk is decorated with wreaths, most likely for what was originally known as Armistice Day though now known as Remembrance Day, 11 November. The location of the Obelisk at the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road became known as Obelisk Corner and the Bridge Street bridge was also referred to as Obelisk Bridge. The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Around this time, with pending roadworks, the obelisk was relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL sub branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jepoardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, bridge street, eltham war memorial, obelisk, obelisk corner, wreath

In May 1953, Mr A.E. Parsons moved (seconded by Mrs A.E. Kerr) that the need for an Honour Roll be included on the agenda of the Eltham War Memorial Trust (EWMT) meeting to be held in June 1953. At that meeting, Mrs L. Jarrold moved (seconded by Mrs A.E. Kerr) that the Secretary of the Trust (Mr C.G. Seear) write to the RSL and obtain eligible names from both wars to be placed on an Honour Roll Board to be erected in the building. The RSL was duly requested to supply those names in July 1953. In August 1953, the Secretary of the EWMT made enquiries with Briar Hill Timber regarding a suitable timber to be used for the board, which was to be to be polished and have the 37 names in gold lettering, one half inch in size. At the September meeting of the Trust, the Secretary reported on the design and price from Briar Hill Timber being £3.15.0. A sketch was not available, and Briar Hill Timber was asked to supply one, which was duly presented at the October meeting. The Briar Hill Timber design was not as requested by the Trust. The Secretary subsequently requested from other potential suppliers and several proposals with quotes were received and discussed at the Trust’s November meeting. A decision was made to proceed with Design No. 936 which was to be quoted in mountain ash. A quote from Johnstons Furniture Productions of Gertrude St., Fitzroy for £13.10.0 was received in December. The design and quote being accepted by the Trust, an order was placed for its commission. The Honour Roll Board was presented at the March 1954 Trust meeting and the proposed lettering was discussed. The Secretary was requested to follow-up confirmation of the names from the RSL and to have them printed in gold lettering on the board. The account from Johnstons Furniture Productions for the board was submitted and paid in full by the Trust. By the April meeting the names to be painted had still not been furnished by the RSL. A further follow-up request was made, and the names duly provided by Cr Stanley S. Addison at the Trust’s meeting in May. The names were copied from the Memorial Obelisk which was first erected by the WW1 Eltham Peace Celebrations in August 1919 at the northwest corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. (The obelisk was later moved in 1956 to the garden area of the refurbished RSL branch building in Main Road for safekeeping due to road widening works.) These names and the Honour Roll Board were handed over to A.E. Emmett, signwriter who completed the work for the gold lettering and submitted an account for such to the Trust for £12.0.0 in July 1954. At the Trust’s August 1954 meeting, the Secretary advised that the Honour Roll Board had been completed and was situated at the Baby Health Centre where arrangements had been made to place it in a prominent position. Handover of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s assets (including the Eltham Roll of Honour Board) to Eltham Council was conducted in August 1965. In 1999 the Honour Roll Board was removed from the Eltham War Memorial by members of the RSL and relocated to the Eltham RSL sub-branch on Main Road. Following financial collapse of the Eltham RSL sub-branch and merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and subsequent sale of the Eltham property, the WW1 obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be re-hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children’s Library) where it was attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall. Sometime around late 2018 when Council was investigating the potential sale and development of the Eltham War Memorial site, the Eltham Honour Roll Board was once again removed from the Eltham War Memorial by persons unknown, under the pretext of ‘safekeeping,’ to a location outside of the Shire of Nillumbik and placed in storage at the Montmorency-Eltham RSL sub-branch, in the City of Banyule. Eltham District Historical Society was made aware of the removal of the Honour Roll Board to the Montmorency-Eltham RSL sub-branch. A formal request was made by EDHS to the Montmorency-Eltham RSL to return this community asset to its rightful place as intended when it was commissioned and paid for by the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Nillumbik Shire Council was also made aware of the removal of this community asset and formally requested its return prior to Anzac Day, 2021. This did not happen however following ongoing negotiations led by Nillumbik Shire Council, the Honour Roll Board was returned in time for Anzac Day 2023 where it is now proudly displayed in the Community Gallery near the internal entrance to Eltham Library providing the community with greater access to it.jim connor collection, briar hill timber & trading co. pty ltd, eltham children's library, eltham community gallery, eltham district historical society, eltham library, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, honour board, honour roll

This 1954 Roll of Honour board was an action of the WW2 Eltham War memorial Trust, for hanging in their Child Welfare Centre building on their property in Main Road, Eltham. The Johnstons Furniture Production Company made up the board and had the names of the local Eltham enlistees applied in gold lettering at a total cost of £13.10.00. The names were copied by the Eltham RSL from the obelisk which was first erected by the WW1 Eltham Peace Celebrations in August 1919 at the northwest corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. During road widening plans by the Council, the obelisk was moved to the garden area of the refurbished RSL branch building in Main Road for safekeeping. The Honour Roll Board was sent to the Eltham RSL sub-branch around 1999. Following the merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and sale of the Eltham property, the obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children's Library). It is attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall.Colour photo print and 18 photocopied and hand written mixed media pages1953, briar hill timber, cr. e.j. andrew, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, ernie andrew, harry gilham collection, honour roll, johnstons furniture production company, johnstons furniture productions, meeting minutes, minute book, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council, roll of honour, stanley s addison collection, stanley simpson addison

