Dr Henry Nowik played a critical role in the development of industry in Wodonga, through his management and leadership of Uncle Bens Wodonga from 1965 until 1979. Born in Poznan, Poland in 1917, Henry was studying medicine in Paris when war broke out and he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving with distinction as a bomber pilot. He was imprisoned in Russia when his plane ditched, escaped through Kazakhstan and was eventually evacuated to London where he was appointed RAF aide-de-camp to General Charles de Gaulle. He was later awarded the French Croix de Guerre. After the war Dr Nowik received a PhD in Political Science and Law from American Beirut University before moving to London to teach at the London School of Economics. He then moved into industry occupying a number of senior positions in marketing and market research. In 1964, Dr Nowik, then Market Research Manager for Pedigree Petfoods, the British arm of Mars Inc., came to Australia to research the prospects for establishing a petfood business. Dr Nowik was a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. In 1965 Uncle Bens of Australia built its first factory in Wodonga, Victoria, from humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street. Dr Nowik became the Marketing and Sales Director and in 1970 the Managing Director. Dr Nowik's work as a member of the Albury-Wodonga Consultative Committee was recognized in 1975 with the Order of the British Empire and in 1977 he was appointed Chairman of the Commonwealth Government's Decentralisation Advisory Board. He participated in a number of trade missions to Malaysia, China and Japan and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Trade Development Council and the Victorian Promotion Committee. These contributions were recognised in 1982 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 1979, Dr Nowik left Wodonga and moved to the United States to become Vice-President, Marketing for Mars, becoming Global Product Group President in 1980. Following his retirement in 1985 he continued to act as Senior Advisor to a number of Mars' businesses. Albury-Wodonga retained a special place in Dr Nowik's heart and he kept a close interest in Charles Sturt University, sharing his time, experience and expertise with staff and students. The University made him an honorary Doctor of Letters in 1993 when the Henry Nowik Lecture Theatre officially opened at the University's Albury campus. Later the city of Wodonga named a park in his honour. Dr Nowik and his wife returned to Australia in 2004, living first in Brisbane then moving to Maleny in Queensland. Henry Nowik died on 12 March 2015 aged 98.

These items are significant because they demonstrate the contribution made to the Wodonga community and the Australian economy by Dr Henry Nowik AO OBE.

A collection of items briefly documenting the contribution of Dr Henry Nowik to Wodonga, Victoria. Included are photos of Dr Nowik, newspaper items, a photo of the first office of Uncle Bens in Wodonga and a farewell card from Dr Nowik.

dr henry nowik, uncle bens wodonga

A small publication in a bound blue cover with black text.

This report by the Murray Valley Resources Survey Committee is a detailed analysis of Importance and future the Murray River Valley and Basin for the economic development of Australia. It includes a lengthy Foreword written by Prime Minister, Robert Menzies. A map of Australia with they Murray Valley River and Basin shaded in green, and a fold out detailed map of the Murray River are featured.

murray river development, murray basin, murray river resources

Born in Hammersmith, London, England in 1903, Ernie May migrated to Australia at the age of 19 years old. A printer by trade, Ernie worked on the land at Woodburn, near Wonthaggi, then near Smithton, Tasmania. He then returned to his trade at the Launceston Daily Telegraph and then with the Rainbow Argus in the Victorian Mallee. Arriving in Wodonga in 1927, Ernie was employed by Mr Charles Ryan who at the time owned the "Wodonga Sentinel" newspaper. He quickly became involved in community activities. Ernie was President of the Border and Northeast Band Association, Secretary of Wodonga Rifle Club for 20 years and Secretary of the Public Library for 15 years. When Ernie May was Wodonga Bandmaster, the Wodonga Band played at Saturday afternoon football matches as well as other public appearances. At that time the Wodonga Band had 30 members. Ernie also conducted his own dance band. In 1952, Mr May and his wife moved to Sale, gaining employment firstly with the Enterprise Press, then the Gippsland Times. In 1957 he started up a monthly paper at Phillip Island. Not content with so many years as Bandmaster at Wodonga, Ernie May became Bandmaster for Phillip Island's brass band. After 50 years in the printing business Ernie and his wife Cicely retired in Cowes, Phillip Island where he passed away on 29th December 1977.

