This is the fourth edition (2025) of a well respected collection of stories of the early Orbost district. The 1st edition was produced in 1972 (stories collected by Mary Gilbert). This updated fourth edition builds on the previous 3 editions by adding photographs and obituaries and where possible corrections have been made. This item is significant because it tells the stories of early Orbost settlements, families and personalities from 1870's c.1940'sBook with light brown covered card board with two black and white photos, one oval and the other rectangle which has an inscription, Nicholson Street Orbost-approximately 1890. 202 pagesFourth Edition 2025. Orbost and District Society PO Box 284 Orbost Vic. 3888orbost, mary gilbert, early orbost history, book

This booklet was compiled by Orbost Shire council in 1993. It contains addresses and phone numbers of community groups in the shire and includes Mallacoota, Bemm River, Marlo, Cann River and Orbost.I it also has population statistics from the 1991 census - 6562 or the Shire of Orbost.This booklet is a useful reference tool.A foolscap sized document of approximately 60 pp titled COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORY Shire of Orbost March 1993.It has a red cover with plastic binding. It contains addresses and phone numbers of community groups in the shire and includes Mallacoota, Bemm River, Marlo, Cann River and Orbost.I it also has population statistics from the 1991 census - 6562 or the Shire of Orbost.orbost-history community-groups-orbost-1993

In 1893, a group of Orbost farmers formed together to initiate the Orbost Butter Factory. The first factory was built in Lochiel Street and was a wooden building. In 1916, a new building was constructed on Forest Road. This was a more substantial brick building which had its own power source. Electric power, mainly for lighting was supplied to the developing township of Orbost by the Butter Factory. This docket is an invoice for the supply of power to the household or business of C. Tomlinson in 1952. The Butter Factory power was the only power to Orbost prior to the 1962 when S E C power came to Orbost. An invoice from a major business in Orbost which supplied power to the town for the first 50 years of the 20th Century. A laminated copy of an invoice from Orbost Butter & Produce Co Ltd. Black print on white paper. Telephone 88 if supply defective Orbost Butter & Produce Co Ltd To Mrs C Tomlinson, 2 May 1952. Lighting15/- Power 5/3 Meter rent 1/- Account rendered 6/13/3orbost, electric power, orbost butter factory, c tomlinson

This was possibly produced for an open day in the centenary year. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of the Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. This is a useful reference tool.Two stapled pages of printed information. On the front page is the logo of Orbost Shire Council. There is information on the role of the Shire Councillors for 1992/93. It has a map of the council building.orbost-shire-council

This is a 50 year (Golden Jubilee) report of the Orbost & District Hospital and is a record of an important event for the Orbost District. The hospital was founded in 1930 after many years of lobbying and fundraising by local people. This booklet contains the names of senior staff and office bearers in 1980. This item is significant because it is a brief record of the first 50 years of the Orbost & District Hospital. It also contains the names of the staff, and office bearers from 1980.This 19 page booklet has a cream cover with black printing on the top section of the cover. The bottom section has a large b/w photograph of buildings and cars. ORBOST AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL GOLDEN JUBILEE REPORT 1930-1980medical services, orbost hospital, golden jubilee

This photograph shows three generations of the Russell family in Orbost. On the left is John Russell with his son Bill Russell and his wife Ede and their son Ian. John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). Bill was born at Orbost in 1893, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Maud (nee Clarke). Upon his father’s retirement he took over the homestead part of the holding, 1,000 acres of river flats and hill land. He was involved in dairying and was also a successful beef cattle breeder and maize grower. He was elected to the Orbost Shire Council in 1929 and shortly afterwards was President for 18 months (from May 1930 to August 1931). He served a further term as President in 1934-35. He represented the South riding. He was chairman of the Bean Board and a well-known horse and show judge and a member of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was an elocutionist of some note and a member of the committee of management of the Orbost Hospital. He was also a prominent member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a Justice of the Peace. He served as president of the Orbost Golf Club and assisted with the preparation and layout of the present Orbost Golf course. This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a family. A lady is in the middle with a man on each side and a young boy in front. They are standing outside a house in the garden.on back - "3 generations, Johnny Russell, Ede & Bill Russell & Ian Russell"russell-family-orbost

This photograph was taken from Grandview overlooking the Orbost flats.A black/white photograph in a frame. The frame has a stand. The frame is card padded over a metal frame. It is covered in plastic. The photograph is of the Orbost flats with the river and the town in the background.in white - "Orbost From "Grandview"grandview orbost-flats photograph

This was the official program for the 1963 Back To Orbost Celebrations. 2194.4 is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection.This is a locally produced book useful for reference.Four copies of a 16 pp page book with a white cover, black print, titled Back To Orbost Celebrations 1963. Friday 8 March 1963 Saturday 16 March 1963.Stamped on front cover - Orbost Historical Societyorbost-history celebrations reunions

