Supporting heritage, nature and connections

HIGH Camp Rail and Flora Reserve is set to be revitalised with a Tiny Towns Fund grant and support funding from Mitchell Shire Council and community groups.

The Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT), and community representatives, met with State treasurer Jaclyn Symes at the reserve recently to make the announcement.

The Tiny Towns Fund grant of $38,252 was made available through Regional Development Victoria, with $6500 provided from Mitchel Shire Council and $14,880 worth of in-kind assistance provided by the involved community groups.

Participating groups include 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.

The funding will enable community groups to celebrate the Indigenous, rail-related and settler heritage of High Camp.

FBKRT Planning Team member Tim Budge welcomed the funding.

“This Tiny Towns Fund grant is a wonderful vote of confidence in our community and in the future of High Camp,” he said.

“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.”

The funding will aid in the rehabilitation and beautification of High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve and fund the establishment of a picnic area on the former Railway station platform.

Local historical and natural information will be presented through on-site displays and online content.

There is also a public event planned celebrating High Camp’s past and future, a Taungurung yarning circle and the promotion of High Camp as a destination for relaxation in nature and recreational tourism.

Local businesses from Pyalong to Kilmore are expected to benefit with the project providing a destination for light walking and gentle exercise as well as a gateway for longer walking, cycling and riding routes.