Heather Pitman studied at the School of Mines and Ballarat College of Advanced Education and was awarded the Civil Engineering Scholarship in 1977. Heather broke down barriers in engineering with an integrity that earned her tremendous respect in the sector and led to her becoming the first female Head of Engineering for the City of Ballarat. She was the first of a new breed of engineers to consider the urban water cycle in its entirety and not in isolated parts, a radical approach at the time. In her honour, the Pitman Benjamin Engineering Prize was founded, to recognise students like Heather, who have chosen not to accept the status quo, but instead to change the world to make it better for all. Heather died in 2005.heather pitman, engineer, alumni, ballarat school of mines, ballarat college of advanced education, civil engineering scholarship, first female head of engineering, city of ballarat, urban water cycle, pitman benjamin engineering scholarship

Heather studied at the School of Mines and Ballarat College of Advanced Education and was awarded the Civil Engineering Scholarship in 1977. She graduated in 1978. Heather broke down barriers in engineering with an integrity that earned her tremendous respect and led to her becoming the first female Head of Engineering for the City of Ballarat. Heather pioneered sustainable design and was the first of a new breed of engineers to consider the urban water cycle in its entirety and not in isolated parts, a radical approach at the time. In her honour, the Pitman Benjamin Engineering Prize was founded, to recognise students like Heather, who have chosen not to accept the status quo, but instead to change the world to make it better for all.women of note, ballarat school of mines, ballarat college of advanced education, first female, head of engineering, city of ballarat, civil engineering scholarship, pioneered sustainable design, urban water cycle, pitman benjamin engineering scholarship

Heather Durant (nee Walton) began as an Assistant Librarian at the SMB Campus in 1951. In December 1961 she resigned from the position due to her approaching marriage. No replacement was found so she returned in a "part-time position". She progressed to head librarian. Heather resigned again in 1962 and took a break for eight years. She then returned to the school. Combining the two periods of work she was employed for almost 50 years. During her time with the University of Ballarat she made an important contribution to the operation of the SMB Library. At times she was put in charge and worked to maintain library standards and collections through her work in library acquisitions and cataloguing. Over the years she witnessed the changes that occurred when technology was introduced and the growth of the University and TAFE divisions.women of note, teacher, ballarat school of mines, heather walton, heather durant, smb campus, librarian, resigned to marry, part-time work, library standards, and collections, acquisitions and cataloging, technology, 50 years service, 1951-2005

This newspaper article was produced at a time when newspapers were the main source of local information. The period before the explosion of mobile communication technology and the cost effectiveness of communication by "texting" and internet "social connections, eg. facebook and other social media networkings" The newspapers were the main links between and within large regions. The Hydro Courier was first printed in 1950 as a YMCA community service publication by Mr. Albert Clarke YMCA Officer and Mr. Alex McCullough a State Electricity Commission employee. This paper was one very important publication that provided relevant community information to all and was the major contributer to the "Valley" cohesive fibre and unity. This article not only records the celebration (centenary) of the Tawonga School but also presents the history of the school and important events such as various relocations of classrooms and how the region was settled and developed from the 1870's onward. The yawonga school opened in 1880 on 8 acres of land. It consisted of one large wooden building (22 ft x 11 ft). It had two windows, one brick chimney, bare wooden floor and a shingle roof. This article also presents the time when Mount Beauty area was likened to an island and occasionally school children could not attend school because of a flooded Kiewa river. The article also covers the changes brought about by the increased employment opportunities from SEC Kiewa Works(1935), the Sawmill(1946), the Gold mine(1949) and the Tobacco Industry (largest growing area in Australia).This item is a one page (original) article of the centenary celebrations for Tawonga Primary School came from the Alpine Observer and incorporated the Hydro Courier. It covers the arrangements for the celebration of the 100 years of the school's existence. The printed layout is typical of the typeset in use in 1980's. There are seven distinctive type collumns separated by a printed line. Three photographs are published with one photograph of a demountable classromm ,circa 1980, and the other two of student class photos of 1899 and 1914. Teacher and student names are listed below each photograph. On the back of this page are "specials" for "Sam's Cut Price Stores", specifically the Myrtleford store. Of interest is the advertisement of "Cartons of Cigarettes at cut prices". The page was produced as part of a "run" with "telltale" holes at each corner for stabilising the page in the printing process."Centenary Celebrations For Tawonga Primary School" below this in an enclosed heading "ALPINE OBSERVER" underneath in smaller print "WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED" below this in larger print "THE HYDRO COURIER" and below this from left to right, "No. 719 (Vol. 3) THURSDAY, 23rd OCTOBER, 1980" next "in smaller print Recommended Price Single Copy, 20c "(cents)rural school development, tawonga school centenary, kiewa valley development 1880 to 1980

