This coat belonged to Brighton resident Audrey Winifred Pickett (nee Heriot; 1915-2011). The coat is made from the pelts of rakali, also known as the Australian water rat, a native rodent species similar to an otter. Growing up to 35 centimetres in length, rakali typically live in burrows near water, feeding on fish, insects, yabbies and waterbirds. Throughout the early twentieth century, they were widely considered to be a nuisance and were hunted for their soft and waterproof fur. Demand for rakali pelts increased during the 1930s Depression years, when a ban was placed on the import of overseas furs; rakali fur became a popular substitute for the fur of the American muskrat. The species was placed under a protection order in 1938, although periodic culls were allowed until 1957 due to their perceived destruction of irrigation banks and fishing nets. Audrey recalled that the coat was made for her by furrier F. J. Ellemor after a large cull of rakali. The coat was displayed in the window of Ellemor's Block Place store. F. J. Ellemor Pty Ltd was established in 1908 by furrier Francis John Ellemor (1867-1944) and continued into the late twentieth century under the management of his son Wilfred (1801-1972). Francis and his wife Edith lived in Rothesay Avenue, Brighton from the late 1930s.Three-quarter length brown fur coat made of Australian water-rat (rakali) pelts. Wide raised collar and cuffs. Fastens centre front with two large hooks and eyes. Lined with chocolate brown silk satin.Label, woven brown on beige silk, centre back neck: created by / F. J. Ellemor / FURRIERS / MELBOURNEfur coat, rakali, australian water rat, melbourne fashion, audrey winifred heriot, audrey winifred pickett, audrey winifred north, francis john ellemor, f. j. ellemor, furrier

At the beginning of the 1890s, the Kew businessman and Town Councillor, Henry Kellett, commissioned J.F.C. Farquhar to photograph scenes of Kew. These scenes included panoramas as well as pastoral scenes. The resulting set of twelve photographs was assembled in an album, Kew Where We Live, from which customers could select images for purchase.The preamble to the album describes that the photographs used the ‘argentic bromide’ process, now more commonly known as the gelatine silver process. This form of dry plate photography allowed for the negatives to be kept for weeks before processing, hence its value in landscape photography. The resulting images were considered to be finely grained and everlasting. Evidence of the success of Henry Kellett’s venture can be seen today, in that some of the photographs are held in national collections.It is believed that the Kew Historical Society’s copy of the Kellett album is unique and that the photographs in the book were the first copies taken from the original plates. It is the first and most important series of images produced about Kew. The individual images have proved essential in identifying buildings and places of heritage value in the district.In Farquhar’s close-up portrait of the rat catcher and his dog, the photographer excludes any extraneous data that otherwise might have provided a spatial or motivational context. The contemporary or the present day viewer is required to construct a narrative to explore or understand what is occurring. The title of the picture might incline a viewer to believe that what they see is an exercise in vermin control, and that the rat concerned might be an introduced black or brown rodent. A more likely scenario is that the rat catcher is focussed on catching ‘rakali’, a native water-rat once widely trapped for its fur. The trapping of rakali for use in the manufacture of fashionable clothing accelerated as introduced furs such as musquash became more expensive. It was not until 1938 that rakali were granted protected status.Ratting on the Yarrakew illustrated, kew where we live, photographic books, henry kellett, yarra river

Nar Nar Goon, a town in Gippsland, Victoria, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Originally part of the Kulin nation, the area was home to the Boon Wurrung people. The name "Nar Nar Goon" is believed to come from a Boonwurrung word referring to either the koala or the rakali. European settlement began with the establishment of the Mount Ararat pastoral run in 1844, followed by land sales in the 1850s and 1860s. Many settlers came from Ireland, particularly from the Monteagle estate in Limerick. The arrival of the railway in 1881 was a turning point, facilitating timber and agricultural industries. Several sawmills operated in the area, transporting timber via wooden tramways to the railway station. By the early 20th century, Nar Nar Goon had developed into a thriving township with a general store, hotel, butcher, baker, and garage. The town had strong Catholic roots, with a church opening in 1905. Over time, timber milling declined, and dairy farming became the dominant industry. In 2021, part of Nar Nar Goon was annexed to form the new suburb of Pakenham East. Today, Nar Nar Goon is known for its murals, historical buildings, and community spirit. It remains a small but significant town in Victoria’s history. [AI generated text]Display book containing a table of contents and various newspaper clippings and other information pertaining to the Nar Nar Goon area.non-fictionnar nar goon (vic.), nar nar goon (vic.) -- history, bernie byrne, jack egan, mark & sylvia jones, daisy lia, bill doherty, michael o'brien, joan & frank lindsay, paddy henwood, bob rose, harry james, ray coombs, jack payroll, deb bramley, nar nar goon-maryknoll cricket club, john byrne, bernie dingle, jan van steensel, len & mary bramley, kylie shanks, bill bickerton, james dore, red gem potatoes, brydie cunningham