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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Have a question? Contact Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Built from stone unused in the construction of the Tower. The Caretaker would tend the gardens and maintain the Tower entrance key. (Contained in an album originally put together by Harry Gilham. Photos subsequently relocated to photosafe archival storage.) [2001]
Colour photograph
Reg Preston was a ceramicist. Contents Flier, 1991, Reg Preston Ceramics, A Retrospective exhibition. Seeking works in private collections. Letter Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, to Eltham Historical Society, 29 July 1992. Enclosed article about Reg Preston for newsletter, hoping to locate work in private collections. Flier, ."Forefathers of Australian Pottery, 1821 to 1910", exhibition held at Bundoora Homestead. Flier, Floor talk on exhibition "Forefathers of Australian Pottery, 1821 to 1910", 23 February 2002, exhibition held at Bundoora Homestead.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
reg preston, australian pottery
Jeff Prentice attended Eltham Primary School 1946-1952. Contents Typed manuscript: "School Days at Eltham Primary" by Jeff Prentice. Letter: Jeff Prentice to Eltham District Historical Society, 1 March 2005. Plans to write a history of Eltham. Newsletter, Eltham District Historical Society, No 173, March 2007. Jeff Prentice's memories of Eltham Primary School days.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
jeff prentice, eltham primary school, john arnaud, alan pitman, chris jarvis, ken docherty, max forster, sydney stevenson, david bell, braidwood arthur street eltham, adlingtons paddock eltham, stan jobbing
John Porter owned land at the junction of the Plenty and Yarra Rivers, leased to Thomas Mundy. Contents Photocopies: Victorian Parliamentary Papers, 1864-1865, Vol, 3, No. 22, "Reports of Collectors of Agricultural Statistics", pp95-96. Handwritten notes: On George Porter, John Alfrey,
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
john porter, plenty river, yarra river, thomas mundy'henry stooks, john brown, diamons creek, aitken's creek, evelyn county, george porter, john alfrey
Meredith Plain is an Eltham sculptor; co-exhibitor Jane Annois is a Warradyte sculptor. Contents Newspaper article: "Turning heads", Diamond Valley Leader, 2 November 2005. Meredith Plain and Jane Annois exhibiting at a Pottery Expo in Federation Square. Newspaper article: "Meredith puts the boot in", Diamond Valley Leader, 27 August 2008. Meredith Plain exhibited in the Association of Sculptors of Victoria exhibition at Montsalvat.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
meredith plain, association of sculptors of victoria, montsalvat, federation square, alistair knox mudbrick studio, eltham college, holmesglen tafe chadstone, jane annois
Chris and Mary-Lou Pittard, and their daughter Jessie, are ceramicists. Contents Newspaper article: "Students put up mural", Diamond Valley Leader, 15 August 2007. Mary-Lou Pittard, artist in residence at Ivanhoe Grammar School, with the students, created a tile mural. Newspaper article: "Sculptor takes prize", Diamond Valley Leader, 7 July 2010. Chris Pittard wins annual Nillumbik arts prize. Newspaper article: "Thanks for the memories", Warrandyte Diary, February 2022. Mary-Lou Pittard worked with Warrandyte senior citizens on ceramic mural. Flier: Chris and Mary-Lou Pittard Studio Gallery [no date] Newspaper article: "Artistic talent on show", Diamond Valley Leader, 7 March 2018. Jessie Pittard took part in Nillumbik Artists Open Studios program.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
mary-lou pittard, chris pittard, ivanhoe grammar school, round square, montsalvat, nillumbik arts prize, jessie pittard, ceramicists, warrandyte, anderson's creek now warrandyte, warrandyte uniting church peace wall, warrandyte community hall, nillumbik artists open studios
Anne Phipps grew up and went to school in St Andrews. Contents Newspaper article: "St Andrews as it used to be", Diamond Valley News, 8 November 1983. Anne Phipps remembering St Andrews from 1937 onwards.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
anne phipps, st andrews victoria, children's games, arbor day, gold at st andrews
Wayne Phillips was Liberal MLA for Eltham. Contents Newspaper article: "Liberal MLA for Eltham", Diamond Valley-Whittlesea Advertiser, 12 Jan 1996. Wayne Phillips, Liberal MLA for Eltham, announced grants for local schools.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
