Trust honours heritage projects

SIGNIFICANT recent contributions to Ballarat’s heritage have been recognised by the National Trust.

The organisation’s Ballarat branch has celebrated five local projects as part of their 2023 Heritage Awards.

Ballarat Cemeteries was recognised for the restoration of three rotundas, as was the committee behind the establishment of the Chinese Library, and Anne Bonighton for work restoring the W Brown Family Grocer building on Havelock and Clissold streets.

The development of a conservation management plan for the Old Colonists Club was also awarded, as were renovations at the Barkly Street synagogue.

Local branch president Dianne Gow said the initiatives are in line with National Trust aims.

“We watch progress on things all year, what the tradespeople do, and there’s projects that are just incredibly dear to us, that really contribute to Ballarat’s streetscapes,” she said.

Ballarat Cemeteries CEO Annie De Jong said there are five rotundas at the Old and New cemeteries, which were built at the turn of the 20th century.

“They serve two purposes, acknowledging the historic significance of the cemetery while providing shelter for when people are visiting to sit, contemplate, remember, and enjoy the beautiful gardens,” she said.

“One rotunda has been completed, and the other two are near completed, and we’ve worked with heritage architects around colour combinations and research, and all local contractors, to get them back to their authentic selves.”

On behalf of the Chinese Library’s founder Haoliang Sun, committee member Charles Zhang said the organisation is proud of what’s been created.

“It’s a public information centre that has become a multi-purpose centre for Chinese education, culture, arts, and history research in Ballarat,” he said. “It’s also a multicultural hub for everyone.

“We really appreciate the National Trust giving us this award. This recognition confirms that we’re on the right track, and that we need to do more and do better.

“We’re promoting Ballarat to the whole world by using our contacts and links. Whatever is good for Ballarat, that’s what we’re here for.”

Ms Bonighton has lived in the unique 1882-built W Brown Family Grocer shop and residence for 25 years, and said she took her time with the restoration project to ensure she got it right.

“I’m glad I spent a bit longer to research and consider what went on at the property, and what the intention was for it,” she said.

“It hadn’t been painted for well over 60 years. Restoring the ghost sign as faithfully as possible was one of the highlights along with choosing colours to best represent the era of construction and utility of the building.

“While there is still some interior cosmetic renovation to be done over the next couple of years, with a new roof and updated facilities the structure feels as though it could live on for another 100 years, and more, while it is lived in and much-loved by future generations.

“I’m so happy that there is a large percentage of people that do appreciate it.”