A collection of 5 different instruction manuals for the Westinghouse Brake system for locomotives. They date from 1937 until 1963. The 3 green covered volume have a hardcover, but the red manuals are paperbackfictionThis training module was available to enginemen who had completed Modules 1 to 5 (1983 Scheme). The manual contained fault finding checklists and standard procedures to be carried out if faults occured. Every driver was required to be conversant with and follow the instructions. Enginemen issued with this manual had to carry it with them at all times when in charge of a diesel electric locomotive. vline safety, vline training, railways victoria

366 pages plus an index to regulations up tp page xxvii and blank pages for notesfictionThis training module was available to enginemen who had completed Modules 1 to 5 (1983 Scheme). The manual contained fault finding checklists and standard procedures to be carried out if faults occured. Every driver was required to be conversant with and follow the instructions. Enginemen issued with this manual had to carry it with them at all times when in charge of a diesel electric locomotive. vline safety, vline training, railways victoria

2 small booklets for instruction related to traffic control and signals, Both have paper covers, one on red paper and the other is pink. Each one is bound with staples along the centre fold and printed in black ink.fiction These manuals were printed by Victorian Railways in 1927 and 1969 and therefore document the changes in signalling systems over this time frame.vline training, railways victoria, railways signalling systems

A collection of Locomotive operation manuals. All are paperback and feature an image of the relevant locomotive on the cover. Relevant illustrations are included in each publication. Cover is of card and they are bound with staples.fictionThe manuals refer to the following locomotives:- Westrail L Class (November 1983) originally built by Clyde Engineering from 1967 for the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) for use on the Eastern Goldfields Railway between Perth and Kalgoorlie. In 1983, three were leased to V/Line to haul services on the standard gauge Melbourne to Albury line, sometimes extending through to Sydney.A class (January 1984) were initially used for "Intercity" passenger services within Victoria. In this service, they operated at speeds up towards 125 km/h. Later, they were also used for freight services.N class (September 1985) produced by Clyde Engineering and entered service in 1985 and still operating in 2023. 422 Class diesel-electric locomotives (August 1983), designed by Clyde Engineering were introduced in January 1969. Following crew training, the engines entered service on the Main Southern line between Sydney and Albury and the Illawarra line from Sydney to Port Kembla and Moss Vale. Among the passenger services they hauled were the Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress. From 1982, they began to operate through to Melbourne. This ceased in February 1990 when non-air-conditioned locomotives would no longer be accepted by Victorian drivers.railways victoria, diesel-electric locomotives

This plaque commemorates the official opening of an occasional child care centre and pre-school in South St, Wodonga in 1989 by the Governor of Victoria Dr. Davis McCaughey. With strong population growth in Wodonga community services had expanded rapidly throughout the 1980s. The first child minding centre had opened in 1975. BY 1987 Upper Murray Family Care provided full-day family day care and occasional care and there were also 2 private child care centres. By 1986 there were 350 full-time places and 75 part-time places, but pre-schools were unable to fill the demand for another 511 applicants. This new facility helped to ease a little of the problem. As well as the inscription included here, the name of the Mayor, all members of the Wodonga Council, City Engineer, Architect and Builder are listed on the plaque.This item illustrates an important development in the provision of pre-school and child care services in Wodonga.A bronze rectangular plaque with detailed inscription, designed to be attached to the wall of a building. There is a hole in each corner for bolts to be inserted. The text is raised above the surface of the plaque. It features the symbol of the shield of the Rural City of Wodonga in the top left corner.fiction"RURAL CITY OF WODONGA WODONGA OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE CENTRE AND SOUTH STREET PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. DAVIS MCCAUGHEY, A.C., GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA ON 9TH DAY OF MAY 1989child care facilities wodonga, children's services wodonga, pre-schools wodonga

