OSBORNE HOUSE STA K EHO L D ER EXP EC TAT I O NS
Contents
Councillors’ message
Osborne House historical timeline
4
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
6
Osborne Park Association Inc.
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National Trust
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Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victoria Chapter)
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Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia Inc Geelong and District Sub-branch
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The Geelong Memorial Brass Band
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The Corio Bay Camera Club
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The North Geelong Football and Cricket Clubs
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Thank you for expressing your interest in partnering with the City of Greater Geelong to redevelop Osborne House. As we know, this site is hugely significant to Geelong in terms of both its history and its location. Sitting as it does overlooking Corio Bay in between the central Geelong waterfront and the future landing point of the Spirit of Tasmania, the potential is exciting. Having committed to retaining Osborne House in public ownership, the council is enthusiastic about embracing a public-private partnership that will bring the precinct to life in a way that celebrates its history and cultural value. It’s also vital that a place of this importance is available for our community to enjoy. There are multiple stakeholder groups who have a close attachment to Osborne House, and have worked
We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.
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Cr Eddy Kontelj Brownbill Ward City of Greater Geelong Chair, Osborne House portfolio
closely with us to reach this point in the redevelopment process. This magazine gives those groups an opportunity to share their ideas and narratives with you, our potential partners. We hope it will help strengthen your understanding of the cultural, environmental and heritage aspects of the precinct, as you refine your vision for its future. The council is excited to be moving ahead with this project and looks forward to your input into this next stage of the EOI process. Thank you again for expressing an interest in joining us on this journey towards returning Osborne House to the position of prominence in our city that it deserves.
Cr Anthony Aitken Windermere Ward City of Greater Geelong Deputy Chair, Osborne House portfolio
Osborne House, c.1890, possibly Campbell family pictured out the front. Photo courtesy of Geelong Heritage Centre.
Aerial photo of Osborne House and Stables and surrounding lands.
History of Osborne Park Precinct
The Osborne Park Precinct, including the historic Osborne House and adjacent stables complex, hold significant cultural heritage value for the Geelong community. Osborne House is located on land that is highly valued by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, who prized the area for its easy access to the water and its many resources. Registered cultural heritage sites remain on the land today, and these sites tell important stories of Wadawurrung life over 60,000 years. Osborne House is among Geelong’s earliest and finest mansion houses. Finished in 1858 and constructed from bluestone and Barrabool sandstone, the mansion was designed in the Victorian Italianate style for pastoralist Robert Muirhead, who named the estate after Queen Victoria’s summer residence on the Isle of Wight. He also built the rear brick portion of the stables to the north of the mansion. The location offers spectacular views over Corio Bay, and the property is listed with the National Trust and the Australian Heritage Register of National Estate database 1999. Additionally, the building’s architectural and historical significance is recognised
by the State of Victoria as an example of the work of architects Webb and Taylor. During its long history, Osborne House and stables has accommodated many organisations and community groups for whom the property is essential to their own cultural histories. Osborne House was the inaugural Royal Australian Naval College throughout 1913 and 1914, and during the 1920s, it was the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Squadron’s headquarters. During World War I, the house and lands became a military convalescent hospital and during World War II, it was an army training centre for the Department of Defence. In 1937, the Shire of Corio purchased Osborne House for use as municipal offices. In 1993, after the amalgamation of the Shire of Corio with other councils to create the City of Greater Geelong, Osborne House became home to many organisations,
including the Osborne Park Association Inc, the Geelong Museum Association Inc, the Geelong Memorial Brass Band, and the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia. The Geelong community has strong social and cultural ties with Osborne Park, and members of the organisations and groups which have been based at the location have a strong desire that it retains its links to the community throughout its next chapter. Osborne House is the subject of heritage overlays and classifications, which recognise the rich history and work to ensure that any repurposing of the building avoids diminishing the property’s heritage value. As a well-known precinct with heritage values and nestled in a spectacular location, Osborne House has enormous potential as a tourism attraction, and there are many possible future visitor experiences that can be explored.
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Osborne House historical timeline
“Corio” Dr Jenny Murray-Jones
Osborne House resides on Wadawurrung Country that has been cared for by generations of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for over 60,000 years.