This certificate stub book contains the subject certificates of the graduates of the School of Mines and Indutsries, Ballarat, a predecessor of Federation University Australia.This item highlights the subjects studied and graduates of the School of Mines between 1938 to 1964. It also records the change of cursive over that time.This book includes stubs of subject certificates from the School of Mines and Industries, Ballarat. This also contains a number of uncollected certificates. It is a brown hardback book with black binding. Its contents covers certificates between 1938 to 1964. Names of recipients include: Charles Holt, Henry Elford, Irvin Singleton, J. H. Hughes, John Morcom, Alfred Amor, John Wastell, John Rudwick, Jared Hines, Harry Allan, L. F. J. Hillman, Arthur Davies, Letitia Stanley, Victor Wright,Raymond Ball, Mary O'Callaghan, Ethna Burke, Alec Foyster, James Duggan, Leonard Auchettl, Reeves Collins, James Patterson, Stanley Douglas Webb, Oswald Lyle, Marvis Orr, Eric Roberts, Jack Clennell, A. R. Millar, Heith Smyth, Walter Hines, Harold Leslie, Joseph Fisher, Geoffry Burns, Alick Dait, George Hill, Raymond Wines, Robert Manson, Albert O'Neill, Thomas Green, William Stargatt, William Harrison, Reginald Allen, Albert Wilson, Allan Curtis, Arthur Donald, John Wynn, Sydney Robinson, John Blackic, Percy Elsdon, Hubert Jenkins, Kingsley Callister, Douglas Hall, Norman Lawson, Winfield Tonkin, Artuhur Williams, Allan Curtis, Ernest, Billinge, John Daelon, Harold Bunting, Stanley Wilton, Robert Sugden, Heith Foster, Winsome Stevens, Herbert Stanbridge, Robert Pittard, Henry Brew, Ernest Berriman, Carlyle West-Onley, William Blackic, Lorna Dunstan, Cedric Pike, Stanley Jephson, Hugh Hendrick, Joseph Fisher, Ernest Grove, Ronald Fisher, Heith Halsall, Henry Harris, Maxwell Silvey, Stanley Trengove, Donald Trescowthick, Harold Tolliday, Russell Lucas, John Boyd, John Keys, Stanley Betteridge, Ernest Betteridge, Michael Ross, Robert Stewart, Joseph Beasley, William Beasley, Ray Deveson, George Hennessy, Charles Matthews, Maxwell Silvey, Ian Creek, Geoffrey Moorhouse, Hector Tonks, John Donald, Hugh Hendrick, Stanley Jephson, Ian McIntosh, Robert Nice, Ralph Scott, Walter Martin, Grant Coutts, Lindsay Hannah, John Tainsh, Hubert Robinson, John Donald, George Beaton, Heather Harris, Brian McCarthy, Samuel Perry, Valentine Pascoe, Philip McLean, Geoffrey Hewish, Hubert Robinson, John Borch, Frederick Gale, Ian Grundell, Albert Perry, Frank Hutchinson, Horace Shuttleworth, Kenneth Mason, David Hatt, Malcom Foster, George Jones, Graham McKinnon, Ronald Newton, John Betts, Leonard Wade, Robert McClure, David Beaumont, Leslie Powell, Samuel Perry, Donald Treweek, Edgar McArthur, Russell Fraser, Edgar McArthur Bartrop, Clive Carmichael, Leslie Fuhrmeister, Lindsay Coon, Zigurds Plavina, Victor Gingell, Rupert McKenna, Graham McKinnon, David Fairley, Johannes Meennen, Ronald Murphy, Johannes Naus, John McConville, Graham Melonie, William Cutter, Thomas Chalkley, Kenneth Morton, Stanley Shears, Robert Auld, Donald Campbell, John Cofield, Brian Whykes, William Milford, Noel Richards, Stewart Jacobs, James Robertson, Clement Rose, Eric Brown, Allan Raworth, Ernest Salter, Neville Cartledge, Peter Stacey, Robert McClure, Antonius Goossens, Rodney Cartledge, Rodney Hayes, Bevan Grigsby, James Robertson, Neil Stephens, John Riddle, Andreas Aaus, Bruce Fletcher, Keith Pedler, Allen Flavell, Robert Cartledge, Ronald Shaw, Kenneth Hibberd, William Lockland, Percival Bilney and Petrus Damen. Uncollected certificates for James Patterson, Robert Sugden, Ernest Berriman, Stanley Jephson, Henry Harris, Maxwell Silvey, Joseph Beasley, Charles Matthews, Maxwell Silvey, Ian Creek, Geoffrey Hewish, Robert McClure, Kingsley Callister, Winfield Tonkin, Raymond Wines, Oswald Wilde and Kenneth Mason are included within. The subjects covered include: Printing, mining, geology, metallurgy, mining geology, mine surveying, mechanics applied to mining, electric welding, machine shop practice, algebra, trigonometry, mechanics and heat, applied mechanics, heat treatment, graphics, oxywelding, engineering drawing, blacksmithing, shorthand