Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - vocational guidance and employment scheme This item includes the following document: 8672.37a The document outlines a 1933 vocational guidance and employment scheme developed by the Bendigo Agricultural and Educational Bureau and the Vocational Guidance Committee to address youth unemployment. The committee estimated that around 700 boys under 21 were unemployed in Bendigo, with an initial focus on approximately 200 boys who had left school since January 1930. Rather than attempting to help everyone at once, the proposal recommended starting with a small group of 50–60 boys to test different employment and training schemes before expanding the program. A major proposal was the establishment of a training school in mixed farming. The plan suggested using a nine-acre property near the Durham Ox Hotel where boys would receive practical agricultural training for a year before being placed on farms for further experience. The farm would include accommodation, poultry facilities, vegetable gardens, fodder crops, and livestock, while supervision would be provided by an experienced retired farmer or an agricultural college graduate. The scheme aimed to equip boys with practical farming skills while promoting self-sufficiency. The committee also proposed placing boys directly into employment through partnerships with local businesses and industries. Around ten boys would initially be placed in shops, where they would receive proper training and wages that increased with experience. Similar efforts were planned to place boys on farms in northern districts with the support of the Agricultural Society. Additional vocational pathways included training as stationary engine drivers for the mining industry, scientific prospecting, forestry work, and assistance for boys wishing to establish poultry enterprises at home. These initiatives reflected an effort to match training opportunities with the region's major industries and labour demands. Recognising that not all unemployed boys could immediately find work, the report also emphasised the importance of social and recreational activities. Churches, lodges, the Boy Scouts, the YMCA, and the Citizens' Military Forces were encouraged to organise activities that would keep unemployed boys engaged, maintain morale, and prevent idleness while employment opportunities were being developed. The committee also resolved to avoid publicity until its plans had been finalised. The accompanying 1931–1932 report on vocational guidance highlighted the growing importance of vocational guidance cards, which recorded students' interests, abilities, and career preferences. These records were considered valuable for directing students into occupations suited to their skills rather than encouraging unrealistic aspirations for university or clerical work. The report argued that many secondary students were being prepared for careers with limited employment prospects and that vocational guidance could better align education with labour market needs. The report also reviewed employment conditions across Bendigo and surrounding towns. While some smaller communities such as Eaglehawk and Inglewood experienced relatively little unemployment among recent school leavers, Bendigo itself faced significant difficulties, particularly for young people aged 16 to 20 who had completed technical or domestic arts schooling but struggled to find work. The report noted that vocational guidance alone could not solve the problem and emphasised the need for coordinated community action. It concluded by describing the formation of a joint Vocational Guidance Council and Agricultural and Educational Bureau, the appointment of a full-time welfare officer, and ongoing efforts to collect employment statistics and develop practical schemes to improve youth employment.bendigo, michele matthews collection, bendigo agricultural and educational bureau

Collection of newspaper articles related to Ballarat School Of Mines.They cover activities and advertisements for staff. The papers concerned are The Courier, Ballarat, The Australian, The Age over the period of 25 November 1981 to 13 March 1982.Book with white cover, front, spiral bound. courses available, teaching positions advertised, restoration of "spirit of ballarat", advance apprenticeship 200, mrs chambers resigns from smb council, phyllis elliott studying metal work, practical experience on farm, smb may introduce student quotas, smb courses for all, mrs chambers accused of campaign against smb, david rees top drafting student in state, corbould a man of iron and vision, computer training course, the changing scene in apprentice training, jan wood highest achiever in receptionist course, greg mannix - ballarat artist's big year, scope of tafe course puts it at top, fleur haller co-ordinator of evening classes, brian webber angry on ballarat education scene, new smb training program for apprentices, school-to-work transition program at smb, trade workshop nears completion, oldest technical school grew from gold rush, smb head resigns, access program opens doors, kevin james and andrew woodward - qualified but jobless, heather george andrew dale and jenny peers to study music at melbourne state college, council gives $10000 to smb to restoration of east library building, machinists' courses to provide 60 jobs, fiona fraser won 100 metres freestyle, shears new education co-ordinator

