Bradford Kendall was established in 1922 by Lesley Bradford and Jim Kendall, investing their winnings on a race horse. They both previously worked at the BHP Steel Works. They gained contracts with the railways and mining industry. During World War II they also manufactured armaments. During the boom of the 1950s they established several foundries in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Bradford Kendall Ltd Wodonga foundry was established in 1954. It melted down old railway wheels, rails and redundant machinery to produce a range of low-alloy steel products, especially for earth-moving vehicles, railways, oil rigs and sugar factories. Wodonga was ideally placed as a change point between the different rail gauges of Victoria and New South Wales, close to the Hume Highway and the Snowy Mountain Scheme. The first sod for the site was turned on 2nd June 1954 and the first melt and pour of molten metal at Wodonga took place on 7th July 1954. Bradford Kendall Plant No.5 in Wodonga became one of the most profitable foundries in the Bradford Kendall group. Bill Black became the first plant Manager, a position he held for 30 years. Another long term employee was Pat Gooding who began work at a 15 year old and retired for the position of Bradken foundry Manufacturing Manager 51 years later. In the early 1980s, Australian National Industries Ltd bought Bradford Kendall and other heavy engineering companies. The Wodonga foundry with its (then) 170 or so staff became part of Bradken Consolidated along with nine other foundries in Australia and New Zealand. In 1989, Kerry Packer’s Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd took control of ANI. In January 1999, Smorgon Steel Group acquired ANI, which included the Bradken business. The company changed hands again in 2001 when Smorgon Steel Group sold Bradken to Castle Harlan Australian Mezzanine Partners (CHAMP). In 2016 negotiations began for Bradken to be taken over by Hitachi Construction for A$689 million. In April 2017 Bradken became a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Limited.A collection of black and white images and advertising for Bradford Kendall (Bradken) Wodonga.bradford kendall, wodonga industries, wodonga businesses

The Greatorex company came to Wodonga in August 1945 under the Cain Government decentralisation policy. It initially had premises in Beechworth Road, around the corner from Tallangatta Road (now Thomas Mitchell Drive). Due to expansion they later relocated to the corner of Tallangatta Road and Anne Street Wodonga in 1952. Greatorex had its main manufacturing plant in Melbourne, Victoria. At their peak Greatorex Pty Ltd. which also operated as Supreme Surgical Hosiery Co., manufactured brassieres, swimsuits, elastic thread, surgical hosiery and employed 90 staff in Wodonga. The company which was operated by Thomas Greatorex with Mr M. P. Brain as Manager, also owned Fulflex Yarns Pty. Ltd. Fulflex produced elastic yarns to be used in the manufacture of garments at Supreme Surgical Hosiery. In 1960, due to the increasing cost of freight charges for moving raw materials and manufactured goods to and from Melbourne, the company was forced to close down. Plant and machinery valued at over £30,000 was moved to Melbourne. Some personnel were given the opportunity to also transfer to the parent company. In 2024, the company still operates as Greatorex Textile Industries P/L in Moorabbin, Victoria.These images are significant because they document an industry which operated in Wodonga in the 1940s and 1950s.A collection of black and white photos of workers at the Greatorex / Supreme Surgical Hosiery Co. in Wodonga.Names listed beneath one of the images.greatorex industries, wodonga industries

The Wodonga Brewery was established in Hume Street (now Church Street) Although relatively short lived the brewery had many changes of ownership. D. Hallahan commenced brewing in 1888. On the Fri 4 Jan 1889 Wodonga and Towong Sentinel announced that the Wodonga Brewery had been taken over by D. Clark of Melbourne. By Fri 27 Sep 1889 the proprietor was advertised as W. D. Busch. However, the Wodonga Brewery was sold at auction on Busch’s behalf on 25 Jan 1890. The entire property was knocked down to Mr Louis Wenkelmann, of Jindera, for £500. The brewery was again sold to Patrick Flanagan in 1891. In 1895 Flanagan rented the brewery to the partnership of J. R. Martin and A. Wilcox. When the partnership was dissolved in January 1896, Patrick Flanagan continued to operate the brewery. In September 1905 the Fresh Food and Frozen Storage Company of Melbourne announced that they had secured the old Brewery Buildings in Hume Street, Wodonga to establish a cream receiving depot. In November 1922 tenders were called for the removal of the Old Brewery buildings.This poster is of local significance as it advertises and early business in Wodonga.A coloured poster advertising Wodonga Brewery printed in black, red and white. It has a wood print background and has been mounted on board to protect it.Around the central name: "WODONGA BREWERY/ WODONGA" In the red section: "PALE / W.D. BUSCH/ALE" On either side inside circle: "WDB"wodonga brewery, w. d. busch, manufacturing industries wodonga

A bound volume of 365 pages outlining the development of the Wilson Transformer company, including illustrations, plans and photos. This book gives an in-depth history of the development of the Wilsons Transformer Company Pty. Ltd. from its inception in 1933 until 1983. In this period over 74,000 transformers have been produced from wilson electric transformer company - history, manufacturing industries wodonga, manufacturing australia

The Wodonga Creek Stock Bridge was constructed by the Country Roads Board in 1939. The date was recorded on a small plaque attached to one of the trestles. The bridge is an important reminder of one of the industries Wodonga was built on — cattle. It was constructed to develop a new stock route between Albury and Wodonga which would direct cattle away from the main bitumen roads and traffic bridges to the Wodonga Saleyards, where thousands of sheep and cattle were sold each month. It is a moderately tall timber trestle road bridge consisting of nine spans, with a deck length of 76 metres and deck width of 4.5 metres, and a maximum span length of 8.5 metres. The substantial timber deck featured decking laid horizontally and longitudinal running planks laid on top of it. The bridge also has timber side safety rails to discourage livestock from straying over the side. The bridge also became the centre of summer social activity for the young people of Wodonga as the area became a gazetted swimming area before the Wodonga Swimming Pool was constructed in 1959. In 1980 the Wodonga Saleyards were relocated to Bandiana to the east of the city. This meant that Wodonga Creek Stock Bridge was no longer needed for its original purpose. Although listed as a significant site by the Victorian Heritage and National Heritage Trust on 3/08/1998, the bridge fell into disrepair and also suffered damage from several floods. A suspension Bridge was constructed beside the Stock Route Bridge in 2013 and the old bridge was closed to traffic. Major damage caused by several floods, including a major flood in 2022 has resulted in the bridge being unsafe and its future is uncertain. The model of the Wodonga Creek Stock Bridge in our Collection made by Mr John Wild, depicts its current condition.The Wodonga Creek Stock Bridge is significant for technical, historic and social reasons and has been registered at the State Heritage level. It is of technical significance as a nine span bridge with tall timber trestles. Large bridges of this type are now very rare in Victoria. It is of historic significance as a surviving structurally authentic bridge designed specifically for livestock and drover use, on a historic stock route. The Stock Bridge is of social significance for its location at a popular riverside leisure spot since its construction in 1939.A collection of photographic images depicting the Wodonga Creek Stock Bridge. It contains both black and white and coloured images taken at different times in the Stock Bridge's history. A model of the Bridge made for Our Society is also included.wodonga creek stock bridge, wodonga heritage

