Historical information

The badge belonged to the Donor's father - Bill Irvin, who was a SEC tram driver. Bill and his elder brother Dan, both drove trams in Ballarat. The Union badge confirmed membeship of the Union and was permitted to be worn on a uniform.

Significance

Has a strong association with Bill Irvin, SEC tram driver of the 1930's and demonstrates the importance of being a union member at the time and the badge provided by the union

Physical description

Australian Tramway Employees Association (Tramways Union) badge. Badge made on a steel/ silver backing with words "Australian Tramway Employees Association" on outer edge of badge with a royal blue enamel background. In centre of badge has the Australian coat of arms with a railway type spoke wheel above the logo and underneath the coat of arms the words "Federated Australia" in a banner. Has a hole in the top of the badge for a steel ring or a method of attachment to a uniform. On back of badge has stamped into the badge "BL 42", possibly indicating Ballarat and badge number. On the base of the badge has words "Wittenbach " cast into the badge.