Sharing Shelbourne

28/03/2026

A bit of local history tucked away in the bush has been brought back into the spotlight, thanks to Jan Pascoe.

Admin of the Castlemaine Railway Station: Through the V.R Years Facebook group, Jan shared these incredible photos of what remains of the old Shelbourne Line.

More than 50 years on from the line’s closure between Maldon and Shelbourne, there’s still something about it that draws people in. That mix of mystery, intrigue and “what used to be” that never really fades.

Hidden off Peg Leg Gully Road near Maldon and only accessible by 4WD, the eerie remains of one of the old railway bridges are still standing, quietly holding their ground in the bush after more than 130 years.

Originally built during construction of the line between 1889 and 1891, the bridge once featured seven openings on 11-foot centres, at a cost of £189 7s 9d – and somehow, parts of it are still there today.

One of the uprights even shows it was last replaced in April 1954, a small but powerful reminder of the line’s working life.

It’s the kind of hidden piece of history that makes you stop and think about the trains that once rolled through, and just how much of the region’s past is still sitting out there, quietly waiting to be rediscovered.

14/05/2025

Throwback to nearly three years back – Maldon and Walmer firefighters rocked up to a car fire halfway up the Bendigo-Maldon straight! 🔥

By the time they got there, the Ford Ranger was already fully cooked, flames belting out like a scene from Mad Max! 😮

Crews jumped straight into it, smashed the initial attack and got things under control. Brutal one, that! 🚘

25/04/2025

This morning at the Kangaroo Flat RSL Anzac march, a familiar long-eared legend made an appearance – Archimedes the donkey, proudly marching alongside an East Shelbourne Recreation Reserve representative! 🫏

Lest we forget the often-overlooked four-legged heroes, who served in the wars with courage and loyalty. 🌹

📷: East Shelbourne Recreation Reserve

14/04/2025

A major new development could be on the cards near Bradford – between Maldon, Baringhup and Shelbourne – with public feedback now open on Mawsons’ proposed Blue Hills Quarry.

The hornfels quarry plan is currently under federal environmental review, and it's already stirred the pot a bit.

Locals and environmental groups have flagged concerns about how the project might affect endangered species in the area, potential Aboriginal heritage sites, and the lasting impact it could have on the land.

If you’ve got thoughts on the proposal – now’s the time to throw your two cents in.

03/03/2024

It was a lovely day at the East Shelbourne Recreation Reserve for the unveiling of the World War I honour board! 🌹 🇦🇺

19/01/2024

Spotted in Shelbourne! 🛣️

📷: Michael Jerman

24/10/2023

Some fantastic poetry from the Shelbourne Sheila, written while driving back to Shelbourne from South Australia! ✍🏻‍️

The Shelbourne Sheila Poetry Page

I wrote this today, while driving back from South Australia, so it is both brief and unpolished, but I hope it gives somebody a smile….

Ssssso Creepy. Copyright Lynne Frederick

I am quite fond of animals
I’ve kept many kinds of pet
But my fairly feral Grandkids
Are WAY more critter crazy yet

I like their friendly dogs and cats
And I loved the little mice
With their dainty little whiskers
Wee pink paws, so sweet and nice

I like watching the goldfish
And the Guinea pigs were cute
The fluffy rabbit had appeal
And the Blue-Tongue lizard’s beaut

But, as a true-blue critter fan
I guess I don’t have what it takes
‘Cause I can’t get a decent sleep
Next to that tank of creepy snakes!!

22/10/2023

A fantastic poem from the Shelbourne Sheila! ✍🏻‍️

The Shelbourne Sheila Poetry Page

Growing, Glowing….Crowing? Copyright Lynne Frederick

Toddler Mickey was a trial for his doting mother, Sue
Refusing all her meals with outraged cries of “Yukky-poo!”
He was such a fussy eater, even for a child of two
Sue was sometimes at her wit’s end, wondering what the heck to do?

He didn’t like meat, fish or veg, was “iffy” about cheese
Store-bought meals were “yukky”, and fruit just failed to please
Chips and sweeties were good tucker, he was a kiddy after all
Most days his general diet was pretty certain to appall

So, when Sue got the news about her two-week seminar
She knew she’d have to send young Mickey off to stay with Pa
Pa thought minding Mickey was an absolute real treat
But Sue was full of worry…..for what would her wee boy eat?

Pa lived way up in the country on a little poultry farm
With chooks and geese and apple trees, chock full of country charm
Sue made the trip with Mickey and an esky filled with food
With every kind of titbit that might tempt her little dude

Every evening Pa called Sue, so Mick could “speak” to Mum
While Sue obsessed, “Was anything going in his tiny tum?”
Pa told her not to stress, and not to worry... “He’ll be right!”
But what mum doesn’t worry when her wee one’s out of sight?

The seminar was dreary, and the days crawled by so slow
But finally it was over, and the young mum got to go
She headed up to Pa’s place keen to catch up with her boy
Apprehensive for the health of her frail, skinny pride and joy

Sue turned into Pa’s driveway, saw a quite mind-blowing sight
Tearing down the gravel was her child in headlong flight
Chubby legs were churning, chubby cheeks rosy and plump
A suntanned little cherub did a boisterous skip and jump

Mickey leaped into Sue’s arms, and blew wet kisses on her neck
While Sue turned to her father quite dumbfounded,”What the heck?”
“You said that Mick don’t eat...he fills his gullet in a flash!
That kid can’t get enough of my good homemade layer’s mash!”

08/06/2023

Such horrible news this morning :'( 💐

In some horrific news, a truck driver has died at the scene after his truck hit a fallen tree along Newbridge Road in Shelbourne shortly before 4am this morning.

Victoria Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, and urge witnesses or dashcam owners to get in touch.

Our thoughts are with the man's family, friends and fellow road users during this difficult time. 💐

05/02/2022

Some great snaps from the unveiling of the Shelbourne railway complex historical informative signage at the site of the old Railway Station.