This book was compiled to celebrate the centenary of secondary education in Orbost. It was launched on Saturday April 28 2012 as part of the centenary celebrations. Compiler of the book, John Phillips, was a teacher at Orbost Secondary College for a period of 34 years from 1966-1999.This is a usefeul reference item.This publication is a bound soft-covered book of 150 pages with a loose sheet insert depicting the Centenary Garden gate, the 2012 Roll Call of Students and the 2012 College captains.On front cover -"A Centenary of Secondary Education at Orbost - 1912-201. Orbost Higher Elementary School 1912-1947 ; Orbost High School 1948-1989 ; Orbost Secondary College 1990-2012book education orbost-seecondary-college

Three clippings from two articles from an unnamed newspaper dated 1922, stuck to a single A4 pageThese clippings deal with the campaign by the local council to establish a higher elementary school, or high school, in the Ringwood area. The committee had been appointed and they had secured a site of 7 ½ acres about 54 chains from the railway station. It was proposed that the Council strike a rate of 3d in the pound for 4 years to meet the majority of the building expenses. The expected growth of Ringwood's population, aided by the railway access, and the almost universal agreement by the residents that a higher school is necessary, are positive signs that the plans will come to fruition in the near future. (The Ringwood High School was opened in 1954).

A photograph of the earliest "Back to"/reunion for Orbost Higher Elementary School/Orbost Secondary College.The photo is of ex pupils who were at the school when it was first opened in 1912.People in the photo are Dorice Napier (1st L), J.Irvine,? Cumming, Lexie Nixon, Ila Cowell, Arthur Reynolds, Annie Nixon, Dorothy Cameron, Nina Johnston and Pear Napier(nee Cumming -4th L)It is of Historical significance because apparently it is a photo of the earliest "back to/reunion" for Orbost Secondary College.It is of Social Significance because it is a photograph of people who attended Orbost Secondary School.A black and white photograph of nine ladies and one man standing around a table with a large two- tiered cake on it with candles around the base.Hand written on back, hard to read and some words crossed out- "Earliest Pupils H.E.S.1912.Arthur-Reynolds Nina-Johnston/D.Napier J.Irvine ? Cumming- Lexie Nixon/Ila Cowell/Annie Nixon/Dorothy Cameron,"education-orbost orbost-high-school

View looking west towards the Eltham High School circa 1939 from what is now the present day oval on Bell Street. The school was officially opened in October 1928 at which point there were no trees or shrubs in front. This glass plate negative was used to manufacture postcards (1:1 printing) for commercial sale by the Rose Sterograph Company and its subsidiaries. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This remarkable collection of glass plate negatives, transparencies, and postcards – arguably Australia’s most significant photography collection outside of public hands – has been passed down through the generations, surviving war, relocation, and the harsh Victorian climate. The historic Rose Stereograph collection is the culmination of George Rose’s dream of capturing and preserving precious moments in time and remains the legacy of the Rose and Cutts families. It is with great sadness that the Cutts family says goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. The Cutts family understands that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship.Glass Plate Negative Size: 9.1 x 13.9 cmEltham Higher Elementary School, Valentine Series No. 3194, Copyrighteltham, postcard, travel, rose stereograph company, valentine series postcard, glass plate negative, eltham high school, eltham higher elementary school, peter and elizabeth pidgeon collection

During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department of Education for the establishment of a Higher Elementary School in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost Higher Elementary School supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. Higher Elementary schools took in students whose parents desired a higher level of education than the completion of Grade 6. Higher elementary classes were added to existing primary schools and were the forerunners of high schools.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This photograph is representative of its history.A black . white photograph of a large group of students in uniform in front of a school building - "Orbost Higher Elementary school". There are four rows of students.on back - M. Gilbert

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

This is the fourth edition (2025) of a well respected collection of stories of the early Orbost district. The 1st edition was produced in 1972 (stories collected by Mary Gilbert). This updated fourth edition builds on the previous 3 editions by adding photographs and obituaries and where possible corrections have been made. This item is significant because it tells the stories of early Orbost settlements, families and personalities from 1870's c.1940'sBook with light brown covered card board with two black and white photos, one oval and the other rectangle which has an inscription, Nicholson Street Orbost-approximately 1890. 202 pagesFourth Edition 2025. Orbost and District Society PO Box 284 Orbost Vic. 3888orbost, mary gilbert, early orbost history, book

In 1893, a group of Orbost farmers formed together to initiate the Orbost Butter Factory. The first factory was built in Lochiel Street and was a wooden building. In 1916, a new building was constructed on Forest Road. This was a more substantial brick building which had its own power source. Electric power, mainly for lighting was supplied to the developing township of Orbost by the Butter Factory. This docket is an invoice for the supply of power to the household or business of C. Tomlinson in 1952. The Butter Factory power was the only power to Orbost prior to the 1962 when S E C power came to Orbost. An invoice from a major business in Orbost which supplied power to the town for the first 50 years of the 20th Century. A laminated copy of an invoice from Orbost Butter & Produce Co Ltd. Black print on white paper. Telephone 88 if supply defective Orbost Butter & Produce Co Ltd To Mrs C Tomlinson, 2 May 1952. Lighting15/- Power 5/3 Meter rent 1/- Account rendered 6/13/3orbost, electric power, orbost butter factory, c tomlinson

This was possibly produced for an open day in the centenary year. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of the Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. This is a useful reference tool.Two stapled pages of printed information. On the front page is the logo of Orbost Shire Council. There is information on the role of the Shire Councillors for 1992/93. It has a map of the council building.orbost-shire-council

In 1860 Smeaton residents appealed for funds to establish a school. Patrick Curtain, and his co-workers raised more than £150 plus a land grant (Allot A, Sect 2, Township of Smeaton). Head Teacher John Forbes, with assistant Zillah North, opened a timber school building which measured 36ftx18ft (11.0x5.5m) on 1 September 1861 with 44 children. Rising enrolment to 65 in 1868 made building alterations necessary. During 1870-1 a residence of four rooms was supplied and in October 1882 a 20ftx18ft (6.1x5.5m) classroom. In 1907 a new brick building accommodated 122 children. Among notable ex-pupils are Major-General Bridgeford, Frank Wright ( Musical Director of the London County Council), Alex Wright, (AKA singer Andre Navarre), and Les Brooks. (Visions and Realisations). Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born in 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. He was the youngest of eleven children. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was appointed in 1934 as the Musical Director of the London County Council (the GLC or Greater London Council), where he organized many amazing concerts in most of the 150 parks, in and around the London district. He was also responsible for some of London’s major concerts at Kenwood, the Crystal Palace and Holland Park. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and Conducting and was a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. Frank was awarded an M.B.E. in 1967 and he died in November 1970. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Cream printed certificate with hand written additions.Handwritten additions in caps: This is to Certify that FRANK J.H. WRIGHT has completed satisfactorily the Course of Study prescribed for Elementary Schools. Dated at SMEATON Elementary School, No. 552 this 23RD day of NOV. A.D. 1915 Class-teacher's name: DAVID WALTON Head-teacher's name: DAVID WALTON Robt STEPHENSON Inspector of Schools frank wright, smeaton state school, victorian education department elementary certificate

This is a 50 year (Golden Jubilee) report of the Orbost & District Hospital and is a record of an important event for the Orbost District. The hospital was founded in 1930 after many years of lobbying and fundraising by local people. This booklet contains the names of senior staff and office bearers in 1980. This item is significant because it is a brief record of the first 50 years of the Orbost & District Hospital. It also contains the names of the staff, and office bearers from 1980.This 19 page booklet has a cream cover with black printing on the top section of the cover. The bottom section has a large b/w photograph of buildings and cars. ORBOST AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL GOLDEN JUBILEE REPORT 1930-1980medical services, orbost hospital, golden jubilee

Badge issued to students of Eltham Higher Elementary School in celebration of the opening of the school building in 1928eltham higher elementary school, school badge, 1928, badge, button

Carrol Preston has used newspaper references from 1877 through to 1917, to document the history of the Orbost - Bairnsdael railway line.. It starts with the lobbying and jockeying, and moves through to the opening in 1916. The title is a reference to plans to further extend the railway beyond Orbost - but "The Iron Horse stopped at Orbost Railway Station". Most articles are from the Snowy River Mail and Bairnsdale Advertiser. All newspaper articles are dated and sourced. About 1912 work began at Newmerella on clearing the track for the railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost. A canvas town sprang up on the higher land adjacent to the river flats. Local farmers supplied meat, milk and fresh produce to the camp, as well as gaining employment carting and labouring. The line opened in 1916, the Orbost railway station being built on the Newmerella side of the river.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber industries. This book has been compiled by a local historian. A spiral bound book titled, "The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station". The cover is blue / green with the title in black and red print. Underneath is a railway track leading to the bottom of the page. The book is 110 pages, A4 size and contains maps and photos. in black print on cover - "The Iron Horse Stopped at Orbost Railway Station ; The newspaper story of the eventual construction of the ORBOST RAILWAY LINE (in red print); Compiled and produced by CARROL PRESTON (in white print)railway-transport orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway

This photograph was taken from Grandview overlooking the Orbost flats.A black/white photograph in a frame. The frame has a stand. The frame is card padded over a metal frame. It is covered in plastic. The photograph is of the Orbost flats with the river and the town in the background.in white - "Orbost From "Grandview"grandview orbost-flats photograph

Red photo album of combined Higher Education and TAFE Graduation ceremony, 2001higher education, tafe, photograph album, graduation, kathy freeman, david caro, kerry cox, vicki williamson

