The main reason for this brief history of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum (now Bendigo Military Museum) came about due to the cataloguing of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Building and the Bendigo RSL history as a section of the Cataloguing of the Museum collection. The Bendigo RSL has held occupancy of the SMI building since it was opened in 1921. The how and why the SMI became a Museum was not really documented as such in the minutes/records of the Bendigo RSL pre 1998 when the Museum opened to the Public. Any records were mainly “one Liners”. The coverage begins in 1993 with the Billiard room being turned into a “Drop in Centre” for RSL Members and a small Memorabilia display. The main theme is from 1997 to 2021 inclusive to cover 25 years and the 100th birthday of the SMI Building. Those years cover the build up from minimum to maximum, the first paid staff, renovations minor and major with closure, the first paid Curator and more paid staff, the big re opening and then the crash of Covid and losing the Curator and Staff, coming out of into uncertainty. The following 3 years 2022 - 2024 give a glimpse of that uncertainty but slowly gaining a Curator again. Post script is a a dot point brief of the main items. Part 1 - 1993 - Feb 1998. The early years. Part 2 - 1998 - 2002. Opening up and learning. Part 3 - 2003 - 2008. Sub Committee formed and moving forward. Part 4 - 2009 - 2014. Camera on the Somme, renovations and planning begins. Part 5 - 2015 - 2018. Changes begin, re development, closure and re opening. Part 6 - 2019 - 2021. A big year and the Covid crash. Part 7 - 2022 - 2024. Uncertainty and moving forward. Part 8 - Awards. Part 9 - Post script 2025 - 2026............. Appendices Volunteers Honour Roll (Those that have passed on) ………. Photos are a small selection of over 1,100 images. This history is for the Volunteers for without them there would not have been a Museum.Folder, 4 Binder A4 blue covers with plastic inserts, text is typed in red & black No 1 - 67 pages, 9 Parts plus a Postscript. 52 pages of photos up to 6 per page, 12 pages plans, sketches, 6 Museum newsletters from a total of 84, 6 pages of awards to Museum Volunteers, Museum Volunteers Honour roll, those who have passed on. These are added in where appropriate to the story.“Compiled and written by Peter Ball”brsl, smirsl, brief history, bmm

This is a set of six photographs of the Grey granite monument located at the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo taken in November 1991. The following tributes are inscribed on the four sides of the grey granite obelisk – Front of monument: THIS MONUMENT HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF BENDIGO & DISTRICT AS A TRIBUTE TO THE MEN & WOMEN WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY IN ALL CAMPAIGNS SINCE THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918. WORLD WAR II 1939 – 1945, MALAYA 1948 – 1960. Back of monument: BORNEO 1962– 1966. Left side of monument: KOREA 1950 – 1953. Right side of monument: VIETNAM 1962 – 1973, KUWAIT 1991. Refer to item 8245.2 for more information on the planning processes prior to construction. This set of six photographs of the monument located at the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo was taken in November 1992. The black and white photographs are on 35mm negative film and scanned at 2400 dpi. They are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. .1) to .6) - Photo, black & white, 1992, Soldiers Memorial Institute Post- WW1 Campaigns Monument. ‘New RSL War Monument Nov 1992’ is annotated on the negative sleeve.rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, royal australian survey corps, soldiers memorial institute military museum

View looking southwest along the Midland Highway (Pall Mall) from the top of the Post Office tower, present day Post Office Gallery and Visitor Centre. In the immediate foreground is Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencybendigo, george coop collection, pall mall, post office tower, soldiers memorial institute military museum

"The Great War profoundly touched the lives of Australian teachers, school children and local communities, and with lasting consequences." Cover - soft cover, cardboard, red and white print on front, spine and back on black and white, cover image. "The Rally Round the Flag" and "A School interior" Back cover image "School Physical Training Display" map of Australia. Pages - 364 pages, cut, plain, off white. Illustrated black and white photographs. Handwritten inscription on Title page. Title page - handwritten inscription - black ink. "For the Soldiers Memorial / Institute Military Museum,/ with all best wishes/ Rosalie Triolo/ March 2018." books, schools, teachers and students, ww1

