Q&A WITH AUTHOR RYAN BUTTA
To celebrate the Boundless Plains exhibition in Springvale, join us for a discussion with Sherene Hassan, Director of Community Engagement, Islamic Museum of Australia and Ryan Butta,
author of The Ballad of Abdul Wade, which tells the true story of Australia’s unsung pioneering heroes, the Afghan Cameleers.

Explore photographs captured during a contemporary expedition across Australia in 2011. The aptly named Boundless Plains expedition was initiated by Moustafa Fahour OAM, founder of the Islamic Museum of Australia. This journey saw Moustafa and three friends travel the country, chronicling Australia's rich Muslim history. From Marree, in far north South Australia and the site of Australia’s first mosque, built by Afghan Cameleers, to Arnhem Land, Broome and beyond, a collection of the resulting images are highlighted in this photographic exhibition, presented by the Islamic Museum, in collaboration with the Greater City of Dandenong.

Eltham District Historical Society's Christmas function is a trivia night - put together a table (or join an existing table) and come along in your wildest or, at least, your out-of-the-ordinary gear. Kaftans and 60s attire encouraged! You are welcome to bring your own drinks and some supper to share.   To book please contact
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Labassa’s grand architecture and exquisite decorative features have drawn generations of amateur and professional photographers. From ‘wow’ shot to intimate close up, Labassa has it all. Bring your camera and take a guided tour or explore the mansion on your own. Join the hunt for Labassa’s quirky ‘critters’ and capture them on camera. No tripods,
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St John Ambulance began its Search and Rescue Squads after WWII to collaborate with Victoria Police and the Country Fire Authority. It was superseded in the mid-1970s by the government funded State Emergency Service. However, in its heyday, S&R attended many disasters including the Southern Aurora derailment and the Westgate Bridge collapse. Stewart Grainger, who
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Experience Labassa’s lavish architecture and companion garden at twilight. Labassa’s garden has undergone many changes in its 160-year history. From pleasure grounds for Marvellous Melbourne’s elite through to a communal garden for resident hippies, Labassa has seen it all. Although over 700 people have lived at the mansion, its 1890s interiors remain largely intact. See
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A great-aunt’s bequest – a 200-year-old grandfather clock – sends historian Graeme Davison on a journey deep into his father’s family’s past. From their tribal homeland in the Scottish Borders, he follows them to the garrison town of Carlisle, from industrial Birmingham to Edwardian Australia, and from the Great War to his own suburban childhood.
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Building on the success of the Unplugged in St Kilda podcast series, iconic musicians Paulie Stewart (Painters and Dockers), Fiona Lee Maynard (Have a Nice Day) and Fred Negro (I Piss on Your Gravy) will share musical tales from the St Kilda scene of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Facilitated by Sally Moore, host of the Unplugged podcasts, the panel will discuss the rich musical history of St Kilda, sharing insights into their time in the local area and how it shaped their music.

🌈 Subcultures of Friendship, Male Homosexual Lives in Mid-Century Victoria David and Wayne will guide us through Subcultures of Friendship made in a Mid-Century Melbourne. Wayne Murdoch is going to focus on Melbourne in the 1920s and 30s. His information is based on the research done for his book Kamp Melbourne in the 1920s and
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Box Hill Historical Society kicks off 2024 with a talk by prominent literary critic, journalist and author Helen Elliott. Helen spent some time working in the Box Hill Library, commencing in 1965. She will speak of her memories of Box Hill. Copies of her memoir, Eleven Letters to You, will be available for sale at
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