The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of the last passenger train at Barker Railway Station in 1952. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Last train at Barker Station / 1 August 1952"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of the last passenger train at Barker Railway Station in 1952. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Barker Station / August 1952"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of the entrance to Kew Station from Denmark Street in 1952. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society.kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of Kew Railway Station, looking south to Barker Station. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society.kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of the Hawthorn Grove crossing, August 1952. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society.kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, hawthorn grove -- hawthorn (vic.), railway crossings

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of a seven carriage train approaching Barker Railway Station. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Seven Carriage Train at Barker Station"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of a train leaving Kew Station with the Xavier Chapel on the hill in the background, hence the ironic title provided by the photographer. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Farewell to 'Our Lady of Fatima'. Xavier College 22/4/51"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, xavier college, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot looking along cutting towards Barker Station 22/4/51. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Looking along cutting towards Barker Station 22/4/51"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of the last passenger train at Kew Railway Station in 1952. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."The last train at Kew Station, August 1952"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of how the Kew Branch Line was allowed to run down. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society.kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), barker railway station, kew branch line

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of Kew Railway Station inMay 1950. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Kew Railway Station, May 1950"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

The Kew railway was opened in 1887, and diverged from the main (Box Hill–Lilydale) line about half-way between Hawthorn and Glenferrie. From the point of divergence the line was slightly less than one mile long, and it had only one intermediate station — Barker. There were four road over-bridges and two level crossings, including one over the busy Barkers Road. The line supported a passenger and goods service, and was electrified in December 1922, at the same time as the main line to Box Hill. There were a number of peak hour services which ran from Flinders Street station (Melbourne) to Kew, but in 1938 all but one of these were diverted to the Ashburton line, where traffic was growing. This had an adverse effect on Kew traffic, as passengers from Kew needed to cross over a footbridge at Hawthorn to change trains, and the main line trains were usually already crowded by the time they reached Hawthorn. At about the same time the off-peak trains were replaced by road buses. In 1952 all passenger trains were withdrawn, but the road bus service continued for many years. Goods trains were finally withdrawn in 1957, and the railway was dismantled in 1958-59. (Source: Frank Stamford, 'The Hawthorn - Kew Railway')Small black and white snapshot of Kew Railway Station in 1950. The photograph, one of 12, is part of a larger album of newspaper clippings, timetables, tickets and photos relating to the Kew Railway Line, taken and compiled by Lachlan Richardson, while a resident of Kew. The album dates from the 1950s. The album is part of a larger subject file on the Kew Line, compiled over time by members of the Kew Historical Society."Kew Station / 14/51 / 22/4/51 F5"kew railway line, transport -- railways -- kew (vic.), kew branch line, kew railway station

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.34; ‘The Punt, Echuca’; Albumen silver photograph | Photo on card with Title and Description on reverse | Mounted 24 x 30 cm; Photo 12 x 17 cm.On Reverse: ‘The subject of this illustration is the principal crossing-place on the River Murray at Echuca, as regards the ordinary road traffic from the district of Riverina, New South Wales. After the periodical floods, the Punt is found to be insufficient for the large traffic; but this inconvenience will not be found to occur again to any great extent, as the new Railway Bridge from Moama will considerably lessen the road traffic through the Township of Echuca.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), echuca (vic), landscape photography

The railway viaduct linking Kew and Fairfield was created for the Outer Circle railway.Railway viaduct, Yarra River, linking Kew and Fairfield. Built by John Monash for the Outer Circle Railway. In 1930 converted into the Chandler Highway Bridge for vehicular traffic. The point-of-view of the photograph shows Kew in the distance. Annotations on reverse: "Outer Circle Railway Bridge (now Chandler Highway) Fairfield-Kew, about 1919. Property of Miss Foley.outer circle railway, railway viaduct (kew), john monash

Railway viaduct, Yarra River, linking Kew and Fairfield. Built by John Monash for the Outer Circle Railway. In 1930 converted into the Chandler Highway Bridge for vehicular traffic. Annotations on reverse: "KH-71. Outer Circle Railway Bridge (over Yarra) looking from Kew side to site of Paper Mills, Alphington.outer circle railway, railway viaduct (kew), john monash, chandler highway bridge

