Keilor Historical Society Inc.

14/04/2026

Join us on Anzac Day at 11am for our annual commemoration service at the Keilor Cenotaph.

This service truly brings together the wider Keilor community.

Afterwards Keilor Football Club take on Pascoe Vale Football Club at Joe Brown Reserve.

10/04/2026

It’s our birthday!

On the 9th of April 1975 Keilor Historical Society was formed to preserve the history of Keilor for future generations. We serve the area formerly known as the City of Keilor in Brimbank’s north.

51 years later and we’re still just as passionate about sharing stories from our community’s past.

If you’re interested in what we do, join us and be part of our future!

https://keilorhistoricalsociety.org.au/membership/

Image 1: Confectionary section of Coles Keilor, 1989
Images 2-4: Farm land around Keilor in the 1970s prior to urban development.

07/04/2026

This weekend the Milburn family donated a number of items to our collection ranging from historic farming equipment to an impressive cast iron sewing machine (more on that to come).

To celebrate we’re looking back at ‘The Grange’ farm!

Statement of significance reads:
The site and ruins of David Milburn’s Grange Farm and homestead is of regional historical significance for its association with the important early horticulturalist and developer of irrigation, David Milburn. The remains of the house and farm buildings are an important archaeological feature with the potential to reveal information about the history of the transformation of the floodplain landscape at Keilor into intensively-cultivated market gardens and orchards.

You can stop by this interpretative panel as part of our heritage walk.

27/03/2026

From a vital river crossing to a lost local landmark…

The Arundel Road Trestle Bridge first opened in 1904, built from timber with nine beam spans supported by trestle piers. For decades, it carried traffic over the Maribyrnong River until its condition declined and it was closed in 1989. A new concrete bridge was built alongside.

After years of neglect and vandalism, the bridge faced demolition. Community advocacy led by KHS secured funding for restoration and by 1996–97, the bridge was restored and therefore saved. Arundel Road bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Sadly, deterioration and neglect persisted, and the bridge was eventually closed again.

In the floods of October 2022, most of the structure was washed away leaving only a small section on the northern bank.

Today, efforts to save the bridge continue. Keilor Historical Society is advocating for its partial or full reconstruction — but for now, the future of the bridge remains stuck in a bureaucratic loop.

📸 credit: S&DHS

20/03/2026

Last Saturday we held our annual open day at Harrick’s Cottage where we opened the cottage and the Keilor Police Hut for all to see.

We were also lucky to have Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos attend to open our exhibition ‘From Wheelbarrow to Wings: Transport and the People of Keilor’.

Thanks for all who attended and purchasing a copy of the publication.

Get in touch to secure yours!

Our president Aaron and 1st Vice President Susan, along with Secretary Richard gave speeches to launch the publication also.

We also welcomed Deputy Mayor Maria Kerr and other Brimbank councillors, as well as members of the Harrick family.

12/03/2026

The third runway will impact Keilor’s village atmosphere immensely with aircraft flying low every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We urge the community to attend these sessions and share your views in order to get the least damaging outcome for locals.

Melbourne Airport has resumed public consultation regarding its planned third runway

Click the link in the comments for all the details.

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12/03/2026

Keilor Historical Society will host its annual open day this month.

Click the link in the comments for all the details.

11/03/2026

We’re thrilled to finally be on Facebook!

KHS has been promoting the exciting history of the area since 1990.

Follow along as we share the stories of Keilor and the region.