Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Colour photograph of Robin Vanser performing with the Lee Gallagher Show Band in "The Cockpit", Essendon Airport, September 1964"Lee Gallagher Show Band / Essendon Airport / "Cockpit" Sept '64"robin vanser, lee gallagher show band, "the cockpit" - essendon airport, performing arts - australia - 1960s

This photograph shows members of the first Orbost Agricultural Show committee.. 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 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.A sepia photograph of eleven men, wearing suits and waistcoats, standing on a vacant block of land. In the background are houses among tress. The photograph is mounted on grey card - rectangular with rounded corners.on back -"Toby Nixon" on front - "First Show 13th March 1892"orbost-agricultural-society annual-show-orbost agriculture-orbost

This is a photograph of Councillor H. A. Luke who represented West Riding on the Orbost Shire council from 1905 -1912. He was president in 1907 and 1912.This item is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. 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.A black / white head and shoulders portrait photograph of a bearded man in a suit.on back - "Cr H.A. Luke Orbost Shire"luke-h.a. orbost-shire-council

The Donchi family has ben involved in sleeper cutting in the Orbost district since the 1890s. This phootograph , one of a set of six, was taken for the Victorian Railways Magazine, August,1975, a pamphlet produced for Victorian Railways. It contains photographs and an article about Orbost as "Timber Country" and a detailed article titled, " Cutting Sleepers is a Family Business" which tells about the Donchi family.Name Associated with the timber and sleeper-cutting industry in the Orbost Region. Timber sleepers were superceded by concrete sleepers in c. 1970s. Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A black / white photograph of Pat, Ken and Alan Donchi working a large saw at a timber coupe in Orbost.on back - Pr 8767timber-industry-orbost sleeper-cutting-orbost donchi-family

The Orbost Football Club was started in 1894. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy RoversFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.A large framed photograph of a football team - three rows, . The back row is standing, middle row seated on a bench and the front row sitting on the ground. The photograph is mounted on a dark grey buff card. The frame is an ornate brown and gold wooden one.on front below the photograph - "Presented to Orbost Football Club Premiers in 1912 by Howard D. Bulmer"

This item is probably a copy of a book produced for tourists and may have been used in the Slab Hut (Orbost visitor Information Centre). The articles contained in the booklet are dated in the 1900's.This booklet is a useful research tool.A small booklet with a laminated cover.It contains black/ white photocopies of early Orbost businesses.On front cover - handwritten "Harry Hudson"booklet-orbost-businesses

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

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 George Temple's store which began operating C1888 opposite the post office in the main street of Orbost. The store stocked other stores at Bendoc supplying the gold fields. The men with their pack horses are on their way to the survey camp. 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.This item is associated with the very early history of Orbost. George and Mary Temple were early shopkeepers who operated a store opposite the Post Office for many years. Their daughters were very talented women.A faded black / white photograph of men with pack horses standing outside George Temple's store, The Orbost Equitable, in the main street. It is on a cream coloured buff card.temple-george-orbost gold-fields-bendoc

This photograph shows the Orbost Shire Council in 1907. In the back row are : A. Hillyard; John Draffin (sec.); David Jonson; Archie Rodwell; Hugh Cameron; Geotge Nixon; J. Hassett; Percy Watt; Wm Anderson (engineer); Wm Ross (S.R. Mail) Seated in front on chairs are : Sam Lynn; R. Pearse; John Johnston; Henry Luke (pres.); Donald Munro; Bill Cumming; Charles Grove 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 is associated with the Orbost Shire Council. 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. A large black / white photograph of a group of men in two rows - front row seated; back row standing. The photograph has been taken outdoors with trees in the background and to the right a wooden building and tank. There is a copy.on front - "Orbost Shire Council - 1907" on back - "March, 1907, Shire Council"orbost-shire-council-1907 local-government

Mr Alex McDonald , head of the Department of Education, signed the visitors' book at the Golden Jubilee of Orbost High School in 1962.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 historyA black / white photograph of a man wearing glasses signing a book.on back - "Orbost H.S. Jubilee 1962.Alex McDonald"education-orbost orbost-high-school-golden-jubilee

This photograph has been taken looking down Nicholson Street, Orbost. Temple's Store is on the left and the Club Hotel on the right. The township began to take shape about 1885. (More information from Newsletter August, 2004 Pauline Wilkinson)This is a very early pictorial record of early Orbost township.Three copies of a black / white photograph of a main road, unsealed with wooden buildings on both sides.The building on the right side of the photograph has a verandah with several people standing under the awning, There seems to be two or three young children further down on the edge of the road.on front at bottom - Orbost Main Street

PHOTOGRAPH, BLACK AND WHITE, MOTOR CARS AND PEOPLE AT CLUNES SHOW 1919 3 COPIESCLUNES SHOW 1919 PHOTO BY C.WEICKHARDT.local history, photography, photographs, events and celebrations, clunes show

This is a souvenir of Orbost from 1945.A set of 13 black and white postcards in a fold-out format. Pictures are of : Nicholson Street, Snowy Rriver flats from Grand View, avenue leading to Obost. Snowy River bridge at Orbost, Snowy River at Orbost, Marlo from the sand dunes, Prince's Highway at Victorian-NSW. border, Genoa River and bridge at Genoa, Prince's Highway at Mt. Drummer, Cann River hotel, fern scene, Euchre Valley, ponsasinorum near Cann River. SOUVENIR Orbost to Vic Border 13 camera viewspostcard souvenir photographs orbost cann-river

Collected by Mary Gilbert. This folder belonged to Mary Gilbert and was probably used by her whilst teaching at Orbost High School and as a member of the Orbost Historical Society. 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 item is a useful research tool.A manila folder containing b/w newspaper cuttings relating to the progress of Orbost power, mail and water supply. The articles are from various newspapers.. 732.2 is a report by Mr A. Sambell. C.E. on the Orbost Water Supply. 732.3 is from the Weekly Times, July 17 1968 and is titled "Snowy River Mail Follows Our Ancient Track". 732.4 is from the Snowy River Mail, May 16 1962 and is titled " Power To Orbost in Keeping with State's Progress. 732.5 is from the Snowy River Mail, May 16 1962 and is titled " The Vital Power of Electricity".orbost-power-water-supply

Purchased from Orbost Op shop several years ago. Original owner unknown. This bridge over the Snowy River was opened on July 4 1922. It was constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods.This bridge was replaced in 1976 after several major floods.A wooden framed photograph of the second Snowy River bridge at Orbost.photograph snowy-river-bridge

The book and program were produced as part of the 50 year celebrations of Orbost Rotary Club. This is locally written history book which is a useful research tool.Two dark blue covered books with 124 pp. There is gold lettering on the front cover ; ROTARY CLUB OF ORBOST FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE 1947-1997 50th Anniversary Celebrations. In the top left corner is the Rotary International symbol. The book title has gold corner frames. Two yellow single page programs for the celebratory dinner held at Orbost Motel Lodge on 31/5/1997. It has the Rotary International symbol. the East Gippsland Shire logo and an early Orbost Shire coat of arms. 2192.1 - has autographs /signatures in the back 2192.2 - Ruth Leggerotary-orbost

This document was produced in 1989 by the Pulp Mill Women's awareness Group to inform the community and raise awareness of the pulp mill proposed for Orbost. Chair of the group was Heather Richardson and secretary was Beryl FearnleyThis document is a useful reference on the pulp and paper mill issue which caused much concern in the community and resulted in the formation of several new community groups.A 4 pp document with plastic binding. Document contains research on the proposed Orbost pulp mill.In top left corner -PULP AND PAPER MILL RESOURCE CENTREpulp-mill-orbost

SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES SHOW NOV. 28 1913 - SECTION OF CROWD WATCHING PARADE OF HORSES.CLUNES SHOW NOV. 28 1913local history, photographs, events and celebrations, clunes show, 1913

John Rowe began his teaching career at Orbost and Jarrahmond in 1886, a career which continued at Orbost until 1908 when he retired due to ill health. He began teaching at Orbost, (initially part-time with Jarrahmond) on 10th May 1886, following the very short tenure of the first appointee, Campbell MacKay. (more information Newsletter June 2018 - Lois Crisp)This item is associated with the history of education in the Orbost district.A large enhanced photograph in black / white of the head and shoulders of a moustached man in a suit.on front - "John Rowe Esq, First Head Teacher of Orbost State School"rowe-john education-orbost

This the twenty-ninth 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 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is a useful refereence tool.A magazine with a pale blue cover and brown print - Orbost High School 1976 Croajingolong.croajingolong orbost-high-school

