Basalt is a common igneous rock that composes most of the Earth's surface and can be found on the Moon and other rocky planets of the Solar System. It is generally composed minerals such as calcic plagioclase, clinopyroxene and iron ore which form grains that are indistinguishable to the naked eye. It can be dark grey or black in colouring and sometimes may contain holes left by gas bubbles. Most of the Earth's basalt was produced in environments such as oceanic divergent boundaries, oceanic hotspots, and mantle plumes and hotspots beneath continents. Basalt is commonly used in construction where it is crushed and used for multiple purposes such as concrete aggregate, road base, or railroad ballast. Thin slabs of basalt can also be cut and used for floor tiles, stone monuments, and building veneer. This particular specimen was excavated from Talbot in Victoria, which was a small gold mining town established in 1852. As basalt is a common rock, it is not specific to Talbot. However, this specimen can be assumed to be of the Cainozoic age due to previous geomorphic surveys of the area. This particular type of Basalt was used mainly for roads due to the durability of the rock.Basalt holds significance due to the continued use of the rock from historic until present times. The rock has been utilised for many types of construction and is still used for the same purposes today. Basalt also has significance to the Earth and other rocky planets of the Solar System as it makes up most of the planet's surface. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A smaller than hand sized rock specimen which is dark grey in colour with small holes and white deposits across its surface.Geological survey / [illegible] /burke museum, beechworth, geological specimen, geology, basalt, basalt specemin, indigo shire, talbot, cainozoic, igneous rock

This image shows Bethanga Bridge, which was constructed between 1927 and 1930 in Albury, NSW. The bridge was a necessity due to the building of the Hume Dam (Wier), 1919-1936. Bethanga Bridge is a long, nine-span, riveted-steel, variable depth, Pratt Truss road bridge of nine principal spans of 82 metres and a total length of 752 metres over the flooded valley of the Murray River, now part of Hume Reservoir. Because of its unique location, over the waters of a dam with the border running down the centre of the body of water, the Bethanga bridge is the only built structure shared by both New South Wales and Victoria. It was built 1.6 kilometres upstream of the dam and in 1961 was raised 300mm, with a concrete deck replacing the original wooden deck. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria and the New South Wales Department of Public Works were responsible for the construction works for the Hume Weir under the River Murray Waters Agreement. It is apparent that a similar joint arrangement was made for the construction of the Bethanga Bridge as part of the Hume Weir works.This photograph of the Bethanga Bridge is of historical significance as it showcases the architectural skills of Percy Allen and Vincent Packer. Additionally, it reveals the environmental landscape of the 1920s-1930s, is linked to the Hume Dam and both New South Wales and Victorian heritage. Unmounted black and white rectangular photograph. Reverse: 1997.3196 84-20-3bethanga, bethanga bridge, hume dam, pratt truss, murray river, hume weir, transportation

This photograph is of the construction of the first road bridge over the Genoa River - 1915. Before today's timber truss and concrete bridge was constructed between 1926-1928 by contractor J.T. Noble Anderson, two earlier bridges crossed the Genoa River at this location. They provided crucial links in the Princes Highway route from Melbourne to Sydney. The letter on the back of the postcard was written by Gordon ? to Alex ? on 2nd October 1917. "this represents the opening of Genoa Bridge. Mrs Alexander cutting the ribbon and Mr Martin holding it at the other side. Did most of the speaking. The gent holding the roll of paper is who came to open the bridge. I can't think of his name. Hubert is standing up at the right / Gordon " This is a pictorial record associated with the history of Genoa in East Gippsland.1100 -A large black / white photograph on a cream coloured buff card. It is of an unfinished bridge with men working there. A small rowboat can be seen on the far side of the river. 1100.1 - A photograph / postcard of the opening of "Genoa Bridge 1917". There is a ribbon stretched across the timber decking road in front of a group of people. 1100.2 - A black / white photograph of a road bridge across a river.on back - "Princes Highway - the 1st bridge over the Genoa River - 1915" on back of 1100.1 is a hand-written letter.genoa-bridge princes-highway-east-gippsland

