The goldfields resulted in the almost complete denuding of trees for access to the gold bearing land, for firewood and for the tanning industry. The need for wood further increased with the advent of deep quartz mining that required timbers for shoring up the shafts and tunnels. At some point in time it became necessary for timber to be carted long distances to fulfil the need. Between 1878 and 1884, the government set up 5 nurseries to try and rectify the shortage of native softwoods and encouraged the growth of State plantations and the thinning of trees to encourage growth of those remaining. 1907 - Creswick School of Forestry and Forest Management was started 1919 Establishment of the Forests Commission and the planting of many pine plantations 1924 Establishment of the first fire spotting towers Forest management tasks became a main project for "Susso" recipients during the Great Depression and again for internees during WWII.An 8 page document by David Bannear about the various industries of the Bendigo Goldfields and their effects on terraforming the local environment david bannear, central goldfields

Diggers & Mining: The Digging - The Diggers. Slide: An article from 'Land Labour, and Gold'. By William Howitt. Little more than a year ago the whole of this valley on the Bendigo Creek, seven miles and long by one and a half wide, was an un broken wood. It is now perfectly bare of trees, and the whole of it is riddled of hole 10 to 80 feet deep, on one hugh chaos of clay, gravel, stones and pipe clay. So much has been done on this forest in just one year; and not only one year . . . . . . Markings: 28 994.LIF:6. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Used by the Forrest City Signal system to initiate or cancel a signal indication. The trolley wheel would make contact with the steel strips which would send an electrical impulse to the control box that either would enable the signal to be shown or cancelled. There was one on the trolley wire at either end of the section. See reference for further details.Demonstrates part of the Forest City Signal system.Signal contactor mechanism comprising two brass ears, a section of copper trolley wire, two steel strips assembled onto a section of wood fitted with steel covers where the ears are fitted through. Item refurbished for display purposes by Depot staff 2023.forest city signals, tramways, overhead

A Ken-Wel Forest Hills tennis racquet, with plastic ribbon whipping around shoulders and shaft. Model name features across base of head. Ken-Wel logo and coat-of-arms trademark feature on throat. Ken-Wel logo also features on butt cover. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Leather, Ink, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Plastictennis

A Forest Hills 7-Ply tennis racquet, with ribbon whipping around shoulders and shaft. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Ink, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Ribbon, Leather, Adhesive tape, Painttennis

A Bancroft Forest Hills tennis racquet, with plastic whipping from shoulders to shaft, and leather handle with patterned perforations. Bancroft logo features across base of head. Throat features model name, and a decal image of Forest Hills main court. 'B' trademark features on lower shaft and butt cover. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Leather, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Ink, Plastic, Cloth, Adhesive tape, Paint, Stringtennis

A Bancroft Forest Hills tennis racquet, with bamboo laminated frame, and patterned leather handle. Bancroft logo features across base of head. Throat features model name, and linear decal image of Forest Hills main court. Wreathed 'B' trademark on lower shaft, and red 'B' trademark on butt cap. Illegible autograph features along shaft on obverse. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Leather, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Ink, Plastic, Painttennis

Limited edition print (87/125) of serigraph entitled 'Borg/Connors'. Painted image depicts these two players in action before a crowd and includes painted captions 'BJORN BORG/WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB' and 'JIMMY CONNORS/FOREST HILLS'. Number '95' inscribed on backing paper in black marker. Materials: Ink, Paper, Wood, Cardboard, Metal, Felt, Clothtennis

Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918. Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.Views of Victoria (General Series) No.28 / ‘Scene near Dandenong, Moon’s Range’ / Albumen silver photograph mounted on boardOn Reverse: 'Moon’s Range is situated to the right of the portion of the Dandenong Range of Mountains called “Fern Tree Gully.” This Range is notable for its almost impenetrable forest of trees, the majority of them being of gigantic growth. Numerous splitters and wood-cutters obtain lucrative employment in the production of laths and firewood. Near the summit of the range are several summer residences belonging to Melbourne merchants.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), australia - landscape photography

