HISTORY-NEWS-june-july-20151

History 

NEWS 

BOOKSALE MEMBERS 

PRE-SALE JUNE 11 ... 

OPEN TO PUBLIC JUNE 13 

Issue No. 318 June-July 2015 

Royal Historical Society of Victoria 

Nail Can to Knighthood 

launch July 14 

INSIDE 

Report from the 105th RHSV AGM................2 

Nail Can to Knighthood exhibition.................3 

President’s Report.........................................4 

History Victoria Bookshop offer....................4 

History Week is coming to town!..................5 

RHSV Trivia night report................................5 

New Ballarat Art Gallery exhibition...............6 

Annual RHSV subscriptions due now...........6 

Books received..............................................7 

RHSV participates in OPEN HOUSE...............8 

A place for women’s records........................8 

Research fellowships available....................8 

www.historyvictoria.org.au 

Holsworth Local Heritage Trust.....................9 

Prahran Mechanics’ Institute Short 

History prize..................................................9 

Around the Societies............................. 10-11 

What’s On....................................................12 

1

RHSV NEWS 

Report from the 105 th RHSV AGM 

In presenting the Annual Report for 2014, at the AGM on 19 May, President of the RHSV, Assoc. Prof. Don Garden commented 

that 2014 had been a vibrant and successful year. 

There had been many functions and events; the highly successful 

World War One conference organised by Richard Broome, Judy 

Smart and Jane Carolan; The Australian Red Cross in the Great 

War exhibition curated by Carole Woods with support from Jenny 

Coates, regular lectures – there was a constant hum of activity. 

The finances are stable and during the year we received two 

generous financial donations from Gordon Moffatt and the Nixon 

family in memory of Barbara Nixon. 

Initiatives are underway to generate additional funds; in particular 

the ‘History of 175 Years of the Supreme Court’ spear headed by 

Dr Simon Smith, former Councillor and legal historian, and ‘Lost 

Melbourne’ – one of a series of books produced by QBD Books. 

Throughout the year there has been a steady flow of small grants 

to enhance our work and in particular we are deeply indebted to 

Dr Jodie Boyd, appointed Collections & Volunteer Coordinator in 

June 2014, for her perseverance and achievement in upgrading our 

databases, catalogues, network and purchasing new computers. 

The RHSV membership remains stable. 

Don Garden remarked that as President he has endeavoured 

to visit many historical societies throughout Victoria and he is 

profoundly impressed with the work and vibrancy of historical 

societies around the regions. 

Overall, Don Garden said his message was of good news and that 

he thanked the staff Kate Prinsley, Ged Horgan, Dr Jodie Boyd 

and the many volunteers including Councillors and committee 

members. 

In drawing the meeting to a close, he expressed his sadness at the 

passing of the following people who have enriched the RHSV: 

Dr Kate Jones, Trevor Hart, Pat Burchill, Pat Reynolds and Don 

Cottingham Past Master of the Grand United Order of Free 

Gardeners who had been so instrumental in ensuring that the 

‘Free Gardeners’ archive was donated to the RHSV. 

In presenting the financial statements for 2014 Dr Robert Barnes, 

RHSV Treasurer, drew attention to the small surplus of $2,931. 

History 

NEWS 

ESTABLISHED 

The RHSV acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria 

1909 

In presenting the Foundation Figures he drew the meetings 

attention that the balance of the Foundation now stands at 

$316, 621 with $ 8,180 in earned interest. 

There were six nominations for six places on Council. 

COUNCIL FOR 2015 – 2016: 

President: Assoc. Prof Don Garden 

Vice President: Emeritus Professor Richard Broome 

Treasurer: Dr Robert Barnes 

Hon Secretary: Carole Woods 

Ordinary Members: 

Dr Rosalie Triolo 

Dr Cheryl Griffin 

Professor Chips Sowerwine 

Elizabeth Jackson 

Jim Dixon 

Jane Carolan 

George Fernando 

Assoc Prof Judith Smart 

The meeting concluded with the announcement of Distinguished 

Service Awards being presented to Alleyne Hockley of 

Castlemaine Historical Society and David Langdon of 

Richmond and Burnley Historical Society, and Awards of Merit 

presented to Mary Kehoe of Hotham History Group, Lyndal and 

Jeremy Pascoe of the RHSV, George Fernando of Camberwell 

Historical Society. 

The RHSV Annual Report 2014 

is now available on our website. 

Alternatively a hard copy can be 

mailed to you on request. 

239 A’BECKETT STREET MELBOURNE 3000 

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 

9am to 5pm 

Library Hours: Monday to Friday 

10am to 4pm 

Phone: 9326 9288 

Fax: 9326 9477 

website: http://www.historyvictoria.org.au 

email: office@historyvictoria.org.au 

ABN 36 520 675 471 

Registration No. A2529 

History News is the bi-monthly newsletter of the RHSV. 

ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA INC. 

President 

Don Garden 

Executive Officer Kate Prinsley 

Administrative Officer Gerardine Horgan 

Collections & Volunteer 

Co-ordinator: 

Jodie Boyd 

Editor: 

Chips Sowerwine 

9346-7258 

Design & Artwork: John Gillespie 

0419 135 332 

Printed by: First Class Mailing 9555 9997 

Items for publication should be sent to the Editor 

email: c.sowerwine@gmail.com 

Copy closes 10th of the month 

PRINT POST APPROVED PP336663/00011 ISSN 1326-269 

SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION 

The RHSV needs your support to properly fulfil 

its role of holding a major collection of Victoria’s 

historical documents. It needs your help to improve its 

valuable research facilities. Please remember the RHSV 

Charitable Foundation in your will or your next tax 

refund. Donations are tax deductible. 

Please contact the RHSV on 03 9326 9288 or 

email office@historyvictoria.org.au 

2 www.historyvictoria.org.au


NEW EXHIBITION: WEDNESDAY 15 JULY – 18 DECEMBER 2015 

Nail Can to Knighthood: 

the life of Sir Macpherson Robertson K.B.E. 

An new exhibition at the RHSV celebrating 

the life of Sir Macpherson Roberston KBE 

15 July – 18 December 2015 

Macpherson Robertson (1859- 

1945) was a well-known Melbourne 

businessman and philanthropist. He 

built up a large confectionery business 

and his sweet products were widely 

consumed in Victoria and in the rest 

of Australia. He contributed much to 

Melbourne society by supporting many 

worthy causes and providing funds for 

several iconic structures around the city. 

Macpherson Robertson, popularly 

known as ‘MacRob’, was of humble 

origins, born on the Ballarat goldfields 

to his Irish mother, Margaret, and 

his Scottish father, David. The family 

moved to Queensland and from there 

Margaret took the children to Scotland 

while David sought work in Fiji. While 

in Scotland MacRob took several jobs 

to help the family including working 

in two confectionery factories. After 

several years the family was reunited in 

Melbourne. 

Following his experience in Scotland, 

MacRob began an apprenticeship in the 

confectionery business in Melbourne. By 

the time he had finished the family had 

moved to Fitzroy and there MacRob set 

up his own business in the family home. 

