Great News for High Camp’s former railway station

On behalf of local community groups, the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) have been awarded a $38,252 Tiny Towns Fund grant from Regional Development Victoria (RDV), to support the revitalisation of the High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve.

This funding will enable community groups to celebrate and share the Indigenous, rail-related and settler heritage of High Camp — home of the Taungurung people and once a centre for railway related transport service. The project will restore pride of place, care for valued community resources and strengthen social connections across the region.

Support funding of $6,500 is being provided by Mitchell Shire Council, which manages the High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve, and $14,880 of ‘in-kind’ provided by the involved community groups. Strong volunteer collaboration is being coordinated by the Mitchell Alliance for Tracks and Trails (MATT), with participating groups including BEAM Mitchell Environment Group, Wallan Environment Group, Mitchell Bicycle Users Group, Mitchell Bushwalking Group, the Australian Plant Society, and the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail.

Victorian State Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes MLC recently visited the High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve, and received an update on the planning and progress associated with this exciting project.

This project is supported by

FBKRT Planning Team member Tim Budge welcomed the funding, saying:

“This Tiny Towns Fund grant is a wonderful vote of confidence in our community and in the future of High Camp. We are extremely grateful to Regional Development Victoria and Mitchell Shire Council for their support. This project brings together Indigenous heritage, railway history and the natural environment, and most importantly it brings people together. Locals and visitors alike will value this outcome for years to come.”

Like to be involved? Community members are invited to stay tuned for updates, or contact the project team for more information at info@bendigokilmorerailtrail.com. Membership of the FBKRT is welcomed, by completing an on-line membership application via this link. http://bendigokilmorerailtrail.com/members/application/