Showing 1894 items
matching floods
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Moorabbin Air Museum
Article (Item) - Photocopy of article called Operation Haylift - flood relief work at Tamworth in 1950
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Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Painting - oil on linen, Victoria Reichelt, Flood 3, 2014
oil on linencardboard box, paper, water, documents, painting, victoria reichelt, fragile, photorealist, archive -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Map, MMBW, MMBW Town of Kew, 1910-21
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 the Town of Kew, created after 1910, at a scale 440 ft to 1 inch. The 'assembled' map by the City of Kew Engineer's Department includes scaled down copies of The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works maps, Nos. 39, 40, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, and 117. The map covers the entirety of the Town of Kew, bordered on its north and west by the River Yarra, by Burke Road 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. TOWN OF KEW / SCALE 400 FEET TO 1 INCHmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, town of kew, cartography -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Map, MMBW, MMBW Plan No.39 Kew & Heidelberg, 1900-1910
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 -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Map, MMBW, MMBW Plan No.65 Kew & Heidelberg, 1900-1910
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 central part of Kew, bordered on its north by Malmsbury Street, in the west by Florence Avenue, in the south by Barkers Road, and in the east by Princess Street. 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. 65 / KEW & HEIDELBERGmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Map, MMBW, MMBW Plan No.66 Kew, 1900-1910
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 eastern part of Kew, bordered on its north by Adeney Avenue, in the west by Sackville Street, in the south by Barkers Road, and in the east by 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 were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 66 / KEW melbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Map, MMBW, MMBW Plan No.67 Kew, 1900-1910
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 on its north by the Outer Circle Railway Spruzen and Beresford Avenues, in the west by Princess Street, in the south by High Street, and in the east by (about) Belford 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 were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 67 / KEW melbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Yarra in Flood - Belford & Kilby Farms, 1903
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 -
Heidelberg Theatre Company Inc..
Articles, Before the flood by A. A. Milne directed by Eric Donnison
1968, 119, city of heidelberg repertory group, heidelberg theatre company inc, director eric donnison, royal south street competitions (ballarat) 1968, winner director -
City of Warrnambool Rowing Club
Flyer
Redevelopment notice of the City of Warrnambool Rowing Club - the club flooded annually for 3-4 months a year (since being built in 1996) and in 2017 the Club raised the floor level -so it no longer floods. To celebrate the Club hosted a 'shed opening' for the donors and community. Funding: Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation $30,000, Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation $4,000, City of Warrnambool Rowing Club $13,000.A4 invitationcity of warrnambool rowing club, boatshed devevelopment, warrnambool rowing, warrnambool, rowing, gwen and edna jones foundation, ray and joyce uebergang foundation -
Gippsland Art Gallery
Painting, Piggott, Owen, Flooding Light, 2008
Donated from the estate of the artist, 2016Oil on canvasgippsland, artwork, permanent collection -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting, 'Murray River Flood Plain', by David Alexander, 2004
David ALEXANDERFramed watercolour landscape depicting water in the foreground and mountains in the mid-ground.Signed and dated in ink lower left "DA Alexander '04"art, artist, david alexander, murray river, gippsland campus, landscape, watercolour, churchill -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Magazine - Newsletter, Richard Patterson, Port Fairy Post, May 2020
An amalgamation of articles pertaining to the history of Port Fairy/BelfastA 4 - 12 to 14 page coloured newsletter produced for the Port Fairy Historical Society includes photosnon-fictionAn amalgamation of articles pertaining to the history of Port Fairy/Belfastnewsletter, magazine, sparrow family, 1946 floods, memorial, robert ireland, wemyss thomson, george nelson thomson, tsunami, goose lagoon, frederick william ramsay, annie ada armitage, father patrick dunne, father william shinnick, dr goold, plague, the sarah’s log, captain lewis grant, crossword -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, G. Bell & Sons, By flood and field : adventures ashore and afloat in North Australia, 1912
