Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of an American advisor to the Vietnamese Army with an Australian Navy radio operator on board a 135th Assault Helicopter 'Command Ship' controlling the insertion of South Vietnamese Rangers into a known NVA/VietCong area in the Mekong Delta.photograph, vietnamese army, 135th assault helicopter company, nva/vc, mekong delta, australian navy radio operator, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, south vietnamese rangers, american advisor

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the Commanding Officer of 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Lt Col David Butler, along his Radio Operator and Intellegence Officer inspects the weapons found in the large underground cache at the K76A Hospital captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ. photograph, 6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, operation marsden, nui may tao mountain, lt col butler, gibbons collection catalogue, intelligence officers, commanding officer, radio operator, underground cache, denis gibbons, 6 rar/nz (anzac)

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the Commanding Officer of 6 RAR/NZ Lt Col Butler, his Radio Operator and Intellegence Officer inspects the weapons found in the large underground cache at the K76A Hospital captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ during Operation Marsden. photograph, 6 rar/nz, lt col butler, k76a hospital, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, gibbons collection catalogue, commanding officer, radio operator, intelligence officers, 6 rar/nz (anzac), underground cache, weapons, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograpf of the Commanding Officer of 6 RAR/NZ Lt Col Butler, his Radio Operator and Intellegence Officer inspects the weapons found in the large underground cache at the K76A Hospital captured on the Nui May Tao Mountain by 6 RAR/NZ during Operation Marsden. photograph, 6 rar/nz, k76a hospital, lt col butler, nui may tao mountain, operation marsden, gibbons collection catalogue, commanding officer, radio operator, intelligence officers, 6 rar/nz (anzac), denis gibbons

HMAS Hobart Commendation presented by US Navy Unit 1969. Ship was fired on twice by US aircraft and two sailors were injured. 1968. This item was donated by L.C. Jones R63987. Radio Op RAN, Laurie Jones, on behalf of Leading Radio Operator Special Terence Bernard Nugent (R65155) who served on HMAS Hobart from March 1968 to October 1968, HMAS Vendetta from October 1970 to November 1970 and HMAS Vampire November 1972Blue covered booklet with black and white writing. Emblem showing Crown of ships over Hobart on ribbon. Lion in red on white background holding shovel and pick, Crossed boomerang, ice age axe and ribbon at bottom. Image of ship plowing through ocean. 18 pages of names and photos."Sic Fortis Hobartia Crevit" on black scroll. D39 on front of ship.leading radio operator special terence bernard nugent, r65155, laurie jones, hmas hobart, commendation, us navy unit, wounded in action, hmas vendetta, hmas vampire, nugent, navy, radio operator, bravery

Radio Operator Summerbadge/buttons, raaf

This transceiver was made by Merv Collins, a long-time resident of Wodonga. His call sign VK3AF) is attached to both of the radios. "Merv" Mervyn Aubrey Lascelles Collins was born near Horsham Victoria in 1922. He and his family moved to Wodonga in 1965 so that he could work at the newly opened TV transmission station at Mt Baranduda, to Wodonga's south. He was passionate about electronics and radio, becoming an Amateur Radio (Ham) operator in the 1950s. He had an amazing understanding of the science, allowing him to build the majority of his equipment from scratch, often without a circuit diagram. Through his resourcefulness, Merv frequently modified old black and white TV's and other equipment destined for landfill, incorporating them into gear ranging from transceivers to test equipment. Merv’s handiwork allowed him to talk to people all around the world. He lived in Leonard Street, Wodonga for over 40 years, and the antennas that rose from the back yard were a local landmark. He passed away in 2010, a proud Wodonga resident and keen "Ham" to the end.This item is significant because it was owned by a local resident who operated it in Wodonga for over 40 years.Two radio transmitters used by a ham radio operator in Wodonga.merv collins wodonga, ham radio transceiver, amateur radio, radio communications

