Historical information

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records.

Physical description

Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - Relief during the great depression

This item includes the following documents:

8672.81a The document is a letter dated 25 July 1934 from the Trades Hall Council in Melbourne to the Town Clerk of Bendigo. It forwards extracts from correspondence received from the Bendigo Branch of the Central Unemployed Committee and asks the Town Clerk to investigate the claims and advise whether they are correct.

The main concern raised is that unemployed people in Bendigo are being unfairly disadvantaged because the Bendigo City Council has failed to provide sufficient work. The committee argues that unemployed residents should not be penalised for circumstances beyond their control, specifically the council's inability to create employment opportunities.

The letter also highlights concerns about recent changes to unemployment relief. It claims that, despite a reduction in unemployment payments ("the dole"), unemployed single men are now required to work 18 hours and 30 minutes per week for 24 shillings, compared with the previous requirement of 17 hours and 44 minutes. This is presented as evidence that workers are being asked to do more labour for reduced support.

A further issue raised relates to the administration of government relief, including handouts, clothing, and other assistance. The committee argues that responsibility for distributing these forms of aid should rest with the Public Assistance Committee, as provided under the relevant legislation, rather than being managed through another authority.

The letter concludes by requesting that the Town Clerk investigate these allegations to determine their accuracy and to ensure that any injustice experienced by unemployed people in Bendigo is identified and remedied. It is signed on behalf of the Trades Hall Council Secretary by H. K. Ems.