The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. It commemorated the memory of the Eltham Soldiers who fell in the First World War and complemented the Eltham Avenue of Honour established in 1917 to those that served. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. During the period of June through October 1956 the original wooden bridge over the Diamond Creek in Bridge Street was replaced with a new concrete structure. At the same time the intersection of Bridge Street at Main Road was revised necessitating the relocation of the Eltham Obelisk. It was ‘temporarily’ relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jeopardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, supported by the RSL, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012. The new location resulted in significant impact upon the Eltham War Memorial Garden. Council’s preferred location was near the Eltham Library however that would have cost $39,000. The Eltham War Memorial Garden was subjected to further intrusion in 2014 with a proposed expansion of the War Memorial Terrace. Contents: 1. Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser, 15 Nov 1918 2. Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser, 18 Nov 1918 3. Newspaper article: An Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 11 Jul 1919 4. Newspaper advertisement: Unveiling of Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 1 Aug 1919 5. Newspaper article: Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial; Unveiled by Sir William Irvine, The Argus, Monday, 4 Aug 1919, p8 6. Newspaper article: Memorial to the Fallen; Unveiled at Eltham, The Age, Monday, 4th August 1919 7. Newspaper article: Eltham Memorial to Fallen Soldiers, Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 8 Aug 1919 8. Newspaper article: Programme - Presentation of German Machine Gun at the Obelisk, Eltham on Sunday, 8th August 1920, at 3.30 P.M. 9. Newspaper article: article about presentation of a war trophy, a heavy machine gun placed beside obelisk, The Advertiser, 13 Aug 1920 10. Newspaper article: Eltham: ANZAC Services, The Advertiser, Friday, May 2, 1924 11. Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial, The Advertiser, Oct 26, 1928 12. Newspaper article: Obelisk honors their memory, Diamond Valley News, March 30, 1971, p11 13. Newspaper article: Eltham Obelisk of 1919, Harry Gilham, August 2000 as well as draft submitted dated 22 Aug 2000 14. Newspaper article: Names renewal, thanks to Barry, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 Apr 2007, p3 with picture featuring Eltham RSL president John Haines and Gwen Rosewall 15. Handwritten note from Harry Gilham (President EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) regarding history of Eltham RSL site and 1947 newspaper article "Eltham War Memorial Trust "Garden of Remembrance" referencing relocation of Obelisk to the proposed Garden of Remembrance at the Baby Health Centre (Eltham War Memorial), 24 December 2000. 16. Minutes of Eltham RSL and Community Meeting held at 29 Nyora Road, Eltham, 23 June 2010 (Community meeting re closure of Eltham RSL sub-branch and relocation of the WW1 Obelisk) 17. Newspaper article: RSL branch has a fight on its hands by Alana Schetzer, Heidelberg & Valley Weekly, 3 August 2010, p7 18. Newspaper article: Locals battle state RSL over building, Diamond Valley Leader, 4 August 2010, p7 19. Newspaper article: Move war memorial: RSL, c. Dec. 2010 20. Officers' reports, 11.113/10 Relocation of Eltham RSL Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 21 December 2010 21. Newspaper article: New home for cenotaph; Councillors support proposal for relocation to Eltham's War Memorial Hall, Diamond Valley Leader, 12 January 2011 22. Newspaper article: CFA hot for RSL site; MP presses for 'fast-track' purchase, Diamond Valley Leader, 23 February 2011, p1 23. Email Correspondence: EDHS President to NSC General Manager Community and Leisure re RSL Obelisk (Cenotaph) proposed relocation, 24 May 2011 24. Officers' reports, OCM.091/11 Interim Relocation site for the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 23 August 2011 25. Newspaper article: New home for cenotaph delights war veterans, Diamond Valley Leader, 31 August 2011, p9 26. Newsletter Extract: Eltham RSL and War Memorial, EDHS Newsletter 14 Sep 2011 27. Officers' reports, OCM.004/121 Interim Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 31 January 2012 (includes Funding agreement between NSC and Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-branch Inc) 28. Newspaper article: Memorial move lags, Diamond Valley Leader, 1 February 2012 29. Site history of Obelisk and Wall Memorial Hall, Montmorency-Eltham RSL, March 2012 draft 30. Open Letter to the Residents of ELTHAM and MONTMORENCY [And their Surrounding Districts]; Montmorency-Eltham RSL, 19 March 2012 (including drafts) 31. Newspaper advertisement: Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency, Montmorency Eltham RSL, Diamond Valley News, 21 March 2012 32. Newspaper advertisement: Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency, Montmorency Eltham RSL, Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly, 27 March 2012, p7 33. Newspaper article: New dawn for tribute, Diamond Valley Leader ca April 2012 34. Email (Copy): Alex Smith (MERSL Ast. Sec.) advising that contractor (Malcorp) will relocate obelisk Monday, April 2, 2012 35. Newspaper article: Memorial Moved, Banyule/Nillumbik Weekly, 10 April 2012 36. Newspaper article: Eltham cenotaph move goes 'like clockwork', Diamond Valley Leader, 11 April 2012 37. Newspaper photo: Veterans (l-r) Alan Field, Max Lowerson and John Cohen will join piper David Cretney to commemorate fallen Diggers, 2012 (standing beside relocated obelisk in front of the Eltham War Memorial complex), c. 11 April 2012 38. Advertisement, Program for Eltham Dawn Service, Diamond Valley Leader, April 2012 39. Program for Montmorency Anzac Day March 2012 (incomplete, some pages duplicated, some pages upside down). 40. Newspaper article: RSL site nets $1.8m, Diamond Valley Leader, 9 May 2012 41. OCM.076/13 Amendment C84 Eltham Cenotaph; 11. Officer's reports, Ordinary Meeting of Council Agenda, 25 June 2013, pp42-44 and Attachment; Amendment C84 Eltham Cenotaph; Citation - Eltham War Memorial (4 pages) 42. Newspaper article: Council seeks to protect cenotaph, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, p5 43. Newspaper article: Future safe for war memorial, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, November 13, 2013, p5 44. Handwritten notes in pencil (2 pages) by Harry Gilham, Items form the Eltham and Whittlesea Shires The Advertiser newspaper 7 June 1918 - 1919 providing a summary of the formation of the Peace Celebration Committee leading to the establishment of the Avenue of Honour and the Eltham Obelisk and seeking information in lead up to WW1 Centenary, 2013 45. Newspaper article: Memories of our heroes, Diamond Valley Leader, 25 Apr 2018 – also Veteran saluted, featuring article on Army veteran, Glen Ferrarotto. Contents: Newspaper article: Eltham Obelisk of 1919, Harry Gilham, August 2000 as well as draft submitted dated 22 Aug 2000 Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser 15 Nov 1918 and 18 Nov 1918 Newspaper article: An Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 11 Jul 1919 Newspaper advertisement: Unveiling of Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 1 Aug 1919 Newspaper article: Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial; Unveiled by Sir William Irvine, The Argus, Monday, 4 Aug 1919, p8 Newspaper article: Eltham Memorial