May 2023 – Victoria’s Forests & Bushfire Heritage

Footy and Rabbits.

For many years, the number of students at the Victorian School of Forestry (VSF) at Creswick was too small to field its own competitive football team. In 1942 there were only about 17 students, but in 1944 the annual intake increased, with the result that by 1946 the number in residence had more than doubledContinue reading “Footy and Rabbits.”

South Cascade Bridge.

In the wake of the 1939 bushfires, a major log salvage program was undertaken by the Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) across the Central Highlands. Logs salvaged from the Thomson Valley and destined for sawmills at Erica travelled on a complex network of timber tramways. Before the fires, the well-established Ezards company already operated several sawmillsContinue reading “South Cascade Bridge.”

Yellow Gum – VSF.

The grounds at the Victorian School of Forestry (VSF) at Creswick have many significant trees, some dating back over more than a century. When Prince Charles stayed overnight at VSF on 28 October 1974 he planted a Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon) near the science lab. The tree survives but it’s a bit overshadowed by someContinue reading “Yellow Gum – VSF.”

Poverty Point Bridge.

Also known as the Tramway Bridge or the Old Steel Bridge, Poverty Point Bridge was designed by Mr. Timmins, an engineer from the Victorian Railways. The prefabricated steel components were manufactured by Dorman Long and Co and erected in 1900 by Austral Otis Co from South Melbourne. Dorman Long and Co was a Middlesborough firmContinue reading “Poverty Point Bridge.”

Tom Crosbie Morrison.

Philip Thomas Crosbie Morrison, sometimes known as PTCM, but more commonly as just plain Tom, was born in 1931 and grew up in Brighton. It’s alleged that on New Years Eve, Tom, and his younger brother James, climbed the statue of Victoria’s infamous and colourful Premier Sir Thomas Bent, which overlooked the Nepean Highway, andContinue reading “Tom Crosbie Morrison.”

Forests Commission Logo.

The iconic Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) “two-tree” logo was designed in the early 1960s by graphic artist, Alan Rawady. The modern logo replaced the circular emblem with myrtle beech fronds that had been in service for many decades. Alan had the grand title of Artist and Display Designer and was part of the three-person PublicityContinue reading “Forests Commission Logo.”

Yes Minister.

Forty years ago today, on 4 May 1983, the Minister for Forests, Rod Mackenzie, announced in Parliament the State Government’s intention to “shake up” the forest service. The Forests Commission Victoria (FCV), and its predecessor the State Forests Department (SFD), had been stable and relatively autonomous authorities responsible for management and protection from bushfire ofContinue reading “Yes Minister.”