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.

George Padgett was born into a railway family in Numurkah, Victoria on 3 February 1890. He began working for the Victorian Railways as a junior clerk in Maryborough and gained his Driver’s ticket in 1913 at North Melbourne. In November 1937 when the “Spirit of Progress” made its first run from Melbourne to Albury, he was moved to Wodonga. From the train's first return trip he took over the driving. During his career, he made an average of 92 round trips a year. George made his last trip on 4 February 1955 prior to his retirement. George died in Wodonga on 19 February 1967.

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 group of men gathered at a retirement function for George Padgett in 1955. George was a driver on the "Spirit of Progress".

Inscriptions & markings

Back Row: Cyril Hughes, Steve Cuper, Ted Hamilton, Lloyd Holmes, George Lloyd, Frank Fulford, Tom Guinane (?), Mick Kowalzuk (?)
Centre Row: Bill Welsh, Eric Molloy, Tom Fitzgerald, Reg Feitz (?), Unknown, George Taylor, Bill Baldock, Reg Matthews, Ted Jenkins, Buddy Straghan(?), Unknown.
Seated Front Row: Vic Jones, Vin Snow, Jack Dawe. George Padgett, Alex Reid, ? Lawson, Unknown, Austin Fulford, Doug West, Wally Riley, Norm Davey, Unknown, Wally McGeachin (Clerk), Morrie Flanigan.