Born in Hammersmith, London, England in 1903, Ernie May migrated to Australia at the age of 19 years old. A printer by trade, Ernie worked on the land at Woodburn, near Wonthaggi, then near Smithton, Tasmania. He then returned to his trade at the Launceston Daily Telegraph and then with the Rainbow Argus in the Victorian Mallee. Arriving in Wodonga in 1927, Ernie was employed by Mr Charles Ryan who at the time owned the "Wodonga Sentinel" newspaper. He quickly became involved in community activities. Ernie was President of the Border and Northeast Band Association, Secretary of Wodonga Rifle Club for 20 years and Secretary of the Public Library for 15 years. When Ernie May was Wodonga Bandmaster, the Wodonga Band played at Saturday afternoon football matches as well as other public appearances. At that time the Wodonga Band had 30 members. Ernie also conducted his own dance band. In 1952, Mr May and his wife moved to Sale, gaining employment firstly with the Enterprise Press, then the Gippsland Times. In 1957 he started up a monthly paper at Phillip Island. Not content with so many years as Bandmaster at Wodonga, Ernie May became Bandmaster for Phillip Island's brass band. After 50 years in the printing business Ernie and his wife Cicely retired in Cowes, Phillip Island where he passed away on 29th December 1977.These images are significant because they depict a former member of the community who made an important contribution to Wodonga over a period of 25 years.A collection of black and white images of Ernie May, Wodonga Bandmasterernie may, wodonga band, wodonga sentinel

Wireless Patrol members with two cars, registration numbers KO-302 and KO-703, circa 1948Wireless Patrol 1948. Front: Phil Knight, Angus McVicar, ECC James, Jackson, Jack Murphy, Dave Whitton, Bill Phillips. Centre: Ernie Spinks, Leo Dent, Tom Williams, Sid Olsen, ?, Dave McEvoy, Miss Snell, Mal McGuiness?, Jim Barritt, Ernie May. Rear: Machesi, Don Witham, Durch Holland, Lyle Minns, George Earl, ?, Ron smith, Stan Hanlon, Bill Banks, Frank Murphy, Fred Wooster

Photograph from Laurie Dixon Collection. Historical284-03. Coloured photograph of the Phillip Island Band at a playout in Cowes.Left to right- Seated -Rue de la Haye, John Dixon, Robert Cleeland, Bob Dixon, Graham Gliddon, Peter Forrest snr, Alf Towns, Murray De La Haye, Jack Gliddon, Artie Murdoch, Bill [Silver] McLardy, Bryant West, Laurie Dixon, Harry De La Haye, Noel Cleeland. Standing- Unknown, Peter Forrest jnr, , Unknown, Ernie Booth, Ernie May [Bandmaster], George Dunscombe, Mike Toovey [Child side on], Allan Murray.phillip island band, laurie dixon collection, laurie dixon, forrest, cleeland, de la haye, gliddon, mclardy

David Gordon Collection. (L-R) Back row: Jack Clark, Frank Cousins, George Foers, Wattie Corrie, Dick Yates. Middle row: MR. Whittaker, Alf Riley, George Harwood, Jack May, Ernie Bock, Joe Renshaw. Front row: William Radnell, Jack Patterson, William Riley, Jack Bock, Jack Cousins, Chas Nelson. At rear: H. Olsen, Reuben Cox, William Radnell (Snr).

