Bendigo Regional Archives Centre

02/09/2026

How many snakes is too many snakes in a kindergarten?

In 1977, the Shire of Strathfieldsaye minute books (VPRS 16137)tell us that Mrs Ellis was concerned about 'the number of snakes entering the Kennington kindergarten yard'...

28/08/2026

IT'S BOOK WEEK!

The Bendigo Library has a long history of brilliant displays, this one at the Town Hall in 1954 to celebrate the adjacent Library Week, put together by children's librarian, Miss Tanner.

You can find lots of references to the library in the City of Bendigo Council Minutes, and correspondence collections: https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/VPRS16269

21/08/2026

🐄 Are you getting enough calcium? 🐄

Dairy and dairy production has formed a big part of Victoria's north western history, and in this short clip, BRAC explore the resources you can use to research farms, dairies and producers over time:

https://youtu.be/kC0lKrcmCcg?si=DQGCDFP_IWUrIul7

Bendigo Historical Society
Cohuna & District Historical Society Inc.
Leitchville Community

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

16/08/2026

Help tell Castlemaine’s story 📖

We’re inviting residents to share memories, photographs, local knowledge and connections to places that matter.

Your contribution will help create a History of Place as part of the Castlemaine Heritage Study. The study will help guide how important places in Castlemaine are recognised, cared for and protected into the future.

Join the information session 👇

When: 5pm-7pm, Tuesday 25 August
Where: Ray Bradfield Rooms, 33 Forest Street, Castlemaine
or complete the 10-minute survey online at Shape.

For more details, visit the Castlemaine Heritage Study page at
www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

14/08/2026

⚡⚡ FLASHBACK FRIDAY ⚡⚡

Did you know that as well as early books, BRAC also has a full collection of rate books from 1970 through to 1994?

They're ordered by street and give wonderful insight into who was living in and owning property across the township in the more modern era, and often include other details like the address of non-resident owners, and parish allotment details.

All of these 1977 restaurants and clubs would appear in this collection - we're sure locals will have plenty of memories from these venues!

You can order them to view to the Reading Room here: https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/VPRS16267
Bendigo Historical Society
Lost Bendigo & District

07/08/2026

Blowing up the Bendigo Hospital...

Just two days after the Hospital board had met in July 1934, the Hospital itself became the focus of an unprecedented event which – literally – shook the town, and the institution to its foundations…

https://www.brac.vic.gov.au/destructive-diagnosis

05/08/2026

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!

A double-header for genealogists at the Bendigo Library tomorrow, Thursday 6 August, to celebrate Family History Month - come along at 1pm to learn about what records the Bendigo Regional Archive Centre hold that will help you find your ancestors, then at 2:15pm, join Library staff for an introduction into family history.

Book your free ticket for Rates, Ratbags & Rebels here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rates-ratbags-rebels-finding-forebears-in-the-archives-tickets-1988736185466
Bendigo Family History
Public Record Office Victoria
Bendigo Historical Society

Discover what the Bendigo Regional Archives Centre collection can tell you about your ancestors.

04/08/2026

24/07/2026

⚡️⚡️ FLASHBACK FRIDAY ⚡️⚡️

Does anyone remember the school camp at Axedale?

This image from the Bendigo Advertiser provides some insight into the establishment of old army huts at the site by members of the Rotary Club of Bendigo in 1947, on land that can be found on the Parish Plan for Axedale, and in the Shire of Strathfieldsaye rate book collection: https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/VPRS16136