Collection of newspaper articles related to Ballarat School Of Mines.They cover activities and advertisements for staff. The papers concerned are The Courier, Ballarat, The Australian, The Age over the period of 12 July 1984 to 19 September 1984.Book with beige cover, front, spiral bound. teaching positions advertised, pre-employment courses, courses available, ballarat ladies art association, rotary exchange students, val inguanez ontario canada, sam bourne nevada usa, roger mcfarlane pilot of the year, a-grade automobile engineers certificate, neale goad, wayne harbour, mark white, smb trained, william knight of usa at smb, u s teachers visit ballarat, smb chief urges employer support, increase in smb apprentices, e j tippett elected patron of smb, 50 years service, apprentices to show their skills, robyn sedgwick dance workshop, l f j hillman recreation building - smb, work skills contest, peter brown winner of carpentary section, richard siebert competing in electrical wiring section, smb students with val d'angri make piece as work experience venture, george helon - a dream to publish, digger's dugout sign, smb's self-help effort opened by l f j hillman, thoroughly modern typist, apprenticeship safety seminar, laying pipes the modern way, v f l medal count at ballarat, smb wins welding prizes, leigh gillette - oxy welding, william kerr - electric welding, ballarat may get pilot youth scheme, david davies - ballarat's gifted son, nursing aide students - smb presentation, secretaries - dispel the "office housewife" stereotype, portrait for smb, geoff mainwaring painter, apprentice of the year - daryl edwards, tertiary campus built from scratch, do more for womens' education, thomas walsh farm apprentice award

Clemence Orton was born in Beechworth in 1922 and lived his life in Murmungee on his parent’s property that he took over and ran working the land. He was schooled in Murmungee and interested in vet science. He served in WWII and was 24 years old when he returned. After World War II he took work experience with the local vet and attended his own farm stock, horses in particular. His knowledge of the area during his parent’s time and his families time saw him familiar with mining in the local area and Chinese miners through to farming techniques and practices. He was known as a ‘local resident with an encyclopaedic knowledge of local history'. Clemence married Dorothy and raised his family in Murmungee. He passed away on January 17th 2007. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. Clemence Orton’s family has lived in the Beechworth and Murmungee region for over a century. Through his experience living on the land he is able to shine a light on farming and life on the land, farming techniques and mining history in the region. Clemence Orton was know for his knowledge of local history and lived in the region making his involvement in this oral history project important. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a cleat flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up to 40 minutes of recordings on each side. Mr Clemence Orton /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, orton, vet, mining history, chinese miners, clemence orton

This oral history interview was conducted with Mrs May Harris (née Peach), who grew up in the farming town of Stanley, about 9km southeast of Beechworth. Mrs Harris moved to Melbourne and got work cleaning houses before getting married. Her husband worked on farms, and the couple eventually found their way back to Stanley. She describes experiences of illness, particularly her husband and children's experience with asthma and the impact that had on their lives and careers. Mrs Harris talks about local fundraising events in Stanley, particularly what she calls 'Australian Teas', as well as some of the dances and picnics that were major sources of entertainment when she was young. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mrs May Harris' statement explores life in a small farming community alongside some of her life in the city, which might provide an interesting comparison. She discusses the difficulties of facing illnesses in these rural communities, noting the lack of available resources and need to travel to Beechworth. She discusses community events, highlighting both the social aspects and the fundraising aspects.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, illness, asthma, farming, farm work, rural life, stanley, stanley athenaeum, sinclair's sawmill, sawmill, the great depression, housework, australian tea, fundraising

