Eltham resident for more than 42 years, consultant in access and aged care issues, former Eltham Shire Councillor (1994), former member of Nillumbik Planning Special Committee (1996), community advocate, bike rider and President of Eltham District Historical Society from 2010 to present (2023) 1. How to Vote pamphlet: Lets make Eltham an even better place, Jim Connor for Eltham Council Central Riding - stood as an independent candidate against Nick McGowan 2. Newspaper article: Eltham's plans draw support; publication unknown (1994) - continuation of article about proposed realignment of Council boundaries and includes photo showing Cr Connor 3. Business Card: Jim Connor and associates, Consultant in Access and Aged Care Issues 4. Report: Meeting the challenge - we're well on the way! Nillumbik Budget 2005-2006 report card (8 page A4 report) featuring a photo of Nillumbik councillors and community members reviewing aerial photo of Eltham (includes Mayor Cr Greg Johnson, Cr Michael Young, Jim Connor, Russell Yeoman and two others) 5. Newspaper clipping, Local Knowledge, Diamond Valley Leader, November 2, 2011, p2 - interview with Jim Connor about living in the Diamond Valley 6. Consideration of an Honorary Life Membership for Jim Connor, Eltham District Historical Society 7. A Celebration of Community Historians at the RHSV's AGM, RHSV News, June 2019, p4 - presentation of RHSV Merit Award by RHSV President Richard Broome to Jim Connor 8. Newspaper article: Tree change a positive move, Why I love My Suburb, Diamond Valley Leader, July 24, 2019, p4 - interview with Jim Connor 9. Photo: B&W A4 print of Jim Connor with his e-bikeFolder of information on Jim Connoreltham district historical society, eltham shire council, jim connor, nillumbik shire council, royal historical society of victoria, council elections

Colour photograph of EDHS President, Jim Connor giving a talk to students at Research Primary School about the Honour Board as part of the centenary of World War Oneresearch primary school, jim connor

Presentation by Jim Connor, President, Eltham District Historical Society, to interior design students from Gordon TAFE, Geelong on the work of Alistair Knox and Merchant Builders, as well Greg Burgess and the Eltham Library. The day included a tour around Eltham to look at Merchant Builder and Alistair Knox homes.activities, alistair knox, alistair knox design, eltham library, gordon tafe geelong, greg burgess, jim connor, merchant builders, presentation

This significant historical link in Melbourne’s water supply system is perhaps something we have taken for granted, or not even really noticed…it is just there! Built between 1886 and 1891 to transfer water from the Watts River near Healesville to the reservoir at Preston this aqueduct was 66 km in length and included open channels, tunnels and the use of inverted siphons to keep water flowing, to eventually service Melbourne and suburbs. At this meeting Jim Connor will talk about the challenges and achievements involved with this extraordinary project.1:09:10 duration Digital MP3 file; 23.7 MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham, jim connor, maroondah aqueduct

Presentation of a certificate of Distinguished Life Member to Jock Read at his aged care home, Chatsworth Terrace, 430 Main Road, Lower Plenty, July 2010. Jock had previously been appointed a Life Member at the Annual General Meeting in 2003. He and fellow Life Member, Peter Bassett-Smith were made Distinguished Life Members in July 2010. Present were Jim Connor, Harry Gilham, Russell Yeoman, Peter and Diana Bassett-Smith, Doug Orford and Jock Read.One of four images from an A4 inkjet printactivities, eltham district historical society, jim connor

Presentation of a certificate of Distinguished Life Member to Jock Read at his aged care home, Chatsworth Terrace, 430 Main Road, Lower Plenty, July 2010. Jock had previously been appointed a Life Member at the Annual General Meeting in 2003. He and fellow Life Member, Peter Bassett-Smith were made Distinguished Life Members in July 2010. Present were Jim Connor, Harry Gilham, Russell Yeoman, Peter and Diana Bassett-Smith, Doug Orford and Jock Read.One of four images from an A4 inkjet printactivities, eltham district historical society, jim connor, doug orford

Guest speaker at Eltham Community Action Group (ECAG) Annual General Meeting The Shire of Eltham was established in 1871 and ceased to exist, due to a municipal restructure, when all councillors were sacked on 15 December 1994. Jim Connor, a past Councillor of the former Shire of Eltham and current President of the Eltham District Historical Society gave a very interesting presentation about the machinations of how and why Eltham became Nillumbik. He also displayed and discussed images of the various plans that have been suggested for the former Shire Office Site since the building was demolished by the decision of the commissioners in July 1996, the commissioners having replaced the elected council when the Kennett government amalgamated all Victorian councils.1:08:28 duration Digital MP3 file; 23.5MBaudio recording, meeting, eltham, guest speaker, commissioners, community engagement, community protest, council amalgamation, demolition, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, jim connor, planning application, shire of eltham, shire of nillumbik, agm, eltham community action group (ecag), eltham district historical society

EDHS Newsletter No. 266 October 2022 It is 150 years since the Colony of Victoria introduced the Education Act in 1872. At our next society meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12th October we will look at the early history of some of the schools in the Eltham district. What were the driving forces behind the establishment of some of these schools and what challenges were encountered along the way? At this meeting Dr Geoffrey Sandy will speak about the Church of England Denominational School at Little Eltham, Dr Andrew Lemon will talk about the history of Research State School, Jim Connor will speak about the Eltham Primary School and Irene Kearsey will comment on some of the findings from her recent project digitising the early class records of Eltham Primary School.1:21:48 duration Digital MP3 file; 28.0MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham, 150th anniversary, dr andrew lemon, dr geoffrey sandy, irene kearsey, jim connor, public education victoria

EDHS Newsletter No. 275 April 2024 The Shire of Eltham was established in 1871 and ceased to exist, due to a municipal restructure, when all councillors were sacked on 15 December 1994, which is 30 years ago this December. At this meeting, Jim Connor will provide a presentation about From Eltham to Nillumbik Shires - a personal perspective. Jim has been active in the local community for over 40 years and was the last councillor elected to the Shire of Eltham. Following the restructure he became a member of the Nillumbik Shire Council Planning Special Committee, which included three commissioners and three community members, and was also chair of the Nillumbik Disability Advisory Committee. In both roles he obtained insights into the early operation of the new council. Jim has also been a member of the Eltham District Historical Society since 1990 and president from 2009.1:35:44 duration Digital MP3 file; 32.8MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham, guest speaker, commissioners, community engagement, community protest, council amalgamation, demolition, eltham gateway action group, eltham shire offices, jim connor, planning application, shire of eltham, shire of nillumbik

EDHS Newsletter No. 268 February 2023 Prior to the extension of European people into the lands of the Nillum-bik in the late 1830s the Wurundjeri people had been meeting in the area now known as Eltham Lower Park for thousands of years. Waterway junctions had a particular attraction as tribal meeting places and the junction of the Diamond Creek with the Yarra River (Birr-arung to the Wurundjeri) was one such important location in terms of aboriginal culture. The sculpture “Not Just a Pretty Place” by Aleks Danko, located near the junction of these two watercourses pays tribute to this important cultural location. The first European settlers were squatters or leaseholders and itinerants such as timber workers. Records of their early occupation are sketchy but the Eltham Lower Park area was probably included within the pastoral run established in 1841 by Henry Foley. He sold his leasehold in 1845 to Joseph Wilson who in turn sold it to Frederick Faulkner soon after. From this early history the Eltham Lower Park area has undergone many changes and has been developed to provide residents and visitors with a range of passive and active public open space, including even being used for various horse racing events. At our next meeting, Jim Connor will explore the history of Eltham Lower Park and touch on various individuals and groups involved along the way.1:05:19 duration Digital MP3 file; 22.4MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, jim connor, eltham, eltham lower park

June Meeting (Newsletter No. 240, Jun. 2018) Prior to Shillinglaw Cottage (c1878-80) being relocated to where it is now operated as a popular cafe near the Eltham Library, it was within Josiah Holloway’s 1850s subdivision known as Little Eltham, which later became the centre of the first Eltham township. Originally a farmer’s cottage it is historically significant because it is one of the Shire’s oldest dwellings and a fine example of the work of the well-known pioneer builder George Stebbing. In 1964 the then Shire of Eltham purchased the Shillinglaw property with the intention of demolishing the cottage and constructing new Shire offices on the site. However extensive community action resulted in funds being raised to have the building saved and relocated further south to the Eltham Common, where it was joined by the Eltham Library 1994. New Shire offices opened in 1965, but following municipal restructure in 1994 these were demolished and the land sold to a developer, which precipitated a dramatic trail of community angst, threats of legal action, the sacking of a newly elected council and several unsuccessful development proposals, by subsequent councils. After all these years the vacant site there is still guarded by the three trees that were outside the front of the Shillinglaw Cottage. At our Society meeting on Wednesday 13th June 2018 Jim Connor will speak about the dramatic tale encompassing the history of the former Eltham Shire office site and the adjoining War Memorial Buildings complex, which are now being considered for sale or redevelopment by the current Nillumbik Shire Council.1:17:57 duration Digital MP3 File 27 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, jim connor, meeting, shire of eltham office site, society meeting

Details of the Eltham Courtthouse restoiration undertaken by Nillumbik Shire Council in 2021. This AGM and meeting was held online via Zoom, EDHS' first online meeting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was recorded and both audio only and MP4 files were saved.1:03:06 duration Digital M4A file; 57.4 MB, Digital MP4 file; 610.6 MBaudio recording, eltham, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham courthouse, nillumbik shire council, agm, jim connor, video recording

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 245, Apr. 2019) At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker a representative from the Eltham Cemetery Trust, who will talk about their connections to our local history and how current practices and projects continue to support the artistic connections in the Eltham region.1:11:42 duration Digital MP3 File 24.6 MB audio recording, eltham, eltham district historical society, jim connor, meeting, society meeting, street names

Opening of the new Pavilion, Living and Learning Centre, Eltham, 10 October 1994 Colour photographeltham, eltham living and learning centre, living and learning centre, pavilion, 1994, jim connor

Platy is a wonderfully tactile platypus sculpture sensitively carved from the root of a Bunya Pine, by the highly awarded, collected wood artist, Peter Carrigy. The sculpture of Platy was a gift from the councillors of the then Shire of Eltham in 1994 to the children’s section of the new library, with the intention that it be placed where it could be touched, explored and experienced by children of current and future generations. Peter Carrigy travelled from his home in South Australia to attend the library opening of Eltham Library on Sunday, 22nd May 1994. Peter Carrigy’s delightful platypus sculpture (known as Platy), carved from the root of a Bunya Pine, has been lovingly appreciated since the opening of the Eltham Library in 1994, by many young (and older) visitors to the children’s section of this wonderful award-winning library, designed by Greg Burgess and associates. Jim Connor first saw the sculpture on display at the Wiregrass Gallery, opposite Eltham Lower Park around 1992. He was moved by its beauty and creativity and felt then it should be where it could be explored by little hands but could not afford the asking price of $2,300. Luckily, it was still available in 1994 when then Cr. Jim Connor approached all councillors about using some of their ward funds to purchase, then donate it as a gift for the children’s area, at the opening of the library. Cr. Connor negotiated with Leigh Carbines, who operated the gallery and he and Peter Carrigy, the sculptor, moved on price seeing where it was going to go. Cr. Connor arranged to purchase it for $1,500, being $500 from each of three wards, then Leigh organised the stand and mount for it. In the leadup to the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Eltham Library, Jim Connor (now president of Eltham District Historical Society) approached artist Peter Carrigy with the support of the Arts officers at Nillumbik Shire Council. They were interested to learn more about any method and technique that could be used for restoration. It was felt such information would be of great value to a short-and long-term conservation program, to ensure Platy is preserved for future generations to enjoy.dr andrew lemon, eltham library, irene gerard, jim connor, jim connor collection, peter carrigy, platy, sculpture

Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections by Jim Connor, EDHS newsletter No. 236 October 2017 The Eltham Cemetery Trust, established in 1858, selected the existing burial site at Mount Pleasant Road on high ground overlooking the village of Eltham. The first recorded burial took place in 1861 in the Church of England section. Headstones depict the names of many early and well known local families. In recent years the Trust has encouraged the use of creative artistic elements within the natural bushland environment in their landscaped grounds adjoining Montsalvat. Their ongoing vision has been to offer the local communty a fresh and unique relationship to the Cemetery. On Thursday 21st September 2017 their latest commissioned art project titled ‘Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections’ was unveiled. It is a collection of panels collaboratively created by artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma. The project was designed and constructed by Leigh Wykes using Australian stone with ironwork by Neil Carter. All contributors to this installation, located adjacent to the car park near Metery Road, are residents of the Eltham area. Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections is described as a celebration of life in the Shire since the opening of the Eltham Cemetery more than 150 years ago. Depicting scenes of life in and around Eltham, the collection offers deeper connections to the Eltham area through a series of visual narratives of Eltham’s past, environment and community. The project involves the artistic interpretation by Nerina Lascelles of historic and current images symbolically intermixed with locally indigenous flowers and plants. These are displayed on thirty-one ceramic panels by Linda Detoma, mounted within an iron fence by Neil Carter, upon an attractive rock wall constructed by Leigh Wykes. The Eltham District Historical Society is pleased to have contributed to this project. Russell Yeoman and Jim Connor from our Society have collaborated with Liz Pidgeon, Local and Family History Librarian at Yarra Plenty Regional Library on a selection of photographs, many from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Collection we hold in partnership, located at Eltham Library. We also provided information on the images chosen. The Eltham Cemetery Trust has produced a booklet about this artwork, which can be viewed on the Cemetery website at: http://www.elthamcemetery.com/oureltham/#1 Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections is a significant monumental installation, which will encourage visitors to come to view this outstanding combination of local creative skills, set within the attractive grounds of the Eltham Cemetery. jim connor collection, eltham cemetery trust, montsalvat, our eltham artistic recollections, 2017-09-21

The Eltham Gateway Group (EGG) was established about 1987 by some Eltham residents concerned for the development of the Eltham Gateway, defined as that historically and environmentally sensitive region of land along Main Road, Eltham extending from the roundabout at Fitzsimons Lane to Dudley Street, Eltham. The gateway was a unique urban area with a strong sense of character that provided a distinctive entrance to the Eltham Town Centre. The intention of this group was to support development that preserved both the natural and historic features of the gateway region. It encouraged development sympathetic to Eltham’s traditional association with the arts and natural environment. The group was initiated in response to a planning application in December 1986 to redevelop the then Mobil service station site at 729 Main Road, Eltham on the corner of Brougham Street. This group worked with and encouraged the Eltham Shire Council to consider rezoning to protect the gateway area. A detailed Eltham Gateway Study undertaken by Tract Consultants assisted with the establishment of the Eltham Gateway Zone, the Eltham Gateway Policy and the Eltham Gateway Design and Siting Guidelines. The State Government subsequently agreed to a planning amendment to rezone the land from a Residential Zone C to an Eltham Gateway Zone under the Eltham Planning Scheme. While zoning changes over the years have altered the mix of permitted uses within this area the Eltham Gateway still looks and feels like a predominately residential style precinct, even where non-residential type uses operate. EGG was followed by the establishment of the Eltham Protection Society in about 1989 to respond to community planning issues beyond the area of the Eltham Gateway and in effect took over the role from the EGG. Jim Connor President Eltham District Historical Society 4 July 2022 During 1986/87 I was a community member on the Shire of Eltham’s Community Consultative Committee involved with the Eltham Gateway Study, which led to the establishment of the original Eltham Gateway Zone, under the then Eltham Planning Scheme The Eltham Gateway Group was the pioneer community action group dedicated to protecting the character of the Eltham Gateway. It was succeeded by the Eltham Protection Society. When the Shire of Eltham Offices were demolished by the unelected Commissioners of Nillumbik Shire Council in July/August 1996, significant community upset and protest led to the establishement of the Eltham Gateway Action Group (EGAG) which in present day form has evolved into the Eltham Community Action Group (ECAG) focussing on issues throughout Eltham and not just the Eltham Gatewayeltham community action group, eltham gateway, eltham gateway action group, eltham gateway design and siting guidelines, eltham gateway group (egg), eltham gateway policy, eltham gateway study, eltham gateway zone, eltham planning scheme, eltham protection society, jim connor, michael wilson, rodger dalling, tony mcmanus

