Historical information
This shield belonged to Dr Ian 'Spud' MacLeod Murphy (1905 - 1981) and was presumably awarded to him when he was the cox of the winning Geelong College team in the Head of the River competitions (rowing regattas) in 1921 and 1922. He attended Geelong College 1919-1922 and later, Melbourne University (1929-1937). Dr Murphy retired to Emerald in 1947 intending to breed turkeys but instead responded to the community need for a GP. For the next 34 years, he was Emerald's GP working seven days a week without assistance and travelling all over the hills. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1977 for devotion to the health of the community. He died in 1981 at the age of 76 years and a Memorial Fund was set up in his name to provide support for local students studying Medicine.
Significance
Dr Murphy was Emerald's first and much-loved GP. His work for the community over 34 years was of immense benefit to Emerald and surrounding districts.
Physical description
Wooden shield with green and white stripes painted around edges and green and white crossed oars in the centre. A partly torn off sticker of Pegasus (Greek mythological winged horse and motif of Geelong College) is above the crossed oars.
Inscriptions & markings
On front below crossed oars is handwritten two lists of team members of winning teams of 1921 and 1922.
On back handwritten 'Murphy'