theory advanced, shorthand speed, commercial English, intermediate English, plain dressmaking, dressmaking advanced, electric wiring, physics, electric technology, carpentry, machine shop, plumbing, trade science, carpentry and joinery, building construction, heat treatment, wiring, oxyacetylene welding, foremanship, turning and fitting, electric wiring, arithmetic, social studies, commercial correspondence, office routine, bookkeeping, typewriting, shorthand, electric refrigerator servicing, refrigeration, radio mechanics, trade maths, sheetmetal, wool sorting, motor mechanics, human relations in management and industrial supervision. Many of the stubbs are signed by principal Dick Richards. Each certificate is signed by the current principal of the School of Mines and Industries, Ballarat, and a number have also been signed by the students.school of mines, school of mines andindustries, certificate, richard w. richards, horace william shuttleworth, dick richards, charles holt, henry elford, irvin singleton, j. h. hughes, john morcom, alfred amor, john wastell, john rudwick, jared hines, harry allan, l. f. j. hillman, arthur davies, letitia stanley, victor wright, raymond ball, mary o'callaghan, ethna burke, alec foyster, james duggan, leonard auchettl, reeves collins, james patterson, stanley douglas webb, oswald lyle, marvis orr, eric roberts, jack clennell, a. r. millar, heith smyth, walter hines, harold leslie, joseph fisher, geoffry burns, alick dait, george hill, raymond wines, robert manson, albert o'neill, thomas green, william stargatt, william harrison, reginald allen, albert wilson, allan curtis, arthur donald, john wynn, sydney robinson, john blackic, percy elsdon, hubert jenkins, kingsley callister, douglas hall, norman lawson, winfield tonkin, artuhur williams, allan curtis, ernest billinge, john daelon, harold bunting, stanley wilton, robert sugden, winsome stevens, herbert stanbridge, robert pittard, henry bre, ernest berriman, carlyle west-onley, william blackic, lorna dunstan, cedric pike, stanley jephson, hugh hendrick, joseph fisher, ernest grove, ronald fisher, heith halsall, henry harris, maxwell silvey, stanley trengove, donald trescowthick, harold tolliday, russell lucas, john boyd, john keys, stanley betteridge, ernest betteridge, michael ross, robert stewart, joseph beasley, william beasley, ray deveson, george hennessy, charles matthews, maxwell silvey, ian creek, geoffrey moorhouse, hector tonks, john donald, hugh hendrick, stanley jephson, ian mcintosh, robert nice, ralph scott, walter martin, grant coutts, lindsay hannah, john tainsh, hubert robinson, john donald, george beaton, heather harris, brian mccarthy, samuel perry, valentine pascoe, philip mclean, geoffrey hewish, hubert robinson, john borch, frederick gale, ian grundell, albert perry, frank hutchinson, horace shuttleworth, kenneth mason, david hatt, malcom foster, george jones, graham mckinnon, ronald newton, john betts, leonard wade, robert mcclure, david beaumont, leslie powell, samuel perry, donald treweek, edgar mcarthur, russell fraser, edgar mcarthur bartrop, clive carmichael, leslie fuhrmeister, lindsay coon, zigurds plavina, zig plavina, victor gingell, rupert mckenna, graham mckinnon, david fairley, johannes meennen, ronald murphy, johannes naus, john mcconville, graham melonie, william cutter, thomas chalkley, kenneth morton, stanley shears, robert auld, donald campbell, john cofield, brian whykes, william milford, noel richards, stewart jacobs, james robertson, clement rose, eric brown, allan raworth, ernest salter, neville cartledge, peter stacey, robert mcclure, antonius goossens, rodney cartledge, rodney hayes, bevan grigsby, james robertson, neil stephens, john riddle, andreas aaus, bruce fletcher, keith pedler, allen flavell, robert cartledge, ronald shaw, kenneth hibberd, william lockland, percival bilney, petrus damen, james patterson, robert sugden, ernest berriman, stanley jephson, henry harris, maxwell silvey, joseph beasley, charles matthews, maxwell silvey, ian creek, geoffrey hewish, robert mcclure, kingsley callister, winfield tonkin, raymond wines, oswald wilde, kenneth mason, trades

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. Two objects hang from a timber structure.graeme drendel, printmaking, silkscreen

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. Two objects hang from a timber structure.graeme drendel, printmaking, silkscreen

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. A etching of a man with a man size goose.graeme drendel, printmaking, goose, fauna

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. Three etchings showing aspects of a room.graeme drendel, printmaking

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. An etching with pig. This work was completed during Graeme Drendel's final year at Melbourne State College where he was studying Secondary Art and Craft Teaching and majoring in Printmaking.graeme drendel, printmaking

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. An etching with a man carrying a calf. graeme drendel, printmaking, calf, cow

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. An etching with a man carrying two milk buckets.graeme drendel, printmaking, bucket, milk, farmer

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. An etching of a male doctor or surgeon. graeme drendel, printmaking, doctor, surgeon

Graeme DRENDEL (1953- ) Born Ouyen, Victoria Graeme Drendel is a key Australian figurative painter and printmaker who believes you should paint what you know. He studied Art Teaching at the Ballarat Teacher' College and Ballarat School of Mines in 1971 and 1972 before completing a Diploma of Teaching Art and Craft at Melbourne State College in 1974. While studying in Ballarat Graeme lived in the student hostel 'Beaufort House'. After teaching for several years, Graeme undertook a life changing and extensive travelling tour throughout Italy, United Kingdom and United States at which time he decided he would always depict the human figure. Recognised for his intelligent observations of the human condition, Graeme’s art invites contemplation and reveals the humour of everyday life. The isolation he portrays through his characters may relate back to the isolation he felt on the wheat farm he grew up on. As a prolific user of sketchbooks Graeme Drendel records close observations, which can inform his paintings. Graeme Drendel is regularly a finalist in the Archibald Portrait Prize, Sulman Prize, Paul Guest Prize and in 2022 he won the prestigious Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with his portrait of fellow artist Lewis Miller. In 2021 he received a Federation University Distinguished Alumni Award. graeme drendel, printmaking