The Orford family, a pioneer family remained continuously living and working in Eltham for 170 years from 1854 to 2024. James and Sarah Orford arrived in Sydney in 1839 aboard the ship “Orestes”; they had several children there before settling in Eltham in 1854. Three children, James Mathias, Sarah Amelia and Thomas Henry initially remained in the Eltham area. James eventually moved to Brunswick. Sarah married Arthur Butler Young and finally lived in Bunyip. Thomas who was six years old when the family arrived in 1854 remained in Eltham, married Helen Logan who died, leaving a large family. They lived in a slab hut by the Yarra at Laughing Waters and Thomas managed the Panton Park Estate, a selection owned by Magistrate Thomas Panton. Thomas’s son, Ernest Orford was born 1892 at Pitt Street, Eltham and also lived his entire life in Eltham working as a labourer, orchardist and later as a gardener and grounds keeper for Sir William Irvine, a former Chief Justice and Premier of Victoria. Ernest married Kate Thomas; their two sons Ron and Doug stayed in the area. Another of Thomas' sons, Arthur, also lived in Eltham. Four Orford generations attended Eltham schools. Doug Orford was born on the kitchen table (reference, son Ted Orford) of the family home at the corner of Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road. Doug married Gwen and they established a family however Gwen died at a young age from cancer. Doug eventually remarried another Gwen and they lived for several decades in Napoleon Street, Eltham. Doug was actively involved in EDHS over many years, including serving as a committee member and vice president. Contributions by Doug and Gwen (Treasurer/Membership Secretary), his wife, assisted EDHS to continue to develop as a not-for-profit group intent on promoting and preserving our local history. Both Doug and Gwen were made Life Members of EDHS. They also acted as EDHS delegates to the Eastern Region of Historical Societies. His significant work with assisting to establish our valued Local History Centre helped develop our home base and supported the continued growth of our society. Doug’s local knowledge, suggestions and family connections were highly valued, Until recent times, he continued to regularly attend our Collections Team workshops providing his insights and historical information about photographs and society records. Doug died peacefully July 8, 2024, and represents the last link in the Orford Eltham chain which spanned 170 years. His funeral was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Le Pine Funerals, 848 Main Road, Eltham. Contents: Typed notes, no date: Memories of Ernest Orford [taped 1979] about his school days. Handwritten notes, no date: History of Ernie Orford Typed notes, no date: History of Thomas Henry Orford and family. Photocopy: Shire of Eltham General Rate Receipts. Received from D Orford 7 June 1923 and Received from E F Orford, 4 August 1924. Letter, no date: Nillumbik Shire to Russell Yeoman, Gwen Orford to receive Volunteer Recognition Award. Newsletter article: "The Orford Family, Eltham", Shire of Eltham Historical Society, No.80 September 1991. History of Orford family. Handwritten notes: 21 March 2011, genealogy of George Orford. On reverse Melways map makred with Orford and other land ownerships. Newspaper advertisement, 21 March 2011: "264 Reynolds Road, South Eltham", property for sale [land in ownership of Orford family]. Letter: St Margaret's Anglican Church Eltham to Doug Orford, 17 November 2011, Extracts from church records relative to Orford family. Newspaper article: "Timely facelift at war memorials', Diamond Valley Leader, 30 April 2024, Nillumbik war memorial will have some work and a bronze plaque will be installed at the Eltham Avenue of Honour, Wingrove Park; photograph of Doug Orford Newsletter item: "Welcome home medal", Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no.216 May 2014, World War I two 'Welcome Home Medals' in ownership of local men, being Harry Gilham and Doug Orford. Order of Service, Le Pine Funerals (Eltham), In Loving Memory of Douglas Frederick Orford 22nd August 1929 - 8th July 2024 Doug Orford Reminiscences (2002) in conjunction with Jock Read and Peter Bassett Smith; 4 pages - 3 typed, 1 handwritten possibly transcribed from an audio tape recording (location unknown). New word file and associated pdf created [\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\2-2 Family Folders\EDHS_06110-2 Doug Orford reminiscences 2002.docx - 1 April 2025] Doug Orford Eulogy by daughter Kathryn Whiteside 2024 and associated PDF [D:\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\EDHS_06110 Doug Orford Obituary 2024.docx] Gwen Orford (nee Best) Eulogy 2025 and associated PDF [D:\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\EDHS_06110 Gwen Orford (nee Best) Eulogy 2025.PDF]Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdoug orford, harry gilham, welcome home medal, eltham avenue of honour, nillumbik war memorial, wingrove park, henry dendy, alfred armstrong, james orford, 264 reynolds road south eltham, george orford, george joseph orford, maryanne george joseph, thomas henry orford, ernest orford, e f orford, eltham cemetery, helen orford, joseph panton, panton park, gordon lyon, banyule estate heidelberg, james matthias orford, wurundjeri, constable peter lawlor, george hill, franklin street eltham, ronald orford, eltham primary school, john brown, robert gamble school inspector, sarah orford, mary ann orford, james mathias orford, sarah amelia orford, james peet, arthur butler young, watsons creek victoria, kangaroo ground victoria, helen logan, william orford, jane orford, arthur orford, frederick orford, florrie orford, victor orford, chem orford, sunnymede eltham, panton hill estate, sir william irvine, gordon lyons, kate thomas, north eltham gospel church, harold clapp, eltham cricket club, research primary school, dalton street school eltham, keith banks, betty banks, benjamine boyd, laughing waters road eltham, freddie gilsinen, douglas frederick orford, eltham district historical society, funeral service, le pine funeral home, life member, order of service, 1934 flood, 1939 bushfires, alcock & pierce, ansell, associated schools sports, blacksmith shop, boakes, bridge street, bryce family, bullock track, butcher, catholic church, cliff lester, cliffy green, daisy smith, dave lyon, diamond creek, diana bassett smith, dick tooth, dr. frank may, eltham higher elementary school, ernie andrew, fire station, flower stall, fodder business, fruit shop, furniture store, gahan family, garni burges, greensborough, harold norman, harry hawker, hat factory, hawker & owen, hay and com store, henry hawker, henry street, j .harry butherway, jack burgoyne, jack ryan, jock read, john lyon, junk yard, kevin gahan, kilpatricks, len parsons, lyon family, machine factory, mc leans, memorial, metery road, miss reynolds, monteith 's bus, mr. gadd, mrs. bird, mrs. morrison, napoleon street, peter bassett smith, peter's gahan, plenty river, plumridge, produce store, public hall, rechabite hall, reynolds road, roger bird, rutter family, ryan family, shoe factory., staffs produce store, studley cairn gahan, sweeneys lane, swimming pool, taylor street, tennis court, warren family, wooden bridge, yarra brae road

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from Friday, May 21, 2004. Team: Bendigo U17 softball team competed successfully at Ballarat in January 1969. Back: Mrs Rainbow, Nola Hucheson, Helen Mitting, Denise Hatch, Ernie Rainbow (coach), Kerri Cannan, Janis Forbes, Helen Robb, Mrs Riten. Front: Lynette Cannan, Lynne Mangan, Kerry Norris, Gwenda Parr, Robyn Sanderson and Mary Seath.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from Thursday, May 27, 2004. Play ball: the Bombers softball team, 1955. Back row: Jean Watts, Noreen Fern, Edna Bolitho, Gladys Kimpton, Dawn Fitzpatrick and Doretta Phillips. Centre: coach Ernie Rainbow. Front row: Wendy Gibson, Nancy Fields and Dorothy Kimpton.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

