Macedon Ranges Heritage Strategy 2024-2034

Council is reviewing its existing Heritage Strategy.

The existing Heritage Strategy was adopted in 2014. It made recommendations for a total of 55 actions to be achieved in a four year cycle. A snapshot(PDF, 123KB) of these 55 actions shows that some actions are complete or ongoing, the majority have paused or not commenced, and some are no longer applicable.    

A Heritage Strategy sets Council’s approach to the management of heritage within the shire. It is a key strategic tool for assisting councils to meet their obligations under different pieces of heritage legislation.

A Heritage Strategy identifies the work already done by Council, prioritises work to be done in the future, assists with managing assets appropriately for the community, and celebrates the rich history and heritage of Macedon Ranges. 

About the review

The first stage of the Heritage Strategy review process was to find out what it is you love about the heritage of the shire. 

In 2023 we invited local communities to submit photos and tell us in 25 words or less:

  • What they love and want to keep about the shire’s heritage. This could be the bluestone houses, windows, shops and industries that made this area.
  • What they think needs to change. This could be the way we celebrate our heritage, deal with rundown buildings, or provide community grants for history and heritage projects.

A selection of the photos and words have been used in the new strategy. 

Photos are displayed in an image gallery on this page.

"Keep our heritage expertise! Macedon Ranges Heritage Council – going strong after 30 years. Here’s to keeping them for the next 30 years." - Council's Heritage Planner, Danielle

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"Winding throughout the shire are the early infrastructures that delivered water to the dry goldfields. Innovative, smart engineering that made Australia rich." - Council's Heritage Planner, Danielle

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"Carrying on the legacy. Our heritage studies are from the 1990s – I am a custodian carrying on the work so the right places are protected." - Council's Heritage Planner, Danielle

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"Love the bluestone features and wooden crossovers to access of our town. Particularly as Malmsbury is a great tourist draw that brings in local revenue and assists our economy." - Christine, Malmsbury

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"Absolutely love this historic, quiet, contemplative, open space that attracts locals and visitors alike. Easy to access off the freeway. Home to fauna and flora." - Christine, Malmsbury

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"This beautiful, bluestone building houses the collection and is the venue for MHS committee meetings. This valuable property forms a significant part of Malmsbury's and Caroline Chisholm's history." - Christine, Malmsbury

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"The heritage bluestone buildings, gutters and visual history of this region." - Christine, Malmsbury

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"This beautiful historic building was the last substantial building constructed entirely from Malmsbury bluestone and was donated to the trust in the 1920's. It graces the main entranceway to the cemetery and perfectly compliments the natural beauty of the cemetery grounds." - Christine, Malmsbury

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"This historic, bluestone lodge forms part of the focus in hosting the complimentary refreshments offered to visitors at the tranquil and beautifully maintained Malmsbury cemetery." - Christine, Malmsbury

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"Please treasure our bluestone heritage. Not just large important buildings, but also farm houses, barns, cottages and our kerbs, drains and gutters. Bluestone itself is a key part of Malmsbury's history and cultural and built heritage." - Susan

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"'Please treasure our bluestone heritage. Not just large important buildings, but also farm houses, barns, cottages and our kerbs, drains and gutters. Bluestone itself is a key part of Malmsbury's history and cultural and built heritage." - Susan

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"Too often the huts are in a shocking state of disrepair and disintegration. This photo shows that someone has tried to preserve the shingle roof but subsequent owners have not repaired it when it has blown off. A little bit of heritage funding and some "friends of shepherds huts" or similar could bring these back to a weather proof state." – Rose

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"The history of Cobb and Co is very important in opening up the interior of Victoria and for access to the gold fields. There are a number of horse change stations and refreshment stops within the Macedon Ranges Shire. The one pictured and others on the route were refreshment stops set up by Mrs Caroline Chisholm, typically located between the horse change over stations. The trip from Melbourne to Bendigo took 12 hours by horse coach and many women in particular suffered from not being able to stop and use a toilet and generally refresh themselves along the route. Hence Mrs Chisholm in seeing this need set them up. These buildings are just so important to our heritage and yet they are crumbling into the ground. They are our link to the past and a living reminder of how people travelled in the past in the Shire." – Rose

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"The original blue stone pavements in Piper Street and the blue stone guttering in the old parts of Kyneton are a delight to see. They need preserving and celebrating as they enable people to immerse themselves in some real life heritage infrastructure." – Rose

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"I love the old streetscape of Kyneton and want to see them maintained as per PSA C99 in 2017, no more Catherineville style 'renovations/reinventions'." – Pat

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"The branches of this magnificent once inspired a young Vincent Buckley. Keeping our living heritage is critical for future generations to enjoy." – Peter

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"Original sign entices people to browse the past at the museum and experience a trip back in time and the changing exhibitions that reflect various heritage of the region." – Larina

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"Looking from Kyneton Gardens to the Kyneton Railway Station." – Larina

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"The Campaspe River sustains nature, flora and fauna on our doorstep and is an ideal base for exploration, discovery and its spirit to the environment." – Larina

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"The 1862 year old Algerian Oak stands proudly in the gardens in its autumn glory and is National Trust Listed to honour the founders of these gardens." - Larina

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"I love how the morning and afternoon light hits these old buildings. They hold so much character and so many stories, and even if you're not aware of the history of these old buildings, there is always something that will make you pause in awe. These old buildings are a constant source of inspiration and I hope to see them kept, restored and honored for many years to come." - Tamika

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"I love how the morning and afternoon light hits these old buildings. They hold so much character and so many stories, and even if you're not aware of the history of these old buildings, there is always something that will make you pause in awe. These old buildings are a constant source of inspiration and I hope to see them kept, restored and honored for many years to come." - Tamika