After the flood damage of 1934, the bridge was repaired with a new section in the middle. This bridge remained largely unchanged until its final demolition in 1975 after construction of the new concrete bridge and Orbost by-pass which exists today. This photograph is one of a collection of photographs produced by Murray Views, Gympie. It features eight scenic b/w photographic prints of Orbost and surrounding tourist areas.Photographs like these allowed tourists to send many images of their holiday destination or hometown in the one small package. Fred Murray opened Murray Studios in Gympie in 1906. The postcard and souvenir production side of the business initially covered Gympie and surrounding regions, but Murray expanded the business to include North Queensland, New South Wales and even Adelaide. It was opened under a separate name, Murray Views, in 1929. In 1945 the business was taken over by Murray’s nephews who began postcard folder production. This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white photograph / postcard of the Snowy River Bridge at Orbost.on front bottom printed - Murray Views No.4 Traffic Bridge , Snowy River, Orbost, Vic.orbost-snowy-river-bridge

This spike came from the old Brodribb River bridge which is about 9.6 kilometres from Orbost. The Brodribb River joins the Snowy River north of Marlo. In 1906, a bridge replaced the punt over the Brodribb River, improving communication with Orbost. It was eventually replaced by a reinforced concrete bridge built by the Road Construction Authority in 1989 where the Princes Highway passes over the Brodribb RiverThis item belongs to a significant local structure which has been replaced.A very rusty iron bridge spike from the old Brodribb Bridge.brodribb-river bridge-spike

Digital scanFrom Vicrail News magazine, April 1983. “Duplication of the five-kilometre section of line between Ringwood and Croydon is on the way. Several major works will be undertaken over the next few months so the two tracks can be brought into service later this year. Intensive work on this section follows completion of duplication works between Ringwood and Bayswater on the Belgrave line last December. The completion of this 5.17 kilometre section between Ringwood and Bayswater means that this Belgrave line is now duplicated as far out as Ferntree Gully. Commuters using the Belgrave line now have an improved service with the intro duction in January of an additional evening peak train to Upper Ferntree Gully, two additional peak hour services in the morning from both Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully, and with the additional tracks delays on one line will not affect trains travelling in the opposite direction. Commenting on the completion of this stretch of track the Minister of Transport, Mr. Crabb, said a further improvement had been made with the commissioning of boom barriers at the Bedford Road level crossing in Ringwood. "The installation is part of the State Government's $9.4 million four-year plan to equip 70 dangerous level crossings throughout the State with boom barriers", he said. Works to be carried out on the Ringwood/ Croydon section include laying of new track, station works at Croydon and installation of boom barriers at East Ringwood. Already completed are bridge works to cater for double tracks at both Mt. Dandenong and Eastfield Roads between Croydon and East Ringwood and construction of an island platform at East Ringwood station. At several locations alignment of the existing track will be slightly relocated. The new line is being constructed with concrete sleepers and heavyweight rails. The existing line will also be reconstructed using these heavy 60kg per metre rails. Engineering works to be completed include installation of overhead wiring necessary to supply power to trains, construction of two new station buildings and a new platform at Croydon, provision of boom barriers, and pedestrian boom barriers at Dublin Road level crossing. East Ringwood, and replacement of existing timber overhead wire support structures with steel structures. Other works in this program included installation of boom barriers at Bedford Road, Ringwood and Scoresby Road, Bayswater and provision of a new platform for trains going to Melbourne and Heathmont. A new timetable on the Lilydale and Belgrave lines will commence when the Ringwood—Croydon duplication track work is completed.”

