Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978

RHSV Gallery Downstairs 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Simmie & Co was a prominent building company in Melbourne (1924-1978) and in Canberra (1926-1969).  In Melbourne the company was highly successful and built many iconic buildings, churches, monasteries, schools, housing, factories, defence works, the Shrine forecourt (1939-45), offices and theatres including some heritage-listed constructions (one designed by Robin Boyd). The founders were three Victorian brothers, all born in the last decade of the nineteenth century and all worked at the Sunshine Harvester factory before World War One – William, Jock & George. All were World War One veterans (two were Gallipoli veterans). All were wounded and survived. Two were closely involved with the Master Builders Association in Melbourne. Discover their story of a pioneering building company of the early to mid-twentieth century, of World War One veterans, of courage and a willingness to take a risk, of the beginning of the capital city of Australia and the workers, the unsung heroes, who made it all happen.

Back From the Dead: resuscitation and defibrillation

Williamstown Library 104 Ferguson St, Williamstown, VIC, Australia

In the lead-up to National Volunteer Week join us for an afternoon tea with Dr Allan Mawdsley, from St John Ambulance Historical Society, as we launch the latest exhibition at
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Tour of Victorian Trades Hall

Victorian Trades Hall 54 Victoria Street, Carlton, Victoria, Australia

During those lost COVID years the Victorian Trades Hall underwent a massive renovation which focused on not just the building but the vital cultural heritage that lives within its walls. We have organised a tour for RHSV members only (as we have limited places). The Trades Hall, on the corner of Victoria and Lygon streets in Melbourne, is one of the world’s oldest trade union buildings. It has been the home of trade unionism in the state of Victoria since 1874, and is associated with the history of the Australian Labour Party and with events significant to the whole country.

$20

An evening in Melbourne’s Lanes

RHSV Gallery Downstairs 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

We'd like to invite our members and friends to an old-fashioned slide night! Our Publications Committee, volunteers and staff have been working hard on producing a new edition of Weston
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$10 – $20

80th Anniversary Memorial Service

Kilmore Cenotaph, Sydney Road, Kilmore, Vic. Sydney Road, Kilmore, Victoria, Australia

Commemorative Service to be held for the 80th anniversary of the tragic crash and loss of two of the three crew of an Australian Woomera bomber at Bylands, south of
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Becoming a Mother: An Australian History

Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub 275 Upper Heidleberg Road, Ivanhoe, Select a Country:

Celebrate the release of a powerful new history of Australian motherhood this Mother’s Day weekend! When she first become a mother in 2013, historian Dr Carla Pascoe Leahy looked around
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Free