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"I love how the morning and afternoon light hits these old buildings. They hold so much character and so many stories, and even if you're not aware of the history of these old buildings, there is always something that will make you pause in awe. These old buildings are a constant source of inspiration and I hope to see them kept, restored and honored for many years to come." - Tamika

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"I love the rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks of Shire, and want to preserve them for future generations to appreciate and learn from." - Sharon

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"We are so lucky in Malmsbury to have Botanical gardens full of amazing trees, overlooking the Viaduct. Majestic, delightful, soul filling. Keeping the amenity of Gardens, nature keeps our lungs full of fresh oxygenated air and beauty." - Belinda

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"Love the Malmsbury Cricket Ground to walk the dogs and feel the spirit of old ancient gums, hear the Magpies warbling and notice the gifts of each season in the Macedon Ranges.' - Belinda

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"Theaden Cottage was the home of a family living on an isolated farm on the edge of the Cobaws circa 1840. It is a rare surviving example of drop log construction." - Ronda

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"Kyneton Museum was set up by the Shire of Kyneton in 1968. It now holds an important collection of over 8,000 objects, showing Macedon Ranges heritage circa 1840 to 1930." - Ronda

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"Kyneton Museum was set up by the Shire of Kyneton in 1968. It now holds an important collection of over 8,000 objects, showing Macedon Ranges heritage circa 1840 to 1930." - Ronda

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"The Malmsbury Cemetery Trust values the cemetery as a whole, and the Lodge in particular. We are seeking ways and support to restore and preserve the building." - Ray

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"I love the rural aspect and small towns with heritage buildings, the natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, the Jim Jim, the Cobaws and Mount Macedon. I love the clean air, the kangaroos, koalas, wombats and bird life that abound at our farm, the tang of the bush and the sense of community." - Jannyse

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"I love the rural aspect and small towns with heritage buildings, the natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, the Jim Jim, the Cobaws and Mount Macedon. I love the clean air, the kangaroos, koalas, wombats and bird life that abound at our farm, the tang of the bush and the sense of community." - Jannyse

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"I love the rural aspect and small towns with heritage buildings, the natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, the Jim Jim, the Cobaws and Mount Macedon. I love the clean air, the kangaroos, koalas, wombats and bird life that abound at our farm, the tang of the bush and the sense of community." - Jannyse

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"I love the rural aspect and small towns with heritage buildings, the natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, the Jim Jim, the Cobaws and Mount Macedon. I love the clean air, the kangaroos, koalas, wombats and bird life that abound at our farm, the tang of the bush and the sense of community." - Jannyse

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"I love the rural aspect and small towns with heritage buildings, the natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, the Jim Jim, the Cobaws and Mount Macedon. I love the clean air, the kangaroos, koalas, wombats and bird life that abound at our farm, the tang of the bush and the sense of community." - Jannyse

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"I love Woodend's space, dark night skies and "rural village" atmosphere. I value and want to keep our friendly, welcoming community, an all-Shire asset. / To respect and protect the heritage of built and natural environments and ensure maintenance of council and private heritage buildings. Create more public garden spaces." - Jen

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"I love Woodend's space, dark night skies and "rural village" atmosphere. I value and want to keep our friendly, welcoming community, an all-Shire asset. / To respect and protect the heritage of built and natural environments and ensure maintenance of council and private heritage buildings. Create more public garden spaces." - Jen

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"I love Woodend's space, dark night skies and "rural village" atmosphere. I value and want to keep our friendly, welcoming community, an all-Shire asset. / To respect and protect the heritage of built and natural environments and ensure maintenance of council and private heritage buildings. Create more public garden spaces." - Jen

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"I love Woodend's space, dark night skies and "rural village" atmosphere. I value and want to keep our friendly, welcoming community, an all-Shire asset. / To respect and protect the heritage of built and natural environments and ensure maintenance of council and private heritage buildings. Create more public garden spaces." - Jen

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"This is one of the last intact stables existing in our shire. Others at the back of shops and houses have either been demolished or turned into accommodation or studios." - Rose

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"The Sound and Light display was created in the three cell Gisborne Lockup, built in 1860 from local bluestone to complete the heritage police precinct." - Ian

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"The Sound and Light display was created in the three cell Gisborne Lockup, built in 1860 from local bluestone to complete the heritage police precinct." - Ian

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"Gisborne Pioneer Wall, designed by the Historical Society as part of a LEAP programme, currently contains 130 plaques to recognise early settlers of this district." - Phyllis

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"Gisborne Pioneer Wall, designed by the Historical Society as part of a LEAP programme, currently contains 130 plaques to recognise early settlers of this district." - Phyllis

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"The Annis and George Bills watering trough has a unique story. It needs conservation because only a portion of the name plate survives." - Susanne

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Have your say on the new draft strategy

The draft Macedon Ranges Heritage Strategy 2024-2034 has been organised under the four themes recommended by the Heritage Victoria toolkit and a fifth theme has been added for climate change.

  • Knowing: identification, assessment and documentation of heritage places
  • Protecting: statutory protection, policy development, appropriate management
  • Supporting: assistance, advice and incentives to help conserve heritage places
  • Communication and Promoting: measures to raise awareness and appreciation of our area’s heritage
  • Preparing: getting ready for how climate change will impact the heritage of the shire.

Feedback on the draft strategy is invited until Monday 1 July 2024. To find out more and have your say, visit Macedon Ranges Heritage Strategy 2024-2034

For more information, call Dannielle Orr on (03) 5422 0333 or email strategicplanning@mrsc.vic.gov.au

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