THE High Camp Rail and Flora Reserve is set to receive a significant boost following the announcement of a $38,252 Tiny Towns Fund grant from Regional Development Victoria (RDV). The funding has been secured by the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) on behalf of local community groups, and will support the revitalisation of the important local site.
The project will celebrate and share High Camp’s rich Indigenous, railway and settler heritage. Located on Taungurung Country, High Camp was once a key railway service point, and the initiative aims to restore pride of place while strengthening community connections and caring for valued local assets.
Additional support includes $6500 from Mitchell Shire Council, which manages the reserve, along with $14,880 in ‘in-kind’ contributions from participating community groups.
FBKRT planning team member Tim Budge said: “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”.
The grant will fund rehabilitation and beautification works, a new picnic area on the former station platform, heritage and nature interpretation through displays and online content, a Taungurung yarning circle, a public celebration event, and promotion of High Camp as a nature-based destination.
The project is expected to foster volunteer engagement, support local businesses from Pyalong to Kilmore, and encourage recreational activities such as walking and cycling. It is delivered through strong collaboration coordinated by the Mitchell Alliance for Tracks and Trails, and support from participating local groups.