A maroon coloured volume with black text including the title, brief outline of its purpose and publication date.fictionThis book aimed to provide information about how the best performance could be obtained from a locomotive. It provided knowledge about the construction of a locomotive and reasons for equipment provided in order to develop in engineman an appreciation of the machines of which they were in charge.vline training, railways victoria, operation of locomotives

A small booklet with a brown cover and a foreword section outlining the purpose of the publication. This copy has been covered in brown paper to protect the covered. The title has then been handwritten on the paper by the owner.fictionThis booklet was prepared by the executive committee of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen in order to assist its members to become proficient in the Rules and Regulations, Engine Working, Westinghouse Brake, and other subjects, which were essential for the proper performance of their daily duties, and to especially assist those who were preparing for examination for Driver's Certificate. It included a foreword written by W. C. H. COLLINS, General Secretary.vline safety, vline training, railways victoria, railway unions

2 booklets documenting Union regulations for railway employees, the 1979 publication on green paper and the 1987 publication on buff coloured paper. Both have staple binding on the spine.fictionThese handbooks document changes in industrial awards put in place to regulate the work conditions and safety in the railways. The 1979 Information Handbook was issued by the Central Council of Combined Railway Unions. The 1987 publication by the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen outlined the Locomotive Operating Grades Award as implemented by the Victorian State Transport Authority.vline safety, vline training, railways victoria, australian federated union of locomotive enginemen

2 small publications outlining changes to existing regulations. Both bear the logo of the Victorian Public Transport Corporation and are printed in black ink.fiction These booklets outline changes to regulations governing rules and operational procedures of Victorian Railways. The white booklet outlines Supplementary Rules and regulations Amendments for the operation of locomotive hauled driver only passenger trains in 1992. The pink booklet is a guide to the 1994 book of rules and operating procedures. It included major changes with respect to existing safe working policy so was a critical document issued to all staff to be read in conjunction with the full book of rules. vline safety, vline training, railways victoria, public transport corporation victoria

A large collection of Victorian Railways Newsletters dating from 1962 to the late 1980s. Each booklet is 19 pages a features a combination of articles, illustrations and news items.fictionThese booklets document development and news items from Victorian Railways from 1963 until the late 1980s. During this period the corporate name changed to VLine but the newsletter continued to be published as VLine Newsletter. The newsletter continues to be published for employees of VicRail in the 2020srailways victoria, railways newsletter

An 8 page leaflet printed on buff coloured paper with brown print. It includes 3 photos and an itinerary for the celebrations.fiction This item was written for the celebration of the centenary of the linking by rail of Victoria and New South Wales systems on June 14, 1883. It gives a brief history of the stages and stories surrounding the linking of the lines and the events which occurred in 1883. It also contains a programme of activities held in Albury and Wodonga as part of the celebrations a century later.vline safety, vline training, railways victoria

The Wodonga Pharmacy was opened on 8 September 1952 at 166 High Street, Wodonga by Albury chemist Mr. Arthur Fussell. The building had previously been Charlie Edmonson's white goods store. A year later it was acquired by Mr. Ken Moir who had moved from Shepparton, Victoria to manage the business. The original premises were sold so the business moved to 176 High Street in 1954. Ken Moir sold the business to Graham Crapp, Harold Dennis and Robert Wood 30 years later.This item represents a local business and contributes to documentation of the development of businesses in Wodonga.Black and white photo of old pharmacy building in Wodonga mounted on cardboard.fiction Along front of upper facade: "KODAK FILM / The WODONGA PHARMACY"wodonga pharmacy, arthur fussell, businesses wodonga

A publication of 34 pages produced by Environment Victoria Inc. It has brown cover featuring an image of a locomotive superimposed over an outline map of Victoria. It consists of 36 pages including appendices, references, a map of an Environment Victoria Enhanced Victorian Passenger Rail Network and a map of the Victoria's Regional and Rural Bus service.fiction This document is a response by Environment Victoria to the Fast Train Report. It advocates the establishment of an integrated transport approach in Victoria including the need for a Rural and Regional Planning Strategy to be developed in conjunction with the Metropolitan Strategyrailways environmental impact, victorian railways, environment victoria