Courses Camps were held separate to annual exercise in order to train soldiers in driving and radio operator skillsBlack and white photograph of group in bush setting at Puckapunyal 1983. Standing at centre of group is Sir David Fairbairn, Honorary Colonel 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles." Courses Camp 1983. L to R Capt. Cameron, WO11 Gaughan, Hon Col Sir David Fairbairn, Pte Capelhorn, Tpr Marshall."

issued by the Department of Civil Aviation during 1944, documents correct procedures for aircraft radio operators within Australia. department of civil aviation, aircraft radio operators

Amateur Radio Cards sent to William Douglas VK3GAFor the owner to preserve the cards as a record of radio contacts made and today to preserve the collection as an historical record.Items kept in two plastic tubs.Several thousand amateur radio cards and 32 log books. amateur radio cards, bill douglas vk3ga, amateur radio, radio hamsamateur radio cards, bill douglas vk3ga, amateur radio, radio hams

This type of logbook was issued by the Royal Australian Air Force to non-pilot aircrew to record their flight hour and experience. This information was required for official administrative purposes. The book is incompletely filled in as recorder was "Discharged on compassionate grounds".This book is a useful reference tool.A blue, hard cover log book with details of R.A.A.F. observer/ air gunner/ telegraph operator/ radio operator, used to record exercises from bases in Victoria and South Australia. Inside, each page is printed with a table. Each column in the table has a title, 'Date', 'Hour', ' Aircraft Type and Number', 'Pilot', 'Duty', 'Remarks', 'Flying time / Day / Night'. The table has handwritten entries. air-transport flight-information royal- australian-air-force

This instrument was given to Allan White on 24.8.1935 by his grandfather. Allan White came to Orbost in 1946. He was firstly a share fvarmer on 3 farms then in business - saddler and bike shop with his brother Eric. Then withG.P. Motors as the RACV man. Allan was a "ham radio" operator and involved with Rotary, Rifle and Bowling clubs, also with the Presbyterian Church.A Mezon button accordion with a tan coloured canite carrying case. it has 3 bass valves and 10 treble valves.On front of case : MEZON Superior Manufacturer On accordion : MEZON accordion Made in Germany On end : steel reeds Hand engraved : 24.8.35 Corner pieces : MEZON Trade mark Made in Saxony musical-instrument button-accordion white-allan

The Wireless Institute of Victoria was established in 1910 and amateur radio operators (called hams) in Victoria were issued with licences by this institute. Cards such as this one were exchanged by operators to confirm a contact between two amateur radio operators anywhere in the world (called QSL cards). The cards contained information regarding the radio contact made, the strength of the signal, the type of transmitter etc and the words, codes and abbreviations used were known internationally. This card, which is an unused one, belonged to Ted Salamy who had the call sign A 3AJ. This licence was issued in 1924 and was the 35th amateur radio licence issued in Victoria. It is believed that this was the first amateur radio station established in Warrnambool. Ted Salamy (1903-1977) was the son of Michael Salamy who established jewellery shops in Timor Street and in Liebig Street in Warrnambool in the 20th century. Ted Salamy was later the proprietor of these stores up to the 1960s when he retiredThis card has considerable local significance as an early Warrnambool amateur radio card and as one belonging to a prominent 20th century Warrnambool businessman, Ted Salamy. This is a card with a buff-coloured background and black and red printing on one side of the card and handwritten information in blue ink on the other side. The remains of adhesive tape applied to the edges of the card are still visible. ‘Timor Street Warrnambool Vic. Australia A 3AJ, E. Salamy Op.’ amateur (ham) radio, victoria, ted salamy

This item was owned by Arthur Lock who lived in the Wodonga district after World War 11. As well as being a Rat of Tobruk, Arthur made a significant contribution to the community and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1972 for services to young people and the Wodonga community. He was involved in the scouting movement for over 50 years. Arthur was also an amateur radio operator with call number VK3AULThis item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A leather case with surrounding strap and metal buckle. The case contains 2 brushes.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, arthur lock

