In the winter of 1861, along the stretch of track between Woodend and Malmsbury, hundreds of railway workers put down their tools. Stonemasons, stone breakers, and labourers united in defiance after a sudden cut to their wages — just as the first stage of the Melbourne to Murray River Railway was nearing completion. Their protest, born of exhaustion and injustice, would become one of the most significant industrial actions in Victoria’s early history.
In Rails of Gold, historian Paul Burke brings this forgotten story vividly back to life. Through meticulous research and a deep respect for the past, he explores how the fight for fair work and the Eight-Hour Day shaped not only the railway but the ideals of a young colony. Drawing from first-hand accounts, newspaper archives, and government records, Paul uncovers the lives of those who built the lines that still serve communities 160 years later — and the struggles that defined them.
This is not just a story about iron and stone. It’s a story about people — the engineers, workers, and dreamers whose determination carved a path through the Macedon Ranges and beyond. Rails of Gold invites readers to experience the grit, conflict, and vision that helped lay the foundations of modern Victoria.
Whether you’re a lover of Australian history, a student of social justice, or simply someone who appreciates a good true story, Rails of Gold offers a rich and compelling journey into the heart of our past.
Rails of Gold is available now.