The year 1934 witnessed the greatest flooding of the Yarra River since settlement. This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Photograph of floodwaters encroaching on farm land in North Kew in the flood of 1934.Nth. Kew. 1934 Floodsfloods (melbourne) 1934, dorothy rogers

The donation was accompanied by the following letter from the donor: "Hi. I found these in with family photos. Taken by family as Mamie McLeod was living in Fellows Street, Kew, so would be near there. Retain (or discard) as you see fit." [Donor's name and address withheld from public view]. To gain an insight into the flood levels at Kew, it is worth reading newspaper accounts of the event. The Age published an article - Valuable Gardens Destroyed at Kew - on 25 September 1916: "VALUABLE GARDENS DESTROYED AT KEW. From the heights of Studley Park, Kew, a splendid view of the flood waters can be obtained, and yesterday afternoon, despite continuous rain, crowds of citizens assembled there to witness the spectacle. There is a vast stretch of water some 300 or 400 yards broad, above the foot bridge connecting Gipps-street, Collingwood, and Studley Park. The river is only about 3 feet from the top of the embankment connecting with the ramp of the bridge on the Studiey Park side. When the upper llood waters come down it is almost a certainty that tne embankment will be submerged and the bridge rendered impassible. Below the bridge the waters again stretch out, and have submerged all the low-lying land on the Collingwood side and invaded the back premises ot the Kodak Co., Phoenix Biscuit Factory, a tannery adjoining thereto, the Shamrock Brewery, and Chinese gardens in the vicinity. At Walmer-street-bridge, at the end of Studley Park, the low-lying land on the Kew side is covered with water to the depth of many feet. Tlie land in question is owned in a great part by Mr Frank Lavers who haa gone in for intense culture on a pretty liberal scale on both the slopes of the hill and on the river flat. On the latter he is cultivating many acres of asparagus, and has at a considerable cost spent three years in preparing the ground and installing an irrigation system, reticulated from the Yan Yean water supply. This year the asparagus was put down, and the plants were in a promising condition. Tlie flood waters are now flowing fast over the land. The crop is ruined, and three years' work and expenditure destroyed. Mr. Laver's private residence fortunately is high above flood level, but two houses he owns off Young-street have been flooded out. Having been warned in time, the tenants removed their furniture hefore the water came down to Mr. Laver's residence, where they themselves have been given accommodation in the meantime. All the river flats in East Kew are under water. One or two low-lying houses have been flooded. Chipperfield's boat shed at Willsmere is nearly covered, and some Chinese gardens in the vicinity are several feet under water."This, and the other three photographs donated of floods in Kew are believed to be the earliest in the collection. Together with our original MMBW River Yarra map showing flood levels, these items, when compared allow researchers to gain a visual perspective of the extent of the flood in 1916. Black and white photograph of flooded trees in Kew with rising dry ground in distance.Inscription on reverse in pencil: "Flood River Yarra Kew Vic"river yarra, kew, floods 1916

Plenty River in flood near Plenty Lane Greensborough, October 2022. Colour digital photographs of river in floodDate stamped: 14/10/2022plenty lane greensborough, plenty river, floods

THE 1917 floods were the second highest recorded in Albury-Wodonga. The gauge at the Union Bridge was 18 feet. All bridges between Albury and Wodonga were washed away and locals had to travel by train between the two towns. It was the only link between the centres for several weeks. The suspension bridge was a temporary fix to allow pedestrian traffic to travel between Wodonga and Albury. A report from The Argus on October 9, 1917 stated: “For the last three or four months the low-lying land between the border towns of Albury and Wodonga has been almost continuously under water, 150 points were registered here on Thursday and Friday and heavier falls were recorded higher up the river, causing all rivers to rise simultaneously. Residents of Bonegilla, Bethanga, Talgarno and the Murray Valley were cut off from railway facilities. In 2025 this location is now the Lincoln Causeway. This image is one of a collection of photos taken by Robert Prentice. The images are clearly identified as he inscribed in the glass a back-to-front capital R (Я) on to which was joined a capital P creating his mark ЯР.This image is significant because it captures a major flooding event in Wodonga and was taken by a recognised Wodonga photographer.A black and white photograph of people observing the flood damage at WodongaWodonga Floods 1917 ЯРfloods wodonga, natural resources, robert prentice

Glenhuntly Rd floods, February 1989colour photograph unmountedGlenhuntly Road floods Feb 89glenhuntly road, floods, 1989, elwood college, elwood secondary college, elwood

The Snowy River has had many floods. This book records floods from 1952 to 1998. This book collates of photographs and previous written articles particlularly from the Snowy River Mail.This book is significant because it records major flood events impacting Orbost and surrounding district between 1952 and 1998.A book with a blue green cover and a large black and white photograph of a young girl standing in water . Black printing, and at the bottom of the cover page is a blue water splash. 104 pages, spiral bound, plastic cover.Some floods come with such a fury, there is little hope of saving anything within its path. The Snowy River district is no exception. Major Floods of the Snowy River district 1952 - 1998 The River of Wrath by Carrol Preston snowy river, floods, orbost

Severe flooding all over Gippsland in August 1934. All low lying areas of Lakes Entrance flooded.Black and white photograph of flood waters around the Mechanics Hall. Shows external stairway to bio-box addition for film projector. Mr Syd Allen projectionist seen at lobby steps. Lakes Entrance VictoriaOn Back Old Cat No 77floods, halls, houses, roads and streets

The great flood of 1934 in Melbourne was one of the most devastating floods since records began. The floods affected all of Melbourne, including Kew.Locally significant photographs of the impact of flooding in Kew in 1934Floods in North Kew, 1934. Flood near Lagoon (Billabong?) Willsmere Road, North Kew.floods (kew) 1934, yarra river

Published in the Diamond Creek Basin Study, 1980 and identified at Diamond Creek, locality not identified, 1934. The location is actually looking south across the Diamond Creek towards Falkiner Street, beside the Main Road bridge at Eltham South from what is now part of Wingrove Park opposite Antoinette Boulevard. The bridge railing is just visible to the left of image. The large leaning Manna Gum beside the bridge still stands in 2021 alongside the Diamond Creek trail. In 1934 extensive flooding of the Yarra River and Diamond Creek set new records for flood plain level (Eltham Chronology, EDHS)Black and white photographCopied by Hugh Fisher, Photographer, 6 York Street Eltham A1678B Floods- Eltham - 1934floods, yarra river, eltham, flooding, diamond creek, flood

1973 Flash Flood on Calder HighwayUnframed B/W photograph 1973 Flash Flood on Calder HighwayFlood Calder Highway, Flash floodcharlton, calder highway, floods

Chiltern is situated on the Black Dog Creek was originally known as the Black Dog township. It was officially gazetted as a town in 185. During 1853-54 the name was changed to Chiltern due to the resemblance of the countryside to Chiltern Hills in England. The first township lots were sold in June 1854. After the goldrushes Chiltern remained a prosperous community with a thriving economy based on agriculture, timber, and small enterprises. Born in Wodonga, after his marriage Thomas Peter Bonsema operated his photography business in Chiltern. Our Collection includes several photographs signed BONSEMA WODONGA or sometimes simply TBW. Thomas Peter John Bonsema was born in Wodonga in 1876 to Peter John Bonsema and Mary Ann nee Nash. His name first appears on the Electoral Roll for Wodonga in 1909 and on the Electoral Roll in 1912 he is listed as a photographer. His photographs capture many scenes and events around Wodonga and surrounding areas. Thomas Bonsema married Minna Louisa Jones in 1912. By 1914 he had moved to Chiltern, Victoria where he established Bonsema’s Photographic Studio. From this time onward many of his works bore the signature “BONSEMA CHILTERN”. As well as continuing to photograph landscapes and important buildings, Mr Bonsema was often the official photographer at school and community celebrations. He also sold many framed photographs and postcards from his premises at 68 -70 Conness Street, Chiltern. By 1943 Thomas John Bonsema had relocated to New South Wales and died in Beecroft, NSW on 14th July 1944. Some of his photographs are held in the Victorian State Library and Mitchell Library Sydney Collections.These images are significant because they are the work of a recognised photographer Thomas Bonsema who was born in Wodonga in 1876. Three black and white images of Chiltern under flood waters on 27th December 1919. The building on the left in photo number 1 is the business premises of T. Bonsema, Photographer.CONNESS ST IN FLOOD 27 12 19, TBbonsema photography, thomas peter john bonsema, chiltern floods

Living with natural processes was frequently a challenge to early European settlers and later residents of what was in the 1850s administered by the Borondara Road Board. This was compounded by the area being bounded on three sides by rivers (Yarra River, Koonung Creek and Gardiner's Creek). In 1849, the historian James Bonwick recorded that "our district [Kew] suffered considerably. Mr Wade speaks of 80 acres, out of 100 acres of his cultivated paddock, covered by water." Newspapers continued to describe major flooding in Kew in 1863, 1869, 1878, 1880, 1889, 1891, 1916 and 1934. While the construction of the Upper Yarra dam in 1957 reduced the levels of flowing downstream, local and riverine floods continue.The Kew Historical Society's pictures and map collections testify to the impact of flooding in the district. They have historical importance in documenting the extent of flooding in the district and its affects on homes, services and recreation. Numerous photographs record flooding throughout the Twentieth Century.Floods in North Kew, 1934. Flood near the lagoon (Billabong?)floods (kew) 1934, yarra river

Heavy rains caused flooding in the Port Phillip area on 23 January 1991, including in St Kilda. The level of Elster Creek, Elsternwick, rose to 2.54m (from normal level of 0.1m) and there was historically high flooding along Elwood CanalColour photographFlood 23/1/91 9.30amst kilda, flood 1991, 23 january 1991, 23/01/91

Living with natural processes was frequently a challenge to early European settlers and later residents of what was in the 1850s administered by the Borondara Road Board. This was compounded by the area being bounded on three sides by rivers (Yarra River, Koonung Creek and Gardiner's Creek). In 1849, the historian James Bonwick recorded that "our district [Kew] suffered considerably. Mr Wade speaks of 80 acres, out of 100 acres of his cultivated paddock, covered by water." Newspapers continued to describe major flooding in Kew in 1863, 1869, 1878, 1880, 1889, 1891, 1916 and 1934. While the construction of the Upper Yarra dam in 1957 reduced the levels of flowing downstream, local and riverine floods continue.The Kew Historical Society's pictures and map collections testify to the impact of flooding in the district. They have historical importance in documenting the extent of flooding in the district and its affects on homes, services and recreation. Numerous photographs record flooding throughout the Twentieth Century.Floods in North Kew, 1934. Chipperfield's Boat House under flood.floods (kew) 1934, yarra river, chipperfield's boat house

Living with natural processes was frequently a challenge to early European settlers and later residents of what was in the 1850s administered by the Borondara Road Board. This was compounded by the area being bounded on three sides by rivers (Yarra River, Koonung Creek and Gardiner's Creek). In 1849, the historian James Bonwick recorded that "our district [Kew] suffered considerably. Mr Wade speaks of 80 acres, out of 100 acres of his cultivated paddock, covered by water." Newspapers continued to describe major flooding in Kew in 1863, 1869, 1878, 1880, 1889, 1891, 1916 and 1934. While the construction of the Upper Yarra dam in 1957 reduced the levels of flowing downstream, local and riverine floods continue.The Kew Historical Society's pictures and map collections testify to the impact of flooding in the district. They have historical importance in documenting the extent of flooding in the district and its affects on homes, services and recreation. Numerous photographs record flooding throughout the Twentieth Century.Floods in North Kew, 1934. Unidentified location on the Yarra Flood Plain at Kew.floods (kew) 1934, yarra river

Colour photograph taken during floods of part of Esplanade Lakes Entrance Victoriafloods, gippsland lakes, natural disasters

Colour photograph of original showing Diamond Creek in flood at north Eltham 1924floods, diamond creek, eltham, north eltham

Super structure of wharf crane just visible above floodwatersBlack and white photograph mounted on heavy card of floods in Mitchell River at Port of Bairnsdale Victoriabridges, boats and boating, rivers, floods

Living with natural processes was frequently a challenge to early European settlers and later residents of what was in the 1850s administered by the Borondara Road Board. This was compounded by the area being bounded on three sides by rivers (Yarra River, Koonung Creek and Gardiner's Creek). In 1849, the historian James Bonwick recorded that "our district [Kew] suffered considerably. Mr Wade speaks of 80 acres, out of 100 acres of his cultivated paddock, covered by water." Newspapers continued to describe major flooding in Kew in 1863, 1869, 1878, 1880, 1889, 1891, 1916 and 1934. While the construction of the Upper Yarra dam in 1957 reduced the levels of flowing downstream, local and riverine floods continue.The Kew Historical Society's pictures and map collections testify to the impact of flooding in the district. They have historical importance in documenting the extent of flooding in the district and its affects on homes, services and recreation. Numerous photographs record flooding throughout the Twentieth Century.Floods in North Kew, 1934. Vicinity of Willsmere Park.floods (kew)

An early settler's cottage of 1920s vintage near Floods Rd taken in the 1930s. Was originally Floods Lane and became Floods Road off Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd near boundary of North WarrandyteInscribed in pencil on reverse "early 20's near Flood Rd taken 30's. 21/1.89" and in pen ".16/1.80"cottage, floods lane, floods road, houses, kangaroo ground-warrandyte road, north warrandyte, pioneers

Photograph taken from Jemmys PointColour photograph showing discoloured flood water backed up by the incoming tide with fishing boat Crianda shown approaching the Western Pier at the entrance Lakes Entrance Victoriafloods, accommodation

Also two other black and white photographs of raging flood waters during same flood event. 04933.1 10 x 17 cm and 04933.2 18 x 24.5 cmBlack and white photograph showing flood waters flowing through a camping park with two large tents and a caravan surrounded East Gippsland Victoriaoil and gas industry

AFTER HEAVY RAINS - CRESWICK CREEK IN CLUNES TOWNSHIP FLOODED, OVER FLOWING ITS BANKS, NEAR BY AREAS WERE SUBMERGED.BLACK AND WHITE SMALL PHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES FLOODS IN 1934. CLUNES QUEEN'S PARK WITH FOUNTAIN UNDER WATER - TREES IN THE BACKGROUND AND A FEW FLOWERS IN THE FOREGROUND.local history, queen's park garden., floods 1934

This magazine pictorial was produced by East Gippsland News as a record of the Floods of June/July 2007.This is a contemporary record of a local event.A magazine pictorial with photos of the June/July East Gippsland flood event in 2007. Photos are of Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Orbost, Linenow, Metung, Eagle Point and Paynesville.floods-east gippsland disasters-flood