Historic landmark receives cultural recognition

THE Loveridge Lookout has been officially unveiled as a heritage listed site following official proceedings undertaken by mayor Libby Stapleton earlier this month.

Originally built in 1938 by Bertha Loveridge, the Anglesea lookout originated as a memorial for her late husband James.

With views of the Bass Strait, the picturesque memorial was temporarily disrupted from 1942 when the Federal Government appointed the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) to develop an early warning system on key sections of the Australian coastline.

Following the attack on the Pearl Harbour US naval base, the Australian public’s concept on war had shifted and the danger of World War II suddenly seemed heightened on home soil.

Soon after, up to 56 volunteer air observers became stationed at the Loveridge Lookout, patrolling day and night from 1942 and 1945.

The official April 18 ceremony celebrated the recognition of the historic landmark and the restoration work of the accompanying ‘Inverlochy Mosaic’ completed by the Men’s Shed and unveiled along with the heritage registration plaque.

General manager environment and development, Ransce Salan, said the process to have the Anglesea landmark officially recognised started a year ago ahead of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

“Last year council was pleased to support a Heritage Victoria recommendation to include Anglesea’s Loveridge Lookout in the Victorian Heritage Register as a place of state-level cultural heritage significance,” he said.

“The lookout’s statement of significance on the Victorian Heritage Database notes it as as just one of two remaining Volunteer Air Observers Corps posts in Victoria.”

The inclusion of the lookout to state’s registry means any alterations to the site will require a permit from Heritage Victoria.

Objects associated with the site, including a morse code machine, are held by Anglesea & District Historical Society.