Construction of the Colac-Beech Forest railway line commenced in 1900 and the first activities were the work gangs and their camps. About 100 men were engaged in laying and ballasting the track while others formed the earthworks and the building of culverts and bridges. The first camp was established eight kilometres from Colac, the second 12 km south, and the remainder spaced at similar distances as the work progressed. The camps were served by butchers and bakers from Colac that visited them as many times each week to satisfy the mens' requirements. Many of the men had their families with them. They all lived in tents that consisted of a wooden floor around which the canvas cover was built. A calico partition divided the eating and sleeping quarters, and all cooking was done in camp ovens or at open fires.B/W. 158mm x 203mm. Near Colac, a narrow gauge construction camp comprising 21 workmen, a horse, and two tipping trays.construction camp; railways; colac;

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;

The 8th Light Horse was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 and sailed for overseas in December 1914 so this trial must have taken place during that period. The Wiles mobile cooker was developed by a Ballarat engineer, James Fletcher Wiles, on the advice of Sir Stanton Hicks, first Director of Catering for the Australian Army. The horse drawn cooker was operated by steam, raised by burning oil, to cook food and heat a baking oven. About 300 units were produced during WW1 (1914-18) and were in service in Egypt, France, and Australia. They could be operational in 20 minutes, and cooking could take place while being towed up to 50 kph..The first trial of this major innovation in military cooking together with this fine study of a light horse regiment on the march makes this object a significant one to the Australian Army and Victoria.Large framed photograph of a regiment of mounted horsemen on the march. Frame is of stained molded wood with glass front. Name panel at lower centre."The famous 8th Light Horse / returning from Greensborough Camp / After the first trial of the Wiles Cooker / Victoria 1914-1918"wiles cooker, greensborough, world war one, wwi, light horse

Jaffles were a very popular meal using tinned stew and issued sliced bread. Freshness of bread was not important.Good study of officer of 8/13 VMR cooking in the field.Black and white photograph of Lieutenant Bill Russell in beret and tank suit kneeling beside fuel stove holding a jaffle iron. Probably taken at Puckapunyal during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp, 1986. Plastic mug in foreground.Lt. Russellmilitary, training, stove, jaffle, cmf, vmr

Skippy St Elmo - Champion Skier and High Country Housewife. For much of the winter 1945 newly married Skippy St Elmo was alone in Wallace's Hut while her husband Toni worked as an assistant hydrographical observer for the SEC. During her first two weeks Skippy had her first ski lesson and promised herself that someday she would be able to ski. Before winter's end she was accompanying Toni around the snow gauges. The following year, Skippy and Toni became the first full time residents of Falls Creek. Along with a group of other SEC workers they built the first lodge at Falls Creek, “Skyline” in 1947. Not only did Skippy fulfill her promise to be able to ski but also went on to become the Victorian Women's 1949 Downhill & Combined Champion and in 1954 won the Albury Ski Club Men's championship. While modest about her skiing success, Skippy was very proud of her domestic skills and cooking prowess using a camp oven. She also was spent time sewing ski wear for both Toni and herself. Skippy definitely earned the title of “Falls Creek’s First Lady”.This item is significant because it documents a pioneering figure of Victorian skiing.Poster composed of photos and text explaining basic information about Skippy St. Elmo mounted on display board.skippy st elmo, key figures of falls creek, skyline

A metal camp oven with handle for hanging above a fire. camp oven, camp, camping, bush, wodonga, cooking, cook, pot

Photos from a camp for handicapped dependents in January 1992. These photos show cooking classes. Other photos from the camp are at 01560, 01561, 01563 and 01564. Some appeared in the newsletter in March 1992. The article mentions that the annual camps run for two weeks at Somers Camp (believed to be Somers School Camp). It is a wonderful gathering of Junior Legatees, Legatees, and dedicated helpers. 50 Legatees attended this camp with the personal attention almost one-to-one. With ages ranging from 22 to into the 60s, Legacy has to ensure it caters for the differing needs. Legatees headed by Camp Chief, Jim Hammon and Chairman of the Handicapped Dependents Committee, Merv Tickell, were supported by two Camp Co-Ordinators and 50 helpers known as 'leaders'. Many of the leaders are people in the workforce wishing to give something back to the community. Junior Legatees are organised into groups. They participate in horse-riding, swimming, golfing, strawberry picking, and many other activities. Every month Legacy's handicapped dependents are invited to go on outing for take part in recreational and educational activities. These programmes aim to develop independence and thus lessen the need for reliance on others for simple routine functions. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for the handicapped dependents of the Legacy families. Colour photo x 3 of a HDC camp, a label and an article in the newsletter.Handwritten in blue pen 'HDC Camp -Somers / Jan 1992 / Camp Chief: L/ J Hammon / Co-ordinator Julien Hardy-Smith / PhotoEric Wadsworth / 51 J/Ls'junior legatee outing, hdc, somers camp

