Further information about Societies, Clubs and Associations

Brighton – Visit the West Brighton Club, established in 1881.  Reservations essential – phone 9553 8650.

Como Historic House and Garden – Built in 1847, Como Historic House is an intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture.  Visit their web site at www.comohouse.com.au

Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot Incorporated – has been established by VicTrack to assist with the operation of the Melbourne Tram Museum @ Hawthorn Depot. It is a volunteer-based non-profit group established under the Victorian Incorporations Act.  It is composed of representatives from VicTrack, Heritage Victoria, honorary appointees with recognised expertise in tramway history and preservation, and elected representatives of its volunteer workers (friends).  Visit their website at www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au

Friends of Wattle Park Incorporated – Caring for ecological and historical aspects of park by planting weeding and propagation of indigenous flora and restoration of heritage features of Wattle Park.
See also Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot (Wattle Park link).

Jewish Holocaust Museum – serves as a permanent reminder of what happens in a society which refuses to accept other cultures and beliefs.  The centre conducts lectures and runs seminar programs throughout the year, and has developed educational resources and materials to support an active school visitor program that sees thousands of students visiting to meet and talk to Holocaust Survivor guides and their descendants each year.  Visit their web site at www.jhc.org.au

Jewish Museum of Australiais a community museum, which aims to explore and share the Jewish experience in Australia and benefit Australia’s diverse society.  The Jewish Museum of Australia is committed to being a respected and innovative cultural centre, recognised nationally for its excellence in exhibitions, education programs and collection management.  Visit their web site at www.jewishmuseum.com.au

Kew – Enquiries: 9853 1535 or email davidbenwell@optusnet. com.au

Kew Court House and Police Station Restoration – For a brief history, visit their web site www.kewcourthouse.com/about_us.htm

Malvern – visit the Stonnington History Website www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/history

Malvern Historical Society – was formed in 1973 to advance the study of all aspects of the history relating to the area formerly known as the City of Malvern, now part of the City of Stonnington.  The boundaries of Stonnington are Punt Road, Dandenong Road, Warrigal Road, Gardiners Creek and the Yarra River.  The Society is a very active community group.  Activities include monthly meetings, walks, talks and bus trips.  Our bi-monthly newsletter, Local History News – Keeping Stonnington’s History Alive provides history articles and up-to-date information on our activities.  Our website www.vicnet.net.au/~malvern includes a moving timeline, photos, information, oral histories and children’s puzzles.  NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.
The Society is a member of the Stonnington History Committee, an affiliated member of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, a member of the South Metro History Group and has been appointed by the Public Records Office of Victoria as a Place of Deposit for non-permanent public records.
The historical assets of the Malvern Historical Society together with those of the Prahran Historical Society, Stonnington Council (known as the Cities of Malvern and Prahran before 1994) and the Stonnington Library have been combined to form the Stonnington Local History Collection.  This Collection is now the property of the City of Stonnington and the Collection’s management is now the responsibility of the Stonnington Local History Service.  The Collection is managed by Stonnington Local History Officers and can be visited by appointment, at the Stonnington History Centre (03 8290 1360).  The Collection includes photographs, building and subdivision plans, maps, ephemera, newspapers, conservation studies, council reports, research notes and books.  Over 60,000 items can be viewed on the Stonnington Histor Centre website (http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/www/html/992-stonnington-history-centre.asp via the online catalogue.

Military (Oakleigh) – Oakleigh/Carnegie RSL, Drummond Street, Oakleigh or contact vicsec@mhsa.org.au website http//mhsavictoria.tripod.com/index.html

Naval- the Victorian chapter of the Naval Historical Society meets at the Melbourne Naval Centre, 146W Toorak Road South Yarra, opposite Fawkner Park.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) – since 1956 the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has been actively working towards conserving and protecting our heritage for future generations to enjoy. The National Trust is not part of government. It is an independent non-profit organisation, supported by a large community base. It is the premier heritage and conservation organisation in the state, and the major operator of house museums and historic properties open to the public.  Visit their web site at www.nattrust.com.au

RAAF Association (VIC Division) – The Australian Flying Corps and RAAF Association Inc is a non-profit organisation established in each state and territory of Australia to promote social activities, welfare, commemoration events, aviation history and the memory of fallen friends.  Visit their web site at www.raafavic.org.au

Rippon Lea Estate – In August 2006, Rippon Lea became the 33rd site to be included on the prestigious National Trust List.  The listing was announced by the Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell.  Visit their web site at www.ripponleaestate.com.au

Stonnington History Centre – houses a collection of books, photographs, ephemera, documents, building plans, maps, subdivision plans, newspapers and general local history information relating to the City of Stonnington.
Donations of relevant material from community organisations, businesses, institutions and individuals are gratefully accepted and make a valuable contribution to the Archives.
Requests for information from students, researchers and family historians are welcome.  House dating is a popular service provided to local residents.  Information is available by appointment with the Local History Officers.   Fees apply for some services.
The Local History Catalogue ca be contacted at http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/www/html/1122-local-history-catalogue.asp?intSiteID=1

Surrey Hills Historical Society – a member of the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre’s public program.  Meetings are held at 8.00pm on the third Tuesday of the month, excluding December, January and July – cost is $2.00 per meeting plus annual fees to the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre Inc. (currently $6.00 pa).  Meetings are held in the Maitland Room of the cottage at 1 Bedford Ave, Surrey Hills.  The Neighbourhood Centre houses a heritage collection of early photos, information and oral histories. Visit their website at www.surreyhillsnc.org.au

Uniting Church Historical Society, The – Aims to:
generate interest in and to promote the study and discussion of the history of the Uniting Church and former presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches promote the collection and preservation of historical records publish historical articles and lectures promote the interchange of historical information by lectures, readings and discussion cooperate with other societies interested in Victorian history and/or the history of the Uniting Church and the bodies from which it was formed.
Visitors are most welcome at the Centre every Thursday and can have the opportunity to research their topic of interest for a small fee.

Villa Alba Museum – was built between 1882 and 1884 and is notable for its painted decorations.  It is being restored as a museum and educational facility.  Visit their web site at www.villaalbamuseum.org