Artist Robert Phillips of Lower Plenty organised a performing arts festival to aid tsunami relief. Contents Newspaper article: "Humanitarian joins fundraising effort", Diamond Valley Leader, 12 January 2005. Robert Phillips is organising a performing arts festival to aid tsunami relief.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
robert phillips, heidelberg school of heritage artists, 2005 boxing day tsunami
Dr Phillips had land on Aitken's Creek, near Arthur's Creek by the Greensborough Road where gold had been found in 1864. Contents Photocopies: Victorian Parliamentary Papers, 1864-1865, Vol, 3, No. 22, "Reports of Collectors of Agricultural Statistics", pp95-96.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
dr phillips, greensborough road, kangaroo ground, tarrawarra, arthur's creek, county of evelyn, warrandyte
Bruce Petty was a newspaper cartoonist as well as making other graphic artworks. Contents Newspaper article: "Renowned 'scribbler' Bruce Petty dies at 93", The Age, 7 April 2023. Obituary of Bruce Petty.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
bruce petty
Henry Petrie was a founding member of the Montmorency community. His daughter Hilda Fraser died in 1986. The Petrie family is related to the McCaw family. Contents Newspaper article: "Stalwart dies, 75", Diamond Valley News, 3 June 1986. Obituary of Hilda Fraser, daughter of Henry Petrie.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
henry petrie, petrie park montmorency, hilda fraser nee petrie, presbyterian chirch at st andrews, malcom fraser, christine fraser, iain fraser, mccaw family
FINISH Contents Order of Service: William "Bill" Mark Penna, 2010.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
william mark penna, bill penna
Elizabeth Pender was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community. Contents Newspaper article: "Helping the have-nots". Diamond Valley Leader, 12 October 2005. Beth Pender, Eltham. Newspaper article: "A lifetime dedicated to service of others". Diamond Valley Leader, 3 February 2007. Elizabeth Pender awarded an Australia Day honour.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
elizabeth pender, oxfam community aid abroad book fairs, eltham brotherhood of st laurence op shop, beth pender
Nicholas Pelling, son of Charis Pelling, lived at Kangaroo Ground, and was active in local causes, including the Country Fire Authority, being awarded a National Medal in 1992. Contents Newspaper article: "CFA man 'someone who cared'". Diamond Valley Leader ,14 July 2004. Obituary of Nicholas Pelling.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
nicholas pelling, charis pelling, woodlands kangaroo ground victoria, the hall kangaroo ground victoria, war memorial tower committee kangaroo ground, andrew ross museum kangaroo ground, plenty valley community radio, kangaroo ground telephone exchange, anna pelling, country fire authority, jeff newland, kerri newland, ron newland
Charis Pelling, daughter of Professor William Osborne and Dr Ethel Osborne, was active in local activities, including being Eltham Shire's first female president and a councillor. Contents Newspaper articles: About Whittlesea Show 1964, Diamond Valley News, 1964 (photocopy). Magazine article: "A woman who gets things done", The Australian Women's Weekly, 26 October 1966. Charis Pelling's life and activities. Note card: Thanks for sympathy following destruction of "Woodlands" and "The Hall" in 8 January 1969 bushfire. Newspaper article: "Quietly proud of her life", Diamond Valley News, 19 June 1984. Charis Pelling's childhood and activities. Note card: Thanks for sympathy following death of Edwin Oswald Pelling. Newspaper notice: Death notice, Charis Meta Aleander Pelling. Order of Service: Celebration of life of Charis Meta Aleander Pelling, 2006. Letter: Eltham District Historical Society to Charis Pelling, 21 June 1995, Invitation to be presented with certificate to her as foundation President of the Society. Note card: Charis Pelling, Thanks for presentation. Newsletter: Eltham District Historical Society, number 172, January 2007. Obituary of Charis Meta Alexander Pelling.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
charis pelling, whittlesea show, kangaroo ground victoria, michael pelling, margaret pelling, nicholas pelling, deborah pelling, warrandyte water works trust, eltham arts council, eltham old people's committee, eltham art show, shillinglaw cottage preservation committee, woodlands kangaroo ground victoria, gareth jones roberts, peter glass, alkis astrix, matcham skipper, mervyn horton, the flavor of eltham, bush fire january 1969, the hall kangaroo ground victoria, professor william osborne, dr ethel osborne, william pelling, alistair knox, harold bartlett, gerald yunken, edwin oswald pelling, charis meta alexander pelling
Pamela Pedersen, daughter of Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls, became an athlete, and lives in Eltham Contents Newspaper article: "An inner flame for her people", Diamond Valley Leader, 23 November 2005. Pamela Pedersen to carry Commonwealth Games torch baton.. Newspaper article: "Family of champions", Diamond Valley News, 15 August 2007. Pamela Pedersen's life and family. Newspaper article: "Giant steps", Diamond Valley News, 15 August 2007. Cover picture and summary for article within newspaper.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
pamela pedersen, pastor sir doug nicholls, heidelberg women's athletics club, adam petersen, victorian aboriginal community controlled health organisation, kim petersen, indigenous sportsperson of the year 2005, yorta yorta elder, children's koori court
Margo Kroyer-Pedersen, who lived at View Hill Crescent, Eltham, was a bird artist. Contents Newspaper article: "Jetset Swifty hitches a ride home", The Sun, 5 May 1978. An injured spine-tailed swift, nursed by Margo Pedersen, to be flown by Qantas to Tokyo to catch up with migration pattern. Newspaper article: "Bird lover's lively topic", Diamond Valley News, 19 June 1984. Margo Kroyer-Pedersen is an expert in Australian native birds. Newspaper article: "Margo's at home to all her furry friends", Diamond Valley News, 31 May 1988.Margo Kroyer Pederson [sic] cares for native wildlife. Newspaper article: "A conservationist and artist", The Age, 29 November 1997. Obituary of Margo Kroyer-Pedersen. Print-out Google search, 31 December 2008, for Margo Kroyer Pederson [sic]
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
margo kroyer-pedersen, margo pedersen, view hill crescent eltham, were street theatre, jeanette wightman
William Austin Page was, in the 1868 Post Office Directory, a resident of Eltham township, a storekeeper (W & C Page, at Evelyn) and a petitioner for Eltham District Road Board and Eltham police station. He died 1884, aged 75, in South Yarra. Contents Notes no date or author: Research on William Austin Page.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
william austin page, w & c page store at evelyn, eltham police station, eltham district road board
Joy Peck was an artist and husband Hal was a teacher at Eltham High School and a potter. They had three children: Tony, Gina and Marcus. Joy was born in Ballarat but grew up in Warrnambool; died 3 February 2008. She trained at the National Gallery School and exhibited from 1960 until 1997; her Melbourne galleries included Realities and Manyung. In Eltham, the Pecks lived in a mud brick house, later moving to Moor Street in Fitzroy. Contents Newspaper article: "Ode to Joy", The Australian, 22 February 2008. Obituary by Phillip Adams of his friend Joy Peck. Letter Sue Law to Phillip Adams, 25 March 2008, regarding Phillip Adams' article about Joy Peck. Letter Phillip Adams to Sue Law, 16 April 2008, acknowledging. Newspaper article: "At home in the fantastic, yet her work was also surprisingly gritty", The Age, 3 April 2008. Obituary of Joy Peck by Jim Davidson.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
joy peck, phillip adams, hal peck, eltham high school, montsalvat, justus jorgensen, inga clendinnen, betty burstall, la mama theatre carlton, tony peck, gine peck, marcus peck, eltham mud brick buildings, realities art gallery, manyung art gallery, clifton pugh, barry humphries, john clendinnen, tim burstall, moor street fitzroy
When Lilian Maud Pearson was 12 on 16 June 1933, her mother, Amelia (Millie), died; her sister Thelma had died a year earlier. Lilian worked at Sutherland Homes and later at the Diamond Creek pub to help support the family. She enjoyed the dances held by the Diamond Creek Fire Brigade and Panton Hill Cricket Club. Her best friend was Alice Grandy and her dance partners included Ken Stevenson, Jeff Brock (father of Peter Brock) who eventually opened Hurstbridge Garage service station, and Mick Rumney. Lilian married Mick who's real name was Charles Robert Rumney. Contents Paper, no date: "Lilian Maud Pearson" by Sue Rumney. Biography of Lilian Maud Pearson, mother-in-law of Sue Rumney.
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lilian maud pearson, lilian maud rumney (nee pearson), sue rumney, amelia pearson, millie pearson, thelma pearson, sutherland homes, joe pearson, nookie pearson, diamond creek pub, diamond creek fire brigade, panton hill cricket club, ken stevenson, jeff brock, peter brock, hurstbridge garage, alice grandy, mich rumney, charles robert rumney
Michael Peck taught art to migrant children in London before returning to Australia; his work then explored the idea being a refugee. By 2011, his work explored his relationship with his two grandfathers who both served in World War II. Contents Newspaper article: "On venturing to find a fit", Diamond Valley Leader, 4 June 2008. Painter Michael Peck describes his technique and objectives. Newspaper article: "Grandfather's legacy", Diamond Valley Leader, 23 November 2011. Michael Peck's latest artistic work explores his relationship with his two grandfathers.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
michael peck
Linda Pearson had lived and worked in Eltham for 23 years when she stood, in 2016, for the Nillumbik Council election. Contents Election flier: "Linda Pearson". Election flier 2016 Nillumbik Council Election.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
linda pearson, nillumbik council elections
Liana Peak began her involvement with Eltham Pony Club at age 6 and, aged 19, was awarded the Pony Club Association of Victoria's Award of Merit for her service to Eltham Pony Club and the sport in general. Contents Newspaper article: "State honour for young rider", Diamond Valley Leader, 26 October 2005. Liana Peak received the Pony Club Association of Victoria's Award of Merit for her service to Eltham Pony Club and the sport in general.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
liana peak, eltham pony club, pony club association of victoria
Daisy Pearce played for Australia in the 2006 international series in Ireland, after becoming captain of the Darebin women's football club, and in 2007 played in the E J Whitten Legends game at the Docklands stadium. She was named in the All-Australian team and played for her local Eltham club. She was the first Number 1 pick in the 2013 AFLW draft, and captained the Melbourne Football Club since the first season in 2017. Later she was a Channel Seven commentator on the men's game and, in 2024, she became AFLW head coach at West Coast. Contents Newspaper article: "Not too young to be a legend", Diamond Valley Leader, 13 June 2007. Daisy Pearce to play Australian Rules at the Docklands stadium. .Newspaper article: "Daisy is starting to bloom", Diamond Valley Leader, 25 July 2007. Daisy Pearce aiming to be her club's best and fairest. Newspaper article: "League of her own: Daisy Pearce can feel the change", The Weekend Australian Magazine, 13 February 2021. Daisy Pearce to play Australian Rules at the Docklands stadium. Newspaper article: "Pearce lands top job at the Eagles", The Age, 12 December 2023. Daisy Pearce to be AFLW head coach at West Coast in 2024 and continue as commentator for Channel Seven.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
daisy pearce, aflw, e j whitten legends games, west coast aflw, darebin women's football club, eltham women's football club, melbourne club afwl
Cr Geoff Paine is the Nillumbik Shire Councillor for Wingrove Ward for 2020-2024. He was elected to Council in 2020, and served as Deputy Mayor in 2022-23. Geoff Paine played the doctor Clive Gibbons in the "Neighbours" television series. Contents Newspaper article: "Last drinks: Ramsay Street veteran Geoff Paine reflects on the end of an era", The Age Green Guide, 21 July 2022. Geoff Paine's reflections on the end of "Neighbours" television series.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
geoff paine, "neighbours" television series
Ian Patching lived in Wattle Glen. He worked in youth services, later Youth Services Co-ordinator and he worked at Edendale Community Farm in a community development role, As a contractor he worked at Montmorency Secondary College, Whittlesea Secondary College and Diamond Valley College (the later also with Peter Sartori aka Ticarno Sartori), He volunteered with Hurstbridge Youth Activity Centre with Jack Lawson and Martin Drews. Contents Email exchange 2014: Enquiry and research.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
ian patching, youth services in eltham, edendale community farm, hurstbridge youth activity centre', wattle glen, jack lawson, martin drews, montmorency secondary college, whittlesea secondary college, diamond valley college, peter sartori, ticarno sartori
ESCAPE TO ELTHAM traces the family of John and Anna Lane who lived in Shanagolden in County Limerick during the early and middle parts of the 1800s. They lived during a time of conflict and famine. This story follows the movements of their son, Richard, and daughter, Anne, who migrated to Australia. The marriage of Anne to Tobias Butler and Richard's life establishing his farm on the Yarra River in the 1850s are explored. Marriage, children, deaths and a murder in 1861 are changes forced on the family. Richard's son, Patrick, marries a young Bridget Carrucan but when the global recession of the 1890s decimates Patrick's businesses he heads to the arid Western Australian goldfields to 'make his fortune'. The large family follows and settles in Boulder where the behaviour of a couple of the boys gets them into scapes with the law. This story celebrates the tenacity of a family whose members left adversity in Ireland hoping for a kinder life in Australia.
john lane, anna lane, richard lane, patrick lane, bridget carrucan
Wurunjerrai - Baluk tribe in the area; place names.
Ex Eltham College Library; various library markings
wurundjeri woi wurrung, yan yean
Charles Partington married Ellen Whatmough; they and their children, Robert and James, came to Australia in 1857 because Ellen's brother, Robert Whatmough, had come here in 1841. Whatmough was Melbourne's first lamplighter while also working in John Batman's Spencer Street orchard; he moved in 1842 to establish an orchard in Greensborough. Both Partington boys died soon after the family arrived at Greensborough but later two daughters were born, Prudina and Maria, and five sons, including William . On arrival Charles Partington began work for Mr Flintoff at Black Hills and was later toll keeper on what is now Watsonia Road. He was later a successful orchardist. William Partington married Annie-May Medhurst, daughter of David Medhurst and Martha Ruston, daughter of Peter Ruston who had settled in Greensborough in the 1850s after working for Mr Hooper in Darebin Creek, then moved to Panton Hill in 1866 working as a carrier. The Rustons had six children, including Martha and James. Martha married David Medhurst in 1882 who was the son of David Medhurst and Charity Jane Pink. After David's death, Charity Jane married George Wescott. David and Martha Medhurst had eight children, including Annie May. They bought land in Main Street, Greensborough and set up as a greengrocer. William and Annie-May Partington's family home, Willis Vale, purchased from Mr Meagher by William's father, Charles; it was built by Meagher in 1839 but destroyed by vandals in 1966 after being compulsory purchased for parkland now called Partington's Flat. Their children were Eva, Grace, Alan, Jessie, and Jack. They attended Greensborough Primary School. Alan married Wyn. Contents Newspaper article: "Link with the past", Diamond Valley News, 21 February 1984. Alan Partington's research on Robert Whatmough, early settler in Greensborough, and his brother-in-law Charles Partington. Newspaper article: "How early families linked up", Diamond Valley News, 28 February 1984. Alan Partington's research into the Ruston and Medhurst families. Newspaper article: "Old days recalled", Diamond Valley News, 13 March 1984. Alan Partington's research in the Partington family.
Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etc
alan partington, robert whatmough, watmough park greensborough, robert partington, james partington, elen partington nee whatmough, road tolls watsonia road, prudina partington, maria partington, william partington, willis vale, partington's flat greensborugh, mr meagher of greensborough, apollo parkways estate, charles partington, annie-may partington nee medhurst, david medhurst, martha medhurst (nee ruston), jack medhurst, peter ruston, hooper of darebin creek, greensborough hotel, james ruston, charity jane medhurst (nee pink), main street greensborough, eva partington, grace partington, jessie partington, jack partington, orchards in plenty river area, greensborough primary school, wyn partington, flintoff of black hills
Robert Parry (1824-?) came to Melbourne from Wales in 1850, marrying Margaret Brett, a fellow passenger. He worked for James Donaldson at Kangaroo Ground, returning after success at gold mining. He began as a carter and settled near Healesville. Contents Photocopy: "The Upper Yarra District" page 413, biography of Robert Parry.
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robert parry, margaret parry nee brett, james donaldson, kangaroo ground, john hicks petty
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.
