August 11th, 2022First stage of Daylesford Museum roof repairs complete

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) provided funding of $337,000 to the Committee of Management for the first stage of the works identified in the museum’s conservation management plan.

The conservation management plan recorded the history and different uses of the building and established its significant heritage value.

The funding was part of a $2 million volunteer committees of management COVID-19 support fund to help committees of management keep operating in the COVID-19 environment, including to undertake essential building maintenance works.

The museum plays an important role in the local community, housing two much loved cultural institutions, the Daylesford and District Historical Society and Daylesford Community Brass Band.

The large heritage collection managed by the historical society is open to the public on weekends and during school holidays, while members of the community brass band regularly use the building to rehearse.

The Daylesford Museum dates back to the early 1890s when it was used by the School of Mines to teach classes on science and art. The building retains many of its original features including one of the earliest and most intact School of Mines laboratories and metallurgical laboratory interiors in Victoria.

The roof was in poor condition with leaks in several locations across the building, causing it to deteriorate and risk damaging the historical community collection.

DELWP Regional Manager of Land and Built Environment Daniel McMahon said:

“We congratulate the Daylesford Museum Committee of Management for their commitment to preserving this valuable community asset which has a long history in the Daylesford community.

“It is important the building is maintained so local groups such as the brass band and historical society can continue to use and enjoy the space.”

Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management Chair Gary Carter said:

“The committee really appreciates the grant provided by DELWP to complete the first stage of the restoration work which will help protect the building and the valuable historical items inside from water damage.”