These images are significant because they depict a former member of the community who made an important contribution to Wodonga over a period of 25 years.

A collection of black and white images of Ernie May, Wodonga Bandmaster

ernie may, wodonga band, wodonga sentinel

Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, which saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He was a founder of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and also the Murray Valley Hunt Club, for which he was Master for 21 years. He was a prolific writer, cartoonist, photographer and poet, contributing to The Border Morning Mail, The Age, and the Herald and Weekly Times amongst other publications. Des Martin’s other literary works included Australia Astride (1959), A Tale of Twin Cities, Part One (1981) and Backing up the Boys (1998). In 1976, Des wrote an historical novel, “Many a Mile”, based on a fictional region which highly resembled the Albury-Wodonga and Upper Murray area of Victoria. It was set in the last 10 years leading up to Federation. Throughout this period tensions (caused by fluctuating border duties, including an infamous impost on cattle and horses) occasioned the intermittent posting of heavily armed police detachments along the River Murray. Des also wrote eight 50-minute scripts from “Many a Mile” as a television series and were presented to Michael Pate, one of Australia’s leading actors and producers. Also, funding was sought through the Australian Broadcasting Commission ... unfortunately the series never came to fruition. This album is a pictorial precis, including photos and scene descriptions, created to promote the concept of the series and have it produced locally in North Eastern Victoria featuring local settings, skilled horsemen and actors. It was to be called “Ringer’s River” ... Ringer being the title accorded to either a top cattle hand, or the fastest shearer in the wool shed. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.

These albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Documents written to introduce the concept of "Ringer's River" to gain interest for the development of a television series

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

MacLough surprises Neilson, erstwile manager of "Gooloora", breakfasting off a bottle of whisky and a cup of black tea, and sacks him on the spot. Ordering the hands to be called together he looks them over and queries the absence of young O'Day. Jackeroo Reg Apperton tells him O'Day is out mending a fence at the back of the stud paddock, and MacLough commands that Apperton drive him out there forthwith. D. Hartsman as Neilson.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 2

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day is just finishing the job when his boss and the jackeroo arrive. MacLough orders Apperton to complete the work and ride O'Day's horse home while the young horse boy-cum-stockman drives him back to the homestead. On the way he says to O'Day, "You told me yesterday that you would be manager of Gooloora today." Sean replies that, as MacLough well knew, that was just a joke. "No joke to me O'Day," says MacLough. "I've sacked Neilson and you are now my manager on this property."

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 3

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 4 Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Baldies! Baldies! Baldies!. Thousands of Queensland cattle fill the yards at Camoola for the great store sale to which all the big Victorian buyers will come. Clients may purchase one pen with the option of the whole draft concerned, and the best of these cattle is the mob Danny Knowles has walked down from Boondangie Station in the Gulf Country.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 5

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Big Gun auctioneer Bernard Price makes the mistake of his life when he knocks the first pen of Boondangies down to O'Day at a minimal price, thinking him to be a kid "buying a few for mother". O'Day promptly takes up the option of the whole draft of 4000 head of top class stores. His telegram to this effect leads MacLough to believe his new manager will ruin him.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 6

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day, however, is a very smart operator indeed. After selling all his surplus cattle to the buyers whose market he has thus cornered, he heads for home with all of his bargain purchases that he needs for MacLough's annual restocking.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 7

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Pushing his mob along the back boundary of Barmagulla Station, whose owner, Edmund Montieth, a wealthy, well educated, and forward thinking gentleman accepted as a leader of the N.S.W. pastoralists "just across the border", O'Day hears the shrill whinny of a stallion. On riding over to investigate he finds that, in the practise of the day, a superb thoroughbred horse has been turned out on the river flats to acclimatise. Later he learns that this is Grapeshot, a classic winner just imported from England.

The albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 8

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 9 Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime. Geni Dynon as Ruby and Joan Lehmann as Elaine.

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

A short time later Elaine and Graeme Oliver, a young station owner, prepare to ride from Barmagula homestead down to the horse yards to assist in bringing in the "grasseaters". These are racehorses that have all been paddocked together for some weeks prior to the forthcoming Piney Creek Amateur Picnic Race Club's annual meeting. Paddocking ensures that every horse has the same training period before the private meeting at which members only may race or ride a horse, and attendance is by invitation. Tony Conway as Oliver.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 10

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Down at the horseyards Edmund Montieth introduces his overseer, Arthur Lark, to his guest, statesman Alfred Deakin. Deakin is having a short holiday at Barmagulla before the pre-Federation conference of 1892. Jim Lempriere as Deakin Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Lark Alan Hayes as Montieth.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 11

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Meantime back at Camoola "Top Or Nothing" Price, known to stockmen as "Old Stop At Nothing", and his shifty ex-jockey clerk Billy Matthews, have been stunned by the Victorian customs duty of 30 shillings per head on cattle, and 50 shillings per head on horses, suddenly promulgated just prior to a very important sale. Caught with a lot of cattle he cannot unload, and a property sale that has gone astray, Price accepts offers for both from O'Day, who thus sets himself up cheaply with a good holding that runs down Barmagulla's back boundary to the Murray River at the point where he often swims across.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 12

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Through his position as a stockagent's clerk Billy, a proper dingo if ever there was one, is able to learn that some of the cattlemen intend to beat the duty by swimming their newly bought cattle back to Victoria. Sneaking down the back alley to the Police Station he sells this information to the authorities. Only Lennie, the halfwit roustabout from the store, follows and observes him, and, by riding O'Day's horse out of town, prevents his friend from travelling with the drovers who get caught in the police trap. W.O. Tom Foster as a N.S.W. trooper.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 13

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Daylight O'Day swims the river alone and, instead of going straight back to Gooloora, rides up-river a little to call at O'Hara's slab homestead where he is given a very warm welcome by young Erin O'Hara. Ellen Tenteye as Erin O'Hara.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 14

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Half an hour later her brother Keiran gallops up with the news that Artie Klinberg's mob has been ambushed by police. All the cattlemen other than he had been caught. Keiran escaped by jumping fences and coming home across country. Soon after Sergeant. Baker and Trooper Ryan arrive, and are refused entry by the widowed Mrs. Ellen O'Hara whose husband, some years previously, had been shot by police in mistake for a wanted bushranger. As he is acting mainly on presumption the chagrined Sergeant has to leave, warning O'Day to watch his company. Realising someone has "dobbed them in", Keiran decides it has to be George, "Microbe" Nugent, an unpopular fellow - traveller at loggerheads with Klinberg, and vows vengance. Maj. John Hardwick as Sgt. Baker. Mrs. Kerry Hardwick as Mrs. O'Hara. Bill Tenteye as Keiran.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 15

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Klinberg and his men stand trial in Overton in a courtroom packed with sympathisers. Both Justices of the Peace assisting the Police Magistrate are members of the Cattlemen's Association, and manage to keep the sentence down to a heavy fine. Henry MacLean as the Police Magistrate Maj. Hardwick and James McGrath as the Justices of the Peace Bill Tenteye as Klinberg.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 16

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On the morning of the Piney Creek Picnic Race Club's annual meeting Squire Pilkington of Piney Creek Homestead, President of the Club, draws the Calcutta Sweep. Graeme Oliver nominates his horse for the Ladies' Bracelet in the name of Elaine Montieth and O'Day, as Manager for MacLough gives his nomination to her friend Penny Sefton whom Reg Apperton is sparking. With Keiran O'Hara for his rider, Squire Pilkington nominates in the name of his pretty niece, Susan Bundy. Harry MacLean as Squire Pilkington. Bill Tenteye as the Hon. Secretary Jim McGrath as the Hon. Treasurer.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 17

