Completed
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Coolart Homestead Renovation Project

Coolart Homestead is crumbling; internal renovation will restore public use.

COMPLETED PROJECT

Project details

Suggested by: Julie

Project partner: Parks Victoria

Budget

$196,910.00

Votes

240 votes received

Coolart Homestead located on Westernport Bay is a 125 year old public asset that is falling into disrepair and limiting the opportunities for community use. Internal renovations will help to restore the house and it's heritage and, more importantly, open up rooms that can be used by visiting artists and writers, for community meetings, public events and education programs, subject to Parks Victoria approval. The homestead is part of the Coolart Wetlands, holds heritage and environmental value in the district & broader community and is an invaluable asset that is failing to reach it's great potential.

The Westernport Bay region of Victoria has a large music and arts community, is supported by many and varied volunteer organisations and Coolart Wetlands & Homestead is one of only a few publicly owned venues that can (if restored) accommodate many, many activities both public and private. This facility is unique to the area, there is nothing comparable in the Hastings, Bittern, Somers, Balnarring area. At present environmental groups visit for the birdlife and natural setting, the local kinder operates a bush kinder here and locals visit to walk and hold barbecues. Restoration of the house will expand this offering.

COMPLETED PROJECT

Project details

Suggested by: Julie

Project partner: Parks Victoria

Budget

$196,910.00

Votes

240 votes received

Comments

Comments closed

lwaycott

17 Sep 2018

I really hope you get some funding for this much needed restoration. All the best :)

HK

13 Sep 2018

We as Australians need to keep these building alive with people inside them..so restoring them is a must especially this one.....before it actually cost more to restore in the future when it falls down....The area is special

geffnsal

13 Sep 2018

Coolart Homestead and grounds are such an important part of the peninsula. It is of great historical value and is a wonderful place to enjoy with family, to bring visitors or to visit alone. It is a birdwatchers paradise and of course a much needed safe refuge for birds and other wildlife. The Homestead should be maintained to the highest standards, for if this was to become neglected the whole heart of Coolart would be lost.

Darren J Callesen

10 Sep 2018

An important historic building, needing funding, and needing to be preserved for future generations.
We must maintain these assets, use them, and show that longer term buildings are the sustainable way forward to keeping community assets, and growing communities!

Pippa Harrison

06 Sep 2018

Glad to see people getting behind this project. Spread the word! These renovations will maintain a significant public asset, and continue the conservation work of the earlier owners who had the foresight to create the wetlands.

Julie

28 Aug 2018

Again another shameful project that both council and government have not looked after a wonderful homestead and park that could be enjoyed by tourists plus local families again a crime.

WeLoveWesternport

23 Aug 2018

Coolart is such a magical place. This grand old lady is overdue for a little TLC

kateramsay

22 Aug 2018

This homestead is a treasure that is open to all. It desperately needs to be preserved for future generations.

DCN

19 Aug 2018

Let's give Coolart the seriously needed TLC to restore this beautiful property for the benefit of all of us and future generations.

mebbott

19 Aug 2018

Historical asset for all of Victoria which requires urgent renovation.

YND

19 Aug 2018

A beautiful, historical property that is an important part of our State’s history.

carter.jf

18 Aug 2018

Very important Heritage project which will benefit the community well into the future

Rachel

16 Aug 2018

My parents were married at Coolart in 1985 & now my family enjoy spending days wandering the homestead and grounds.

Mich L

16 Aug 2018

Coolart is a wonderful public place, we are lucky to have this heritage building, and the extraordinary gardens.

Kingsley Culley

15 Aug 2018

An extremely important heritage project which is necessary if the building is to be available for use by the community.

AndrewI

15 Aug 2018

This is a valuable piece in the history of Victoria which is a hidden gem.

Jenny Cole

15 Aug 2018

Coolart is Somer's hidden treasure so we must all rally to protect,restore,repair and enhance Coolart for the future.

Janine Pickersgill

15 Aug 2018

A valuable community and learning facility/asset. Urgent renovation is required to ensure this facility is preserved or future generations.

Elgnirp

15 Aug 2018

A piece of Victorian history that must be maintained. Beautiful setting and unique venue for community events.

Peter Cole

15 Aug 2018

This facility has it all. A magnificent homestead of outstanding architectural merit surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, ideal for outside events, picnics and children's play area. The surrounding wetlands are an internationally recognised area of scientific importance, maintained by a skilled group of Park Rangers who observe and report on the wildlife activity. All this is in danger of being lost unless projects of this nature are funded and undertaken in the short term

crigby

15 Aug 2018

An integral part of the history on Mornington Peninsula, surrounded by a magnificent park with almost everything, from animal life, to local history and aboriginal heritage, enjoyed by many and educating people of all ages. An important local landmark that will be soon lost unless repairs are undertaken - this project is not about making it better, but ensuring its survival.

jilldoobs

14 Aug 2018

Very worthwhile project, part of Mornington Peninsula and Victoria's heritage. The interior urgently needs work to maintain the integrity of the building. Similarly the out buildings are also in need of major works.

Reddaway

14 Aug 2018

Coolart looks magnificent from the outside. But to remain viable, it needs considerable repairs. Then it can be used all the more!

Msebbott

14 Aug 2018

Such a Mornington peninsula icon! It would be wonderful to see it given the care and attention it deserves.

Denisek

14 Aug 2018

A treasure that must be maintained