The magazine covers details of the 2006-07 bushfires in Victoria. On page 31 Region 24 list includes towns in the Kiewa Valley. The Kiewa Valley is under constant threat of bush fires during summer. Local fire brigades assist in the protection of residents.The Kiewa Valley was affected by the 2006-07 bushfires. Residents are encouraged to have a fire plan, to be knowledgeable about bush fires and to be ready to leave their homes when under threat. The local towns each have a fire brigade which includes volunteers. On page 18, 'The Yellow Line" - Photo of Kiewa Valley (Mt Beauty and Tawonga) Crews.Glossy coloured photograph of firemen on the front cover and raging fire on the back cover. 31 pages2006 - 2007 bushfires, kiewa valley fire crews

Presentation at Melton Fire Brigade's pre-season dinner local identities, emergency services

Used on some FCV passenger vehicles during the fire season. Could be activated from inside the vehicle as needed Fire tankers had lights and sirens permanently attachedNot common usage on passenger vehiclesRed flashing light and two sirens mounted on car roof rack. Includes FCV sign, radio aerial and public announcement (PA) system Could be operated from inside vehicleForests Commission Victoriabushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Bushfire awareness gallows signs were common features during the summer fire season and hung outside both FCV offices and on major roadways This large metal sign has different text on each side and the text and lettering is simple enough to be read from a moving vehicleBushfire Awareness - gallows signbushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Bushfire awareness gallows signs were common features during the summer fire season and hung outside both FCV offices and on major roadways These six large metal signs have different text on each side and the message and lettering is simple enough to be read from a moving vehicle Metal Fire awareness gallows signsforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, forest signs

The State Electricity Commission of Victoria, who constructed the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme, established and controlled the Mt Beauty Fire Brigade before it was handed over to the CFA.Bushfires and fires in the towns were a threat during the Fire Danger Season. The SECV was responsible for looking after the safety of the community. Interesting to compare the information on the notice to that of today.Cardboard Notice to the SECV Fire Brigade re Fire Warning Signals for the 1962-63 Fire Danger Season. There are 3 messages: 1. Long Blasts 2. Short Blasts 3. Continuous Blasts. On the back "Evacuation": Be Prepared. Things to Take. Protection of House Property - Before leaving the house and lastly Where to Gomt beauty fire brigade, khes fire brigade, fire warnings

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 Barrie 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.)CFA burning off dry grassemergency services

Based on the earlier successful tests with the RAAF Dragonfly in 1948-49, together with the effective use of aircraft during the extensive Gippsland bushfires in March 1965, the Forests Commission took the plunge and contracted its own dedicated Bell 47G in the summer of 1965-66. This was an Australian first for any forest or bushfire agency. Rappelling trials at Snowy Plains and Tallangatta soon followed, which led to operations based at Heyfield with a two-man crew to quickly attack small fires in remote locations. The Heyfield rappel crew was another Australian first and remained in place for the following two fire seasons but lapsed after concerns from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) about the stability of the small and underpowered Bell 47G. Later in 1982, after nearly 18 years absence, the Commission recommenced rappelling operations using larger and more powerful National Safety Council (NSCA) Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters based in Sale, Gippsland. During the 1983 bushfires, a specially trained and equipped FCV crew rappelled by rope from a hovering NSCA helicopter to suppress a small fire in remote terrain in the Orbost Forest District. Rappel model with protective equipment, harness and rope drop bagforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, bushfire aviation, safety equipment

