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

Contents: • The Value of History by Jim Connor • Next Meeting – Annual General Meeting - 2.00pm Saturday 13th April 2024 • May Excursion - Saturday 4th May – Stokes Orchard and beyond • Tourism to Eltham in the Early Days by Michael Aitken • Main Road Bridge by Peter Pidgeon • Where is Platy? By Jim Connor • Montsalvat People by Richard Pinn o Helen Skipper (1914-2000) o John Busst (1909-1971) • Harris – A Name for Three Wars by Terry Beaton • Notice: Annual General Meeting – Saturday 13th April 2024 • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Liz Pidgeon o Grace Mitchell, nee Wheildon, 1916-2011, Baker and Artist • Bendigo Bank, Community Bank The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society