These newspaper articles were collated by Mary 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.These articles are contemporary records of events in the history of Orbost and as such are useful reference tools.A manila folder containing black / white newspaper cuttings of articles relating to the local history of Orbost. They are from the Snowy River Mail. 746.1 is titled, "Historic anchor for Orbost Museum". 746.2, August 9, 1967, is titled, ""Orbost Historical Museum". 746.3 is titled, "When The Snowy Was Angry". On the back is "Resident's Sudden Death - Mrs Ada Bowtell (67)". 746.4 from 1934 is titled, "The Duke's Visit - Welcome at Cann River'. 746.5, Wednesday November 24, 1954 is titled, "Naming of Orbost District Landmarks". 746.6, Wednesday November 24, is titled, " Convict First White Settler in Orbost District?". 746.7, Wednesday, July 25, 1928 is titled, " Dedication of St James' Memorial Church, Orbost". 746.8 and 746.9, Wednesday September 24, 1975 are titled, "Piece of History Returns".orbost- museum anchor-orbost street-names-orbost st-james'-orbost

These two albums were used at the Slab Hut - Orbost Visitor Information Centre. 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. 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.These albums are contemporary records of the construction and relocation of an iconic Orbost building, the Slab Hut.Two large photo albums. 2280.1 has no front cover. The back cover and spine are red. The pages are black and most photos are labelled. They are photographs of the Orbost area. 2280.2 has brown covers. It contains photographs of the construction of the gardens and buildings around the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre). On the cover in gold print is "PHOTOS".slab-hut-orbost album-photographs-orbost

First bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost built 1891Black and white photographic print showing early first bridge across Snowy River thick vegetation along river banks. Orbost Victoriabridges, waterways

This minute book was used by Mrs J. Trewin as secretary of the Ladies Social Committee of 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 light blue covered book with a red cloth spine. It is a minute book used by the Ladies Social Committee of the Orbost Rifle Club.Label on front cover - Ladies Social Committee Rifle Club Secretary - Mrs J. Trewinminutes orbost-rifle-club mrs-j.-trewin ladies-social-committee

Used by students at Orbost High School c. 1970s, 1980s.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant role in the education of senior students in the district. It is the sole institution for secondary education. This item is representative of its history.Navy blue vinyl school bag with yellow piping, 1970s, with Orbost High School badge embossed on one side. It has an adjustable handle strap, a compressed board base with five studs on bottom side.Orbost High School badge embossed on outside.orbost-high-school school-bag

This photograph was taken at the 1937 Back to Orbost celebrations. Some of the family names recorded are: Boucher; Farquhar; Nixon; Richardson; Gilbert; Henderson; Rodwell; Herbert; Cameron; Reynolds; MacDonald; Cowell; Lyons; Warren; Pleydell; Ralston and Perry.This is a useful research tool. It is a contemporary pictorial record of Orbost residents in 1937.Two long black / white photographs of a large group of people standing or sitting outside a building. 983.1 has some names written underneath it. Both are on grey buff cards.on front - "Orbost Celebrations 1937 Back To School'orbost-back-to-celebrations-1937

This souvenir wine glass was made for celebration of the centenary of the Orbost Football Club in 1994. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy RoversOrbost Football Club through its many changes has always been an important social fabric of the Orbost community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health. A clear wine glass produced for the centenary of the Orbost Football Club -1894-1994. On an oval (representing a football) is O F C with "ORBOST FOOTBALL CLUB" in a banner above and "CENTENARY YEAR 1894 -1994" in a banner below. all written in gold. On an oval (representing a football) is O F C with "ORBOST FOOTBALL CLUB" in a banner above and "CENTENARY YEAR 1894 -1994" in a banner below. all written in gold.souvenir wine-glass orbost-football-club

This photograph was taken at the Golden Jubilee of Orbost High School in 1962. Bert May is addressing crowds. Bert May served as the Member for Gippsland in the Legislative Council from 1957 until 1973. With earlier levels of schooling available at the Orbost State School or nearby schools of Newmerella and Jarrahmond School, it was not until April 1912, and after much campaigning from parents and other notable community members, that the Orbost Higher Elementary School was opened. Mr Richard Trembath was appointed the new Head teacher of Orbost Higher Elementary School and was assisted by Miss Olga Hirst. The senior class consisted of 26 pupils, and the junior class, 16 pupils. A limited curriculum was available which included lessons in Latin, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Geography, History, Drawing and advanced English. (info. from O.S.C. website.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 Mr Bert May, on a stage, addressing an audience, most seated, some standing behind him.back - hand-written - "Orbost H.S. Jubilee, 1962 - Bert May".orbost -education orbost-high-school