Also titled: Eltham Shire "As We Are"The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project was the first major Community Arts project initiated and co-ordinated through the resources of the Shire of Eltham. It was originally conceived and inspired by a local textile artist, Tracey Naughton, who, together with the Community Services Manager of this local government council, made the idea a very concrete and flourishing reality. As the following report reveals, the project grew from the original fourteen or so intending participant groups to fifty-seven banners; expressions of those diverse groups' interests and identities. As a first major project it was rightly felt by Tracey Naughton, who became the Shire's first Community Arts Officer in March 1985, that it should be fully documented, so that an appraisal of the extensive growth of this community arts development process could be assessed. Given the time and money available to do this the writer, Jacky Talbot, and her advisors, decided it was appropriate to select fifteen or twenty banners for detailed analysis. This was done by taping interviews with members of the chosen groups. The groups were chosen to cover all ages participating, from the toddlers in the Playhouse to our grand elder citizens in their Nursing Horne, and to cover a wide range of different types of groups - schools, scouts, churches, youth issue based, and the numerous women's groups of various combinations, localities and concerns. ·. Some groups who presented their banners for the culminating highlight of this project - the Exhibition, held at the Eltham Community Centre on October 9th, 1986, had no contact with the Shire or project co-ordinator, but heard about the project through the local news' networks or other participants. The extent of community participation was enormous. It involved hundreds and hundreds of people. It changed some people's lives, enlivened others. As a first step on a new road its success is notable. The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project took place in the Shire of Eltham and neighbouring environs for approximately 12 months, from October 1985. Paperback; 68, [10] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. Two copiesflags, emblems, banners, eltham, shire of eltham, community

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot, eltham shire council artist in residence

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.anne laurence, betty johnson, display panel, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, joan maclagan, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, community notice board, jacky talbot

A River of Life: Eltham Peace Banner 1986 The Hiroshima Day Banner was conceived by Shire of Eltham Artist in Residence, Jacky Talbot and a number of other Eltham women as part of the “As We Are” community banner project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The group promoted it at the new Community Notice Board (Arthur Street and Main Road) on Hiroshima Day (August 6) and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Jacky Talbot, led the team who produced the banner, approximately 4.5 metres by 1.5 metres, of sewn and painted Australian flora and fauna. Workshops were held at the Eltham Community Arts Centre at Meruka House. Peace Banner Group members included Laurel Eckersall, Anne Laurence, Betty Johnson, Margaret Johnson and Joan Maclagan. One of the creators, Joan Maclagan, further gave expression in verse – Banner for Peace The 'River of Life' with about 30 other banners went on display in the “As We Are” exhibition held at the Eltham Community Centre on 9 October 1986, previewed by the Member for Greensborough, Ms Pauline Toner, and Eltham Shire President, Mr Bob Manuell. The full display continued in Woolworths (now Coles) Arcade. The banner was also carried by the group in the 1986 Eltham Festival Grand Parade on November 8, along with other group banner projects including that of the Eltham District Historical Society, after which they were displayed in the Shire of Eltham’s tent in Alistair Knox Park.betty johnson, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, laurel eckersall, "as we are" community banner project, banner project, river of life banner, community notice board, margaret johnson, meruka house, community arts centre, jacky talbot

River of Life and Hiroshima Day Banners The River of Life and Hiroshima Day banners were specific peace projects initiated by the CAO and taken up by Eltham Living & Learning Centre and funded by the Victorian Peace Secretariat for IYP. The project was transferred from the Centre to Tracey as part of her artist in the community portfolio. Tracey, as CAO, employed Jacky Talbot, who was not familiar with Eltham but was an experienced community arts worker personally interested in textiles and peace. The project was publicised and a peace banner group formed. Only two of the women knew each other. They had come together from a need to do something for peace, rather than to learn about textiles. Jacky Talbot shared Elizabeth Savage's approach to the banner. She was not 'a peace-expert' and did not want to be seen as such by the group. Like Elizabeth Savage she wanted to encourage an expression of peace as it was perceived by the group. Jacky showed slides of peace images and peace banners. Textile workshops were interspersed with discussions about peace, one of which was led by a local People for Nuclear Disarmament member. The idea for the banner occurred during one of these discussions. One of the women began to talk about feeling like a drop of water lost in the river of life - yet rivers were made of countless droplets which, when joined together, became the powerful force of the river. This group quickly established a commitment, not only to peace, but to the group itself, and this has continued beyond the project. The women, as is the case with many of the groups in the Banner Project, were really surprised at their increasing textile skills and self-confidence. But they were more concerned with their commitment to peace. Each is continuing to find ways in which she can continue to work for peace, and activities are undertaken on a group basis as well. The decision to participate in the group based activities is up to each woman as the time arises. The banner and some members of the group have now participated in the Peace Boogie at the World Trade Centre, the Peace Arts Conference organised by Art Action for Peace, Melbourne City Council's Peace Vigil weekend, Women's Precious Things for Peace Day exhibition and the banner was ' hung at the Footscray Community Arts Centre when the other textile peace mural Jacky co-ordinated was opened. One woman wrote a poem about the project and peace; others have sent telegrams and letters to politicians about peace. A great deal of information about peace and other activities, articles, books, media programs were circulated amongst the group. The Hiroshima Day Banner was made by Jacky Talbot as part of the project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The artist was concerned about the remaining time scheduled for the project and spent several days "whipping" up the banner herself. For the artist this banner was to prove quite significant. The women hung it at the Community Notice Board on Hiroshima Day and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Although no new members joined the group from this activity, the artist felt that she was more fully accepted by the group afterwards. This banner has initiated a small group of women committed to peace. The artist has also continued to liaise and meet with the women as time permits. Future group plans include: making kimonos to wear when carrying the banner, participating in the Palm Sunday March, an observance of Hiroshima Day activity, which is yet to be decided, establishing contact with a sister-town in USA and USSR and supporting Eltham Council's stance as a Nuclear Free Zone. (Source: The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot, Shire of Eltham, Feb. 1987, pp43-46)35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 2) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date OCT 86Mbanner project, community banner project, tracey naughton, eltham living and learning centre, eltham peace banner, jacky talbot, river of life banner

River of Life and Hiroshima Day Banners The River of Life and Hiroshima Day banners were specific peace projects initiated by the CAO and taken up by Eltham Living & Learning Centre and funded by the Victorian Peace Secretariat for IYP. The project was transferred from the Centre to Tracey as part of her artist in the community portfolio. Tracey, as CAO, employed Jacky Talbot, who was not familiar with Eltham but was an experienced community arts worker personally interested in textiles and peace. The project was publicised and a peace banner group formed. Only two of the women knew each other. They had come together from a need to do something for peace, rather than to learn about textiles. Jacky Talbot shared Elizabeth Savage's approach to the banner. She was not 'a peace-expert' and did not want to be seen as such by the group. Like Elizabeth Savage she wanted to encourage an expression of peace as it was perceived by the group. Jacky showed slides of peace images and peace banners. Textile workshops were interspersed with discussions about peace, one of which was led by a local People for Nuclear Disarmament member. The idea for the banner occurred during one of these discussions. One of the women began to talk about feeling like a drop of water lost in the river of life - yet rivers were made of countless droplets which, when joined together, became the powerful force of the river. This group quickly established a commitment, not only to peace, but to the group itself, and this has continued beyond the project. The women, as is the case with many of the groups in the Banner Project, were really surprised at their increasing textile skills and self-confidence. But they were more concerned with their commitment to peace. Each is continuing to find ways in which she can continue to work for peace, and activities are undertaken on a group basis as well. The decision to participate in the group based activities is up to each woman as the time arises. The banner and some members of the group have now participated in the Peace Boogie at the World Trade Centre, the Peace Arts Conference organised by Art Action for Peace, Melbourne City Council's Peace Vigil weekend, Women's Precious Things for Peace Day exhibition and the banner was ' hung at the Footscray Community Arts Centre when the other textile peace mural Jacky co-ordinated was opened. One woman wrote a poem about the project and peace; others have sent telegrams and letters to politicians about peace. A great deal of information about peace and other activities, articles, books, media programs were circulated amongst the group. The Hiroshima Day Banner was made by Jacky Talbot as part of the project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The artist was concerned about the remaining time scheduled for the project and spent several days "whipping" up the banner herself. For the artist this banner was to prove quite significant. The women hung it at the Community Notice Board on Hiroshima Day and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Although no new members joined the group from this activity, the artist felt that she was more fully accepted by the group afterwards. This banner has initiated a small group of women committed to peace. The artist has also continued to liaise and meet with the women as time permits. Future group plans include: making kimonos to wear when carrying the banner, participating in the Palm Sunday March, an observance of Hiroshima Day activity, which is yet to be decided, establishing contact with a sister-town in USA and USSR and supporting Eltham Council's stance as a Nuclear Free Zone. (Source: The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot, Shire of Eltham, Feb. 1987, pp43-46)35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whitebanner project, community banner project, tracey naughton, eltham living and learning centre, eltham peace banner, jacky talbot, river of life banner

