Statement of Income and Expenditure D. J. Evans Hall as at 30th September 1977 Library Service to Shire of Melton city of sunshine, alexander "alex" george gillon, d. j. evans hall, churchhill avenue, braybrook, shire of melton library

The Western Region of Melbourne Commission incorporated the local government areas of City of Altona, City of Essendon, City of Footscray, City of Keilor, City of Sunshine, City of Williamstown, Shire of Bacchus Marsh, Shire of Melton & Shire of Werribee. The Melbourne Western Region Commission (WRC) was a collaborative body formed to address the unique planning, social, and economic challenges of the western suburbs. Its key purposes included: - Strategic Regional Planning: Coordinating infrastructure, transport, housing, and industrial development across multiple municipalities such as Footscray, Sunshine, Williamstown, and Werribee. - Cultural Heritage Conservation: Commissioning detailed studies to identify, document, and protect sites of industrial, social, and architectural significance. - Community Engagement and Advocacy: Acting as a voice for the western suburbs in dealings with state and federal governments and promoting equitable access to services and funding. - Support for Local Councils by providing professional services, training, and policy guidance to its member councils and shires.The Western Region of Melbourne A Finding List Supplement 1978-79western region of melbourne commission

The Braybrook Road Board proclaimed on the 28th May 1860, and subsequently on the 23rd January 1871, renamed to The Shire of Braybrook. The Braybrook Roads Board and Shire of Braybrook were the earliest form of local government for the entire district that later became Sunshine, and its jurisdiction originally stretched all the way west to Toolern Creek near present‑day Melton. This means that much of what we now think of as “East Melton” and “Rockbank” was once governed from Braybrook.Mention in this document includes Charles Grimes and John Batman, two of the district's early explorers, the local aborigine clans, Kororoit Creek, Keilor Plains, Rockbank Inn and the Rockbank Beam Wireless Station.Shire Of Melton Heritage Study Environmental History David Maloney May 2007charles grimes, kororoit creek, derrimut, first nation, aboriginal, aborigine, hume and hovell, rockbank inn, keilor plains, john batman, rockbank, rockbank wireless station

The Shire of Braybrook (1871–1951) was a vast, semi‑rural municipality stretching from Melton to West Melbourne, centred on the old Braybrook village at Solomon’s Ford. It transformed dramatically with the arrival of railways, the rise of Braybrook Junction/Sunshine, and the industrial boom driven by H.V. McKay’s Harvester Works. The area was first organised as the Braybrook Road District on 28th May 1860, after a public meeting at the Shamrock Hotel in Albion. The district was enormous, extending from Melton to Dynon Road on the West Melbourne swamp. Early settlement clustered around Solomon’s Ford on the Maribyrnong River, a key crossing for travelers heading to Geelong, Williamstown, and the goldfields. On 23rd January 1871, the Road District became the Shire of Braybrook. Council meetings were initially held in Maidstone, reflecting the early population centres. The Braybrook Shire Hall in Deer Park was built in 1885. That 1885 building was the first official hall and council offices for the Shire of Braybrook, long before the municipality shifted its centre of gravity toward Sunshine. It stood near the Deer Park Hotel and served as the administrative heart of the shire during the late 19th century. The Braybrook Shire Hall at Deer Park effectively closed as a council headquarters in 1930, when the Shire of Braybrook shifted its administrative centre to Sunshine. In 1951, the Shire of Braybrook was renamed the City of Sunshine, reflecting the shift of population and industry eastward. In 1994 - 1995 the Kennett Government reduced Victoria’s councils from 210 to 78, the largest restructuring of local government in the state’s history and this part of the City of Sunshine became the City of Brimbank. It is believed this extension table came from the Shire of Braybrook Shire Office located in Ballarat Road, Deer Park, opposite the Deer Park Hotel. Over the years this extension table was used in the Shire of Braybrook Shire Office Ballarat Road Deer Park, the Shire of Braybrook and City of Sunshine Memorial Hall Hampshire Road Sunshine and in the City of Sunshine Municipal Offices Alexandra Avenue Sunshine. When the City of Sunshine Municipal Offices in Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine closed down, this table was were presented to the Sunshine & District Historical Society by the City of Brimbank. The table is still in use by the staff at The Hunt Club Community Arts Centre, Ballarat Road, Deer Park.This table is one of the few remaining items that still connects us to the early days of the Shire of Braybrook.Wood extension table with two extension leaves and carved legs.shire of braybrook, shire of braybrook offices, ballarat road, deer park