In 2015 due to All Saints Cathedral being sold, the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum expressed interest in having the 38th Battalion Colours relocated to the museum. Under the direction of RSM Ceremonial, the colours were ceremonially placed by 8/7 RVR members and dedicated by Bishop Peter Curnow on 31st July 2015. Custodians of the colours were representatives of the Bendigo and District RSL, the 38th Battalion Association and the Passchendaele Barracks Military Historical Society. Refer Cat No 7512 for the plaque that was with the Colours in the Church..1) Rectangular banner representing the battalion colours with battle honours of the 38th Battalion on a green background. The battalion's battle honours are featured on eleven yellow ribbons with green embroidered lettering. Each ribbon is individually sewn onto the banner. In the centre are two concentric embroidered yellow circles. Inside the inner circle is the colour patch of the 38th Battalion. Between the inner and outer circles “THIRTY EIGHTH INFANTRY” has been embroidered. The centre piece is surrounded by a wreath featuring the flowers and leaves of the Golden Wattle. An embroidered King's crown is above the wreath. Red and Gold fringes feature on three edges of the banner. A sewn sleeve for a pike is on the right hand side. .2) Union flag in King's colours configuration. Red and gold fringes feature on three sides. A sewn sleeve for a pike is on the left hand side. In the centre are two embroidered circles. The inner circle contains an embroidered '38'. Between the inner and outer circles the words 'THIRTY EIGHTH INFANTRY' are embroidered. An embroidered King's crown appears above the circles.battalion colours, 38th battalion, colour patches

When the SMI was opened in Nov 1921 the Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch had occupancy from that day on. The Building became a Museum opened to the public in 1998 by the RSL. The origins of this project goes back to 20.10.2011 with a letter to the City of Greater Bendigo of the possibility of an upgrade to the SMI from the Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc. Some renovations separate had already taken place and some structural work. After initial talks and planning a final sub - committee of 3 persons from the RSL was elected to work with the Council along with other bodies who would be involved. Plans eventuated by 2015 and were put to the RSL for approval. From there the fund raising began from the State/Federal Govt's, RSL, the Public and Council itself. This was achieved and finally in Sept 2016 the SMI/Museum was packed up completely and the Renovations began in 2017. Souvenir program, card yellow colour folding, front page is in gold and black writing with an image of the Dome on the SMI followed by in gold, "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project" then in gold, "Souvenir Program", in the centre has details re time, date, place. At the bottom are the logo's of the Federal & State Governments, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo Page 2 is titled "About the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute" with a photo showing the "Hustlers Royal Reserve Mine No 2" which was on the site where the SMI now stands. Page 3 has details of the program, music, Official welcome, speakers, ribbon cutting, the ODE, Last Post, National Anthem, close of formalities and light refreshments. Page 4 has a photo of the original souvenir pamphlet used at the original opening on November 15th 1921, 97 years to the day. at the bottom, "Thankyou section to all those involved in the project""Official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday November 15, 2018, Lansell gardens, Pall, Mall Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, program

The HMAS BENDIGO (1) was a Bathurst type Minelayer/Corvette. It was made in Australia. Launched 1 MAR 1941 and paid off 27 SEP 1946. The ship had a normal complement of 85 hands. The ENSIGN is the standard pattern Royal Navy ensign in use at the time by The Royal Australian Navy. The Ensign has five written names including the Captain and has 85 autographs. All but two have been identified. Referring to the sailor's service cards, the signing probably occurred between OCT 1945 to FEB 1946. Post WW2, the Ensign was presented in gratitude to the City of Bendigo where it was on display in the Old Town Hall for decades. The City then gifted the Ensign to the Bendigo and District R.S.L. After some time the RSL lodged the Ensign with the Soldier's Memorial Institute Military museum for safe keeping.The main part is of a strong open weave white cotton. The flag is divided by a bright red cross vertically and horizontally. In the top left quadrant is the Union flag of the U.K. The left side has a strong canvas spine in which is mounted the sisal rope. The rope has a small length with loop at the top and a longer length with loop at the bottomThe bottom right quadrant, has these words stencilled on it..."In Appreciation from HMAS BENDIGO". The other two quadrants have a large quantity of signatures.corvettes ww2, hmas bendigo

