This photograph is of a train on the small rail bridge which crosses over the Burn Road Newmerella cutting. In 1912 work was underway to complete the Bairnsdale to Orbost section of the railway. This meant the end of river transport for the area. The railway was opened on April 10 1916 and closed in 1987. The letter written on the card is from Hilda Graham to her uncle.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.A black / white postcard photograph showing a train engine crossing on a small rail bridge. On the back is a handwritten letter.Photo caption - "NEWMERELLA RAILWAY, ORBOST STANLEY VOGT"newmerella east-gippsland-railway

The East Gippsland Historical Society has produced an annual calendar 'Old Views of Gippsland' since 2003. This item is a useful reference for the history of Gippsland.A 2001 stapled calendar, titled "Old Views of Gippsland".On the front is a black/white photograph of the main street of Lindenow. It contains early photographs of East Gippsland, one for each month. December has a photograph of Nicholson street in Orbost and October has a photograph of the construction of the East Gippsland railway at the Newmerella cutting. calendar photographs-gippsland

This limestone rock containing many marine fossils, crustacean imprints and embedded shells, bivalves, and two imprints of spiny oyster, Pelecypos and Spondylus from the Miscene Age 10-20 million years BP. It was collected in the Orbost region, possibly at Newmerella when the railway was being constructed in 1915-16. An example of marine fossils, collected near Orbost. this fossil is part of the geological history of the Orbost area.A large piece of yellow/ochre coloured rock (East Gippsland limestone) containing many marine fossils. marine-fossils miscene-fossils east-gippsland-fossils

These photographs were taken at the official opening of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line. In 3150.3 which is of a group of children and two adults those identified in the photograph are ; L - R front row Mary Gilbert; Warren; Betty Gilbert; Marion Gilbert; Mrs Shaw and son; ? Gay; and Pen Gilbert. In 3150.4 L-R front " Mary Gilbert; Bet Gilbert (sitting with glasses); Pen Gilbert(Richardson); Marion Gilbert ( middle front little girl) 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. It is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. 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 ndustry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Four black / white postcards of people at the opening of The Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway. 3150.1 - on front - "The Ministerial Party" 3150.2 - on front - hand-written - " The Hon James Cameron" with arrow pointing to a man standing in the back row. at bottom - "The Ministerial Party X Florie Cameron" on back- "Opening the Orbost Railway" 3150.3 and 3150.4 - on back - hand-written "First train to Orbost with a list of names.orbost-bairnsdale-railway celebration-opening-of-railway east-gippsland-railway

These photographs are probably of bridges on the East Gippsland railway line. 3162.2 is possibly Hospital Creek and 3162.3 possibly Burn Road Newmerella. The Orbost-Bairnsdale railway initially played a crucial role in developing agricultural industries in Gippsland as well as tourism. It opened in 1916 and operated until 1987, principally carrying timber and farming produce. In the early days of the railway's operation dedicated passenger trains ran but these ceased by the 1930s. The line was completely closed to freightage in 1987.The track infrastructure was dismantled in 1994 and has been redeveloped as the East Gippsland Rail Trail.These photographs are 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. Three black / white photographs of railway bridges. 3162.1 has a steam train on the bridge. 3162.3 shows three men on the right working at clearing vegetation. 3162.3 has been taken from a height.orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway bridges-railway

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 shows men working in the gravel pit at Newmerella just outside Orbost. Not long after this photograph was taken an accidental explosion killed three workers. In the newspaper, The Hobart Mercury on Saturday March 1914, There was this report: "EXPLOSION OF BLASTING CHARGE. THREE MEN KILLED. MELBOURNE, March 13 A fatal accident occurred this after- noon on the railway construction works at Hagen's Cutting, about two miles from Orbost, three men being killed. The victims were John Carroll, contractor, his son, Peter Carroll, and John Sullivan, a navvy. The gang had just finished work, and the three stayed behind to draw a blasting charge, which had missed fire yesterday. J. Carroll was using a pick, and it is presumed that the tool struck a percussion cap, and fired the charge. He and Sullivan were killed instantly, Carroll being literally blown to pieces. Fragments of his body and garments were recovered from the surrounding bush, and the main portion of the trunk, with leg attached, was hurled a distance of 200 yards. Peter Car roll was terribly- injured, and he died before medical aid arrived. ' This is a pictorial record of construction workers associated with the Orbost - Bairnsdale railway. 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. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. A black / white photograph of a large group of men with horses and wagons. Most are holding tools - picks, spades and shovels. Some of the wagons are loaded with soil.railway-construction east-gippsland-railway orbost-railway quarry-gravel-newmerella

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 industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987.A black / white photograph of a group of people standing next to a train carriage.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway celebration-opening-of railway

These photographs are from the Snowy River Mail newspaper, September 9, 1987. Ron Hayward's family ran a shop in Rupert Street, Orbost.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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Five black / white photographs related to closure of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line.3104.1 - on back - "A view from Grandview, Newmerella, of the last train to leave Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987. As the afternoon sun lengthens the shadows on the Snowy River flats, the sun also sets on an era in Far East Gippsland transport as the last train crosses the viaduct." 3104,2 - 0n back - "Ron Hayward passes over the staff during the last crew changeover for the last train to run on the Orbost line. Ron Haywood (L) who 39 years and 6 months ago drove the first diesel loco to Orbost (T366T) presents the last staff to the driver, Bill Buckley, who took the last diesel out." 3104.3 - on back -" as above - 2nd paragraph only 3104.4 - on back - " Ron Hayward who took the first diesel engine from Bairnsdale to Orbost on February 21. 1957 when he was stationed at Orbosst. Last Friday he rode on the last diesel to Orbost after obtaining a special pass from V Line , he also handed over the staff for the last change at Orbost. The last driver was Bill Buckley." 3104.5 - on back - "LAST TRAIN ROLLS INTO ORBOST B/A Friday August 28 1987 For Ron Hayward the last train journey on the Orbost rail line was a sad occasion. Mr Hayward took the first diesel engine from Bairnsdale to Orbost on February 21, 1957, whe he was stationed at Orbost. Last Friday he rode on the last diesel too Orbost after obtaining a special pass from V-Line. He also handed over the staff for the last change at Orbost. The last driver was Bill Buckley. Mr Hayward was an engine driver with nhe railways and transferred to Orbost when steam engines used the line. He left the railways in in 1957 but took up a job with them again in 1968. He said also it was a privilege to have been able to ride on the last train, the occasion was a sad one,"east-gippsland-railway railway-closure hayward-ron buckley-bill orbost-bairnsdale-railway

Orbost and East Gippsland Railway League had proposed a railway extension through East Gippsland in 1908, which aimed to develop an isolated part of the country. At the time, construction of a railway could be considered a beneficial investment for the country as it could increase the population in the region. The proposed railway length in 1908 was about 140 miles and the cost was estimated £800,000. The line was proposed to proceed from Bairnsdale by way of the Lower Nicholson to Bruthen. “After crossing the Tambo River, it would be carried to near Nowa Nowa; the head of Lake Tyers, forward to Orbost. From Orbost it would proceed in a north-easterly way to the New South Wales border. There were different suggested routes between Orbost and the New South Wales border, the first was through Bendoc, another by the Cann River and another which is located between these two. 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. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Two small magazines showing the railway extension through East Gippsland. 678.1 has a dark maroon cover with gold print writing. It contains b/w photographs. 678.2 has a red cover with black print writing. Both are bound. 678.1 - inside front cover - M. Beattie ???????? Newmerella 678.2 - inside front cover - Gordon Fisher Orbosteast-gippsland-railway-league railway

In 1912 work was underrway on the Bairnsdale to Orbost railway. It was opened on April 10 1916. The two bridges on the railway viaduct, which crosses the Snowy River floodplain at Orbost, were built from local Southern Mahogany. The bridge on the Bairnsdale end (770m) is now the longest in Victoria. (info. Helen Martin)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.A black / white photograph, oval-shaped on white background. It is of the railway viaduct across the flats at Orbost,.photo caption -"ORBOST RAILWAY BRIDGE, NEWMERELLA E. S. Vogt, Bairnsdale"newmerella orbost-viaduct east-gipsland-railway

The construction of the Bairnsdale to Orbost railway line 1912-1916 was a major event for East Gippsland and the Orbost district in particular. Hundreds of men worked on the project and at least 7 deaths are recorded. Men lived in railway camps along the construction route. The caption on this photo indicates that these men were part of the workforce for the large timber railway bridges at Newmerella, adjacent to Orbost. This photo is significant because it records 6 workers involved in a major project for the Orbost district in the early 20th century. It records the way of life of these men. A b/w photograph of a group of 6 men in outdoor working clothes in front of tents. Behind the tents are trees and a bushland setting. Two men are wearing hats. This is a printed copy and is not an original photo. On the back of the photo: Workers on railway bridge at Newmerella, Victoria.railways, orbost-bairnsdale railway line, workers

The construction and opening of the Orbost railway was a major event in the development of Orbost and East Gippsland, resulting in huge development of farming and timber industries. This railway functioned between 1916 until 1987. This photograph/postcard shows a train involved in the construction of the line, in a ballast pit, at Newmerella, near Orbost c.1915. Note: this is a better quality photograph than 2696.1This photograph/postcard is significant because it relates to the construction of the Bairnsdale-Orbost railway line.A b/w photograph on a postcard showing a steam train and wagons in an earth cutting, and a number of workmen in the foreground, along with a railway line.At the bottom of the postcard: Ballast Pit, Orbost - W S Vogt, Bairnsdalerailway, orbost-bairnsdale railway, orbost

These two photos relate to the very early days of the Bairnsdale-Orbost railway, constructed 2012-2016. One photograph (2696.1) shows a train and construction gang at a ballast quarry, possibly at Newmerella), dated c.1915. The other photograph (2696.2) is of one of the first trains ever to come to Orbost. This happened in early 1916. The construction and opening of the Orbost railway was a major event in the development of Orbost and East Gippsland, resulting in huge development of farming and timber industries. This railway functioned between 1916 until 1987.These photographs are significant because they relate to the construction of the Orbost Railway. Two b/w postcards. Both photos have been pasted onto a rough cardboard background. 2696.1 is a rectangular photograph showing a steam train and wagons in a cutting, and a number of workmen in the foreground, along with a railway line. 2696.2 is an oval shaped photograph of a steam engine in a turned around position and attached to several passenger carriages. The words The First Special to Orbost is written in white ink on the bottom of the photo.2696.2 The First Special to Orbostrailways, orbost railways, first passenger train

These three photos were taken at the time of the opening of the Orbost Railway (Bairnsdale-Orbost) in 1916. This was an extremely important and much anticipated event for this remote community In East Gippsland, Victoria. This railway was constructed 1912-1916, and functioned until 1987. It was a 'developmental' railway line, constructed to encourage and promote development in this region which suffered from extremely poor transport and lack of access to markets.These photographs are significant because they are a record of an extremely important event in the history of Orbost, ie. the opening of the railway line in 1916.Three b/w photos/postcards of the Orbost Railway, 1916 2713.1 An oval shaped b/w photo/postcard showing a steam engine and five train carriages on a railway line, and workers beside the line using shovels. 2713.2 A panoramic rural view taken from an elevated position, showing paddocks, a long railway bridge on the right hand side with a line of telegraph poles beside it, one house on a road, and buildings in the distance. 2713.3 A steam train on a wooden bridge in the foreground. Steam from the train covers much of the photograph. Paddocks of maize, a barn and shed, and dead trees.2713.1 NEWMERELLA RAILWAY, ORBOST STANLEY VOGT, BAIRNSDALE 2713.2 Railway Viaduct, Orbost Flats 2713.3 First Government Train to Orbost, Official Opening. W S Vogt, Bairnsdaleorbost railway, newmerella