This photograph was taken at the Orbost High School Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1962. It shows Crs Truscott, Mr R. Osborne (1960-1963 Orbost High School Headmaster, and Mr George Cameron.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. A black / white photograph of three men in suits.on back - hand-written -" Orbost H.S. Jubilee, 1962, Crs. Truscott, Osbourne & Geo. Cameron"education-orbost orbost-high-school

This album was used at the Orbost Visitor Information Centre (the Slab Hut). The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) is an Orbost icon. This slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the slab hut was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987.This item is a useful reference tool for the history of Orbost.A large photo album containing copies of photographs, some historical articles and b/w photos of Orbost. The covers are brown with a narrow gold frame. it has no spine and the covers are tied with tape. The pages, all different sizes, are bolted in.orbost-history album-photographs

These documents were used by the Orbost Rifle Club.The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's. It had a substantial membership.A large plastic envelope containing miscellaneous documents and books from the Orbost Rifle Club. Documents include receipts, cheque books, correspondence, cards, rules and an unused match record book.documents orbost-rifle-club match-records

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair. 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 Hall From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.At the top handwritten in black pen is" Donated by Mrs Elsie Cooke".orbost-brass-band-programme cooke-elsie

The photograph shows Linda Warren, Enid Eaton, Jim Trewin and Jim Nixon. The photographer was Warren, Helena (1871-1962) who was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). This photograph has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white photograph of a young girl on a horse pulling a group of children in a large pumkin. On the side of the pumpkin is "HMAS ORBOST"pumpkins-orbost warren-helena nixon-jim trewin-jim warren-linda eaton-enid

This photograph shows the pile drivers at work in the construction of the viaduct across the Snowy River flats. The Snowy River Floodplain Railway Bridges, two sequential and exceptionally long and low timber railway bridges on the Snowy River floodplain just west of Orbost, were built in 1916, and provided the original terminus point for the Bairnsdale-Orbost railway. The bridges are 770 metres and 183 metres long respectively. The shorter bridge is of uniformly 4.57 metre timber-beam construction, and has a sweeping curve in its deck. The longer bridge has a combination of 4.57 metre and 6.1 metrespans, and two 3.66 metre spans. The bridges are constructed from 'Southern Mahogany', Eucalyptus Botryoides, which grew along the coast east of Bairnsdale. The Snowy floodplain bridges were initially built in the context of an early twentieth-century interest in American-style 'Developmental Railways', designed to open remote areas to closer settlement, even if that meant running at a loss. The line was closed in August 1987. (information from Victorian Heritage Database)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.A black / white photograph of the farming flats at Orbost during the construction of the East Gippsland railway.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway viaduct-orbost transport railway

During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department of Education for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. Higher Elementary schools took in students whose parents desired a higher level of education than the completion of Grade 6. Higher elementary classes were added to existing primary schools and were the forerunners of high schools.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 photograph is representative of its history.A black . white photograph of a large group of students in uniform in front of a school building - "Orbost Higher Elementary school". There are four rows of students.on back - M. Gilbert

Orbost Bowling Club was founded in 1929 and still operates in Orbost today. The Bowling Club was founded by a group of farmers and businessmen. They set about providing a sporting icon for the town. Six rinks were constructed on the current site using horse drawn scoops and drags. The "Back to Orbost” 1937 book, describes the greens as "a bit rough for the first two seasons but now compare favourably with most country greens". Funds for the construction were raised by the issue of debentures at £5 each, and subscriptions were £1/1s/0d ($2.10). (info. Margaret Smith) This menu suggests that dinners for members were held regularly - at least annually and were fairly formal events. This item represents an era when formal dinners were important as a community event. Local clubs were significant in providing recreation and companionship by bringing people together and providing opportunities for social interaction.A green card dinner menu for the Orbost Bowling Club. It is dated 16/6/38 and is black print on a green background. It has 6 courses for choice.orbost-bowling-club recreation bowling

The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This is the second edition of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the second issue of the Magazine producd by Orbost High School and is a useful reference tool.A 28 pp buff coloured magazine titled Croajingolong 1949. This is the second issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School.on front cover - M Gilbert handwritten in blue penorbost-high-school magazine