The 67th Battalion was raised in mid 1912 as a local militia training battalion in Bendigo. During World War One, many of its members enlisted in the newly formed 38th Battalion which was raised in Bendigo in 1916. At one point it was a garrison battalion stationed at Queenscliff. It was disbanded in 1918 and became the area 38th Battalion. The colours were laid up in St Paul's Cathedral in Bendigo on October 25th 1929. In 2006, with the cathedral needing to carry out repairs and alterations, the colours were offered to Bendigo's Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum. On 17th April, 2007 under direction from RSM Ceremonial, the colours were re-laid up in the museum in a ceremony conducted by the Reverend Peta Sherlock and witnessed by church and RSL members after 12 months of planning and putting together..1) Middle banner in the photograph. Rectangular banner representing the colours of the 67th Battalion on an olive green background. In the centre is a circular red medallion featuring an embroidered battalion badge. A purple circular border with 'Bendigo Infantry' on it surrounds the red medallion. All are surrounded by a gold and silver wreath depicting the flowers and leaves of the golden wattle. '67' is embroidered on the top right hand corner. The banner is fringed on three sides in gold. Two cords with gold and olive tassels are attached to the top right hand corner. A sewn sleeve for the pike is on the right hand side. .2) Wooden pike with metal spear head on end. A metal ring encircles the handle of the pike.battalion colours, 67th battalion, military banners, unit badges

Refer Cat No 8056.4 for more details of this project, history and re opening.Invitation card, one sided yellow colour to the "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project. A space is blank for the person invited's name followed by time, place, date & RSVP, at the bottom are 4 logos representing State/Federal Govt's, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo.Main points; "Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke is pleased to invite - to the official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday 15, 2018 Lansell Gardens Pall Mall Bendigo".brsl, smirsl, invitaion

Presentation plaque adhered to glass front, bottom centre, gold engraving on black plastic. "Presented to the Bendigo RSL from the Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat 1 July 2017"The work depicts the Soldiers Memorial Institute Building (Bendigo Military Museum) using a number of coloured gemstone chips adhered to a support board, list of Gemstone chips listed on the back of frame, original hand made craft. Frame timber with gold paint, 3D look with black fabric mount, glass front and MDF board backing and MDF board stand.Information printed on paper on back of board, "Good/idea/ Ph 704973 o0 - 5005115/ Gem name and colour/ Ruby red/Spinel pink/ Sapphire blue/ Lapis La2uh blue/ Jade green, Tomaline black/ Apatite light green/ Peridot light green"framed accessories, rotary club, smirsl, brsl

Printed postcard or copy print of a Rose Series, No. P 10399 - "Panorama of Pall Mall, Bendigo Vic" from the City Family Hotel looking over Charing Cross and along Pall Mall with the Town Hall, the Soldiers Memorial Institute now Bendigo Military Museum, and the Shamrock Hotel in the view along with one ESCo tram alongside the Alexandra Fountain. The driver is in position in one of the cabs.Yields information about Bendigo, ESCo trams and Pall Mall.Postcard - black and white, plain back - could be a copy print.tramways, trams, bendigo, esco, pall mall, charing cross, bendigo tramway

Program, lemon coloured document, gold and black print. On front " Bendigo Soldiers' Memorial Institute Revitalisation project. Souvenir Program. Official opening of the Bendigo soldiers' Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum. 10 a.m. Thursday November 15, 2018. Lansell Gardens, pall Mall, Bendigo. Program outlines the sequence of activities relating to the opening and provides an overview of the history of the Soldiers' Memorial. The site was formerly the location of the Hustlers Royal Reserve No. 2 Mine, Pall Mall, from 1871 - 1912.Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institutebendigo, buildings, bendigo soldiers' memorial

The Memorial Walls & Walkway came about as part of the Re Developement of the Forecourt of the Soldiers Memorial Institute (Bendigo Military Museum) and completed in 2008.There was a Wall on the north and south side of the building. Discussions re some sort of Memorial(s) had gone on for several years with a number of plans and ideas being put forward. A final Sub Committee was appointed in April 2010 of 4 people being Richards, Ball, Poustie and Harding. The first meeting was on May 20th with one apology and Ball chairing and over 3 hours a final plan was put together from all the previous plans and ideas. On the 21st measurements and photos were taken to draw up the final recommendations to Committee BDRSL. The recommendations in brief were: Five central plaques on the north wall with Unit/Association/Conflict/Service based plaques placed equally out on each side of the five central. On both the north & south walls at one end would be the lettering in large brass “Lest We Forget”. Application for a plaque would be via a form, all plaques the same size and no individual names on. The folder holds the minutes of the meeting and plans that would go to BDRSL for approval. A briefer version that would go to the Members of BDRSL for final approval. Two more copies used on the day. The application form. One page with initial plaque costs. Three pages with 6 photos per page showing the time line re placement of the plaques. Brief time line. April 2010. Final Sub Committee formed. May 20/21st. First meeting of the Sub Committee. May 24th.Plans approved by Committee BDRSL June 21st. Plans approved by Members of BDSL. June 23rd. Letters/forms go out to Associations,some 10 were eligible City of Greater Bendigo Council approves plans. Sept 2010. Ball & Poustie to now carry out the process. April 2011. Over 3 days the 5 main plaques and 5 Association plaques are placed. April 2011. Over 2 days the Lettering “Lest We Forget” is placed. 11.11.2011. The walls are dedicated. 2013 - 2025. Seven more plaques placed with last being so far on 27.3.2025. The Walls remained equal each side of the Main 5 central until the Redevelopment of the Soldiers Memorial Institute and Museum in 2016 - 18 with the RH end plaque being removed for steps to be placed. This plaque was then placed on the LH end making uneven.Folder A4with plastic inserts, contents include Sub Committee minutes, plans & details of plaques and inscriptions to go on, photos showing proposed viewing, chronology of events & times, photo history showing plaques as placed on the walls.brsl, smirsl, memorial walls, walkway

