Historical information

This photograph, one of set of six, shows Ken Donchi, the youngest family member (at the time of photograph) at work as a sleeper cutter in the Orbost area since the 1890s. The photograph was used in an article for the Victorian Railways Magazine 1975. . It contains photographs and an article about Orbost as "Timber Country" and a detailed article titled, " Cutting Sleepers is a Family Business" which tells about the Donchi family.

Significance

This item is associated with the timber and sleeper-cutting industry in the Orbost Region. Timber sleepers were superceded by concrete sleepers in c. 1970s. Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. .The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.

Physical description

A black / white photograph of Ken Donchi driving a bulldozer in bushland outside of Orbost.

Inscriptions & markings

on back - Pr 8769