Bonegilla Army Base and Migrant Reception Centre began when funds were allocated to build Bonegilla Army Camp in June 1940. Builders began to erect about 600 huts prior to the Army moving in during September of that year. Between 1942 - 1943 it was enlarged to 848 buildings. In 1947 Bonegilla Reception and Training Centre began operating with the Army providing transport, security and catering services. From 1949 until 1965 the Bonegilla Reception and Training Centre operated without a military presence. The future Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre was made up of 24 blocks. It had its own churches, banks, sporting fields, cinema, hospital, police station and railway platform. It became the largest and longest operating reception centre in the post-war era. More than 300,000 migrants passed through its doors between 1947 and 1971, with most of those originating from non-English speaking European countries. From1965 with the increased Australian commitment to the Vietnam War and the need to find accommodation to train National Servicemen for Vietnam, the Army negotiated with the Department of Immigration to take over several blocks at Bonegilla. In 1971 the Reception Centre closed and the site reverted to the Army. After 1971 the Army undertook a major site redevelopment with the construction of Latchford Barracks as the Army Apprentice School. Later Latchford Barracks was redeveloped into part of the Army Logistic Training Centre. Between 1978 and 1982, nearly all of the centre was demolished in a major redevelopment. The new replacement buildings were formally opened as Latchford Barracks in 1983. Demolition of the buildings prompted calls for recognition of the site and the role it had played in Australia’s post-World War II Immigration program. After much discussion between the Department of Army and Heritage and local groups about the significance of the site, the Australian Heritage Commission proceeded with its listing on the Register of the National Estate. A Conservation Management Plan was prepared for Block 19 in 1996. The Army transferred Block 19 to the Victorian Government. In 2002 Heritage Victoria listed Block 19 on the State Heritage Register, giving attention to both the migrant and army connections with the site. Hut 97 at the Bonegilla Migrant Experience is the home of the Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc.

This image is significant because it records a building which is part of the Bonegilla Migrant Reception Centre which played a critical role as the largest and longest operating Migrant Reception Centre in Australia.

A colour photo of Hut 97 at Block 19, Bonegilla Migrant Experience, now the home of Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc.

hut 97 bonegilla migrant experience, wodonga & district historical society, immigration australia

The sale of stock in Wodonga goes back to its earliest history with yards being operated on the site now occupied by Elgin's Hotel and the Centro Shopping Centre, located close to the railways. Horse sales were an important part of the history of the Wodonga Saleyards. Horses were bred in north-east Victoria for the Indian Market, and records show that a truck load of horses left Wodonga Station in 1875. Campbell & Sons commenced selling horses at the Elgin Street site in 1895 and they conducted regular sales in association with Younghusband Ltd. Campbell & Sons was a Melbourne-based company, which eventually merged with Wright Stephenson & Co. Wodonga and Towong Sentinel of Friday 3rd March 1899 reported “Buyers attended from Bendigo, Ballarat, Calcutta, Madras, Singapore, The Islands, Gippsland, Dandenong, and Melbourne. Indian remounts brought up to £32 10s, draughts to £25, medium draughts to £18, town hacks and harness horses to £32, buggy pairs to £65, and light weedy sorts to £5.” After World War II, large numbers of mainly Clydesdale working horse teams were driven to Wodonga for sale. The March horse sale was the biggest and most important event of the year with overall yardings of 1,000 horses sold over two or even three days. It was a very busy period. All the horses were put through the ring singly, usually by Felix Grundy and generally caught and mouthed by Harold Boon or Toy Mulqueeney. The majority of the horses sold were trucked by rail from Wodonga. With developments in technology and the changing role of the horse in modern society, the sale of horses dwindled although horse sales at Wodonga continued until the early 1980s.

These items are significant because they represent an important industry in Wodonga's past as a major centre of livestock sales in Victoria.

Photographic images of horses on sale at Wodonga Saleyards.

wodonga saleyards, horse sales wodonga

Dunlop first entered into the tennis sports equipment market in 1923 with Dunlop Tennis balls. They also produced tennis shoes and by 1932 Dunlop was manufacturing two million pairs a year. The Dunlop Maxply Tennis racquet was first produced in 1932 and dominated the wooden racquet market for the next 50 years. This racquet was made from a mix of nine different woods. The Maxply was favoured by legendary tennis players including Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Lew Hoad and Rod Laver who was using a Dunlop Maxply when he won all four Grand Slam tournaments in a row, something he achieved in 1962 and 1969. Sport activities including tennis have always an important community pursuit in Wodonga and District. This racquet was used in competition at the Talgarno Tennis Club in the 1960s and 1970s.

