We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
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Have a question? Contact Torquay and District Historical Society
Photograph is of William and Lena Cunningham taking delivery of a parcel at the Bellbrae post office.
William and Lena Cunningham (née Dridan) ran the store and post office at Bellbrae from 1940 to 1973.
Black and white photograph
This pole was used in the construction of the first Torquay Lifesaving Club clubhouse in 1945. it was dug up by club members from the mouth of Spring Creek, where it had been laid as part of defence strategy during WW2. In the 1940s 'Tank Traps' were placed across low lying Victorian Beaches to stop potential invading Japanese forces. This pole was salvaged from the ashes of the fire which destroyed the first TLSC clubhouse in 1970.
This wooden pole was used in the foundations of the first Torquay Surf Life saving Club club house.
Timber pole associated with WW2 and Torquay SLSC, damaged by fire in 1970.
torquay lifesaving club, 'tank traps', world war 11, local war defences
The fishing basket was the property of Felix Rosser an early settler and fisherman in Torquay.
Felix Rosser was a well known early settler in Torquay. This fishing basket and equipment belonged to him.
A wicker fishing basket
fishing equipment, torquay victoria, felix rosser
This small desk was donated by a local resident as an example of the kind of desk she would have used at Torquay Primary School in the 1940s.
This small desk complements the large principals desk on display. it represents the kind of equipment available for primary school children in the 1940s.
wooden infants school desk,
infant school desk, torquay, primary school, schooling, education
This item was from the original Torquay primary School. It is believed to date back to the early 1900s or earlier. It was supplied to the school by the Public Works Department and still bears the PWB brands. The desk was purchased by the late George McCartney, at a public auction of the old school's furniture and effects and donated by the McCartney family to the Torquay and District Historical Society in 2017. Some repairs and restoration work were completed by the Torquay Men's Shed.
Wooden school principal's desk
PWD on outside of front right hand leg.
torquay primary school, public works department, mccartney family, torquay men's shed.
girl, children's wear
torquay, beach, bathing boxes, bather
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