The Shire of Braybrook (1871–1951) was a vast, semi‑rural municipality stretching from Melton to West Melbourne, centred on the old Braybrook village at Solomon’s Ford. It transformed dramatically with the arrival of railways, the rise of Braybrook Junction/Sunshine, and the industrial boom driven by H.V. McKay’s Harvester Works. The area was first organised as the Braybrook Road District on 28th May 1860, after a public meeting at the Shamrock Hotel in Albion. The district was enormous, extending from Melton to Dynon Road on the West Melbourne swamp. Early settlement clustered around Solomon’s Ford on the Maribyrnong River, a key crossing for travelers heading to Geelong, Williamstown, and the goldfields. On 23rd January 1871, the Road District became the Shire of Braybrook. Council meetings were initially held in Maidstone, reflecting the early population centres. The Braybrook Shire Hall in Deer Park was built in 1885. That 1885 building was the first official hall and council offices for the Shire of Braybrook, long before the municipality shifted its centre of gravity toward Sunshine. It stood near the Deer Park Hotel and served as the administrative heart of the shire during the late 19th century. The Braybrook Shire Hall at Deer Park effectively closed as a council headquarters in 1930, when the Shire of Braybrook shifted its administrative centre to Sunshine. In 1951, the Shire of Braybrook was renamed the City of Sunshine, reflecting the shift of population and industry eastward. In 1994 - 1995 the Kennett Government reduced Victoria’s councils from 210 to 78, the largest restructuring of local government in the state’s history and this part of the City of Sunshine became the City of Brimbank. It is believed this extension table came from the Shire of Braybrook Shire Office located in Ballarat Road, Deer Park, opposite the Deer Park Hotel. Over the years this sideboard was used in the Shire of Braybrook Shire Office Ballarat Road Deer Park, the Shire of Braybrook and City of Sunshine Memorial Hall Hampshire Road Sunshine and in the City of Sunshine Municipal Offices Alexandra Avenue Sunshine where it was used in the Mayoral's council chambers. When the City of Sunshine Municipal Offices in Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine closed down, this sideboard was presented to the Sunshine & District Historical Society by the City of Brimbank.This sideboard is one of the few remaining items that still connects us to the early days of the Shire of Braybrook.French renaissance styled carved walnut sideboard with mirrored backplate.shire of braybrook, shire of braybrook offices, ballarat road, deer park

Rockbank was once part of the Braybrook Road District. In 1871, the Road District became the Shire of Braybrook. In 1916, this district was transferred to the Shire of Melton. In 1951, further land was lost to the Shire of Melton. The Rockbank Inn built C1853 was located on Beatty's Road, one of the main routes from Melbourne to Ballarat during the gold rush. In December 1854, troops of the 12th and 40th Regiments marching to suppress the Eureka Stockade stopped at the inn: After the closure of the Inn C1870, it became a residence of the Beattie family for nearly 90 years. The building was then abandoned C1960 and it then fell into ruin. Past owners of the site include: 1840s–1853 William Cross Yuille. Original pastoral run holder. In 1853, he sold of the run to W.C.T. Clarke but retained the 20‑acre inn site. 1853–c.1855 James Stewart & John Brown. Possibly built earliest section of the inn. c.1855–1870 John Gray. Commissioned 1855 bluestone additions; trustees sold in 1870. c.1870–c.1960 Beattie family. Long‑term residents; inn no longer operated as hotel. The Rockbank Inn is one of the few surviving sites directly tied to the Eureka Stockade Rebellion.5590.01 - Rockbank Inn Beattys Rd 2007.JPGbeatty's road, rockbank, rockbank inn, beattie

Rockbank was once part of the Braybrook Road District. In, 1871 the Road District became the Shire of Braybrook. In 1916, this district was transferred to the Shire of Melton. In 1951, further land was lost to the Shire of Melton. During the early days of the Ballarat gold rush, Beatty's Road was one of the main routes from Melbourne to Ballarat via Keilor . In December 1854, troops of the 12th and 40th Regiments marching to suppress the Eureka Stockade would have used this route before stopping at the Rockbank Inn, which was located on Beatty's Road, further west towards Melton. One of the photographs captures a Terrestrial Road surface (Local Blue Stone), one of the district's early sealed section of road. 5644.01 - Beattys Road Bridge Rockbank 2008 Photo 01.JPG 5644.02 - Beattys Road Bridge Rockbank 2008 Photo 02.JPG 5644.03 - Beattys Road Terrestrial Road Surface Rockbank 2008 Photo 04.JPG 5644.04 - Beattys Road Paddocks Rockbank 2008 Photo 03.JPGbeatty's road, rockbank, rockbank inn, terrestrial road

