Issued to encourage Victorians to learn about Port Phillip and its recreational potential Local contextLarge colour Poster with drawings of Port Phillip leisure activities Department of Youth, Sport and Recreationport phillip, bay play, youth sport and recreation

119 pages text and black and white line drawings and tables. One colour fold out map. White plastic binding. non-fictionshire of diamond valley, leisure activities, sport

Brian James Dixon (born 20/05/1936) is a former Australian rules footballer and Victorian politician. Dixon played 252 VFL games for Melbourne between 1954 and 1968, playing mostly on the wing. He had a stellar football career, playing in five premierships, winning Melbourne's best and fairest in 1960, while in 1961 he was selected in the All-Australian team and he also won the Tassie Medal for his performances at the 1961 Brisbane Carnival. In 2000 he was named in Melbourne's Team of the Century. Despite still playing football for Melbourne, he entered parliament in 1964, as the member for the now abolished seat of St Kilda, representing the Liberal Party. Being from the moderate wing of the party he clashed with then Premier Henry Bolte, especially over the hanging of Ronald Ryan which Dixon strongly opposed.[1] After Rupert Hamer took over as Liberal Party leader and Premier, Dixon was promoted to the ministry. He variously served in several portfolios including youth, sport and recreation, housing and Aboriginal affairs. His most remembered achievement was introducing the iconic Life. Be in it. program.[2] In 1979 Dixon won St Kilda by an extremely narrow margin, which crucially gave the Hamer Liberal government a majority of one seat in the Legislative Assembly and meant that the Liberal Party did not need to form a Coalition with the National Party with whom relations were traditionally poor in Victoria. However, in 1982 Dixon was defeated as the Liberals lost government after 27 years in office. After his defeat, Dixon has worked predominantly in sports administration and he currently runs public speaking seminars. Brian currently travels the world representing TAFISA and ASFAA. He is also president of AFL South Africa and takes a keen interest in other countries playing Australian rules football.[3]B & W photograph of Brian Dixon in profile.dixon, brian, football, victorian parliament

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1977. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. When she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975, she was seen as an outside chance. Undeterred, she rallied a small group of friends and supporters and set out on an extensive door-knocking campaign that won voters to her side and successfully unseated former mayor Keith Devenport. She went on to serve two terms on council from 1975 to 1981. Di initiated many local projects, including the creation of a bike path along Nepean Highway and the first Brighton Festival, while balancing family life and a demanding ‘day job’ as personal assistant to Victorian Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation Brian Dixon. She was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a champion for women’s representation, encouraging both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). She advocated forcefully for an open, transparent local government in which ratepayers had the chance to participate and be heard. In 1976 Di became the first woman to hold the title of Mayor of Brighton, and she made it clear from the outset that she was going to do it her way. For the annual mayoral ball in 1977, ordinarily a staid traditional function, she chose a discotheque theme based on the Rod Stewart album Night on the Town, with a broad dress code of ‘black tie or jeans’: ‘You’ve got to get with the times,’ she said. ‘We want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.’ Di herself chose to attend in this knee-length chamois dress embellished with strings, ribbons, beads and feathers. It was both a fashion statement, exemplifying her colourful, flamboyant and forthright style, and a political one: a declaration of her intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions. In 2020 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government and to the community of Brighton.This dress has local historical significance for its association with Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, who wore it to a Mayoral Ball in 1976. The dress exemplifies her flamboyant reputation, modern outlook and willingness to break norms. At the time, the dress was a radical choice for a Mayoral Ball, where women typically wore formal evening gowns. With her choice of dress, Cr Lopez was making a public statement, breaking away from dated traditions and announcing her intention to bring the Mayor's office into the 1970s. In this way, the dress also points to the wider social and political changes taking place both in Brighton and across Australia during the mid-1970s.Three quarter length chamois dress circa 1974. Machine stitched with a v-neck and full length sleeves and an uneven raw hem, the dress is decorated with narrow thongs of chamois embellished with red beads and blue feathers. The open-fronted bodice is laced with red ribbon and the skirt is decorated with a large blue wool cross stitch and a combination of blue wool and purple ribbon cross stitch. Made in the style of an Indian 'Wild West Dress'.di lopez, chamois, brighton, brighton council, brighton technical school, mayoral ball, 1970s, feminism

This file contains four items. 1/Photocopied pamphlet on the establishment of the Bambra Road Church of Christ, Caulfield South, including information on its early members and the pioneers of the nineteenth century church meetings. The pamphlet was produced for the fiftieth anniversary of the church in May 1970 and includes copies of photographs and drawings of the early church. 2/A postcard photograph by W. Sanderson, taken c. 1921, of the building of the church of Christ, Bambra Road, built in one day. Included with the photo is a letter for the donation dated 02/05/1998. 3/Information on Bambra Road Church of Christ, undated and unattributed, providing details about the pipe organ, Joint Choir and the Adult Group which continued at St. Stephen’s after the Union of the Churches. 4/Two photographs, dated 20/11/2009, of the front of the former Bambra Road Church of Christ and of the foundation stone. The Church is now used by the Beit Hamasiach Messianic Congregation.caulfield south, churches, ennis reg., glenhuntly, sunday schools, earl h.s., bambra road, princes park, cheek stephen, churches of christ, st. stephen’s church, killey f., bambra road church of christ, mcdiarmid a. b, mortimer w., clubs and associations, robbins h. b., religious ceremonies, williams e. l., haddon a l, religious groups, everett maisie, youth clubs, everett doris, lynch maisie, collings a. b., eaton c. burdell, mccann taylor, collings c., davey a., neeson mrs, brooker mr., venty mrs., buckingham mrs, brooker mrs., deveraux mrs, carnie mrs, meehan k., sanderson w., sanderson vera, architects, construction (events and activities), sunday school union of the churches of christ victoria, bible school committee of the churches of christ, beit hamasiach messianic congregation, sport and recreation

A Bendigo advertiser article titled 'Children's Colourful Display given at The National Fitness Youth Rally'. The Bendigo Branch of the Victorian National Fitness Council held its second annual youth rally. The article includes two photos (1) Young women from the Bendigo Teachers' College marching before the rally at the Upper Reserve. They are marching in front of a shop called 'Wanda - Inn Milk Bar'. To the right behind them is a business titled 'R. White'. (11) The second photo is of a vaulting display given by the Mackenzie Street Methodist Senior Group at the rally. The Principal of Bendigo Teachers' College Mr. G.R. Mills was an official visitor at the proceedings. Dated 14-10-46.bendigo, sporting clubs, youth rally, la trobe university bendigo collection, collection, bendigo teachers' college, bendigo teachers' college students, mr. g.r. mills, bendigo teachers' college staff, tertiary education, education, bendigo, national fitness youth rally, victorian national fitness council, sport, sports, athletics, marching, recreation, ' wanda-inn ' milk bar, r. white, physical culture, folk dancing, youth rally, clubs, sporting clubs, photo, photograph

Jack Gervasoni was a newsagent at 93 Willsmere Rd Kew for 17 years and a City of kew councillor for 9 years. The naming of the pavilion honoured his work within the community, particlularly with youth and recreation. Colour photographs of the Gervasoni Pavilion, North Kew. .1) John Hogan (Jack) Gervasoni and his father, Gus Gervasoni, in front of the Jack Gervasoni Pavilion .2) Cr Allan Hitchinson, Premier Rupert Hamer, Jack Gervasoni and Kew Town Clerk Les Fell beside as sign at the newly opened Jack Gervasoni Pavilion.kew, sport, facility, ground, dick hamer, jack gervasoni, gus gervasoni, pavilion, alan hutchinson, les fell, willsmere park, jack gervasoni pavilion

Jack Gervasoni was a newsagent at 93 Willsmere Rd Kew for 17 years and a City of Kew councillor for 9 years. The naming of the pavilion honoured his work within the community, particularly with youth and recreation. Colour photographs of the Jack Gervasoni Pavilion, Kew. This photograph was taken before the 2024/2025 renovations. kew, sport, facility, ground, dick hamer, jack gervasoni, gus gervasoni, pavilion, alan hutchinson, les fell, willsmere park, jack gervasoni pavilion

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele used these articles as part of her research: The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. played a significant role in shaping opportunities for young women during the early twentieth century. It combined religious values with practical education, recreation, accommodation, employment assistance, and community service. By addressing women's social, educational, physical, and spiritual needs, the Association became an important institution within Bendigo, helping thousands of women develop confidence, independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Its work also contributed to broader social reform by improving women's access to education, employment, health, and civic participation. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - The YWCA in Bendigo, Newspaper Articles and a publication (Author Unknown) This item includes the following documents: 8672.31a Newspaper (Unknown) Article coloured photo of Kylie Emonson who had been researching the YWCA and memorabillia, story by Nicole Strahn and photo by Brendan McCarthy. 8672.31b Newspaper (Unknown) Article coloured photo of Norma Cook sifting through old clippings and photos, story by Nicole Strahn and photo by Laura Scott. 8672.31c The article 8672.31c "YWCA: A Century of Achievements" celebrates the 100-year history of the Bendigo YWCA and its significant contribution to improving the lives of women and girls. Founded in the early 1900s, the organisation initially focused on helping women achieve financial independence by providing employment assistance, educational classes, and safe accommodation. It also offered practical training in subjects such as shorthand, dressmaking, and millinery, creating opportunities that were uncommon for women at the time. As the organisation developed, its services expanded to meet the changing needs of the community. The Bendigo YWCA established hostels and residences for women, provided affordable meals, and later introduced a wide range of programs supporting young mothers, migrants and refugees, women in business, and survivors of violence. It also promoted women's participation in sport by helping establish hockey and basketball teams and encouraging community involvement through theatre, singing, fitness, and holiday programs. During World War I, the YWCA even encouraged women to save money through weekly savings schemes. Although the YWCA was originally founded on Christian principles, the article explains that it evolved into an inclusive organisation focused on equality and empowerment rather than religion. According to Bendigo YWCA coordinator Kylie Emmerson, the organisation has always been committed to helping women become independent and providing opportunities that were often unavailable to them. Long-time member Norma Cook also reflects on the important role the YWCA has played in advancing women's rights and creating equal opportunities over many decades. The article concludes by describing the Bendigo YWCA's centenary celebrations, including a permanent sculpture and a public exhibition featuring decorated handbags representing each decade of the organisation's history. It also highlights several current programs, such as school holiday activities, community arts projects, self-protection classes, the Baby Dolls program for young mothers, the Bendigo Young Women's Network, the Encore exercise program for breast cancer survivors, and the Week Without Violence campaign. Overall, the article presents the Bendigo YWCA as an organisation that has continually adapted over the past century while remaining dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering women and girls. 8672.31d Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Sat March 22 1986. YWCA's great record of service by Maurie McDonald, black and white photo of one of the girls' basketball teams. 8672.31e Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Sat March 22 1986. YWCA's great record of service by Maurie McDonald. The article traces the history of the Bendigo YWCA, which was established in 1906 following a public meeting inspired by representatives from the Melbourne YWCA. Founded to promote the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of women and girls, the organisation quickly became an important part of the Bendigo community. In its early years, it focused on meeting the practical needs of young women by creating an employment bureau, offering guidance on job applications and interviews, and recognising the need for safe and affordable accommodation for women moving to Bendigo for work. A major milestone came in 1919, when the YWCA purchased the Black Swan Hotel and transformed it into a residence for young women. The building provided accommodation as well as classes in home nursing, millinery, first aid, typing, bookkeeping, French and English. Beyond housing and education, the YWCA also became known for addressing controversial social issues of the time, including women's rights and sex education, by organising lectures and discussions that encouraged public debate. The organisation also played a significant role in promoting sport and recreation. In 1926, it helped establish Bendigo's first basketball association and later introduced softball to the city. During the Great Depression, the Black Swan became a refuge for girls and young women who had little hope of employment, providing companionship and support. Throughout World War II, YWCA members contributed to the war effort by washing and ironing for servicemen, writing letters, and organising dances and social events for Australian and American soldiers stationed in the region. The article highlights the contributions of several influential women who shaped the Bendigo YWCA over the decades. Members such as Vi Morgan, Loris Nankivell, and Mavis Carne expanded the organisation's programs and strengthened its role within the community. Their leadership helped the YWCA move beyond its original focus on accommodation and employment to become a centre for education, recreation, youth development and family support. From the 1960s onwards, the Bendigo YWCA broadened its services by introducing after-school care programs and developing the **Mother-Child Playgrounds Project**, an initiative that later became a model adopted throughout Australia. In 1968, it established the **Young Theatre Group**, providing hundreds of local young people with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and performance skills. These programs reflected the organisation's commitment to responding to changing community needs. By 1983, the YWCA had moved to new premises at **465 Hargreaves Street**, where it continued to offer a wide range of services. At the time the article was written, these included school holiday programs, play schools, porcelain painting, stretch sewing, English and French classes, exercise and yoga, the Young Theatre, friendship groups, women's workshops and drama groups. Overall, the article celebrates the Bendigo YWCA's eighty-year history, highlighting its transformation from a support organisation for working women into a diverse community organisation that made lasting contributions to education, welfare, recreation and social development in Bendigo. 8672.31f Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Nov 04 1985. Family fun Fair in 79th Year, Black and white photo of YWCA Women in the 1920s, by Susan Masters. Front Row: Phyllis Ellery, Leah Wilson, Vi Clifton, Rene Truscott, Hilda Read and Vera Baker. Back Row: Glad Richardson, Elsie Talbot, Dorothy Ackland, Dorothy Hodden and Dorothy McKay. The photo has been scanned from the newspaper article. 