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Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Print - Photograph, 1951-1953
... President Australian Council of Churches... Methodist Minister World Council of Churches Australian Council ...Born 1893. Died 1967. First parish NYAH, 1922 - 1932 at Geelong Yarra St. 1936 - 1959 professor of theology, Queens College. 1959 retired. Rep to WCC 1937 + 1948 and to World Methodist Con 1937. Presiednt Australian Council of Churches, 1952 - 1953. (See Australian Dict. of Biography entry).Oval black and white, oval, head & shoulders studio photographic print portrait of Rev. G. Calvert Barber in clerical dress. He looking to his left. The print is a page that has been removed from a publication."REV. G. CALVERT BARBER, M.A., B.D., PH.D. PRESIDENT-GENERAL"rev g clavert barber methodist minister, president australian council of churches, rev g calvert barber professor of theology queens college university of melbourne, george calvert barber methodist minister, world council of churches, australian council of churches -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Rev. Ron Albiston, Undated c.1940s
... was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973... was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973 ...The Rev. Ronald W Albiston 28/9/1919–16/08/2006 was educated at Melbourne Boys' High School, the Victorian Congregational College and the University of Melbourne. From a young age he held positions within the local church, was secretary of the East Kew Congregational Church at the age of 16, as well as superintendent of the Sunday School from the age of 15. Ron was supported during his life and ministry by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy. He was ordained at Northcote Congregational Church on 21 December 1942. His ministry was exercised in Northcote/Clifton Hill (1942–45), Yarrawonga and associated district (1945–50), Ballarat Dawson Street and "Zion" Sebastopol (1950–68), and Rockdale Congregational, Sydney, later Uniting (1968–83). Due to ill health, Ron retired on the 30th of April 1983. He was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973, President of the Congregational Union of NSW from 1973 to 1975. As a member of the Joint Planning Committee he was involved in the development of the Uniting Church and inaugural Chairperson. Following union, he was a member and later Chairman of the Board of Social Responsibility. He was instrumental in founding the Mayflower Village for the Aged, the Rockdale Community Aid Service, and helped form the St George Community Conference.The Rev. Ronald W Albiston 28/9/1919–16/08/2006 was educated at Melbourne Boys' High School, the Victorian Congregational College and the University of Melbourne. From a young age he held positions within the local church, was secretary of the East Kew Congregational Church at the age of 16, as well as superintendent of the Sunday School from the age of 15. Ron was supported during his life and ministry by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy. He was ordained at Northcote Congregational Church on 21 December 1942. His ministry was exercised in Northcote/Clifton Hill (1942–45), Yarrawonga and associated district (1945–50), Ballarat Dawson Street and "Zion" Sebastopol (1950–68), and Rockdale Congregational, Sydney, later Uniting (1968–83). Due to ill health, Ron retired on the 30th of April 1983. He was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973, President of the Congregational Union of NSW from 1973 to 1975. As a member of the Joint Planning Committee he was involved in the development of the Uniting Church and inaugural Chairperson. Following union, he was a member and later Chairman of the Board of Social Responsibility. He was instrumental in founding the Mayflower Village for the Aged, the Rockdale Community Aid Service, and helped form the St George Community Conference.The Rev. Ronald W Albiston 28/9/1919–16/08/2006 was educated at Melbourne Boys' High School, the Victorian Congregational College and the University of Melbourne. From a young age he held positions within the local church, was secretary of the East Kew Congregational Church at the age of 16, as well as superintendent of the Sunday School from the age of 15. Ron was supported during his life and ministry by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy. He was ordained at Northcote Congregational Church on 21 December 1942. His ministry was exercised in Northcote/Clifton Hill (1942–45), Yarrawonga and associated district (1945–50), Ballarat Dawson Street and "Zion" Sebastopol (1950–68), and Rockdale Congregational, Sydney, later