The current school, Albion Primary School, No 4265 opened in 1926. It was built on a site once owned by John Fitzgerald (1850s). The land was later acquired by H. V. McKay who had transferred his Sunshine Harvester Works to the area in 1905 - 7. In 1920, the Albion railway station was moved nearer Ballarat Road at the request of Mr McKay. More people came to live in the area including soldier settlers.Albion Primary School's mission is to 'Aim High' in all we do so that our students grow to be socially capable, reach their full academic potential and become caring, respectful community minded people. Albion Primary School is located in a residential area in Albion, a small pocket of the local government area of Brimbank, approximately 10 kilometres west of Melbourne and was established in 1926. Our current enrolment is 199 students. We have a rich cultural diversity amongst our school community. The school is set around a courtyard with spacious playing areas including a grassed oval, running track, games courts, an adventure playground, sand pit, jumping pits, shady courtyard and garden areas, a vegetable garden and fruit tree orchard. As well as classroom groups, we have our learning teams, student house groups (siblings are allocated to the same house) and a Junior School Council. The school has four main buildings. All classrooms have air conditioning and interactive screens. Block A houses classrooms, staff areas and the administration offices. Our newest building has classrooms and some small group/office spaces. Block B includes our library, canteen and a multi-purpose room used for indoor physical education, Perceptual Motor Program, drama, visiting performers, and community activities. Block C houses classrooms and specialist rooms. We expect and receive the best from our students in terms of their learning and behaviour. The school’s dedicated and effective staff is strongly committed to helping students achieve personal, behavioural, social and academic success. In terms of learning, the highest priority is placed on the work in English and Mathematics. We also have a range of specialist and extra-curricular programs that we provide. Our specialist teacher-librarian is involved in reading extension programs that support development in literacy. All children are able to develop their artistic abilities through visual arts and music program. Our music program is supported by the Australian Children's Music Foundation. A specialist Physical Education teacher provides lessons for all children as well as the opportunity for students to participate in organised lunch time sporting competitions between the house groups. Auslan is the additional language all students learn at Albion. All children participate in a student wellbeing program that focuses on developing strong connections and a sense of belonging within the school. Our school student leaders participate in programs that help develop their leadership skills. 5103.01 - Albion State School 1937 Grade 1 and 2 5103.01 - Albion State School 1937 Grade 1 and 2 Names Back Row L2R Unknown George Unknown Bill Dickie Keith Narborough Wally Lawrence Kevin James John Hall Unknown Barry McKay Bertie Noble 2nd Row L2R Eddite Penterick Jean Duncan Josie Gahan Elaine Wilson Lorraine Brown Joy Fisher Beth Powell Vilma Hayes Mavis Cameron Albert Powerlett 3rd Row L2R Les Trickey Cynthia Strachan Beryl Phillips Joan Unknown Dorothy Long Margaret Baker Val Doherty Pat Robinson Brian Allen Front Row L2R Jan Mollison Alan Cockrane Syd Smith Ron Masson Alan Jenkins Graeme Lee Keith Reyland Unknown Unknown Alf Richer 5103.02 - Albion State School 1937 Grade 3 4 5103.03 - Albion State School 1937 Grade 5 6 5103.03 - Albion State School 1937 Grade 5 6 Names Back Row L2R Gordon Durham Harry Rhodes Ron Afflick Gordon Barnard Victor Weaver Ivan McBride Eric McKenzie Don Durham Eric Wegdon Jack McKay Jack Trickey 2nd Row L2R John Scott Cecelia Kellett Joan Montgomery Eileen Jenkins Lorraine Gorman Phyllis Mills Iris Hall Laura Narborough Marie Keogh Betty Shuffery Patricia Hayden Norma Close 3rd Row L2R May Schleebs Pat Mollison Mary Cockeraine Thelma Washington Doris Marchant Hilda Thomas Elizabeth Foxcroft Heather Gorman Shirley Hayes Marjory Thompson Dorothy Lowe Bonnie Dickie Mavis Judd Judith Powell Bernard Doherty 4th Row L2R Gordon Paton Sam Maloney Ken Barnard Austin Cairns Gerald Pemberton Billy Clark Bill Markham Maurice Canlishaver Bobby Dean Ivan Lowe Malcolm Cockrane Dexter Turner John Machin Front Row L2R Ken Pearce Don Jackson Ronny Stevens Jack Phelp Dick Hodge Keith Higgins Drummond Perkins Edwin MacMurray Ernie McBridge Keith Block Billy Lawson Brian Wright Peter Stuart Headmaster Mr Roach Teacher Miss Ashford 5103.04 - Albion State School 1937 Prep 5103.04 - Albion State School 1937 Prep Names Back Row L2R Ken Brown Les Heffer Ian Stephenson Geoff Afflick Unknown Unknown Jim Sutherland Unknown Ian McBean Doug Pyers Peter Buckingham Centre Row L2R Unknown Leila Heffer Celia Banks Unknown Unknown Mary Hall June Markham Heather Neish Bev Mollison June White Shirley Black Unknown Leila Heffer Bill Wilson Miss White Front Row L2R Roy Paton Ron Hill Laurie Mottin George Thomas Don Powlett Albert Hayden Unknown Max Richer Unknown Unknown 5103.05 - Albion State School 1937 Inspectors Report on Miss Catt albion state school, albion primary school, adelaide street, albion

Tiger Goal-Sneak snags third major DICK HARRIS (548 goals, 5th highest Richmond FC of all time, 196 games) scores a trademark goal from the forward pocket, despite the attentions of JACK REGAN (future fullback on Collingwood Team of the Century). A future Richmond FC Hall of Famer, Harris, described by teammate Jack “Captain Blood” Dyer as the “toughest little player I have ever seen”, is ably assisted by Tiger followers, baker DAVE BASSETT (46 games in 3 seasons until forced to retire with a back injury), and fireman BERT FOSTER (133 games,12 seasons, died on duty in 1941). Accompanying our photograph is a series of five sequential images taken by The Globe High Speed Camera of the same on-field action from the same location. These images appeared four days later on the front page of the midweek Melbourne Sporting Globe (photographer unknown). Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Ernie Ward. Photographer notations on slide: "Richmond v Collingwood football B107" Collingwood v Richmond at Victoria Park 9 May 1936 Attendance: 25,000-30,000 (capacity); Weather: fine with a light breeze from north to south Collingwood had unfurled their 10th Premiership Flag before the game, and also officially opened their fancy new members only club rooms. After the game, the new rooms were to host a soirée on a polished dance floor larger than the one at Collingwood Town Hall (by invitation - members only). Collingwood had beaten Richmond easily in the previous year’s Preliminary Final. Both teams had come off a good Round One victory. The Sporting Press – and, since betting on football was illegal, the SP Bookies – had Richmond as slight favourites. The scene was set for one of the “games of the season”. But, alas, it was not to be. The Magpies ambushed the Tigers from the very first bounce. The Tigers won most of the aerial battles, but the ‘Pies’ small men dominated all over the ground. Collingwood had kicked eight goals straight by quarter-time. By half-time, they had 14 goals and only two behinds. In his 17th season, legendary full forward GORDON “NUTS” COVENTRY (1901-1968) had bagged seven majors by the long break, scoring an eight before the full-time bell. The contest was over by half-time. The Tigers reportedly battled out the second half as the travelling Tiger Army and the Sporting Press had come to expect! But that’s easy to say when a six-goal flogging is also a 36-point drubbing – especially when it’s the hated Collingwood FC handing out the punishment. After the game, Richmond FC were in for a “good hard look at themselves” (this is known as a “rebuild” in 2023), and missed out playing Finals for the first time since 1926. Collingwood were right on their usual track and would go on to win the 1936 Premiership. The normal order of things was restored! Collingwood 16.12.108 defeated Richmond 10.12.72. EPW Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Ernie Ward.Photographer notations on slide: "Richmond v Collingwood football B107".football, 1930-1939

