The Story of an Old Courthouse - Down Under - TrustNews Spring 2001
Courthouse in Wollongong, Australia; built 1858
Letter from Australia to a Trust Member — but is the situation really comparable to Winchester?
Wollongong is the largest city South of Sydney in New South Wales with a population of 180,000 having been founded in 1826 by a merchant, as there was a convenient harbour there. In 1858 a small courthouse was built, with three sandstone arches, facing the harbour. After 25 years it proved not big enough, so the State Custom Authorities took it over; however in 1902 this use finished because the new Federation had taken over customs duties.
A third use was then found for it - as a drill hall - and ownership was vested in the Commonwealth's Defence Forces. This lasted until 1974 when local Sea Scouts were "given" it as a Headquarters.
Since 1988 the National Trust and local volunteers had been pressing for a Heritage Centre to be set up, but where would the Sea Scouts go? Eventually a site was found on reclaimed land by lake Illawarra. The Defence Forces gave A$700,000 towards the new building, the local council gave A$100,000 so that the Sea Scouts could be eased out.
Detail of front arches
Now a Heritage Centre Management committee has been set up and they are expecting a peppercorn annual rent, of one Dollar set by the local council, who are now the owners of the building. It's a shame Winchester City Council cannot be so accommodating!
Text and photographs supplied by Allan Cook. do 5 Hartwell Crescent, Kiama, NSW 2533