The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame is a museum located in Longreach, Queensland, Australia, which pays tribute to pioneers of the Australian outback. The centre is also dedicated to Australian stockmen who have shown bravery and courage. Registered in 1974. On July 28th 1985 the foundation stone of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre was laid. Hoofs and Horns magazine was established by R.M.Williams in 1944 and ceased in 2005. It was aimed at cattlemen and horsemen.'The Roper family's ancestors settled in the beautiful Kiewa Valley, Victoria over a century ago and started breeding Hereford cattle and horses.' This is their interest in Hoofs and Horns but the Hall of Fame is interested in 'John Roper, who came to Australia in 1843 at the age of 23 years and joined Leichhardt's expedition ...'2 papers - Hoofs and Horns, July 1985, Page 88 and page 90 printed with photos and map. The article has the title: 'The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame' 2 papers - Title The Roper Family compiled by Wilma Davies (nee Roper) and Mr Mike Cummings. Members of the Hall of Fame.. australian stockman's hall of flame, hoofs and horns magazine, cattlemen and horsemen, the roper family

The Roper family lived and farmed in the Kiewa Valley. They may have sent their son, Bert, to C.G.S. (Caufield Grammar / Camberwell Grammar School). The Roper family were early settlers in the Kiewa Valley.Glass cover of a Black & White Photo of a boys football team with 'V' jumpers, white shorts and 2 footballs with 'C.G.S / 1909' written on them. The photo is attached to an embroidered cotton backing allowing the photo to be seen through an oval shape cut out in the middle. Around the embroidery is a brown wooden frame. The embroidered piece is backed by masonite with the framer's name attached.On the back of the photo, handwritten: Dear Mother / Wishing you a very / happy birthday on the 29th October / From Bert. Miss Roper / Call ... On the back of the masonite: Heatherley & Horsfall, Picture Framers & Mount Cutters ...football. roper family. bert roper. c.g.s.. kiewa valley. embroidery.

The early Kiewa Valley farmers opened up the Bogong High Plains for cattle grazing in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many farmers of the Kiewa Valley built huts on the Bogong High Plains to stay in during the summer mustering season. The Roper family had their own cattle run on the High Plains with several version's of Ropers Hut being built and used for this purpose. These boots were owned by Fred Roper whose father was one of the first pioneers of the Upper Kiewa Valley and Tawonga farming district. These boots were made around the late 1800's to early 1900's and are of a quality hide and a very good example of historical clothing worn at the time. These boots are very significant to the Kiewa Valley because the mark a period of early farming within the Kiewa Valley and Bogong High Plains as they were worn by Fred Roper who comes from one of the farming pioneering families of Tawonga. These boots were used when mustering the families cattle up to the Bogong High Plains for summer grazing and also around his farm in Tawonga when riding his horses. They were donated by his great grand daughter Leonie Roper in 2011, therefore the manufacturing of these boots could be anything from the late 1880's to early 1900's. They are made of high quality leather and were made to last the tough conditions of mustering and farming cattle. They also had wooden stock which fitted into them "KVHS 0445"These knee high "riding" boots have a 4 "rung" laces at the base of the upright boot and a strap at the top of the boot. They are made of brown leather and have a small heel (not the usual higher heel for stirrups)riding boots. footwear. cattle mustering footwear. roper family. cattlemen. bogong high plains.

This photograph was typical of the mid 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist for important events, be they family or public occasions. This photograph holds and protects from ageing, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch Claire Roper, one of the founding grazier families from Tawonga within the Kiewa Valley This photograph therefore hold a very historical significance and has good exhibition value. This black and white photograph was professionally taken on Kodak paper in the time of the Australian Melbourne Olympics 1956. See KVHS 0092 for frame.On back of photograph "KODAK official sponsor of the Olympic Games" Underneath the symbolic rings of the Olympic Federationphotograph of early 1900's kiewa valley pioneer, the roper family, claire roper, pioneer family, cattle, bogong high plains

