This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including the railway bridges adjacent to the Orbost Railway Station at Newmerella (Orbost). This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on railway infrastructure at Orbost/Newmerella.A b/w photo of a part of a railway bridge (viaduct) on the left hand side, along with piles of debris and a man operating machinery to the right of the photo. A pond of water is also evident, along with paddocks and hills in the background.In black print written on to the bottom of the photo: '1971 flood debris along railway viaduct'.orbost, orbost railway viaduct, flood damage 1971

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including the railway bridges adjacent to the Orbost Railway Station at Newmerella (Orbost). This photo appears to show a workman or assessor, perhaps from the Railways, near a section of railway line which has been undermined by the flood. This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on railway infrastructure at Orbost/Newmerella.A b/w photo showing a man walking near a section of railway line suspended over water. Written in black ink underneath the photo: 1971 flood, railway line suspended over washawayorbost, orbost railways, flood damage 1971

Flood 1971, damage to Mc Gurk's fencing on Calder Highway.B/W photo of flood water & damage to McGurk's fence on Calder Highway in 1971 flood.calder highway, charlton, floods

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including the Orbost Railway Station yards at Newmerella (Orbost). This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on railway infrastructure at Orbost/Newmerella.Two b/w photos of 1971 flood damage at the railway station yards at Orbost. 2731.1 shows a huge amount of debris and upheaval of wagons, railway lines etc. A large crane is in the background, along with poles. 2731.2 shows debris and some sections of railway line, also parts of wagons. Written below both photos: '1971 flood, railway yards, Orbost'.orbost, orbost railway, 1971 flood damage

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) These newspapers are contemporary records of a significant local event.Four newspapers relating to the floods in 1971. They contain news articles and photographs of the floods in Orbost in early 1971. 2556.1 is the Weekly Times dated 3.3.1971 and has an orange cover. 2556.2 is a Snowy River Mail dated 17.2.1971. 2556.3 is a Snowy River Mail dated 10.2.1971. 2556.4 is a Snowy River Mail dated 3.3.1971.floods-orbost-1971 snowy-river-mail weekly-times newspapers

The 1971 floods at Orbost were the worst on record. At Jarrahmond the river rose to a height of 11 metres and on the flats spread to one and a half kilometres wide. Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)These newspapers are contemporary records of a significant local event.Four newspapers and a set of clippings from various papers. They contain information and photographs pertaining to the 1971 floods in Orbost. 2557.1 is a Sun News Pictorial dated 8.2.1971. 2557.2 is a Snowy River Mail dated 10.2.1971. 2557.3 is an east Gippsland News dated 12.2.1971. 2557.4 is a Snowy River mail dated 12.2.1971 and 2557.5 is a collection of various clippings.floods-orbost-1971 newspaper snowy-river-mail sun-news-pictorial

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of a significant event in Orbost history.A collection of black/white newspaper clippings relating to the 1978 flood in Orbost. Some are original articles. others are photo-copies. They appear to be from the Snowy River Mail newspaper.floods-orbost-1978 newspaper-articles

Construction of the new concrete bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road, Eltham, c.May 1926. Viewed from northern approach looking east, the access drive running off Antoinette Boulevard parallel to Main Road is visible as well as the power lines that used to run in front of Eltham Park (Eltham Lower Park). Also visible is a tree situated beside the roadway. It is believed this is the same tree that remains today as a dead tree trunk immediately adjacent to the road verge armco near the corner of Antoinette Boulevard. The original long suspension bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road at Eltham collapsed during flooding of the Diamond Creek on October 13 and 14, 1923. The original bridge was built around 1840 for the coach road when Cobb & Co.'s coach was the only conveyance between Eltham and Melbourne. Widespread damage was done in Melbourne and surrounding areas by floods resulting from the overflow of the Yarra at many points along its banks. A temporary bridge rigged up was severely damaged by the flooding of the creek and was closed to vehicular traffic in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was constructed to replace it and by May 1926 all the concrete piles and abutments had been completed. The bridge was finally completed and opened for traffic in September 1926, almost three years after it initially collapsed.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Photo print 9 x 12.5 cmshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, bridge, diamond creek (creek), eltham south, main road bridge, wingrove park, antoinette boulevard, significant tree, cement mixer, bridge construction

Construction of the new concrete bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road, Eltham, c.May 1926. Viewed from northern approach looking south east towards Eltham Park (Eltham Lower Park), showing the power lines that used to run in front of the park. The original long suspension bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road at Eltham collapsed during flooding of the Diamond Creek on October 13 and 14, 1923. The original bridge was built around 1840 for the coach road when Cobb & Co.'s coach was the only conveyance between Eltham and Melbourne. Widespread damage was done in Melbourne and surrounding areas by floods resulting from the overflow of the Yarra at many points along its banks. A temporary bridge rigged up was severely damaged by the flooding of the creek and was closed to vehicular traffic in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was constructed to replace it and by May 1926 all the concrete piles and abutments had been completed. The bridge was finally completed and opened for traffic in September 1926, almost three years after it initially collapsed.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, bridge, bridge construction, cement mixer, diamond creek (creek), eltham, eltham lower park, eltham south, main road bridge

Construction of the new concrete bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road, Eltham, c.May 1926. Viewed from present day Wingrove Park. The original long suspension bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road at Eltham collapsed during flooding of the Diamond Creek on October 13 and 14, 1923. The original bridge was built around 1840 for the coach road when Cobb & Co.'s coach was the only conveyance between Eltham and Melbourne. Widespread damage was done in Melbourne and surrounding areas by floods resulting from the overflow of the Yarra at many points along its banks. A temporary bridge rigged up was severely damaged by the flooding of the creek and was closed to vehicular traffic in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was constructed to replace it and by May 1926 all the concrete piles and abutments had been completed. The bridge was finally completed and opened for traffic in September 1926, almost three years after it initially collapsed.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Print 9 x 12.5 cmshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, eltham lower park, main road bridge, eltham south, bridge, diamond creek (creek), wingrove park, bridge construction

This photograph was taken near the Snowy River Bridge on the the old Princes Highway in Orbost, near the caravan park. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. Floods have been an integral part of Orbost's history for hundreds of years.A black / white photograph of debris, fallen power lines, a tree across the highway and floodwaters across the road.on front at bottom - handwritten in upper case print - " 1971 FLOOD PRINCES HIGHWAY NEAR SNOWY BRIDGE"floods-orbost-1971

This photograph is an aerial view of the township of Orbost taken by the Bairnsdale Advertiser newspaper. It was taken from the northern end of the town. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of Orbost,A black / white aerial photograph of a township with floodwaters in the background.on back - "Note main current through the lagoon 1971."orbost-floods-1971 bairnsdale-advertiser orbost-township

After the damage from the February 1971 floods at Orbost when the abutment to the Snowy River road bridge was washed away a Bailey bridge, portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge, was put into place to ensure town access, the C.R.B. rebuilt the approach to the bridge driving new piles and constructing the Bailey bridge. They worked late into the night under flood lights to ensure the link from the Orbost township to the Princes Freeway would be open to traffic as soon as possible.These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost.Three black / white photographs of a Bailey bridge being erected across a river. 3245.1 and 3245.2 are the same. bailey-bridge orbost-snowy-river-bridge bridge-orbost

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater. These photographs are pictorial records of the 1971 floods which was a significant event in the history of Orbost. They are also associated with the East Gippsland Railway.Three black / white photographs of flood debris and flood waters near a railway line. 3102.l has a pile driver 3102.2 shows a gap in the viaduct and 3102.3 shows men with a tractor cleaning up the debris,3102.1 - on back - "1971 FLOOD REPAIRS TO ORBOST RAILWAY VIADUCT - 15th February 1971. Donated by Audrey Van Den Berg VRH 3693" 3102.2 - on back - " DAMAGE TO RAILWAY VIADUCT ACCUMULATED DEBRIS" 3102.3 - on back - "DAMAGE TO RAILWAY VIADUCT AT ORBOST. CLEAN UP BEGINS"orbost-flood-1971 orbost-viaduct-flood-damage orbost-railway

These articles were compiled by Mary Gilbert who was the first curator of the Orbost Museum and a prominent historian / teacher in Orbost. The 1971 floods at Orbost were the worst on record. At Jarrahmond the river rose to a height of 11 metres and on the flats spread to one and a half kilometres wide. Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)These articles are contemporary records of a significant historical event in Orbost.A manila folder containing black / white newspaper clippings from various publishers. They all relate to the 1971 floods in Orbost. (Details of contents in catalogue 735-900)floods-orbost-1971

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century. This paper is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost's history of flooding.A newspaper, Snowy River Mail, which contains black / white photographs of the 1978 floods in Orbost.orbost-floods-1978

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater. This train was being shunted across the viaduct when waters smashed through washing away several trucks sending the crew running for their lives.This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. It is connected to the history of the railway in East Gippsland.A large black / white photograph of flooded railway yards with a train engine stranded on a small section of track surrounded by water and debris.on front - "1971 Flood, Railway Yards"floods-1971-orbost orbost-railway natural-disasters-orbost

This photograph was taken during the 1971 floods at Orbost. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a contemporary pictorial record of a significant local event.A large black / white photograph of a man, dressed in shorts and a checked shirt, sitting on a fence post surrounded by mud. He is holding on to the leg of a cow which is stuck in the mud.on front - "Mr Harrison on Tracey's Dairy" on back - " Herald 11 Feb 1971"floods-orbost-1971 tracey-dairy natural-disaster-flood

A punt crossed the Snowy River at Orbost from 1884. A bridge was constructed in 1893, but was soon damaged by a huge flood. Flooding was a regular occurrence, the worst inundations being in 1870, 1893, 1925, 1934, 1952 and 1971. Over the years major flood protection works have been implemented. The Princes Highway, which passes Orbost, now crosses the flood plain on raised concrete supports. (info, from Victorian Places Orbost)This item is associated with the Snowy River and its history. It is a pictorial record of transport in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph (copy) of a punt loaded with people and a horse-drawn carriage making its way across a river.on front at bottom - "Snowy River Punt"snowy-river-orbost transport shipping

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history.A very faded black / white photograph of flood water under the railway viaduct at watt's Gulch.orbost-flood-1934 railway-viaduct-orbost

This photograph shows the floodwaters during the 1971 flood at Orbost. The two mahogany trees in the photograph stopped the Snowy River from changing its course. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of floods in Orbost.A black / white photograph of raging floodwaters at the bottom of the Orbost township.orbost-flood-1971

This photograph shows the second major bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. The current Snowy River bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. The first, in 1891, lasted just two years before it succumbed to flood waters. The bridge in this photograph was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. It was severely battered by floods during its life. and after the devastating 1971 floods was eventually replaced by the current bridge in 1975. (info from Newletter 54N by John Phillips)This is a pictorial record of the flood damage in 1971 when part of the Snowy River Bridge was washed away.A black / white photograph of a bridge which has been damaged by floodwaters. It shows one end has been washed away.orbost-snowy-river-bridge-1971 floods-orbost-1971

After 1934 flood damage to second bridge, centre pile was replaced by a truss girder, this survived until 1971 floodBlack and white photograph showing second Orbost Bridge over the Snowy River, wooden planks, railing and overhead support. Motor bike leaning on railing at near end of bridge. Orbost, Victoria.bridges, waterways

This is one of many photos of the damage caused by the huge 1971 flood at Orbost. In this case, it is the damage to the roads around the Orbost Railway Station at Newmerella. The Railway Station is adjacent to the Snowy River. This photo is significant because it records some of damage to the roads surrounding the Orbost Railway Station caused by the 1971 flood. A b/w photograph showing a road/railway crossing which has been washed out by a flood. Vehicles on the left hand side. In the background is a group of men with machinery.Written below the photo: ' 1971 flood washout at first railway crossing'.1971 flood at orbost, or ost railway

The Orbost Railway Station was sited in a flood zone adjacent to the Snowy River at Newmerella. This posed problems with floods, particularly a flood such as the huge one of 1971 which was defined as a 1:100 year flood. It inflicted huge damage to the railway infrastructure adjacent to Orbost Railway Station. This photograph is one of many taken of the impacts of this huge flood. It is also interesting in that it has been taken from an aeroplane.This photo is significant because it records impacts on the Orbost Railway Station from an aerial perspective. B/w aerial photograph, showing a number of buildings, debris, railway lines, railway carriages, poles and pieces of long timber. Written below the photograph: '1971 flood Railway Station'snowy river floods, 1971 flood, orbost railway station

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including access roads to Orbost. This photo shows road damage at the southern end of Nicholson Street, adjacent to the Snowy River. This was the main road leading in to Orbost and also the Princes Highway in 1971. Orbost was completely cut off for several days following this flood. This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on the main road leading into Orbost. A b/w photo showing severe damage to a roadway in the foreground, people walking on the intact roadway behind, and the road leading up a hill through buildings. Written in black ink below the photo: '1971 flood'. Written on the back of the photo: 'Orbost and its 3,000 people in East Gippsland were cut off today by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodway. The washed out Princes Highway a quarter mile on the Melbourne side of Orbost in East Gippsland, today. ln the background is Orbost's main street'.orbost, snowy river, 1971 flood damage