A report on the results of the second survey by the Federation of Australian Historical Societies on its members' needs and attitudes. These results are from a two-page survey that was sent to all member societies, three hundred and one of whom responded.Survey 200 A Report Of The 2000 Survey Of Member Societies Of The Federation Of Australian Historical Societies By William Tyler PhD. (Kent at Canterbury)

This book provides a practical guide for local historical societies that wish to identify and protect local heritage places, objects and records.21cm.; 80p; This book provides a practical guide for local historical societies that wish to identify and protect local heritage places, objects and records.federation of australian historical societies, historical societies, historic sites, information services, handbooks, manuals

Soft covered bookletnon-fictionThe aim of this book is for historical societies to discuss and actively explore the collection of present-day material within their society.

White paper back booknon-fictionThis book from the Federation of Australian Historical Societies sets out to assist historical society members in the development and establishment of heritage trails.hugh victor mckay, forrest street, albion

This booklet aims to encourage you to discuss and actively explore the collection of present-day material within your society. General information relating to the care and management of your collection is addressed.21cm; 16p; This booklet aims to encourage you to discuss and actively explore the collection of present-day material within your society. General information relating to the care and management of your collection is addressed.local history, collectors and collecting, historical societies

Grass Roots History, proceedings of the joint conference of the Federation of Australian Historical Societies and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in Melbourne 1989.Alan Robertsbook, historical societies, historical societies.

Digitised Powerpoint presentation video (2.65GB) Duration: 60 minutes. Recorded August, 2026 (Video is available for viewing at Ringwood & District Historical Society Archives by appointment)In this presentation, Margaret Anderson reflects on the highs and lows of home building in Victoria, from boarded-up streets in the Great Depression, through the acute shortages of the post-war years, to the peak of home ownership during the 'long boom' of the 1960s and how homes have changed over the years, from the outside laundry and toilet to the ensuite bathroom and more. RHSV Council Website Extract, 2026: "Margaret Anderson - Margaret Anderson joined the Council of the RHSV in 2016. Margaret researches and writes on women’s history, the history and demography of the family and on aspects of public history and museums. She has held senior positions as a public historian in South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria, and is currently Director of the Old Treasury Building, Melbourne. She is a Fellow of the Federation of Australian Historical Societies and a member of the Board of the History Council of Victoria."

Dr. Anne Beggs-Sunter is an historian who lectures in the School of Arts at Federation University Ballarat in Wathawurrung country. Her major interests are in Australian social, cultural and political history. Her special interests relate to the colonial era, to the history of Ballarat and its heritage conservation, and the significance and commemoration of the Eureka Stockade. Anne is actively involved with a number of cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the Gold Museum and the Buninyong Historical Society, and serves on a number of City of Ballarat committees. She has written a number of books, exhibition catalogues and articles for different audiences ranging from specialised academic journals to newspapers.women of note, dr anne beggs-suntar, historian, school of arts, federation university, social cultural political histories, history of ballarat, heritage conservation, eureka stockade, ballarat art gallery, gold museum, author, books articles, lecturer, historical studies

This certificate is one of a number held by the Warrnambool and District Historical society which relate to the occasion of Federation of Australia , January 01/1901. Some are for social functions at the time others like this are for more formal occasions. There was a strong local vote for Federation at the referendum in 1898 with district figures 957 voting for and 146 against . By 1899 the vote had increased to 1411 yes and 39 against.. The official federation celebrations were held in Sydney and Warrnambool like towns all over Australia held celebrations. The Mayor and five of Warrnambool's councillors travelled to Sydney for the celebrations. The first federal Member of Parliament for the Warrnambool district was John Chester Manifold of "Talindert," Camperdown. Some local well known people of the time who were contributed in various fields to the Federation spirit, include John Archibald, Willian Astley, Louis Bayer, Richard Kennedy, Walter Murdoch, and Con O'Mahony. This certificate has an added link to Warrnambool in that the son of Councillor W. Henry, Victor Henry, an art student had designed and illuminated the municipal Addresses presented to the Governor general and the Duke of York. This item has historical, artistic social and interpretive significance. It links the most important event of the Federation of Australia to our city. That the art work was completed by Victor Henry, a local person is a significant claim to fame for our city. It presents an opportunity for present generations to consider local aspects of the process of the Federation of our country.Framed Certificate. Inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia, Municipal Association of Victoria 1901. Signed by councillorsWilliam Ferguson Mayor, Giffens Russell, John Ward, John Marfell, Chas Macknight, W J Hickford, W Simpson, G S Mackay, M Saltau, H C Lawson, E J Murray William Kucks Jnr, W Henry. Small card inserted in bottom right reads With compliments of W Ferguson, Mayor.warrnambool, warrnambool history, warrnambool at federation, federation of australia, victor henry