He began in a small way with a furnace 

made from a nail can and a tin pannikin 

in which to boil his sugar syrup. His first 

products were sugar animals packed in 

paper cones and distributed by MacRob 

on foot. 

From these beginnings MacRob went 

on to build up his business by hard 

work, production of a wide range of 

superior products, expert advertising 

and promotion, and a readiness to adopt 

new technologies. Under the name 

‘MacRobertson’s’ his business ultimately 

grew to be Australia’s largest sweet 

manufacturer, employing thousands of 

people and with factories occupying a 

large part of the Melbourne suburb of 

Fitzroy. 

MacRob is remembered for his 

introduction of chewing gum to 

Australia, branded as ‘Pepsin’ and 

strongly marketed to sportspeople for its 

health benefits. He is even more famous 

for iconic confectionery products such 

as ‘Old Gold’ chocolate, ‘Cherry 

Ripe’ and ‘Freddo Frog’. He made 

many philanthropic contributions 

Lady with rose hat and MacRob milk 

chocolate (RHSV Collection) 

MacRobertson Old Gold factory, Fitzroy, c. 

1925 (RHSV Collection : GN-MAC-892) 

to Melbourne and Australia. He 

financed two Antarctic expeditions 

under Sir Douglas Mawson in 1929 

and 1930. For this he was knighted in 

1932. As his contribution to the 1934 

Victorian Centenary celebrations, he 

paid for the construction of the Mac. 

Robertson Girls’ High School, the 

MacRobertson Bridge over the Yarra, 

the National Herbarium building and 

the MacRobertson Fountain in the 

Domain. He also provided prize money 

for the Centenary Air Race from England 

to Melbourne. For his philanthropy he 

was made K.B.E. in 1935. 


Lady with 

MacRoberston hat 

(RHSV Collection) 

MacRobertson ‘The 

Roundelay Box’ 


MacRoberston Pepsin 

Chewing Gum – Sports 


MacRobertson ‘The 

Willow Box’ (RHSV 

Collection) 

RHSV MEMBERS’ INVITATION 

Nail Can to Knighthood will be 

launched by David Robertson, great 

grandson of Macpherson Robertson, 

Tuesday 14 July at 5:30. 

All members are cordially invited. 

However to assist with catering kindly 

RSVP by Friday 10 July(9326 9288 

or office@historyvictoria.org.au ). 

The exhibition will then be open until 

Friday 18 December between 

Monday to Thursday 10am and 4pm 

Friday 

10am – 3pm 

The Royal Historical Society of Victoria 

is fortunate in having acquired over the 

years a considerable amount of material 

relating to Macpherson Robertson. This 

includes photographs, confectionery 

packaging, recipe books, company 

documents, scrapbooks and other 

ephemera, donated by the Robertson 

family and by former MacRobertson’s 

staff. We are mounting this exhibition 

to showcase this material and to 

give some account of the life and 

achievements of this remarkable man, 

about whom the public knows too little. 

David Thompson, curator 

3


PRESIDENT’S REPORT 

I am delighted to announce that Catherine Andrews, wife 

of Premier Daniel Andrews, has agreed to become RHSV 

Ambassador. Ms Andrews is a trained historian who has 

previously worked at the Public Record Office, and has shown 

enthusiasm for our work. She has agreed to speak at the 

opening of the MacRobertson exhibition on 14 July. 

At the AGM, reported on 

page 2, we farewelled Lenore 

Frost who after many 

years has stood down as a 

Councillor and member of 

the History Victoria Support 

Group (of which she is also 

a former Convenor). We are 

delighted that Lenore will 

continue as a volunteer, in 

particular in her roles of 

running the booksale and 

the bookshop. We are very 

grateful for her years of 

invaluable contribution to 

the RHSV. 

We also welcomed a new 

Councillor, Dr Cheryl 

Griffin, who brings 

many years of invaluable 

experience working in her 

local historical society and as 

RHSV Ambassador Catherine 

a volunteer at RHSV. 

Andrews MPubHist Monash 

Among other good news, 

is information that the 

funding for the Victorian Community History Awards and the 

Community History Grants will be continued. The Awards are 

advertised in this publication. We thank the new government for 

this funding. 

The only significant negative news is that at time of writing we 

have still had no word from the government about our future 

tenancy at the Drill Hall. The current lease runs out at the end 

of June, but we are not expecting to be thrown out. Indications 

are that we will be offered a more substantial lease, but until this 

is confirmed we are somewhat hamstrung in our plans. 

My deepest appreciation to all who made 2014 such a 

successful year – our staff (Kate Prinsley, Ged Horgan and 

Dr Jodie Boyd), our many volunteers, and members of our 

committees and the Council. 

Don Garden 

President 

RHSV BOOK SALE 

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS ONLY – PRE-SALE 

Thursday 11 June from 6-8pm 

Doors open at 6pm 

at the RHSV, 239 A’Beckett St, Melbourne 

Your opportunity to have first choice of this year’s treasures. 

HISTORY VICTORIA BOOKSHOP 

239 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne 

Open 10 am to 4 pm Monday – Thursday 

10am – 3pm Friday 

Browse through our online catalogue 

or come in for a visit and see them on the shelf. 

The best sellers for April – May were: 

Powelltown Tramway Centenary 1913 - 2013 

Coastal Guide to Nature and History 2: Mornington 

History of the Redesdale Railway Lines 1891-1954 

Journal of William Thomas, Assistant Protector of the Aborigines of 

Port Phillip 1839-1867 

Poor Souls They Perished – The Cataraqui, Australia’s Worst 

Shipwreck 

We welcome books published within the last two years: 

Books are accepted on consignment 

www.historyvictoria.org.au/shop 

A Special Offer to Members 

$29.95 

We are delighted to offer at a special price for originally retailed $95 

members the magnificent book 

Crime in the Port Phillip District 1835–51, 

by the Hon. Paul Mullaly, QC 

“This weighty and meticulously researched volume provides the 

first comprehensive account of crime, and the administration of 

criminal justice, in the early Port Phillip District. Dealing with 

the numerous issues associated with the maintenance of law and 

order-from criminal investigation and arrest, the trial and the 

composition of juries, the difficulties associated with securing 

witnesses and legal procedures such as bail and sentencing. 

Paul Mullaly’s work is impressive in its detail. He has worked 

through court proceedings and other documents to compile a 

lengthy list of the many crimes committed in Port Phillip. These 

include offences against the person, such as murder, assault 

and rape; offences against property: such as robbery or forgery; 

miscellaneous offences, including mutiny and prize-fights (illegal 

under English law); and a category known as sectarian offences. 

Mullaly’s accounts of the crimes brought to trial offer a wealth 

of information about colonial society at this time including the 

relationships between men and women, adults and children, 

masters and servants, and settlers and Indigenous peoples. This 

book provides not only a close study of the colonial legal system, 

but a unique perspective on the rough and volatile pace of daily 

life in the growing settlement.” 

Review Australian Historical Studies (Volume 40, Issie 1 

March 2009, p.134) 

This book also went on to win the Judges’ Special Prize in the 

Victorian Community History Awards. 

This book is a ‘must have’ for anybody interested in the early 

history of European settlement in Victoria. 

