Set of two colour photographs of the visit to the BTM Bungaree house on Sunday 14 October 2001 by the Bungaree Historical Society. Taken by a member of the Bungaree Historical Society and sent to Richard Gilbert in December 2001. On Kodak paper. 2023.1 - group standing outside the shed containing No. 32. 2023.2 - group standing outside the house with Richard Gilbert talking to the group.On back of each photograph in blue ink 2023.1 - "New Tramway Shed / former Bungaree Railway Station / Bungaree Historical Society / excursion October 2001." 2023.2 - "Bungaree Railway house / Bungaree Historical Society / excursion - October 2001."bungaree, btm, bungaree historical society, tram 32

Born in 1844 Prince Alfred was the fourth child and second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He joined the Royal Navy at age 14 as a midshipman and by 1866 had attained the rank of captain and had command of HMS Galatea, a steam-powered sail-equipped frigate. In the same year, Alfred was made Duke of Edinburgh. In January 1867 the Galatea set sail from Plymouth on a round the world voyage visiting the Mediterranean before making a state visit to the emperor of Brazil. Two months were spent in the Cape Colony in South Africa before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia. The Prince continued his tour to country Victoria and in Bendigo tragedy struck on 18th Dec 1867. A model of the royal ship Galatea, crewed by young boys, was the centerpiece of a reception and a procession. The procession circled round, and entering the Camp Reserve piled the torches into one general bonfire. At this time the demonstration of the evening was marred by a sad accident. The Bendigo Volunteer Fire Brigade put on a demonstration with lighted torches which were carelessly extinguished, embers floated onto the model ship which quickly caught fire. Witnesses also reported that firecrackers were being thrown. the accident was caused either owing, to the fireworks or careless use of the torches. Three boys in the model ship were burned to death and several others injured. The Volunteer Fire Brigades' rigged ship Galatea, which had formed a conspicuous object in the proceedings of the morning was driven along the crowded thoroughfare manned with young citizens dressed in sailor costumes, and took fire from the fireworks. Some of the sails immediately caught fire, and before an escape could be made, four of the occupants were most severely burnt. With. the assistance of the bystanders, the flames were quenched, but so severe were the injuries sustained by the lads, that they had to be conveyed to the hospital. Of the four, one, James Brown, son of Mr.James Brown, formerly, of the Water Supply department in Sandhurst and now of Tasmania, recovered from his injuries, but the other three died shortly after the accident. They were Wm. Langston McGrath, Sylvester Francis Cahill and Thomas Walters, each about eight years of age. They were buried at the Back Creek Cemetery, and a movement, initiated b ythe citizens, resulted in their graves being marked by public memorials. In connection with this sad event it should be mentioned that when the explosion of fireworks on board the model ship took place, Mr. Meagher, the captain of the brigade, although struck on the head by a rocket, dragged several of the boys from the flames. He and Mr. Hickey, one of the members of the brigade, were severely burned in their efforts to save the boys, in which they were assisted by Mr. Irving.Bendigo Historical Society excursion to the Bendigo Cemetery and visit to the graves and memorial of the three boys burned to death in a model of the ship Galatea during the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh in 1867. The DVD contains a slide show of the excursion. The photos taken by Libby Luke are published here.history, bendigo, galatea tragedy

Colour photo. Image shows channel to Castlemaine and tunnel, just after leaving Coiliban main Channel. 'Tracking the Coliban Main Channel' Bendigo Historical Society Inc., excursion 5th. December, 2009, organised by Phil Wilkin, member. John Kelly and Ray Smith in image., others unknown. Concrete lined channel, with tunnel in background.cottage, miners, coliban, channel, castlemaine, tunnel

Handwritten letters by individual primary school students from Eltham East primary School sent to Eltham District Historical Society following an excursion to the Eltham Local History centre and heritage precinct.10 pages of handwritten letters in landscape format on lined paperHG Booklet 19harry gilham collection, eltham east primary school, education program, thank you, letters, school tours

The Eltham District Historical Society's heritage excursion held Saturday 10th April 2021 was around the historically significant Eltham Cemetery. This is always a popular tour and again we visited various locations, while discussing some of the notable people who are part of our local history. We were also be able to see recent improvements undertaken by the Eltham Cemetery Trust.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, eltham district historical society, gravestones, heritage excursion