Jacket worn by Brendan Honey when performing the duties of a Petty Officer Radio Supervisor in the Royal Australian Navy from Oct 1979 to Oct 2000Jacket Double Breasted Service Dress Navy Blue with gold embroided insignia, [Radio Operator Petty Officer] on right upper arm; gold embroided rank insignia [Petty Officer] above three gold embroided chevrons indicating 12 years service on the left upper arm; shoulder flashes with gold embroided word, "Australia" on both shoulders. 8 gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" in parallel columns of 4. Size 99R (Regular fit) with 2 small gold button with embossed Australian Navy Emblem and the word "Australia" the cuff of each arm.Manufacturer's identification label on inside right breast.Manufacturers label measuring 4mm x 8mm showing company logo ADA / 1990 / arrow pointed up /NSN:8405-66-132-2314 / 70% 30% Wool Poly / size 99R / match / trouser size 89R / No / Name / Dry Clean Only / Made in Australia/ owner's name written in black by a laundry marking penjacket, navy, jacket service dress, jacket petty office radio supervisor

The set consisted of a key battery and buzzer it was used for training potential radio operators in the Morse code. It was manufactured by blue point in the 1950s. The company was founded in the Sydney suburb of Erksville in 1936 by a German immigrant, Frederick Boyd Dirks who named his company F Dirks. The company produced Bakelite products such as ashtrays single strip heaters, and Morse key components, In 1946 the company named was changed to Blue Point products Pty Ltd. The name was inspired by the name “Blau Punkt” a German electrical supplier. in 1973 the company was purchased by Gerard Industries which was known for its line o Clipsal products, An item made in Australia for training purposes of new radio operators and is significant in that it is part of Australia's social history and shows the development of Australian electrical manufacturing. Australian blue point telegraph practice /training set XX20A circa 1950 Bakelite, stamped XX20A under, three terminals - two marked "+" and "-".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This is a set of 22 photographs of a Army Survey Regiment adventurous training held in the Grampians National Park, VIC in October 1990. It is evident the training focussed on teamwork, leadership, abseiling, rock climbing, field craft and living off the land survival skills.This is a set of 22 photographs of Army Survey Regiment personnel undergoing adventurous training held in the Grampians National Park, VIC. In October 1990. The colour photographs are on 35mm negative film and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 2400 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1990. A Mercedes Unimog truck traverses Grampians National Park. .2) - Photo, colour, 1990. Unidentified personnel relax at base camp. .3) - Photo, colour, 1990. A curious emu listens in to an unidentified radio operator at base camp. .4) - Photo, colour, 1990. WO2 Neil ‘Ned’ Kelly prepares to abseil. .5) to .15) - Photo, colour, 1990. Abseiling action. .16) - Photo, colour, 1990. SPR Frank Savy abseils down the cliff. .17) - Photo, colour, 1990. Personnel at cliff top in readiness to abseil. L to R: SPR Andrew Morrison-Evans, CPL Daryl South, WO2 Rhys De Laine, SSGT Peter Imeson, WO2 George Graham, SSGT Paul Leskovec, unidentified soldier in foreground. .18) - Photo, colour, 1990. Personnel at cliff top in readiness to abseil. L to R: WO2 Rhys De Laine, SGT Paul Hopes, unidentified (x2) in foreground, CPL Daryl South, unidentified SGT Chris Edwards. .19) to .22) - Photo, colour, 1990. WO2 George Graham abseils down the cliff..1P to .22P – There are no personnel identified. ‘1990 ADV TRAINING’ annotated on negatives sleeve.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna

Program Bendigo operatic Society - South Pacific - Opening 10th August 1962 for six nights. Producer: Beatrice Oakley - Musical Director: Max O'Loghlen - Cast in Order of Appearance: Ray Houston, John Boromeo, Ruth Lyon, Carol Crane alternating as Ngana and Jerome - Roger Sprawson as Henri - Patricia McCracken as Ensign Nellie Forbush - John Stephens as Emile de Becque - Patricia Lyon as Bloody Mary - Kenneth Nicholls as Abner - Victor White as Stewpot - Alfred Annison as Luther Billis - Roger Sprawson as the Professor - Brian Whetstone as Lieut. Joseph Cable U.S.M.C. - Fred Trewarne as Capt. George Brackett. U.S.N. Peter Houston as Commander William Harbison U.S.N. - John Gow as Yeoman Herbert Quale - Ian Becwith as Sgt. Kenneth Johnson - Gerry Gleeson as Seabee Richard West - John Reed as Seabee Morton Wise - Roy Cronin as Seaman Tom O'Brien - Reginald Boromeo as Radio Operator Bob McCaffery - Len Carr as marine Corporal Hamilton Steeves - Denis Cremen as Staff Sgt Thomas Hassinger - Daryl Walker as Pte Victor Jerome - George Steele as Pte Sven Larsen - Barry Washington as Sgt Jack Waters - Joan Crane as Lieut. Genevieve Marshall - Dawn Beckwith as Ensign Lisa Manelli - Annette Wilson as Ensign Connie Walewska - Emily Houston as Ensign Janet McGregor - Jill Angwin as Ensign Bessie Noonan - Carole Mckenzie as Ensign Pamela Whitmore - Greta Smyth as Ensign Rita Adams - Rhonda Scott as Ensign Sue Yaeger - Lorraine Brennan as Ensign Betty Pitt - Mary Speedy as Ensign Cora McRae - Kathrine Alexander as Ensign Dinah Murphy - Bronwen Townsend as Liat - Ferd Lorenz as Lieut. Buzz Adams.program, theatre, bendigo operatic society

Crowd of spectators gathered around a green at Royal Melbourne Golf Course, Cheltenham for the Australian Women’s Golf Championship in 1935. The winner was Irish player Pat Walker. Runner-up was Australian Susie Morpeth. Photographer notations on slide: "Vic Women's Ch'ship 1935 B98" Published: The Age 5 September 1935 p11 Published title: THE HUGE GALLERY WHICH WATCHED THE FINAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP. Published caption: Advancing to the 12th Green at Royal Melbourne yesterday, the huge gallery, part of which, can be seen in this picture, was estimated to number about two thousand people. The players in the left corner of the picture are about to play on to the green, and the stewards are hard at work keeping back the enthusiastic crowd. Trove article identifier: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page19254515 18 year-old Miss Pamela Barton of England is teeing off at the ninth hole, watched by her competitor Miss Janet Gardiner of Queensland and a gallery of intensely focussed spectators. Both women went on to have diverse, non-sporting careers. During the Blitz and the Battle of Britain, Pam Barton (1917-1943) drove ambulances before joining the WAAF as a radio operator. Later she gained a commission as a Flight Officer in command of a staff of 600. In 1943, Pam was killed instantly when the RAF plane piloted by her unofficial fiancée crashed in heavy weather. The Pam Barton Memorial Salver is awarded to the winner of the British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. The inscription reads “In Affectionate Memory of Pam Barton”. During WWII, Janet Gardiner (Mrs Jobson-Scott, 1907-1987) began manufacturing liquid hosiery at the Red Cross Link rooms as a fundraiser. Donated oyster bottles were used and they charged 2/6 for four ounces. However, in April 1942, in a broadcast to the women of Australia, the Minister for War Organisation of Industry, Mr Dedman, announced that leg make-up preparations were now a prohibited item. They contained titanium oxide, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of paints used for camouflaging military equipment. Other items of a woman’s “battle array” such as nail lacquer, some creams and suntan lotions were also banned as they contained ingredients used in munitions and medical supplies. Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer.Glass plate negativePhotographer notations on slide: "Vic Women's Ch'ship 1935 B98".golf, royal melbourne golf club, women golfers

The Kyeema airline crash took place on 25 October 1938 when the Australian National Airways Douglas DC-2 Kyeema, tail number VH-UYC, flying from Adelaide to Melbourne, commenced final approach to Essendon Airport through heavy fog and crashed into the western slopes of Mount Dandenong, killing all 18 on board instantly. There is strong evidence that the pilots were becoming unsure of their position. According to Macarthur Job's book, Disaster in the Dandenongs, the radio operator had requested the controller at Essendon give them a radio bearing. Essendon had acknowledged and told them to leave their transmitter on, but the signal stopped and no further contact was made. It is thought that this is the moment that Kyeema hit the mountain. There were 18 people on board the DC-2: 14 passengers, the captain, the first officer, an air hostess, and a cadet pilot who operated the radio during the flight. The victims were :— THE CREW. CAPTAIN A. C. D. WEBB, 32, pilot, married, of Essendon, Victoria. JUNIOR CAPTAIN ALAN J. STEEN, 25, pilot, married, of Essendon North, Victoria. ELVA JONES, 27, air hostess, single, of Toorak, Victoria. PHILIP D. PRING, about 20, cadet pilot attached to Australian National Airways' Aeronautics School, Sydney. PASSENGERS. CHARLES ALLAN SEYMOUR HAWKER, M.P., 44, single, of Adelaide. LEONARD SYDNEY ABRAHAMS, K.C., 51, married, barrister, of Sydney. SIDNEY HILL SMITH, 41, married, managing director of S. Smith and Son, of Yalumba, South Australia. ALFRED CECIL GAIN, 42, married, barrister, of Sydney. GORDON H. GODDARD, 30, single, accountant, of North Sydney. LANCELOT WILLIAM SHIRLEY, 27, single, solicitor, of Manly. JAMES IAN MASSIE, 25, single, solicitor, of Sydney. VAUGHAN PATE, 42, refrigeration cabinet manufacturer, married, of Unley, South Australia. THOMAS M. HARDY, 48, married, head of the firm of Thomas Hardy and Sons, vignerons, of Seacliff, South Australia. GEORGE WILLIAM LING, 72, of Kingswood, South Australia, former building inspector of the Municipal Tramways Trust, Adelaide. LOUIS HUGO GRAMP, 43, married, managing director of G. Gramp and Sons, Ltd., vignerons, Rowlands (sic) Flat, South Australia. Mrs. ELIZABETH MARY SCHRADER, 69, widow, of Adelaide. Mr. and Mrs. HANS L. GLOE, of Perth.Small section of the Kyeema DC-2 fuselage made up of 5 pieces of piece of twisted and torn aluminium riveted together. Marking can be seen in red but is indistinct. Aluminium has gold, silver and green colouring.kyeema, a webb, j steen, elva jones, philip pring, charles hawker, leonard abrahams, sidney hill smith, alfred gain, gordon goddard, lancelot shirley, james massie, vaughan pate, thomas hardy, george ling, hugo gramp, elizabeth schrader, mr hans gloe, mrs gloe

Women’s Golf Championship In August 1935, the Australian Women’s Golf Championship was held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Black Rock, featuring visiting British golfers Pamela Barton, Phyllis Wade, Jessie Anderson, Mrs Walter Greenlees and Mrs J B Walker. Australian competitors included Katherine Rymill, Betty Nankivell, Betty Sale (MBE), Janet Gardiner, Leonora Wray (MBE), Mrs Sloan Morpeth (née Susie Tolhurst), Mrs Clive Robinson (née Christina “Nin” McMaster), Joan Hood Hammond (DBE CMG), Mrs T S McKay (née Odette Lefebvre) and Mona Macleod. Mrs J B Walker of Britain defeated Mrs Sloan Morpeth of Victoria in the final, before a gallery of 2,000, mostly women. The women watch on… 18 year-old Miss Pamela Barton of England is teeing off at the ninth hole, watched by her competitor Miss Janet Gardiner of Queensland and a gallery of intensely focussed spectators. Both women went on to have diverse, non-sporting careers. During the Blitz and the Battle of Britain, Pam Barton (1917-1943) drove ambulances before joining the WAAF as a radio operator. Later she gained a commission as a Flight Officer in command of a staff of 600. In 1943, Pam was killed instantly when the RAF plane piloted by her unofficial fiancée crashed in heavy weather. The Pam Barton Memorial Salver is awarded to the winner of the British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. The inscription reads “In Affectionate Memory of Pam Barton”. During WWII, Janet Gardiner (Mrs Jobson-Scott, 1907-1987) began manufacturing liquid hosiery at the Red Cross Link rooms as a fundraiser. Donated oyster bottles were used and they charged 2/6 for four ounces. However, in April 1942, in a broadcast to the women of Australia, the Minister for War Organisation of Industry, Mr Dedman, announced that leg make-up preparations were now a prohibited item. They contained titanium oxide, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of paints used for camouflaging military equipment. Other items of a woman’s “battle array” such as nail lacquer, some creams and suntan lotions were also banned as they contained ingredients used in munitions and medical supplies. Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer. Published: The Age 30 August 1935 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF AT ROYAL MELBOURNE (1935, August 30). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 35. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277093639Photographer notations on slide: "Vic Women's Ch'ship 1935 B98".golf, women golfers, royal melbourne golf club

In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

On 23 April, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson, and the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, occupied prominent hills on either side of the seven-kilometre-wide valley, where a small tributary joined the Kapyong River. Also forward were headquarters units, tanks and artillery. The 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, were to the rear. Early in the evening, retreating South Koreans streamed past the Commonwealth position, with Chinese forces closely intermingled. Soon afterwards a platoon of American tanks supporting 3 RAR was overrun. The Kapyong valley was too large an area to defend with the forces available, and the brigade was spread very thinly. Throughout the night the Chinese repeatedly pressed the Australian positions, attacking in waves over their own dead and wounded. At dawn, A Company, under the command of Major Bernard "Ben" O'Dowd, found that the Chinese had infiltrated its position, but a counter-attack was able to eject them. Meanwhile B Company, which had spent the night on a hill near the riiver, discovered Chinese occupying some old bunkers on a small knoll. Hand-to-hand fighting ensued with grenades and bayonets. C Company, under the command of Captain Reg Saunders, was in position to reinforce both A and B Companies. "Major O'Dowd then directed the radio operator to contact anyone. The American 1st Marine Division answered but their operator refused to believe who our operator was speaking for. Major O'Dowd took the phone and demanded to speak to the commanding officer. The general in charge of the [Marine] division came on the phone and told O'Dowd we didn't exist as we had been wiped out the night before. Major O'Dowd said, 'I've got news for you, we are still here and we are staying here.'" Private Patrick Knowles, 3 RAR, on the morning of 24 April 1951 Fighting continued throughout the day with the Australians holding their positions, and the Chinese also engaging D Company. But late on 24 April, with their position now untenable, the Australians were forced into a fighting withdrawal down a ridge to the valley, where they rejoined the brigade. Their withdrawal was supported by New Zealand artillery from the 16th Field Regiment. Having found the Canadian position unassailable, the Chinese made no further attacks. By the afternoon of 25 April the road through to the Canadians had been cleared of Chinese and 2 PPCLI was relieved by US Army units. On Anzac Day 1951, the Australians rested after a long fight. Thirty-two Australians were killed and 53 were wounded for their part in stalling the Chinese advance and preventing Seoul from falling into enemy hands. Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his skilful leadership, and the Australian and Canadian battalions both received United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations for their part in the battle. http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/korea/operations/kapyong/Print of painting of action in Kapyong Korea in wooden frame under glassDonated by Frank Arnold on behalf of Korean Veterans Association of Australia inc.korea, kapyong, 3rar