J.T Minns was president of the Shire Council from 1923-24 Isaac Robinson was president of the Shire Council from 1924-25. The Robinson family lived in the area. The following is from 100 Years at Melton: Isaac and Henrietta Robinson. Jeanette nee Rohner Robinson 1985. Creighton Melton. The Robinsons of Wyndham William Robinson married Ann Bee in 1952, Weardale, Durham England. They arrived in Australia on the ship “Ben Nevis” in 1852. They settled in Wyndham in 1855 and began dairying and haygrowing. They bought 50 acres and rented 300 acres until buying 300 acres in 1872 – Mt Pleasant Farm. Their children were sent to school even though Ann had been a school teacher in England. The older boys had to travel 5 ½ miles to Mt Cotterell school before one was built at Tarneit, a mile from their home. The children of William and Ann: George, Thomas, William, Isaac, Mary Ann, Mary Ann , John and Thomas. Thomas moved to Melton aged 19. When Ann died in 1898 Mt Pleasant farm was let then sold about 1920. In 1872 William Snr bought more land in Melton. William, Isaac and George worked on the land until 1887 when George and Isaac bought more land in Melton Creighton. Thomas and John also bought adjoining land. Outside Shire Offices, High Streetcouncil, local identities

Shire Councillors Standing (left to right): Cr HG Townsing, Mr T. G. Little (Shire Engineer), Cr. W. J. O’Brien, Cr. J Beaty, AE Minns, and J.R. Wallace Seated (left to right): Cr J. F. Hornbuckle, Mr G Minns (Shire Secretary), Cr I. Robinson, Mr G Minns (Shire Secretary), Crs. GE Robinson (President), Cr G. Coburn and WM Leakelocal identities, council

Councillors standing in front of the Shire Officescouncil, local identities

Summary of Thomas Lindsay Barrie (1914 – 1990) A life long resident of Melton Son of Jessie and Charles Ernest Barrie of Darlingsford Melton Married Marion Ferris at Christ Church Melton on 11th May 1939. They lived on the family farm at Ferris Road Melton. They had one son, Ian who has continued in farming in Melton. He served the community in the following – Shire of Melton Councillor Member for 32 years 1941 – 1970 Elected as Councillor for Melton South 1970 – 1973 Councillor for Rockbank 1943 – 1944 Shire President for three terms 1958 – 1959 ditto 1964 – 1965 ditto Council Representative: Bacchus Marsh High School and Western Suburbs Municipalities. Representative on delegation to prevent Melton post primary students being sent to Deer Park prior to the establishment of Melton High School. Melton Bush Fire Brigade 1941 Member Melton Bush Fire Brigade Registered No. 425 1942 1942 2nd Lieutenant 1943 – 1944 4th Lieutenant Country Fire Authority Rural Services Award 1963 20 Years Long Service Badge Scots Presbyterian Church Melton Member of the Board of Management 1947 – 1969 information from Annual Reports note more research needed at Uniting Church Archives to determine the earliest and last date. Tom farmed the family property with his father and brothers, and later the Ferris Road property which continued with his son Ian. His childhood interest in horses began with the draft horses kept at the bluestone stable and barn at Darlingsford. When the stables were empty in the late 1980s visit, he vividly recalled the names of the horses he had handled in his youth. When the draft horse became obsolete with the introduction of tractors and trucks this interest continued with the breeding and training of harness racers. Darlingsford Drafts and Ponies. Order of Stalls Clydesdales – Dick, Dolly, Flower, Nugget, Blossom, Lofty, Prince. Roger, Rose, Violet, Don, Beauty, Baldy, Diamond. Cart and Mounts Creamy, Digger, Popsy Compiled by Wendy Barrie 2013 Councillor Tom Barrie, Shire President and a group of children at the opening of the building.council, local identities

1867 President (Road Board), Shire President. 1856 coach house – skillion dairy. First two storey house in rural Victoria 1842. Rammed earth Shearers quarters Exford Homestead on Werribee River (formerly Exe River) Home of Simon Staughton, arrived 1841 local identities, pioneer families

There were no high schools in the area pre 1975, and students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School. In 1975, Melton High School opened its doors. Coburn Road named after Coburns, early settlers family and George Coburn Councillor and 1935 Shire PresidentEarth works undertaken for the development of Melton High School, Coburns Road, Melton Westeducation

Built by Water Browne c.1903 Greenhills was one of the first pastoral runs, and centres of European settlement, established in the Shire of Melton. Estate in Diggers Rest Coimadai Road, Toolern Valelocal architecture, pioneer families

