The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Early map of part of the Borough of Kew, created in the first decade of the twentieth century, at a scale 160 ft to 1 inch. The map covers what was then the north western section of Kew, bordered on its north by Wills Street and the Kew Lunatic Asylum, in the west by the River Yarra [and the later added Yarra Boulevard] , by Princess Street in the East and Holroyd Street in the south. The map shows the extent of urban development by that time, prominent institutions and the outlines of built structures in the municipality. Contour lines were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 39 / KEW & HEIDELBERGmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Early map of part of the Borough of Kew, created in the first decade of the twentieth century, at a scale 160 ft to 1 inch. The map covers what was then the south western section of Kew, bordered on its north by Studley Park Road, in the west by Walmer Street and the River Yarra, by High Street South and Princess Street in the East and Barkers Road in the south. The map shows the extent of urban development by that time, prominent institutions and the outlines of built structures in the municipality. Contour lines and historic flood levels were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 40 / COLLINGWOOD & KEWmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Early map of part of the Borough of Kew, created in the first decade of the twentieth century, at a scale 160 ft to 1 inch. The map covers what was then the northern most part of Kew, bordered on its north and west by the Yarra River, in the East by Connor's Creek and by the Asylum in the south. The map shows the extent of urban development by that time, prominent institutions and the outlines of built structures in the municipality. Contour lines and historic flood levels were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 64 / KEW & HEIDELBERGmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Early map of part of the Borough of Kew, created in the first decade of the twentieth century, at a scale 160 ft to 1 inch. The map covers what was then the north central part of Kew, bordered in the north by Oak Avenue, in the west by the Yarra River and Connor's Creek, in the south by Beresford and Carnegie Avenues, and in the east by Glass's Creek and Burke Road. The map shows the extent of urban development by that time, prominent institutions and the outlines of built structures in the municipality. Contour lines and the levels of historic floods were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 68 / KEW melbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Early map of part of the Borough of Kew, created in the early twentieth century, at a scale 160 ft to 1 inch. The map covers what was then the north eastern part of Kew showing the natural landscape and limited development on the south side of the Yarra River. In the Kew section, south of the river, the land is occupied currently by the Greenacres and Kew Golf Clubs. The map shows the extent of urban development by that time and the outlines of the few built structures in the municipality. The height above sea level of all parts of the landscape are indicated numerically in feet. Contour lines and the levels of historic floods were added in ink to the map at a later stage. MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 117 / HEIDELBERG & KEW melbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, borough of kew, cartography, mmbw plan no. 117, kew (vic.) -- maps, heidelberg (vic.) -- maps

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Map of the City of Kew showing part of the River Yarra Beautification Schemes. The map shows development to date and the flood levels reached in 1923 and 1924. This map may have been adapted from an earlier map, as most development in central Kew and Studley Park had occurred by this date yet numerous streets are not represented. Public buildings and institutions are clearly represented and named on the map as are significant public transport infrastructure (eg the Outer Circle railway).MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / RIVER YARRA BEAUTIFICATION SCHEMES / SCHEME / SCALE 10 CHAINS TO AN INCHmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, city of kew, flood levels -- kew (vic.), cartography

Colour transparency (slide) created in June 1976 during a tour by the Junior National Trust, which was led by members of Kew Historical Society. The collection of 21 slides reveals that the tour covered all parts of Kew, but focused understandably on heritage buildings and sites.Image of an historic place in Kew that can be dated to an exact time and place. The images, albeit amateurish in composition, frequently reveal aspects of important buildings and sites that have changed over time.35mm colour transparency of the Yarra River above Dight's Falls looking west to buildings in Trennery Crescent, Abbotsford.yarra river -- kew -- abbotsford (vic.), trennery crescent, dight's falls

One of a group of slides taken by members of the Society of built heritage in Kew in 1979-80. The selection of subject matter reflects the priorities of the period. The colour of some slides has degraded.The slides represent a snapshot in time of built architecture in Kew, much of which has changed in the forty-plus period since they were created.Colour positive transparency (slide) of the garden, facing the river, of the mansion at 27 Redmond Street, Kew, Initially known as 'Yarra Bluffs' or 'Red Bluffs'. The house was built for George H Mott, prominent newspaper owner, prior to 1890. The landholdings of the house were subdivided during the 1940s. "Cnr Redmond and Fellows Streets"historic houses -- kew (vic.), redmond street -- kew (vic.), yarra bluffs, red bluffs, george h mott, victorian mansions -- studley park

