This manual telephone exchange console is an important piece of equipment which provided the most efficient method of long distance communications in the 1950's to the 1980's. Communications were critical, not only for the regional Hospital, but also for large construction sites i.e. the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, especially if they are in dense rugged mountainous regions. The degree of Occupation Health and Welfare on industrial sites were at a bare minimum compared to the work scene after the 1980's.This telephone exchange console is highly significant to both the Kiewa Valley and Mount Beauty region because it was so important in the communications field relating to operational safety and work related controls. The success of any large undertaken relies heavily upon good communications. In the hospital this method of communications is still used i.e. patient to ward station. This flag system link a patient's room to the controlling nursing station. Identification of the patient needing help is crucial for swift action from the available medical staff. Similarly in large construction sites such as the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, successful instant communications was also essential. This switchboard required a 50 volt supply to successfully operate and was in use when both telecommunications and postal were under the one Federal Government carrier i.e. The Post Master General. A benefit with a line communication system (such as the one that fed this console was that interference from atmospheric conditions did not impede the connection.This console telephone switchboard (manual) unit has a shutter operation (precursor to the light indicator) to identify the caller to the telephone switchboard operator. This switchboard has a ten point indication shutter system allowing the operator to clearly identify where the caller is located. The console has a 44 connection point holes with their configurations in a triangular shape. The shutters are held closed by a small lever at the top which is opened by a small electrical charge from the incoming call. The operator uses a wind up handle to power a magneto connector(handle on the console's right side). The telephone hand set is located on the left side of the console. sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth and communications

The Department of Defence controls more than two million hectares of land used either as training areas or for operational and logistic bases. Approximately 200 Defence-occupied buildings have been classified by the Australian Heritage Commission and placed on the Register of the National Estate, and a further 100 buildings have been registered by the National Trust. Twenty properties also have been listed by the Australian Heritage Commission for significant environmental aspects and for the protection of Aboriginal sites. This book, produced as a contribution to Australia's bicentennial, is the first publication devoted entirely to Australia's priceless defence heritage. Text: Frank Doak Illustrations: Jeff IsaacsISBN 949 054 968heritage, books, defence estate, national estate, national trust, aboriginal sites, australian heritage commission, defence properties, frank doak, jeff isaacs, fairfax library, heritage, books, defence estate, national estate, national trust, aboriginal sites, australian heritage commission, defence properties, frank doak, jeff isaacs, fairfax library