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

During the running of the classic weight for age race, the Bracelet, that afternoon Keiran seems a chance to "have a go" at Nugent. Moving out a trifle at the home turn he lets Crobe think a split is opening. When Nugent tries to come through O'Hara squeezes him in behind O'Day, who is leading on the rails, and then goes on to win in good style. Jim McGrath as Nugent.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 18

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

In the jockey room after weight is declared correct an infuriated Nugent accuses O'Day and O'Hara of deliberately "taking him on" for no obvious reason. Calm as ever O'Day prevents action between the other two, and the three of them are called before the steward. Nobody "splits", and, though he declares himself dissatisfied with the explanation that Nugent tried to get through where there was no room and just had to pull out and go round, the stipendiary steward closes the incident. All of which adds fuel to a fast growing feud between Nugent and the O'Haras.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 19

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Though Keiran, as winning rider, brings Susan Bundy forward to receive her trophy at the Picnic Race Ball that night, O'Day, who won the Cup on Oliver's horse, is conspicuous by his absence, though few people other than Oliver give much thought to the matter. Heather Jervies as Susan.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 20

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

But O'Day, the general, has chosen this particular time to ride up river and meet a mob of cattle that Charlie Clowes is bringing down for him from Camoola. In the first of many such successful operations the cattle are swum across to Victoria at the point where O'Day's run, Brightons, comes down to the river.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 21

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Sometime later Clarrie Rickards rides the noted outlaw, Brin Bandit, to a standstill at the annual Camoola horse sale. Keiran O'Hara spots a horse that is the living image of Deakin's imported stallion Grapeshot, now spelling in Barmagulla's back paddock, and buys him. Naming this horse Smokey he enters him for the coming miner's meeting at Nuggety Flat goldfield. Les Mann as Rickards.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 22

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Keiran, Artie Klinberg, and an old horse trainer named Tim Byrne combine to make friends with Grapeshot. Nightly they row across the river, feed him on oats, and train him. Their intention is to ring Grapeshot in for Smokey at the Nuggety Flat meeting where Klinberg will punt him well. Des Martin as Byrne. Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Klinberg.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 23

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

One of the big things in their plan is the fact that Keiran knows about an old cattle duffers' track through the ranges. When the time comes the conspirators swim Grapeshot out and O'Hara leads him on over the ranges to hide him at a friend's home near the Nuggety Flat racecourse.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 24

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Without knowing anything about the ring-in O'Day turns up at the races. Discovering a hidden brand on Smokey that could only have been burnt into Grapeshot's hide, and holding no belief for the crook administration at Nuggety Flat, he canters smartly down to the home of an old Chinese whose life his father saved during the Lambing Flat riots. Chin lends him 500 sovereigns. Waiting till O'Hara and Co. are "set" O'Day cleans up for himself and Chin, and quietly heads for home. Later he corners young O'Hara who confesses to the job, says Grapeshot is safely back in his paddock, and that Smokey has been sold to a Sydney show team owner and is well out of the district. O'Hara takes his money to the Camoola banker Redfern, who has befriended him, and clears up all his financial affairs. W.O. Tom Foster as Redfern.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 25

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin O'Hara is buying material at Rosenthal's store in Overton when she learns that a special police party has come off the afternoon train to trap Daylight and Keiran with the mob of cattle they are bringing across the river that day. Margaret Wehner as Miss. Rosenthal.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 26

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin swims the river when she finds herself too late to reach the drovers before their crossing; and amazes O'Day and Keiran when she arrives with the news that the police have them cut off. Behind her a major storm up river is causing the water to rise.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 27

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories