This photo was taken in the 1960s from a northeast position looking down towards Lake Sambell, the caravan park, and the surrounding area. This photo was taken during a period of rejuvenation for the lake area including the opening of the caravan park in 1959 and the swimming pool area in 1961 (this pool is just visible in the centre of the photo). The popularity of caravanning in Australia exploded during this post-war period of the late 1950s and 1960’s. This popularity was driven by multiple factors, including: the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was developed on the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. Funding for the project was raised by both competition funds and donations. Since the construction in 1928 several engineering issues have arisen. In 1939 the water levels were low, and the lake was considered both an eyesore and ‘mudhole’, Beechworth Shire Council sort funding to raise the height of the lake six feet to improve the quality of water. Throughout the 1940s the Beechworth Swimming Club tried to raise awareness and funds to address the structural engineering issues and improve swimming facilities at the lake. R.E. Carter, similar to L.H. Sambell, was a shire engineer who advocated the importance of positioning Beechworth as a tourist destination. Carter held the position from 1954-63 and organised many improvements to the Lake Sambell area including the caravan park in 1959, the lake swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased the lake surface are in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. This photograph is of historical significance as it documents Lake Sambell and the surrounding area in the 1960s after a phase of enhancements to improve the appearance and usability for both the people of Beechworth and tourists. It is also of social significance in providing an insight into the increase in leisure time and access to travel during a period of post-war prosperity.Black and white rectangle photograph printed on matte photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 1 / [logo KODAK/ VELOX/ PAPER] / C798 / 3535lake sambell, lake sambell caravan park, lake sambell swimming pool, caravan park, caravanning 1960s, rocky mountain mining company, l.h. sambell, r.e. carter, beechworth swimming club, forward beechworth committee, minister of lands, tourist development authority, lake swimming, swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, beechworth 1960s, lake sambell fishing, lake sambell boating

This photograph was taken in the 1960s of the Lake Sambell Swimming Pool with the lake itself in the background. The swimming pool area has multiple features including park benches, a water slide, and a fenced area with a diving pontoon for lap swimming and racing. Lake Sambell Swimming Pool was completed in 1961, driven largely by R.E. Carter, Beechworth shire engineer from 1954-63. Carter advocated for improvements to the lake and surrounding area in order to encourage tourism in Beechworth. The opening of the swimming pool was part of many improvements to Lake Sambell made during this period by Carter including establishing the caravan park in 1959, water skiing and boating facilities, and increasing the lake surface in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. For many decades, members of the local Beechworth community had advocated for the development of swimming pool at the lake that would include a safe wadding area and Olympic standard lanes for laps and races. Throughout the 1940s the Beechworth Swimming Club tried to raise awareness and funds to address the structural engineering issues, raise the water levels, and improve swimming facilities at the lake. Beechworth Swimming Club hosted a swimming carnival at the lake in 1948, but it was decided due to several issues at the event, that no further carnivals would be hosted until necessary improvements were made to the area. Swimming pools, both artificial and built into natural environments, were an extremely popular public space throughout the 20th century in Australia. Increasing in accessibility and popularity through such developments as less restrictive swimming outfits during 1920s, public building works during the 1920s and 30s, and an increase in leisure time during a period of post-war prosperity. This photograph is of historical significance as it documents the newly established Lake Sambell Swimming Pool in the 1960s after many decades of discussion and proposals around creating a safe swimming area at the lake. Further, this photograph provides important social insights into the facilities and uses of this pool in the 1960s, and underlines the significant role public swimming pools have played in Australian social and recreational experiences. Black and white rectangle photograph printed on photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 3537 / C798lake sambell swimming pool, lake sambell water slide, water slide 1960s, lake sambell pontoon, lake sambell 1960s, lake swimming pool, lake swimming, beechworth swimming club, swimming pools in the 20th century, r.e. carter, tourist development authority, beechworth 1960s, lake water slide, lake sambell, wadding pool, swimming, swimming pool 1960s, leisure, recreation 1960s

