Black and white photograph of the Golden Square Primary School Girls Marching Team, dated Nov. 2nd 1970. Photograph taken under a tree. The girls names are: Ruth Magee, Yvonne Wardell, Andrea Kinsman, Leanne Delmonico, Christine Mangan, Kaye Hopgood, Janet Alcock, Debbie Stewart, Kerry Chapman, Leanne Murray, Pam Smith, Heather Henderson, Julie Schache, Jillian Varker, Lucy-Ann Hill, Janet Symons, Elizabeth Hangar, Linley Richards, Karen Nicholls, Ann-Marie Kelly, Vicki Bell, Jenny Pocock,education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square laurel street p.s. collection - photograph girls marching team, ruth magee, yvonne wardell, amdrea kinsman, leanne delmonico, christine mangan, kaye hopgood, janet alcock, debbie stewart, kerry chapman, leanne murray, pam smith, heather henderson, julie schache, jillian varker, lucy-ann hill, janet symons, elizabeth hangar, linley richards, karen nicholls, ann-marie kelly, vicki bell, jenny pocock

Montomorency State School Girls Marching team were the marching champions of the Victorian State Schools for four years in a row 1955-1959. This photo is 1955 or 1956. There was also a separate boys marching team. Top row from left: Pat Turnbull, Nina Sislov, Una Robb, Kineare Buckton, Christine Anthony, Jill Stone, Helen Hedly, Verna Wright. Middle row from left: Ina Eiklemboom, Maureen Smith, Bonny Pimlott, Christine Brasnor, Jacqueline White, Beverly Fry, Pam Hudosn, Dianne Hickenbotham, Jeana Woods. Front Row from eft: Anne Wigley, Valerie Williams, Unknown, Wendy Dales, Claudetee Childs (Captain), Heather Murphy, LOrraine Abbot, Margot Storey and Marie WalshCopy of original black and white photographmontmorency state school, girls marching team, trophy

Black and white photographNote attached to photograph. Girl's Marching Team, 1953

See abovesee aboveB&W Photo of the Numurkah Red Roses Marching Girls Team (early 1960's). On back of photo: names and description of why photo was taken. (see above)(see above photo)marching girls, numurkah, red roses marching girls team, 1960's

Copy of black and white photographs (2), laminated on A4 sheet.1948 - Newport Oval. House athletic sports tug-of-war. Staff versus boys. 1948 Newport oval. House Athletic sports - Koala girls marching team.williamstown high school, 1948, athletic sports, newport oval, tug of war, marching, koala house

Photocopy of Photograph - Laminated Names on Back Back : Lynette Bates, Wendy Anyon, Mrs. Mavis Sheedy (Chaperone), Janet Miller, Jean Allen, Karen Smith Front : Christine Resnick, Jill James, Julie Simmons, Wendy Monument, Dianne DalzielStawell Police Youth Club Marching Girls Team 1965

7244-1 Back Row, Colleen Jackson, Pam Pryderich, Sandra Pickering Middle Row, Dianne Holmes, Darilyn Boisen Front Row, Faye Jones, Janette Phelps, Pam Oliver, Pam Biggs, Helen Carmicheal, Pam Newell 7244-2 Back Row, Shirley Whitehead, Colleen Jackson, Sandra P, Janette Phelps, Pam Pryderich, Lorraine Boag, Joan Middleton Front Row, Pam Newall, Wendy Cooper, Julie Jenkins, Dawn Holmes 7244-3 Leader Pan Pryderich Front Row, Pam Newall, Julie Jenkins, Dawn Holmes, Second Row, Wendy Cooper, Lorraine Boag, Shirley Whitehead, Third Row, Colleen Jackson, Sandra Pickering, Janet Phelps, Back, Joan Middleton Three B/W Photographs of marching girls posing for team photo'sMarshall Studios Stawellsport

William Anthony Theodore (19.3.1917 - 5.1.2007).William 'Bill' Theodore - two B&W photographs of two different marching girls' teams in formation - unknown date or team affiliation bill theodore, william theodore

