2010 Ballarat Heritage Awards a Great Success

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

Three local restoration projects were named winners of the inaugural 2010 Ballarat Heritage Awards at the Mechanics Institute on World Heritage Day - Sunday, 18 April.

The awards are a partnership between City of Ballarat and the National Trust of Victoria (Ballarat Branch).

2010 Ballarat Heritage Award-Winners

In the category of Successful New Development within a Protected Heritage Area, 206 Mair St was named the winning property and the award was accepted by Vicstate Savings & Loans. Also nominated in this category was 507 Mair Street.

National Trust Conservation Manager and 2010 Ballarat Heritage Awards judge Paul Roser noted the winning building had “strong design that is clearly contemporary yet successfully fits into streetscape…No overt historicism or mimickery”.

In the category of Enhancement of a Heritage Place, Bailey’s Mansion, St John of God Hospital, corner of Drummond and Mair Streets, took out top honours, ahead of the Mechanics Institute, Sturt St, and Craig’s Royal Hotel, Lydiard St South.

Bailey’s Mansion was praised by Roser as “a revelation…The context of this building within the streetscape has been addressed…No taking away from its enhancement – putting the building on show”.

Local business Harrisons Funerals, Main Road, was named winner of the Creative Reuse of a Heritage Place Award. Medic Aid, Raglan St North was highly commended in the category and Kirrit Barreet Aboriginal Art Gallery, Main Road; SJ Butler Financial Planning Offices, Mair St; and Heritage on Lydiard, Lydiard St North, were also nominated.

Roser said of Harrisons Funerals’ impressive premises, “Owner has worked with property – goes ‘with the grain’ rather than against it”.

Ballarat City Lead Councillor on Heritage Samantha McIntosh officially opened the inaugural awards presentation.

“Congratulations to all the deserving nominees of the first annual Ballarat Heritage Awards. These dedicated individuals are keeping heritage alive in Ballarat, demonstrating that heritage can be used creatively – it just takes imagination; together we are conserving Ballarat for our future; and we are celebrating the past while preserving, promoting and protecting what makes Ballarat, Ballarat.”

Cr McIntosh said the Ballarat Heritage Awards are an exciting new initiative by Council and the National Trust (Ballarat Branch).

“The prestigious new awards celebrate the achievements of Ballarat businesses and the community in honouring our city’s great heritage. The awards are sure to be eagerly anticipated next year and for many decades to come.”

Cr McIntosh said Council is proud to work with owners of heritage properties to preserve Ballarat’s important, living places.

“Council is very committed to preserving Ballarat’s heritage – at all locations we own and manage as well as inspiring and supporting local home and business owners to understand the great benefits of preserving our city’s unique heritage.

“Strong collaborations with organisations such as the National Trust are critical to Council achieving these goals. City of Ballarat and the National Trust recognise the challenges and enormous potential of Ballarat’s unique heritage and the quality of the work that has been undertaken by passionate residents, businesses and organisations to uphold that tradition.”

Council is in the final stages of adopting its Preserving Our Heritage Strategy. The Strategy outlines positive initiatives and plans for City of Ballarat to undertake, in partnership with the community.

Category finalists for the inaugural awards were selected by members of the local Ballarat branch of the National Trust. 

Dr Frank Hurley, President of the Mechanics Institute, was keynote speaker at the inaugural Ballarat Heritage Awards Presentation. He outlined the works completed to date on the significant local building and current projects in the works.