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 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 had already taken place and some structural work. After initial talks a 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 three soldier are all brothers and are listed on the Honour Roll at the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. .1) William Street No 115 enlisted in the 38th Bn Machine Gun section on 1.3.1916 age 23 years 11 months, embark for England 20..1916, Hospital at sea with Measles, embark for France 22.11.1916, Hospital with Mumps 23.11. 1916, rejoin unit 2.1.1917, Hospital with Scabies 1.2.1917, rejoin unit 16.2 1917,promoted Cpl 25.8.1917, WIA 12.10.1917 Belgium, Head and left side, DOW,s 26.10.1917. .2) Henry Street No 2395 enlisted in the 4th Reinforcements 38th Bn on 14.3.1916 age 36 years 7 months, embark for England 20.6.1916, embark for France 5.4.1917, Hospital with Scabies 11.5.1917, rejoin unit 24.5.1917, WIA 13.7.1917 GSW Left elbow, rejoin unit 20.11.1917, discharged from the AIF 22.2.1919. .3) Herbert Street No 2761 enlisted 16.3.1916 in 4th Reinforcements 38th Bn age 20 years 10 months, discharged Medically unfit with Pluerisy not due to misconduct on 14.12.1916. His records also state that he was in the 5th Reo’s 60th Bn but given his No is 2 days after his brother Henry’s but sounds like 38th. NAA has him also No 45674..1) portrait of a soldier in uniform with peak cap, arms behind his back holding a pace stick.Studio photo. .2) Portrait of a soldier in uniform with peak cap, hands behind back. Studio photo. .3) Portait of a soldier in uniform with peak cap, hands behind back, is wearing basic webbing. Studio photo.street 38th, photo, 38th

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 3 plaques were originally placed on 3 doors within the Soldiers Memorial Institute building in Pall Mall Bendigo in recognition of the years of service as volunteers to the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch & Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch in 2011. Over time the small plaques were added regarding their ongoing volunteer years and passing. During the renovations to the Soldiers Memorial Institute & Museum which closed in 2016 all plaques were taken down that were in the building. These 3 were not put back in the original positions. .1) John Kerr Barnes OAM, refer Cat No 8040 for his volunteer service. .2) John Edward Fay, refer Cat No 8129P for his volunteer service. .3) William James Norman Smart, refer Cat No 8131.2P for his volunteer service..1) Plaque, metal, front face gold colour, all text and edging in black, one small gold plaque placed on the bottom RH corner. .2) Plaque, metal, front face gold colour, all text and edging in black, 3 small gold colour plaques have been added. .3) Plaque, metal, front face gold colour, all text and edging in black, 2 small gold colour plaques have been added.brsl, smirsl, plaque, recognition, volunteer

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

This document relating to the Agreement between the Bendigo Council and the Bendigo Returned Sailors and Soldiers Association re the use of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo is a day to day working copy of Cat No 8222 dated 22.4.1920 pre the opening of the building in 1921. Some of the hand written notes in left hand column are; Rental, Maintenance, Trustees, Right to hold meetings, Conduct, Control of grounds and portico.Legal document heavy paper light brown colour, basically a copy of Cat No 8222 without the hand written signatures and red seals. They are held together via a green cord sewn through the papers. In the space column notes have been hand written in pencil to make easier to find a paragraph on subjects relating to the use of the Building.Main point, as per "Cat No 8222"brsl, smirsl, legal, indenture 1920

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 photograph was taken on the Portico of the Soldiers Memeorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. The man in the photo is "William James Norman Smart" known by all as Norm. He was a legend in Bendigo RSL Appeals having raised near $250,000.00 over the years. His selling spot was Coles Central where he sat for up to a fortnight each Appeal, ANZAC and Poppy. He had a loyal clientele who only bought their tokens from Norm. On ANZAC day especially he would come into the kitchen at the Soldiers Memorial about 5.00am and sort his tray out while others there were making the Rum and Coffee. He would then go out and walk among the people before the Dawn Service selling tokens. Norm was still selling tokens after he turned 90 years. he retired from all Volunteer work in the Bendigo RSL in August 2015. Refer Cat No 8131.2P for Norms RSL history. Norm enlisted in the CMF on 5.11.1941 No V245294 in the 38th Battalion, the unit later moved to WA by train 30.3.1942, he transferred to the AIF No VX88596 on 31.7.1942, they entrained back to Vic on 19.1.1943, then entrained again to the NT 0n 18.6.1943, transfer to the AIF No VX88596 on 8.8.1944 in the 11th Aust Infantry Battalion, embark for New Britain 25.11.1944, embark from Rabaul for Aust on 8.1.1946, discharged from the AIF on 5.2.1946..1) Photograph, gold timber frame with photo in a black inset showing a man in a hat with a Tray of poppies for sale, he is wearing a name tag and a red poppy. .2) Funeral card of "W.J.N. Smart", double sided with a portrait one side and wedding photo the other.On the name tag, "RSL Welfare Appeals - RSL unpaid collector", name hand written, "Norm Smart"brsl, smirsl, photograph, appeals, norm