Uniting (1968–83). Due to ill health, Ron retired on the 30th of April 1983. He was President of the Australian Council of Churches from 1971 to 1973, President of the Congregational Union of NSW from 1973 to 1975. As a member of the Joint Planning Committee he was involved in the development of the Uniting Church and inaugural Chairperson. Following union, he was a member and later Chairman of the Board of Social Responsibility. He was instrumental in founding the Mayflower Village for the Aged, the Rockdale Community Aid Service, and helped form the St George Community Conference.Informal B & W photo of the Rev. Ron Albiston. Albiston is standing, hands clasped behind back, smiling into the camera. He's dressed in a suit with clerical collar and waistcoat. The photo has been taken outdoors, possibly at a picnic."Rev. Ron Albiston"albiston, ron, congregational minister -
Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
Kitchen boiler, Copper Kitchen boiler, Approx 1900
Joseph Fowler (1888-1972), businessman and municipal councillor, was born on 28 February 1888 at Bagworth, Leicestershire, England, one of thirteen children of John Fowler, groom, and his wife Mary, née Ash. With his brother Sydney, in the early 1900s Joseph worked in a fruit-preserving business run by an uncle at Maidstone, Kent, and continued with the firm after 1908 when it was relocated at Reading. At St Andrew's parish church, Leicester, on 7 September 1910 he married a nurse, Elizabeth Harris (d.1965); they emigrated in 1913 and settled at Camberwell, Melbourne. Encouraged by his commercial experience, and by the variety and quality of fruit in Australia, Fowler set up a fruit-bottling business in the rear of his small house in Burke Road. Trading as J. Fowler & Co., by 1915 the company had begun producing home-bottling kits which contained a sterilizer, bottles, lids, rings and a thermometer. To acquire the capital to establish a factory, Fowler travelled the district, selling his kits door-to-door from the back of a cart. In 1920 he bought a shop at the corner of Power Street and Burwood Road, Hawthorn, and registered his business as a private company. During the Depression his kits became a household name. In 1934 Fowlers Vacola Manufacturing Co. Ltd was registered as a public company. Housewives, nationwide, were urged to bottle their own fruits and jams by 'Mrs B Thrifty', the dainty cartoon character who graced the firm's advertisements. Numerous recipes and instruction books, such as From Orchard to Bottle the Fowlers Way, advertised the necessary preserving equipment, extending to jelly bags and juice extractors. Australian-made glass and imported steel and rubber were used in the production of Fowlers Vacola Bottling Outfits. Determined to put something back into the community which had supported him so well, in 1933-60 Fowler represented Yarra Ward on the Hawthorn City Council (mayor 1938-39 and 1945-46). He served as vice-president of Swinburne Technical College (1942) and of the Hawthorn branch of the Australian Defence League (1943); he was also a Rotarian, and a warden and vestryman of St John's Anglican Church, Camberwell. Changed demands in World War II encouraged Fowlers Vacola to diversify their product. Canned goods were manufactured for allied troops in the South Pacific. In 1953 new buildings and plant, including a giant pressure-cooker, were installed to increase productivity: from that time Fowlers Vacola sold canned and bottled food throughout Australia and abroad. By 1960 the factory occupied more than 122,000 sq. ft (11,330 m²) and further expansion was to occur when the firm moved to Nunawading. Fowler retired in 1961, but remained chairman of directors; his son Ronald succeeded him as managing director. Variously described as a generous, jovial man with a sense of humour, and as a strict and astute manager whose company was his life, Fowler was renowned for his straight business dealings and his 'no-nonsense' attitude. Survived by his son and daughter, he died on 24 April 1972 at Camberwell and was cremated. His estate was sworn for probate at $204,424. On Ronald Fowler's death in 1978, the company was bought out by the Sydney firm, Hooper Baillie Industries Ltd; it in turn sold to Sabco Ltd of South Australia; in 1994, when Sabco went into receivership, Australian Resource Recovery Technologies re-established Fowlers Vacola Australia Pty Ltd's headquarters in Melbourne. Copper boiling pot for home preserves, handles, lid and removable thermometer, also acc ompany instruction booklet. "Fowlers Method of Bottling Fruits and Vegetables"Fowler's "Vacola" Reg. No. 68081 Sterilizer -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - THE BENDIGO WEEKEND FESTIVAL OF ORGAN & HARPSICHORD, VARIOUS HISTORICAL BENDIGO SITES, 17 November, 1978