Eldest daughter of Edna and Bon Barrie, born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Memoirs of Wendy Barrie, recalling the early formative years of life in Melton: In 1949 I started school at Melton State School no 430 and was driven the 2½ miles to there by my parents at first. Later we walked home in the afternoons or were picked up by car as we made our way home along the Western Highway. In 1956 I went to Bacchus Marsh High School. There were 4 students in grade 6 and 3 of us went to the High School. The students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School as far a fifth form. My parents drove me to the pick up point and during the five years of travel to High School. The bus travelled via Toolern Vale and later went through Exford and through Parwan. On the return journey in the afternoon the bus went in the reverse direction. The bridge at Exford was an old narrow wooden one, and the students had to get off the bus and walk across, with the driver crossing in the empty bus for safety reasons. There was a travelling allowance paid to parents and it was estimated from the distance the crow flies, a straight line. We lived a Ferris Lane, just where the Harness Racing entrance is now situated about 2 ½ miles by road to school too close to qualify for the subsidy. While at State School Melton we would walk home in a group with the Nixon and Gillespie children, along the main road over the bridge near the Shire Offices and down a hill. I was being dinked on Joyce Gillespie’s bike while holding onto the seat, toppled off the bike striking my chin and teeth on the bitumen and cracking my jaw. I was about 9 years old and stayed a couple of days in the Quamby Hospital in Bacchus Marsh, it seemed like and eternity at the time and quite traumatic being separated from my family. I can remember contemplating how I could get out of the window and run away but realised it was too far to walk home. Often we would cut across the Common on our way home from school picking up stray golf balls and collecting them from the creek when it dried out. We were warned about not accepting lifts from strangers passing along the Melbourne/ Ballarat Road. The only danger we faced was being swooped by the magpies particularly on the open ground on the Common. We were also fairly cautious when the Gypsies camped on the Common in the area just about opposite the small reservoir. “Mum” grandma Myers loved to have us call in on our way home, and usually would cut a slice of Jongebloed’s bread and spread it with home made butter. Sometimes we waited there until we were collected by car, usually driven by our mother. Margaret Nixon and Joyce Gillespie were a few grades ahead of me and Barbara Nixon was born just two months earlier than me. Our mothers were great friends for over 6o years, born in the same month three years apart. They lived within a few days of the same age as each other at the time their deaths. Dad and George Nixon attended Melton school at the same time. Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and my grandfather Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. The Nixon family lived in Keilor Road just past the Toolern Creek near the turnoff. Tom and Ann Collins lived on the southern side of the Western highway and Keilor road intersection. Jim and Ruby Gillespie’s house was further long Keilor road on the right. They backed onto the Myers who lived on the north side of Western Highway east of Myers Gully (Ryans Creek). The Bridge over the Toolern Creek as very narrow and as truck traffic increased there were accidents. One truck took out the side railing and plunged upside down into the bank and into the shallow water. Another fatal accident happened between a car and a truck right in front of the Myers house. Grandfather Fred had been a bike rider all his life, as far as the Riverina in his younger years, wryly made the comment about the drivers the speeding along the Ballarat Road were setting out to kill themselves. The road was busy particularly after the Races at Ballarat when the crowds were hurrying home to Melbourne. Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. During my third year of teacher training I travelled to Flinders Street to RMIT for ceramics classes and Grattan St Teachers College located in the grounds of Melbourne University. There were many teachers being trained at the Secondary Teachers College due to the baby bulge creating a great shortage of teachers. Sunshine High School was very well represented amongst the different courses in Primary, Secondary and Art and Crafts. I attended Melbourne University lectures, studying a Fine Art subject. Bernard Smith was the most notable of the lecturers. he replaced Professor Joseph Bourke who had taken leave for the years. In 1962 he published the art book “Australian Painting”. The secondary art and craft student teachers from the College were in the majority, taking this subject and were well regarded due to their practical art and craft methods and their teaching round experience. In December 1964 I graduated as a Trained Secondary Teacher – Art and Crafts. The graduating ceremony was held at Wilson Hall. I received my appointment to work at Maryborough High School. Uncle Max and Aunty Rosemary Myers arranged my accommodation. Uncle Max was a teacher at the Maryborough Technical School fat the time. The appointment was suddenly changed when just before the school year was about to start when I received notification that I was now required to move to Warracknabeal High School. I was subject to a bond for the three years of training and three years of teaching and was under an obligation to comply with the directive of the Education Department. My father stood as guarantor when I was accepted as student at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, thus enabling me to receive my teacher training, and a 5 pounds a week allowance for expenses. After teaching for two years at Warracknabeal High School I was fortunate enough the gain a transfer to Sunshine West High School, returning to live at home in Melton and travelling by car to work with a fellow colleague, Jock Smith who lived at Station road Melton. I completed bond obligation and resigned at the end of the year. The employment regulations at that time did not allow the option of leave of absence for, indefinite overseas travel. I returned to Australia in October 1969. Visiting Arthur Hart the Principal of Sunshine High School he arranged with the Education Department for my re-employment at Sunshine High School until the end of the year. In 1970 I was transferred, and returned to Sunshine West High School where I worked for the next three years. In January 1968 I sailed on the “Oriana” to South Hampton with two teaching friends from Warracknabeal High School on a travelling and working holiday. Doreen Kiely, a former Bacchus Marsh High student and fellow train traveller from Bacchus Marsh, was already working in London, had arranged our accommodation at the London Travellers Club Hotel, Braham Gardens, Earls Court SW5. We based our stay at this address in London and travelled around Scotland, Ireland and England. In the summer we took a four month trip around the Continent and the Mediterranean. I registered with The Royal Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames as a Supply teacher, and worked at Chessington School form autumn to spring the following year and living with Mrs Rose Gillies at Kinross Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. In the spring of 1969 visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland joining an organised camping group to the Artic Circle, entered Russia at Leningrad (St Petersburg) Moscow, Minsk, to Poland and Czechoslovakia. In August returning to Worcester Park for the flight to Montreal to stay with cousin Lynette and husband Jurgen. A side trip was taken to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York. The flight home from Montreal to Melbourne took 52 hours. A ½ day break in Vancouver before boarding the Qantas boeing 707 via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Sydney to Melbourne. Around the world in 21 months. Photographs of Wendy local identities

Memories of Train Travel compiled by Wendy Barrie 4/09/2013 Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. Book provided a timetable and information about the stations the train travels to from Melbourne to Adelaide. transport