General News
9 June, 2024
Woodbine embraces new chapter
Woodbine Inc. has said goodbye to their original building on Craig Avenue after the 70-year-old structure was deemed irreparable.
Woodbine Inc. has said goodbye to their original building on Craig Avenue after the 70-year-old structure was deemed irreparable.
Chief executive Jason Minter said the building was set to undergo renovations, however white ant damage had been found throughout the entire structure.
"We were concerned about the structural integrity," Mr Minter said.
"It was a financial decision that had to be made because of the upkeep and utility costs."
Built in 1954, for the purpose of being a residential school for children with disabilities, the nine room building included two dormitories, a long passageway and a quadrangle between the residence and school room.
It accommodated 16 children and the necessary support staff. amd was built out of brick veneer, with the adjoining training centre being solid brick.
In a 1953 radio interview, the inaugural Woodbine committee president Tom Harrop said their idea was to have a married couple in charge of the centre, who would be known as "the mother and father" of the house.
"The training centre will be directed by someone with suitable kindergarten and handicraft training," Mr Harrop said.
"It will be the first home of its kind in Victoria, perhaps the first in Australia, and probably for this reason we can't get much assistance from any government body."
Mr Harrop consulted Melbourne architects and returned with suggested sketch plans drawn up by Mr A. C. Morgan.
The plans were later revised after discussion with the Mental Hygiene Authority.
In December 1952, the plans were adopted by the committee, who in August 1953 accepted the tender of F. Morris and Sons of Caulfield for £15,000.
Warracknabeal locals stepped up to help, with many donating materials and volunteering their time for labour and assistance fencing the site.
Mr Minter said there was a lot of history in the building, and acknowledged the work that was put in by everyone involved.
"It is history, and went national," he said.
Working bees were run by Warracknabeal Apex Club to install 7000 feet of flooring, and 25 truck owners transported materials for the construction free of charge.
Mr Minter said the board was happy with the decision to demolish the building, and that they plan to build two or three modern units on the now-vacant site.
He said analysis would take place over the next six to eight months to determine what type of building would be suitable.
"The analysis will determine if there is a need for two-bedroom or three-bedroom units," Mr Minter said.
"It's time to move on and embrace this change."