The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 passing through Wodonga. Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive Australia Bicentennial logo and sign "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 arriving at Albury Station, Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive Australia Bicentennial logo and sign "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 passing the Wodonga Signal box. Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive Australia Bicentennial logo and sign "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Historical Steam locomotive on journey to Cudgewa. Locomotive K184 leading with Driver Noel Strauss and Fireman Barrows. Locomotive K186 is the Banker with Driver Doug West. A banker is railway locomotive that temporarily assists a train that requires additional power or traction to climb a gradient. K Class Locomotives - One of VR's most successful classes of loco they were built over a 24 year period. A general purpose, light lines loco the K class had a very long career in all sorts of service from branch line passenger and goods work to pilot and banker duties and roadside mainline service. The K class is credited with working virtually every line in the VR system and hauling almost every kind of train. The majority of the class lasted into the 60's. K 184 and K186 were built by the Victorian Railways' Newport Workshops in 1945 to the successful K-class 2-8-0 locomotive design for branch-line work. K184 entered service on 9 January 1946. K186 entered service on 19 March 1946. K184 was used on heritage services with Steamrail Victoria through the 1970s. It was withdrawn from service in 1980 and is stored at Newport Workshops. and is now used as a source of spare parts; other Steamrail K Class locomotives occasionally wear its number plates and headlight number boards. K186 was scrapped on 25 October 1967.railways wodonga, fred rochow, cudgewa station, high country railway line, k class locomotives

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Crewmen changing over at Benalla during the "Flying Scotsman" Bicentennial Tour in 1988. Left to right: Marty McGrath (Wodonga); Kevin Moulday (Benalla); John Wirgess (Wodonga; Barry Dunne (Benalla). On side of locomotive "FLYING SCOTSMAN"railways wodonga, fred rochow, flying scotsman, australia bicentennial

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport. Fireman HEC Lloyd and Driver George Padgett. George Padgett was born into a railway family in Numurkah, Victoria on 3 February 1890. He began working for the Victorian Railways as a junior clerk in Maryborough and gained his Driver’s ticket in 1914 at North Melbourne. He was based at Ararat for some time, then transferred to Dimboola in 1926. In November 1937 when the “Spirit of Progress” made its first run from Melbourne to Albury, he was moved to Wodonga. From the train's first return trip he took over the driving. During his career, he made an average of 92 round trips a year. George made his last trip on 4 February 1955 prior to his retirement. George died in Wodonga on 19 February 1967.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, george padgett, hec lloyd

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Retirement send off for Jack Coughlan. Back Row: Les Cheesley, Norm Davey, Wally McGeachin, Reg Mathews, David Shannon, Rex McDonnell, Tom Cosgrove (Milkman). 2nd Row: Frank Conway, Frank Thistleton, Bill Odgers, Vin Snow, Mick Seymour, Les Cross, Tom Symonds, Ted Jenkins, Ross Smith, Clarrie McNamara. 3rd Row: Bob Saul, Jack O’Donnell, Vicky Jones, Jack Coughlan, Alex Reid, Fred Leitch, Roy Wagner, Austin Fulford. Front Row: Aub Beach, Frank Rand, Lou Madjeric, Bill Baldock, Charlie Beach, Bill Welch.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, jack coughlan

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Allan Elvish with his daughters. Allan started with Victoria Railways cleaning at Benalla on 3 December 1937. He passed his Driver qualification at Wodonga in 1948. He retired on 8th October 1971. Allan was AFULE Branch Secretary from 1951 until 1971. He was stationed at Katherine, Northern Territory as a Fireman from 1943 to 1944.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, allan elvish

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver Bill Welsh in the cabin of a locomotive on his last trip. He started with Victorian Railway in Bendigo on 16 September 1935. He became a Fireman at Wodonga on 2 February 1939. Bill passed in Driver qualifications on 30 January 1946 and retired in Wodonga on 19 November 1980.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, bill welsh

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver George Sandford on Locomotive K153 George joined Victoria Railways on 4th June 951. He started cleaning at Seymour on 21 February 1955. George passed his Driver qualification on 18 May 1960. He was based at Cressy from 1966 to 1968 followed by Wodonga from 1966 to 1982. K Class Locomotives - One of VR's most successful classes of loco they were built over a 24 year period. A general purpose, light lines loco the K class had a very long career in all sorts of service from branch line passenger and goods work to pilot and banker duties and roadside mainline service. The K class is credited with working virtually every line in the VR system and hauling almost every kind of train. The majority of the class lasted into the 60's. K153 entered service on 9 September 1940, initially allocated to the Benalla locomotive Depot It is now owned by VicTrack and managed by Steamrail Victoria. When in Melbourne, it is regularly used on suburban shuttles and on day tours to Geelong and similar-length trips. At various stages it has been withdrawn from service for preservation work. Throughout its preservation career (starting from 1974), the engine has been painted all-over black with some details picked out in white or yellow (such as handrails and the staff exchanger horn, welded in the raised position) to meet modern safety standards. It most recently returned to service in 2003.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, george sandford, locomotive k153

