Councillor J.D. Torley was the chair of this committee. The Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia was commemorated in Australia in 1970. The British explorer Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook sailed and charted the East Coast of Australia in 1770, and claimed the eastern seaboard of the Continent for the British Crown. This was not considered the official bicentenary of Australia, but rather the mapping of the Eastern coastline.This item reflects the commemoration of a significant event in Australian history.750 is a red coloured plastic folder. The front cover has "SHIRE OF ORBOST" in gold print with the shire seal beneath it. It contains event programs, flyers, booklets, letter heads, souvenir programs, a catalogue for an art contest and minutes of the committee meetings. 750.1 is a manila folder which contains a program and tickets to the 1770 Ball held on Friday 17th April,1970. It also contains letter heads, envelopes and copies of correspondence concerning the Captain Cook 1970 centenary celebrations.cook-james centenary-1970 orbost-shire-council

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

Events held included a supper dance, an angling competition, a gymkhana, a street parade, an art show, a garden competition, a historical display, tree planting and a ceremony at Point Hicks. This item is associated with a significant event in Australian history.A manila folder of documents related to the 1970 Captain Cook centenary celebrations . It contains souvenir programs and details of events held from April 11 to April 20th 1970.cook-james 1970-centenary orbost-shire-council

The Captain Cook Bicentenary celebrations saw students from Orbost High School hiking around Cape Everard during the re-naming to Point Hicks.This item is associated with Orbost High School and the historynof education in Orbost. It is also associated with the Captain Cook Bicentenary, a significant event in Australia's history. A large black / white photograph of a group of students from Orbost High School on a hike at Point Hicks.They are carrying backpacks along a trail and the Point Hicks lighthouse can be seen in the background.education-orbost point-hicks captain-cook-bicentenary

Owner and donor was daughter of Alan Richardson, sawmiller at Tabbara and holder of ticket for paddlesteamer Curlip.This item is a souvenir of a significant annual Melbourne event. The Richardson family played a significant role in the history of Orbost.Small ruby and clear glass mug. Souvenir from Melbourne Show.Front - Souvenir from Melbourne, Ruth 1909souvenir melbourne-show richardson-alan mug-glass

3134.2 has been taken inside the Mechanics Institute hall. 3134.3 was taken in Munro Street. Cr J. Perry was the president of the organising committee for the Back To Orbost celebrations in March 1937. M.W. Cowell was the Secretary.These photographs are pictorial records of a significant community event in Orbost's history.Three black / white photographs and an envelope. 3134.1 is of a group standing in front of a banner - WELCOME HOME - and a welcome arch - 3-3-1937. A group of men, women and children are standing or sitting in front of the arch. 3134.2 is of a large group of men and women seated and standing dressed in formal outfits in front a stage inside a hall. 3134.3 is of two men in a jinker pulled by one horse. The person holding the reins appears to be wearing a false beard and wig. 3143.4 is an unused white envelope. On the left-hand side in brown print circle is a boomerang with "Back To Orbost 1937", two corn cobs and pumpkins. Underneath is "27/2/37 to 6/3/37" with the names of the committee.3134.1 - on front - handwritten with an arrow pointing to "Grndma Cameron" bottom front - "Some Former Residents at the Welcome Arch Orbost 3.3.37" 3134.2 - on front - " a memento of the Ball at Orbost. Back to Celebrations 4.3.37"back-to-orbost-1937 celebrations community-events

This appears to be a photograph of a large group of people at the Orbost Railway Station awaiting a train - a steam train? The group seems to be made up of family groups. 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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history. It is a pictorial record of a social event in Orbost.A black / white photograph of a large group of people standing at a railway station. Some are standing on the platform, others on the line. Most are looking toward the right.orbost-railway-station family-activity