Dr Henry Nowik played a critical role in the development of industry in Wodonga, through his management and leadership of Uncle Bens Wodonga from 1965 until 1979. Born in Poznan, Poland in 1917, Henry was studying medicine in Paris when World War II broke out and he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving with distinction as a Bomber Pilot. He was imprisoned in Russia when his plane ditched, escaped through Kazakhstan and was eventually evacuated to London where he was appointed RAF Aide-de-Camp to General Charles de Gaulle. He was later awarded the French Croix de Guerre. After the war Dr Nowik received a PhD in Political Science and Law from American Beirut University before moving to London to teach at the London School of Economics. He then moved into industry occupying a number of senior positions in marketing and market research. In 1964, Dr Nowik, then Market Research Manager for Pedigree Petfoods, the British arm of Mars Inc., came to Australia to research the prospects for establishing a petfood business. Dr Nowik was a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. In 1965 Uncle Bens of Australia began building their first Australian factory in Wodonga, Victoria, from humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street. It became fully operational in 1967. Dr Nowik became the Marketing and Sales Director and in 1970 the Managing Director. Dr Nowik's work as a member of the Albury-Wodonga Consultative Committee was recognized in 1975 with the Order of the British Empire and in 1977 he was appointed Chairman of the Commonwealth Government's Decentralisation Advisory Board. He participated in a number of trade missions to Malaysia, China and Japan and was a Member of the Executive Committee of the Trade Development Council and the Victorian Promotion Committee. These contributions were recognised in 1982 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 1979, Dr Nowik left Wodonga and moved to the United States to become Vice-President, Marketing for Mars, becoming Global Product Group President in 1980. Following his retirement in 1985 he continued to act as Senior Advisor to a number of Mars' businesses. Albury-Wodonga retained a special place in Dr Nowik's heart and he kept a close interest in Charles Sturt University, sharing his time, experience and expertise with staff and students. The University made him an honorary Doctor of Letters in 1993 when the Henry Nowik Lecture Theatre officially opened at the University's Albury campus. Later the City of Wodonga named a park in his honour. Dr Nowik and his wife returned to Australia in 2004, first living in Brisbane then moving to Maleny in Queensland. Henry Nowik died on 12th March 2015 aged 98. These items are significant because they demonstrate the contribution made to the Wodonga community and the Australian economy by Dr Henry Nowik AO OBE.A collection of items briefly documenting the contribution of Dr Henry Nowik to Wodonga, Victoria. Included are photos of Dr Nowik, newspaper items, a photo of the first office of Uncle Bens in Wodonga and a farewell card from Dr Nowik.dr henry nowik, uncle bens wodonga

Elgin Shoes Pty., Ltd., established a branch shoe factory in Beechworth in 1946. Managing director, Mr T Nagle Pitman, selected Beechworth as a suitable location for the factory due to the availability of labour in the town, particularly girls under sixteen years of age. At its peak, the shoe factory employed thirty six women and girls, which also included post-war migrants. After the Second World War, Australia admitted increasing numbers of immigrants in order to fulfil labour requirements for a rapidly inflating demand of consumer goods. These migrants were largely from European Countries in line with the ‘White Australia Policy’. In 1954 Beechworth had 170 migrants from the UK, 102 from Hungary, and 63 from Germany. The factory closed in 1961 as increased centralisation of both populations and industry in the larger nearby towns of Wangaratta and Wodonga lead to the closure of many factories in small towns in the 1960s and 1970s. This photograph is historically significant as it shows the working conditions in a factory primarily staffed by women at some point between the late 1940s and early 1960s. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 14 / AFGA / 6982 / pitman shoe factory, elgin shoe company, industry, shoe factory, shoemaking, working women, post-war migration, factory, white australia policy, mid-twentieth century women's working conditions, twentieth-century working conditions, pitman, elgin, shoe, sewing machine, leather, pittman

Prior to the sealing of the Kiewa Valley Highway in 1950, all heavy road stock including building materials, farm equipment and other heavy machinery had to be transported via railway lines to either Albury, Wodonga or Bright and then transported overland for the remainder of the distance by wagon on rough, poorly made roads. Trains also services the mining industries of the Ovens Valley and the transportation of tourists to Mount Buffalo and the very popular Mount Buffalo Chalet.Steam trains were a major form of transport for rural community members prior to the introduction of road transport. Local producers including farmers relied on rail transport to send and receive essential building equipment, farming produce, materials, stock and mail to maintain their lifestyles and social connections with the outside world. 3 black and white photographs of a building being transported by steam train. Photos show the train in three progressively closer photos. Photo shows a man standing in the doorway at the controls of the train, 3 figures, possibly children leaning out of the window of the carriage and another man, standing on the tracks with hands on hips. Photo could have been taken in Tallangatta, Cudgewa or Ebden near Lake Hume where trains were a major form of transport prior to the 1950’s. No markingstransportables; steam train; railway;, old tallangatta, esther temple

This type of "stone" jar drinking container was used before glass and later plastic material made it "out of date" as a drink container. The qualities of the glazed pottery (stone) drinking containers made from this natural thermal insulation material was to contain the liquid to a prescribed temperature either hot or cold, as required. This was particularly important in rural environments that lacked adequate refrigeration means. The rural regions where the last areas in Australia where this type of drinking container remained in use. The late 1960's saw a revival of the basic rural ethos by the "hippie" culture of going to basic survival non "commercial" living.This particular stone jar drinking container was also a method of advertising for a Wodonga Stone masonry manufacturer. It is both relevant and significant to the Kiewa Valley because it highlights the type of industry that has breached the evolutionary trend for cheaper "throw away" drinking containers. Although this particular type of container is limited to quality liquids and it is still available in most rural sectors of the Australian "bush" environment.This stone/earthenware jar has a lip 250mm in length and 150mm thick. This lip will allow the thumb and forefinger to be used to grip the container for either pouring its contents out or securing it for any movement. The external glazed surface may become slippery when wet. The jar is heavy even when empty and would be too heavy for small children to carry. By using a cork seal the jar can be reused and therefore become more economical for the longer term. The thickness of the vessel provides a good insulation for the liquid contained. Most of this type of container would have contained ginger beer.Within two elliptical circles are painted (in freehand) "S. MASON" in the top half and "WODONGA" in the bottom half.These are separated by an asterisk on both sides. A large "S" overlaid by a similarly large "M" is within the inner circle. Stamped into the jar when still wet during manufacture is "PINNACLE BRAND" in 5mm lettering.drinking container, stone jar, ginger beer container, s. mason, wodonga earthen ware

One of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of brick buildings with ornate roof structures and a tower. There is a sign above the door of the tower "Office". mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

The rear of one of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of brick buildings with corrugated iron water tanks on the roof and an attached covered area presumably for deliveries. This photograph is one of two printed on a single sheet of photographic paper.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

One of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a brick building with an ornate roof line. Sign above door reads "Mount Ophir | 1903" This photograph is one of two printed on a single sheet of photographic paper.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

One of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a brick building with a tower. A number of people are walking about by the buildings. This photograph is one of two printed on a single sheet of photographic paper.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a number of buildings, one of them with a tower, viewed across a body of water. This photograph is one of two printed on a single sheet of photographic paper.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a building with a tower, with a building with a dome shaped roof in the foreground.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a group of buildings, one with a tower, viewed across a body of water.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of several buildings. On the left is a brick tower building. To the right, in the background, is a timber shed. A number of people are walking about or are seated at tables.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of the front of two brick buildings with roof lines of different styles.ng about or are seated at tables.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a brick building with corrugated water tanks on the roof and an attached roof area, probably to supply shelter for deliveries.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of two adjacent brick building, with a group of people gathered in front of it, listening to a speaker. A sign on the front of the right hand building, above the door, reads "1891"Paper label pasted on top left corner of photo: "Mt. Ophir"mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a brick building, with an ornate roof line. A sign above the door reads "1903"mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of several people walking across a raised walkway in a building with rough textured walls, and stained timber ceiling beams. There are two rows of wine barrels in the foregroundmt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of two adjoined brick buildings, with a group of people standing in front of it listening to a speaker. mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of the rear of a brick building with corrugated iron water tanks on the roof. There is an attached roofed area, probably to protect deliveries from weather.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a group of brick buildings, one of them with a tower, viewed across a body of water.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a group of brick buildings, one of them with a tower, viewed across a body of water.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a group of brick buildings, one of them with a tower, viewed across a body of water.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a group of brick buildings, one of them with a tower, viewed across a body of water.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of two adjacent brick buildings, with different styles of roof lines.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry