Celebrating our heritage of agriculture, trains and timber

The Koetong/Shelley Community is located in the mountains 80 km from Wodonga. It has a rich and diverse local history of regional and State significance eg the highest railway station in Victoria, timber, agriculture, mining, playing a critical role in the development of the Upper Murray and the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Softwood Plantations now cover much of the landscape but there are significant reminders of the past. The Shelley and Koetong Railway Stations, Avondale Garden, Shelley Camp Tom Mitchell Reserve, sawmill sites. Recording, preserving and celebrating our heritage with community members old and new will ensure it is preserved.

This small local community has recently realised that many older members with local knowledge of our unique identity are moving away in retirement or have fading memories of the past. New residents and visitors are asking about the visible remnants of a rich history eg the original pine nursery, old sawmill sites, railway stations, mining relics, agriculture. These things must be recorded now as part of local, regional and state history. Interpretive Boards will mark 5 priority sites celebrating contributions to development of the area and its heritage. Anyone who can help gather knowledge to share will be involved.