Showing 3869 items
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Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Banner - Australian Rotary Health Research Fund
Australian Rotary Health Research Fund Donated by Forest Hill Rotary Club.Oblong cream gold fringed banner on rod. Details of banner - The Rotary Club of Forest Hill, Australia Rotary Health Research Fund by attaining a level of contributions equivalent to $500 per member. In recognition of which this banner is presented to the Board of Directors of the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.banner, rotary club, forest hill, health research -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - Forests Commission of Victoria Northern Area Fire Protection Policy, Statement, Future Bush Fire Policy, Plan for Fire Control, 1938-1939
Fanned by powerful winds, the Black Friday fires (13 January 1939) swept rapidly across large areas of Victoria, causing widespread destruction. Flames leaped large distances, and giant trees were blown out of the ground by fierce winds. Large pieces of burning bark (embers) were carried for kilometres, starting new fires in places that had not previously been affected by flames. Almost two million hectares burned across the state. Large areas of state forest, containing giant stands of Mountain Ash and other valuable timbers, were destroyed. As a result, approximately 575,000 hectares of reserved forest and 780,000 hectares of Crown land burned.Four Files Forests Commission of Victoria Northern Area Report on the 1938-39 Fire Season; and the Fire Protection Policy in Respect of Field activities Prior to the Incidence of the 1939 Fires. history, bendigo, forests commision of victoria, 1939 bush fires -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Battle to ground land grabs, 2004
The Municipal Association of Victoria is fighting for exemption from laws that allow council owned land to be acquired by adverse possession.The Municipal Association of Victoria is fighting for exemption from laws that allow council owned land to be acquired by adverse possession. Like other councils Whitehorse has spent thousands fighting such claims. In 2000 the council lost a part of Forest Hill serve.The Municipal Association of Victoria is fighting for exemption from laws that allow council owned land to be acquired by adverse possession. city of whitehorse, mccallum, jessie, forest hill reserve, parks and reserves, lanes, municipal association of victoria -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Forest Hill Progress Association
A note stating that Nunawading Council donated 1,000 pounds worth of material in 1950.A note stating that Nunawading Council donated 1,000 pounds worth of material in 1950 to the Association for the erection of a public hall by members on the Forest Hill Reserve. The Association has been especially active in promoting the development of the Reserve as a recreation area.A note stating that Nunawading Council donated 1,000 pounds worth of material in 1950.clubs and associations, forest hill progress association -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Album - 35mm Colour slides, Forests Commission Victoria, Arboriculture Forests Commission, 1979-1987
Produced by Jon Sanders, Forests Commission, Stawell(A) 62 slides in box labelled "Jon Sanders Forests Commission Stawell 'Project Tree Cover'. Some labelled. Feb M5 and May M3,M7 and M11 1983. (B) 22 slides in box labelled "Myrn &MLT" 6 labelled 1981-1983. 2 Mar 87. ( C ) 8 boxes labelled "Ian Smith Forests Commission Research": 1. "Ash Bed Trial" Jun 79 M1, Oct 81 M2. 2. Oct 79 M5, Sep 80 M3, Nov 80 M2, Oct 83 M1. 3. May 80 M5 "Field Day". 4. Apr. 5. CFTT. 6. Jun 82 M6. 7. Jul 80 M11, Jul 80 M5. 8. Dec.jon sanders, forests commission, stawell, project tree cover, ian smith, arboriculture forests commission, arboriculture, ash bed trial, field day -
Creswick Campus Historical Collection - University of Melbourne
book, Fungus Diseases of citrus trees in Australia, 1899
Department of Agriculture publication from 1899BookForest School Creswick -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Y Valve
Y valves were used to split water supplies so it could be directed to a number of locations on a fire. In this case four outlets with two controlling valves. Canvas 1.5 inch hose was normally attached Screw connections rather than twist-camm locksY ValveYarrawonga Forests Commissionbushfire -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Red flashing light and sirens mounted on car rooftop rack
Used on some FCV passenger vehicles during the fire season. Could be activated from inside the vehicle as needed Fire tankers had lights and sirens permanently attachedNot common usage on passenger vehiclesRed flashing light and two sirens mounted on car roof rack. Includes FCV sign, radio aerial and public announcement (PA) system Could be operated from inside vehicleForests Commission Victoriabushfire -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO. 3770 COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
