Showing 16 items
matching queensland trackers
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Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, Gary Presland, For god?s sake send the trackers : a history of Queensland trackers and Victoria police, 1998
... For god?s sake send the trackers : a history of Queensland... a program of using trackers from Queensland in the period 1880-1968... trackers from Queensland in the period 1880-1968. Includes a list ...A history of Aboriginal trackers in Victoria, detailing a program of using trackers from Queensland in the period 1880-1968. Includes a list of known trackers with some photographs, and numerous histories of instances of trackers working with Victoria police.B&w photographs -
Victoria Police Museum
Carte de Visite (Sub-Insp O'Connor)
... queensland trackers... melbourne sub-inspector o'connor queensland trackers kelly gang Lut ...A small black and white photograph of Sub-Inspector O'Connor. Shown are the head and shoulder of the man, with a dark moustacheLut. O'Connor P66 (in ink under photograph)sub-inspector o'connor, queensland trackers, kelly gang -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 1879
... Sepia toned photograph of five black trackers from... Entrance gippsland These black trackers were recalled to take part ...These black trackers were recalled to take part in the Last Stand at Glenrowan HotelSepia toned photograph of five black trackers from Queensland hired by Victorian Police to assist hunting for the Kelly gang in 1879, names included are Corporal Sambo Troopers Hero', Johnny, Jimmy, Barney and Jack. Senior police are l to right Sen Const King, Superintendent J Sadler, Sub Inspector O'Connor and Capt Stanish. Victoriaclothing, aboriginals, police, uniforms -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Mackenzie, Andrew
Andrew Mackenzie OAM (1952-), librarian, expert on the life and paintings of Walter Withers and Frederick McCubbin; compiler of "The Etchings, Lecture Notes and Writings of Victor Cobb" and "Walter Withers: The Forgotten Manuscripts", author (for the Famous Australian Art Series) of "Hans Heysen", "Albert Namatjira" and "Walter Withers"; author of "Holesch 1910-1983: Horse Paintings" and of "Frederick McCubbin 1855-1917:"The Proff' and his art"; curator of exhibition "A Tribute to Victor Cobb" and exhibition of artworks of City of Box Hill; co-curator of exhibition "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and other Fairy Folk of the Australian Bush"; member of the Victorian Artists' Society, Old Water Colour Society's Club and Pastel Society of Victoria. Contents Letter from Andrew Mackenzie to Russell Yeoman, 19 December 1987, regarding planned exhibition of Walter Withers material and lecture to Eltham Historical Society. Nomination from Sue Law, President Eltham Historical Society, 23 January 1990, for Andrew Mackenzie to receive an Australian Heritage Award. Newspaper article: "Eltham honors artist", Diamond Valley News, 16 October 1990, re unveiling of commemorative plaque to Walter Withers in Eltham, designed by John Ebell. CV for Andrew Mackenzie undated but post 1990. Newspaper article: "Artist's mystery pioneer revealed", The Australian, 6 July 1991, Andrew Mackenzie identified the bushman, wife and child in the second panel of Frederick McCubbin's triptych "On the Wallaby Track"; the bushman model was James Edward; McCubbin's daughter Kathleen Mangan said her mother Annie McCubbin was the woman in the second panel; the baby was Jimmy Watson, nephew of Patrick Watson. Newspaper article: "McCubbin talk of immense interest", The Courier Ballarat, 9 January 1992, report of lecture at Ballarat Fine Art Gallery by Andrew Mackenzie on Frederick McCubbin. Magazine article: "Art on show", The Australian Women's Weekly, January 1993, photographs of people attending exhibition of works of Frederick McCubbin, Queensland Art Gallery, including Andrew Mackenzie author of a new limited edition book on McCubbin. Newspaper article: "Meet Andrew Mackenzie", The Heidelberger 23 February 1994, his background and interests, his next project to research Hayward Veal. Letter from John Withers to Sue Law (Eltham Historical Society), 4 August 1994, notifying that he had nominated Andrew Mackenzie for a future Australia Day Award (attaching his documentation). Newspaper article: "Artist's portrait of tragic child is a special find", no publication details, details of forthcoming Sotheby sale which included Frederick McCubbin's portrait of daughter Mary who died in 1894 following an accident, with comment by Andrew Mackenzie. Notice of General Meeting of Eltham District Historical Society, 10 September 2014, speaker Andrew Mackenzie on Walter Withers. Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcwalter withers, frederick mccubbin, annie mccubbin, mary mccubbin, john withers, john ebell, kathleen mangan, james edward, on the wallaby track, fontainbleau eltham, william mcgregor of mount macedon, patrick watson, ballarat fine art gallery, margaret rich, sotheby's, justin miller, russell drysdale's "the outrider", hugh ramsay's "portrait of a young girl", benjamin duterrau's "portrait of matilda stanfield", eugene von guerard's western district landscape, jimmy watson, queensland art gallery, shirley florence, bettina macaulay, graham drummong, valerie drummond, susan anderson, jane henderson, maria poulos, hayward veal, andrew mackenzie -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Survey Maps and Technical Drawings