June 1857 Melbourne architects Webb and Taylor call for tenders for the construction of a house for Robert Muirhead, Esq
1858 Osborne House is completed. The stables are completed later in the year.
Osborne House circa 1870s.
J Class submarine crew at Osborne House in the 1920s.
15 March 1862 Robert Muirhead dies at the age of 48 and is buried in an elaborate sandstone tomb at Eastern Cemetery, Geelong.
1917 – 1919 Red Cross Rest Home for war-worn nurses opens at Osborne House.
1864 – 1900 The property is leased to John Lang Currie in 1865, who oversees major improvements to the property. The interior and exterior appearance of the building change dramatically in 1869.
1919 – 1924 Osborne House and grounds are used by the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service as the Flotilla Headquarters for the six J-class.
1900 Osborne House is bought by the State of Victoria for use as the Premier’s country home, but it is never used for this purpose. 1905 The Geelong Harbor Trust purchases Osborne House from the Victorian Government for £6000.
25 November 1937 The Shire of Corio purchases Osborne House from the Geelong Harbor Trust for an upset price of £4500.
1858 Osborne House appears in Geelong’s Villamanta Ward rate book for 1857- 1858 valued £100.
Sketch of Osborne House by local artist Winnie Trigg.
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1 March 1913 – Australia’s first Royal Australian Naval College is opened at Osborne House.
26 January 1938 The Shire of Corio holds the first meeting in their new headquarters.
1915 During World War One, a Military Convalescent Hospital is established at Osborne House.
1941 – 1945 During World War Two, Osborne House is occupied by the Department of Defence as an army training centre.
The Geelong Memorial Brass Band.
1948 The Shire of Corio purchases the stables building and adjacent land from the Geelong Harbor Trust. 1959 Osborne House is placed on the National Trust Register at state level of significance 1961 Geelong Ex-Servicemen’s Memorial Band (now known as the Geelong Memorial Brass Band) takes up rooms in the stables of Osborne House. They occupy these rooms for the next 56 years.
The Geelong Maritime Museum.
1989 – The Geelong Maritime Museum opens in the stables alongside Osborne House. October 2007 - Osborne Precinct Masterplan & Feasibility Report – City of Greater Geelong. December 2008 - Osborne Precinct Environmental Studies Flora & Fauna Assessment. 2009 Osborne House and Stables Conservation Management Plan written by Lovell Chen.
Osborne House, 2021.
July 2018 - Osborne House retained in public ownership. August 2018 - Osborne House Schedule of Works Update – Lovell Chen. July 2019 - Osborne Precinct Masterplan - Hansen Partnership Pty Ltd Draft. August 2019 - Council asks City officers to re-scope draft Osborne Park Precinct Master Plan. September 2019 - Cost Management Plan for remedial works.
30 November 1967 Following extensive renovations, Sir Rohan Delacombe opens the new municipal offices at Osborne House.
2010 City of Greater Geelong offers the Vietnam Veteran’s Association of Australia a space within Osborne House for a Veterans’ Welfare Centre.
June 2020 – Development of a Sustainable Development Plan for Osborne House and Stables and adjoining lands.
1993 The Shire of Corio joins five other local councils in becoming the City of Greater Geelong, and the ownership of Osborne House transfers to the new amalgamated council.
2010-2017 the Osborne Park Association Inc and many other groups occupy areas within Osborne House, Stables and former polo ground. The Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia is given a space for a Veterans’ Welfare Centre.
February 2020 - $10 million maintenance and improvement works approved by Council. September 2020 - Council seeks partners for Osborne House restoration with EOI Process.
April 2017 - Mould discovered in Osborne House and tenants removed from building.
1 October 1995 – The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is unveiled, and The Vietnam Veterans’ Avenue of Honour was planted to formally recognise the sacrifices made by local Vietnam veterans, who served and died in the Vietnam War 1962-1975. * Timeline prepared in collaboration with the Geelong Heritage Centre
Osborne House and surrounding lands from the air.
