Following the success of the Society’s first zoom meeting with presentations on the theme of “I Wish I had Been There” presentations on the theme of “I Was There when …” were made to the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society during the Society’s Annual General Meeting on 25 August 2020.Digital video recording of PMHPS meeting held via Zoom on 25 August 2020. Three members spoke on the theme “I WasThere When …” Liana THOMPSON – I was there when the Council was sacked by the Liberal State Government and the City of Port Melbourne was forcibly amalgamated with the Cities of South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. Suzy MILBURN – I was there when the last photograph of the City of Port Melbourne was taken by John Kirby. It includes citizens and Councillors assembled outside the Town Hall during the wake held for the city. Greg HANSEN – I was there about thirty years ago when Sherrie and I moved into Port Melbourne. Greg reflects on the neighbours who welcomed them and their role now welcoming new neighbours to Port.liana thompson, amalgamation, local government - city of port melbourne, local government - city of port phillip, victorian state government, suzy milburn, john kirby, greg hansen, port melbourne historical & preservation society, ken hall, lorraine hall

The Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation made history on the 28 July 2020 when, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hosted our first meeting via Zoom.Digital video recording of PMHPS meeting held via Zoom on 28 July 2020. Eight members spoke on the theme “I Wish I Had Been There …” Margaret BRIDE wishes she had there when Wilbraham LIARDET had ridden up and down Bay Street proclaiming the separation of Victoria from New South Wales. John MAY wishes he was there in 1937 when Port Melbourne and Williamstown Football Clubs swapped players. Sue LEONG wishes she was there in July, 1901 in front of the building where she now lives but previously was a stables and carrier’s business. David RADCLIFFE wishes he was there in March, 1924 when the HMS Hood and the HMS Repulse arrived in Port Melbourne. Beris CAMPBELL wishes she was there in 1974 at Arch TODD's Mayoral Ball at Port Melbourne Town Hall. Garry SMART wishes he was there for the Sandridge Council meeting held at the newly built court house on 23 August 1860. Helen BARRY wishes she was there at the Graham Street railway gates where her grandfather proposed to her grandmother. Lex JOHNSON wishes he was there on the last Saturday in August, 1946 when Port Melbourne took on Coburg at North Port Oval.margaret bride, wilbraham frederick evelyn liardet, wfe liardet, separation, john may, port melbourne football club, williamstown football club, sue leong, knight's transport, david radcliffe, hms hood, hms repulse, beris campbell, archibald (arch) todd, celebations - balls, gary smart, local government - municipal district of sandridge, court house, helen barry, lex johnston, coburg football club