This item is significant because it represents a popular community activity and a successful manufacturer in Australia.

A vintage wooden tennis racquet with a leather hand grip. It features coloured decals including the brand name added to the racquet head and the handle. There is also an outline map of Australia. The frame is also painted.

On racquet frame: MAXPLY DUNLOP JUNIOR On handle: Your Serve

community sport, wodonga and district, talgarno

This handmade basket is typical of baskets used for domestic purposes for many years in the early to mid 20th century. It was produced in Australia by Graf's. Wicker baskets were popular at this time as they were light but durable. They were made in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including laundry baskets, storage items in the home, in shops and by travelling hawkers. Wicker was also a common material used for furniture. Vintage baskets by Graf's are still in demand by collectors.

This item is significant as it is representative of basketry items popular throughout Australia in the 1960s. This basket was hand-made in Australia and used by a resident of the Wodonga district.

A woven cane shopping basket with a wooden base and single bamboo handle. The basket is made from mixed weaving of cane and light-blue strips.

Underneath basket: Original GRAF'S Basket Hand made in AUSTRALIA On metal attached to handle: GRAF’S HANDLE BINDING, PAT.PEND

vintage cane wear, vintage basket

The Bethanga Bridge was built between 1927 and 1930 as a joint venture between Victoria and New South Wales as part of the Hume Dam project as a key element of the River Murray Waters Agreement. It consists of nine spans of 82 metres long. Each span is supported between double reinforced concrete pylons and a riveted steel camel back Pratt truss. The overall span of the bridge is a length of 752 metres. It was completed in 1929 at a cost of £194,000. The road deck was initially constructed from timber but was replaced in 1961 with a concrete waffle slab deck 7.7metres wide. In 1961 the bridge deck and truss structure were raised 300 millimetres to allow for the enlargement of the lake. The bridge was designed in NSW by road engineer Percy Alan and the trusses were built by the Charles Ruwolt Pty. Ltd. Charles Ruwolt Pty. Ltd. was originally established by Charles Ruwolt as a foundry at Wangaratta in 1902 and transferred its operations to Richmond, Melbourne in 1914. By 1938 it had become one of the biggest engineering companies in Australia. After Charles Ruwolt’s death in 1946, Vickers Ltd. acquired the company and in 1948 the firm became known as Vickers Ruwolt Pty. Ltd. Because of the Bethanga Bridge’s unique location, over the waters of a dam with the border running down the centre of the body of water, the Bethanga Bridge is the only built structure shared by both Victoria and New South Wales. As the border of New South Wales aligns with the southern bank of the Murray River all of the other bridges along its length are deemed to be in New South Wales. The Bethanga Bridge is listed on both the New South Wales State Heritage Register and the Victorian Heritage Database. In 2015 the Bethanga Bridge was nominated for a heritage award by the Institution of Engineering Australia.

These images are significant because they document the construction of a bridge which links Victoria and New South Wales and has been recognised for its historical, technical and engineering significance.

A collection of photos documenting the construction of the Bethanga Bridge which links the States of Victoria and New South Wales as part of the construction of the Hume Dam .

bethanga bridge, hume dam constuction, charles ruwolt, percy allan engineer

This utility truck was one of two used by the Albury Gas Co, from the Gas Works in Kiewa Street, Albury to service the coal gas supply system in Albury during the war years from 1939-1945. The gas bags were installed as petrol was in short supply. One of the trucks was driven by John (Jack) Stanley Cruickshank, also known as Wodonga's Gas Man. Jack became foreman for the Wodonga Branch of the Albury Gas Co. An 80 millimetre galvanised steel pipeline was installed from the Albury Gas Co. in Kiewa Street, Albury, to 26 Church Street, Wodonga. A 40 horsepower pump pushed the gas to holding tanks. Sections of the gas pipeline to Wodonga can still be observed under some of the bridges from Albury to Wodonga. Jack also supervised the laying of the gas pipes in the streets of Wodonga, being hand dug by a gang of 15- 20 men. He was Wodonga's first Gas Fitter, both fitting gas appliances and overseeing their maintenance. Jack Cruickshank passed away in 1979 and is buried at the Wodonga Cemetery.

