ELLIS, PETER (1946 - ), was born in Bendigo, Victoria. he trained in chemistry and works at La Trobe University, Bendigo He has a strong interest in Australian native plants and is a life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists' Club. He was a contributor of both photographs and texts to the Club's bicentennial publication Wildflowers of Bendigo.

Peter Ellis is a gold medallist in 'new vogue' dancing, but his preferred interest has been in collecting and performing the traditional old-time dances and folk dance and music which were the true heritage of the pioneers of rural Australia. he is a self-taught musician and plays a variety of instruments, principally button accordion, Anglo concertina, mouth organ and tin whistle. he has been MC, caller and musician with the Wedderburn Old timers for over twenty years and was instrumental in forming what is now the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo and District, and the Emu Creek Bush Band. The three volumes of Collector's Choice (1986-88) were based on collections of music derived from both traditional ear players and from printed sources which were used for the dance club's programme. This programme was based on a blend of traditional old-time, British folk and Australian social dances, and groups such as the Nariel Creek musicians, the Gay Charmers from Kerang, Harry McQueen's Old Time Band and the Wedderburn Old timers were used as a model. The three volumes of Collector's Choice were published by the Victorian Folk Music Club, and Peter Ellis was awarded life membership of the VFMC for his efforts. He has conducted numerous dance and music workshops at national folk festivals, Traditional Social Dance Association of Victoria functions, heritage Dance group sessions and continuing education classes. Peter Ellis co-authored with Shirley Andrews (q.v.) Two Hundred Dancing Years (1988).