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Rushworth Whistle Post

Location Cnr Whroo & Nuggety Hill Roads,, RUSHWORTH VIC 3612 - Property No B4143 File Number B4143 Level Local

[1/1] B4143 Whistle Post

Statement of Significance

The purpose of the Whistle Post was to instruct the drivers of Steam Traction engines to warn any approaching horse-drawn vehicles to wait whilst the Traction engine could proceed up the narrow road and aviod frightening the Horses. There were originally two whistle posts; the remaining post is as original and was erected about 1906 to assist Anderson and Colliver, Timber Contractors, to haul timber from Whroo Forest to the Rushworth Sawmill.
Classified: 20/04/1978
Historic Area Statement of Significance: Rushworth is a gold mining town of considerable historic character. There is a wealth in its historic buildings and other structures which remain from its early development in the 1850's and the subsequent boom of the decades to follow.
The twentieth century saw a shift in Rushworth's importance as a mining town, to a servicing centre for the surrounding rural community. Essentially a town of the past, Rushworth has been largely by-passed by twentieth century development. This general decline has, however, had a positive effect in conserving the town's historic urban fabric. The decline whilst resulting in the loss of some buildings, has caused few intrusive replacements. About the town, many of Rushworth's boom period buildings remain in a largely intact condition and an atmosphere of tranquility pervades in this historic township.
The character and significance of the town is largely a function of its landscape setting; the spacious High Street; the town's irregular layout of straight streets; which are a legacy of Rushworth's boom period subsequent decline.
Group Classified: 06/12/1982.