Join Engineering Heritage Victoria and the RHSV at an illustrated talk to mark the centenary of the Yallourn Briquette Works. Achieving its first commercial production in February 1925, the Yallourn Briquette Works was the third key element of the ambitious state-owned enterprise to harness the immense brown coal resources of the Latrobe Valley. Championed by
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Reg Hunt, motor dealer, racing driver, collector and property investor was one of Melbourne’s best known and successful automobilists during his working life. Maserati historian, enthusiast and long-time friend, David Zeunert, will discuss with Mark Bissett Reg’s life exploits following a light lunch at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

EVENT CANCELLED: Our deepest apologies but this event has been cancelled. Refunds have been sent to those who have already bought tickets. We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience.
For more than two centuries, France and Australia have forged strong links. Between 1772 and 1827, no fewer than nine French scientific expeditions explored the Australian coastline. French scientists drew maps, studied flora and fauna, and opened up to the Aborigines. In the century that followed, Australians and French shed their blood side by side in two world wars. From Saint-Aloüarn, who took possession of Australia for Louis XV at Shark Bay (Western Australia) in 1772, to the scientists of the Baudin expedition who drew up a plan for Napoleon's invasion of Sydney, to Dumont d'Urville, who explored King George Sound (now Albany) to make Western Australia a French colony, France and England have always competed for possession of the island continent. Starting with the famous painting of Lapérouse unfolding the map of his expedition in front of Louis XVI, with his hand pointing to Australia, this lecture tells the long story of this race with its many twists and turns.

Yarra Birrarung: Artists, Writers and the River is an illustrated history of life on the Yarra. Through the lens of artists and writers, the book explores how life has flourished on the river, including recreation, industry and land use, as well as infrastructure, natural history and social history. Despite much despoiling, our river remains the vital artery of the city and beyond to the Yarra Ranges. Just as it was the fulcrum of Wurundjeri life, it continues to inspire and fulfil our lives. From the Heidelberg School to the MCG, the river has been a centre of Australian arts and culture for decades. 

The RHSV, in partnership with the Heritage Council Victoria, celebrates 50 years of the Victorian Heritage Register. The event will offer insight into the history and functioning of the Register, which should be of interest to all concerned with preserving our heritage. 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of Victorian state government heritage legislation. In 1974,
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A beguiling photographic collection of the faded signs and half-hidden logos of Melbourne, revealing the historic tales — big and small — of this ever-changing city. From the gold-rush years to the Swinging Sixties, from Robur Tea to Tarax soft drinks, this city can never settle. In a process of continual renewal, old buildings are incorporated into new, both uncovering and obscuring snippets of history. Ghost signs provide hints to our common heritage, ready to be picked up by the keen eye and quick shutter.