The Junction Dam was built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This photo show its construction in February 1940. The State Electricity Commission of Victoria were the employers of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. The work included building dams, power stations and the infrastructure for the work and their employees. Mt Beauty and Bogong village were the places where this scheme was built and where this photo shows part of its construction being Power Station 3. Originally there were 3 Hydro stations built from the 1930's onwards. The scheme finished being built in 1960 and is the biggest Hydro electricity scheme in Victoria.This photo has Historic significance due to Junction Dam built as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. This photo shows its construction in February 1940. This is a black and white photo of Junction Dam viewed from upstream. Junction Dam was part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The picture shows piles of wood and pipes, crane, trucks and a shed on the cleared ground. The photo is mounted on 3 ply wood, painted black.kiewa hydro electric scheme. junction dam. s.e.c.v..

A digital copy of a newspaper article regarding the need for the government of the time to make improvements on roads and to infrastructure at tourist sites in the Marysville area.A digital copy of a newspaper article regarding the need for the government of the time to make improvements on roads and to infrastructure at tourist sites in the Marysville area.Souvenir/ written by/ GORDON/ WILLIAMS/ and/ PERCY/ TAYLOR/ Photography/ by/ JACK/ LAWRENCEmarysville, victoria, newspaper article, the argus, jack lawrence, gordon williams, percy taylor, marysville tourist and progress association, lake mountain, steavenson falls, talbot drive, keppel falls, taggerty river

A black and white photograph taken at the unveiling of the sign placed at The Big Culvert.A black and white photograph taken at the unveiling of the sign placed at The Big Culvert. The Big Culvert is a historic granite and bluestone arch along the Yarra Track, a major route to Melbourne through the 1800s. Built in 1870 and a major piece of infrastructure for its time, the heritage listed culvert allowed water to flow under often-flooded the road. The Yarra Track is the former name of the gold fields road from Healesville to the Woods Point and Jordan Goldfields, in Victoria, Australia. A direct route via the Yarra River and the Great Divide was discovered by Rieck in September 1862 and became known as the Yarra Track. Early in 1863, the Victorian Government decided to construct a 193-kilometre (120 mile) road along the route. Its original width varied between 4 and 6 metres (12 and 20 feet), and was designed to accommodate horse-drawn vehicles. The Track involved the climbing of the Black Spur, descent into the Acheron Valley, and then through Marysville to the Cumberland where it followed the existing route.Unveiling of sign/ at "Big Culvert" In front Max Cockerrell and - Rear: second back Geoff Pope R.H.S. rear: Nancy "/ Anne "the big culvert, yarra track, victoria, healesville, wood's point goldfields, jordan goldfields, black spur, acheron valley, cumberland valley

A colour photograph of the entrance to The Big Culvert.A colour photograph of the entrance to The Big Culvert. The Big Culvert is a historic granite and bluestone arch along the Yarra Track, a major route to Melbourne through the 1800s. Built in 1870 and a major piece of infrastructure for its time, the heritage listed culvert allowed water to flow under often-flooded the road. The Yarra Track is the former name of the gold fields road from Healesville to the Woods Point and Jordan Goldfields, in Victoria, Australia. A direct route via the Yarra River and the Great Divide was discovered by Rieck in September 1862 and became known as the Yarra Track. Early in 1863, the Victorian Government decided to construct a 193-kilometre (120 mile) road along the route. Its original width varied between 4 and 6 metres (12 and 20 feet), and was designed to accommodate horse-drawn vehicles. The Track involved the climbing of the Black Spur, descent into the Acheron Valley, and then through Marysville to the Cumberland where it followed the existing route.the big culvert, yarra track, victoria, healesville, wood's point goldfields, jordan goldfields, black spur, acheron valley, cumberland valley

