Wodonga West School opened on 24 January 1870 and closed on 9 May 1950. It was located near the current intersection of McKoy Street and the Hume Freeway in West Wodonga on land donated by J.W. Klinge. The school replaced an older school, “Green Hills School, which was located north of the railway line. A public telephone was installed at the school and the mail service operated from the school three days each week. In 1935 a row of 15 ornamental trees was planted along the boundary fence, one for each of the pupils at the school. When this school closed the nine remaining students were transferred to Wodonga Primary School.This image is significant because it documents the early developments in the provision of education in Wodonga, Victoria A black and white photo of a group of children standing outside the Wodonga West School building.wodonga schools, wodonga west primary school, education wodonga

Post primary education in Wodonga began in 1923 when the existing primary school, which opened in 1857, became the Wodonga Central School. It extended students for a further 2 years of secondary schooling. In 1938 the school was declared a higher elementary school with 90 students in the secondary classesThese items represent a school which operated in Wodonga from 1923 until 1938. It was an important stage in the pathway to establishing secondary education in Wodonga.3 Badges made of enamelled metal. The larger one is oval shaped above a scroll bearing an inscription. It has 3 maroon reeds in the centre. The other 2 are in the form of a metal scroll with gold lettering.Around Oval badge: WODONGA CENTRAL SCHOOL On Scroll below oval; FOR HONOR Above Oval: CAPTAIN On smaller badges: GRADE CAPTAINwodonga schools, wodonga central school, education wodonga

A small booklet of 97 pages containing a wide variety of song lyrics for use by students and choir of Wodonga High School. A red stamp of Wodonga High School is on the back cover.non-fictionThis booklet contains lyrics of a wide range of songs studied and performed by students at Wodonga High School in the late 1950s. It was divided into a variety of sections including English Songs, Sea Songs and Negro Songs, School Songs, Scotch Songs, Miscellaneous, Hymns, Patriotic Songs and Irish Songs. Post primary education in Wodonga began in 1923 when the existing primary school, which opened in 1857, became the Wodonga Central School. It extended students for a further teo years of secondary schooling. In 1938 the school was declared a higher elementary school with 90 students in the secondary classes. Following rapid growth after the Second World War, the High School was established as a separate school in 1954 and held its firs lessons on 2nd February 1954 with 249 students. It rapidly became evident that a new school building was needed to cater for growing enrolments and specialist facilities. After persistent pressure from the Advisory Council, Stage 1 of the new school was built and occupied by Forms 1 and 2 students in 1960. The final stages were completed during term 3, 1962. The official opening of the new Wodonga High School was declared by The Hon. J. S. Bloomfield M.L.A., Minister for Education, on Friday 30th April 1965.wodonga high school, music book wodonga high school

A cookery book of 86 pages produced by students of Wodonga High School. The cover features a saucepan over a red flame.This book was produced as a class project, the proceeds of which were in support of Miss Wodonga High School entrant, Debbie Gully. The funds raised by the Miss Wodonga High Contest were to go to the Wodonga High School Assembly Hall Fund. The hall was was opened in August 1971 and was named Galvin Hall as reported in the accompanying article from the 1971 Belvoir school magazine. Mr John Leslie Galvin served the school with distinction for 27 years, first as an art and craft teacher and later as teacher in charge of Woodwork. Mr Galvin was active in many facets of school life. He took charge of school assemblies, was the manager of our school fete, a member of the advisory Council Grounds Committee and of the Assembly Hall Committee. In the wider Wodonga community he was instrumental in forming the Wodonga Apex Club, was a charter member of the Albury-Wodonga Lions Club and President of the Wodonga Golf Club. Mr Galvin passed away in October 1971.wodonga high school, galvin hall wodonga, john leslie galvin

Post primary education in Wodonga began in 1923 when the existing primary school, which opened in 1857, became the Wodonga Central School. It extended students for a further 2 years of secondary schooling. In 1938 the school was declared a higher elementary school with 90 students in the secondary classes. Following rapid growth after the Second World War, the High School was established as a separate school in 1954 with 249 students and the primary students were relocated to premises in Ariel Street. However it rapidly became evident that a new school building needed to be established to cater for growing enrolments and specialist facilities. After persistent pressure from the Advisory Council, Stage 1 of the new school was built and occupied by Form 1 and 2 students in 1960. The final stages were completed during term 3, 1962. The official opening of the new Wodonga High School was declared by The Hon. J. S. Bloomfield M.L.A., Minister for Education, on Friday 30th April 1965.This program marks the an important occasion in the development of secondary education in Wodonga.A pocket from a Wodonga High School blazer made of a wool blend fabric. It is embroidered with the school logo featuring an open book and a torch combined with the school motto. The motto "Labora ut Servias", translates as "Work to Serve”. The pocket is paired with a program for official opening of the new school in 1965.Around the edge of the circular yellow, white and gold logo "WODONGA HIGH SCHOOL / LABORA UT SERVIAS"wodonga high school, secondary education wodonga