The sport had its origins during the Depression of the 1930s when teams were formed to keep young women fit and healthy. The sport became more organised during the 1940s with a system of scoring developed to ensure teams could compete against one another. Points were deducted for lack of precisions, dressing, movement and length of pace. At its peak marching competitions drew large crowds of spectators. Teams marched not only in competitions but also frequently appeared in parades and social occasions. Jim Trewin trained Orbost's Marching Girls' team, the Waratahs, and served as vice president of the East Gippsland Marching Girls' zone. His wife, Doris, acted as chaperon Together with a trophy, a chaperone's blazer and photos this uniform forms part of the history of the Orbost Marching Girls group.An Orbost Marching Girls' uniform It has a white pleated skirt, a long-sleeved white blouse and a red velvet vest with 6 gold buttons. There is a badge on the left shoulder. A red ribbon is attached to the blouse as a bow tie. On the vest shoulders are white tabs with gold buttons. The skirt and blouse are made of cotton. A pair of short white gloves are included.On badge- Victorian Girls Marching Associationuniform marching-girls leisure clubs recreation

The Marching girls activity was prominent in the 1960's and 1970's and had participation rate of around 30000. It was a part of activities such as street parades and town celebrations and local shows. However the girls also competed against other clubs . In this case the badges tell the story of competitions around the district to Ararat, Horsham, Ballarat, Beaufort and Warrnambool. These were owned by Lyn Bristol who was a member of the Warrnambool group. Most clubs had teams in various age groups. A tangible link to a local sport and club in the Warrnambool area. With large numbers of girls participating in the sport it has strong social interest .Yellow satin ribbon sewn to make a V shape rounded at the top. There are approximately 60 badges pinned to the ribbon which relate to marching events . They vary from coloured enamel to plain white and yellow metal . Some have bars at the top and they are engraved on the backs of the badges. The engravings list the different categories of marching girls competitions A number of them have the initials L B on them. They relate to the period of the early to mid 1960's.warrnambool, marching girls, marching girls warrnambool

This is a perpetual annually presented trophy for the Orbost Marching Girls, the Waratahs. It was donated by local jeweller, Roy Cope.Together with a chaperone's blazer, a uniform and photos this trophy forms part of the history of the Orbost Marching Girls group.A wooden trophy with a triangular base and metal shields. It has a gold painted statue of a female with a laurel wreath in her outstretched left hand. In the right hand is a plaque with a team of marching girls on it.Orbost Marching Girls Roy B. Cope Perpetual Trophy 1963 Awarded to Helen Kelly 1963-64 Diane Bailey 1964-65

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from Thursday, March 4, 2004. Girls footy: could this be a women's football team circa 1940s-50s? The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from Saturday, March 27, 2004. Go girls: does any reader know when softball was first played in Bendigo? Pictured here are the women of the 1956 softball team, back row from left: Dot Moyle, Heather Ferguson, June Riley, Dot Purchess, Shirley O'Donnell and Annie Hassett. Front row from left: June McGowan, Alma Rodgers, Nancy O'Donnell and Dot Smith. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

BHS CollectionPhotocopies of four pages of The Bendigonian of March 10, 1914, On page thirteen photographs of A.N.A. Eaglehawk branch, St. Liborius branch H.A.C.B.S. Eaglehawk and the refuge tent I.O.R. Eaglehawk. On page fourteen photographs of Sir Alexander Peacock opening the Echuca high school, the Echuca high school situated in Victoria Park, The Echuca girls' hockey team at play at Victoria Park. Also, an article on the silver wedding of Rev. J. Worboys and the golden wedding of his father Mr. T.C. Worboys. On page fifteen photographs of the tennis courts of the Echuca girls' high school, group the kangaroo flat methodist picnic at the botanical gardens, white hills, members of the Y.W.C.A., at the welcome picnic held at the botanical gardens in honor of the return of the secretary (Miss Stevenson). Also, an article on the career of Rev Norman Webster. On page sixteen photographs of the Sandhurst rowing club regatta held on March 4, members of the Sandhurst rowing club taken on the occasion and of a giant watermelon.the bendigonian, 1914, echuca, eaglehawk, sandhurst, rowing club