The original slab hut was built in 1872 as a family dwelling on a site about 3 km upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers about 40 kms from Orbost on the Yalmy Rd. No nails were used in the construction; it was all wired together. After a period in storage the Slab Ht was opened in its present location in Orbost as the Information Centre in 1987. This album documents an important event in Orbost.A photo album with a navy blue cardboard cover with gold embossing on the front and spine. It contains 32 photos of the 1997 10 year anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Slab Hut - the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. It also contains 3 postcards and 2 fridge magnets.slab-hut album orbost

This book was compiled by Margaret Smith a long time member of Orbost Historical Society and Slab Hut manager/volunteer.This book documents the education history of the Orbost district and is a useful research tool.The School Book - a display book containing the history and photographs of schools in the Orbost district from 1890 to 1959. The texts and photographs are in plastic sleeves.slab-hut orbost-education education schools

This item was used as a seal (stamp) on official Shire Council documents. The coat of arms of the Shire of Orbost was designed in the form of a cross in which five stars are depicted on a shield. A small crown above the cross indicates the loyalty of the president,councillors and ratepayers to the reigning monarch. The inner section of the shield contains 4 figures, a sheaf of wheat, a factory, a co and a ship - all representing the activities of agriculture, fishing,industry and dairying undertaken in the shire. Originally part of the Bairnsdale district, Orbost split away as part of the Tambo Shire in 1882, and became a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30th May,1892. The name was changed to the Shire of Orbost on 17th February, 1893. The Orbost Shire Council was abolished on 2nd December, 1994 as part of a state-wide program of local government reform to become part of the newly constituted East Gippsland Shire council.Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council.The former Orbost Shire Council Seal (stamp) depicting the coat of arms. The circular seal is brass and has a wooden handle with a bulb shaped top.President, Councillors and Ratepayers of the Shire of Orbost-1892orbost orbost-shire-council government history seal

These documents were compiled by the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) Committee.These documents are a useful reference item.A manila folder of ten documents. It contains reports of Orbost & District Tourist Association and of South East Coast Tourism Limited.tourism-orbost slab-hut

These documents were compiled for the WW1 exhibition held in Orbost in April 2015.These documents re a useful refeence tool.A red plastic folder containing "Teachers from the Orbost District Who served in World war 1". It contains research articles.ww1 teachers-orbost soldiers-orbost

These documents were compiled for the WW1 exhibition held in Orbost April 2015.These documents are a useful reference tool.A reed plastic folders containing research articles on five indigenous men from the Orbost district known to have served overseas in World War 1ww1 soldiers-indigenous

These documents were used in the WW1 exhibition held in Orbost April 2015.This item is a useful reference tool.A white ring binder with plastic sleeves containing information on the Orbost men who died during WW1, On the ront is a coloured photograph of David Young kneeling beside a gravestone.ww1 soldiers-orbost

This document was produced in 1989 for Orbost Shire Council. It ccovers the area s of Orbost, Mallacoota, Cann River and Newmerella and includes urban and non-urban areas.This document is a useful reference tool.A book with a brown front cover with a plastic over-sheet and plastic binding.On the cover are b/w drawings of rural landscapes, trees and the coast. It is titled SHIRE OF ORBOST PLANNING STUDY Part 1 Strategic Overviews, March 1989.orbost-planning

This booklet was compiled by Orbost Shire council in 1993. It contains addresses and phone numbers of community groups in the shire and includes Mallacoota, Bemm River, Marlo, Cann River and Orbost.I it also has population statistics from the 1991 census - 6562 or the Shire of Orbost.This booklet is a useful reference tool.A foolscap sized document of approximately 60 pp titled COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORY Shire of Orbost March 1993.It has a red cover with plastic binding. It contains addresses and phone numbers of community groups in the shire and includes Mallacoota, Bemm River, Marlo, Cann River and Orbost.I it also has population statistics from the 1991 census - 6562 or the Shire of Orbost.orbost-history community-groups-orbost-1993