This oral history tells the story of Trinnie Di Giacomo (nee Whittingham) and her family's experiences on their farm on Diamond Creek Road in the early part of the 20th century. As told to Rosie Bray.A recollection of life in early Greensborough.3 pages, colour illustration.oral history, greensborough, diamond creek road, whittingham, trinnie di giacomo

The Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria was active by the 1930s, engaging in industry management and lobbying.The Commercial Egg Producer's Association (CEPA) had branches in Bendigo, South Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Wedderburn, Murrabit and Euroa.CEPA Commercial Egg Producer's Association (Bendigo Region) correspondence, for the year 1979. This item includes the following documents: 8504.35a Minutes of Branch half yearly conference 1979 8504.35b The document is a letter from K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary of the Central Council, addressed to Mr. C. L. Jefferson, Secretary of the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. Congratulation on Meeting Reduction:The Central Council commends the A.E.B. and C.E.M.A.A. for reducing their meetings to two per year. 8504.35c This document is a letter from K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary of the association, addressed to Mr. D. J. Foster, Chairman of the Federal Council of Poultry Farmers' Association of Australia. Gratitude for Legislative SupportThe letter expresses appreciation for Mr. Foster's persistent efforts to maintain demand and supply management legislation for poultry in the state. 8504.35d This document is a formal letter to the Poultry Research Advisory Council, dated January 6, 1980, expressing support for ongoing efforts and making key recommendations 8504.35e Letter to the Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Healy re a possible outbreak of an exotic disease. 8504.35f The document is a letter addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, summarizing The importance of Random Sample Laying Tests 8504.35g The document is a letter from the Secretary of an agricultural association expressing concerns about the upcoming inquiry into the Egg Board. The association acknowledges the government's decision to extend the Egg Industry Stabilization Act Legislation for another 12 months. 8504.35h This document is a thank-you letter from the secretary of an association addressed to Hon. John Radford, M.L.C. The association expresses gratitude to John Radford for his support and efforts regarding the Egg Industry Stabilization Act. 8504.35i The document is a formal letter from the association to the Victorian Egg Marketing Board, proposing that with regards to the Producer Price Increase that the they suggest that the advance price paid to egg producers should be increased.The recommended increase should be in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), not just based on cost of production. 8504.35j Notice of half yearly conference 8504.35k The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg & Producers Association of Victoria expressing urgent concern about the government's reported intention to discontinue the Egg Industry Stabilization Act as of March 1980. The association requests that John Radford raise this issue with the Minister of Agriculture and, if the statement is accurate, arrange an immediate meeting with the Liberal Party Parliamentary Agriculture Committee to present their case. 8504.35l This document is a formal letter addressed to Mr. Cecil Burgin, Convenor of the Agricultural Committee of the Parliamentary Liberal Party. The letter is signed by K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary, and highlights the urgency and significance of resolving disagreements over the egg industry legislation. 8504.35m This document is a formal letter to the Secretary of the Liberal Party in Victoria. CPA requests the names and contact details of the Agricultural Committee of the Parliamentary Liberal Party. 8504.35n The Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria expresses disappointment with the Minister of Agriculture's stance on the indefinite continuation of the Egg Industry Stabilisation Legislation. 8504.35o The document is a protest letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria, addressed to Mrs. Jeanette Patrick, Secretary of the Liberal Party. The Association is protesting the selection of members for the New Victorian Egg Board. 8504.35p Notable recipients include Mr. B. Reid, Mr. D. McClure, Mr. W. Ebery, Mr. J. Radford, Mr. E. Hann (M.L.A., Echuca), Mr. P. Ross-Edwards (Leader National Party), and Mr. N. McKenzie (Executive Officer, Poultry Section V.F.U., Melbourne) 8504.35q This document outlines the formal hierarchy and key officials in the government. 8504.35r Newspaper article: "Stability and Efficiency in the Australian Egg IndustryDemand and supply management has made the Australian egg industry the most stable among major producers globally." 