Rod Andrew has recently published a new book on the history and construction of the Upper Coliban and Lauriston Reservoirs. The book is a companion to his previous one on the history of Malmsbury Reservoir.

The story of each dam is told under the headings of:
Background
The social context
Why it was needed
The engineering design
The dam construction.

The book is well illustrated with historic photographs.

Malmsbury Reservoir was a major step in the development of a water supply to the gold rushes of Bendigo and Castlemaine. It was supposed to have been built in one year, but in fact it took over seven years.

During this time, the main contractor and three government engineers were sacked. In the spring of 1870, the residents of Malmsbury had to live with the prospect of a flood of water from the partially completed dam that was washing away upstream.

This well-researched and illustrated volume takes the reader back to those dramatic times, using quotations from newspapers of the day, the reports of the government inquiries, and historic images.

The Malmsbury Mechanics' Institute first met in April 1862. They purchased their own site, which was a former Caroline Chisholm Shelter Shed, built the front portion of the building in 1876 and added the Federal Hall in 1895. This is the history of the site, the buildings, the people who made it all happen and the events which have taken place there.

If your ancestor was a councillor of Malmsbury, then this book will be of interest to you. Short biographies of all former Councillors are included, plus there is a table showing the dates of service for all councillors. There is also a background history of the formation of the Borough, its amalgamation with the Shire of Kyneton and some interesting anecdotes from Council minutes and newspapers.

141 pages, fully indexed, includes illustrations and references.

Written for the 1987 Anniversary of Mollison's settlement of his "Colliban" Squatters Run, this book covers the main features of the town and is a good introduction to our history. As more information comes to hand, we are gradually introducing more local history publications on specific subjects.

80 pages, includes illustrations.

Written in 2010, this books takes an detailed look at the Chinese who were known to be in Malmsbury, Taradale, Glenlyon, Lauriston and Kyneton. It covers the miners, market gardeners and other occupations, identifies sites where they were living, inquest, police and hospital records as well as biographical information.

221 pages, fully indexed, includes illustrations and references.

Written in 1998, this is a brief history of the school to mark 125 years since its opening, it was produced by the Primary School parents and staff.

19 pages with illustrations.

We always welcome new members to our Society. Please read, download and complete this form to become a member. Under our Rules, all applications are approved by the committee.

This is a brief introduction to the Society and brief list of the types of records we have in our collection.

This brochure shows the general layout of the cemetery, by denomination, section and compartment, explains the confusion created in grave numbering when new graves were introduced, plus information on its establishment.

Details of specific graves can be obtained from the Society as part of our usual research facilities and fees.

Ever visited Malmsbury and wondered about the history of some of the buildings and places? Are you planning a visit to the district and would like some ideas on what to see and do ? This tour guide can be downloaded here for free, or you can pick up a hard copy from our local shops (also for free) when you get here. Some 33 items of interest feature in the guide, which includes a keyed map, a description of each one and a few photographs.