A collection of replicas of survey maps acquired to build the Wodonga to Tallangatta Railway line. Each survey includes a diagram of a portion of the line showing survey measurements and details of the land which that portion of the line will run through. It also includes the name of the landowner from whom the necessary land was acquired.The first section of the Wodonga to Tallangatta line opened in 1889 and was further extended in 1891. It was a vital community link until the passenger service closed in September 1961. The last regular goods train on the line ran on 21st April 1978. These maps give detail of the surveying and building of the line.victorian railways, wodonga to tallangatta rail service

A stirrup pump is a portable reciprocating water pump used to extinguish or control small fires. It is operated by hand. The operator places a foot on a stirrup-like bracket at the bottom of the pump to hold the pump steady. The bottom of the suction cylinder was placed inside a bucket of water. Water was drawn by pumping the handle up and down to create suction. The pumps were used in a variety of settings to enable quick action if a small fire broke out. They were a vital tool in London during the Blitz of World War 11. On the local level they were also used for spraying fruit trees, plants and vines. The Crescent Tool Company was founded in 1907. The Crescent brand has changed ownership multiple times. It is currently owned by Apex Tool Group but still also trades as Crescent in Australia. This pump was donated by Geoff Williams of Wodonga and was used at "Orange Vale" farm at Oxley Flats near Wangaratta. "Orange Vale" was owned by Mr. Robert Williams. Widely known as "Uncle Bob". in the 1940s Mr. Williams opened up the family property, established in the 1860s, as a camp for young people from Wangaratta. By 1951, this had extended to catering to group camps for children from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 250 children could be accommodated at one time and as many as 3,000 children enjoyed the facilities each year.These pumps were important in fire fighting in a range of settings and were adapted for use in agricultural and small farm settings,A brass stirrup pump with wooden handle. It consists of 2 parallel brass pieces, one with a foot piece attached to keep the pump steady. The base of the pump is fitted with a pierced metal filter that prevents grit and debris being drawn into the pump and fouling it. 2 butterfly screws enable adjustment of height and securing a hose.crescent tools, orange vale, fire equipment

Historical information Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sar*gem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s, along with a new range of fashion jewellery, Affinity. This catalogue was produced by Sar*gem Pty Ltd in 1982As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the catalogue has local significance connected to the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery. A coloured catalogue promoting the Affinity Jewellery line released in 1982. The back cover features a fundraising campaign for the Guide Dog Association. Business contact details on the back cover use the company name "Sar*Gem Pty Ltd", Hume Highway Wodonga.sarah coventry, sarah coventry wodonga, sarah coventry affinity

A soft cover publication of 590 pages. The cover features several photos of people and places in Sunshine, The background of these cover photos is coloured in yellow and orange. The book includes photos and photo stories as well as extracts from newspapers, government archives and census records to document key developments and stories of hardships and achievements during a critical period of industrialisation and postwar migration to Australia. It includes bibliographical references and an index.non-fictionThis publication by the Sunshine & District Historical Society builds on an earlier publication "Harvester Town: The Making of Sunshine 1890-1925". It focuses on the post-war migration years when thousands of young immigrants settled in the new City of Sunshine, bought land, built homes, had families and worked in the area's important industries. It uses a range of primary resources including photos, photo stories, interviews and other documents to explain the challenges, achievements and issues faced in the development of "Multicultural Sunshine"multiculturalism australia, , sunshine victoria, postwar migration