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Artwork: Corio, Dr Jenny Murray-Jones
“Wadawurrung People nurtured and cared for Country with their traditional knowledge and cultural practices for thousands of years and generations, caring for all belonging to Country, connected to stories and knowledge from our sky Country to the many landscapes and waters, to our ground Country that Osborne house sits on: Wadawurrung Country.” Corrina Eccles Wadawurrung woman
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Acknowledging and respecting Wadawurrung Country and its People Osborne House is built upon Wadawurrung Country in Djilang/ Geelong. This land holds stories of the living cultural heritage traditions including speaking of nurturing and caring of which Wadawurrung people have practiced for more than 60,000 years. Osborne House overlooks Coriayo/ Corio Bay and has uninterrupted views of the water. The Wadawurrung People prized this location for its attractive landscape, beautiful sunrises and easy access to the ocean and fresh seafood. Wadawurrung woman, Corrina Eccles, said that while the rich history of Osborne House should be celebrated, the tens of thousands of years of Wadawurrung People caring for the land on which the house is built must also be appropriately acknowledged. “The land and water in front of Osborne House has always been a place of living, we have evidence of this with registered cultural heritage sites which tell us the story of Wadawurrung life, camps and feasts,” Corrina said. While Wadawurrung families gathered at the Bay for their feasts, they passed down ancestral stories to their children.
“These are the oldest knowledge, and stories told on the land and are vitally important,” Corrina said.
“WE HOPE THAT THESE STORIES, HOLDING THE FIRST ORIGINAL HISTORIES OF THIS PLACE, CAN CONTINUE TO BE TOLD, ACKNOWLEDGING AND RESPECTING WADAWURRUNG COUNTRY AND PEOPLE, OUR ORAL STORIES AND KNOWLEDGE. Wadawurrung Heritage Unit Manager, Stephanie Frydas, added that Osborne House overlaps with cultural heritage sites which are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and its regulations.
“Any future works would need to ensure that they are in line with all required permits before the works occur,” Stephanie said. Stephanie also said that certain gatherings or events might trigger the need for a Cultural Heritage Management Plan or Cultural Heritage Permit to the land. “These permits and what they entail would be guided by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners as they are consulted throughout the entire process and are ultimately the permit approvals authority,” she said. The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is the Registered Aboriginal Party for Wadawurrung Country and the representative body for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. For the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation complete response, click here.
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Osborne House Open Day celebrating 150th anniversary of the property. One of the many Osborne Park Association events over the years: a children’s farmyard.
Christmas Carols on the lawns.
High Tea in the Mansion.
2013 Centenary of the RANC.
“Osborne House is Geelong’s last remaining publicly owned, heritage-listed early settler’s home. It is the one remaining asset that links Geelong to our national heritage of defence, two world wars, the role of women in historical events, pastoral, mercantile and sporting history.” Cheryl Scott President, Osborne Park Association
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Makers and Growers market.
Osborne Park Association envisages iconic tourism drawcard The Osborne Park Association (OPA), founded in 1999, is an umbrella group representing approximately two thousand members of a broad cross-section of community groups, each holding a relationship with Osborne House and its surrounding lands. The group aims to retain the property in community ownership, preserve and publicly present the history of Osborne Park, and maintain and enhance the buildings that provide essential social and cultural history for the Geelong area. President of the Osborne Park Association, Cheryl Scott, said that the group remained committed to ensuring that the property is permanently open for public use and accessible to all community members. “The Osborne Park Precinct provides a real opportunity to exhibit aspects of Geelong’s history in an iconic waterfront setting. Geelong does not have a traditional broad-spectrum museum and Osborne Park, established in 1858, provides the unique possibility for retelling aspects of Geelong’s development through this property’s pastoral, social, civic, naval and military history.” Cheryl also said the Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum, established at Osborne House and stables in the 1980s, played an integral role in presenting the naval, maritime and port history of Geelong to the public. “Osborne House can create an iconic drawcard for Geelong, just as Sovereign Hill and its associated gold stories and venues are for Ballarat,” Cheryl said.
“IN 20 YEARS, WE ENVISAGE OSBORNE HOUSE AND THE STABLES AND LANDS WILL BE A SUBSTANTIAL ASSET TO GEELONG AND A BEACON FOR TOURISM, BRINGING INCREASED COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY TO THE SITE.” “The impending port for the Spirit of Tasmania will provide an opportunity to enhance a sustainable future and Osborne House, the stables and lands will become a widely known and well-regarded thriving Geelong destination.” Cheryl said her group acknowledged the necessity for a commercial return on the property but that it could not occur at the expense of the community. “The true potential of the Osborne House site will be realised when economic benefits are balanced with community outcomes, social benefits, employment possibilities and tourism potential for the City of Greater Geelong,” Cheryl said. The OPA submits that any reorientation of Osborne House must be in line with the Lovell Chen Conservation Management Plan that requires restoration and refurbishment of the property and grounds.
“The OPA has presented many workable concepts for an arts/ heritage precinct at Osborne House and lands. The outlines fit with the City of Greater Geelong’s Clever and Creative Future concept, and we have offered ideas for the interpretation of the Muirhead mansion, the landscaped grounds and the naval collection,” said Cheryl. Articulating the importance of public spaces and a daily calendar of events/activities the OPA has stated that more than 40,000 visitors have attended events hosted by the organisation during its tenancy from 2010 to 2017. The many members of all the groups represented by the organisation have put innumerable hours into the upkeep of the building and landscaping its gardens. “A public/private partnership must acknowledge that access to this site is a privilege bestowed by the community that owns the property. The community has first rights over this public asset,” said Cheryl. “The group does not envisage the property as a ‘neighbourhood house’ but a facility that offers affordable spaces to as many groups as could be accommodated, governed by a management system and a full-time property manager to facilitate the bookings and act as a conduit in the public / private partnership.” For the Osborne Park Association’s complete response, click here.
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National Trust advocating for authentic restoration and visitor experiences According to the National Trust, Osborne House and surrounding park is an outstanding example of architecture from a period when successful pastoralists built mansions along Geelong’s Western Beach. The National Wool Museum was established to celebrate the significance of the region’s wool industry with Geelong being known as the ‘wool centre of the world’ and Osborne House comprises an important part of this story. The National Trust of Australia, Victoria (NTAV) has a long connection with Osborne House with the property being classified and placed on the National Trust Register at state level of significance (file B0935) in 1959. National Trust representative for the Geelong region, Jennifer Bantow OAM, said that Osborne House and Park had substantial heritage value for the Geelong area and its proximity to the new Spirit of Tasmania terminal at Corio Quay would make it an essential part of the visitor experience in this region. “In 20 years, Osborne Park will be a high-profile tourist destination. The property has the potential to be marketed as a landmark, comparable to Werribee Mansion and Barwon Park Mansion,” Jennifer said. “The venue is ideal for many functions including public events such as exhibitions, festivals and ceremonies or private events including weddings and conferences.” With specific parts of the building and stables able to be secured separately, Jennifer said that independent activities could take place simultaneously.
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“There could be something happening every day at Osborne Park. For example, a restaurant or café could be operated by a lease arrangement with a private provider, while private individuals or community groups could use other rooms.” The National Trust (with 50 years of experience in heritage property management in the Geelong region), advocates for the restoration of Osborne House in accordance with the Conservation Management Plan by Lovell Chen, 2009. Pointing to the many examples of significant Victorian interior decoration that have survived at Osborne House, Jennifer said: “Although they need restoration, they have survived. There is even a list of the exact items of furniture that were in the house in the 1850s.” Other significant features of the house include: the faux marble wooden Corinthian columns, the original staircase, relief textured Anaglypta wallpapers, metal ceilings, and the magnificent unpainted timber ceiling surfaces, which are especially evident in the ballroom. There are also leadlight windows in the original entrance hallway and former billiard room. The original Osborne Park entrance gates are historically and aesthetically significant as they comprise six substantial square pillars of large rusticated bluestone blocks and Barrabool sandstone capping. These are the same building materials as
were used for the construction of Osborne House. When asked how important it was to the National Trust that Osborne House continues to provide a daily calendar of activities for the community, Jennifer said it was “vitally important”. “The entire Osborne Park property, buildings, and surrounding land, as well as its adjacent public sports grounds, must be accessible for a daily calendar of activities. The property must continue to cater for the public, locals, visitors, tourists, individuals, specific interest, cultural and school groups,” she said.
“THE NATIONAL TRUST WILL CONTINUE TO HELP WORK TOWARDS GRADUALLY ACHIEVING A PROPER AUTHENTIC, TRUE RESTORATION OF OSBORNE PARK TO ITS ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURAL FORM. “We will also continue to help ensure community and public use, with accessibility to everyone to understand its original and unrivalled story.” For the National Trust of Australia, Victoria’s complete response, click here.
Stained glass window at Osborne House. Main stairwell at Osborne House.
Exterior detail of stained glass windows.
“In 20 years, Osborne Park will be a high-profile tourist destination. The property has the potential to be marketed as a landmark, comparable to Werribee Mansion and Barwon Park Mansion”.
Osborne House Circa 1940.
Jennifer Bantow OAM National Trust representative for the Geelong region Osborne House Stakeholder Expectations | 11
Diving suit from early 20th century.
J Class submarine crew at Osborne House in the 1920s.
Osborne House jetty circa 1914
An important part of Australia’s Naval and Military history
Early 20th century Royal Australian Navy Nursing Officer Uniform
Osborne House and its stables and surrounding lands hold important historical value to Victoria’s naval and military communities, and it is the only property in Geelong with such a broad Department of Defence history. During 1913 and 1914, Osborne House operated as The Royal Australian Navy’s inaugural Naval College. The college took two intakes of 13-yearold boys while the permanent Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, was built at Jervis Bay. ‘The first intake of boys, known as the “Pioneer Class” of 1913, contained many notable graduates, including Vice Admiral Sir John Collins, Rear Admiral Harold Farncomb and Rear Admiral Henry Showers, who all had distinguished wartime careers at senior levels. Admirals Collins and Farncomb were honoured by having two current submarines named after them. Captain Andrew Mackinnon, President of the Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victoria Chapter), said Osborne House and its adjoining buildings and lands represent a vital heritage link to the early history of the Royal Australian Navy and the wider military community. 12 | geelongaustralia.com.au
“TO ADD TO PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF NAVY’S HERITAGE INTERESTS IN THE SITE, IT WOULD BE COMMENDABLE IF REFURBISHED ROOMS OF SIGNIFICANCE WITHIN OSBORNE HOUSE WERE NAMED IN HONOUR OF THOSE OFFICERS WHO WERE AMONG THE ‘PIONEER’ CLASS.” Osborne House’s military connection continued during World War I, and the house and stables became an army hospital. From 1917, the buildings became a Red Cross convalescent home for ‘war worn’ nurses. The nurses
were invalided home to recuperate following their time spent caring for Australian soldiers during the war. Between 1919 and 1924, the house was used as the Royal Australian Navy’s submarine squadron headquarters, comprising six J-Class submarines. Some of these operated from a wharf in St. Helens Bay until the late 1920s. When World War II broke out in 1939, the Department of Defence once again took over Osborne House as an army training centre. In more recent years, the stables have been home to the Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum, and former Navy volunteers have assembled the collection of unique, historical items over decades. “Continuing the curation, recording, preservation and display of the museum collection is of particular concern to the Navy community in Victoria,” Captain Mackinnon said. “With the museum
The Official Party at the opening of the Royal Australian Naval College at Osborne House, 1913 Front row left to right: Mrs Chambers, Lord and Lady Denman, Prime Minister Fisher and Mrs Pearce Second row left to right: Lieutenant Commander Grant, Rev Hall, Rear Admiral Creswell, Captain Chambers, Senator Pearce, Mrs Fisher and Mr Brown
re-established within the stables, this would ideally be open for public viewing five or more days a week.” “When properly displayed, the collection has the potential to convey the important connection between Geelong, the Royal Australian Navy and the wider maritime industry in the region.” The Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victoria Chapter) envisions that the re-orientation of Osborne House, the stables and surrounding land will revitalise the history of these organisations at this scenic location. “We hope it will maintain its availability to community groups, including youth groups, who may benefit from waterfront access and classroom-style facilities within the building,” Captain Mackinnon said. “We envision the redevelopment will entice casual visitors with the fascinating historic charm and elegance of the property while providing a sophisticated venue for programmed events. Such uses might include modest conventions, conferences, art exhibitions, weddings, fine dining
and more casual entertainment opportunities.” “Having such events occur on the site would provide ample opportunity for patrons to be given material that informs their experience by explaining the heritage of the location and its past role in Geelong’s history. Osborne House and the stables could become an adjunct to the Wool Museum or other heritage collections to broaden its appeal.” “If significant development of the site is proposed, ideally this should be behind the House and stables, such that their vista to the water and heritage external appearance is preserved.” Ports Victoria, as a custodian of the port’s waters, wishes to acknowledge the important connection of Osborne House to the maritime community and has expressed support for ongoing community access to Osborne House and lands. For the Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victoria Chapter) complete response, click here.
“The Naval community in Victoria hopes that any future development of Osborne House would appropriately acknowledge the significant historical links to the Royal Australian Navy and other Defence users in past years.” Captain Andrew Mackinnon President of the Naval Historical Society of Australia (Victoria Chapter)
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Playing a vital role in the lives of Vietnam Veterans and their families The Geelong and District’s branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia’s relationship with Osborne House began 30 years ago when the stretch of the Princess Highway between Swinburne Street and Mackey Street was designated as the Vietnam Veterans’ Avenue of Honour. The grounds surrounding Osborne House contain many memorials to commemorate the men and women of the Geelong area who served in the armed forces in various conflicts since WW I. The Vietnam Veterans’ memorial was unveiled on the grounds in 1995 and there are 13 name plates and two plaques on the site. The Association’s Geelong and District Sub-branch President, Rieny Nieuwenhof, said the Geelong Vietnam Veterans’ connection with Osborne House and park is strong and for many years annual services were held at these memorial sites.
“THE AVENUE OF HONOUR HAS BECOME AN ICONIC TRIBUTE TO THE VIETNAM WAR AND ALL WHO SERVED IN THAT CONFLICT. THE ASSOCIATION REGARDS THE AVENUE OF HONOUR AND MEMORIAL PARK AS SYMBOLIC SACRED SPACES,” RIENY SAID. The Association’s connection with Osborne Park developed further when the City of Greater Geelong offered space within Osborne House for clubrooms in 2010. The space was known as the Geelong Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare Centre and became integral to the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Geelong and District. “The Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare Centre was a drop-in centre for 14 | geelongaustralia.com.au
veterans, a place to share stories, to have fortnightly ‘Pay Day’ lunches and other functions. The Centre played an important welfare role for veterans and their families,” Rieny said. “Each ANZAC Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day members and their families gathered for lunch. There was also an annual Christmas luncheon for families and various other functions during the year. “Our association will cease to exist locally within 20 years, but it will be important to continue to acknowledge the military history of Osborne House and park. “To Vietnam Veterans the Avenue of Honour and Vietnam Memorial Park are culturally significant sites and must be protected, maintained and preserved.” The Avenue of Honour contains six panels depicting scenes associated with the Vietnam conflict. There is also a walking path with inlays naming battles and operations during the war. Memorial Park contains a pathway with inlaid bricks individually naming the 521 local Vietnam Veterans who did not survive the Vietnam War. On the grounds, there are also memorials to military campaigns in New Guinea, Isurava and Korea, a Gallipoli Oak memorial tree commemorating the Centenary of ANZAC, and a Lone Pine which was planted in 2010 to remember those who died in WW I. The Association also established a Vietnam Museum at the site which was a research hub and significant
repository of Vietnam War memorabilia and artefacts. Alongside the Osborne Park Association, the Vietnam Veterans took great pride in being custodians of the house and worked hard to preserve the buildings and grounds. The Vietnam Veterans’ Association submits that demolishing nonhistoric elements of Osborne House, including their former clubrooms, the Branscombe room, would be a “retrograde step as the space has great potential as community/commercial facility”. ‘Success of the reorientation of Osborne Park will be measured by how well the historical, cultural and social dimensions are protected’ Rieny said. “Success will also be measured by the expansion of public access to Osborne House and park in a more sympathetic reorientation for example providing access pathways, redoing gardens and not locking up the site”. Osborne House has a long history of military connection and with the Vietnam Veterans’ Association. Rieny says the history fits well with the ethos of the Geelong Vietnam Veterans’ Association, which is to “honour the dead and fight like hell for the living”. “The Association would carefully consider any offer of space within the refurbished building,” Rieny said. For the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia’s complete response, click here.
