Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the 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 some Mayoral duties on occasions when the Mayor was unavailable. Annie Irene Michelsen (nee Tussup) born Huntly (1870-1955). Mayoress 1926/1927, 1935/1936, 1942/1943. Wife of Cr John Andrew Michelsen OBE. Pioneer in the field of social work and regarded as a woman of tremendous vitality and versatility. Known as an outstanding horse woman and breeder of standardbreds for harness racing. Member numerous sporting clubs and foundation president of the Bendigo Nurses Association. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Mrs. Michelsen wore a gown of black crepe eros, cut to mould the figure and fall into a train at the back. A cascade eflect of gold lame from one shoulder to the hem in front gave graceful movement to the front of the gown, and wing draperies lined with gold lame were shirred to the shoulders of the square neckline. She wore a shoulder spray of golden orchids and carried a bouquet of old gold roses and golden leaves (1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 3 Jun 1936 annie tussup, mayoress michelsen, mayor michelsen, vincent kelly photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits

In 1927, the Duke and Duchess of York (1895-1952), later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (1900-2002), the Queen Mother, embarked on a Royal Tour of Australia and New Zealand. A key purpose of the tour was to open the provisional Parliament House in Canberra, but it also served as a gesture of gratitude for Australia's contributions during World War 1. Although not originally scheduled to visit locations outside of Melbourne, the Duke and Duchess made time in their itinerary to visit Bendigo during their trip to Australia in 1927. They arrived on April 28th via train where an enthusiastic crowd of over 5000 people watched as the Royal Couple were driven from the station to the Upper Reserve. (Queen Elizabeth Oval) A special arch “THE GATE TO THE GOLDEN NORTH “was erected to welcome the Royal Couple. Brown card mount with four cut windows to house black and white photographic portraits. Only three of the four photographs in place with top photograph missing. Handwritten text under each window and lower centre of mount. Frame missing.The Town Clerk / Mr H.C. Ingleton The Mayor / Cr J. A. Michelsen The Mayoress / Mrs J. A. Michelsen To Commemorate The Visit of / Their Royal Highnesses , The . Duke and Duchesss of York / To Bendigo. April 28th 1927 / Presented by the Mayor 1926 - 1927city of greater bendigo royal visits, city of bendigo mayoress, city of bendigo mayor, mayoress michelsen, mayor michelsen

Programme, 'Official Reception and At Home' - Bendigo,Oct 17th 1935. Tendered to Lady Huntingfield by the Mayoress (Mrs H A Michelsen) on the occasion of the visit of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Huntingfield, Town Hall. Issued to Miss M Bush??. Card opens to give programme of entertainment and entertainers.person, individual, bush collection - personal, bendigo, bush collection, collection, programme, program, reception, organisation, organization, civic momentoes, event

Black and white photo: 3809.1 image shows two women, dressed in hats, coats, one carrying flowers. Crowd behind, standing in front of Memorial Hall, Pall Mall, Bendigo. Written on rear of photo in blue ink : 'Ann Michelsen Mayoress, when Duke and Duchess York visited, Bgo' Photo taken in 1920's. 3809.2 image shows two women standing in front of shed. Women are wearing mid-calf length skirts and tops. Taken in 1920.s.person, group, ann michelsen, michelsen, mayor, mayoress, bendigo, war memorial

Alec Craig was elected to the Barkly Ward seat on the Bendigo City Council in March 1954 after the resignation of Cr J A Michelsen. He became Mayor in 1956 and served from 1956 -57, 1963 - 64 and 1973 -74. Councillor Craig first posited the idea of Hargreaves Street becoming a shopping mall but retired from council in 1976 before the idea was executed. Alec Craig was the foundation President of the Provincial cities and Town Association of Victoria and President of the Bendigo Base Hospital in 1973. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1973 for outstanding public service. Grace Adeline Craig was a respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School.0383.1 Three fold voting pamphlet with photo of Councillor Craig on front cover. Inside is a printed letter to Mr and Mrs Ratepayer promoting Councillor Craig's past achievements. 0383.2 How to vote flyer for Councillor Craig. Printed on pink paper. 0383.3 Vote 1 Craig poster. Two colour print on cream paper. Edges missing.mayor craig, mayoress craig, councillor alec craig, grace adeline craig