Heritage Collections - Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection
The Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection, and the sum of its parts, reflect and celebrate the City of Greater Dandenong’s rich and diverse cultural heritage; its people, events and achievements. The Collection is acknowledged as being part of the irreplaceable records that support the understanding of our local history for this and future generations. The Collection is representative of the natural, cultural and social history of the region that is considered as significant, and of interest to, residents now and in the future.
The collection includes items such as artworks, photographs, sculptures, prints, and mixed media; audio and multimedia items, civic memorabilia, and civic gifts.
Access to these collections is available to researchers and appointments to view can be made via prior arrangement with Council’s Cultural Heritage team.
Heritage Sites
The City of Greater Dandenong has a range of historical sites that show the changing face of our city and tell the stories of people from all over the world who came to make their home here.
Effective management of these sites today will ensure that things of value, beauty and importance to the community are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The City of Greater Dandenong Heritage Study provides information on sites of significance within our region, and Historic Narratives | Greater Dandenong Council provides a summary history for each of the three Activity Centres.
Our Heritage Hill Precinct is of local historical and cultural significance, reflecting the course of the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural history. Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga (1936) and St James’ Anglican Church (1864) offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of a group of prominent locals who lived in the region during the late nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth centuries.
The surrounding gardens are integral to the region’s history, showcasing how people interacted with their environment in the past. Today, visitors can enjoy heritage programs, guided tours, and exhibitions that connect the past with the present.
Digital Archive Collection
The City of Greater Dandenong is currently creating digital records of the thousands of items in the municipality’s heritage collections.
The first release of images, featuring a selection of the Graham Southam collection of photographic negatives, is now live.
View the Digital Archive
Digital Archive Collection: Community Life
Photographer Graham Southam created an intricate record of public life in the Dandenong region. The public events he captured offer an opportunity not only to remember the streetscapes and fashion of Dandenong through the years, but to reflect on the traditions that continue to draw people together.
Browse 'Community' in the Digital Collection
Digital Archive Collection: Working Life
Since the end of World War II, Dandenong has been a centre for industry. The establishment of the General Motors Holden Plant in Dandenong in 1956, among others, drew workers to the region and helped to build the local economy. This selection of images captures working people around the municipality, from the General Motors Holden plant, Dandenong’s Commonwealth Offices, to Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.
Browse 'Working Life' in the Digital Collection
Digital Archive Collection: Sport
Graham Southam closely documented Dandenong’s thriving sporting life. With premier sporting venues like Shepley Oval established in the 1950s, the Dandenong region has a proud history of sports participation. This selection of images captures sportspeople in action between 1950s and 1980s, from football and basketball to lawn bowls.
Browse 'Sport' in the Digital Collection
Digital Archive Collection: Fashion
The Graham Southam collection captures excellent examples of fashion from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Even before the opening of Myer Dandenong in 1974 (closed 2013), Dandenong was a regional centre for retail fashion outlets. This selection features images of fashion parades from the late 1960s.
Browse 'Fashion' in the Digital Collection
About Graham Southam
Graham Southam was a photographer and photojournalist for The Argus and The Journal in the Dandenong area. His collection documents the changes in community and social life in Dandenong from 1950s-1980s. His photographic negatives were bequeathed to the City by Greater Dandenong in 1991.