Members of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia Geelong and District’s branch standing at the Avenue of Honour sign
“To Vietnam Veterans the Avenue of Honour and Vietnam Memorial Park are culturally significant sites and must be protected, maintained and preserved.”
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial
Lunch to celebrate Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 2016.
Rieny Nieuwenhof Banners flown to celebrate Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
President, Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia - Geelong and District Sub-branch. Osborne House Stakeholder Expectations | 15
The Geelong Memorial Brass Band playing at Osborne House.
Supporting the local music community for decades
The band playing at Osborne House in December 2016.
Beginning in 1946, the Geelong Memorial Brass Band has provided entertainment to the Geelong community for more than 75 years. The Geelong Memorial Brass Band was started as a living memorial to the fallen men and women of the two world wars, and their uniform reflects the Army, Navy and Airforce services. The band’s connection to Osborne House dates back 60 years to when the Shire of Corio offered the band a practice space within the stables in 1961. The brass band’s rooms at the stables served as a practice space as well as a secure clubroom for displaying their memorabilia. It was also a space that fostered wellbeing and allowed band members to nurture friendships and remember their past band members.
“FOR ALMOST 60-YEARS, EVERYONE KNEW THE STABLES AT OSBORNE HOUSE IS WHERE YOU’D FIND THE GEELONG MEMORIAL BRASS BAND,” BAND SECRETARY COLIN WHITEHAND SAID. “Many wonderful times were had by members and their families at Osborne House. We had BBQs in the quadrangle and Christmas parties for the kids.” During the band’s 60-year tenure at Osborne House, the band provided music for many remembrance services and other community events around the Geelong area. The Geelong Memorial Brass Band spent many years playing Christmas Carols in Osborne Park for the local residents.
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“They used to love to get involved when we played on the verandah of Osborne House. They’d be singing and dancing away,” Colin said. The band is still highly active within the community and has played at many recent events, including Geelong After Dark, Pako Festa and the Australia Day celebrations at Rippleside Park. The band currently has another practice space, provided by the City of Greater Geelong, in Roseneath Street, at the back of the Geelong Resource Recovery Centre. Colin said the band’s long-term aim was to re-establish their practice space within the stables. “We consider the stables to be the home of the band. It’s been that way for almost 60 years, and we’d definitely like to get back in there,” Colin said. The band’s view is that any redevelopment of Osborne House and its lands should offer provision for public spaces.
“The sloping hill down towards the bay provides a perfect natural sound shell. This would be a beautiful setting for bands to play in front of live audiences.” Colin Whitehand Secretary, Geelong Memorial Brass Band
The stables - The Geelong Memorial Brass Band’s home since 1961.
Colin said that the redevelopment could give the “public access to enjoy the grounds for such things as picnic areas, walking areas, and a café to provide light meals.” The band also considers there is plenty of scope to return the gardens to their former glory with new planting and landscaping. As part of this landscaping, the band also observes that the venue could host many musical events. “There are not many rotundas left in Geelong, and this would be a wonderful addition to the outdoor locations where bands can play in Geelong.” The band sees that Osborne House has the potential to be developed into a convention centre for weddings and other events, and “it could be a major attraction for the Geelong area,” said Colin. The band would also like to see a museum set up at Osborne House under the redevelopment. “It’s sad that many people in the Geelong area don’t know where Osborne House is or anything about
The Geelong Memorial Brass Band outside their practice rooms in February 2016.
its history. There could be a museum set up which covers the heritage of Osborne House and surrounding grounds from when Wadawurrung people cared for the land to the present day,” Colin said. For the Geelong Memorial Brass Band’s complete response, click here.
The band playing at Osborne House on Australia Day, 2017. Osborne House Stakeholder Expectations | 17
2019 Annual Awards entrant J Jansen ‘Died of Wounds’ Above and right: An exhibition of The Corio Bay Camera Club at Osborne House.
Osborne House’s connection to the art world
The Corio Bay Camera Club celebrated its 67th anniversary this year and has enjoyed Osborne House as it’s home since May 2010. According to the Corio Bay Camera Club’s records it was responsible for more than 6,500 visitations to Osborne House between 2010 and 2016. During their tenancy at Osborne House, the club had their own meeting room and secure storage space, which allowed them to grow their membership numbers. In addition, Osborne House provided them with an area to hold exhibitions for their many talented photographers and provided venues for guest speakers and other events. The Corio Bay Camera Club notes that alongside many other groups under the Osborne Park Association umbrella, they made significant contributions to the upkeep of Osborne House.
in the Sustainable Development plan for community groups to access Osborne House.
“THE CLUB STILL SEES OSBORNE HOUSE AS A LONG-TERM HOME WHERE WE CAN CONTINUE TO GROW AND DEVELOP OUR MEMBERSHIP AND PROVIDE VALUABLE BENEFITS TO OUR MEMBERS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY,” JACK SAID.
In the club’s view, the most significant was the restoration of the ballroom at Osborne House to remove office partitioning added by the Shire of Corio for office space.
“Having full-time access to Osborne House over the seven years before the closure to all tenants and the community in April 2017 was a key factor in enabling us to grow our membership.”
Secretary of the Corio Bay Camera Club, Jack Jansen, said it was necessary to find agreeable outcomes
The Corio Bay Camera Club is very active within the local community.
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During its time at Osborne House, it offered many exhibitions and free workshops for the community, including the Geelong Seniors Festival. Jack said he wished to emphasise the value Osborne House had to groups like his, but he noted that community groups also add value to the community, and that value had to be recognised. “Social equity and social inclusion are critical drivers for Council planning, and we trust this will be a key factor in any redevelopment of the property,” Jack said. “We’d also like it considered that groups like ours run on limited funds while providing a valuable contribution to the wellbeing of the community.” “We are seeking an outcome that recognises the input that groups like the Corio Bay Camera Club and others under the Osborne Park Association’s umbrella have made to date.” For the Corio Bay Camera Club’s complete response, click here.
2019-20 Division one - District Firsts premiers. Picture taken in front of new club rooms. North Geelong Cricket Club player Alistair McCann
The importance of the Osborne Park Precinct to the sporting community.
The Osborne Park Precinct holds important connections to the sporting community of Geelong, and the North Geelong Football and Cricket Clubs are long-standing tenants of the precinct. Established in 1876 and 1879, respectively, the clubs are two of the oldest sports clubs in Geelong. The North Geelong Cricket Club has been based at Osborne Park since approximately 1930. The club’s secretary Roger Allen said that the precinct was home to many sporting clubs and its value to the community was immeasurable. The grounds also have a netball court and cater for fire brigade competitions and carnivals. “The Russell era at Osborne House shows us that it supported a sporting precinct. Records tell us there was a polo field to the north and sporting grounds to the west of Osborne House. A horse training facility was also part of this sporting precinct,” Roger said. The North Geelong Cricket Club wishes to see its long-standing relationship with the Osborne Park Precinct acknowledged by allowing the club to display sporting memorabilia and trophies in a secure space at Osborne House.
“DUE TO THE HERITAGE, AGE AND SUCCESS OF THE CRICKET, FOOTBALL AND NETBALL CLUBS, WE FEEL THAT THIS WOULD REPRESENT A WORTHWHILE ADDITION TO THE VISUAL DISPLAY AREAS AND WOULD ADD TO THE VISITOR APPEAL OF OSBORNE HOUSE AND ITS HERITAGE.” The North Geelong Cricket Club expresses that it is “vitally important” to mix commercial use of the property while at the same time maintaining access for community groups and its sporting clubs.
mental health and wellbeing of both senior and junior members as well as their extended families,” Roger said. Roger continues that the club would like to see the replanting of heritage gardens surrounding Osborne House and suggests that exhibitions could be extended to be held in the gardens, as well as inside the main house. “There could be a mix of commercial and volunteer participation. For example, a café catering facility that also offers commercial catering would add to the visitor experience of Osborne House. In addition, advertising similar properties along a heritage trail would attract the community to this wonderful facility.” For the North Geelong Football and Cricket Club’s complete response, click here.
“Sporting clubs have a huge part to play in supporting people’s health and wellbeing. The tenant clubs alone have over 800 members, supporting the
Osborne House Stakeholder Expectations | 19
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG Wadawurrung Country PO Box 104, Geelong VIC 3220 P: 5272 5272 E: contact@geelongcity.vic.gov.au W: geelongaustralia.com.au
