Dadswells Bridge Community Celebrates Return Of Important Connection
Published on 30 October 2026
From left: Ellie McDonald, President, Dadswells Bridge & District Community Group Inc.; Jacinta Ermacora MP; and Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Brian Klowss officially declare the bridge open. Official ribbon cutting.
The Dadswells Bridge community has come together to celebrate the official opening of its new pedestrian bridge, marking an important milestone in the community’s recovery from the February 2024 bushfires.
The original timber pedestrian bridge, built by community volunteers, was destroyed during the fires, removing an important pedestrian connection across Mt William Creek and adding to the challenges facing residents and businesses during the recovery.
The replacement bridge was officially opened on Wednesday 28 October by Jacinta Ermacora, Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, alongside Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Brian Klowss and CEO Gail Gatt. Councillors, representatives of the Dadswells Bridge & District Community Group and members of the Dadswells Bridge community also joined the celebration.
Ellie McDonald, President of the Dadswells Bridge & District Community Group Inc, spoke on behalf of the local community as part of the official proceedings.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the opening was an important milestone for Dadswells Bridge.
“This bridge is much more than a piece of infrastructure. It restores a safe and important connection across Mt William Creek and reconnects residents on both sides of the township.”
“The original timber bridge was built by community volunteers and its loss added to the challenges residents and businesses faced following the February 2024 bushfires. This new bridge stands as a lasting symbol of the strength and resilience of the Dadswells Bridge community.”
The new bridge restores pedestrian access across Mt William Creek, allowing residents and visitors to avoid the nearby Western Highway bridge.
Council received $300,487 through the Council Support Fund, a government-administered program which includes Australian Government funding, to support the design, fabrication and construction of the new steel pedestrian bridge.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss acknowledged the support behind the project and thanked Jacinta Ermacora for officially opening the bridge.
“We thank Jacinta Ermacora for joining the Dadswells Bridge community to officially open the new bridge and acknowledge the Australian Government contribution that supported its delivery.”
“Most importantly, we thank the Dadswells Bridge community for coming together to celebrate this milestone and everyone who contributed to restoring this important local connection.”
The bridge also represents an innovative approach to regional infrastructure. Designed in-house by Horsham Rural City Council and independently proof-checked, the 23-metre single-span steel arch incorporates a Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular structure. The Dadswells Bridge project is the first CFST arch bridge constructed in Victoria.
Construction of the replacement bridge was completed in June 2026.
Following the official opening, residents and guests came together for afternoon tea, providing an opportunity to celebrate the return of an important community connection and recognise another step forward in Dadswells Bridge’s recovery.