As part of the Crelebration of the Year of the Outback, McKillop's Bridge in the Deddick Valley was hung with nineteen banners made by individuals and groups of East Gippsland. Banners containing thousands of messages of hope and optimism for the future of rural communities were suspended from he bridge in the Snowy River National Park, in front of a three hundred strong crowd that had assembled. Sister Helen Barnes from the Sisters of St Joseph Order, founded by Mary McKillop, initiated the project. This event was a significant event in local history and this item is a contemporary recording of it.A D.V.D. titled, Unveiling Hope. On the front is a coloured photograph of McKillop's Bridge in the Deddick Valley.mckillop's-bridge banners-of-hope

These newspaper articles were collated by Mary Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.These articles are contemporary records of events in the history of Orbost and as such are useful reference tools.A manila folder containing black / white newspaper cuttings of articles relating to the local history of Orbost. They are from the Snowy River Mail. 746.1 is titled, "Historic anchor for Orbost Museum". 746.2, August 9, 1967, is titled, ""Orbost Historical Museum". 746.3 is titled, "When The Snowy Was Angry". On the back is "Resident's Sudden Death - Mrs Ada Bowtell (67)". 746.4 from 1934 is titled, "The Duke's Visit - Welcome at Cann River'. 746.5, Wednesday November 24, 1954 is titled, "Naming of Orbost District Landmarks". 746.6, Wednesday November 24, is titled, " Convict First White Settler in Orbost District?". 746.7, Wednesday, July 25, 1928 is titled, " Dedication of St James' Memorial Church, Orbost". 746.8 and 746.9, Wednesday September 24, 1975 are titled, "Piece of History Returns".orbost- museum anchor-orbost street-names-orbost st-james'-orbost

These photographs were probably published in the Snowy River Mail. Some of the Orbost identities in the photographs are: Jim Holden; Brian Morgan; Clarrie Ingram; Jeffrey Fecondo; David Holden; Brian Holden; Richard Morgan; Sue Joiner and Charlie Owen. They were taken in the Poultry Shed at the Orbost Show at the Newmerella Showground. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Twenty-two black / white photographs and four coloured photographs. all are related to the Orbost Agricultural Show.poultry agriculture-show-orbost

This is a photograph of the bridge from the Orbost side. The first pile bridge over the Snowy River was just completed by Mr Jim Granter when the 1891 flood took out the centre,. There were differences of opinion as to whether the council should pay . The Shire Secretary, Mr John Draffin, persuaded them to honour their obligations. Mr Granter and Mr Clarke finished it as a suspension bridge which was opened by Mrs William Watt. Soon after a mob of cattle stampeded, the weight snapped the cable, letting one side sag. Mr R.P. Cameron repaired it and this bridge remained until 1922. "In 1890 the contract for a bridge was let to Mr James Granter for £1450. This structure with additions and improvements made to it was to cost the ratepayers about £2,500, and its erection was proceeded with in a very satisfactory manner until, just as the greater-part of the work had been completed, the flood of 1891 came down on it, piling up mountains of logs, timber and debris against the piers, which had not been made wide enough apart to allow for. contingencies of this kind. The structure held out bravely until the turn of the flood and then gave way with a crash, about five bays from the centre disappearing in the stream." ( Snowy River Mail August 12 1893) This item is a pictorial record of one of the first bridges across the Snowy River in Orbost.A black / white photograph of the old wooden suspension bridge over the Snowy River. There are two copies 919.1 and 919.2. There are two other photos showing the whole bridge taken from further back.on back - "Orbost Bridge...."snowy-river-bridge-orbost granter-james

In 3098.1 from L-R are John Pritchard and Graeme Rodier. Jeff Wilson is in 3098.2. Both photographs are connected to Adult Learning TAFE and CEP. These photographs were taken at the Curriculum and Technology in Schools workshop held in Bendigo, Victoria in October 1987. Eighty rural primary schools were involved including many from East Gippsland. From the Snowy River Mail; " A large number of technologies was......demonstrated at the conference. Participants were given hands on experience with audio and computer conferencing, CD Rom. an Invicon booth ( individual video console (INVICON) enables any teacher to produce short, relevant teaching videos for individual pupils without assistance), packet radio, videodisk, robotics and many more...." This is a pictorial record associated with education in Orbost.Two black / white photographs of two men seated at a desk with computers. The man on the right is holding a phone.education-east-gippsland tecnology