Wodonga township’s first school was conducted in a small rented wooden cottage from September 1857. It was called the Belvoir National School. The building of a new schoolhouse, No. 378, began in October the same year near the corner of High and South Streets. In 1872 it changed to No. 37 Wodonga. The name was changed to Wodonga State School in 1875. This name remained until which remained until 1938 when it became a Higher Elementary School. In 1951 the Victorian Education Department purchased 12 acres of land in Ariel Street for the purpose of re-siting the State School. At this stage there were 600 pupils attending the school of which 170 were in the secondary section. Initially the Infant department moved into pre-fabricated classroom on the new site and by 1954 the whole primary school had been transferred.. The building was used became the temporary home of the Wodonga High School and later the Wodonga Technical School until they moved to new premisesA black and white image of school building mounted on card.At bottom of image: "WODONGA STATE SCHOOL 1920"wodonga state school, education wodonga

The school was opened in 1857 and was known as School No. 378, Belvoir. In 1862 the Board of Education took control and called it Belvoir School No. 37, later known as No. 37 Wodonga. In 1938 it was made a Higher Elementary School and in 1954 it reached the status of a High School. The school's motto was "Labora ut Servias", which translates as "Work to Serve”Wodonga High School has a long history dating back to 1857. It has had several changes of name and provided a variety of levels of education as Wodonga itself grew and community needs changed. It developed from a primary school to become a Higher Elementary School and then a High School. It has since evolved further to become Wodonga Senior Secondary College.A circular metal ashtray with indentations for 4 cigarettes. The ashtray bears the symbol representing the school motto for Wodonga High School Around the edge of the circular yellow, red and gold logo "WODONGA HIGH SCHOOL / LABORA UT SERVIAS"education, wodonga high school, school souvenirs

Green Hills School was the first school in the Wodonga area. Before the school could open and a teacher commence duties, the Government had to be assured that a minimum of 20 children would be attending. The school was built of round timber, slab walls, bark roof, dirt floor and shuttered windows. The school opened in 1850 and closed in 1870. This sketch, completed by Jim Parker, a Life Member of Wodonga & District Historical Society, was included on a commemorative plaque as part of the Wodonga Heritage Drive established by the Society to recognise the story of key historic locations in the Wodonga area.This drawing is significant because it depicts the first school opened in Wodonga.A sketch of Green Hills School completed by Jim Parker, a life member of Wodonga & District Historical Society. This sketch was completed as part of a project to place commemorative plaques at key locations around Wodonga green hills school, wodonga schools, education wodonga

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This digital image was produced from one of the glass negatives that form part of the collection, probably taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. This item is unique and has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.Digital image created from the Haeusler Glass negative collection. A group of children and their teacher outside Wodonga West Primary School No. 1058. C.1910. The school was located near the current intersection of McKoy Street and the Hume Freeway in West Wodonga on land donated by J.W. Klinge, replacing an older school north of the railway line. It operated from January 1870 to May 1950 when the nine remaining students transferred to Wodonga Primary School. wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, wodonga west primary school, schools wodonga

A small booklet featuring photos and anecdotes published for the Centenary Celebrations of Leneva State School.non-fictionConstruction of the Leneva School number 1506 - then called Middle Creek - was completed by January 30th 1875. The contracted builder was Mr. Jas. O'Keefe and his tender for the school and residence was £245-8-0. The school was opened on 10th May 1875 with George S. Manns as Head Teacher. The first building was a structure of Murray Pine, with a slate roof. The building consisted of 4 rooms and a lean-to veranda. Three of these rooms formed a residence and the remaining one was the classroom. Classes began with about 40 children attending grades 1-6. Lessons were also held for older people if they desired them. Head Teacher Manns remained in charge for 20 years. Leneva West School No 2195 (originally called Middle Creek West) was opened in 1879 with Agnes Short as Head Teacher. It only operated part time in conjunction with Wooragee North School. Its use appears to have been intermittent based on the number of student enrolments. It finally closed on 9th October 1951 and any students were conveyed by bus to Leneva State School. This booklet was published for the celebration of the Leneva Schools Centenary in 1975.leneva state school, wodonga schools, education wodonga, middle creek state school

This plaque commemorates the official opening of an occasional child care centre and pre-school in South St, Wodonga in 1989 by the Governor of Victoria Dr. Davis McCaughey. With strong population growth in Wodonga community services had expanded rapidly throughout the 1980s. The first child minding centre had opened in 1975. BY 1987 Upper Murray Family Care provided full-day family day care and occasional care and there were also 2 private child care centres. By 1986 there were 350 full-time places and 75 part-time places, but pre-schools were unable to fill the demand for another 511 applicants. This new facility helped to ease a little of the problem. As well as the inscription included here, the name of the Mayor, all members of the Wodonga Council, City Engineer, Architect and Builder are listed on the plaque.This item illustrates an important development in the provision of pre-school and child care services in Wodonga.A bronze rectangular plaque with detailed inscription, designed to be attached to the wall of a building. There is a hole in each corner for bolts to be inserted. The text is raised above the surface of the plaque. It features the symbol of the shield of the Rural City of Wodonga in the top left corner.fiction"RURAL CITY OF WODONGA WODONGA OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE CENTRE AND SOUTH STREET PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. DAVIS MCCAUGHEY, A.C., GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA ON 9TH DAY OF MAY 1989child care facilities wodonga, children's services wodonga, pre-schools wodonga

Post primary education in Wodonga began in 1923 when the existing primary school, which opened in 1857, became the Wodonga Central School. It extended students for a further 2 years of secondary schooling. In 1938 the school was declared a higher elementary school with 90 students in the secondary classes. Following rapid growth after the Second World War, the High School was established as a separate school in 1954 with 249 students and the primary students were relocated to premises in Ariel Street. However it rapidly became evident that a new school building needed to be established to cater for growing enrolments and specialist facilities. After persistent pressure from the Advisory Council, Stage 1 of the new school was built and occupied by Form 1 and 2 students in 1960. The final stages were completed during term 3, 1962. The official opening of the new Wodonga High School was declared by The Hon. J. S. Bloomfield M.L.A., Minister for Education, on Friday 30th April 1965.This blazer is significant because it documents an import stage in the development of education in Wodonga.A maroon woollen school blazer trimmed in gold with an insignia on the pocket.On pocket WODONGA HIGH SCHOOL / LABORA UT SERVIAS" On tag at back - PURE WOOL / School Master by Kingswear GOLD LABEL MADE FROM The FAMOUS Doctor FLANNEL All Pure Wool Size 14wodonga high school, secondary education wodonga

Post primary education in Wodonga began in 1923 when the existing primary school, which opened in 1857, became the Wodonga Central School. It extended students for a further 2 years of secondary schooling. In 1938 the school was declared a higher elementary school with 90 students in the secondary classes. Following rapid growth after the Second World War, the High School was established as a separate school in 1954 with 249 students and the primary students were relocated to premises in Ariel Street. However it rapidly became evident that a new school building needed to be established to cater for growing enrolments and specialist facilities. After persistent pressure from the Advisory Council, Stage 1 of the new school was built and occupied by Form 1 and 2 students in 1960. The final stages were completed during term 3, 1962. The official opening of the new Wodonga High School was declared by The Hon. J. S. Bloomfield M.L.A., Minister for Education, on Friday 30th April 1965. This sport tunic was worn by female students in the 1960s.This uniform is significant because it documents the evolution of accepted styles of girls' uniform at Wodonga High School.Wodonga High School Girls' Sports tunic. Waisted with v neck bodice and pleated skirt. A stripe in maroon and gold stripe of 6 centimetres width placed 16 centimetres above the hemline. It was worn with a coloured dressing gown cord depending on which Sports House the student represented.wodonga high school, secondary education wodonga

A small booklet of 24 pages including images, text and lists of student names attending Wodonga Primary School in 2007.Wodonga township’s first school was conducted in a small rented wooden cottage from September 1857. It was called the Belvoir National School. The building of a new schoolhouse, No. 378, began in October the same year near the corner of High and South Streets. In 1872 it changed to No. 37 Wodonga. The name was changed to Wodonga State School in 1875. This name remained until which remained until 1938 when it became a Higher Elementary School. In 1951 the Victorian Education Department purchased 12 acres of land in Ariel Street for the purpose of re-siting the State School. At this stage there were 600 pupils attending the school of which 170 were in the secondary section. Initially the Infant department moved into pre-fabricated classroom on the new site and by 1954 the whole primary school had been transferred. This booklet was created for the celebration of the school's 150th anniversary in 2007.wodonga primary school. primary school no 37, education wodonga

