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

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

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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

Looking south along Main Road Eltham at intersection of Diamond Street and Cecil Street. On the right can be seen the Liquorland store on former railway land which was previoulsy the Blockbuster video store until Blockbuster went bust. The site was previously used as an unsealed car park for the Eltham Railway Station. In 1996 Wayne Phillips MLA announced that Caldeed P/L was the preferred developer of the land at Eltham Station for a proposed commercial development and commuter car parking (The Advertiser, April 16, 1996). Blockbuster Eltham was established on this site around 1996-1997. Following the company's 2010 bankruptcy and subsequent nationwide store liquidations, most Victorian Blockbuster locations were shuttered between March and May 2011 after ownership changes, with the Eltham storefront closing Friday April 13, 2012. The last Australian store closed in 2019 in Morley, Western Australia. The shop was then converted to a Liquorland store. The site was sold 25 August 2015 with a ten year lease in place to Liquorland. A new lease was signed 4 March 2022 and the store converted to a Grill'd Hamburger restaurant, opening its doors September 8, 2022. Sold 25 August 2015 by Fitzroys of Melbourne with a ten year lease to Liquourland Sold Shop. (2026, April 6). Retrieved from https://www.realcommercial.com.au/sold/property-981-main-road-eltham-vic-3095-501635169jim connor collection, blockbuster, diamond street, liquorland, main road eltham

Looking west from Luck Street across Main Road Eltham at the Liquorland store on former railway land which was previoulsy the Blockbuster video store until Blockbuster went bust. The site was previously used as an unsealed car park for the Eltham Railway Station. In 1996 Wayne Phillips MLA announced that Caldeed P/L was the preferred developer of the land at Eltham Station for a proposed commercial development and commuter car parking (The Advertiser, April 16, 1996). Blockbuster Eltham was established on this site around 1996-1997. Following the company's 2010 bankruptcy and subsequent nationwide store liquidations, most Victorian Blockbuster locations were shuttered between March and May 2011 after ownership changes, with the Eltham storefront closing Friday April 13, 2012. The last Australian store closed in 2019 in Morley, Western Australia. The shop was then converted to a Liquorland store. The site was sold 25 August 2015 with a ten year lease in place to Liquorland. A new lease was signed 4 March 2022 and the store converted to a Grill'd Hamburger restaurant, opening its doors September 8, 2022. Sold 25 August 2015 by Fitzroys of Melbourne with a ten year lease to Liquourland Sold Shop. (2026, April 6). Retrieved from https://www.realcommercial.com.au/sold/property-981-main-road-eltham-vic-3095-501635169jim connor collection, blockbuster, liquorland, main road eltham, luck street

Looking southwest across Main Road Eltham opposite the railway station at the new Priceline store occupying the former Postoffice sitejim connor collection, main road eltham, eltham shops, priceline

Local Eltham resident Jim Connor highlighted the sudden loss of several Willow trees that shrouded the old wooden Brougham Street bridge. These were removed in 1989 by the Shire of Eltham Department of Parks and Environment as part of ensuring clearnce to powerlines. The department manager, John Galea said that cutting down trees ran contrary to the environment unit's philosophy but was necessary where trees interfere with wires. The MMBW also had an ongoing plan to clear willows from waterways. In conjunction with the removal council planned to replant the area around the bridge with suitable native shrubs. Jim Connor was hoping to raise awareness of following a policy of gradual removal of such trees over a period of time that overlapped the establishment of new plantings so that their removal would not be such a sudden change.jim connor, shire of eltham, parks and environment, mmbw, brougham street bridge, significant trees, john galea, power lines, jim connor collection

Published Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, October 24, 1989, p89 Insight into local resident Jim Connor who moved to Eltham about 1980 and his passion to maintain the charm and character of Eltham, especially the Eltham Gateway running from Eltham Lower Park to the present-day former site of the Eltham Shire Council offices. Jim helped form the Eltham Gateway Group which then merged into the Eltham Gateway Action Group (forerunner to the Eltham Community Action Group) and the Eltham Protection Society.jim connor, shire of eltham, jim connor collection, eltham gateway action group, eltham protection society, main road eltham

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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

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.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

Rob Roy-EDHS visit 12 May 2016 On 12th May 2016 some members of the Eltham District Historical Society and others were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and explore the Rob Roy Hillclimb in Clintons Road, Christmas Hills. This followed an invitation from Don Kinsey and Wayne Ruston, members of the MG Car Club, which operates Rob Roy. At the time, both men were actively involved in the running of the meetings there, Don, an EDHS member, as a course commentator, with a wide range of motorsport experiences, and Wayne as the main organiser of the meetings. Don Kinsey welcomed the group and spoke about the historical background of the property and the hillclimb, then led those interested around the site and up the hillclimb track, stopping at spots along the way to provide additional information. Everyone enjoyed their experiences, including inspecting Wayne Ruston’s MGBV8. The Rob Roy Hill Climb originated in 1935 on the property of former Heidelberg Mayor, William Clinton, where he reared the Rob Roy breed of miniature ponies. He established Pleasure Grounds on part of the property attracting groups of Sunday visitors from Melbourne's inner suburbs. Visitors enjoyed a picnic area, pony rides, a dance hall and a tap room. Young men would ride their BSA or Harley Davidson motorcycles to the property which led to regular club-organised hillclimb meetings between 1930 and 1936. In 1935 Clinton offered the use of his property to the Light Car Club of Australia for their hillclimbs. The track was sealed that same year and the hillclimb at Clintons Road was one of only three specially designed bitumen surface hillclimbs in the world, the others being Shelsey Walsh and Prescott Hillclimbs in the UK. The first Light Car Club of Australia hillclimb was held at Rob Roy in February 1937.jim connor collection, 2016-05-12, activities, christmas hills, clintons road, heritage excursion, rob roy hill climb, eltham district historical society

The Eltham Community and Reception Centre was Australia's first public mud-brick building. Commissioned in 1977 by Eltham Shire Council, led by Shire president (and architect) Robert Marshall, architects Whitford and Peck were asked to design a multipurpose facility in mud-brick and timber. The official opening was performed by the Hon. R.J. Hamer; E.D., M.P., Premier of Victorai on Saturday, April 22, 1978. Architects: Whitford & Peck Pty Ltd Quantity Surveyor: D.J. Cant & Associates Structural Civil Engineers: Charlett & Moore Pty Ltd Landscape: Peter Glass, Dennis Edwards Mech Elec: Lobley Treidel & Partners Pty Ltd Acoustics: Riley Barden & Kirkhope Builder: L.U. Simon Pty Ltdjim connor collection, eltham community and reception centre, eltham community centre, mudbrick construction

jim connor collection, brougham steet, eltham, lilies on brougham, restaurants

Robert Boyle Landscape Design created the original design and construction of the lake in 1993. They are renowned local landscape designers and have carried out numerous projects at the Cemetery, including the major upgrades to the lakeside design in 2020.jim connor collection, eltham, eltham cemetery, lake, mount pleasant road

jim connor collection, montsalvat, residents gallery