Contents: • Next meeting, guest speaker; Peter Cuffley: Cottage Gardens • Annual General Meeting Agenda • Peter Cuffley • Society excursion • Historical photo collection • R.H.S.V. visit • Book news • Victoria’s 150th The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Contents: • 2018 Nillumbik Community Group of the Year Award to the Eltham District Historical Society • February Meeting • March Excursion – Eltham cemetery Artworks • Eltham 1950s – Childhood Reminiscences – Part 2 by Ann Constable • William Shillinglaw’s Homework Book by Richard Pinn • Early Eltham Shire Boundaries by Russell Yeoman • Wanted – a Treasurer • My Early Eltham Recollections – Part 1 by Alex Smith • Members On-line Survey – December 2017 • Neil Douglas by Wendy Wilson • News of Eltham England by Russell Yeoman • Webster Survey Group • ….and also • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical SocietyThe Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

A4 ring binder with USB and final draft pages of notes and photographs prepared for 4th book on Ringwood Probus Club but never went to print prior to the club closing on Monday 17th December, 2018. Folder includes photographic record of the Probus Club of Ringwood by Ron Thorn who was inducted into the Club in 1985. The total collection of Ron's photos fell into three main groups: Club functions, tours and excursions; Activities of special interest groups; and Members, speakers and special guests.

Digital scans of slides of Southwood Primary School prepared by former teacher, Faye Griggs Rogers Guthrie, in 1986 for a University project. See Record 11540 for description of full collection. This record contains digital images of the ExcursionsNo identification or dates on individual slides

This is a typical school magazine which documents the activities and people who were associated as either studens of staff during 1959. It records through photographs sporting teams such as football, basketball, softball, hockey and baseball. There are also staff photographs and lists of staff and their duties. The articles have been written by staff and students around topics such as sporting successes and events and excursions and notes written about the different students. The technical school taught trade orientated subjects such as dressmaking, plumbing, woodwork, turning and fitting, motor mechanics, commercial and cookery as well as some academic subjects such as English and mathematics.This magazine provides a photographic record of students and staff at one of Warrnambool's largest schools in 1959. It also reflects the types of subjects taught at that time and the many articles written by the students reflect the standard of education and topics which were relevant around the school at that time. It provides a worthwhile historical and social snapshot of 1959.Pale green cover in soft card with brown text and diagram in shape of a boomerang on front cover. Approximately 40 pages which contain a number of black and white photographs and lists of student groups and sports teams as well as staff and the positions held.Annual magazine Warrnambool Technical School.1959. Among the acknowledgements are Mr K Shepherd, Mr P Clarke, Mrs Laidler, Mr Reid and Mr Conry, Warrnambool Standard and Modern Print. C Crawford , business manager and G Brown, editor. J & L Bristol written inside front cover.warrnambool, warrnambool technical school, warrnambool tech school, tech school timor street, warrnambool technical school 1959,, enterprise magazine warrnambool

This card relates to an excursion aboard “The SS Otway leaving the Warrnambool Jetty at 8 am April 18th 1873 to go to Belfast and Portland courtesy of the Warrnambool Steam Navigation Company Limited which was originally called the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company. The Otway was the second steamer purchased by the company. It had a number of ships which traded along the coast including, the Nelson, Julia Percy, Otway and The Edina. The Edina was originally owned by Stephen Henty who was operating it from Portland but he sold it to the new company for £8500. Henty then withdrew from the Belfast and Warrnambool trade for a time but it proved to be a competitive business. The name was changed again in 1878 to The Western Steam Navigation Company and the SS Otway was put up for sale. This card relates to one of the first trips, if not the first trip, taken by the SS Otway Shipping was a major part of the history of Warrnambool and this ticket is a link to one of the earliest passenger and freight services which operated along the coast.Small cream card with light purple text with company name at the top. Capital letters done in scroll lettering. There are feint markings in the centre of the back which appear to have been rubbed off.Signed by Captn Selby. William R Evans manager. 18th April 1873.warrnambool steam navigation company, edina, stephen henty, s s otway

July Excursion July 6, 2019 - Exploring Lower Plenty The predominant feature of this walk in the Bonds Road area, Lower Plenty is the large number of magnificent old River Red Gums that line the route. These trees are of the spreading woodland form of this species indicating that they must have been originally growing in a reasonably open setting. The walk also includes parts of the historic Cleveland Estate and the homestead “Rosehill” established by pioneer farmer Henry Stooke. This area was the site of the first recorded European settlement in what was to become the Shire of Eltham when the Willis brothers arrived in the late 1830s. From the southern part of Cleveland Avenue there are extensive views across and along the Yarra Valley. An article on the history of this area was contained in Newsletter edition 201, November 2011. The walk will start at the at the corner of Bonds and Stawell Roads, Lower Plenty - EDHS Newsletter No. 246 June 2019fay bridge collection, 2019-07-06, blackburn bricks, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, rosehill homestead, lower plenty

September Excursion - Culla Hill Walk Pioneer Eltham farmer Thomas Sweeney (1803 - 1867) named his house, “Culla Hill” after the area in Ireland that he came from. His house, now called “Sweeneys”, remains on a ridge line overlooking the Yarra River. It is recorded that Thomas Sweeney did well out of carting potatoes and other supplies to the various gold fields such as Bendigo, McIvor (Heathcote), Mount Alexander and Beechworth. Culla Hill is now the name of the road providing access to subdivided lots of the former Sweeney property. The Culla Hill walk will start at the corner of Kent Hughes and Lavender Park Roads, Eltham (Melway ref. 22 A9) at 2.00pm on Saturday 7th September. - EDHS Newsletter No. 247 August 20192019-09-07, activities, culla hill, eltham, eltham district historical society, fay bridge collection, heritage excursion, sweeneys lane

The Society conducted a heritage excursion "Eltham War Memorials Walk" on Saturday, May 7, 2016 in conjunction with the centenary commemorations of the First World War. This walk involved visiting a number of memorials along Main Road dedicated to locals who served Australia in times of war including the Roll of Honour located in the Uniting Church Hall which also serves as the Opportunity Shop, which had once operated out of the former CBA bank building next door.activities, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, opportunity shop, uniting church, uniting church hall, 2016-05-07

On Saturday September 2, 2023, Russell Yeoman led a group of 22 society members and interested others on a walk following trhe bounadries of the original Shillingalw farm. Commencing at the corner of Panther Place and Library Place, we proceeded up to Shillinglaw Cafe then the Shillinglaw trees at the former Eltham Shire Office site then along Main Road to the fire station then throughh St Laurence Lane and uinder the railway line , along Diamond Street then return via the Diamond Creek trail behind Andrew Park. The actual farm boundary went past the creek and further up the hill. The original farm comprised lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 subdivision of Little Eltham. Its area was 30 acres lying east of the Diamond Creek and north of Henry Street. A number of stops were made to look at maps and early photos illustrating the gradual reduction of the farm area and the early history of the railway and other community uses, that occupied parts of the site.fay bridge collection, 2023-09-02, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, shillinglaw farm

On Saturday September 2, 2023, Russell Yeoman led a group of 22 society members and interested others on a walk following trhe bounadries of the original Shillingalw farm. Commencing at the corner of Panther Place and Library Place, we proceeded up to Shillinglaw Cafe then the Shillinglaw trees at the former Eltham Shire Office site then along Main Road to the fire station then throughh St Laurence Lane and uinder the railway line , along Diamond Street then return via the Diamond Creek trail behind Andrew Park. The actual farm boundary went past the creek and further up the hill. The original farm comprised lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 subdivision of Little Eltham. Its area was 30 acres lying east of the Diamond Creek and north of Henry Street. A number of stops were made to look at maps and early photos illustrating the gradual reduction of the farm area and the early history of the railway and other community uses, that occupied parts of the site.2023-09-02, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, shillinglaw farm, 895 main road, amplifon, andrew park, andrew pocket park, arthur street, bar de tapas, barber shop, barry plant estate agent, blockbuster, bus depot, car park, carparks, central park, cleaver & co hair, commonwealth bank, crust pizza, divine bridal, dr ash constance, dudley street, eltham book shop, eltham convenience store, eltham fire station, eltham library, eltham newsagency, eltham optical, eltham railway station, eltham shops, fay bridge, fire bell, flagpole, flight centre, grill'd, information sign, iso chook, jellis craig estate agent, judge book village, kebab nation, kx pilates, la zanyas, liquorland, little drop of poison, lorraine jones & associates solicitors, luck street, machan indian restaurant, main road, mecho en mexico, missing gorilla, morrison kleeman real estate, pavilion menswear, platform 3095, playtherapy melbourne, pryor street, ray white real estate, restaurants, sage bulk whole foods, shillinglaw trees, sign, snap fitness, southern cross medical imaging, specsavers, st laurence lane, st vincents care service, thompson's pharmacy, todaro, united service station, vyve body & skin, welcome to eltham town, westpac bank, yang's kitchen, youth road