This book belonged to the Warrnambool solicitor, Con O’Mahony (1863-1920). In 1883, he won the University of Melbourne Bowen Prize for his essay on the Federation of the Australian colonies. His prize, ten volumes of the ‘Lives of the Chancellors’, is today in the possession of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. O’Mahony had a legal practice in Warrnambool in the Royal Chambers in Kepler Street at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. He was initially in a partnership with Messrs E.W. Klingender and Murray, then ,when this partnership was dissolved, he continued the business under the name of O’Mahony and later O’Mahony and Murray. He was actively involved in the management of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute and was a member of the Warrnambool Hospital committee. The item here described shows O’Mahony’s interest in bridge-playing, a popular pastime at that time. This book is of some significance as it belonged to Con O’Mahony, a well-known lawyer in Warrnambool in the early 1900s. It also shows the interest in bridge-playing as a pastime during that period. This is a small hard cover book of 112 pages. It was published in 1901(eighth edition) and contains seven chapters on how to play bridge, a scoring table and an index. The last three pages are advertisements for other books on bridge. The cover is yellow with the title of the book, the author’s name and the publisher on the front cover contained within a scroll pattern with four coloured images of the four kings from a pack of cards. The back cover has a list of the British Chess Handbooks published by George Routledge & Sons Ltd. The pages have been annotated (presumably by Con O’Mahony, the Warrnambool solicitor) and some sentences and headings have been underlined.Four stamps – one of ‘May 24 1902’ and three of ‘C.O’Mahony, Solicitor, Warrnambool’.bridge-playing, con o’mahony, warrnambool

42 Certificates of appreciation/participation awarded to Golden Square Primary School Parents' Club, students and teachers. Awards from International Year of Volunteers 2001; Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services; Bendigo RSL; Indigenous Literacy Foundation; jeans for Genes; Generals Basketball Club; Melbourne City Mission; Anti-Cancer Council; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; MS Readathon, State Schools Relief Committee; Clean up Australia; Family Support Services, Parents Victoria; Good Friday appeal; Victoria Police Historical Society; Jump rope for Heart; Safety House Committee; Starlight foundation; City of Greater Bendigo Olympic Torch Relay; Camp Quality; Zone Football Carnival, School's Garden Awards; Heart Foundation; Target; Scholastic Book Club; School Industry Partnership Project; Royal Flying Doctor Service; Juvenile Diabetes Foundation; McDonald Camp Quality Puppets; Neighbourhood Watch; Centenary of Federation medallion certificate; Derby Hill Camp.bendigo, education, golden square primary school

The New Federalist, The Journal of Australian Federation History, Number 1, June 1988. The New Federalist is published in association with the 1901 Committee and is supported by the National Council for the Centenary of Federation, The University of Adelaide and the Department of history, The Flinders University Includes b/w photographs and illustrations. 80pg. ISSN 1440-642X Markings – Bendigo Historical Society Inc. stamp front and back.australia, austalian history