Factual account of life in the Northern Territory in the late 19th century; - 1st section - Authors adventures as a shipwrecked mariner at Wark Aboriginal Settlement and Port Essington; 2nd section - Detailed narrative of the authors work & explorations as a customs official and as a patrol police officer, stationed at Port Darwin; Description of Malays and their trading ventures by proas; Relations between Malays and Aborigines employment of latter in collecting, trepangs, pearls, tortoise-shells - physical and cultural influences (e.g. intermixture, and language) feuds and murders; Notes on food gathering and hunting (use of wommera) - tracking - corroborrees settling of disputes by simulated fighting - group murder and guilt rites (Malays and Chinese), canoes decorated - Maria Is. sacred burial ground qualities of Aborigines; noted; Intertribal fighting - Woolna tribe against local Darwin Aborigines; Cannibalism at Limba Luchumbo - King River; Contact between Aborigines and settlers, ranging from extreme cruelty to great friendships; Aboriginal girls stolen for domestic work causing trouble; Further accounts of Chinese - opium & gold smuggling; Search for Dylompo - Groote Eylandt unsuccessful.Ill, p.327.non-fictionFactual account of life in the Northern Territory in the late 19th century; - 1st section - Authors adventures as a shipwrecked mariner at Wark Aboriginal Settlement and Port Essington; 2nd section - Detailed narrative of the authors work & explorations as a customs official and as a patrol police officer, stationed at Port Darwin; Description of Malays and their trading ventures by proas; Relations between Malays and Aborigines employment of latter in collecting, trepangs, pearls, tortoise-shells - physical and cultural influences (e.g. intermixture, and language) feuds and murders; Notes on food gathering and hunting (use of wommera) - tracking - corroborrees settling of disputes by simulated fighting - group murder and guilt rites (Malays and Chinese), canoes decorated - Maria Is. sacred burial ground qualities of Aborigines; noted; Intertribal fighting - Woolna tribe against local Darwin Aborigines; Cannibalism at Limba Luchumbo - King River; Contact between Aborigines and settlers, ranging from extreme cruelty to great friendships; Aboriginal girls stolen for domestic work causing trouble; Further accounts of Chinese - opium & gold smuggling; Search for Dylompo - Groote Eylandt unsuccessful. northern australia - description and travel, northern australia - economic relations -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Rudyard Kipling, The day's work, 1899
A collection of twelve stories ranging from the tale of a British engineer obsessed with saving his bridge from destruction by the flooding River Ganges, to the tale of an inconspicuous boat which mysteriously disappears on the high seas.p.406.fictionA collection of twelve stories ranging from the tale of a British engineer obsessed with saving his bridge from destruction by the flooding River Ganges, to the tale of an inconspicuous boat which mysteriously disappears on the high seas. england - fiction, england - short stories -
Wonga Park Community Cottage History Group
Work on paper - Newspaper cutting, Wonga Park: 30 Sep 1981 Ringwood Croydon Mail: "Flood is Off" re Proposed Brushy Creek Drainage Scheme
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City of Whittlesea Art Collection
Painting - Gouache on Saunders Paper on board, John Borrack, Basalt Flood Plain, Mernda, 1990
Like Purple Plain, Mernda and Mernda Heat Haze this painting was a further development from aspects of the Basalt Plains series of the 1990's as seen in Mernda Plains Landscape. This picture has a greater minimalist quality about it, having been painted in the studio during a particularly wet spring when some of the surrounding flats were indented by channels of water. Greens are not a colour harmony I work with often, but here help convey the essence of the seasonal landscape. A much more formal structure has been emphasized in this picture in which atmospheric space has been almost negated in favour of a much shallower field of colour and two dimensional surface rhythm, an actual effect one can sometimes see under certain conditions of nature, particularly in a flat country. I have always had some respect for one or two of the better colour field painters of America in the 1950's and 1960's who actually untilzed expressive broad bands of colour harmonies in their work, but didn't classify them as landscape paintings. My own feelings on the subject are to avoid the clinical precision that such an approach can bring, and thus indicate some actual reference to landscape in a work, a horizon, however subtle, or marks indicating actual forms that give some scale to the work. I suppose the idea first occurred to me when I saw J. M. W. Turner's wonderful painting, Evening Star, in the National Gallery in London many years ago. In this work a few bands of mysterious colour and exquisite harmonies with one or two references to figure, sand, sea and sky, transmogrify everything into a magical unity. It serves as a revelatory example of how all art is dependent on abstract qualities and how great artists like Turner are able to conceal those qualities without lapsing into a forced mannerism.Part of the John and Gillian Borrack Federation Bequest, donated to the City of Whittlesea in December 2001 by Gillian and John BorrackJohn Borrack '90mernda -
Mordialloc College Alumni Association Inc (MCAA)
Correspondence document, 1934 Flood of the school - correspondence from Headmaster Mr McCully to the Education Department, 03/12/1934
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Mordialloc College Alumni Association Inc (MCAA)
Photograph, 1984 Flooding of Pine Crescent, Aspendale, 1984
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Mordialloc College Alumni Association Inc (MCAA)
Photograph, 1984 - Flooding of Pine Crescent, Aspendale, 1984
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Mordialloc College Alumni Association Inc (MCAA)
Photograph, 1984 Flooding of Pine Crescent, Aspendale, 1984
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Mordialloc College Alumni Association Inc (MCAA)
Photograph, 1984 - Flooding of Pine Crescent, Aspendale, 1984
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Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - The Mitchells of Whiteford, Paul Mitchell, 2020
"Whiteford is a mystical place. A small farm in north-east Victoria, rising from the rich flats of the Mitta Mitta River a few kilometres upstream from its confluence with the mighty Murray River. Taken up in 1879 from the large Bethanga run, Whiteford was home to the Mitchell family until it was flooded by the Hume Weir around 1934. Through this collection of family photos and small stories, we might glimpse something of family and farming in the fertile Mitta Mitta Valley before it was flooded by the Hume Weir" - Paul Mitchell, author.A family history of the Mitchell family of Whiteford, Victoria. This publication includes stories and many black and white images of the Mitchell family and their home."Whiteford is a mystical place. A small farm in north-east Victoria, rising from the rich flats of the Mitta Mitta River a few kilometres upstream from its confluence with the mighty Murray River. Taken up in 1879 from the large Bethanga run, Whiteford was home to the Mitchell family until it was flooded by the Hume Weir around 1934. Through this collection of family photos and small stories, we might glimpse something of family and farming in the fertile Mitta Mitta Valley before it was flooded by the Hume Weir" - Paul Mitchell, author.mitta mitta history, mitchell family history, whiteford mitta mitta valley -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Murray River Flood Management Study December 1986 - Summary Report, Rural Water Commission of Victoria
This publication is the Summary Report of a study of the management of water resources and management of the Murray River. It was jointly commission by the Rural Water Commission of Victoria and the Water Resources Commission of New South Wales. The Rural Water Commission of Victoria was established in 1984. The Commission was renamed in 1992, becoming the Rural Water Corporation. The Water Resources Commission of NSW was constituted in 1976. The Water Administration Act, 1986 abolished the Water Resources Commission replacing it with the Department of Water Resources on 1 January 1987.non-fictionThis publication is the Summary Report of a study of the management of water resources and management of the Murray River. It was jointly commission by the Rural Water Commission of Victoria and the Water Resources Commission of New South Wales. The Rural Water Commission of Victoria was established in 1984. The Commission was renamed in 1992, becoming the Rural Water Corporation. The Water Resources Commission of NSW was constituted in 1976. The Water Administration Act, 1986 abolished the Water Resources Commission replacing it with the Department of Water Resources on 1 January 1987. floodplain management -- murray river, water resources -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Hume and Dartmouth Dams : Operations Review Final Report and Recommendations, Hume and Dartmouth Dams Operations Review Reference Panel, May 1999
During 1997 and 1998, the Hume and Dartmouth Dams Operations Review Reference Panel has undertaken a broadly based review of the way in which these two major water storages were operated. The Panel’s terms of reference were essentially to consider how the operating rules might be amended to better address the competing objectives of water supply, environmental enhancement and flood mitigation. This report includes summaries of feedback considered by the reference panel as well as its final recommendations.non-fictionDuring 1997 and 1998, the Hume and Dartmouth Dams Operations Review Reference Panel has undertaken a broadly based review of the way in which these two major water storages were operated. The Panel’s terms of reference were essentially to consider how the operating rules might be amended to better address the competing objectives of water supply, environmental enhancement and flood mitigation. This report includes summaries of feedback considered by the reference panel as well as its final recommendations.hume reservoir nsw, dartmouth dam victoria, water management -
Victorian Harness Racing Heritage Collection at Lord's Raceway Bendigo
Document - Record, Harness Horse, Rising Flood
Stephen Spark compiled horses performance records starting in 1983 on his typewriter. Rising Flood raced from 1959 (2yo) through to 1967 (10yo). Career: 36 wins 20 seconds 19 thirds 116 starts.Typed document in black and red ink.harness racing, australasian harness racing, horse career, performance records, bendigo harness racing club, bhrc, rising flood, bh clarke, sv rothacker -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Colour, 29 January 1993
Bonbeach, Carrum and Patterson Lakes are suburbs in the City of Kingston. Bonbeach and Carrum were holiday destinations in early 20th century and over time the housing has converted to permanent residential structures. In Patterson Lakes, the area consists predominantly of newer housing developments and the tidal canal system which is accessible to many dwellings joins Port Phillip Bay.Bonbeach, Carrum and Patterson Lakes were previously part of the extensive Carrum Carrum Swamp. The area was once a source of fish and eels for the Mayone-Bulluk clan of the Bunurong people. Over time the area was drained and this allowed farming at Carrum and Bonbeach, although the area was prone to flooding. In the early 1920s and 30s the land was converted to residential dwellings. In 1973 investigations commenced nearby to Bonbeach and Carrum into the development of a unique residential area comprising canals and waterways. It was originally proposed to be known as "Gladesville". Circa 1974, the area was rezoned from rural to residential and named Patterson Lakes. Development has been continuous since the 1970s with staged construction of the waterways, residential housing, and supporting infrastructure and facilities.Laminated colour aerial photograph of the Bonbeach, Carrum and Patterson Lakes region within City of Kingston. This 1993 image includes Bonbeach High School prior to demolition, Bonbeach Primary School and Patterson River Golf Club. Sections of Patterson Lakes are not yet developed, including Rhode and Staten Islands. Long Island Point appears to be a recent development with many spare blocks and new houses under construction. The Patterson River marina is prominent and the river mouth as it meets Port Phillip Bay. The Carrum railway station is visible.Black type on white adhesive sticker: No. 6661 Black type on white adhesive sticker: 26E/6661, 29/1/93, 4.25 pm Black type on white adhesive sticker 29-1-93 Yellow circular adhesive stickerbonbeach, carrum, patterson lakes, patterson river, carrum carrum swamp, canals and waterways -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book, Murrell, Shirley, The sin flood, 1954
190 p.fictionfiction -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Nick Anchen, Iron Roads in the Outback, 2017
The Iron Roads of the Australian Outback - the legendary Commonwealth Railways were built through some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. They were railways like no other, where men and women battled extreme temperatures, flash floods and maddening isolation to keep the trains running. This publication is the culmination of 25 years of Outback exploration, research, photography and interviews by author Nick Anchen. The result is a diverse book which brings to life both the beauty and harshness of the Australian Outback, through a collection of fascinating and historic images, along with the memories of former Commonwealth Railways employees. Following an introductory chapter on the vastness and grandeur of the Australian interior - highlighted by the memoirs of 1950s flying doctor Macarthur Job - the book delves into the story of the Central Australia Railway. This was the line built through the 'back of beyond' - the forbidding desert country of South Australia and the Northern Territory. It was here that operators of famous trains such as The Ghan battled searing heat, dust storms and raging floodwaters to keep the trains running. The chapter includes stories by well known Ghan conductor 'Aspro' Lyons, and 'Piano Playing Chef' Paddy Greenfield - along with enginemen Wolf Markowski and John Theel, both of whom worked trains on this famous railway. The story of the North Australia Railway - 'The Line to Nowhere' - is the tale of a ramshackle railway which came alive during the dark days of World War II. The memoirs of wartime engineman Jim Prentice are eye opening, as are the hair raising accounts of surviving Tropical Cyclone Tracy, as told by rolling stock foreman Bill Donaldson. The Trans-Australian Railway was built across one of the harshest and loneliest environments on Earth - the vast Nullarbor Plain. Stories from enginemen Jack Slattery and