Originally retailed at $95.00 this outstanding book is being offered 

at $29.95 for members. 

The book can be purchased online at the History Victoria Book 

Shop http://www.historyvictoria.org.au/shop by phone 9326 9288 

or better still visit our shop and see the other local history titles. 

239 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne. 

OPEN Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm 

Friday 

10am – 3pm 


HISTORY WEEK 2015 

Entries are now being accepted: 

VICTORIAN COMMUNITY 

HISTORY AWARDS 2015 

ROLL UP! ROLL UP! 

HISTORY WEEK IS 

COMING TO TOWN! 

The Awards recognise excellence in historical method. The range 

of award categories reflects the variety of formats that can be used 

to enrich the lives of Victorians through history. 

This year two new categories have been added: 

Centenary of WW1 Award – a special prize for the best work 

or project submitted in any category on the impact of World War 

One on Victoria or Victorians. 

History Article (Peer Reviewed) – this award recognises the 

best article published in a recognised peer reviewed journal that 

illuminates the history of Victoria or Victorians. 

All members and affiliated historical societies will receive a hard 

copy entry form and additional forms can also be downloaded 

from our website. www.historyvictoria.org.au 

Entries close: 2pm Friday 7 August. 

Following seven successful years of celebration, History Week 

will this year be held from the 18th - 25th October. 

Last year’s event saw over 350 things to do on around the State, 

and we are hoping to see even more this year! 

If you are hosting an event during the week of the 18 – 25 October, 

make sure you go online and register at www.historyweek.org.au. 

We’ll then included your event in the 2015 History Week calendar, 

provide you with a copy of the History Week logo and a bundle of 

postcards to promote it in your local community. 

For inspiration, event highlights from last year included: 

• Lightning talks on women engaged, enraged and often 

forgotten in some of the most iconic conflicts of our past. 

• The Cobden Historical Society’s Legendary Gumboot 

Toss. 

• A fascinating walking tour uncovering Footscray’s 

hidden stained glass treasures. 

• A family day out in the countryside at the Yarra Ranges 

Heritage Open Day. 

And that’s just to name a few. 

Victoria has such a diverse and intriguing history, so we are looking 

forward to once again pulling together a whole host of reasons for 

Victorians to get out there and enjoy it. 

REGISTER YOUR SOCIETY’S INTEEREST IN 

PARTICIPATING IN HISTORY WEEK AT 

www.historyweek.org.au 

HISTORY WEEK 2015 

18 – 25 October 

RHSV Trivia Night – A night of fun but not 

without a competitive edge!!! 

Over 50 people assembled at the Drill Hall on Saturday 

night 29th March to battle over trivial things. 

Inspired by Maree Coote, of the Membership & Outreach 

Committee, and led by the incomparable Andrew Lemon 

as Trivia Master, the devotees at seven tables struggled to 

make sense of the weird, wonderful and arcane. 

There were gummy bears, cheese and biscuits etc on the 

tables and the occasional chocolate awarded for a good effort 

by MC Lemon to revive sapping brains. 

A group of young teachers came to lower the average age. 

The ‘Ker knows’ won handsomely with the next two teams 

- ‘Simon Says’ and ‘the Histericals’ separated by half a 

point. Many people went home with a welcome prize and 

the RHSV coffers were topped up as well. 

All agreed we must do this AGAIN! 


5

IN THE NEWS 

EXHIBITION – 13 JUNE TO 9 AUGUST 

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS 

‘THE INIMITABLE MR MEEK’. 

From 13 June – 9 August the Art Gallery of Ballarat is 

presenting an exhibition called ‘The Inimitable Mr Meek’. 

The RHSV is delighted to lend two works for this exhibition. 

Joan Luxemburg, curator of the exhibition writes: 

First house and store erected at Ballarat 1851-52, near Lydiard and 

Mair Streets, Ballarat; pen and ink drawing by James Meek [RHSV 

Collection : ART-0252.001] 

James McKain Meek (1815-1899) 

arrived early in the colony, in 1838, 

and was also an early arrival on the 

Ballarat goldfields in December 

1851. 

Meek’s sketches and maps were 

well known in his day, but few 

survive. The two held in the RHSV’s 

collection are among the earliest 

known depictions of the Ballarat 

area. The First House in Ballarat was 

Meek’s sketch of his own dwelling 

(and sly grog outlet), drawn on the 

spot in December 1852. (Visible 

is an incorrect date, not in Meek’s 

hand, that has been added.) 

Meek’s other surviving sketch from 

this time records the first Police 

Camp on Golden Point. The central 

element is the Camp Tree, an agent 

of rough justice before a lockup was 

built. Wrongdoers, predominantly 

diggers without a licence, were 

secured to a bullock chain that ran 

around the base of the tree. The 

Prisoners chained to a gum 

tree, near to the centre 

of the Government Camp 

(later the site of the Ballarat 

Police Station), 1851; pen 

and ink drawing by James 

Meek [RHSV Collection : ART- 

0252.002] 

troubled events on the goldfields erupted in the Eureka Rebellion 

on 3 December 1854. 

Like so many pioneers, Meek was astonishingly versatile. He 

worked as a miner, mariner, explorer, and entrepreneur. He also 

became a graphic artist of note, producing large, illustrated charts 

celebrating the colonies’ achievements. 

Interestingly, Meek returns to these early sketches forty years 

later, incorporating them into his large 1890s works that acclaim 

Ballarat’s history, development and success. 

The Art Gallery of Ballarat, 

40 Lydiard Street North Ballarat Vic. 3350 

Royal Historical Society of Victoria 

239 A’Beckett Street 

Melbourne, Victoria 3000 

Australia 

+61 3 9326 9288 


6 www.historyvictoria.org.au 

It’s that time of year when we invite you to renew your 

subscription to the RHSV. 

We thank you for your support during 2014 and hope we have 

provided services, access to the collections, a variety of programs 

and interesting publications that have brought benefits to our 

members and the wider public. Our Annual Report for 2014 is 

now up on our website: 

http://www.historyvictoria.org.au/publications/annual-report 

We value your membership. By subscribing to the RHSV you 

continue to support our work and the support we provide to 340 

historical societies throughout Victoria. 

For the first time since 2007, we have had to increase our 

individual membership to $70.00 to meet raising costs. 

A renewal form is included with this newsletter for the period 

1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016. 

Please encourage your friends to join – additional Membership 

Forms can be downloaded from our website or we can post them. 

Membership renewals can also be made directly online or by 

phoning the office 93269288 

Click on the link for renewal forms and online renewals. 

http://www.historyvictoria.org.au/support-us/become-a-member 

Please encourage your friends to join – additional 

Membership Forms can be downloaded from our 

website or we can post them. 

VICTORIAN HISTORICAL JOURNAL ISSUE 283 VOL. 86, No. 1 – JUNE 2015 

OUT NOW 

Read online at: 


and click on the Publications tab 

VOLUME 86, NUMBER 1, JUNE 2015 

VICTORIAN 

HISTORICAL 

ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA 

JOURNAL

BOOKS RECEIVED 

BOOKS RECEIVED: 

Authors, publishers and Historical Societies 

are invited to contribute books to the RSHV 

for the library and for consideration for inclusion 

in Books Received. 

The Ian Potter 

Foundation 50 Years 

Looking Backward, 

Reaching Forward 

Ian Potter Foundation, 

Melbourne, 2014, pp. 84. 

ISBN 9780987160751. 

A commemorative 

celebration of 50 years 

of Potter Foundation 

philanthropy that details the diverse areas to 

which grants have been applied, its governors, its 

impact and the extent (more than $250 million) 

of its distributions. A substantial reminder of the 

importance of philanthropy applied to education, 

the arts, health and wellbeing and many other 

areas. 

The Wisewould 

Chronicles 

Grandchildren of James 

and Sophia Wisewould, 

Drewett and Davis 

Ancestors and Relations 

of Sophia Wisewould 

Beatrice Garner 

(compiler), 2014, pp.. 

252. 

Henry Wisewould, Diary 

of a Private of the 16 th 

Queens Lancers, London 

Beatrice Garner (transcriber), 2010, pp.190. 

James and Sophia Wisewould (and their family) 

Beatrice Garner (compiler), 2011, pp. 158. 

Extensive collections of carefully preserved 

family material with strong connections with 

Victoria from the 1850s, with many photos and 

reproductions of documents. 

Emporium: Selling the Dream in Colonial 

Australia 

Edward Barnard, 

National Library of 

Australia, Canberra, 

2015, pp.192, 

$49-99. ISBN 

9780642278685. 

A beautifully 

produced collection 

of 19 th century 

Australian 

advertisements 

drawn from published material. Arranged 

thematically, the advertisements tell much about 

the milieu of colonial society suggesting that 

there is considerable scope for major studies of 

advertising. 

Red Cross in Brighton, A History of the 

Brighton Unit of Red Cross (Victorian 

Division, Australia) 

1914-2014. 

Alleyn Best, Red Cross 

Victorian Division 

Brighton Unit, 194 Bay 

Street, Brighton,, 3186, 

2014, pp.. iv + 149. ISBN 

9780646925837. 

This informative book 

charts the activities of 

a local Red Cross unit, 

formed soon after the 

outbreak of World War 1 and continuing its 

voluntary humanitarian work at home and abroad 

to the present. The Brighton unit was involved in: 

raising funds and supplying food, clothing and 

materials during the war and assisting in running 

rehabilitation centres like Anzac Hostel in the 

aftermath; providing auxiliary service in hospitals 

during the influenza pandemic of 1919; providing 

community service including the establishment of 

the Blood Bank in 1929; responding to the need 

for services during World War 2; providing aid 

for refugees and migrants in the post-war period; 

running Meals on Wheels in Brighton for 30 

years; and continuing to provide assistance for 

those affected by natural disasters and wars here 

and overseas. 

Wild Bleak Bohemia, Marcus Clarke, 

Adam Lindsay Gordon and Henry 

Kendall, A Documentary 

Michael Wilding, Australian Scholarly Publishing, 

Melbourne, 2014, pp. 580. ISBN 9781925003802. 

This massive work brings 

together the lives of three 

19 th century literary 

giants, who all spent time 

in Melbourne. The blurb 

rightly describes them 

as ‘troubled geniuses’ in 

a ‘world of poetry and 

poverty, alcohol and 

opiates, horse-racing 

and theatre, journalism 

and publishing’. 

This ‘documentary’ is founded on masses of 

contemporary material and it has an exhaustive 

bibliography but, unaccountably, there is no 

index or even chapters to allow easier access to 

its impressive scholarly content. A good story, 

well told, nevertheless. 

Colony, Strange Origins of One of the 

Earliest Modern Democracies 

Reg Hamilton, Wakefield Press, Adelaide, 2010, 

pp. 311, $34.95. ISBN 

9781862548930. 

In the second half of the 

19 th century, Australian 

colonies laid the 

foundations of modern 

democracies at a steady 

rate and well before their 

major Home country. 

This book deals with the case of South Australia 

by following the author’s forebears from Dover to 

make their fortune and participate in the making of 

democracy. The story in Victoria may be different 

but this book reminds us that British immigrants 

to the Australian colonies responded to the need 

to develop separate governments in similar ways. 

Royal Visits to Australia 

Jane Connors, National Library of Australia, 

Canberra, 2015, pp. 232, $39.99. ISBN 

9780642278708. 

A comprehensive, wellillustrated 

account of 

royal tours to Australia. 

The pivotal 1954 tour 

is dealt with at length, 

but also covered are: 

the 19 th century tours 

of the royal princes; 

the federation visit of 

the Duke (later George 

V) and Duchess of 

Cornwall and York; the Prince of Wales in 

the aftermath of the Great War; the Duke 

(later George VI) and Duchess of York for the 

opening of Parliament House in Canberra; 

and the Duke of Gloucester’s visit for the 

Victorian centenary. There are also short 

sections dealing with visits by non-British 

royals as well as the multiplicity of British 

royal visits after 1954. The book charts 

the fascination that the tours have had for 

Australians. It has a lively text and many 

splendid captioned images. 

From Guano to Gold, The Diary and 

Letters of Vicary Gibbs from 1883-5 

Shirley Hinkly (ed.), Crawcour Books, 

Chichester, UK, 2014, pp. xvi + 394. ISBN 

9780992872007. 

Vicary Gibbs, a young 

partner in his family’s 

firm, Antony Gibbs & 

Sons, kept a diary of 

his lengthy visit to their 

outposts. His journey 

took in the USA, New 

Zealand, parts of 

Australia including four 

occasions in Melbourne 

before his return to 

England via Ceylon, Egypt, and western 

Europe. The diary was discovered in the 

early 1980s and has been meticulously 

researched by the editor who supplies 

extensive informative notes and illustrations 

of much of the content. The whole is also 

extensively indexed. A worthwhile addition to 

both 19 th century travel accounts with a young 

man’s interesting observations of Melbourne 

society and much more. 


7

COMMUNITY NEWS 

THE FUTURE OF THE PARRAMATTA FEMALE 

FACTORY 

RHSV TO PARTICIPATE 

IN OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND 

25 July – 26 July 

Over 100 buildings, including RHSV’s at 239 A’Beckett Steet, 

will open their doors for free for you to experience good design 

and architecture across the city. 

The RHSV will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 

25 July. 

The Parramatta Female Factory Friends have posted a 

petition online asking the Federal Government to declare the 

Parramatta Female Factory in New South Wales a site of world 

heritage significance. 

Plans are currently being made to redevelop the site, and action 

is needed to preserve it in a way that respects its historical value. 

You can find the petition at 

http://www.change.org/p/declare-the-parramatta-female-factorya-national-and-world-heritage-site. 

A PLACE FOR WOMEN’S RECORDS 

The Women’s Heritage Centre Victoria has been recently 

established. 

It aims to educate, inspire, empower and shape the future by 

integrating women’s distinctive contribution to the culture and 

history of Victoria. 

The Centre grew out of a concern that women’s records and those 

of women’s organisations are not being systematically collected 

and stored. 