The Bendigo Weekend Festival of Organ & Harpsichord, various historical Bendigo sites. 17-19 November 1978. Held at Bendigo City Hall, Bendigo Art Gallery, Dudley House St Killian's, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Long Gully Uniting Church. Program. Booking Form. John Maidment President Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord (MIFOH is financially assisted by the Australian Council and The Ministry for the Arts. La Romanesca, music ensemble with counter-tenor Hartley Newham. Richard Ireland - harpsichordist. Festival BBQ at Dudley House meet musicians in the charming gardens of Dudley House, the century-old premises of the Bendigo Historical Society - and an opportunity to view the museum there too. 107 year old German organ which has just been restored, played by Douglas Lawrence assisted by John Maidment. Trumpet by leading composers. Mass Father J P Stockdale with Festival Choir conducted by Douglas Lawrence. Annette Holland - Soprano: oboe, organ, percussion and harpsichord. Advertisement: The Ninth Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord 9-19 May '79. Enquiries N Brozel, Project Co-coordinator (03) 41 4934 Promotion: Nada Brozel.event, entertainment, bendigo weekend festival of organ &, the bendigo weekend festival of organ & harpsichord, various historical bendigo sites. 17-19 november 1978. held at bendigo city hall, bendigo art gallery, dudley house st killian's, sacred heart cathedral, long gully uniting church. program. booking form. john maidment president melbourne international festival of organ and harpsichord. la romanesca, music ensemble counter-tenor hartley newham. richard ireland - harpsichordist. festival bbq at dudley house meet musicians in the charming gardens of dudley house, the century-old premises of the bendigo historical society - opportunity to view the museum. 107 year old german organ which has just been restored, played by douglas lawrence assisted by john maidment. trumpet by leading composers. mass father j p stockdale with festival choir conducted by douglas lawrence. annette holland - soprano: oboe, organ, percussion and harpsichord. advertisement: the ninth melbourne international festival of organ and harpsichord 9-19 may '79. enquiries n brozel, project co-coordinator (03) 41 4934 promotion: nada brozel -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Rev. Djiniyini Gondarra, 1986
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, was born in Milingimbi, eastern Arnhemland in 1945. He was educated at Milingimbi Mission School and pursued his theological education as a youth leader and Sunday School teacher through the Methodist Church, before attending college in Brisbane. In 1969 he trained as a Minister in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands under the Uniting Church, before returning to Arnhemland to minister his own people at the Galiwin’ku parish, firstly as a lay pastor (1971-1972) and then as a Minister from 1976-1982. In 1983-84, Rev Djiniyini worked as a Lecturer in Theology at Nungalinya College, Darwin. He was honoured with a Diploma of Theology (Honorary) from there in 1984, and in 1991 received a Cultural Doctorate in Literature (Honorary) from the World University, Roundtable, Arizona USA. Rev Djiniyini was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1995. As well as being the Chairman of ALPA since 1993, Rev Djiniyini is currently the Director of Duduy’ngu Pty Ltd, which provides consultancy and cross-cultural services. He is also Director of Yirrkala Business Enterprises. Over the years, Rev Djiniyini has served on many committees and councils including: Member of the Steering Committee of the Australian Indigenous Cultural Network (1998-2001), CEO of Aboriginal Resource and Development Services Inc (1998-2001), CEO of the Northern Regional Council of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (1998-2001), Director of Reconciliation Australia Limited (2000-2001), Member of Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (1998-2000), Chairman of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (1995-2000 & 1990-1993), Member of Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (1991-1994), Moderator of Northern Synod, Uniting Church in Australia (1985-1987), Secretary of newly formed Aboriginal Presbytery, Northern Synod, Uniting Church in Australia (1985), and Vice-President of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Uniting Church in Australia (1983-1987). Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM has also been extensively published, and his works include: • Information Papers (co authored), Aboriginal Resource and Development Services: • Confusion Between Cultures (1998) • MHead & Shoulders of Djiniyini Gondarra facing right of picture."Rev. Djiniyini Gondarra 1986. Moderator Northern Synod and Vice President of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Conference."gondarra, djiniyini, uaicc, northern synod uca -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Rev. Dr John Meiklejohn, first Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, 1901