The photographs show the award of the French Legion of Honour to John Henry Lockett age 107 years by the French Ambassador His excellency Dominique Giraud on 21.7.1998 in the Main Hall of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall Bendigo. There was some 100 officials and invited guests in attendance. Jack Lockett No 1194 enlisted on 24.3.1916 age 25 years 1 month in D Coy 38th BN AIF, embarked for England 20.6.1916, Hospital at sea with Influenza 25.7.1916, embark for France 22.11.1916, Hospital with Gastritis 30.11.1916, rejoin unit 10.12.1916, promoted L/Cpl, 12.5.1917, promoted Cpl 23.10.1917, promoted Sgt 12.12.1917, discharged from the AIF on 20.9.1919. Jack received the following awards as well as the French legion of Honour. 80th Anniversary Armistice remembrance Medal 1999. OAM 11.6.2001, Centenary Medal 1.1.2002. Jack passed away on 25.5.2002 age 111 years 123 days. Refer Cat No 8143 & 8144 for the arrangements and program of the award re Legion of Honour.Ten colour photographs relating to the award of the French Legion of Honour. .1) The Army guard of Honour on the lawns in front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. .2) .3) The Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard arrives. .4) John Henry Lockett (Jack) enters the Main Hall of the Institute. .5) The French Ambassador Dominique Giraud pins the French Legion of Honour Jack Lockett. .6) The Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard responds. .7) Left to right. The Ambassador Dominique Giraud, Jack Locket wearing his WW1 medals and the Legion of Honour, the Prime Minister John Howard. .8) On the right is Jacks son Kevin .................. .9) Afterwards in the Billiard room of SMI Jack is interviewed by the media, Jack's son Kevin on the right. .10) In the Billiard room from the left, Kevin Lockett, Jack Lockett, Prime Minister Howard, Ambassador Giraud.brsl, smirsl, french, legion of honour

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

The program outlines the proceedings of the award of the French legion of Honour to Sgt John Henry Lockett age 107 years by the French Ambassador His Excellency Dominique Giraud at the Soldiers Memorial Institute Main Hall in Pall Mall bendigo on July 21 1998 beginning at 11.30 am. The MC on the Day was Bendigo RSL President Mr Alan Holmes. The Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard to make the speech in response. Refer Cat No 8143 re the initial outline from the Office of the Prime Minister, Cat No 8145.10P for photographs on the day.Souvenir program 4 pages folding. Front page in colour with the Australian and French Flags followed by details. Page two details the history of the award and Jack Lockett's WW1 service. Page 3 outlines the proceedings from 11.30am in the morning. Page 4 is sponsorship by the Department of Veterans Affairs.brsl, smirsl, french, legion of honour

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

The medallion is a 1951 Commemorative being 100 years of Government and discovery of gold in Victoria. The winner K.M. Mcleod is believed to be Kenneth Meadowbank McCleod. He enlisted initially in 1915 but was discharged medically unfit in 1916, re enlisted in 1917 No 3840 and served in the 4th LH Regt, discharged from the AIF on 6.12.1919. Refer Cat No 1805P. There were two Billiard Tables in the Soldiers Memorial Institute in what was called the Billiard room. This was a source of income for the Bendigo Branch for some 70 years. One table was sold in 1967 as usage had declined and the last one was sold in 1994..1) Medallion circular bronze, front depicts 2 gold miners, oround outside is text, centre is engraved with details of who was presented with the item. Rear has a depiction of a horse carrying a man and a woman which depicts "Equality & Justice is Freedom" .2) Container for the medallion, rectangular shape brown colour, front has in gold a Coat of Arms with "Victoria" under. inside lid is a cream silk lining with the makers details in gold, medallion is set in red velvet. lid is hinged in brass with a brass closing catch.On face of Medallion, "Centenary of Government of Victoria 1851 - 1951". Centre of Medallion, "Awarded to K.M. McLeod Bendigo RSL Centenary Billiards Champion"brsl, smirsl, medallion, billiards

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 money trays used by the Bendigo RSL for many years at fund raising venues such as their Show Stall Stands at the Bendigo Show. The Stalls etc ceased before the Soldiers Memorial Institute became a Museum in 1998. They were then used by the Museum on a daily or specific occasion up to near closing for the Renovations in Sept 2016. .1) .2) Money Trays, timber frames rectangular shape, each has 8 compartments, 4 have a sloping metal inserts for dragging coins out, the other 4 are timber bottom with a lift up weight to hold notes down. One in the note spaces has a sloping metal lift up piece so excess notes can be stored under. One is a light brown colour the other darker.On two sides of each in black lettering underlined. "Bendigo R.S.L"money, trays, brsl, smirsl

This particular invite to Peter Ball Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch was involved with the first initial discussions with Council up to plans approved in 2015. Refer Cat No 8056.4 re project history and re opening.Invitation card Personal, light yellow colour, markings/text in gold and black, one sided. The card sets out the invitation by the Mayor of Bendigo to the re opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute project, time, place, date, rsvp and contact details.Main points, "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project - Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke is pleased to invite Peter Ball - 10.am Thursday 15, 2018"brsl, smirsl, invitation, reviatalisation.

From title page: "Soldiers' Memorial Institute, Bendigo/ Centenary 1921-2021/ Remembering why, how and by whom it was built and what has/ happened to the building in those 100 years."1. & 2. Soft cover book, plastic binding comb. Cover - cardboard, with black print on front. Illustrated front black and white photograph of a building and two association badges in colour. 21 pages, cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated black and white and colour photographs, sketches and buildings drawings.publication, book, soldiers' memorial centenary, murray poustie

This one appears to be Model 27 from the early 1950's. This radio was last used in the Office at the Soldiers Memorial Institute most likely pre 1990's.Radio, ASTOR brand, brown Bakelite frame, the glass face has two control knobs. The top line of stations covers Victoria to Tasmania followed by NSW, QLD & SA. At the bottom is 3 bands in red, blue, light green which cover Europe, USA. On the rear are two stickers relating to power, patents, use and licencing.1st sticker on rear, "Selex Decal Pty Ltd - No 5 - 217540", 2nd sticker, "Danger"brsl, smirsl, radio, astor