This photograph was taken at Wooragee Landcare workshop (Quoll), field day in Mt Pilot park on Bush Recovery: After the Fires. This is part of the Biodiversity Month on September 2004. The Bush Recovery workshop was held on Sunday 12th September 2-4pm with Christine Watson, Sue Berwick and Natasha Schedvin, and another workshop on Wednesday, 15th September, 9am to 12 noon with local biologist Glen Johnson and botanists Gill Earl and Christine Watson. The topics involved in the training involved what species have returned, what species haven't, what recovery studies are being carried out, how are the barking owls and phascogales faring, and why is Mt Pilot important. The photograph shows L-R: Colin Payne; Jerry Alexander; Geoff Galbraith. Bush fires are common in Australia due to several reasons. One is due to the geographic spread of fire's seasons, secondly, the absence of El Nino conditions are also linked to fires. Climate change also affected Australia's hot and dry seasons. Australia's climate began warming since the 1970s. Human-induced fires also contributed to this increase in temperatures across the nation. Bush fires happened in Mt Pilot in 2003 but it has recovered well since. This makes Mt Pilot an important site to understand bushfire recovery. This photograph contributes to the scientific and historical records on bushfire recovery in Victoria. It creates a picture of Victorian community activities and efforts on biodiversity, climate change, and environmental care.Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paperReverse: WAN NA 0A2A0N0 NN2 0 163 / (No. 2)wooragee, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare, bush fires, bush recover, mt pilot, biodiversity month, botany, botanists, bush recovery, quoll, foxy, fox, forest, environment, climate change, bushfire recovery, bushfires, 2004 bushfire, field work, after the fires, fire, biodiversity

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. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

This flip top pocket steel ash tray was at the beginning of the social "cleaning up" of cigarette ash and related products. This cigarette waste container was for those occasions when it was polite not to throw the cigarette ash and used up cigarettes "buts" on the ground, or if working in any rural area during a dry fire prone season, when discarding burning cigarette waste could set up a severe "bush" fire. It was also at the beginning of an intensive look at the affects of smoking upon the health of users. Later in the 1900s was a time when medical evidence supported a ground swell of the anti smoking movement which resulted in further restrictions of the use cigarette smoking in public places. Before the anti cigarette smoking revolution, it was both fashionable and manly to either roll your own cigarette or open up a packet of "tailor made's". In the rural and man's man environment the roll your own provided a visual acknowledgement that the user was "true blue" Aussie male and not a city boy. The cycle of use of cigarettes has drastically changed from when this item was first used. Today's society (post 2000) has produced a ground swell of government and non government organisations whose aim is provide a cigarette "ash" free environment and society. This is highlighted in the beginning of the 2000 millennium by a cigarette "Free" Australia campaign, and the pocket flip top personal ash tray as a practical solution for butt litter disposal.This pocket ash tray not only was used when social graces required it to, but also provided a container for any unfinished cigarettes or stogies (cheap half used cigars). In rural areas (open fresh air countryside), where time was always made available for the "smoko" (Australian rest period), at any time, especially after some hard physical work, the ability to have a self contained ashing apparatus, not to offend the gentler folk, was a pre-requisite . The rural environment, in the days of these cigarette ash containers,was one which could range from harsh and unforgiving to mild and relaxing. Smoking could be enjoyed anywhere and at any time without too much "fussing" around. This ash tray was mobile, convenient, unobtrusive and regarded by the user as being considerate to those around. It also eliminated the tell tale evidence that the "no smoking" signs had been ignored. The Kiewa Valley was like many rural ares that found it hard for smokers to come to grips with a governmental "non smoking policy" to indoor recreational and other "confined space" environments. Tin plated mild steel round container with a lid. The opening lid is spring loaded, hinged top, circular and fixed by a clasp, pop- riveted (4) onto the main housing. Opposite the hinge the lid is held closed by a small metal ball fitting tightly to the top wall of the container. The lid is opened by the use of a fingernail positioned at junction of lid to body. This edge is bevelled to allow access. personal effects, tobacco waste products, smoking accessories