Hon. Pauline Toner M.L.A. Member for Greensborough 1977 - 1989 Minister for Community Services Victoria 1982 - 1985 16. 3. 1935 - 3.3. 1989 Loving wife of Brian and Dear mothert of Jane, Madeline, Rachel, Lucy, Denis "Atque in perpetuum. Ave atque vale"Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, heritage excursion, pauline toner

Harriet Falkiner was the daughter of Frederick Edward and Fanny Falkiner. Frederick was Eltham's first postmaster and settled in the district on the Diamond Creek and Yarra River around 1848 where he established an orchard and grazed cattle. The original family home was a pioneer settler's cottage built by Frederick Falkiner in Ely street.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, heritage excursion, alexander richard falkiner, evelyn falkiner, frederick edward falkiner, harriet agrita falkiner

Robert David Taylor was a farmer who lived in Eltham all his life and died in 1934 at the age of 76. Mr and Mrs Bowman lived in York Street; Taylor was their neighbour. In 1933 he subdivided his land, the plan showing a proposed Grey Street flanked by residential blocks for sale. Mrs Bowman bought one: her family would be able to walk through it and along Grey Street to Henry Street, thus providing quicker access to the railway station. But Taylor retained ownership of Grey Street itself. He fenced it off at each end and charged the Bowmans with trespass when they used it. The matter went to Court. The ruling was that Mrs Bowman could use Grey Street, as she owned land in it, but her husband could not. (Taylor also accused the Bowmans of having broken the fences, but could not prove it.) Taylor had wanted to subdivide his land in 1914. Plans were submitted to Council and were approved, but the subdivision did not proceed. In 1919, Taylor doctored the plans to make it appear that a totally different subdivisional arrangement had been approved. The Titles Office immediately detected fraud, and the Crown charged Taylor with forgery and counterfeiting. But charges were later dropped (reason not recorded). He was an Eltham Shire Councillor between 1911 and 1920. In 1920, Council charged him with illegally felling 91 eucalyptus trees in Eltham Park (60% of them in a healthy condition), presumably to be sold as firewood. He was imprisoned pending trial. Taylor claimed that he had acquired from another man the right to remove timber and sued the Council for wrongful prosecution. The case eventually went to the State Full Court, with judgement given in favour of Council, on the grounds that any right acquired by Taylor covered only the removal of logs and refuse, not sound green timber. And his position as Councillor precluded him from acquiring the right anyway. Robert David Taylor was also a Trustee of the Wesleyan Church owned land at Lot 20 Henry Street, originally purchased in January 1855 for a chapel and from which David and Catherine Clark first ran their private school, the forerunner of the Eltham Primary School. The land was sold in November 1901 to the Hope of Eltham Tent No. 195 Victoria District Independent Order of Rechabites, for which his brother William John Taylor was a Trustee and became the home of the Eltham Rechabite Hall. In December 1921 it was again sold, this time to the community for use as the Eltham Public Hall, Robert David Taylor being a member of the Committee.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, charlotte amelia taylor, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, lillian jane taylor, richard pinn, robert david taylor

The Woodridge Estate was a major residential subdivision that was developed in many stages in the 1970s and 80s. It extended easterly from the older residential area of Eltham into what had previously been largely privately owned bushland. The subdivision design took into account the steep topography and resulted in large blocks that enabled preservation of much of the tree cover. It included a number of small parks and walkways and the one kilometre long Woodridge Linear Park. A bushland area left as a proposed school site later became the Pauline Toner Butterfly Reserve for preservation of the rare Eltham Copper Butterfly. This walk explores some Woodridge streets as well as the linear park and butterfly reserve, a hilly walk of about 3 km and includes some moderately rough tracks. Permission to visit the external grounds of two private properties to view heritage listed houses not visible from the street was granted. The walk commenced at 2pm at the access to Woodridge Linear Park in Grove Street just east of the Eltham East Primary School (Melway ref 22 B4). This free walk was open to the general public as well as Society members. Whilst COVID restrictions did not require the wearing of masks in the open, masks had to be carried and all attendees registered with name and contct number.Born Digital (41 images)covid-19, eltham, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, woodridge estate

