Snowy Hydro-Electric Photos
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These migrants flew from Hamburg, Germany, under the assisted passage scheme sponsored by the Inter-governmental Committee for European Migration. Courtesy National Archives of Australia.
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This involved work at one of the ‘hairiest’ places of the Scheme. The mountainside was so steep ‘the dozers looked like flies from the other side’. Courtesy National Library of Australia.
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Prime Minister Ben Chifley and Governor- General McKell launched the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme with a blast. 17th October 1949. The scheme was a partnership between New South Wales, Victoria and the Commonwealth governments. Courtesy National Archives of Australia.
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The red lines show the course of the tunnels linking the dams, lakes and the power stations of the two arms of the scheme.
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This educational souvenir shows the tunnels, dams and power stations of the two arms of the scheme. One arm diverts water into the Tumut River, the other into the Murray River. The Kosciuszko dam and power station and Windy Creek dam were never built, due to environmental concerns.
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Surveyor George Davison used this Theodolite (instrument for measuring angles) to map the Snowy area before the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme began. Scientists studied the rocks, soil and water and decided where to build tunnels and dams. Powerhouse Museum Collection
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The scheme’s workforce was highly unionised and well paid. The union demanded that migrant workers receive award rates and conditions, however this did not help some migrants who found their skills were not recognised. Powerhouse Museum Collection.
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This ship was chartered by the Authority to transport German tradesmen to Australia. Courtesy Snowy Hydro Authority
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This hardhat was worn by Horst Stender, who worked on the scheme’s electrical plant. Like Rieck, he was recruited in Germany and paid back the cost of the voyage to Australia via deductions from his pay. Powerhouse Museum Collection
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These ski and stocks were used for work and leisure by Hans Berents, an engineer recruited in Norway. His Russian-born wife, Ina Berents, was employed on the scheme as a doctor. People from many different countries worked together on the scheme. They also enjoyed leisure time together, sharing hobbies and sports. Powerhouse Museum Collection
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The medal marks a series of tunnelling records, but this achievement came at a cost. Blasting through hard rock to create tunnels was dangerous work, accounting for 35 of the 121 lives lost on the scheme. Powerhouse Museum Collection.
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Karl Rieck proudly carried his tools in a guild scarf. Powerhouse Museum Collection.
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The clubs offered European food, the latest music and 24 hour bar service. The clubs were full 7 nights per week. Courtesy Snowy Mountains Authority
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