Colour photograph of Werribee Pre Olympic Swimming Pool.swimming pool, sport, swimming, pre olympic, natural, creek, werribee, change sheds, werribee pre olympic swimming pool

Colour photograph of a sandstone building and terracing at Central Springs, Lake Daylesford.This Terracing and Bridge erected by Springs Improvement Committee 1952central springs, daylesford, lake daylesford, mineral water, kiosk, sandstone, springs improvement committee, swimming pool, swimming sheds

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia..1) Black and white photograph of three men in bathing costumes standing with arms crossed on a diving board. In the background are changing rooms, a grassy bank and trees. The place is Calembeen Park at Creswick and the men are Jack Zilles, Jack Cartasso and Frank Wright. .2) Black and white photo taken at Creswick, The men on the diving board are Ron Hammond, Norman Jebart, Harley Chapman, Jack Cartasso and Frank Wright..1) Written in pencil on back - Jack Zilles, Jack Cartasso, Frank Wright, Creswick, Feb 3rd 1930 .2) Written on the back in pencil - Ron Hammond, Norman Jebart, Harley Chapman, Jack Cartasso, Frank Wright. Creswick Feb 3rd 1930bathing costumes, swimming, changing sheds, creswick, frank wright, calembeen park, jack zilles, jack cartasso, ron hammond, norman jebart

Colour photograph of the stone sheds associated with the swimming enclosure at Lake Daylesford. swimming, pool, sport, pre olympic, daylesford, lake, daylesord swimming pool, bathing sheds

This photo shows a river boat under construction on the eastern bank of the Murray river in the Echuca Port area where the boat shed and swimming pool were located in the 1970's. The boat shed can be seen through the trees but the swimming pool isn't visible. There is another river boat behind, possibly the Canberra.This photograph is of historical and social significance in that it shows the condition of the Murray river in the 1970's at an area used as the local swimming area on the Echuca side of the river. There is a river boat under construction (the frame work shows a bottom and top storey on the boat). This could be the Pride of the Murray. It is difficult to see the name on the river boat behind but it looks like the Canberra. Three houseboats are moored together, a bit further down the river.Colour photograph (post card size) of the Murray river looking north towards the boat shed building. Two river boats are moored by the left bank close to the swimming pool and three house boats can be seen moored further down the river. The river boat in the fore ground is under construction.Printed on reverse:" this paper manufactured by Kodak". Written in blue pen"12B"echuca, port of (riverboats), echuca, port of

The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird located in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and in parts of Africa. They reside in large bodies of fresh water and are renowned for their elaborate mating dances. When breeding, the Great Crested Grebe has tawny cheek "fans" and black crests; however, in the non-breading seasons the plumage of this bird turns white. 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 and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such 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.The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird. It typically has cheek "fans" on the sides of the face and elaborate crest feathers which are shed after breeding, as is the case for this specimen. This bird is in a tall standing position with its neck stretched upwards and facing left. The small dark eyes have been made from glass and a large pointed bill. It has a metal tag tied to its left leg engraved with the numbers "4401". The skin surrounding the toes are flat which assists the bird when swimming.On tag 4401taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, great crested grebe, bird

In 1923 there were plans to form a swimming club at Noorat. The club intended to erect a jetty and sheds at the north end of Lake Keilambete. It also proposed teaching school children to swim.The badge came from Murray Murfett a Warrnambool Council employee. It came from his father’s property in Terang in 2014. Cream circular metal badge with red lettering. Illustration of diver and water. 89 lake keilambete, noorat swimming club, 1938.

Part of a collection of photographs donated by Bruce Bennett. Taken from different collections: Betty Kuc collection and Wal Steer. Most are photographs taken of postcards and photos.233-08. Black & White photograph of a postcard. Cowes Pier with shed, cranes and old Moonah tree in the foreground. 233-09. Black & White photograph of a postcard. Cowes Pier looking towards the east. Beach and foreshore in the foreground. 233-10. Black & White photograph reproduction of two young ladies in swimming costumes on Cowes Beach with pier in background. 233-11. Black & White photograph of a postcard. Cowes pier and Jetty shed, showing post and rail fence around entrance to pier. Tall Moonah tree near Jetty shed. 233-12. Black & White photograph reproduction of Genesta House with "Welcome Home" sign and Union Jack flags flying. Perhaps a welcome for local ment back home from the war?? 233-13. Black & White photograph reproduction of Genesta House in Cowes, Phillip Island. 233-14. Black & White photograph reproduction of Gullifer's Corner Store on the corner of Thompson Avenue & Chapel Street, Cowes Phillip Island. 233-15. Black & Whtie photograph of a gathering at the Cenotaph in Cowes, Phillip Island. 233-16. Black & White photograph reproduction of the Butcher Shop, Thompson Avenue, Cowes, near the old Shire Hall. 233-17. Black & White photograph reproduction of the lady on the rocks at Erehwon Point. Coastal vegetation behind the beach and two boats on the sand in the distance. 233-18. Black & White photograph reproduction of the Cowes Pier with masted ship and small boat at the pier. 233-19. Black & White photograph of the Garage Tea Rooms in Thompson Avenue, Cowes, with young cypresses which were planted circa 1915.233-08. The Rose Series P659. The Pier, Cowes, Phillip Is., Victoria. 233-09. The Rose Series P658. The Pier, Cowes, Phillip Is., Victoria. 233-11. The Rose Series P672. The Pier, Cowes, Phillip Is., Victoria. 233-16. Cowes - Jan. 1938 cowes pier phillip island, cenotaph cowes phillip island, gullifer's corner store cowes phillip island, garage tea rooms cowes phillip island, genesta house, genesta guesthouse, guesthouses cowes phillip island, erehwon point, cowes, a. smith garage tea rooms cowes phillip island, butcher shop cowes phillip island, bruce bennett, betty kuc collection, wal steer collection

Part of a collection of photographs donated by Bruce Bennett. Photographs from collections of: David Johnson, I Mannix, Legg, Charlie Blackney, Des Chilcott, Ted Walton, Len Bagley and Brian Davis.233-20. Black & White photograph of a postcard. The Pier Hotel and house set in paddock and surrounded by large trees and reserve at San Remo, Victoria. 233-21. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Bentons Guesthouse, San Remo, Victoria. 233-22. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Herbie Kirkland or Clive Fox?? on barge at Newhaven, showing cray caufs lined up on jetty in the background. 233-23. Black & White photograph of a photograph. San Remo Hotel. 233-24. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Breakwater at San Remo circa 1940 with family on the beach (Bert Blackney & Violet) and people swimming. Wooden groyne in foreground. 233-25. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Building the slip at Newhaven, Phillip Island. 233-26. Black & White photograph of a photograph. House in the distance at Rhyll built by Johnson. Dan Patience lived there till 1950's then Ted Walton. 233-27. Black & White photograph of a photograph. San Remo to Newhaven, Phillip Island punt with 3 cars on board. 233-28. Black & White photograph of a photograph. San Remo jetty showing boats and sheds. Ivan Hayhow boat. 233-29. Black & White photograph of a photograph. Sailing boat on Westernport with Phillip Island Suspension bridge behind.233-20 The Rose Series P700. Pier Hotel, from the reserve, San Remo, Victoriahotels, pier hotel san remo victoria, san remo hotel victoria, bentons guesthouse san remo, guesthouses, san remo to newhaven barge, phillip island barge, newhaven barge, san remo beach, newhaven slip phillip island, rhyll phillip island, san remo punt, san remo jetty, phillip island suspension bridge, sailing boats, bruce bennett

This is a photo of the Halls Gap Recreation area. The building is possibly the change shed for the swimming pool.The photo is a distance shot of a tall narrow building with a pitched roof and small windows high up along the side. There is a metal set of swings/ladder and a lower set of metal equipment near the building. It stands in a cleared area surrounded by bush. recreation, sport

This is a photo of the first Halls Gap swimming pool, before the dressing sheds were built.The photo shows a swimming pool in a cleared area among bush. There is a white fence surrounding the pool and the pool has a low, planked diving board on the front edge.recreation, swimming pool

This is a photo of the old Halls Gap swimming pool, after the changing shed was built.The photo shows a swimming pool ina cleared area surrounded by trees. There is a white fence around the pool and two pine trees are in the foreground at the corners of the pool. There is a building on the far side of the ppol. There are people visible in and around the pool.recreation, swimming pool

Black and white postcard, showing Baths in Upper Reserve, Bendigo. Image shows three separate pools, divided with timber walkways. In background, bathing sheds, lights suspended over pools. On back of card ' Valentine's Post Card , genuine photograph'Valentine's Post Cardbendigo, hospital, bendigo, baths, upper reserve, pool, sport, swimming

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water. The township of Cocoroc was created in 1894 at the Metropolitan Sewage Farm (now the Western Treatment Plant) to house the workers it employed. The name 'Cocoroc' means 'frog' in the language of the Wathaurung people — the Traditional Owners of the land the treatment plant was built on. By the early 1950s there were nearly 100 houses, a town hall, football ground (and team), swimming pool, tennis courts, four schools and a post office, and by the 1970s some 500 people were living in Cocoroc. As it became too expensive for the MMBW to subsidise, Cocoroc was abandoned. By 1973 most of the houses and other buildings were demolished or moved to Werribee. All that is left now of Cocoroc are two small, empty, concrete swimming pools, a few weatherboard sheds and a big iron water tank. This photograph detailing an exterior view of the North Cocoroc State Primary School, is historically significant as it captures children at play within a purpose built community. The School that was one of four was built to educate the children of the MMBW workers. As the school no longer exists, this photograph is the only tangible evidence left of the building, also showcasing the style of buildings in this era. cocoroc, township, school, mmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, melbourne water

Photograph black & white, Bert Graham Collection, Annual Club Picnic 1961, Lake Jubilee, Daylesford. One man and three ladies on the wide swing with a big shed at the back.bendigo, clubs, bendigo east swimming club

Photograph black & white, Bert Graham Collection, Annual Club Picnic 1961, Lake Jubilee, Daylesford. 2 young girls and 1 young boy, on a wide swing. Two sheds top right, and decking on left.bendigo, clubs, bendigo east swimming club

W.D. Vaughan in 'Kew's Civic Century' (1960) has a chapter (XXII, pp.103-105) on the Kew Swimming Pool (aka Kew Baths). In the chapter he recounts debate in Council from 1912 about the need for a swimming pool. The first concrete step toward achieving this occurred in 1914 when Council purchased the Tramways Sheds on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in 1914. Further adjoining land in High Street was compulsorily acquired in 1923. The final plans were accepted in 1925 and following public tender, Messrs. Weavill and Keast were appointed to construct the pool at a cost of 5,418/9/-. The baths were formally opened on 18 November 1925 by George Ramsay, Mayor of Kew. (The Kew Swimming Club was founded in the same year.) Vaughan notes that "mixed bathing was not permitted at the Kew Baths until January, 1928, when it was allowed every evening (except Sundays) and Friday afternoons. A few years later these restrictions were removed altogether".Small B&W photograph of a crowd of onlookers watching swimming events in the old Kew Swimming Pool in High Street. The photograph can be dated to the years 1929-33, as the wooden grandstand was not erected until 1929 and it was before a new high swimming platform was erected in 1933."Old Swimming Pool. D1. 92"kew swimming pool - kew (vic), sport and recreation - kew (vic), kew baths - kew (vic), mayors of kew - cr. george ramsay - kew (vic), kew swimming club

W.D. Vaughan in 'Kew's Civic Century' (1960) has a chapter (XXII, pp.103-105) on the Kew Swimming Pool (aka Kew Baths). In the chapter he recounts debate in Council from 1912 about the need for a swimming pool. The first concrete step toward achieving this occurred in 1914 when Council purchased the Tramways Sheds on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in 1914. Further adjoining land in High Street was compulsorily acquired in 1923. The final plans were accepted in 1925 and following public tender, Messrs. Weavill and Keast were appointed to construct the pool at a cost of 5,418/9/-. The baths were formally opened on 18 November 1925 by George Ramsay, Mayor of Kew. (The Kew Swimming Club was founded in the same year.) Vaughan notes that "mixed bathing was not permitted at the Kew Baths until January, 1928, when it was allowed every evening (except Sundays) and Friday afternoons. A few years later these restrictions were removed altogether".Small B&W photograph of the old Kew Swimming Pool showing seating at right. The photograph can be dated to the years 1929-33, as the wooden grandstand was not erected until 1929 and it was before a new high swimming platform was erected in 1933."D3. 92"kew swimming pool - kew (vic), sport and recreation - kew (vic), kew baths - kew (vic), mayors of kew - cr. george ramsay - kew (vic), kew swimming club

W.D. Vaughan in 'Kew's Civic Century' (1960) has a chapter (XXII, pp.103-105) on the Kew Swimming Pool (aka Kew Baths). In the chapter he recounts debate in Council from 1912 about the need for a swimming pool. The first concrete step toward achieving this occurred in 1914 when Council purchased the Tramways Sheds on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in 1914. Further adjoining land in High Street was compulsorily acquired in 1923. The final plans were accepted in 1925 and following public tender, Messrs. Weavill and Keast were appointed to construct the pool at a cost of 5,418/9/-. The baths were formally opened on 18 November 1925 by George Ramsay, Mayor of Kew. (The Kew Swimming Club was founded in the same year.) Vaughan notes that "mixed bathing was not permitted at the Kew Baths until January, 1928, when it was allowed every evening (except Sundays) and Friday afternoons. A few years later these restrictions were removed altogether".Small B&W photograph of two boys standing beside a diving board at the old Kew Swimming Pool while in the distance a woman dives into the pool. The photograph can be dated to the years 1929-33, as the wooden grandstand was not erected until 1929 and it was before a new high swimming platform was erected in 1933."Old Swimming Pool Kew. D4. 92"kew swimming pool - kew (vic), sport and recreation - kew (vic), kew baths - kew (vic), mayors of kew - cr. george ramsay - kew (vic), kew swimming club

W.D. Vaughan in 'Kew's Civic Century' (1960) has a chapter (XXII, pp.103-105) on the Kew Swimming Pool (aka Kew Baths). In the chapter he recounts debate in Council from 1912 about the need for a swimming pool. The first concrete step toward achieving this occurred in 1914 when Council purchased the Tramways Sheds on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in 1914. Further adjoining land in High Street was compulsorily acquired in 1923. The final plans were accepted in 1925 and following public tender, Messrs. Weavill and Keast were appointed to construct the pool at a cost of 5,418/9/-. The baths were formally opened on 18 November 1925 by George Ramsay, Mayor of Kew. (The Kew Swimming Club was founded in the same year.) Vaughan notes that "mixed bathing was not permitted at the Kew Baths until January, 1928, when it was allowed every evening (except Sundays) and Friday afternoons. A few years later these restrictions were removed altogether".Small B&W photograph of the old Kew Swimming Pool. Girl on diving board at left. The photograph can be dated to the years 1929-33, as the wooden grandstand was not erected until 1929 and it was before a new high swimming platform was erected in 1933."Old Swimming Pool Kew. D2. 92"kew swimming pool - kew (vic), sport and recreation - kew (vic), kew baths - kew (vic), mayors of kew - cr. george ramsay - kew (vic), kew swimming club

The site on the north side of High Street, Kew, on the corner of Disraeli Street is now the location of the Kew Recreation Centre. The current (as of 2020) swimming pool was formerly situated further west on the site but was relocated closer to Disraeli Street during the 1980s. Previously, this was the site of a Kew Council depot, and before that a horse tram shed. The horse tram (1887-1914) ran from the Victoria Street Bridge to the entrance of the Boroondara General Cemetery. Rusted horse shoe, excavated from the site of the Kew Recreation Centre on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in Kew. The shoe was donated by Mr Poulter, City Engineer, City of Kew. The shoe may have been made for one of the horses that pulled the Kew Horse Tram or one of the Council depot horses.horse tram - kew (vic), archaeological items - kew (vic), horse shoes, kew recreation centre, council depots - kew (vic), tram sheds - kew (vic)

W.D. Vaughan in 'Kew's Civic Century' (1960) has a chapter (XXII, pp.103-105) on the Kew Swimming Pool (aka Kew Baths). In the chapter he recounts debate in Council from 1912 about the need for a swimming pool. The first concrete step toward achieving this occurred in 1914 when Council purchased the Tramways Sheds on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in 1914. Further adjoining land in High Street was compulsorily acquired in 1923. The final plans were accepted in 1925 and following public tender, Messrs. Weavill and Keast were appointed to construct the pool at a cost of 5,418/9/-. The baths were formally opened on 18 November 1925 by George Ramsay, Mayor of Kew. (The Kew Swimming Club was founded in the same year.) Vaughan notes that "mixed bathing was not permitted at the Kew Baths until January, 1928, when it was allowed every evening (except Sundays) and Friday afternoons. A few years later these restrictions were removed altogether".Five black and white photographs of Kew in the 1960s donated by Kerstin Fraser. The photographs include 3 pictures of the Mayor of Kew, Gordon Greer at the Kew Baths and two photographs of the Carmelite Monastery in Stevenson Street, Kew.kew baths - kew (vic), carmelite monastery - stevenson street - kew (vic), cr leo hawkins, swimming

Henry Christian (c.1809-91), the grandfather of the photographer, was one of the first settlers in Kew. He arrived in Victoria with his wife Agnes and son Orlando in 1855 on the Gypsy Queen. He established a rope-making business in Bulleen Road by 1858 but was declared insolvent two years later. In his final years, he was celebrated as one of the oldest living settlers of the district. His son, Orlando Henry Beater Christian (c.1853-1930) became a member of the Hawthorn Band and a foundation member of the Willsmere Swimming Club. Orlando and his wife Elizabeth had four children of which Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) was the eldest.An item from an outstanding and diverse photographic collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew.View of grounds of Macauleys boathouse. Gum trees and willows. Stacked embankment. Person rowing boat. Others sitting on bank.macauley's boathouse, yarra river -- kew (vic.), christian-washfold collection

Grant and Lamont Crushing Plant located in area of present swimming Pool.Settling dam in front of shed. Chimney on right. Three men just visible in front of shed. Houses to right. Big hill on left.stawell mining

The Surrey Dive was formed on the site of a quarry from which clay had been extracted for brick-making. From 1905 Council was petitioned by the newly-formed Surrey Park Swimming Club to develop the site. Improvements including bathing sheds, spring boards and a 10-lane course but it remained a challenging site for inexperienced swimmers because of the sheer cliffs and the drop of 30m. The dive was the site of many swimming carnivals and attracted large spectator crowds. Frank Beaurepaire competed in the first carnival held in 1907 and won the one-mile race in record time. The dive was closed following the drought of 1967-1968 and redeveloped as an ornamental lake.The Surrey Dive was the first Olympic standard pool in Australia. Black and white photo of the Surrey Dive taken in January 1931, probably during a swimming carnival. The dive is in the foreground with 2 buildings on the LHS. One is brick with a chimney and at the water's edge; the other is of timber construction and is on the far LHS on the bank above the water. There is a large group of people in bathing costumes and a crowd which extends up the bank towards the right. There are mature conifer trees in the background. surrey dive, swimming, sports and recreations, ron falconer

This photo records one of the swimming carnivals held at the Surrey Dive, the first of which was organised in 1907. It was at the 1907 carnival that champion swimmer Frank Beaurepaire won the one-mile championship in record time. In the era before purpose-built municipal swimming pools, Surrey Dive was a popular destination for swimming and people came to it from many Melbourne suburbs. It operated from 1905 to 1967. It was the newly formed Surrey Park Swimming Club (established in 1905) that petitioned the Box Hill Council to purchase the former quarry site associated with the Box Hill Brick Works. A ramp, bathing sheds, springboards, and eventually a 10-lane course were developed, making the Dive the first Olympic standard pool in Australia. The carnivals attracted huge crowds. The original use as a quarry explains the notorious depth of the swimming hole and the sheer, steep cliffs surrounding it. These posed obvious safety issues, as did the water quality. Ivy Lavinia Weber, who was the second woman to be elected to the Victorian parliament (the first at a general election) and renowned for her commitment to health and physical fitness, campaigned for State government assistance to build new baths. These were built adjacent to the Dive and were opened in 1939. The Dive continued as a facility used by experienced swimmers until 1967 when it closed due to the drought causing the water to dry up. Today the site has been turned into an ornamental lake. This image was used as a mural in the refurbishment of the Box Hill Aqualink. The image has strong associations with early industry (brick making), recreation and particularly the early history of the sport of swimming.Black and white photo with a white border. Scan shows image only. It shows 3 men diving from a wooden platform into an area of water beneath higher banks. There is a boat in the background, a building to the LHS of the photo and many spectators in boater hats on the platform, some in bathing suits along a ledge and many around the top of the bank. Two men in the LH foreground may be officials.Printed long the bottom edge of the frame: "An image from history - Carnival Day at the Dive. / (photo: Box Hill Council)"surrey dive, box hill brick works, swimming, surrey park swimming club, (mr) frank beaurepaire, (mrs) ivy lavinia weber, swimming carnivals

The 'New' City of Bendigo baths also known as 'The Baths' were opened on 26th February,1913 at a cost of £2000. These baths made use of an existing dam and had men only and ladies bathing areas as well as a 'paddling paddock' for young children. This set of plans is for the Men's Bathing shed which serviced the men's bathing area adjacent to the still existing tennis courts on Barnard Street. In 1958 the Municipal Baths were replaced by an Olympic Pool and £17,000 was raised by public subscription towards this pool’s construction. Ink, pen, pencil and watercolour architectural drawing for the proposed new baths at the Upper Reserve on Barnard Street, Bendigo.New baths / at Upper Reserve Bendigo / for the Bendigo City Council / Elevation facing tennis courts / Elevation of Terminals at A, A, / Elevation facing Barnard Street / This is one of the drawings /referred to in my contract/ dated 18th November 1912 / Signed Robert J Rogers / (unknown) / Mayor Jas Semmensbendigo swimming club, rosalind park, upper reserve bendigo, faith leech memorial swimming pool, bendigo baths, city of greater bendigo community groups

My Story by Bruce Myers – June 2001 Arthur Bruce Myers was born on Wednesday morning on the 29/4/1925 at Kelvin Grove Hospital Bacchus Marsh. Background Information: Prepared by Niece Wendy Barrie. The early life of Bruce Myers “Burnbank” Ballarat Road Melton. The family home was built by his grandparents Ann nee Dowling and Henri Miers in 1867. His father Frederick was born in 1877 in Melton the youngest of four boys. Bruce the fourth son of Frederick and Martha, brother Frederick the eldest was followed by Marjorie and Edna. His brother Max was the youngest child. Father Frederick Myers attended Melton State School No 430 enrolling in 1881 and leaving in 1888 gaining his Merit Certificate No 116343. Bruce enrolled in July 1931 and completed and gaining his Merit Certificate in 1937. In 1938 he travelled to Melbourne Boys High School. Bruce was taught piano by his sister Marjorie, a respected Melton music teacher. He entered many Piano competitions and at the age of 10 winning the radio cup in the Junior Cavalcade at 3AW at Latrobe Street. At Melbourne Boys High School during his lunchtime was allowed to practice the piano in the basement for his recreation. He was pestered by another boy (name I have forgotten) a teacher intervened telling him to leave Myers alone. As a young child when listening to music he was able to on hearing it identify the key it was written in, due to his perfect pitch. I remember “Mum” Myers telling about the time they went to see Artur Rubeinstein at a concert, when Bruce was a small boy, it may have been on this occasion that he had noted the key of the piano composition. Bruce writes – In my early teens Max and I frequently accompanied the Williams boys, Wally and Jim on expeditions up the Toolern Creek near where the Gisborne exit now crosses it. The dogs would chase the rabbits into their burrows after placing nets over the burrows a ferret would be let in to burrow, much excitement would be involved in the rush to grab the rabbits as they bolted into the nets. In the same area I used too accompany Dad on an evening rabbit shoot (summer time). After the heat of the day the rabbits would emerge from their burrows at dusk. We would his behind the tree in silence, a mark contrast to the ferreting scene. Dad with the shotgun cocked would wait until 2 or 3 rabbits were close together then fire (Bang!). Hopefully killing two rabbits. They would have to be killed outright, otherwise they would run back into their burrows. Needless to say, one deafening shot ended the event, also it only cost one cartridge. Our only swimming pool was hole in the Toolern Creek at its junction with the blind creek at the eastern entrance to Melton. Dad swum there in the 1880’s teaching many of the youngsters to swim. Females never swum there to my knowledge. The dressing shed consisted of a 4 corrugated iron nailed to a wooden frame about 4 metres by 3 no floor or roof. We always walked the kilometre in our bathers anyway. The swimming hole once dried up leaving about 2 ft of mud. We Melton boys had so much fun fossicking around with our hands and feet and yanking out numerous eels, some very bid. I don’t know what happened to them all. No doubt Dad would have skun one or two for Mum to cook after cutting them up into short lengths. They used to jump around the pan when they were cooking. Dad accompanied by Max and I, frequently fished for eels in the Gillespie’s waterhole just below our place using a rod, line, sinker, hook baited with a worm, and a white floater so as to easily see when an eel was on the hook, so that it could quickly be pulled before it could anchor itself on and under water snag such as a tree root making it impossible to catch, or causing the line to be lost. At about the age of 8, I suddenly discovered amazingly easily means of movement. One day when I was riding the bike on rough bluestone road near the Presbyterian Church [Uniting Church] in Melton when the front fork broke and I landed on my right knee and right eye gashing both, the knee severely. I have carried the scars ever since. I started getting mobile by riding a scooter with good leg on the scooter and swinging the right leg, keeping is straight because bending it was too painful.Childhood photo of Brucelocal identities