Meiklejohn, John MA, DD (20/08/1841- 28/09/1915) b. Larkhall, near Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland; from Duke Street UP Church Glasgow, commenced 1867 Session UP Hall, Probationer 1893; U Glasgow, M.A. 1870, Hon. D.D. 1901. ord. Kirkmuirhill 14.4.1874-2.10.1888, resd because of health. Rec’d PCV 1889: ind South Melbourne (Dorcas St) 1.4.1889-1911. Convener of (federal) Union Comm 1892-1901; President Council of Churches Melbourne 1900; President Vic branch Astronomical Society; Professor, Systematic Theol, Theol Hall. To Qld: Principal, Emmanuel College 1911-14 (without pay), retd d. Melbourne. Mod-Gen, 1901-3.Portraits were taken of Meiklejohn dressed in Moderator-General regalia.Identification of Meiklejohnmeiklejohn, john, moderator-general, presbyterian church of australia -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
printed etching
William Abraham Quick (1820 - 1915). Born in the U.K. Methodist minister at Liskeard Cornwall, Tiverton Devon. In 1843 went to Sierra Leone. Upon returning to the UK was stationed at Bridport, South Shields, Glasgow. Arrived in Australia in 1856. Stationed in N.S.W. then at St. Kilda, Ballarat East, Richmond. President of the Australasian Conference 1866. President of Horton College at Ross, Tasmania. Founder and President of the Council of Queen's College, University of Melbourne. Died at Brighton 12 November 1915.B & W printed etching of the Rev. William Abrahm Quick in three quarter profile."Revd Willam A. Quick President of the Australasian Conference 1866"william abraham quick, wesleyan, methodist, minister, horton college, queen's college, liskeard, tiverton, sierra leone, bridgport, south shields, glasgow, st. kilda, ballarat east, richmond, brighton, president of conference -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Undated c.1900
Rev John Watsford (1820 - 1907). Born at Parramatta, N.S.W. First Australian born minister of the Methodist Conference. Spent 8 years with the Wesleyan Mission in Fiji. Founded Prince Alfred College Adelaide. Home Mission Secretary for Victoria. President of the Australasian Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church 1871. President of the General Conference of the Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1878. Australasian Representative at the Ecumenical Council of Methodism in London 1881.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Watsford, mounted on brown card.john watsfore, wesleyan, methodist, minister, parramatta, fiji, prince alfred college, home mission, president australasian conference, ecumenical council -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Printed image, Undated c.1900
Rev John Watsford (1820 - 1907). Born at Parramatta, N.S.W. First Australian born minister of the Methodist Conference. Spent 8 years with the Wesleyan Mission in Fiji. Founded Prince Alfred College Adelaide. Home Mission Secretary for Victoria. President of the Australasian Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church 1871. President of the General Conference of the Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1878. Australasian Representative at the Ecumenical Council of Methodism in London 1881.B & W Head and shoulders printed image of the Rev. John Watsford. Taken from a photograph."Rev. John Watsord, Ex-President Wesleyan Conference, Victoria, Australia. (The Venerable President of Christian Conventions.)"john watsfore, wesleyan, methodist, minister, parramatta, fiji, prince alfred college, home mission, president australasian conference, ecumenical council -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Undated c.1960s