A brown wooden award with two columns supporting an upper platform, upon which rests a wreath on a block of wood. Between the columns another block of wood, with the Lions International badge upon it, acts as a base for a circle containing a picture of two crossed rifles upside down with a target between them. Winners inscribed on individuals metal plates: 1973-74 H. Glen, 1974-75 P. Teague, 1975-76 H. Glen, 1976-77 S. Harkensee, 1977-78 J. Scholtz, 1978-79 J. Bloomer, 1979-80 J. Musgrove, 1980-81 R. Teague, 1982 M. James, 1983 S. Harkensee, 1984 H. Parson, 1985 M. James.Wooden rectangle topped with a plastic wreath and tarnished silver plates inscribed with winner namesThe Forest Hill Lions Club Perpetual Trophyroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib rifle club

Colour slide of red gum trees in a forest near the Murray River. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. More photos show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of trees in a Red Gum forest during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Red gum trees / River Murry' in blue pen.operation firewood, trees, forest

Colour slide of a view of Lake Eildon from Big River Road. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a view of Lake Eildon during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Eildon Reservoir from Big River Road' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, trees, forest

Colour slide of three legatees and a map in a forest. The caption identifies Ken Brumbrell and Graham Fogarty. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a view of Legatees during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'The deamon drivers out from Picola / Ken Bumbrell / Graham Fogarty' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, legatees

Colour slide of a semi trailer loaded with wood and a car in a forest near Euroa. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a semi trailer and a car in a forest near Euroa during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Euroa group / Loaded up' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood, forests

Colour slide of two semi trailers loaded with wood and several cars in a forest near Euroa. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of two semi trailers and cars in a forest near Euroa during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Transport off. Euroa - Firewood' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood, forests

Colour slide of a legatee beside a white and blue car in a forest near Picola, Victoria. The white and blue car features in other Operation Firewood photos. It has yellow 'Operation Firewood' posters stick to them. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a legatee beside a white and blue car during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Handwritten 'The Bushman guide / Picola' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, cars, forests

An increment borer is a specialised tool to extract a core sample of wood tissue from a living tree. The tool consists of a handle, an auger bit and a small, half circular metal tray (the core extractor) that fits inside the auger bit. The core sample can be used to count the rings, to reveal the age of the tree and its growth rate.Increment borer. The central core is stuck. AGN Mattison - Sweden #4333forest measurement, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Used at fire basecampsWood fire used at basecamps Metal plates fold flat for transportforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, camping equipment

Conrad Wood (Woody) graduated from the Victorian School of Forestry in 1957, and after postings with the Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) at Swifts Creek and Sirex surveys, he gravitated into the Forest Protection Division in Head Office in the early 1960s. He championed the setting up of proper contractual arrangements for aviation and was involved in implementing the first ongoing, organised contracts for firebombing in eastern Victoria in the 1960s. An early recipient of a prestigious Churchill Fellowship, Woody travelled extensively throughout 1969 in North America and Europe studying aviation in forestry and firefighting. Afterwards he was very active amongst the Churchill alumni. Woody had a passion for innovation and new technology and was instrumental in introducing new aircraft types and new approaches for forest firefighting and forest management. Amongst many other things, he played a major role in organising the trial of a RAAF C130 equipped with MAFFS for firebombing in south-eastern Australia in 1982-84, even piloting the lead plane. His inimitable style was crucial in successfully bringing together the cultures of the myriad organisations involved. Con advocated for the introduction of helicopters. He developed aerial fertilising and seeding techniques for forest management. He even managed to get involved in cloud seeding experiments for forest fire suppression and for improving water yield. Along with aviation, Conrad was passionate about literature, football, politics, food, drink, motorbikes, gardening and Glen Iris, to name a few. He was a committed campaigner on social justice issues and for many years read for vision-impaired people on public radio. He died in 2014. This painting of Woody by notable Australian artist Joyce McGrath OAM (also a Churchill Fellow) was done in the 1980s. Joyce asked Conrad to sit for this portrait which she planned to enter the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize. The portrait hung in Churchill House in Canberra, but when a new building was erected, it was returned to the artist/owner. The painting is now owned by Clare Harwood and is on permanent loan to the Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA) and is displayed at DEECA's Altona Museum.Painting of Conrad Wood by Australian artist Joyce McGrath OAMbushfire, bushfire aviation

