Yarra Plenty Regional Library have a number of historical images on large canvas prints covering the Diamond Valley area which are available for schools and community groups to borrow. These include: Diamond Creek CFA Fire Station (1982) Binni Shell/Community Centre, Diamond Creek (1979) Loyola College, Watsonia, (Formerly Department of Community Welfare Services) (1980) Pioneer John Lawrey of Diamond Creek (1944) Selina Sutherland, Sutherland Homes Christmas . . . more »

The Prahan Mechanics Institute's objective is to encourge and facilitate historical research. In keeping with this the PMI is inviting participation in their Short History Prize 2010. Entries are to be non-fiction be up to 15,000 words cover the history of a place or aspect of a place in Victoria, Australia be written by a member or members of a Victorian historical society or similar . . . more »

The Nillumbik Historical Society (Diamond Creek) present their annual Autumn Fair this Saturday March 20 2010 9.00 am - 3.00 pm The day will feature historic talks, photographic and archival displays, historic photos for sale, genealogy display including the Ellis family tree. Music by local singer/composer Garry Hayes 10 am - 11 am, Ray MacMinn, artist of Australian Bush, Strathewen Tree Project, Black Smith demonstration, . . . more »

Rural areas in Nillumbik and Neighbours in Manningham - particularly in Templestowe and Warrandyte have a hertiage of fruit growing and in particular apples. This heritage is being celebrated on Sunday 28th March at the Apple Tasting Festival at Petty's Orchard Templestowe. With over 100 apples to taste, featuring talks, music, children's fun, orchard tours, apple folkore, food and gardening advice and more.

Plenty Historical Society together with the support pf MP Danielle Green recently nominated Selina Sutherland - Founder of the Sutherland Homes for Children and lifelong campaigner for social justice for the Victorian Honour roll for women. The nomination out of 128 nominations were successful and she was recently inducted at the National Gallery of Victoria. Selina operated a country home for the children at Diamond . . . more »

The Diamond Valley Leader has reported this week that the Eltham RSL has closed. The 83 year old club closed its doors after a vote failed to achieve a proposal to merge with the Greensborough RSL. Nillumbik Council will work with the club to relocate its memorabilia and cenotaph to another site in Eltham. . . . more »

Eltham & District Historical Society will continue their successful program of heritage walks by providing a variety of walks in different locations around Eltham and nearby areas. The first walk for 2010 will be on Saturday 6th March starting at 2pm. The starting point is the corner of Lavender Park Road and Kent Hughes Road, Eltham South (Melway Ref. 22 A9). Roadside parking is available . . . more »

The State Library of Victoria have recently introduced new research guides via their website. Currently 22 guides, the list will be added to over time. Research guides of particular interest to local history researchers include: What it used to cost What happened when Researching your house Researching soldiers of World War 1 Industries in Australia Finding the meaning of an Aboriginal word

It is always great to see what is happening “local history wise” around the wider community. Some 100 projects happening with 52 local councils in New South Wales including partnerships with libraries and community groups are showcased online at the NSW Local Government Cultural Awards ‘10 Some are projects highlighting local history including one I like – which also embraces family history - New Lives, . . . more »

Did you know that John Wren, proprietor of the notorious Collingwood Tote in the early 1900s, once seriously proposed to establish a racecourse at Eltham that he claimed would rival famous Flemington ? Well, if you didn't, (and even if you did!) Eltham and District Historical Society are inviting you to learn more about this and other fascinating facts about early horse activities in the . . . more »