Typed and hand written notes on 'Gold Rushes around Bendigo', Eaglehawk Police Station, Bells In and Around Bendigo, Bendigo Historical Society Newsletter, Mr Henry Jones - Gold Buyer, and Sir John Quick. Gold Rushes Around Bendigo tells of some gold finds around Bendigo. Eaglehawk Police Station tells of the Building of the Log Lockups at Eaglehawk and White Hills and where the idea came from. Also the cost of building and source of logs. Bells In and Around Bendigo tell of a tram employee ringing a bell and shouting to all that the tram terminus at the Railway Station was discontinued. When this was sufficiently known the bell went to the Bridge Street Methodist Church. The BHS Newsletter mentions business men's names and connection with their trade. Mr Henry jones - Gold Buyer mentions where his office was and that you could buy gold and money could be exchanged as well. Sir John Quick page tells of the early life of Sir John Quick and his self-education, of the A. N. A. opening in Victoria.document, names of bendigo pioneers, bendigo goldfields, gold rushes around bendigo, caltex oil co, matt egan, thos fleck, knight's brick kiln, water commission, work shops, l king, r king, j mumberry, a kelly, 'auld dart', robert fallon, mrs jane stinton, joch, vol 1 gold nuggets literary society files (manuscript written 1852-1882.), john o'c hattam, eaglehawk police station, mr w perry, log lock-ups, john fry, charles fry, bendigo advertiser 30/3/1949, alex h stone, bendigo advertiser 20/41949, milburn's coffee palace, shell service station, bridge street methodist church, mr don hargreaves, bendigo historical society newsletter, mr buzza, mr ankle, mr foote, mr scales, mr bull, mr mutton, mr body, mr satori, mr tankard, mr punch, mr snowball, mr sweet, mr goody, mr pallett, mr frame, mr henry jones, bendigo advertiser centenary of bendigo supplement 1951, sir john quick, a w llewelyn, australian natives association, friendly society, virginia battery, commonwealth parliament, federation league, mr alfred deakin, mr d'esterre taylor, mr peacock, mr barret, mr george reid, corowa conference 1893, poet gay, bendigo cemetery, centenary history ana 1871-1971, john e menadue

This is an original Elector’s right certificate of 1900 for the Warrnambool Electoral District. This entitled the owner to vote at elections held for the Legislative Assembly in the Government of Victoria. The voter had to be male and resident in the electorate( in this case Warrnambool).This certificate was issued to Aden Armstrong an undertaker with a business in Timor Street opposite the Old National Bank which was at the corner of Kepler and Timor Streets. The Registrar who signed the certificate was Richard Geilhofer. The certificate was one of the items in the Henri Worland collection of historical society in 1973 by the Warrnambool City Council via Keith Arnel the Town Clerk. The timeframe of this document is on the cusp of major electoral change in Australia with the Federation of Australian states happening in 1901 and the granting of the vote for Australian women in the various states over the next decade.This item would have been a common item at the time as all those entitled to vote had to present same. It has local significance with Aden Armstrong being in business in Warrnambool for a number of years.Cream coloured paper with black text. Victorian coat of Arms at centre top of document. Drawing of lady holding shield on left side Handwritten information is written in faded black ink. Blue stamped number 137050 on top right corner. Back is printed with notes for the elector.Signature and date 1/11/00 at top left. Warrnambool is stamped in dark blue twice at top. Aden Armstrong of Lava St Warrnambool, Undertaker is written on the form with his signature at bottom right. Also signed by the registrar of the day, Richard Geilhofer. Date is also included 24th January 1900 elector's right certificate, aden armstrong, warrnambool, warrnambool undertakers

This book belonged to Con O’Mahony (1863-1920). He was a lawyer practising in Warrnambool in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Sandhurst (Bendigo) and studied at Melbourne University. In 1883 he won the University of Melbourne Bowen Prize for his essay entitled ‘The Federation of the Australian Colonies’. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has a set of books on the lives of the British Chancellors which was given to Con O’Mahony for winning the Bowen Prize. This book is of considerable interest because it belonged to Con O’Mahony, a prominent Warrnambool lawyer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also a book of strong antiquarian interest. This is a hard cover book of 878 pages. It has a dark red cover with red lettering on a gold background on the front cover and gold lettering on the spine. There are 250 illustrations scattered throughout the text. The cover is somewhat scuffed, especially at the edges. The inscription in handwritten in pencil. ‘C.O’Mahony, 13.9.93,WBool’ con o’mahony, warrnambool solicitors

The essay pasted into this booklet was originally produced in a newspaper (name unknown). The original essay was written by Cornelius (Con) O’Mahony and in 1883 it won the Bowen Prize Essay Competition for the best essay written by a student or past student of the University of Melbourne. The Bowen Prize was established in 1874 by the Governor of Victoria, Sir George Bowen, and was awarded annually thereafter. It is still awarded today. Con O’Mahony was a lawyer in Kepler Street, Warrnambool from the 1880s to 1920, initially in partnership with E.W. Klingender and later operating under the name of O’Mahony and Murray. He was born in Bendigo in 1863 and studied at Melbourne University in the early 1880s. O’Mahony received a set of ten books, Lives of the Chancellors, for winning the Bowen Prize and this set of books is in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society today. This essay, although only a typed copy, is important because it is a prime example of the 19th century positive writings on the need for Federation in Australia and so it played its part in promoting the cause of the Federation movement. It was written 17 years before Federation came into being by Con O’Mahony, a person who also played a part in Warrnambool’s history as a prominent lawyer in the town for over 30 years. This is a soft cover booklet of 24 pages. The cover is brown with black print and has handwritten material written over the original printing on the front cover. The booklet, originally an insurance booklet, has a stamp and typed material (a Federation essay) cut out and pasted onto 17 of the original pages. The booklet was originally stapled but the staples have been removed. The cover is partly torn and detached from the pages. The first couple of pages have silverfish damage. ‘Apr 22 1914’ ‘The University of Melbourne, Bowen Prize Essay 1883 won by C. O’Mahony’ con o’ mahony, bowen prize, history of warrnambool, federation campaign in australia

On 11th December 2001 an event was held in Wodonga to celebrate 100 years of the Australian Customs Service. It was held at the former Customs House building in Wodonga. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including the sitting Members of Parliament Mr Tony Plowman and Mr Bill Baxter. Speeches were made by Cr John Watson and Mr Bob Morgan, Supervisor of Australian Customs. A commemorative plaque was also unveiled. The Australian Customs Service played an important role in the history of Wodonga and a major part in the federation of the colonies of Australia. In 1852 the colonies were given the right to collect import duties on items such as coffee, tea, tobacco, chocolate and spirits. NSW was first to impose collection of duties in 1853. At that time Wodonga was not an official port of entry and was not allowed to collect duties. This regulation made it illegal for people to transport dutiable goods across the Murray River from NSW which provided an incentive for smuggling, while at the same time strangling the legitimate trade. Merchants and settlers along the Murray River complained and petitioners approached Melbourne to establish a Customs House on the Murray River so that trade could resume. Belvoir (later to become Wodonga) was a made a port of entry with its own Customs House gazetted on 22nd December 1854. The Government set aside 500 Pounds in 1859 to build Belvoir's own Customs House J P Hanify was appointed as sub-collector at Belvoir. The Customs House was built near the end of Union Bridge over the Murray River in 1859. Tariffs or customs duties greatly angered residents and it was little wonder the customs officer of the day was always an unpopular man. Tariffs had to be paid on articles such as tobacco, many food items and new clothing that were carried across the Border. The range of items was extended over time, leading to some farmers even swimming their livestock across the river to avoid duties at the Customs House. The levying of duties ended with Federation in 1901. Francis Cobham depicted in this photograph, took up the position of Customs Officer in 1867 and remained there until his retirement in 1890. The building was originally a 2-roomed Customs House in 1856 but was extended to provide living quarters for the Cobham family while a nearby cottage became the Customs House. The building was moved to a position south of the lagoon in the mid-1980s and is now a restaurant.This item is significant because it documents the commemoration ceremony for the Australian Custom Service held in Wodonga on 11th December 2001.An A4 size certificate created to acknowledge the centenary of the Australian Customs Service officially established at the time of Federation in 1901. The certificate accompanied the donation of a photo of the Wodonga Customs House including the Customs Officer and his family. It has been mounted in a clear frame.This photograph was presented to the Wodonga Historical Society on the occasion of the unveiling of the Plaque to commemorate 100 years of Federation and 100 years of the Australian Customs Service. The building in the photograph is the Customs House at Wodonga on the Victorian side of the New South Wales border. It was taken in 1883 when collection of Customs wàs a state responsibility. People in the photograph are; second from left- Mr Francis McCrea Cobham (Customs Officer from 1877 to 1890), his daughters Connie (extreme, left), Katie and son Willie. Nothing is known of the person on the extreme right. 11 December 2001 Cr John K.D. Watson Mayor City of Wodonga Insignias of the City of Wodonga and Australian Customs Serviceaustralian customs service, customs house wodonga

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