Historical information

Europeans arrived in the Kiewa Valley in the 1830s and 40s. Following the drought of 1838-44 seeking out the rich pastures in the fertile Kiewa Valley. . The next major increase in population was as a result of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. The beginning of construction of the Kiewa Hydro-electric scheme in the late 1940s introduced changes and led to the enlargement and improvement of local roads and the townships of Mount Beauty and Bogong Village were constructed by the SECV from the 1930’s to the 1950’s to house workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. At its peak the Kiewa Scheme employed around 4000 people from all walks of life and as many cultures.

Significance

The influx of European migrants to work on the Hydro Scheme along with their rich cultural backgrounds, all played a major part in establishing the history of the area and in shaping the future character of the Mount Beauty, the Kiewa Valley and Falls Creek areas. Photographs may depict descendants, family or friends of early settlers or workers in the Kiewa Valley region.

Physical description

1. Sepia photograph, mounted on heavy buff card with yellowing marks from sticking tape across the bottom of the photograph. Photograph is of a group of nurses taken at the Sunbury Sanitorium
2. Sepia photograph mounted on heavy buff card with yellowing marks from sticking tape at top and bottom of photo. Mark from drawing pin in centre top of photo. Photograph is of a middle aged woman posing dressed in period costume
3. Sepia photograph mounted on heavy buff card with yellowing marks from sticking tape at top and bottom of photo. Mark from drawing pin in centre top of photo. Photograph is of an older woman posing dressed in period costume