Talks

Dame Nellie Melba

• The Day Melba Arrived in Town 1909 – When Melba Mania hit Melbourne and Lilydale
• Dame Nellie Melba International Star and Proud Australian – how Nellie Mitchell became Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s first international star
• Driving Dame Nellie – Melba’s love of cars some of which travelled the world with her.
• Melba’s Lasting Legacy – Melba’s on-going contribution to Australia and the world of music and the arts.
• Melba’s 1909 Back Blocks Tour – The trials, tribulations and adulation Melba and touring party faced during the 25 towns and 31 concerts given in New South Wales and Queensland between June 1 and September 3, 1909.
• East West Hame’s Best – Melba’s only home in Australia, Coombe Cottage was her country retreat where she entertained her family and friends.
• Melba at St Petersberg – when Melba paid her one and only visit to Russia in 1890/91.

David Mitchell

• The Industrious David Mitchell – better known as the father of Dame Nellie Melba, David Mitchell was one of Australia’s early industrialists and entrepreneurs.
• David Mitchell and his Cave Hill Empire – traces how David Mitchell turned Cave Hill farm into a fully integrated agricultural and industrial complex which exported goods back to the United Kingdom.

All proceeds and book sales from the talk go to support the Lilydale & District Historical Society and its activities.