Mr John P. Adam was a member of the Kew Presbyterian Church. He was born in Scotland and came to Australia at the age of 13 when his father was appointed Professor of Divinity at Ormond College. John Adam studied law and commenced practice in 1924. He served on the Council of the Law Institute of Victoria and was President in 1949. He gave a lifetime of service to the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and Australia. He was law agent of the Victorian Church for 20 years and was foundation Convenor of the Donald Cameron Homes Committee for elderly people. He was a member of the Council of Presbyterian Ladies' College for 20 years and Chairman from 1958 to 1965. He was also a member of the Ormond College Council. He was an active member of the Kew Presbyterian Church , serving on the Board of Management and Session for 47 years. John Adam was also Superintendent of the Sunday School for 19 years and a leader of the Young Men's Bible Class. He died aged 78 on 11 March 1973.B & W head and shoulders photograph of Mr John P. Adam wearing a dark suit and buttonhole in his lapel.john p. adam, scotland, ormond college, law, law institute of victoria, presbyterian church, kew, donald cameron homes committee -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph - Carte de visite, F W Lindt, C. 1880s
Rev. W. A. Quick (1820-1915) was a significant figure in Victorian Methodism. President of the Queen's College Council 1888-1908. Chairman of the Tasmanian District 1861-71. President of the Australian Conference, 1866.Carte de Visite. Sepia toned head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. William Abraham Quick. The Rev Quick is looking to his left.Printed on the front: "J.W.LINDT MELBOURNE" Handwritten in ink on the back "Rev. W.A.Quick"methodist, wesleyan, president queen's college council, chairman tasmanian district, william abraham quick, president wesleyan conference victoria -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Print, Undated. C. 1890s
Rev. W. A. Quick (1820-1915) was a significant figure in Victorian Methodism. President of the Queen's College Council 1888-1908. Chairman of the Tasmanian District 1861-71. President of the Australian Conference, 1866.Black and white print on buff paper. Head & shoulders portrait of the Rev. William Abraham Quick."REV W.A.QUICK EX-PRESIDENT WESLEYAN CONFERENCE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA"methodist, wesleyan, rev w a quick, wesleyan conference, president of the wesleyan conference -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph
Rev. Dr. William Morley (1842-1926) was born in Notting-Hampshire, England where he received early ministerial training. He was twenty when he arrived in New Zealand, where he was twice President of the Methodist Conference and then President of the General Conference. In 1902 he was called to Australia to take up the position of managing treasurer of the Supernumerary Minister's Fund. In 1891, Morley was a member of the second Methodist Ecumenical Conference at Washington and President of Queen's College Council 1909 - 1925. He died in Kew, Victoria.Matt, sepia, three quarter studio portrait of Rev. W. Morley on card.Rev. W. Morley D.D.morley, w. d. d., wesleyan, new zealand, methodist conference, general conference, queen's college, supernumerary minister's fund -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Notice, 2004
Rev. Dr. William Morley (1842-1926) was born in Notting-Hampshire, England, where he received early ministerial training. He was twenty when he arrived in New Zealand, where he was twice President of the Methodist Conference and then President of the General Conference. In 1902 he was called to Australia to take up the position of managing treasurer of the Supernumerary Minister's Fund. In 1891, Morley was a member of the second Methodist Ecumenical Conference at Washington and President of Queen's College Council 1909-1925. He died in Kew, Victoria. A black and white A4 copy of a notice to an afternoon with friends at Queen's College.An invitation to an afternoon with friends. William Morley, President of Queen's College Council, 1909-1925, by Bill Thomas, Sunday 361 October 2004 at 3.00p.m. in the junior Common Room at Queen's College.morley, w. d. d., wesleyan, new zealand, methodist conference, general conference, queen's college, supernumerary minister's fund -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Cigarette Case - K. D. Watson, Wodonga, 1919
This cigarette case was owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson and carried into battle during World War I. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WWI was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.This item is significant because it was owned by a decorated Australian serviceman and prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver cigarette case owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga. The inside contains straps to hold the cigarettes in place. Both the front and back have been engraved.On front: KDW On back: 1919kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Newspaper - Clipping, Death of Mitcham resident, E. E. (Edgar) Walker - December, 1936