The Centre will build, record, arrange, support and provide 

information and education resources to enhance access to the 

achievements and history of women in Victoria, and to provide 

an information base for records that are held in other locations. 

As well as being a thorough repository of historical information 

the centre will also encompass a space to celebrate women in 

contemporary Victorian culture. 

A Committee has been established, chaired by Judy Maddigan 

(former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) and consisting of 

representatives of various women’s and archives organisations. 

Currently the Committee is inviting interested people to join 

the mailing list of this organisation. We will be inviting those on 

the mailing list to the official launch in the near future and other 

events during the year 

We would welcome contributions to this project which aims to 

consolidate and promote women’s history and progress in Victoria. 

Please contact the Committee to join the mailing list: 

whc.vic@gmail.com 

THREE NEW RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS 

AVAILABLE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF 

MELBOURNE 

The Hugh Williamson Foundation 

is supporting two fellowships for 

Victorian residents to carry out 

research using the University of 

Melbourne Archives collection. Each fellowship is for $15,000, 

one will be awarded to a researcher in regional Victoria. 

Two new research fellowships available from the University of Melbourne 

The Joyce Thorpe Nicholson bequest is supporting a research 

fellowship in the field of women’s studies. Applicants are 

encouraged to use the rich resources of the University of 

With generous support from the Hugh Williamson Foundation and the Joyce Thorpe 

Nicholson Bequest three new research fellowships are available from the University of 

Melbourne in 2015. 

Melbourne collections to support their research. The fellowship 

is valued at up to $15,000. 

More information about the fellowships, criteria, expected 

outcomes and closing dates is available on our website. 

The Hugh Williamson Foundation is supporting two fellowships for Victorian residents to 

carry out research using the University of Melbourne Archives collection. Each fellowship is 

8 

for $15,000, one will be awarded to a researcher in regional www.historyvictoria.org.au 

Victoria. 

This site is one considered to be highly significant for all Australians 

and for convict and women’s history generally. It is the earliest 

surviving female convict site in Australia and a model for all the 

female factories that followed. It is an 1818 Governor Macquarie 

initiative and a Francis Greenway designed site. With fewer than 

15 objects identified in National Collections and only 4 images of 

female convicts during the factory period, the preservation of this 

site in as close to original condition as possible is critical to the 

understanding of this period of Australian history and the history 

of female incarceration generally. An estimated 9,000 women 

went through the female factory system and over 5,000 passed 

through the Parramatta system. This means that approximately 1 

in 7 Australians are descended from these women. 

The site is highly significant not only in the understanding of the 

history of female incarceration, but also forced migration, colonial 

administration, colonial life, work and assignment in colonial 

Australia, custody and care of children, early colonial architecture, 

earliest industrial action in Australia, earliest manufacturing and 

finally, but not least, the experiences of individuals in the convict 

female factories (of which there were twelve across Australia). 

By placing this site on the National Heritage List we can ensure 

its survival and its place in the forging of Australian identity 

as well as its impact on the formation of the nation. Given 

the overwhelming dominance of men in the archival and built 

heritage record in Australia, this site is unusually significant as a 

major remaining piece of material heritage providing insight into 

women’s experiences and hence contributing to an understanding 

of Australian History that is more gender inclusive. 

There is significant Australian community interest and commitment 

to the history and preservation of the site. The Federation of 

Australian History Societies recognises the value of this site and 

its history and considers it imperative to include the Parramatta 

Female Factory Site on the World Heritage—Convict Sites listing. 

Individuals can register their concern by signing the petition at 

the address above. 

Judith Smart and Marian Quartly

COMMUNITY NEWS 

HOLSWORTH LOCAL HERITAGE TRUST 

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW 

The purpose of the Holsworth Local Heritage Trust, a charitable 

fund within the Victorian Community Foundation, is to invite 

applications for grants from not-for-profit organisations such 

as historical societies, clubs, schools and museums in regional 

and rural Victoria. 

The Trust is interested in supporting enthusiastic community 

groups and organisations with a true interest in heritage 

preservation and appreciation, and the enhancement of 

community life. 

ABOUT THE GRANT 

Grants of up to $2,000 are available for the publication of any 

specific or general local history or natural history in rural and 

regional Victoria. The Grant is intended for small organisations 

with an interest in publishing works of historical value, even where 

the organisation has little or no experience of self publishing work. 

Joint projects encompassing several groups or annual/special 

edited journals incorporating submitted historical articles from 

a wide community are encouraged. 

APPLICATIONS 

Applicants are required to submit a proposal including details of 

the intended date of publication. It is expected that considerable 

research has already been undertaken before applying. 

Application deadlines 

Applications open on 1 March and close on 31 July each year. 

Completing your application 

Read the Guidelines carefully before making a submission, and 

complete the application form in full. 

Further information from RHSV website. 

Click on the Programs tab. 

www.historyvictoria.org.au/holsworth-local-heritage-trust 

JUNE 2015 SEMINAR: HISTORY VICTORIA SUPPORT GROUP 

A day of practical skills development 

on websites, researching the writing 

of biographies, protection of heritage 

buildings and managing Aboriginal 

artefacts. 

All Members 

of Historical 

Societies are 

invited 

Prahran Mechanics Institute Short History 

Prize 

Prize: $1,000 – $500 for the author(s) and $500 for the 

associated historical group. 

Topic: A historical essay, article or work of a place or an 

aspect of a place in Victoria, Australia, or a person associated 

with a place in Victoria, written by a member or members of 

a Victorian historical society or similar organisation. 

Closing date: Friday 28 August 2015 

Download a copy of the Guidelines and entry form. 

A panel from the Professional Historians Association judges the prize. 

Any questions about the Short History Prize should be directed to 

Tim at the PMI 9510 3393 

Further information and a copy of the entry form can be found 

at www.pmi.au/prize 

Prahran Mechanics’ Institute: Victorian 

History Library 

A new chapter begins at its new home at 39 St. Edmonds 

Road Prahran. 

The Prahran Mechanics’ Institute (PMI) was Prahran’s first library 

established in Chapel Street in 1854. Five years ago the PMI sold 

its heritage building in High Street to Swinburne University. The 

proceeds of the sale were used to buy and renovate its new premises 

at 39 St. Edmonds Road, Prahran. 

The PMI’s amazing collection of Victorian and Australian history is 

far better accommodated at the new library, with many more items 

available on open access. It is the only collection of its kind available 

for loan to the general public. The new building also features more 

spaces for reading and research, meeting and a public tea-room, 

wifi access, on-site parking and disabled access. 

The PMI Victorian History Library is open Monday – Friday 9.30 

– 4.30 and Saturday 9.30 – 1.00. Use of the libraryfor reference is 

free to the general public and for loan by an annual subscription 

of $15.00. 

www.pmi.net.au 

SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2015 AT YARRAM 

Yarram & District Historical Society, 40 Commercial Road Yarram (In the Murray Goulburn Building) 

9.30 - 10.00 Registration (with morning tea) 

1.15 - 2.15 HOW TO PROTECT HERITAGE PLACES 

10.00 - 10.15 Welcoming address and updates from RHSV 

Lorraine Huddle Heritage Consultant and Shire 

Heritage Advisor 

HISTORY 10.15 - 11.15 YOUR PLACE VICTORIA IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD SUPPORT GROUP 

Lorraine Huddle will talk about evaluating 

Fresh insights into web development, sharing 

heritage places, how to protect them and 

and engaging and building community in the 

manage their adaptation for future uses. 

virtual world. 

2.15 - 3.15 ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE AND 

SATURDAY Dr Jodie Boyd Collections 20 & JUNE Volunteer Coordinator 

RHSV 

2015 AT YARRAM 

HISTORICALSOCIETIES 

Dr Mark Eccleston, Manager Heritage 

11.15 - 12.15 IMPROVE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS 

Operations, Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria 

Yarram & District Historical Society, 

Writing about places and people. 

Dr Eccleston’s talk will focus on managing and 

Margery Missen Founding member of Yarram 

promoting an understanding of Victoria’s rich 

Historical Society 

Aboriginal cultural heritage and demonstrating 

40 Commercial Road Yarram 

how historical societies and the Office of 

Bernard Bolch Vice President Walhalla 

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria can work together. 

Heritage & Development League 

Margery Missen will talk about the property 

Green Mount and the singer from Tarraville Ada 

(In the Murray Goulburn Building) 

For Your Diary: 

Jemima Crossley (1871-1929). 

Upcoming Seminar 

Bernard Bolch will talk about documenting the 

life and death of Henry Hadden: Walhalla’s first 

Saturday 8 August at Stawell 

resident doctor. 

All members of historical societies welcome 

12.15 - 1.15 Lunch 

Founded 

Over , items of Victorian 

and interstate history, resources for 

family history and much more 

available for loan. 

www.pmi.net.au 

St Edmonds Road, Prahran 

More info: www.historyvictoria.org.au 

Registration 9.30 am for 10 am start 

Cost: $15 per person includes light lunch and morning tea. 

Please book through RHSV by notifying Ged: 

email – office@historyvictoria.org.au or phone 03 9326 9288 

Bookings close Wednesday 17 June 2015 

Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking 


9

AROUND THE SOCIETIES 


The column is compiled by volunteers Helen 

Boak and Lenore Frost on behalf of the 

History Victoria Support Group. For the 1 

August 2015 issue please send forthcoming 

events and your newsletters to: office@ 

historyvictoria.org.au by 10 July 2015. 

APOLLO BAY: The Apollo Bay Museum 

has a display of local records, photographs 

and memorabilia from World War 1. Audio 

stories and DVD tributes can be found on the 

Apollo Bay Community website http://www. 

apollobay.vic.au/. The Apollo Bay Museum 

opens 2-5pm Saturday, Sunday and Public 

Holidays and during School Holidays. 

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY - VICTORIA: 

Our Newport museum is open on Saturdays 

between 12 noon and 5.00 pm. Further 

information about the museum is at www. 

facebook.com/NewportRailwayMuseum . 

This society is new to RHSV so please offer 

your support by visiting the museum or 

attending the film night on June 25. Contact: 

secretary@arhsvic.org.au. 

BALWYN: Settlement in Balwyn began with 

the grant of an 8 square mile Special Survey. 

Pioneer setter Andrew Murray acquired a 

subdivided part, planted a vineyard and built 

a house he named Balwyn (bal hill and wyn 

wine). The area remained largely farming until 

tram transport was extended to Balwyn in 

1916 and the population grew rapidly. 

BENALLA: Did your family have a shire 

President in Benalla? If so, we would like you 

to contact us with any information you can 

provide on your ancestor. Do visit our Museum 

it has been rejuvenated with new carpet and 

repainting along with the completion of our 

dedicated War Services Room. Contact: 5762 

6093 or email: benhist@vicnet.au. 

BENDIGO: Each month we have an 

interesting speaker at our meetings at the 

Bendigo TAFE theatrette at 2pm. The topic 

for June 5 is “Bendigo Cricket” with speaker 

Peter McIvor and for July 3 “Malmsbury 

Bluestone” by speaker Sue Walker. When 

visiting Bendigo call Specimen Cottage on 

5441 3442 for information on our regular 

walking tours and exhibitions. 

BUNGAREE: From a letter by Corporal 

George Youla to Miss Rosenthal for her 

Christmas billy. ‘I thank you very much for 

a billy from Ballarat, where I joined. I have 

a nice cup of cocoa at night now. I was six 

month in the trenches, but am now in the 

Mounted Police. I will be glad when the war 

is over. All of us are proud of the Australian 

women for what they are doing….’ 

CANTERBURY: Our aim for 2015 is to 

enlarge our historical resources and further 

establish our group as a hub for local history 

and heritage in our area. If you have any 

information on interesting families, businesses, 

schools, community groups, or growing up 

in the Canterbury area, please contact us via 

email: canthist@gmail.com. 

CARISBROOK: Can you imagine living 

without electricity? On November 24, 1937 

Carisbrook celebrated the ‘switching on’ 

of electricity. The Carisbrook Betterment 

Association toiled for eight years to have the 

township connected to the State electricity grid. 

The SEC had been formed in 1921 to generate 

and distribute power throughout our state. 

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: A timely 

reminder for societies to have a hard copy of 

their historical records. As operating systems 

are upgraded some images and records stored 

on old technology are becoming inaccessible. 

In centuries to come, historians looking back 

on the present era could be confronted by a 

digital desert. 

COLLINGWOOD: The Society has had an 

active involvement in heritage planning for 

the City of Yarra and previously for the City 

of Collingwood. We are deeply concerned that 

the historical and heritage value of the area be 

respected for the benefit of future generations, 

both the natural heritage of the Yarra River and 

the built heritage. 

DANDENONG: After over 12 months of 

planning a combined archive storage facility 

with the City of Greater Dandenong and 

Springvale & District Historical society is to 

become a reality. Council has also passed a 10 

year plan which will rocket our Art & Heritage 

Strategy into the future. A great example of the 

community working together. 

DONCASTER-TEMPLESTOWE: In 1914 

most of the residents in the Shire were involved 

with fruit growing. Properties of men who went 

to war were becoming neglected. An idea was 

put forward to the Council for youths to take 

charge of an orchard which they did for free. 

Any profit was given to the owner and losses 

absorbed by the council. 

EAST MELBOURNE: Over the past year 

we have researched the lives and service of 758 

men and women who volunteered for World 

War 1. The research gave us an insight into 

East Melbourne as a working class suburb, 

peopled by labourers, factory workers, clerks, 

drivers, carpenters, gardeners, the occasional 

baker, barman and bookbinders and a thin 

sprinkling of professional people. 

GEELONG: Geelong is home to many 

tall elegant industrial chimneys typifying 

19 th century industries, they are beautiful 

architecture and important industrial survivors. 

They rise from a variety of buildings associated 

with employment and the prosperity of the 

region. For more information and a detailed 

description/tour information contact: 5278 

3530. 

GISBORNE & Mt MACEDON: We are 

recreating a horse stall in the stable building 

at the Court House precinct as part of a static 

display of the district’s agricultural, social 

and industrial heritage. We will be looking for 

donations or loans of relevant equipment and 

photographs from the district. If you can assist 

contact: history@gisbournemountmacedon. 

org.au. 