If ya don’t mind, umpire?? The ball and the umpire are nowhere in sight as Richmond FC’s greatest goal scorer (and champion ballroom dancer), the always chatty publican, JACK “SKINNY” TITUS (970 goals, 294 games), reaches into his bottomless bag of sneaky tricks, and appears to be infringing Collingwood FC fullback, JACK “SNOZZLE” REGAN! It was a bad day at the office for the Tigers, and for the talkative “Skinny”. He scored six of the Tigers’ 10 goals, but Regan was mentioned in every post-game wrap-up as one of the outstanding players afield. “Snozzle” went on to win the Magpies’ 1936 Best and Fairest trophy by the narrowest of margins, no doubt helped by the votes he received in this game. I’m tipping this is one thing you wouldn’t have heard Skinny yapping about! Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Ernie Ward. Photographer notations on slide: "Richmond v Collingwood football B107" Collingwood v Richmond at Victoria Park 9 May 1936 Attendance: 25,000-30,000 (capacity); Weather: fine with a light breeze from north to south Collingwood had unfurled their 10th Premiership Flag before the game, and also officially opened their fancy new members only club rooms. After the game, the new rooms were to host a soirée on a polished dance floor larger than the one at Collingwood Town Hall (by invitation - members only). Collingwood had beaten Richmond easily in the previous year’s Preliminary Final. Both teams had come off a good Round One victory. The Sporting Press – and, since betting on football was illegal, the SP Bookies – had Richmond as slight favourites. The scene was set for one of the “games of the season”. But, alas, it was not to be. The Magpies ambushed the Tigers from the very first bounce. The Tigers won most of the aerial battles, but the ‘Pies’ small men dominated all over the ground. Collingwood had kicked eight goals straight by quarter-time. By half-time, they had 14 goals and only two behinds. In his 17th season, legendary full forward GORDON “NUTS” COVENTRY (1901-1968) had bagged seven majors by the long break, scoring an eight before the full-time bell. The contest was over by half-time. The Tigers reportedly battled out the second half as the travelling Tiger Army and the Sporting Press had come to expect! But that’s easy to say when a six-goal flogging is also a 36-point drubbing – especially when it’s the hated Collingwood FC handing out the punishment. After the game, Richmond FC were in for a “good hard look at themselves” (this is known as a “rebuild” in 2023), and missed out playing Finals for the first time since 1926. Collingwood were right on their usual track and would go on to win the 1936 Premiership. The normal order of things was restored! Collingwood 16.12.108 defeated Richmond 10.12.72. EPW Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Ernie Ward.Photographer notations on slide: "Richmond v Collingwood football B107".football, 1930-1939

GO THE PUNCH, SHEAHAN, YA LEGEND!!! MAURIE SHEAHAN, 121-game Tiger fullback and member of the “Three Musketeers” Defensive Line, tries to punch the ball, preventing Gordon “Nuts” Coventry from marking and scoring another of his eight goals for the afternoon! In his 17th season, “Nuts” was giving a by now familiar hands-on demonstration of why, 87 years later, the Coventry name should be forever emblazoned behind the Northern goal of Docklands Stadium. Another Musketeer, Richmond’s 12-season, 209-game Life Member, tough KEVIN O’NEILL (left), waits hopefully for any crumbs. DANNY GUINAINE, a rugged Tigers utility player who played 10 seasons and 110 games, is also on the scene. Maurie’s son John played 17 games, and Danny’s son Paddy played 146 games at Punt Road in the 1960s, proving again that Tiger blood will always be thicker than water. Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Ernie Ward.  Photographer notations on slide: "Richmond v Collingwood football B107" Collingwood v Richmond at Victoria Park 9 May 1936 Attendance: 25,000-30,000 (capacity); Weather: fine with a light breeze from north to south Collingwood had unfurled their 10th Premiership Flag before the game, and also officially opened their fancy new members only club rooms. After the game, the new rooms were to host a soirée on a polished dance floor larger than the one at Collingwood Town Hall (by invitation - members only). Collingwood had beaten Richmond easily in the previous year’s Preliminary Final. Both teams had come off a good Round One victory. The Sporting Press – and, since betting on football was illegal, the SP Bookies – had Richmond as slight favourites. The scene was set for one of the “games of the season”. But, alas, it was not to be. The Magpies ambushed the Tigers from the very first bounce. The Tigers won most of the aerial battles, but the ‘Pies’ small men dominated all over the ground. Collingwood had kicked eight goals straight by quarter-time. By half-time, they had 14 goals and only two behinds. In his 17th season, legendary full forward GORDON “NUTS” COVENTRY (1901-1968) had bagged seven majors by the long break, scoring an eight before the full-time bell. The contest was over by half-time. The Tigers reportedly battled out the second half as the travelling Tiger Army and the Sporting Press had come to expect! But that’s easy to say when a six-goal flogging is also a 36-point drubbing – especially when it’s the hated Collingwood FC handing out the punishment. After the game, Richmond FC were in for a “good hard look at themselves” (this is known as a “rebuild” in 2023), and missed out playing Finals for the first time since 1926. Collingwood were right on their usual track and would go on to win the 1936 Premiership. The normal order of things was restored! Collingwood 16.12.108 defeated Richmond 10.12.72.Photographer notations on slide: "Richmond v Collingwood football B107".football, 1930-1939

Ernest Anderson (head gardener) and Harry (gardener) worked at Williamstown Botanic Gardens. The Anderson family lived in the curators lodge on the grounds in the 1930s. Horses were used at the gardens until the 1960s when the council bought a truck. Mr Biggs drove as Mr Anderson did not have a licence. He rode his bike to the Town Hall every Friday to put in the time sheets. The collection is the only known photos of the Gardens working horses and demonstrates Edwardian Municipal gardening techniques that continued into the 1960s. They are photographic evidence of the planting styles, species choices and structures. Details inscribed on the reverse of some of the photos confirm names of staff at this time. Photo 13 (m) m: Only known photo of Ernest Anderson to be held by the Gardens2013.001.a-l is a collection of 12 small format photographs from the Anderson family album dated from 1917-1936 plus one large image of donor's wedding c1953. Ernest Anderson (head gardener) and Harry (gardener) worked at Williamstown Botanic Gardens. The Anderson family lived in the curators lodge on the grounds in the 1930s. Photo 1 (a) Sepia photo of young girl (Chic Anderson) on horse with no saddle. Two men, with hands on hips, standing alongside wearing hats. All are on a small hill (a compost heap) with a shrub on the left of the image. Photo 2 (b) Young girl and horse standing on the top of a small hill (compost heap). Girl has short hair and is wearing a jumper, skirt and long socks. Horse has no saddle and has its head down as if to eat. Photo 3 (c) Horse and foal standing in a fenced enclosure. Part of yard is paved. Horse has a white blaze and white feet. Foal has white blaze and white legs and is looking up at the horse. Photo 4 (d) Horse pulling a mower. Two men standing with mower. One is holding mower, the other the reins of the horse. Both men are wearing hats, with one wearing a vest. Horse has hessian wrapping on his hooves. Photo 5 (e) Horse and man. Horse has a rope bridle. Man holding bridle and is dressed in trousers, shirt, cardigan and hat. They are in front of a hedge and closed timber gate. Tall palm is in background. Horse is side on to the camera. Photo 6 (f) Man and horse standing in front of hedge and open timber gate. Palms in background. Man wearing trousers, shirt, vest, tie, hat. Trousers look to be tucked into boots. He is looking at the horse. The horse is facing the camera. Photo 7 (g) Three horses looking over a picket fence. All with a white blaze. There is a timber wall with a window to the right of the photograph. A man’s arm holding something is seen on the right of the photo. Photo 8 (h) Large palm tree, understorey of shrubs with two palms in the background. Photo 9 (i) Scene of the Gardens. Path dividing at a conifer tree. Woman in long skirt and hat looking up at the conifer. Different varieties of palm trees with understorey of shrubs. Photo 10 (j) Garden bed of Dahlias surrounded by a wire fence. Palms and other trees in background. Photo 11 (k) Avenue of tall palm trees with under storey of shrubs. Photo has angles cut at top corners and two large crease marks at the bottom right hand corner. Photo 12 (l) Set of cast iron gates – double carriage gates with single pedestrian gates on either side and supported by four cast iron posts with ornamental finials on top. Photo 13 (m) Ernest Anderson and daughter Chic prior to her wedding. Ernest is holding his gloves in his left hand and Chic’s hand with his right. Palms trees in the background. Photo 1 (a) 'Ern & Harry / May 8th 1936' Photo 2 (b) ‘Jack aged 36 / Chic 5 years / (unclear) 1936’ Photo 3 (c) ‘foal born in / back shed’ Photo 4 (d) ‘The Olde Firm / Jack Ernie Harry / 1917’ Photo 6 (f ) ‘Before the / council provided / a truck all / work was done / with the horses’ Photo 7 (g) ‘our work horses’ Photo 9 (i) ‘Panoramic view of Gardens / looking South from Lodge / Wms Town Botanical Gardens / 15-10-17’ Photo 12 (l) ‘Gates Public Gardens’hobsons-bay-city-council, curator, lodge, horse, transport, dahlia, compost, anderson, williamstown, botanic, gardens, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay, hobsons, edwardian, gardening, 1936, 1917,

Photograph was taken on the 23rd of August 1906, the day of Jessie May Lang and Charles Ernest Barrie's wedding. Held at the Methodist Church Melton. UMMARY – Charles Ernest Barrie d.1931 Born 1871 Ballarat d 1931 This document is has been compiled by Wendy Barrie daughter of Ernest (Bon) and Edna Barrie and granddaughter of Charles E and Jessie M Barrie. My grandfather was well known in the district and was mostly referred to as Ernie. He shared the same initials as his second son Edgar. His three eldest sons lived and farmed in Melton for their entire lives. His descendants are still associated with farming, engineering and earthmoving in Melton. Ernie Barrie operated a travelling Chaff Cutter in the St Arnaud area where his parents William and Mary Ann had taken up land at Coonooer West in 1873. Ernie commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaff cutter. The earliest connection he had with Melton was in 1887. By the beginning of the 20th century Ernie and his father William and brothers, William, Samuel, James Edwin,[Ted] Robert, Arthur and Albert have been associated with farming and milling in the Melton district. In the early 1900’s Ernie and his brother Ted were in partnership in a Chaff cutting and Hay processing Mill on the corner of Station and Brooklyn road Melton South. The mill was managed by William for a time. By 1906 Charles Ernest and James Edwin were in partnership in the Station Road mill when a connecting rail line across Brooklyn Road for a siding was constructed to the Melton Railway Station. In 1911 the Mill’s letterhead shows C.E. BARRIE Hay Pressing and Chaff Cutting Mills. Melton Railway Station. Telephone No 1 Melton. This Mill as sold to H S K Ward in 1916 and stood until 1977 when it burnt down in a spectacular fire. Ernie built a house at Melton South beside the Chaff Mill at Station Road in 1906 and married Jessie May Lang in August at the Methodist Church. Jessie’s father was Thomas Lang. He came to Melton in 1896 and was the Head Teacher at Melton State School No 430 until he retired in 1917. They had 9 children with 8 surviving to adulthood. Jessie and Ernie had 6 sons and 3 daughters. All the children lived at Darlingsford. In April 1910 the family left Melton for a brief period and moved to a farm in Trundle in NSW. They returned to Melton and purchased Darlingsford in May 1911. For a time during WW1 they lived at Moonee Ponds near the Lang grandparents at Ascot Vale. Mary and Bon attended Bank St State School. The children developed diphtheria in 1916 and their youngest boy, Cecil died of complications. Mary and Bon were taken to Fairfield Hospital and both recovered. At the end of the war influenza broke out the family returned to Darlingsford and shared the home for a short while with the Pearcey family who had been working the farm. By 1922 the family had and grown and Edgar, Tom, Horace, Jessie, Joyce and Jim were living a Darlingsford. Ernie continued during the 1920’s working the farm and attend his many civic and community commitments. Two 8 clydesdale horse teams were used to work the land which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed to commence the days work. In 1916 Ernie also became involved in a Chaff Mill on the corner of Sunshine and Geelong Road West Footscray, which at the time was being run by John Ralph Schutt. It was known an Schutt Barrie. A flour mill was added at a later stage. Other Schutt and Barrie mills were situated at Parwan and Diggers Rest. Another mill was situated beside the railway line at Rockbank. The Footscray mill ceased operation in 1968. Ernie spent a lot of time and energy at the Parwan Mill and travelling around Parwan and Balliang farms, where he came to know many of the families in the district. Ernies commitment to the civic development to the Melton and district was extensive, he was involved with a number of large events during the 1920’s such as the Melton Exhibitions and the 1929 Back to Melton Celebrations. He was a member of the Australian Natives Association at the turn of the century. He was Chairman of the School Committee at Melton State School 430 and the Melton South State School in thw1920s. He donated the land for a Hall for Melton South in 1909, known as Exford Hall and later in 1919 renamed Victoria Hall. The Hall was demolished in 1992. He was a Councillor, JP, and Vice President and President of the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall Committee in 1915- 1916. He was a member of the Methodist Church and later the Scots Presbyterian Church. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Church to 1910 and later Scots Presbyterian Church until 1931. This is reflected in the theme of children in the stained glass window which was dedicated in his memory by his wife Jessie as a gift to the Scots Church. Charles Ernest Barrie made many generous donations to many charities who supported young people and children. In 1918 Jessie and Ernie made the first donation to a very prominent Victorian charity whose work still continues. Yooralla. In July 1931 Ernie’s untimely death was a major blow to the family and the Melton community. To this day people still vividly recall the day they lined the streets for his funeral. The day of the funeral is recalled as the day Melton stood as two of their prominent citizens who tragically died on the same day. Charles Ernest Barrie with his parents and brothers at the front of the mill house in Melton Southlocal identities