8504.35s The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association of Victoria expressing concerns about recent changes to the Victorian Egg Board. Concerns Over Appointment Process. The Association is troubled by how the new appointments were made, feeling the process lacked transparency and justification. 8504.35t The document highlights concerns about the political influence and governance of the Victorian Egg Producers Board:Board Member Changes: The Minister has replaced three Board members and the Chairman, which is the maximum allowed in a year. 8504.35u CEPA Annual Conference business Paper June 1979 8504.35v Notice of annual meeting 8504.35w This document is a formal letter from K. Fitzgibbon, Secretary of the association, addressed to the Minister of Agriculture. It responds to a previous request for nominations to fill a vacancy on the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. Three candidates are nominated for the vacancy: L. F. Bessy: Recognized for previous contributions to the Board and known qualifications.Ronald Robins (Harcourt): Has 30 years of experience in the poultry industry, currently operates 12,000 layers, is a director and past Chairman of the Commercial Egg Producers Co-operative, and is a member of the local fire brigade.John Scott (Maiden Gully): Has 21 years of experience in the poultry industry, currently operates 3,000 laying hens, involved in all aspects of poultry production, is President of the South Bendigo Branch E.P.A., and a member of the local fire brigade. 8504.35x The document is a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, highlighting concerns about uncertainty regarding the future of the Stabilization Act in Victoria. There is widespread panic selling of hen quotas in rural areas due to rumors about possible changes, such as quotas being tied to farms, surrendered to the Licensing Committee, or prices being pegged. 8504.35y This document is a letter addressed to the Premier of Victoria, expressing concerns about uncertainty regarding the continuation of the Stabilization Act for poultry farmers. There is widespread panic selling of hen quotas among poultry farmers in rural areas due to rumors about potential changes to quota regulations, such as quotas being tied to farms, surrendered to the Licensing Committee, or prices being pegged. 8504.35z The document is a formal request addressed to the Secretary of the Federal Council of Poultry Farmers' Associations of Australia. Inclusion Request: The sender, K. Fitzgibbon (Secretary), asks for a specific item to be added to the agenda for the upcoming Annual and General Meeting.Investigation of Surplus Egg Sales:The agenda item proposes an investigation into the sale of surplus eggs from fertile egg farms. 8504.35aa This document is a formal letter from CEPA to the Victorian Egg Marketing Board. The Association is submitting research project suggestions for consideration by the Board. 8504.35ab The document is a protest letter addressed to the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia. Objection to Ministerial Appointments:Members at a recent conference unanimously objected to V.E.B. (Victorian Egg Board) members being appointed by the Minister of Agriculture.The method is described as undemocratic. 8504.35ac The document is a formal protest letter expressing concerns about the appointment process for V.E.B. (Victorian Egg Board) members. Objection to Ministerial Appointments:The letter strongly opposes the practice of the Minister of Agriculture appointing V.E.B. members, describing it as undemocratic. 8504.35ad The document is a formal protest letter expressing concerns about the appointment process for V.E.B. (Victorian Egg Board) members. Objection to Ministerial Appointments:The letter strongly opposes the practice of the Minister of Agriculture appointing V.E.B. members, describing it as undemocratic. 8504.35ae The document is a formal protest letter expressing concerns about the appointment process for V.E.B. (Victorian Egg Board) members. Objection to Ministerial Appointments:The letter strongly opposes the practice of the Minister of Agriculture appointing V.E.B. members, describing it as undemocratic. 8504.35af The document is a letter from the Secretary of CEPA addressed to the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia. The poultry industry in Victoria is approaching the final year of its current licensing legislation.The association is seeking political support for the continuation of Licensing and Demand Supply Management policies in Victoria. 8504.35ag The document is a letter from the Secretary of CEPA addressed to the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia. The poultry industry in Victoria is approaching the final year of its current licensing legislation.The association is seeking political support for the continuation of Licensing and Demand Supply Management policies in Victoria. 