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport. Railwaymen at Recognition of service function in November 1985. Left to right: Len Gregson, Bill McAnanly, Eric Kaine (Benalla), Fred Rochow, Engine Inspector Geoff Williamsrailways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, recognition of service

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport. Jack Van Berkle, Bill Rapsey, Vic Zeinert, Hec Lloyd relaxing outside of work hours.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Eric Molloy preparing Locomotive H220 "Heavy Harry" for another run. Eric was born on 11 August 1906. He started cleaning with the Victorian Railways on 26 November 1926. Eric passed his Driver qualification on 1 December 1943. "Heavy Harry" - H220 was the only locomotive constructed in this class. The H class is the largest locomotive built to operate on the Victorian Railways. He was built at Newport in 1941 as the first of three mighty locomotives to haul the Overland Express to Adelaide, each to take the place of two ordinary locomotives. H220 entered service on 7 February 1941. Known as “Heavy Harry”, he never fulfilled his destiny, because bridges and tracks were not strong enough to carry his 260 tons (with tender). The war put an end to plans to strengthen the line and to build the other two locomotives. As a result, the locomotive spent its entire service life on the Northeast line as this was the only other line on which it could operate. It was used mainly on fast goods trains with an occasional run on an express passenger train and typically completed five return trips a week between Melbourne and Wodonga, covering around 1,875 miles per week. H220 continued in service until it was withdrawn for an overhaul on 20 May 1956. H220 was stored rather than overhauled, and never returned to service. It was written off the VR locomotive register on 30 April 1958. and was put on display in the Newport Railway Museum in 1962. In April 2008, 50 years after its official withdrawal from service, H220 was added to the Victorian Heritage Register. railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, locomotive h220, "heavy harry", eric molloy

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver Len Gregson on his last trip prior to retirement. He was met at Albury by his daughters. David Naldred was the Fireman.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, len gregson

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Railway men at Albury in October 1988 Left to right: Driver Len Gregson, Engineers' Instructor Peter Blackford, Driver Eric Johnson, Driver Austin Fulford, Driver Noel Strauss.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver Ray Murphy and Fireman Bill Welsh in S-class Locomotive cab at Spencer Street Station, Melbourne. S Class Diesel Locomotives The eighteen members of the S Class were ordered in two batches by the Victorian Railways from Clyde Engineering for express passenger and freight workings, with the final eight locomotives ordered specifically to work the North-East standard gauge line. Many were named after prominent Victorians.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, ray murphy, bill welsh

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.An S Class locomotive pulling a goods train into Wodonga in its last days before being scrapped. S Class Diesel Locomotives The eighteen members of the S Class were ordered in two batches by the Victorian Railways from Clyde Engineering for express passenger and freight workings, with the final eight locomotives ordered specifically to work the North-East standard gauge line. Many were named after prominent Victorians. They were introduced into service about 1957railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, s class locomotive

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver Tom Black and Fireman Hec Lloyd Preparing to depart on the "Spirit of Progress' at Spencer Street Station, Melbourne. Ton Black was born on 9 November 1891. He started cleaning with Victorian Railways on 3 March 1917. Tom passed his Driver qualification on 19 March 1936. He was a Driver on Commonwealth from 1943 to 1944. The Commonwealth Railways CA class was a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotives purchased by the Commonwealth Railways, Australia from the USA through Lend-Lease during World War II. The two locomotives in the class, CA78 and CA79, had been built in 1907 and 1905 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, USA. They arrived in Australia in August 1943 and were used on the Trans-Australian Railway. CA78 was withdrawn in 1945 and CA79 in 1950. Both were scrapped in 1956.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, tom black, fireman hec lloyd, "spirit of progress", commonwealth railways ca class