... Court King of the Forest ...Account written on blue paper and dated September 1871. Account is itemised for July and August and has prices with a total of 19/1 for stationary items. Bendigo United District A.O.F. oval impression stamp at the top of page.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, the bendigo united district -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO 3770 COLLECTION: ACCOUNT
... Court King of the Forest ...Account written on blue paper with printed letterhead and dated 1872 for the months Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec. Items are: Sep - To 1 Report, Miscellany 1/3, Oct - 1 doz Return Sheets 1/6, use? Of Funeral Regalia 10/-, Nov - 1 Members Colored Certificate 2/-, Dec - 250 Envelopes 5/-, 50 Notices of Intention 2/-, 2 doz Del? Forms 3/-, 1 ? B. ? Paper 2/6, 1 doz Pencils 2/-, 1 ? Foolscap 1/6. Total £1/10/9. Impression stamp with: Bendigo United District wirh A.O.F. in the centre.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - account, court king of the forest, the bendigo united district -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO 3770 COLLECTION: ACCOUNT
... Court King of the Forest ...Account written on blue paper with A.O.F. letterhead and dated December 1871. Account is for Sep 26 - 1 Bo? 2/-, 1 red 1/-, 2 doz Paper Pins 1/-, Oct 2 - 1Report / English 0/6, 1 Mes?ella? 0/9, Nov 7 - 1000 Summonses 1/5/0, 200 Envelopes, 1 Box Gall? Pens 3/6, Tru? Neck Ribbons 9/-, 2 Boards 1/4, 1 ? B. L. Paper 2/6. Total £2/11/7. Bendigo United District A.O.F. impression stamp on the paper.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - account, a.o.f., court king of the forest, the bendigo united district -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO 3770 COLLECTION: ACCOUNT
... Court King of the Forest ...Account written on blue paper with A.O.F. letterhead and dated September 1870. Account is for 200 Envelopes 4/- and 1 Members Col-d Certificate 2/-. Total £0-6-0. Bendigo United District A.O.F. impression stamp on the paper. 182 written in the top left corner and circled.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - account, a.o.f., court king of the forest, the bendigo united district -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO 3770 COLLECTION: ACCOUNT
... Court King of the Forest ...Account written on blue paper with A.O.F. letterhead and dated June 1866. has impression stamp of Bendigo United District A.O.F. Items on account are: March 29 - 1 doz. Return Sheets 1/6, April - English Quarterly Report 0/6, May 15 - ? Pence Cards 12/6, 1 Funeral Neck Ribbon 3/6, Hire of 6 Sashes for Funeral 1/6, June 18 - 200 Envelopes 4/-. Total £1-3-6.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - account, a.o.f., district chambers, fountain hotel, court king of the forest, the bendigo united district -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Langford, Weston, Beech Forest showing balloon loop, 26 April 1964
Beech Forest Railway Station was constructed in 1902 and had a number off additions to it over the years. At the far end of the station in 1902/3 was constructed a 'balloon' reversing loop, rather than a turntable or a triangle, which rolling stock used in order to even the wear on the wheels. However, the trains also used it. The Garrett in particular was supposed to be turned every second trip to even out its wheel wear, although this was usually ignored for other reasons. The loop was used throughout the life of the station.Colour. Beech Forest Railway Station showing the 'balloon' reversing loop at the far end. The tennis courts and shelter are in the background.beech forest; railway; balloon loop; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Victorian Railways, Between Devitt Bros. Siding & Ditchley, 1901
Construction of the Colac-Beech Forest railway line began in 1900 with about 100 men engaged in laying and ballasting the track, as well as others forming the earthworks and building culverts and bridges. The result of this labour saw the railway advance from Colac until it climbed a spur hugging the side of a forty degree slope emerging on top of the ridge at Beech Forest. This photograph was taken 28 miles (45 kilometres) from Colac between Devitt Bros. Siding and Ditchley, just out of Beech Forest. Two 2-6-2 Tank engines of the narrow-gauge A class built by Victorian Railway's Newport workshop, were commonly dubbed 'Coffee Pots'. As well as pulling a load of NQR wagons a NBB saloon car ended the train. The devastation to the standing timber was deliberate: the Engineer-in-Chief of VR ruled that all trees within a certain distance of the railway line were to be cut down. This certainly saved the line from destruction several times in the future.B/W. An NA class locomotive, NQR wagons and an NBB saloon car, all with workmen, going around a bend between Devitt Brother's Siding and Ditchley on the Beech Forest line in 1901.beech forest; ditchley; devitt bros siding, railways; -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - TOWN HALL, THE BENDIGO CHORAL SOCIETY, 13 Sep., 1922
