Loveridge Lookout placed on Heritage Register

ANGLESEA’s Loveridge Lookout has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register ahead of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Bertha Loveridge had the lookout constructed in 1938 to honour her late husband James Loveridge.

In 1942, it was commandeered by the army to be used as an aircraft monitoring post.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the lookout’s use in the war made its preservation particularly important.

“While there were many volunteer lookout posts used during World War II, this is one of the few that are still standing – this makes Loveridge Lookout’s addition to the Heritage Register such a special one.”

The heritage listing also covers logbooks and rosters from the lookout’s time as a monitoring post. These are on display at the Anglesea and District Historical Society Museum.

The group has been advocating for the lookout to be placed on the heritage register for almost two decades.

Anglesea and District Historical Society president Jan Morris said she was pleased to finally see Loveridge Lookout protected.

“It’s great news. We’ve always been very proud of it and now it will remain.”

Between 1942 and 1945, more than 50 Anglesea residents kept track of aircraft 24 hours a day.

Victorian Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane said the lookout was a great embodiment of community spirit during the war.

“The story of Anglesea’s Loveridge Lookout is an example of how a small community came together during World War II to assist in the war effort and it is right that it should be protected.”