Colonel Terry Beaton (Retired), an EDHS member, has been passionate about locating and remembering local service personnel buried in the Eltham, Nillumbik and Kangaroo Ground cemeteries each ANZAC (April 25) and Remembrance Day (November 11, formerly known as Armsitice Day). In many cases Terry has identified service personnel whose service is not formally recognised on their headstones and he and wife Sheila would locate their graves and plant a flag in their memory. In more recent times Terry has been assisted by members of the Eltham District Historical Society as the number of graves identified identified grew. As a result of two years work they have located over 860 veterans at Eltham (744 WW2 - of which 13 were women) and approximately 200 at Kangaroo Ground. As of 2025, staff at Eltham Cemetery have taken over the role from Terry in planting flags at Eltham Cemetery and other volunteers assist at Nillumbuk and Kangaroo Ground cemeteries to honour these service personnel. jim connor collection, terry beaton, sheila beaton, eltham cemetery, australian military service personnel, eltham district historical society, flag tribute, remembrance day

Colonel Terry Beaton (Retired), an EDHS member, has been passionate about locating and remembering local service personnel buried in the Eltham, Nillumbik and Kangaroo Ground cemeteries each ANZAC (April 25) and Remembrance Day (November 11, formerly known as Armsitice Day). In many cases Terry has identified service personnel whose service is not formally recognised on their headstones and he and wife Sheila would locate their graves and plant a flag in their memory. In more recent times Terry has been assisted by members of the Eltham District Historical Society as the number of graves identified identified grew. As a result of two years work they have located over 860 veterans at Eltham (744 WW2 - of which 13 were women) and approximately 200 at Kangaroo Ground. As of 2025, staff at Eltham Cemetery have taken over the role from Terry in planting flags at Eltham Cemetery and other volunteers assist at Nillumbuk and Kangaroo Ground cemeteries to honour these service personnel. jim connor collection, terry beaton, sheila beaton, australian military service personnel, eltham district historical society, flag tribute, remembrance day, kangaroo ground cemetery

Colonel Terry Beaton (Retired), an EDHS member, has been passionate about locating and remembering local service personnel buried in the Eltham, Nillumbik and Kangaroo Ground cemeteries each ANZAC (April 25) and Remembrance Day (November 11, formerly known as Armsitice Day). In many cases Terry has identified service personnel whose service is not formally recognised on their headstones and he and wife Sheila would locate their graves and plant a flag in their memory. In more recent times Terry has been assisted by members of the Eltham District Historical Society as the number of graves identified identified grew. As a result of two years work they have located over 860 veterans at Eltham (744 WW2 - of which 13 were women) and approximately 200 at Kangaroo Ground. As of 2025, staff at Eltham Cemetery have taken over the role from Terry in planting flags at Eltham Cemetery and other volunteers assist at Nillumbuk and Kangaroo Ground cemeteries to honour these service personnel. jim connor collection, terry beaton, sheila beaton, australian military service personnel, eltham district historical society, flag tribute, remembrance day, eltham cemetery

jim connor collection, christmas hills, rob roy hill climb

New floodlights down the side of the courthouse were turned on for the first time (26 July 2022), to help illuminate the pathwayjim connor collection, eltham courthouse

Awarded to Spr. W. H. Orford by Shire of Eltham Welcome Home Committee Welcome Home Medal The Welcome Home Medal was issued to acknowledge service during World War 1. As groups of servicemen returned and were discharged a local welcome home function was held in their honour. The welcome home committee decided that to commemorate the occasion a medal should be presented to the returned servicemen and also to the nearest relations of those who had fallen during the conflict. The medal shown was presented to Sapper William Henry Orford, of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company, an uncle of Doug Orford, one of our members. Sapper Orford participated in an operation where on June 7, 1917, British and Australian tunnellers detonated 19 massive mines beneath German lines at Messines Ridge, Belgium, marking a pivotal moment in WWI underground warfare. The explosions, including those at the heavily contested Hill 60, created craters 60 feet deep, killed roughly 10,000 German troops, and were heard as far away as London. Tunnellers from Australian and British units worked for over a year (since 1916) in treacherous conditions—including quicksand and mud—to dig tunnels beneath German strongpoints. At 3:10 a.m. on June 7, nearly 1,000,000 pounds of explosives (ammonal) were detonated, creating one of the largest pre-atomic explosions in history The explosions shattered German morale and destroyed defences, allowing Allied forces to take the ridge. Specifically, Australian miners placed, at great risk, two massive mines under the German-held Hill 60 and the nearby "Caterpillar" crater. Inscribed on the front of the medal is: SPR W.H. ORFORD FROM ELTHAM WE HONOUR YOU GREAT WAR 1914 – 1919 On the back of the medal is the image of a soldier standing at ease with a rifle. Smaller than originally stated the Eltham Districts medal is midway between a 10 and 20 cent piece in size. The medal is a fine piece of craftsmanship and is understood to have cost £4 to make. On 22nd April 2014 Society members were pleased to attend an announcement by Mr Damien Drum, Victorian Minister for Veterans Affairs and Sport, of funding for installation of signage for the Eltham and Hurstbridge Avenues of Honour. Doug Orford was there and created much interest with his Welcome Home Medal, including from Minister Drum. See also EDHS Newsletter No. 216 May 2014spr. w.h. orford, welcome home committee, welcome home medal, world war 1, avenue of honour, jim connor collection, mr damien drum, victorian minister for veterans affairs and sport, william henry orford

Awarded to Spr. W. H. Orford by Shire of Eltham Welcome Home Committee Welcome Home Medal The Welcome Home Medal was issued to acknowledge service during World War 1. As groups of servicemen returned and were discharged a local welcome home function was held in their honour. The welcome home committee decided that to commemorate the occasion a medal should be presented to the returned servicemen and also to the nearest relations of those who had fallen during the conflict. The medal shown was presented to Sapper William Henry Orford, of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company, an uncle of Doug Orford, one of our members. Sapper Orford participated in an operation where on June 7, 1917, British and Australian tunnellers detonated 19 massive mines beneath German lines at Messines Ridge, Belgium, marking a pivotal moment in WWI underground warfare. The explosions, including those at the heavily contested Hill 60, created craters 60 feet deep, killed roughly 10,000 German troops, and were heard as far away as London. Tunnellers from Australian and British units worked for over a year (since 1916) in treacherous conditions—including quicksand and mud—to dig tunnels beneath German strongpoints. At 3:10 a.m. on June 7, nearly 1,000,000 pounds of explosives (ammonal) were detonated, creating one of the largest pre-atomic explosions in history The explosions shattered German morale and destroyed defences, allowing Allied forces to take the ridge. Specifically, Australian miners placed, at great risk, two massive mines under the German-held Hill 60 and the nearby "Caterpillar" crater. Inscribed on the front of the medal is: SPR W.H. ORFORD FROM ELTHAM WE HONOUR YOU GREAT WAR 1914 – 1919 On the back of the medal is the image of a soldier standing at ease with a rifle. Smaller than originally stated the Eltham Districts medal is midway between a 10 and 20 cent piece in size. The medal is a fine piece of craftsmanship and is understood to have cost £4 to make. On 22nd April 2014 Society members were pleased to attend an announcement by Mr Damien Drum, Victorian Minister for Veterans Affairs and Sport, of funding for installation of signage for the Eltham and Hurstbridge Avenues of Honour. Doug Orford was there and created much interest with his Welcome Home Medal, including from Minister Drum. See also EDHS Newsletter No. 216 May 2014spr. w.h. orford, welcome home committee, welcome home medal, world war 1, avenue of honour, jim connor collection, mr damien drum, victorian minister for veterans affairs and sport, william henry orford

Awarded to Spr. W. H. Orford by Shire of Eltham Welcome Home Committee Welcome Home Medal The Welcome Home Medal was issued to acknowledge service during World War 1. As groups of servicemen returned and were discharged a local welcome home function was held in their honour. The welcome home committee decided that to commemorate the occasion a medal should be presented to the returned servicemen and also to the nearest relations of those who had fallen during the conflict. The medal shown was presented to Sapper William Henry Orford, of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company, an uncle of Doug Orford, one of our members. Sapper Orford participated in an operation where on June 7, 1917, British and Australian tunnellers detonated 19 massive mines beneath German lines at Messines Ridge, Belgium, marking a pivotal moment in WWI underground warfare. The explosions, including those at the heavily contested Hill 60, created craters 60 feet deep, killed roughly 10,000 German troops, and were heard as far away as London. Tunnellers from Australian and British units worked for over a year (since 1916) in treacherous conditions—including quicksand and mud—to dig tunnels beneath German strongpoints. At 3:10 a.m. on June 7, nearly 1,000,000 pounds of explosives (ammonal) were detonated, creating one of the largest pre-atomic explosions in history The explosions shattered German morale and destroyed defences, allowing Allied forces to take the ridge. Specifically, Australian miners placed, at great risk, two massive mines under the German-held Hill 60 and the nearby "Caterpillar" crater. Inscribed on the front of the medal is: SPR W.H. ORFORD FROM ELTHAM WE HONOUR YOU GREAT WAR 1914 – 1919 On the back of the medal is the image of a soldier standing at ease with a rifle. Smaller than originally stated the Eltham Districts medal is midway between a 10 and 20 cent piece in size. The medal is a fine piece of craftsmanship and is understood to have cost £4 to make. On 22nd April 2014 Society members were pleased to attend an announcement by Mr Damien Drum, Victorian Minister for Veterans Affairs and Sport, of funding for installation of signage for the Eltham and Hurstbridge Avenues of Honour. Doug Orford was there and created much interest with his Welcome Home Medal, including from Minister Drum. See also EDHS Newsletter No. 216 May 2014spr. w.h. orford, welcome home committee, welcome home medal, world war 1, avenue of honour, jim connor collection, mr damien drum, victorian minister for veterans affairs and sport, william henry orford

In May 1953, Mr A.E. Parsons moved (seconded by Mrs A.E. Kerr) that the need for an Honour Roll be included on the agenda of the Eltham War Memorial Trust (EWMT) meeting to be held in June 1953. At that meeting, Mrs L. Jarrold moved (seconded by Mrs A.E. Kerr) that the Secretary of the Trust (Mr C.G. Seear) write to the RSL and obtain eligible names from both wars to be placed on an Honour Roll Board to be erected in the building. The RSL was duly requested to supply those names in July 1953. In August 1953, the Secretary of the EWMT made enquiries with Briar Hill Timber regarding a suitable timber to be used for the board, which was to be to be polished and have the 37 names in gold lettering, one half inch in size. At the September meeting of the Trust, the Secretary reported on the design and price from Briar Hill Timber being £3.15.0. A sketch was not available, and Briar Hill Timber was asked to supply one, which was duly presented at the October meeting. The Briar Hill Timber design was not as requested by the Trust. The Secretary subsequently requested from other potential suppliers and several proposals with quotes were received and discussed at the Trust’s November meeting. A decision was made to proceed with Design No. 936 which was to be quoted in mountain ash. A quote from Johnstons Furniture Productions of Gertrude St., Fitzroy for £13.10.0 was received in December. The design and quote being accepted by the Trust, an order was placed for its commission. The Honour Roll Board was presented at the March 1954 Trust meeting and the proposed lettering was discussed. The Secretary was requested to follow-up confirmation of the names from the RSL and to have them printed in gold lettering on the board. The account from Johnstons Furniture Productions for the board was submitted and paid in full by the Trust. By the April meeting the names to be painted had still not been furnished by the RSL. A further follow-up request was made, and the names duly provided by Cr Stanley S. Addison at the Trust’s meeting in May. The names were copied from the Memorial Obelisk which was first erected by the WW1 Eltham Peace Celebrations in August 1919 at the northwest corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. (The obelisk was later moved in 1956 to the garden area of the refurbished RSL branch building in Main Road for safekeeping due to road widening works.) These names and the Honour Roll Board were handed over to A.E. Emmett, signwriter who completed the work for the gold lettering and submitted an account for such to the Trust for £12.0.0 in July 1954. At the Trust’s August 1954 meeting, the Secretary advised that the Honour Roll Board had been completed and was situated at the Baby Health Centre where arrangements had been made to place it in a prominent position. Handover of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s assets (including the Eltham Roll of Honour Board) to Eltham Council was conducted in August 1965. In 1999 the Honour Roll Board was removed from the Eltham War Memorial by members of the RSL and relocated to the Eltham RSL sub-branch on Main Road. Following financial collapse of the Eltham RSL sub-branch and merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and subsequent sale of the Eltham property, the WW1 obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be re-hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children’s Library) where it was attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall. Sometime around late 2018 when Council was investigating the potential sale and development of the Eltham War Memorial site, the Eltham Honour Roll Board was once again removed from the Eltham War Memorial by persons unknown, under the pretext of ‘safekeeping,’ to a location outside of the Shire of Nillumbik and placed in storage at the Montmorency-Eltham RSL sub-branch, in the City of Banyule. Eltham District Historical Society was made aware of the removal of the Honour Roll Board to the Montmorency-Eltham RSL sub-branch. A formal request was made by EDHS to the Montmorency-Eltham RSL to return this community asset to its rightful place as intended when it was commissioned and paid for by the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Nillumbik Shire Council was also made aware of the removal of this community asset and formally requested its return prior to Anzac Day, 2021. This did not happen however following ongoing negotiations led by Nillumbik Shire Council, the Honour Roll Board was returned in time for Anzac Day 2023 where it is now proudly displayed in the Community Gallery near the internal entrance to Eltham Library providing the community with greater access to it.jim connor collection, briar hill timber & trading co. pty ltd, eltham children's library, eltham community gallery, eltham district historical society, eltham library, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, honour board, honour roll

The Eltham Leisure Centre shortly before its re-development in 2016 per application for planning permit 517/2015/06P which was advertised until 17 December 2015.jim connor collection, brougham street, building construction, council buildings, eltham leisure centre, infrastructure, nillumbik shire council, planning application, redevelopment

The Eltham Leisure Centre shortly before its re-development in 2016 per application for planning permit 517/2015/06P which was advertised until 17 December 2015.jim connor collection, brougham street, building construction, council buildings, eltham leisure centre, infrastructure, nillumbik shire council, planning application, redevelopment

The substructure of the northern end of the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge was renewed during the period Monday, 3 Februray to Sunday, March 9, 2025. A replacement bus service was run during this time period to enable closure of the railway line.jim connor collection, eltham trestle bridge, maintenance works, metro trains

Buildings at Lennister Farm near Eltham Lower Park shortly before Nillumbik Shire Council demolished them.jim connor collection, eltham lower park, lenister farm area