Looking south towards Pitt Street and Nyora Road. Bus stop now on opposite side. Pauline Toner Butterfly Nature Conservation Reserve managed by Parks Victoria on the right hand side. Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsKodak Gold 100-2 5095infrastructure, roadworks - gutters, shire of eltham, streets, eucalyptus road, pauline toner eltham copper butterfly reserve, pauline toner butterfly nature conservation reserve

Green soft covered book including chapers on population, jobs and industry, housing, road and rail transport, health services, education, and water resourcesvictoria, regional victoria, population, migration flow, jobs, industry, export, food production, housing, rail, roads, health, education, qualifications, water, irrigation

State River and Water Supply Commission. Two page photocopy of an article titled ' Determination of Ionic Species in Water. Project 70/188 Water Research of Australia Limited. Dr. J. Bagg, Department of Industrial Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052.' Across the top is written, in pencil, W.R.F. of A. Report No 38, Number 141, Sept 74.state infrastructure, water supply, coliban system, state rivers and water supply commission. coliban system.

State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria. Brochure titled 'Central Plant Workshops'. Double-sided, three pages on each. Information about the workshops (CPW for short) and the setting up of the Bendigo site from 1946. There is a map of the layout of the site, and information given under the following headings - Central Plant Workshops, Work of the CPW, Meter Wheels, Pump Station Equipment, Steel Fabrication, Precast Concrete, and the Area and its Equipment. The brochure is dated June, 1968.state infrastructure, water supply, coliban system, state rivers and water supply commission of victoria. coliban system. central plant workshops.

State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria. Small brochure titled '1964-1965 A Year of Achievement'. Contains information headed 'Rural Water Assets as at 30th June, 1965' and 'Highlights of 1964/5'. Also contains information about the purpose and work of the Commission as well as an answer to the question - Why do you pay rates? People mentioned in the brochure : The Minister - the Hon. T. A. Darcy, M.L.A.; The Commission - A.L. Tisdall, Chairman; R.A. Horsfall, Deputy Chairman; K.D. Green, Commissioner; The Secretary - G. W. V. Lewis.state infrastructure, water supply, coliban system, state rivers and water supply commission of victoria.

Three pages of History of the Field, A Brief History of Mining in Bendigo. The history starts in 1851 when gold was discovered along the Bendigo Creek to 1992 when Bendigo Mining NL purchased the licences and infrastructure from WMC. There are four small photos: Two men working a puddling machine; Victoria Hill - 1850's Open Cut; Victoria Hill Quartz Mine, and the Central Deborah Mine. There is also a web address in the top right corner.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - history of the field (gold), mrs margaret kennedy, mrs farrell, edward nucella emmett, cave and amos, victoria quartz, new chum railway, bendigo amalgamated gold mies, bendigo mines ltd, deborah mines, william burrell, wmc, williams united, charshalton, bendigo mining nl, new bendigo project, trevor clark, shelley saunders, peter wiseman, new bendigo - 10 million ounces of gold

Melbourne Water inherited many of its water assets, such as reservoirs from its predecessor the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). They have served the organisation well and have long been celebrated for both their natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. In the nineteenth century Victoria’s fundamental need for water infrastructure went beyond merely functional solutions and reflected the English ideal of the romance and beauty that was embodied in expanses of water. The MMBW further enhanced this notion by incorporating beauty and function in to the Classical and Italianate designs of its infrastructure such as pumping houses and reservoir outlet towers. The reservoir gardens and picnic areas were landscaped with ornamental stonework, exotic trees, decorative flower beds, fern glades pools and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance. This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. Clear glass flower shaped 'depression ware' confectionery bowl, with photographic image of Maroondah Reservoir outlet tower on basemelbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah reservoir, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, glass bowl