This is the 4th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine was owned by Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the fourth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine and is a useful reference tool. A 36 pp green covered magazine titled Croajingolong 1951. This is the 4th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine.croajingolong orbost-high-school

Dross Drossou established a cordial factory in Orbost in the 1930s. He sold his cordial manufacturing business to Phillips and Stone, a Bairnsdale company, in 1948. Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’. A deposit on the bottles was added to all sales as they left the factory. The returned bottles were washed and the old label removed. The inside was cleaned by pushing the bottle onto a revolving brush. The reusing of the bottles went on until the bottle was broken or the top became chipped. This bottle is an example of a product manufacture by a local industry no longer existing.A clear glass soda syphon bottle. It has a red syphon pump.D.DROSSOU, ORBOST Soda Watersyphon-bottle drosseau

This is a photograph of Steam Engine K104. K104 was numbered as such in 1923. Engines were renumbered from K100-K109 to K140-149 in 1940. This one was renumbered as K144. 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.This is a pictorial record of rail transport in the 1920s. 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.A black / white photograph of a steam locomotive. on back - "Orbost 1924 Steam Engine K104"orbost-railway steam-locomotive-k104 transport-rail

Reverend Alexander Morton was the Presbyterian minister in Orbost between 1894 and 1904. Rev. Alexander Morton earned great respect from the Orbost community, during his ministry here between 1894-1904. He brought with him from the New Hebrides timber which was used for the pulpit. Affectionately known as “Sandy” Morton, he was very friendly and endeavoured to reach all his bush parishioners, often on horseback. He was known up the Gelantipy Valley as an itinerant Preacher with a difference, he often doubled as a dentist, who was quite adept at pulling teeth, often with a pair of pliers. ( information from Margaret Smith Newsletter August 2012)Reverend Alexander Morton was a prominent Orbost citizen in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. He was associated with the Presbyterian Church in Orbost.A black / white portrait photograph on a dark grey buff card. It is a head and shoulders posed photograph of a bearded man in a suit.on back - Rev. Alex Morton, Presbyterian Minister at Orbost"morton-alexander presbyterian-church-orbost

Orbost Beans & Grains Co-Op was an extension of Snowy River Sweet Corn Co-Op which also sold fresh produce such as corn, squash, zucchini and cucumbers. This bag is unused and would have been packed with borlotti beans.Snowy River Seeds started life as a farmers' co-operative (Snowy River Co-op) in 1967. This item is significant because it was specially made for the seed bean industry which was a major industry in the Orbost district for over a century. A white woven synthetic bag used for packing borlotti beans. Inside a red outline of Australia are seven green beans. Victoria is outlined and Orbost is indicated with a red d t. Print is red and green. On front : Grown & Packed By Orbost Beans & Grain Co-Op 25 kg Orbost Victoria Produce of Australia seed-bag snowy-river-co-op agriculture farming orbost-beans

This item is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection. Top Row on Left - Ethel Scouller; Una Roadknight; Rene Rodwell; Nathan Spielvogel (Head Teacher) Bottom Left - Elsie Cook; Miss Olivier with hat (teacher); Erica Roadknight, Penuel Cameron Far Right - Dorrie Roadknight;with hat (teacher); 3rd from left Vera Nixon; Sally Draffin behind her; Linda Gluth in front of Dorrie Tthe Orbost State School opened on19th of March 1886. The school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, The head teacher was Campbell Mackay who remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second head teacher, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost. The Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built, opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. But Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon over­taxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. This item is associated with education in Orbost.A black / white photograph with a list of names attached to the bottom. It shows a group of students and teachers in front of a wooden school building.on label - Orbost S.S. 1909 with a list of identifying nameseducation-orbost orbost-state-school

This item was produced as a souvenir for the opening of the Orbost High School Assembly hall. The ball was held on October 24, 1975. The school was established in 1912.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. Balls werefor many years a common community event in the Orbost district.A rectangular cardboard program for the "Grand Opening Ball Orbost High School Assembly Hall". It is a single card folded in half with black print on a white background.orbost-high-school dance-ball entertainment recreation