alan gardiner collection, maps -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, My War: An Australian Commando in New Guinea and Borneo 1943 to 1945
Brian Walpole, the author, was a Australian Commando and special operations operative behind enemy lines in New Guinea and Borneo during WW2. Brian was a commando with the Australian 2/3 Independent Company. He went to New Guinea in January 1943 and remained until the fall of the Japanese base at Salamaua in September. He fought on the Bobdubi Ridge. His commanding officer was the well-regarded George Warfe, whose portrait was sketched by war artist Ivor Hele. Brian blazed a trail through the New Guinea jungle which appears on some maps as Walpole’s Track, discovering and naming the ambush site Goodview Junction. Soon afterwards (July 1943) Goodview Junction was the scene of a key campaign victory which contributed to George Warfe being awarded the Military Cross.Brian’s Special Operations training mostly took place at Careening Bay (Western Australia) and Fraser Island (Queensland). He arrived in Borneo at the time of the 9th Division’s landing at Labuan Island, and took part in two SRD operations – Colt and Semut 3. After the surrender, Walpole's work continued as many of the Japanese did not recognise the surrender and continued to fight on. Brian relates how on the 14th of September 1945 while still an operative in SRD he was able to save POWs from certain death and after a firefight arrested 10 Japanese soldiers at Simanggang Borneo. He was alone and had been assisted in the battle by 20 headhunters from the jungles along the Rejang River. One of the people saved was a young nurse in her 20s, Lena Ricketts. ww2, australian special operations, australian commando, new guinea, borneo, world war ii -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Photograph (item) - Black and white photograph, Murray Views, Murray Views No. 47. Nicholl's Lookout, Marysville, Vic, Post 1929
An early black and white photograph of the view of Marysville taken from Nicholl's Lookout.An early black and white photograph of the view of Marysville taken from Nicholl's Lookout. Nicholl's Lookout is situated on the Marysville-Wood's Point Road. The Marysville-Woods Point Road was originally part of the Yarra Track, constructed in the early 1860s to provide access between Healesville and the Woods Point Goldfields. Despite the steep terrain and engineering difficulties, the Yarra Track soon became a busy route used by pack horses, horse-drawn drays, and wagons. Today this sealed mountain road is a popular scenic drive between Marysville and Warburton. This photograph was produced by Murray Views in Gympie, Queensland as a souvenir of Marysville. nicholl's lookout, marysville, victoria, photograph, murray views, souvenir, marysville-wood's point road, yarra track, mining, warburton -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and White, Pat McNamara, Near Maryborough, Queensland, 1932, March 1932
Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of two men, one dressed in a dark suit and the other dressed in trousers and waistcoat, holding a large fish in his right hand. They are standing on the rail tracks of a pier. The men are Frank Wright on the right and Joe Foster on the left. The place is on the pier about 20 miles from Maryborough, Queensland (possibly Hervey Bay).Written in pencil on back - Taken on the pier about 20 miles from Maryborough (Q), Joe Foster sec Q.B.A., Frank Wright, March 1932 Printed on back - Printed by Pat McNamarafrank wright, joe foster, maryborough, pier, hervey bay -
Puffing Billy Railway
Warning Lamp, Appletons Patent Railway, circa 1900
Appletons Patent Railway Warning Lamp with Sherwood Style burner Used by Gangers during track work at night Appletons was an early pioneer of railway lamp signal lamp Alfred Edward Appleton invented and patented the Spinner Railway signal lamp in England in 1897. Appleton lamps were patented and manufactured by Alfred Edward Appleton at a factory in Sherwood during the early 1920's to late 50's and widely used throughout Queensland Railways. Alfred Edward Appleton's father was a railway pointsman and porter on the Great Western Railway in Tewkesbury England Historic - Early Hand signalling Lantern Appletons Patent Railway Warning Lamp made of tin & metal and glassAppletons Patentpuffing billy, appleton warning lamp, lamp -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Debbie Terranova, Enemies within these shores, 2018
