More Hands Achieve Results at High Camp

Community spirit was on full display at High Camp in Victoria during productive working bees held over two days during March.

The volunteer effort followed the successful awarding of a State Government grant to upgrade a long-neglected parcel of public land. Once the site of the former High Camp railway station—operational until the line’s closure in 1968— this parcel of land within the Mitchell Shire Council area was then lost and forgotten by the community.

Volunteers from several local groups came together to contribute, including the Wallan Environmental Group, Mitchell Environmental Group (BEAM), Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail, and the Mitchell Bicycle User Group. Their combined efforts highlighted the value of collaboration in achieving meaningful community outcomes.

A March 14th working bee at High Camp notice

Work undertaken during these March working bees included clearing fallen trees, and removing timber logs from the former station platforms. A standout feature of the project was the installation of a replica Victorian Railways 19th-century station name board, positioned where the passenger platform once stood—providing a tangible link to the site’s railway heritage. Of course coffee, tea, cinnamon donuts and yummy cakes also needed to be dealt with, once the work was completed!

Community members interested in being part of future working bees and helping shape a welcoming, usable space for High Camp are encouraged to get involved. Initial enquiries can be directed to the Secretary of the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail via info@bendigokilmorerailtrail.com.