The project team for this document comprised E. Beacham, T. Claridge, B. Ebbs, C. Wilso. and J. Cristofaro.This booklet is a useful refernce tool.A document of 86 pp, titled Far East Gippsland Tourism Strategy Study Interim Report October 1987. it has a cream cover and black binding with a b/w photograph of four people in a bushland setting. It contains fold-out maps.tourism-east-gippsland

This document was produced by the Department of Conservation, Forests & Land Management, Orbost, to commemorate the visit by Baldwin-Spencer in 1989 as part of the Bicentennial Walking Tracks Project. The Baldwin Spencer Trail closely follows the route of scientist and explorer William Baldwin Spencer. Sir Walter Baldwin Spencer KCMG (23 June 1860 – 14 July 1929) was an English-Australian biologist and anthropologist. this booklet is a useful reference tool.A document of 10 pp with a cream cover, titled, Baldwin Spencer Trail Project Brief Feb 1988. It contains mapsbaldwin-spencer

Established in 1971, the Land Conservation Council operated under the Land Conservation Council Act 1970. In July 1997, the Environment Conservation Council Act 1997 came into operation. This Act revoked the Land Conservation Council Act 1970 and abolished the Land Conservation Council. An Environment Conservation Council was established in its place. (ref. TROVE) This document is a useful reference tool.A document of 75 pp with a pale green cover and black print, titled Final Recommendations East Gippsland Study area. Land Conservation Council, Melbourne, March, 1977.land-conservation-east-gippsland

This document was produced for Orbost Shire Council to look at the repercussions of a pulp and paper mill proposal for the shire. in 1988 the Victorian government called for expressions of interest from companies to construct a pulp and paper mill in Victoria using the hardwood from East Gippsland.This document is a useful reference on the pulp and paper mill issue which caused much concern in the community and resulted in the formation of several new community groups.A plastic covered 99 pp document titled, A Pulp and Paper Mill in East Gippsland, Implications for Orbost Shire Council, June 1989. pulp-mill-orbost

This document was produced in 1989 by the Pulp Mill Women's awareness Group to inform the community and raise awareness of the pulp mill proposed for Orbost. Chair of the group was Heather Richardson and secretary was Beryl FearnleyThis document is a useful reference on the pulp and paper mill issue which caused much concern in the community and resulted in the formation of several new community groups.A 4 pp document with plastic binding. Document contains research on the proposed Orbost pulp mill.In top left corner -PULP AND PAPER MILL RESOURCE CENTREpulp-mill-orbost

This folder of articles was compiled by the Department of Land & Water Conservation / Forestry.This item is a useful reference tool on the pulp /paper mill proposed for East Gippsland.A small 8 pp folder of photocopied articles from the Snowy River Mail. They relate to the pulp/paper mill proposal in East Gippsland. pulp-mill-orbost

Foley, J. C. (James Charles) (1892-1967) , classified major droughts in Australia from the early period of European settlement to 1955 on the basis of rainfall analyses. This document is a useful reference tool.A 19 pp copy of a document titled DROUGHTS IN AUSTRALIA, Review of Records from Earliest Years of Settlement to 1955. It was compiled by the Bureau of Meteorology in September,1957. This section deals mostly with droughts in Victoria.Author J.C. Foleydrought-victoria foley-james-charles bureau-of-meteorology climate

These photocopied documents were used in the Orbost Secondary College Library. In the latter half of 1913 working bees, concerts, balls, sports carnivals and collections were held to raise funds before The Hospital Movement felt they were ready to ask The Public Health Department for plans for a suitable building (2000 -2500 pounds) for use as a permanent hospital in Orbost. A Hospital Committee was formed and despite several a major setback (the president died in November 2013), continued to hold many public events in order to raise the funds necessary. Orbost Hospital was officially opened in 1930. ( Read Margaret Holland's "Orbost Hospital: History, Personalities and Stories.) These documents are a useful research tool on the history of Orbost Regional Health.A stapled collection of photo-copied minutes from the fund-raising committee for the Orbost Hospital.orbost-hospital health-fund-raising

