Historical information

The Shifter Wrench was used by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, which were established in 1897, and had the responsibility for providing Wodonga's drinking water and managing the wastewater.

In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958.

In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. And by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.

In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water.

Significance

The shifter wrench has local significance due to its use by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, and donation from the North East Region Water Authority. It also has wider historical significance as an example of the equipment used in the early management of water in Victoria and Australia.

Physical description

Large cast iron wrench with an adjustable grip and a circular turning mechanism at the top of a thin tapering handle. 2.6 cm thread on the end of the thin tapering handle.

Inscriptions & markings

"GSP 23/15" on one side of the thin tapering handle.