In 1980, Mr Laurie Bennett presented the Kew Historical Society with a number of photographs and postcards from the estate of his mother Eileen Mary Bennett (nee Clark). His mother was the daughter of Lawrence FH Clark(?-1946) and Mary Clark (?-1925) of 22 Harp Road, East Kew, in whose yard the photograph was taken. A year before the donation occurred a notice appeared in the Canberra Times stating that: "BENNETT, Eileen Mary. — May 8th at Tuross Heads, N.S.W. Late of 22 Harp Rd, East Kew, (Vic). Dearly loved wife of the late Harold Bennett, loved mother and mother in law of Laurie and Shirley (Melbourne), Kevin and Doreen (Canberra), grandmother of Linda, Stephen, Paul, Gabrielle, Peter, Mark and Jon."Part of a large collection of photographs and postcards in the collectionPanoramic photographic positive of North Kew where the Belford and Kilby Farms were located on the south side of the Yarra River. This photo, donated in 1980 by Laurie Bennett is the original of the two identical photos in the collection.laurie bennett, eileen mary bennett, eileen mary clark, floods -- yarra -- 1903

The Yarra Valley in what was previously called North Kew, but is now East Kew, was frequently subjected to flooding. Apart from some development on higher ground, the City of Kew regularly introduced restrictions on development and the building of housing in the area because of flood levels. Panoramic photographic positive of North Kew where the Belford and Kilby Farms were located on the south side of the Yarra River. This photo is a copy of the original photo in the collection.floods -- yarra -- 1903, kew golf course, greenacres golf course

Major floods recurred of the Yarra River on a regular basis. A flood in 1901 destroyed this house in Victoria Street, Abbotsford. Later print copy of an original photograph. Home of C/N Burgess on the south side of Yarra River. The buildings were washed away in a flood in 1901 The house was in the same location as that on which Handley & Tilly was later built. This would locate it on the north side of Victoria Street, Abbotsford between Burnley Street and the Victoria Street Bridge. Photo shows three men and one woman working in an established garden in front of a weatherboard cottage."Home of C/N Burgess on south side of river; washed away in 1901; Handley & Tilly on site"yarra river -- floods, yarra river flood -- 1901, burgess family -- victoria street -- abbotsford (vic.)

Villa Alba, a two-storeyed residence with rendered masonry walls and a slate roof, stands opposite Studley Park, overlooking the Yarra River. It is believed to have been first built before 1863, but substantially remodelled and enlarged in about 1882-83 for William Greenlaw, the Manager of the Colonial Bank of Australasia. Although the house and its tower must always have been a landmark in the area and the architecture is unusual, almost Norman in style, it is the interior which is the most remarkable feature of Villa Alba. (Source: VHD)Small black and white photographic positive of Vila Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew in 1981 when the original 1880s house was surrounded by hospital wards. The latter had been built by the Royal Women's Hospital after it acquired the site in 1950. The site wa Slater transferred to the Mount Royal Hospital before being purchased and converted into a museum of interior design.Verso: "Villa Alba 1981"villa alba -- 44 walmer street -- kew (vic.), mount royal hospital, henry pride wing

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.One of a collection of photographs of flooding in the Kew section of the Yarra Valley which are in important research resource for the location and extent of flooding in the first half of the twentieth century. Flooding of the Yarra Valley at East Kew in 1916. The view is taken from the intersection of Kilby Road with what is believed to be Birdwood Street, looking across the flood waters to Ivanhoe. The extensive flooded area shown in the photograph would have included the Kew Golf Club. Verso: "Floods along Kilby Road / near Birdwood St? & Kilby Road / 1917? / 87yarra river, yarra valley, floods -- kew, kilby road -- kew (vic.), kew golf club

During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.View of the farmland in the Yarra Valley at what is believed to be East Kew in 1918. Verso: "Willsmere / East Kew? / 1918"yarra river, yarra valley

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.One of a collection of photographs of flooding in the Kew section of the Yarra Valley which are in important research resource for the location and extent of flooding in the first half of the twentieth century. Flooding of the Yarra Valley at East Kew in 1916. The view is taken from a street (maybe Birdwood Avenue) intersecting with Kilby Road looking northeast across the flood waters to Ivanhoe and Heidelberg. The extensive flooded area shown in the photograph would have included remnant dairy farms and the Kew Golf Club. Verso: "Floods / Yarra River / East Kew / Kilby Road / 1917? / 87"yarra river, yarra valley, floods -- kew, kilby road -- kew (vic.), kew golf club

During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.Real-photo postcard of the farmland in the Yarra Valley in what is believed to be North Kew in 1912. Verso: "Willsmere / East Kew / 1912"yarra river, yarra valley, farming -- kew (vic.)

