A collection of oral history recordings from people with memories of our neighbourhoods. Enjoy listening to memories of growing up, shopping, eating, going to school, working, playing sport, having fun and some dramatic stories from our area.
Each clip is about 4 minutes long with some longer.
Please note that no recordings may be copied, adapted or otherwise reused without the written permission of the Balwyn Historical Society. Please contact us for further information.
Margaret Fankhauser
Interviewee: Margaret Fankhauser
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: The Fankhauser farms in Balwyn, bullocks and carts to Victoria Market and the 1880 farmhouse on Belmore / Ewarts Road, which still stands.
Bev Williams
Interviewee: Bev Williams
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Foundations of the Evergreen Club / Centre from the Balwyn Primary School, the Opportunity Shop and Eva Tilley Aged Care.
George Theodore
Interviewee: George Theodore
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: The Oasis Coffee Shop, a Balwyn institution from 1962 to the present.
June Stockman
Interviewee: June Stockman
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Life at Holeproof, being chosen as Miss Holeproof Deepdene and working with Miss Butt at Fintona.
Mike Brettargh
Interviewee: Mike Brettargh
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Billy Carts on Balwyn Road, Empire Day Bonfire at Beckett Park and the Children’s Cinema Club.
Ian Redfern
Interviewee: Ian Redfern
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Favourite shops of Balwyn. The Power Street rat pack and the Black and Blue RSL Dance. Dim Sims from China Hall.
Kevin Redfern
Interviewee: Kevin Redfern
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Flames and smoke – his favourite day at Balwyn Primary School. Mrs Shelley’s private lending library and the clock-like face of the Marshalite Traffic Control signal.
Travelrite, Sandra Wallis
Interviewee: Sandra Wallis
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: A Balwyn success in the travel industry. The challenge of living above the shop in Whitehorse Road.
Palace Cinema, Lisa Ricketts
Interviewee: Lisa Ricketts
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: From 1929 there has been drama on the silver screen and drama behind the curtain with the 1930 fire and 1947 robbery.
Stacey Bus
Interviewee: Stacey Bus
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: The Balwyn Veterinary Surgery with pioneer female vet Belle Reid and well known RSPCA president and 3LO guest Hugh Wirth.
Bruce Hotton
Interviewee: Bruce Hotton
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Delivering and selling newspapers, playing tennis in Yarrbat Avenue and buying frozen custard in a cone from Cooper’s Milk Bar.
Graeme Riley
Interviewee: Graeme Riley
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Weir Street the 1950s and 60s. Burning autumn leaves, cricket for St Barnabas, the 44 Tram and El Greco Café with the Hawaiian Eye.
Anne Jones
Interviewee: Anne Jones
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Axe Murder in Gordon Street, freight trains on the Outer Circle, the Balwyn blacksmith, and Neenish Tarts from the Kookaburra Cake Shop.
Mark Worsnop
Interviewee: Mark Worsnop
Date recorded: 1 September 2025
Interview notes: Fishing at Mary’s Mount, the Gilpin Estate, Mrs Bovill’s fig biscuits and the Yarrbat Avenue Gold Rush.
Ken Lyall
Interviewee: Ken Lyall
Date recorded: 1 September 2014
Interview notes: Glass’ Creek, Myrtle Park, a ‘hold up’ going to the Wildlife Sanctuary, yabbying in Glenthorn Avenue, McColl’s riding school in Brenbeal Street and Kenny’s Paddock, and liberating fruit from North Balwyn citrus and apple orchards.