A novel based on the true story of the author's father-in-law, Luigi Terranova, a cane farmer from Queensland who migrated from Sicily in 1922. He was interned in Loveday Camp in South Australia upon his arrest in January 1944.Paperback book with railway track and tall plants in the foreground. Hills in the background with Australian Penny and another symbol overlayedIf you have any stories about the family camps at Tatura, I'd love to hear from you. Debbie Terranovadebbie terranova, luigi terranova, loveday, internment camps -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Periodical, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Australian Aboriginal studies : journal of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, 2010
Mediating conflict in the age of Native Title Peter Sutton (The University of Adelaide and South Australian Museum) Mediators have played roles in managing conflict in Aboriginal societies for a long time. This paper discusses some of the similarities and differences between older customary mediator roles and those of the modern Native Title process. Determinants of tribunal outcomes for Indigenous footballers Neil Brewer, Carla Welsh and Jenny Williams (School of Psychology, Flinders University) This paper reports on a study that examined whether football tribunal members? judgments concerning players? alleged misdemeanours on the sporting field are likely to be shaped by extra-evidential factors that disadvantage players from Indigenous backgrounds. Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian Football League (AFL) players, matched in terms of their typical levels of confidence and demeanour in public situations, were interrogated in a mock tribunal hearing about a hypothetical incident on the football field. The specific aim was to determine if the pressures of such questioning elicited behavioural differences likely to be interpreted as indicative of testimonial unreliability. Mock tribunal members (number = 103) then made judgments about the degree to which a number of behavioural characteristics were evident in the players? testimonies. Under intense interrogation, Indigenous players were judged as presenting less confidently and displaying a greater degree of gaze aversion than non-Indigenous players. These behavioural characteristics are commonly ? and inappropriately ? used as cues or heuristics to infer testimonial accuracy. The paper discusses the implications for Indigenous players appearing at tribunal hearings ? and for the justice system more broadly. Timothy Korkanoon: A child artist at the Merri Creek Baptist Aboriginal School, Melbourne, Victoria, 1846?47 ? a new interpretation of his life and work Ian D Clark (School of Business, University of Ballarat) This paper is concerned with the Coranderrk Aboriginal artist Timothy Korkanoon. Research has uncovered more about his life before he settled at the Coranderrk station in 1863. Evidence is provided that five sketches acquired by George Augustus Robinson, the former Chief Protector of Aborigines, in November 1851 in Melbourne, and found in his papers in the State Library of New South Wales, may also be attributed to the work of the young Korkanoon when he was a student at the Merri Creek Baptist Aboriginal School from 1846 to 1847. Developing a database for Australian Indigenous kinship terminology: The AustKin project Laurent Dousset (CREDO, and CNRS, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales), Rachel Hendery (The Australian National University), Claire Bowern (Yale University), Harold Koch (The Australian National University) and Patrick McConvell (The Australian National University) In order to make Australian Indigenous kinship vocabulary from hundreds of sources comparable, searchable and accessible for research and community purposes, we have developed a database that collates these resources. The creation of such a database brings with it technical, theoretical and practical challenges, some of which also apply to other research projects that collect and compare large amounts of Australian language data, and some of which apply to any database project in the humanities or social sciences. Our project has sought to overcome these challenges by adopting a modular, object-oriented, incremental programming approach, by keeping metadata, data and analysis sharply distinguished, and through ongoing consultation between programmers, linguists and communities. In this paper we report on the challenges and solutions we have come across and the lessons that can be drawn from our experience for other social science database projects, particularly in Australia. A time for change? Indigenous heritage values and management practice in the Coorong and Lower Murray Lakes region, South Australia Lynley A Wallis (Aboriginal Environments Research Centre, The University of Queensland) and Alice C Gorman (Department of Archaeology, Flinders University) The Coorong and Lower Murray Lakes in South Australia have long been recognised under the Ramsar Convention for their natural heritage values. Less well known is the fact that this area also has high social and cultural values, encompassing the traditional lands and waters (ruwe) of the Ngarrindjeri Nation. This unique ecosystem is currently teetering on the verge of collapse, a situation arguably brought about by prolonged drought after decades of unsustainable management practices. While at the federal level there have