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.

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

Group of railway men at send-off to Wally Riley and Tom Symonds in Wodonga in 1987.

Inscriptions & markings

Back two rows L-R: R. Heathcote, J. Young, Rex McDonnell, Les Hallawell, Jack Dawe, Tom Symonds, Mick Seymour, M. Bergin, M. McGrath, R. McGrath, C. Symes, M. Matthews, M. Sandilands, S. Wishers, K. Ross, D. McIntosh, G. Robinson, Bert Cadman, J. Wise, K. Hill, Hugh Fraser, Frank Conway, Alan Smythe.

Front row: K. Dainer, S. Rigby, Wally Riley, Doug West, Mick O’Brien, M. Steff, Leo Wilkinson, George Judge.