Corner of Diamond Street and Peter Street, Eltham. Walkers gather for the beginning of the walk led by local historian Russell Yeoman. The tree-covered hill that forms the western backdrop to the Eltham town centre exhibits many characteristics that are considered to contribute to the special character of Eltham. They include unmade streets, steeply sloping land, extensive tree cover and a large number of mud brick and pise (rammed earth) houses. A number of these were constructed in the 1940s and 50s by well-known builders John Harcourt and Alistair Knox. A significant proportion from this period were constructed by owner-builders. We walked around the upper part of the hill in the area of Kerrie Crescent and Peter Street. We visited several interesting houses (for external viewing only). The walk commenced at 2pm at the corner of Diamond Street and Peter Street (Melway ref 21H4) and was about 2 km. This free walk was open to the general public as well as Society members. Whilst COVID restrictions did not require the wearing of masks in the open, masks had to be carried and all attendees registered with name and contact number or via QR registration.Born Digital (8 images)covid-19, eltham, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, mudbrick, peter street, diamond street, russell yeoman

Series consists of Items ranging from single-page Shire Brochures to official dinner invitations to tickets for a Vintage Train excursion, books, and many posters advertising events such as the Eltham Festival.shire of eltham archives, series listing

The Common Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis Valida) is one of many orchids within Nillumbik Shire. Postcard sent by Karen and fellow U3A Walkers to Harry Gilham thanking him for conducting an insightful tour of the Eltham Cemeterypostcard, common bird orchid, arts environment heritage, nillumbik shire, u3a, activities, eltham cemetery, heritage excursion, harry gilham, eltham district historical society, chiloglottis valida

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. River Bend was designed and built by Alistair Knox for Rosemary and Bill Cuming in 1968. It sits in a deep cutting on a steep slope above the Yarra River and features floor to ceiling windows and glass doors set into mission brown timber frames and walls of reclaimed bricks in pinkish hue. Rosemary laid the brick paving around the house, a copy of the shell paving found in the ancient French town of Colmar, where the family had lived for a period. The kitchen was equipped with a 1960s stove as well as a cast iron wood stove reclaimed from Rosemary's sister's home in Armadale. Max and Tini Huygens, migrants from Holland, purchased the property in 1975 and named it Tilwinda from an Aboriginal word meaning 'hole in a rock'. In late 1981 Tini died after a short illness, but Max continued to live at Tilwinda until he moved to a retirement village in 2000 and the property was sold to Parks Victoria. Renamed River Bend, the property became part of the Laughing Waters Artist in Residency Program in 2008. Nillumbik Shire Council upgraded the property in 2012 with solar panels, a heat pump for hot water and double glazing to improve the comfort of the artists in residence and make the house more energy efficient. For a more in-depth description of the property and biographies of the various artists in residence commencing from 2008 to 2015, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, artists in residence, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, river bend house

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Birrarung is situated near the end of Laughing Waters Road. It was built in 1974 by Graeme Rose for Gordon Ford who he had asked to build him a small ‘bach’. Builder Peter Jarvis who did his apprenticeship with Alistair Knox for a couple of years recalled there were no drawings. It evolved as more funds became available. Graeme would source second-hand building materials around which he would shape the house. The fireplace was built with chicken wire over which it was rendered with faro cement. A brick floored glass studio, added later, faces a wall of boulders pressed into a manmade cliff, a large pond the link between the rock wall and glass studio. A waterfall, fed by river water, no longer functions. The property became part of the Laughing Waters Artist in Residency Program with the first artist taking up residency in 2001. For a more in-depth description of the property and biographies of the various artists in residence commencing from 2001 through to 2015, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, artists in residence, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, birrarung house

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, boomerang house, gordon ford

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, boomerang house, gordon ford, gordon's shack, love shack

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Birrarung is situated near the end of Laughing Waters Road. It was built in 1974 by Graeme Rose for Gordon Ford who he had asked to build him a small ‘bach’. Builder Peter Jarvis who did his apprenticeship with Alistair Knox for a couple of years recalled there were no drawings. It evolved as more funds became available. Graeme would source second-hand building materials around which he would shape the house. The fireplace was built with chicken wire over which it was rendered with faro cement. A brick floored glass studio, added later, faces a wall of boulders pressed into a manmade cliff, a large pond the link between the rock wall and glass studio. A waterfall, fed by river water, no longer functions. The property became part of the Laughing Waters Artist in Residency Program with the first artist taking up residency in 2001. For a more in-depth description of the property and biographies of the various artists in residence commencing from 2001 through to 2015, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, artists in residence, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, laughing waters road, birrarung house, fay bridge collection