This item is a useful reference tool on the history of Indigenous People in East Gippsland and the Orbost district. A manilla folder with typed pages. On the cover is a label, "History of Aboriginal People of East Gippsland". On the inside cover is a letter addressed to the librarian at the Shire of Orbost Library. The letter is clipped to the inside of the folder.on front cover - a stamp -"Orbost Historical Society"aboriginal australians, gippsland aboriginal history, kurnai, brabawooloong peoples, tatungooloong peoples, krowathunkooloong peoples

This was used by Bonang Timbers at Waygara.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost men were employed at the Waygara mills.The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A lever arch folder containing records of timber production at Waygara Mill. Cover is a dark grey mottled cardboard.timber-industry-east-gippsland bonang-timbers

This folder of documents was created by Bonang Timbers at their Waygara mill.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. Many Orbost men worked at the Waygara timber mills. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A lever arch folder. The cover is a mottled dark grey colour. It contains copies of delivery dockets , called "Log Dockets", coming in to Bonang Timbers.on spine - label - "Log Cartage 1993"timber-industry-east-gippsland bonang-timbers

This licence is for James Massey Herbert.A small certificate in black / white print. It is a "Licence for Driver of a Motor Car + Cycle" for Jas M. Herbert. It is numbered 49232.licence-driving herbert-jas document

James Massey Herbert was born in 1891 and died in 1971. He was the son of Lancelot Herbert and Martha Rawling. He was married to Alma Young and his sons were Graham and Eric Herbert. ( info. from John Phillips) This certificate was a letter of introduction to be used when James Massey Herbert travelled overseas.The Herbert family is/was a prominent Orbost family. They were some of the early settlers in the district. This document reflects an era when oversea travel by Australians was just becoming more regulated and under bureaucratic control.A white paper "Certificate of Credential" for Mr James Massey Herbert. It is in black text with The coat of arms of the United Kingdom at the top. It has been signed by the premier of Victoria.Signed by the premier of Victoria, Harry Sutherland Lawson.certificate-credential herbert-james-massey

Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. He was the son of Hector Munro.Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. A collection of photocopied documents. The originals are from the writing desk of A.D. Munro ( Reg. 368).munro-archie dcouments

The Rising Sun Reef first opened, at Bonang in 1868.– at Goongerah Creek south west of Bonang. William Hunter (1893-1971), resident of Tatura and Mallacoota was a soldier, surveyor and amateur naturalist. This document is a useful research tool.Plans and application for the "Rising Sun Goldmine". Tery are on foolscap sized white paper with black text. hunter-william gold-mining rising-sun-goldmine bonang

Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. A. E. Rodwell was a wholesale and retail butcher in Nicholson Street (the main street), Orbost in the early 20th century.This document is a record of an early business in Orbost and reflects a time when accounts were hand-written. It is a useful research tool.Three accounts. One very yellow with block print and illustration of a bull in the top left hand corner. The other two are white with red lines and blue print. One has a blue receipt attached and a yellow duty stamp. They are from A.E. Rodwell, wholesale and retail butcher, to R. Cameron.document-accounts cameron-r.p. rodwell-a.e.-butcher

Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This document is an example of early book keeping records and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with black print and green lines for Luckin Bros, Cartage Conbtractors & General Carriers to R. Cameron. It is headed "Eastern Transport Services".on back left hand corner -"Cheque Corner......."luckins-bros-general-carriers account cameron-robert-pullar

These books were used by the Ladies' Auxiliary 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. One blue-covered folder containing inward correspondence. Three exercise books ( one blue and two red) and one red covered ledger book which contain minute of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Municipal Band.orbost-municipal-band correspondence documents

These documents were sent to Mr J. Ingram, 211 Nicholson Street, Orbost, Victoria from the Australian Rifle Club.A brown envelope containing two copies of a plan of the Orbost Rifle Range. There is also a memorandum of Agreement concerning the Orbost North Recreation Reserve. There is a letter from the Victorian Rifle association concerning the extension of the rifle range.orbost-rifle-club shooting rifle-range-orbost