to Fallen Soldiers, Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 8 Aug 1919 Newspaper article: Memorial to the Fallen; Unveiled at Eltham, The Age, Monday, 4th August 1919 Newspaper article: Programme - Presentation of German Machine Gun at the Obelisk, Eltham on Sunday, 8th August, 1920, at 3.30 P.M. Newspaper article: article about presentation of a war trophy, a heavy machine gun placed beside obelisk, The Advertiser, 13 Aug 1920 Newspaper article: Eltham: ANZAC Services, The Advertiser, Friday, May 2, 1924 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial, The Advertiser, Oct 26, 1928 Handwritten note from Harry Gilham (President EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) regarding history of Eltham RSL site and 1947 newspaper article "Eltham War Memorial Trust "Garden of Remembrance" referencing relocation of Obelisk to the proposed Garden of Remembrance at the Baby Health Centre (Eltham War Memorial). Officers' reports, 11.113/10 Relocation of Eltham RSL Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 21 December 2010 Email Correspondence: EDHS President to NSC General Manager Community and Leisure re RSL Obelisk (Cenotaph) proposed relocation, 24 May 2011 Newsletter Extract: Eltham RSL and War Memorial, EDHS Newsletter 14 Sep 2011 Officers' reports, OCM.091/11 Interim Relocation site for the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 23 August 2011 Officers' reports, OCM.004/121 Interim Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 31 January 2012 (includes Funding agreement between NSC and Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-branch Inc) Newspaper article: Move war memorial: RSL, c.2011 Newspaper article: Memorial move lags, Diamond Valley Leader, 1 February 2012 Newspaper article: New dawn for tribute, Diamond Valley Leader ca April 2012 Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency and copies of drafts by the Montmorency Eltham RSL, no date and final version published in Diamond Valley New 21 March 2012 and Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly, 27 March, 2012 Newspaper article: RSL site nets $1.8m, Diamond Valley Leader, 9 May 2012 Newspaper article: Memorial Moved, Banyule/Nillumbik Weekly, 10 April 2012 Newspaper article: Eltham cenotaph move goes 'like clockwork', Diamond Valley Leader, 11 April 2012 Advertisement, Program for Eltham Dawn Service, Diamond Valley Leader, April 2012 Newspaper photo: Veterans (l-r) Alan Field, Max Lowerson and John Cohen will join piper David Cretney to commemorate fallen Diggers, 2012 (standing beside relocated obelisk in front of the Eltham War Memorial complex) Program for Montmorency Anzac Day March 2012 (incomplete, some pages duplicated, some pages upside down). Newspaper article: Plan to expand memorial, Diamond Valley Leader, Sep. 2004, p5 Newspaper article: Names renewal, thanks to Barry, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 Apr 2007, p3 with picture featuring Eltham RSL president John Haines and Gwen Rosewall Letter: EDHS President to Manager Community Participation, Learning and Culture, Nillumbik Shire Council regarding a proposal by the Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-branch to expand the area occupied by the relocated obelisk further into the Eltham War Memorial Garden of Remembrance, 18 Aug 2014 Notices of Motion, NOM.001/14 pertaining to memorials Advisory Committee and Montmorency-Eltham RSL to upgrade the Eltham War Memorial site in time for ANZAC Day 2015, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 26 August 2014 Agenda: User Groups and Stakeholders Meeting, Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, 11 September 2014 EDHS presentation to NSC Policy and Services meeting 9 September 2014 regarding the Montmorency-Eltham RSL proposal to expand/upgrade the Eltham War Memorial Policy and Services reports, PSD.034/14 Eltham War Memorial Building Precinct - Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 9 September 2014 Email (copy): President EDHS re Eltham War Memorial Complex, Main Road, Eltham, 15 Sep 2014 requesting Nillumbik Shire Council place a Heritage Overlay upon the Eltham War Memorial Complex Media Release: Support for cenotaph expansion, Nillumbik Shire Council, Sep 2014 Newspaper article: Council defers RSL war memorial upgrade to see consultation, Diamond Valley News, 17 Sep 2014 Letter (copy): Harry Gilham, Eltham to local press and others, 20 Sep 2014 protesting attempts by the RSL to further expand upon the area already ceded from the Eltham War Memorial for the relocated WW1 obelisk and alter the original vision for an Eltham War Memorial complex. Letter: Alan Field, President, The Eltham Veterans War Memorial Preservation Society Inc. to CEO and Councillors, Nillumbik Shire Council protesting at perceived injustices and ‘veteran bashing’ regarding their previous efforts to relocate ‘their Obelisk and Cenotaph’ to the Eltham War Memorial complex and their frustration in their attempts to further expand upon the Memorial Terrace. Areas of letter are highlighted with handwritten markups and notes. Also notes on loose card and paper with definitions of Memorial, Obelisk, Cenotaph, commentary on establishment of Eltham War Memorial, The Eltham War Memorial Trust and RSL involvement and current actions by RSL in respect to claims in the letter (written by Harry Gilham ?). Policy and Services reports, PS.038/14 Eltham War Memorial Building Precinct - proposed extension to the Eltham Cenotaph Terrace, Nillumbik Shire Council Policy and Services Committee Meeting, 14 October 2014 Newspaper article: Centenary dawn service moves to Petrie Park, Diamond Valley Leader, 22 Oct 2014 Newspaper article: Upset over upgrade; war memorial revamp plans get culled, Diamond Valley Leader, 29 Oct 2014 Newspaper article: Memories of our heroes, Diamond Valley Leader, 25 Apr 2018 – also Veteran saluted, featuring article on Army veteran, Glen Ferrarotto. Handwritten notes in pencil (2 pages) by Harry Gilham, Items form the Eltham and Whittlesea Shires The Advertiser newspaper 7 June 1918 - 1919 providing a summary of the formation of the Peace Celebration Committee leading to the establishment of the Avenue of Honour and the Eltham Obelisk Newspaper article: Obelisk honors their memory, Diamond Valley News, March 30, 1971, p11eltham cenotaph, nillumbik shire council, eltham war memorial, montmorency eltham rsl sub-branch, dawn service, cenotaph, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial trust, garden of remembrance, harry gilham collection, john cohen, obelisk, remembrance garden, shillinglaw trees, german machine gun, war memorial, war trophy

CONTENTS: BOX 1 04585-1 04585 History • 04585-1-1 An Outline History of the Eltham War Memorial Trust by Stanley S. Addison • 04585-1-2 Stanly Addison's notes for his Outline History of the Eltham War Memorial Trust • 04585-1-3-1 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial Trust: Ready Now for Forward Movement; Acknowledgements £722; publication unknown, c.1946 • 04585-1-3-2 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial Trust: "Garden of Remembrance"; Baby Health Centre First Building, The News: The Newspaper of the City of Heidelberg and of the Shire of Eltham, 11 April 1947 • 04585-1-3-3 Newspaper: The News: The Newspaper of the City of Heidelberg and of the Shire of Eltham; Friday, December 1, 1950 • 04585-1-3-4 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial Trust by Stanley Addison, 1953 • 04585-1-3-5 Newspaper article: War Memorial Trust (publication unknown, n.d.) • 04581-1-4 Folder: A brief history of the Eltham War Memorial and Eltham Library, Harry Gilham, 1997-1999 • 04585-1-5 Newspaper article: Eltham's War Memorial; A Journey in Time, Nillumbik Mail, 5 July c.2001 04585-2 Eltham War Memorial Trust Minutes • 04585-2-1 Eltham War Memorial Trust Minutes, Book No. 2, 20 March 1951 to 4 June 1957 • 04585-2-2 Minute Book: Eltham War Memorial Trust Minutes, 2 July 1957 to 12 November 1973 BOX 2 04585-3 Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust • 04585-3-1-1 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 1, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 10 May 1946 to 10 April 1952 • 04585-3-1-2 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 2, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 12 June 1952 to 14 June 1956 • 04585-3-1-3 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 3, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 12 July 1957 to 14 May 1959 • 04585-3-1-4 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 4, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 14 May 1959 to 12 August 1965 • 04585-3-2 Book: A favourite book of country recipes / compiled by the Women's Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust 04585-4 04591 Eltham Easter Show and Gymkhana • 04585-4-1 Minute Book: Eltham War Memorial Trust; Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes, 19 Nov 1954-6 Jun 1958 • 04585-4-2 Folder: Eltham War Memorial Trust; Easter Gymkhana Committee Correspondence, 19 Nov 1954-6 Jun 1958 o 04585-4-2-1 Notice from Honorary Treasurer of Easter Gymkhana Committee regarding completion of 1954 event and expression of thanks and that committee is now going into recess prior to commencement of planning for 1955 o 04585-4-2-2 Notice of Easter Gymkhana Committee Meeting, Monday 24th October, 1955 at the Shire Hall, Eltham o 04585-4-2-3 Letter from B.T. Taylor, Hon. Secretary, Eltham Easter Show Committee regarding the sale of tickets (c.1957) o 04585-4-2-4 Letter from B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee to Georges Ltd regarding the supply of The Georges Cup for the Eltham Easter Show, 11 April 1958 o 04585-4-2-5 Letter from Georges Ltd to B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee with payment for the miniatures of The Georges Cup, 6 June 1958 o 04585-4-2-6 Letter from Eltham Shire Secretary to B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee advising of new process regarding raffle, 5 May 1958 o 04585-4-2-7 Letter from Lilian Heath, Secretary, Judge Book Village Auxiliary to B.T. Taylor, Eltham Easter Show Committee, 24 May 1958 o 04585-4-2-8 Letter from Mrs R.J. Godfrey on behalf of M.A. Godfrey of Dandenong to B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show under threat of legal action requesting replacement of cheque for £10 (second prize Open Jumping Contest), which was lost, 24 May 1958 o 04585-4-2-9 Reply by B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee to Mrs R.J. Godfrey to her letter of 24 May explaining circumstances and denying responsibility to forward a replacement cheque as it was cashed at the Golf Club Hotel; 6 June 1958 • 04585-4-3 Folder: Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes and other associated ephemera o 04585-4-3-1 Letter: Letter of donation to Shire of Eltham Historical Society of the Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes and other associated ephemera, J.M. Peter Bassett-Smith, 31 October 1987 o 04585-4-3-2 Souvenir Program: Free Program; Eltham Easter Gymkhana and Light Horse Show also Dog Competition, Easter Saturday 9th April, 1955 at Eltham (Lower) Park o 04585-4-3-3 Program Schedule; Eltham Easter Gymkhana and Light Horse Show also Dog Competition, Easter Saturday 9th April, 1955 at Eltham (Lower) Park o 04585-4-3-4 Program; Monster Gymkhana in aid of Hurstbridge Hall Re-Building Fund, Hurstbridge Recreation Reserve, Sunday, September 18, 1955 o 04585-4-3-5 Record Crowd Came To Eltham Gymkhana, Sporting World, Diamond Valley Local, Thursday, April 14, 1955, p8 o 04585-4-3-6 Program; Eltham Easter Gymkhana Goat Show Schedule, Easter Saturday 31st March, 1956, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-7 Official Program; Eltham Easter Horse Show and Goat Show, Easter Saturday April 20th, 1957, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-8 Program Schedule; Eltham Easter Horse Show and Goat Show, Easter Saturday April 20th, 1957, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-9 Young Rider to Judge at Show, The Age, Wednesday, April 17, 1957, p8 o 04585-4-3-10 Promotional window label, Eltham Gymkhana, Easter Saturday, 20 April 1957 o 04585-4-3-11 Entry form for the Skyline Drive-In “Soap-Box” Derby, to be held along Main Road between Panorama Avenue and Bolton Street, Easter Saturday, 20 April 1957 o 04585-4-3-12 Official Program; Eltham Easter Horse Show and Goat Show, Easter Saturday, 5th April, 1958, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-13 Brief history of the Eltham War Memorial Trust and Women's Auxiliary, Peter Bassett-Smith, 1987 o 04585-4-3-14 Summary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes (1954-1956) 04585-5 Folder: Infant Welfare Centre (1952) 04585-5-1 Newspaper article: Eltham: “Memorial Baby Health Centre Opening”; District News, The News, 14 November 1952. (Single sheet newsprint printed one side with District News for Macleod, Kinglake, Watsonia, Wattle Glen, Diamond Creek, Panton Hill, Eltham North, Lower Plenty, Research, Eltham. On reverse in handwritten purple pencil to the President, somewhat indecipherable, about an item to be hung on the walls of the beautiful building.) • 04585-5-2 Eltham War Memorial Trust, Official Opening - Baby Health Centre, 15th November 1952; Timetable of proceedings (1 page handwritten) • 04585-5-3 Eltham Baby Health Centre; Official Opening - Baby Health Centre: Address by President, 15 November 1952 (9 pages handwritten) • 04585-5-4 Newspaper article: Infant Welfare Centre as War Memorial, 15 November 1952 • 04585-5-5 Souvenir Booklet: Eltham War Memorial Trust, 1954 • 04585-5-6 Eltham War Memorial: Address by Mrs Stanley Addison at the Annual Meeting of the Infant Welfare Centre, Thursday 21st October, 1965 (4 pages typed, carbon copy) 04585-6 Roll of Honour Board (1954), Eltham War Memorial 04585-7 Eltham Pre-School (1956), Eltham War Memorial • 04585-7-1 Newspaper article: Minister to open Eltham Pre-school Tomorrow • 04585-7-2 Program; Eltham War Memorial Trust: Opening of the Second Unit of the War memorial, The Pre-school Centre, on Saturday, December 1st, 1956 at 3 p.m. • 04585-7-3 Folder: Eltham Pre-School (1956) Papers donated by Gordon Pearce, 30 Apr 2021 pertaining to Eltham Pre-school and Eltham War Memorial Trust. Gordon was a former President of the Eltham Pre-school at the time the Eltham War Memorial Trust was disbanded by Eltham Shire Council in December 1973. o Articles of the Eltham War Memorial Trust (9 A3 photocopies of original foolscap pages) o President’s Report: Eltham War Memorial Trust, Committee of Management, Dec. 1973 in which it was advised that the Committee was to be disbanded. o Letter: Gordon J.J. Pearce, President Eltham Pre-school to C.J. Bock, Chief Administrative Officer, Shire of Eltham, 21 Nov 1973 expressing disappointment at the Shire wanting to disband the Committee of Management of the Eltham War Memorial Trust o Minutes: Eltham Pre-school Committee, 26 Nov 1973 o Minutes: Eltham Pre-school Committee, 17 Dec 1973 o President’s Report: Gordon Pearce, Eltham Pre-school, 4 Feb 1974 • 04585-7-4 Newspaper clipping: A humble beginning, Diamond Valley Leader, July 26, 2006, p35 04585-8 Children’s Library (1961) / Eltham War Memorial Hall (1966) • 04585-8-1 Letter: Hon. Secretary Eltham Shire Council inviting Lieut-General The Honourable Sir Edmund Herring to attend the opening of the Children's Library. 