The Werribee District Historical Society has been given until November to pack up its collections and vacate its long-time home to pave the way for the building’s refurbishment.
Since 1989, the Werribee District Historical Society has operated one of Melbourne’s last suburban museums out of the old shire offices at 49 Watton Street, Werribee.
On August 28, Wyndham council told the group it had to vacate the heritage-listed building by November 19 and could submit an expression of interest to use the space again after it is renovated.
Society president Lisa Heinrichs said moving the collection – that includes delicate pieces of paper and apparel – is easier said than done.
“One of the reasons we are actually in this building is because of the age of it and the thickness of the walls – we can’t go into a brand-new glass building with sun streaming in,” Ms Heinrichs said.
‘We can’t handle a lot of the stuff without white gloves.
“Could you imagine taking your collection of books going back nearly 200 years somewhere and there are silverfish or moths there?
‘“Council actually said we have actually given you advance notice – I’ve never moved a museum and I am expecting it will take a long time to do so.”
Ms Heinrichs said the museum was built by the community and made local history tangible and accessible.
“Absolutely everything in here has been donated by the community, we have actually only paid for I think three items in this whole museum across its history,” she said.
Officially recognised by the state as a place of deposit, the group currently looks after documents that council and the state government would otherwise have to pay to store.
Ms Heinrichs said council frequently outsources work to the volunteer society.
“Council officers from the heritage team actually come in here and use our photographs and our research,” she said.
“I have sat here and done hours of research for the council – and for the people the council pay to do this work.
“We don’t charge for that as a service because we want to see history preserved and told, which is why we all volunteer here.”
The group currently occupies the building under a special type of licence that satisfies the condition council must have a community group for the building so ownership does not default back to the state government.
Mayor Mia Shaw said the $750,000 council will inject into the building will improve accessibility, safety and usability.
“Council is taking the opportunity to ensure an important heritage-listed building is maintained for the community for many years to come,” Cr Shaw said.
“The $750,000 refurbishment of the old shire offices is an important part of revitalising the Werribee city centre.
“The works will improve accessibility, safety and usability, while carefully preserving the building’s heritage features.”
“These changes will activate this much-loved building for broader community use.”
Cr Shaw said these upgrades would include “modernised internal facilities” that would make the building more welcoming for the community and allow for longer opening hours”.