The single span bluestone bridge is on the Calder Highway at the base of Corkscrew Hill between Gap Road and the town of Gisborne. In the early 1990s the highway was widened and dual carriageways constructed, as a result the traffic no longer travelled along the winding Corkscrew Hill road. The bridge still stands between the two carriageways. A black and white photograph with a cream border of a single arched stone bridge spanning a watercourse. Small bushes are growing in the foreground and there are some buildings dotted across the hill in the middle distance.bridges, corkscrew hill, calder highway

On 17th December 1985 record torrential rain fell in Sunbury, which flooded the main Melbourne Bendigo rail line and disrupted traffic. The photograph is looking to the north of the station and takes in the historic Macedon Street bridge and the open ground with the storage silo on the west side of the railway line. A coloured photograph of a former V Line train stopped at a station where the railway line has been flooded. A storage silo occupies vac ant ground adjacent to the railway line.sunbury railway station, storage silos, horne street

The people in the horse and cart are driving their vehicle over the original Macedon Road bridge which spans the Jacksons Creek in Sunbury. In the 1970s the road was diverted to take out the downhill bend at the approach to the bridge and a newer bridge was built close to the original one, which now takes pedestrian traffic.The original Macedon Street bridge is one of five heritage bridges in Sunbury. Two of them are built along Macedon Street and the other three are along the railway line.A sepia photograph in post card format of two people in a horse and cart going over a bridge with trees on each side of them.macedon street bridge, jacksons creek, sunbury

This bridge was built in 1902, replacing a previous structure that crossed the Moyne River from 1857 and linked Belfast with Belfast East, as the two areas of Port Fairy were then known. Prior to that, passage over the river was via a ford (an underwater stone track that allowed wagons to cross when the river was low) located just north of where the current car bridge stands. The present bridge survived the great flood of 1946, but has been the subject of innumerable patch-up jobs over its 114 years. In 2012, the bridge underwent a detailed structural assessment and was given the OK for the next eight to 10 years, notwithstanding the need for regular maintenance works. At the time, it was estimated a new bridge would cost between $2-3 million. It was extensively refurbished in 2016Sole means for traffic to cross to the east side of Port FairyBlack and white photographMoyne River Port Fairyriver, moyne, bridge, road

Photograph hand tinted of the Moyne river road bridge taken from Gipps Street showing house on the far bank on the right side taken for use as a PostcardMoyne Bridgemoyne bridge 1910, moyne river, traffic, gipps street

Circa 1902Black and white photograph of the Moyne river road bridge with no traffic taken for use as a PostcardMoyne River, Port Fairy - No23moyne bridge, circa 1900's, moyne river, bridge, road

Moyne river bridge photograph taken in 1956 showing Blakes caravan park in backgroundColoured landscape of the Moyne River bridge taken from the balcony of the house (Riverside) on the corner of Regent Street and Gipps street From Tom Bartlett's Gipps Street looking East over bridge 1956bridge, moyne river, traffic, gipps street

New Bridge over River Moyne Port Fairy East 1902Black and white photograph view of new bridge over the river Moyne taken in 1902New Bridge over River Moyne Port Fairy East 1902 (handwritten) Mr G.W.Scott C.E.Engineer. .......Watts Riordan Contractorsbridge, river, moyne, river moyne, traffic

Post card of the Moyne River BridgeBlack and white photograph of the Moyne river and Bridgehe Rose Series P. 10810 The Moyne River and Bridge, Port Fairybridge, moyne river, traffic, road

Family standing on Moyne River bridgeBlack and white family photograph bridge, moyne river, famiily, children, mother, traffic, car