Tom Barrie served the community in the following Shire of Melton Councilor Member for 32 years 1941–1970 Elected as Councilor for Melton South 1970–1973 Councilor for Rockbank 1943–1944 Shire President for three terms 1958–1959 ditto 1964–1965 ditto Council Representative: Bacchus Marsh High School and Western Suburbs Municipalities. Representative on delegation to prevent Melton post primary students being sent to Deer Park prior to the establishment of Melton High SchoolPossibly being presented with Shire of Melton illuminated address at the Melton Shire Officeslocal identities, council

The Staughton Memorial Lamp 1903, memorial to Captain S.T Staughton, who died at an early age. The Staughton Memorial Lamp was removed from the High Street when the plantation trees removed and the road was rebuilt. 1970. The Lamp was taken to the Shire Council yard. The M&DHS investigated the location and state of the lamp, finding the base with its plaques and the column only. A photograph was taken while at the Council yard. An initiative of the M&DHS was set in motion to restore to monument and return it to the High Street. Peter Staughton a descendent of the family was approached and produced a design for the missing lamp section. After considerable deliberation it was agreed a capping would be appropriate for the top of the column. Architectural drawings were produced by Peter Staughton and students from RMIT were engaged to make the capping. The original lamp section as seen only in early newspaper photographs was not adopted due to the elaborate shape and the cost of production. The ongoing cost of replacing curved glass panes was a contributing factor in the choice of a capping. In 1973 Peter Staughton officially opened the newly located Lamp The Lamp has since been altered with the addition of an oval shaped lamp being placed above the capping. The development of McEwan Bakery Square. Magnet discount can be seen in the background.landscapes of significance

The Bridge Road Bridge built in 1913 by Sir John Monash for the Shire of Melton. It was built to provide railway station access to the new farming areas.Black and white photo of the bridgetransport, council

The Melton State School No. 430 built in 1869-70, with the bluestone additions constructed in 1877 and the brick additions in 1924.It is the only remaining nineteenth century school in the Shire of Melton. Sketches were part of preparation for production of Red Book 'The first 100 years'.education, local identities, local significant events

The development that had arguably the greatest impact in encouraging population growth in the shire during this period, was the establishment of a reliable water supply for the district. This had been a major concern of the local community for over 100 years, since the Melton township was first founded. Despite various schemes over the years to create a reliable water supply, the district was still dependent on bores, wells and tanks when the Melton Waterworks Trust was established in 1961 to address Melton’s water woes. With the opening of the Djerriwarrh Dam in December 1963, the shire’s residents finally had access to a reticulated water supply.Map shows the boundary of the area where the water will be serviced in the towncouncil

"From the earliest days of settlement in the shire, residents demonstrated their willingness to band together in times of crisis and need. Bushfires were always a terrifying prospect and since its establishment in 1935, the local fire brigade (later the Country Fire Authority) fought hard to protect the people, homes and animals of the shire. In 1966, the Mount Cottrell Fire BrigadesGroup was formed as a way of consolidating the smaller groups around Melton, Rockbank, ToolernVale, Sydenham, Truganina and Werribee. Its headquarters were established at the home of Ernest ‘Bon’ and Edna Barrie in Ferris Road, Melton".Tag from an fire extinguisher emergency services

The Opportunity Shop – Established 1975 by Edna Barrie 1992 In 1985 the need for more shop space became apparent. Les [Bone] had plans drawn up (Surv 12/8/84) and approved by the Melton shire Council for a storeroom extension (17.800 x 9500) 1986 the small ancillary rooms at the rear of the timber church were demolished allowing the concrete slab to be laid. The building was completed in 1987. By the early 1900s the old timber Church had deteriorated, this lead to it being demolished in 2/11/1993. It was replaced with a new building containing a Pastoral Office, a meeting room and a furniture and homeware section. It was dedicated by Rev Ian Hickingbotham at 11am Sunday 5th June 1994. Invites to the service of conclusion of the original Uniting Church Opportunity Centre and official opening to the new shop in Melton Southchurches, local identities

From the earliest days of settlement in the shire, residents demonstrated their willingness to band together in times of crisis and need. "Bushfires were always a terrifying prospect and since its establishment in 1935, the local fire brigade (later the Country Fire Authority) fought hard to protect the people, homes and animals of the shire. In 1966, the Mount Cottrell Fire Brigades Group was formed as a way of consolidating the smaller groups around Melton, Rockbank, Toolern Vale, Sydenham, Truganina and Werribee. Its headquarters were established at the home of Ernest ‘Bon’ and Edna Barrie in Ferris Road, Melton. Captain Bon Barrie was a member of the Melton Fire Brigade and elected group and communications officer of the new Mount Cottrell Brigades Group.22 Wendy Barrie, daughter of Edna and Bon, remembers the fire truck parked at their house and her mother operating the fire brigade’s radio. Growing up in the fire station headquarters, Wendy and her siblings learned how to use the radio too, in case of emergencies".Rural Fire Brigade's Group List of Authorised Officers including the captains and lieutenantsemergency services

Cr Robert Hornbuckle Melton Shire President 1882-83, 1896-97, 1997-98, 1907 -08 Justice of the Peace. Melton Mechanics Institute 1st Treasurer 1904, President 1904, 1905 , Trustee 1910 Children of Robert and Mary nee Poulton Sarah, Robert, Emma, William, Charles, Thomas, and Mary Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. CROXTON Court Name of the Hornbuckle and Knox family homePhotocopy of Marriage Certificate of Robert Burton Hornbuckle and Mary Poulton at Kerrie District of Lancefield 27 th May 1869. (some damage to the originial) Descendants of Robert Burton Hornbuckle and Mary Poulton, and Sarah Hornbuckle and George Nixon's Family Treelocal identities, council, pioneer families

Currently the headquarters of the Melton Historical Society, the Willows was built in 1855 by a farmer called Ralph Parkinson. In 1867, it was purchased and extended by James Ebden Minns. His son, George Minns, was given the property by his father in 1903, George was a council member of Melton Shire for 37 years and after he eft the area in 1951, the property became derelict. Although due to the support of the community, Melton Shire Council purchased the property in 1972 and to assist with the restoration, a group was established called the Willows Restoration Committee. The members included Chairman Cr Ed Gillespie, Lorraine Gillespie, Mr & Mrs Alan Reed, Ken Young, Bill Amor, Edna Barrie, Max Watson, Cr Jeff Robinson and Wendy Barrie.Restoration was completed in 1982.The Willows before restoration in 1973. This is the view of the front of the house and part of side wire fencing.council, local special interest groups, pioneer families, local architecture, local identities

Coburns Road - 19th c family descendents living in Melton. Coburn Primary School Cr George Coburn. 1930’s. December 1935 Shire President Cr Geo Coburn convened meeting to form the Bush Fire Brigade. Road construction of Service road and beginnings of West Melton subdivision. West Melton-Early Division View of Coburns Road. council, local significant events

Lyn Blampied and Partner 'Miss' Allister Newlands being presented to Shire President Jeff and Mrs Rita Robinson by G.O Bon Barrie and Ednalocal identities, emergency services

Hornbuckle Girls – children of Robert and Mary nee Poulton. Robert Hornbuckle was Shire President from 1882-83, 96-98, 1907-8. Wife Mary died 1914. Son T. Hornbuckle Councillor from 1919-20 Children attended Melton State School 430 July 1881 No 580 Sarah Hornbuckle Approx age in yrs-mnths 7-5 No 581 Robert .. 10 No 582 Emma .. 8 They enrolled at the same time. Ages entered only a general guide to their birth dates. October 1881 No 610 William Occupation 5-6 July 1883 No 662 Charles Hornbuckle – Farmer 5 –10 October 1884 No 702 Thomas Hornbuckle Farmer 4 – 8 Sept 1885 No 265 Mary Hornbuckle Robert Farmer Mryniong 7 – 8 Photograph of the Hornbuckle Girls, Melton identitieslocal identities, council

Cottage of Edward Toohey (died 1898) a Shire contractor and road maker. Ned, his son worked with Frederick Myers building many of the bluestone roads in the Shire of Melton. In the background is the brick house built for Martha Myers in 1967. Martha and husband Frederick (born 1877 in Melton) resided in the Myers (Miers) house on Western Highway beside the gully near Reserve road. Frederick lived there for 86 years. The house was built in 1867 by Henri and Ann nee Dowling Myers. Demolished 1968. Martha Myers house was demolished in 2011 to become a car park. Mary and Jack Tolhurst removing roof of Ned Tooheys house (site of Senior Citizens ).local identities, misc.

Melton State School float was part of the Shire centenarycouncil, education, local significant events

Bon Barrie, Graeme Cooper, N. Gillespie, Peter Barrie, Ken Robinson, Ray Allen, Tom Barrie, John Roaers and Graeme Gilliland, members of the Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group In the background of the photo is the pavilion during construction, Melton Recreation Park on Reserve Road.Melton South Trailer tank, pump and Syd Coopers Car at the Shire centenarycouncil, local significant events, emergency services