Newspaper Article Sunshine Times 3 May 1956 Baseball|Sunshine RSL Anzac Day 1956 Photo Bert Montgomery Kingsley Kirby Keith Hebb|Sunshine RSL Anzac Day 1956 Photo Maude Noble Ted Flynn Bert Montgomery Harry Foxcroft Ted Hollingshead|Sunshine RSL Anzac Day 1956 Photo group of men and 2 soldiers with head bowed down|Sunshine RSL Anzac Day March 1956 Photo going along Hampshire Road Arthut Widdy Bert Montgomery Harry Foxcroft|1st Sunshine Mayoral Debutante Ball 1951 Photo|1st Sunshine Mayoral Debutante Ball 1951 Photo Cr G Dobson Mayor|Sunshine Technical School Girls Basketball Team 1949 and 1950 Photo Rear 2nd from L Betty Montgomery Rear 2nd from R Lynette Moffat Front L June Deeble Front R Gwenda Harris|Article from Advocate RSL Anzac Day 1956|Albion Methodist Tennis Club One Hundred Selected Recipes|Email from John Willaton about Albert "Bert" Montgomery the donor of the H.V. McKay D324 Wrench / Spanner (Cat No 1960)

Colour photograph of marching girls at street parade for Ampol Fishing Competition in Lakes Entrance Victoria. Also another photograph in black and white of team marching at the same event.fishing competition, parade, events