The actual Interim Roll was erected in the Gardens on the RH side when facing the Soldiers Memorial Institute building Pall Mall Bendigo (now Bendigo Military Museum) .1)This photo was believed to be taken about 1918/19. The idea of some form of Honor roll began as far back as 1915. As time went by the target was 2,000 names. Eventually when the completed Bronze rolls were placed on the front Loggia walls of the Soldiers Memorial there were 2,972 names which include 42 Nurses. The Honor Roll was unveiled on 25th April 1926 by Mr R. A. Rankin President of the Fathers Association. .2) As can be seen there is an extra panel on the LH side, it is unclear if there was one also at the RH end. This photo believed to be about 1924/25. This was a digital image held by the Museum which stated "0023 (Bendigo War Mem) at 2,400 dpi.jpg". Refer Cat No 8010..1) Honor Roll, copy of original photo, framed grey plastic frame. The roll itself shows 5 columns of names in alphabetical groups, there are spaces between to add additional names, there is a light hanging in front of one column. .2) Photograph, B & W, showing the Soldiers Memorial Institute Building with the Interim Honor Roll in the Gardens. This image has an extra panel on the LH side..1) "Bendigo Interim Honor Roll" .2) "The Great World War, Bendigo Interim Honor Roll"interim, honor roll, brsl, smirsl

These Colours of the 38th BN are now laid up in the Bendigo Military Museum Pall Mall Bendigo (Soldiers Memorial Institute). They laid up in July 2015.Coloured photos of Kings Colours, Plaque in Darwin & Regimental Colours of 38th Battalion. Mounted on maroon background in brown frame with gold inner trim. Glass front, cardboard backing with wire hanging strap.Underneath photos on a white sticker: "The Kings Colours and Regimental Colours were presented on behalf on the citizens of Bendigo by Governor General Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson KCMC to the Battalion on 14th June 1916" "The Colours are at All Saints Cathedral Bendigo" RHS front bottom corner & LHS back sticker bearing: "No 71"passchendaele barracks trust, framed, photographs, 38th bn

Frederick William Knuckey enlisted on 14.2.16 in HQ's 38th Batt AIF No 66. WIA 14.11.17 (gassed). Hospital 23.5.18 with Myalgia. Drowned at sea as a result of torpedoing by a German submarine. This portrait is one of a number that originally hung in the "Gallery of Honour" in the foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo now Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8003.Sepia portrait photo of F.W Knuckey in uniform with peaked cap. Underneath are details re the soldier. Set in green background in a dark stained wood frame."Sig F.W.G Knuckey, 38th Battn A.I.F, Drowned ex Leinster Enemy Action, Oct 10 1918"brsl, smirsl, 38th

These plans were for a proposed Memorial to Ex Servicemen and Women to be erected in front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall Bendigo. This building is now known as "The Bendigo Military Museum".1) .2) Two Cronaflex .004 thick black ink plans , scale 1 - 100showing front elevation and plan of a proposed Monument. Both plans are slightly different showing plan sections."Proposed Monument to Ex Servicemen and Women to be erected in Pall Mall Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, monument, plan,

The permits relate to the Building of a Monument at the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo now known as the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8245.2.1) Document, white paper black print, blue pen hand written relating to permission to erect a Monument at the Soldiers Memorial Institute. .2) Document, white paper black print relating to the permit for .1) re the conditions applying to. Both items signed by C.C. Campbell Director Engineering and Technical Services..1) In blue pen, "RSL Bendigo Memorial Hall Pall Mall Bendigo - permit N0 - 096/92 - 39 Pall Mall - Statue" .2) "9.7.92 - C Campbell"brsl, smirsl, monument, documents, permit,