This program was produced by the Snowy River Mail for a community singalong held in Orbost on Tuesday June 2 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. In June 1953 , Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan, and became the Head of the Commonwealth. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch took place on 2 June 1953. Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation took place more than a year later because of the tradition that holding such a festival is inappropriate during the period of mourning that follows the death of a monarch. This community event was typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family. This item reflects the significance of monarchy for Australia and the constitutional history of Australia.The item reflects the interest in the royal family to Australians at this time as well as the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family.A white paper program with the words of songs printed in black. There is a rust mark from a metal staple in the top left corner. It is titled "Your Coronation Community Songs".queen-elizabeth-11 royalty community-event-orbost souvenir-program

From the Snowy River Mail October 4 1978 page 9 - " A MOBILE BAND - Although Orbost Municipal Band participated in Saturday's Primary School workathon, members feet didn't touch the ground. They idi it bthe easywayon the trailer of a truck. The band encouraged walkers with stirring music along the road to Marlo." The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Municipal Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A black / white photograph showing a group of uniformed band members sitting on folding chair s on the tray of a large flat bed truck. They are holding musical instruments. A young boy is sitting on the edge of the tray and three other children are standing on the road nearby.on back - information from S.R.M.music orbost-municipal-band entertainment recreation

These photographs were taken at the annual Orbost Agricultural Show at the Newmerella Showground. They were probably published in the Snowy River Mail newspaper. Some of the Orbost identities pictured include : Russell Crofts, Kevin McDonald, Brian McDonald, Gail & Lee Winchester, Julie & Lisa Drummond, Marion Russell, Sylvia MurrayRod Kleinitz, Rober Morgan, Trevor Perry, Brian Woodlands, anna light, Louella Brunt, Colin Weir, Wendy Pinnock, Raeleen Reed, Margaret Joiner and Jo-anne Mundy. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Seventeen black / white phootgraphs which were taken at the Orbost Agricultural Show.orbost-agricultural-show

A book of 160 pp - Snowy River Inquiry Final report 23rd October 1998. Submitted to the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria / Commissioner: The Hon. Robert Webster. On the front cover are three aerial photographs of the Snowy River and Snowy Hydro Scheme. The book contains maps and photographs.non-fictionThe Snowy Water Inquiry was commissioned in 1998 with a brief to recommend environmental water release options to the Commonwealth, Victorian, and NSW Governments so that corporatisation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme could proceed. This book contains the findings of the Inquiry into water allocation and uses of the Snowy River.snowy river hydro, snowy river government inquiry, water allocations, water resources developmen

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

This a photograph of the Gippsland representatives at the C.A.T.S. conference. This photograph was taken at the Curriculum and Technology in Schools workshop held in Bendigo, Victoria in October 1987. Eighty rural primary schools were involved including many from East Gippsland. From the Snowy River Mail; " A large number of technologies was......demonstrated at the conference. Participants were given hands on experience with audio and computer conferencing, CD Rom. an Invicon booth ( individual video console (INVICON) enables any teacher to produce short, relevant teaching videos for individual pupils without assistance), packet radio, videodisk, robotics and many more...." In the back row are: Al Balfour (Bairnsdale Min of E); Graeme Rodier (OHS); Roger Nink (Swifts Creek); John Hillier (Mallacoota); Barry Lay ( Bairnsdale HS); Ross Burn ( Bairnsdale HS), In the front row are: Jeff Wilson (Mallacoota); Bea Lay (Bairnsdale HS); Rick Box ( Swifts Creek) and Brian Pomeroy (AVRB Bairnsdalel). Al Balfour was a noted educator, local identity and one of country Victoria's strongest advocates.This is a pictorial record associated with education in East Gippsland.A black / white photograph of a group of people. The back row is standing and the front is sitting on chairs.education-east-gippsland technology

This photograph was taken inside St James Hall, Orbost at the 75th anniversary of the Orbost Municipal Band.on November 8, 1975. It was published in the Snowy River Mail on November 12, 1975 under the heading "ANNIVERSARY FOR BAND". "Some 250 people filled St James Hall on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the band, The evening began with a buffet dinner followed by a recital by the members of the band, The fitting numbers chosen were favourites throughout the different eras during the band's 75 years. A display of old brass instruments, photographs and a history of the band drew much comment. Bandmaster, Alf Barling, conducted the band during the celebratory recital." The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This is a pictorial record of the Orbost Municipal Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A black / white photograph of a bandmaster in uniform standing, conducting, in front of a group of musicians.sitting down playing their instruments. The photograph has been taken indoors. music-orbost recreation orbost-municipal-band barling-alf entertainment

The seed bean industry was a major industry in the Orbost district for the first half of the 20th century. The total area sown with beans for seed at Orbost was estimated to be about 1000 acres. Fisher Bros, grew or supervised the growing of approximately one quarter of the bean seed produced at Orbost, and, in addition, prepared for market and sold a considerable quantity for other growers. From Newsletter February 2015 : "the Fishers took over the old Butter Factory in Lochiel Street. They had sorting tables there in the 1920s. In Orbost, the Fishers had a Shell fuel depot at the back of the bean factory. The Fishers were very enterprising people, very smart. One of their uncles is supposed to have invented the knot that was used to tie the sheaves of hay in the fields. At their Lochend Barn, they had a Blackstone engine which ran on oil. They used to light a fire under it and hot it up to start it. This engine drove all the bean machinery in the barn" The seed bean industry was a major industry in the Orbost district for the first half of the 20th century. the Fisher Brothers were a significant part of that industry.A black / white photograph tajen from a river bank. On the right behind some trees is a barn. On the left between tres is a small building. Reflections can be seen in the water.on back - "Snowy River, Fisher barn on right. Mary Gilbert"bean-industry fisher-beans snowy-river

C.H. Grove spent about 40 years in the area, information is mainly derived from his own recollections and "reliable sources". Charles Henry [Carl] Grove died on 17/4/1938 at Box Hill at the age of 88 and was buried in Orbost. Prior to coming to the Snowy River district, Carl worked as overseer on Buchan Station. In 1880, he selected land at Newmerella after first coming here in 1874 with early selector James A Robertson.He was one of the first selectors at Orbost - in 1880 he selected 320 acres at Newmerella, which he called „Ulinda‟ He married Annie Robertson in 1876. Carl was a farmer, hop and seed grower and nurseryman. He was an elected Councillor of the newly formed Tambo Shire in 1882, and then in 1892 to the Orbost Shire where he served for many years filling varioius public roles. In 1911, he shifted to Queensland, but later returned to Victoria and died at Box Hill. (Ref. Nov 2014 Newsletter) This is a useful reference tool.A carbon copy of a typeset manuscript / transcript book entitled "Bukan Mungee" containing historical and geographical information of the area "bounded by the Snowy River in the east, the Tambo river in the west...and with the following leaseholds, Ensay, Gillingall, and Gelantipy on the north, with Kilmore and Corringle stations on the south..."grove-carl bukan-mungee corringle newmerella snowy-river tambo-river

p.325.non-fictionThe collected verse of A. B. Patterson.australia - poetry, australia - literary works

These survey plans are a useful research tool.A flat green fabric folder with a white label with "SNOWY RIVER FLATS" hand-written in black. It contains plans.plans-survey snowy-river-flats department-crown-lands-victoria