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This frame was made by Mary Lynch, wife of Matt Lynch. Pictured in the photograph are: Back: W. Fisher, Archie Rodwell, Mat Lynch, Rupert Mosley, George Granter, Arthur Saunders, Arther Pardew, John Bird, John Gilbert. Front: Bill Ginning, George Perry (secretary) John Johnston (president), Carl Dreverman.This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. It is also an example of the craft skills of women in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of thirteen men, some standing, some sitting in front of a wooden shed. The photograph is in an ornate frame made of dried seeds.on front - "Orbost Agricultural Show Committee probably 1904"orbost-agricultural-society lynch-mary orbost-show

DESCRIPTIONA black / white photograph on a grey buff cardboard frame. It is of a group of students standing outside the Orbost State School building. One child holds a sign reading "Form F". There is a photographer's label at the bottom.SIZEH-199mm W-028mmOBJECT REGISTRATION890KEYWORDSeducation-orbost orbost-state-schoolHISTORICAL INFORMATIONThe 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. This new building was a fine type of school of which both the pupils and the HT Leslie Collins were indeed proud. But Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon over­taxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. ( Info. from Schools East Gippsland)This item is associated with the history of education in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a large group of children standing outside a school building - " Orbost State School No. 2744". The younger students are standing in the front. High School students are at the back.on back - "Mr C. Connor S.M. Mr Tipper H.M. State & H.E.s. about 1922"education-orbost orbost-state-school orbost-higher-elementary-school

The official opening of the Obost Theatre was held on 20th August, 1931, opened by Hon. T. Paterson M.H.R. Thomas Paterson was Minister for Markets and Migration from June 1926 to January 1928. He was elected as the Country Party Member for Gippsland in 1922 and held the seat until he retired in 1943. In January 1928 his portfolio was changed to Minister for Markets and in December of that year it was again changed to Minister for Markets and Transport. Nance Gilbert was the sister of Mary Gilbert, Orbost teacher and historian. Nance Jenning was a professional golfer, daughter of Jonathon Gilbert and Annie Cameron.This item is reflective of local community events in the first half of the 20th century.A white, rectangular paper program with blak ink. It is for the official opening of the "Orbost Theatre".On front - "Nance Gilbert - Aged 6 years"orbost-theatre-program paterson-thomas

This photograph shows the second major bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. The current Snowy River bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. The first, in 1891, lasted just two years before it succumbed to flood waters. The bridge in this photograph was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. It was severely battered by floods during its life. and after the 1971 floods was eventually replaced by the current bridge in 1975. (info from Newletter 54N by John Phillips) This item is an early pictorial record of the previous Snowy River bridge at Orbost.A postcard with a black / white photograph of a bridge - timber and steel girder structure - across the Snowy River at Orbost, Reflections of the bridge are seen in the water.snowy-river-bridge-orbost

This is a photograph of the first committee and members of the Orbost Bowling Club in 1931. L-R: Rev. Montgomerie, Ab Trewin, Dave & Dick Pardew, Jack Cameron, Harry Cameron, Carl Dreverman, Lance Herbert, Rupert Mosley, J. McKeown, Sam Lynn, T. Bartold - Geo. Haymes. The first meeting was held on 23/3/1922, then the Orbost bowling Club was formed in 1929 when the funds for the construction of the green were issued by debentures of five pounds each. These were all taken up and a six rink green was laid down. Inaugural President, Sam Lynn and Secretary T. Bartold, the first Club Champion was M. Rothberg. It was not until 1951 that women were admitted as associates albeit restrictions.Associate members were not to exceed 25 and ladieswere to be of good character with preference to be given to wives of male members. Ladies had tot be off premises by 4pm. It was not until 1935/1936 that Orbost became a member of the Central Gippsland Bowling Association. Bowling clubs play a significant role in community recreation needs. The Orbost Bowling Club plays an important role in the Orbost community.A small black / white photograph of a group of men wearing lawn bowling uniforms. In front of them are two balls.on back - handwritten - "Opening Orbost BC Committee Oct 1931"

This is a photograph of the "Diggers Reunion" for the "Back To" celebrations held in Orbost in March 1937.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history.A black / white photograph on a grey buff card. It shows a large group of people sitting or standing on the floor of what appears to be a church hall.on back - "Mrs Mars. View St ?????????" on front - "Diggers Reunion Back to Celebrations Orbost 3.3.37"orbost-back-to-celebration festivals

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century. This paper is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost's history of flooding.A newspaper, Snowy River Mail, which contains black / white photographs of the 1978 floods in Orbost.orbost-floods-1978

This is a photograph of a group of students of the Orbost Higher Elementary School dressed in costume performing "The Poppy Song:" on a stage. In the photograph are: Dolly Broome; Mary Reynolds; Lily Perry; Hilda Guy; Rene Parker; Madge Grose; Audrey Cameron; Annie Gibbs, Zenie Irvine and Violet Gibbs. This is probably the song connected with a poem called “In Flanders Fields” written by Major John McCrae, a Canadian surgeon attached to the 1st Field Artillery Brigade and stationed at Ypres salient, Belgium, in the spring of 1915. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. 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.A black / white photograph with a label attached. It is of a group of students in costume on a stage. Each figure has been numbered 1 - 13.on label attached to bottom - "POPPY SONG ORBOST HES ?1915" with a list of names.education-orbost orbost-higher-elementary-school poppy-song

George Temple, born in Yorkshire on 26/2/1832 was one of the earliest Orbost storekeepers. Temple's Store was on the corner of Ruskin and Nicholson Streets opposite the post office. He packed stores to the Bendoc area goldfields. The store building eventually became part of Herbert's store when he died in 1917.George Temple was one of Orbost's earliest storekeepers.A large piece of hessian - probably an opened bag which was used for sending goods. The material is pinned around cardboard. It has black lettering stencilled on it."1850 G. Temple Orbost via Cunninghame carpenter"temple-george

Frank Matthews was a well-respected garage owner and mechanic in Orbost for many years. Evidence of ownership and existence of the Snowy River Garage, Orbost Rectangular paper, printed in black ink, the word INDEPENDENT is printed in red inside an oval shape. An INDEPENDENT Service Station Snowy River Garage (F Matthews) Motor & General Engineer, Orbost Ph. 77 Box 93snowy river garage, orbost, frank matthews

All of these photographs were taken prior to 25th November, 1876, the official opening and crossing of the current Snowy River Bridge. Gary Downey, an Orbost Apeian, did a "De Groot" and crossed the bridge on horseback prior to the official cars crossing the bridge to signal the opening of the new structure. There was a closing ceremony for the old bridge with a group arriving in a 1927 Chrysler, owned by Apexian, Peter Dreverman. This was watched by groups of school students. Some of the Apex members, including Jim Duggan, Noel Smart and Pat Hall, dressed in formal attire to speak to the audience.This event was organised by the Apex Club of Orbost.The Apex Club of Orbost was a volunteer service club which contributed to the Orbost community. A declining population has led to the demise of many social groups in the area.Ten black / white photographs related to the unofficial opening of the Snowy River Bridge at Orbost. snowy-river-bridge-1976 apex-club-orbost ceremony

The Orbost Fire brigade was formed in 1919. With the help of some large donated funds a fire station was built in 1920. the foundation leader of ther Brigade was Captain George Hudson with Mr Jack Healey as secretary. A street procession was held on Saturday November 12 as part of the celebrations.This item is associated with the Orbost Fire Brigade an integral part of community support in Orbost. The article is a useful research tool.A copy of a newspaper article from the Snowy River Mail. It is the history of the Orbost Fire Brigade which was celebrating 75 years of service.orbost-fire-brigade

Used at Orbost Railway Station, possibly by the Station Master, between 1944 and 1984. 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.Book with a red cover. On the front cover VICTORIAN RAILWAYS Audit Inspectors Remarks Book, Orbost. Inside are numbered and lined pages with hand written information dating from 28/3/1944-13/8/1984, dated and signed by various station masters. Cover has a section missing from the bottom left.VICTORIAN RAILWAYS Audit Inspectors Remarks Book, Orbost.railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

On 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million. This newspaper records contemporary accounts of significant local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 30.1.1991. the main article relates to the severe hail storm in Orbost on January 24, 1991. The newspaper contains news articles, photographs and advertisements.hail-storm-orbost-1991 snowy river mail