8672.31g Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Nov 04 1985. Family fun Fair in 79th Year, by Susan Masters. The article celebrates the 79th anniversary of the Bendigo YWCA, highlighting both its upcoming annual family fun fair and the organisation’s long history of supporting women and the local community. The fair, to be held at Rosalind Park on **Saturday, November 16**, will feature amusements, cake and plant stalls, craft displays, horse and buggy rides, and a surprise visit by VFL footballers. Funds raised will support YWCA programs, with the Bendigo Zonta Club also assisting through a ceramics exhibition. The article explains that the YWCA has been a significant provider of services for women in Bendigo since **1906**, adapting to changing social needs over the decades. Public relations officer Jill Tobias notes that the organisation has always focused on supporting women, and early fundraising included donated pottery from Victorian artists and prizes contributed by prominent figures in the arts. A major focus of the article is the YWCA’s historical role in providing practical support for young women. In 1911, it established a "thrift club" that encouraged women to save small amounts of money each week. It also offered writing rooms, meeting facilities, and an employment bureau for girls. By 1919, the organisation had expanded into larger premises where it hosted educational lectures, including an early series of talks on sex education, reflecting its progressive approach to women's education. The article also highlights the YWCA’s commitment to accommodation and community support. It operated a hostel for young women for many years, beginning with the conversion of the "Black Swan" hotel and later moving to a larger building that continued as a youth centre until 1981. During the 1920s, the YWCA welcomed Swiss girls to Bendigo to work in local knitting mills, providing accommodation and helping them settle into the community. Beyond welfare services, the YWCA played an important role in developing women's sport in Bendigo. A basketball (later netball) association was formed in **1926**, while the YWCA’s hockey association enjoyed many successful seasons and hosted the Women's International Rules Basketball in 1969. The organisation also established a mother-and-child playgroup and a home tutor scheme for migrant women, demonstrating its broad commitment to community development. Looking ahead, the article notes that the YWCA hoped to continue evolving to meet changing community needs. Coordinator Judyth Jones encouraged new members to join the association, emphasising that the future success of its programs would depend on continued public involvement and support. 8672.31h Unknown Author 38 pages of the history of the YWCA in Bendigo. The document is an academic history of the Bendigo Young Women’s Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) between 1906 and 1939, focusing on its establishment, development, activities, and contribution to women and the wider Bendigo community. Establishment of the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. (1906–1919) The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. was established in May 1906 as part of the wider Y.W.C.A. movement in Victoria. Its founders sought to improve the spiritual, social, educational, and physical wellbeing of young women, particularly those moving to Bendigo for work or study. Initially operating from rented rooms, the Association provided Bible studies, educational classes, recreation, and a safe meeting place. As demand grew, it expanded its services and, in 1919, opened a permanent hostel in the former Black Swan Hotel, offering affordable and secure accommodation for women travelling or working in Bendigo. Activities and Programs (1906–1939) The Y.W.C.A. believed in developing the "whole person" and therefore offered a broad range of activities beyond religious instruction. Members participated in educational classes, including bookkeeping, shorthand, languages, sewing, cooking, literature, and correspondence courses. Lectures addressed health, citizenship, family life, and social issues, encouraging women to become informed, confident, and capable members of society. Physical recreation formed another important aspect of the Association's work. Sporting competitions, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, marching, folk dancing, and exercise classes promoted healthy lifestyles and provided opportunities for friendship and leadership. Club activities fostered teamwork, confidence, and community spirit, while family and social clubs helped members develop lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. Welfare and Community Service The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. extended its work well beyond its members. The hostel offered affordable accommodation, meals, and a supportive environment for young women, particularly those working away from home. During the Great Depression, the Association reduced boarding fees for women facing financial hardship, demonstrating its commitment to social welfare. The organisation also operated employment services, helping women find work while providing temporary accommodation. Other initiatives included the Thrift Club, which encouraged savings, and the Travellers' Aid Society, which assisted women and families travelling through Bendigo with accommodation, transport, and emergency support. Holiday accommodation was also provided for women needing rest or recovery. Response to the First World War During the First World War, the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. redirected many of its activities to support the war effort. Members organised fundraising, prepared care packages for soldiers, assisted military camps, and supported women whose family members were serving overseas. Educational meetings and lectures kept members informed about wartime conditions, while international Y.W.C.A. links strengthened members' awareness of global humanitarian work. Following the war, the Association promoted citizenship and leadership among young women through the Girl Citizen movement. These programs aimed to prepare women for greater social responsibility by providing education in health, family life, community service, and public citizenship. International Outlook The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. promoted international friendship and Christian fellowship through correspondence with overseas branches and participation in worldwide Y.W.C.A. programs. Members learned about different cultures, missionary work, and international issues through lectures, discussions, and exchanges with women from other countries. The organisation believed that understanding other cultures and fostering cooperation would contribute to world peace and responsible citizenship. Overall Contribution The study concludes that the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. played a significant role in shaping opportunities for young women during the early twentieth century. It combined religious values with practical education, recreation, accommodation, employment assistance, and community service. By addressing women's social, educational, physical, and spiritual needs, the Association became an important institution within Bendigo, helping thousands of women develop confidence, independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Its work also contributed to broader social reform by improving women's access to education, employment, health, and civic participation.bendigo, michele matthews collection, ywca