Newspaper report of the death of Edgar Edwards Walker, aged 74, at his home in Mitcham, Victoria. (Newspaper name/date unknown).Mr Walker was governing director of the Australian Tesselated Tile Co. Pty. Ltd., Mitcham ... a company he founded 49 years ago. He was a member of the Nunawading Shire Council for 25 years, and was several times president. He took a keen interest in local affairs and was a trustee of the Mitcham Methodist Church and Memorial Hall. His funeral took place at Box Hill cemetery (December 1936). -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Marguerite Marshall, Eltham Community and Reception Centre, 2 October 2006
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 Ltd Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p177 The Wiggles performed there, so has the ABC’s Play School. New citizens have made their vows, volunteers have been honoured, school children have performed, weddings celebrated and people mourned at funerals. Since 1978 the Eltham Community and Reception Centre at the corner of Pitt Street and Main Road, has provided a beautiful and quintessential Eltham environment for people from all over Melbourne. Recognised as Australia’s first public mud-brick building, the centre was built partly on the site of the parsonage of the former Methodist Church (now the Uniting Church).1 Commissioned by the Eltham Council headed by President Robert Marshall, architects Whitford and Peck were asked to design a multipurpose facility in mud-brick and timber. Following public consultation, it was agreed to build a centre for dances, exhibitions, films, plays or concerts. The results – at a cost of around $620,000 – captured the Eltham rustic style. The building – in soft tones of mud-brick and timber and immense floor-to-ceiling windows – overlooks the Diamond Creek and sporting fields. Eltham’s strong artistic heritage is reflected in the centre. Although the lighting is not ideal for a gallery and labels cannot be placed on walls, the centre hosts the Nillumbik Art Awards and displays around ten to 20% of the Nillumbik Shire Art Collection, usually for around a year at a time.2 On permanent display, close to the entrance, is local artist Clifton Pugh’s White Choughs in the Landscape. Further to the right is the Walter Withers Gallery, named after a local member of the Heidelberg School of artists. As part of the Eltham Gateway opposite the Eltham Hotel, the centre stands on what was once part of the Eltham Town Centre along this section of Main Road, then known as Maria Street. On the same site once stood the house and flour mill owned by Henry Dendy, best known as the founder of Brighton, although he lived longer in Eltham. Beside the drive is a wheel-rim tool with accompanying plaque, illustrating a technology important during the horse-powered age and now almost completely gone, as has the blacksmith’s shop that had housed it nearby. The implement is a platform for fitting iron tyres to the wooden rims of cartwheels. Beneath it is a capsule placed in 1985 to commemorate Victoria’s 150 years, which is to be opened in 2035. Although the plants, forming part of the landscaping by Peter Glass and Denis Edwards, are largely indigenous and other native species, some exotic plants are protected as an important link with the site’s past. Planted at the front around 1920, is a large Peppercorn tree with two joined trunks growing from the base, and close by is a Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa). Three other Peppercorn trees fringe the drive. The building includes two halls – the larger seating 250 people – and a large foyer overlooking trees and ovals. Both halls have retractable rear walls providing varying spaces as required, and guests can use several external decks. A site for outdoor theatre has been carved out of the natural slope outside the entrance. The Bricklayers Union refused to use the traditional mud-bricks, which weigh more than 22kg. As a result the mud-bricks were redesigned to reduce their weight and were laid back-to-back to produce a wall of normal thickness.3 The centre’s massive timber frame is reminiscent of timber bridge construction, with infill panels of mud-brick.4 In accord with the rustic style are colossal rough-sawn posts, bolts and steel brackets. The combination of mud-brick, exposed feature timber framing and creative design in this centre, characterises Eltham’s innovative buildings and the social movement behind them from the 1940s to the 1970s.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham community and reception centre, mudbrick construction