Harry Montague Marks was born at Pall Mall Bendigo on the 1st October 1855. At age 18 he worked for Goldsborough & Co in Melbourne learning land, wool and banking business. He returned to Bendigo aged 22 to open an auctioneers business which operated on the corner of Williamson and Hargraves Streets. Councillor Marks was elected to the seat of Darling in May 1893 and remained serving until 1902. He served as Mayor once only from 1896-97. It was noted in the Bendigo Advertiser on July 3rd 1897 that Mayor Marks appeared in new robes .. made to council order by Messrs Henderson and Goodisson who dealt in highly fashionable goods in the Beehive. (fn https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/9088966). It is not know if these robes are still in existence. Harry Marks married Mary Leech in 1881and together they had four sons and one daughter. Harry Marks died in February 1916 aged 60. After his death Mary Marks became the senior partner in the firm HM Marks and Sons auctioneers. Mary died in 1919.

Oval black and white silver gelatin print mounted on card. Studio portrait of Mayor Marks. Photograph mounted on card. Front facing seated portrait wearing mayoral robes and chain, clutching a rolled document. Original rectangular shaped photograph has been trimmed to fit into oval frame.

Bartlett Bros. lower left on photograph.

councillor h m marks, mayor marks, mayoress marks

Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The theodolite has a long history, with the term first found in 1571 in a surveying textbook 'A geometric practice named Pantometria' by Leonard Digges. (source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite). Theodolites are used by surveyors as part of their everyday work and although there is no specific information regarding the provenance of this particular one it is assumed it was used locally by the Shire of Marong and / or the Lands Department. Edwin Watts started the company in 1856, trading up to 1920s as E.R. Watts & Son with E. R. Watts & Son Ltd amalgamating with Adam Hilger Ltd to form Hilger & Watts in 1948.

0442.1 A black and grey theodolite no 39161 made by Watts & Sons. Various moving parts showing signs of extensive use particularly on the uprights on the main body and around knobs and dials where the paint is worn back to brass. Is housed in original box with key, oil container and pin. 0442.2 handwritten instructions for making adjustments to the Theodolite written on the back of Road Users' Association of Victoria letterhead note paper.

Watts & Sons / London / 5974 For N H Seward / Melbourne

lands and survey department bendigo, shire of marong

Abraham Harkness was Mayor of the City of Bendigo when St Andrew's Presbyterian Church school hall was erected. The foundation stone was laid on Wednesday the 15th March 1899 to much ceremony including hymns and speeches. Abraham Harkness had arrived in Victoria in 1857 aged 28. He was initially successful in his search for gold and after a return trip to England in 1862 returned to Bendigo were he opened a general store and then a foundry whereby his company manufactured mining machinery. He stood for council from in 1880 and was elected a further eight times over the next twenty years. Cr Harkness served as Mayor in 1882, 1897 and 1898. His son Andrew became Mayor in 1908-09. Abraham Harkness married Jane Noble in Bendigo in1864 and together they had six sons and five daughters. Abraham died in 1912 and Jane in 1927.

P.A & S E P (windmil or pump) (Peter Aitken ?)

mayor harkness, mayoress harkness, city of greater bendigo education

Mayor Harkness is best known for abolishing liquor from the Town hall and replacing the Mayor's Ball for a Monster Sunday School Picnic for children in Ravenswood in 1883 which was attended by 15,000 people. Abraham Harkness arrived in Victoria in 1857 aged 28. He was initially successful in his search for gold and after a return trip to England in 1862 returned to Bendigo where he opened a general store and then a foundry manufacturing mining machinery. He stood for council from in 1880 and was elected a further eight times over the next twenty years. Cr Harkness served as Mayor in 1882, 1897 and 1898. His son Andrew became Mayor in 1908-09. Abraham Harkness married Jane Elizabeth Noble in Bendigo in1864 and together they had six sons and five daughters. Abraham died in 1912 and Jane in 1927. This elegant silver service was gifted to Mrs Harkness by her husband the Mayor in remembrance of the event and then gifted back to the City.

Four piece Victorian Tea and Coffee Silver Service consisting of tall coffee pot, tea pot, two handled covered sugar basin and covered cream jug. Oval, chamfered shaped base tapering at top. Bodies are decorated with foliate decoration and central finial entwined with cartouche which holds either the Bendigo Coat of Arms, or the initials J E H except the large coffee pot which has engraved dedication to Mayoress Harkness instead of the coat of arms. Insulated handles on pots. 0432.1 Coffee pot 0432.2 Teapot 0432.3 Sugar Pot 0432.4 Cream Jug

Stamped back top left of each part and inside lids - Makers Mark: Martin, Hall & Co (Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall). Hallmarks; (Lion) sterling silver, (Panther head) London Assay Office, (Women's head in left profile) duty paid, (A)1876 on coffee pot, (G) 1882 on other three pieces.

mayor harkness, mayoress harness

Vessels for storing water such as these are common throughout the ages and evident in the pottery of the middle east, Mediterranean and Africa. Between 1880 and 1910 Bendigo Pottery produced these as part of their terracotta ware range. Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery to produce tourism tableware and art pieces and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.