23 Aug. 1961 • 04585-8-2 Newspaper article: Third unit of Eltham's memorial opened; Diamond Valley News, 14 Nov 1961 (Ref: SEA_74_001-055) • 04585-8-3-1 Receipt to Eltham Historical Society for hire of Eltham War Memorial Hall, 23 June 1970 • 04585-8-3-2 Receipt to Eltham Historical Society for hire of Eltham War Memorial Hall, 6 July 1970 • 04585-8-4 A brief history of the Eltham Library, Harry Gilham, c.1994 04585-9 Eltham Enlistments for the Second World War 04585-1964 • Document: Photocopy of Certificate of Title, Eltham War Memorial Trust, Lot 2, Plan of Subdivision No. 63242, Parish of Nillumbik; derived from Vol. 7073 Fol. 498, 18 May 1964 04585-1996 (Eltham Town Focus Group) Documents relating to a focus group brought together by the Shire of Nillumbik Chairman of Commissioners in 1996 to provide advice on the best long term use for the buildings and land situated between the former Eltham Shire Offices and Country Fire Authority buildings. These buildings are known as the Eltham War Memorial buildings located at 903-907 Main Road, Eltham. In May 2020, the Heritage Council Victoria did not recommend the site for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. Potential impact upon the Memorial Garden because of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street and Main Road • Notes concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, 20 August 1996 • Draft proposal of a roundabout at Dudley Street and Main Road showing impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden, c. Sep. 1996 • Letter (copy): Harry Gilham, President, EDHS to Bruce Ruxton, President, Victorian RSL concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, 1 September 1996 • Letter: Bruce Ruxton, President, Victorian RSL to Harry Gilham, President, EDHS, 20 Sep 1996 concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, including copy of communication with Eltham RSL (T. Beaton, Hon Sec.) of 10 Sep 1996 • Letter: EDHS (H. Gilham, President) to Commissioners, Nillumbik Shire Council, 16 Sep 1996 advising not in support of roundabout at Dudley Street due to impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden • Photocopy: Editorial comment, Peter Doughterty, ArtStreams Dec 1996/Jan 1997 re Commissioners push for development in activity zone of former office site and Eltham War Memorial (see EDHS_04362) • Letter: Don Cordell, Chairman of Commissioners, Nillumbik Shire Council, 10 Dec. 1996 inviting Harry Gilham to join a Focus Group to advise him, chaired by Alan Field. Includes a list of focus group members and contact details. • Minutes of Meeting, Eltham Town Focus Group, 17 Dec. 1996 04585-1997 (Eltham Town Focus Group) Documents relating to a focus group brought together by the Shire of Nillumbik Chairman of Commissioners in 1996 to provide advice on the best long term use for the buildings and land situated between the former Eltham Shire Offices and Country Fire Authority buildings. These buildings are known as the Eltham War Memorial buildings located at 903-907 Main Road, Eltham. In May 2020, the Heritage Council Victoria did not recommend the site for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. Investigating condition of and future use of the Eltham War Memorial Complex and redevelopment of the site • Letter: Alan Field to Harry Gilham. 8 Jan. 1997 advising date of 18 Jan. for next meeting of Eltham Town Focus Group • Minutes of Meeting, Eltham Town Focus Group, 18 Jan. 1997 with handwritten notes by Harry Gilham • Draft Report: A Community Vision for “The Eltham War Memorial Trust” Property, Main Road, Eltham, prepared at the request of Chief Commissioner, Don Cordell, 31 Jan. 1997, along with handwritten nots by Ross McDonald and accompanying note by Harry Gilham written in 2010 upon handover of EDHS presidency 04585-2000 • Notes used by Harry Gilham at Nillumbik Council Meeting of 21 March 2000 regarding proposed sale/development of the Eltham War Memorial property 04585-2004 Material covers Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan and a proposal by Council to sell the Eltham War Memorial site for commercial use • Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan Comments Sheet; Response by Harry Gilham, 22 June 2004 • Letter from Eric Mack to the Hon. Steve Herbert, Member for Eltham regarding draft Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, 22 June 2004 • Newspaper article: Protect war memorial, Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society; Letter, Diamond Valley Leader, June 30, 2004, p16 (Includes copy sent to paper 17 June) • Letter from Eric Mack to Nillumbik Shire Council CEO and Councillors regarding draft Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, 2004 • Copy of fax sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Diamond Valley News, re his support for the appeal for protection of the Eltham War Memorial 3 July 2004 • Newspaper article: Sell-off a betrayal of trust, Ken Eckersall; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, 7 July 2004 • Newspaper article: Don't insult memory of fallen servicemen, John Cohen; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, 7 July 2004 • Newspaper article: Up in arms against sell-off, Dave Crosswaite, Diamond Valley Leader, July 14, 2004, p5 • Copy of letter from John Cohen to President and Executive of the Eltham RSL regarding the Eltham War Memorial, 16 July 2004 • Reply to Eric Mack from the Hon. Steve Herbert, Member for Eltham regarding his letter of 22 June, 27 July, 2004 • Notice issued by Cr Greg Johnson of 11 August meeting by Council's Policy and Services Committee to consider a proposal to sell the Eltham War memorial and old shire office properties, 6 August 2004 • Minutes for the policy and Services Committee of Nillumbik Shire Council held Wednesday 11 August 2004 • Newspaper article: Shire plan 'sacrilegious' by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, August 19, 2004, p1 • Newspaper article: Our say on sale of land; Have you say, Diamond Valley Leader, August 18, 2004, p22 • Newspaper article: School hall is not ratepayers' worry; Have your Say, Diamond Valley Leader, August 18, 2004, p23 • Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to the CEO, RSL Victoria requesting their opposition to sale of the Eltham War Memorial, 19 August 2004 • Newspaper article: Clash over land sale by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p1 • Newspaper article: Mayor beset over arts agenda claim by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p5 • Newspaper article: A lot of work has gone into shire structure plan; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p10 • Newspaper article: Public