This flip top pocket aluminium ash tray was at the beginning of the social "cleaning up" of cigarette ash and related products. This cigarette waste container was for those occasions when it was polite not to throw the cigarette ash and used up cigarettes "buts" on the ground, or if working in any rural area during a dry fire prone season, when discarding burning cigarette waste could set up a severe "bush" fire. It was also at the beginning of an intensive look at the affects of smoking upon the health of users. Later in the 1900s was a time when medical evidence supported a ground swell of the anti smoking movement which resulted in further restrictions of the use cigarette smoking in public places. Before the anti cigarette smoking revolution, it was both fashionable and manly to either roll your own cigarette or open up a packet of "tailor made's". In the rural and man's man environment the roll your own provided a visual acknowledgement that the user was "true blue" Aussie male and not a city boy. The cycle of use of cigarettes has drastically changed from when this item was first used. Today's society (post 2000) has produced a ground swell of government and non government organisations whose aim is provide a cigarette "ash" free environment and society. This is highlighted in the beginning of the 2000 millennium by a cigarette "Free" Australia campaign, and the pocket flip top personal ash tray as a practical solution for butt litter disposal.This light weight aluminium pocket ash tray not only was used when social graces required it to, but also provided a container for any unfinished cigarettes or stogies (cheap half used cigars). In rural areas (open fresh air countryside), where time was always made available for the "smoko" (Australian rest period), at any time, especially after some hard physical work, the ability to have a self contained ashing apparatus, not to offend the gentler folk, was a pre-requisite . The rural environment, in the days of these cigarette ash containers,was one which could range from harsh and unforgiving to mild and relaxing. Smoking could be enjoyed anywhere and at any time without too much "fussing" around. This ash tray was mobile, convenient, unobtrusive and regarded by the user as being considerate to those around. It also eliminated the tell tale evidence that the "no smoking" signs had been ignored. The Kiewa Valley was like many rural ares that found it hard for smokers to come to grips with a governmental "non smoking policy" to indoor recreational and other "confined space" environments. The covered lid reduces odors and eliminates ashes from being blown around.Aluminium round container with a lid. The opening lid is spring loaded, hinged top, circular and fixed by a clasp, pop- riveted (4) onto the main housing. Opposite the hinge the lid is held closed by a small metal ball fitting tightly to the top wall of the container. The lid is opened by the use of a fingernail positioned at junction of lid to body. This edge is bevelled to allow access.personal effects, tobacco waste products, smoking accessories, tobacco

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

Photograph of 2 teams with hoses and reels in a race as part of a CFA competition. Fire brigade competitions have been running for almost 150 years with the first State Championship held in Melbourne in 1874. State Championships have continued every year since 1873. The event goes on regardless of weather conditions or natural disasters. The only cancellations being due to WWI and WWII. In the 1950s, the Rural State Championships were developed to reflect the unique skills of rural brigades. The competitions started out as 'Demonstrations' with the introduction of hose reels into the fire service in the mid 1800s. This was to assist in getting hose and other necessary equipment to the scene of a fire faster. Brigades soon find that competing with other brigades improved their training and efficiency. The State Championship became the peak of the season's competitions conducted by districts and associations across the state. Black and white rectangular photo reproduction printed on matte photographic paperemergency services, beechworth, fire brigade, firemen, photograph, competition, black and white, fire

Vol. 3, No. 1, Feb-Mar 1998 CONTENTS MUSICAL MURAL Billie Holliday, Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton appearing in Eltham 2 OBITUARY Pioneer painter and landscape gardener Peter Glass 5 SHORT STORY A place for heroes by David Gothard 7 MONTH OF FESTIVALS Souvenir guide to festivals of Banyule, Templestowe Village, Pettys Orchard Antique Apple and Warrandyte 9-24 A SENSE OF PLACE Exhibition of banners depicting a lifestyle 23 CLEM CHRISTESEN, WRITER & EDITOR Publication of poetry covering 30 years of life and work 25 THEATRE IN 198 Playbills for Eltham Little Theatre, Heidelberg Theatre Company and Sherbrooke Theatre Company 26 CERAMICS How ceramicists mix business and art 27 ART AWARD FORUM Do art awards meet current needs? 28 IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER Busy month of theatre in Melbourne 29 BOOK REVIEWS 30, 31 "Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 36 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) art streams, volumes, jazz mural, vladimir bykovec, peter glass, john street, david gothard, banyule festival, arts on burgundy, ward sagar, montsalvat, were street cafe, rosanna fire station community house, bibby's bahnhof cafe, templestowe village festival, pool & spa care centre, la piazza restaurant bar & cafe, recherche bespoke framers, warrandyte festival, margaret roadknight, mezze restaurant warrandyte, food for all seasons, rivergum gallery warrandyre, potters cottage, pettys orchard antique apple festival, fleur de feliss, allwood neighbourhood house, llobex image wizards, victorian artists supplies, ray liversidge, dynamic vegies, jackie wilson, boroondara litfest, mia mia gallery, eltham banners, geoff mosley, clem christesen, nina christesen, julie reiter, nillumbik art award, carolynn pickett, bulleen art & garden centre, hugh tolhurst, andrew sant, lucinda mcknight, drusilla modjeska, amanda lohrey, robert dessaix, michele lonsdale, volumes, eltham little theatre, heidelberg theatre company, doncaster theatre company

Vol. 3, No. 1, Feb-Mar 1998 Month of Festivals Supplement CONTENTS Yarra Valley Grape Grazing February 28 & March 1; Banyule Festival March 13-22; Templestowe Village Festival March 15; Pettys Antique Apple Festival March 21 & 22; Warrandyte Village Festival March 28 & 29 BANYULE FESTIVAL Festival full of fireworks 11 Poetry in motion at Montsalvat 12 TEMPLESTOWE VILLAGE FESTIVAL Festival takes you on a journey round the world 14 WARRANDYTE VILLAGE FESTIVAL Down by the riverside … 16 PETTYS ANTIQUE APPLE FESTIVAL 18 POETRY 20 A SENSE OF PLACE Exhibition of banners depicting a lifestyle 23 "Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 36 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) art streams, banyule festival, ward sagar, arts on burgundy, montsalvat, were street cafe, rosanna fire station community house, bibby's bahnhof cafe, templestowe village festival, the pool and spa care centre, templestowe hotel, la piazza restaurant bar & cafe, recherche bespoke framers, margaret roadknight, mezze restaurant warrandyte, wintyre recital gallery, rivergum gallery warrandyre, food for all seasons, potters cottage, warrandyte festival, pettys orchard antique apple festival, fleur de feliss florist, allwood neighbourhood house, ray liversidge, llobex image wizards, victorian artists supplies, ian mcbryde, dynamic vegies, jackie wilson, boroondara litfest, mia mia gallery, eltham banners

The history of how and why the Triangle Community Steelbands were formed Paperback. Front cover has a drawing of a steelband.ABOUT THIS BOOK Following the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009 in/ Victoria, the Triangle Community Steelbands were formed/ in late 2009 as a way to assist in the recovery process. This book documents the First 5 Years of Triangle/ Community Steelbands, from is genesis in mid-2009 till/ the end of the 2013-14 concert season, including the/ formation of four individuals steelbands, Pans on Fire, Hot/ Pans, Jammin' and the Buxton Primary Steelband.triangle community, steelband

The history of how and why the Triangle Community Steelbands were formed Paperback. Front cover has a drawing of a steelband.ABOUT THIS BOOK Following the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009 in/ Victoria, the Triangle Community Steelbands were formed/ in late 2009 as a way to assist in the recover process. This book documents the First 5 Years of Triangle/ Community Steelbands, from is genesis in mid-2009 till/ the end of the 2013-14 concert season, including the/ formation of four individuals steelbands, Pans on Fire, Hot/ Pans, Jammin' and the Buxton Primary Steelband.triangle community, steelband

Large families were the norm, rather than the exception up to the time of the World wars. perhaps the senseless destruction of those young lives sickened humanity- perhaps the increased taxes and cost of living resulting from the wars caused a necessary reduction in family size. Perhaps the independence won by women as they carried on their daily lives without their men, made mothers say, "Enough" The Warren family farmed the fertile Fyans Creek flats in the Grampian Mountains of Western Victoria. Some say Halls Gap was so named because the bushranger Hall holed up there in the early days. The rugged slopes and hidden gullies could have hidden a whole gang of bushrangers, but little remained undiscovered to a wandering family of 12 children growing up with their flocks and herds grazing the ranges. A tired rider could nod off, safe in the knowledge a trusty stockhorse would plod steadily homeward into the night. Responsibility quickly made youngsters capable and reliable. Then Australia went to war. There were three older brothers, then the girls, then young Frank. All the men went, including Frank. So the girls had to run the farm alone. Their mother had her hands full with the youngsters, still attending school, a daily walk over the mountain to Pomonal and return. But the loss of the men's casual wages from timber cutting and labouring jobs, meant great hardship is some method of earning a cash income had to be devised. Paying guests! That was it. So Myrtle Bank Guest House was born. City folk flocked to the mountain resort. High stepping mountain horses met them at the Stawell raid-head, with the tall and beautiful Warren girls driving them in experienced fashion, their auburn hair sometimes falling from its pins to fly free, as the dray bowled along towards the hills. The would hitch up their skirts to saw and chop wood for the stoves and fires. They milked cows and delivered calves. They shore sheep and trimmed their feet. They mustered their cattle as the seasons rolled by, and the paying guests watched and participated, fascinated. With laughter and song, the girls would wash up in a tin dish, throw on their house clothes to wait on table, sing and play piano, violin, accordion, enjoying the talk of the city and that other world so far away from their mountain home. The simple country menu was a hit, and the homemade bread, butter, jams and preserves, fruit and vegetables sent guests staggering to their armchairs. Picnics, hikes, goodbyes and welcomes blurred as the years of the war dragged by. Bookings were made and remade as the new enterprise became established. Peace was declared. the men returned A whole new building rose with two floors, inviting verandahs and bathrooms. Myrtle Bank would remain a family business all its lifetime, until buried below the Bellfield Dam, by which time more than one the girls had joined their beloved Frank, lost on Flanders Field. Article in book or magazine describing life at Myrtlebank during war years Other article written from letter from soldier P Lillis to his sister 3rd article of woman from country enlisting in WAAF Submitted by Carol of Bannockburn, Submitted by D Langley Submitted by Meryl of South Frankstonaccommodation, myrtlebank, people, warren

