Black and white photograph (2 copies) showing Mr White President RYC, Mayor R. Spencer and Mr Rylah looking at plaque.Plaque reads: "These club rooms were opened by the Chief Secretary the Honourable A.G. Rylah, E.D. MLA, on 22nd Aug. 1959 for use by the youth of Ringwood."

Short tailed shearwaters and Little Penguins, nesting in burrows on the coast during the warmer months of the year, are extremely vulnerable to fires. Phillip Island had a history of fires on foreshores – either deliberately or accidentally lit. This article describes 2 accidentally lit fires on consecutive days at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade rookeries during the height of the breeding and tourist season in January 1967. The vital importance of volunteers such as the country Fire authority members and the local surfing community, is alluded to in this article by well-known naturalist and author from the time, Graham Pizzey. The Victorian government’s chief secretary, Arthur Rylah, reported here seeking an investigation into the fires at what he terms: “one of the best conservation projects we have done”, was a prominent Victorian politician for many years.This article is significant for demonstrating a growing awareness of the vulnerability of ground nesting birds, of the importance in volunteers such as members of the local country Fire authority and Phillip Island surfing community partnering with wildlife management bodies to protect ground nesting birds, in particular the Penguin and short tailed shearwater rookeries at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade and other parts of Phillip Island. The article also reflects the growing awareness by the Victorian government of the importance of the Phillip Island Penguin Parade to the Victorian tourism economy. Written by naturalist Graham Pizzey, wrote regularly for the Melbourne Herald, the article is another example of how this journalist frequently emphasised Phillip Island’s flora and fauna in his newspaper column.Photocopy made in 1980s of newspaper cutting. Black print and black and white images of original photograph of author Graham Pizzey within the article.5/1/67little penguins, fairy penguins, eudyptula minor, phillip island penguin parade, graham pizzey, penguin rookery, penguin behaviour, phillip island tourist attractions, short tailed shearwaters, phillip island conservation society, arthur rylah, victorian government, phillip island cfa, phillip island surfers, fires on foreshores

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her handThe Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Ann Flora Froude Flashman (Lady Rylah), (1911-1969) was an Australian veterinarian. The wife of Sir Arthur Rylah she died in 1969. The small black and white photograph shows the hearse and casket outside Holy Trinity Church."Lady Rylah's Funeral, Holy Trinity Church"funerals -- holy trinity church -- kew (vic), churches -- kew (vic.), lady rylah

J.K.McCaskill was a Ringwood MayorPale cream coloured card with blue printing with Law Department of Victoria Crest.

A postcard with an oval photograph of Howtown Bay, Ullswater (Lake District, England) sent to the W.R. Rylah, a solicitor who lived at 31 (now 68) Charles Street in 1911. The postcard and item 2017.0079 were discovered during renovations to the house. Front: "B.B. London Series No. E70 ***" / Reverse: "Wishing you all a bright and happy Xmas + New Year, from all at "Doon", Xmas 1911." Postcard addressed to: "W.R. Rylah, Glen Mavis, [31] Charles Street, Kew".ullsworth, howtown bay, postcards, weir collection, 68 charles street - kew (vic.)

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Ann Flora Froude Flashman (Lady Rylah), (1911-1969) was an Australian veterinarian. The wife of Sir Arthur Rylah she died in 1969. The small black and white photograph shows the hearse and casket outside Holy Trinity Church.funerals -- holy trinity church -- kew (vic), churches -- kew (vic.), lady rylah