This image is significant because it represents the installation of gas supply to Wodonga, Victoria.

A black and white photo of a large van with a gas-filled bag on top of it and also a portrait of Jack Cruickshank. Photos are mounted together with text in a wooden frame.

jack cruickshank, wodonga gas supply co.

The music and lyrics for the “Wodonga” song were written in 1923 by Jack Lumsdaine, specifically to be performed by touring stage and Vaudeville star, Ada Reeves. John Sinclair (Jack) Lumsdaine was an Australian songwriter, vaudeville artist, entertainer and radio announcer born in 1895 in Casino, New South Wales. After serving in World War I, Jack Lumsdaine worked for music publishers, Allan & Co. Pty Ltd of Melbourne and later J. Albert & Son of Sydney, advising them on what overseas sheet music to publish. Albert & Son were the publishers of “Wodonga”. Tours of Australian and New Zealand theatres, with Lumsdaine performing before the main film, promoted this music as well as his own. He composed hundreds of songs, some of which he recorded. Many of them celebrated famous Australians such as Don Bradman or towns and cities in Australia. He had a record run of 11 weeks at Sydney's Tivoli Theatre. In 1923 he ventured into radio which he continued until his death on 28th August 1948. Ada Reeve (born Adelaide Mary Reeves) was an English actress of both stage and film. She made her first stage appearance at the age of four years old in 1878. This was the beginning of a long and successful stage career. In later years she undertook international tours including Australia in 1914 and 1916 and an extended tour of Australia from 1922 to 1924, a shorter tour in 1926, and another extended tour from 1929, playing mainly in vaudeville. Both of Reeve's daughters, Bessie and Goody, settled in Australia. She returned to England in 1935 and resumed her stage career before starring in the first of 11 films. Her final film before retirement was produced in 1957 at the age of 83 years old. Ada Reeve died in 1966 at the age of 92. This song “Wodonga” was written for her tour of Australia in 1923.

This item is significant because it was specially written to be performed by a touring star at the Tivoli Theatre in Sydney to recognise Wodonga.

Sheet music booklet of four pages. The cover sheet is primarily orange and white with blue text. It features a portrait of Miss Ada Reeve.

"wodonga" song, ada reeve, jack lumsdaine, popular music -- australia -- 1921-1930

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.

As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.

A gold-plated bracelet from the Sarah Coventry range. Bracelet has a small triangular piece attached which bears the Sarah Coventry logo. The bracelet features alternating ellipses and knots with a clip fastener.

On tag: ©SARAHCOV CANADA

sarah coventry, sargem pty. ltd, sarah coventry wodonga, decentralised industry wodonga

Mitta Junction which was established about 1920 on the Victorian side of the Hume Dam construction site (originally called the Mitta Junction Reservoir). The town was built to house workers and their families. It included houses, private and government boarding houses, a shop, hall and school as well as tennis courts and a cricket pitch. Mitta Junction was a thriving community with many activities, including Balls and Euchre Nights, held at the Hall which opened in February 1922. The community also fielded a very successful football team in the local competition. After the completion of the Dam, the village and all its contents were sold at auction in June 1936 for £7,000. Individual houses sold at about £40 for removal to nearby towns. The Mitta Junction School which opened in 1922 continued to operate with very small numbers after the village was moved. Its numbers were boosted in the early 1980s by the children of Army staff at the nearby Latchford Barracks Army Apprenticeship School. It finally closed in December 1985.

These images are significant because they capture the history of an important vanished town whose residents played a vital role in the construction of the Hume Dam.