GLEN EIRA: On Wednesday 22 July at our 

AGM the special guest speaker will be Mr. 

Jim Claven, Secretary of the Lemnos Gallipoli 

Commemorative Committee. He will speak 

on Australia’s significant connection with the 

Greek Island of Lemnos during WW1. Visitors 

welcome. Venue: Boyd Room, Carnegie 

Library. Enquiries 9077 5395. 

HASTINGS WESTERN-PORT: Early 

versions of the submarine date back to 1620 

when a Dutchman, Cornelis Drebbel built a 

submersible boat that made a few trips along 

the Thames River, London. The modern 

version was developed by the U.S. military. A 

variety of prototypes were made with two early 

designs called the Platypus and the Toad. 

HEALESVILLE: As part of Healesville’s 

150 th Anniversary a historic trail was developed 

with around 26 plaques located around the 

town. An informative brochure is available 

for this interesting 3.2 km return walk. There 

is also a rejuvenated Railway Walk from the 

station to the town with commemorative 

pavers. Contact: hhsociety@optusnet.com.au. 

KILMORE: Thursday 29June 1911. Kilmore 

shire council arranged to donate 5 pounds 

towards any public movement to celebrate the 

coronation of King George V. After appeals for 

the school picnic, Kilmore hospital, fireworks, 

the fire brigade and the band it was noted. 

“…the president settled all further appeals by 

saying the 5 pounds had not been passed for 

payment to anybody!! 

KNOX: Our first Family Fun Day attracted 

over 300 visitors. There were tours of the 

historic buildings, entertainment in the 

beautiful gardens and on the lawns children 

played games of hookey and marbles or made 

pom poms and dolly pegs. Local artisans and 

community groups set up various stalls. A 

wonderful day showcasing our historic venue. 

KOROIT: From a letter home by a soldier: 

“First they shave you with a wooden razor, 

grease you all over with soft soap and flour then 

you are thrown in a big canvas tank of water, 

in which you are dipped up and down. All who 

never crossed the line before had to go through 

it including officers.” 

LAKES ENTRANCE: A recently donated 

collection of postcards of Lakes Entrance 

highlight the changes to Lakes Entrance over 

the years the family holidayed here. Have 

you considered what treasures you have in 

your home that could be shared with others 

by donating them to the appropriate history 

society? 

PUFFING BILLY: Puffing Billy has recorded 

increased passenger numbers in the last 12 

months. Some of the increase is due to the 

use of on-line bookings increasing passenger 

up to 180 per day. Several other projects are 

underway including a new Lakeside kiosk, 

moving “Thomas” to Gembrook for the Spring 

Season and numerous other maintenance 

items. 



MALMSBURY: A recent talk on searching 

out the history of land holdings highlighted 

what information can be found in Parish 

Maps which show the original purchaser. 

Subsequent owners we follow the clues from 

Shire Rate records, along with newspaper 

reports of subsequent land and Clearing 

Sales. Alternatively researchers can search 

Government records of Grants and transfers. 

MILITARY: This year as we remember the 

sacrifices of Australians in World War 1 we also 

recall the countries who suffered alongside us. 

The New Zealanders and the British, the Zion 

Mule Corp and the Gurkhas, along with the 

French, the Foreign Legion, the Lancashire 

Fusiliers and the Royal Navy Division. www. 

mhsavic.com. 

NILLUMBIK: Each month a mystery photo 

is published in the hope of identification and 

enhancement of our knowledge of the photo’s 

location and the people, this has brought some 

success. There are also a number of photos 

on our website that can be ordered: http:// 

nillumbikhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com. 

au/p/blog-page.html with prices starting at 

$10 each. 

PAYNESVILLE: If you have any maritime, 

nautical or local history books to be re-homed 

please donate them to our Library. Our wish list 

includes “Bairnsdale – Portrait of an Australian 

Country Town”. Keeping up with technology 

we are barcoding, photographing and recording 

each display item in the museum. Contact: 

recook@ozemail.com.au . 

PORT PHILLIP PIONEERS: In the 

1860’s a proposal was put to Queen Victoria 

to combine the western part of Victoria and 

the south-eastern part of South Australia in a 

colony to be named Princetown. The proposed 

capital was Mount Gambier and its main port 

Portland. The league collected 1500 signatures 

but as permission was not given by either state 

it was rejected. 

SANDRINGHAM: After a successful 

submission for a grant from the Public Records 

Office Victoria Local History Grants Program 

the digitisation of the Brighton Southern 

Cross newspapers from 1896 – 1913 has 

been completed and is now available on the 

National Library of Australia website “Trove”. 

A valuable addition for researchers. 

SNAKE VALLEY: The history of Mt Emu 

station began in 1854 when it was the first 

“holding” to be surveyed in our district. 

Boundary lines were a ploughed line between 

two properties. Rabbits were plentiful in the 

area and station owners were told by the Rabbit 

Inspector to rid their property of the pests as 

soon as possible! 

ST JOHN AMBULANCE: Recent work by 

our members has resulted in the following 

achievements: a stocktake and recording of 

our collection of old uniforms and books, 

biographies for each member on our Roll 

of Honour, maintenance of the garden and 

networking of the computers for membership 

records to be entered in the data base more 

efficiently. 

SUNBURY: This year Sunbury held its first 

Dawn Service for the Anzac 100 th Anniversary 

1915-2105. The crowd who attended were 

estimated to be over 5,000. Following the 

Dawn Service and breakfast the Anzac Day 

March commenced at 10.00 am from near the 

Railway Station and people marched up to the 

War Memorial. 

SUNSHINE: We would like to hear from 

anyone with information on the storage 

location of the metal Name Plates removed 

from the Sunshine Avenue of Honour. The 

original trees lined both sides of Sun Crescent 

but were removed circa 1960s for road 

widening. Please contact John on 9744 7435 

or email: jnwillo@bigpond.com . 

TRAFALGAR: “Pleasant Sunday Afternoons” 

were once a part of cultural life in small 

towns in the late 1800’s. They were a form of 

religious worship associated with an evangelical 

movement and aimed to engage and educate 

its audience. The format was sacred songs, 

recitations and addresses and came about as 

church services were described as being “so 

blessed dull”. 

WANDIN: Captain George Ingram VC, MM, 

was the Yarra Valley’s only recipient of the 

Victoria Cross. A book has been written on 

his life from a boyhood in Seville, to serving 

with the artillery in the 24 th Battalion AIF, 

working as a soldier settler and then serving 

as a Shrine Guard and in the Royal Australian 

Engineers in WW2. 

WARRANDYTE: A reminder of the many 

tasks undertaken by societies and the need 

for members to volunteer. Choose one of 

the enjoyable and informative activities from 

staffing the museum, helping on a working 

bee, assisting with archives, helping with the 

newsletter, scanning and photocopying or 

assisting at open days or events. Contact: whs. 

secretary@hotkey.net.au 

WAVERLEY: At our meeting on Wednesday 

June 24 at 2.00 pm Duncan Burrows will 

outline the history of flour millers in Victoria. 

Visitors are welcome. Our meetings are located 

on the 1 st Floor above Mt Waverley Library 

at 41 Miller Crescent. The rooms open from 

1pm to 4.30 pm. Enquiries: normaschultz@ 

bigpond.com . 

WESTERN VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION: 

We have been working on becoming a 

Deductable Gift Recipient or DGR. If this 

is successful then all of our member societies 

will be able to seek funds from philanthropic 

organisations and others who can then claim 

tax concessions for their donation. 

WOADY YALOAK: Thirty years ago the 1860 

Smythesdale Court House building was in 

danger of being sold and possibly demolished. 

This was the catalyst for the calling of a public 

meeting where our local History Society was 

formed. Sixty- three members joined in the 

first month and eventually the Court House 

was saved and restored. 

WOODEND: A design for a Wall of 

Remembrance at the southern entrance to the 

Avenue has been developed in conjunction with 

Woodend RSL, Macedon Ranges Council and 

local sculptors Ashika and Padma Ostapkowicz. 

There will be an inscription of gratitude to 

our servicemen and women. The project is 

expected to be ready for the Avenue’s 97 th 

anniversary in September. 


11

TUESDAY 16 JUNE 

WHAT’S ON 

TUESDAY 21 JULY 2015 

TUESDAY 21 JULY 

MELBOURNE 

RARE BOOK WEEK 

16 – 26 JULY 

2015 

ANNUAL AGL SHAW LECTURE 

COMBINED LA TROBE SOCIETY/ 

RHSV LECTURE 

Charles Joseph La Trobe and 

the Regulation of Everyday 

Life: implementing the 

Births, Deaths and Marriages 

Registration Act 

Speaker: Dr Madonna Grehan 

Time: 6.30 – 8.00 

Admission: $30 

Bookings close Friday 12 June: phone 

9326 9288 or office@historyvictoria.org.au 

Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe is 

credited with the foundation of many 

of Victoria’s civic and administrative 

institutions: the State Library, the 

University of Melbourne, the Botanical 

Gardens, and Victoria’s Police Force, 

just to name a few. La Trobe is less wellrecognised 

with initiating, and having 

oversight of, a pivotal administrative tool 

that is part and parcel of everyday life 

today. 

In late October 1852, Governor La Trobe 

introduced into the Legislative Council 

of Victoria a bill for a system of civil 

registration, designed to account for 

the births, deaths, and marriages of the 

colony’s people. In operation from 1 July 

1853, within five years the scheme was 

judged to be an exemplar of statistical 

science in the British Imperial world. 

The rapid uptake of civil registration in 

Victoria belies the logistical challenges in 

implementing this sophisticated regulatory 

scheme. Aspects of the system are 

remarkable for their time and are valuable 

to historians now. In this presentation, Dr 

Grehan sheds light on the planning and 

execution of this pioneering regulation 

enacted by the Victorian Parliament under 

CJ La Trobe’s administration. 

Madonna Grehan is a historian, holds 

registration as a nurse and midwife, and 

is an Honorary Fellow in the University 

of Melbourne’s School of Health Sciences. 

Madonna is an oral history interviewer 

for the National Library of Australia. A 

member of the Central Human Research 

Ethics Committee at the University of 

Melbourne and current President of the 

Medical History Society of Victoria, in 

her spare time, Madonna is a volunteer 

social history tour guide at the Abbotsford 

Convent in Melbourne. In 2013 Madonna 

was awarded the CJ La Trobe Society 

Fellowship for research on women, 

maternity care and family life in nineteenth 

century Victoria. 

EMERGING HISTORIANS 

The Royal Historical Society of Victoria 

and the Professional Historians Association 

(Victoria) combine each year to present 

lectures by a new generation of emerging 

historians. 

Vergangenheitsbewältigung: 

Struggle to come to terms 

with the past 

Speaker: Minna Muhlen-Schulte 

Time: 5.15 refreshments, 5.45 lecture 

Free to PHA Members & RHSV members 

$10.00 non-members 

Minna’s talk will explore the complex 

relationship German–Australians have 

with their wartime past. She will discuss 

her experience of working with oral 

history recordings, memoirs and letters 

held in the State Library of Victoria’s 

Australian Manuscripts collection, and 

how the silence in these records is just as 

powerful as the recorded testimony. 

Minna Muhlen-Schulte currently holds 

the Berry Family Fellowship at the State 

Library of Victoria. She has a Masters in 

Public History from Monash University 

and First Class Honours in Art History 

and English Literature from University 

of New South Wales. Minna has worked 

on a range of history and arts projects for 

community organisations, local and state 

government including the Victorian War 

Heritage Inventory, Museum of Australian 

Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) and 

Mallee Aboriginal District Services. In 

2014, Minna developed a program on 

artist Clarice Beckett’s life and work for 

ABC Radio National’s Hindsight. 

OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND 

25 July – 26 July 

On the weekend of 25 and 26 July 2015, 

over 100 buildings will open their doors 

for free for you to experience good design 

and architecture across the city. There will 

also be a full range of free events, tours, 

workshops and exhibitions for you to enjoy. 

The full building list will be announced on 

1 July. There is no ballot this year. Nearly 

all buildings open on the weekend are open 

access and self-guided, but a small number 

of buildings have pre-booked tours. 

Bookings open on Wednesday 8 July at 

10am until booked out, limited to 2 places 

per person per tour. These tours always 

book out, so please check on the website 

before you plan to visit these building. 

THE RHSV WILL BE OPEN ON 

SATURDAY 25 JULY 10AM – 4PM. 

For the Love of Manuscripts 

Speaker: Emma Russell 

Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm 

Free 

The RHSV manuscript collection mirrors 

Victoria’s history chronologically. It 

includes details of early exploration and 

attempts at settlement; Victoria’s period 

of separation from NSW, the political 

watershed of 1901, and the experiences 

of the twentieth century, depression and 

wars. The material comprises letters, 

diaries, journals, station day books and 

reminiscences that create an individual and 

unique picture of Victorian social history. 

Join historian Emma Russell as she pulls 

together the rare and unique volumes 

from the manuscript collection that that 

showcase the only written record of 

Victoria’s quieter history makers. 

Jane Cannan: Section of View from Mr 

Pollock’s Window. (c.1854) 

Melbourne Rare Book Week 

Thursday 16 July – Friday 24 July 

A wonderful program of lectures and 

exhibitions culminating in the Melbourne 

Rare Book Fair over the weekend of July 

24 – 26 has been put together by Kay 

Craddock and her team for Melbourne 

Rare Book Week. 

The diversity of topics is outstanding. 

Participants can hear lectures about books 

related to medical history, legal history, 

19th century books for boys, illustrated 

books, architecture and celebrated book 

collectors including the John Emmerson 

collection which was recently donated to 

the State Library of Victoria. 

The week is packed with fascinating 

lectures with opportunities to see some 

of Melbourne’s most beautiful collections 

of rare books. 

Shortly all members of the RHSV will 

receive a hard copy edition of the 2015 

program but just to plan ahead the program 

can be viewed at www.rarebookweek.com 

Annual RHSV Book Sale : open to the public on SATURDAY 13 JUNE 10am – 3pm

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