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - Article "Old Docket unearth fascinating Bendigo History" from the Bendigo Weekly Friday Nov 03 2006 Collectors' Corner by Leighton Rawlings This item includes the following document: 8672.90a Colour photo of a Stillwell's Docket 1934 - Scanned from the article 8672.90b The article, "Collectors' Corner – Old Docket Unearths Fascinating Bendigo History" by Leighton Rawlings, uses a 1934 Stilwell's invoice as the starting point to explore the history of one of Bendigo's best-known family businesses. It explains that old documents such as invoices provide valuable historical records, offering insight into the businesses and communities of earlier generations. The featured invoice originated from Stilwell's Ironmongers and Complete House Furnishers, which operated from 281, 283 and 285 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. The store occupied a prominent location in what is now the Hargreaves Mall. The article notes that the site has since been occupied by other retailers, including McArthur's Shoes and Sanity Australia Music Store. Research into the Stilwell family reveals a long association with Bendigo spanning approximately nine generations, dating back to the Victorian gold rush of the mid-1800s. According to family records compiled by Neville Stilwell, Fred and Ernest Stilwell established the hardware business around 1907–1908. Over the following decades, the business expanded beyond hardware into crockery and furniture before changes in ownership saw Lewis Stilwell assume control after Ernest became ill around 1930. The business successfully endured the economic hardships of the Great Depression and continued operating throughout the Second World War. During the late 1940s and 1950s, however, the rise of chain stores prompted the company to shift its focus away from traditional hardware towards building materials, tools and paint. This change eventually led Neville Stilwell to establish Stilwell's Discount Paints, reflecting the family's ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The article also provides a personal insight into Neville Stilwell, describing him as an enthusiastic amateur radio operator who constructed a large aerial at his home to support his hobby. As the original business declined, trading ceased in the early 1960s, and the property was sold in 1961. Despite this, the Stilwell name continued through Stilwell's Paint and Colour, located at the corner of Mitchell and Mollison Streets, where the family's reputation for quality products and customer service endured. The article concludes by noting that there is much more history associated with the Stilwell family than could fit within the column. The author expresses appreciation to Neville Willmott, the current proprietor of Stilwell's Paint and Colour, for his assistance in providing historical information and helping compile the article. A reproduction of the 1934 invoice accompanies the story, illustrating the historical document that inspired the feature.bendigo, michele matthews collection, stilwell's hargreaves street

This badge was issued to Mrs M Deacon (mother) of 67 Cramer St, Preston to commemorate her son Flying Officer Stanley Alfred DEACON (255057) who was lost in a Consolidated Catalina A-24-22 of No. 20 Squadron RAAF, on the night of 08/09March 1943. The aircraft flown by the Commanding Officer of No. 20 Squadron W.Cdr Francis Bloomfield Chapman (271349) with Flying Officer S.A.Deacon as R.D.F. Operator (ie. radio officer) and 7 other crew members departed Cairns, and later reported being on fire, probably force landing 30 miles south east of Gasmata. A 3-4 day air search failed to find any sign of the aircraft or survivors. Gasmata is located in New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Bismarck, New Guinea. Stanley Alfred Deacon is commemorated at the Australian War Memorial and the Rabaul Memorial. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10307635 Obverse: Circular metal (silver-coloured) badge with raised image of woman with floral bouquet. Raised lettering (see below) Suspended from badge, a rectangular metal strip (suspended by two rings) with small star held by split pin. Reverse: Hinged metal pin clasp Engraving (see below)Obverse: FOR AUSTRALIA Reverse: ISSUED BY THE C'WLTH GOVT A.F. 3713 AMOR SYDNEYww2., mothers and widows badge