In 1965, the Board of Works advised Eltham Council that it had purchased 1 1/2 acres of land adjoining the Plenty River off Para Road zoned for public open space and offered the land to Council.An example of developments in the Greensborough area during the 1960sNews clipping, black and white text.shire of diamond valley, para road greensborough, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, plenty river, shire of eltham

35mm colour positive transparency blue Agfacolour Service plastic mountmap, melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, planning proposals, shire of eltham, planning

35mm colour positive transparency blue Agfacolour Service plastic mountmap, melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, planning proposals, shire of eltham, planning

35mm colour positive transparency blue Agfacolour Service plastic mountmap, melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, planning proposals, shire of eltham, planning

35mm colour positive transparency blue Agfacolour Service plastic mountmap, melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, planning proposals, shire of eltham, planning

'Close Knit' was conceived based around providing the high density accommodation of the area with what many residents will never experience; the iconic ‘Aussie’ backyard, symbolised by washing on a Hills Hoist. This concept was transposed into several elements, including two large flying jumper sculptures. These stainless steel and fibreglass structures are supported on slanted poles, reminiscent of Hills Hoist arms. The jumpers appear to catch the breeze, and billow up, like washing on the clothesline on a sunny day, and cast lovely shadows across the paths and gardens. They are bright and joyful reminders of simple homespun joys. The handcraft theme is also featured in knitted concrete garden walls throughout the gardens. As if the wind is captured in the movement of the Hellenistic drapery, these panels echo the Lady of Justice, an earlier work of mine on the Victorian County Court. These feature walls bring a softness to the park and hark back to classic European garden design. There are 6 finial/balls of wool marking gateways and entrances to the park, as well as a couple randomly scattered throughout to be discovered. There is also a draped plinth at the Peel street entrance which has my signature. Again these elements echo traditional garden design and are a tactile and recognizable link to the hand knit themes of the park. Given the strong themes of domesticity and handcrafts, I have titled my work ‘Close Knit’, as it applies to the purpose of this public space as well as the works scattered throughout. Yarra City Council delivered Cambridge Street Reserve in partnership with the Victorian Government, who have supported the project with $1.3m funding. Yarra City Council has invested a further $731,130 towards the project. Urban Imitative Landscape Design worked with artist William Eicholtz at the beginning of the design process to consider the needs of a growing high-density population of the area. At double the size, with extensive park seating and a large lawn space which is shaded by native trees, Cambridge Street Reserve is now the largest park in Collingwood. 'Close Knit' by William EicholtzTwo knitted fibreglass 'jumpers' over stainless steel framework; six concrete balls of wool throughout the park; 25 metres of cast (drapery) concrete walls; concrete plinth at Peel street entry which is draped with a concrete knit and a ball of wool on top as finial; reverse rope reliefs on the front façade of eastern stairs. Artist name and date 'William Eicholtz 2023' inscribed on plinth with ball of wool on top as finial. handcrafts, domesticity, aussie icons, european garden design, public space, high density accomodation

Folder of documents about War Memorial Park Greensborough including aerial photographs and title documents (collected by Ian Bryant) and other information on War Memorial Park bordered by McDowell Street, Ester Street, Henry Street and Vermont Parade Greensborough.Folder of documents - 2 ring binder and A4 printed pages in plastic pockets.greensborough war memorial park, public space, war memorials, ian bryant, parks banyule

Truck from side view with police insignia on cab door in public garden space with a transmission tower in the background. Circa 1961police vehicles; motor transport branch; motor transport section;

A collection tin in the shape of an army tin hat. Date that it was used is unknown. They could have been left at shopping centres or other public spaces for the general public to donate loose change.A record of a method of fundraising.Round silver collection tin in the shape of an army tin hat.Stickers saying 'Your donation helps the dependants of Australian veterans who were killed or have since died. Thank you'. Underneath a sticker saying 'Property of Legacy' and 'Call the Fundraising Department at Legacy House on 9663 3564 for collection'.fundraising, donations

'Surveyor of Suburban Environs' was one of the acquisitions from the 1991 Eltham Art Awards (now known as the Nillumbik Prize - and formally the Nillumbik Art Awards). This was the first piece acquired from this award which was suitable for a public space. Nillumbik is referred to as the "Green Wedge" and the sculpture "Surveyor of Suburban Environs" suggests a watchful observer of the surrounding landscape. The sculpture's central motif represents an eye held up on a pedestal by a tail. Its form has been likened to the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health personified in the goddess Wadjet or 'green one'. This likeness would suggest that the observer or surveyor has a divine status and spiritual connection to its environment. Polished stainless steel sculpture comprising an eye reminiscent of ancient egyptian hieroglyphics, which is held up with a tappered and jaggered tail like pedestal. Concrete base. N/Apublic art, fries, spiritual, eye, stainless steel, goddess, surveyor, sculpture, environment

'Land under threat: the future use of public open space adjoining Blackburn Creek' by Blackburn Creek Conservation Group, November 1981. Includes detailed descriptions, plans, bird lists, correspondence.'Land under threat: the future use of public open space adjoining Blackburn Creek' by Blackburn Creek Conservation Group, November 1981.blackburn creek, parks and reserves, kalang park, furness park, environment, blackburn creek conservation group, blacks walk, blackburn creeklands, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, city of nunawading, burgess, graham

'Drop Zone', is set in an imagined future where decreasing water availability has affected us more dramatically than anyone predicted. The water shortage has become so severe that we have to access water on a first-come first-serve basis, from military-like water ‘drop zones’, like this one, made from modified rain water tanks. These tanks function on three levels: Collected rain water causes the totem sculptures to rise and bloom; evaporation causes the totem sculptures to fall; and an anemometer (device that measures wind speed) drives a process that plays the tank like a giant drum, tuned by the amount of water contained within. This artwork envisions a future for Australia where the impact of decreasing water availability has had a more dramatic effect than any of the predictions. The shortage is so severe that military-like water ‘drop zones’, constructed of modified rainfall storage tanks have been established across the public parks of the City of Yarra for access on a first come, first serve basis. However, as the water is only replenished through rain catchment the tanks may only offer infrequent relief for the City of Yarra residents, standing as hollow reminders of the effects of inaction on the shaping of sustainable national water use.'Drop Zone' was one of three public art works installed in Yarra, in 2011, under the banner of The Environmental Public Arts Project which responded to key features of Council's Environment Strategy: 'Towards Local Sustainability 2008-2020.' The aims of this project included activating public spaces in new and creative ways through the creation of artworks which act as catalysts for further engagement and discussion around environmental themes and issues.Copyright the Artists. Ready-made corrugated water tanks arranged on a site. Situated within the tanks are small totemic sculptures that float on top of the water within the tank.Accompanying plaquesustainability, water, environment, climate change

"Meeting Under the Pergola to Chat" is part of the Banksia Gardens collection from 1998. It captures a moment of social interaction within a public space designed for residents of social housing to meet and engage with their neighbours. This image highlights the significance of communal areas in fostering a sense of community and belonging among residents. The pergola serves as a focal point for social gatherings, reflecting the thoughtful urban planning aimed at enhancing social cohesion and quality of life in the housing development during that period.The photograph titled "Meeting Under the Pergola to Chat" is part of the Banksia Gardens collection from 1998. It depicts social housing with public spaces designed for neighbours to meet and interact. This image captures the essence of community life and the importance of shared spaces in fostering social connections within the housing development. The photograph not only documents the architectural and social planning of the era but also highlights the value placed on communal areas for enhancing the quality of life for residents.Colour photograph on glossy photographic paper."Pergola where neighbours meet to chat, Public Housing"/"Banksia Gardens 1998"social housing, banksia gardens, pergola, meeting place, 1998

Diamond Valley Council honours a commitment to purchase land for public open space in the South East Riding of Diamond Valley in 1987. The land is in St Helena Road Greensborough adjacent to St Katherine's Anglican Church.This land abuts St Katherine's Church St Helena, originally built by Anthony Beale and named for his wife Katherine Rose. Newspaper article photocopied onto A4 page, 3 columns of text under black and white photograph of Cr Margaret Devlin at St Katherine's Church St Helena. 2 copies.Diamond Valley News Tuesday June 9, 1987 - page 7.anthony beale, st helena, st katherines church, parks greensborough, beale reserve

This photograph captures a joyful moment from Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows a person dressed as Santa Claus distributing gifts to a group of children seated on the grass in an outdoor setting, surrounded by trees and open space. Such events were a common tradition in Australian schools, marking the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer holidays. The relaxed, outdoor atmosphere and festive elements—such as Santa’s presence and the children’s engagement—reflect the community spirit and celebratory practices of the time. This photo offers a glimpse into the social and cultural life of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s, highlighting the importance of shared experiences, public spaces, and the joy of childhood during the holiday season.This photograph is of cultural and social significance as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It captures a moment of festive generosity, with Santa Claus handing out gifts to children gathered in an outdoor setting, reflecting the communal spirit and celebratory traditions of Australian school life in the late 20th century. The image illustrates the role of public education in fostering inclusive, community-oriented experiences, where end-of-year events provided opportunities for joy, connection, and shared memory-making. The use of natural public spaces for such gatherings underscores the importance of accessible environments in supporting social cohesion and childhood wellbeing. As a historical document, the photograph offers insight into the values and practices of the time, highlighting the enduring significance of holiday celebrations in shaping the cultural identity of suburban Melbourne communities. Colour photograph on glossy paper in portrait format.PH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana, jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, father christmas