assets are not for sale; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p11 • Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Brigadier J.R. Deighton, State Secretary, Victorian RSL re his comments in Diamond Valley Leader regarding the Eltham War Memorial, 27 August 2004 • Handwritten notes prepared by Harry Gilham in preparation of presentation to Council pertaining to draft Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan, c. Sep. 2004 • Newspaper article: Don't let a dream stay hijacked; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, September 1, 2004, p11 • Ordinary Meeting of Council Agenda, 15 September 2004, p55 with notes on vote for motion that any reference to the sale of the War Memorial be removed • Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Brigadier J.R. Deighton, State Secretary, Victorian RSL advising the War Memorial had been removed from the wider proposal of the Eltham Activity Centre, 16 September 2004 • Newspaper article: Future of memorial site on hold until poll by Caroline Gonzalez, Diamond Valley Leader, September 20, 2004 • Fax from Catherine Dale, CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council to John Cohen re Renovation and Maintenance of Victorian War Memorials, 6 October 2004 • Letter from Cr Tony Raunic, Mayor to Harry Gilham regarding Eltham Major Activity Centre Structure Plan advising the removal of any reference to sale of the War Memorial and detailed consultation to be held with stakeholders regarding the former Shire of Eltham Office site; 8 October 2004 • Letter from Barry Rosewall, President, Eltham RSL to John Cohen advising the sub-branch strongly opposes the sale of the Eltham War Memorial, 20 October 2004 • Fax from Bill Forrest, Interim CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council to John Cohen re Renovation and Maintenance of Victorian War Memorials, 8 November 2004 • Copy of letter from John Cohen to Bill Forrest, Interim CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council re Maintenance of Eltham War Memorial, November 2004 04585-2007 • News article: The spin starts here; Brian Murray, Nillumbik Ratepayers’ Association, Valley Views, Diamond Valley Leader, 13 June 2007 suggesting Council proposing to bring back Shire Offices to Eltham with potential loss of Eltham War Memorial • News article: War memorial fear-mongering; Harry Gilham, Heidelberg Valley Weekly, 26 June 2007 • News article: Consultation is no spin; John Cohen, Former Shire President, Valley Views, Diamond Valley Leader, 27 June 2007 • News article: Troops enlist for campaign by Fiona Willan, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 July 2007 04585-2010 • Newspaper article: Hall 'scruffy' - war vet, Diamond Valley Leader, 17 February 2010, p2 04585-2011 Cultural Significance Assessment • Cultural Heritage Significance Assessment; Civic Building Complex, 903-907 Main Road, Eltham, September 2011 DRAFT • Feedback to Nillumbik Shire Council by Eltham District Historical Society in response to September 2011 Draft Cultural Heritage Significance Assessment of the Eltham War Memorial Building Complex, 3 November 2011 • War Memorial Building Complex, 903-907 Main Road, Eltham: Cultural Significance Assessment, November 2011 prepared for Nillumbik Shire Council by Samantha Westbrooke Pty Ltd in association with Peter Mills PhD, Architectural Historian 04585-2014 Proposed extension to Cenotaph War Memorial Terrace championed by Montmorency-Eltham RSL and its impact upon the Memorial Garden and Eltham War Memorial buildings complex. • Draft Landscape Concept Plan by Henry Architects for Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, 14 July 2014 (Note: Senior Citizen’s Building correctly identified. Every subsequent plan incorrectly shows this building as the former Children’s Library, which was the War Memorial Hall building) • Letter: Eltham Gateway Action Group to Stuart Burdack, Shire of Nillumbik (undated) offering comment on Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace with handwritten notes • Letter: Jim Connor, President, EDHS to Adrian Cully, Manager Community Participation, Learning and Culture, Nillumbik Shire Council, 18 Aug. 2014, encouraging Council not to support proposed extension to War Memorial Terrace due to significant impact upon the Eltham War Memorial Complex as supported by the Cultural Significance assessment conducted by Council in 2011 • Notices of Motion, NOM.001/14 pertaining to memorials Advisory Committee and Montmorency-Eltham RSL to upgrade the Eltham War Memorial site in time for ANZAC Day 2015, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 26 August 2014 • Notices of Motion, NOM.001/14 pertaining to memorials Advisory Committee and Montmorency-Eltham RSL to upgrade the Eltham War Memorial site in time for ANZAC Day 2015, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 26 August 2014 • Media Release: Support for cenotaph expansion, Nillumbik Shire Council, Sep 2014 • Eltham War Memorial Park (Stage 2), Nillumbik Shire Council, c.2014 • Email (copy): Summary of advice from Samantha Westbrooke (2 Sep. 2014) regarding proposed impact of landscaping around the cenotaph as identified in the significance assessment conducted Nov. 2011 by herself and Dr Peter Mills. • Policy and Services reports, PSD.034/14 Eltham War Memorial Building Precinct - Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 9 September 2014 • EDHS presentation to NSC Policy and Services meeting 9 September 2014 regarding the Montmorency-Eltham RSL proposal to expand/upgrade the Eltham War Memorial with handwritten notes from Harry Gilham for his submission at Council meeting • Newspaper article: Plan to expand memorial; growth in ANZAC Day services inspires RSL proposal by Megan Bailey, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, September 10, 2014 • Agenda: User Groups and Stakeholders Meeting, Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, 11 September 2014 • Email: Jim Connor, EDHS, regarding option to seek a heritage protection overlay for the Eltham War Memorial Building complex similar to that for the cenotaph, 15 Sep. 2014 • Newspaper article: Council defers RSL war memorial upgrade to seek consultation, Diamond Valley Leader, September 17, 2014 • Letter: Harry Gilham to Local Press, 20 Sep. 2014 regarding the Eltham War Memorial and moves by the RSL to take expand the War Memorial Terrace further into the orginal Memorial Garden • Letter: Alan Field, President, The Eltham Veterans War Memorial Preservation Society Inc. to CEO and Councillors, Nillumbik Shire Council protesting at perceived injustices and ‘veteran bashing’ regarding their previous efforts to relocate ‘their Obelisk and Cenotaph’ to the Eltham War Memorial complex and their frustration in their attempts to further expand upon the Memorial Terrace. Areas of letter are highlighted with handwritten markups and notes. Also notes on loose card and paper with definitions of Memorial, Obelisk, Cenotaph, commentary on establishment of Eltham War Memorial, The Eltham War Memorial Trust and RSL involvement and current actions by RSL in respect to claims in the letter (written by Harry Gilham ?). • Newspaper article: Residents say no to memorial upgrade; Mayor says feedback will be considered at next meeting by Megan Bailey, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, October 