The Orbost Waterworks Trust was constituted under the Water Act 1915 and the Water Act 1916 and gazetted 10th Jan 1917. The Trust consisted of six members who were responsible for the provision of reticulated water to meet the needs of the town. The first reticulated supply to Orbost was installed about 1920. The Trust became part of the Orbost Water Board constituted under the Water and Sewerage Authorities (Restructuring Act) 1983. From 1995 the area has been served by the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. The East Gippsland Region Water Authority was constituted on January 1, 1995. The new Authority assumed responsibility for the services previously provided by the Mitchell Water Board, the Tambo Water Board, the Orbost Water Board and the Mallacoota Water Board. East Gippsland Water is the registered business name of the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. (info. from P.R.O.)These rate books are historically significant as records of an authority which no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Water Authority,Four books which contain records of the Orbost Water Board. Each has a hand-made cardboard cover with split pins to hold the pages. The pages are carbon copies and are computer generated. 2551.1 -1981; 2551.2 - 1982 ; 2551.3 - 1983 ; 2551.4 - 1984on front covers : "ORBOST WATER BOARD RATES BOOK" with the year below.

The Orbost Waterworks Trust was constituted under the Water Act 1915 and the Water Act 1916 and gazetted 10th Jan 1917. The Trust consisted of six members who were responsible for the provision of reticulated water to meet the needs of the town. The first reticulated supply to Orbost was installed about 1920. The Trust became part of the Orbost Water Board constituted under the Water and Sewerage Authorities (Restructuring Act) 1983. From 1995 the area has been served by the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. The East Gippsland Region Water Authority was constituted on January 1, 1995. The new Authority assumed responsibility for the services previously provided by the Mitchell Water Board, the Tambo Water Board, the Orbost Water Board and the Mallacoota Water Board. East Gippsland Water is the registered business name of the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. (info. from P.R.O.)These accounts are historical records of an authority that no longer exists. Four rate books with hand-made covers. They are bound with string and screws. The pages are carbon copies - computer generated. 2552.1 - 1978 ; 2552.2 - 1979 ; 2552.3 - 1980 ; 2552.4 - 1981on front cover title - handwritten in black "ORBOST WATERWORKS TRUST and SEWERAGE AUTHORITY RATE BOOK" with the year below.

These items were donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. The East Gippsland Region Water Authority was constituted on January 1, 1995. The new Authority assumed responsibility for the services previously provided by the Mitchell Water Board, the Tambo Water Board, the Orbost Water Board and the Mallacoota Water Board. East Gippsland Water is the registered business name of the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. (info. from P.R.O.) These items are a historical record of Orbost Shire transactions with water management authorities which no longer exist.Seven rate books for the Shire of Orbost, Mallacoota and Cann River Water Trust. 2554.1 with records from 1977-1978 has a brown cardboard cover and string binding. 2554.2 has a brown cardboard cover with a hand-written title and green string binding. Records are from 1978 -1979. 2554.3 has a brown cardboard cover with a hand-written title and green string binding. Records are from 1919 - 1980. 2554.4 has a white cardboard cover and taped spine. In black print on the cover is 1980/1981. 2554.5 has a green cover with a metal fastening clip. Records are from 1980 -1981. 2554.6 has a white cover, taped binding and metal clips.Records are from 1982 -1983. 2554.7 has a white cover and metal rings. It is dated 1984.water-rates cann-valley-water-board

Also black and white copy 12 x 18 cmSepia photograph showing launching of the S S Gippsland, entering water at slipway, bunting flying from mast, some people onboard. Small motor vessel right foreground, Raymond Island in background, hull painted white. Paynesville Victoriajetties, waterways, ships and shipping, launching

This specimen was found in Cape Patterson, Vic. Cape Paterson is a cape and seaside village located near the town of Wonthaggi, 132 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, in the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow-moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon-rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. it has an imprint of a leaf in the rock itself, displaying the fossil of the plant. This specimen is unique due to the leaf impression within the stone itself. Imprint fossils are formed from an organism moving in some way, leaving behind a trace or track. These tracks are preserved when the clay/silt dries slowly and is covered by other sediment. Plants can also leave imprint fossils when they are covered by sediment. The leaf tissue degrades, leaving an imprint of where the leaf once was. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. FOSSILIFEROUS MUDSTONE / Locality: Cape Patterson, Victoria | Descriptive catalogue / Pg 27 No 95 / "Grey Clay, / Cape Paterson with leaf impressions' / 15/4/21 C. William /mudstone, cape patterson, leaf imprint, fossilised leaf, fossiliferous mudstone

