Baringhup and Beyond

13/12/2025

A remarkable piece of local history right here – an original invitation to the official opening of Cairn Curran Reservoir on 27 April 1956, signed off by Premier Henry Bolte and Water Supply Minister W. J. Mibus! 📜

This wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting. It marked the completion of one of Central Victoria’s most significant post-war engineering projects – a 656-metre-long, 44-metre-high embankment that took nearly a decade (1947–1956) and £1.23 million to build! 🏗️

Cairn Curran transformed life along the Loddon River. It stabilised water supply for farms across the lower Loddon Valley, helped safeguard towns from flooding, and even supplemented Maryborough’s domestic water – a massive deal in an era when drought could cripple entire districts! 🌊

The reservoir we now think of for fishing trips, boating weekends, and mirrored sunsets was once a symbol of pure optimism – proof that the region was once building for the future, investing in its land, and carving out stability after the turbulence of the early 20th century. ⛵

And tucked into the bottom of the invitation is a gorgeous old locality plan showing Maryborough, Carisbrook, Newstead, Maldon and Castlemaine in the era before freeways and satellite mapping – a reminder of how this landscape once connected, creek by creek and road by road. 🗺️

Certainly a stunning relic of a moment when Central Victoria stood on the edge of something new! 💧

19/07/2025

Crisp winter breeze, shining sun, and sails flying at Cairn Curran recently for a vibrant Winter Series race! ⛵

19/07/2025

Here’s a stunning snapshot of the Baringhup West State School, taken by Paul Armstrong! 🏫

The photo captures the old bluestone school building nestled among peppercorn trees – quiet, historic, and full of character! 🌳

This site, located on Baringhup West Road, closed in the 1970s and is now marked by a roadside monument commemorating its centenary back in 1969. 🪦

28/06/2025

What an absolutely stunning shot of a forgotten old farmhouse near Cairn Curran, captured perfectly by the talented Rodney Marchant. The colours, the light, the mood – it all hits just right.

There's something hauntingly peaceful about the way nature slowly reclaims these places. Beautiful work, Rodney.

07/06/2025

Congratulations to Darren Hocking and Andrew Kean, who were recently awarded life membership of the Cairn Curran Sailing Club! 👏🏼‍

Andrew said he was truly honoured to be made a life member, and deeply grateful for the recognition from the club, the committee, and all the members who made it happen.

“Shout out to all members who tirelessly support the club and it's activities, it is such a great place and community,” he added, having been associated with the club as far back as 1972.

“Well done also to Darren Hocking for also receiving a Life Membership for his long and significant contributions to the club,” he added.

“I look forward to continuing my association with the club and sailing for many seasons to come!” ⛵

14/04/2025

Concerns over Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan's delayed and cut-and-paste response to queries from the Tarrangower Times about safety and amenity at Cairn Curran Reservoir during duck hunting season, which is now taking place. 🦆

12/04/2025

It's been a long, dry summer for Baringhup farmer Rob Jennings! ☀️

It's been a long, dry summer, leaving dams low and fields yellow. We heard firsthand from local farmers like Baringhup's Rob Jennings about optimism despite the challenging season – the worst in four years for many raising livestock and cropping. Hope persists, driven by innovation, adapting techniques, and vital knowledge sharing within the community. Read about the circumstances and situation in tomorrow's Tarrangower Times.

https://www.tarrangowertimes.com.au/news/eternal-optimism

08/04/2025

A big turnout at Baringhup Hall last week! Around 50 locals showed up for a fiery forum on the State Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund. Hosted by Brian Fitzgerald, the night brought together voices from government, the VFF, and the community. Everyone agreed emergency services matter, but there was real frustration about fairness and rising costs, especially hitting farmers.

Plenty of passion filled Baringhup Hall last week, with nearly 50 locals turning out to discuss the State Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund. Hosted by Brian Fitzgerald, the community forum brought together voices from local and state government, the VFF and concerned residents. While all agreed emergency services need support, there was strong concern about fairness and cost—especially for farmers. More conversations are coming, with Mr Fitzgerald vowing to keep pushing for answers.

https://www.tarrangowertimes.com.au/news/many-voices-at-community-forum

30/03/2025

Talented photographer Rodney Marchant captured this incredible shot of the remains of the first rail duct across Cairn Curran! 💦

This original structure once carried trains across the water, but when the dam was raised, it had to be replaced with a higher one to keep up with the changing landscape! 🚂