Historical information

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water.

This Melbourne Water watch was gifted to a Melbourne Water staff member by her manager when she left the organisation in 1996. The watch was part of a branding campaign as the water industry became segregated in 1994.

Significance

This item is of historical significance for its association with Melbourne Water at the time when the water industry became segregated in 1994. This watch is a perfectly intact object and is significant for its representativeness of the theme of Women in the Workforce within the MMBW and Melbourne Water as it was gifted to a female employee. The watch is also aesthetically pleasing in style and represents the trends of the 1990s.

Physical description

Gold plated, black leather band watch with the Melbourne Water logo on the face with accompanying black suede case with gold corners. The watch also comes with a warranty inside.