Before the invention of spin driers around the 1950's most households had a mangle. A mangle or wringer is a mechanical laundry aid. This one is powered by a hand crank and used to wring water from wet laundry and seems to be a commercial one. This mangle is from the Orbost Club Hotel. It was used in the Club Hotel and later by Bronwen Di Bari in her art workshop.This item was used by the Orbost Club Hotel, the first hotel in the Orbost district.It was built in 1884 by Mr J.A. Petterson with the licence in the name of Mr Thomas Maguire, Mr Petterson's step-son (more information in Deborak Hall's In Times Gone By).A large commercial wooden and cast iron laundry mangle. It has two wooden trays and two wooden rollers. It was originally painted green. There are four metal casters on the bottom. It has a metal spring to adjust the tension with two tap handles.On side - EWBANK On turning wheel - 511 On wood at top - 24 X 5 1/4 (size of rollers) EMERALD laundry mangle wringer

Panning dishes were used for washing fine gold from river sediments or from the residue trapped in cradles and puddling tubs. They were often used on the edge of streams/rivers to sift gold from alluvial soil or crushed quartz. This simple pan would have been filled with sand and gravel which might have contained gold. The pan was submerged in the water and shaken to sort the gold from the gravel and other material, with the lighter material gradually being washed over the lip until only the heavy deposits, such as gold, remained at the bottom. (ref. Museum Victoria) This pan was used by George Henry Douglas Russell Snr. As a young man prior to his enlistment in WW1 he panned for gold using this dish. During the war he became a vet sergeant in charge of horse lines.Gold panning is the oldest and simplest method of extracting gold. Gold pans had widespread use in alluvial gold fields where water is available. This item is an example of the type of pan commonly used on Victorian gold fields.A circular dull metal panning dish which has a wide rolled top lip which tapers down to a smaller diameter for the base which is flat. The pan has been made from ironmetal which has a coating of another metal with a matte grey finish. It has a small hanging hole and a reinforcing ring all around the top.russell-doug gold-panning mining

This item was bought by George Henry Douglas Russell when he married Hilda Raymond, a parson's daughter, in 1920. This galvanised metal wash tub was manufactured for domestic use prior to household plumbing, running water or waste removal in Australian homes. On farms in the late 19th / early 20th centuries there were no built-in coppers and concrete troughs with reticulated water. Thus the washing for the family of five daughters was done with this tub. .Tubs of this type vary in size and were used for washing dishes (It was the “ kitchen sink”) or for washing smaller items of clothing “the delicates”. This tub could also have been used to bathe the children. The water was heated on a wood fired stove, then carried to the tub. This could be a lengthy and physically demanding exercise. Much more labor intensive than loading the dishwasher. After use the water may have been “recycled”by being poured onto vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Later at harvesting this tub held maize and beans to top up the three bushel bags of the threshing machines. This was before the hand sewing of the top of the bags with needle and twine.This tub is an indication that items for domestic use in the early 20th century were “made to last” and not manufactured for planned obsolescence.A large galvanized iron was tub, circular with the sides tapering slightly to the flat base. It is seamed on both sides, made from two shets of iron. The base has been soldered on. and the top rim is folded. On either side handles are rivetted on.domestic laundry was-tub galvanized-iron

Water For the Thirsty Inland was published by The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association as a case for diversion of part of the Snowy River waters to the Murrumbidgee. In 1950 The Murrumbidgee Valley Water Users Association and the League established the Murray-Murrumbidgee Development Committee to ensure the Snowy Scheme was completed.This book is a significant research tool for the history of the diversion of the Snowy River.A 44 pp book, titled Water For The Thirsty Inland. On the front cover is a coloured print of a painting of a river (Snowy River?) from the mountains to the flats. The text of the title is white with a black shadow. The book contains b/w photographs and the print is black and green.Some pencilled notes on back.snowy-river murrumbidgee-valley-water-users' irrigation

This folder of articles was compiled by the Department of Land & Water Conservation / Forestry.This item is a useful reference tool on the pulp /paper mill proposed for East Gippsland.A small 8 pp folder of photocopied articles from the Snowy River Mail. They relate to the pulp/paper mill proposal in East Gippsland. pulp-mill-orbost

Snowy River Boat Club was formed in 1950. It was for power boats. By 1956 the Snowy River Club had been reformed and joined the Gippsland Group.This item reflects the popularity of water-based recreation in the Marlo area.Two small square shaped metal badges. 2274.1 has a pin at the back for attachment. 2274.2 is a stud type. Both has an enamel painted pale blue background, a white circle with "Snowy River Boat Club" around a smaller circle with a white boat on a dark blue sea.badge snowy-river-boat-club recreation boating water-sports

The Henley on Snowy was a water carnival held on Saturday, 14th December, 1918. "It included a procession of decorated cars, buggies, etc., fancy costumes and sets, which left the township at 12.30. At 1 p.m. there was a speculator display of decorated boats. A luncheon, also afternoon tea and tea, was served by the ladies of the Red Cross, and the stalls were in the hands of the Comforts Fund girls." (ref Snowy River Mail 8.11.1919) Half of the proceeds were to go to the local Repatriation fund, the other half to be divided equally between the Y.M.C.A. and the Comforts' League. Unfortunately the carnival was not as successful as promised and the funds raised were not substantial. (More info. from O.D.H.S. May 2008 Newsletter by John Phillips)These badges are part of a historical local event. Two small paper Local Repatriation badges. They have a picture of a boat on the Snowy river and "Henley on Snowy- Orbost". 554.1 has a ribbon attached.henley-on-snowy water-carnival repatriation-funds

This item wasdonated to the Slab Hut, the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. This item reflects the importance of tea drinking in 19th and 20th century Australia. A teapot of EPBM - electroplated britannia metal with an aluminium lid that has an electric plug connection. The lid is an Alanware, 240 volt 100 watt immersion heater with a coil suspended from it. The lid does not match the teapot.On the bottom of the teapot - EPBM James Dixon & Sons a trumpet symbol Sheffield 8578 4teapot electro-plated-britannia-metal appliances water-heating drink-food-preparation

This book recounts the story of the campaign by Dalgety and Orbost to restore water to the Snowy River. Claire Miller is a senior journalist for The Age newspaper with a special interest in the environment. She has covered this campaign since 1999.This book recounts the story of the campaign by Dalgety and Orbost to restore water to the Snowy River. It is significant to this collection as many of the current residents of Orbost were involved in the campaign.A 270pp paperback book titled Snowy River Story written by Claire Miller. On the front cover is a coloured photograph of the Snowy River at Bete Bolong. It documents the story of the campaign to save the Snowy River.snowy-river snowy-mountains-hydro-electric-scheme environmental

The Snowy Water Inquiry was commissioned in 1998 with a brief to recommend environmental water release options to the Commonwealth, Victorian, and NSW Governments so that corporatisation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme could proceed. These release options related to the Snowy River below Jindabyne, the Murray River and other rivers associated with the Scheme. The Inquiry objectives were that the recommendations would not adversely impact on water supplies to existing irrigators or the viability of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. (ref snowyhydro.com.au)This report contains information about water allocation and uses of the Snowy River.A book of 160 pp - Snowy River Inquiry Final report 23rd October 1998. Submitted to the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria / Commissioner: The Hon. Robert Webster. On the front cover are three aerial photographs of the Snowy River and Snowy Hydro Scheme. The book contains maps and photographs. snowy-river snowy-hydro snowy-mountains government-inquiry

The magazine is a travel book and is probably one of a series.A glossy magazine titled, East Gippsland - Victoria. It contains coloured photographs. This is a 24pp travel book containing coloured illustrations, maps and descriptions of East Gippsland. There are historical details/articles in the book. The photography is by George Hurdes and Ian Roberts. The cover which was designed by Bill Stockdale has a colour photo of a yacht with a predominantly blue background of water and sky. The text is by Barbara Glover.travel east-gippsland

Buldah School was No. 4555. Mrs L. Petterson made application for a school at Buldah during 1936. It was opened on 8th of August 1937 by Herbert H. Eynstone acting as Head Teacher. He held this position for only about two weeks. The school closed during 1941. The Petterson brothers were early settlers in Cann River - late 19th century. This is a pictorial record of a school route in the first half of the 20th century. The Buldah School no longer exists.A black / white photograph of a bush track in a forest. There is water running across the track.on back - Don. by Mrs D. Petterson, only track to Buldah School in winter 1939...."buldah-east-gippsland

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 at the "old station" at Corringle near Orbost. It was a popular picnic spot. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.This is a contemporary pictorial record of rural family life in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of people sitting in a clearing under some trees having a picnic. On the left - hand side is a young boy on a horse.on back - "Old Station"old-station-orbost family-life

The Old Station at Corringle was a popular picnic spot in 1901. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.This is a contemporary pictorial record of rural family life in Orbost in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of early settlers (it appears to be a family group) having a picnic underneath trees. There is a young boy on a horse on the left hand side.on back - "Picnic at the Old Station"family-rural-life-orbost old-station-corringle

This photograph shows Mr John Bird ( 3rd from left) ; Mr John Gilbert and Mr Lance Herbert among others having a picnic at the popular beach paddock at Old Station, Corringle, on January 1, 1897. Late in 1857 Mr Thomas T. Stirling took over Corringle Run ("Corringle" means "shallow water"). Mr Stirling and his family came from the wester district - Winchelsea. He settled at the Old Station. A few people were employed at the Orbost Stationb and there was settlement on the Orbost flats, Mr T. T. Stirling held the land from Lake Tyrers to Bemm River as a cattle run. About 1888 he became Secretary of the new Tambo Shire.This photograph is a portrait of rural life in the late 19th century. It is an insight into the dress, manners and activities of the first settlers of Orbost.Two copies of a black / white photograph of a group of men and women picnicking on the sand under tall trees.on back - "Beach Paddock - Old Station -1897" with a list of namesold-station-orbost rural-family-life

This photograph shows entrants in the fancy dress competition at a swimming carnival held at Cameron Lagoon (the billabong at the back of the football oval) in 1898.This item is a pictorial record of community recreational sports common to the Orbost district in the 19th century.A small black / white photograph of six men in fancy dress standing on a plank of wood suspended over water. One is holding a bicycle.on back - " Swimming Match, Cameron Lagoon, fancy dress 1898"recreation-orbost sport-swimming cameron-lagoon

Sir Henry Bolte, premier of Victoria, renamed Cape Everard at Point Hicks during the Centenary of Cook's Landings on April 20, 1970. There is no land feature at Cook's coordinates of 38°0'S and 148°53'E, a point which lies several miles out to sea and under 50 fathoms of water. Captain Cook invented Point Hicks so that he could conceal Bass Strait and the insularity of Tasmania. The Admiralty had issued its usual instructions to hide strategically important discoveries that could become security risks. Captain Hicks was James Cook`s senior lieutenant. There has been some dispute as to whether Zachary Hicks actually saw Point Hicks or whether he saw Ram Head about 20 kilometres further up the coast. Although Cook named the promontory Point Hicks it was changed to Cape Everard in 1843.. In 1970 the Victorian government changed the name Cape Everard to 'Point Hicks'. It lies on dry land, about 22 nautical miles (41 km) northeast of Cook's phantom Point Hicks, where it preserves the story of Cook's first landfall in Australia. This is a contemporary pictorial record of a significant event in East Gippsland's history.A black / white photograph of a man in a suit making a speech with the audience standing behind him. He is standing in front of an octagonal-shaped directional marker set ointo a stone support. There is a policeman behind him. In the background to the right is a lighthouse.on front - "20th April 1970, Sir Henry Bolte renames C. Everard as Pt Hicks" handwritten in block letterscook-james-point-hicks cape-everard bolte-henry

The pumpkin in this photograph was an award winner and was grown by Fred Mundy Snr. It weighed 194 lbs (approx. 88 kgs). Pumpkins were grown widely on Orbost farms and used to feed pigs. There was usually a competition for the heaviest or biggest pumpkin at the annual Orbost agricultural Show.This photograph is associated with the history of pumpkin growing in the Orbost district.A small black / white photograph of man with three children sitting in a hollowed out pumpkin in water. An Australian flag is on the left side of the pumpkin.on back - "Alec Cameron, Mr Fred Mundy" ; "Record pumpkin - Mr Fred Mundy 194lbs"mundy-fred pumpkins-orbost

Back Lake track is near Metung, East Gippsland.This is a pictorial record of the Gippsland Lakes in the early 20th century.A black / white postcard photograph of a beach scene. Small groups of people are standing on a vegetated sand dune overlooking the water. on front - " Gippsland Lakes via Bairnsdale - the Back Lakes, S. Vogt"gippsland-lakes back-lake-bairnsdale

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