Friends AGM well attended

The Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail community group held a well-attended Annual General Meeting on 15 October at the Cycling Clubrooms, Tom Flood Centre, Bendigo.

Guest speaker Graham Hill, author and photographer, spoke about the book Bendigo’s Backyard Birds, co-authored with Helen Milroy. The publication celebrates the rich birdlife of the Bendigo region and highlights the importance of cultural knowledge and conservation. Helen Milroy, an Indigenous Australian, brings cultural depth to the book, connecting readers with Aboriginal perspectives on nature and the need to protect local bird habitats.

Graham’s engaging talk and photo presentation showcased bird species that can be seen along the O’Keefe Rail Trail — a 50-kilometre green corridor between Bendigo and Heathcote that provides valuable habitat for native fauna, including the endangered migratory Swift Parrot.

President Adrian Cummins reflected on the group’s achievements in his 2024–25 Annual Report, reaffirming the Friends’ mission:

“To provide a rail trail that increases the benefits to local communities, the environment, and the visitors who come to enjoy this part of Victoria.”

Adrian noted the trail’s increasing popularity since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic and thanked the dedicated volunteers behind its success. The positive working relationship the group has with the trail’s manager, the City of Greater Bendigo council, was highlighted. Mentioning the group’s 82 financial members having a focus on both trail development and social riding activities, the President also warmly acknowledged the efforts of the Executive members.

The 2026 Executive Committee is:
President – Adrian Cummins
Vice President – Tim Laugher
Secretary – Di Bourne
Treasurer – Margie Joyce
Ordinary Members – Colin Scott and Paul Ferguson

The group’s next trail and natural environmental related working bee will be held on 22^nd November, at the High Camp Flora Reserve, High Camp. Details are on the Friends’ Facebook events post. Interested in becoming a member of this proactive and engaging community group? Then click on this link (https://bit.ly/4oEJ3d3)