Photo 1 - Rene Roper (Postmistress) crossing swollen Kiewa River on a milk can flying fox at Tawonga, during high winter waters Photo 2 - First Tawonga bridge was built in 1884- destroyed by floods in 1916. New bridge constructed 1923 and destroyed in 1953. Present concrete bridge constructed in 1986 and named Ryders BridgeBridge construction over Kiewa River at TawongaCopies of two original black and white photos. Photo 1 - Flying fox at site of Tawonga Bridge over the Kiewa River Photo 2 - Timber pile bridge over the Kiewa River at Tawongatawonga bridge, kiewa valley

Junction (Lake Guy) Dam is a 'slab and buttress' type wall. A timber frame is built and then filled with concrete. The first batch of concrete was placed in September, 1940. By June, 1941 the buttresses were finished to a height safe from floods and in October of that year a flood of 2,800 cusecs occurred but with only slight damage to the installations. Industrial trouble caused some delays but there was also slow progress on the part of the contractor and the work was taken over by the S.E.C., terminating the contract. The dam was completed in March, 1944. A walkway was made through the dam wall. Lake Guy was named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident engineer, in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa Area from 1939 to November 1946Photos of the construction of the Junction Dam detail the harsh conditions faced by construction workers, building dams and villages to accommodate workers in the 1940s to the 1950s. Australia at this period in time, experienced a surge of population (influx of World War II refugees), which was the catalyst for developing and undergoing an enormous hydroelectricity program for the Alpine regions, both in Victoria and New South Wales. This program was initiated to supply electricity to the major southern Australian cities of Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It was thought that these developments would reduce, if not eliminate, the requirement for coal driven power stations. However time has demonstrated that these power stations have not matched the demand required by the industries and the populations of the major urban and cities.Black and white photograph of Junction Dam constructionjunction dam, bogong, secv

Junction (Lake Guy) Dam is a 'slab and buttress' type wall. A timber frame is built and then filled with concrete. The first batch of concrete was placed in September, 1940. By June, 1941 the buttresses were finished to a height safe from floods and in October of that year a flood of 2,800 cusecs occurred but with only slight damage to the installations. Industrial trouble caused some delays but there was also slow progress on the part of the contractor and the work was taken over by the S.E.C., terminating the contract. The dam was completed in March, 1944. A walkway was made through the dam wall. Lake Guy was named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident engineer, in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa Area from 1939 to November 1946.Diversion dams are installed to raise the water level of a body of water to be redirected. The redirected water is used for hydro electric power generation. A diversion tunnel is usually bored through solid rock next to the dam site to bypass the dam construction site. The dam is built while the river flows through the diversion tunnel.Photos of the construction of the Junction Dam detail the harsh conditions faced by construction workers, building dams and villages to accommodate workers in the 1940s to the 1950s. Australia at this period in time, experienced a surge of population (influx of World War II refugees), which was the catalyst for developing and undergoing an enormous hydroelectricity program for the Alpine regions, both in Victoria and New South Wales. This program was initiated to supply electricity to the major southern Australian cities of Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It was thought that these developments would reduce, if not eliminate, the requirement for coal driven power stations. However time has demonstrated that these power stations have not matched the demand required by the industries and the populations of the major urban and cities.Black and white photograph of Junction Dam diversion tunnel at Bogong VillageHandwritten on back - Junction Dam Diversional Tunnelbogong, secv, junction dam, lake guy

Junction (Lake Guy) Dam is a 'slab and buttress' type wall. A timber frame is built and then filled with concrete. The first batch of concrete was placed in September, 1940. By June, 1941 the buttresses were finished to a height safe from floods and in October of that year a flood of 2,800 cusecs occurred but with only slight damage to the installations. Industrial trouble caused some delays but there was also slow progress on the part of the contractor and the work was taken over by the S.E.C., terminating the contract. The dam was completed in March, 1944. A walkway was made through the dam wall. Lake Guy was named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident engineer, in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa Area from 1939 to November 1946Photos of the construction of the Junction Dam detail the harsh conditions faced by construction workers, building dams and villages to accommodate workers in the 1940s to the 1950s. Australia at this period in time, experienced a surge of population (influx of World War II refugees), which was the catalyst for developing and undergoing an enormous hydroelectricity program for the Alpine regions, both in Victoria and New South Wales. This program was initiated to supply electricity to the major southern Australian cities of Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It was thought that these developments would reduce, if not eliminate, the requirement for coal driven power stations. However time has demonstrated that these power stations have not matched the demand required by the industries and the populations of the major urban and cities.Black and white photograph of Junction Dam spilling at Bogong VillageHandwritten in pencil - Junction Dam spillingbogong, junction dam, lake guy, secv