"The Melton Viaduct, opened in 1886, is of State heritage significance as a very large and visually distinctive wrought iron, lattice girder trestle bridge over the Werribee River (now Melton Reservoir). It comprises 18.3 and 9.1 metre spans, in a generally alternate arrangement, of total length 375 metres, and standing 38 metres over the Werribee River. Wrought iron small section iron was used to build tension trussed trestle legs, which supported four lines of rivetted wrought-iron deck-type double lattice trusses. It has bluestone abutments and pier bases of coursed rock-faced bluestone with drafted margins. The larger half-piers, now usually submerged in the Melton Reservoir have sharp tapered cutwaters and curved coping at the tops. While designed to carry two rail tracks it has only ever been used as a single track line. Despite several alterations to its deck structure, it remains an outstanding example of a lighter structural design employing open metal trestle supports and metal truss girders. The direct Melbourne to Ballarat railway link of which the Melton viaduct was the major engineering work contributed significantly to the history and development of Victoria. This new link reflected Ballarat’s diversifying economy as well as the commercial and political influence of the metropolis. Construction of the bridge, and the associated large workers camp, were extensively photographed, documenting an important episode in local history. The railway enabled the development of new industries in the Melton area, notably the timber industry and a chaff industry of national importance, greatly facilitated the later transition of the Shire from a pastoral to a farming economy, and struck a major blow to Melton township’s era as a wayside town servicing Ballarat road (especially coach) traffic". Melton Railway Bridge being built across the Werribee Rivertransport