This is a copy of the original produced by the Office of the Prime Minister of Australia. The presentation of the French Legion of Honour to John Henry Lockett (Jack) by the French Ambassador His Excellency Dominique Giraud was to be held in the main Hall of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo on 21.7.1998. (Now Bendigo Military Museum) Refer Cat No 8144 re the program on the day, Cat No 8145.10P for photographs.Program copy of original, 3 pages stapled, all print in black on yellow background. Details the presentation of the French Legion of Honour by the French Ambassador Dominique Giraud to John Henry Lockett on 21 July 1998. Covers arrivals, guests, timings, dress, speeches with the main guest being the Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard.brsl, smirsl, french, legion of honour

Hubert Valentine Gould enlisted as 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th reinforcements 4th Batt AIF on 12.2.15. Promoted to Captain 1.4.16. WIA 25.7.16 remaining on duty. Promoted to Major transferring to 17th Field Coy Engineers 9.5.17. WIA on 6.5.18 shell wound to back and leg he DOW's 8.5.18. This is one of a number that originally hung in the "Gallery of Honour" foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute" Pall Mall Bendigo now Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8003.Portrait photo B &W of an Officer in uniform no hat re H. Gould. Set on a light coloured background in a dark stained wood frame."H.V Gould"brsl, smirsl, 4th

Walter Peake No 6/1688 N.Z.E.F. He was from Bendigo and enlisted in New Zealand. He was " Mentioned in Despatches". This framed photo was one of a number that originally hung in the foyer "Gallery of Honour" at the Soldiers Memorial institute Pall Mall Bendigo which is now the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8003. Refer also 1794, 1793.2, 1791.3, 1792P. These items came into the Museum since it opened in 1998.Portrait photo, B & W set on a cream background re W Peake. Photo is in a dark stained wood frame. Brown wooden frame - glass front - cardboard backing. Head and shoulder, sepia photo in uniform. Mounted on fawn cardboard. By Bartlett Bros, Bendigo"Cpl Walter Peake Died of Wounds received in action 1.6.1917"brsl, smirsl, n.z.e.f

Thomas William Francis No 2584. Enlisted on 7.7.1915 in 4th reinforcements 29th Batt AIF age 25 years 6 months. Embarked for Eygpt 14.3.16, embark for France 16.6.1916, reported missing 19/20.7.1916, listed as KIA 20.7.16 (Fromelles) no known grave. The photo is one of a number that originally hung in the "Gallery of Honour" foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo now the Bendigo Military Museum. In 2008 a mass grave was found with 250 remains in. On 12.4.2013 it was announced that the remains of Thomas Francis had been identified. Francis is now buried in the new Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery. Refer Cat No 8003.Portrait photo B &W of a soldier in uniform, Great coat and peak hat re T.W Francis. Photo is set in a grey background with a dark stained wood frame."Pte T.W Francis 29th Batt D Coy A.I.F, enlisted July 1915, embarked March 1916. Killed in Action July 1916". brsl, smirsl, fromelles

This document signed by the Mayor, Councilor's, Citizens and Bendigo Soldiers and Sailors Association on 22 4.1920 outlines the usage of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall Bendigo as a Rest Home for Returned Servicemen. Signed by, J.H. Curnow Mayor - A. Dunstan, W Beebe, Councilors - W Honeybone Town Clerk. Signed by Bendigo R.S.S.A by John Adams - Harold Robert Catford. Witnessed by George. F. Rolling, L. J. Beckerleg. Signed by, George Francis Cole, Alfred Morris Pool. Witnessed by G. Allen, W Beach. The Bendigo RSL/Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch still occupies the building which now is the home of the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 800.2 for the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in 1921. Refer Cat No 8048 for Harold Catford Bendigo R.S.S.A, Cat No 8022P for John Adams Bendigo R.S.S.ALegal record, blue paper, 5 pages of text all in black, one page with a sketch on half and the other is the front cover when folded by 3, pages held together by a green thin woven cord on the spine, pages have red lines as a border, there are 32 sub headings covering facets of the use of the building, there a few small notes added in the left hand column of some pages in blue pen.On the front folded cover underlined in some sections, "THE MAYOR COUNCILLORS AND CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF BENDIGO - with - THE TRUSTEES of the BENDIGO Branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers ASSOCIATION and the BENDIGO CITIZENS REST HOME COMMITTEE. (space) AGREEMENT AS TO THE REST HOME AND MEMORIAL INSTITUTE IN ROSILAND PARK At the bottom central, "Hyett and Hyett - Solicitors - Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, indenture 1920, legal