Kelsie WattsKelsie Watts St Stephen's Sunday School Wodonga UC

This is a collection ranging in dates from 1917 to the 1980s. It reflects a range of local and national organisations supported by people in the community. These include local schools such as the Wodonga Central School and Wodonga High School and local sporting clubs including the Wodonga Football Club and the Wodonga Bowling Club. National organisations like Red Cross, the Returned Soldiers' League, Legacy and the CWA are also represented.This collection commemorates a range of local and national organisations supported by community members throughout the 20th century.A collection of 50 different badges to commemorate a range of organisations and events. Included are several ANZAC Day and Legacy badges. Also in the collection are badges for Girl Guides, several sports clubs, Red Cross, Red Triangle Day 1917, the CFA and some church groups.commemorative badges, memorabilia, service organisations

In 1892 four Sisters of Mercy from Albury were invited to establish a foundation at Wodonga. On the 6th February 1892, Mother M. Aloysius Tierney (1864-1948), Sr. M. Gabriel Comins (1868-1945), Sr. M. Celestine Coyle (1871-1857) and a postulant Miss Mary Jane Conlan (1874-1939) (Sr. Mary Joseph) travelled by horse drawn cab from the Albury convent to a rented house in Hume Street. The parishioners of Wodonga were anxious for the nuns to have their own residence, and on the 19th March 1893, the foundation stone for St. Joseph’s Convent was laid. The Convent was officially opened on Sunday 13 August 1893. From these early beginnings the Sisters of Mercy guided the development of many Wodonga children through more than one hundred years at St. Augustine's school in Wodonga. The St. Joseph's convent was incorporated into changes in St Augustine's school in 2001. These items are important because they depict the Sisters of Mercy who were for many years responsible for the implementation of Catholic education in Wodonga, Victoria.Three black and white photographs of Sisters of Mercy who served at St Joseph's Convent in Wodonga and taught at St Augustine's School in Wodonga.Names under each photo sisters of mercy wodonga, catholic education wodonga

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This digital image was produced from one of the glass negatives that form part of the collection, probably taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. This item is unique and has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.Digital image created from the Haeusler Glass negative collection. A group of students and their teacher standing outside Wodonga West Primary School No. 1058. C.1910. The school was located near the current intersection of McKoy Street and the Hume Freeway in West Wodonga on land donated by J.W. Klinge, replacing an older school north of the railway line. It operated from January 1870 to May 1950 when the nine remaining students transferred to Wodonga Primary School.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, wodonga west school

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This digital image was produced from one of the glass negatives that form part of the collection, probably taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. This item is unique and has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.Digital image created from the Haeusler Glass negative collection. A group of students with their teacher standing outside their school building at Wodonga West, Victoria No. 1058. The school was located near the current intersection of McKoy Street and the Hume Freeway in West Wodonga on land donated by J.W. Klinge, replacing an older school north of the railway line. It operated from January 1870 to May 1950 when the nine remaining students transferred to Wodonga Primary School.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, wodonga west primary school

Alex Reid was born in 1891 and began work on the Victorian Railways in 1907. He enlisted with the A.I.F in 1915. He served in Egypt and the Suez Canal but was discharged on medical grounds having contracted typhoid and dysentery. In 1917 he re-enlisted in the Anzac Light Horse. On his return to England, he survived the torpedoing of HMAT Ballarat and then served in France. On discharge from the army, Alex returned to the Victorian Railways and transferred to Wodonga. He was employed driving the “Spirit of Progress” and remained as “Driver in Charge” until his retirement in 1956. Alex was awarded the MBE in 1951 and the OBE in 1963 for his tireless efforts on behalf of Returned Servicemen and their families. He continued to work as a welfare officer for the RSL. As well as continued service to the RSL, Alex served as a member of the Wodonga High School advisory committee for 35 years and sat on the bench in the Wodonga Court for 15 years in his capacity as Justice of the Peace. Alexander Frederick Reid O.B.E died in Wodonga on 7 January 1979.This image represents a farewell work function for an outstanding member of the Wodonga community.A large black and white framed photo of a group of men attending a send off function in Wodonga in 1956.Alex Reid send off 1955 Back Row L to R Stan Warnock, F. Fulford, W. McEachern, S. Egan, P. Doolan, K. Moore, A. Smyth, M. Seymour, W. McAnanly, M. Flanagan, L. Gregson, L. Snow, H. Fraser, R. Cooper, W. Squires Second Back Row L to R K. Williams, W. Toomey, K. Coleman, F. Thistleton, K. Ziebell, P. Gough (S.M), C. Hughes, F. Dempsey, C. Craig, W. Baldock, J. Robinson, W. Odgers, C. Whitehead, G. Taylor, J. Muir, P. McDonald, W. Riley, A. Thompson, K. Robinson, B. Strachan, W. Walsh, T. Willoughby Seated second Row L to R J. Schmidt, A. Wagner, J. O’Donnell, J. Dawe, F. Leitch, J. Anderson, T. Brown, A. Elvish, F. Boadle, A. Reid, J. Draper (Police). N. Davey, F. Caine (P), A. Padgett, L. Burroughs (P), B. Saul, F. Weatherall, H. Binder, D. Sutton, T. Cosgriff, C. Clancy, ? , M. Nowadice, J. Karugan Front Row Seated L to R D. Shannon, S. Cuper, L. Cheesley. C. Williams, L. Madgeric, V. Snow. ?, A. Beach, L. Cross, C. McNamara, ? , Don Shepard.alexander frederick reid, eminent wodonga residents, ww1 veterans wodonga, hmat ballarat