Arthur Edward Stevenson enlisted on 17 September 1914 and served with the 14th Battalion of the AIF. He was killed in action at Gallipoli on 20 August 1915 at age 28. His personal effects of a belt, hairbrush, knife, postcards and photos were returned to his brother John in June 1916. Later that year, John Stevenson wrote to the Officer in Charge of base records, asking for confirmation of his brother’s death, as he had received a letter from Arthur dated 27 August 1915, seven days later than the date on which he was reportedly killed. The Army confirmed that Arthur had in fact died, and concluded that he had likely misdated his letter. In 1920, Arthur’s sister Rachel wrote to the Department of Defence, asking whether her brother’s grave had been located and again querying the date of his death. Later, she completed a form that was sent to next of kin seeking information on deceased soldiers for the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour. Arthur Stevenson’s death is recorded at the Lone Pine Memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Honour Certificates WW1 - From 1915 onwards, recruits in many shires and towns in eastern Australia were honoured by local government authorities. A common form of recognition was the award of honour certificates. The first honour certificates were presented in 1915 and 1916 to men who had yet to leave Australia. The designers and publishing companies solicited business directly from councils. Publishers began to print two different types of certificates: honour certificates to thank soldiers who had survived and memorial certificates to commemorate the dead. D.W. Paterson, a Melbourne publishing firm, claimed they had supplied certificates to over 150 cities and shires in Victoria and New South Wales, including the Shire of Wodonga. Paterson also had the widest range of designs The certificate signified that the officials of the community recognised and shared the family's pride and grief. The certificate was signed by S. T Parker, Shire President and R. H. Murphy, Council Secretary on 4th August 1919.This certificate is significant as it recognises service given to Australia by Arthur Edward Stevenson. Coloured certificate presented to the family of Arthur Ernest Stevenson by Wodonga Shire Council. The certificate is mounted behind glass in a wooden frame.gallipoli, world war 1, arthur edward stevenson

Tallangatta Butter Factory The Tallangatta Butter Factory and Creamery Co. Ltd was established as a co-operative with application for shares closing on 19 December 1891. It was registered in February 1892 and notified in the Victorian Government Gazette. It was one of the first north eastern Victoria dairy co-operatives. The Upper Murray and Mitta Herald on Thursday 23 March 1905 recorded that advice had been received of the sale in London of a shipment of 191 boxes of sent via India. The sale fetched a price at 105 shillings per cwt (hundredweight). When the township of Tallangatta was moved due to the raising of the Hume Weir in 1956, a new factory was built at the new location. It continued to operate until 1959 when it merged with the Kiewa Butter Factory to become the North Eastern Dairy Company. In 1985 this organisation was taken over by the Murray Goulburn Co-operative Eskdale Butter Company. After the selling of shares to form a co-operative, The Eskdale Butter Factory was officially opened on Saturday 26 November 1904. It closed after a merger with Murray Goulburn in 1969.This item is representative of the dairy industry in North East Victoria.2 wrappers for butter produced in North East Victoria by the Tallangatta Butter Factory and the Eskdale Butter Factory and Creamery. Both wrappers are a single sheet of folded paper with coloured images and logos.dairy industry victoria, tallangatta butter factory, eskdale butter factory

During the Victorian goldrushes of the 1850s thousands of Chinese migrants arrived to seek their fortunes. At that time many came to the lucrative gold fields of Northeast Victoria. After the Gold rush, many Chinese migrants returned home. However, a number settled in the area as merchants, hawkers and market gardeners in surrounding towns including Wodonga, the Ovens, King, Buffalo River and Kiewa Valleys. They also rented lands and established themselves in the hops and tobacco farming industries. Items of Chinese origin made their way into many households. Importation of Chinese mass produced items such as this lantern continued well into the 20th century and were common domestic items across Australia before households were connected to electricity.This item is representation of kerosene / paraffin lamps used throughout Australia to provide lighting inside and outdoors prior to the widespread availability of electricity.A small hurricane lamp with a rounded tank and small carry handle attached to the top. A larger handle is also attached at the top of the frame. It has a lever to open the glass tank. It has a metal base which is filled with kerosene. It has a screw knob to open the kerosene receptacle. The metal hood also has vents. The Chinese characters around the base translate to "Shanghai Guanghuaheng".Around base : Chinese characters. On top : "Made in China KWANG HWA"kerosene lamp, domestic appliances, chinese artefacts