Willsmere Park is bounded by the the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club, Willow Grove and the Eastern Freeway. The land on which the park is now situated was bought by Thomas Wills at the Crown Land Sales of 1846 (Section 56). From the 1840s to the 1940s it was intensively farmed. The park is dominated by very large playing fields, while planting to the southern boundary was undertaken when the Eastern Freeway was built. It is only along the banks of the Yarra that there is any remnant native vegetation. Willsmere Park is of significance as an area of open land that remains from the flood plain that once dominated northern Kew. (Source: Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Original colour small format polaroid photograph of the 'Kew Billabong' in the Willsmere Park, taken on 16 September 1993."Willsmere Billabong 16.9.93"kew billabong, willsmere park, yarra river -- billabongs

Willsmere Park is bounded by the the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club, Willow Grove and the Eastern Freeway. The land on which the park is now situated was bought by Thomas Wills at the Crown Land Sales of 1846 (Section 56). From the 1840s to the 1940s it was intensively farmed. The park is dominated by very large playing fields, while planting to the southern boundary was undertaken when the Eastern Freeway was built. It is only along the banks of the Yarra that there is any remnant native vegetation. Willsmere Park is of significance as an area of open land that remains from the flood plain that once dominated northern Kew. (Source: Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Original colour small format polaroid photograph of the Yarra River in flood at the Willsmere Park, taken on 16 September 1993."Yarra River at Willsmere Park Flooding 16.9.93"willsmere park, yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.)

Willsmere Park is bounded by the the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club, Willow Grove and the Eastern Freeway. The land on which the park is now situated was bought by Thomas Wills at the Crown Land Sales of 1846 (Section 56). From the 1840s to the 1940s it was intensively farmed. The park is dominated by very large playing fields, while planting to the southern boundary was undertaken when the Eastern Freeway was built. It is only along the banks of the Yarra that there is any remnant native vegetation. Willsmere Park is of significance as an area of open land that remains from the flood plain that once dominated northern Kew. (Source: Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Original colour small format polaroid photograph of flooding in the Willsmere Park, taken on 16 September 1993."Flooding of shared path from Willsmere Billabong 16.9.93"willsmere park, yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.), kew billabong

Willsmere Park is bounded by the the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club, Willow Grove and the Eastern Freeway. The land on which the park is now situated was bought by Thomas Wills at the Crown Land Sales of 1846 (Section 56). From the 1840s to the 1940s it was intensively farmed. The park is dominated by very large playing fields, while planting to the southern boundary was undertaken when the Eastern Freeway was built. It is only along the banks of the Yarra that there is any remnant native vegetation. Willsmere Park is of significance as an area of open land that remains from the flood plain that once dominated northern Kew. (Source: Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Original colour small format polaroid photograph of flooding in the Willsmere Park, taken on 16 September 1993."Flooding of Willsmere Park from Yarra 16.9.93"willsmere park, yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.)

The land currently occupied by Guide Dogs Victoria was once part of the grounds of the Kew Lunatic Asylum. This includes the land, designated as parkland which adjoins the Yarra River. It is now designated as the Chandler Park.Original colour small format polaroid photograph of flooding in parkland at the rear of Guide Dogs Victoria in the area now used as the Main Yarra Trail; taken on 16 September 1993."Flooding of land rear of Guide Dogs land 16.9.93"yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.), guide dogs victoria, main yarra trail, chandler park

The land currently occupied by Guide Dogs Victoria was once part of the grounds of the Kew Lunatic Asylum. This includes the land, designated as parkland which adjoins the Yarra River. Original colour small format polaroid photograph of flooding in parkland at the rear of Guide Dogs Victoria in the area now used as the Main Yarra Trail; taken on 16 September 1993."Flooding of shared path on 16.9.93 / Rains 15.9.93 - rear Guide Dogs [Victoria] land"yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.), guide dogs victoria, main yarra trail, chandler park

Willsmere Park is bounded by the the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club, Willow Grove and the Eastern Freeway. The land on which the park is now situated was bought by Thomas Wills at the Crown Land Sales of 1846 (Section 56). From the 1840s to the 1940s it was intensively farmed. The park is dominated by very large playing fields, while planting to the southern boundary was undertaken when the Eastern Freeway was built. It is only along the banks of the Yarra that there is any remnant native vegetation. Willsmere Park is of significance as an area of open land that remains from the flood plain that once dominated northern Kew. (Source: Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Original colour small format polaroid photograph of flooding in Willsmere Park resulting from heavy rain on 15 September 1993."Flooding of Willsmere Park from Yarra 16.9.93"yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.), willsmere park