... To the Forest ...Town Hall, The Bendigo Choral Society. Season 1922, 2nd Concert. Oval photo of Mr W C Frazier A.R.C.O. Conductor. Twenty = first Grand Concert. Town Hall, Bendigo. Wednesday, Sept. 13th, 1922. Artists: Madsame Elsie Davies. Miss May McGauchie, Miss Myrtle Knight, Mr L Bienvenu. Conductor: Mr W C Frazier, A.R.C.O. Pianiste: Miss Eileen Hains, A.T.C.L. Patron-His worship the Mayor (Cr. M G Giudice). President- Mr H M Leggo. Vice Presidents: Sir John Quick, Hon. Sternberg, M.L.C., Hon. Herbert Keck, M.L.C., Hon. R H S Abbott, M.L.C., Hon. D Smith, M.L.A., Mr A A Dunston, M.L.A., Cr. J H Curnow, Cr. J E Holland, Mr Oscar Flight, Mr E S Cahill, Dr. W J Long, Dr. O Penfold, Mr A L Bolton, O.B.E., Mr G E Bolton, Mr D Berriman, Mr Alf E Wallis, Mr J G Oliphant, Mr Arthur Whitehead, Mr W Watts, Mr A E Sayer, Mr William Wright, Mr Magnus Cohn, Mr Geo. Mackay, Mr Barkly Hyett, Mr A G Finister, Mr W E Bradshaw, Mr W J Campbell, From the performing members: Mr E H Collett, Mr A W McGibbony. Conductor: Mr W C Frazier, A.R.C.O. Sub-Conductor: Mr E A Miller. Pianiste: Miss Eileen Hains, A.T.C.L. Treasurer: Mr D H Holden. Librarians: Mr R J Duguid, Mr H Veale, Mr W Mansell, and Mr A Ditchburn. Auditor: Mr H T Bayton, A.A.I.S., L.I.C.A. Committee: Office Bearers, with Mesdames T Scott and Darvall, and Misses Colgan, Gail, Jamieson, Lethlean, and Messrs. Jeffery, McClure, H Cock, F J Walter and Wittscheibe. Including Tax: 2/6 Reserved, 1/6 Ordinary. Hon. Secs.: J Hudspeth, 85 Wills Street, Z S Martin, 66 McKenzie Street. Concert to commence at 8 pm. Programme Songs: The Dark-eyed Sailor, Just as the tide was flowing, Nelson's Gone a Sailing, The Radiant Morn of Spring, Una voce poco fa, Hullamzo Balaton, Morning Hymn, Awake, Sweet Love, Now is the Month of Maying,Brunhilde's Battle Cry, Cradle Song, The Three Fishers, Legende, To the Forest, I heard you go by, The Lilac Tree, Se, Sailing at Dawn, Song of the Sou'' Wester, The Little Admiral, Farwell. Words for some songs in program. Artists: Mr L Bienvenu, Ladies of the Choir, Madame Elsie Davies, Miss Myrtle Knight, Miss May McGauchie, Ladies of the Society, Choral Society. God Save The King. BIZET'S Garmen. Special Announcement. This popular and celebrated Opera will be given I its entirety at as early a date as possible. Vocal scores have specially cabled for from London. Mr Frazier would welcome the co-operation of the vocalists of our city in the performance of this charming Opera. Rehearsals commence next Tuesday at the Temperance Hall at 8pm, when it is hoped there will be a large response to his request. The public are reminded that the subscription to the Society is only 1/1/- per annum. Secretaries will be glad to give all information. Joint Hon. Secs.: J Hudspeth, 85 Will St., Z S Martin, 66 McKenzie St.Boltons Print, Bendigoprogram, theatre, town hall, town hall, the bendigo choral society. season 1922, 2nd concert. oval photo of mr w c frazier a.r.c.o. conductor. twenty = first grand concert. town hall, bendigo. wednesday, sept. 13th, 1922. artists: madsame elsie davies. miss may mcgauchie, miss myrtle knight, mr l bienvenu. conductor: mr w c frazier, a.r.c.o. pianiste: miss eileen hains, a.t.c.l. patron-his worship the mayor (cr. m g giudice). president- mr h m leggo. vice presidents: sir john quick, hon. sternberg, m.l.c., hon. herbert keck, m.l.c., hon. r h s abbott, m.l.c., hon. d smith, m.l.a., mr a a dunston, m.l.a., cr. j h curnow, cr. j e holland, mr oscar flight, mr e s cahill, dr. w j long, dr. o penfold, mr a l bolton, o.b.e., mr g e bolton, mr d berriman, mr alf e wallis, mr j g oliphant, mr arthur whitehead, mr w watts, mr a e sayer, mr william wright, mr magnus cohn, mr geo. mackay, mr barkly hyett, mr a g finister, mr w e bradshaw, mr w j campbell, from the performing members: mr e h collett, mr a w mcgibbony. conductor: mr w c frazier, a.r.c.o. sub-conductor: mr e a miller. pianiste: miss eileen hains, a.t.c.l. treasurer: mr d h holden. librarians: mr r j duguid, mr h veale, mr w mansell, and mr a ditchburn. auditor: mr h t bayton, a.a.i.s., l.i.c.a. committee: office bearers, with mesdames t scott and darvall, and misses colgan, gail, jamieson, lethlean, and messrs. jeffery, mcclure, h cock, f j walter and wittscheibe. including tax: 2/6 reserved, 1/6 ordinary. programme songs: the dark-eyed sailor, just as the tide was flowing, nelson's gone a sailing, the radiant morn of spring, una voce poco fa, hullamzo balaton, morning hymn, awake, sweet love, now is the month of maying, brunhilde's battle cry, cradle song, the three fishers, legende, to the forest, i heard you go by, the lilac tree, se, sailing at dawn, song of the sou'' wester, the little admiral, farwell. words for some songs in program. artists: mr l bienvenu, ladies of the choir, elsie davies, myrtle knight, may mcgauchie, ladies of the society, choral society. bizet's garmen. special announcement. subscription to the society is only 1/1/- per annum. joint hon. secs.: j hudspeth, 85 will st., z s martin, z s martin -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 1999
Built 1942 - 43 to ensure as adequate water supply for fire fighting purposes, after the devastation of the 1939 forest fires. Used by locals as a swimming pool until flooding in the 1980's filled the weir with silt.Colour photograph of Costicks Weir, Old Colquhoun Road, Colquhoun Forest. Shows manmade dam in bush setting. Constructed by building a weir wall across a small natural gorge. Nowa Nowa Victoriavegetation -
Melbourne Legacy
Slide, Operation Firewood - Euroa, 1960s
Colour slide of a semi trailer loaded with wood and a car in a forest near Euroa. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a semi trailer and a car in a forest near Euroa during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Euroa group / Loaded up' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood, forests -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Minute Book, Beech Forest Football Club, Minutes, Balance Sheet, 1948-54, 1948
Beech Forest first entered the association prior to World War 1, playing in maroon and gold on a ground situated 200 metres north of the final ground. Little is known of the competition in those days. The Club reformed in 1921. Beech Forest changed its colours to Richmond colours and used a ground south of the township, now known as the Football Break Road in the Forest Commission pine plantation. In 1922 the site of the present ground had been purchased but it was 1929 before it was first used, and it was used every year, except 1953 when G. Bellchamber's paddock was used while major renovations were carried out on their home ground. It was in the same year, 1929, that they changed their colours yet again to the blue with white V colours, which they retained until the Club disbanded. Beech Forest won premierships in 1924 and 1940. In 1945 the Club reformed yet again to enter the Otway Association. They were successful in winning premierships in 1946, 1947, 1952 and 1953. Finally, in 1957, the Club disbanded to become part of the Otway Rovers Football Club.Beech Forest Football Club, (1) Annual Meeting and Ordinary Meeting Minutes, November 1948 - September 1952; (2) Annual Meeting and Ordinary Meeting Minutes March 1953 - April 1954, Statements of Receipts and Expenditure 1950 - 1952. 2x Exercise Book.Insert: Grounds used; Best and Fairest Players.beech forest; football; minutes; -
Melbourne Legacy
Slide, Operation Firewood - Euroa, 1960s
Colour slide of two semi trailers loaded with wood and several cars in a forest near Euroa. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of two semi trailers and cars in a forest near Euroa during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Transport off. Euroa - Firewood' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood, forests -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Laurie McCabe, wife and children at their railway house, Beech Forest, Mid 1920s
In order to accommodate its key Otways staff of train crews, station masters and gangers the VR provided departmental housing. Laurie McCabe, a former porter at Wyelangta, a player in the local football team, and married to one of the potato-growing families, was the Station Master becoming the travelling station master and guard in 1930. He was based in Beech Forest and housed departmentally with his wife, Victoria Elizabeth (nee Tann) and their two children.Laurie McCabe, Travelling Station Master and goods Guard, his wife, Victoria, and their two children outside their railway house at Beech Forest. B/W.beech forest; railway; departmental housing; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Knox Collection, Sale of the Ditchley Park Estate, Beech Forest, 1908
Commercial realities and bushfires caused the Beech Forest community to re-establish itself around the railway station, away from Gardner Hill. This caused John W. Gardner to subdivide his land on the north side of the railway station. One subdivision was created near the Ditchley railway station on the old racecourse site, and another of 25 allotments forming what became Southorn Street. There were very few takers for these lots nor any buyers for the Ditchley subdivision.Photocopy. 260mm x 159mm. An advertisement for the sale of the Ditchley Park Estate, Beech Forest. Under instructions from Mr. J.W. Gardner Dalgety & Co. Ltd. will sell the subdivision of the Ditchley Park Estate on Tuesday, March 30, 1909, at 2 o'clock. A map of Beech Forest township and the Ditchley Park Estate is attached, as are the terms of sale and a description of the area.. beech forest; ditchley park; land sale; advertisment; -
Ballan Shire Historical Society
Map - Map. Bungal, Department of Lands and Survey, Bungal, County of Grant, 09/09/1926
A map of Bungal in the 1920's showing the allotments, and the size, with the names of the residents. It shows the roads and the Western and Eastern Moorarbool River, and the Whipstick State Forest.Cream coloured map of Bungal in the County of Grant, bounded by the the East Moorarbool River on the East, and the State Forest on the South. It is marked with the scale of chains and the number L.358. Lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey. Melbourne by W. J. Butson on 9.9.1926. It shows the land allotments with names of owners.Coloured pen marks and circled numbers on various areas. Price 2 shillings marked on bottom right hand edge.bungal, kerrit bareet, egerton, lal lal, borhoneyghurk, bungeeltap, ballark, yaloak, gorong, moorarbool west -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Letter, J. Newell, Letter from J. Newell, c. 1948
Letter re forests Commission of Vic. And Wimmera Forest Nurserywimmera forest nursery, forest commission, victoria, j.newell -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Forest Hill Police Station
Forest Hill Police Station Springvale Road Forest Hillforest hill police station springvale road police stations -
Mt Dandenong & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Home Of Francis Matthew Child, c1910
The homestead of Francis Matthew Child taken from the forest area downstream of Child Bros. Sawmill.Black and white photograph showing the homestead of Francis Matthew Child.This photograph has a detailed inscription on the back handwritten by John Lundy-Clarke.Francis Matthews home on Crown Allotment “E” taken from the forest edge of Harry Child miners lease on which he had his mill. Mill was upstream to the left. The trees in the background were on Hand’s selection “F” and beyond them was the summit of Mt Kalorama.homestead, francis matthew child, sawmill, child's sawmill -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Post Card, Unknown
One of 16 photographs and postcards donated by Mary KarneyColoured postcard of Forrest Caves with people standing on top right side."Happy New Year" "Phillip Island Forest Caves" (Forest as spelt on the card - should be Forrest)forrest caves, forrest caves phillip island, phillip island coastline -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Beech Forest railway station, carriages and wagons, c.1915
The Beech Forest railway carried very heavy loading, mostly consisting of timber, but also potatoes, lime, gravel, chaff and dairy produce. Livestock was carried and, while no dedicated passenger service operated "car-goods" ran on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday plus occasional passenger specials. However, despite the high tonnage heavy financial losses were experienced, due partly to the small amount of inbound goods and the high empty wagon mileage. Annual losses by 1915 were up to L8,000, and these were only exacerbated by increased traffic.B/W. Beech Forest Railway Station, guard's van, carriages and wagons on the right, and wagons loading with timber on the left. c.1915.beech forest; railways; station; -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, The verdict, 1992
Results of State elections 1992Results of State elections 1992 - Waverley Province - Andrew Brideson (Lib); Koonung Province - Bruce Atkinson (Lib); Benettswood Electorate - Geoff Coleman (Lib); Forest Hill Electorate - John Richardson (Lib); Mitcham Electorate - Roger Pescott (Lib).Results of State elections 1992 elections, brideson, andrew, atkinson, bruce, coleman, geoff, richardson, john, pescott, roger -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Knox Collection, Survey camp for Colac-Beech Forest railway, 1901
Plans for a rail connection between Colac and Beech Forest had been drawn up in 1884 and 1889 but proofed inconclusive because of the enormous cost involved in building a railway in such difficult terrain. Because of the financial depression in the early 1890s such expenditure went of hold. Towards the end of the decade planners recognised that a narrow gauge could be a viable alternative and it was taken up by the community, Parliamentary representatives and the government, although Victorian Railways administration was against the idea. This was overridden. The 1898 Parliament approved a 2 foot 6 inch gauge from Colac to Beech Forest although strict financial limits were set. The route was to be the most direct and the infrastructure the most basic. Construction began in 1900 entailing very steep grades and myriad curves until it finished in 1902. Surveyors and their assistants came before and during the track laying for the whole distance.B/W. Survey camp for the Colac-Beech Forest railway in 1901, showing nine tents, ten men including a cook, survey instruments, and three bicycles. Note the cooking fire on the right.colac: beech forest; railways; survey;