8504.35ah The document is a letter from the Secretary of CEPA addressed to the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia. The poultry industry in Victoria is approaching the final year of its current licensing legislation.The association is seeking political support for the continuation of Licensing and Demand Supply Management policies in Victoria. 8504.35ai The document is a letter from the Secretary of CEPA addressed to the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia. The poultry industry in Victoria is approaching the final year of its current licensing legislation.The association is seeking political support for the continuation of Licensing and Demand Supply Management policies in Victoria. 8504.35aj The document is a letter from the Secretary of CEPA addressed to the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia. The poultry industry in Victoria is approaching the final year of its current licensing legislation.The association is seeking political support for the continuation of Licensing and Demand Supply Management policies in Victoria. 8504.35ak The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association, written by Secretary K. Fitzgibbon, addressing Mr. S. McDonald regarding compensation payments for fire damage 8504.35al 8504.35ak The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association, written by Secretary K. Fitzgibbon, addressing Mr. B. Reid regarding compensation payments for fire damage 8504.35am The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association, written by Secretary K. Fitzgibbon, addressing Mr. W. Ebery regarding compensation payments for fire damage 8504.35an 8504.35am The document is a letter from the Commercial Egg Producers' Association, written by Secretary K. Fitzgibbon, addressing Mr. D. McClure regarding compensation payments for fire damage 8504.35ao This document is a formal letter from the Central Council of the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria, dated January 10, 1979. The letter recommends that all non-government delegate members attending Poultry Research Advisory Council meetings should be reimbursed for out-of-pocket and travel expenses 8504.35ap The document is a letter from the Secretary of CEPA to the Director General of Agriculture, highlighting two main concerns: Retention of Genetic Laying Stock in Victoria:The Association urges efforts to retain genetic laying stock, especially in light of suggestions to sell the flock at Dookie.There is awareness of remaining pure-bred stock in Victoria, and a question is raised about their availability for sale to new breeders.Concerns About Cage-Kept Birds:The Association addresses ongoing public discussion about keeping birds in cages.They express concern that the Department of Agriculture's actions, such as inviting Dr. Linda Murphy to a Field Day, may increase publicity on this issue. 8504.35aq The document is a formal letter from the Secretary of the Commercial Egg Producers Association Co-operative Ltd. to Mr. W Cramer. The Association wishes to maintain a close relationship with the Heat Board. They express willingness to act as an agent for the Wheat Board if possible. 8504.35ar Minutes of the CEPA General Council Annual conference June 1979 8504.35as Minutes of a branch meeting of CEPA 8504.35at Government of Victoria Agnote Jan 1979 39/79 Disposal of Pesticide containers and surplus pesticide 8504.35au Government of Victoria Agnote Mar 1979 637/79 Safety with agricultural chemicals 8504.35av This document is a formal letter from the National Bank of Australasia Limited addressed to the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Victoria. Confirmation of Good Standing. The bank confirms that Bruce Noel Moresi and Robyn Elizabeth Moresi are customers considered to be in good standing for their business engagements. 8504.35aw Letter of reference from Fitzpatrick's View point Eaglehawk 8504.35ax CEPA half yearly conference Dec 1979 Agenda and Resolutions 8504.35ay Reference from the Bendigo College of Advanced Education Dec 1979 8504.35az Part minutes, report and General Business of a meeting. 8504.35aaa CEPA Notice of half yearly conference Dec 1979egg producer's information, correspondence, cepa, commercial egg producers' association

This motor was assembled over a twelve-month period (c.2007) from various components the B-24 Liberator restoration group had stored. It was the first exercise to allow the group to understand the configuration of these motors as well as get experience in general methods of repair. This motor was nicknamed 'The Bitza', referring to how it came to be. While it may not be of a high standard, it is capable of being run on the test rig for visitors. The Pratt & Whitney R 1830 is a double row 14 cylinder air cooled radial engine with a capacity of 1830 cubic inches, (30 litres), developing some 1200 horsepower at a maximum 2700 rpm.Engine Number TR 261radial engine, pratt & whitney