These photographs were taken at the official opening of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line. In 3150.3 which is of a group of children and two adults those identified in the photograph are ; L - R front row Mary Gilbert; Warren; Betty Gilbert; Marion Gilbert; Mrs Shaw and son; ? Gay; and Pen Gilbert. In 3150.4 L-R front " Mary Gilbert; Bet Gilbert (sitting with glasses); Pen Gilbert(Richardson); Marion Gilbert ( middle front little girl) About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river.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. It is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. 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 ndustry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Four black / white postcards of people at the opening of The Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway. 3150.1 - on front - "The Ministerial Party" 3150.2 - on front - hand-written - " The Hon James Cameron" with arrow pointing to a man standing in the back row. at bottom - "The Ministerial Party X Florie Cameron" on back- "Opening the Orbost Railway" 3150.3 and 3150.4 - on back - hand-written "First train to Orbost with a list of names.orbost-bairnsdale-railway celebration-opening-of-railway east-gippsland-railway

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. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. Protesters stood in front of a VR locomotive holding up signs with " SAVE FUEL JOBS ROADS LIVES ORBOST MR HAMER DON"T LET THIS HAPPEN SAVE RAIL" Others held placards with "DON"T CUT OFF ORBOST" and "We the Children demand our ????secure railway"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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Seven black / white photographs related to the closure of the Orbost Railway Line.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway protests-rail-closure

The construction of the outdoor swimming pool at Orbost was a community driven project.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.Twenty-four black / white photographs, with white borders, showing construction work of an outdoor swimming pool in a town area.orbost-swimming-pool

Peter Cameron, came to Orbost in 1885, at the age of 69, having sold his farm at Geelong. Peter bought the property ―Glen Avon from a Mr Street. The home was situated at the bottom of the paddock, near the corner of Morley and Livingstone streets. The farm stretched from Tennyson Street to the end of Snaggers Lane and along the river frontage to “Carinya” Cameron Home. In the Gippsland Times on Wednesday. 2 Jul 1890 on Page 3 is an article titled "THE SNOWY RIVER CALAMITY" which describes an ".unexpectedly sudden rush of water down the flats..... the terrified people commenced to remove their stock from the land and the work of saving property was continued all day ............ many head of cattle were washed away.......The river road, for its entire length, is obliterated, and the approaches to the bridge at Watt's Gulch are gone, with the enormous volume of flood water," These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost. There are few personal records of the very early floods.Three black / white photographs of wooden buildings with flood water in foreground. There are post and rail fences. 3193.2 has been taken from a distance.on back -" "Glenavon east of Lagoon 1897 Feb"floods-orbost-1890s glenavon-orbost

This was a souvenir postcard made specifically for the "Back To Orbost" celebrations in 1937. The week-long celebrations were held from February 27 to March 6 in 1937 and included dances, picnics,concerts, sports, the Orbost Show and Ball. President of the organising committee was Councillor J. Perry and thesecretary was Mr M.W. Cowell.The Back To Orbost celebration in 1937 was a significant event in Orbost's history.A black / white photograph / postcard. On the left side is a collection of Australian native flowers. Net to it, inside a white circle, are two ears of corn and some pumpkins beneath a photograph of a bridge across a river (the Snowy River) with a boomerang above and "BACK TO ORBOST 1937" inside. orbost-back-to-1937 celebration postcard

This photograph was taken during the flood of 1934 in Orbost. The people in the photograph are related to Billie and Ilma Nixon and Charlie Johnston. Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle.This item is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. It is associated with local families.A black / white photograph / postcard of floodwaters. On the right is a young man with four young boys sitting on a log. In the bckground is a rowing boat with one man rowing and three others sitting on the edges . A field of maize / corn is in the background and a large willow tree on the right.on back - "M. C. Rice Orbost 19 /1/20 M Gilbert. Mostly Billy Nixons & Charlie Johnstons 1934" [Note alteration: W C Rice rather than M C Rice].floods-orbost-1934 nixon-william johnston-charles

This photograph was taken near the Snowy River Bridge on the the old Princes Highway in Orbost, near the caravan park. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. Floods have been an integral part of Orbost's history for hundreds of years.A black / white photograph of debris, fallen power lines, a tree across the highway and floodwaters across the road.on front at bottom - handwritten in upper case print - " 1971 FLOOD PRINCES HIGHWAY NEAR SNOWY BRIDGE"floods-orbost-1971

This photograph is an aerial view of the township of Orbost taken by the Bairnsdale Advertiser newspaper. It was taken from the northern end of the town. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of Orbost,A black / white aerial photograph of a township with floodwaters in the background.on back - "Note main current through the lagoon 1971."orbost-floods-1971 bairnsdale-advertiser orbost-township

These photographs were taken on November 25, 1976 at the official opening of the current Snowy River road bridge. Included in the photographs are: John Duggan; Pat Hall, C.R.B. chairman, R.E.V. Donaldson (3240.7) and J.A.Rafferty, the state minister for Transport, who cut the ribbon (3240.8). Di Young and Cheryl Dusting (3240.9) distributed souvenir information pamphlets to official guests. The Snowy River road bridge is one of four built as part of the 8.4 km project spanning the Orbost flood plains. The Snowy River bridge and another over the nearby Ashbys Gulch are among the 10 longest bridges in Victoria, being the eighth and fifth longest respectively. The new bridge removed through traffic from Orbost township crossing the Snowy River 45 m downstream of the old bridge.This bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. (info from CRB NEWS No. 34. DECEMBER, 1976) These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in Orbost's history.Eleven black / white photographs all related to the official opening of the current Snowy River Bridge. Details are in catalogue folder.snowy-river-bridge

The road to Marlo was cut by flood waters from the Snowy River in two places. The road was closed when water flowed over Gilbert's Gulch (3243.1) The Snowy River broke its banks and flooded surrounding Orbost, Marlo, Lochend and Jarrahmond were isolated. The river bank at the bridge site was broken and filled with earth and rock fill. (3243.2) The new Snowy River Bridge was nearing completion when the river rose 7.2 metres causing erosion on the eastern bank. (3243.7) Contractors involved in the construction of the Princes Freeway and bridge were delayed by the flood waters. (3243.8) The 1976 flood at Orbost was a significant event which delayed the construction of the current Snowy River Road Bridge.These photographs record that event.Nine black / white photographs of flood waters across roads. orbost-flood-1976 snowy-river-bridge marlo-road-flood-1976 gilbert;s-gulch-flood

After the damage from the February 1971 floods at Orbost when the abutment to the Snowy River road bridge was washed away a Bailey bridge, portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge, was put into place to ensure town access, the C.R.B. rebuilt the approach to the bridge driving new piles and constructing the Bailey bridge. They worked late into the night under flood lights to ensure the link from the Orbost township to the Princes Freeway would be open to traffic as soon as possible.These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost.Three black / white photographs of a Bailey bridge being erected across a river. 3245.1 and 3245.2 are the same. bailey-bridge orbost-snowy-river-bridge bridge-orbost

From The Argus (Melbourne) on January 10 1934 "Damage estimated at £500,000 has been caused by the floods in the Orbost district. No loss of life occurred, largely owing to the heroic efforts of rescue parties. Many families spent Monday night on the roofs of houses or in trees, surrounded by deep, rushing flood waters." This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge - the centre span was washed away -. wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. This is a pictorial record of the 1934 flood, a significant event in the history of Orbost.A black / white photograph of floodwaters. In the middle of the water can be see debris including a large spoked wheel. In the background are houses and fences.on back - "near Hilyer's garage at foot of hill Main Street Caravan Park on right" on front at bottom left - "1934"orbost-flood-1934 flood-orbost

These are photographs taken during the 1934 flood at Orbost. From The Argus (Melbourne) on January 10 1934 "Damage estimated at £500,000 has been caused by the floods in the Orbost district. No loss of life occurred, largely owing to the heroic efforts of rescue parties. Many families spent Monday night on the roofs of houses or in trees, surrounded by deep, rushing flood waters." This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge - the centre span was washed away -. wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle.These photographs are pictorial records of the 1934 floods at Orbost, a significant event in the history of Orbost.Nine small black / white photographs of flood damage,3253.2 on back - "Waters rushing down Princes Highway and....of......where you see the waves" 3253.3 on back - "rushing flood waters over Lochiel Park Bridge approach at the rear of picture 1934"orbost-flood-1934 flood-orbost

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

This certificate was presented at the East Gippsland Shire Council Australia Day celebrations on 26.1.2003. The veiling of McKillops bridge was a 'Year of the Outback' event. The event was organised by Orbost resident, Sr Helen Barnes RSJ. to show solidarity with rural people. The local community transformed the bridge into "a symbol of communal love and hope", when its sides were draped with hundreds of personal messages. McKillop's Bridge, located high in the Snowy Mountains, is named after George McKillop, a pioneering explorer of the area. The bridge is a vital link for isolated farming communities living beyond the Bonang highway. The Veiling of McKillops Bridge was a significant community event.A large framed certificate. An Australia Day Community Event certificate for January 2003. The frame is silver The certificate has white, green and blue print on a blue background.presented to "Veiling of McKillops Bridge on frame corner AMS by East Gippsland Shie Council signed by Cr P. Bommer (mayor)mckillops-bridge-veiling east-gippsland-shire-council-australia-day

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) These newspapers are contemporary records of a significant local event.Four newspapers relating to the floods in 1971. They contain news articles and photographs of the floods in Orbost in early 1971. 2556.1 is the Weekly Times dated 3.3.1971 and has an orange cover. 2556.2 is a Snowy River Mail dated 17.2.1971. 2556.3 is a Snowy River Mail dated 10.2.1971. 2556.4 is a Snowy River Mail dated 3.3.1971.floods-orbost-1971 snowy-river-mail weekly-times newspapers

The 1971 floods at Orbost were the worst on record. At Jarrahmond the river rose to a height of 11 metres and on the flats spread to one and a half kilometres wide. Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)These newspapers are contemporary records of a significant local event.Four newspapers and a set of clippings from various papers. They contain information and photographs pertaining to the 1971 floods in Orbost. 2557.1 is a Sun News Pictorial dated 8.2.1971. 2557.2 is a Snowy River Mail dated 10.2.1971. 2557.3 is an east Gippsland News dated 12.2.1971. 2557.4 is a Snowy River mail dated 12.2.1971 and 2557.5 is a collection of various clippings.floods-orbost-1971 newspaper snowy-river-mail sun-news-pictorial

The Snowy River Mail is a weekly newspaper published in Orbost in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Previously published as The Snowy River mail and Tambo and Croajingolong gazette from 1890 to 1911. The Gippsland Courier merged with the Snowy River Mail when proprietor Lachlan Ross moved to Orbost in 1910. In 1999 the paper was acquired by the Yeates family when the Hollins family retired from the newspapers business. The paper is still being produced by the fourth generation of the Yeates family as part of East Gippsland Newspapers Thisnewspaper is a contemporary record of a significant local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper dated 27.7.1983. The main story is "Blaze at Golf Club". It contains news articles, photographs and advertisements - black/white.newspaper snowy-river-mail orbost-golf-club

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. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of a significant event in Orbost history.A collection of black/white newspaper clippings relating to the 1978 flood in Orbost. Some are original articles. others are photo-copies. They appear to be from the Snowy River Mail newspaper.floods-orbost-1978 newspaper-articles

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

In early 1974, as an Engineer with the Country Roads Board, David came to Orbost as the Supervising Engineer for the construction of the new bridges which were part of an 8.4km Orbost bypass road design. This was a major project involving not only a new bridge over the Snowy River (including Lochiel Lagoon), but other bridges over Ashby’s Gulch and Watt’s Gulch. These new bridges were opened in November 1976 with the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern end of the $2.4M Snowy River Bridge. The new bridge, built by the CRB at a cost of $2.4 million, is 1.6 metres above the record flood levels of 1971. (ref. May Leatch) This newspaper contains contemporary reports of a significant event in Orbost.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 1.12.1976. It contains news articles, photographs and advertisements. The main article relates to the official opening of the Snowy River Bridge and the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern approach. It also contains a history of the first Snowy River Bridge.snowy-river-bridge orbost-bridges snowy-river-mail

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. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. These articles are contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost history.Three articles relating to the closure of the Bairnsdale - Orbost Railway in 1987. They are from the Snowy River Mail and The News. They contain photographs, news articles and the history of the line and its closure. orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway snowy-river-mail

On 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost.The front and back page of The East Gippsland News dated Thursday January 1991. The main article is a photograph of the hailstorm damage to Nicholson Street in Orbost.hailstorm-orbost east-gippsland-news newspaper-article