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele used these articles as part of her research: The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. played a significant role in shaping opportunities for young women during the early twentieth century. It combined religious values with practical education, recreation, accommodation, employment assistance, and community service. By addressing women's social, educational, physical, and spiritual needs, the Association became an important institution within Bendigo, helping thousands of women develop confidence, independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Its work also contributed to broader social reform by improving women's access to education, employment, health, and civic participation. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - The YWCA in Bendigo, Newspaper Articles and a publication (Author Unknown) This item includes the following documents: 8672.31a Newspaper (Unknown) Article coloured photo of Kylie Emonson who had been researching the YWCA and memorabillia, story by Nicole Strahn and photo by Brendan McCarthy. 8672.31b Newspaper (Unknown) Article coloured photo of Norma Cook sifting through old clippings and photos, story by Nicole Strahn and photo by Laura Scott. 8672.31c The article 8672.31c "YWCA: A Century of Achievements" celebrates the 100-year history of the Bendigo YWCA and its significant contribution to improving the lives of women and girls. Founded in the early 1900s, the organisation initially focused on helping women achieve financial independence by providing employment assistance, educational classes, and safe accommodation. It also offered practical training in subjects such as shorthand, dressmaking, and millinery, creating opportunities that were uncommon for women at the time. As the organisation developed, its services expanded to meet the changing needs of the community. The Bendigo YWCA established hostels and residences for women, provided affordable meals, and later introduced a wide range of programs supporting young mothers, migrants and refugees, women in business, and survivors of violence. It also promoted women's participation in sport by helping establish hockey and basketball teams and encouraging community involvement through theatre, singing, fitness, and holiday programs. During World War I, the YWCA even encouraged women to save money through weekly savings schemes. Although the YWCA was originally founded on Christian principles, the article explains that it evolved into an inclusive organisation focused on equality and empowerment rather than religion. According to Bendigo YWCA coordinator Kylie Emmerson, the organisation has always been committed to helping women become independent and providing opportunities that were often unavailable to them. Long-time member Norma Cook also reflects on the important role the YWCA has played in advancing women's rights and creating equal opportunities over many decades. The article concludes by describing the Bendigo YWCA's centenary celebrations, including a permanent sculpture and a public exhibition featuring decorated handbags representing each decade of the organisation's history. It also highlights several current programs, such as school holiday activities, community arts projects, self-protection classes, the Baby Dolls program for young mothers, the Bendigo Young Women's Network, the Encore exercise program for breast cancer survivors, and the Week Without Violence campaign. Overall, the article presents the Bendigo YWCA as an organisation that has continually adapted over the past century while remaining dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering women and girls. 8672.31d Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Sat March 22 1986. YWCA's great record of service by Maurie McDonald, black and white photo of one of the girls' basketball teams. 8672.31e Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Sat March 22 1986. YWCA's great record of service by Maurie McDonald. The article traces the history of the Bendigo YWCA, which was established in 1906 following a public meeting inspired by representatives from the Melbourne YWCA. Founded to promote the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of women and girls, the organisation quickly became an important part of the Bendigo community. In its early years, it focused on meeting the practical needs of young women by creating an employment bureau, offering guidance on job applications and interviews, and recognising the need for safe and affordable accommodation for women moving to Bendigo for work. A major milestone came in 1919, when the YWCA purchased the Black Swan Hotel and transformed it into a residence for young women. The building provided accommodation as well as classes in home nursing, millinery, first aid, typing, bookkeeping, French and English. Beyond housing and education, the YWCA also became known for addressing controversial social issues of the time, including women's rights and sex education, by organising lectures and discussions that encouraged public debate. The organisation also played a significant role in promoting sport and recreation. In 1926, it helped establish Bendigo's first basketball association and later introduced softball to the city. During the Great Depression, the Black Swan became a refuge for girls and young women who had little hope of employment, providing companionship and support. Throughout World War II, YWCA members contributed to the war effort by washing and ironing for servicemen, writing letters, and organising dances and social events for Australian and American soldiers stationed in the region. The article highlights the contributions of several influential women who shaped the Bendigo YWCA over the decades. Members such as Vi Morgan, Loris Nankivell, and Mavis Carne expanded the organisation's programs and strengthened its role within the community. Their leadership helped the YWCA move beyond its original focus on accommodation and employment to become a centre for education, recreation, youth development and family support. From the 1960s onwards, the Bendigo YWCA broadened its services by introducing after-school care programs and developing the **Mother-Child Playgrounds Project**, an initiative that later became a model adopted throughout Australia. In 1968, it established the **Young Theatre Group**, providing hundreds of local young people with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and performance skills. These programs reflected the organisation's commitment to responding to changing community needs. By 1983, the YWCA had moved to new premises at **465 Hargreaves Street**, where it continued to offer a wide range of services. At the time the article was written, these included school holiday programs, play schools, porcelain painting, stretch sewing, English and French classes, exercise and yoga, the Young Theatre, friendship groups, women's workshops and drama groups. Overall, the article celebrates the Bendigo YWCA's eighty-year history, highlighting its transformation from a support organisation for working women into a diverse community organisation that made lasting contributions to education, welfare, recreation and social development in Bendigo. 8672.31f Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Nov 04 1985. Family fun Fair in 79th Year, Black and white photo of YWCA Women in the 1920s, by Susan Masters. Front Row: Phyllis Ellery, Leah Wilson, Vi Clifton, Rene Truscott, Hilda Read and Vera Baker. Back Row: Glad Richardson, Elsie Talbot, Dorothy Ackland, Dorothy Hodden and Dorothy McKay. The photo has been scanned from the newspaper article. 