BHHS final report for 2021

THE treasures that exist in Beechworth belong to history, and when we are gone, they must live on. It is with great pride and a sense of privilege that BHHS continue to campaign and strive for heritage preservation and promotion. We are all so lucky to live, work and play within the abundant history that surrounds us. Congratulations to our new Mayor Bernard Gaffney, we look forward to working with you on many exciting projects. Farewell to Jenny O'Connor as Mayor, we thankyou for your support to our society, and the many suggestions you have made to develop heritage in the shire. Our progress has been slow this year due to obvious obstacles, with meetings cancelled many times over. We have, however, continued to pursue the projects on our request list. The carriage collection is still in limbo, without a secure home to go to. The National Trust are keeping in touch with us and Indigo Shire Council (ISC) with hope of finding a suitable outcome. The rail goods shed is, we believe the best option, and we will push for that. Park closures are also high on our agenda, as these historic sites are a vital part of our adventure tourism. We are corresponding with Parks Vic and ISC in the hope these walks can be reopened. Also and most important is the request to ISC for a permanent heritage and cultural officer to assist and report to our heritage advisor who is a part time contract position. This person we believe would oversee and report on all matters relating to heritage in our shire. In comparison to other heritage shires we are well behind on developing heritage projects. Christmas wishes to all our community, we look forward to a productive 2022. Our wishlist: A charter be adopted to ensure that heritage underpins council decision making and Indigo Shire is first and foremost a 'Heritage Shire' reflecting the unique and significant character of our towns and district; Heritage recognition through application for all tiers of government registration; State, Federal and World UNESCO registration for Gold Rush history; Council to create new shire town entry signs to showcase the heritage and lifestyle of our shire. Trademark our shire with a new logo exemplifying our unique heritage origins; Heritage signage on the Hume freeway, north and southbound; Install information plaques on all significant buildings and sites. Develop a brochure which takes you on a walking tour of each site; Replace power lines from Ford and Camp Streets CBD, with underground power lines; Replace unsightly poles with heritage lamps, providing street and traffic lighting in appropriate locations; Restore the Town Hall council chambers to a usable community meeting space; Review the database of all significant buildings and sites, with their history documented and catalogued; Develop a portfolio of interests for the Australian National Heritage Week including opening public buildings, homes and gardens; Support for a major Heritage Festival, incorporating Gold Rush, Ned Kelly, Celtic and Lost Trades; Continue to build a working relationship with Beechworth Corrections for the maintenance and improvement of our town; Reinstate the community advisory committees to liaise with Indigo Shire Council on relevant issues; Liaise with Parks Victoria to ensure the reopening and maintenance of walking tracks and historic mine sites.

BHHS final report for 2021

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