Polished terracotta water holder with saucer and stopper. Globular body with rounded base. The shoulders taper into long cylindrical neck, no handle or pouring spout. Surface is undecorated except for two rings at base of neck. This is the larger of the two. 0431a stopper; 0431b vessel; 0431c saucer

None found

bendigo pottery, city of greater bendigo tourism, george guthrie

Vessels for storing water such as these are common throughout the ages and evident in the pottery of the middle east, Mediterranean and Africa. Between 1880 and 1910 Bendigo Pottery produced these as part of their terracotta ware range. Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery to produce tourism tableware and art pieces and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.

Polished terracotta water holder with saucer and stopper. Globular body with rounded base. The shoulders taper into long cylindrical neck, no handle or pouring spout. Surface is undecorated expect for two rings at base of neck. This is the smaller of the two. 0430a stopper; 0430b vessel; 0430c saucer

None found

bendigo pottery, george gutherie, city of greater bendigo tourism

Victoria became a separate colony of the United Kingdom on 1 July 1851; however it took until 1864 for a workable system of weights and measures administration to be introduced. Standard of weights and measures were obtained and issued to local authorities to administer in their local areas. These standards were numbered, as were the Crown stamps used by inspectors to indicate that trade weights and measures had been checked and found to be legal to use in the day-to-day businesses of local traders. By the 1870's each local council had a set of standards that were used to test the scales, weights and measures of local merchants and businesses.

Standard 28lb brass measure. Ball shaped weight with single handle on top.

Front; Standard / lb / 28 AV / Potter / London / 225.8.1864 / 24.3.90 / 9.6.95 / 17.10.00 / 5.10.05 / 20.3.11 / 25.8.16 / 27.9.21 / 10.11.26 / 17.11.31 / 16.11.35 / 4.12.41 / 24.11.52

city of greater bendigo commerce

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 box would have been used to collect votes during council elections.

Wooden, painted, lidded box with hinged opening lid. Central slit in lid to insert ballot papers. Front face painted in black and gold paint. Hinged at back of box with lock on front.

Front of box Shire of / Marong / 21

shire of marong

Very little is known about the creation of these models other than they were ideas for public seating for the Hargraves Street Mall.

Seven small sculptures made of clay and plaster. The two clay models are bisque fired.

0419.3 has a '6' written in texta on bottom 0419.7 has a '7' written in texta on bottom

city of greater bendigo public art

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. Originally named Tonic Ale but re-named 6 o’clock Lager after the temperance advocates succeeded in having pubs close at six o’clock. This drinks tray is just one example of branded bar items which would have been supplied to hotels who served Cohns beverage to further promote the company. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Clear glass bottle with iconic red and white Cohns label printed on front and back. Bottle has been rebranded and had an extra label stuck to one side for Z Cal Low Calorie Orange beverage. Screw cap is also related to Z Cal Orange drink.

'Quick to Quench' / Cohns / Since 1857 Cohns / Z-Cal / Low Calorie / Orange

mayor jacob cohn, bendigo art gallery, bendigo masonic lodge, making a nation, city of bendigo commerce, cohns, cohn brothers

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. Originally named Tonic Ale but re-named 6 o’clock Lager after the temperance advocates succeeded in having pubs close at six o’clock. This drinks tray is just one example of branded bar items which would have been supplied to hotels who served Cohns beverage to further promote the company. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Clear glass bottle with iconic red and white Cohns label printed on front and back. Bottle has been rebranded and had an extra label stuck to one side for Z Cal Low Calorie Orange beverage. Screw cap is also related to Z Cal Orange drink.

'Quick to Quench' / Cohns / Since 1857 Cohns / Z-Cal / Low Calorie / Orange

mayor jacob cohn, bendigo art gallery, bendigo masonic lodge, making a nation, city of bendigo commerce, cohns, cohn brothers

The Queen's Baton Relay has been the traditional curtain-raiser to the Commonwealth Games since 1958. It symbolises the gathering of people from across the Commonwealth. On 14 March 2005 Her Majesty placed a message in the baton at Buckingham Palace, signalling the start of a journey of almost 180,000 kilometres. The baton's journey to the opening ceremony took exactly one year and one day, arriving at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the opening ceremony of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games on 15 March 2006. It was the first baton relay to visit all 71 nations of the Commonwealth. Athletes and non-athletes alike shared the privilege of carrying the baton. In Bendigo two sites were chosen for events. Bendigo Stadium: Basketball and Wellsford Rifle Range: Full Bore Shooting.

