The current O’Keefe Rail Trail extension project, from Axedale to Heathcote, is continuing in the Derrinal and Knowsley areas. The Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail members are never too far away from the ‘coal face’, assisting City of Greater Bendigo Council’s Project where possible to make good use of the rail trail project’s budget.

Former Victorian Railways timber culvert get a new life, from the efforts of Friends members. Photo: Steve Boswell

Former Victorian Railways timber culvert gets new life, from the efforts of the Friends members. Pictured Ken Hanson, photo: Steve Boswell.

One of the former Victorian Railways timber culverts, near Knowsley, has been there in one form or another since 1888, about 127 years! Unfortunately the years since the closure of the line had taken a toll on this culverts condition, and the rabbits hadn’t helped either! Collapsed, it was right in the alignment of the new trail being built in the coming weeks. To assist, a ‘hands on’ trail project by Friends members Ken Hanson and Steve Boswell beat the heat of the day, and dealt with the failed timbers of the culvert. The outcome retains another item from this former railway line, that will be a part of the new O’Keefe Rail Trail.