Historical information
Ron White was born in 1920. He received a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering at Footscray Technical School in 1946. He started work as a laboratory assistant and after several promotions was appointed Senior Operator in 1948. In 1949, he was Engineer, Grade 1 (Hydro Areas). After further promotions he became Assistant Area Engineer, Rubicon at new Eildon Power Station and Area Engineer, Kiewa in commissioning Mt Beauty Terminal Station and West Kiewa Power Station.. By 1956, he was the Area Operations Engineer at Kiewa and four years later the Kiewa Electrical Superintendent (Operations and Maintenance) . In 1961, he was officially recognised as deputy for the General Superintendent, Kiewa. In 1966 he was appointed General Superintendent Kiewa and Kiewa became 'a branch of the Transmission Department'. In 1974, the Rubicon / Eildon Area was also under Ron's control. His title was "Principal Hydro Engineer, Hydro Division, Transmission Operations Department. He held this position until his retirement in 1985.
Significance
Ron White was an important identity in his role as Principal Hydro Engineer from 1966 to 1985 after the completion of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. His long period of service involved him in the construction, operation and maintenance of the SECV's Hydro Electric Schemes and administration of related catchment areas. He had a close association with the local communities and care for the welfare of employees. He lived in Mt Beauty and was well respected in the community and beyond. He passed away on 30 September 2019, aged 99 years.
Physical description
A) History of Ron White's Working Life: including papers relating to "Promotion & Staff Appointment"
B) Ron White's Retirement - 11th Jan. 1985: papers, cards, letters, photos, disc/plaque
C) Ron White's Certificates: Diploma of Mechanical Engineering; First Aid;
D) Ron White's Correspondence - miscellaneous
E) Ron White's History of the 'Kiewa Scheme' from 1936- 1966. Written 1986
F) Ron White's Photo album Includes photos of him and the 2003 bushfires
G) Miscellaneous Photos (not labelled) from Ron's photo album. Possibly relatives including nieces and nephews.
H) Pewter Mug presented to Ron - Water Board
I) Wall hanging presented to Ron - Scouts
J) Ron White's Slide Ruler & Mathematical Instruments
K) Collection of 7 books owned by Ron
L) Starting Pistol Caps box
M) Ice-cream server
Inscriptions & markings
F) One photo of Ron with 'Ken Connors'. One photo with 'l to r: Norm Middleton, Graham Napier, Ron White, Les Peart.'
G) 2003 fires has a note re time, date and whereabouts of fires
H) "Presented To / Ron White / In Appreciation For Service / To The / Kiewa Valley / Water Authority / And / Its predecessor
Bodies / December 1994
I) Wall hanging: On emblem - "Lord Baden-Powell Society / The Scout Association of Australia". On Name Plate below - Ronald K.
White 1989"
J) mathematical Instruments have 'R. W' embossed in red on the corner of the cover
M) 100 Straitline, Starting Pistol Caps
N) National Ice-cream Server with stainless steel spring Size 20