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Driver George Henry Lynch (standing) with Fireman Jack Anderson. This photo was taken the day after the first regular run of the "Spirit of Progress". The Spirit of Progress was the premier express passenger train on the Victorian Railways in Australia, running from Melbourne to the New South Wales border at Albury, and later through to Sydney. From its introduction in November 1937 until April 1962 the train service ran on 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) broad gauge line from Melbourne's Spencer Street station to Albury, on the New South Wales / Victorian border, where passengers changed to a New South Wales Government Railways train (the Melbourne Limited Express). Following the completion of the standard gauge line between Melbourne and Albury in April 1962 the Spirit of Progress was extended to Sydney. With declining passenger numbers it was decided to combine the Spirit of Progress and Southern Aurora into one train, the Sydney/Melbourne Express. The Spirit of Progress ran for the last time on 2 August 1986. V/Line rostered S301 Sir Thomas Mitchell to haul the last journeys in Victoria.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, george henry lynch, jack anderson, spirit of progress

The wool industry has been critical to the Australian economy from the early days of European settlement. The increase in wool production in the mid to late 19th century led to the need to replace the hand shears with some mechanized forms of shearing.The first commercially successful sheep shearing machinery by Frederick York Wolseley in New South Wales who was granted a patent for his machine on 28 March 1877. Many of the early settlers to North East Victoria droved sheep overland from both Sydney and South Australia and established large pastoral runs in the district. Wodonga became a major service centre for the industry and established major saleyards for the pastoral and cattle industries. The handset has the company name "Heiniger" on the side. Heiniger is a Swiss company with subsidiaries in Australia and New Zealand. It was originally established in 1946.This item is connected to a major rural industry in North East Victoria.A metal handpiece for a sheep shearing. A toothed blade is held in place with metal adjustable screws at one end. A jointed metal pipe at the other end allows attachment to the shearing machine. The hinge has been covered with leather.On adjustment knob "Heinger"shearing industry, shearing equipment, shearing handset

The Kiewa Butter Factory began in 1893, named after the Kiewa River on which it is located. By 1905, butter shipped from Kiewa was receiving a top price of 114 s per cwt at the London market. It continued to prosper until 1959 when it merged with Tallangatta Butter Factory and Creamery Co. Ltd to become the North Eastern Dairy Company. In 1985 this organisation was taken over by the Murray Goulburn Co-operative.This package is representative of an important industry in Wodonga and the surrounding district.A packing box for butter from the Kiewa North Eastern Dairy. Made from heavy cardboard with blue and yellow design.On Front: 24 x 1/2 lb PATS / Choicest grade Kiewa/ Pasteurised / Creamery Butter/ AUSTRALIA / Reg. No. 566E/ BUTTER A delicious food On sides: 24 x 1/2 lb PATS / Choicest grade Kiewa/ Pasteurised / Creamery Butter/ AUSTRALIA / Reg. No. 566E/ North Eastern Dairy Co. Ltd. / KIewa Australianortheastern dairy co, dairies and butter factories, dairy industry victoria

During World War 1, to finance the war the Commonwealth Government had a series of war loans, and then peace loans. To recover the cost of the war and fund soldier pensions the government launched 'Peace Loan' campaigns after the war. The various Shires in each State were given quotas that they were expected to raise. As part of the efforts to gain support for the Seventh War Loans for the Commonwealth, an Australian military tank launched an "offensive" throughout Northeast of Victoria, visiting several towns finishing at Wodonga on Saturday 5th Wodonga and staying on the Sunday before continuing on its tour. In response to this and other fund-raising efforts, the Wodonga community subscribed more than £12,845 to the Peace Loans which was acknowledged with the presentation of the brass plaque.This image captures an important event in Wodonga in response to World War 1.A black and white photograph depicting crowds gathered outside the Shire Hall in Wodonga. Flags are flying in the street. People are looking at a war tank on display towards the right hand side of the image.TANK DAY WODONGA has been hand written on the middle of the image.peace loans australia, world war 1, social response world war 1

An A4 sized directory of 119 pages including an index and maps. The volume has black plastic spiral binding and laminate cover.This publication was been prepared to meet the need in the rural community for a "Rural Directory". Its primary purpose was to decrease the time taken by fire brigades and other services responding to emergency calls. It provides maps of the whole region as well as selected towns. It also includes a localities index, map legends and a road index.victorian country fire authority, fire protection regions, cfa region 24

When Mrs Julia Ronan nee Arundel lost her husband John to tuberculosis in 1906, she quickly decided to move from their small farm into Wodonga with her 3 children. She was granted the lease of the ground she needed to establish her eating house at one shilling per year while she remained there. Two established merchants Albert Schlink and John Whan and butcher Jack Garrett agreed to allow her credit which enabled her to open Ronan's Dining Rooms at the Wodonga Saleyards. It was often a challenging environment, with drovers, and horse- breakers, auctioneers and bushmen bringing huge mobs of cattle and horses to the saleyards. Stories of the premises include the unexpected arrival in the passage of a lively bullock which finished up on the girls' bed. Mrs Ronan persevered and beat all obstacles to finally move from the saleyards to the Wodonga Coffee Palace in High Street, beside the railway gates in 1921. The construction of the Hume Weir had begun and some construction workers boarded at the Coffee Palace. Her 3 children achieved success due to their mother’s hard work to ensure their futures. Bill trained for the priesthood and was a parish priest, but died from tuberculosis 1n 1939 aged of 41. Katie became a highly accomplished music teacher, including 32 years at Albury Public School. In the 1930s she was able to buy a house at 49 High Street, Wodonga where she lived with her mother and sister Mary. Mary trained in office work at Edmondson’s solicitors and then worked on the Albury Council. After living with her daughters in the High Street house, Julia passed away on her 90th birthday in 1958. Mary died on 6 January 1983. Katie passed away in Wodonga at the age of 97 on the 16 September 1996. All members of the family are buried at Yackandandah, Victoria.A black and white image of Miss Mary Ronan, Mrs Julia Ronan and Miss Teresa Trudewind at the Old Saleyards Dining Room, Wodonga.On front of building: DINING ROOMS/ MRS. J. RONANmrs. ronan, dining rooms wodonga sale yards, wodonga businesses, wodonga pioneers

Abel Hoyle Turton was born in 1877 and married Hannah Richardson of Barnawartha, Victoria in 1902. He established a wheelwright and coach making business. Mr. Turton also operated a blacksmith business as a side trade. In his earlier years he was actively involved in the fire brigade, including as Secretary, and on the committee of the Wodonga Brass Band. Mr. Turton also served as secretary of the local branch of the Australian Natives Association. In 1912, despite having received a long service medal for the Wodonga Fire Brigade, Turton resigned for the brigade under a cloud after having been accused of insubordination at a fire. The brigade captain Mr. Twomey also resigned. They were both later reinstated. He died in Wodonga on 24 December 1932. After his death, the premises were taken over by George McFarlane who commenced business as a shoeing smith and general blacksmith.This image records the premises of an early 20th century Wodonga business.A black and white photograph of the premises of A. H. Turton, Coach builder of Wodonga as well as 2 newspaper advertisements for this business.Above the store: A. H. TURTON / COACH BUILDER On windows: PAINTING/ TRIMMING/ RUBBER TYRES A SPECIALITYwodonga businesses, a. h. turton, turton wheelwright wodonga

Edward Whitehead was a printer and publisher active in Melbourne during the latter half of the 19th century. Whitehead founded his printing business at 67 Collins Street East in 1864 and, though not focused on maps, began publishing his own series of maps of Victoria in 1867. He focussed on producing highly detailed folding maps of Victoria which included a very detailed index of place names. His series of maps of Victoria became one of the most successful and most profitable series of regional maps of Australia ever produced.This is a very early map of Victoria showing Belvoir (Wodonga)A detailed early map of Victoria with counties clearly marked and shaded and a detailed index. It also shows roads, post office towns, railways, telegraphs, gold mining areas and notes on topography. Relief shown by hachures and spot heights. Includes a list of towns with distances from Melbourne on 3 sides of map. It is produced on paper mounted on linen.victoria cartography, rare maps victoria, whiteheads maps

The map was created by Tulloch and Brown. David Tulloch was one of the earliest engravers and lithographers in the state of Victoria. He arrived in Melbourne from Greenock, Scotland, on 3 January 1849. Following the discovery of gold Tulloch went to the Victorian goldfields in 1851, commissioned to make sketches of the diggers and the diggings for Ham’s Illustrated Australian Magazine. In November 1852 Tulloch set up in business as engraver, draughtsman, copperplate printer and lithographer. Tulloch took a map engraver, James Davie Brown, into partnership in March 1853; the several maps and specimens of commercial engraving they showed at the 1854 Melbourne Exhibition were awarded a bronze medal. That year Tulloch and Brown also received a silver medal at the Victorian Industrial Exhibition. The partnership was dissolved towards the end of 1856.This is a very early map of the Colony of Victoria including Belvoir (now know as Wodonga).A foldable map mounted on linen and with a board cover. It records the Colony of Victoria according to Surveyor's Records revised in 1857. Areas of the map are shaded to highlight different counties.At bottom right hand section of map: Tulloch & Brown's map of the Colony of Victoria : comprising part of New South Wales, the boundaries, counties, also seaport & inland townships, the gold fields with the latest discoveries, roads, tracks, &c. &c. / compiled from drawings in the Survey Office and correctly revised till 1857. Respectfully dedicated by Permission, to the Honorable Captain Andrew Clarke R.E. Surveyor General of Victoria by His Obediant Servants Tulloch & Brown, Engravers & Publishers, Melbourne". At bottom right below border : Published as the Act directs by the Proprietors, Melbourne, 1st Feb. 1856. tulloch and brown maps, rare maps victoria, victorian cartography