This Pie Iron was used in the mid to late 1900's when stock, both cattle and sheep, were grazed on the Bogong High Plains. Providing meals for stockmen over open fires, even in log cabins in the Victorian Alpine region, was usually by a "camp cook" or a stockman designated "cook" from the Valley station/property. The use of "camping cooking utensils were a necessity and not a "weekend" affair. Stockmen could spend up to six weeks on the plains and all their cooking needs required had to "pack horsed" from the valley below. A scientific study started in 1947, to study the impact of grazing cattle on the natural Alpine and sub Alpine vegetation found grazing cattle had an adverse affect on the natural Alpine and sub alpine vegetation, and grazing on the plains was stopped by the Victorian Government in 2005.This item is highly significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates the kind of cooking utensils that were required for camp drafts in the Bogong High Plains environment. As the control of cattle and sheep in the High Plains was very demanding upon horse and rider, good "tucker" was a pre- requisite for a successful operation. As the time spent in this remote location was governed by the climatic condition maximum utilisation of the very good pastures in the High Plains was crucial to a successful and profitable season.This pie iron has two pie forms in horizontal configuration and both top and base rounded forms are connected at one end (Top) with pop rivet application. This application allows for the "opening" up of the two halves. The bodies are made from cast iron in a "cup" form and a metal rod and wooden handle extend to permit the opening of the two sides. The inner side of the "cups" are smooth which relates to pie requirements and not the jaffle/sandwich irons. A clasp metal "D" ring is installed at the end of one wooden handle (to keep the iron in the close/cooking position).camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliances, pie irons, jaffle irons, drovers kitchen

1970 NATIONAL BANK PAINTING REPRODUCTION The New Chums Arrival on a Gold Digging .Artist unknown c. 1855 Below the picture title the words - Reproduced by the National Bank in 1970 from the lithograph in the La Trobe Collection , State Library of Victoria , by permission of the Library Council of Victoria .Bottom left corner shows a rough sign nailed to an upright post saying The Star Concert Hall Gus Hatton To night.The painting is divided lengthways by a stream with a two plank crossing apparently to show the differences between the seasoned miners above the stream and the new chums below the stream .The above centre of the picture is a windlass surrounded by men - an Aboriginal sitting by a fire , two men with bottles in hand depicting the proliferation of drink .The New Chums below the stream show men and a woman all wearing smart hats and clothes , some carrying unneeded items such as Umbrellaspainting, watercolour, gold diggers

Dahlia & Arts Festival, Eaglehawk.16th - 26th March, 1995. Programme. Debutante Ball (1), 'The Festival' Exhibition at the Borough Galleries. Debutant Ball (2). Art Preview and Presentation of Awards. Craft Market. Displays of Cake Decorating. Sidewalk Busking Competition. Gala Fair. Eaglehawk Fire Brigade open day. Porcelain Art and Craft Show. Art Show. Display of Memorabilia-Cornish Assoc. Static Display-Irish Assoc. Children's Multi-Dimensional Art Exhibition. Children's Photographic Display. Flower Show. Photographic Print Competition. Eaglehawk Heritage Society-Display. Bridge to Park, foot race. Street Procession. O'Shea-Ryan Bendigo Irish Dancing School and O'Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish Dance - Melbourne Performance. 2nd Seasons Fashion Show. 13th Annual Dahlia & Arts Half Marathon. Ecumenical Church Service. Picnic Lunch. Free Concert-Guinness Show Band. Cycling Criterium. Mining Heritage Tour of Eaglehawk. Dahlia Diner. Variety Concert. ''High Jinx On The High Seas''. Childrens Fancy Dress Parade. Gala Charity Old Time Ball. Brass Instrument Solo/Party Competition. 'Gardening Through The Drought'-Guided Tour. California Hill Church Open Day Craft & Devonshire Teas. Traditional Cornish Concert. 'A Time to Remember'. Annual Croquet & Bowls Tournaments. Festival Guest of Honor Mr Wayne Gregson - Journalist. Editor - Bendigo Advertiser. Festival President, Mr Noel Thomas. Vice Presidents Alan Bull, Kevin Herdman. Executive Officer Jeanette Moss. Treasurer Lorna Thomas. Acknowledgements and sponsors on back page.event, entertainment, eaglehawk dahlia & arts festival, dahlia & arts festival, eaglehawk.16th - 26th march, 1995. programme. debutante ball (1), 'the festival' exhibition at the borough galleries. debutant ball (2). art preview presentation of awards. craft market. displays of cake decorating. sidewalk busking competition. gala fair. eaglehawk fire brigade open day. porcelain art and craft show. art show. display of memorabilia-cornish assoc. static display-irish assoc. children's multi-dimensional art exhibition. children's photographic display. flower show. photographic print competition. eaglehawk heritage society-display. bridge to park, foot race. street procession. o'shea-ryan bendigo irish dancing school and o'shea-ryan academy of irish dance - melbourne performance. 2nd seasons fashion show. 13th annual dahlia & arts half marathon. ecumenical church service. picnic lunch. free concert-guinness show band. cycling criterium. mining heritage tour of eaglehawk. dahlia diner. variety concert. ''high jinx on the high seas''. childrens fancy dress parade. gala charity old time ball. brass instrument solo/party competition. 'gardening through the drought'-guided tour. california hill church open day craft & devonshire teas. traditional cornish concert. 'a time to remember'. annual croquet & bowls tournaments. festival guest of honor mr wayne gregson - journalist. editor - bendigo advertiser. festival president, mr noel thomas. vice presidents alan bull, kevin herdman. executive officer jeanette moss. treasurer lorna thomas. acknowledgements and sponsors

TROVE : Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Saturday 11 October 1862, page 8 ‘…..AYER'S SARSAPARILLA FOR PURIFYING THE BLOOD; A compound remedy, designed to be the most effectual Alterative that can be made. It is a concentrated extract of Para Sarsaparilla, so combined with other substances of still greater alternative power as to afford an effective antidote for the diseases Sarsaparilla is reputed to cure. It is believed that such a remedy is wanted by those who suffer from Strumous complaints, and that one which will accomplish their cure must prove of immense service to this large class of our afflicted fellow-citizens. How completely this compound will do it has been proven by experiment on many of the worst cases to be found of the following complaints : — Scrofula and Scrofulous complaints, Eruptions and Eruptive Diseases, Ulcers, Pimples, Blotches, Tumora, Salt Rheum, Scald Head, Syphillis and Syphillitic Affections, Mercurial Disease, Dropsy, Neuralgia or Tic Doloreux, Debility, Dyspepsia and Indigestion, Erysipelas, Rose, or St. Anthony's Fire, and, indeed, the whole class of complaints arising from impurity of the blood. This compound will be found a great promoter of health, when taken in the Spring, to expel the foul humors which fester in the blood at that season of the year. By the timely expulsion of them many rankling disorders are nipped in the bud. Multitudes can, by the aid of this remedy, spare themselves from the endurance of foul eruptions and ulcerous sores, through which the system will strive to rid itself of corruptions, if not assisted to do this through the natural channels of the body by an alternative medicine. Cleanse out the vitiated blood whenever you find its impurities bursting through the skin in pimples, eruptions, or sores ; cleanse it when you find it is obstructed and sluggish in the veins ; cleanse it whenever it is foul, and your feelings will tell you when. Even where no particular disorder is felt, people enjoy batter health, and live longer, for cleansing the blood. Keep the blood healthy, and all is well; but with this pabulum of life disordered, there can be no lasting health. Sooner or later something must go wrong, and the great machinery of life is dis ordered or overthrown. Sarsaparilla has, and deserves much, the reputation of accomplishing these ends. But the world has been egregiously deceived by preparations of it, partly because the drug alone has not all the virtue that is claimed for it, but more because many preparations, pretending to be concentrated extracts of it, contain but little of the virtue of Sarsaparilla, or anything else. _ During late years, the public have been misled by large bottles, pretending to give a quart of Extract of Sarsaparilla for one dollar. Most of these have been frauds upon the sick, for they not only contain little, if any, Sarsaparilla, but often no curative properties whatever. bitter and painful disappointment has followed the use of the various extracts of Sarsaparilla which flood the market, until the name itself is justly despised, and has become synonymous with imposition and cheat. Still, we call this compound Sarsaparilla, and intend to supply such a remedy as shall rescue the name from the load of obloquy which rests upon it. And we think we have ground for believing it has virtues which are irresistible by the ordinary run of the diseases it is intended to cure. In order to secure their complete eradication from the system, the remedy should be judiciously taken according to directions on the bottle. Prepared by DR. J. C; AYER and CO., Lowell, Mass. HENRI J. HART, Sole Wholesale Agent, 21 Queen street south. Sub-agents required for all the interior towns.’ TROVE : Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 12 November 1934, page 4 DOCTORS SHOW QUICK WAY TO END STOMACH TROUBLE Miss Ethel Phillips, Like Numbers of Victorian People, Surprised to Find How Quickly Freedom from Indigestion Improves Health, Increases Vigor and Makes One's Complexion Healthier and More Radiant. More and more Victorian people are finding that the way one looks and feels depends largely on one's digestion. And .they have learned that Ayer's Sarsaparilla — by ending indigestion — gives one increased strength, steadier nerves, clearer skin, and the improved appearance that can come only from improved health. (Photo) : HOSPITAL NURSE ENDS GASTRIC INDIGESTION BY TEMPTING TASTE OF SARSPARILLA AT MEALTIME Tall clear aqua tinted glass bottle, rectangular in section, with rectangular panels impressed on four sides with embossed text in the four panels. A shallow dome impression on the base containing embossed text.Side 1 : 'AYER'S'. Side 2 : 'COMPOUND EXT.' Side 3 : 'LOWELL MASS. U.S.A.'. Side 4 : 'SARSAPARILLA'. Base 'C57'.ayer's, sarsaparilla, compound extraction

Demolished after a fire c1970sblack and white photograph, unmounted, copy, fair conditionMelbourn Suburbs- St Kilda. Ladies Drawing Room, St Leonards . St Kilda by the sea annual, p fold out. Season 1915-16. F600:65. National Library of Australia Canberra

From the early 1960s, the Forests Commission had pre-season arrangements in place with local aeroclubs and pilots across regional Victoria. Air observers from FCV districts routinely flew during the summer months in small, fixed-wing aircraft on fire spotting missions and to map fire boundaries. The information was often needed quickly by crews on the ground or in the control centre and these small chutes were used to drop messages and maps from the reconnaissance aircraft on a low pass above a cleared area like a football field. About 3-foot long when fully extended, they had a small pouch secured with a press stud for the map or package. The chutes were made from tough canvas with a small, weighted sandbag at one end and a long yellow streamer tail on the other to help direct its fall and locating it on the ground. Drop chutes were still in common use in the 1990s, but the increased availability of helicopters combined with improved digital data transfer made drop chutes redundant. Simple, but now redundant technologyAerial drop chute"Return to Forests Comm Vic" stenciled on sidebushfire

The gouache was presented to Cr Jill O'Brien, Mayor of Kew in 1983-4, who was instrumental in the purchase of the window. The same Kewriosity article, referred to in the physical description, states that the window was originally commissioned from the artist by a Kew timber merchant, and following ownership by successive owners found its way back to Kew. The framed photograph is part of the Jill O'Brien collection which was gifted to the Kew Historical Society following her death in July 2016. The collection includes important primary sources relating to a number of areas in which Jill O'Brien made a significant contribution including the establishment of the Villa Alba Museum, local government, the Kew Historical Society, the Yarra Bend Trust, and the arts.Framed gouache on paper of the design by the artist Alan Sumner for his window, The Four Seasons. The window, now in Kew Library was purchased to commemorate Kew's 125th Anniversary. An article in a contemporary issue of Kewriosity states: The window is approximately three metres in diameter and divided into one central and four outer panels. Clockwise from the top is Autumn with sinuous lines in yellow and brown, then winter in cool blues and mauves with lines and circles suggesting rain, snow and hail. Spring follows in the bottom left quadrant with organic ovaloid shapes richly coloured and lines evoking growth. Then to the top where summer explodes with the colours of fire and blue of the sky at the height of summer. The centre panel has a powerful image of sun, moon and stars which links the surrounding panels".jill o’brien, public art - kew (vic), stained glass - kew (vic), alan sumner - the four seasons, kew library, public art

Charles E “Ernie” Barrie started constructing a Chaff mill on the corner of Brooklyn and Station road in 1900. It soon became a thriving business and was ideally located close to the railway line. Ernie and his father William and other Barrie brothers had been operated travelling chaff cutters in the district of Melton and Werribee. Within a short time the mill expanded into two big sheds in partnership with his brother James E known as “Ted”. The eldest brother William was in the Manager living in Melton South. In 1906 Ernie applied for a railway crossing on Brooklyn Road to have direct access for railway trucks to be shunted to the mill to be loaded. The Mill was also had the first phone to be connected, No 1, and No’s 2, 3 were the Golden Fleece and Macs Hotels. In 1906 Ernie married Jessie Lang daughter of the Head Teacher at Melton State School No 430 (1896 –1917). The Barrie house on the north side of the mill was completed in August 1906. It survived for almost 60 years until demolition. Chaff mills were very susceptible to fires and often burnt down and would be rebuilt again ready for the peak of the harvesting season. The final demise of the Mill occurred in a spectacular blaze on the night of Friday 2nd December 1977, just before the earth tremor as reported in the local paper. Brian Dobson the local photographer lived close by and captured the night blaze. A video was also taken of the action by the fire brigade. My parents Bon and Edna Barrie were living at 19 First Avenue, and took colour slides of the smouldering ruins in the half -light. Ironically Bon had spent the first year of his life (born in April 1909 and sister Mary born October 1907) at the house beside the mill. Trethowan’s Chaff mill in Brooklyn road was also destroyed by fire, which stated in the evening on Tuesday April 28th 1987. It was established in 1910 by Dixon Brothers, followed by, Ebbot & Kebby, Robinson, Trethowan and Butler and was with the Trethowan family when it burnt down. Melton South was small a community referred to as Melton Railway Station. Member of the community raised the idea to have a public hall. In 1909 Cr Barrie, Mr Nesbitt and Delany formed a committee to build a community hall. Cr Barrie donated the land and The Exford Hall was completed in September 1910 later to be named Victoria Hall. It was demolished in 1992. Colour slide in Barrie archive. In April 1910 the Ernie sold the Mill to Glover Onians (HSK Ward) family moved away to a property in Trundle NSW. Ernie had acquired 640 acres (a square mile) and leased a further 1920 acres of adjoining land. It was the practise of the farmers in the area at the time to buy up or lease the surrounding land from the 640 acre crown land blocks to make up acerage for a viable wheat farm. His wife Jessie found the climate to be very hot and when the Darlingsford property at Melton was put up for sale in the latter part of 1910 and was passed in at the auction. My grandfather saw this an opportunity to return to Melton. The negotiations to Darlingsford were finalised on May 11th 1911. Barrie bothers with connections to Chaff mills and farming in Melton from the 1900s William Henry, Charles Ernest, James Edwin, Samuel John, Robert, Arthur Roger, Albert Walter. Three grandsons and a great-grandson are in business earthmoving and farming in Melton today. (2013) Memoirs by Wendy BarrieEmployees at Chaff Mill, it was located on the corner of Brooklyn and Station Road, Melton South. local identities, agriculture