Eltham Plans £2.5m Community Centre Over Next 15 Years THE people of Eltham have drawn up a plan to make their township a model community centre in the next 15 years. And yesterday the Chief Secretary (Mr Rylah) inspected the plan at the Eltham shire offices before declaring it open for public inspection In the picture (right) Mr. Rylah (centre) is shown inspecting the new plan with town planner and former councillor, Mr. Howard Bartlett, and the shire president, Cr. C. Pelling. The result of six years' work by shire officers, the plan provides for a business centre, public buildings and recreational reserves. The shire council expects that £2,500,000 will be invested by Government departments, banks, private firms and sporting bodies to implement the plan. 500 Car Park A feature of the business centre will be a quadrangle car park surrounded by shops, and with parking space for 500 cars. The public buildings will include new municipal offices, a public auditorium, a library and meeting rooms. The council plans to realign the course of Diamond Creek near the town to provide extra land for playing fields. Three Ovals The plan proposes three ovals, including improvements to an existing one, as well as a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and bowling greens. In the 15 years which the shire council hopes to carry out the plan, the shire population of 18,000 is expected to increase two and a half times. Opening the display of maps and a model, Mr. Rylah said he commended the shire council's invitation to the citizens to suggest improvements to the plan. Eltham shire had grown tremendously in the past 20 years, from a sleepy country town to an important shopping centre. Digital file only of copy provided on loanauditorim, bowlong green, charis pelling, eltham community centre, rylah, howard bartlett, car park, library, forward plan

Black and white photograph showing Mr Rylah, MLA, meeting group of boys at opening of Ringwood Youth Club, with police members in background.

Written on back of photograph, 'Raffle of car at Pattersons Motors Ringwood. Ticket drawn by Hon. R. Rylah'. Stamped on back of photograph, 'Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios...'

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.CITY OF KEW / INAUGURATION OF / CHILDREN'S TRAFFIC SCHOOL / UNDER THE DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION OF / THE VICTORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT / SPONSORED BY / THE LIONS' CLUB OF KEW / OFFICIAL OPENING BY / THE HON A G RYLAH ED MLA / DEPUTY PREMIER / ON SATURDAY, 15TH JUNE, 1957civic invitations -- kew (vic), children's traffic school -- kew (vic.)

Hugh G Ferguson (1900–75) worked in Advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term.Advertising promotional photoshoot in the dining room of the so-called 'Laminex House', in Brougham Street, Kew. The room was fitted out with laminex furniture to promote the brand and its products. This image was a later colourised version for an advertising campaign. The room was in the home of Cr and Mrs Hugh G Ferguson.advertising -- laminex products, laminex, hugh g ferguson, houses -- brougham street (kew)

Hugh G Ferguson (1900–75) worked in Advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term.Advertising promotional photoshoot in the dining room of the so-called 'Laminex House', in Brougham Street, Kew. The room was fitted out with laminex furniture to promote the brand and its products. This photo was later colourised for an advertising campaign. The room was in the home of Cr and Mrs Hugh G Ferguson.advertising -- laminex products, laminex, hugh g ferguson, houses -- brougham street (kew)

Hugh G Ferguson (1900–75) worked in Advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term.Advertising promotional photoshoot in the bedroom of the so-called 'Laminex House', in Brougham Street, Kew. The room was fitted out with laminex furniture to promote the brand and its products. This photo was later colourised for an advertising campaign. The room was in the home of Cr and Mrs Hugh G Ferguson.advertising -- laminex products, laminex, hugh g ferguson, houses -- brougham street (kew)

Hugh G Ferguson (1900–75) worked in Advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term.Advertising promotional photoshoot in the bedroom of the so-called 'Laminex House', in Brougham Street, Kew. The room was fitted out with laminex furniture to promote the brand and its products. This image was a later colourised version for an advertising campaign. The room was in the home of Cr and Mrs Hugh G Ferguson."Laminex Bird's Eye Maple used for laminating a bedroom suite"advertising -- laminex products, laminex, hugh g ferguson, houses -- brougham street (kew)