First Tawonga bridge was built in 1884- destroyed by floods in 1916. New bridge constructed 1923 and destroyed in 1953. Present concrete bridge constructed in 1986 and named Ryders BridgeBridge construction over Kiewa River at TawongaBlack and white photographic postcard of the bridge at Tawonga across the Kiewa River.Handwritten in pencil on rear of photograph - Sunday 22nd March, 1936. Printed on front - Bridge at Tawonga across the Kiewa (Blumer, photo)tawonga bridge, kiewa valley

A start on the construction of Bogong Creek race line was made at the commencement of winter in 1948. Work proceeded in the following years when work on the High Plains was not practicable. In January, 1951 the special trimming machine, the special slip form and concrete mixing and placing equipment was put into service. A shortage of cement caused some delays as well as a sudden financial recession. The race line was completed and put into service in 1952.An historical record showing the machinery used during this time, the number of workers and supervisors involved and the mountainous terrain where they worked. It also demonstrates the OH&S of the period with workers mostly in street clothing with no hard hats or other safety equipment. Several workers can be seen working shirtless or in singlets.Photocopy of a black and white SECV photograph No: K 6209 labelled Bogong Creek Race Line ch. 1700. Depicting large group of workers and supervisors working at the site. Dated 17/1/52Printed underneath the photograph: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 17/1/51 Time: 10.30am No: K 6209 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works Bogong Creek Race Line ch. 1700 bogong creek raceline; secv; kiewa hydro electric scheme;

Photo No. 1 - Junction Dam wall was commenced in February, 1940 and completed in March 1944. Type - reinforced concrete slab and buttress. Height 25.9m, and crest length 121.9m. Lewis Construction company had the original contract, but was replaced by the State Electricity Commission in 1942. Photo No. 2 - Bogong Village was the first village built to house workers and their families working on the Hydro electric scheme. Construction commenced 1940. The single men's quarters are slightly right of centre on the foreshore. Lake Guy was named after a former resident engineer.Shows the type of terrain where the village is located resulting in the tiered layout that was necessary in order to erect housing.set of 2 black and white photos - Photo No. 1 - downstream view of Junction Dam Wall Photo No. 2 - Lake Guy and Bogong Village. Both are on photographic paperPhoto No. 1 - Upper right hand corner, back of photo, handwritten in ink or biro, Bogong 1950 Photo No. 2 - Left lower corner, front of photo in white, Bogong.bogong village, lake guy, secv

Junction Dam is a reinforced slab and buttress type construction and was commenced in February, 1940 by Lewis Construction Company. Stiff leg derricks were erected at appropriate locations at the site of the dam and used for the disposal of excavated material and the placing of concrete. A rock crushing and screening plant was established at a site a short distance upstream from the dam site and concrete was supplied from a central mixing plant placed close to the upstream toe of the structure. The SEC took over the construction in April 1942 and the dam wall was completed in March, 1944. Bogong township was commenced in early 1940 with the construction of a workmen's camp housing 96 men, (known as Junction camp). Construction of housing for families commenced shortly after. Forty houses, plus office, workshops, stores and laboratory accommodation were completed over the next 5 years,Of historical significance as a pictorial record of Junction Dam, Lake Guy and Bogong Village, as the photos were taken only 4 years after completion and one photo taken on completion of the dam wall but before the lake was filled with water.12 small black and white photographs of Junction Dam, Bogong Village and surrounding area.Photo 1 - On the back upper edge in pen 'Junction Dam'. Then '12' in pencil, circular stamp, printed in centre 'Print by Willson White Albury'. Photo 2 - On the back upper edge in pen 'Junction Dam October 1948'. Stamp as no. 1 photo. Stamp '998L' lower centre. Photo 3 - on the back upper edge in pen 'Junction Dam October 1948'. Circular stamp with 'Kodak Print' . Lower centre back is stamped 'velox' and '998L'. Photo 4 - upper back, in ink - 'Junction Dam Spion Kopje in background. October 1948'. Stamps as photo no. 4. Photo 5 - upper back, in ink - 'Lake Guy (orange filter) October 1948'. Centre back, in pencil '29' and circular stamp with words 'Print by Willson White Albury'. Photo 6 - upper back edge 'Junction, Bogong from Radio Receiving Shack Dec. 1948'. In pencil '14'. Photo 7 - On back of photo 'View of Mountains from Little Arthur Fire Track October 1948'. Two circular stamps with 'Kodak Print', another two stamps - 'Velox' and '998L'. Photo 8 - On back in ink 'Loone's Store Bogong with Spion Kopje in background. October 1948'. Lower down, stamps 'Velox' and '998L'. Part of circular stamp with one word 'Kodak'. Photo 9 - on back in ink 'Junction Camp, Bogong Village & Lake Guy from Little Arthur Fire Track. October 1948'. Stamped across writing '998L'. Lower down stamped 'Velox' and circular stamp with words 'Kodak Print'. Photo 10 - on back in ink 'Junction Camp & Bogong Village Lake Guy in Foreground. October 1948'. Stamps as photo 9. Photo 11 - on back in ink 'Junction Camp & Bogong Village, Lake Guy in Foreground. October 1948'. Lower stamp '998L'. Photo 12 - 'Junction of Rocky & Pretty Rivers with tennis courts in foreground October 1948' . Circular stamp with words, 'Print by Willson White Albury'. Number '29' written pencil.junction dam; bogong village; kiewa hydro electric scheme; lake guy

The construction of Clover Power Station was commenced in October 1942 and the power station building was completed in May, 1943. The first machine was placed in service August, 1944 and the second machine in May, 1945. The water discharges directly into Clover Dam and re-used in West Kiewa Station. Clover Dam - stripping of foundation area commenced in January 1948 but the final concrete pour was not until 14th August, 1954.Pictorial history of the early construction undertaken in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Clover power station (No. 3 Development) was the first power station to be built .5 small black and white photographsPhoto No. 1 - handwritten in ink on back ' No. 3 Power Station Clover Flat Nov. 1948 Photo No. 2 - handwritten in ink on back 'No. 3 Power Station Clover Flat Nov. 1948 Photo No. 3- handwritten in ink 'Clover Flat looking towards work area of Clover Dam. Taken near #3 PS. Nov. 1948 Photo No 4 - Handwritten in ink 'Preparation for wall of Clover Dam Dec. 1948 Photo No.5 - handwritten in ink 'Preparation for wall o f Clover Dam Dec. 1948. Photo Nos. 1,2 3, on the back have circular stamp with 'Print by Willson White Albury'. In pencil is the number '78'. Photo Nos. 4, 5, have written on the back in pencil, number '14'. construction, clover power station, clover dam,

The bridge is not definitively identified, but is of similar construction style to other bridges built in rural areas around this time. Circa 1930”s and may be Ryders Bridge (Old Tawonga Bridge) which crosses the Kiewa River on Mountain Creek Rd Tawonga The first Tawonga bridge was built in 1884- destroyed by floods in 1916. New bridge constructed 1923 and destroyed in 1953. Present concrete bridge constructed in 1986 and named Ryders Bridge These wooden bridges were the only method for transporting stock and produce to market, transporting timber to the mills, sending and receiving mail and for local people to cross the many rivers in the area to go about their daily business. 1- Black and white photograph is glued onto heavy cardboard, which is yellowing with age. Top right hand corner has a tear in the cardboard. Photograph depicts a wooden bridge on wooden piles with 2 white wooden railings along the length of both sides. 2- Original photo has been digitally enlarged to show a gentleman in a light coloured suite and wearing riding boots leaning on the rails of the bridge. The bridge is not definitively identified, but is of similar construction style to other bridges built in rural areas around this time. Circa 1930”s may be Ryders Bridge (Old Tawonga Bridge) which crosses the Kiewa River on Mountain Creek Rd Tawonga bridge; tawonga bridge; kiewa valley

The water tower on the corner of Pakenham St and High Street Echuca, was designed by Sir John Monash, who was an innovator in the use of reinforced concrete. The tower cost £2,973 and was completed in 1915. It is 108 feet high and holds 150,000 gallons. it was originally connected to the steam powered pumping plant at Echuca East. John Monash was a war hero at Gallipoli in 1915 and also went on to be the Manager of the Victorian State Electricity Commission. Monash University was named after him.The water tower was a revolutionary design in 1915., being constructed of reinforced concrete. It also brought tapped water to people's homes. Sir John Monash made a huge contribution to engineering and social concepts, which was why he was knighted. As well as these contributions to social development, he was also a war hero. Colour photograph of water tower on the south east corner of High and Pakenham street, Echuca. The St Andrews church tower can be seen in the background.On the front of the photograph on the bottom facade of the water tower is painted "E.W.T." (Echuca Water Trust). Printed on the reverse:" this paper manufactured by Kodak"echuca, water tower, echuca-historical buildings, monash, sir john, reinforced concrete building construction

Robert and Ada Zull built an Alistair Knox designed house at 2 (lot 8) Metery Road, Eltham, a one acre property for their family of five in the mid 1960s. This series of photographs shows the one story house towards the end of its construction. Susan Bennett, nee Zull's reminiscences are published in EDHS Newsletter, February and April 2020. "..The block was big.. Building the house was slow going...the house had a concrete floor and a roof, but no windows..."This series of photographs together with the account of personal remiscences provide a unique document of the construction of an Alistair Knox designed home. Knox was a pioneer in the use of mudbricks and recycled materials and is significant to his contribution of this style of architecture in Eltham and the wider Shire of Nillumbik.zull family, eltham south, 2 metery road, alistair knox, bush block, construction, vw beetle

Construction of new concrete kerbing and footpath in Pryor Street, Eltham 18” tray and AG backing(?)Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.1955-09, footpaths and gutters, pryor street, infrastructure, shire of eltham

Construction of new concrete kerbing and footpath in Pryor Street, Eltham The truck on the left of the road is parked ouside the Eltham Police Station at No. 23. On the right is the present-day Woolworths carparkRecord of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.1955-09, footpaths and gutters, pryor street, eltham police station, infrastructure, shire of eltham

Diamond Creek Bini Shell Community venue Built in 1979 in Diamond Creek opposite the hotel using a construction method invented by Dante Bini. A net of flexible steel rods were laid on the building’s circular base, on the top of a fabric bladder. Concrete was poured onto the mesh and a sealed cover laid over the concrete making a sandwich of cover, bladder and mesh. Compressed air was pumped into the bladder and the sandwich slowly began to rise and become a massive self-supporting dome. The inflation of the dome attracted crowds of onlookers many from various technical schools, VIPs and the famous football doctor, Donald Cordner. An opening night dinner was held to celebrate the construction and the Diamond Creek Bini Shell was used as a community venue for over ten years including for the Town Fair. The Shell was closed for safety reasons after a Bini Shell in another State had chunks of concrete fall off the dome due to a construction fault. At the Diamond Creek Town Fair in 1991 the demolition of the Bini Shell was an item on the Town Fair’s program. Information: Kevin Patterson, Nillumbik Historical Societybini shell, diamond creek community centre, nu-color-vue, postcard