Eldest daughter of Edna and Bon Barrie, born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Memoirs of Wendy Barrie, recalling the early formative years of life in Melton: In 1949 I started school at Melton State School no 430 and was driven the 2½ miles to there by my parents at first. Later we walked home in the afternoons or were picked up by car as we made our way home along the Western Highway. In 1956 I went to Bacchus Marsh High School. There were 4 students in grade 6 and 3 of us went to the High School. The students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School as far a fifth form. My parents drove me to the pick up point and during the five years of travel to High School. The bus travelled via Toolern Vale and later went through Exford and through Parwan. On the return journey in the afternoon the bus went in the reverse direction. The bridge at Exford was an old narrow wooden one, and the students had to get off the bus and walk across, with the driver crossing in the empty bus for safety reasons. There was a travelling allowance paid to parents and it was estimated from the distance the crow flies, a straight line. We lived a Ferris Lane, just where the Harness Racing entrance is now situated about 2 ½ miles by road to school too close to qualify for the subsidy. While at State School Melton we would walk home in a group with the Nixon and Gillespie children, along the main road over the bridge near the Shire Offices and down a hill. I was being dinked on Joyce Gillespie’s bike while holding onto the seat, toppled off the bike striking my chin and teeth on the bitumen and cracking my jaw. I was about 9 years old and stayed a couple of days in the Quamby Hospital in Bacchus Marsh, it seemed like and eternity at the time and quite traumatic being separated from my family. I can remember contemplating how I could get out of the window and run away but realised it was too far to walk home. Often we would cut across the Common on our way home from school picking up stray golf balls and collecting them from the creek when it dried out. We were warned about not accepting lifts from strangers passing along the Melbourne/ Ballarat Road. The only danger we faced was being swooped by the magpies particularly on the open ground on the Common. We were also fairly cautious when the Gypsies camped on the Common in the area just about opposite the small reservoir. “Mum” grandma Myers loved to have us call in on our way home, and usually would cut a slice of Jongebloed’s bread and spread it with home made butter. Sometimes we waited there until we were collected by car, usually driven by our mother. Margaret Nixon and Joyce Gillespie were a few grades ahead of me and Barbara Nixon was born just two months earlier than me. Our mothers were great friends for over 6o years, born in the same month three years apart. They lived within a few days of the same age as each other at the time their deaths. Dad and George Nixon attended Melton school at the same time. Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and my grandfather Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. The Nixon family lived in Keilor Road just past the Toolern Creek near the turnoff. Tom and Ann Collins lived on the southern side of the Western highway and Keilor road intersection. Jim and Ruby Gillespie’s house was further long Keilor road on the right. They backed onto the Myers who lived on the north side of Western Highway east of Myers Gully (Ryans Creek). The Bridge over the Toolern Creek as very narrow and as truck traffic increased there were accidents. One truck took out the side railing and plunged upside down into the bank and into the shallow water. Another fatal accident happened between a car and a truck right in front of the Myers house. Grandfather Fred had been a bike rider all his life, as far as the Riverina in his younger years, wryly made the comment about the drivers the speeding along the Ballarat Road were setting out to kill themselves. The road was busy particularly after the Races at Ballarat when the crowds were hurrying home to Melbourne. Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. During my third year of teacher training I travelled to Flinders Street to RMIT for ceramics classes and Grattan St Teachers College located in the grounds of Melbourne University. There were many teachers being trained at the Secondary Teachers College due to the baby bulge creating a great shortage of teachers. Sunshine High School was very well represented amongst the different courses in Primary, Secondary and Art and Crafts. I attended Melbourne University lectures, studying a Fine Art subject. Bernard Smith was the most notable of the lecturers. he replaced Professor Joseph Bourke who had taken leave for the years. In 1962 he published the art book “Australian Painting”. The secondary art and craft student teachers from the College were in the majority, taking this subject and were well regarded due to their practical art and craft methods and their teaching round experience. In December 1964 I graduated as a Trained Secondary Teacher – Art and Crafts. The graduating ceremony was held at Wilson Hall. I received my appointment to work at Maryborough High School. Uncle Max and Aunty Rosemary Myers arranged my accommodation. Uncle Max was a teacher at the Maryborough Technical School fat the time. The appointment was suddenly changed when just before the school year was about to start when I received notification that I was now required to move to Warracknabeal High School. I was subject to a bond for the three years of training and three years of teaching and was under an obligation to comply with the directive of the Education Department. My father stood as guarantor when I was accepted as student at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, thus enabling me to receive my teacher training, and a 5 pounds a week allowance for expenses. After teaching for two years at Warracknabeal High School I was fortunate enough the gain a transfer to Sunshine West High School, returning to live at home in Melton and travelling by car to work with a fellow colleague, Jock Smith who lived at Station road Melton. I completed bond obligation and resigned at the end of the year. The employment regulations at that time did not allow the option of leave of absence for, indefinite overseas travel. I returned to Australia in October 1969. Visiting Arthur Hart the Principal of Sunshine High School he arranged with the Education Department for my re-employment at Sunshine High School until the end of the year. In 1970 I was transferred, and returned to Sunshine West High School where I worked for the next three years. In January 1968 I sailed on the “Oriana” to South Hampton with two teaching friends from Warracknabeal High School on a travelling and working holiday. Doreen Kiely, a former Bacchus Marsh High student and fellow train traveller from Bacchus Marsh, was already working in London, had arranged our accommodation at the London Travellers Club Hotel, Braham Gardens, Earls Court SW5. We based our stay at this address in London and travelled around Scotland, Ireland and England. In the summer we took a four month trip around the Continent and the Mediterranean. I registered with The Royal Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames as a Supply teacher, and worked at Chessington School form autumn to spring the following year and living with Mrs Rose Gillies at Kinross Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. In the spring of 1969 visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland joining an organised camping group to the Artic Circle, entered Russia at Leningrad (St Petersburg) Moscow, Minsk, to Poland and Czechoslovakia. In August returning to Worcester Park for the flight to Montreal to stay with cousin Lynette and husband Jurgen. A side trip was taken to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York. The flight home from Montreal to Melbourne took 52 hours. A ½ day break in Vancouver before boarding the Qantas boeing 707 via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Sydney to Melbourne. Around the world in 21 months. Photographs of Wendy local identities

Greensborough bridge caption reads: "This fine old bluestone bridge was built in the 1860s to carry increasing traffic to the gold fields and farms to the north. The stonemason was James Neave McKenzie. In more recent years this magnificent stone structure had to be replaced by a more modern bridge."From the John Davidson collection.Photograph in black plastic frame with typed caption on matte.john davidson, mckenzie bridge, greensborough, blue stone bridge