The Whittlesea Courthouse celebrates
its 150th anniversary as part of the 2014 City of Whittlesea
Cultural heritage Program. Built in
1864, the Courthouse is one of the oldest functional buildings in the municipality. Operating as a Court of Petty sessions until
1989, it was later restored and reopened to the public in 1996. The site features a single-cell lockup, which
was built in 1859 to serve the Yan Yean area.
The Courthouse played an important role in the daily life
and development of the district. Apart
from court proceedings, meetings of the Whittlesea Roads Board were held here,
and in 1875 hosted a meeting of the newly established Whittlesea Shire Council.
The Courthouse located on the corner of Church and Beech
Streets, Whittlesea now houses the Visitor Information Centre where it provides
local arts and crafts for sale. Historical and visitor information is also
available. The courthouse is surrounded by picnic facilities within its scenic
surroundings.
The Courthouse Association will be celebrating the 150th
milestone through a series of events and activities including historical re-enactments,
displays, coach rides and walking tours
over a three week period from Saturday September 27 – Sunday 19 October.
Source: Cultural Heritage Program 2014
Photo: Whittlesea Courthouse ca 2000. Yarra Plenty Regional Library collection
No comments:
Post a Comment