This is the program of a major country music event held at Newmerella /Orbost on Sunday 12th January 1986. It has been collected and donated by Elaine Brogan who attended this festival. This festival started in the early 1980's and was held annually.This item is significant because it details a major musical event in the 1980's32 page paper booklet, cover is black lettering on white background, drawing of a logo on top left of cover. StapledOFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAMME (COMPLIMENTARY) 5TH ANNUAL SNOWY RIVER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL ORBOST LIONS CLUB SUNDAY JANUARY 12TH 1986 at NEWMERELLA RECREATION RESERVEmusic festival, orbost, country music festival

The 1Tambo & Orbost Times was published between 1887 and 1903. It later became the Bruthen and Tambo Times. This item is a useful reference for the early history of East Gippsland.A double spread folded newspaper. Tambo & Orbost Times. It is dated November 10 1888. This newspaper has been laminated.newspaper-tambo-orbost-times

Produced in the interest of tourism for the visitor to Orbost and district by Orbost and District Tourist Association in conjunction with Golden Fleece Petroleum.This item is a useful reference tool.A four fold white and yellow pamphlet with black print. On the front is the title -"Orbost and Surrounding Area". There are labelled illustrations of fish above a list of towns. There are description of self-drive tours in the area and a map on the back.pamphlet tourism-orbost

The Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights and in 1929 the band played at the official opening of the Buchan Caves, by Sir Albert Lind. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A plastic pocket containing cheque butts, credit books and account books. All contain hand-written details and relate to the Orbost Municipal Band.On front covers - "ORBOST MUNICIPAL BAND" in black pen. orbost-municipal-band

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 booklet was a fundraiser and produced in 1977 for the Orbost Primary School Mothers Club. It was collected by Margaret Owen who was a school teacher at the school at the time.This item is significant because it was produced as a fundraiser in 1977 for Orbost Primary SchoolSmall green coloured book of 108 pages, stapled on left hand side, cover has white printing, with a white boarder with a stylised drawing of a cooking potORBOST PRIMARY SCHOOL, MOTHERS CLUB. Selected Recipes. Inside front cover is Meg Owen, Newmerellaeducation, orbost primary school, cookery

Sepia photograph showing businesses on both sides of Nicholson Street Orbost VictoriaOrbost H. S.agriculture

Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. an The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A black vinyl case with a carry handle. It contains documents relating to the Orbost Municipal Band - financial reports in ledgers and exercise books; cheque books and deposit books from the Commonwealth Bank; receipt books; invoices; receipts; submissions; quotes; and five cheque book stubs.labelled Orbost Municipal Bandorbost-municipal-band accounts book-keeping

2228.1 belonged to Ruth Legge. 2228.2 belonged to Mary Gilbert. This book was produced as a souvenir history of Orbost Primary School. The Orbost State School opened on 19th of March 1886 .The school had first operated tem­porarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond. The first head teacher was HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school then had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948. When fire destroyed the school in 1941 local halls were used as classrooms until a new school was built. Work was quite rapid and a new brick structure was opened by the Hon. A. E. Lind, MLA, on 13th of February 1942. The head teacher then was Leslie Collins. Orbost continued to develop and the new school was soon over­taxed. This resulted in the erection of two Bristol classrooms in 1947. By 1950, when the school population had reached 500 pupils the opening of the new school at Orbost North was welcomed by all concerned. In 1963 the Department purchased land diagonally opposite the school and developed it as a playing area. In 1965 two LTCs were opened in November, and in October 1968 the Brodribb School building was moved to SS2744 Orbost for use as a general purpose room. This book is a useful research resource.Two copies of a yellow paper book book. On the front cover is a sketch of some trees beneath the title which is in green print ( these are the school colours) . This is a souvenir record of the history of Orbost Primary School.2228.1 has autographs on the back fly.orbost-primary-school book orbost-history

The Orbost area was once a large bean growing area as the fertile snowy River flats produced good quality beans. It was exported to other states of Australia. Green beans were sent to Melbourne by train and later to Sydney, either via Bombala where they were railed, or to Eden to continue the journey on fish trucks. One pound per bag was considered a good price in the early 1920's and pickers were paid one shilling and six pence. Ref: Newmerella Valley of PlentyThis stationery is significant because it was specially made for the seed bean industry which was a major industry in the Orbost district for the first half of the 20th century. .1 - 2 letterheads for Orbost Beans and Grains on white paper. .2 - a buff coloured envelope for Orbost Beans and Grains Co-Operative LtdOrbost Beans and Grains Co-operative Ltd (incorporating Gippsland Bean Cleaners)stationery correspondence orbost-beans envelope letterhead

This booklet is from the 1936 Orbost Show and is a rare document from that era. Agricultural shows in rural areas of Victoria were important yearly events. This is a show schedule and has details of classes of events to be held at the Show, along with rules & regulations and prizes. It also contains advertising from local businesses of the day, along with the names of the Show society's office bearers. This item is significant because it is a record of the Orbost Agricultural Show from 1939.Light tan coloured booklet with red lines and black printing on the cover. ORBOST AGRICULTURAL SHOW Forty-sixth annual show 1939 Saturday 11 Novemberorbost show, orbost agricultural society

This was a project of Year 10-3 at Orbost Secondary College produced in 2000.This is a useful reference book on early Orbost.A 40 pp book produced by Orbost Secondary College Year 10.3 students in 2000. It is plastic covered and titled "Memories of Our Parents' Childhood Years. On the front cover is a collage of photographs.On front cover is a sticker - Orbost Secondary College.orbost-history reminiscences orbost-secondary-college

The Orbost Rifle Club existed in the early 20th century. (There are records from 1900). It folded in the late 1970's.Target shooting is one of the oldest organised sports in Australia. Records date back to the British Marines at Sydney Cove in 1788. The Victorian Rifle Association (VRA) was formed in 1860. One of the most important adjuncts to the militia system from 1903 to the re-organisation of 1912 was the role played by the Rifle Club movement in Australia. At the time, these clubs were seen as the reservoir of manpower for a potential guerrilla force should any invasion occur. For Australia, the invasion fear was uppermost in the minds of the population. So important were the rifle clubs for the defence of Australia that the Commonwealth provided the training staff, rifles and ammunition so the clubs could function. Members were drilled, wore uniforms and practised all the basic skills of soldiering as well as target shooting. The Orbost Rifle Club was active during this period. A plain grey covered indexed book with a light blue cloth spine. It has a yellow label on the front cover. It appears to be a record of individual results for the Orbost Rifle Club.On label - printed - ORBOST RIFLE CLUB 211orbost-rifle-club shooting records

In 2006, the Orbost Golf Club had several days of celebration for its 100 years centenary. Initially, the Club was named the Snowy River Golf Club. This booklet was handed out during the celebrations. This booklet is significant because it contains much of the the history of the Orbost Golf Club from 1906-2006.Booklet with cream/yellow cover and spiral binding. Front cover has black print and a line drawing of a building.ORBOST GOLF CLUB Centenary Booklet (formerly SNOWY RIVER GOLF CLUB). 1906-2006 CENTENARY CELBRATIONS 9th-12th June 2006orbost, orbost golf club, golf, snowy river golf club

Oral histories as told to the Grade 6 children of Orbost North Primary School in 1988 Project funded by Country Education Contains interviews of: Mrs Florence Sheills (nee McDonald); Mrs Lily White (nee Wickham); Mrs Gladys Matthews (nee Fox); Mr Jim Holden; Mrs Marj. Henderson (Smith); Mrs Alice Slatter (nee Gibbs); Mrs Edith Emily Hughes (nee Courtnage); Mr Gordon Malcolm Farmer This item is significant because it tells stories of local histories. A thin paper back, stapled, cream cover, black print black and white 44 page bookletEARLY DAYS ORAL HISTORIES as told to the Grade 6 children ORBOST NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL 1988oral history, orbost, grade 6, orbost north primary school

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A manila folder containing documents pertaining bto the incorporation of Orbost Aero Club.On a label on front cover - INCORPORATION DOCUMENTS 1992-1993 ORBOST AERO CLUBorbost-aero-club-incorporation

This folder was compiled in October 2015 from documents, magazines. papers and photographs donated by David Jellie, engineer in charge 1974 - 1976. In early 1974, as an Engineer with the Country Roads Board, David came to Orbost as the Supervising Engineer for the construction of the new bridges which were part of an 8.4km Orbost bypass road design. This was a major project involving not only a new bridge over the Snowy River (including Lochiel Lagoon), but other bridges over Ashby’s Gulch and Watt’s Gulch. These new bridges were opened in November 1976 with the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern end of the $2.4M Snowy River Bridge. (ref. May Leatch)This item is a useful reference tool on the construction history of the Snowy River Road bridges.A white plastic folder - Orbost Bridges - Snowy River Road Bridges. it contains newspaper articles, booklets, photographs and documents relating to the construction of the Snowy River Road Bridge in 1974 -1976.on front cover - 1974 - 76 ORBOST / SNOWY RIVER ROAD BRIDGES * construction * photos * articles * plans Donated by David Jellie Oct 2015snowy-river-bridges jellie-david

Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A manila folder containing correspondence of the Orbost Aero Club. It contains letters and copies of notices.on white label top right - MISC. CORRESPONDENCE 1963-1993 ORBOST AERO CLUBorbo-aero-club

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost pound keeper from 1906 - 1914. The item was 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. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This book records the impounding of animals which have been found wandering on local roads or trespassing on land. Many are farm animals. Impounded animals were either claimed by their owners after payment of a fee or if unclaimed , they were sold. The Orbost Pound was situated on Martin Street.This book is a record of a practice which was necessary to remove stock which were wandering on local roads or trespassing on neighbours. It contains many local names and is of social interest. (ref. Vic. Collections)A ledger with a black cover, brown binding. The page edges are marbled. It contains hand-written records of payments received by the treasurer of the Orbost Pound.on spine : inside a red box in gold lettering"Pound Cash Book" inside a black box in gold lettering"Shire of Orbost"orbost-shire-council orbost-pound accounts cash-book

Small black and white photograph showing main street Nicholson St with two double story buildings on right one being state Savings Bank and seven shops, car on right 1950 vintage buildings on east side of street Orbost VictoriaOrbost transport, banking, businesses

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.