Moonee Valley Family & Local History Blog

In May the Genealogical Society of Victoria will be offering the following lunch time talks. May 2nd  The history of the St Kilda Cemetery Celestina Sagazio May 9th Did they swim? Passengers into Australia Claire Johnson May 16th English records 1500-1750: wonders await! Alan Fincher May 23rd The history of Brighton Cemetery Elizabeth Paine May 30th John Batman: an inside story of the birth of Melbourne Joy Braybrook GSV members free, non-members $8.00 Time 12.30 - 1.30pm Level B1, 257 Collins St,  Melbourne PH 9662 4455 gsv@gsv.org.au http://www.gsv.org.au/

The Australian Military have had a long history of involvement in the Middle East. Dr Mark Johnston’s new book, Anzacs in the Middle East , looks at the relationships between Australians of the second AIF and their allies and how they related to local populations of Greece,Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine during the Second World War. He uses diaries, interviews and other first-hand accounts to give a valuable perspective of Australians abroad in adverse conditions and discusses the image of the “larrikin” Australian.  Sam Merrifield Library Wednesday 24 April, 7pm Free, but bookings necessary. Call 8325 1950.

  In the lead up to Anzac Day on the 25th April, Find my Past has created the Anzac Memory Bank to allow people to share personal and family stories about Australia and New Zealand involvement in wars and conflict around the world.  Information and articles from military experts will also be available. In addition Find my Past will provide free access to all its military records from Monday 22April to Friday 26th April.

In April 1942 articles in the Essendon Gazette reflected the unease felt in the community as Australia faced war on her doorstep.  Mr T. Pidd, the Defence Training Inspector at Essendon Technical School, drew up plans for a stirrup pump capable of pumping water out of air raid shelters. The pump was made by modifying a car pump, and his blue prints were made available to the public for 3/- Lighting restrictions were also in place. Inside lighting was only permissible if curtains, drapes or blinds obscured the windows. No   light was to be seen outside   a building between sunset and dawn. Residents were instructed to be ready to observe a total blackout at a moments notice. You can view the original articles from  the Essendon Gazette dated 16/04/1942. Available on microfilm in the Sam Merrifield Library.

In 2013 the Public Record Office of Victoria, PROV, will be celebrating 40 years of collecting and preserving Victorian public records. PROV has records dating from the mid 1830's and includes records from Government Departments, courts, local councils, schools and hospitals. As part of the celebrations,  PROV will be holding an open day at the Victorian Archives Centre on Saturday the 20th April, with tours, talks and information sessions. Entry is free, but bookings are essential. For more information go to http://prov.vic.gov.au/prov-open-day2013 Victorian Archives Centre 99 Shiel St North Melbourne 3051