A group of residents are calling for the total restoration of the Point Cook Homestead, fearing that the historic site is on the brink of being lost forever.
The house was built by the Chirnside family in 1857 and is heritage listed.
The homestead was vandalised on December 24 last year, with the front verandah, doors and internal rooms sustaining damage, while the majority of windows were smashed.
Former caretaker Norm Lawler led a restoration of the precinct in the late 1970s, and said the condition of the house and its outbuildings are as bad as he has ever seen.
“The vandalism is as bad now as what it was when I saved it back in 1978,” Mr Lawler said.
Now 97, Mr Lawler said protecting the site has been his life’s mission.
“I first saw it nearly 80 years ago in 1946 when I was an 18-year-old,” he said.
“I walked and walked [through the overgrowth], and when I finally broke through I said ‘If there is such a place as heaven then this is it’.
“It has been my life for 50 years.”
He said the landmark was worth saving due to its serenity.
“It is so isolated even to this day– it feels like it is 100 miles from everywhere, but it is only about 10 straight miles across the water from the city,” Mr Lawler said.
Les Day was married at the homestead and volunteers with Coastcare Point Cook to maintain the area.
“When I started coming here 34 years ago, there were people coming in and out of that place all day, every day” Mr Day said.
“I used to go there with my kids and it was in beautiful condition.
“Now I call it demolition by neglect, and a lot of people feel the same way.”
Mr Day said if the homestead is not immediately restored, the western suburbs would lose a piece of its history and an important tourist attraction.
“You couldn’t get a better spot, just sitting on a waterfront like tha t– and there is plenty of parkland around it as well as a viewing platform for the bird sanctuary,” he said.
“The biggest impact would be losing the history of the area, there is nothing like that in the area.
“If the residence was repaired enough, it would be fit for a caretaker to live there and that is what the area really needs.”
Joining in the fight to save the site, Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre said the homestead is “on the brink of being lost forever”.
“As a long-time Point Cook resident and councillor, I have watched with alarm as our historic homestead has suffered break-ins, vandalism, and rapid decline, especially in recent months,” Cr McIntyre said.
She called on Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos to act immediately and commit funding to restore and reopen the landmark.
“There is still no commitment to fully fund restoration –reports and minor works won’t save it –only a fully funded restoration plan, now, will protect it,” Cr McIntyre said.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about preserving our community’s identity and history.”
Parks Victoria district manager Craig Bray said the precinct is an important piece of the area’s history and that the organisation was finalising the details of a restoration.
“We are working closely with our insurance provider to finalise the scope of works and will be engaging a specialist heritage building contractor to oversee agreed repairs,” Mr Bray said.
“We are also seeking opportunities to reactivate the homestead precinct and make it a more welcoming place for all to enjoy.”
Star Weekly understands the timeline for repairs are subject to the release of insurance funding and statutory approvals required under the Victorian Heritage Register, of which the homestead is listed.