Ron Howrie, along with Nullarbor resident and roadmaster's wife Cathy Beek, tell not only of the rudimentary living conditions and maddening isolation, but of the great camaraderie amongst the railway people who kept trains such as the Trans-Australian and the Tea and Sugar running. As well as examining the ruins and relics from the long-closed CR narrow gauge lines, the book also includes a chapter on the much-loved Pichi Richi Railway - the last surviving portion of that great Transcontinental Railway dream from another age.ill, maps, p.208.non-fictionThe Iron Roads of the Australian Outback - the legendary Commonwealth Railways were built through some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. They were railways like no other, where men and women battled extreme temperatures, flash floods and maddening isolation to keep the trains running. This publication is the culmination of 25 years of Outback exploration, research, photography and interviews by author Nick Anchen. The result is a diverse book which brings to life both the beauty and harshness of the Australian Outback, through a collection of fascinating and historic images, along with the memories of former Commonwealth Railways employees. Following an introductory chapter on the vastness and grandeur of the Australian interior - highlighted by the memoirs of 1950s flying doctor Macarthur Job - the book delves into the story of the Central Australia Railway. This was the line built through the 'back of beyond' - the forbidding desert country of South Australia and the Northern Territory. It was here that operators of famous trains such as The Ghan battled searing heat, dust storms and raging floodwaters to keep the trains running. The chapter includes stories by well known Ghan conductor 'Aspro' Lyons, and 'Piano Playing Chef' Paddy Greenfield - along with enginemen Wolf Markowski and John Theel, both of whom worked trains on this famous railway. The story of the North Australia Railway - 'The Line to Nowhere' - is the tale of a ramshackle railway which came alive during the dark days of World War II. The memoirs of wartime engineman Jim Prentice are eye opening, as are the hair raising accounts of surviving Tropical Cyclone Tracy, as told by rolling stock foreman Bill Donaldson. The Trans-Australian Railway was built across one of the harshest and loneliest environments on Earth - the vast Nullarbor Plain. Stories from enginemen Jack Slattery and Ron Howrie, along with Nullarbor resident and roadmaster's wife Cathy Beek, tell not only of the rudimentary living conditions and maddening isolation, but of the great camaraderie amongst the railway people who kept trains such as the Trans-Australian and the Tea and Sugar running. As well as examining the ruins and relics from the long-closed CR narrow gauge lines, the book also includes a chapter on the much-loved Pichi Richi Railway - the last surviving portion of that great Transcontinental Railway dream from another age. commonwealth railways (australia) -- history., central australia railway -- history. -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Fitch (Ronald John), Australian Railwaymen - From Cadet Engineer to Railways Commissioner, 2006
"Ron Fitch was born in 1910 into a railway family. He began his career as a 16-year-old engineering cadet and completed it, 46 years later, having worked at various times for two state railways and the Commonwealth, as Commissioner of South Australian Railways. In this book Fitch gives a vivid account not only of his career but of the camaraderie of the greater railway community, often experienced in the most trying of conditions. Fitch gives an account of laying track and the remarkable breed of men who do so, of advances in line-building techniques, of derailments and floods and washaways, of wrangles over attempts to implement standard gauge, of the politics of railways. In 2002 when 92 Fitch earned recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records when his thesis on South Australian railways made him the World's oldest recipient of a PhD."--Jacket.index, ill, maps, p.248.non-fiction"Ron Fitch was born in 1910 into a railway family. He began his career as a 16-year-old engineering cadet and completed it, 46 years later, having worked at various times for two state railways and the Commonwealth, as Commissioner of South Australian Railways. In this book Fitch gives a vivid account not only of his career but of the camaraderie of the greater railway community, often experienced in the most trying of conditions. Fitch gives an account of laying track and the remarkable breed of men who do so, of advances in line-building techniques, of derailments and floods and washaways, of wrangles over attempts to implement standard gauge, of the politics of railways. In 2002 when 92 Fitch earned recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records when his thesis on South Australian railways made him the World's oldest recipient of a PhD."--Jacket.fitch, r. j. (ronald john), 1910-, railroad engineers -- australia -- .biography