In 1965, the National Trust of Australia gave a first-of-its-kind title to Maldon – that of being a Notable Town. Previously, the role of the National Trust would protect buildings or specific sites of cultural importance. The decision to extend their heritage titles to include that of an entire township speaks volumes for the significance of Maldon.

Four ‘First Notable Town’ signs were erected in the mid to late 70s and placed at the four main entry points into Maldon: Maldon Baringhup Rd, Bendigo Maldon Rd, Baringhup Rd and Maldon Newstead Rd. Of the four, only one remains today. Two disappeared some years ago, while a third sign only vanished sometime in the past couple of years. The remaining sign on the way into Maldon from Newstead is the last sign standing.

While the missing signs beg the question of who steals a street sign, why and which loungeroom or shed might be adorned by one, the bigger question is, is a town still notable if the signs that deem it so cease to exist? That’s the question local history buff and Maldon Museum and Archives Association President Derek Reid recently asked of the Mount Alexander Shire Council.

Former Mt Alexander Shire Heritage advisor Lisa Merkesteyn had a rummage around and discovered two more of the original white wooden signs in the outdoor works depot. They even had some of the protective plastic covering intact. One of these signs has been donated to the Museum for posterity purposes.

While there are no known plans to reinstate First Notable Town signs at the entrances into town, last year the Mt Alexander Shire put a call out for feedback on designs for a new entry sign into Maldon. While this was meant to have been finished and erected by September last year, there is no (pardon the pun) ‘sign’ of it thus far.

The [Tarrangower] Times has been queried on more than one occasion, what is a Notable Town, and are there others? In a definitive answer to the persistent interrogation, The National Trust of Australia defines a Notable Town as one that ‘epitomises an aspect of architectural, political, economic, social or cultural development of the State and possesses an exceptional degree of environmental quality, homogeneity of design, or architectural excellence.’

And while Maldon was, for many years, Australia’s only notable town in existence, in 2016, the National Trust recognised the town of Tallangatta as Victoria’s second Notable Town. Tough competition, but Maldon will always be the first – with or without the signs that proclaim it.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 14 July 2023.