Victoria once had well over one hundred fire lookouts and firetowers. Fire lookouts, or observation posts, were often just a clearing on a hill or a vantage point, whereas firetowers were definite structures. There are at least three categories of firetowers… (1) tree perches, (2) four-legged towers made of either wood or steel, as well as (3) hilltop cabins and observatories. Many were established by the Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) in the 1920s, but the network was expanded rapidly in response to recommendations of the Stretton Royal Commission after the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. The wooden towers were often built by bush craftsmen like legendary FCV overseer Clem Heather from Orbost. But advances in aerial reconnaissance and radio technology led to the gradual reduction in the number of fixed towers. FFMV now operates 72 firetowers. The CFA, Melbourne Water, Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) also operate some, the Army has one at Puckapunyal overlooking the live-firing range. Only two remaining fire towers of this design remain in Victoria (Mt Little Dick and Big Tower in the Mullungdung State Forest). Mt Nowa Nowa and Stringers Knob burnt down in the 2019/20 bushfiresLarge model of an Reef Hills fire tower. Presumably used for instructional purposes. Traditional FCV four legged design with three landings and closed cabin.bushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

In 1949 the Commonwealth Forestry and Timber Bureau proposed a national planting program to make Australia more self-reliant in timber products after the shortages experienced during the war. The threat of introduced sirex woodwasp from Europe in the early 1950s and its eventual discovery on the Australian mainland in 1961 brought the softwood plantation program into question. However, quarantine and control measures using tree destruction and a nematode parasite was put in place.Sirex noctilio was a serious threat to softwood plantations in AustraliaSirex wood wasps encased in resinplantations, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Black powder splitting guns were commonly used to split large logs into more manageable pieces before the advent of excavators and front-end loaders in bush logging operations. A typical splitting gun used in Victorian forests was a piece of high-grade steel about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and about 16 inches long, and slightly tapered at one end. They had a ¾ inch hole drilled about 9 inches deep into the centre of the shaft with a small pilot hole drilled from the outside to load the fuse. The tube was carefully loaded with an amount of black gunpowder using a funnel and spoon. Experience being the guide on how much powder to use, which depended on log size, species and difficulty of splitting the wood. The hole was stopped with a piece of wadded paper and the gun positioned at the end of a length of the log to be split. The splitting gun was then belted into the log with a large wooden maul or even the back of an axe to a depth of about 3 to 4 inches. There were often markings as a guide. This also had the effect of tamping the black powder inside the gun. Preferably the gun was backed up by another large log to absorb the recoil shock and avoid it flying off in the bush somewhere. I have seen guns where a length of string and coloured flag could be attached to help find them. A length of fuse was then inserted in the small hole and lit. Kaboom !!!! Needless to say, the splitting gun was a dangerous implement.Log Splitting gun (large 50cm)forests commission victoria (fcv), hand tools

Black powder splitting guns were commonly used to split large logs into more manageable pieces before the advent of excavators and front-end loaders in bush logging operations. A typical splitting gun used in Victorian forests was a piece of high-grade steel about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and about 16 inches long, and slightly tapered at one end. They had a ¾ inch hole drilled about 9 inches deep into the centre of the shaft with a small pilot hole drilled from the outside to load the fuse. The tube was carefully loaded with an amount of black gunpowder using a funnel and spoon. Experience being the guide on how much powder to use, which depended on log size, species and difficulty of splitting the wood. The hole was stopped with a piece of wadded paper and the gun positioned at the end of a length of the log to be split. The splitting gun was then belted into the log with a large wooden maul or even the back of an axe to a depth of about 3 to 4 inches. There were often markings as a guide. This also had the effect of tamping the black powder inside the gun. Preferably the gun was backed up by another large log to absorb the recoil shock and avoid it flying off in the bush somewhere. I have seen guns where a length of string and coloured flag could be attached to help find them. A length of fuse was then inserted in the small hole and lit. Kaboom !!!! Needless to say, the splitting gun was a dangerous implement.Log Splitting gun (large 45cm)forests commission victoria (fcv), hand tools

used at fire basecampsWood fire "copper" to heat water at basecampsforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, camping equipment