8672.31g Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Nov 04 1985. Family fun Fair in 79th Year, by Susan Masters. The article celebrates the 79th anniversary of the Bendigo YWCA, highlighting both its upcoming annual family fun fair and the organisation’s long history of supporting women and the local community. The fair, to be held at Rosalind Park on **Saturday, November 16**, will feature amusements, cake and plant stalls, craft displays, horse and buggy rides, and a surprise visit by VFL footballers. Funds raised will support YWCA programs, with the Bendigo Zonta Club also assisting through a ceramics exhibition. The article explains that the YWCA has been a significant provider of services for women in Bendigo since **1906**, adapting to changing social needs over the decades. Public relations officer Jill Tobias notes that the organisation has always focused on supporting women, and early fundraising included donated pottery from Victorian artists and prizes contributed by prominent figures in the arts. A major focus of the article is the YWCA’s historical role in providing practical support for young women. In 1911, it established a "thrift club" that encouraged women to save small amounts of money each week. It also offered writing rooms, meeting facilities, and an employment bureau for girls. By 1919, the organisation had expanded into larger premises where it hosted educational lectures, including an early series of talks on sex education, reflecting its progressive approach to women's education. The article also highlights the YWCA’s commitment to accommodation and community support. It operated a hostel for young women for many years, beginning with the conversion of the "Black Swan" hotel and later moving to a larger building that continued as a youth centre until 1981. During the 1920s, the YWCA welcomed Swiss girls to Bendigo to work in local knitting mills, providing accommodation and helping them settle into the community. Beyond welfare services, the YWCA played an important role in developing women's sport in Bendigo. A basketball (later netball) association was formed in **1926**, while the YWCA’s hockey association enjoyed many successful seasons and hosted the Women's International Rules Basketball in 1969. The organisation also established a mother-and-child playgroup and a home tutor scheme for migrant women, demonstrating its broad commitment to community development. Looking ahead, the article notes that the YWCA hoped to continue evolving to meet changing community needs. Coordinator Judyth Jones encouraged new members to join the association, emphasising that the future success of its programs would depend on continued public involvement and support. 8672.31h Unknown Author 38 pages of the history of the YWCA in Bendigo. The document is an academic history of the Bendigo Young Women’s Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) between 1906 and 1939, focusing on its establishment, development, activities, and contribution to women and the wider Bendigo community. Establishment of the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. (1906–1919) The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. was established in May 1906 as part of the wider Y.W.C.A. movement in Victoria. Its founders sought to improve the spiritual, social, educational, and physical wellbeing of young women, particularly those moving to Bendigo for work or study. Initially operating from rented rooms, the Association provided Bible studies, educational classes, recreation, and a safe meeting place. As demand grew, it expanded its services and, in 1919, opened a permanent hostel in the former Black Swan Hotel, offering affordable and secure accommodation for women travelling or working in Bendigo. Activities and Programs (1906–1939) The Y.W.C.A. believed in developing the "whole person" and therefore offered a broad range of activities beyond religious instruction. Members participated in educational classes, including bookkeeping, shorthand, languages, sewing, cooking, literature, and correspondence courses. Lectures addressed health, citizenship, family life, and social issues, encouraging women to become informed, confident, and capable members of society. Physical recreation formed another important aspect of the Association's work. Sporting competitions, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, marching, folk dancing, and exercise classes promoted healthy lifestyles and provided opportunities for friendship and leadership. Club activities fostered teamwork, confidence, and community spirit, while family and social clubs helped members develop lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. Welfare and Community Service The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. extended its work well beyond its members. The hostel offered affordable accommodation, meals, and a supportive environment for young women, particularly those working away from home. During the Great Depression, the Association reduced boarding fees for women facing financial hardship, demonstrating its commitment to social welfare. The organisation also operated employment services, helping women find work while providing temporary accommodation. Other initiatives included the Thrift Club, which encouraged savings, and the Travellers' Aid Society, which assisted women and families travelling through Bendigo with accommodation, transport, and emergency support. Holiday accommodation was also provided for women needing rest or recovery. Response to the First World War During the First World War, the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. redirected many of its activities to support the war effort. Members organised fundraising, prepared care packages for soldiers, assisted military camps, and supported women whose family members were serving overseas. Educational meetings and lectures kept members informed about wartime conditions, while international Y.W.C.A. links strengthened members' awareness of global humanitarian work. Following the war, the Association promoted citizenship and leadership among young women through the Girl Citizen movement. These programs aimed to prepare women for greater social responsibility by providing education in health, family life, community service, and public citizenship. International Outlook The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. promoted international friendship and Christian fellowship through correspondence with overseas branches and participation in worldwide Y.W.C.A. programs. Members learned about different cultures, missionary work, and international issues through lectures, discussions, and exchanges with women from other countries. The organisation believed that understanding other cultures and fostering cooperation would contribute to world peace and responsible citizenship. Overall Contribution The study concludes that the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. played a significant role in shaping opportunities for young women during the early twentieth century. It combined religious values with practical education, recreation, accommodation, employment assistance, and community service. By addressing women's social, educational, physical, and spiritual needs, the Association became an important institution within Bendigo, helping thousands of women develop confidence, independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Its work also contributed to broader social reform by improving women's access to education, employment, health, and civic participation.bendigo, michele matthews collection, ywca