This was the official program for the 1963 Back To Orbost Celebrations. 2194.4 is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection.This is a locally produced book useful for reference.Four copies of a 16 pp page book with a white cover, black print, titled Back To Orbost Celebrations 1963. Friday 8 March 1963 Saturday 16 March 1963.Stamped on front cover - Orbost Historical Societyorbost-history celebrations reunions

This is the program of a major country music event held at Newmerella /Orbost on Sunday 12th January 1986. It has been collected and donated by Elaine Brogan who attended this festival. This festival started in the early 1980's and was held annually.This item is significant because it details a major musical event in the 1980's32 page paper booklet, cover is black lettering on white background, drawing of a logo on top left of cover. StapledOFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAMME (COMPLIMENTARY) 5TH ANNUAL SNOWY RIVER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL ORBOST LIONS CLUB SUNDAY JANUARY 12TH 1986 at NEWMERELLA RECREATION RESERVEmusic festival, orbost, country music festival

The 1Tambo & Orbost Times was published between 1887 and 1903. It later became the Bruthen and Tambo Times. This item is a useful reference for the early history of East Gippsland.A double spread folded newspaper. Tambo & Orbost Times. It is dated November 10 1888. This newspaper has been laminated.newspaper-tambo-orbost-times

Oral histories as told to the Grade 6 children of Orbost North Primary School in 1988 Project funded by Country Education Contains interviews of: Mrs Florence Sheills (nee McDonald); Mrs Lily White (nee Wickham); Mrs Gladys Matthews (nee Fox); Mr Jim Holden; Mrs Marj. Henderson (Smith); Mrs Alice Slatter (nee Gibbs); Mrs Edith Emily Hughes (nee Courtnage); Mr Gordon Malcolm Farmer This item is significant because it tells stories of local histories. A thin paper back, stapled, cream cover, black print black and white 44 page bookletEARLY DAYS ORAL HISTORIES as told to the Grade 6 children ORBOST NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL 1988oral history, orbost, grade 6, orbost north primary school

2228.1 belonged to Ruth Legge. 2228.2 belonged to Mary Gilbert. This book was produced as a souvenir history of Orbost Primary School. The Orbost State School opened on 19th of March 1886 .The school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond. The first head teacher was HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school then had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. The head teacher then was Leslie Collins. Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon over­taxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. This book is a useful research resource.Two copies of a yellow paper book book. On the front cover is a sketch of some trees beneath the title which is in green print ( these are the school colours) . This is a souvenir record of the history of Orbost Primary School.2228.1 has autographs on the back fly.orbost-primary-school book orbost-history

Produced in the interest of tourism for the visitor to Orbost and district by Orbost and District Tourist Association in conjunction with Golden Fleece Petroleum.This item is a useful reference tool.A four fold white and yellow pamphlet with black print. On the front is the title -"Orbost and Surrounding Area". There are labelled illustrations of fish above a list of towns. There are description of self-drive tours in the area and a map on the back.pamphlet tourism-orbost

The Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights and in 1929 the band played at the official opening of the Buchan Caves, by Sir Albert Lind. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A plastic pocket containing cheque butts, credit books and account books. All contain hand-written details and relate to the Orbost Municipal Band.On front covers - "ORBOST MUNICIPAL BAND" in black pen. orbost-municipal-band

This booklet was a fundraiser and produced in 1977 for the Orbost Primary School Mothers Club. It was collected by Margaret Owen who was a school teacher at the school at the time.This item is significant because it was produced as a fundraiser in 1977 for Orbost Primary SchoolSmall green coloured book of 108 pages, stapled on left hand side, cover has white printing, with a white boarder with a stylised drawing of a cooking potORBOST PRIMARY SCHOOL, MOTHERS CLUB. Selected Recipes. Inside front cover is Meg Owen, Newmerellaeducation, orbost primary school, cookery

Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. an The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A black vinyl case with a carry handle. It contains documents relating to the Orbost Municipal Band - financial reports in ledgers and exercise books; cheque books and deposit books from the Commonwealth Bank; receipt books; invoices; receipts; submissions; quotes; and five cheque book stubs.labelled Orbost Municipal Bandorbost-municipal-band accounts book-keeping

Sepia photograph showing businesses on both sides of Nicholson Street Orbost VictoriaOrbost H. S.agriculture

The Orbost area was once a large bean growing area as the fertile snowy River flats produced good quality beans. It was exported to other states of Australia. Green beans were sent to Melbourne by train and later to Sydney, either via Bombala where they were railed, or to Eden to continue the journey on fish trucks. One pound per bag was considered a good price in the early 1920's and pickers were paid one shilling and six pence. Ref: Newmerella Valley of PlentyThis stationery is significant because it was specially made for the seed bean industry which was a major industry in the Orbost district for the first half of the 20th century. .1 - 2 letterheads for Orbost Beans and Grains on white paper. .2 - a buff coloured envelope for Orbost Beans and Grains Co-Operative LtdOrbost Beans and Grains Co-operative Ltd (incorporating Gippsland Bean Cleaners)stationery correspondence orbost-beans envelope letterhead