Willsmere Park is bounded by the the Yarra River, Green Acres Golf Club, Willow Grove and the Eastern Freeway. The land on which the park is now situated was bought by Thomas Wills at the Crown Land Sales of 1846 (Section 56). From the 1840s to the 1940s it was intensively farmed. The park is dominated by very large playing fields, while planting to the southern boundary was undertaken when the Eastern Freeway was built. It is only along the banks of the Yarra that there is any remnant native vegetation. Willsmere Park is of significance as an area of open land that remains from the flood plain that once dominated northern Kew. (Source: Kew Conservation Study, 1988)Original colour small format polaroid photograph of Willsmere [Kew] Billabong on September 1993."Willsmere Billabong 16.9.93"yarra river -- floods -- kew (vic.), willsmere park

Those sections of Studley Park closest to the River Yarra were set aside as parkland in the 1850s. After initial discussions about whether it was a suitable site for a Government House, much of the land was instead gazetted in the 1860s as the location for a new lunatic asylum, to expand overcrowded mental health facilities at the Yarra Bend Asylum on the other side of the river at Fairfield. Those sections of Studley Park bounded by the Yarra River, Studley Park Road, Princess Street and Fellows Street were subdivided and sold at the Crown Land Sales in 1851. Much of this urban area remained open farmland until the twentieth century, apart from mansions, largely located along the main roads.Original, black and white positive print of what is said to represent Studley Park in 1937. If the attribution and date is literally to be understood, then it would appear that the photograph may have been taken from the Kew side of the river looking across to open farmland in the Yarra Bend Park. If the designation of Studley Park is to be understood more loosely, then it might be a view of what is now East Kew, taken from a section of Kilby Road. Inscribed verso: "Studley Park 1937" studley park -- kew (vic.)

Land along the Yarra River in Kew is now either designated open space, parkland or public golf links. By the 1930s much of this area remained open farmland, bought at auction for dairy farming in the 1840s.Original, black and white positive print of what is said to be the Yarra Flats near Burke Road Bridge. On the horizon, building can be seen, whereas in the middle ground, farm fencing and a windmill are the main features as well as remnant Eucalypts. Inscribed verso: "Yarra Flats near Burke Rd Bridge 1937" studley park -- kew (vic.)

In 1928 a footbridge was erected to link Kew with the public golf course across the Yarra. The total cost of construction came to 250 pounds and the bridge became known as Kane's Bridge. During the 1934 floods the bridge was washed downstream, and was subsequently rebuilt. The present form of the bridge resembles the earlier bridge which crossed from the Yarra Bend Asylum to Kew, further upstream. (VHD)Original, black and white positive of Kane's Bridge in December 1934, when the 'great flood' of the Yarra caused the bridge's destruction. Inscribed verso: "Kane's Bridge Yarra in flood Dec 1934"river yarra, yarra -- kew (vic.), kanes bridge, 1934 floods

In 1928 a footbridge was erected to link Kew with the public golf course across the Yarra. The total cost of construction came to 250 pounds and the bridge became known as Kane's Bridge. During the 1934 floods the bridge was washed downstream, and was subsequently rebuilt. The present form of the bridge resembles the earlier bridge which crossed from the Yarra Bend Asylum to Kew, further upstream. (VHD)Black and white positive print (identical to 2021.70 but with a different annotation) showing the destruction of Kane's Bridge in the floods of 1934. The Kodak paper would indicate a 1950s reprinting.Annotation verso: "Kane's Bridge in 1934 flood / Dec. 1934.kane's bridge, river yarra, yarra valley, 1934 floods

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.Late example of the capacity of the Yarra Valley at Kew to flood, even though drainage works and the Upper Yarra Reservoir had reduced their regularity.Original black and white print photograph of the low-lying land at East Kew under floodwater on 16 May 1974. The vantage point of the photographer is Lister Street. In the photo, the fences of the Kilby Farm can be seen. Flooding was caused by overflowing water in Glass' Creek and the River Yarra. Annotation verso: "Hay's Paddock op No.30 Lister Street / 16 May 1974 11.50am / R.L. 46.04"hays paddock, floods, yarra river, glass' creek, lister street

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.Late example of the capacity of the Yarra Valley at Kew to flood, even though drainage works and the Upper Yarra Reservoir had reduced their regularity.Original black and white print photograph of the low-lying land at East Kew under floodwater on 16 May 1974. The vantage point of the photographer is Lister Street. Flooding was caused by overflowing water in Glass' Creek and the River Yarra. Annotation verso: "Lister Street looking north / Flood level / 16 May 1974 11.30am / R.L. 46.04"hays paddock, floods, yarra river, glass' creek, lister street