This document is has been compiled by Wendy Barrie daughter of Ernest (Bon) and Edna Barrie and granddaughter of Charles E and Jessie M Barrie. I was born in during WW 11 and the first child of my generation to live on the ‘ Darlingsford’ property at Melton. My grandfather was well known in the district and was mostly referred to as Ernie. He shared the same initials as his second son Edgar. His three eldest sons lived and farmed in Melton for their entire lives. His descendants are still associated with farming, engineering and earthmoving in Melton. Ernie Barrie operated a travelling Chaff Cutter in the St Arnaud area where his parents William and Mary Ann had taken up land at Coonooer West in 1873. Ernie commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaff cutter. The earliest connection he had with Melton was in 1887. By the beginning of the 20th century Ernie and his father William and brothers, William, Samuel, James Edwin,[Ted] Robert, Arthur and Albert have been associated with farming and milling in the Melton district. In the early 1900’s Ernie and his brother Ted were in partnership in a Chaff cutting and Hay processing Mill on the corner of Station and Brooklyn road Melton South. The mill was managed by William for a time. By 1906 Charles Ernest and James Edwin were in partnership in the Station Road mill when a connecting rail line across Brooklyn Road for a siding was constructed to the Melton Railway Station. In 1911 the Mill’s letterhead shows C.E. BARRIE Hay Pressing and Chaff Cutting Mills. Melton Railway Station. Telephone No 1 Melton. This Mill as sold to H S K Ward in 1916 and stood until 1977 when it burnt down in a spectacular fire. Ernie built a house at Melton South beside the Chaff Mill at Station Road in 1906 and married Jessie May Lang in August at the Methodist Church. Jessie’s father was Thomas Lang. He came to Melton in 1896 and was the Head Teacher at Melton State School No 430 until he retired in 1917. They had 9 children with 8 surviving to adulthood. Jessie and Ernie had 6 sons and 3 daughters. All the children lived at Darlingsford. In April 1910 the family left Melton for a brief period and moved to a farm in Trundle in NSW. They returned to Melton and purchased Darlingsford in May 1911. For a time during WW1 they lived at Moonee Ponds near the Lang grandparents at Ascot Vale. Mary and Bon attended Bank St State School. The children developed diphtheria in 1916 and their youngest boy, Cecil died of complications. Mary and Bon were taken to Fairfield Hospital and both recovered. At the end of the war influenza broke out the family returned to Darlingsford and shared the home for a short while with the Pearcey family who had been working the farm. By 1922 the family had and grown and Edgar, Tom, Horace, Jessie, Joyce and Jim were living a Darlingsford. Ernie continued during the 1920’s working the farm and attend his many civic and community commitments. Two 8 clydesdale horse teams were used to work the land which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed to commence the days work. In 1916 Ernie also became involved in a Chaff Mill on the corner of Sunshine and Geelong Road West Footscray, which at the time was being run by John Ralph Schutt. It was known an Schutt Barrie. A flour mill was added at a later stage. Other Schutt and Barrie mills were situated at Parwan and Diggers Rest. Another mill was situated beside the railway line at Rockbank. The Footscray mill ceased operation in 1968 Ernie spent a lot of time and energy at the Parwan Mill and travelling around Parwan and Balliang farms, where he came to know many of the families in the district. Ernies commitment to the civic development to the Melton and district was extensive, he was involved with a number of large events during the 1920’s such as the Melton Exhibitions and the 1929 Back to Melton Celebrations. He was a member of the Australian Natives Association at the turn of the century. He was Chairman of the School Committee at Melton State School 430 and the Melton South State School in thw1920s. He donated the land for a Hall for Melton South in 1909, known as Exford Hall and later in 1919 renamed Victoria Hall. The Hall was demolished in 1992. He was a Councillor, JP, and Vice President and President of the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall Committee in 1915- 1916. He was a member of the Methodist Church and later the Scots Presbyterian Church. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Church to 1910 and later Scots Presbyterian Church until 1931. This is reflected in the theme of children in the stained glass window which was dedicated in his memory by his wife Jessie as a gift to the Scots Church. Charles Ernest Barrie made many generous donations to many charities who supported young people and children. In 1918 Jessie and Ernie made the first donation to a very prominent Victorian charity whose work still continues. Yooralla. In July 1931 Ernie’s untimely death was a major blow to the family and the Melton community. To this day people still vividly recall the day they lined the streets for his funeral. The day of the funeral is recalled as the day Melton stood as two of their prominent citizens who tragically died on the same day. Their eldest daughter Mary had married Keith Robinson in 1930 and had just moved to Heatherdale Toolern Vale with their year old baby son. Bon the eldest son was 22, Edgar 18, Tom 16, Horace 15, Jessie and Joyce 10 and Jim 8 years old. A heavy burden of responsibility fell on the shoulders of the two eldest children, Mary particularly for her mother and Bon stepped in assuming head of the family for his mother, brothers and sisters living at the Darlingsford homestead. In the early 1930’s the three eldest sons took on many of the Civic and Church commitments which their father had held. This community involvement extended well into the 1980s. In 1941 Bon married Edna Myers and they moved into a house shifted from Harkness Lane to Harkness Lane on the eastern section of the Darlingford property. Edgar married Margaret Hodgkinson a Primary school teacher at Melton in 1949 and they lived in the Darlingsford house. Earlier Tom married May Ferris and lived on the eastern side of Ferris Lane in the Ferris home. Bon , Edgar and Tom often operated as a team effort, in particular at harvest time when a larger team of workers was needed. The three farms cultivated wheat, barley and oats and supplied the Mill with sheafed hay. They continued using horse teams until mechanisation in the 1940’s made the horses redundant. By the 1960s their five sons continued with farming. Many loads of hay were transported to the Mill in Footscray. Well into the 1960s hired harvest hands along with agricultural university students were involved in bringing in he harvest. Stacking was an art form in itself and Tom held the expertise for building and shaping the sides and roof. The stacks built in the district each had their own unique shape and could be recognized by their builders. The Barrie brothers developed a mechanical fork lift for picking up complete stooks and moving them to be loaded to the elevator to build the haystack. The prototype built by Bill Gillespie was attached to a Bedford truck. Later refinements in a collaborative effort with the Gillespie brothers a multi pronged fork was attached to the front of tractor which was hydraulically operated to raise each stook onto trucks to be transported to the site of the haystacks. This method of handling sheaves significantly reduced laborious pitchforking individual sheaves. This invention was soon taken up by farmers far and wide and was a common sight in the district at harvest time in the stacking season. I recall visiting farmers calling in at the house at Ferris Road farm to inspect this break through invention. The Clydesdale horse teams were used into the 1940s but by the 1950s the Barries’ farms were fully mechanised. When the demand for sheafed hay declined other crops were introduced these included barley, lucerne, wheat and peas. Sheep were added to the mix in the 1950s in an attempt to keep the farms more viable. In the 1970s part of the Barrie’s farms were facing a major disruption with the impending compulsorily acquisition of a strip of land for the construction the freeway bypass, which divided access between the Darlingsford homestead with those on Ferris Lane. Charles Ernest Barrie and Jessie May Lang's children: 1. Mary Ena BARRIE was born on 07 October 1907. She died on 29 April 1999. 2. Ernest Wesley BARRIE was born on 29 April 1909 in Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia.He died on 25 December 1985 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. 3. Cecil William BARRIE was born on 23 February 1911.He died on 25 May 1916. 4. Charles Edgar BARRIE was born on 01 June 1913.He died on 06 October 1975. 5. Thomas Lindsay BARRIE was born on 25 November 1914.He died on 14 September 1990 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. 6. William Horace BARRIE was born on 11 October 1915.He died on 19 December 1950. 7. Jessie Maud BARRIE was born on 06 November 1920 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.She died on 26 February 1994. 8. Dorothy Joyce BARRIE was born on 06 November 1920 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.She died on 18 March 2003.. 9. James Edward BARRIE was born on 17 January 1922 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.He died on 23 August 2004Family Photo with Edgar, Tom, Mary, Ernest (Bon), Horace, Jim, Charles Ernest, Jessie and Joycelocal identities

Ernie Barrie, first son and second child of Jessie May and Charles Ernest was the Chairman of the Melton School CommitteeBank statements from the Melton State School Committeeeducation

This document is has been compiled by Wendy Barrie daughter of Ernest (Bon) and Edna Barrie and granddaughter of Charles E and Jessie M Barrie. Ernie Barrie operated a travelling Chaff Cutter in the St Arnaud area where his parents William and Mary Ann had taken up land at Coonooer West in 1873. Ernie commenced his working life with a team of bullocks and a chaff cutter. The earliest connection he had with Melton was in 1887. By the beginning of the 20th century Ernie and his father William and brothers, William, Samuel, James Edwin,[Ted] Robert, Arthur and Albert have been associated with farming and milling in the Melton district. In the early 1900’s Ernie and his brother Ted were in partnership in a Chaff cutting and Hay processing Mill on the corner of Station and Brooklyn road Melton South. The mill was managed by William for a time. By 1906 Charles Ernest and James Edwin were in partnership in the Station Road mill when a connecting rail line across Brooklyn Road for a siding was constructed to the Melton Railway Station. In 1911 the Mill’s letterhead shows C.E. BARRIE Hay Pressing and Chaff Cutting Mills. Melton Railway Station. Telephone No 1 Melton. This Mill as sold to H S K Ward in 1916 and stood until 1977 when it burnt down in a spectacular fire. Ernie built a house at Melton South beside the Chaff Mill at Station Road in 1906 and married Jessie May Lang in August at the Methodist Church. Jessie’s father was Thomas Lang. He came to Melton in 1896 and was the Head Teacher at Melton State School No 430 until he retired in 1917. They had 9 children with 8 surviving to adulthood. Jessie and Ernie had 6 sons and 3 daughters. All the children lived at Darlingsford. In April 1910 the family left Melton for a brief period and moved to a farm in Trundle in NSW. They returned to Melton and purchased Darlingsford in May 1911. For a time during WW1 they lived at Moonee Ponds near the Lang grandparents at Ascot Vale. Mary and Bon attended Bank St State School. The children developed diphtheria in 1916 and their youngest boy, Cecil died of complications. Mary and Bon were taken to Fairfield Hospital and both recovered. At the end of the war influenza broke out the family returned to Darlingsford and shared the home for a short while with the Pearcey family who had been working the farm. By 1922 the family had and grown and Edgar, Tom, Horace, Jessie, Joyce and Jim were living a Darlingsford. Ernie continued during the 1920’s working the farm and attend his many civic and community commitments. Two 8 clydesdale horse teams were used to work the land which meant early rising for the horses to be fed and harnessed to commence the days work. In 1916 Ernie also became involved in a Chaff Mill on the corner of Sunshine and Geelong Road West Footscray, which at the time was being run by John Ralph Schutt. It was known an Schutt Barrie. A flour mill was added at a later stage. Other Schutt and Barrie mills were situated at Parwan and Diggers Rest. Another mill was situated beside the railway line at Rockbank. The Footscray mill ceased operation in 1968 Ernie spent a lot of time and energy at the Parwan Mill and travelling around Parwan and Balliang farms, where he came to know many of the families in the district. Ernies commitment to the civic development to the Melton and district was extensive, he was involved with a number of large events during the 1920’s such as the Melton Exhibitions and the 1929 Back to Melton Celebrations. He was a member of the Australian Natives Association at the turn of the century. He was Chairman of the School Committee at Melton State School 430 and the Melton South State School in thw1920s. He donated the land for a Hall for Melton South in 1909, known as Exford Hall and later in 1919 renamed Victoria Hall. The Hall was demolished in 1992. He was a Councillor, JP, and Vice President and President of the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall Committee in 1915- 1916. He was a member of the Methodist Church and later the Scots Presbyterian Church. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Church to 1910 and later Scots Presbyterian Church until 1931. This is reflected in the theme of children in the stained glass window which was dedicated in his memory by his wife Jessie as a gift to the Scots Church. Charles Ernest Barrie made many generous donations to many charities who supported young people and children. In 1918 Jessie and Ernie made the first donation to a very prominent Victorian charity whose work still continues. Yooralla. In July 1931 Ernie’s untimely death was a major blow to the family and the Melton community. To this day people still vividly recall the day they lined the streets for his funeral. The day of the funeral is recalled as the day Melton stood as two of their prominent citizens who tragically died on the same dayPhotograph of Charles Ernest Barrie taken from Scenes at Melton and Old Residentslocal identities

