Historical information
Cr. Mary Grant of Hurstbridge served as the North Riding Councillor for the Shire of Eltham. First elected in 1990 and required to retire by 1995. She was the Shire President at least 1992-1993.
Source: Shire of Eltham 1993 Handbook.
It is believed that this photograph was taken after Cr. Grant's term as President.
EDHS Newsletter No. 216, May 2014, p4
Mayoral Chain of Office
R.C. McLellan and family donated a Chain of Office to the Shire of Eltham to be worn by the Shire President on formal occasions. With the amalgamation of councils in 1994 this was transferred to the Shire of Nillumbik to be used during the mayoral year. Eltham had a Shire President whereas Nillumbik has a Mayor.
Many municipalities have a collar or chain of office for ceremonial purposes. Traditionally these symbolise or denote the formal leadership role of office. This chain is part of the Visual Art Collection held by Nillumbik Shire Council and is now on display in the Council Chamber area in the Civic Centre at Greensborough.
Matcham Skipper and Myra Skipper were commissioned by the McClellan family to create the gold-plated silver chain shown being worn by Eltham Shire President Peter Graham in 1990, with Bob McLellan and Matcham Skipper (centre).
Nillumbik Shire Council has asked that the following credit information is used when the chain is displayed, or images reproduced.
Matcham SKIPPER (1921-2011) and Myra SKIPPER (1920-1996)
Mayoral (Presidential) Chains of Office 1976
Gold plated silver 60cm x 32cm x 1cm (variable)
© The Estate of Matcham and Myra Skipper
Donated by RC McLellan and Family
Visual Art Collection: Nillumbik Shire Council
[Picture: Nillumbik Mayoral Chain of Office]
[Picture: Bob McLellan, Matcham Skipper and Eltham Shire President Peter Graham -1990]
Significance
The Presidential Chain of Office is now a significant part of the Nillumbik Shire Council's art collection.
Physical description
Colour photograph Councillor Mary Grant in Shire President Regalia