The Wodonga Hotel was constructed in 1940 at a cost of £10,000. It is now called Elgins Hotel. It was established after the transfer of the licence from the Halfway Hotel. This was the result of a lengthy hearing before the Licensing Board over two days in December 1939, There was some opposition from established guest house keepers and hotelkeepers. G. A. Adams, owner of the Carriers’ Arms Hotel was refused a hearing as he was not a resident, so Rachael Spence his manageress objected on the ground that it would do her hotel a lot of harm. Mr Luke Murphy represented the applicants, Irene Weatherall and Lena Pickering. He stated that the new structure would be of brick, cement and iron and contain 22 rooms. The site was near the municipal sale yard and near the railway station, and, he pointed out the trucking industry, which he believed to be larger than any other in Victoria, outside of Melbourne. The hearing was told of the bad state of the Half Way Hotel, having been there for almost 100 years. Luke Murphy was quoted as saying “If Hovell were here he could give evidence on that.” The lack of accommodation and quality accommodation at Wodonga hotels was frequently heard of. Costa’s Wine Café had very excellent accommodation for but only five or six people. The lessee of the-tea rooms at the municipal saleyards, also gave evidence. Mrs Lowden said that on sale day she served up to 130 dinners in addition to 10 or 20 breakfasts, and almost continuous light lunches. She did not think a hotel would provide a needed facility for patrons of the saleyards. In April 1940 the application was granted on the condition that premises were erected within 42 weeks. The hotel was used for soldier accommodation during World War II and experienced a boom period when Wodonga saleyards were located across the road. Irene House behind the pub also was constructed in the 1970s when Albury-Wodonga had been identified as a National Growth Centre by the Whitlam Labor government. After running the hotel for 5 generations, the Weatherall Family sold the business in 2021.These images represent an early business in Wodonga . 2 photos of the Wodonga Hotel and 1 newspaper advertisementwodonga businesses, a. e. costa, wodonga pioneers, early wodonga businesses, wodonga businesses high street

The Pollard Archway was named for Charles Pollard, who was the son of an early settler at Bonegilla. Charles Pollard was awarded the MBE for his involvement in community service, he was Secretary of the Murray Valley Shows Association, Shire President in 1926-27, 1945-46 and 1946-47. He was Foundation President of the Wodonga Show Society, and North-Eastern representative of the Dairymen’s Association of Victoria. The arch is 29 metres wide and 15 metres high and consists of two boomerangs coming together to form an archway. Originally spanning across a single carriageway of the Lincoln Causeway, the arch was opened by Princess Alexandra of Kent in 1959 and was built for £1230. When the Country Roads Board said the causeway would have to be duplicated in 1973, a new home was required for the arch. The arch was moved in 1975 to allow for widening of the Lincoln Causeway and spent some time in storage. It was re- erected in Hamilton Smith Drive in 1982 after restoration by the Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga. At the request of the Wodonga Show Society, the arch was moved to the entrance of the showgrounds in 1982. After development of the precinct in 2015, the Pollard Arch was erected on Hamilton Smith Drive Wodonga.These images represent the construction and then subsequent of structure acknowledging the contribution of Councillor Pollard to the community of Wodonga.A series of black and white images documenting the construction and opening of the Pollard arch on the Lincoln Causeway in Wodonga in 1959. A coloured photo from 1965 is also included.wodonga pioneers, pollard family, pollard archway

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. The Lions Club of Wodonga was chartered in 1965 with 18 Founding Members including Les Cole. Lions Australia was first formed in Lismore, NSW in September and has grown to be Australia’s largest service club organisation.A small purple and gold fringed banner with the emblem of Wodonga Lions ClubAt the top centre: The logo of Lions International Across the centre of banner: Lions Club of Wodonga / District 201C Australia In semi-circle below Water Tower: Melbourne/ Falls Creek/Lake Hume/ Snowy Mountains/ Sydneyles cole, wodonga lions club, lions international