Melbourne Water inherited many of its water assets, such as reservoirs from its predecessor the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). They have served the organisation well and have long been celebrated for both their natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. In the nineteenth century Victoria’s fundamental need for water infrastructure went beyond merely functional solutions and reflected the English ideal of the romance and beauty that was embodied in expanses of water. The MMBW further enhanced this notion by incorporating beauty and function in to the Classical and Italianate designs of its infrastructure such as pumping houses and reservoir outlet towers. The reservoir gardens and picnic areas were landscaped with ornamental stonework, exotic trees, decorative flower beds, fern glads pools and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance. This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. Blue enamel and metal lapel pin/brooch depicting Maroondah Reservoir and outlet tower. Oval shaped with words 'Maroondah Dam' at the top and a ribbon banner containing 'Healesville' at the bottom. Maroondah Dam. Healesvillemelbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah reservoir, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, lapel pin, brooch

Melbourne Water inherited many of its water assets, such as reservoirs from its predecessor the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). They have served the organisation well and have long been celebrated for both their natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. In the nineteenth century Victoria’s fundamental need for water infrastructure went beyond merely functional solutions and reflected the English ideal of the romance and beauty that was embodied in expanses of water. The MMBW further enhanced this notion by incorporating beauty and function in to the Classical and Italianate designs of its infrastructure such as pumping houses and reservoir outlet towers. The reservoir gardens and picnic areas were landscaped with ornamental stonework, exotic trees, decorative flower beds, fern glads pools and rose gardens. All features of the water supply system became widely celebrated as beauty spots that continue to be very popular to this day with tourists and locals alike. This souvenir is a product of that flourishing tourist trade. These water supply sites continue to enhance Melbourne’s charm and liveability and are now recognised as places of cultural and historic significance This souvenir item has been curated by Melbourne Water as it represents an important historical aspect of the organisation by demonstrating the popularity of its water asset sites as recreational places and tourist attractions, and although these sites are functional parts of the water supply system, they were also designed to be enjoyed by the public both aesthetically and recreationally. Tea caddy spoon with clock face engraved showing 4pm on round spoon, tea pot shaped handle with enamel scenic view badge saying 'Healesville' ( depicting Maroondah Reservoir outlet tower). Tea caddy spoon box labelled 'Fine Silverware by Stokes'Stokes and Sons Stokes & Sons logo (Star with S and boomerang) EG. No. 15733melbourne metropolitan board of works, mmbw, maroondah reservoir, melbourne water, scenic view, souvenir, tea caddy spoon

Pale yellow 12 page book titled 'Bendigo the Region to Live Work & Invest'. On the front cover is a scenic view of Bendigo and on the back cover a picture of some quartz and gold nuggets on a green background. Sections in the book are: Live Work & Invest, Lifestyle, Access, Community, Infrastructure, Labour Force, Business, Opportunity, Successes and Information. Each page has a colour picture, they are:- Hargreaves Mall, Eaglehawk Golf Course, Map of Victoria, La Trobe University, Big Hill, Regional Office Department of Planning & Development, Sandhurst Farms, Construction Activity, Products of the Region, Dr. Ian Macbean, Mr Evan Jones and the Capital Theatre with information on each.book, bendigo, bendigo, bendigo - the region to live, work & invest, bendigo regional development board, dr ian macbean, mr evan jones, kate mildren, richard gibbs, express printers, hargreaves mall, eaglehawk golf course, map of victoria, la trobe university, big hill, regional office department of planning & development, sandhurst farms, construction activity, products of the region, capital theatre

Stencil used by Sgt. Albert David Lowerson, VC, a soldier settler on Merriang Estate near Myrtleford. Lowerson acquired one of 19 blocks assigned by the Closer Settlement Board on the 700 acre estate in 1920. The stencil marked bales of cured tobacco leaves prior to shipment to Melbourne. Lowerson was one of the few successful soldier settler farmers in the district, operating a piggery, dairy farming and growing tobacco for almost 20 years on "St. Quentin". (Lowerson was awarded the Victoria Cross at Mont St. Quentin on September 1, 1918.) His success and status enabled him to lead a submission on farm debt and infrastructure problems when the soldier settlement scheme was being reviewed at government level. He was active locally on these issues and supported fund raising for a war memorial, memorial hall and veteran welfare.The stencil represents the achievements of A.D.Lowerson, VC as an isolated example of success as a WW1 soldier settler and as a local identity who stridently supported the need for recognition and support of ex-service personnel.Stencil made of thin sheet metal, rusted .Wording of stencil "A.D.LOWERSON. MYRTLEFORD." lowerson a.d., merriang estate, myrtleford, closer settlement board, tobacco, st. quentin, victoria cross, world war 1