Ernest James Andrew was born in Eltham on 6 July 1873 and died at his home shown here in Arthur Street Eltham on 29 March 1950 aged 76. His father was William Bravery Andrew who ran corn store in Eltham at the corner of Franklin Street and Main Road and was a member of the Eltham Shire Council. Ernest also became a councillor and Shire President. His brother was also named William Bravery Andrew. The house was known locally as "Cook's Cottage" because of its resemblance to Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Cone) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. See also 00183 Home to Cr. Ernie Andrew, newsagent and his wife Ellen. Known locally as Cook's Cottage due to its resemblance to Captain Cook's cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Erected after Nov 1931 and before Dec 1945. The cottage was situated immediately adjacent to the east of the undergound carpark entrance off Arthur Street which used to be Commercial Place. Ernie Andrew's wife, Ellen, died 13 July 1946 and Ernie died 29 March 1950. Aerial photos show the cottage was still present in April 1963 but it had been demolished by April 1972 with a carpark extending from behind the new Eltham Village built on the former Shire Office site opposite through to Luck Street. ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES (1934, November 9). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 1. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56746996 ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES The offices of the Eltham Shire Council are now at Arthur street, Eltham. The shire secretary (Mr. P J. McMahon) had a busy time during the week transferring all the books, documents, etc. of the council from the temporary offices (the shire secretary's residence at Kangaroo Ground) to the new offices. The new premises are owned by Mrs. E. J. Andrew, from whom the council has leased them, and consist of a five roomed brick villa which has been completed to meet the council's requirements. It would appear that this brick building was built on Andrew's land upon which he had loaned for use of Eltham's first Fire Station (Sep 1928 to June 1931) and based on aerial photos of Nov 1931, Dec 1945 and July 1951 was erected prior to Cook's Cottage.Heather Jenkins was the daughter of Constable John Thomas Cone, Badge #3935 served at Eltham Police Station 1 May 1911 to 9 July 1922.Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 8 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and one greeting card with printed sketch and handwritten captions in ink. On back of page is 1 black and white photo and a large newspaper clipping.eltham, cooks cottage, ernie andrew, ellen andrew

Located at 909 Main Road, Eltham. Opened 7 October 1966 Eltham's Fire Stations by Peter Pidgeon Article published EDHS Newsletter No.287 April 2026 Where was Eltham’s first fire station and how many have there been? Following the formation of the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade in March 1926, firefighting equipment was initially housed in a shed on Captain H. Warren’s property. A more permanent solution was required. In May 1927 a proposal was made to build a fire station and meeting hall at the corner of Luck Street and Main Road where the present railway station carpark is located. An application was approved by Council in September to build the fire station consisting of a galvanised iron shed on the land in Luck Street, However, in April 1928 when E.O. Egan, Secretary, Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade sought permission to erect a fire station on the continuation of Luck Street, Council advised they had no power to act on this as they did not own the land. Cr. Ernie Andrew offered to loan a site on his own land in Arthur Street (where the entrance to the carpark under Woolworths is situated) and by September 1928 the new fire station was being erected consisting of a building to house the reel and other equipment as well as a meeting room. It was constructed with a concrete floor and painted. A purpose-built cupboard had been constructed for the hose by local carpenter, Mr. Fraser and Mr. Frank Jones arranged for electric lighting to be installed. Many donations were made by the community to assist in paying off the debt on the station. The first meeting in the new fire station was held November 12, 1928, with a large attendance of members. The official opening was to be held in the New Year on January 8, 1929. In February 1930, Eltham Council agreed to place the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade under the control of the Country Fire Brigades’ Board. Further discussions were held in May regarding their area of responsibility to cover as well as questions about a suitable block of land and relocation of the brigade’s buildings. In August 1930, the Chief Officer of Country Fire Board visited Council to select a suitable site. He did not approve of any that Council suggested but encouraged Council to buy land for the purpose. Enquiries were made about a block in Henry Street adjacent to the Public Hall which the Chief Officer favoured. Cr Price investigated and learned the block could be purchased, £10 would secure it if the people of Eltham were willing to raise a further £30-40. All were in favour of proceeding. By February 1931, £40 had been raised by the community, in addition to £20 added by Council and £20 by the Fire Brigades’ Board making £80 total to purchase the site. Several working bees were held between May and July 1931 to level the ground in preparation for relocation of the station building from Arthur Street to the new site in Henry Street. It was not long before the Henry Street site had proven to be not all that was desired. Access to the Henry Street site from Main Road was steep and not suited for man handling a heavy hose reel. By November 1933 the Country Fire Brigades’ Board advised it was considering the matter of a new cation and fire station for Eltham. On February 23, 1934, the Advertiser reported a new Fire Station was to be built on an alternate site at a cost of £600. In August, the Country Fire Brigades’ Board notified it intended to build a new fire station at no cost to Eltham if the brigade could purchase a block of land. An appeal was established by the brigade to raise funds for the purchase of the new site between the residence and confectionery shop owned by Mr. G.H. Browne and Ryan Bros. butchers on the eastern side of Main Road between Arthur and Dudley streets. An inspection of the site by the Chief Officer of Country Fire Brigades' Board was undertaken September 28. It was directed that tenders for the erection of the building were to be called immediately and construction to start the next month. By New Year 1935 the erection of the third station building was well in progress and was completed by mid-February. The station was officially opened April 26, 1935, and a new 35 feet high bell tower was erected in December 1935. This fire station, the third erected in six years, served the community for the next thirty years. In 1962, land for a new (fourth) Eltham Fire Station on the opposite (western) side of Main Road was acquired from the Eltham War Memorial Trust. The new station was opened October 7, 1966. In 1970 the former fire station building on the eastern side of Main Road was relocated to Research Park for use by the 1st Research Scout group. The site is now part of the current Coles supermarket and Eltham Village complex. A new fifth fire station was erected in Brougham Street at a cost of $9.6m and officially opened December 2015. It was intended for use by both career and volunteer firefighters. The former site was to be made available for community access. However, the mixed functional role presented operational difficulties at the new station and after three years, the Eltham CFA volunteers moved back to the former site towards the end of 2018 following a $500,000 upgrade to the facility. So nowadays the career Fire Rescue Victoria members of Eltham Fire Brigade operate out of Eltham’s fifth fire station in Brougham Street and the volunteer Eltham CFA Brigade operate out of Eltham’s fourth station, or could it be considered the sixth?Colour photograph of Eltham Fire Station, Main Road, July 1986eltham fire brigade, eltham fire station, eltham shops, main road eltham