Arthur Street, Eltham next to ANZ Bank The Hiroshima Day Banner was made by Jacky Talbot as part of the project. The women wanted to do something for Hiroshima Day and suggested that a workshop be set aside to make a banner. The artist was concerned about the remaining time scheduled for the project and spent several days "whipping" up the banner herself. For the artist this banner was to prove quite significant. The women hung it at the Community Notice Board on Hiroshima Day and were photographed by the local newspaper publicising the group and drawing wider community attention to the remembrance of the day. Although no new members joined the group from this activity, the artist felt that she was more fully accepted by the group afterwards. This banner has initiated a small group of women committed to peace. The artist has also continued to liaise and meet with the women as time permits. Future group plans include: making kimonos to wear when carrying the banner, participating in the Palm Sunday March, an observance of Hiroshima Day activity, which is yet to be decided, establishing contact with a sister-town in USA and USSR and supporting Eltham Council's stance as a Nuclear Free Zone. (The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot, Shire of Eltham, Feb. 1987, p46) Used in Shire of Eltham display at the Eltham Community Festival, 7 November 1987. Shire of Eltham Engineering Department Providing the resources to undertake • Survey, design, consultation • Road construction and maintenance • Bridge construction and maintenance • Street sweeping • Drain and pit cleaning • Traffic engineering installation and maintenance • Garbage collection • Tip management, land reclamation and beautification • Maintenance of community buildings • Provision of community and recreation facilitiesIllustrative of services provided by former Shire of ElthamColour photograph 20 x 29 cm mounted on green-painted chipboard 28 x 35.5 cm (string on back for hanging) Ref: 01842-0Title printed on label adhered to board below photograph (replaced June 2017)display panel, eltham festival, eltham peace banner, hiroshima day banner, infrastructure, shire of eltham, laurel eckersall, anne laurence, betty johnson, joan maclagan

St Andrews Primary School was one of thirteen primary schools and one high school to participate in the banner project. A picture of the St Andrews Primary School banner was included in page 10 of The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot. The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project was the first major Community Arts project initiated and co-ordinated through the resources of the Shire of Eltham. It was originally conceived and inspired by a local textile artist, Tracey Naughton, who, together with the Community Services Manager of this local government council, made the idea a very concrete and flourishing reality. The project grew from the original fourteen or so intending participant groups to fifty-seven banners; expressions of those diverse groups' interests and identities. As a first major project it was rightly felt by Tracey Naughton, who became the Shire's first Community Arts Officer in March 1985, that it should be fully documented, so that an appraisal of the extensive growth of this community arts development process could be assessed. Given the time and money available to do this, Jacky Talbot, and her advisors, decided it was appropriate to select fifteen or twenty banners for detailed analysis. This was done by taping interviews with members of the chosen groups. The groups were chosen to cover all ages participating, from the toddlers in the Playhouse to our grand elder citizens in their Nursing Horne, and to cover a wide range of different types of groups - schools, scouts, churches, youth issue based, and the numerous women's groups of various combinations, localities and concerns. ·. Some groups who presented their banners for the culminating highlight of this project - the Exhibition, held at the Eltham Community Centre on October 9th, 1986, had no contact with the Shire or project co-ordinator, but heard about the project through the local news' networks or other participants. The extent of community participation was enormous. It involved hundreds and hundreds of people. It changed some people's lives, enlivened others. As a first step on a new road its success is notable. The 'As We Are' Community Banner Project took place in the Shire of Eltham and neighbouring environs for approximately 12 months, from October 1985.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Cardbanners, st andrews primary school, banner project, community, emblems, flags, shire of eltham

Eltham Day Care Centre The Centre made two banners; the first was made during a one-day workshop with Tracey Naughton utilising individual fabric painted triangles and joining them together. This workshop was so well received that the Centre wanted to make another banner over a longer period. Tracey suggested that local felt artist, Alice Ruxton, Tracey's grandmother, work with the group. The group wanted to do something with an historical theme and Tracey brought some photos from the Historical Society's files. A design was created from these. Felt, a physically demanding medium, attracted a number of men to participate in this banner, as well as women. Weekly workshops were held over a couple of months, with everyone at the Centre very interested. The completed banner was returned to Tracey to attach a backing. (Source: The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot, Shire of Eltham, Feb. 1987, pp30-31)35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 2) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date OCT 86Mbanner project, eltham day care centre, community banner project, tracey naughton

Tracey Naughton was the former Shire of Eltham Community Arts Officer and was responsible for developing the 'As We Are' project which encouraged a number of local community groups to develop banners. The Society was keen to be involved and the project was kicked off following a talk to the Society's members by Tracey in April 1986. The banner was completed and displayed with a number of other banners at the Eltham Community Centre in October 1986. It was then carried proudly for the first time in front of the Society's Parade Float in the 1986 Eltham Community Festival Parade and subsequent parades through to 1990. In December 1994 the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist and following council amalgamation and the establishment of the new Shire of Nillumbik, the Society's name (Shire of Eltham Historical Society) had become somewhat irrelevant and it was revised in 1995 to Eltham District Historical Society. The immediate downstream impact of this change was the rendering of the Society's Banner to history after only eight years of use. The banner now hangs proudly in our Local History Centre. The Historical Society Banner: Jud Degan worked with this group. The banner was designed by a male member and sewed by women. Sewing the banner renewed the group's knowledge of the area in an innovative way and, in turn, this has renewed the energy of the members to participate in the Society. The emphasis in this banner was to create a work of high standard which would last as part of the area's future heritage. The women particularly gained a sense of the history of their craft skills, enjoying the combination of hand embroidery and new machine embroidery skills shared by Jud. (The banner habits of the Eltham tribes : Eltham Shire "as we are" Community Banner Project report /​ by Jacky Talbot, Shire of Eltham, Feb. 1987, p49)Colour photographactivities, banner project, local history centre