During prestige, long distance train journeys some carriages had air-conditioning, and the majority of passengers had to brave unheated carriages. To offer some comfort during the winter months, the non-air-conditioned carriages were provided with footwarmers. These were metal containers roughly 100 mm thick and 300 mm wide, and about 750 mm long, which were filled with salt crystals (concentrated crystalline hydrated sodium acetate). The footwarmers were covered by sleeves of thick canvas, and two footwarmers were usually placed in each compartment of non-air-conditioned carriages. To activate the chemicals, the footwarmers were heated almost to boiling point. This was done by removing the canvas sleeves and placing the footwarmers in a large bath of very hot water. After they had been heated, they were removed from the bath and the sleeves refitted. They were then ready to be placed in the carriages. The McLaren patent foot warmer was used on railways in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia as well as South Africa and New Zealand. It was during the 1901 royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall that these foot warmers were first used in New Zealand in the royal carriage. Before railway carriage heating was introduced, McLaren patent foot warmers were placed on the floor of New South Wales government railway carriages from 1891 to provide a little passenger comfort. The rectangular steel container worked a bit like a hot water bottle but instead of water contained six and a half kilograms of loosely-packed salt crystals, (concentrated crystalline hydrated sodium acetate). This was permanently sealed inside the container with a soldered cap. After the foot warmer was heated in vat of boiling water for about one and a quarter hours the crystals became a hot liquid. (The melting point for sodium acetate is 58 degrees). There was a whole infrastructure of special furnaces set up at stations for the daily heating of foot warmers. By 1914 the Victorian railways had 4,000 foot warmers in service and by 1935 there were 33 furnaces at principal stations to heat them. After about 10 hours the container was picked up by the handle and given a good vertical shake which helped the cooled liquid reform into a solid mass of hot crystals. Staff or sometimes passengers shook them en route when the foot warmers began to get cold. However, as they were heavy this was only possible by fit and agile passengers. At the end of the journey the containers were boiled again for reuse on the next trip. Sodium acetate railway foot warmers were introduced in Victoria in 1889, Adelaide to Melbourne express in 1899. "Shaking up" on this service took place at Murray Bridge and Stawell on the tip to Melbourne and at Ballarat and Serviceton on the trip to Adelaide. The use of foot warmers began to decline in New South Wales from the 1930s with the first trial of carriage air-conditioning in 1936, steam heating from 1948 ad LP gas heating from 1961. By the early 1960s the main services using foot warmers were the overnight mail trains. info from : http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=67564#ixzz4UBNzVf6t Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial There was a whole infrastructure set up at stations for the daily heating of foot warmers in special furnaces. In Victoria alone in 1935 there were 33 heating works.Historic - Victorian Railways - Carriage Heater - Foot warmerA rectangular-shaped stainless steel casing with a welded seam down the back and welded ends. There is a handle at one end for carrying and shaking. Inside the foot warmer are two baffle plates and three trays to contain the sodium acetate. There was a cast-iron ball in each internal compartment. puffing billy, victorian railways, carriage haeter, foot warmer, passenger comfort, station furnace, railway ephemera, early heating methods

The article argues that quality education lies in good infrastructure and architectural design. Boyd suggests that educational buildings are a potential for architects to push their imagination to provide quality spaces - as required by law1 Typewritten, pencil edits, 2 Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pages. (Two copies)education, 'victoria's school-building programme', robin boyd, manuscript

