The Silver Gull is more commonly referred to as the 'Seagull'. Found all along the coast of mainland Australia and Tasmania, it can also be found in New Caledonia and New Zealand. These birds are a common nuisance at beaches and urban areas, such as shopping centres. Since the 1950s, humans have become increasingly wasteful, leading to an explosion of the Silver Gull population due to the availability of rubbish to scavenge. They feed mainly on small marine life, but they are a versatile scavenger. The population increase has impacted the breeding of other bird species, as Silver Gulls have dominated offshore island breeding grounds. Their breeding season is from August to December, when they nest on the ground, however mating can occur year-round. This species has a harsh, high-pitched call 'kwarwh', well known to all Australians. Although protected under Australian Environmental Law, there are many strategies in place to discourage increasing the numbers of Seagulls. This specimen is an inaccurate example of a Silver Gull, which although is in good condition and intact, does not look like an accurate representation of this species. The legs have been mounted too far towards the tail on this specimen, giving it an unbalanced appearance. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This adult Silver Gull has a white head, body, underpart and tail. Its wings are silver-grey, with black and white tips. It has an orange-red bill, feet and beak, indicative of its maturity. The irises are white. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing-tag: 11a / Silver Gull / See catalogue, page, 40. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, seagull, silver gull, australian bird, nuisance

The two articles are about Lake Wendouree, the first relates to the Lake as a major wildlife habitat and the second to the development of the Lake.Not only are there details of the Lake as a wildlife habitat, there is a detailed chronology and history of developments on and around Lake Wendouree.1 page of the Courier newspaper (p.5) with 2 major headings and a " Lake Timeline", 1/2 way down the page.Nonejohn garner, doctor john garner, ballarat botanic gardens, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, lake wendouree, wildlife habitat, yuille's swamp, ducks, grebes, native aquatic plants, white ibis, silver gull, possums, native water rats, history of lake wendouree., john garner collection, gardens, ballarat

The first swimming competition was conducted by the Swimming Club at the Orbost Swimming Pool not long after its construction. The results were hand-written on a cardboard sheet pinned up on a notice board. One of the events held was a crazy diving display performed by Neil Rodwell and Malcolm Corner in which they rode bikes off the diving platform.The opening of the Orbost Swimming Pool was a significant event in Orbost's development. The construction of the pool was community driven and the swimming club played a crucial role in helping young people learn about water safety away from rivers.A manila folder of documents related to the Orbost Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club. It contains the constitution, rules of competition, competition results and a cloth badge- a white silver gull inside a pale blue circle on a darker blue background with ORBOST S & LSC below. Documents are handwritten and typed.orbost-swimming-club sport-swimming leisure-club

In 1943 Westralia was converted into a Landing Ship, Infantry. In this role, Westralia had a capacity of 933 soldiers, and was used primarily to transport units of the United States Army and Marine Corps. The ship arrived at Manus on 7th April 1945 befoe reaching Morotai on the 19th. The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion embarked for attack on Tarakan Island, Borneo. On 1 May – After preliminary bombardment by two cruisers and six destroyers ,troops of 26th Australian Infantry Brigade were landed. After the end of the war, Westralia was one of the ships at Ambon on 22 September 1945 for the surrender and occupation of the island where the 164 survivors of Gull Force prisoners had already been taken off on 10 September. She was later used for the repatriation of Australian troops, before being paid off in September 1946. The ship earned five battle honours for her wartime service: Silver frame containing black and white image of a ship at seaGold coloured plaque attached top right "HMAS Westralia" - 2/24th AUST INF BATT TARAKAN ISLAND BORNEO 1ST MAY, 1945hmas westralia, 2/24th aust inf battalion