EXPLORING THE UPPER YARRA (Newsletter No. 105, November 1995, by Bettina Woodburn) We enjoyed the Spring Excursion, this year "Exploring the Upper Yarra" - in spite of the constant rain and the countryside under the cloud cover, especially in the valleys, being mainly shiny shades of green. The occasional fields of buttercups, clumps of arum lilies and splendid rhododendron and other flowering bushes became very special. The Cobb and Co coach was warm and a cosy retreat as we zig-zagged on the highways and byways to glimpse the Yarra River, upstream and down, its secret places, and particularly the many bridges. Russell excelled as 'Poet Laureate', reading from Dacre Smyth's book. This 1979 publication includes paintings of all the bridges along the river with poems and brief descriptions of each one. Some of the bridges are in out of the way places and are not very well known. We looked forward to hearing the poetry as much as seeing the ' constructions'…Big Pat (was he short or tall, lean or fat? He did win the two hundred pound reward for discovering gold and had the creek named after him), about the 'Eddies'?, and the disliked 'meccano' bridge in Warburton, etc. etc. The hot roast lunch in the old Reefton Hotel was also most welcome. It was easy to imagine it peopled by miners and early settlers. Starting by crossing the new (1974) concrete bridge at Warrandyte we headed through Wonga Park with views to the Christmas Hills and to the escarpment of the Yering Gorge, which causes flood waters to back up through the Yarra Glen plain, so avoiding disasters downstream. At the end of a long driveway we found the wooden, privately owned Henley Bridge (1935 after the 1934 floods). This facilitates access to different parts of Henley Farm and to Lilydale. Everard Park, named after Blanche Shallard's father, a State Member for 17 years, below the Highway Yarra crossing was in need of care. It is 10 miles from Yarra Glen by road but, as "Yarra Marra” canoeists well know, 32 winding miles down by water. After more delightful countryside scenes we joined the Warburton Highway at Woori Yallock. From the old Railway Station at Launching Place the Centennial Trail for walkers, cyclists and ' horse riders has replaced the rails. The line from Lilydale was opened in 1901, and the last diesel freight train ran to Warburton in 1965. It continued to rain as we had morning tea in Warburton in a shelter between footbridges. From here we continued upstream past the Bridge to O'Shannasy Lodge and Reservoir, Starvation Creek, and the Peninsular tunnel (miners dug it as at Pound Bend) which we visited (scrambling down those steps!) on our return after lunch. Our furthermost point was the Upper Yarra Dam Reserve (and vast catchment area). Finished in 1957 after ten years work and 100 years after Yan Yean, it supplies much of Melbourne's water. After crossing the 30m Launching Place Bridge to the Eltham side of the Yarra and Healesville, we saw in the distance the Yarra Glen Timber Trestle Bridge over the river flats "the longest for years in the land it was said!" Harry's dream of "better weather over the Divide" unfortunately didn't come true, but I'm sure we 36 members will retain happy memories of a day that was wet and green and filled with Bridges. Bettina Woodburn - October 1995 Record of the Society's history of activities - Spring 1995 excursionColour photographshire of eltham historical society, activities, upper yarra dam, henley bridge

This significant tree located near the Main Road Bridge and Diamond Creek Trail footbridge over the Diamond Creek at Eltham dates back to the early 1900s. The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, diamond creek trail

This significant tree located near the Main Road Bridge and Diamond Creek Trail footbridge over the Diamond Creek at Eltham dates back to the early 1900s. The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, diamond creek trail

The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, diamond creek trail

The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, diamond creek trail

This significant tree located near the Main Road Bridge and Diamond Creek Trail footbridge over the Diamond Creek at Eltham dates back to the early 1900s. The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, diamond creek trail

This significant tree located near the Main Road Bridge and Diamond Creek Trail footbridge over the Diamond Creek at Eltham dates back to the early 1900s. The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, diamond creek trail

This significant tree located near the Main Road Bridge and Diamond Creek Trail footbridge over the Diamond Creek at Eltham dates back to around 1870-1880. The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The uygraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, diamond creek trail

This significant tree located near the Main Road Bridge and Diamond Creek Trail footbridge over the Diamond Creek at Eltham dates back to around 1870-1880. The original timber bridge over the Diamond Creek was built around 1840. It was destroyed by floodwaters in October 1923. A temporary bridge was rigged up but further damaged in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was built and opened in October 1926. The bridge decking was widened along with Main Road to Dalton Street by the Road Construction Authority in 1984., The upgraded bridge was opened in October 1984, 78 years after its original opening.These trees are not only significant for the natural environment but also present a navigational beacon back in time as the environmental landscape is developed around them.Born Digitaleltham south, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, diamond creek trail