John Batman, Journal 10 May – 11 June 1835, manuscript, State Library Victoria

Batman’s journal describes his expedition from Launceston to Port Phillip in the schooner Rebecca, and includes his famous declaration, made on 8 June 1835, that 'this will be the place for a village'. His diary also details his meetings with Aboriginal people and the signing of the deeds that established a land use agreement between the Indigenous Elders and the Port Phillip Association. The names John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner often appear side by side in Melbourne’s history, though the two were bitter rivals and both believed they were the rightful founder of Melbourne. Supporters on each side still argue the point.