The building is the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. The period of the painting is between the years 2008 and 2016 after the remodeling of the Forecourt and the major renovations to the building 2016 - 18. This is the first of 3 water colours by Stan Thomas. The building was the HQ of the Bendigo RSL now known as the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No's 8000.2, 8222, 8224 for the building history.Painting, water colour, timber gold frame, painting is set in two white insets, painting shows a large building greyish colour with a dome on top by artist Stan Thomas.Hand painted on, "RSL Hall Bendigo", "Stan Thomas"brsl, smirsl, painting, rsl hall

This sign was situated outside the Soldiers Memorial Institute building in Pall Mall Bendigo. It was in the centre space of the Portico. It was taken down approximately 1999 - 2000 due to damage. It was then put in storage and when the Renovations were completed to the SMI in 2018 it was then placed in what is now the Building/RSL/history room of the Bendigo Military Museum SMI.Sign, timber rectangular shape construction, illuminated face on both sides, faces are yellow background with red text "RSL BENDIGO", illumination is via one globe, at the top are two eyelets for holding in place.brsl, smirsl, sign, rsl bendigo

This oil painting by Bret Belot was an initiative of his to put something on canvas to celebrate the centenary of ANZAC in 2015. The images depicted on the painting are mostly from the collection of the Bendigo Military Museum in the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. Some of the figures are Brothers Jack Grinton & Bert Grinton DCM, Bill Durward 38th Bn, the Wright Brothers, Albert Jacka VC, MC and Howard, Poliness & DeAraugo who volunteered to go with Jacka when he won the VC, 38th BN men in Dog Trench, graves of 38th Bn soldiers, a letter written home about the Armentieres raid in 1917 by Robert Suggett 38th Bn. The painting was first unveiled at the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc pre ANZAC Day 2015. It is now on display in the Foyer of the Bendigo Military Museum.Painting oil on canvas, with numerous images from WW1 covering various aspects of the Great War.“Bret Belot”brsl, smirsl, painting, 2015

These 2 cupboards are in what was the “Writing Room” of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo where the Bendigo RSL held occupancy from the day the building was opened in 1921. The room is now known as the “Building and RSL History Room”, of the Bendigo Military Museum. The four Units on the 2 cupboards had large Associations in Bendigo. The 57th Bn basically had one Whole Company of Soldiers from the Bendigo region during WW1. The POW’s which were mostly from WW2 and held many great reunions in the Main Hall. The 38th Bn was raised in Bendigo in 1916 for the 1st World War, after the war it became a CMF unit up into the 1960’s. The 6th Bn was one of the first Victorian Bn’s to be raised for WW1. Third photo. A third cabinet was built on top of the L/hand side one at a later date. The photo gives a layout of the the 2 cabinets and fireplace..1).2) Both cabinets are built into the recess beside the fireplace, both are timber with 4 doors on each. Each set has brass or gold painted wording on..1) One above the other, in brass, “57th Bn”, in gold paint “Ex POW Social Club”, in brass “38th Bn”. .2) In brass, “6th Bn”.brsl, smirsl, associations

This mobility aid was housed under the old stage area of the Soldiers Memorial Institute building in Pall Mall Bendigo. When the renovations to the building began in late 2016 the Aid was removed and restored by the Bendigo District RSL Men in Sheds program and is now on display in the same building now called Bendigo Military Museum. The Soldiers Memorial was the HQ of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. It is not known the origin of the Aid but it was most likely used by disabled Bendigo RSL members post WW1.Three wheeled Mobility Aid. Front wheel is 41cm dia pneumatic, 32mm wide, rear wheel 68cm dia, width 52mm wide. The right wheel axle has a sprocket & chain assembly, the left is free wheeling, both have mud guards. Frame is tubular steel painted reddish colour, the seat and back rest are brown leather, seat sides are timber, there are two timber platforms in front, the top one is adjustable the bottom one is fixed. The chair is steered via a long metal handle fixed to the wheel frame. The right hand side has the sprocket and chain assembly and motion is controlled by turning the handle in a circular motion, only one speed.on the front wheel stem is a transfer. “Webster Brothers Cycle Manufacturers Mitchell Street Bendigo”mobility, aid, wheel chair, brsl, smirsl

These records, plans, maps and documentation revolve around the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. (Now Bendigo Military Museum) This sequence of events regarding works begins in 2009 and goes through to 2015.It can be broken up into Phase 1 (P1) ongoing Works and Phase 2 (P2) Redevelopment/Revitalisation as one followed the other and overlapped. The following list by date/year is a very brief outline of the discussions, meetings, planning and works completed. October 2009 P1. Asbestos Audit carried out. 2010 P1. First assessments of Asbestos in the Office, Foyer, Passage & Meeting room. Asbestos was removed from the Men’s toilet. This would also include a new Trap door over the Mine situated under the Billiard room. 11.10.2011 P1. New trap door installed in the Billiard room. 15.10.2011 P1. Mine is checked with ground penetrating Radar. June 2011 P1. Asbestos removal in the kitchen. (Not in use) Following on : Asbestos in the Meeting room & Passage is clear, carpet in the Office to come up, asbestos removal in the Women’s toilets. Structural damage to the front wall of the Office and Fireplace wall, false ceiling in the office (refer Cat No 8218) At this point a group being CoGB Property Manager, Heritage, Contractors, Museum Curator/Chairman Sub Committee Peter Ball (C/C) RSL Secretary Paul Penno, RSL Club Manager Erik & Maiintenance Ken to be involved. C/C Peter to Co Ordinate a time line of works, Museum closures and draw up basic plans for Office upgrade. 1.9.2011 P1. Due to Office walls damage talks decided to upgrade the Office, the room is stripped and the false ceiling comes down. 15.9.2011 P1. Foyer, asbestos tiles removed. 20.9.2011 P1. Floor and timber finish approved by Property Manager. Some works being done in the kitchen. Phase 2 beginnings. P2. During 2011 the Sec RSL Paul discussed with C/C Peter a broader upgrade of the entire building with emphasis on the Rear Fibro addition which incorporated the stage, toilets and storage. Sec Paul, Pres Cliff Richards, C/C Peter met to form a plan forward. 20.10.2011 P2. Letter to C of GB regarding this phase and request for a meeting. 22.11.2011 P2. Meeting between 2 x C o GB and Sec Paul, Pres Cliff, C/C Peter RSL. C/C Peter to draw up a Dot point plan. 23.11.2011 P1. Office is completed enough to move in. 2.1.2012 P1. Works in the kitchen had begun but now to be fully gutted. 20.2.2012 P1. C/C Peter to draw up a basic plan of kitchen for use by the Museum/RSL. Mid July 2012 PI. Kitchen completed enough for use. 23.10.2012 P2. Meeting with C of GB and 3 x Museum to draw up a Business plan, a new Conservation Management Plan (CMP), $ commitment discussed. 10.12.2012 P2. Facilitator Murray Poustie RSL Historian, C/C Peter and 2 x Museum Sub Committee Marg Andrea and John Young to put together a business plan. 4.1.2013 P2. New CMP arrives, number of issues with. 15.1.2013 P2. Meeting with C of GB, Heritage, C/C Peter and M Poustie re corrections CMP. 16.1.2013 P2. First meeting of Museum group with basic plans put together. 23.1.2013 P2. Second meeting of Museum group, alterations made. 30.1.2023 P2. New CMP arrives. 7.2.2013 P1. Final Kitchen finished with Air con installed. 8.2.2013 P2. Plans adopted by Museum group. 13.2.2013 P2. Plans put to Bendigo RSL. 15.3.2013 P2. Plans updated with meeting between C/C Peter, Sec Paul, Pres Cliff, Manager Erik, forwarded to Council. 26.3.2013 P2. Scope of planning arrives back from C of GB. August 2013 P2. New Working group formed, Sec Paul, C/C Peter, Sub/comm member John. Meeting with Ian Ross & 1 SED & W/Group to develope the Business plan further, one item that no works to be done before 1.1.2016 due to 2015 being Centenary of Anzac. A 2nd meeting a week later. P1. At this point the Rotunda was not part of the initial process 23.9.2013 P1. Inspection of the North front wall by C of GB, Heritage & C/C Peter. Asbestos sample taken & positive. Water damage/cracks as in Office Walls. 11.10.2013 P1. C of GB, Heritage have another look at Rotunda. No works before to be done until the dryer months. 11.10.2013 P2. First meeting with Concept planners Lovell Chen x 3, Council x 3, Heritage x 2, SED x 1 & Museum x 3 group. Introductory meeting so all up to date, Museum walk through. 