Historical information

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990.

It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers.

Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.

Locomotive Engine Drivers and Firemen’s Association - The first railway union in the world was created in Melbourne in 1861 with the formation of the Locomotive Engine Drivers Association of Victoria. The Association was formed seven years after the official opening of Victoria’s first railway line in 1854. In 1872, the association expanded to include firemen. The name of the association became the Locomotive Engine Drivers and Firemen’s Association to reflect the change in constitution. Over time this Association amalgamated with organisations in other states and eventually became the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees which still operates today.

Significance

This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.

Physical description

A portrait of John Bennet Bruce. He was born on 8 February 1865. John started his railway career in North Melbourne on 13T February 1885. He achieved his driving certification in North Melbourne on 24 December 1899. John became President of the North Melbourne branch of in 1910. He transferred to Wodonga in 4 September 1914.