A grand restored clock and bell are lying in wait for the day they can once again be located on top of a recreation of Shepparton’s demolished Post Office building.
In 1973 the grand old 1882 Shepparton Post Office was demolished, a decision by the PMG (Post Master General’s Department).
The intention was to rebuild it, possibly at the International Village. Regrettably, it never happened. Many in the community have never forgotten and hoped it would happen one day.
That day has arrived with the Shepparton Heritage Centre still implementing plans to rebuild a recreation of the impressive 1882 building.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre Commitee are working from the original plans for the Post Office plans to recreate as faithful a homage to the old building as possible.
Inside will be new facilities to house the Lost Shepparton Shop, the Shepparton Family History Group and exciting new spaces for a spacious museum with designated areas for postal, court, immigration and local family history in addition to a lecture room for school groups and other visitors to find out about Goulburn Valley history.
The project will provide space for volunteers to work and conserve thousands of historic photographic images.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre aims to become a hub for local historical organisations and collections, providing a resource to facilitate joint projects.
“We want our building to be emblematic of Shepparton’s history, this is why we are embarking on this exciting journey,” lost Shepparton’s Geoff Allemand said.
“We are beginning the process of looking for fundraising and grant opportunities for this unique project, no-one has attempted this type of project in Australia before. We would love the support of local businesses and corporations.
“This project has the potential to get national recognition and put Shepparton on the map and our goal is to start building by the 50th anniversary of its demolition, 2023.”
Now is the crucial time to raise the funds required for the set-up costs of getting this great project off the ground. The funds raised now will help ensure the project gets the grants and sponsorship necessary to complete the project.
The project has the support of the City of Greater Shepparton, and many of the planning hurdles have already been achieved.
To donate or become a sponsor, head to GoFundMe gofund.me/0613b94e or contribute as little as $2 USD a week by visiting fanfunded.idevaffiliate.com/123.html. Becoming a ‘Fan Funded’ member grants you free entry to the museum and exhibition launches and membership to the exclusive Facebook group. You may also donate via bank transfer, visit sheppartonheritagecentre.com.au/project-rebuild.html for further details.