A black and white photo of a boy, Roy Gilbert, standing by cooking pots and a campfire at a beach camp. It is labeled Somers Camp so this was a very early camp using tents, before camp buildings were erected. In the early years, Legacy organised outings to the property of Legacy founder, Legatee Stan Savige, who had a place in Balnarring close to the beach. Permanent camp buildings were built in 1930. In 1930 Lord Somers (Governor of Victoria) also started a camp at a nearby property and the area was renamed Somers. Legacy Somers Camps continued intermittently at Stan's property until it was decided in 1951 to make other arrangements for holidays. This photo was with a group of photos from around the 1930s from the early days of Legacy, including cricket team, football team, and camps at Balnarring/Somers (saved as 01915 to 01934).Legatee Savige's property at Balnarring became very important for Legacy providing outings and camps for junior legatees.Black and white photo of a boy by cooking pots on a campfire.Handwritten 'Roy Gilbert Somers Camp' in blue pen. Stamped '39' on back in grey ink.beach, campfire, tents, savige property, legacy somers camp

A billycan, is a lightweight cooking pot which is used on a campfire or a camping stove, particularly associated with Australian usage, but is also used in the UK and Ireland. It is widely accepted that the term "billycan" is derived from the large cans used for transporting bouilli or bully beef on Australia-bound ships or during exploration of the outback, which after use were modified for boiling water over a fire. However there is a suggestion that the word may be associated with the Aboriginal billa (meaning water; cf. Billabong In Australia. The billy has come to symbolise the spirit of exploration of the outback. To boil the billy most often means to make tea. "Billy Tea" is the name of a popular brand of tea long sold in Australian grocers and supermarkets. Billies feature in many of Henry Lawson's stories and poems. Banjo Paterson's most famous of many references to the billy is surely in the first verse and chorus of Waltzing Matilda: "And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling", which was later changed by the Billy Tea Company to "And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled”. Early settlers , market gardeners and blacksmiths would use this portable iron stake to hold their Billies at meal times when out working their fields, travelling for work or pleasure.c1880 A molded, iron tripod stake that would hold a 'Billy can' of water over a camp or kitchen fireearly settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, tools, blacksmiths

This type of pan was commonly used for cooking, heating liquids, or melting materials over an open flame. Given its deep basin and sturdy handle, it may have been used as a fireplace or camping pan. Similar metal pans were used in farmhouse kitchens, blacksmith shops, or outdoor fire pits. Due to its heavily rusted and perforated condition, it is no longer functional but serves as a historical artifact.A round metal pan with a deep basin, showing significant rust and corrosion. The pan has a sturdy metal handle attached to the rim, allowing it to be hung or carried. The rim of the pan is slightly bent, suggesting heavy use over time. The interior surface is badly rusted with flaking metal and holes, indicating it has been exposed to moisture for an extended period.pot, saucepan, fry pan, cooking, kitchen, household item, fire, woodstove

The Amor stove is a kerosene/paraffin pressure stove, widely used in the early to mid-20th century. Common for camping, railway workers, military use, or domestic kitchens before widespread gas stove adoption. Works by pressurizing liquid fuel, which vaporizes and burns as a steady blue flame. Often used in rural Australia, traveling camps, and by shearers or surveyors.A compact, portable metal stove with a brass fuel tank and a burner on top. The burner head features small holes around its circumference for an even flame distribution. A manual fuel valve and pump mechanism are attached to the side for controlling fuel flow and pressure. The stove sits within a sturdy wire-frame stand, designed to hold pots or pans securely above the flame. The stand has four legs bent into a stable support structure and includes two metal arms with angled pot supports.stove, cooking, kitchen, gas, fuel, household item

Standard issue item as used by Australian servicemen during the conflict in Vietnam. M-1950, one burner gasoline cooking stove. Refer to media image.

This appears to be a vintage campfire or stovetop toasting rack, likely used for grilling bread or small food items over an open flame or stove. The slightly curved feet suggest it could rest on a heat source while allowing air circulation beneath the food. Such devices were commonly used in the early to mid-20th century before electric toasters became widespread. It may have been part of a domestic kitchen or used for outdoor cooking in campsites.The item is a small, rectangular metal grill with parallel bars and a flat, extended handle on one side. The grill has slightly curved feet or hooks on the opposite end, possibly for securing it over a heat source. The handle appears to be riveted or welded to the main frame. The metal surface shows signs of rust and wear, indicating extensive use.grill, camping, rack, open flame, stove, outdoor

This billy can was manufactured by Willow Ware Manufacturing Co., a renowned Australian company known for its production of durable metal domestic goods throughout the 20th century. Willow billy cans were a staple of bush life, camping trips, and rural households. Used to boil water, make tea, or cook food over a fire, they became a symbol of Australian self-reliance and bushcraft. This particular model likely dates from the mid-20th century and reflects practical, utilitarian design with enduring national significance. Items like this were common among travellers, railway workers, farmers, and soldiers during peacetime and war.A traditional cylindrical metal billy can with a fitted lid and wire handle. The body is matte black or darkened metal, possibly from use over an open flame. The lid is a lighter colour, possibly aluminium or cast alloy, and features a small, squared lifting knob. The wire handle is looped through metal eyelets on either side near the rim, allowing it to be suspended over a fire.Embossed or stamped (typically on the lid or side of body): "WILLOW – MADE IN AUSTRALIA"camping, stockman, cooking, tea, fire