Historical information

Established in 1950, the Department of Supply headquarters transferred to Canberra in January 1968 and was dissolved in 1974. It was superseded by the Department of Manufacturing Industry and Department of the Special Minister of State. The Department was a Commonwealth Public Service department, staffed by officials who were responsible to the Minister for Supply. The department's main function was to support Australia's Navy, Army and Air Force in defence production, research and development, purchas­ing, transport and storage. The Department was also the Commonwealth Disposals Authority. Finally, the Department was responsible for the Australian Antarctic program.
Bendigo was the site of an Ordnance Factory and manufactured and reconditioned naval guns and mountings, turbine gears for large ships, general heavy engineering work, large fabricated structure and missile handling equipment.
The factory was managed in 1970 by R.I.M Moss. The department may have had an office in the former Bendigo Post Office now the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre.

Physical description

Blue, felt or wool peaked service cap with woven band and plastic strap. Small brass buttons. The cap has a synthetic lining around the crown and on the roof of the cap. Marked on the inside with the maker's details.