These photographs are of the final train to leave Orbost railway Station on August 21 1987 signalling the closure of the line. 3105.12 shows Locomotive T408 and on the side is written "LAST TRAIN EX ORBOST 24.8.87". These photographs are associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Fifteen black / white photographs of the last train to leave Orbost Railway station.3105.1 - on back - "Last Train leaving Orbost Railway Station on Friday August 21. 1987. SRM August 26 1987 Last train from Orbost, Friday last saw the end of an era when the last freight train to pull out of Orbost Station at about 4.co pm. A symbolic wave from engineer, Bill Buckley, was the only ceremony to mark the passing of rail transport for East Gippsland." 3105.2 - on back - " Last train prepares to leave from Orbost on August 21, 1987." 3105.3 - on back - " The Orbost railhead following the departure of the last train on Friday August 21, 1987. Shows spectators who farewelled the last train." 3105.4 - on back - "From Grandview, Newmerella, shows the last train from Orbost crossing the timber Trestle (sic) viaduct across the Snowy River flats on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.5 - on back - " A pair of Series 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives which were used to haul the final train from the Orbost Rail Head on Friday, August 21, 1987. Goods shed on right" 3105.6 - on back - " VFTY Timber Wagons at the Orbost Railway Station. 30 of these large wagons were built for the timber traffic between Orbost and Melbourne. Part of last train to leave Orbost on August 1, 1987." 3105.7 - on back - "The Fordson powered Rail Tractor which was used during shunting at the Orbost railway station, hooked up behind the second locomotive for its final journal from Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987." 3105.8 - on back - "Two Series 3 "T" Class Locomotives (Diesel Electric) were used to haul the final train from Orbost - T408 and T347, T408 was the leading locomotive. Orbost Goods Shed is on the left. Last train left on Friday August 27, 1987." 3105.9 - on back - " 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives often used in pairs to haul the timber trains out of Orbost. This locomotive was used to lead (haul) the final train from Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.10 - on back - "The Gantry at the Orbost Railway Yards - capacity 10 tons. The last wagons before being hooked up to the locos for their last trip out of Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.11 - on back - " Station Masters Office and Goods Shed at Orbost Railway Station. The two Series 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives waiting to haul the final train from Orbost on Friday 21 1987" otrbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway orbosr-railway-closure

The Man from Snowy River" is a poem by Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. It was first published in The Bulletin, an Australian news magazine, on 26th April 1890. The poem tells the story of a horseback pursuit to recapture the colt of a prizewinning racehorse that escaped from its paddock and is living wild with the brumbies (wild horses) of the mountain ranges. Eventually the brumbies descend a seemingly impassably steep slope, at which point the assembled riders give up the pursuit, except the young hero, who spurs his pony down the "terrible descent" to catch the mob.Two characters mentioned in the early part of the poem are featured in previous Paterson poems; "Clancy of the Overflow" and Harrison from "Old Pardon, Son of Reprieve".The town of Orbost is situated on the Snowy River and the town has always been "the heart of Snowy River country".A first day cover for "The Man From Snowy River" stamps. There is a picture of a saddle in the top left-hand corner. There is a strip 5 stamps on the envelope and it has been stamped at Orbost Post Office. This strip has 5 scenes based on the Banjo Patterson legendary poem by the same name. The stamps include: At The Station, Mountain Bend, The Terrible Descent, At Their Heels and Brought Them Back.first-day-cover man-from-snowy-river stamps philately

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

this item is a useful reference tool.A survey map produced by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. It is on white paper with blue ink. It is a hand-drawn survey of the Snowy River in 1939-40.survey map snowy-river

Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. The centre span of the Orbost Bridge was washed away. This item is a pictorial record of the 1934 floods, a significant part of Orbost's history.A black / white photograph showing the flood damage to the Snowy River Bridge. There is a gap in the bridge where the centre span has been washed away. In the background is a punt.orbost-floods-1934 natural-disasters-floods snowy-river-bridge

This brochure was produced as a tourist guide to Orbost.This item is a useful research tool.A magazine/brochure for use as tourist information. It contains the history, maps and touring routes of the Orbost district.tourism-orbost

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.Two souvenir programs and one advertising flyer. 2406.27 is a souvenir program for the Orbost Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Air Show 1970. It is purple print on a white background. It has seven folded glossy pages and cost 20c. On the cover is a photograph of a small plane. 2406.28 is a flyer for the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Air Show, Sunday, April 19th 1970. It is black print on a pink background, 2406.29 is a souvenir program for Morwell Aero Pageant, Monday, January 30, 1950. Cost 3/-. No 4216. It is a grey/brown coloured card folder with black print.2406.28 - on back - Bruce Ham......(?) Yarram Tiger Moth orbost-aero-club captain-cook-bicentenary

This magazine was produced and published by Orbost High School as a part of the 75 year celabrationsOrbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This magazine is a useful reference tool for the history of the school.Two copies of a 48 pp magazine with a light pink/orange cover. On the front cover is a photo of the Orbost High School. In the centre is the school badge. The text is in maroon print. The book, produced for the 75 year celebration, contains a history of the school, photographs and articles.Inside the front cover of 2415.1 in pen - David F. Nixon 9/2/88education-orbost orbost-high-school