A small booklet printed for celebrations to commemorate the centenary of the journey of Hume and Hovell, including maps and advertising.fictionThis souvenir was created as part of the celebrations to commemorate the journey of Hume and Hovell from New South Wales (Near Yass) to Port Phillip Bay, passing through the site of modern day Albury and Northeast Victoria.hume & hovell, hume & hovell centenary

A publication by the CFA giving detailed information, images, maps and photographs about the bush fires which blazed across Victoria and southern New South Wales from November 2019 until brought under control in February 2020.non-fictionThe 2019 - 2020 fire season, which became known as "Black SUmmer" was long and difficult for the CFA, emergency services and communities across the eastern seaboard of Australia, especially in northeastern and eastern Victoria. By its conclusion more than 8,200 CFA volunteers had contributed to the fire response in Victoria and another 2,288 CFA volunteers had been deployed interstate. THe bushfires burned 1.5 million hectares, destroyed more than 400 homes, 6,800 livestock and thousands of native animals. Tragically 5 people also lost their lives. The fires took their toll physically and psychologically.This book provides an insight into the challenges faced by so many in their efforts to protect communities and was produced as part of the recovery process from this horrific event.black summer bushfires, cfa volunteers, bushfires australia

During the Victorian goldrushes of the 1850s thousands of Chinese migrants arrived to seek their fortunes. At that time many came to the lucrative gold fields of Northeast Victoria. After the Gold rush, many Chinese migrants returned home. However, a number settled in the area as merchants, hawkers and market gardeners in surrounding towns including Wodonga, the Ovens, King, Buffalo River and Kiewa Valleys. They also rented lands and established themselves in the hops and tobacco farming industries. These spoons were found by Mr Robert Black when he was ploughing a paddock on his farm in Kergunyah, Victoria in the 1930s.2 small ceramic Chinese spoons. Spoon 1 has a clear light green glaze. Spoon 2 is decorated with a blue painted pattern.chinese immigration to victoria, chinese market gardens, chinese migration northeast victoria

The Australian Service Canteen Organisation operated from 1959 - 1979 and served troops throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam by providing services such as canteens, bulk stores, snack bars, news agencies and bank agencies. ASCO became the Army Air Force Canteen Service [AAFCANS] in 1979. This included provision of services in Army bases such as the barracks at Bandiana, Victoria outside of Wodonga. Noritake is a well-known producer of a wide range of merchandise including high quality, western-style dinnerware for export. On January 1, 1904 the Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd - the forerunner to the present Noritake Company - was formed in a small town near Nagoya, Japan. The maker's mark "Noritake N Japan" mark has been used since 1968.A china dinner plate bearing the logo of Australian Organization Services Canteens in gold paint. The maker's mark of Noritake Japan is printed underneath the plate.Logo - Australian Organization Services Canteens Maker's Mark - Noritake ® JAPANnoritake, australian services canteens, chinaware

Mr George Awburn Jr. arrived in Wodonga West with his parents by bullock dray when he was aged six years old. As a young man he went to Melbourne where he worked with the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company. He drove the first through tram from Abbotsford to Balaclava. On he return to Wodonga, Mr. Awburn opened a bakery and grocery business in Sydney St., Wodonga which he conducted up till the time of his death in 1946. He was active in community affairs in roles including being a foundation member of the Library Committee, a committeeman of the Town Band and football club, a member of the Hibernian Lodge and an ardent worker for the Roman Catholic Church. Johnson Bros. was founded by two brothers named Alfred and Frederick who purchased a pottery factory in Hanley, England, in 1883. They were grandsons of a renowned English potter, Alfred Meakin. They were later joined in the business by their brothers Henry and Robert. Their business grew rapidly, as they were one of the world's largest pottery factories by the turn of the 20th century. By 1970, Johnson Bros. obtained the Royal Charter to become the official provider of china for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. More than 1,300 patterns have been created throughout Johnson Brothers' history. Due to their growing success, manufacturing plants were established overseas including the establishment of a tableware factory, Johnson Brothers Australia in 1957 in Croydon, Victoria operated through a company known as Sovereign Pottery Ltd. Due to rising competition, Johnson Brothers became part of the Wedgewood Group in 1968. In 2015, following the acquisition of Wedgewood by Finnish company Fiskars, the Johnson Brothers branding was discontinued. The trademark on this bowl was used by Johnson Brothers between 1913 and 1942.This item originates from a well-known and respected Wodonga business.A round china plate imprinted with business name of G. Awburn Wodonga and Johnson Brothers on the back of the plate.On front: G. Awburn Caterer Wodonga On back: Hotelware / Johnson Bros/ Englandawburn family, wodonga businesses

The Grindley Hotel Ware Co Ltd was located in Stoke-on-Trent, England with its business name being registered in May 1908. The product name "Duraline" came into use c1933. From 1932 ware was marked with the month and year of manufacture. Thus the numbers 5-54 underneath this item indicate that it was manufactured in May 1954. Mr. Loftus Henry Moran, born in Winchelsea, Victoria, was well-known in the tea trade, originally working with Griffiths Bros Ltd. He started his own business, Loftus Moran Pty Ltd in 1909. Loftus Moran's company imported chinaware from Britain and sold it into the Australian market. They specialised in supplying to hotels, businesses and institutions.This item is representative of chinaware used throughout hospitality venues and public institutions throughout Australia.A white ceramic bowl bearing a red emblem of Victorian Railways. The mark of the maker Grindley Hotel Ware and the Victorian supplier, Loftus & Moran Pty, Ltd is underneath the bowl.On front: Victorian Railways On Back: "DURALINE" /SUPER VITRIFIED/ GRINDLEY HOTELWARE CO./ ENGLAND LOFTUS MORAN PTY. LTD. / MELBOURNE 5 - 54duraline, victorian railways, grindley hotel ware

A publication relating the history of mining at Bethanga in Northeast Victoria, the miners and semi-itinerant workers, who came to the area in the 1870s in search of a fortune and the community they created. Thus publication of 222 pages includes text, images, maps and a detailed index.non-fictionThe town of Bethanga is located in the mountainous north-east of Victoria, near the Murray River. In the 1870s miners and itinerant workers came to the area to seek their fortunes.This history of Bethanga, covering the period from 1875 to 1912, tells the story of these people and the community they created. gold mining bethanga, miners victoria, history of bethanga

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. These lighters are part of his collection of memorabilia and artefacts.These items belonged to a respected member of the Wodonga community.A collection of 4 different cigarette lighters made from metal alloys. The brass lighter has a black cloth pouch.On long cylindrical lighters: Unicorn INT Made in China and Safety Instructions On silver lighter: An Appreciations from Stuart's Shepparton On brass lighter: Peter Jackson Brass No/ 6cigarette lighters, les cole

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023.These patches belonged to a local Wodonga resident who was instrumental in establishing the Wodonga SES.A collection of cloth and embroidery uniform patches worn on the uniform of Leslie Cole who was a founding and long-term member of the Wodonga State Emergency Service. Oval badges all bear the Southern Cross and a crownAround oval badges: VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE On epaulettes: COMMUNICATIONS / L. COLEstate emergency service, wodonga ses

Leslie William Cole was born in January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an aircraft mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honor. In retirement he also worked as a volunteer community driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. This item represents Mr. Cole's service during World War 11.This item is significant as it represents the service of a respected Wodonga resident during World War 11.This item includes a cloth patch of the crest of the 6th Squadron RAAF as well as a printed menu from the Passing out dinner for fitters held at the Federal Hotel Melbourne. It has been autographed by the attendees acknowledged at this function.On the Insignia 6 SQUADRON ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE / NOUS REVIENDRONS (WE WILL RETURN) 6th squadron raaf, military service ww11