Whitehorse Planning Scheme amendment L21, Part 2 with explanatory report and covering latter from Department of Infrastructure to City of Whitehorse regarding changed requirements affecting former town hall building, 360 - 362 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading.city of whitehorse, victoria. department of infrastructure, whitehorse road, nunawading, no 360, municipal chambers, city of nunawading, whitehorse planning scheme, shire of blackburn and mitcham

Conference to empower rural women. Sponsors Victorian Farmers Federation, Agriculture Victoria, Rabo Bank, Chandler Agribusiness, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. What can we do to make a difference in the life of others. Digital imagesagriculture, rural women, victoria, minister for agriculture, jaala pulford, victorian farmers federation, rural women uncovered, rabo bank, agriculture victoria, chandler agribusiness

Environmental approach to preserving Kew Court House 4 June 2010 Paint stripping from older buildings can be a hazardous task. The City of Boroondara has found an environmentally sustainable solution for the works at local heritage icon, the Kew Police Station and Court House. Council used an organic based paint stripping alternative as part of the repairs to the rendering on the building facade. Over nearly three months, the damaged and unsound render was removed, the paint was stripped and the render was repainted. Usually, paint is removed via high pressure water cleaning or sandblasting. This is a harsh method and involves combining extreme high amounts of pressure, water and sand and is highly toxic. It also creates high noise levels. In this 'green' project, Council used a soy bean paint stripper. The process uses a paste-like substance, which is highly effective, non toxic and biodegradable, and applied by hand. Initially, a bandage is applied (much like a leg waxing strip) over the top of paste. It is allowed to dry and then the bandage is stripped off. Noise was kept to a minimum by using the paint stripping alternative. Scrapings and bandages are then bagged and sent to the tip as landfill, so it does not end up in our water supply. The waste and debris don’t run-off into drains, and the bags and bi-products are biodegradable. Studley Ward Councillor Phillip Healey explained that soy bean paint removal is not greatly used in Melbourne or the local government sector. "We know of special cases where it has been used, such as high profile projects like Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Boroondara is one of the first in Victoria to employ this natural plant-based paint-stripping treatment to a large-scale building," Cr Healey said. "What this means is that no harmful substances were used and no injury was caused, soy paint removal also preserves, protects and restores the heritage integrity and decorative stone masonry features of the historic building. "This is a terrific example of our commitment to 'enhancing the environment' which is one of our key directions in the 2010–15 Council Plan." The restoration of the Kew Court House and Police Station is expected to be completed in the year ahead. Council purchased the heritage building in 2007 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building required extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome, and the renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. Heritage Victoria helped fund the cost of the roof repairs with a grant of $250,000, along with the Australian Government contributing $330,000 through its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. Restoration Underway Concept plans for a new performance and exhibition space at the Kew Court House and Police Station have been developed by the City of Boroondara. Two years ago, Council Purchased the Kew Court House and Police Station from the State Government for $825,000 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building requires extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome. The renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. The restoration has been assisted with a Federal Government grant of $330,000 under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. In 2008, Council was also successful in obtaining a Heritage Victoria Grant of $250,000 towards the costs of the roof repairs. Having satisfied the necessary permit requirements, works are about to commence using slate of a similar quality to the original. The City of Boroondara would like to thank all residents and businesses who have contributed to the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal which has raised $650,000. Special thanks go to a private donor who donated $250,000 and the Kew Senior Citizens Club which contributed $50,000. NEWS FLASH 14th March “Council moves to provide certainty for the restoration of the courthouse”. In a historic meeting last night 13th March 07 at Boroondara Council voted overwhelmingly to complete the purchase of the Kew Court House. The partnership continues between the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and the Council to see this project through. The project now has the overwhelming support of Council. “It is no longer about “if” it is about “when” the doors will re open” said Prof Peter McIntyre. With the property secured the fundraising can now be completed without the encumbrances and we know the restoration will be undertaken as the funds become available from the appeal. Work can commence as soon as significant fund raising is achieved. “The community, philanthropists and corporations can now enter this project with certainty. 7th March At the Council meeting on 5th March, following many hours of debate a motion was passed by 5 to 4 vote to purchase the Kew Court House and Police Station outright. As of 7th March Cr Dick Menting lodged a rescission notice. This means that there was another Council meeting at 6pm, Tuesday 13th March at Council Chambers. MEDIA RELEASE - Kew, 3rd December 2006 APPEAL LAUNCHED TO SAVE A NATIONAL TREASURE On the morning of Saturday 18th. November 2006 the people of Kew were aroused by the triumphant sound of the Boroondara Brass which had assembled outside the former Kew Police Station. After four long years of neglect, the precinct was being heralded back to life, and what a heartwarming sound it was for all those early shoppers who gathered to hear Cr. Phillip Healey introduce Patrons and supporters of the Save the Court House campaign. Following the speeches, the "Thermometer" was unveiled and the Appeal was formally under way. The various committees have worked very hard during these past weeks. The Kew Court House Arts Association Inc. has been formed under the leadership of Graeme McCoubrie. This organization brings all the amateur theatre groups in the City of Boroondara together with a view to providing them with a permanent performing space within the former Court House. As well as intimate theatre, there will be provision for the staging of instrumental and choral performances before an audience of 40 to 50 people. The Police Station will compliment the function of the Court House by providing a venue for artist groups to exhibit their work, for the Historical Societies of Boroondara to meet, and for study groups to meet, for activities such as play and poetry readings. It will be a Hub for the Arts in Kew. Of course none of this can happen unless the money to pay for restoration of the buildings is raised, and we only have until March 2007 in which to do this. The City of Boroondara, Kew Historical Society and the East Kew Community Bank are working together as a team to make this dream a reality, but WE NEED YOUR HELP. This is a fantastic one-off opportunity, and it must not be wasted. Donations to the Appeal can be made through the Kew East Kew Community Bank or any branch of the Bendigo Bank, or through the Kew Historical Society Inc., P.O. Box 175 Kew Vic 3101. All donations over $2 are tax deductible through the Community Enterprise Foundation. End Media Release Kew Courthouse future looks bright The State Government has accepted an offer from the local government of Boroondara to purchase the former Kew Courthouse and Police Station, Minister for Finance John Lenders said today. In a joint statement with the Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Jack Wegman, Mr Lenders said he was pleased that agreement had been reached and the contract of sale document finalised. “I welcome the Council making this step towards purchasing this property after recent negotiations,” Mr Lenders said. “The settlement date for the purchase of the property is March 2007. The State government sold the property to Council at a reduced cost of $825,000 for community use. The full value of the buildings on the commercial marketplace was estimated to be about $2million,” he said. Cr Wegman said the Contract of Sale provides that if the funds cannot be raised to restore the property for use as community buildings then they will be returned to the State government. In relation to this additional funding to restore and modernise the buildings, Council and the community will work together over the next eight months, with the encouragement of the State government, Cr Wegman said. Mr Lenders said both he and the Premier had advised the Council of fundraising opportunities to help the Council convert the property for its future use. Cr Wegman noted that applications for funding from the Community Support Fund and for State government heritage grants were being processed. “Council has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kew Historical Society outlining arrangements for the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and Council is delighted with the level of support shown by the community and is confident of a bright future for these historic buildings.” Mr Lenders said the Bracks Government is committed to securing the best outcome when buildings that have once served the community outlive their original purpose. “There is a responsibility for Governments to practice good financial management and achieve the best possible price when an asset is longer used by the State,” he said. “There is also a responsibility to consider the local community. The Government and City of Boroondara have worked hard to achieve a balance between these two interests.” The building ceased to operate as a courthouse in 1971 and as a police station in 2002. Part of the building was also used as a post office and this section of the building was sold by the Commonwealth in 1992 to a private owner and is currently run as a licensed restaurant. It is listed on the State's Heritage Register as a place of historical and architectural significance and is protected by the Victorian Heritage Act. Created: 30 August 2006 Last Update: 10 January 2007 kew, kew court house, phillip slobom, town crier, professor peter mcintyre

