FEAR OF HISTORICAL SITE DECIMATION

A sector of the Castlemaine (in Victoria) community believes developers will decimate a historical site in Castlemaine. The Old Goal in Castlemaine is up for sale and a number of community members are campaigning to keep the Old Goal in not-for-profit hands. The Castlemaine Shire is currently the custodians of the Old Goal after a not-for-profit organisation passed up renewing their usage contract over two years ago. The Old Goal is in need of restoration which the Shire estimates will cost over $500,000. The Shire cannot justify using rate payer’s money for the upkeep and the ongoing maintenance of the historical site and have placed the property for public sale. The Castlemaine community needs to look at how the sale of the Daylesford Convent into public hands was a match made in heaven. The building and gardens had declined into dereliction when Tina Banitska, a well-known local artist and ceramicist, found the courage and foresight to buy the property in 1988. Now in its 15th year of business, The Convent has undergone several stages of renovation to the building and grounds, far exceeding its original grandeur. Today, the building houses seven individual galleries, a large retail area, a café, a lounge bar, a penthouse and two function rooms. The Convent is an historical icon known for its celebration of art, history and culture. It is possible for business to partner with community and help drive financial surety, but still in keeping with community integrity.