12.11.2013 P2. 2nd meeting of the above with draft proposals of extension upgrade of SMI presented. 18.12.2013 P2. 3rd meeting with above, number of small changes made. 2014 P2. Sec Paul, Pres Cliff, C/C Peter met with full Council to put the case to them. 2014 P1. Meeting with Council, Contractors, C/C Peter re Rotunda maintenance, asbestos removal to be on 30.5.2014 to fit in with current Museum Bookings. 4.11.2014 P2. An Orientation day was held for prospective detailed Planning. 11.11.2014, C/C Peter met with C of GB group to choose the tender for the final detailed drawings, Lovell Chen chosen, to be finalised by April 2015. 20.1.2015 P2. Bore holes drilled at rear of SMI re possible below ground structure. 18.2.2015 P2 1st meeting of Working group, 4 x Lovell Chen, various Council departments x 10, Museum x 3, Art Gallery x 1. 17.3.2015 P2. 2nd meeting of W/Group, a meeting with SED and SED presentation to the RSL. 5.5.2015 P2. 3rd meeting of the W/group with latest plans & possibly final. 4.6.2015 P2. 4th meeting of the W/group, planning permit & Heritage applications will now go ahead. On paper still 2 years planning & 4 years construction. P1. The Rotunda completed with new membrane and touch up painting. 30.6.2015 P2. Final meeting of W/group, from now on just planning, approvals, Heritage & Public objections. Fund raising to begin. Further to this scope. 3.8.2015 P2. Sec Paul & C/C Peter put the plans to Committee BDRSL and are approved. 5.8.2015 P2. Plans signed by Sec Paul and forwarded to C of GB Council. .1) Occupational Health and Safety Report re Asbestos in the Soldiers Memorial Institute Hall Pall Mall Bendigo for the City of Greater Bendigo - prepared by “Safety Systems PTY LTD Bendigo - October 2009”. 55 pages double sided, all print in B & W. .2) Correspondence, 80 pages A4 dated 20.10.2011 to 23.12.2013, letters, emails, plans, maps, fund raising relating to Phase 2. Items involve, RSL, C of GB, Heritage, SED, Political Parties, Government. .3) .4) Conservation Management plans Returned Soldiers Memorial Hall Pall Mall Bendigo, both 65 pages, A4, Colour and B & W, contains Contents, maps, diagrams, charts, photos put together by "Context PTY LTD Brunswick Victoria. .3) Draft copy dated 19.12.2012, has green Texta markings throughout and biro notes. .4) Final report with corrections dated 24.1.2013. .5) .6) Soldiers Memorial Institute Museum Business Plan, January 2013, A4 17 pages, In Colour & B & W, contents, maps and planning. .5) Revised edition in plastic insert folder. .6) Revised edition for presentation purposes. .7) .8) Business Planning documents by Ian Ross SED Advisory 2013. .7) Business Plan A4, B & W, 12 pages, copy of the initial plan dated 19.8.2013. .8) Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Museum Business Plan December 2013, updated presentation version, plastic covers, A4, Colour & B & W, 31 pages, covers, Vision, Priorities, strategic actions/interventions, action/outcome plan. Appendix A, Appendix B. Photos, plans, potential funding and where from. .9) Letter, documents, drawing relating to the replacement of the Balcony Membrane of the Soldiers Memorial Institute. The letter is 4 pages from Meagan, Heritage C of GB to Sec Paul, C/C Peter regarding the replacement of the Membrane dated 18.2.2014. 15 pages of Membrane works prepared by Lovell Chen to be carried out, dated 14.2.2014. The drawing shows the detail of how the replacement will be. .10) Photographs of the Soldiers memorial Institute (55), taken during phase 2, A4, colour showing external walls and roofing and damage, internal taken in the loft, all rooms, damage to areas. .11) Three folders, spiral bound, plastic covers, Colour and B & W images, the 3 front pages are all different. Contents are plans, sketches, proposals, from Demolition maps to final specifications. Folder 1. 11 pages, one sided dated December 2013, Lovell Chen. Folder 2. 14 pages, one sided dated December 2014, Lovel Chen. Folder 3. 21 pages, one sided dated December 2104 and May 2015, Lovel Chen.brsl, smirsl, restoration, asbestos, business, plans, conservation