Baton in display box. Reproduction of actual object. Front panel has 36 inserts, base is narrower than top. Queens message button near top which unlike the original is not removable. Top is gold coloured, back is dark green. Box is black with black inner liner.

Top of box: Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games / Queen's Baton Relay

commonwealth games 2006, city of greater bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo sport

Bike Bendigo is a not for profit organisation with a vision to make Bendigo regional Australia's bicycle capital. it aims to make bike riding an easy and attractive option for all ages and abilities. The City of Greater Bendigo supports cycling in the city through its Walk, Cycle Greater Bendigo Strategy and through support for the Bendigo International Madison which was first held in 1972.

Red bicycle bell with text and image printed in white on top.

I (bicycle) BGO

city of greater bendigo health, city of greater bendigo leisure

The Australian Women's netball team the Diamonds, played England in Bendigo on Sunday October 19, 2014. 'Fresh from a four-Test Constellation Cup clean sweep against New Zealand last week, the Diamonds started the game at a blistering pace, with wing attack Madi Robinson running rings around her rivals. England tried to go with them but the trade-off was a high error count and while they settled in the second quarter they still trailed 29-17 at halftime'. www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/19/australian-diamonds-crush-england-in-first-netball-test

Signed 'Gilbert' netball in acrylic display case. Wooden base with plaque on front.

Australian Diamonds Team / International Test Series Netball / Australian Diamonds V England / 19 October 2014, Bendigo Stadium / Score Australia 55 - England 37 (Signed) Caitlin Bassett, Laura Geitz, Kim Ravaillion, Madi Robinson, Caitlin Thwaites, Susan Pettitt, April Brandley, Courtney Bruce, Jo Weston, Gabi Simpson, Liz Watson, Stephanie Wood.

city of greater bendigo sport, bendigo stadium

Y2K / the year 2000 / The millennium bug / was commonly used to refer to a widespread computer programming shortcut that was expected to cause extensive havoc as the year changed from 1999 to 2000. Instead of allowing four digits for the year, many computer programs only allowed two digits (e.g., 99 instead of 1999). As a result, there was immense panic that computers would be unable to operate at the turn of the millennium when the date descended from "99" to "00". The Bug presented a formidable challenge to the problem-solving skills of local government officials. Lacking a cure-all that will work for every municipality, local officials must develop their own solutions to meet their community's unique needs. At the same time, the Y2K bug provided a once-in-a-millennium leadership opportunity for local officials who understood that they are the key to preparing their communities for any issues.

Hard drive mounted in an alaminium case with glass window front and back.

Presented to Greater Bendigo City Council / by Hon, Roger Hallam. MLC / Minister for Finance / and / Hon, Robert Maclellan. MLA / Minister for Planning and Local Government / on 21 June. 1999 / In recognition of being the first Victorian Council / to be Y2k compliant

millennium bug

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

Mayoress Taylor was born Hannah Ellen Mullany and died 9th September 1963 aged 83. Hannah Taylor served as Mayoress from 1930 -31, 1937 - 38 and 1942 - 43.

Oval portrait of Mayoress Taylor. Portrait is sealed within a plastic cover and gold coloured metal oval casement. Designed to stand upright on shelf.

city of bendigo mayor, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portrait, hannah mullany

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery to produce tourism tableware and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.

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 Faye 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. Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running potteries in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. It has partnered with the City on various tourism promotions and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.

Set of eight dinner plates each featuring a hand drawn design which encompass the restaurants defining features. Restaurants include Domaine Asmara (0407.2), Gallery Cafe (0407.7), Hotel Shamrock (0407.5), La Piazza (0407.3), Malayan Orchid (0407.6), Quills (0407.1)and Twenty 2 (0407.4). The eighth plate features the words 'Life's a Dish - Connoisseur' / 'Bendigo & Region' (0407.8)

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

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

Joseph Henry Abbott arrived in Australia from Birmingham England in 1852 aged 22 hoping to make his fortune on the goldfields. In 1853 he opened a store in Bendigo, Abbott and Co and from there began a lengthy career as a business man supplying the local community with goods and services including owning and operating the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst, run by his wife, Anne (nee Deague). J H Abbott’s main ambitions were to serve on the local and state councils. He was elected Chairman of the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1860, Mayor of the City of Bendigo in 1891 and was gazetted a Justice of the Peace in 1864. Over his lifetime J H Abbott was closely linked to nearly all the leading institutions in Bendigo and worked for the benefit of local charities. He was trustee of the Bendigo Art Gallery and a Freemason and was said to be the first person in Bendigo to have a telephone installed in1882 between his residence and his business in Pall Mall. After JH Abbott died in 1904 he passed on his businesses to his son JH Abbott Jnr and adopted son RHS Abbott. These businesses continued to trade under the name JH Abbott & Co and today still operates under the name Abbott Supply although the last of the family interests ceased in 1986.

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

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; about 70% had voted against, but with a turnout of between 30% and 40% of eligible voters. 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." 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

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