Environmental approach to preserving Kew Court House 4 June 2010 Paint stripping from older buildings can be a hazardous task. The City of Boroondara has found an environmentally sustainable solution for the works at local heritage icon, the Kew Police Station and Court House. Council used an organic based paint stripping alternative as part of the repairs to the rendering on the building facade. Over nearly three months, the damaged and unsound render was removed, the paint was stripped and the render was repainted. Usually, paint is removed via high pressure water cleaning or sandblasting. This is a harsh method and involves combining extreme high amounts of pressure, water and sand and is highly toxic. It also creates high noise levels. In this 'green' project, Council used a soy bean paint stripper. The process uses a paste-like substance, which is highly effective, non toxic and biodegradable, and applied by hand. Initially, a bandage is applied (much like a leg waxing strip) over the top of paste. It is allowed to dry and then the bandage is stripped off. Noise was kept to a minimum by using the paint stripping alternative. Scrapings and bandages are then bagged and sent to the tip as landfill, so it does not end up in our water supply. The waste and debris don’t run-off into drains, and the bags and bi-products are biodegradable. Studley Ward Councillor Phillip Healey explained that soy bean paint removal is not greatly used in Melbourne or the local government sector. "We know of special cases where it has been used, such as high profile projects like Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Boroondara is one of the first in Victoria to employ this natural plant-based paint-stripping treatment to a large-scale building," Cr Healey said. "What this means is that no harmful substances were used and no injury was caused, soy paint removal also preserves, protects and restores the heritage integrity and decorative stone masonry features of the historic building. "This is a terrific example of our commitment to 'enhancing the environment' which is one of our key directions in the 2010–15 Council Plan." The restoration of the Kew Court House and Police Station is expected to be completed in the year ahead. Council purchased the heritage building in 2007 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building required extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome, and the renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. Heritage Victoria helped fund the cost of the roof repairs with a grant of $250,000, along with the Australian Government contributing $330,000 through its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. Restoration Underway Concept plans for a new performance and exhibition space at the Kew Court House and Police Station have been developed by the City of Boroondara. Two years ago, Council Purchased the Kew Court House and Police Station from the State Government for $825,000 with the intention for it to be restored and used for the community. The building requires extensive renovation including repair of the slate roof and ventilation dome. The renovation plans include a new foyer, bathrooms and kitchen to ensure the venue meets a broad range of community needs. The restoration has been assisted with a Federal Government grant of $330,000 under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. In 2008, Council was also successful in obtaining a Heritage Victoria Grant of $250,000 towards the costs of the roof repairs. Having satisfied the necessary permit requirements, works are about to commence using slate of a similar quality to the original. The City of Boroondara would like to thank all residents and businesses who have contributed to the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal which has raised $650,000. Special thanks go to a private donor who donated $250,000 and the Kew Senior Citizens Club which contributed $50,000. NEWS FLASH 14th March “Council moves to provide certainty for the restoration of the courthouse”. In a historic meeting last night 13th March 07 at Boroondara Council voted overwhelmingly to complete the purchase of the Kew Court House. The partnership continues between the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and the Council to see this project through. The project now has the overwhelming support of Council. “It is no longer about “if” it is about “when” the doors will re open” said Prof Peter McIntyre. With the property secured the fundraising can now be completed without the encumbrances and we know the restoration will be undertaken as the funds become available from the appeal. Work can commence as soon as significant fund raising is achieved. “The community, philanthropists and corporations can now enter this project with certainty. 7th March At the Council meeting on 5th March, following many hours of debate a motion was passed by 5 to 4 vote to purchase the Kew Court House and Police Station outright. As of 7th March Cr Dick Menting lodged a rescission notice. This means that there was another Council meeting at 6pm, Tuesday 13th March at Council Chambers. MEDIA RELEASE - Kew, 3rd December 2006 APPEAL LAUNCHED TO SAVE A NATIONAL TREASURE On the morning of Saturday 18th. November 2006 the people of Kew were aroused by the triumphant sound of the Boroondara Brass which had assembled outside the former Kew Police Station. After four long years of neglect, the precinct was being heralded back to life, and what a heartwarming sound it was for all those early shoppers who gathered to hear Cr. Phillip Healey introduce Patrons and supporters of the Save the Court House campaign. Following the speeches, the "Thermometer" was unveiled and the Appeal was formally under way. The various committees have worked very hard during these past weeks. The Kew Court House Arts Association Inc. has been formed under the leadership of Graeme McCoubrie. This organization brings all the amateur theatre groups in the City of Boroondara together with a view to providing them with a permanent performing space within the former Court House. As well as intimate theatre, there will be provision for the staging of instrumental and choral performances before an audience of 40 to 50 people. The Police Station will compliment the function of the Court House by providing a venue for artist groups to exhibit their work, for the Historical Societies of Boroondara to meet, and for study groups to meet, for activities such as play and poetry readings. It will be a Hub for the Arts in Kew. Of course none of this can happen unless the money to pay for restoration of the buildings is raised, and we only have until March 2007 in which to do this. The City of Boroondara, Kew Historical Society and the East Kew Community Bank are working together as a team to make this dream a reality, but WE NEED YOUR HELP. This is a fantastic one-off opportunity, and it must not be wasted. Donations to the Appeal can be made through the Kew East Kew Community Bank or any branch of the Bendigo Bank, or through the Kew Historical Society Inc., P.O. Box 175 Kew Vic 3101. All donations over $2 are tax deductible through the Community Enterprise Foundation. End Media Release Kew Courthouse future looks bright The State Government has accepted an offer from the local government of Boroondara to purchase the former Kew Courthouse and Police Station, Minister for Finance John Lenders said today. In a joint statement with the Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Jack Wegman, Mr Lenders said he was pleased that agreement had been reached and the contract of sale document finalised. “I welcome the Council making this step towards purchasing this property after recent negotiations,” Mr Lenders said. “The settlement date for the purchase of the property is March 2007. The State government sold the property to Council at a reduced cost of $825,000 for community use. The full value of the buildings on the commercial marketplace was estimated to be about $2million,” he said. Cr Wegman said the Contract of Sale provides that if the funds cannot be raised to restore the property for use as community buildings then they will be returned to the State government. In relation to this additional funding to restore and modernise the buildings, Council and the community will work together over the next eight months, with the encouragement of the State government, Cr Wegman said. Mr Lenders said both he and the Premier had advised the Council of fundraising opportunities to help the Council convert the property for its future use. Cr Wegman noted that applications for funding from the Community Support Fund and for State government heritage grants were being processed. “Council has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kew Historical Society outlining arrangements for the Kew Court House Restoration Appeal and Council is delighted with the level of support shown by the community and is confident of a bright future for these historic buildings.” Mr Lenders said the Bracks Government is committed to securing the best outcome when buildings that have once served the community outlive their original purpose. “There is a responsibility for Governments to practice good financial management and achieve the best possible price when an asset is longer used by the State,” he said. “There is also a responsibility to consider the local community. The Government and City of Boroondara have worked hard to achieve a balance between these two interests.” The building ceased to operate as a courthouse in 1971 and as a police station in 2002. Part of the building was also used as a post office and this section of the building was sold by the Commonwealth in 1992 to a private owner and is currently run as a licensed restaurant. It is listed on the State's Heritage Register as a place of historical and architectural significance and is protected by the Victorian Heritage Act. Created: 30 August 2006 Last Update: 10 January 2007 Colour photograph of the Kew Historical Society holding an event in the Former Kew Court House.kew, kew court house, kew historical society, meeting, city of boroondara