A collection of black and white images and a sketch map featuring the village of Mitta Junction, built to house workers on the construction of the Hume Dam. Some of the photographs have been mounted on heavy card.

mitta junction township, hume dam construction, hume dam history

Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the decentralisation of industry. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga was officially opened on 25 October 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first 10 years, 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts. The official plaque was uncovered by Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer. In October 1977 there were 79 workers retrenched, followed by 30 in November and 45 in February 1978. In 1978 workers staged a sit-in which lasted over a week, to protest multiple mass retrenchments of staff. The factory stayed open for almost another decade. In 1982 the General Manager of Sanyo was quoted as saying the productivity in the Wodonga factory was 10% higher than in Japan. However by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. The premises were taken over by Parker Hannifin and the administration building is now the home of 3D Lanes Bowling Alley. The street in which it is located is now called Sanyo Drive.

These images are significant because they document and industry which employed many people in Wodonga in the 1970s and 1980s.

A set of black and white photographs of the Sanyo Australia Pty Ltd premises in Wodonga.

sanyo, sanyo-guthrie wodonga, decentralised industry wodonga

These items were regular elements of a Scout Master's equipment. The hat badge and the woggle were specifically part of the Leader's uniform and differed from similar uniform items of younger or more junior scouts. The first proposal to form a Scouts Corps in Wodonga was raised at a public meeting in Wodonga in November 1909. One of their earliest activities in January 1910 was a march from Wodonga to Bright and return with Scouts from Albury. This first Troop was probably called the 1st Belvoir Scouts. Several other attempts were made to form Scout Troops in Wodonga over the ensuing years. In 1929 the Boy Scout Movement was taken up seriously at Wodonga by approximately 40 boys, together with 30 Cubs (juniors). However this was short-lived. Over the following decade several Scout Troops were formed but lapsed and several Wodonga boys joined the Albury Scout Troop. In 1939 Mr Ray Foster, with eight members put the Scouts on a more enduring basis. Their meeting place was a room below the Water Tower. During the early 1940s the 1st Wodonga Scouts struggled for Leaders to run the activities because so many people were caught up in the Second World War (either overseas or domestically). Mr David Mann gathered together all the small scouting groups in the Wodonga area and turned them from disorganised and disconnected groups into one scouting unit. He led the Scouts in their formative years and went on to become the 1st Wodonga Scouts first King's Scout. He had a long association with the 1st Wodonga Scouts and all the district scouting troops over the following decades. David Mann was also instrumental in the late 1940s in working for a Scout Hall to be built in Reid Street, Wodonga to secure a permanent home. These items were donated by a former member of the 1st Wodonga Scout Group who shared positive memories of the leadership of David Mann and the lessons learned in the Scouting Movement.

These items are significant because they are representative of an important local, national and international organisation.

A set of Scout uniform equipment including a Scout Master's Hat Badge, a whistle and a knotted leather woggle.

On badge" Scout Symbol above "BE PREPARED" Engraved on Whistle - Fleur de Lis symbol

wodonga scouts, 1st wodonga scouts, scouting equipment, david mann

This folder contains the official Inspector's reports for House Creek School Number 2266. Inspections were carried out every six months for all Victorian Government Schools. On 8th October 1879 Mathew Parnaby and others applied for the establishment of a school, between Huon and House Creeks, about four miles southwest of Wodonga. The District Inspector approved and Albert Schlink offered two acres of freehold land as a site, four chains from the southeast corner of Allotment Eight, Section 10, of the Parish of Wodonga in the County of Bogong. A portable classroom, 22ft x14ft, with quarters was erected at a total cost of £192, and SS2266 opened on 1st of June 1880 with Edwin Davis as Head Teacher. In 1883 the average attendance ranged between 12 and 20. Both school and quarters fell into a very bad state of repair. Temporarily closed in 1894, the school reopened as a result of a petition by Ferdinand Godde and others. By 1902 the school had a nett enrolment of 37, the grounds had been fenced, and a shelter shed erected by local effort. By 1907 the nett enrolment had risen to 45 with an average attendance of 37. Ferdinand V. Godde served as Correspondent of the Committee in 1911. House Creek was unstaffed in February 1917 and closed on 8th of November 1917. It reopened on 4th August 1921, but with a nett enrolment of 6, closed on the 24th July 1926. The building was sold for removal. Many of the reports in this Register were written and signed by Henry Finch Rix. He was a pioneer of the Victorian School Inspection System and from 1884 to 1887 worked as a Chief Inspector in the Beechworth Education District. He had previously played with the Carlton Football Club for one season. Henry Rix was a highly regarded educator and a staunch advocate of the establishment of school libraries to teach children of "the rich stores of profitable pleasure to be found in books."

This item is significant because it documents progress and recommendations for students at an early government primary school in the Wodonga district.

A large bound folder of printed forms. The majority have been completed in handwritten reports including names, notes and statistics.

On cover: INSPECTOR'S REGISTER BOOK STATE SCHOOLS

henry finch rix, house creek school, victorian school inspectors, school 2266

A volume of 275 pages including text and photographic images. A biographical study of the life of Edwin James Beardmore as told by his son John. Edwin James Beardmore was a successful pastoralist and served as a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 3 August 1957 until his retirement on 17 May 1969. He was awarded an MBE for services to State and Local Government.

A revised edition of the Edwin James Beardmore Story. A biographical study of the life of Edwin James Beardmore as told by his son John. Edwin James Beardmore was a successful pastoralist and served as a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 3 August 1957 until his retirement on 17 May 1969. He was awarded an MBE for services to State and Local Government. Born in Victoria in 1891, he moved to Queensland in 1914 as a stock-dealer at St George and lived the remainder of his life in that area of the State. He served on the Balonne Shire Council for 15 years and was its Deputy Chairman for eight years. Politics and the desire to help others were part of Eddie Beardmore's heritage and when he entered Parliament it was a case of like father, like son. His father, Mr Henry Beardmore, was a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly many years earlier after serving on the Wodonga Council for 20 years, including five terms as President. Henry then won the seat of Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly at a by-election on 20th April 1917.

edwin james beardmore, beardmore family

A spiral bound booklet of 102 pages including text and images

A history of the Wodonga Citizens' Band from its early days in 1886 until 2017. It includes a detailed timeline as well as information about key events and performances, competition achievements, personalities and anecdotes. The publication was compiled by Jim Costelloe who was a Life Member of the Wodonga Brass Band.

wodonga citizens' band incorporated, wodonga brass band, jim costelloe

These flooring nails and lock came from a railway cottage at 2 Ethel Lane, Wodonga. One is a diamond-headed timber nail and the others are simple round headed nails. They were designed so the head of the flooring nail when driven into the Baltic pine flooring was covered over by the timber so was not visible. The cottage was built about 1890. It featured many items labelled with the emblem of Victorian Railways. The house was demolished in November 2006.

This lock is significant because it came from an early railway home in Wodonga.

Flooring nails - one diamond headed timber nail and four other nails from railways cottage at 2 Ethel Lane, Wodonga. Door lock and striker plate from a railway cottage at Ethel Lane.

On Lock - Trademark disc Around edge - REGISTERED TRADEMARK PATENT EXPIRED In centre: Royal Warrant Symbol of Rampant Lion and Unicorn above words NO. 60 JAS CARPENTER PATENTEE On striker plate: VR

railway houses wodonga, jas carpenter locksmith

Dr Henry Nowik played a critical role in the development of industry in Wodonga, through his management and leadership of Uncle Bens Wodonga from 1965 until 1979. Born in Poznan, Poland in 1917, Henry was studying medicine in Paris when World War II broke out and he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving with distinction as a Bomber Pilot. He was imprisoned in Russia when his plane ditched, escaped through Kazakhstan and was eventually evacuated to London where he was appointed RAF Aide-de-Camp to General Charles de Gaulle. He was later awarded the French Croix de Guerre. After the war Dr Nowik received a PhD in Political Science and Law from American Beirut University before moving to London to teach at the London School of Economics. He then moved into industry occupying a number of senior positions in marketing and market research. In 1964, Dr Nowik, then Market Research Manager for Pedigree Petfoods, the British arm of Mars Inc., came to Australia to research the prospects for establishing a petfood business. Dr Nowik was a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. In 1965 Uncle Bens of Australia built their first Australian factory in Wodonga, Victoria, from humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street. Dr Nowik became the Marketing and Sales Director and in 1970 the Managing Director. Dr Nowik's work as a member of the Albury-Wodonga Consultative Committee was recognized in 1975 with the Order of the British Empire and in 1977 he was appointed Chairman of the Commonwealth Government's Decentralisation Advisory Board. He participated in a number of trade missions to Malaysia, China and Japan and was a Member of the Executive Committee of the Trade Development Council and the Victorian Promotion Committee. These contributions were recognised in 1982 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 1979, Dr Nowik left Wodonga and moved to the United States to become Vice-President, Marketing for Mars, becoming Global Product Group President in 1980. Following his retirement in 1985 he continued to act as Senior Advisor to a number of Mars' businesses. Albury-Wodonga retained a special place in Dr Nowik's heart and he kept a close interest in Charles Sturt University, sharing his time, experience and expertise with staff and students. The University made him an honorary Doctor of Letters in 1993 when the Henry Nowik Lecture Theatre officially opened at the University's Albury campus. Later the City of Wodonga named a park in his honour. Dr Nowik and his wife returned to Australia in 2004, first living in Brisbane then moving to Maleny in Queensland. Henry Nowik died on 12th March 2015 aged 98.

These items are significant because they demonstrate the contribution made to the Wodonga community and the Australian economy by Dr Henry Nowik AO OBE.

A collection of items briefly documenting the contribution of Dr Henry Nowik to Wodonga, Victoria. Included are photos of Dr Nowik, newspaper items, a photo of the first office of Uncle Bens in Wodonga and a farewell card from Dr Nowik.

dr henry nowik, uncle bens wodonga

A small publication in a bound blue cover with black text.

This report by the Murray Valley Resources Survey Committee is a detailed analysis of Importance and future the Murray River Valley and Basin for the economic development of Australia. It includes a lengthy Foreword written by Prime Minister, Robert Menzies. A map of Australia with the Murray Valley River and Basin shaded in green, and a fold-out detailed map of the Murray River are featured.

murray river development, murray basin, murray river resources

Born in Hammersmith, London, England in 1903, Ernie May migrated to Australia at the age of 19 years old. A printer by trade, Ernie worked on the land at Woodburn, near Wonthaggi, then near Smithton, Tasmania. He then returned to his trade at the Launceston Daily Telegraph and then with the Rainbow Argus in the Victorian Mallee. Arriving in Wodonga in 1927, Ernie was employed by Mr Charles Ryan who at the time owned the "Wodonga Sentinel" newspaper. He quickly became involved in community activities. Ernie was President of the Border and Northeast Band Association, Secretary of Wodonga Rifle Club for 20 years and Secretary of the Public Library for 15 years. When Ernie May was Wodonga Bandmaster, the Wodonga Band played at Saturday afternoon football matches as well as other public appearances. At that time the Wodonga Band had 30 members. Ernie also conducted his own dance band. In 1952, Mr May and his wife moved to Sale, gaining employment firstly with the Enterprise Press, then the Gippsland Times. In 1957 he started up a monthly paper at Phillip Island. Not content with so many years as Bandmaster at Wodonga, Ernie May became Bandmaster for Phillip Island's brass band. After 50 years in the printing business Ernie and his wife Cicely retired in Cowes, Phillip Island where he passed away on 29th December 1977.

These images are significant because they depict a former member of the community who made an important contribution to Wodonga over a period of 25 years.

A collection of black and white images of Ernie May, Wodonga Bandmaster

ernie may, wodonga band, wodonga sentinel

Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, which saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He was a founder of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and also the Murray Valley Hunt Club, for which he was Master for 21 years. He was a prolific writer, cartoonist, photographer and poet, contributing to The Border Morning Mail, The Age, and the Herald and Weekly Times amongst other publications. Des Martin’s other literary works included Australia Astride (1959), A Tale of Twin Cities, Part One (1981) and Backing up the Boys (1998). In 1976, Des wrote an historical novel, “Many a Mile”, based on a fictional region which highly resembled the Albury-Wodonga and Upper Murray area of Victoria. It was set in the last 10 years leading up to Federation. Throughout this period tensions (caused by fluctuating border duties, including an infamous impost on cattle and horses) occasioned the intermittent posting of heavily armed police detachments along the River Murray. Des also wrote eight 50-minute scripts from “Many a Mile” as a television series and were presented to Michael Pate, one of Australia’s leading actors and producers. Also, funding was sought through the Australian Broadcasting Commission ... unfortunately the series never came to fruition. This album is a pictorial precis, including photos and scene descriptions, created to promote the concept of the series and have it produced locally in North Eastern Victoria featuring local settings, skilled horsemen and actors. It was to be called “Ringer’s River” ... Ringer being the title accorded to either a top cattle hand, or the fastest shearer in the wool shed. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.

These albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Documents written to introduce the concept of "Ringer's River" to gain interest for the development of a television series

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On a summer's day in 1891 Sean O'Day, Horse Breaker on James MacLough's "Gooloora" Station, is driving the Scots pastoralist in to the railhead at Overton after his annual inspection of that property. Silent and mature for his age, Sean was born in a dray while it was crossing the river during a flood, and has remained at home in it. Because he is always moving by dawn he is known in the borderland as Daylight O'Day. When MacLough asks him what he will be doing on the morrow O'Day replies that he will be manager. Questioned, he suggests that MacLough realises the background to his joke in that the station hands will, that night, celebrate the passing of the Boss's inspection. As they will have hangovers tomorrow all the work will naturally fall to himself, a teetotaller. MacLough nods assent, but, instead of leaving on the train, books a room for the night and a livery gig for the morrow, and drives himself to Gooloora early next morning. D.J. Martin as O'Day, H.S. Diffey as MacLough.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 1

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

MacLough surprises Neilson, erstwile manager of "Gooloora", breakfasting off a bottle of whisky and a cup of black tea, and sacks him on the spot. Ordering the hands to be called together he looks them over and queries the absence of young O'Day. Jackeroo Reg Apperton tells him O'Day is out mending a fence at the back of the stud paddock, and MacLough commands that Apperton drive him out there forthwith. D. Hartsman as Neilson.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 2

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day is just finishing the job when his boss and the jackeroo arrive. MacLough orders Apperton to complete the work and ride O'Day's horse home while the young horse boy-cum-stockman drives him back to the homestead. On the way he says to O'Day, "You told me yesterday that you would be manager of Gooloora today." Sean replies that, as MacLough well knew, that was just a joke. "No joke to me O'Day," says MacLough. "I've sacked Neilson and you are now my manager on this property."

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 3

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 4 Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Baldies! Baldies! Baldies!. Thousands of Queensland cattle fill the yards at Camoola for the great store sale to which all the big Victorian buyers will come. Clients may purchase one pen with the option of the whole draft concerned, and the best of these cattle is the mob Danny Knowles has walked down from Boondangie Station in the Gulf Country.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 5

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Big Gun auctioneer Bernard Price makes the mistake of his life when he knocks the first pen of Boondangies down to O'Day at a minimal price, thinking him to be a kid "buying a few for mother". O'Day promptly takes up the option of the whole draft of 4000 head of top class stores. His telegram to this effect leads MacLough to believe his new manager will ruin him.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 6

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day, however, is a very smart operator indeed. After selling all his surplus cattle to the buyers whose market he has thus cornered, he heads for home with all of his bargain purchases that he needs for MacLough's annual restocking.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 7

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Pushing his mob along the back boundary of Barmagulla Station, whose owner, Edmund Montieth, a wealthy, well educated, and forward thinking gentleman accepted as a leader of the N.S.W. pastoralists "just across the border", O'Day hears the shrill whinny of a stallion. On riding over to investigate he finds that, in the practise of the day, a superb thoroughbred horse has been turned out on the river flats to acclimatise. Later he learns that this is Grapeshot, a classic winner just imported from England.

The albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 8

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 9 Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime. Geni Dynon as Ruby and Joan Lehmann as Elaine.

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

A short time later Elaine and Graeme Oliver, a young station owner, prepare to ride from Barmagula homestead down to the horse yards to assist in bringing in the "grasseaters". These are racehorses that have all been paddocked together for some weeks prior to the forthcoming Piney Creek Amateur Picnic Race Club's annual meeting. Paddocking ensures that every horse has the same training period before the private meeting at which members only may race or ride a horse, and attendance is by invitation. Tony Conway as Oliver.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 10

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Down at the horseyards Edmund Montieth introduces his overseer, Arthur Lark, to his guest, statesman Alfred Deakin. Deakin is having a short holiday at Barmagulla before the pre-Federation conference of 1892. Jim Lempriere as Deakin Lt. Col. Tony Hammett as Lark Alan Hayes as Montieth.

The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.

Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 11

des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories