New interpretive signs on the O’Keefe Rail Trail

Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) members recently installed five new interpretive signs on the O’Keefe Rail Trail (OKRT), providing interesting historical information relevant to the site where they are installed.

One sign, at Rifle Butts siding, describes the role of the Gang Shed (or Ganger’s Hut), and how these were used by Victorian Railways.

Photo: Victorian Railways Gang Shed interpretive sign

Photo: Rifle Butts siding Gang Shed, with new interpretive sign

Another sign has been installed near the McIvor Highway to acknowledge a fatal accident that occurred on New Year’s Day in 1900 when a group of young people, travelling to a picnic in a horse-drawn buggy, collided with a train.

Photo: 1900 New Year’s Day tragedy interpretive sign

A third sign at Hodges Lane describes the Gatekeepers Cottages. A water well that would have been used by the Gatekeeper is located near the sign.

Photo: Gatekeepers interpretive sign

An additional sign next to the wagon at the former Axedale Railway Station describes the process of refurbishment of the wagon.

Photo: Axedale interpretive sign installation by FBKRT volunteers

A fifth sign has been installed south of Piepers Track at Knowsley to acknowledge that the Victorian Exploring Expedition passed through Knowsley in 1860 as they headed towards Camp 7.

Photo: Interpretive sign in Knowsley

The sign near the McIvor Highway was funded by R & L Burns of Axedale. The other four signs were funded jointly by a grant from Agnico Eagle, Fosterville, and the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail. The FBKRT acknowledge their generosity.