KHS
“Looking Back” Column for The Kimberley Echo,
Thursday June 2nd 2011
As the Diversion Dam work-force
increased towards the end of May 1961 a joint statement by the
Building Trades Association of Unions and the North
Australian Workers Union, alleged destitution on the Ord,
stating, “about 60 unemployed
men are living off the land at Ivanhoe Crossing on the
Ord River near Wyndham.” This came
after a visit by BTAoU secretary, Mr. Clohessy to the Diversion Dam
site. Acting Premier Court said he'd seen no sign of this when he was
at the site a few days ago and as his visit was publicised, thought
it curious, that “none of
the alleged unemployed had got in contact with him.”
Minister
Court was “acting Premier” as Premier Brand was on a 4 week tour
of the North and on May 29th
1961, he officially opened the “Government Officer's' Club,” (Ord
River Club) on the premises of the Government Hostel in the new town
of Kununurra. “Mr. Brand was introduced by Mr. Roy Hamilton,
president of the club, and was supported by Mr. Munro, Hydraulic
Engineer, and Mr. Manton (secretary).” Mr. Brand congratulated the
sponsors on their organisation, saying “this
evening was an event of historical
importance to
Kununurra and marked part of a move forward to settle the North and
carry out development so vitally needed.”
On May
30th, 1961 the first two of 20 flood-gates for the
Diversion Dam, weighing 267 tons, were transported by rail from
Bassendean, then loaded on board the Dulverton for Wyndham.
[Image]
Excavating for the Diversion Dam east
bank abutment ("monolith 47") - where the roadway approach
will be – Circa May 1961. – Unknown photographer
KHS Archives prior to Accessioning –
1997 - KHS Archive Number KHS-1998-5-bg-P2-D
This image was digitised with the
assistance of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.
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