It was certainly not an average Mother’s Day in Maldon, with fluttering gold hearts, music on and off the train, a brass band and even a bespoke song.
That’s because it was the Maldon Notable Day Out on Sunday 10 May, held in honour of the National Trust’s 1966 declaration of Maldon as Australia’s first Notable Town. The day was a collaborative effort, led by Maldon Heritage Network, involving numerous community groups, including Victorian Goldfields Railway and Maldon Market.
The bustling market was made even more lively by a ‘Golden Years’ dance routine followed by a live band, The Diplomats. Visitors were invited to declare their love for Maldon on a golden heart to be tied to the dangling leaves of the big oak tree.
Over 100 passengers arrived on the train for a day out – they were accompanied by well-suited pair, Suzette and Jay from MHN, who distributed flyers and hints for Maldon visitors. Shops and cafes in town got into the spirit with 60s gear and gilt. The lunchtime hour included the sounds of the Maldon Brass Band in the air.
There were a few formalities, but they weren’t very formal. Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP spoke about many highlights of the town, saying: “Heritage is not frozen in time.” She said the community of Maldon chooses to honour its history and that helps shape the community. “Progress and preservation do not need to compete,” Ms Edwards said.
Launching the Maldon Museum’s Time Capsule project, Ms Edwards said the project was a chance to provide a “snapshot of who we are and what we value” for people in the future.
Member for Tarrengower Ward, Councillor Rosalie Hastwell said: “The legacy of yesterday’s Maldon is palpable” and with particular reference to the natural environment, said that contributions to the future still goes on.
As the steam engine pulled away, contributors had the chance to read some of the golden hearts and competition entries. The responses were broad and heartfelt: Maldon is loved for its people, community, sporting clubs, old buildings, old cars, authenticity and arts, to name just a few.
Sunday 10 May was a wonderful, notable day.
See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 15 May 2026.
