Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. The Bendigo Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. The medallion was passed on to each subsequent Mayoress when the new Mayor was appointed. The Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. The drop and chain have been hand crafted n 18ct yellow gold and engraved by a master engraver also by hand. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. Front; Progress / BENDIGO. Verso; PRESENTED / TO THE / BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL / by / SIR GEORGE LANSELL, / TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF / LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BENDIGO / 10 - 1 - 56george lansell jnr, mayoress chain, bendigo centenary, mayoress snell, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Craig was born Grace Adeline and was a highly respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School. Grace Craig was the first lady to have an official part in the traditional induction of Mayor ceremony. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.Mrs A.S. Craig / Mayoress 1956 - 57 / 1963 - 64 / Eric (? aslington )grace adeline, mayoress craig, mayor craig, washington photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, The Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Rae was born Ethel Mary and during her time in office she attended functions alongside her husband for Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit in 1963.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait with flat glass. Hand coloured detail.ll, Mrs R A Rae / Mayoress 1962 - 63. lr, Martin Washington / Bendigoethel mary, martin washington photography, roy alexander rae, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, mayoress rae, mayor rae, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, national level. Mayoresses were also required to undertake Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Snell was born in Durham UK. Mayoress Snell was the first Mayoress to wear the gold medallion which came with the office. It was presented on April 11th 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock and was a gift from Sir George Lansell who followed in the tradition of his late father George Lansell in making a mayoral presentation in gold. (1) p 209 Jackman.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Image is flat, glass is domed.cl; Mrs H. W. Snell / Mayoress 1955 - 56 1958 - 59 / 1959 - 60vincent kelly, studio photography, edith margaret snell, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook Mayoral duties on occasions if their husband was unavailable. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.lcl, Mrs R. H. Wilson / Mayoress 1960 - 61. lr Martin Washingtonstudio photography, martin washington, wilson, lansell pendant, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayoress

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Ellen May Turner (Nell) was born in 1925 and died in 2008 aged 83. Reproduction of photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Mrs R. F. Turner / Mayoress 1965 - 66 / Martin Washingtoncity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, martin washington photography, mayoress turner, mayor r.f. turner, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Aileen Baldwin was born in Eaglehawk and was one of the youngest Mayoresses that the City has had. Reproduction of Black and White photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayoress cambridge, mayor w cambridge, cambridge printers, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gwen Jeffrey served as Mayoress from 1969 - 70.Reproduction of Black and White photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Martin Washingtoncity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor jeffrey, mayoress jeffrey, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Peg Elliott served as Mayoress from 1971 - 72.Black and White photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Martin Washingtonstudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, elliott collection, mayor d elliott, mayoress p elliot, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Phyllis Campbell served as Mayoress from 1975 - 76 and 1979 - 80 and was born in 1916 and died in 1995.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigostudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor r campbell, mayoress phyllis campbell., lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gwenda Joan Cooper was born in Ballarat in 1924 and served as Mayoress from 1976 - 77.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigostudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor r cooper, mayoress joan cooper, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Annie Mary (Mollie) Sibson was born in England in 1904 and worked as a nursing sister at Bendigo Base Hospital until her marriage to Alec Sandner in 1933. Mollie was an active member of the community and was particularly interested in raising the participation of girls in sports and the lack of competitive sports opportunities for girls led Mollie to create an inter school tennis competition in 1944. The Mollie Sandner Cup continues to be played today and Mollie was recognised by the Sportswomens' Association of Bendigo for her contribution to women's sports. Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigocity of bendigo mayoress, city of bendigo mayor, eugene and mollie sandner collection, mayoress mollie sandner, mayor sandner, sandner collection, bendigo base hospital, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Kathy Tomkinson served as Mayoress from 1980 - 81.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigocity of bendigo mayoress, city of bendigo mayor, mayoress tomkinson, mayor tomkinson, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Elizabeth Stolz served as Mayoress from 1981 - 82.Black and White photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Don Semmens Bendigocity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayoress stoltz, mayor stotz

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Judith Mansell served as Mayoress from 1983 - 84.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; H. Hampelcity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor mansell, mayoress mansell

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gloria Quin was Mayoress from 1985 - 86.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; H. Hampelcity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor quin, mayoress quin

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gloria Quin was Mayoress from 1985 - 86.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor currie, mayoress currie

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Noela Nankervis served as Mayoress from 1987 - 88.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor nankervis, mayoress nankervis

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Elizabeth Morley served as Mayoress from 1989 - 90.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor morley, mayoress morley

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Karen Douglass served as Mayoress from 1990-91, 1991 - 92, 1992 -93.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor douglass, mayoress douglass

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Greta Balsillie served as Mayoress from 1993 - 94 and was the last official Mayoress as the role disappeared after amalgamation due to the election of female Mayors.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor balsillie, mayoress balsillie

The Bendigo mayoral chain or chain of office was donated by George Lansell in 1893 and manufactured from local gold by F Prescott. The design of modern mayoral chains (also known as a livery collar) mimics the ancient gold collar of Esses worn by the Lord Mayor of London which was bequeathed to his successors by Sir John Aleyn (who died in 1545) and which has a large jewelled pendant added in 1607. Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livery_collarDesigned and manufactured by Mr. E. Prescott from 9ct Yellow Gold in 1893 and believed to be made from Bendigo gold, the Bendigo mayoral chain was conceived by Mr J.H. Abbott and created with financial assistance of Mr George Lansell the "Gold King" of Bendigo who contributed the central medallion. The 18 links which made up the original chain represented serving mayors to date and were gifted by ex mayors or their representatives. The main chain consists of 35 links of quatrefoil form with the name of each mayor and the years of their term engraved and filled with black enamel. Overtime, as the chain grew too long to wear, it was separated into two joining chains eventually consisting of another 34 link section, totaling 69 links. The monogram of each mayor in gold is placed in the centre of each link and the links are connected by filigree 9ct gold joining curbs, unique to this period. The engraved central 'drop' or medallion is an eight pointed form with the body being an irregular oval containing four projections and four recesses forming the eight points. The shield section depicts the Australian emblem in miniature above and larger central Bendigo Coat of Arms filled with coloured enamel. The reverse of the medallion bears Lansell's name and is inscribed with the following: / Bendigo gold field discovered in 1851/ proclaimed municipality of Sandhurst /1855 / and city 1871/ Named changed to City of Bendigo 1891, in honor of which event / Cr J. H. Abbott, M.L.C. / inaugurated the mayoral chain / and medallion was presented to the city council / by George Lansell, Esq / to whose implicit belief in the inexhaustible / nature of our gold resources and the idefatigable energy / in developing them Bendigo mainly owns its / present prosperity / June 1893 / W. Honeybone, Town Clerk /sandhurst, bendigo, mayor, mayoral chain, george lansell, prescott, abbott, blashki, council, 1893, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item