The Kew City Hall, designed by the architect Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett, was opened by The Premier The Hon HE Bolte on 23rd April 1960. At the time of the opening, Cr Ferguson was Mayor of Kew. Monochrome photograph of the annual Anzac Day service on the front lawn of the newly opened Kew City Hall in 1960. The Town Hall faced Cotham Road in front of which are standing returned soldiers. Invited seated and standing guests have their backs to Charles Street and the lawns of South Esk. The speaker would appear to be the Deputy Premier, and local Member for Kew Arthur Rylah MP. Behind the Official Party [but unseen] are the two Memorial plaques by George Henry Allen (1900–72). In the distance are the Kew Presbyterian Church and the Sacred Heart Church. Cr Ferguson / Anzac Day Service 1960kew city hall, city halls -- victoria, cr hugh ferguson, kew town hall, kew (vic.) -- civic buildings, anzac day services -- kew (vic.)

The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.THE MAYOR OF KEW / CR W A COMEADOW OBE JP / AND THE PRESIDENT, LIONS CLUB OF KEW / MR A L WINTER / REQUEST THE PLEASURE OF THE COMPANY OF / _______________ / AT THE / OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CHILDREN'S TRAFFIC SCHOOL / CR COTHAM ROAD AND GRANGE ROAD / BY / THE HON A G RYLAH MLA, DEPUTY PREMIER / SATURDAY 15TH JUNE, 1957, AT 2.30 P.M.civic invitations -- kew (vic), children's traffic school -- kew (vic.)

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Three pages of typed notes titled 'The Mayor Speaks', date of 13/3/65 is handwritten on the top. Topics include: Pipe Bands, Golden Fleece 1000 report, Mayoral Ball, criticism of Commonwealth Government treatment of its citizens, and praise for Mr Rylah, Victorian Chief Secretary. Persons mentioned include : Cr Warren Cambridge, Mr Hamilton Sleigh, George Vasey, Mr and Mrs Malyon, Eliza Malyon, and Mr George Sutch.bendigo, council, report, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo.

Articles include the production of Christmas cards for purchase, a visit by the Chief Secretary Hon. A. Rylah who advised that the Free Library Scheme was for municipal councils and that instead a State Library Council (which was being formed) would be a better source of relief, offers of help to contact potential overseas suppliers for electronic and braille equipment, the organisation of the Reservoir auxiliary, establishment of a Machines Committee to look at mechanized forms of Braille production and the possibility of entering into talking book production, improvements to heating, cooking and lighting, needing to use discretion when hiring hall due to an unfortunate incident, donations of Perkins Braillers, brailling of Decimal conversion charts, agreement in prinicipal to a National Braille Reference Library in Canberra, and purchase of Perkins and Stainsby Braillers to improve output of Braille books.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson

George Henry Allen (8 February 1900 – 12 October 1972) was an Australian sculptor and teacher, an official war artist in the latter years of the Second World War. He served as an official war artist with the rank of lieutenant from December 1943, working at Port Moresby and the Australian War Memorial, retired February 1945. The plaque by George Allen on the exterior wall of the north side of Kew Library commemorating WW2 was funded by a bequest from the late Mrs Annie Anderson.One of two black and white snapshots (polaroid photos) of George Allen's sculpture at Kew Library. Mavis Rolley wrote about the memorial in 1980 as: This impressive piece of Sculpture, a memorial to the sacrifice of those who served in the Second World War, was completed in 1960 to coincide with the One Hundred Centenary Year of the City of Kew, and was unveiled on Anzac Day of that year by the Hon. A.G. Rylah, Chief Secretary, Deputy Premier of Victoria. Mr. George Allen, sculptor, submitted the winning design and through the contribution of a generous bequest of the late Mrs. Annie Anderson, a former resident of Kew, the Municipal Office was able to commission this gentleman’s work. The memorial is mounted on a wall of granite blocks and carved in Sydney Freestone, depicting a scene of war and loved ones at home.war memorials -- kew (vic.), memorials -- world war 2. -- kew (vic.), george henry allen, artworks -- kew library

George Henry Allen (8 February 1900 – 12 October 1972) was an Australian sculptor and teacher, an official war artist in the latter years of the Second World War. He served as an official war artist with the rank of lieutenant from December 1943, working at Port Moresby and the Australian War Memorial, retired February 1945. The plaque by George Allen on the exterior wall of the north side of Kew Library commemorating WW2 was funded by a bequest from the late Mrs Annie Anderson.One of two black and white snapshots (polaroid photos) of George Allen's sculpture at Kew Library. Mavis Rolley wrote about the memorial in 1980 as: This impressive piece of Sculpture, a memorial to the sacrifice of those who served in the Second World War, was completed in 1960 to coincide with the One Hundred Centenary Year of the City of Kew, and was unveiled on Anzac Day of that year by the Hon. A.G. Rylah, Chief Secretary, Deputy Premier of Victoria. Mr. George Allen, sculptor, submitted the winning design and through the contribution of a generous bequest of the late Mrs. Annie Anderson, a former resident of Kew, the Municipal Office was able to commission this gentleman’s work. The memorial is mounted on a wall of granite blocks and carved in Sydney Freestone, depicting a scene of war and loved ones at home.war memorials -- kew (vic.), memorials -- world war 2. -- kew (vic.), george henry allen, artworks -- kew library

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.A gold plated bar brooch with suspended medallion having a blue enamelled ring surrounding the City of Kew crest in reliefFront: City of Kew, above the city of Kew crest with Council below Rear: Mrs H. G. Ferguson, Mayoress, 1959-60city of kew, mayoresses - kew (vic), mrs hg ferguson

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.City of Kew identification badge issued to sitting councillors. The City of Kew cost is surrounded by a blue enamel band with City of Kew Council picked out in gold cloisonné.Front: City of Kew to top, Crest in middle with Council below Rear: Cr H. G. Ferguson 27-8-1955mayors of kew - cr hg ferguson, kew council, city of kew

The original Kew Town Hall offices were located in Walpole Street, Kew. Before 1960, even though it had been much discussed over a number of decades, Kew did not have a 'civic hall'. When required, events such as balls, exhibitions or theatrical events were held in the Kew Recreation Hall in Walpole Street. A new City Hall was to be opened by Sir Robert Menzies in 1960. It was located beside the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road. It is now used as the Kew Library. Cr Hugh George Ferguson (at right) was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Australian Imperial Forces. After the war he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term. He died in 1975, aged 75, and is buried in Boroondara Cemetery.An item of historical interest donated by members of the Dods family in 2006. The Dods-Ferguson Collection includes a number of items once in the possession of the families related to or descended from two mayors of Kew: Cr. Hugh Ferguson and Cr. Frederick Dods.Publicity photograph of two men and a woman inspecting architectural models for a new Kew City Hall. The man at the right of the photograph is Cr Hugh George Ferguson, Mayor of Kew 1959-60. The Hall, now occupied by the Kew Library, was opened by The Hon H.E. Bolte MLA, Premier of Victoria in 1960.Herald Sun Feature Service / Hugh G. Ferguson & Associates / New Kew City Hall. kew city hall, hugh g. ferguson & asociates, architectural models - kew, cr hugh george ferguson

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Plaque commemorating the opening of a new town hall in KewMetal plaque recording the official opening of the Kew City Hall, 23rd April 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.Kew City Hall / Opened by / The Hon. H.E. Bolte M.L.A. / Premier of Victoria / 23rd April 1960 / Cr. H.G. Ferguson J.P. - Mayor.kew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), sir henry bolte, local government -- kew (vic.)

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Historically significant commemorative plaqueMetal plaque relating to special Council meeting to mark centenary of Kew, 13th December 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.A Special Meeting Of The / Kew City Council Was Held In / This Hall On 13th December 1960 / To Commemorate / The Centenary of Kew / Cr. W.H.S. Dickinson, M.B.E., J.P., / Mayorkew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), cr. w.h.s. dickinson, local government -- kew (vic.)