The Bank of Victoria was established in Wodonga during 1873. This two storey bank was constructed on the site in 1876. It later became the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. In 1876 the Albury Banner and Wodonga Express reported that Mr. Nation had gained the contract for the erection of a new building for the Bank of Victoria, at Wodonga. The site secured for the bank was at the corner of South and Sydney streets, and immediately opposite the new Post and Telegraph Offices. The original bank was demolished in the 1950s and a new bank was built on the site. The new building was constructed with innovative foundations designed to prevent damage from vibrations caused by heavy transport vehicles along High Street which was then part of the Hume Highway. A contemporary newspaper article provides detail of the new bank. The well-lit building with open banking offices was designed by Melbourne architects, Turner and Stephenson, and combined a bright and attractive appearance with a stream-lined working layout. Alderson Swythyn Blackett-Smith, the manager of bank at time of move to new premises stated that the growth of the district and the bank’s business had made the old premises unsatisfactory due to insufficient space. The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBC) merged with the National Bank of Australasia in 1982 to form the National Australia Bank and the second bank was closed. The building has since operated as several retail (including video hire and framing shop), commercial and community functions. It is currently (2025) used by the Wodonga Indie School.These images are significant because they document the development of an important financial institution established in Wodonga in the late 19th century.A series of images showing the evolution of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney building in Wodonga from its construction in 1876 to the development of the site in 2025.commercial banking company of sydney, banking wodonga, wodonga financial institutions

John Alfred Lyell "Alf" Haeusler was born on 3rd February 1922, and was the only child of Louis and Ilma Haeusler. He lost his mother Ilma at the age of six and was raised by his father and his Aunt Nellie. He was a quiet lad with a limp, possibly caused by an illness early in life, later diagnosed as polymyositis. As a young boy, Alf was fascinated by electricity and radios. Like his father Louis, Alf had the ability to engineer and fabricate almost anything using humble materials, from mending the broken handle of a teapot, to making a toy xylophone, a homemade crystal radio set or a homemade drill. Alf attended Wodonga West School No.1058 until the eighth grade. Due to his medical condition, in order to avoid the two-mile walk to school, Alf travelled by pony, which was hired from another student, Tom Ardern for sixpence a week. The two boys remained lifelong friends. Tom Ardern died in Wodonga, Victoria on 10th January 1996 and Alf Haeusler died on 5th October 1997. The Haeusler Collection consisting of manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family and a set of glass negatives was bequeathed to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. It offers a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community in the early 20th century.This photo is significant because it depicts an important aspect of the early life of Alf Haeusler of Wodonga.Framed black and white image of two boys on horseback on their way to school.haeusler family of wodonga, thomas ardern, alf haeusler

1951 was a year of celebration in Victoria. 9th May 1951 marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Australian Federal Parliament in 1901, which at that time met in Melbourne, Victoria. 13th November marked the Centenary of the opening of the first Victorian Parliament. Cities and towns held activities and celebrations to recognise the occasion. A "Back to Wodonga" was held from Friday 9th to Saturday 7th November 1951. Friday: Children’s Sport and Children’s Concert. Saturday: Welcome to Visitors, Official Luncheon, Gymkhana, Official Opening and Barbecue. Sunday: Church services, various denominations. Monday: Ladies’ Day (Bowls, Tennis, Croquet etc.) Afternoon Garden Parties, Boxing Tournament. Tuesday: Procession, Basket Lunch, Apex Sports Carnival, 50-50 Dance. Wednesday: Tour of district and visit to factories. Re-unions of various organisations. Thursday: All-day Street Fair and Carnival. Friday: Back to School (Higher Elementary School), Wodonga Hospital Ball. Saturday: Bonegilla Race Club meeting, Competition Sports, (Cricket, Bowls, Tennis, etc.) Farewell Parties by various organisations.This Badge is significant because it is a memento of an important community celebration in Wodonga.A small enamel badge featuring both the blue and red Australian ensigns in the centre on a white background surrounded by blue text.Around the edge; BACK TO WODONGA CELEBRATIONS 1951back to wodonga 1951, opening victorian parliament, australian federal parliament opening

Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Regiment. He embarked for overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15 April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22 April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, De Kerilleau in Wodonga. De Kerilleau was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as mayor. Ian was past President of the RSL branch at Wodonga, Captain of the Wodonga Rural Fire Brigade, and President of the West Wodonga Primary School Committee. He also served on Wodonga Council from 1974 until his death on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it acknowledges the War Service of a prominent member of the Wodonga communityA colour printed certificate presented to Ian Darnton Watson in appreciation for his service for "King and Empire" during World War II. The text is surrounded by columns and an arch. The Australian and British flags are at the top as well as representations of the Navy, Army and Air Force. It also features the logo of the Shire of Wodonga above the text. The badge of the Commonwealth Armed Forces is at the centre bottom of the certificate. This small collection also includes black and white photographs of Ian Watson from his Service Records and another photo in uniformOn Certificate: PRESENTED TO Ian Darnton Watson BY THE PRESIDENT, COUNCILLORS AND CITIZENS OF THE SHIRE OF WODONGA as a record and an appreciation of Your Services to King and Country during the Great War which commenced 3rd September, 1939. Given under the Common Seal of the Shire of Wodonga by the President, Citizens this Councillors and Citizens this 26th day of February 1947watson family wodonga, ian darnton watson, de kerilleau

Pam Stone was the first woman elected to the Wodonga City Council and first woman elected Deputy Mayor and later Mayor of the Rural City of Wodonga. She was born in Swan Hill on 22nd January 1929. Her early years were spent in Mildura, Melbourne and Swan Hill but she lived most of her adult life in Albury Wodonga. Pam attended school in Melbourne and was also a member of the Catholic Club where she met her future husband, Les Stone. They married on 18th April 1949 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne. On graduating from Melbourne Teachers College, Les was posted to several small country schools before being transferred to Wodonga in 1956. After a period teaching in Gippsland, the Stone Family returned to Wodonga. Les taught at several schools in the district before being promoted to Principal of Wodonga West Primary. Following involvement in many community organisations Les was elected as Councillor for the West Ward, Wodonga in 1967. He was re-elected unopposed in 1970 and 1971, becoming Mayor in 1973. He passed away in office in December 1974 Les Stone’s service was only possible with the support of Pam who also took a major role in public life and serving the Wodonga community. Four years after his death, Pam stood for and won the Council Ward of Wodonga West Riding, previously held by Les. Pam held the West Riding unopposed for her 15 years on Council from February 1977 to August 1992. This included a term as Deputy Mayor from August 1979 to August 1980. In August 1985 Pam was elected as Wodonga’s 6th Mayor and served in that role until August 1986. In 1978 Pam was made a Justice of the Peace and regularly sat in the Court of Petty Sessions Magistrates Court Wodonga. Pam’s commitment to education from preschool to post-secondary education was also a lifelong passion. Her strong advocacy made a defining difference to education available in Albury Wodonga from pre-school to tertiary education. On 27th October 1994, she was named by Wodonga Technical and Further Education College as a Friend of the College. Pam was conferred with the Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day 26th January 1994. Her citation read: “For service to local government and the community”. In 2010 Wodonga City Council dedicated parkland to mark her contribution. The signage reads: ‘Pam Stone OAM Wodonga’s first female Councillor (1977) and Mayor (1985), is recognised among the most important centenary pioneers of Wodonga. Pam was married to Les Stone, also a Mayor of Wodonga. Pam gave compassionate and effective support to the underprivileged people of Wodonga. She had a profound input in establishing Post-school education in Wodonga and Albury’. Pam Stone passed away in Albury on 6th August 2022. These photos are significant because they depict a female pioneer of local government and education in Wodonga.A set of black and white and colour images of Pamela Mary Stone.pamela stone, wodonga councillors, wodonga local government, wodonga mayors

Elaine Margaret Milnes of Tallangatta married David Ernest Mann of Wodonga on 30 March 1957. At the time of their first meeting, Elaine was living in Tallangatta where her father had moved as a bank manager. She was a member of the Drama Club. She and David met at the Rutherglen Town Hall whilst attending an Arts Festival. David was attending as a member of the Wodonga Music Club. David Mann was the son of Ernest and Evelyn Mann of Wodonga who had operated the family business since 1921. David joined the business in 1945 and became the Managing Director of Mann Wodonga from 1965. Under his management and leadership, it expanded to become one of Australia’s largest regional shopping centres, with a Supermarket, Hardware Store, Steel Store, Plumbing and Industrial supplies store, at one stage employing over 100 people. He continued to head the business until it was sold in 2006. He was a leader in many other fields in the Wodonga community, from leading the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce to Scouting, Apex and Rotary and was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. He chaired the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce on several occasions. David was a man of vision who was involved in many charitable and community organisations. These included membership of the hospital board and President of the Wodonga High School Council. was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. Elaine also played an active role in the business. She developed and managed a quality giftware department from 1969 to 1987. Some of her local involvements included the School Mothers’ Club and Kindergarten, Girl Guides, the Quota and Penguin Clubs and Meals on Wheels. David also advocated passionately for the development of a university and TAFE to be established in Wodonga. In 1993 he inaugurated the Jonathan Mann lectures series at La Trobe University in honour of his grand­father. The university honoured Mr Mann in two significant ways, giving him an honorary degree of Doctorate of Law in 1998 and in 2002 named its new library the David Mann Library. David Mann died in Albury in June 2012. Elaine now (2024) lives in Melbourne. “The little I have done for Wodonga and district is only in return for what Wodonga and district has done for me.” David MannThis dress was worn by Elaine Milnes at her marriage to David Mann who became a prominent businessman and contributor to many aspects of the Wodonga community.A wedding dress dating from 30 March 1957. The dress consists of a fitted bodice with tulle frills around the body. The bodice has a square neckline decorated with tiny seeded pearls and blue stones. The long sleeves are made of sheer tulle with lace and a frill at the wrist. The skirt is made of two layers of white tulle with five lace and tulle frills around the body. Under the tulle is a pale blue satin slip with two more layers of white tulle underneath it. It was worn with a fingertip length veil held in place by a lace coronet. The bridal bouquet consisted of red and white roses. The bride also wore a single string of pearls. The dress was made by Olive Ferris Wedding Dresses of Sydney.mann wodonga, david mann, elaine mann, wodonga businesses

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. This digital image was produced from one of the glass negatives that form part of the collection, probably taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. Thomas Hugh Maher, born 1881, was the youngest of 11 children of Owen Maher and Sarah nee Finn. After migrating from Ireland and marrying in Sydney in 1853, Owen and Sarah eventually made their home at “Fairview”, Bonegilla, Victoria in 1870. Owen later became a member of the first shire council formed in Wodonga. Thomas attended school at Bonegilla, then as a boarder at St. Joseph’s College in Sydney for his final two years. He returned to work on the farm until his father settled him on a small farm at Ebden. He married Jane Rowley from Bethanga. For some years Thomas and Jane conducted the general store and post office at Ebden which was next to their home ‘Marara”. When Jane died in 1916, Thomas leased “Marara” and moved to Melbourne. After marrying a second time, Thomas returned to Wodonga where he set up a real estate business. In about 1924, Thomas received compensation for his Ebden property when it was resumed for the development of the Hume Weir. He returned to Melbourne where he saw out the rest of his days until his death in 1952 aged 71 years old.This item is unique and has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.Digital image created from the Haeusler Glass negative collection. Thomas Maher and his wife Jane operated a general store at Ebden in Victoria.haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, thomas maher ebden, ebden general store

Until 1892 the first Catholic School in Wodonga, a simple wooden skillion which was erected behind the sanctuary of St. Francis’ Chapel, was overseen by Dean William Tierney of Beechworth, Father Michael O’Connor P.P. of Chiltern and his successor Father Charles Van Der Hayden. The lay teachers, Miss Fagan and Miss O’Leary. In 1892 four Sisters of Mercy from Albury were invited to make a foundation at Wodonga. On the 6th February 1892, Mother M. Aloysius Tierney (1864-1948), Sr. M. Gabriel Comins (1868-1945), Sr. M. Celestine Coyle (1871-1857) and a postulant Miss Mary Jane Conlan (1874-1939) (Sr. Mary Joseph) travelled by horse drawn cab from the Albury convent to a rented house in Hume Street. The parishioners of Wodonga were anxious for the nuns to have their own residence, and on the 19th March 1893, the foundation stone for St. Joseph’s Convent was laid and consecrated by Bishop Stephen Reville on behalf of Bishop Crane of Sandhurst. The convent was designed by architects Gordon and Gordon and built by Fraser and Wilson of Melbourne at a cost of £1000. Construction was expected to take three months. The Wodonga and Towong Sentinel of Friday 24 March 1893 included the following description of the Convent. “In the front is a handsome verandah, with an oratory on the right and a community room on the left. Entering the door, the reception and music rooms are met with on opposite sides, and there are five cells in succession at the back of the reception room, whilst on the other side of the passage the reverend mother's cell, the refectory, pantry, and kitchen are found. At the extreme rear of the building there is a linen room, a bathroom, and a servant's room, There is also a verandah on either side of the convent. The height of the walls is to be 12 feet and 13 feet”. The Convent was officially opened on Sunday 13 August 1893 St Joseph’s Convent became part of St Augustine’s school in 2001.These images are significant because they capture the history of an important religious building in Wodonga, Victoria.Three black and white photographs of St Joseph's Convent in Wodonga in the early 1900s.sisters of mercy wodonga, st joseph's convent wodonga, st augustine's church wodonga

Les Stone was the last Shire President of Wodonga and first Mayor of the Rural City of Wodonga. Born in Collingwood, Victoria on 24th August 1919, he was the first of his family to obtain a post-secondary education. He became a Christian Brother but left the ministry after 10 years and became a trained primary school teacher. Les held various teaching appointments in and around country Victoria and Wodonga, the last as Principal of Wodonga West Primary School. It was in Wodonga that Les and his wife Pam settled with their family. Their contribution to the Wodonga community and local government was outstanding. Les established a strong network in the local migrant community, helping many new arrivals at Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre with language issues and settling them into their new environment. He worked in support of all underprivileged people in the community. In 1967 Les was elected as a Councillor for the West Riding of Wodonga Council. The following year he was elected Deputy Shire President. He was the last Shire President of Wodonga and in 1971 became the inaugural Mayor of the Rural City of Wodonga. The City of Wodonga was proclaimed on 14th March 1973 and Les was re-elected as Mayor. He chose to serve one full term as Mayor having previously served two terms as Shire President. Les Stone passed away at the Mercy Hospital Albury on 28th December 1974 at 54 years of age. He left behind an enduring legacy which included the proactive encouragement of industry to Wodonga. He also championed the selection of Wodonga as a Growth Centre. A champion and defender of local government, Les served as Chairman of the North East Region of Municipalities which comprised 13 Councils including Wodonga and Wangaratta. He also played a critical role on the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation for five years in the early period of the Whitlam decentralization scheme. Les Stone’s life of giving wasn’t just about local government and teaching. He was an old-fashioned community activist who gave far more than he took from the community. Les worked tirelessly for numerous organizations including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital (he was made a Life Governor of both), the Wodonga Good Neighbour Council, and Knights of the Southern Cross, Rotary, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Augustine’s Parish Council. However it is in local government that he remains best remembered. He was an active and vocal councillor and gave over 16 years of service to the people of Wodonga - his election and re-election was never once opposed. Les Stone was interned in the Lawn Cemetery in Wodonga. He was aged 54 years. The naming and dedication of the Les Stone Park in West Wodonga is an important acknowledgement of Les Stone’s life. The inscription reads: '’Leslie Edwin Stone JP was the first Mayor of Wodonga from 1972 to 1974 and a former Shire President (1972). A school teacher and principal by profession Les had a long history of involvement with the migrant community and Catholic Church. He was an acknowledged champion of decentralisation’’. These photos are significant because they document the service of an important civic leader in Wodonga.A collection of coloured images related to Les Stone, Mayor of Wodongales stone, wodonga civic leaders, wodonga council

Vida Cooper's first teaching post was Ringwood East Primary School, Everard Road. Clippings included with Cooper Collection memorabilia donated by Annette Rattray - a distant relative.Newspaper clipping circa 1975 headed Goodbye Miss Cooper and 1942 clipping of cattleyard scene.1. Michelle Smith of grade 6 at Verdale Primary School, Mitcham, presents Miss Cooper with a farewell gift - a copper electric kettle - on behalf of the students. 2. Wednesday, March 11, 1942 - Helping with the branding: Two city girls helping with the branding on Mr. John Roper's property, Mt. Yorke, Tawonga, via Wodonga.