Efforts to preserve local heritage sites recognised

OUTSTANDING efforts to preserve our region’s heritage buildings, gardens and places of cultural significance were recognised at a ceremony last week.

The 2019 Geelong Heritage Awards, now in its tenth year, is a joint initiative between the City of Geelong and National Trust, and also forms part of the Australian National Trust Heritage Festival.

Awards were presented in nine categories, with heritage buildings, gardens and objects, public and private places all eligible.

The recipients were:

Drysdale Bypass project, Drysdale (Interpretation of a Cultural Heritage Place);

Portarlington Primary School, (Restoration of a Heritage Place; Interpretation of a Heritage Place);

Connie Cottage, Connewarre (Restoration of a Heritage Place; Specialist Heritage Trade Skills);

Candover Cottage, Geelong West (Restoration of a Heritage Place);

Former Balfours Bicycles Store, Malop Street, Geelong (Restoration of a Heritage Place; Specialist Heritage Trade Skills);

‘Ethelbert’, Eastern Beach Road, Geelong (Restoration of a Heritage Place; New Work in a Heritage Area);

Geelong West Post Office (Restoration of a Heritage Place);

Geelong Covent Garden, Moorabool Street, Geelong (Restoration of a Heritage Place;

New Work to a Heritage Place; Re-creative Reuse of a Heritage Place) and;

336 Myers Street, East Geelong (Restoration of a Heritage Place; New Work in a Heritage Area);

Geelong Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood commended the projects and the tireless work and skill from those involved.

“Congratulations to all nine awards recipients. The results they’ve achieved are quite amazing and they’re all very worthy of recognition,’’ he said.

“The City of Greater Geelong is proud to partner with the National Trust to present these awards each year, recognising the important work being done to preserve and showcase our region’s heritage.’’

Geelong Region Branch National Trust president Jennifer Bantow said the awards recognised excellence in the retention, restoration and reuse of heritage spaces.

“The annual Heritage Awards is the most positive enjoyable event of the National Trust calendar – it’s an opportunity to celebrate with those who love these places, and have conserved them for the future, for us all to enjoy our architectural and cultural history.’’

For more detail on the projects visit geelongaustralia.com.au.