Heritage excellence showcased in Geelong

EXCELLENCE in the retention, restoration and reuse of heritage places has been celebrated at the Greater Geelong Heritage Awards.

The achievements of both businesses and individuals were honoured at an awards ceremony at Wurriki Nyal in Geelong last week.

A total of eight category winners were acknowledged for ensuring Geelong’s rich history remains an integral part of future growth and development. The Restoration of a Heritage Place was awarded to 164 Bellarine Street, Geelong, a Federation-style timber bakery.

A 101-year-old brick shopfront at 66 Elizabeth Street, West Geelong, and The Glass House in North Geelong were awarded the Creative Reuse of a Heritage Place award PhD candidate Donya Masoomi Khameneh received the Next Generation Award for her research examining the evolution of heritage perception in Geelong’s wholesale landscape.

Geoff Saunders was honoured with the Jennifer Bantow OAM Individual Award for his long and distinguished contribution to the creative and sensitive adaptation of Geelong’s heritage buildings. Awards were also presented for Sustainability and Greening of a Heritage Place, New Work in a Heritage Overlay, and Heritage Interpretation and Promotion.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said this year’s awards recognised exceptional projects spanning both commercial and residential places.

“Every winner demonstrated remarkable craftsmanship, a strong commitment to sustainability, and an imaginative approach to conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse,” he said.

“Through their work, they are not only preserving our rich history but also ensuring its enjoyment by future generations.”

Geelong heritage advisory committee chair Cr Rowan Story said Geelong was fortunate to have such a range of heritage places.

“It was fantastic to see collaboration between builders, designers, tradespeople and architects demonstrated in exciting projects,” Cr Story said.

“These awards show how many groups, businesses and individuals are passionate about preserving our region’s heritage.”