been moves to better integrate typically disparate ?cultural? and ?natural? heritage management regimes ? thereby supporting Indigenous groups in their attempts to gain a greater voice in how their traditional country is managed ? the distance has not yet been bridged in the Coorong. Here, current management planning continues to emphasise natural heritage values, with limited practical integration of cultural values or Ngarrindjeri viewpoints. As the future of the Coorong and Lower Murray Lakes is being debated, we suggest decision makers would do well to look to the Ngarrindjeri for guidance on the integration of natural and cultural values in management regimes as a vital step towards securing the long-term ecological viability of this iconic part of Australia. Hearts and minds: Evolving understandings of chronic cardiovascular disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations Ernest Hunter (Queensland Health and James Cook University) Using the experience and reflections of a non-Indigenous clinician and researcher, Randolph Spargo, who has worked in remote Aboriginal Australia for more than 40 years, this paper tracks how those at the clinical coal-face thought and responded as cardiovascular and other chronic diseases emerged as new health concerns in the 1970s to become major contributors to the burden of excess ill health across Indigenous Australia. The paper cites research evidence that informed prevailing paradigms drawing primarily on work in which the clinician participated, which was undertaken in the remote Kimberley region in the north of Western Australia. Two reports, one relating to the Narcoonie quarry in the Strzelecki Desert and the other concerning problematic alcohol use in urban settings.maps, b&w photographs, colour photographs, tablesstrzelecki desert, native title, timothy korkanoon, merri creek baptist aboriginal school, austkin project, coorong, lower murray lakes district, south australia, indigenous health -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book with CD, Doreen Mellor et al, Many voices : reflections on experiences of Indigenous child separation, 2002
This book bring together voices of children who were separated from their families, people who cared for them, families who took them into their homes and Government officers who carried out official directions. Contents of CD: Track 1. Jim Hart, b.1927, Queensland, separated from family as a child. See ch. 5. Interviewer: David Woodgate (3m 02s) track 2. Clara Coulthard, b.1929, South Australia, separated from family as a child. See ch. 3. Interviewer: Sue Anderson (4m 06s) track 3. John Moriarty, AM, b.1938, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory, separated from family as a child. See ch. 4. Interviewer: Frank Heimans (4m 12s) track 4. Sandra Hill, b.1951, Western Australia, separated from family as a child. See ch. 11. Interviewer: John Bannister (4m 11s) track 5. Trevor Deshong, b.1965, Queensland, separated from family as a child. See ch .6. Interviewer: Colleen Hattersley (4m 45s) track 6. Julie Wilson, b.1958, New South Wales, adopted as an infant. See ch. 6. Interviewer: Frank Heimans (4m 04s) track 7. Dorothy Pyatt, b.1918, South Australia, police officer in remote South Australia, 1950s and 1960s. See ch. 8. Interviewer: Karen George (4m 18s) track 8. Margaret Somerville, MBE, b.1912, New South Wales, Northern Territory, missionary and cottage mother. See ch. 7. Interviewer: Frank Heimans (3m 15s) track 9. Reg Worthy, OAM, b.1920, Queensland, Northern Territory, Victoria, welfare officer, senior administrator, Departmental Head. See ch. 8. Interviewer: Barbara Erskine (4m 55s)D?.b&w photographs, b&w illustrations, CDstolen generations, child welfare, bringing them home, oral histories -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, undated c.1980s
Rosalie Rayment originally trained and worked as an Occupational Therapist. Following completion of studies in Theology she worked for 11 years with the Church in Thailand. Rosalie was ordained in 1988. Fred Vanclay B.D., Dip AgS. ordained 1964 in the Presbyterian Church. Served: Queensland 1961 - 1975; Victoria 1976 - 1985 Vermont - Parkmore; Northern Territory Tennant-Barkly Patrol 1985 - 1993. Died in 2016. Adapted from the eulogy given by his son, Jerry Vanclay One of Fred’s first placements as a minister was in Mackay, North Queensland. Mackay was a wonderful place for Fred, his wife Donna and their young family. They all loved the beaches and the bush, and the children completed a significant part of their schooling there. Whilst posted in Mackay, Fred and Donna enjoyed long road trips in their modest HR Holden sedan, with the family, to Uluru, to Broome via the Borroloola Track, and down the Birdsville Track to the Flinders ranges; along the way, developing the bushcraft that would stand them in good stead later in the Tennant-Barkly Patrol. After many years in ministry in Mackay, then in Vermont, Victoria, Fred and Donna were called to the Tennant-Barkly Patrol in the Northern Territory, where he served for eight years, probably Fred’s most satisfying years. All Fred’s parishes were welcoming and rewarding, but Fred said on more than one occasion that he had a special love for the Patrol. He felt that in an urban congregation, he ministered mainly to those who came to Church, but in the Patrol he ministered to everyone, and especially to those in need. Fred loved to get involved with the day-to-day activities of his people, to develop a deeper relationship and greater understanding. Some remarked that when Fred helped, everything took longer, but they loved him and his assistance nonetheless. Fred was proud to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Padre Fred McKay, and sometimes joked that he was “Fred the 2nd”, not Fred McKay, but “Fred from Mackay”. During his last few weeks in hospital, Fred liked to reminisce on his time in the Patrol. He joked about how he surprised the selection panel with his knowledge of bush tracks and outstations – knowledge that he had gained on those long road trips from Mackay. He reflected that many aspects of his life were good preparation for his time in the Patrol. After their Patrol, Fred and Donna retired to Mt Waverley, in Melbourne, but they were both restless in retirement, and undertook supply ministries in Wedderburn, Kerang and North Cairns, and made several long journeys into the interior and into their beloved Patrol [in Tennant Creek] – as well as frequent visits to their eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and occasional trips to Europe to reunite with distant family. They never tired of ministering and adventuring, but as age and infirmity progressively clipped their wings, they travelled more in spirit and less by car. Despite the many celebrations that he blessed – baptisms, marriages, and funerals – Fred never sought the limelight, and I think he would be surprised by our gathering today. I can almost hear him saying “Don’t make a fuss; just say a heartfelt prayer together”. – Jerry Vanclay Informal B & W gloss photo of Rev. Fred Vanclay, his wife Donna, Rosalie Rayment (later ordained) and one other unidentified person. -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Taylor, Colin, Australia By Rail, 1988
... , on the longest straight rail line in the world, to the twisting tracks ...From the vast emptiness of the Nullarbor Plain, on the longest straight rail line in the world, to the twisting tracks of outback Queensland and the rainforests of the north, Australia's railways offer a rich variety of contrasting experiences. Taking the train is an ideal way to explore the continent in comfort and style. Features include: fully revised fifth edition- updated and expanded: with seventy maps including the new Ghan extension to Darwin, rail travel for all budgets--from the five-star luxury of the Great South Pacific Express to economy sleeping berths for budget-conscious travellers, plus full details of the Austrailpass and other passes and ticket bargains, railway route guides with seventy rail maps--all main lines and branches, what to look out for when travelling, and where to stop, railway history--and the battle for the survival of rail in Australia, city guides and maps--the best sights, recommended hotels, and restaurants in many stops along the lines; with extensive sections on Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, and Canberra.ill, maps, p.144.non-fictionFrom the vast emptiness of the Nullarbor Plain, on the longest straight rail line in the world, to the twisting tracks of outback Queensland and the rainforests of the north, Australia's railways offer a rich variety of contrasting experiences. Taking the train is an ideal way to explore the continent in comfort and style. Features include: fully revised fifth edition- updated and expanded: with seventy maps including the new Ghan extension to Darwin, rail travel for all budgets--from the five-star luxury of the Great South Pacific Express to economy sleeping berths for budget-conscious travellers, plus full details of the Austrailpass and other passes and ticket bargains, railway route guides with seventy rail maps--all main lines and branches, what to look out for when travelling, and where to stop, railway history--and the battle for the survival of rail in Australia, city guides and maps--the best sights, recommended hotels, and restaurants in many stops along the lines; with extensive sections on Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, and Canberra.railroad travel -- australia -- guidebooks, railroad travel -- australia -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, David Cable, Rails Across Australia - A Journey Through the Continent, 2015
Rails Across Australia is an album of photographs taken by David Cable, a well-regarded British author of several albums of train pictures throughout the world. The photos were taken initially during the period between 1967 and 1973 when David lived in Adelaide, and then during several visits around the Commonwealth during the twenty-first century. The photos cover a wide variety of trains in the mainland states, from Queensland to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and include pictures showing trains in the landscapes, as well as close-up photos of locomotives for the modelling enthusiasts. The well-known problems of different gauges originally established in the various states are illustrated by the individual classes designed for them, in addition to the newest designs for the standard gauge tracks now linking them.ill. p.258.non-fictionRails Across Australia is an album of photographs taken by David Cable, a well-regarded British author of several albums of train pictures throughout the world. The photos were taken initially during the period between 1967 and 1973 when David lived in Adelaide, and then during several visits around the Commonwealth during the twenty-first century. The photos cover a wide variety of trains in the mainland states, from Queensland to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and include pictures showing trains in the landscapes, as well as close-up photos of locomotives for the modelling enthusiasts. The well-known problems of different gauges originally established in the various states are illustrated by the individual classes designed for them, in addition to the newest designs for the standard gauge tracks now linking them.railroad trains -- australia -- history -- pictorial works., railroad trains -- australia -- history. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Marguerite Marshall, Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham Lower Park, 7 September 2008
Kids of all ages enjoy the Miniature Railway. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p163 On Sundays in Eltham thousands of children, mums, dads and grandparents can be seen travelling around Lower Eltham Park in tiny trains. They are among the two and half million passengers who have travelled on the Diamond Valley Railway since it officially began in 1961. The miniature railway originally operated from the 1940s at Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe, until flooding caused it to be moved to the Eltham Lower Park in 1959. The railway is modelled on the 1920s era – the heyday of passenger rail travel – and the trains are built on a scale of two inches to the foot (1/6). Although not exact replicas, trains include models of the Spirit of Progress, Puffing Billy, The Overland, Dog Boxes, Vic Rail S class, G class and a NSW 81 Class. The three and a half kilometres of track is set amongst native plants and picnic areas. A friendly hoot or the clang of a bell occasionally punctuates the tranquillity as a train emerges from a treed bend with passengers excitedly waving to onlookers. For $3 the train takes you on a 13-minute two-kilometre ride. Passengers sit in single file in the narrow train, which clatters along tracks built to the scale of the Australian narrow gauge of three feet six inches (1.1m). These are used in Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. Safety standards are stringently kept. Even before you buy a ticket notices tell you that you must wear closed shoes. You can even borrow these, and you are given a pair of socks for the ride! Blue-overalled volunteers check tickets, see you aboard, and drive the train. They are mainly retired men who can at last devote their time to what little boys dream of – playing with trains. Passengers are instructed in safe behaviour, then the station master waves a white flag and off we go. The guard sits at the back with his whistle and green flag at the ready. The winding track, fringed by native trees and bushes planted by volunteers, stands on crown land managed by Nillumbik Council. The train clatters along the track and crosses a bridge over a drain elevated by name to The Blow Fly Creek. We pass by Meadmore Junction at a speed of three kilometres an hour. Then on through a tunnel, accompanied by squeals of delight, and after a few moments of blackness, light glimmers at the end. On we go, past the original platform, along another route past busy Main Road through Pine Creek Station, over a bridge and through another tunnel with more screams of delight.Then a signal stops us before the ‘all clear’ to return to our original point of departure. The railway services its passengers – the largest number of any miniature railway in Australia – with a fleet including: six diesel locomotives, three steam locomotives, eight sets of passenger cars and one battery electric Dog Box set. Members also privately own 20 locomotives and powered carriage sets as well as four carriage sets.1 All the trains are stored on-site in workshops, sheds and a tunnel. The railway is entirely run by volunteers, so that all ticket money is used for maintenance and extensions, and some goes to local charities. Since 1991, the entire railway has been rebuilt, including an upgraded signalling system. About half of the 120 volunteer members are active with about 35 working each Sunday, and a dozen or so working every Wednesday. Members are trained to positions of station assistant, booking officer, train guard, train driver or signalman. Members construct new carriages and locomotives as well as maintaining track, signalling and rolling stock.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, diamond valley railway, eltham lower park