1, 2014 • Policy and Services reports, PS.038/14 Eltham War Memorial Building Precinct - proposed extension to the Eltham Cenotaph Terrace, Nillumbik Shire Council Policy and Services Committee Meeting, 14 October 2014 • Newspaper article: Centenary dawn service moves to Petrie Park; Diamond Valley Leader, October 22, 2014, p5 • Newspaper article: Upset over upgrade; war memorial plans get culled; Diamond Valley Leader, October 29, 2014, p3 • Newspaper article: Memorial to be extended; expected to be finished before ANZAC Day ceremony by Megan Bailey, Diamond Valley Leader, December 17, 2014 04585-2018 Proposal by Nillumbik Shire Council to sell off former Eltham Shire Office site and Eltham War Memorial site for commercial use and community reaction. • Newspaper article: Site of contention; Conversations, Diamond Valley Leader, September 5, 2018, p10 • Motion to Councillors: Carlotta Quinlan, Eltham Community Action Group, [October 2018] following a Community Town Hall Meeting held October 13, 2018 regarding proposed development and sale of part of 895 and 903-907 Main Road, Eltham • Things you should know about the Eltham War Memorial, author unknown, c. Oct. 2018 • Email: Greg Johnson to Sue Dyet 16 October 2018 regarding Assessment Criteria discussed at 25 September 2018 Council meeting concerning proposed development and sale of part of 895 and 903-907 Main Road, Eltham • Newspaper article: War memorial assurance; RSL involved but no-confidence motion passed on council by Brittany Shanahan, Diamond Valley Leader, October 17, 2018 • An essay addressed to the Councillors of Nillumbik Shire, October 2018: About the Eltham War Memorial and the adjacent community-owned sites in Eltham that the Council threatens to sell, Andrew Lemon Nov. 2018 • Report: Request for proposals - For the development and sale of part of 895 and 903-907 Main Road, Eltham; Prepared for Nillumbik Shire Council by Maddocks; 2 November 2018 (229 pages) • Notice: Duncan Duke, President, Montmorency Eltham RSL, to Members, 5 December 2018 – statement regarding “proposed redevelopment of the Eltham War Memorial Buildings and potential impact of the proposed redevelopment on our (sic) Cenotaph and Memorial Site.” 04585-2020 Community motions to seek Heritage Council Victoria registration of the Eltham War Memorial precinct • Eltham War Memorial Buildings: Recommendation of the Executive Director and assessment of cultural heritage significance under Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017; 18 May 2020 • Newspaper advertisement: Heritage Council Victoria, advising the Eltham War Memorial Buildings have been recommended NOT for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register; The Age, May 22, 2020, p34 • Correspondence: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Nillumbik Shire Council for the Heritage Council Victoria; 29 May 2020 • Correspondence: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Nillumbik Shire Council for the Heritage Council Victoria; 5 June 2020 • Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Eltham Community Action Group for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020. Also included: o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Catherine Johnson of Pryor Street, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Andrew Barras of Silver Street, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 10 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Graham Fildes of Elouera Close, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 11 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Eltham District Historical Society for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Julie Willis of Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Ms Zheng Wu of Wynton Ct, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 16 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Jenny Daw of Black Cameron Road, Smith Gully for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Eltham Pre-School for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Jo-Anne Barker of Treloar Ave, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 18 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Prof. Hannah Lewi of Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne for the Heritage Council Victoria; 18 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Janet Boddy of Kerrie Cres, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Rosemary Aitken of Kent Hughes Rd., Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 18 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Sue Dyet of Leonard Cres., Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Lynnsay Prunotto of Lavender Park Rd., Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Felicity Bing of Eltham Pre-School for the Heritage Council Victoria • Draft Report: Eltham War Memorial Building Complex, 903-907 Main Road, Eltham, prepared by CONTEXT, (Survey Date: Dec. 2020) Also contained in Box 2 is EDHS_04586 – Eltham Obelisk   EDHS_04586 - Eltham Obelisk The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. It commemorated the memory of the Eltham Soldiers who fell in the First World War and complemented the Eltham Avenue of Honour established in 1917 to those that served. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. During the period of Jun through October 1956 the original wooden bridge over the Diamond Creek in Bridge Street was replaced with a new concrete structure. At the same time the intersection of Bridge Street at Main Road was revised necessitating the relocation of the Eltham Obelisk. It was ‘temporarily’ relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jeopardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, supported by the RSL, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012. The new location resulted in significant impact upon the Eltham War Memorial Garden. Council’s preferred location was near the Eltham Library however that would have cost $39,000. The Eltham War Memorial Garden was subjected to further intrusion in 2014 with a proposed expansion of the War Memorial Terrace. Contents: 1. Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser, 15 Nov 1918 2. Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser, 18 Nov 1918 3. Newspaper article: An Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 11 Jul 1919 4. Newspaper advertisement: Unveiling of Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 1 Aug 1919 5. Newspaper article: Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial; Unveiled by Sir William Irvine, The Argus, Monday, 4 Aug 1919, p8 6. Newspaper article: Memorial to the Fallen; Unveiled at Eltham, The Age, Monday, 4th August 1919 7. Newspaper article: Eltham Memorial to Fallen Soldiers, Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 8 Aug 1919 8. Newspaper article: Programme - Presentation of German Machine Gun at the Obelisk, Eltham on Sunday, 8th August 1920, at 3.30 P.M. 9. Newspaper article: article about presentation of a war trophy, a heavy machine gun placed beside obelisk, The Advertiser, 13 Aug 1920 10. Newspaper article: Eltham: ANZAC Services, The Advertiser, Friday, May 2, 1924 11. Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial, The Advertiser, Oct 26, 1928 12. Newspaper article: Obelisk honors their memory, Diamond Valley News, March 30, 1971, p11 13. Newspaper article: Eltham Obelisk of 1919, Harry Gilham, August 2000 as well as draft submitted dated 22 Aug 2000 14. Newspaper article: Names renewal, thanks to Barry, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 Apr 2007, p3 with picture featuring Eltham RSL president John Haines and Gwen Rosewall 15. Handwritten note from Harry Gilham (President EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) regarding history of Eltham RSL site and 1947 newspaper article "Eltham War Memorial Trust "Garden of Remembrance" referencing relocation of Obelisk to the proposed Garden of Remembrance at the Baby Health Centre (Eltham War Memorial), 24 December 2000. 16. Minutes of Eltham RSL and Community Meeting held at 29 Nyora Road, Eltham, 23 June 2010 (Community meeting re closure of Eltham RSL sub-branch and relocation of the WW1 Obelisk) 17. Newspaper article: RSL branch has a fight on its hands by Alana Schetzer, Heidelberg & Valley Weekly, 3 August 2010, p7 18. Newspaper article: Locals battle state RSL over building, Diamond Valley Leader, 4 August 2010, p7 19. Newspaper article: Move war memorial: RSL, c. Dec. 2010 20. Officers' reports, 11.113/10 Relocation of Eltham RSL Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 21 December 2010 21. Newspaper article: New home for cenotaph; Councillors support proposal for relocation to Eltham's War Memorial Hall, Diamond Valley Leader, 12 January 2011 22. Newspaper article: CFA hot for RSL site; MP presses for 'fast-track' purchase, Diamond Valley Leader, 23 February 2011, p1 23. Email Correspondence: EDHS President to NSC General Manager Community and Leisure re RSL Obelisk (Cenotaph) proposed relocation, 24 May 2011 24. Officers' reports, OCM.091/11 Interim Relocation site for the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 23 August 2011 25. Newspaper article: New home for cenotaph delights war veterans, Diamond Valley Leader, 31 August 2011, p9 26. Newsletter Extract: Eltham RSL and War Memorial, EDHS Newsletter 14 Sep 2011 27. Officers' reports, OCM.004/121 Interim Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 31 January 2012 (includes Funding agreement between NSC and Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-branch Inc) 28. Newspaper article: Memorial move lags, Diamond Valley Leader, 1 February 2012 29. Site history of Obelisk and Wall Memorial Hall, Montmorency-Eltham RSL, March 2012 draft 30. Open Letter to the Residents of ELTHAM and MONTMORENCY [And their Surrounding Districts]; Montmorency-Eltham RSL, 19 March 2012 (including drafts) 31. Newspaper advertisement: Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency, Montmorency Eltham RSL, Diamond Valley News, 21 March 2012 32. Newspaper advertisement: Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency, Montmorency Eltham RSL, Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly, 27 March 2012, p7 33. Newspaper article: New dawn for tribute, Diamond Valley Leader ca April 2012 34. Email (Copy): Alex Smith (MERSL Ast. Sec.) advising that contractor (Malcorp) will relocate obelisk Monday, April 2, 2012 35. Newspaper article: Memorial Moved, Banyule/Nillumbik Weekly, 10 April 2012 36. Newspaper article: Eltham cenotaph move goes 'like clockwork', Diamond Valley Leader, 11 April 2012 37. Newspaper photo: Veterans (l-r) Alan Field, Max Lowerson and John Cohen will join piper David Cretney to commemorate fallen Diggers, 2012 (standing beside relocated obelisk in front of the Eltham War Memorial complex), c. 11 April 2012 38. Advertisement, Program for Eltham Dawn Service, Diamond Valley Leader, April 2012 39. Program for Montmorency Anzac Day March 2012 (incomplete, some pages duplicated, some pages upside down). 40. Newspaper article: RSL site nets $1.8m, Diamond Valley Leader, 9 May 2012 41. OCM.076/13 Amendment C84 Eltham Cenotaph; 11. Officer's reports, Ordinary Meeting of Council Agenda, 25 June 2013, pp42-44 and Attachment; Amendment C84 Eltham Cenotaph; Citation - Eltham War Memorial (4 pages) 42. Newspaper article: Council seeks to protect cenotaph, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, p5 43. Newspaper article: Future safe for war memorial, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, November 13, 2013, p5 44. Handwritten notes in pencil (2 pages) by Harry Gilham, Items form the Eltham and Whittlesea Shires The Advertiser newspaper 7 June 1918 - 1919 providing a summary of the formation of the Peace Celebration Committee leading to the establishment of the Avenue of Honour and the Eltham Obelisk and seeking information in lead up to WW1 Centenary, 2013 45. Newspaper article: Memories of our heroes, Diamond Valley Leader, 25 Apr 2018 – also Veteran saluted, featuring article on Army veteran, Glen Ferrarotto. eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial trust, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre school, honour roll, eltham war memorial hall, children's library, eltham obelisk

Rare postcard showing view looking down Bridge Street with the Eltham Obelisk in situ in its original location. The Obelisk War Memorial was unveiled 3 August 1919. Subsequent to the unveiling provision was made of a stone retaining wall topped with a chain link and granite stone boundary. Along with the use of the name Obelisk Corner, the Bridge Street bridge was also known as Obelisk Bridge. The Obelisk was relocated to the fornt garden of the Eltham RSL sub-branch in the mid 1950s as a result of road widening and corner improvements. The Bridge Street Bridge was replaced with a new concrete bridge in 1956-1957. This is a view looking west down Bridge Street across Main Road. The date was around 1925 and Bridge Street was known as the Greeenborough Road and Main Road was Maria Street. There are substantial cuttings on all four corners. The most obvious feature is the Eltham Obelisk which was unveiled 3 August 1919 by Sir William Irvine, Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria on 3 August 1919, honouring those Eltham residents who fell in the First World War. His wife, Agnes, was instrumental in the establishment of the Avenue of Honour. The Irvines were also Eltham residents, their property was Killeavey on the Yarra River near Laughing Waters. In 1947 the Eltham War Memorial Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. For various reasons that did not happen. In July 1956, the original wooden Bridge Street Bridge was replaced with a new concreete bridge, which is the structure we know today. At the same time, Eltham Council upgraded and widenened Bridge Street and realigned the intersection at Main Road. A substantial amount of the cutting on the north west corner had to go along with the Eltham Obelisk. The Obelisk was temporarily relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL sub-branch which was situated mid-way between Pitt Street and John Street. That temporary relocation was one of convenience for all and it remained there for several decades. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jepoardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012. - Research by Peter Pidgeon, EDHS, June 2026 Digital file only Postcards scanned from the collection of Michael Aitken on loan to EDHS, 2 Sep. 2022michael aitken collection, eltham, postcards, bridge street, bridge street bridge, obelisk, obelisk corner, eltham cenotaph, eltham obelisk, war memorial, main road