Maldon Heritage Network (MHN) has found a new home for the horse trough that sat for many years in front of what is now the hardware shop. As reported in the TT [Tarrangower Times] on Friday 5 September, it was recently donated by the owner to the MHN and moved to a temporary space while a suitable new location was found. It is now perched proudly in front of Maldon Railway Station where it can be seen and enjoyed by everyone.
The trough is marked ‘Donated by Annis & George Bills Australia’ which means it has an interesting history. The Bills were successful in business in the late 1800s and ahead of their time as compassionate campaigners for animal rights. They bequeathed the bulk of their fortune to the benefit of Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (which became the RSPCA) and similar organisations. A portion of these funds was allocated to the distribution of water troughs for horses.
Long-term locals recall several horse troughs in Maldon, including one in front of the Maldon Shire Gardens in High Street and one at the corner of Golf Links Road and Bridgewater-Maldon Road. The MHN says the latter trough was installed in 1934 and moved about 40 years ago to the Maldon Racecourse Reserve at the corner of Bendigo and Lewis Roads, where it can be seen today.
The trough that now resides at the station was reportedly moved to Geoff and Shirley Little’s wheelwright/blacksmith shop (which is now the hardware store) in High Street in the early 1980s.
Maldon Heritage Network recently undertook discussions with Council and collaborated with the Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR) and Alan, Cheryl and Steve Lang to haul the heavy trough to its new position at Maldon Railway Station.
VGR CEO Will Maylor said: “I’m delighted that our passengers will immediately be treated to an item of such heritage significance. It’s been a pleasure working with the Maldon community on this project.
This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 26 September 2025.