Roper's Hut was built in 1939 and was burnt down in 2003. It was rebuilt in 2008 and is situated on the Bogong High Plains on Duane Spur (where Duane's hut had been before it too was destroyed by (1939) bushfires, between Mt Nelse and Big River. The original hut was used as a shelter for cattlemen who grazed their cattle on the High Plains during summer. The Victorian High Country Huts Association Inc. members and friends helped rebuild the hut which is now used as an emergency shelter for visitors to the High Plains.The memorabilia is significant as the items belonged to the Roper family who were one of the original settlers of the Kiewa Valley and one of the original families who drove their cattle up to the Bogong High Plains. The burnt plaque and forks and the rebuilding of the huts (Duane's & Roper's) are significant as bush fires are a constant threat to the Bogong High Plains destroying large areas at a time.1. Bronze Plaque and 2 damaged forks from Roper's Hut which was destroyed by bush fires in 2003. 2. DVD & USB and hard copy photos of the rebuild of Roper's Hut in January 2008.The plaque had 'In Memory of / John F. P. Roper/ died 3-12-1977 / Aged 78 years / He built the original hut Feb. 1939'roper's hut, cattlemen, bogong high plains, bronze plaque, roper family, bush fires

This photograph frame with its decorative floral and Greek patterned boarder was typical of the early 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist. It was in a period before the "instant" photo and required a dark room and processing liquids for development. It was therefor in a time when photographs were "shot" only at important events be they family or public occasions.This photograph frame holds and protects, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch of one of the founding families within the Kiewa Valley. The frame therefore has historical significance.This gold painted aluminium photograph frame has a glass (broken) pane within a formed inlay and two swivel clip toggles. These are installed to allow the photograph to be securely positioned within the correct alignment of the the frame.The metal front plate has seven rivets holding the cloth covered cardboard back frame to the metal front cover. The front part of the frame has sculptured wild flowers and is boarded with a Greek "key" pattern. Half way on the back panel is a rectangular swiveled stabiliser flap. See also KVHS 0093.photograph frame early 1900's, the roper family

This photograph frame with its decorative dragon and bamboo shoots was typical of the early 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist. It was in a period before the "instant" photo and required a dark room and processing liquids for development. It was therefor in a time when photographs were "shot" only at important events, be they family or public occasions. Good quality picture frames such as this item were a part of the "reverence" of photographs per se.This photograph frame holds and protects, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch of one of the founding families within the Kiewa Valley. The frame therefore has historical significance.This silver painted aluminium photograph frame has a glass front pane within a formed inlay and a formed inlay at the back. The anchor points, at the back, for securing toggles are in place but not the toggles. These toggles were installed to allow the photograph to be securely positioned within the correct alignment of the the frame.The metal front plate has seven rivets holding the cloth covered cardboard back frame to the metal front cover. The front part of the frame has sculptured dragon and wild bamboo shoots and is boarded with a plain border pattern. The back panel to secure the photo and hold the stabiliser flap is missing. See also KVHS 0092 for a more complete frame.photograph frame early 1900's, the roper family

This pair of "adjustable" boots came from the 1950's era in which the majority of footwear was either locally manufactured or imported from England or Europe. Quality hard wearing leather was a rural necessity especially for the cattle mustering activity in the Kiewa Valley and the Bogong High Plains region. The late 1900's provided a cheaper made riding boot from Asia, however many rural based riders still prefer an Australian made boot. The better quality (stronger stitching) of Australian boots is the main considerations of "stock horse riders". In 1947 a scientific research project started to provide an impact analysis of any damage to alpine vegetation by cattle grazing in the Alpine regions incorporating the Bogong High Plains area. This monitoring is the longest running ecological study ever undertaken in Australia. From this study, compelling evidence was presented to the Victorian Government to cease cattle grazing in the Alpine regions including the Bogong High Plains. All grazing was banned by the Victorian Government in 2005. Recreational horse riding within the Bogong High Plains is still permitted.These pair of women's riding boots are very significant to the Kiewa Valley as the boots were worn by one of the descendants of a pioneer family living and operating a cattle station before the SEC Hydro Electricity Scheme opened up the semi remote rural location in the 1950's. These boots were worn during the annual six weeks (approx.) mustering of cattle in the Bogong High Plains location (Victorian Alps region). The owner of these boots was Clare Roper, part of the Roper Family who built a "lodging" hut on the "High Plains" for accommodating riders during the periods (up to six weeks) when controlling grazing cattle during the summer muster seasons. It was unusual for women in the early to mid 1900's to go up on the High Plains to join the muster, which Clare Roper often did. These boots have high historical significance and good interpretive capacity.These brown "knee high" lady riding boots, are fastened by long "boot" laces which go from the base of the "fastening" position to a boot height of 22 cm. At the top end of the boot is a leather flap which crosses the front section of the boot and is fastened to the outside leg region by two straps. These provide the wearer with an adjustable tie. The boot has a "tongue" of 22 mm long. The boot has six pairs of metal boot lace "hooks" and eight pairs of boot lace "eyelets".ladies riding boots. cattle mustering footwear. rural footwear. cattlemen. bogong high plains. roper family. horses.

These wooden trees for riding stocks are a concept that was brought to early colonial days from "mother" England. Gentle folk of wealth and status used these trees from early 1800's to keep and maintain their riding boots in their correct form. This form of maintaining the tall riding boot structure was maintained in Australia by the rural "elite" both on cattle properties and smaller cattle stations in the early 1900's. Good riding boots were a status symbol in rural and outback Australia. The riding stocks "wooden trees" are very significant in the Kiewa Valley because they were used by members of some of the original grazing cattle families to settle there. Both cattle and sheep properties occupied large areas of the Kiewa Valley and they also herded their flock and herd on the Bogong High Plains region. These stocks and boots were worn by Fred Roper whose great grand daughter donated them to KVHS. Therefore these boots and stocks would date from 1880's to 1920's and are a good representation of the style of boots worn during this period. This pair of wooden stocks for riding boots trees has been manufactured to a very high standard. Each of the four boot tree parts fit snugly together and maintain their form, and that of the boot that they occupy. The groove channels and foot forms (tongue and groove) are exact and once snapped together become very solid. There is a brass ring, attached by a small brass "peg" on each of the thin "sliding" middle uprights. See KVHS 0177 - Riding boots.On top "L" (for left boot), "R" (for right boot)horse. country. leather. gaiters. high plains. grazing. cattlemen. laces. studs. stocks. roper family. bogong high plains.

Cattle were taken up to the High Pains during Summer for grazing on the farmer's lease.Coloured photo of Cattle being driven along a dirt road. In the foreground are two dogs and a man on a horse. droving cattle, roper family

These baskets were used to store dresses for travelling eg. to Melbourne or Albury either by train or on a coach, a carriage or on the back of an early motor car (eg. on the dicky seat - an upholstered exterior seat) Owned and used by Clare Roper's mother in 1900. Clare lived on a farm in the Kiewa Valley. The Roper family was one of the early settlers of the Kiewa Valley Two wicker, rectangular baskets, one big and one small held together, one on top of the other, by a leather strap and handle. Both baskets have a close fitting lid that goes all the way down to the bottom thus re-enforcing the sides by doubling them.The handle has an ID tag attached.The tag has "Albury" printed / scratched on it.travel baskets, dress basket, roper family

A school was built in 1871, a shingle roofed wooden building built by the local residents. It was replaced in 1873 with the old school becoming the teacher's residence. The continues with a timeline, a pupil's insight into life at the school, a list of teachers and families. An interesting history of the area and education of the time. Gundowring is a farming town in the Kiewa Valley. The book gives an insight into the education and lifestyle of the time.Mustard cardboard cover with brownish print. Across the top "Centenary Celebration, Saturday, March 31st, 1973". It has 18 pages, some colored, printed on both sides and held together by 2 staples. It includes sketches.Glued inside the front cover "Mr & Mrs Roper & family" - Invitation. Also a newspaper cutting titled "Gundowring"gundowring, education, kiewa valley, school centenary

Roper's Hut belonged to the Roper family who brought their cattle up onto the Bogong High Plains during summer. Their hut was visited and used by skiers and walkers. The log books kept a record of their visits over the years.The log books gave an insight into the activities of visitors, the weather, the frequency, etc. The case was a safe place for storage of these books.Light brown vinyl case with zip fastener around three sides and partly at the back on each side. There is a separate pocket at the top with a zip fastener. There is a flap to fasten the case across the centre top and a leather handle. The zip around the case has a silver fastener with a small key hole.The inside is mostly black and has two vinyl straps that fasten to hold the contents in place and there is an open pocket inside.roper's hut case, roper's hut log book, cattlemen's hut

Clare Roper was a resident of the Kiewa Valley and belonged to the Kiewa Valley Historical Society.Clare Roper collected and collated items of historical interest for the Kiewa Valley Historical Society.Grey plastic front and back cover with black spiral spine with 24 clear plastic sleeves / pages plus 2 sleeves empty. Includes: Roper Family. Thomas Mitchell C.M.G.. North Eastern Dairy Company. Johann Gottfried Scholy's History. Rutherglen's Early Days.The Viticulture College. Botharambo. Pledge of Loyalty (to the Queen). North East Historical Societies. The Land Act 1883. Protection of the Aborigines 1886.clare roper; scrap book

The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. The Roper family were very involved for many years in the activities of the branch. Clare Roper collected and documented the history of the Tawonga C.W.A. and the Kiewa Valley C.W.A.. Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect of available workers and the well being of the women and children.Black wooden plaque sloped to a narrow gold coloured border surrounding a black surface with a gold badge shaped plaque. The plaque has writing etched into it and painted white.Tawonga Branch C.W.A. / honours its Members / Kiewa Valley / Group Presidents / Annie V. Roper 1958 - 60 / (Mrs Bert) / Clara J. Roper 1964 - 66 / (Mrs Jack)tawonga. country woman's association of victoria. clara roper. annie roper.

This type of cast iron kettle was used by pioneer families, mainly rural in the early 1900's upon open fires (log). It covered rural activities that needed a constant readily available source of boiling water, in or mainly outside the kitchen of homesteads. This kettle was used in the early to late 1900's for the refreshment of stock men and farmers that had irregular "tea" breaks under sometimes hard and gruelling conditions.This kettle belonged to and was used by a Kiewa Valley, pioneer family, the Roper Family. This kettle was moved from their Kiewa Valley property to their hut built on the Bogong High Plains. The Bogong High Plains area provided Kiewa Valley cattlemen a good supply of fodder to supplement their Kiewa Valley grazing areas. This "camp draft" activity , in the high plains, could take up to six weeks.This large cast iron modified camp pot (cauldron) has a long tap connection located at the bottom end. The "tap" is made from brass and has a simple elongated "bar" control swivel at the end to control the water flow. The tap suggests that only water was heated (to a constant boil) for the replenishment of cattlemen's, or other horse rider's, tea or coffee mugs. Refreshments at a "temporary" location on the Bogong High Plains. There was a "log" hut built by the Roper family as temporary accommodation for cattlemen and other family members.Ot the flat bottom "FIRST QUALITY 2 GALLONS"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen

This book was used as a text book at Camberwell Grammar School by Jack Roper whose family lived and farmed at Mt Yorke Station, Tawonga. At the time there wasn't a local High School, the closest one being in Albury. Historical: Students studied History. Country students boarded in Melbourne for their education. Provenance: Jack Roper had a private school education. His family still live and farm in the Kiewa Valley. Comparative to his descendants' education.Blue book with embossed hard cover including cloud like patterns in a rectangular shape around the title.Inside cover - hand written: Jack Roper / Camberwell G.S. / Jack Rooper / Mt Yorke Station / Tawonga/ Via Yackandandah Also handwritten notations: Marathon 490; 130 to 136 History; 4 chapter after holidays 18 to 24; !V chapter. Also smudged ink stain.education. history. greece. jack roper. mt yorke station. tawonga. camberwell grammar school.

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of Ray Meyer outside Roper's Hut. Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, building skyline, skyline founders, toni st elmo, adrian ruffenacht, jack minogue, ray meyer, lloyd dunn, david gibson

coloured photo: family group ? 3 adult females in cloche hats and overcoats, two small females on scenic walk. Path through bush and trees with white post and rail fence. On front board, handwritten ' Lovers Walk, Cowes' Won by Mr. L. Batchelder ( Bendigo Photographer's family ? ) ' Gents Rope Quoits/Bay View Cowes, Feb. 1933 'A.J. Murray, Ciommercial Photographer, Photo Shop, Cosesplace

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Image of Mt. Bogong from above Roper's Hut with Wal Johnson and Ray Meyer seated on the ground. ROPER'S HUT Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, bogong high plains, wal johnson, ray meyer, ropers hut

A cattle prod, also called a stock prod, is a handheld device commonly used to make cattle or other livestock move by striking or poking them. This is a home-made prod.This is an example of the resourcefulness of rural families in economising and re-cycling.A wooden stick - probably a handle from a tool - with rope threaded through the top. It was probably a home-made animal prodder.livestock prod

The rope was part of the distress rocket used during the time that the sailing ship Fiji was in distress, before it became a wreck. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and distress rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Cartland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryan's Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to River nook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the last man being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to River nook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967.This rope is part of the collection of artefacts from the wreck of the Fiji. Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes).Rope, plaited, brown in colour, cut straight at one end, and the other end is separated into 3 pieces, from distress rockets used during the wreck of the sailing ship Fiji. Rope was in envelope printed with an address, and a description, and there was a display card with further details on it. Printed on the envelope: "Shire of Hampden / PO Box 84, Camperdown 3260" Hand written "rope of wreck of Fiji / 7cm / Mr Wm "Boyce" Display card with rope includes words "Piece of Rope from the Fiji distress rockets and was donated to Flagstaff Hill by a private donor in 1989"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, rope, the fiji, william boyce, distress signal, rocket rescue, life saving equipment

Portraits were taken professionally often on important occasions. As graziers from a prominent family in Redbank, Walter and Ada Ryder were well known and respected.Walter and Ada Ryder were pioneer high country graziers and cattlemen. Ada (nee Sullivan)'s family lived at Redbank. Their children were Walter, Victor, Beatrice, Vera, Lorna and Dorothy. Walter 1872 - 1954; Ada 1887 - 1983 Walter was a son of John and Annie Ryder - Walter's parents being one of the first settlers in the valley. According to Ada Ryder's notes and John Cooper's notes, Ryders were followed by Higginsons followed by Coopers in about 1867/8. Ropers held Mullindolingong Station/Mt Yorke Station, but had managers on the station before actually taking up residence about 1867/8. Whilst the Sullivans lived at Redbank (now known as Coral bank), the Ryders lived at Tawanga (correct spelling in those days) on Ryders Lane, Tawonga where John and Annie first built and lived; Walter and Ada then occupied the family home, followed by Vera Hore (nee Ryder) and the current owners Kevin and Rhonda Ryder.Black and white photo of an elderly man and woman both well dressed. Framed by cream cardboard 3.5 cm at sides and 5 cm top and bottom with a plain metal frame surrounding all sides with decorated corners. McPherson, Albury on front below righthand side of the photo.walter ryder; ada sullivan; cattle graziers; tawonga

In the mid to late 1930’s survey outposts were established to plot the early stages of the Kiewa Hydro Electric System for the SECV in the Bogong High Plains. Before any roads were built, the old cattleman’s tracks were used with packhorses to deliver supplies, wages and mail and collect timesheets and correspondence from the workmen and dam builders living in canvas tents and at the outlying survey posts. The trip up the mountain was long and hard and dangerous for both horse and man Most of the men of the survey teams were not bush-men and were often ill equipped for the harsh weather and living conditions of bush camping, often arriving in their city clothes ready for work. The tent city at Bogong was destroyed by bush fires in 1939 after which an access road was built from Mt Beauty to transport building materials for more permanent dwellings for workmen. Pack horses continued to be used for transporting goods etc. to workers further up the mountain.Without the work of horsemen and their pack horses providing supplies and communications for outlying outposts, surveying and early planning for the Kiewa Valley Hydro Electric scheme could not have gone ahead and the dams and power stations which support the system could not have been constructed. The Hydro-electric scheme, and the workers who planned and built it play a major part in the early history of the Kiewa Valley and many original families still remain living, or have ties with the local area.: Set of 21 black and white photographs and copies of photographs depicting the pack horses and the men who handled them, transporting supplies and correspondence to the outlying camps and survey posts in the Bogong High Plains, via the rough cattlemen’s tracks. Photographs also show the early tent camps of the workers. Some photos mounted on A4 white paper. Some photos enlarged to A3 poster size for display1. Handwritten on back – Max Lawrence 2. -8 No inscriptions 9. Handwritten on back- Packing in supplies for early workers of the Kiewa Hydro scheme. There were no roads in the early days of the scheme 10. Printed on bottom of photo- Roper’s cattle on road below Howman’s Gap 11. Handwritten on back – Roper’s et al about to leave for the high plains 12. Printed under photo- Syd Ryder at the Pretty Valley Cut-Out (JBR) 13-16. No markings 17. Printed under photo- Gwen Talbot visits the Camp area. 1937 18. Handwritten on back- 14/1 Barbara Talbot 19. No markings 20-21. No markings 22. Printed under photo- STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA. Date: 15-3-45 Time: 8.0pm No: K 1838 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works, Investigations 1944-1945 – Survey Camp at Young’s Hut pack horses; bogong high plains; survey posts; supplies delivery

Falls Creek Ski Resort developed during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. The first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the scheme. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Falls Creek Post Office opened in 1958. Tourism was growing and being encouraged by local businesses.The souvenir postcard was produced by Mr S. K. Pearce a Mt Beauty businessman. It was a memento for skiers and visitors to the Falls Creek and Mt Beauty area to send to family and friends as a reminder of their visit to the region or to keep as a personal souvenir. It presented an excellent promotional opportunity for enterprising local businessmen to promote the area to skiers and tourists near and far. It also presents an excellent pictorial history of the Falls Creek area around the late 1950's and 1960's.Colour postcard folder (unused) containing 12 labelled colored photos of the Falls Creek ski area and surrounds with a blank 'page' entitled 'Correspondence' and another for the address.falls creek, skiing, snow sports, s. k. pearce, tourism, secv

People collect items that help them remember a special time in their lives or some thing that appeals to them. Brownie cameras were used in the 1950s. Negatives and photos represent the life of the Matthews family.George and Laura Matthews lived at 12 Roper St. Mt Beauty from 1957 to the 1970s. The items in this collection belonged to them and represent part of their lives when living in the Kiewa Valley.1. Brownie camera - black vinyl. 2. Tin Box "Ted the Jester' biscuit tin. 3. Gold button & Queen Elizabeth badge 4. Silver plunger 5. Dunkling Jewellers Guarantee re ring 6. State Savings Bank Book 1957 - 1963 7. Laura M. Matthews Union Card 1963 8. LaTrobe Health Service Card. 9. Meat Ration Cards 1948 10. 18 Negatives of people/holidays in envelope 11. Photos1. Made in England by Kodak Ltd 2. Use by 1998 and 'Eileen' printed in texta on top george matthews, laura matthews, 12 roper st., mt beauty, brownie camera

Cattle grazing on the Bogong High Plains occurred on most summers since the 1840s. The families were farmers from the Kiewa Valley. The 2003 fires interrupted this tradition which was discontinued altogether in 2005 for environmental reasons. This tradition is still controversial.History of Cattle grazing on the Bogong High Plains and farming in the Kiewa Valley and the families that lived there.Photocopied topographical map of part of the Alpine National Park showing 11 families areas for cattle grazing. Dated 1991/92 up to 2003 fires.91/92 Until fires in 2003 Families names have been added in blue texta. They are: 'Kelly, Faithful, Weston Briggs, Ryder, Cooper, Blair, Roper, Maddison, Fitzgeralds, Hicks.'cattlemen of the kiewa valley, cattle grazing on the bogong high plains

Mrs Clare Roper wore this dress to a garden party at Buckingham Palace when she was invited there to represent the Lions Club.The Roper Family is one of the pioneering farming families of the Kiewa Valley. They built and used Ropers Hut on the High Plains. The dress worn by Clare Roper has historical significance as it represents the importance of the CWA which Claire Roper was involved with as President thus being invited to Buckingham Palace. The dress also shows the fashions of the time and indicates ladies living in the small country towns still viewed fashion as important. Since we know it was Clare Ropers dress it is well provenances, is in reasonable condition and has very good interpretive capacity. This brown shirt waister dress has an 'A' line skirt with an inverted pleat on the lower half of both the front and back. The dress has a 'Peter Pan' collar, matching belt, pockets and short sleeves. There are 3 bound button holes and buttons, gold set with pearls, only one is complete. The front top, cuffs and pockets are embroidered with cream lace. There is a press stud and hook at the neck. There is also a side zip opening in the skirt.kiewa, farming; ropers hut; lions club; clothing; clothes; dress; clare roper; high plains; buckingham palace;

This book records the history of skiing in Victoria with photos of places and people showing equipment used in the snow fields and used by skiers.Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains are included in this book showing photos of local people and machinery etc. Dorothy Anderson (nee Ryder) owned and used this book. She lived at Tawonga.This is a bound pictorial book with a blue cover and white printed title.. The subject is Alpine resorts and ski areas in the Australian High Country in the 40s and 50s. 'To our very dear friends, Mr and Mrs Ryder, with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from Harold and 'Rel / Ril ?' 'snow, skiing, photography, pioneers, enthusiasts, heritage, st elmo, secv machinery, ryder family, bogong high plains, rope tow