Community members and visitors can now take in the history of Coldstream on a new cultural walk spanning the length of town.
The Coldstream Cultural Walk features art installations and snippets of local history, along with a newly-completed path that connects the western and eastern parts of town.
Yarra Ranges Mayor and Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, said the walk was a project that started several years ago, when a path was built connecting the north end of town to the Coombe Estate.
"We've had really positive feedback about the path connecting the Melba Estate to town, and the art installation along the way, which was opened a few years ago," Cr McAllister said.
"The finished cultural walk will now run from the primary school and preschool precinct, through Margaret Lewis Reserve and the Gateway, then along the highway to connect all of Coldstream.
"Along the way you'll be able to read about parts of Coldstream's history – such as the Model T allegedly buried below the Coldstream Oval, the hall that burned down twice and the memorial for Val Sheehan, a cornerstone of the community.
"The other, important aspect to this project is the fact that getting around town previously has been quite difficult – this link along the highway makes the town more accessible and gives people plenty to see and do as they explore.
"In future years, we hope visitors will stop along their travels – whether they're driving on the highway or riding on the Yarra Valley Trails – and find out more about the town through the cultural walk."
Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, opening the Coldstream Cultural Walk with Coldstream Primary School's School Captains.
Cr McAllister paid tribute to the community members who made this project a reality through Coldstream Voice.
"The need for a path connecting the town was identified during the community planning Council ran in Coldstream in 2014," she said.
"Coldstream Voice then developed this idea further, gathering stories from community members through their Coldstream Stories project and formed a sub-committee, all of which has made this cultural walk a reality.
Watch the Coldstream Stories videos on YouTube
"This is a wonderful example of a project that meets the needs of the community, shaped by the people in that community, and I'm sure it will be enjoyed by people for many years to come."
The Futures Past art installation on the path near Coombe on the cultural walk depicts a structure that would have existed in Coldstream's early years. Made of two large glass panels, the artwork changes when viewed from different spots on the path. Boral Quarries funded the project alongside Council.
Council recently launched its Coldstream Station Pump Track project for community engagement, seeking feedback about a pump track for the former station site.
The pump track – a circuit of turns and rollers that can be ridden by people on bikes, scooters, skateboards and wheelchairs – would sit alongside the Yarra Valley Trail, which runs through the former station site.
