These items came form the estate of Gwenyth "Gwen" Goedecke. They provide a fantastic insight into the functions of the council and the various community issues the council were dealing with at the time. vic.gov.au Gwenyth (Gwen) Goedecke Gwen Goedecke campaigned for women's rights and advancement for more than 50 years. "I certainly think we developed an awareness in women of the importance of local government for the community and the importance of women playing an equal role" - Gwen Goedecke As a child growing up in Seddon during the Great Depression, Gwen Goedecke learned first-hand the extraordinary impact local government could have on people's lives. "In those days in Footscray, 1929, the poverty was shocking," Gwen said. "But in that terrible Depression, Footscray Council built the baths where we all learnt to swim. They beautified those magnificent gardens in Footscray. They created the Yarraville Gardens out of another eyesore that was a swamp and a chemical dump." In Gwen this implanted an admiration for, and confidence in, local government. It also ignited a desire to ensure female representation at all levels of decision-making. Her achievements included membership of the Union of Australian Women from 1955, advocating for equal pay, better childcare and greater representation for women at all levels of government. Gwen was also the second ever female councillor on the Sunshine City Council where she served from 1984 to 1987. "I got so fond of the western suburbs growing up here as a child," Gwen said. "I was proud to be part of a community effort to make the place a bit nicer. There was an incredible stigma about living in Footscray, when you need to be proud of where you live. It gives you strength if you recognise social and environmental needs and start to do something about it. It gives you that purpose in life and it gives people collectively some dignity." Gwen was a founding member of the Sunshine International Women's Committee in 1974 and later became Secretary. Her work in this organisation enhanced and informed local women's participation in public life. She was a member of the Footscray Local Governance Association, a campaign to encourage more women to stand for council. Gwen was also a founding member of the Footscray Centre for Working Women in 1974 where she was instrumental in helping many migrant women working in local factories obtain appropriate advice, information and assistance. Gwen was the 2006 Dame Phyllis Frost Woman of the Year, in recognition of her significant contribution to the status of women. In 2001, she was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to the community.john "jack" augustine tighe, gwenyth "gwen" goedecke, mayor

This book which was printed in 1984 gives not only the geology of the area but also the history of the various areas that Jacksons Creek and the Saltwater River now known as the Maribyrnong River pass through. There are many drawings and photos accompanying the information relating to the various areas and buildings researched in this book. From Sunbury to Williamstown some of the names and places mentioned include John Aitken, George Evans, William J.T. Clarke, Ben Eadie, Rupertswood, Goonawarra Vineyard, Organ Pipes, Glenara, Walter Clark, Keilor, Overnewton, Avondale Heights, Solomons ford, Riverview Tea Gardens, Anglers Hotel, Aberfeldie Park, Humes Pipe Works, Powder Magazine, Maribyrnong, Munitions factories, Footscray Park, Flemington, Footscray, Yarraville, Newport, Williamstown, Commonwealth reserve, the blue stone lighthouse. One copy of this book has the author's signature on the inside first page. A small cream/olive green colour covered printed book of 74 pages. The front cover shows part of a pen and wash drawing of a homestead. It has the name of the book and the author Hugh Anderson printed at the top of the cover and Sunbury to the Sea printed at the bottom. There are many drawings and photos included in the book. The author Hugh Anderson has signed a copy on the inside first page.SALTWATER RIVER/HISTORY TRAILS/HUGH ANDERSON/Sunbury to the Seasaltwater river, maribyrnong river, jacksons creek, anderson hugh, sunbury, keilor, organ pipes national park, solomons ford, riverview tea gardens, humes pipe works, powder magazine, footscray, yarraville, newport, williamstown