The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah HallThe brass bands of Orbost in their various forms provided entertainment to the Orbost community as well as benefits to the many members.Miscellaneous documents from the Orbost Municipal Band. These include; meeting notice registration cards; players list for VBL; a brief history of the band; constitution; directory of Victorian music organisations; list of attendees; attendance book-1976-1977brass-band orbost-municipal-band music entertainment

Orbost Playgroup operated from 1986 until 2011. This collection of records was donated the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2011 after the playgroup ceased to exist in July 2011.These records are of immediate interest and value to the children and staff who have been part of the Orbost Playgroup. The record also has a much wider significance, to the community in which the group was situated, as a record and research tool.A collection of records of the Orbost Playgroup - 1986-2011. The collection consists of minute books, financial documents and attendance records.documents orbost-playgroup records

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1935-1971. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item comprises records that belonged to the local government accounting system. The Shire of Orbost Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council. This is a hand-written record created before the widespread use of computer accounting records.A black, hard cover ledger with light brown leather binding. it is titled "CASh BOOK LOAN ACCOUNT, SHIRE OF ORBOST". Records are hand-written. Inside the back cover is a loose-leaf typed document titled, "Shire Engineers Report 11 Sept 1970".cash-book ledger shire-of-orbost accounting

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period.A small blue folder with a metal grip. It contains assorted documents concerning the Orbost Rifle Club.orbost-rifel-club documents

The Orbost Waterworks Trust was constituted under the Water Act 1915 and the Water Act 1916 and gazetted 10th Jan 1917. The Trust consisted of six members who were responsible for the provision of reticulated water to meet the needs of the town. The first reticulated supply to Orbost was installed about 1920. The Trust became part of the Orbost Water Board constituted under the Water and Sewerage Authorities (Restructuring Act) 1983. From 1995 the area has been served by the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. The East Gippsland Region Water Authority was constituted on January 1, 1995. The new Authority assumed responsibility for the services previously provided by the Mitchell Water Board, the Tambo Water Board, the Orbost Water Board and the Mallacoota Water Board. East Gippsland Water is the registered business name of the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. (info. from P.R.O.)These rate books are historically significant as records of an authority which no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Water Authority,Four books which contain records of the Orbost Water Board. Each has a hand-made cardboard cover with split pins to hold the pages. The pages are carbon copies and are computer generated. 2551.1 -1981; 2551.2 - 1982 ; 2551.3 - 1983 ; 2551.4 - 1984on front covers : "ORBOST WATER BOARD RATES BOOK" with the year below.

This survey had been sent to the Orbost Rifle Club c/- C. Curtis.The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres (236 mi) east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres (3,608.9 sq mi), and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it was merged as part of East Gippsland Shire Council.A nine page document stapled in the left-hand corner. It is a recreational survey issued by the Shire of Orbost. It is inside a a large manila envelope which is addressed to the Orbost Rifle club. It contains a covering letter and a form.survey shire-of-orbost orbost-rifle-club

This picture was donated by , Col & Mrs Swire after visiting Orbost Vic. They came from Orbost in the Isle Of Skye. The original watercolour was painted circa 1845 by Ann Lyon-Mackenzie.This painting has aesthetic significance and an association with the history of Orbost.A large watercolour reproduction picture of a property called Orbost on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Gold frame with glass.Front - Orbost in the Isle of Sky, Scotlandwatercolour orbost isle-of-skyelyon-mackenzie-ann

Published by the Orbost Golf Club.The golf club was established in 1906 it was originally formed as the Snowy River Golf Club and played on private land near the banks of the Snowy River just to the south of town. In the 1930’s the Golf Club relocated to its present site and was renamed Orbost Golf Club. The land was shared by the Show grounds and Racing Club. Orbost Golf Club later acquired the land outright to provide a permanent home for golfers in Orbost and surrounding district.A thin, 24pp booklet with a grey cover titled "Orbost Golf Club Rules". It contains the rules of the Orbost Golf Club and has a loose sheet with amendments. The cover has blue print.orbost-golf-club recreation sport golf

These documents were used at the Slab Hut (Orbost Information Centre) from 1985 - 1992 to record l visitor numbers, employment, activities, events and incorporation details. The Orbost Visitor Information Centre is situated in Forest Park on Nicholson Street. The centre is housed in the historic Slab Hut. The hut was an original family dwelling built in 1872, on a site approximately three kilometres upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers.These documents record the history of tourism in the Orbost district.A cardboard storage box of documents and records of the Orbost & District Tourist Association / Slab Hut. It includes minute books, visitor numbers, details of volunteers, correspondence and details of activitiess and events.tourism-orbost slab-hut-orbost

This document was produced in 1989 for Orbost Shire Council. It ccovers the area s of Orbost, Mallacoota, Cann River and Newmerella and includes urban and non-urban areas.This document is a useful reference tool.A book with a brown front cover with a plastic over-sheet and plastic binding.On the cover are b/w drawings of rural landscapes, trees and the coast. It is titled SHIRE OF ORBOST PLANNING STUDY Part 1 Strategic Overviews, March 1989.orbost-planning

This is a local history book produced by a local sporting club.A spiral bound book of 18 pp with a yellow cover. It is titled Orbost Women's Hockey Association 63 to 93. There are hand drawings on the front cover.sport recreation hockey-women's-orbost

This magazine was produced and published by Orbost High School as a part of the 75 year celabrationsOrbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This magazine is a useful reference tool for the history of the school.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine with a light pink/orange cover. On the front cover is a photo of the Orbost High School. In the centre is the school badge. The text is in maroon print. The book, produced for the 75 year celebration, contains a history of the school, photographs and articles.Inside the front cover of 2415.1 in pen - David F. Nixon 9/2/88education-orbost orbost-high-school

This magazine was produced for the 75th anniversary of Orbost High School. 2238.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert. 2238.2 belonged to Ruth Legge.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This item is representative of its history. It is a useful reference tool.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine titled, "Orbost High School 1912-1987". It has a pink cover with two photos of Orbost High School - 1925 and 1987. In the centre is the school badge.magazine-orbost-high-school

These are copies of an original video shot by Ray Barling on the day that the Orbost-Bairnsdale line closed in 1987. He used a hand-held video camera from his cabin on the train, The video was shown at the 2016 Centenary Exhibition in Orbost. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels, The video was shown for the first time at the Centenary Exhibition held in Orbost, by the Orbost & District Historical Society, t created much interest leading to the production of the videos.Two copies of a D.V.D. titled"Last Train To Orbost 21 August 1987". The cover is a photo of the last train.rail-closure orbost-bairnsdale-railway

The first swimming competition was conducted by the Swimming Club at the Orbost Swimming Pool not long after its construction. The results were hand-written on a cardboard sheet pinned up on a notice board. One of the events held was a crazy diving display performed by Neil Rodwell and Malcolm Corner in which they rode bikes off the diving platform.The opening of the Orbost Swimming Pool was a significant event in Orbost's development. The construction of the pool was community driven and the swimming club played a crucial role in helping young people learn about water safety away from rivers.A manila folder of documents related to the Orbost Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club. It contains the constitution, rules of competition, competition results and a cloth badge- a white silver gull inside a pale blue circle on a darker blue background with ORBOST S & LSC below. Documents are handwritten and typed.orbost-swimming-club sport-swimming leisure-club

In 1891, Premier James Munro said he would introduce a bill into parliament for women's suffrage if it were demonstrated that ordinary women wanted this right. The Victorian Woman's Temperance Union and the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society took up the challenge, joining forces to organise a petition. Embarking on a door knocking campaign across Victoria they collected about 30,000 signatures in six weeks. The 'Monster Petition' is housed at the Public Records Office Victoria where a purpose-built perspex case protects the 260 metres of signed pages glued to sewn swathes of calico. (ref. Creative Victoria). In 2008 the petition was a centrepiece of the centenary celebrations of women's suffrage. This document was prepared for that centenary celebration.The Women's Suffrage Petition (1891) reflects the dedicated work of those women, who went from door to door across Victoria to collect the signatures. Its tremendous length earned it the name of the ‘Monster Petition'. This document is a useful research item.A stapled 9 pp document containing names, photographs, signatures of the Orbost women who signed the petition for Women's Suffrage in 1891.women's-suffrage-orbost

This booklet contains by law No 28 pertaining to building regulations. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres ), and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. This item is a useful research tool.A dark grey, stapled, paper covered booklet with title "Shire of Orbost By Law No 28" in black print.

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance.The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Three minute books for the Orbost Aero Club. Inside are loose copies of correspondence, statements and accounts. They are mostly hand-written with some typed and glued in. 2406.1 has a grey mottled cover and is dated 1969-1975. 2406.2 has a green cover and is dated 1976-1977. 2406.3 has a red/white/blue striped cover and is dated 1991-1997.2406.1 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB 20/9/69 Minute Book 2406.2 has a price sticker 2.55 2406.3 - cover : ORBOST AERO CLUB P.O. BOX 415 ORBOST 3888 in black texta : Lodge Annual Return to A.S.C. within 1 month after A.G.M. Obtain Audit before A.G.M. orbost-aero-club

This is thefirst edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. This book is a collection of stories as told and writtenabout Orbost in early times. This is a useful research and reference tool on the early history of the Orbost district.A 130 pp light grey covered book, titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District." The title is in black print inside a black rectangular frame.gilbert-mary orbost-history recollections-orbost

448 pages : illustrations (black and white) ; 25 cm.Genealogists and local historians have probably seen every birth, marriage, death and census record available, and are adept at unsing the internet for research. However, once they have learnt everything they can from them, the next step is reading and understanding older documents. These can be hard to find (not many are online), are often written in challenging handwriting and use legal and other unfamiliar terms. Some will be in Latin, antiquated English or Scots. Readers need to be able to understand the nature and intent of a range of documents as well as the palaeography (the handwriting) and orthography (the 'shape' of the contents). Documents covered include wills and testaments, contracts, indentures, charters, land records, personal letters, official records, Church records and others, mainly from the period 1560 to 1800. Also covered are dates, numbers, calendars, measurements and money, abbreviations, transcription conventions, letter-forms and glossaries, and it includes a Latin primer.genealogy -- handbooks, local history -- archival resources., genealogy -- archival resources.

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1893-1899 . The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council This is a handwritten record of the financial transactions of the first Obost Shire Council. This council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A specially printed cash book with a brown cover and lighter brown binding. It has marbled end covers. It contains hand-written accounts of local government transactions .on front inside a red rectangle -"Cash Book Shire of Orbost"cash-book shire-of-orbost accounts

The current building was opened on Friday 28th February 1969 by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Sir Henry E. Bolte, K.C.M.G., M.P. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council. A stapled program and invitation to the official opening of the new Orbost Shire Council Municipal Offices. A light blue card with the Orbost Shire Council insignia and gold print on front. The invitation is addressed to the secretary of Orbost Historical Society Judith Walcott.handwritten in blue pen - "Judith G Walcott"orbost-shire-council

The first hotel built in Orbost was the Club in 1885 an old wooden place on the corner built for J. A. Petersen of the Mitchell Hotel Bairnsdale, with the licence in the name of Mr Thomas Maguire (stepson of Petersen). In June 1889 there was a rush to Mackenzie River, about 28 miles from Orbost, on Twelve Mile Creek. An estimated 80 men rushed the ground, but yields were patchy and large numbers eventually left. They were coming and going almost daily.The Club Hotel was the first hotel built in Orbost and remains a significant building in the town. It was an important hub for the township with many whole town meetings held there.A yellowed black / white newspaper clipping of a photograph of people with a horse and cart outside a one-storey hotel building. It is glued onto a piece of cardboard.Caption at bottom - "View taken in 1889 of the Old Orbost Club Hotel"orbost-club-hotel

This booklet was the result of a class project at Orbost Primary School. It was created by the year 6 students assisted by Terry Hooper, teacher, and Debbie Hall, a local historian. 2227.1 was owned by Ruth Legge and 2227.2 by Jean RalstonThis booklet is a useful research tool.Two copies of a 100 pp light green paper covered magazine/booklet titled "Yesterday's Memories are Tomorrow's Treasures". The print on the front cover is black and has a black/white photograph of the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) below the title which is inside a scroll border, The booklet contains b/w photographs and details of the history of Orbost.2227.1 : on contents page - "Ruth 1992" 2227.2 has autographs inside the back cover. book orbost-history orbost-primary-school

In October 2006, Orbost Secondary College 9/10 Enhancement Studies Class worked to preserve the memories of the Orbost community with three short films describing recollections of Orbost floods. There are ten stories including memories of the 1952, 1971 and 1991 floods. They are narrated by various Orbost identities - Anne Bridges; Kay Lynn; Ken Edlington; Margaret Adams; Max Reynols; Shirley Reynolds and Ngaere Donald.Floods have been part of the history of Orbost since settlement. These stories record impressions of local people.A D.V.D. in a black plastic case. On the cover ia a brown sketch of a tree. Above in black print is the title, "Flood Stories" with " Year 9/10 Enhancement Studies 2006 presents" at the top.sticker and stamp - Orbost & District Historical Society

Cec, Curtis was a member of the Orbost Rifle Club. He was a cycle trader with a business in Lind Lane, Orbost. The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period A light blue covered book with a bright red spine. It contains hand-written records of the shooters who were members of the Orbost Rifle Club. Inside are seven letter heads of CED. CURTIS - 9 LIND ST ORBOST and a newspaper cutting ( date unknown). orbost-rifle-club shooting

The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia is the national body of Aero Clubs and other aviation associations. The prime objectives of the Federation are to foster aviation in Australia, to ensure adequate flying training is available to all pilots and to encourage national and local competitions, air races and other aviation events.(ref R.F.A.C. web site) Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A cream coloured folder ( NORMAN BROS) containing documents pertaining to membership of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia. It contains membership cards, receipts, correspondence, minutes, application forms for gold, silver and bronze seals.On front - Orbost Aero Club R F A Corbost-aero-club royal-federation-aero-clubs

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain light blue minute book with a cloth brown spine. It has a white label on the front cover.On label- Orbost Rifle Clubminutes orbost-rifle-club shooting

This ledger was a share register used by Orbost Butter Factory. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.This item is associated with the Orbost Butter Factory which was an important source of income to the Orbost district in the late 19th century - early 20th century.A suede and leather bound ledger with blue / brown covers. It contains hand - written details of share registrations for the Orbost Butter Factory.orbost-butter-factory

The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres ), and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland This is a useful research tool.Two copies of a triple fold paper brochure. It is titled"Shire of Orbost Information Brochure" in black print. It contains the names of councillors, staff, the work program and budget.shire-of-orbost