This volume of maps is believed to have been compiled by staff at the Shire of Bacchus Marsh and was presumably used to inform and assist Shire staff and Councillors in the carriage of their duties.This collection of maps are significant due to their rarity as many of them are unique maps made for local purposes in the Bacchus Marsh region. They are also of strong research value containing a wide variety of information including landholders, land sales, infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public, commercial and private buildings, houses, land use, and geographic features over multiple decades from the late nineteen century into the middle part of the twentieth century.One bound volume of maps comprising cadastral maps, (indicating property owners and land boundaries), land plans and real estate auction plans and advertising material, and other maps indicating major infrastructure like proposed roads and irrigation areas. Most of the maps and plans are of Bacchus Marsh and nearby areas but some maps are of nearby towns such as Melton, Ballan and Blackwood. The volume comprises 52 pages. Most pages have a single map or plan pasted onto it but some contain 2 or 3 different maps. There are 81 maps in total. Map 1 Liquidators Sale 1896. Map 2. Woodside Estate Sale 1913. maps, maps bacchus marsh, maps bacchus marsh region

This map was one of a number of similar maps produced for advertising purposes by a company called, 'The Unique Advertising Combine'. The company was located in Melbourne on Queens Walk. A brief item in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper on 29 March 1890 , page 2, indicated that subscribers to the Bacchus Marsh Express could obtain a copy of this map in the next issue of that newspaper. On the map is the detail that it was compiled by W.H. Bonney from official records supplied by D. A. Little, hire Secretary, (of Bacchus Marsh Shire).This map with its accompanying illustrations of local businesses and shops in Bacchus Marsh is an important documentary and visual snapshot of the town and district of Bacchus Marsh in the later part of the nineteenth century. The illustrations for some of the local businesses are the only known visual record of those particular buildings. The map is a rare surviving example of the material produced by The Unique Advertising Combine. Another similar example for the Shire of Mornington is held by the State Library of Victoria,A map of the Shire of Bacchus Marsh produced in March 1890. The map is mounted on a board and enclosed within a timber frame. The map includes an inset detail section showing the central part of the township of Bacchus Marsh including the main shopping and business streets. Land holdings with the first European land holders names indicated are included on the map. Rivers, creeks, major roads and the railway line are also shown on the map. Around the edges of the map are illustrated advertisements mostly for Bacchus Marsh businesses but which also includes some businesses located in Melbourne. maps bacchus marsh shire, shops bacchus marsh

Set of Victorian Lands Department Parish Plans covering the township of Bacchus Marsh and surrounding districts. Folded. BMDHS Location: AR/SU27/D2: Map Drawersmaps bacchus marsh region, bacchus marsh victoria maps, interim record

This plan of town allotments in Lerderderg Street and Bennett Street also includes the location of many of the buildings, shops, businesses and houses which were present in the retail and business area of Bacchus Marsh in the 1890s. The precise date of the plan is not known but it must be sometime between 1891 and 1897. The Post Office and the Wesleyan Church are both shown on this plan. Both of these were constructed in 1890. The plan does not show the Baptist Church in Main Street which was constructed in 1898. Hence the date is sometime between 1891 and 1897.This plan of Bacchus Marsh is one of the most detailed visual representations of the location of shops, businesses and houses in the central part of Bacchus Marsh. It provides very precise locations of most of the shops and houses in the town in the 1890s. A single page paper plan showing allotments of land fronting Lerderderg and Bennett Street. Buildings, businesses and houses along most of the streets are identified by hand written annotations. Streets identified on plan: Lerderderg Street - Bennett Street - Main Street - Gell Street - Young Street - Graham Street. Physical boundaries of the map are: North border - Lerderderg Street - South border - Main Street - West border Gell Street - East border - Young Street. The plan is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. bacchus marsh victoria maps, shops bacchus marsh

This plan of land allotments for sale indicates the property once owned by the Bacchus family in and around the township area of Bacchus Marsh. The Bacchus family sold their property in Bacchus Marsh to John Aitkins and Robert Nalder Clarke in March 1851. Aitkins and Clarke kept the property for a number of years until April 1856 when these allotments were put up for sale.This is a very early land sales plan for the township of Bacchus Marsh and it therefore provides some clues as to how the early urban development of the township took place. Upon seeing the map in 1911 Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper editor Christopher Crisp wrote "The sale appears to have created the present township, which had a nucleus in earlier times further east", Express, 30 September, 1911, page 3.A single page paper plan showing allotments of land for sale. The subdivided shown was owned by John Aitkins and Robert Nalder Clarke, but previously owned by the Bacchus Family and was in and around their Manor House (Mansion) property in Bacchus Marsh.There are 5 portions of land further divided into numerous small portions. The land for sale is bounded by the present day streets of Main Street, Young Street, McFarland Street, Morton Streets, Crook Street, and part of the eastern section extends to the Lerderderg River. The plan is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. BMDHS Loc: AR/B12/S4 Bacchus Marsh Township and Nearby Districts Maps Volume In-house Digital copies: BMDHS, Computer Network: Maps\Bacchus Marsh Township and Nearby Districts Maps VolumeHeading: Plan of the first portion of land. The property of Messers Atkins and Clarke situate at Bacchus Marsh. To be sold by W.M. Tennent & Co. at the Mansion on the Ground on Saturday the 19th April 1856. Below heading: Jas Ferguson, Lithographer On upper right side: Subdivided by R.C. Bagot London and Liverpool Chambers, Melbourne.bacchus marsh victoria maps, bacchus family, land sales, manor house bacchus marsh

The date of this map has not been determined. It bears the signature of D.A. Little upon of a portion of the map. Little was Bacchus Marsh Shire Secretary and Engineer between 1886 and 1914 which dates the map to some time between 1886 and 1914.A single page paper map showing a portions of land in part of Bacchus Marsh.The area shown is described as Langmann's Estate. The area is bounded by the Werribee River, Fisken Street, Waddle Street(sic.) (Waddell) and Lord Street. The map is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. High resolution digital image stored on BMDHS computer network. interim map record stage 1, bacchus marsh victoria maps

Edition 33. 2006 Coloured detailed maps accessed by a street or location index. Cover: Totally revised and updated with over 1380 new street listings new maps covering Mount Duneed on the Bellarine Peninsula, Pakenham South and Rythdale. Detailed public transport routes - train, tram, bus, bicycle paths & shared road routes. Eastlink fully detailed new Craigieburn bypass GPS compatible WGS/MGA Grid Special feature: New Hierachy of Roads Street directory with plastic cover, coloured maps, 902 pagesstreets,roads,melbourne,map,melway

A coloured geological sketch map of the Werribee Gorge, Bacchus Marsh, Rowlesy, Darley, Parwan. The scale is 1 mile to 1 inchwerribee gorge, bacchus marsh, darley, parwan, w.e. bennett, bennett, r.a.f. murray, c.c. brittlebank, rowsley

Topographic map of the Ballan area - includes Bacchus Marsh and Bungaree, No. 837, Zone 7, Army Map, dated 1933, 1:63360. Shows rail lines, roads, elevations, contours. Collected with relevance to the Museum's association with the area, at Bungareetrams, tramways, bungaree, map

In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

In 1975 the Melton Fire Station opened in McKenzie Street. In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally.Regional News Gazette article about the construction of a new fire station in Melton and an Express article with brigade members at the opening of the station.emergency services

Paper. 33cm x 21cmnon-fictionIn the later 19th century and early 20th centuries Thomas Cain was a major farmer in the Bacchus Marsh district and a significant participant in community life and affairs. The sale of some of his most significant properties towards the end of his life generated wide interest in Bacchus Marsh and beyond.land sales, thomas cain, landholders

Land sales advertising poster with map indicating specific lots of land for sale.A land sales map and advertisementimportant subdivisional sale of freehold land yaloak vale estate, land sales

Paper documents in ring and lever arch foldersFamily History files relating to families and individuals from the township of Bacchus Marsh and its surrounding district. Files may contain family trees, replies to research inquiries, obituaries, biographical material, photocopies of published and unpublished material from books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, maps, archival sources and personal papers. Material may also include copies data from births, marriages, deaths, funeral, cemeteries and other genealogical registers and indexes. of Other material includes printouts of website pages, and photocopies or printouts of images. Arranged in A-Z sequence by family surname.obituaries, funeral notices, death notices, births, marriages, cemetery records

Paper files in ring folders and lever arch folders. Arranged in A-Z sequence of topics.non-fictionLocal history subject files relating to the township of Bacchus Marsh and its surrounding district. Files may contain replies to research inquiries, photocopies of published and unpublished material from books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, maps, archival sources and personal papers.. Other material includes printouts of website pages, and photocopies or printouts of images. Material compiled by members of Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society.local history, bacchus marsh

non-fictionBacchus Marsh by Bacchus Marsh is an anecdotal history of the town and district of Bacchus Marsh. It is a collection of memories of 49 residents recorded in oral history interviews and then adapted into a written record. Most of the interviewees had lived in Bacchus Marsh for many decades and are from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. The oldest interviewee was born in 1890 and the youngest was born in 1938. The interviews were conducted by Geoffrey Camm who then transcribed them and edited them for this publication. A black and white photographic portrait of each interviewee accompanies each chapter. The book includes maps and an index of individual and family names. Publication citation: Camm, Geoffrey, compiler, Bacchus Marsh by Bacchus Marsh: An anecdotal history, Bacchus Marsh, Vic. : Shire of Bacchus Marsh in conjunction with ; Melbourne: Hargreen Publishing, 1986. 392 pages.bacchus marsh, bacchus marsh history, biographies, anecdotes

This land sales map was produced by real estate agents for an auction of part of a property near Bacchus Marsh known as the Broadlands Estate. 132 acres of irrigated land in 11 separate lots was to be auctioned on the 8th of June 1916. On the 27 May 1916, nine of the 11 eleven lots were withdrawn from sale. The reason stated was due to "road and severance difficulties", according to a notice in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper on 27 May, 1916, page.2. When the sale took place on 8th June the two lots were passed in but the local newspaper reported they were expected to be sold privately, see Express, 17 June, 1916, page. 2. The Broadlands Estate was owned by the Miller family whose father Henry Miller, 1809-1888, was a politician and an immensely wealthy financier in Victoria.A typical example of a land sale map of this era. The Broadlands Estate was just over 2,000 acres at its its peak size and was a significant holding of land in the Bacchus Marsh district. Paper printed land sales mapbroadlands estate bacchus marsh, land sales bacchus marsh, farms bacchus marsh, henry miller 1809-1888

The Grantbank Estate was a parcel of land close to the centre of the shopping area of Bacchus Marsh which was sub-divided and offered for sale in 58 lots on the 13th September, 1924. It comprised an area of 15 acres, being a portion of the Millbank Estate which had been in the hands of the Grant family for 75 years. The lots had frontages to Gisborne Road, Patterson, William and Sutherland Streets. This was a significant sub-division of land and represented a major expansion of residential housing in Bacchus Marsh in the early 20th century.This land sale map is a typical example of housing estate land sales advertising maps produced by real estate agents in this era. The map is significant for the detailed information it provides about when and where land was sold for new housing estates in Bacchus Marsh in the early twentieth century.Printed paper mapland sales bacchus marsh, land subdivsion bacchus marsh, housing estates land sales bacchus marsh, grant family bacchus marsh

Printed book. 160 pages. BMDHS Location: AR/SU4non-fictionPublication details: Bacchus Marsh Heritage Guide, 2nd Rev Ed. Published by Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic, 2003. A guide book to heritage places and historical buildings in the town and surrounding district of Bacchus Marsh. Photos and maps are included to identify each place or building. Each site includes a description of its main features and historical or cultural significance. Places of natural heritage significance are included. A previous less extensive edition was published in 1997.historic buildings bacchus marsh, historic sites bacchus marsh, bmdhs publication

Soft cover foolscap size book. 128 pages with b & w illustrations, maps and plans. No publisher is indicated in the work but it is likely to have been privately published by the author John Lloyd. Year and place of publication is 1986, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria.non-fictionThis work describes the early evolution and history of local government in the Bacchus Marsh area. Local government bodies in Victoria and in other places had their origins in committees and local boards which were established to regulate over pressing local issues, raise revenue, and expend it in a limited range of social and economic ways. The early areas of responsibility were dominated by the need for local roads and this book primarily looks at this period of local government history in the Bacchus Marsh area. Overtime the range of areas local government bodies took responsibility for expanded and this work begins to trace this transformation in its earliest stages. It is a fascinating and detailed account of the early history of local government in Bacchus Marsh containing many amusing anecdotes among the wealth of administrative historical data. The author who was at one time an employee of the Shire of Bacchus Marsh has drawn directly from the early local records such as minutes of meetings, records of expenditure, newspaper reports and notices in the Victoria Government Gazette.bacchus marsh shire council, local government bacchus marsh history

Paperback printed book. 128 pages. with illustrations and photographs, some coloured. Includes facsimiles, maps, and index. Includes a separate folded sheet inside a pocket which has a reproduction of a map of the Parwan Parish in the County of Grant. On the reverse of this sheet are two reproductions. One is a land auction plan for February 1910 advertising the sale of portions of land from the Nerowie Estate. The other reproduction is a section of a map showing some of the blocks of land in the Nerowie Estate which has the heading, 'Nerowie Titles 1898'. A pocket inside the back cover contains a separate booklet which is an index, and two pages of 'Additional Information'.non-fictionExplores the history of the small farming community on the outskirts of Bacchus Marsh. It contains a plethora of fascinating details about the early years of this farming community from the 1830s until the early 2000s. There is a brief section at the beginning which looks at the history of the area prior to the colonial era. The book contains numerous sections about families and individual people who have lived in the Parwan area and includes many images of places and people. Citation: Parwan: A History by Dianne Van Leuvan. Published by Parwan History Group, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 2010.parwan vic. history

The 1886 Irrigation Act in Victoria introduced the first legislation in Australia designed to enable the creation of a detailed scheme for agricultural irrigation. Part of the legislation saw the use of government funds for local irrigation projects. These local projects were managed by local irrigation trusts. The Lerderderg Irrigation and Water Supply Trust was formed in 1890. This map depicts the proposed area of the Trust and proposed works such as channels and weirs.Printed paper map of the proposed Lerderderg District Irrigation and Water Supply area showing proposed works. The map scale is 40 chains + 1 inch. The Lerderderg District lies within the Parishes of Korkuperrumul and Merrimu in the County of Bourke. At the top of the map above its title is the letter 'B; in capital lettering. A series of proposed channels are indicated on the map in red lines. A proposed weir site and alternative weir site are also indicated on the map. irrigation, water supply, lerderderg irrigation and water supply trust

The 1886 Irrigation Act in Victoria introduced the first legislation in Australia designed to enable the creation of a detailed scheme for agricultural irrigation. Part of the legislation saw the use of government funds for local irrigation projects. These local projects were managed by local irrigation trusts. The Lerderderg Irrigation and Water Supply Trust was formed in 1890. Printed paper map of the proposed Lerderderg District Irrigation and Water Supply. Plan showing overlap in boundaries of Trust District referred to in Mr Burke's report. The Lerderderg District lies within the Parishes of Korkuperrumul and Merrimu in the County of Bourke. At the top of the map above its title is the letter 'C; in capital lettering. A note on this map states: 'Portion of Bacchus MarshUrban District included in area of proposed Trust District shown by hatched shaded lines thus /////////////irrigation, water supply, lerderderg irrigation and water supply trust

The 1886 Irrigation Act in Victoria introduced the first legislation in Australia designed to enable the creation of a detailed scheme for agricultural irrigation. Part of the legislation saw the use of government funds for local irrigation projects. These local projects were managed by local irrigation trusts. The Lerderderg Irrigation and Water Supply Trust] was formed in 1890. This map depicts the proposed area of the Trust.Printed paper map of the proposed Lerderderg District Irrigation and Water Supply. Plan showing boundaries of Trust District. The Lerderderg District lies within the Parishes of Korkuperrumul and Merrimu in the County of Bourke. At the top of the map above its title is the letter 'A; in capital lettering. Scale: 40 Chains = 1 inch.irrigation, water supply, lerderderg irrigation and water supply trust

Soft cover foolscap size book. 96 pages with b & w illustrations, images and maps (some folded). Part of Occasional reports series (Victoria Archaeological Survey) ; No. 27. Published by Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne, 1990. Author, Hilary Du Cros. BMDHS Loc. AR/SU5This study aimed to locate and document Aboriginal archaeological sites in the western region of Melbourne. This area was defined by the study as extending out from the western suburbs of Melbourne to the Brisbane Ranges and north beyond Bacchus Marsh. The specific aim of the study was to investigate the Aboriginal archaeology of the Western Plains area in the vicinity west of Melbourne. The Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Werribee shire boundaries of the time defined the areas of the study. The study contains extensive lists of the types of artifacts found the the locations where they were found. aboriginal australians victoria western plains, aboriginal artifacts, archaelogical sites victoria western plains, aboriginal artifacts bacchus marsh region

A small booklet. 36 unnumbered pages. Stapled binding. Contains black and white photographs, maps and facsimiles of documents. BMDHS Loc: AR/SU5/Pamphlets Box 4Rowsley is a rural locality 6km south-west of Bacchus Marsh. It is a very small community and the Rowsley Hall has been a community meeting place for over 100 years. This history tells the story of the origin of the Hall and its place in the community's history for its first 100 years. Citation: Rowsley Hall, 1894-1994, by Dorothy Pedretti. Published by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 1995?rowsley victoria history, halls, rowsley hall

A printed book published in paperback edition. 92 pages, with illustrations, portraits, and maps. BMDHS Location: AR/SU4non-fictionAn account of the impact of the Boer War upon the community of Bacchus Marsh. Like many communities across Australia Bacchus Marsh saw a number of men enlist in the military forces and participate in the conflict in South Africa between Great Britain and its allies such as Australia against the Boer forces in South Africa in the early 1900s. This work documents this history from the perspective of the individual soldiers involved and the way the community responded to this conflict. Citation: Bacchus Marsh and the Boer War: A Community's Response. By Gillian Davis, Geoff Hine, Barbara Manly and Chris Stancliffe. Published by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 2001.bmdhs publication, south african war 1899-1902, boer war 1899-1902, soldiers bacchus marsh vic.

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities