William Wilkie was born in Eaglehawk in 1869. William was only twelve years old when he took on the responsibilities of providing for his mother and five brothers and sisters after the death of his father from miners phthisis in 1881. William moved interstate to take up mining in Western Australia in the 1890's, returning to Bendigo to continue mining in the district. William married Mary Clough in 1896. Elected to council for the first time in 1905, Cr Wilkie served as Mayor on two occasions. 1910 - 1911 and 1914 - 1915.

Black and white mayoral portrait of Councillor William Wilkie. Photograph attached to mount board.

city of bendigo mayor, city of bendigo mayoress, cr wilkie, mayoress wilkie, mary clough

The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery to produce tourism tableware.

Two plates produced by Bendigo Pottery with hand painted designs depicting iconic Bendigo landmarks.

0408.1 Front: FCC-A JU HUI (To get together) / Bendigo 2010. Verso: Stamped Bendigo Pottery Est 1858 / Australia, signed FB (Faye Brady). 0408.2 Front: Bendigo / Australia. Verso: Stamped Bendigo pottery Est 1858

city of greater bendigo tourism, bendigo pottery, faye brady artist

Life’s a Dish was a tourism campaign created by the City of Greater Bendigo in conjunction with Bendigo Pottery to encourage food tourism within the City. Seven restaurants and cafes whose menus featured local ingredients were chosen to participate with their businesses promoted on ceramic dinner plates. Customers were encouraged to purchase all seven plates and were then eligible for the eighth ‘Connoisseur Master Plate’ free. The limited edition plates were made by Bendigo Pottery and artist Sue James was employed to work with each resturant on a design, hand painting each plate. Plates were priced at $25.00 each and were also available at the Visitor Centre. This is the second Life's a Dish series and artist Fay Brady was the painter of the first series, of which we currently have no examples. The first Life's a Dish series launched in 2006 featured Balgownie Estate, Bazzani Italiano, The Bridge, Gallery Cafe, Georgie's Cellar Restaurant, GPO, Goldmines Restaurant and Bar, Let's Get Saucy, The Puddler, Quills, Raffaelles and Whirrakee

Set of eight dinner plates each featuring a hand drawn design which encompass the restaurants defining features. Restaurants include Domaine Asmara, Gallery Cafe, Hotel Shamrock, La Piazza, Malayan Orchid, Quills and Twenty 2. The eighth plate features the words 'Life's a Dish - Connoisseur' / 'Bendigo & Region'

bendigo pottery, city of greater bendigo tourism, sue james

The chinese called the rich goldfields in the heart of Victoria Dai Gum San, Big Gold Mountain. A place of untold wealth and promise. Today Dai Gum San is a rich Chinese Cultural Centre and Chinese precinct in the centre of Bendigo which links the Golden Dragon Museum with the Yi Yuan Gardens and Kuan Yin Temple. The gardens are a place of peace and beauty and the Kuan Yin Temple is a stunning home for the goddess of compassion.

Squarish piece of quartz with printed plaque attached to front face.

Dai gum san / In appreciation of your contribution / to the development of the / Bendigo Chinese Precinct / August 2010

dai gum san, bendigo chinese dragon, golden dragon museum, city of greater bendigo heritage attractions

Key's to the City and Mayor's Key are medieval traditions meant to confer trust and honor; it grows from the medieval walled city whose gates were guarded during the day and locked at night. The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents. This key has the symbol of the poppet head which was used widely during the 1980's to symbolise the City of Bendigo.

Heavy oversized skeleton key with blue and yellow ribbon attached to bow. Barrel has the word 'Bendigo' on one side and 'Mayor's Key' on the other. Bit has an image of a poppet head on both sides.

Bendigo / Mayor's Key

city of greater bendigo ceremonial item

A4 size Mayoral report including Councillor and Executive officer information, organisational structure, economic development, planning, family and leisure services. No mention of arts or cultural services.

non-fiction

Financial and civic report.

mayor morley, mayoress morley, councillor p. r. morley

In 1867 J.H. Abbott established the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst. In 1867, his wife Anne took over running the shop which was located next to the Bendigo Arcade near Williamson Street and was successful in creating a successful business. In 1876, the leather business of T. Baulderstone was purchased, and operations were further expanded later by the acquisition of the Edinburgh Tannery at Sheepwash Creek, and The Edinburgh Leather & Grindery warehouse in Bull Street, Sandhurst. In 1889, Joseph Abbott passed all interests in the business to his son, who shared the same name, in partnership with an adopted son, Richard Hartley Smith Abbott. The business continued trading under the name J. H. Abbott & Co. A number of branches of the business had been established in the early 1900s. In 1959 the Pall Mall business relocated to 291 Hargreaves Street. The whole business was soon after consolidated and conducted from the Market Square branch (Lyttleton Terrace) as the Abbott Supply Company. Harold Abbott, the last of the family to work in the business, died in 1979. In 1980 the business shifted to a new purpose-built store and warehouse on the corner of Abel & Deborah Streets, Bendigo. Sandhurst Trustees administered the business from 1979 until its sale in 1986. He was elected to the Sandhurst Borough Council and in 1860 became chairman of the municipality.

Printed flyer. Black ink on pink paper.

J.H Abbott & Co / wholesale and Retail Warehouse / Market Square, Bendigo / Large Stocks, specially low Rates for ...

chairman of sandhurst borough, anne abbott, city of greater bendigo commerce

Bendigo Art Gallery was founded in 1887 and has over the years undergone extensive building and renovation programs in recent years adding a new contemporary wing, storage areas, and a new entrance and gallery shop. This marquette was created to commemorate the new architecturally designed wing which was completed in 2014.

Small folded anodised steel sculpture to commemorate the expansion of the Bendigo Art Gallery.

bendigo art gallery / expansion 2014

bendigo art gallery, city of greater bendigo tourism

Bike Palooza Bendigo is an event organised by Bike Bendigo. The event celebrates bikes and cycling activities of all kinds in and around Bendigo throughout the month of October. City of Greater Bendigo partners with Bike Palooza Bendigo through its Walk, Cycle Greater Bendigo policy and by providing funds for community events with promote bicycle riding.

White cloth bicycle flag with green print. Reverse is printed with green bicycles. Two small metal eyes on left hand side.

Bike / Palooza / Bendigo / October

city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo health, city of greater bendigo leisure

Bike Palooza Bendigo is an event organised by Bike Bendigo. The event celebrates bikes and cycling activities of all kinds in and around Bendigo throughout the month of October. City of Greater Bendigo partners with Bike Palooza Bendigo through its Walk, Cycle Greater Bendigo policy and by providing funds for community events with promote bicycle riding.

Red triangle shaped felt bicycle flag with white print. Four ribbons on left to attach to bicycle.

Bike / Palooza 2017 / Bendigo / October

city of greater bendigo leisure, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo health

In 1867 J.H. Abbott established the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst. In 1867, his wife Anne took over running the shop which was located next to the Bendigo Arcade near Williamson Street and was successful in creating a successful business. In 1876, the leather business of T. Baulderstone was purchased, and operations were further expanded later by the acquisition of the Edinburgh Tannery at Sheepwash Creek, and The Edinburgh Leather & Grindery warehouse in Bull Street, Sandhurst. In 1889, Joseph Abbott passed all interests in the business to his son, who shared the same name, in partnership with an adopted son, Richard Hartley Smith Abbott. The business continued trading under the name J. H. Abbott & Co. A number of branches of the business had been established in the early 1900s. In 1959 the Pall Mall business relocated to 291 Hargreaves Street. The whole business was soon after consolidated and conducted from the Market Square branch (Lyttleton Terrace) as the Abbott Supply Company. Harold Abbott, the last of the family to work in the business, died in 1979. In 1980 the business shifted to a new purpose-built store and warehouse on the corner of Abel & Deborah Streets, Bendigo. Sandhurst Trustees administered the business from 1979 until its sale in 1986. He was elected to the Sandhurst Borough Council and in 1860 became chairman of the municipality.

chairman of sandhurst borough, anne abbott, city of greater bendigo commerce

Marong was first incorporated as a road district on 27 August 1861, and became a shire on 23 December 1864. On 1 October 1915, the Borough of Raywood, which was gazetted on 17 January 1865 on 23.31 square kilometres of land 28 kilometres north of Bendigo was united with Marong. On 1 October 1990, the Shire of Marong became a rural city, under the Local Government Act 1989. In a report on 17 February 1994, the Local Government Board recommended that the five councils in the Bendigo region merge to form a "super city", with a population of about 81,000. Marong, Eaglehawk and Huntly had earlier objected to the proposal, and the Board noted a weak no vote against the merger proposal in a referendum in the region;[4] about 70% had voted against, but with a turnout of between 30% and 40% of eligible voters.[5] The three councils filed a writ in the Supreme Court, alleging failure to follow process by the Minister for Local Government, Roger Hallam, but by the time the new "super city" was announced, the writ had not yet been heard, and on 24 March 1994, the Rural City of Marong successfully applied for an injunction blocking the publication of the gazette the following day abolishing the five councils and appointing three commissioners. The government responded by introducing legislation, the City of Greater Bendigo Bill 1994, to Parliament, to effectively override the Supreme Court action, with Hallam saying "the bill would make clear that the Government is determined to achieve its objective for a more efficient municipal structure for the Bendigo region." Marong mayor Robert Hynes described the action as "terribly disappointing", adding, "One way or another, I believe it does mean an end to our fight... it seems the Government are above the law to me."[5] On 6 April 1994, Marong voted to drop the Supreme Court action, effectively in doing so voting itself out of existence, and on 7 April 1994, the Rural City of Marong was abolished, and along with the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk and the Shires of Huntly and Strathfieldsaye, was merged into the newly created City of Greater Bendigo. On 29 April 1994, the Minister confirmed the Bill was not being proceeded with. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_City_of_Marong

Eight page newspaper style council newsletter providing community updates, news and information.

shire of marong, city of greater bendigo amalgamation, councillor phillip eddy, rural city of marong

Opened on Tuesday, November 15th, 1921 the Hall was erected by the Citizens of Bendigo to commemorate the deeds of the men and women of the district who served in the Great War. Now one of the largest Memorial Museums in the country the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial is now home to a broad range of military memorabilia. Situated on the highly visible Pall Mall, the hall was redeveloped and officially reopened as a museum in 2018.

Brown paper covered booklet with front cover cut out window showing the dome of the Soldiers Memorial. Inside describes the reason for the building of the Soldiers Memorial and the programme for the opening events. Mayor Holland gave a speech with the Y.W.C.A providing the afternoon tea.

city of greater bendigo memorials

Born digital advertising poster for the 2024 Bendigo Easter Fair.

city of greater bendigo venue and events, city of greater bendigo community partnerships, city of greater bendigo easter fair, city of greater bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo leisure

Electrical telegraphs were point to point text messaging systems primarily used from the 1840's until the late 20th century. It was the first electrical telecommunications system and were sent by an operator or telegrapher using Morse code. Social telegrams were also encouraged and special pictorial forms and envelopes were designed such as the special purple form and envelope which was used when conveying condolence details during World War 2.(fn. Powerhouse https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/163103). It was the job of Junior Postal Workers in Bendigo to carry telegrams which were delivered by bicycle in the early years.

Three telegram envelopes with a folded telegram inside each. Envelope has window to show address of receiver. Front of envelope has the words printed in blue ink 'TELEGRAM' top centre and 'IDLE GOSSIP SINKS SHIPS' above address window. Reverse of envelop has the words 'BE SURE TO FULLY ADDRESS MAIL FOR THE DEFENCE FORCES'.

Telegrams are related to Corporal Garland.

bendigo post office, post office collection, ted rankins collection

Poem was penned by W.J Richards, born at Eaglehawk on March 14th, 1877 on the occasion of the centenary of the Eaglehawk Borough Council. Poem appears to be a fundraiser for the Band Building Fund.

Poem printed on blue paper in black ink. Eight versus about the building and development of the Borough of Eaglehawk.

borough of eaglehawk

On the 27th March, 1942 'Fortuna House' was occupied by LHQ Cartographic Company, Australian Survey Corps. Fortuna was the site of the base map plant and during this time approximately sixteen million maps of Australian Territories in the South West Pacific area were produced for use by the Allied Services. Fortuna was purchased in 1951 by the Commonwealth Government and until 1970 the Survey Corps and Regiment became part of community life in the district. This event to grant the Regiment Freedom of Entry took place at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday 14th June, 1970.

Booklet outlining the celebrations commemorating the Army Survey Regiment's time in Bendigo. Includes a short history of the Regiment's association with the City which spanned from 1942 - 1970 as well as the day proceedings attended by the Mayor and Councillors.

fortuna house, george lansell, royal aust survey corps, queen elizabeth oval, mayor jeffrey

The Bendigo Base Hospital was established in 1853 as the Bendigo Gold District General Hospital. This forty second Annual Report provides a detailed account of finances, building and maintenance works. The report also provided information on the number of people admitted, their occupation, residence area, operations undertaken. The largest number of patients were listed as those doing domestic duties (522), with labourers (333), miners (264) and school children (220) making up the top four from a total of 1886. James Buick was the Resident Surgeon during this year and his report states that the number of in-patients by far exceeded any previous years with the Hospital at full capacity most of the time. A typhoid and a measles epidemic added to the strain on resources.

Printed annual report with brown paper cover.

city of greater bendigo health services, councillor mcgowen, councillor h m marks, councillor j h abbott, james buick

Originally designed in 1857 and extended to the further designs by Bendigo Architects Vahland and Getzschmann, Emil Mauermann and William Beebe the original two story house expanded over time as Lansell's fortune increased and the subsequent mansion was built adjacent to the New Chum Reef and mine from which most of his wealth was yielded. Fortuna remained in the Lansell family for twenty nine years after George died and was sold by auction for demolition in 1934 only to be saved to become a reception house. In 1942 the Army acquired a lease for wartime mapping and occupied the site until 2008. It is now in private hands with the surrounding land being divided for housing. George Lansell was commonly known as 'Australia's Quartz-King' and director of thirty-eight mines with some link with almost every mine in Bendigo.

A4 size tour booklet outlining the history, use and architectural features of Fortuna Villa which was purchased by George Lansell in 1860.

mayor william beebe, george lansell

Alec Craig was elected to the Barkly Ward seat on the Bendigo City Council in March 1954 after the resignation of Cr J A Michelsen. He became Mayor in 1956 and served from 1956 -57, 1963 - 64 and 1973 -74. Councillor Craig first posited the idea of Hargreaves Street becoming a shopping mall but retired from council in 1976 before the idea was executed. Alec Craig was the foundation President of the Provincial cities and Town Association of Victoria and President of the Bendigo Base Hospital in 1973. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1973 for outstanding public service. Grace Adeline Craig was a respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School.

0383.1 Three fold voting pamphlet with photo of Councillor Craig on front cover. Inside is a printed letter to Mr and Mrs Ratepayer promoting Councillor Craig's past achievements. 0383.2 How to vote flyer for Councillor Craig. Printed on pink paper. 0383.3 Vote 1 Craig poster. Two colour print on cream paper. Edges missing.

mayor craig, mayoress craig, councillor alec craig, grace adeline craig

Black, white and blue printed fold out brochure reporting to the community on council spending.

city of bendigo, mayor jeffrey

This gavel (or mallet) and stand was gifted from the Provincial Cities and Towns Association of Victoria to mark the centenary of the City of Bendigo.

Wooden gavel with carved handle and stand. Front of stand has engraved plaque

Presented to / The City of Bendigo / to mark the / Centenary of the Municipality / as a City / By the Provincial Cities and Towns / Association of Victoria / 21st July 1971

city of bendigo

Robert Clark was a self educated man who had arrived in Australia with his step father to take up mining in 1854. He worked in several local mines and being familiar with the hardships associated with mining life, helping to establish the eight hour day for miners. Robert married Sarah Jane Kernaghan in 1862 and together they had nine children. Robert Clark was first elected in 1872 and remained a councillor until his death in 1883. He died aged 41 years. This elaborate Letter of Appreciation was hand drawn and painted by artist and photographer Frederick de Kock who was associated with Mr N Caire's photographic Studio, View Place and by 1882 was producing and teaching hand painting on ceramics. In 1883 he advertised as a photographer with his own studio on the corner of Mitchell and King Street, which was later named the Bendigo Portrait Rooms.

180.1 Donated by Jenny Taylor; 180.2 Organisational created.

Illuminated Letter of Appreciation in shape of arched window. From Sandhurst Pioneer Co-Operative Co Limited to Robert Clark. Hand drawn and painted on card. Signed by eight directors.

mayor city of sandhurst, councillor robert clark, mayor clark, mayor of the city of sandhurst

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form the City of Greater Bendigo. This metal box contained a roll of admission tickets and was possibly used for holding cash at the swimming pool or other municipal facility.

Lockable painted metal box.

Shire of Marong

shire of marong

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form Greater Bendigo City.

Painted metal tin with handle on top. Currently locked closed.

Shire of Marong

shire of marong

On the 14th of October 2023, Australians were asked to vote on a proposal to change the wording in the constitution 'To recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.’ Only 39.9 per cent of legal votes were in favour of this change, and there was not a majority in any of the six Australian States (there was a majority, however, in the Australian Capital Territory). On the 26th June, 2023 Councillors with the The City of Greater Bendigo discussed their position on The Voice to Parliament and decided to support the Yes campaign while pledging to provide information on both sides of the debate to residents. Cr Margaret O’Rourke introduced the motion and spoke at length about the importance for Council to adopt the recommendation. “Recognising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the constitution ensures that Indigenous Australians have a direct and meaningful role in shaping policies and laws that impact them'. Several Councillors voiced their concern over whether the City could formally support one side of the debate, while seeking to provide neutral information saying that it did not pass the commonsense test. These badges were collected at an event at Rosalind Park on the 27th of September, 2023 attended by Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians who addressed the crowd.

Large badges with YES printed in centre.

city of greater bendigo reconcilliation, dja dja wurrung

Medal commemorating the centenary of the establishment of a settlement on Bendigo Creek.

Stokes & Sons pressed medal with gold finish to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Bendigo.

obverse; 1851 / City of Bendigo Centenary / 1951. Reverse: In centre: Coat of arms (Bendigo), Below Progress

city of greater bendigo medals

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. Helen Sandner served as mayoress during Alec's time on Council.

Two sets of six silver spoons with Shire of Strathfieldsaye coat of arms at top of each handle. Each set in a separate red velvet presentation box. 0145.1 Presented to Helen Sandner. 0145.2 Presented to Alec Sandner.

0145.1 Presented to / Helen Sandner, / in recognition of / her services to / the Shire of Strathfieldsaye / 1988 - 1991 0145.2 Presented to / Alec. Sandner / by the Shire of Sthrathfieldsaye, / in recognition of / his 5 years service as a Councillor / with the shire of Strathfieldsaye. / 4th August. 1987

sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These cuff links would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings.

Matching set of two cuff links worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. Cuff links are metallic (gold) with the circular Shire coat of arms. The coat of arms are represented in full colour.

sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These name badges would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings.

Three name badges worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. All three badges are metallic with the circular Shire coat of arms above a rectangle name plate. The coat of arms are represented in full colour, name and titles are printed in black. 0146.1 Mr. Alec Sandner 0146.2 Cr. Alec Sandner 0146.3 Cr. Alec Sandner / Shire President

sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor